"Who is Doug?", you ask?
Doug is a friend of mine in Blue Springs. He has 2 kids - Keith and Courtney. They lived just down the street from us when we lived in Blue Springs (KC,MO). At that time, he was happily married, then, 2 or 3 years ago, his wife up and said, "I'm outta here", and left him with the kids! Those kids mean the world to him and he dealt with the divorce well (as well as anyone can) and moved on. I admire him because he puts his kids first. He stayed in Blue Springs so that he could keep them in the same school, with the same friends, and they've adjusted well. He has family in Springfield, MO and could have moved there for the support, but he felt it was more important to stay as stable as he could.
Keith and Brandon are the same age. Keith is thinking about college now, and what he's going to do with his life. Courtney is 16, I think.
He came to see us when we lived in AR last time. My kids sure like him because he gives them lots of attention.
Who knows, after his kids have moved out, and if I move back to Blue Springs, maybe we'll get together. I would like that!

Ok, I lied. No pictures up yet. I can't figure this out; Brandon installed some crappy operating system and uninstalled windows. I have tons of pictures, but I can't upload them. He tried this morning, yet couldn't master it either. I need my own computer.
I don't have time to mess with this system to try to figure it out. I don't know why he tweaked his pc the way he did, but it's his computer and he can have whatever system he wants.
I'm not going to let it bother me today. I've got other things to worry about!

8 more days until we move!
15 more days until Blake's 10th birthday!
29 more days until the rent is due again, and I only have half of it!
??? more days until the Jimmy breaks down and I won't have money to fix it.

About My Weekend
Mood:  happy
We had a great weekend! We stayed at my sister's house until Monday afternoon, then had to head for home. Pictures will be in the "Our Life In Pictures" up there on the left.
I stopped by to see Doug before leaving Blue Springs. He looks great and was happy to see us, as were we to see him. He asked why we didn't think to move back to Blue Springs instead of Arkansas. I didn't really have an answer for him. Actually, I didn't even think about it. Now that he wishes we would come back, and my little sister and her family are looking at property in Blue Springs, I might just stay in AR for the summer and move before school starts in the fall.
If my sister moves here from CA, then no doubt my mom will too because she is so emotionally attached to her grand babies and couldn't stand the thought of not being able to see them regularly as she does now.
It was really comforting to see Doug. I've known him for about 8 years now, and he's helped me through a lot of crap I went through with Dan. I could kick myself for not taking his advice last year. Instead, I did the opposite and went back to Dan with hopes that the relationship would improve, but that was when he beat the shit out of me and went to jail the first time. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't tell Doug I was going to drop the charges because he said he was truly sorry and it wouldn't ever happen again. So, I just stopped calling him. He couldn't get hold of me because I changed my cell # when we moved here.
I didn't know if he would even answer his door when I knocked on it yesterday. But he did, and we were both glad! Too bad I didn't take a picture of us so that I could look at it and imagine what my life would be like right now!

Now Playing: You're so vain - Carly Simon
I don't mean to be vain! My blog is the only place where I can talk about myself. I really enjoy it, too; it's therapeutic for me. I know that sounds silly.

I really need to use spell check from now on! I can't spell for the life of me! I was just reading some of my previous posts, and saw a lot of mistakes. Shame on me!

I will be renting a car for the weekend. It'll be much less stressful because I won't be worried about putting all those miles on the Jimmy, and I'm sure the a/c will be in great working order. I'm not even going to pursue repairing the a/c on the Jimmy as it wouldn't be worth it if I plan to get another car by next summer.

Maggie has been washing her toy dishes in the sink today. She loves to do that! I just need to find a way to get her to do all of the dirty dishes! He he. Today, she wore her St Louis Rams cheer leading dress and I said to her, "Maggie, let's see you do a cheer" She said, "I tan't! I don't have anyting to drink" She thought I meant a "cheer" as in a "toast". Later, when we were in the car, and she was cranky (to put it nicely), I asked her if she wanted a piece of watermelon candy. She brightened up and held out her hand saying, "Yes, please!" When I handed her the Jolly Rancher candy, all hell broke loose. She was expecting a real piece of watermelon! How confusing is that!

