Who's that girl??

Yes, I know, it has been a while. I haven't blogged in WAY too long. I'm going to go ahead and confess that my Reader is WELL above 1000 unread's as well, so if you've been feeling neglected lately, it's completely my fault.

Well, for my first post in ages, I thought I would get you all up to speed on what's been going on in the Sunshine household, with PICTURES!!!

This could take a while.



The Tiger Cubs toured Mrs. Baird's Bakery in Ft. Worth

We had a funeral. Pop passed away in January. It was a very rough time for Budman and the boys. We're hanging in there, though.

Mater had a stomach bug and fell asleep in his toast. He's feeling MUCH better now.

The Tiger Cubs took a tour of the Fort Worth Star Telegram printing operations.

Monkey, Mater and I took a trip to the Zoo in Waco with Copper's Fox, the Tater tot and our parents.

I have to share this video - it was SO funny.

Monkey entered his first Pinewood Derby for Cub Scouts - Recognize anyone??

My Valentine's Day present!!

I got a new haircut!!

We dog-sat for my MIL. I took this video of her dog, Shadow playing in our backyard.

Monkey went to his first Blue & Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts
And tomorrow is Monkey's 7th Birthday. He is having a party at a local pizza place, and I will share photos soon.

I have a few stories that I'm trying to keep in my head, I've been wanting to blog for a while, but as you can see - things have been pretty busy here.

I also promise, I will be catching up with my reader as soon as I can, hope you are all doing well.

Eternal Sunshine

Quick note!

I will be spending the next week or two training my replacement at work. So, there won't be any blogging going on.

Hang in there, I will be back as soon as possible!! And I'll have a whole lot more time on my hands, it seems.

Also, you lovely ladies who are expecting surprises, will need to be patient with me for a little while longer. Please?? I will be sending something, but it won't be for another few days...

Thanks!!

Have a great week

And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet

OK, so I was all set to quit slacking, and do my post-Christmas post. I checked my purse and I had the cord for my camera! Bonus - I was all set to get pictures (the few that I took) of my little ones checking out the goodies that Santa had brought. Wait, where's my camera??

Crappe.

So, instead, you will be getting this list - a sort of 2008 in review, if you will, which I stole from... somewhere - Dawn @ Because I Said So, I believe.

1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Went to my first Cub Scout meeting.

2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Actually, 2008 was the first year that I decided not to make New Year's Resolutions. I'm thinking I might make some for the year coming up, not sure what, yet...

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, although I did find out a (soon to be ex-) coworker is finally pregnant, after trying for 3 or 4 months, and driving us all crazy each time she "started". Good for her.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
My uncle M was killed in a suspicious fire this year. I didn't talk about it much at the time, and it's still an open case, but we don't have much hope of ever finding out who would have done such a horrible thing to him.

5. What countries did you visit?
I actually didn't even leave the state this year, but they do say that Texas is "like a whole 'nuther country", so does that count?? I did drive all the way to the Waco area a few times.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
smaller thighs and @ss. I would like to have a better job, a new (to me) home, and to get a lot further towards my degree. Each time I pass a Computer class, I get a certification, which looks good on my resume. I might even be able to convince potential employers I know what I'm doing if I keep it up!

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
I don't think there are any specific dates. Mother's Day and my Birthday were pretty great.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I developed a cure for Cancer, and negotiated a peace treaty between Australia and New Zealand. It's a toss-up.

Or, it could have been keeping this little guy (and his siblings) alive long enough to release them to the wild.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not doing more in school. I can set my own progress with this program, and I only did the bare minimum requirements instead of going above and beyond. I'm really annoyed at myself for that.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well, besides the PLAGUE that Budman and I are currently suffering from, I have been remarkable healthy. Although I do have this giant zit that just won't go away...

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Budman's boat. Oh, you meant for me??? I don't buy things for myself - I could, I just always think of other things to spend money on. For the kids, etc... And we do ALL get to use the boat.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
huh? I haven't killed anyone this year, so I'm gonna say ME!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No one MADE me depressed this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?
gas

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
When fuel prices dropped below $2.00, and each subsequent drop after that. Yesterday, we filled up for $1.27 a gallon. I almost got out of the car and did a happy dance.

16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
Music is a huge part of me, but I didn't really listen to a lot of NEW music this year. I'm kind of stuck in a Classic rock/ 70s 80s & 90s rut lately.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: happier/sadder, thinner/heavier, richer/poorer? I get happier every day. I'm a little heavier, and neither richer nor poorer than last year.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
sewing, crafting, playing.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
working, complaining

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent Christmas with my family - surrounded by a mess, and relaxing all day long.

21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
I spend as little time as possible on the phone, so, other than work people, I would have to say my Mom.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I fall in love with Budman a little more everyday

23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Um, none. Or - lots of them, but all with the same person - My HUSBAND!

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Just one? I will never pass up an episode of The Unit, NCIS or CSI (any city). I loved Pushing Daisies and Life most of all.

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't waste energy hating people. It's too much work, and it poisons your heart.

26. What was the best book(s) you read?
I read a LOT of books. Most recently, The Book of Bright Ideas, by Sandra Kring, was one of my favorites.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I got the Beatles back together for a World Tour.

28. What did you want and get?
My guys - all I'll ever need.


29. What did you want and not get?
THE purse - you know - the perfect handbag. Still searching for it.

30. What were your favorite films of this year?
In Bruges

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I told all about my birthday here and I turned 34.

32. What's one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Winning the lottery

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Slacker-Mom style.

34. What kept you sane?
Coincidentally, this is also what kept me Insane as well.


35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Can't think of a one.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Rising Fuel costs & drilling for oil, rising unemployment, the tanking economy

37. Who did you miss?
Bear

38. Who was the best new person you met?
My bloggy friends get this honor...

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
It wasn't learned in 2008, but it's the one that I keep with me always: "You can't find happiness on a road map, you have to take it with you." A long overdue, hard-learned lesson, but then we kids never thought our parents knew anything when we were young and had all the answers.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Fat bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round.
Kidding.

