Ramblings

Building Bonds

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:19:00 +0000

I spent the weekend enjoying and supporting multiple family members. I'm tired, but I enjoy being with the kids and hoping the support I'm giving to the adults are helping!

Here's Nadine, Jordan and Mollie with me enjoying a good time at "Rainforest Cafe" in Detroit. The food was actually really good!

My BIL has built a magical playground for his kids! He was busy setting up a fort in the woods for the kids and just watching them run around made me realize how lucky they are to have this area to play in! Here's some shots of the stuff they have!

And my other niece spent the night and brought along her cat Ceaser. He's the most calm easygoing cat in the world!

Bud Light Commercial - Too Light Too Heavy - The Arrival (Monster Truck)

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:18:00 +0000

I know I haven't posted in a while. I will catch up one of these days! This commercial cracks me up everytime I see it!

California

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:51:00 +0000

Nadine and I spent 4 days cruising around Los Angeles. We had a good time! We stalked some celebrities, went to Disneyland, tooled around Laguna, Malibu and Santa Monica and bothered my BIL and SIL to death! Here are some pics from our fun time...

Did you know Jesus loves Baja Fresh?
The Twilight Truck driving past me at the DoSomething event.

Neptune's Net. Awesome fish/shrimp out in Malibu.

Nadine by the sign.

Mahlo. That corn on the cob was awesome! We had a hamburger/pickle taco that Penny said we had to try...and they ARE good! And that shrimp...mmmmmm.

Nadine & Nora before Mahlo!

Shooting Guns...

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Matt & I went to a concealed weapons class on Saturday. We were working on getting our CCW license permits. I have to admit, there is a lot to learn about guns. We passed the class, but then found that since we are Michigan residents, the laws for obtaining the license are different from what we learned in the class, which was based on Ohio laws. So now we're trying to find out what we'll need to do to get a license from Michigan. I hadn't really thought much about this, but then one of my friends said this is a great way to scare any potential boyfriends! My parents have concealed weapon permits has a nice ring to it!!

Oh yeah...

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:57:00 +0000

Kind of excited because prior to a few weeks ago, no traveling plans were in place for us this summer. Then, I got the bug and thought, Matt's going up to Mackinac again, what are Nadine and I going to do? So daily, for the past several weeks, I've been watching flights to LA. Boy did those prices start to get extremely scary! But randomly I found a flight that was about 85% in my range, so I thought what the heck, let's go. I only hope we don't annoy my BIL and SIL to death!

Girl Trip?

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:01:00 +0000

Nadine and I want to head out to LA to cruise around and sightsee before she dives into school. Geez, airline tickets have been so high lately! Anyway, I'm hoping to catch a deal here soon. Haven't been anywhere in a while, so it would be nice to get away!

Bloggers & Politics

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:09:00 +0000

So I read a lot of blogs. I find that I enjoy reading the fun stuff.

I get kind of angry when people make comments like...
"also, you're out of touch with the rest of the country. People want a public insurance option. It's time. The world won't end."

I begin to wonder why I liked this blogger. Is he insulting me because I don't necessarily agree with his opinion? I sent him a message and he didn't respond to me, so I figured I put it out here and MAYBE he'd respond. These were a couple comments he made and how I'd like to respond...

"the days of employer ins are numbered anyway. No way biz can keep paying. Ask GM."

Really? SOMEONE has to pay for this insurance because for sure it isn't free! Also, my FIL is a GM salaried retiree and I'd say, the problem with GM was their employees hardly paid a dime towards their insurance plans. We currently pay $3,985.80 per year for Medical, Dental and Vision insurance for a family of 3, last year my FIL COMPLAINED because his insurance was going to cost him $750 for a year. THAT'S where GM/Unions failed.

"if you have insurance now, you are already subsidizing care of others."

No, because I pay TAXES is how I am subsidizing the care of others.

"As a small biz owner, I will gladly pay into a system that helps everybody get insurance. Why wouldn't one want to do this?"

This is the comment I responded to. First, I think his business has 2 employees, so he's exempt from having to pay into the system. How righteous of him. Secondly, if he's so eager to help, when he files his taxes each year, rather than reducing his taxable income with write-offs from his business, do you think he just says "I made $100,00 this year, so I'll just pay the tax on that because I'm generous and giving!" Yeah right!

Party, Wisdom Teeth & Vacations without me

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Nadine's party was a blast! So many old and new friends came and we had plenty of food & drink with not too much left over, which is a good thing! I started out with good intentions of taking pictures, but failed miserably!

Here's a nice picture of my BIL Jason with his kids (Baby Samantha, Emily, Wyatt, Josh & Jordan).

And the finale...

I have to thank my niece Jordan because she took most of these pictures! Why didn't I think of that sooner?

Bright an early Monday, Nadine went in to have her wisdom teeth removed. Even though she's my grown up 18 year-old, walking into that recovery room looking at her laying there coming out of anesthesia almost made me cry! She's doing pretty good today. She says she hates not being able to do anything.

And Matt's off in Mackinac right now sending me pictures of how beautiful it is up there. I've never been and have been trying to get up there FOR YEARS. They promised me I'd get up there this summer...it's almost over! This is really beautiful though, isn't it?

