Jenny's Happy Life

Now

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:20:00 +0000

Yesterday my Facebook status said "Fruit flies are ruining my life."

Overdramatic much? Why, yes...I have a flair for that, thank you very much.

But seriously, it did feel like they were ruining my life. As so many things do. The kids bickering, school work, having to cook dinner, grocery shopping...I could go on and on, really.

About a month ago I started reading "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. No, I am not a deep intellectual person by any means. My idea of a good conversation is celebrity gossip. The reason I downloaded it to my Kindle was because I couldn't find anything else to read...and...I was looking for some help in my life.

You see...I tend to lose perspective pretty much every day. I have to rein in my worries, wants, selfishness and impatience pretty much on a minute-to-minute basis.

I got about 3 chapters into the book and realized I was falling asleep more than absorbing anything, so I took a break. But, I'm happy to say I did learn something just in the short time I spent with the book - and it was something I think we all know already but lose sight of.

I REALLY...I mean REALLY...need to try harder to stop and appreciate the "Now". In that annoying microscopic kind of way.

The fruit flies? At least I have sight and can see them.

Making dinner? We have food in the refrigerator.

My kids bickering? I have children...they're here...mostly healthy and happy.

And I really am trying to practice this exercise. (NO! Not 'exercise' like cardio! One step at a time here, people!) When I'm making dinner...which I really do despise anymore...I try to zone everything else out and focus on the sights and smells, and the feeling of the food in my hands.

When I'm cleaning I notice the actual process, and not just count the seconds until I'm done. When I want to despise the next load of laundry, I take comfort in the fact that the whole family has clean clothes and the lovely smell of the detergent...and the absence of my kids' body odor.

I know I'm probably sending a mixed message here...am I saying to appreciate what you have or just appreciate "Now"? Well...both.

Being negative has taken me nowhere in life, and while I am truly a happy person and enjoy much, I have deep-rooted issues which I won't get into here because there just isn't enough time or space.

What I will say is living in the "Now" and appreciating my life is much, much more fulfilling.

Feeling Warm and Cozi

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:47:00 +0000

A few months ago, I finally made the huge conversion from a paper day-planner to electronic. This was a very, very huge step for me, as I am a compulsive note-taker for pretty much everything. Well, I still do write many things down on those cute sticky-notes, but now I type everything into...drum roll please...

my Cozi Family Calendar!

This is a free service, unless you decide the ads running are just way too annoying, and then you can pay a low monthly fee. Me...I can put up with the ads to not pay for one more stinking thing in this God-forsaken overpriced world.

So this calendar is just the bomb-diggity. It incorporates to-do lists, shopping lists and even meal plans. You can also set regularly scheduled events (soccer practice, dance class, etc) rather than having to type them in each week.

AND...when you set up your account you can opt to have text message reminders sent to any family member's phone! Oh...oh...AND...any family member with the log on information can sign in and add items to the shopping list from their computer or smart phone, like when I just went on and saw that Stinkin Em added hot sauce and whipped cream. Weird combo, but, to each his own.

I totally dig the convenience of having my main areas of organization all in one place. If I had to jump to different programs or applications to create a to-do list and shopping list, I would be adding "eggs" to my to-do's and "wash car" to my shopping. Not cool.

The Cozi website is also a pretty cool place to hang, with recipes and suggestions for getting through this life without completely losing all of your marbles.

I just wanted to let you in on my secret for trying to look like I have my life pulled together. I'm not getting paid to endorse this or anything...although, that would certainly make me feel warm and Cozi.

An Anti-Climactic Return

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:12:00 +0000

Yep. I've returned to my blog. I don't know why...I don't know for how long. But I'm here. Could be a moment of insanity...could be a 20 year-long journey. The uncertainty and suspense is killing me!

So, how's everyone been? Is anyone still out there who I used to commiserate with? It may be time to make new friends.

I originally created this blog for something worthwhile to do, plain and simple. Then I made the life-changing decision to go back to school, and realized there wasn't time for both blogging and giving 110% in my classes. Don't get me wrong...I'm still giving 110% and currently carry a 4.0 GPA, thankyouverymuch...but, I guess I'm used to the time management involved with school, and I guess I missed this world of writing about my life and pretending like the universe cared about it.

My family is the same crazy bunch of nut jobs as they were three years ago. And yes...I still have Max and Molly! Those insane pups I used to complain about on a daily basis! I didn't throw them out of a moving vehicle, or sell them to a black market chinese restaurant! They have become, most certainly, a very important (albeit stinky) part of the family.

I'm looking forward to hanging here on blogger again...even if it's a measly once a week gig. Which it very well may be.

But, either way, I'm glad to be back.

A Proper Good-bye

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Sweet friends-

I am not even sure how many of you still drop by, but obviously I can't go on with 2 months between posts, now can I?

Things are wonderful here, so please don't think my absence means I am drowning in a pool of despair. It's quite the opposite, actually.

School is wonderful, and more enriching and meaningful than I ever thought possible. I earned an "A" in the 3 classes I have had so far, and I am very proud of that. I probably spend more time on school than necessary, but I am proud of that as well.