OK, if you've stuck with me this far, then you deserve a reward. I have been using Christmas song lyrics for my post titles this month (most of it). I'm sure you've noticed this, plus I announced it at the beginning. So, I'm gonna have a little giveaway.

Go back through my December posts (starting here - see, I'm so nice, helping you out like that...) and send me a list of all the Christmas song titles (There are 6) that I've used. Email it to me at MrsMStewart (AT) gmail (DOT) com. DO NOT post the answers in the comments, if you do, I will delete it. Email it to me. I will take all correct entries and randomly draw a someone to receive a little something special from me. Let's say that I'll keep this open until New Year's Eve at midnight (which is technically New Year's Day at that point, I know). So, you have the rest of the year to enter my little contest. I hope you will - Even if you don't normally enter contests and such, do it anyway, it will be fun!!!

And every mother's child is going to spy,

I know, my titles don't have anything to do with my posts, but I'm using lines from some of my favorite carols for titles this month. Bonus points for you if you can name all the carols. If you save up enough of those points, you can get you a big fat cup o' squat.

Sorry. Sunshine bonus points just aren't worth what they used to be.

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Anyway, on to my point - I'm quite sure that I had one...

Melody from Merrie Melody tagged me - And I'm just now getting around to it!!

Here are the rules:
• Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules in your post.
• Share seven random/weird facts about yourself.
• Tag seven random people and link to their blogs.
• Let each person know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment in their blog.

So here goes:

1)I joined a sorority in college (the first time). I pledged, but wasn't initiated. I spent NO time studying, and took my butt back home after one semester to go to community college.

2) Speaking of the first time I was in college, I started out as an Advertising Art major. I wanted to make TV commercials. What I didn't consider was that Art may not have been the best major for me, considering I can't draw a conclusion.

3) I love to eat bananas and fritos - together

4) I grew up eating rabbit on a regular basis. We were weird about it, too. We would call our meals 'Lucky and dumplins' or 'Chicken Surprise'. If you ever had dinner at my house while we were in elementary school, there's a good chance we had rabbit for dinner - and didn't tell you about it. I'm really sorry about that.

5) I am addicted to crunching ice, popping bubble wrap, and Dr. Pepper. (Not necessarily in that order)

6) I once worked in a strip club for four months. As a bartender.

7) I played bass drum on the drum line in high school... For the last two years, anyway. The year before that I was on the color guard, and my Freshman year, I just marched my clarinet.


I tag:

I'm going to be a rebel - If you are interested in being tagged, consider it done. Leave a comment letting me know if you want to play along. I would love to read your list!

Christmas is coming...

I got a present in the mail from my Secret Santa. Georgie, at Decisionally Challenged had the idea to do a Secret Santa Soiree this year. So, I signed up - and my present arrived a few weeks ago, but I'm a super huge slacker, and I forgot to bring my camera home, then I forgot to bring my presents to work, then I couldn't find the cord that would put the pictures on the computer and on and on and on.

FINALLY, I got my act together, and I present for your viewing pleasure, my Secret Santa gifts!

There was this little package.

And inside was this



And these (My favorite candies!!!)


And these. (It's a Salt & Pepper shaker set - I collect them)



And this book.
I've only just begun to read it, but so far, I really like it!!

And this candle
(It's hard to see in the picture, but it's a super yummy Sparkling Cranberry candle!)


Thank you, Secret Santa!! I LOVE my presents!



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Coming soon: My dear friend Melody has tagged me AND given me an award. I will be posting both of those soon, I promise!!


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Mater asked a about a week ago, what I wanted for Christmas, and I responded "I have everything I want, Baby, your daddy, you and your brothers and your sister. I don't need anything at all.

He said "Mom, you always say that"

Because it's always true, my love...

Strange things are afoot at the Circle K

Or not.
(I just love throwing movie quotes into my everyday conversations.)

Anyway...

Time for another giveaway post.

This one is a big one, and you will be glad you got in on it!!

Head on over to The Lil' Peanut Patch and enter their 12 Days of Christmas at the Patch. THey are having TWELVE (Yes, 12) days of giveaways, and two lucky people will each get to win half of those prizes. Yes, you heard that right. One person will win 6 prizes, and one will win the other six prizes.

One catch - You have to enter ALL the giveaways to be entered, so be sure to get moving over to the The Lil' Peanut Patch to read the rules, enter and win!!

In other news...

There have been lots of goings-on in the Land of Eternal Sunshine lately. I took off all of last week (and most of the weeks prior -heehee) for the Holiday and to rejuvenate my mind (or something), but I will be getting back on the ball very soon. I have awards to mention (and give away), contests that have been won, a very spectacular Secret Santa shimpent arrived, and more!!

Oh - and my nephew, the Tater-Tot (formerly known as N, or Nigel) informed my Sister that he wanted to make Christmas gifts. She's asked for ideas, and I haven't come up with anything age-appropriate yet. Please head on over to her blog and leave some ideas. They will be most appreciated!

I'll leave you with this - A little late for Thanksgiving, but appropriate for the time of year.

Sunday, we were at the airport to pick up Possum from his vacation to his Mom's house. As Monkey, Mater and I were waiting for Budman to go get him, I pointed out a soldier walking through the terminal. Monkey shouted out "Hi Soldier!!" The man smiled and waved at the boys, and we smiled back. Then Monkey shouted "Thank you for all you do for our country!" I got a little teary-eyed... Sometimes my kids really surprise me.

I don't know if the young man heard Monkey's thank you, but I hope so, and I want to say a special thanks to all of our servicemen and women.