I cannot wait to see my mom and sister (s)- have I already mentioned that?! I am definitely bringing the camera and I won't let it out of my site! I will post when I get back home on Tuesday.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY, EVERYONE!

Kansas City, Here we come

We're going to KC this weekend for my nephew's graduation. My sister(#4), her family, and mom is visiting Lisa (#2) from CA, and I can't wait to see them! I've never seen Cyllyns (#4) boys. Maggie and her oldest are about the same age.

Confused yet?

I'm thinking of renting a car because I'm putting lots of miles on this Jimmy and I need it to last at least until spring time next year. The air isn't working all that great either. I think we have some free days rental at Enterprise.

I need to make a dress for Maggie that looks similar to Princess Fiona's (Shrek) green dress. She loves to be called Princess Fiona! I'm sure I can find some material at Wal Mart and put it together for next to nothing.

I sure wish I had my own computer. I'm in Brandon's room right now, and Maggie is here with me. She is getting into everything! If things aren't put back exactly how they were, Brandon is going to notice! Hmmm, that might be a good thing; maybe he'll decide to have the pc back in the family room!

A is for Age - 39
B is for Booze - Grey Goose vodka. I also like the sweet drinks such as a Melon Ball, Tequila Sunrise, etc
C is for Career - Ready to get started one one! Right now, I'm a Domestic Engineer
D is for Dad’s name - Bob
E is for Essential items to bring to a party - I can't remember the last time I went to a party!
F is for Favorite song at the moment - I like them all.
G is for Goof off thing to do - De-Clutter something, or re-organize something. (yes, I'm crazy)
H is for Hometown - Born in Oakland, CA
I is for Instrument you play - Years ago, I played the clarinet
J is for Jam or Jelly you like - Apricot or peach. Thanks, now I want a peanut butter and jelly sammich.
K is for Kids - Five! Ben (21), Beth (20), Brandon (17 and thinks he's an adult), Blake (almost 10), and Maggie (3)
L is for Living arrangement - 1970's ranch-style house, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. I love it! Currently, living single with Brandon, Blake and Maggie
M is for Mom’s name - Earnestine
N is for Names of best friends - Cindy, Sharon, Holly
O is for overnight hospital stays - Several! One for each childbirth, contracted viral meningitis 3 x, strep infection, then my finger thing.
P is for Phobias - Getting my or the kids fingers smashed in the door!
Q is for Quote you like - Dance as if nobody's watching, Love as if you've never been hurt, and drive as if there's a cop behind you.
R is for Relationship that lasted longest - My marriage to Mike
S is for Siblings - Two older sisters: Mechelle and Lisa, two younger sisters: Cyllyn and Robin
T is for Texas , Ever been? - Yessim. I reckon we lived there in the '80's. Mike was in the Air Force and we lived in Abilene
U is for Unique trait - I can get almost any stain out of clothing!
V if for Vegetable you love - All! Especially broccoli.
W is for Worst trait - I'd say that I put others feelings before my own.
X - is for XRays you’ve had - teeth, head (MRI), hand
Y is for Yummy food you make - I LOVE to cook!! The last yummy thing I made was peanut butter cookies
Z is for Zodiac sign - Scorpio, I think. I'm not really into that.

Blake is really enjoying all the attention I'm giving him about his 'bicycle accident'. You know when you tell a story over and over, and keep exaggerating more each time? Now the tale goes: Blake was in a life threatening accident and he sustained a huge gunshot-looking hole in his hand, AND lived to tell about it!

Brandon passed night school! Whoo Hoo! I knew he would, and so did he. He was taking one of his favorite subjects: History. He thinks his teacher, Mr. Ebler is wonderful and so do I. As a matter of fact, it's my opinion that all of his teachers are wonderful.
Next week is finals for him and Beth too.

No luck with my title. I can't believe that I would misplace something so important like that. I'll need to send off for a replacement like I should have done a long time ago.
I did manage to get the Jimmy all cleaned inside and out, though. It looks great. I had to buy a new console-thingy: you know, the cup holder and compartment thing that goes in between the two front seats? The old one was broken; the compartment broke and couldn't close. This new one has a lock! I like it, and it was easy to install.