By the time I am done sitting on my wide rear in front of my laptop doing my school work, I can't bear to sit here any longer. And really, it's just not healthy. I need to allocate my sitting time wisely, then get moving if I am ever going to lose this blasted weight. I still haven't figured out a way to use my laptop while on the elliptical, so my only computer time will be school time. I thought I may be able to sneak in a post here and there, but I just don't think so.

So, with great appreciation I say farewell. I wish you all the best, and I do plan on stopping by your sites now and then. Thank you for the friendship, advice, compassion and love.

Jenny

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:06:00 +0000

Hi friends!

I hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween. I hate Halloween, but suffer through it for my kid's sake.

Due to the slutty nature of costumes available at Target...for children, mind you...we decided to do a "Career" theme this year. You know...they can be slutty at college, but not now.

Macy was a baker...

Em was an artist...

And Chloe was a veterinarian...

The three boobs...

We had a blast trick-or-treating with our friends, and now my belly hurts from eating all of the peanut-type candy Macy can't eat. I have to keep her safe, right?

Hope everyone is doing well!

Birthday Party for Jen!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Sweet Jen...Happy Birthday!!!

Folks, I have to explain this blog party that's going on.

Jen, from Buried With Children, has this wonderful and caring husband who secretly sent out party invites via email to all of Jen's blogging buddies.

How friggin cool is that?

So..........Happy 29th Birthday, Jen! Enjoy you last year being "young". *snort*

Now....everyone look at this cute family photo, then go and wish her a very happy birthday yourself!!!

Absence

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:36:00 +0000

Oh, friends!

I'm having such a glorious time being a student again. Really! What a difference 10+ years makes. I actually WANT to learn. I look forward to doing my assignments and studying. Whodda thunk?

Having said all of that...............I'm only taking one course this term and it already feels like I don't have the time anymore to do some of my other tasks....like...blogging.

Blogging used to be my escape when I had none. It was my purpose other than being a Mom. It gave me something to do, and it gave me people to socialize with.

Well, school has become my priority now (second to family, of course), as I'm sure you all understand. I spend most of my days doing school work and keeping up with the house. Then when the girls are home, I do homework while they do, and then I spend time with them in the evenings.

I'm not throwing in the towel just yet, but just know the time may be very well upon me. When blogging feels more like a chore than a hobby, you have to reconsider.

It has served it's purpose when I needed it the most.

I've made some really good friends here, and those ladies I correspond with more through email now more than anything. We'll keep in touch. And I won't leave you hanging...I'll post if my time is through.

I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend, and I hope you can understand my one post a week thing here. Please.

Pierced

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:27:00 +0000

Macy did it!!!! She decided she was ready to get her little ears pierced!

Here she is before...you can almost see the butterflies floating up out of her stomach...
*Please note the lady in the background...she and her husband watched the whole time, even though we do not know them AT ALL. Her husband was in the store...with us....standing with us....like he was part of our family.

Here's Em when she realized I was buying Macy the little stuffed animal she was using for comfort...Em can clearly remember I didn't buy her a stuffed animal when she got her ears pierced.

And here's sweet Macy with wet cheeks, after she was all done...

She was very happy, and what you see in the picture is as bad as it got, so not bad at all.

My class starts today, and although I am hoping to ease into some type of time management where I can do my class, take care of my family, blog and save the world...you may notice I am absent more than I like to be. Sorry for that.

Have a productive, healthy and happy week!

Open Up Your Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0000

I didn't want to get political on my blog. I really didn't.

However, after viewing this little atrocity over at Dooce's place...I couldn't help but pass it along.

Watch...weep...and think about who you're voting for in November. Really....think about it.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Today is the day I entered this world. 34 years ago. Yikes!

I was invited by Fabulously 40 to take part in "Official Bitch Day"...a day to let it all out. And it's on my birthday!

No...I'm not 40 or beyond, but they welcome all women at their website.

So, of course I said "Hell to the yes!" when they asked me!

Therefore, on "Official Bitch Day", I will write a letter.

Dear Lady in the Public Restroom,

I do not understand. I am always in disbelief no matter how many times I encounter this disgraceful behavior. I leave the restroom disgusted, irritated, disappointed and sad.

So I ask you...how can you pee all over the seat and not clean up after your nasty self? Do you treat your bathroom at home this way? Or do you figure since it is not your toilet to clean, you may make a mess and not worry about it? Do you realize children go into these same stalls you leave your mess in?

Whether you hang from the ceiling to take a leak so you don't get germs from the seat does not make it okay. Do you not realize how wrong this is? And the irony is painful...you hover so you don't get germs, but look at the germs you leave for everyone else!!!

Do you not feel the slightest guilt leaving the toilet that way for the next person? Are you in some way better than the rest of us? Does your conscience eat away at you for the rest of the day?

Let me ask you this...If YOU go into a stall and there is pee all over the seat, do you sigh and get disgusted? Or do you find it acceptable?

Taking a little boy into the ladies' restroom does not excuse you, either. Take a piece of paper in your hand and lift the seat before your son does his thing. Simple.

A historic poet did not slave away at the following fine piece of art for nothing:

"If you sprinkle when you tinkle,

Be a sweetie and wipe the seatie."