FINALLY - The Weekend Update

Just not the one I promised three or four weekends ago.

First things first: (It seems like I say that a lot...) The work drama. My company informed me Tuesday that my position is being eliminated, and my duties are being transferred to our corporate office several states away (Not just me, they're doing the same with all 3 of the positions in our little corner of the department). I will be staying on until Mid-January to assist with the transition, then will be (hopefully) starting another position. I'm not sure yet whether there will be another job for me with this company, or if I will be working elsewhere. (Actually, there's a lot that I'm not sure of at the moment)

This was somewhat of a shock for us, but I'm really OK with it. I've been feeling overwhelmed and a little burned out in this position, so I think a change will do me some good. I also know that God will take care of me.

On to the weekend. Friday, I took off work to accompany Monkey's class on a field trip to Casa Manana Theatre. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed it immensely. When I took off to go on Mater's field trip last month, I didn't know any of the other mothers, and felt a little out of place. Fortunately, Monkey has FOUR other Cub Scouts in his class, and all their mothers came along, so I had a few familiar faces, and people to talk to. Not that you would know it, but I'm a little shy, and it's hard for me to jump in and strike up conversations. It was a fun day, even if we did eat lunch in the freezing cold* at the park. Brrr.

That afternoon, I took Possum to the airport so that he could go see his mother for the holiday.

Saturday was what the boys and I call a pajama day. They stayed in their footie PJs all day, we played and watched TV, played Cranium Cadoo and snuggled under blankets A LOT. Saturday afternoon, they put on clothes and BEGGED to play outside. It had warmed a little, so they got to play until dark. Oh - and I did lots of laundry. You're jealous, aren't you? Of the glamorous life I lead...

Sunday, the boys skipped off to church with Grandma, and Budman and I headed to the grocery store. When we got back to the house, Monkey headed off for his "best friend's" birthday party, and Budman and I made 10 jars of dill pickles in the afternoon, Mater and I played A LOT of board games, and did some puzzles. I also (finally) got to work on Christmas Presents. I'm making a lot of gifts this year, I can't tell you what I made, though, because SOME PEOPLE who read this blog might see it.

So, there it is, my weekend in a nutshell, not terribly interesting, but then that's life!!


*Yes, I know that to you ladies and gentlemen up North, I'm a gigantic wussy, but it was 37 degrees when i left the house that morning, and it did not warm up much all morning, in fact, it never got above 48 all day.

This is not the post you are looking for.

Forget the weekend update. I don't even remember what I did two weekends ago, and it probably wasn't as exciting as whatever you guys had going on...

Anyway, you'll have to be patient with me for a bit longer, I'm planning some changes to the Empty Mind here, and until I'm finished, posting may be sparse!!

I'll try, though, I promise.

Who am I??

OK, taking care of old business first. The giveaway for my Blogoversary ends today at noon, CDT. If you haven't already entered, get on over there quick. I am hoping to post the winner tomorrow.

I am still donating my October revenue to the Alzheimer's Association, and will post the total for that sometime today or tomorrow.

Now, on to the new business

I found a new blog recently, Why are You Stalking Me?. As I was reading through past posts, there was a quiz, and I just had to take it.

I think it's pretty spot on as far as describing me.. There were only two questions, and I figured there was no way they could come up with something good off two questions, but - well, just see for yourself...

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Wekend Update: Random, random, everywhere...

Hello, remember me?? I know I'm a huge slacker. I still can't seem to turn all those "Drafts" into "Posts". I'm working on it.

Coming up later this week, the Cub Scout post I have been promising. I've decided to wait until after his Bobcat ceremony (is that what it's called?) to finish that one up.

Also, I have a circus recap. I took LOTS of photos (& video), and I would have had that one finished already, but life keeps getting in the way of my blogging (RUDE!) Plus, there's that whole camera slacker thing I've got going on...

So, instead I will share a bit O' the random...

Yesterday's Left-handed compliment of the day: "You're VERY intelligent in your own way." I won't share with you the response that came to mind...

I never did make it into work on Saturday. I fully intended to, but Budman had to go to his parents' house to work on their cars, and with Mater having run a fever the day before, we did not want to bring him around Budman's Dad, Pop, for fear that he would get very sick. So, the kids and I stayed home, I did laundry and cleaned house, and felt very productive instead.

Saturday was the Circus, thanks to Possum, who said "I don't have to be there until 7:20, I thought we would leave around 7:00", (Gee, thanks for making our plans for us, we MIGHT have had something else in mind, though - So sorry we didn't consult you first!!) we were very nearly late. My parents DID meet us there, and as I'm getting out of the car, I get my SECOND phone call from my mother (She's not so good with the concept of 'go with the flow'), who says "The man here says the show starts at 7:00. That's in five minutes!" So, we hurried over to meet them at the door, rushed in and found our seats. Possum, turns out, was NOT supposed to be there at 7:20, since the silly thing STARTED at 7:00 and he couldn't find the other boys in the group, because they were already out in the CENTER RING!!! Grr, the boy makes us crazy sometimes! Oh well, he made it to where he was supposed to be, and we had a lovely time. I have lots of pictures, and will share soon.

Sunday, the little boys went to Church with Grandma, and the big one went to the shooting range with Grandpa, SO Budman and I snuck off together!! We went and had breakfast at Whataburger, then swung by the auto parts store to buy a radiator for his mother's car. (Boy, does he know how to show a girl a good time!!) Sigh... Where was I? Ah, we headed to the In-laws, and replaced the radiator - OK, so Budman replaced it, but I totally helped him, AND if I had a Chevy S-10 whatever, I could SO change out the radiator on it. I could SO!! Budman said next time he was letting me doing it all. SO there!