My cute new niece...and a graduation party

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:00:00 +0000

We have added another family member to the Black side, number 5 for my BIL/SIL. Whew that scares me! Anyway, here's a cute video BIL sent me, I'm not sure why I think it's funny, but it is!

So big old graduation party happening tomorrow. EEK! Nadine has an invitation out on Facebook and it shows 92 confirmed guests and 56 maybe's. Umm that's just the kids.

Here's what I've got...108 cans of beer (adults only), 360 cans of soda, 96 bottles of water. Maybe I'll make a pitcher of something with Vodka, not sure yet! Two 6ft Italian subs, 15lbs of Swedish meatballs, 25 hot dogs, Cucumber salad, Pasta salad (thank you Pioneer Woman), Pepper salad (thank you Smitten Kitchen), Olive pasta salad, Olive Salad, Crudités (Matt hates that word), Cheese ball, Deviled Eggs, Bean dip, salsa, chip dip, Chips galore, Giant Cookie Cake, Peanut Butter Pie (Pioneer Woman again, damn her!), Chocolate/Strawberry cake, Chocolate Pie, candy and s'mores. Boy I hope that's enough!

Jon minus 9....

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:54:00 +0000

I've watched this show from the beginning and my thoughts are...if Kate was really wronged by Jon, we'd all certainly know the details by now. Her best acting job is playing the martyr, so you know she'd be out there whining and crying if he did something wrong to her. I do think both of them are having a mid-life crisis in their ealy 30's. It doesn't look good either way!

Once a month post!

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:34:00 +0000

I'm still not doing well with blogging. New goal...better blogger!

Anyway, been a busy month! So many activites to end Nadine's senior year. We had Senior Relays and then prom. The girls at prom...

Then Senior breakfast and finally graduation and the all-night send-off party. Here are some shots...

Didn't get a picture with me & Matt, but this one of my Mom and my brother Carl is sweet!

The two voted "Biggest Flirts"

And if you got to Photoboothlive, you'll see tons of crazy seniors operating a photobooth all night long. We had tons of fun!

Got a month to get this graduation party in order!

Matthew Fox and Jimmy Kimmel's Staring Contest

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:39:00 +0000

Tennis Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:18:00 +0000

I'm feeling kind of sad for Nadine today. She's decided to quit her last season of tennis, really before it's even gotten started.

She was coming home from every practice in tears or extremely frustrated and angry. When something comes up with Nadine and a teacher/coach, I always try to question her to see if she's telling me everything because you know, kids can leave out minor details! Taking this approach wasn't working because we ended up in a fight almost daily. Matt would listen from another room and he just felt something wasn't right. Here are some of the things the coach has done...I didn't send in the "activity fee" and he yelled at her in front of everyone on their ride to a match. She didn't hit the ball the way he liked it so he told her she sucks and to get off HIS court. He told her she has weak wrists and made her lift with a 40lb bar until her wrist cracked and she had to go to the trainer for help. And the thing that bugged me the most was that she had a fungus on her leg and in front of the team he told her that she needed to take showers more often. He then told one of the girls that she needed to call him to let him know that Nadine had showered.

We were furious, but it was spring break and we thought we'd just let it die down and see what happened once they got back to school. Well, last night, she comes in to talk to me and she's crying that she doesn't want to go to practice. So I told her that if it is bothering her this much and she's been away from it for 10 days, then it's time to just call it quits and be done with it. I'm angry that a coach could ruin someone's season so easily. I've already said something to our athletic director, but really what's going to be done at this point?

Spring Break 2009 Recap

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Had a good time down in Cancun. This was my first trip out of the US, if you don't count driving over to Ontario Canada! My co-worker EvilWebQueen gave me a heads up on a lot of stuff, so it was helpful! She's a season Mexico traveler.

First thing to remember if ever going again, book a later flight because check-in wasn't until after 3, no if ands or buts. THAT was annoying, and since we had arrived at 11:30, we had a nice long wait just sitting there with our luggage by the bar. The girls changed and went off to find young hot spring break guys while we sat there baking in the sun!

The Oasis Cancun has beautiful grounds and beach area. The rooms need a major remodel, but really, how much time are you spending in the room anyway? We kind of got used to the crappy room! Look at how close together these beds are!

I had planned to take a trip to Isla Mujeres where the girls could swim with the dolphins. Being the adventurous one I am, I researched and felt confident we could do this on our own. The power was fighting me, and we ended up buying a snorkeling/dolphin package. Here's Nadine & Brittany waiting for our ride.
Here we are happy about 15 minutes into the ride.
I was doing fine, the girls, who had maybe drank a little too much the night before, had begun to get a little sea sick about 30 minutes into the trip. It was quite choppy on the water. Then we had to go down into the cabin to get the snorkeling gear. Now that almost sent me puking over the edge. We stopped and they told us to jump off the boat. Once I jumped in, I literally thought I was going to die! The water was so rough and he pointed to this lighthouse, which seemed very far away, and said we had to swim to it. We almost swam back to the boat, but we got our senses together and had a nice time looking at everything. Here's me almost drowning!
I loved being on this island the best and would have enjoyed spending more time over there, but we needed to get back. Great food at Sombrero Gomar. Anyway, here are a couple pictures of the beautiful area and I can't wait to go back again!
Oh and this made me laugh...here's a picture of them when we were leaving...