I hope I can bring this Dish Satellite with me when we move. I love it, and I don't think I can live without it! I seriously love to watch TV, but never can totally commit myself to sitting down and watching a whole program; someone usually needs me, or the phone will ring - you name it! So, instead i'll DVR it to view later, like when the kids go to sleep.

Made cookies. Peanut Butter cookies, and Oatmeal Scotchies. I froze most of them in the deep freezer and locked the garage! One way to make them last, huh?! Last night for dinner, I made a vegetable lasagna and ate tons of it! I made a vanilla custard for dessert but I used too much cornstarch because it was pretty thick. I never measure when I cook, unless I'm baking. I usually just 'eyeball' it.
Tonight, we'll probably just have the leftover lasagna for dinner. We'll be pressed for time because we're going to the shelter for a support group meeting, and then swimming at the Y.

Brandon put his computer back in his room because he loathes the distraction. We talked about it and I have to respect his feelings.

Mood:  sad

Brandon is taking his computer back. This means that I won't have a pc to use unless I go to the library or buy my own.
This is Brandons computer, and I have to respect his wishes to have his computer back in his room.

BOOOO HOOOOOOO
WHAAAAAAAAAA

There are only about two weeks left of school! Whoo Hoo! I am as excited as the boys are! We don't have anything planned to do for the summer, except to move. Brandon will probably have summer school to attend for part of the summer, and he's not really looking forward to it! I wouldn't be, either.

Blake had a bike wreck yesterday evening. I was taking Brandon to night school, and when I came back home I saw him walking towards our house with a sort of limp. We met at the house and he said that he flipped over his bike and scuffed up his hand pretty bad. My neighbor bandaged it up for him, and it looks as if he'll live. I love to 'baby' my kids when they get hurt.

Maggie NEVER likes her hair up in a pony tail or anything. She doesn't even like for it to be brushed! So, last night, when we were getting ready for bed, she said, "Mommy, I wanna ponytayo in my hair." I was shocked! I love to mess with her hair, but she never lets me! We sat in front of the mirror and she let me brush it, and put it in a ponytail. It didn't matter that a few minutes later, she wanted it out! Hopefully she'll want me to do it again today, and this time, I'll put it in 2 braids.

My finger has improved so much! I am so surprised because I thought it would look forever deformed. I think it's going to look okay.

Today, Princess Fiona (don't ask me why she likes being called that!) and I will be going grocery shopping and then making cookies.

I also need to take the Jimmy through the car wash; it's looking nasty! The paint on the hood is starting to bubble. I think I'm over my love for the Jimmy, and ready for an other SUV. I was daydreaming yesterday and thought of buying myself a car with my income tax return next year. I sure love to daydream!

I Got Tagged Again!!
Last time it was from Dj. This time, it's from Jenny-

1) Total number of films I own on DVD/Video Do you really want me to count?! I'd say about 60
2) The last film I bought: Home on the Range and Dumbo (both at the same time)
3) The last film I watched: National Treasure
4) Five films that I watch a lot or that mean a lot to me(in no particular order):

1- Forest Gump
2- Anything with Nicholas Cage
3- It's A Wonderful Life
4- Shrek 1 & 2 (Only because it's Maggie's current fav)
5- Toy Story 1 & 2 (I love Tom Hanks, and hope to marry him some day)
5) Tag five people and have them put this in their journal:

I have to find people! Any volunteers? Mary? Mrs B?
1-
2-
3-
4-
5-

I've Been Tagged!!
01. Total volume of music files on my computer? 7.57 GB - all Brandons!

02. The last CD I bought was? I cannot recall the last CD I bought for myself. I recently bought Lincoln Park for Blake

03. Song playing right now: Nothing. Later, I'll have the radio on a classic rock station.

04. Five songs I listen to a lot or that mean a lot to me (in no particular order):

I really like songs with meaning such as music from Martina McBride and Reba.
I also love to listen to music that brings back memories such as Aerosmith, Van Halen and The Rolling Stones.
I can't forget that I put on Sirius on the satellite and listen to classical music for most of the day. I suppose if I had to chose five, they would be:
Louis Armstrong: What A Wonderful Life
Reba: that 'Sister' one
Lynrd Skynrd: Sweet Home Alabama
Gary Allan: Can't Do It Today
Anything from Frank Sinatra

Which 5 people are you passing this baton to, and why.
Mary
Mrs B Because they haven't been tagged!