Surprisingly, the radiator only took about an hour and a half, and we headed back home, where I prepared a little Seven Layer dip to snack on while Budman and Possum watched the Football game, which was a tremendous disappointment, and I Plurked.

The kids had Monday off school, so they were tasked with getting the Halloween decorations up outside. They also got to carve Jack-o-Lanterns!! The decorations aren't quite finished yet, but don't worry BurghBaby, I will share the pictures, as promised.

I guess that's it for now. I really have lots more ideas, but somehow, I'm lacking the words to back it all up!

Oh, and remember, my blogaversary is coming up, and I will be having a giveaway!! Stay tuned for more details!!! (Dang, I'm not sure how to spell that!!!)

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Please don't forget that I'm On the MOVE for a cure to Alzheimer's. (Read yesterday's post for more details.) I'm donating all revenue from October to the Alzheimer's Association. Please stay and click a while!!! And if you wish to donate to a terrific cause, I would be honored if you would support me in my Walk on October 18th!!

Click Here to Donate

Something occurred to me...

Lately, I've been so busy trying to have "something to write about", that I've been neglecting my favorite part of my blog. Telling you about my family. Granted, it's not always funny, although we have our moments, but it's real...

We have made it through the first 6 weeks of the new school year. It's been largely uneventful (in our world, uneventful is a good thing).

Possum, has been struggling with organization again this year. He is certainly smart enough to complete his work, but he often forgets to turn it in, or leaves the book he needs at school, etc. This is frustrating, and THANK GOODNESS for the online grade check, because he would NOT tell us any of this on his own. I'm not sure whether this is because of his forgetfulness, or if he's just being sneaky, but I am so glad that I can check all of his assignments online, because that way I can stay on top of things... I'm pretty sure this is all part of the teenage boy's brain. I can only assume that he's so busy thinking about girls, that there's not room in there for "unimportant" stuff like schoolwork! So, I've become a nag, and I hate it.

Monkey is still having trouble staying on task, minding his own business, etc and he's still a terrific liar. (No, I'm not calling my son a liar, I just mean that he's rather good at it...) Currently, he's grounded until further notice. He's not grounded for the minor infractions at school, he's grounded for lying, which in our house, is a MUCH more heinous offense than not following directions or whatever.

He's also still doing his Cub Scouts, although after Wednesday, he almost lost that privilege, too. However, we have decided that instead of taking away Cub Scouts, perhaps we can use it to help remind him that he needs to live up to the Motto of the Cub Scouts - Do your best. Every chance we get, in all the things he is learning, about respect, duty, goodwill etc, we try to turn those things into a life lesson, to show him how he can use those ideals in his daily life at school, to follow his leaders, to do his best, to give goodwill. I really do hope, as I have from the beginning, that those things won't become just words to him, but goals and practices for his daily life. He will receive his Bobcat badge next week, and I'm almost as excited as he is! We've worked really hard.

Mater, bless his heart, hardly ever gets talked about, because he doesn't get into trouble. Monkey was my angel baby, but Mater is my Angel child. Don't get me wrong, he's not perfect, and he does occasionally get into trouble at home, but he does not get into trouble at school. Last year, in Pre-K there was ONE day out of all the (180??) school days, that he did not get a sticker. (Their chosen measurement of conduct). This year, so far, he is doing just as well. He's learning quickly, starting to read, and sounding out words. He gets easily frustrated, but he's doing great. He's in Speech therapy twice a week at school, and already I've noticed a big improvement with his "r" sounds.

Yesterday, after school, he began feel sick, and ran a fever all night. Poor thing - he felt SO hot. By this morning, his temp was down to 101.4, but of course, he still stayed home from school. He was VERY disappointed, he loves school. (Oh, and on a completely unrelated note, if you don't have one of THESE thermometers, get one - it's the ONE thing I don't know how I ever lived without!!!!)

Budman and I are tired. LOL!

Possum, who I've mentioned before is in DeMolay, will be working at the Shrine Circus on Saturday, so we will be taking the little ones to enjoy while Possum is there. We went last year, and really enjoyed it a lot. I'm looking forward to taking them to do something fun. Mandatory fun - we all need to try it (on a completely unrelated note, the link for the Shrine Circushad a Kid fun page, where you can print off coloring pages for the kiddos!!)

I've had several requests from my family for visitswith us and the kids, but they will have to wait a little longer. Budman will be taking the kids to his parents house (yes, I realize they are family as well, but they don't request, they guilt) on Saturday, to work on their cars, while I take my happy butt into work to catch up a little. So, I'm going to have to tell my folks that we are available Saturday night at the Circus, if they would like to join us, otherwise, it will be two more weeks. Ugh.

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Please don't forget that I'm On the MOVE for a cure to Alzheimer's. (Read yesterday's post for more details.) I'm donating all revenue from October to the Alzheimer's Association. Please stay and click a while!!! And if you wish to donate to a terrific cause, I would be honored if you would support me in my Walk on October 18th!!

Click Here to Donate

Awesome...

If you Google "I'm Mediocre", My site is number one. - Oh yeah!!

Here are a list of search terms used to find my blog. And a lazy excuse for me to direct you to old posts, so you can catch up on the wonder that is me, and I won't actually have to come up with new content. Sorry guys, my brain is just still too sleepy... Bring on the weekend!!!

why is it called beauty sleep - Just a guess, hon, but I'd have to say - 'cause it's supposed to make you beautiful.

hot mamas have long hair - I beg to differ my friend... I get a lot of searches for swing bob hair cut pictures and pictures swing bob hair. Not terribly interesting, but my posts are here and here. **(Wait, not to say that mamas with long hair aren't hot, I just meant that they aren't the only ones...)**

homemade mums for homecoming - This one didn't take long. And yes, this one came from a Texas searcher.

choking the chicken - I TOLD YOU I was gonna get searches for that!!!

one-legged man breakfast - I'm assuming that you can eat the same breakfast as the two-legged men do. We didn't have any one-legged men at our breakfast

shots for school - we didn't need them after all. And my little weirdos were actually dissapointed about it!!

alzheimer's memory walk in bogspot - I don't know where Bogspot is, (probably Alabama), but I'm doing the Alzheimer's Walk in FW.

an empty mind - I gots one!!

sarah sunshine porn - This is a terrific porn name!! I'm assuming that it's already taken, since someone went looking for it. Not that I'm looking for a porn name. What are you trying to say??