So....I implore you. Be respectful to your fellow women. You wouldn't want someone to come to your house and leave pee all over your bathroom seat, now would you? Remember you are not the last person who will ever use that toilet. It doesn't take long, just WIPE THE SEAT. Make the world a better place.

Sincerely,

Jenny

Okay ladies...go join "Official Bitch Day", and let it all out! It's liberating!

Bits N' Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Here are a couple of farts of info of which I could not deem worthy of a full post:

First...........this college thing is getting wholy moly expensive. Apparently, Erik makes too much for actual aid to be available to me. Regardless of the fact that I myself do not have a job, since Erik and I file our taxes jointly I should be able to pay $18,000 a year out-of-pocket. Now, I did get a Stafford loan, which will pay about half, only allowing me to start part-time and leaving us with a $300 monthly payment. I'm hoping to bump up to full time next year, so I don't graduate when I'm 80 years old. Also, I just had to buy $500 in software. Holy sh#$.

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Next.......a couple of months ago I was asked to be the moderator of a community at Mom Logic. Wow! What fun! Now, there are 3500 members in the Mom Logic community. That's pretty many! I run the Delaware community. I have 2 members. Me. And Mom Logic. Oh. Now, I get that Delaware is small. But COME ON!!! Talk about a blow to my fragile ego! Help me out friends!!! even if you don't hang out there every day, come and join my group! You don't have to live in DE!!! Heeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllppppppp mmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

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I bought a $20 wireless mouse for my laptop, and it's my FAVORITE THING EVAH!!!! No more finger slidey all over the stupid touch pad thingy!

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You'll be seeing more posts about my damn dogs. I was invited to be a feature blogger on the DogTime Blog Network. I promise the posts will be riveting and wonderful fun. Really.

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Erik and I helped in Macy's classroom this past Thursday. A little boy said to Erik, "You talk like a cowboy." How cute is that??? Now I feel like The Pioneer Woman.

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I think that's it for now. Hope you're all having a magnificent Monday!

A Little Birdie Told Me So

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:15:00 +0000

I won the lottery with a "met on the Internet" friend.

Some of you who read my blog but do not socialize or network on the Internet think, "How can you make a real friend on the web? You don't even know these people!"

But, really? That's not true. You can totally pick up on peoples personalities. After reading comments or going to a blog, you really can tell if that person is a kindred spirit, or someone who would annoy the hell out of you.

Well, my friend Birdie is one of the most sweet, pleasant, attentive and just all-around great people I have met online.

Before the rest of my friends I've made write me off with a middle finger salute...I did say ONE OF. I've been lucky enough to make a slew of sweet and wonderful friends while sitting on my dimpled rear in front of my laptop.

Anyway...Birdie hand-makes unique and beautiful jewelry, book "baubles", and even yummy-for-your-tummy baked goods, so go check her out at Birdie's Baubles Shop. Christmas is coming, you know, and you really don't want to give someone another pair of slippers, do you???

Birdie bombarded me with awards the other day:

How CUTE?

My personal favorite...

And this award came with a fun meme.....

I must answer this meme with ONE WORD answers only. Then pass it on to 7 *gulp* fellow bloggers....

1. Where is your cell phone? bag
2. Where is your significant other? work
3. Your hair color? blonde
4. Your mother? loving
5. Your father? absent
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? immemorable
8. Your dream/goal? bliss
9. The room you're in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? numerous
11. Your fear? evil
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? fulfilled
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? thin :)
15. One of your wish-list items? peace
16. Where you grew up? PA
17. The last thing you did? arise
18. What are you wearing? clothing
19. Your TV? off
20. Your pet? laborious
21. Your computer? Dell
22. Your mood? calm
23. Missing someone? Erik
24. Your car? Quest
25. Something you're not wearing? kilt
26. Favorite store? Williams Sonoma
27. Your summer? interesting
28. Love someone? someone(s)
29. Your favorite color? undecided
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? 17th

Ok, friends. Here are my seven, and you always have the opportunity to steal it if you're not listed:

Jen Y. (Live and In Color)
Jen (Buried With Children)
Ethereal Chaos (whose name I have yet to know...but I like her blog)
Mommy Wizdom (again....no name)
Abbie (Just As I Am) ...when she's not wiping baby butt
Jen (Cheaper Than Therapy)
Miss Blondie (Good Golly Miss Blondie)

Now remember.........it's not just the meme for these seven, it's also the "I Love Your Blog" award!!!!

Everyone have a wonderful weekend................and I love you Birdie! Thanks for the awards!

WINNER!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:35:00 +0000

WEASELMOMMA!!!!! YOU DID IT!!!!

Folks...I gotta say...if this doesn't show perseverance pays off, I don't know what does.

My dear animal friend left 60 comments! That's almost a third of the total comments left!

And...I know she'll be proud of this...the winning comment was at the end of her dear "Potato Doll" Story. It should be published. It really should. My Mom has been here visiting and I told her the story, and she believed it. I had to explain it was just a joke, it was that riveting.

So...............here's the proof. Random.org's sequence generator picked #102 as first place. I wish I could say 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place get a prize...but, well....you don't.

My eyes started crossing when I was trying to count the comments in the little comment pop-up window, so I said "screw this" and printed them out.

So.........thank you all for playing. It was fun, wasn't it?