I'm Baaack!

What an exasperating trip! Although we had lots of fun, it's good to be back home!
Brandon made plans to spend the entire time with his friends there, and took the camera with him. I didn't realize the camera wasn't in my possession until I wanted to take a picture of the Arch. I immediately called him and asked if he had it, and was relieved to hear him say, "Yes" because I am notorious for losing things.
We looked for a hotel with a pool so that we can swim, but there were NONE! I swear, I called every hotel there. Actually, one place I called said that the pool would be open the following morning. I said, "I'll take a room" When we got there, she apologized and said that she thought it would be open, but she was wrong.
I should have booked a room in advance. I don't know why I didn't.
We went to the St Louis Zoo, and to Forest Park while we were there, and we sure had lots of fun!
I got everything from storage and brought it here. Today, I plan to go through it all and find my title.
Now that I emptied out the storage, that is one less bill I have to worry about.
Thats all for now-

Is it Ebay or eBay? I always thought it was eBay.

I've got lots to ramble on about

Christi opened her comments! I've been reading her blog for quite some time now, and I finally got to introduce myself.
Whoo Hoo!

I made the banana bread and of course it's all gone! It disapeared soon after it came out of the oven which isn't all too uncommon at this house.

There has to be some way I can be excluded from bidding on eBay to save my sanity and checkbook. I'm trying to find a way. Every time I go to the site to search how I can stop this impulse, I check to see what the current bid is for..oh, say Tupperware vintage creamer and sugar sets. Mind you, I have several sets already! Of course, I'll find a good deal and place a bid. Then, usually I'll win, or I'll be outbid and just to spite the person who outbid me, I'll bid a higher bid (knowing I don't need this item - my kids would rather have something to eat). So, yeah. I end up with all kinds of stuff that I have no use for.

Blake is going to be a great business man when he grows up. I say this because he came home today explaining how he turned a toy truck into $8.00! Here's the story:
"Our teacher gave us these miniture toy trucks today for participating in the cook-out and on the bus on the way home, Jason (the names have been changed to protect the innocent) offered me $8.00 for mine so I said, 'Okay' and we traded. Can I go to Speedway and get candy?"
Obvisouly, I need to check into this and make sure this kid had permission to trade.
Blake can turn anything into a profit! This is great because if I don't find a job right away when we move, Blake can come to the rescue and pay the rent!

We are getting ready to go to St Louis to get my things from storage. Hopefully my title to the Jimmy is in there so that I can get it tagged and legal. I'm too broke (thanks to eBay) to pay for a lost title, and I need my stuff from storage anyway, so I've decided to go this route.

I'm a bringin' my camera with me, so I'll have lots o' pictures to post when I come back.

Ode to Her Most Excellent DeeJ Ness

If I EVER need anything, all I have to do is ask Her Most Excellence! She knows everything!
Dj, I bow down to you -
Thank you for your help!

The Thursday Threesome
Mood:  silly
With apologies to John Fogerty::Full Moon Rising...::
Onesome: Full-- Full? What meal fills you up the most during your day, breakfast, lunch or dinner? ...or is it the ice cream you're digging into as you wander around the blog world long past when you should be asleep ? lol. My biggest meal is probably right at bedtime. I know thats bad, but it sort of 'de-stresses' me to eat by myself after I've taken care of my family.
Twosome: Moon-- Do you really think there's any truth to the popular idea that "things" happen when the moon is full? Come on, it's just us here... No. I've never been superstitious. If something bad is going to happen, it'll happen whether or not there's a full moon.
Threesome: Rising-- ...and shining?: What is your normal wakeup time on Thursday mornings? ...and can you be described as a "Morning Person" or not? 5:30 every morning. I like to stay up until midnight, so does that make me both?