My all time favorites: These are so old, they don't even show up on my stats anymore.

Empty mind of a child - we have some of those!!

Monkey fart hamburger - I'm actually speechless. For once.


I hope these were entertaining, and that you have a wonderful day.

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It's a sad day for the California Raisins. Motown songwriter, Norman Whitfield, 67, died Tuesday from complications of diabetes. He co-wrote some well known songs, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me). According to the Washington Post article I linked, his list of song credits is extensive.

Is it just me??

Budman and I were walking to our car this evening, and we saw a sign for this place, advertising mums and garters.

Budman asked what that meant, and I just said "It's Homecoming season, dear."

He didn't know what I meant by that, and asked for more clarification. As I'm explaining Homecoming Mums/garters, I realize that he has ABSOLUTELY no idea what I am talking about.

Me: "Wait, what did y'all do for Homecoming in Arizona?"

Budman gave me a blank look, and I said "Let me guess, you never went to Homecoming, did you?"

Nope, he never went. He didn't spend much time doing "school activities" back then, he was on his own by the time he was 15, and was usually too busy working to pay bills to mess with that kind of stuff.

But that's not what bothered me about the whole conversation, it was the fact that he had NO CLUE what a Homecoming mum was.

So, I began to wonder - is this a Southern thing? a Texas thing? Budman's argument that they don't have a lot of fresh flowers in Arizona doesn't fly with me - we rarely used real mums anyway.

I clearly remember going to Michael's to pick out supplies to make a garter for whichever boy had asked me out for Homecoming that year.

mums, ribbons, lettering, bells, trinkets....

There's a tradition - you wear your Mum to school the day of Homecoming, and your friends choose a ribbon, and tie a one-handed knot in it. I can't find a reference to this online ANYWHERE, and I had almost forgotten about it.

I did some quick Googling, and most of the links that pulled up were for places in Texas. Hmmm... Even Wikipedia has only the smallest mention of Mums:

"At many high schools, especially in the southern United States, homecoming dates exchange "mums" on Homecoming Friday, to wear to the game and the dance. These are very elaborate corsages (for the girls) or garters (for the boys, worn on the arm) that consist of a large flower (usually a chrysanthemum) surrounded by a ribbon ruffle. Long ribbons, decorations and trinkets are hung from the mum which indicate the students' date of birth, name, class, interests, and messages towards other people."

So, I'm wondering:

Doesn't everyone do Homecoming Mums?

Is it just something we do here in Texas?

Is it really that big a deal that Budman hasn't heard of this? Since he's a guy, it's probably not as big a deal.

Did you have mums when you were in High school?

Were they made with real flowers or were they homemade?

I must know all about it.

----Wishing I had a scanner, because I KNOW I have a picture of at least ONE of the four mums I was given back then.----

**This year, Possum is not participating in Homecoming - at least he hasn't asked a girl to go with him or anything... Good thing I discovered Budman was clueless about this - I can pick up the slack whenever the time comes.

The return of the weekend update.

Alternate Title: "Gosh, we sure are boring..."

Ah, the Weekend Update. I'm sure you've been missing it with all your heart.

Considering that I have the most boring life ever, you're probably thinking what's the point?

Anywho...

Friday was fraught with Ike anticipation. It was the only topic of conversation that anyone could manage, and I was starting to get a little annoyed with my co-worker, who gave me up to the minute updates, every.freaking.second. of the day. Flipping out that we might actually get 30 mph winds once Ike made it inland and up to our neck of the woods. Thirty mph?? Oh no! Whatever will we do???!!!

Sarcasm is my weapon of choice.

She was all day sending me pictures of random flooded roads and traffic on the I45. (oh god, I just said THE I45 - I hate when people do that!!!) It's not that I don't care, because I do - friends and family in the area and all that - she is just one of those people that grab onto something and CANNOT let it go. And freaking out is what she does best (i.e. Already this morning, I have been subjected to constant updates on the state of our economy, the stock market and, as usual, gas prices.) Good times...

Friday evening, we watched the news and played with the kids. I woke at 2 AM to discover that ALL FOUR of our local networks had preempted all programming for Hurricane talk. Some of them were even boasting commercial-free coverage. I watched that for a little while, until I could fall back asleep.

Saturday morning, we stayed in (TOLD YOU I have the Most Boring Life Evah!!) the kids played in the rain, we watched The Sword in the Stone, and countless hours of Spongebob, in an effort to keep the children from driving me going insane . The weather never got bad at our place, we had less than an inch of rain, and mildly gusty winds. Ike decided to head east to see the sights. I am rather glad of this, although I was really hoping for a good rainstorm...

Saturday night, as I was putting the boys to bed, I was teasing them about... GIRLS!!! As I climbed to the top bunk to tuck Monkey in, I asked him about his GIRLFRIENDS, and was relentless in insisting that he must have a GIRLFRIEND. (Use your imagination, sing song voice, tickling and general teasing ensued)

His reply?? "Snap out of it!"

I swear, I don't know where they come up with this stuff.

When I got to Mater (who apparently DOES have a girlfriend), I asked her name (He doesn't know), if she was in his class (She's not), what grade she was in (Kindergarten - at least he doesn't have the older women chasing him...), and what her name was (He doesn't know). Awesome! Amid all the giggling and teasing, his response?