And here's one on the way back....

Spring Break 2009

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:42:00 +0000

I can't believe the time has flown by so fast, but I'm off to Cancun tomorrow. Oh what a joy to just lay in the sun and have some fruity drinks. Can't wait! I'm sure I'll have lots of fun stories once I get back.

I deserve it because I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and, doggonit, people like me!

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:09:00 +0000

So I haven't posted in a while. I'm sorry! I'll try to explain what happened with me.

Shortly after my last post, I applied for a position at our Houston TX location. I made the cut and got a chance to interview in person. I had a great trip down there. Really enjoyed Houston, to the point of seeing us living down there. So I kind of got superstitious about writing anything on here. Like, if I said anything, it wouldn't happen. So I waited and waited. Matt and I talked about all the things we'd need to do, how much fun this adventure could be, blah, blah, blah.

Well, it didn't happen. I'm so bummed about it. Now I'm starting to think maybe I should have put a shout out on here so people could have sent kind thoughts down to Houston! Oh well! At least next week at this time I'll be laying in the sun in Cancun!

Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Today is Matt's birthday! Thought I'd post a cute picture of him from his 1st birthday. Funny thing...would anyone be caught dead putting life savers on your kids 1st birthday cake anymore? Ha ha!

David After Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:11:00 +0000

This is soooo funny!

For Better For Worse...

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:36:00 +0000

This week has been interesting. Matt has been complaining about tingling in his hands. We thought it had to do with something he did at work recently, but when it didn't go away, the Dr ordered a nerve test and some x-rays. The nerve test showed no signs of problems, but it was the x-ray comments that had us running scared. They wrote "severe narrowing of the spine". Instantly we both freaked out because his mother has SO many issues with her back. Anyway, an MRI was ordered. As any of us would do, Matt went off to get one thinking nothing of it. He called me shortly after saying he freaked out and couldn't go through with it. The enclosed feeling overwhelmed him and they had to cancel. They suggested coming back and taking something to calm his nerves. So rescheduled for Tuesday. Well, last night it grated on him and he called today asking for an appointment because he didn't think he could last until Tuesday! Luckily he got some meds and was scheduled for 3PM today. I went with him to hopefully help out!

I have to say, even as I sit here now typing this, going through our daily lives, you take for granted how much you really LOVE and CARE about someone. Sitting next to him, holding his hand and listening to 80's hairband songs on XM, I only hoped I could help him stay calm and get through the 20 minute test. He said I helped him, I only hope so!

Cancun Spring Break 2009

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:18:00 +0000

I know you guys think I'm crazy for going to Cancun for spring break! We've gone to Hilton Head the past couple years, which was fine, even last year when our break ended up in early March. It's obviously warmer than up here in Ohio/Michigan, but just not that warm!

Some kids went to Cancun last year, so of course these kids thought that was great and wanted to go for their Senior year. Nadine didn't put up too much fuss that I didn't want her to go on her own, so off we went planning for this. I am sort of thankful that the prices dropped a bit. We got our 4 night trip for $685 each (flight/hotel/all-inclusive). When we were looking in late October, the prices were around $800-$900.

Also, the college spring break looks like it's in early March, so I'm thinking it won't be AS bad as it could be! Of course I'll give a full report!

Fun Times

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:43:00 +0000

Matt and I went to Cleveland to help celebrate our niece's second birthday (and her great-grandma's bday, too). We had a good time. They have a perfect backyard for sledding, so after a little coaxing, I went out with Matt, Jason and the kids. I only went down 4 times, but it was a lot of fun! We haven't done that since Nadine was little.

Yesterday, I booked the trip to Cancun for Nadine, Brittany and Brittany's Mom and me. I've started my research of Cancun stuff, but overall, I think it is going to be pretty easy to have fun there!

Cancun

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:31:00 +0000

Have any of you been to Cancun? My daughter wants to go there for Spring Break and of course there is NO WAY I could let her go on her own, so right now it is me and another Mom going, but neither of us have ever been there. Any ideas?

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:57:00 +0000

Lovely

Awesome birthday presents!

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:24:00 +0000

My sweetie surprised me with a few things I crave! Have you tried those Keebler Flipsides yet? They're delicious! And the flash drive is for saving all of our pictures in one place! LOVE HIM!

Awesome birthday presents!
Originally uploaded by bblack3

Christmas 2008

noreply@blogger.com (stalkermom) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 04:31:00 +0000

We had a very nice Christmas, got to church and enjoyed the service. Went to visit our good friends Steve & Carrie and just had a great time! Ah teenagers, we actually slept in until 9:30! Had Matt's parents over for brunch and then later prepared dinner for my Mom and sister's family. And the two older girls actually let me get a picture of them! That's my Zack, Madison, Nadine and Kayla.

Zack, Madison, Nadine & Kayla
Originally uploaded by bblack3