Yep, I said it Waddaya think? at 9:56 AM CDT

Updated: Thursday, May 19, 2005 7:08 PM CDT

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Confusion, Details, and What the Future Holds..........
Mood:  chatty

Okay, now I'm confused. I thought I could sit on my arse and click away selling all kinds of stuff that just takes up space in my house. All the while hearing a Cha Ching in the background. I guess it isn't so easy.
I thought of becoming a Tupperware consultant like a lot of the sellers on eBay. I wouldn't have to deal with the packaging, shipping, selling, etc because it would come directly from the Tupperware headquarters. How easy would that be?! The bad thing is that there are millions of Tupperware dealers who are selling on eBay, which means competition. Hmmm, I'll have to think about it more.
It would be great to make a living doing something that I really like, and where I could have Maggie with me. If day care pops into your head - forget it! I couldn't handle it! I will be moving into an apartment, and although the landlord says, Oh, it's HUGE Veronika", I don't think it'll be big enough for that.

We went swimming last night and had fun. Brandon walked on the treadmill instead of swimming. I swear, he is so thin! He could use a little fat on his muscular body. I'm real proud of him for eating healthy and exercising, but he could use a few pounds.

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain and thunder. Is there nothing more pleasant than hearing raindrops?, Am I insane? It's partly cloudy with a temp of 61 and I love it!

I wanted to clean and vacuum out the Jimmy today and I suppose I can pull into the garage to do that. It absolutely needs a thorough cleaning!

Tonight, the kids and I will be going to the shelter so that I can attend a support group meeting. The kids will be able to play in the play room with the others during the meeting. I really need these interactions, as they help a lot. It's good to know that I'm not alone. Also, that my feelings are normal.

My To - Do list consists of:

- Call storage and get the total amount due
- Clean out the Jimmy
- Do the remaining laundry
- Mend Maggie's sweater (it has a tear at the seam)

What I would like to do, time permitting:

- Bake some banana bread (or throw out the bananas)
- Wash the insides of the windows and sills
- Take pictures of my house. Hmm, should I?, or do I really want the memories?

Thats it for my ramblings until I get the urge to post something else. Doh! I got the urge...I've got to play a meme!

I want to start a home based business so.....
....I'm looking into selling on eBay.
Any comments?

Ramblings and a meme
Mood:  silly

It's partly cloudy with a high of 57 today. Hmf
We are going to go swimming in an indoor pool tonight, though. That should make us 'Think Spring' huh?
As I sit at the computer, I can look out the back window and see the birds landing on the patio so cautiously, looking for food. They are so beautiful! I should put out some bird food for them. I have a hummingbird feeder (it's packed) but I haven't had any luck with it; the birds just won't come around.

I paid for the PS2. Surely it'll all work out, huh? I'm sure we'll have to wait for what will seem like f-o-r-e-v-e-r for it. Blake is the only one in the family who loves to play video games. He gets me to play, but I've only mastered Super Mario Brothers, and I'm old school- I don't want to learn anything new! lol

I need to stop bidding on eBay so that I can get other bills and such paid. I'm still driving on expired tags!! I need to get that taken care of ASAP

I thought it would be the right thing to pay for the PS2, as opposed to not, and having them re-list it. Surely they'll be able to sell it. It's just not right, however to bid on something and then not follow through.

I didn't talk to Holly (my neighbor) at all yesterday. I should call her later to see how she is. Her husband and son is on vacation this week and hubby will be replacing an engine on their vehicle. How great is it to be married to a mechanic?!

And now for a meme.......

Tuesday Twosome
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Doing without...

1. If the cable/dish is out of service, what is your reaction and why? "Cha Ching! I want a refund"

2. If the electricity is out of service, what is your reaction and why? I would probably think of all the things I can't do because the electricity is out of service. The last time it happened, we made it a fun event by pretending to be camping. We got out the flashlights, blankets, & pillows and told ghost stories!

3. If the phone service is out of service, what is your reaction and why? It would be okay because: 1) I wouldn't have to answer the phone. 2) I have my cell

4. If your cell phone is out of service, what is your reaction and why? Okay, now we have a problem!

5. How dependent on a scale from 1 to 5 (5 being extremely dependent) are you on the four items/services that were just mentioned and do you think it is a good or bad thing? I'd say cable - 2, electricity - 5, phone - 1, and cell - 5. I don't think it's neither good or bad.

I know it's not Tuesday today, but I wanted to play.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention....
Mood:  chatty
......that Brandon and I had a nice talk last night. We were able to express ourselves without argument. He knows that I love him unconditionally, and I value our relationship. :)