"Snap out of it!"

Sunday was spent doing a little grocery shopping. I HATE when we go shopping hungry - We bought mostly food for lunches for Budman and I for this week and next, and I'm embarrassed at how much we spent! ON LUNCHES! Oh well, we likely won't be needing to buy anything for a while...

Other than that short excursion, we spent the weekend at home, on the computer, reading books, watching TV, eating ridiculous amounts of food, and just being the boring folks that we are...

I did laundry, but only because I think my work frowns on nudity...

The boys did get to spend some time outside yesterday, which kept me from going crazy and killing them.

Of course, after a while, I heard screaming, and as I ran to see what was the matter, Mater came towards me claiming he had been stung by a bee. I never saw the bee, but it had gotten in his sock, he said, and whatever it was, it got him right on the ankle bone. I couldn't find a stinger, but he had a small red spot on his ankle, and it began to swell almost immediately. We made a paste to put on it, which he thought was pretty cool, and he snuggled with me for a while, until he wanted to move to a pillow in the floor.

He's fine - apparently, he's not allergic, and I'm not certain that it was a bee, since we never found a stinger. I believe that some wasps don't leave a stinger behind, and we have plenty of those around our place. Budman did a check of the area, and couldn't find a nest there, so I don't really know what happened.

But at least he's got a good story to tell at school today.

Sure beats "We sat around and did nothing the whole time..."

Don'tcha hate my random posts!?!?!

First, It's September 11th. Not to get all preachy on you, but please make some time today to pray for those people, or just take a moment to think of them and their families. Here is a list (just one, so far) of people who have 9/11 posts today.

BurghBaby

A Mom Two Boys

Happy Meals & Happy Hour

A Mama's Blog

Amy in Ohio

Autobiography of My Feet

Twice as Nice

Draco's Rose

Cake Wrecks

Decisionally Challenged

I will update as I find more. I'm still on my first cup of coffee.

Second, Ike is a pain n the @ss. I have one friend who has already evacuated, and another whose family is doing the same. My uncle and his family live in Magnolia, and he has a Veterinary practice in Houston, and I know Know KNOW that they will not evacuate and leave the animals. I don't even have to ask, I KNOW. Please, please keep all of those people in your thoughts, keep your fingers crossed, think good thoughts, pray - whatever you want.

Third, Tonight is the Boy Scout Rally. Monkey has been waiting for six months to be old enough to be a Cub Scout, and tonight is his big night. He's a bit nervous, I could tell, but Budman, who was also a Cub/Boy Scout (he still has all his stuff - AND his dad's - so cool) will be going with him, while I take Possum to DeMolay. Whew, let the fun begin. I think knowing that Daddy will be going with him took a little worry off his mind.

Fourth, I think I may have forgotton in the last 'Hmmhmm' years how busy High schoolers are. Possum is in ROTC, which has after school "practice?" on Tuesdays, and he also wants to be in the... Crud, I forgot what he called it... the rifles and such... not color guard, but dang it... I'll think of it, which practices on Wednesdays, and then DeMolay on Thursdays. He has been warned, if his grades are not to our satisfaction, we will yank him, so here's hoping. So far, he's been very diligent with his school work.

Fifth, Why the HELL did my step-mother feel the need to buy my SIX year old Axe Body Spray? I know she's a Grandma and must spoil him and all but really, WTF?? He's all spraying himself every morning before school, and decided that he would be wearing the spray this evening to the Boy Scouts rally - QUOTE "Even though there won't be any girls there." Huh??

Sixth, Who in the Hell said that my baby was allowed to have a **Gasp** Girlfriend??? He's FIVE, and some hussy* is on the bus blowing him kisses??? Oh Lord, no. I cannot deal with this.

Seventh, I don't really have a seventh, but I'm trying... Oh yeah. I'm really interested in this site. Unfortunately, my work computer hates all things fun, so I will have to see if I can figure it out this weekend. I just wanted to say - if you do this and post your pictures, PLEASE let me know, because I cannot get enough of these photos...

Eighth, I am obsessed with well, actually a LOT of things but this week, it's Chuck Norris Facts. I giggled for hours yesterday, drove both my co-workers and my husband crazy and convinced at least four people that I'm certifiable. Actually, only three - I'm pretty sure Budman already knew that about me.

• My favorite? (today) "Chuck Norris once shot down a German fighter plane with his finger, by yelling, "Bang!"

Lastly, Have a terrific day and since I probably won't finish tomorrow's post until Monday, a great weekend, too.

*If that hussy is your daughter - I'm sorry - I didn't really mean it. Just keep her blown kisses off of my baby, please??

Brace yourself - My post on politics.

Or not.

As I mentioned a few days ago, I have seriously considered going ahead and putting it out there. Giving you my opinions, etc...

But I just this morning read another post that made my blood boil. Not so much the blogger, but the way that people - commentors - began attacking each other (and the candidates) with venom - it didn't matter that what the person said was true - it only mattered that they didn't agree, and I got angrier and angrier as I read.

I have read so many political posts lately, and it seems like everyone is doing it. All the more reason not to jump into the fray. The commenters (both conservative and liberal) are vicious, and I've seen all out "wars" on someone break out for daring to express their opinion. I have commented on a few, always politely, but I will not do it anymore. I feel SO very strongly about my views, just as they do about theirs, but I'm not going to get sucked into a name-calling match.

My opinions are just that - MINE. and OPINIONS. You don't have to share them, you don't have to agree with them, and as a special favor to those of you I hold near and dear to my heart (this means you, readers) you don't have to listen to them.

Also, this website has been up to this point a troll-free zone. I understand that trolls are not something that you can prevent, if they truly want to target you, (do they still say flame??) they will do it. However, I'm not going to invite or encourage the kind of backbiting and hatred that I have seen on so many blogs lately. Not that I'm saying that those bloggers invited it, but it just seems to happen, and so I'm deciding to stay out of it.