Congratulations Weaselmomma!!!! Email me so I can get your shipping address and get this cutie sent to you. So you don't have to play with a potato anymore.

Giveaway Clarification & Chloe Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:01:00 +0000

Sorry friends....I didn't specify a detail on the giveaway.

You may only comment once for an entry.

JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did y'all just pop a turd? I had to do that...forgive me.

What I should have specified is this: when I say the giveaway ends at 12 midnight on Tuesday, it will be Eastern time. I would spontaneously combust if I had to convert all of the comment time stamps to make sure they got in on time. So, for all you West Coast peeps, that would be 9:00pm. Okey-dokey? I am going to edit the giveaway post and clarify there as well.

For all of you newbies, the giveaway is two posts down. Go enter!!!!!!!!

And now for the Chloe update..................

We were informed today that Chloe definitely has a vascular abnormality in the right side of her brain. Her new doctor is world renowned, which is comforting. Her doctor has never seen anything like this, which is not comforting. Surgery is not in our future, but in a way we wish this was operable so it could be over and done with. We will now be living day by day. I'll give more details another day...we have to leave for Macy's school open house.

Thanks for all the support, and good luck with the last day of the giveaway! I will be determining the winner Wednesday morning and posting the results right away!!!! Don't forget...I'm using Random.org....I am not picking the winner myself! (I wanted to throw that in there so I don't get hate mail if you don't win)

Full Circle

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:26:00 +0000

*****Don't forget to enter the giveaway below!!! There are 2 more days, and you can enter as many times as you like! Some of these fine ladies are out for blood (you know who you are so I won't mention names......*cough* Kiera and Weasel *cough*.....so go join in the fun!!! Your child will love you for it!

I have been doing soul-searching, self-reflection, analyzing of my life and contemplation of my navel.

Ok...maybe not the last one, but I had a music teacher who always said "Go contemplate your navel" and I loved it. So I thought I'd throw it in.

ANYWAY.............

I've been on the "Do I know where I'm going?" road ever since I became a SAHM.

Did I want to stay home and raise my children while they were young and home all day?

Absolutely. It wasn't always the "Mary Poppins" movie, but I wanted to do it.

Do I want to be a homemaker for the rest of my life?

Absolutely not. It doesn't matter that Erik has the income to fully support us, making brownies and ironing my drapes does not fulfill me. It does not make me want to wake up in the morning.

I think I skimmed over the college years of my life in a post before, and it was enough to tell you I didn't finish. I'll elaborate a tiny bit more now...........

I went to college right out of high school with a major in Architecture. All through high school it was my passion. I was the only girl in all of the mechanical drafting and design classes, and I graduated high school with an "A" in every class. It came naturally...it was my niche.

I got to college, loved my design classes..........everything else.....not so much. So, I just ignored the courses I didn't like. Seriously....I did.

Fast forward 2 years, and I was on my way to earning my Bachelor's degree in Frat parties, keg stands and beer funnels with a minor in general socializing.

My GPA fell below the "Here's Financial Aid So You Can Make Something Of Yourself" point, so I had to leave.

The next time I thought about going back to college was in November of 1997, right after Erik and I got married. I had been doing very well at the company where I worked and could see a computer career in my future. I went and had a meeting with an advisor at the local college and started the enrollment process.

A week later I found out I was pregnant. I knew I would be a SAHM, so....Bye bye, college!

I lived the last 10 years of my life saying, "I'll never go back to school."

I believe now that statement was fueled by the fear of student loans, and also feeling like maybe I wasn't worthy because I already screwed up my first chance. Also, when I was home with children all day, I could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. And, it felt overwhelming.

For the past month since the girls' school started again, I've been realizing the potential in myself and my situation. I'm home ALL DAY. Yes, I clean and all of the other mundane tasks only a homemaker could love...but I didn't love it.

I've been feeling like I'm just getting by. Waiting for something, but I didn't know what.

Well, I do know. I was waiting for the fulfillment hole to be filled, but without me actually doing anything to fill it.

I stopped waiting.

I am enrolled to start the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division in October.

I already feel that hole starting to fill. I already feel hopeful.

I'm so excited, and I'm so grateful for the support of Erik and the girls, family and friends.

I have no doubt that I can do it this time. I've grown up, and I will be able to work on my courses while the girls are at school so it won't interfere with my family. That was my biggest worry.

Not finishing college was my biggest regret in my life. But had things not happened the way they did, would I have met Erik? Would I have gone on to give birth to the loves of my life? Then stay home to raise them because I wasn't missing out on a career I spent years to get my degree in?

Who knows. But I do know this is working out perfectly. It's all falling into place. My patience has paid off.

And I couldn't be happier!

Now scroll down and win that doll, dangit!!!!!

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:29:00 +0000

I'm just shaking with excitement here, people!

Look, even my cats are excited!

Ok. Well then, my dogs are excited!

Huh. Let's move on...

This is BIG my friends! I have been gifted a product through Role Mommy, just to do a giveaway!!! YIPPPEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm on "The List" (see side bar....over there...---------------------> ), and Role Mommy sends out frequent emails with offers like this one. They are also the website who featured this post I wrote last year.