If you are truly interested in how I feel about the election, email me - I will be happy to discuss it with you. But, since I value my frends, (Yes, I consider you all friends) I will spare you my diatribe on who I'm not voting for, etc...

This election has been by far the most vitriolic, malicious display I think I have ever witnessed. (and I went through a divorce!!) So, to that end, I am borrowing this button from my friend, AnglophileFootballFanatic, who a few days ago, had a much better post than this one about the political brouhaha that's out there right now...

There it is - my "political" post. Sorry to disappoint.

The craziness that is my life.

Ok - so enough of the changes crap - back to the mundane details of my day-to-day life.

This morning, I drove Budman's truck to work, because I need to leave early today to take the little ones to meet their teachers, while Budman is taking Possum to DeMolay (I really wish they hadn't scheduled Meet the Teacher for a Thursday, but they didn't consult me in the planning stages...).

We have limited parking at our house, so the truck is parked in the ditch out by the street. We have had rain almost non-stop since Sunday. (Can you see where this is going yet??) That's right, I couldn't get the truck out of the ditch (but at least there was no rushing water this time...) It wasn't stuck, it just didn't want to climb the little hill to get up to the street.

I had to go back into the house, fuss at Possum for not being ready to go (He knows that his Dad will jump his @ss when he comes down and finds him sitting there watching TV, but he still does it - TEENAGERS!!!) and get Budman to move the truck for me. THANKFULLY, he was able to coax his lady out of the ditch and up onto the road, so that I could get to work only 15 minutes late today.

This is actually an improvement over the past 7-10 days...

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Also this morning, I took a pair of Knee-highs out of my drawer, tried to put them on, and discovered a hole in the heel. So, I threw them away, and grabbed another pair, put them on and discovered a hole in the heel. ugh!

Now, I suppose I could have taken the one good knee high from each pair to make a complete set, but they weren't the same shade, and I'm weird like that. Back to my drawer I went, where I find a navy trouser sock, a black trouser sock and a maroon trouser sock. *Sigh*

So, I stole borrowed a pair of socks from Budman.

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At work, my boss hired a new temp to replace the replace the one that left. She started work yesterday around 10:00am. This morning, around 9:00am, my boss started asking if we had seen her.

My co-worker and I checked the file room.

No new girl.

We checked the break room.

No new girl.

We checked the bathroom.

No new girl.

This was about two hours after we first noticed that she hadn't been at her desk in quite some time.

A quick check of her desk told us that wherever she went, she took her purse with her. This is how I know it wasn't aliens. Aliens never let you take time to grab your purse.

I am completely befuddled by this, because I would NEVER dream of walking off a job, even if it sucked. I would just wait out the day, say 'this isn't working out for me', and then not come back. I certainly wouldn't leave without a word to anyone.

And if she wasn't walking out, if there was some true emergency, then she would have said something - to SOMEONE, right?

I don't know why I am continually amazed by people. I should be used to it by now...

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Oh - and I'm in the process of creating a blogroll, it's over there.

<====

I used the blogger gadget, but I don't really like it, because I can't change the font color, and it's really hard to read. Anyway, I'll get to work on that as soon as I learn a little more HTML, or whatever.

My point is (Oh yes, I actually had one this time) that if you are not on the blogroll, and you want to be, leave a comment, or email me to let me know.

If you are on the blogroll, and you don't want to be shame on you leave a comment, or email me to let me know.

Have a great day.

Changes, Part II

OK, so I decided I would go with Eternal Sunshine. Sounds kind of peppy, and since I'm an annoying Pollyanna-type, it probably suits me.

I also decided to Plurk and Twitter. We'll see which one I end up sticking with.

If you want to follow me on Plurk, I'm at http://www.plurk.com/user/EternalSunshine

For twitter, it's http://twitter.com/EternalSunshin

I can already see how Plurk, Twitter and Facebook could totally ruin my blogging if I'm not careful. I'm sure I'll be able to figure out a nice balance once the new wears off.

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In other news, I had yesterday off work. It was a busy day so that I could get the boys ready for school. I took Mater to get his shots in the morning, so that I could make sure that his new school had everything they needed (We got re-districted this year) for him to start next Tuesday.

I was pretty sure that Monkey's shots were up to date, but I took with him with us anyway, so that they could look over his shot record to be sure. When we got there, they told me that Monkey was up to date, and ... so was Mater. Crap - I drove 20 miles for nothing!

Next, we went to the school; I had been told at the end that since Mater was in Pre-K last year, I would have to redo the whole registration process at the new school. Turns out, the old school just transferred his records, so other than our proof of residence, they had everything they needed already. That was a nice surprise.

Then off the super mega store, that I hate, but dang - it's just cheaper than everything else! I got the rest of the boys school supplies (except for Possum, since he's in High School, we won't know what he needs until he gets there), picked up some school clothes for them, as well as new backpacks.

They were acting like wild animals in the store, but I was STARVING, so I took them to McDonald's for lunch. I normally wouldn't take them somewhere special if they hadn't been behaving, but I also knew that it was an exciting day for them, and they were having trouble "reining it in".

We did a little more shopping, then headed home, where I collapsed into a chair and didn't move for an hour. I still have to find a personal pencil sharpener for Monkey's list (WHERE do they come up with this stuff!?!?), but other than that, these kids are ready for school (and Mom is ready to send them!).

Possum has Fish Camp this weekend, I guess he will get his schedule then, and figure out "how High school works". I remember moving the summer before I started HS and I was SO nervous, AND I was new. At least he's not the new kid anymore...

His school is unlike any High School I've ever seen, they put the Freshmen into "The Freshman Academy", mostly separated from the upperclassmen, and when he moves to tenth grade, he will have to pick an "Academy", based on his interests and aptitude. It's very unusual (at least, I think it is), but I guess it works for them. I'm interested to see how it works.