I know....GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would like to introduce Ling, a Karito Kid:

Isn't she just a doll? (pun intended)

Here is a close-up of her gorgeous face:

She makes American Girls look like Chucky from "Child's Play".

Anyway, she comes with a code to do online play, and she also comes with this adorable book:

The folks at Karito Kids say this:

"Eleven-year old Wan Ling has just moved from her family’s home in rural Chengdu to bustling Shanghai, China, where her father will be caring for endangered pandas at the city zoo. Her determination and inquisitive nature sometimes get her into—and out of—trouble. Ling comes with her own passport and a 144-page, hardbound fiction book that includes pages from her scrapbook about Shanghai!

These 21” poseable dolls are hand-strung and constructed from vinyl with no phthalates added. To properly model their fashions, the dolls are constructed with a 1/3-vinyl breastplate. To ensure the much-desired “cuddle” factor, 2/3 of the torso is soft 100% cotton and polyester fill. The hair is wigged and can be washed and styled.

Every Purchase Helps Another Child!!!

Like all Karito Kids products, three percent of the retail price helps another child—and purchasers decide how! Every item comes with a special code allowing them to log on to karitokids.com, play great games, earn extra World Change™ and direct their gift to one of four causes: school, home, health or food.

Safety tested for children 3+ under both U.S. and Canadian standards. Most 18” clothes fit Karito Kids. Fabrics and trims subject to change without notice. Dolls cannot always be posed or hold accessories as shown."

I think it's pretty awesome that every purchase helps a child! Of course, you're not purchasing anything....................because the one I have is FREE BABY! But if you don't win, you know, think about buying this doll!!

All Karito Kids are sold for $99. MY GIVEAWAY IS VALUED AT $99!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited. Can you tell?

Here's Em holding the doll box so you can see the size in comparison to a child...and Em is TOTALLY saying "Ok, why aren't we just keeping this for ourselves?"

Thanks for your help, Em! You can put the box down now....ok.....put....the...box...down. *whew*

In the footsteps of all awesome blog giveaway peeps before me, the rules are as follows:

1. You must leave a comment. Here. At this very post. To shake things up a bit I will say YOU MAY COMMENT AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT. Here. At this post. Say whatever you want, as long as it's flattering.

2. You must mention it in your next blog post. You don't have to do a full post on it or anything, you know, just spread the word a bit.

3. The contest will end next Tuesday, 9/23 at 12 midnight EASTERN TIME. Or is that next Wednesday at 12 am? You get the point. Each comment will be assigned a number in the exact order the comments are left, then I will use Random.org to pick from the range of numbers. I figured that was more fair than just picking the person I like the most.

Even if you don't have daughters, this would be a great gift for a little girl in your extended family! Or another little girl you know! They don't have to know you got it for free, so you will look FABULOUS giving someone a $99 gift, right?

Shipping is totally on me, because I just LOVE this giveaway and I just LOVE you all.

Ok....let the games begin...and good luck!

Lazy-itis

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:41:00 +0000

Sooooooooooooooooooo...

Chloe's been home from school...not one, not two...but THREE days in a row due to bronchitis.

This is totally throwing off my "Kids Are Back to School So I'm Actually Going to Get Stuff Done" mojo.

She was diagnosed Monday morning after not feeling well all weekend. We were told she has to stay home until Wednesday.

That's today.

She didn't go.

She had her yearly physical scheduled for this morning, luckily, so our doctor was able to check in and see how she's doing.

Doc places the stethoscope against her back, waits a second...and GRIMACES. That's a really crappy thing to see the doc do when checking out your child.

She had Chloe do an albuterol treatment, then sent us for chest x-rays. Before she left I said, "Should I be taking her back to school?"

And she said, "I wouldn't."

Note to self: Don't ask next time.

Chloe is a pretty easy sick kid. Especially now that she's 10 years old. Remember when the kids were, like, 1 or 2 years old and an illness meant MISERY. For us, not them.

Oh wait, some of you still have toddlers. Sorry. *grinning*

The problem is, for the past 3 days, Chloe has been a fixture on the sofa. On Erik's laptop 99% of the time.

And me? For the past 3 days, I have been a fixture on the other sofa. On my laptop 99% of the time.

Chloe was playing Neopets, Club Penguin... Webkinz.

I was..................playing.................Webkinz.

I KID YOU NOT. That is what I did. I answered some emails, responded to some tweets, updated some networking crap...........then when right back to playing "Cash Cow" and "Quizzy's Word Challenge".

It's shameful, I know.

Chloe's headed back in to school tomorrow *crossed fingers, toes, legs, arms and eyes*, so I am planning on resuming my plans of being productive.

We'll see how that pans out.

Mind Your Manners

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:24:00 +0000

I need to vent.

I know...you didn't stop in to hear me complain. If you wanted to hear someone complain you'd go and watch Jerry Springer.

Just...please. Read on...

Here's the scenario that set me off:

Chloe is home sick from school today. (ALREADY. Hold me.)

She started at the middle school this year, and since I'm not familiar with their absentee policy I called this morning to let them know Chloe would be out.

This was the phone call...

Mean nasty lady, answering the phone: "Blah Blah Middle School."

Me: "Hi! I'm calling to let you know Chloe Mabus is home sick today. She's in 5 Violet."

Butthead from Hell: "You just have to send a note in tomorrow."

Me: "From me or her doctor?"

Wart on the Nose of Humanity: "You."

Me: "Ok. Thanks!"

Big Fat Jerk: *click*

Now. As if you can't see the problem here, let me just say aside from her obvious attitude, WHY IN THE HELL COULDN'T SHE HAVE SAID GOOD BYE?????????????

That, in my opinion, is more rude than anything else. It's so simple. And this happens A LOT.

It happened in the pharmacy Erik used to work in. His associates would not give me closure for a conversation on the phone. I told him to fire them, but he didn't.

It happens when I call stores with a question. Sometimes the doctor's office.

Even automated systems say "Good Bye"...and yet I can't get one from a human.

And as far as her attitude, yes, it's irritating, too. I'm not a big fan of misdirected anger, especially since I exert the effort to not do it. Sometimes I want to grab people by the collar and yell, "I'm not the one who cut you off on the highway today. I also did not brew your coffee wrong or put that stain on your ugly shirt. STOP BEING NASTY TO ME."

Ok. I think I'm done. Thanks for listening.

Good bye.

Pittsburgh, PA

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:50:00 +0000

I am posting out of the childish fear of all my readers (the 5 of you) giving up on me if I do not update at this very moment.

Otherwise, I would sleep for the next 36 hours straight.

Our trip was of the "Vacation That Makes You Tired" variety. Ever have those?

Of course, it doesn't help that Erik forgot to pack his breathing machine for snoring / sleep apnea, so I had to sleep with foam plugs shoved in my ears and my fists shoved up his nose.

Other than that, we had a lovely time.

And now for the picture portion of this post:

We started our weekend at the University of Pittsburgh's first football game of the season...

The girls showed their team spirit...with a vat of nachos with cheese...

After baking in the sun we moved our sweaty selves into shade...

A hip-hop song came on the speakers, and Macy showed her rapper side...

After the game the girls all did the bungee cord bouncy thingy...

At dinner, Macy contemplated Pitt's loss...

Em...did...this...

And Chloe did this in response to Em doing that...

I had this...in response to Chloe and Em doing that...

The next day we went to The Children's Museum and saw this...

And we saw what Em will look like in 8 years...

The museum had a whole Mr. Rogers set-up, because he was from Pittsburgh. Remember these?

And...*shudder*...this horrid thing? It always gave me the heebie jeebies...

After the museum we went up the incline and saw this...

"Smile INTO the sun, girls!!!"

At this point the girls looked like this...

Here is the sunset from our hotel room...it was lovely...

Monday, Labor Day, also Macy's 6th birthday, we spent at Kennywood Amusement Park. First, Macy opened her presents. Note the sisterly love, please...

One of the more lame rides of the day...

Riders fright...

Ice cream, of course...

We ended the day with an Applebee's dinner and a surprise birthday song courtesy of the servers...Macy was so tired and weepy until the serenade began, then she looked like this...

And that, my friends, was our weekend.

And now we are all dog tired.

Just popped out a baby tired. Tour de France tired. Please shoot me tired.

I hope you all had fantastic weekends. I will be catching up on blogs tomorrow...I promise.

Yearbook

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:08:00 +0000

I decided to be like everyone else and do the Yearbook Yourself website.

EXCEPT...I have to be different. So it's kind of a follower/leader situation.

And I just KNOW I am about to start all the rage. Just wait...it will go viral, I know it.

So, without further ado, here is my dog Max in various yearbook pictures:

Please don't ask me why I used ladies hairstyles on my boy dog. I don't know. It's kind of comparable to dressing your young son in pink clothes, though, isn't it?

So, Erik started vacation this week, and on Friday afternoon we leave for Pittsburgh. I'm debating if I want to take my laptop along, but not sure. So if you don't hear from me until next Wednesday, that's why!!!

Have a fun "last weekend of summer", and for those of you who have kids returning to school next week...give them lots of extra hugs and kisses!!!

Hometown, USA

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:48:00 +0000

I live 2 hours from where I grew up. Most of my immediate family still lives in that general area, so if someone has a party of some type, I "go home" for the day. Not into the actual town, but near it.

This past Saturday the girls and I "went home" for my sister's 40th birthday party. (I just wanted to make sure the Internet fully took in the age of my sister...I think she reads this sometimes...so she can see I just announced her age...you know, on the INTERNET...that she's 40...which is 6 years OLDER than me...she will always be 6 years OLDER than me...Ok. I'm done.)

We arrived in the Reading, PA area about an hour early, so I decided to take the girls on a "Here is Where Your Mom Grew Up" tour. I didn't even charge them a fee.

Now...this part is important...we drove through this town maybe, 5 years ago, but just past my old house, and that was pretty much it. And we haven't gone through since. Before that, it had been YEARS since I was in the town.

We drove one of the main roads heading into town, and everything looked the way I remembered it. The only difference I saw were taller trees. Because, you know, they grow.

Once we got into town we made a left to head up the next street. The tour began!!! I said, while pointing out the window to the small building, "Look girls!!! I used to go grocery shopping there with your Nana when I was your age!!!"