I really hope that Possum enjoys High School as much as I did.

So now, our oldest starts high school, and our youngest is starting Kindergarten, dang, who said they could grow up!?

Changes

I've made a few changes to my blog. (I'm sure you're sitting there right now saying, "Duh!")


Based on several series done lately by some really terrific bloggers, and the reactions to these posts by some of my friends, I've been making gradual changes. (Sorry if I missed anyone - it took me hours to go back and find the posts I was looking for)

This new template may end up being temporary, although it's really starting to grow on me. I have been desperate to find a 3-column layout, so that my sidebar wouldn't be so cluttered. Now, I've found it, but it's possible that when my blog figures out what it wants to be when it grows up, I will have someone design a template that is all mine.

I changed my name. Then, shortly after, the day after, in fact, I discovered another blog, written by a very lovely woman who calls herself Sunshine. (Yes, I am asking myself why I didn't check on that BEFORE I renamed myself... ANSWER: Because I'm an arrogant twit who thinks she knows everything, that's why) Her blog is older than mine, she's been Sunshine longer. I don't know how I missed it, and I'm not sure yet if it's that big a deal. It doesn't seem that we travel in the same circles, so any possible confusion might be avoided. I'm still up in the air, and not sure what i should do about it. I suppose I could begin calling myself 'Eternal Sunshine", which sounds a hell of a lot better than changing my name to 'Empty Mind'. Your thoughts on the matter??

So, name change issued to be addressed at a later date - but not too late, because it's driving me crazy.

My children's names will not be changing (except for Mater - maybe). Those animal names are actually their nicknames, and while we don't use them on a daily basis, we do use them. It started when my father named Chipmunk, and then we decided that all the children needed animal names as well.

For all of them, their animal name either fits their personality, or in Chipmunk's case, physical appearance. No, she doesn't have rodent teeth (and if she did, we would be calling her Peacock or some other animal name, 'cause I AM NOT THAT MEAN). She just has this habit of walking with her hands out in front of her like "paws" pointing down - or whatever. My point is, she looks a little like a chipmunk. Either that, or like the scene from Legally Blonde, where they do the "Bend, and SNAP!" routine. Given those options, I prefer Chipmunk.

Mater also has an animal name as well, we finally decided on Grasshopper, but since I had already started calling him Mater here, I never changed it... Besides, he's the only one that doesn't really "fit" his name, so I'm waiting to see if he grows into it before I make it permanent.

Aren't you glad I decided to share??

Now, please be sure to comment with your thoughts on the name issue. I feel rather silly, having made a big deal about changing it (which it wasn't) only to turn around and change it again, or worse, change it back... Help!

Here it is, as promised.

Since it's been over a week since I last posted, and PLENTY has happened in that time, I'm actually going to be kinda glad to get all of this out of my head - finally.

Unfortunately for you, I will be subjecting you to a bulleted list. (Why do people always apologize for the bulleted list?? I actually enjoy them - everything is organized neatly, so you can read each point, and move on. So, next time you do a bulleted list, no need to apologize - at least, not to me)

• Two weeks ago, Budman and I took my cousins, Kaley and Kyla, to see this band, among others. Budman has been friends with them (the band, not my cousins) longer than we've known each other, and this is the first time we have gotten out to see them. It was fun, and I didn't get home until 1:30AM! I'm such a party girl.

• In addition to Mater's birthday last Sunday, we had a b-day party to attend for one of Monkey's friend's, at Peter Piper's Pizza. It was a nice time, but I hate those things. I don't really fit in with all the other mothers, who I guess know each other all ready, and no one talked to me.

• Since I don't really like having to hold conversations, I didn't mind it so much

• My nephew, Nigel (See, I'm giving everyone names, now instead of initials) turned four on Wednesday, so we drove down to Waco for his birthday party.

• I took 124 pictures before my camera battery died. Still loving my camera so much. Last year, with my old camera (which took AA batteries), I went through 6 batteries (could have gone through more, but I only brought six), and only got 60 or 70 pictures. This year, if I had charged my camera after Mater's birthday last week, my camera would have been good all day and then some

• I wish I had gotten a picture of the play food that we bought for him, 'cause some of the items, were rather questionable - at least for a dirty-minded soul like me, and would have made for great blog fodder

• Yesterday, while I was home with the boys, they asked to make books. I gave them paper, and helpd them draw things like rocketships, trains and boats. Turns out, they made "Mom and me" books. For example, Mater's book had pictures of me and him on the rocketship, train, etc... and chronicled the "adventures" we went on. Monkey's book was much the same, but the adventures were in a different order. SO cute... and creative

• Mater's idea originally was to do a "recipe book" He changed his mind before I could figure out exactly what he had in mind, but it got me to thinking. If I had them each draw pictures of their favorite foods, and then added recipes, it could be cute. Need to give it more thought - I'm trying to figure out how I can turn it into a Christmas present idea

• Still need someone to do help me learn my Statistics problems. UGH

• It was 107 degrees here on Sunday, and 106 yesterday

• It's only supposed to be 98 today, Thank goodness for Tropical Storm/ Hurricane/ whatever Edouard.

• I think it's pretty sad when we're all jazzed about the temperature "ONLY" getting up to 98 degrees.

• I'm leaving you with this picture of the cake that my sister, Joanna, made for Nigel's birthday. Prepare to be amazed. Oh, and please forgive the poor color quality of that last photo. I futzed with my camera setting, and I have no idea what I did wrong. But I still LOVE my camera!!!

In case you were wondering, that's Daffy duck, on a life raft in the Ocean. Made with food paste and fondant and all that good stuff, and dang, all I did was buy a cake at Albertson's for my kid...