They gave me a polite, "Oh wow."

I took a long look at the TINY store and thought, "Geez. When I was a kid I thought that was a full size grocery store. WRONGO. It's ALMOST the size of my garage."

That was the first of many surprises / disappointments.

Next we drove past the community swimming pool where I spent all of my summers from about age 5 or 6 until I graduated high school. I showed the girls, they said, "Neat", and again I realized how relative size is to how old you are. When you are young everything is big, and when you grow up it all looks so small.

I made a right into the subdivision my best friends from elementary school used to live in, and GASPED.

This neighborhood was the cream of the crop when I was a kid. It was the town's "Place to Live". If you lived there it meant you made more money than the other 70% of the town.

Well. No longer.

It was the freaking GHETTO. The homes were dilapidated. Yards overgrown. Siding peeling and roofing falling apart. I had to look for the street numbers on the mailboxes in order to even recognize my best friends' homes.

When? How? Why? What the hell?

As I continued our "tour", I was all "This isn't what it used to look like". Not that my girls could give a crap about what my best friends homes looked like back then, or now. But I was...embarrassed...I guess.

We made our way down to the street where I lived, as we got closer I said "You have to look out Macy's side of the car...make sure you're looking...it's gonna go by quick!....it's coming...the yellow house on the corner....look, the second door in....that's where I lived!!!!"

And after we passed it, Chloe said, "Which one was it?"

Ugh.

We drove down the street, passed one more stop on the tour..."Look girls, that's where I had my very first job!"....girls:"Ok."........then we drove away, with the town I don't even recognize anymore fading in my rearview mirror behind us.

So. This is my question, and the point to my horribly long post here...

Who still lives in the town you grew up in? Have you noticed changes around town, or when you live there is it so gradual that it really isn't a big deal?

And if you don't live near where you grew up, and you go back...does what just happen to me, happen to you? Do you think to yourself, "This doesn't even look like my town!"

***I purposely didn't name my hometown, because I felt kind of bad. In the weird off chance that someone who lives there now would read this, I certainly do not want to offend them if they really like living there. If you grew up in the Reading, PA area and want to know which town I lived in, please email me and I will confess.

**************************************************************************

On a brighter note........

I won an award!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to one of THE funniest girls I know, Jen at Dust Bunny Hostage!!! If you haven't stopped over there, please do, although you may never come back to me because my humor will be about as funny as skinning puppies alive after you read her blog. I will beg and say "please come back." Anyway, we became BFF's after I called her a boob. She liked that.

So, here it is.............

I love it, because it says all the qualities I try to exude every day. I'm not saying I do...but I try.

And, Jen was all, "I am so excited to pass this along to other ladies, friends who get to give a little finger wave to their own inner Blogging Vixen. But most of all, they are my FRIENDS"...and I'm like "Yeah, Baby! Inner vixen. I like that. It would be better if it were outer vixen, because then Erik could enjoy it. But, I'll take it!"

She is a good friend, and I'm proud to be a part of her blog life. Thanks again, Jen!

I am making this exclusive, and passing it on to Jen, from Cheaper Than Therapy, because she is THE most dedicated blogger I know, and I just enjoy her so much.

Have a great week my friends!

Back to School!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:22:00 +0000

Well...We sent our darling daughters off for 9 months of mind enrichment this morning.

Erik and I are so excited for them, and we can't wait to hear about their day this afternoon!

Before I go stare at the wall for 6 hours...let me share their pictures:

Here's Chloe......our 5th grader...

Here's Emily............our 3rd grader..........

And here's Macy........our 1st grader....

I hope everyone has a happy weekend!

Did You Just Call Me A Twit?

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:32:00 +0000

I'm so ashamed.

I conformed. I'm a follower, not a leader. I was trying so hard to rebel.

Then my friend Birdie went and blew it all out of the water.

I..........just.............joined..............Twitter.

What am I doing?

I've heard the hushed rumors. "This will take over your life", they say. And it probably will.

Now.........what do I do, Oh Wise and All Knowing Internet Friends?

Do I download a gadget for my desktop? Do I add a widget to my blog?

How?

Where?

HELP!

Instructional comments will be forever appreciated.

UPDATE ON CHLOE: Her blood test results came back 90% normal. The other 10% is an out-of-range lipoprotien that could in fact cause small blood clots. She's not being put on meds right now because the Ped. Stroke Dr. deems her threat level as low, which is really good! She has her next appointment in September. Thank you all for always being so supportive and sweet!

Tagged...2 Times.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:45:00 +0000

Thank you so much for all of your well wishes and prayers. We still haven't heard the blood work results, so I put a call in today and should hear back soon. We do have an appointment with the Pediatric Stroke team, but that isn't until October. Like my friend Kelly said, I should look at that as a good thing, because if they are willing to wait until October to see her the doctors must not have seen anything urgent in her tests.

I have fallen into my usual funky state of "The Girls are Going Back to School and I'm Sad Even Though I've Been Waiting For This Since June...And I've Also Reached the End of My Patience and Understanding Supply So I guess It's Good They Are Going Back".

This happens every summer, and I just end up feeling irritated and kind of "blah". My absence on the computer has been partially because I just haven't felt like writing anything, but also because I am trying to finish the last summer days doing things with the girls.

We went to lunch and shopping on Monday, Erik and I took them to the park Tuesday, and yesterday I took them to the beach...where a 108 year-old, 72 lb. man in a Speedo sat right next us. Why God? WHY?

So anyway...I was tagged a while back by two of my friends, so I figured I would take this opportunity to catch up.

This one is from Kiera, who had such awesome answers I almost kept them for my own. But I didn't. Read on...

I am... doing the best I can.
I think... sometimes too much.
I know... I love my family.
I want... fulfillment.
I have... better children than I deserve.
I wish... for my children to have a long, healthy and happy life.
I hate... inconsiderate and rude people.
I miss... freedom.
I fear... something happening to my husband or children.
I feel... sad, right now...school starts next week.
I hear... "Low", by Flo Rida...playing on my iTunes.
I smell... Molly...she's laying on the floor next to my chair. Think "Eau de Rotten Coochie"...not pleasant.
I search... for meaning.
I wonder... what I should do with my life.
I regret... not finishing college.
I love... too much to list here.
I care... about many things.
I always... take time to be grateful.
I am not... a sports fanatic.
I believe... in religion, but not organized religion.
I dance... all the time.
I sing... all the time.
I don't always... floss.
I write... what I feel.
I win... when I see my parenting in my girls' good behavior.
I lose... every time I play the Lotto.
I never... swear in front of my kids. But I get very close. All the time.
I listen... to music when I clean.
I can usually be found... reading.
I'm scared of... getting in a car accident, mostly by some one who is drunk or high.
I read... every day.
I am happy about... this coming school year, and not being tied to anything other than improving myself and focusing on getting mentally, physically and emotionally healthy. Go me!!!!

And this one is from Kitty...

The rules are:
1. Link the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged

So...6 unspectacular quirks?

1. The only yogurt I'll eat is plain vanilla, and I add honey.
2. If I can't find a song I like on my car radio, I'll turn it off rather than listen to a song I don't like.
3. I apply chapstick or some form of lip balm 5,653 times a day.
4. I don't like drinking out of open cups or glasses. It's from living with dogs.
5. I'm ambidextrous.
6. I only use blue ink pens. I hate and rarely use black or red.

I don't like doing this, but I don't have the energy to specifically tag people, so I'm doing an "Open Tagging". If you like either of these, please feel free to play along!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 23:33:00 +0000

Oh...where to begin?

First, our Hershey trip was plain ole' fun. I'm so lucky our girls are ride-crazy like Erik and I have always been. We rode every coaster there...hence my brain feeling slightly like jam at the moment...and some belly-lurching rides in between.

My only complaint?

Who invented the roller coaster photo??? WHO? Who thought it was a good idea to take a picture of someone while they are being thrown through the air at 70 mph?

Every time I exited a coaster, I had the pleasure of passing a photo of me with an expression like I was trying to take a really big dump. Not to mention the nice rippling of my skin, and my flabby biceps looking oddly like wings in take-off.

And then they want you to pay $10 for the photo.

Even more motivation for weight loss, I suppose...although the fit people on the rides also looked like they were straining against bowel pressure, so I suppose the face would look the same.

Next...

I was honored with even more awards. Can you stand it people? Hey...don't roll your eyes at me...I'll make this quick and painless...

Thank you Eric, at Speedcat Hollydale, for this award:

Thank you, kind sir, for this surprise! Your blog is a hoot, so I am humbled you would consider mine the same.

And next, my girl Jen at Live! and In Color, presented me with my second of this:

I just adore her, and this is one of my favorite awards, so thank you Jen.

I'm going to step out of protocol *GASP!* and pass these awards on at another time. I mean, I'm stepping out of blog protocol, it's totally normal for me. Like my favorite t-shirt says, "Procrastinators UNITE! .............Tomorrow."

Lastly...we had our follow-up appointment at CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) today. For those of you who haven't been bored enough with their lives to read some of my old posts, like this one, I'll do a quick...VERY quick summary.

In February 2007, Chloe had a seizure out of nowhere. She had another in March 2007. After a week's stay at a hospital both times, the Dr.'s couldn't confidently diagnose her with anything. We transferred her care to CHOP (#1 children's hospital in the country), and they more confidently diagnosed her with something called ADEM. Basically, a disorder where a virus breaks down the insulating tissue around the nerves in the brain. She's been seizure free since that March, and we've been doing follow-up MRI's and appointments ever since.

She had her most recent MRI this past June, and we were told there is a vascular issue they need to look into, and also a couple new lesions. Not great news, but not really different from what we have dealt with in the past year.

Her neurologist met with a team of specialists within the past couple of weeks, and today I was presented with the latest results.

I was told the doctors now think she had a mild stroke last year.

A STROKE.

I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. Erik and I are working to stay focused on the fact that she is clinically healthy right now, and how damned lucky she is to not have suffered permanent paralysis or something dreadful.

She had blood work done today, and now we are waiting for those results to see where we go from here. As always, I will keep you informed.

I don't really have anything else to say about my Chloe...I'm kind of numb, I think.

I plan on catching up on all my blog-reading tonight...so I'll be stopping by soon and I'll see you then!