In my last post I stated that I had not read the 'Twilight' saga for a reason. Some might think I'm absurd b/c the books are always better than the movie in that details are always left out of the films. While this is true, I feel that some films are much better than the books. *GASP*
Another thing, for me, is that if I am really anticipating the film, I don't want to ruin it by reading the book(s) b/c then the film might not be all that great to me...as great as I had hoped for.
Make sense?!
Hmmm.....I am a massive Harry Potter fan. MASS-IVE fan. I watched films 1-5 before I finally sat down and really began to read the books. (I had Part 1 for over a year and had started it but couldn't bring myself to read past the 5th chapter for fear it would ruin things for me.) Being such a big fan I felt that I just couldn't contain my curiosity any longer and read ALL the books in the course of 3 months. I admit I couldn't put them down; reading while cooking dinner, while taking a bubble bath, reading until I feel asleep with book in hand. THEY WERE GREAT! Way better than the movies could ever be. And that is where I feel I messed up, reading past the movies I had seen.
When we took the kids to see 'HP & The Half-Blood Prince' I felt cheated. I left the theatre feeling angry that soooo much was left out and things were all wrong (don't even get me started). I ranted about this halfway through the movies and all the way home to the point where B asked me to please shut up. I was utterly and completely disappointed with film 6 of the Harry Potter series. Yes, I obviously read what was left out of the other films, what was added, etc. but the fact that I had already seen the films and loved them before I read the books, didn't change my feelings on the movies. It, of course, made me wish they had put that bit in there and there but I still loved to watch those films. I don't feel the same way about the 6th. I feel that if I hadn't read the book and knew what was coming, I wouldn't hate it so much.
Another book vs. movie example is 'P.S. I Love You.' I thought it was a good movie, a chick flick I could swallow. (Being that there are very few of them that don't make me want to vomit in their overkill of mush) I loved the story of a woman losing her husband and having to learn to live (and love) again....his letters left for her after death was so romantic to me. So after seeing the film, I got the book. I hated it. I prefer the movie version of it ANY DAY. I felt like it was nothing but repetition the entire 50 some-odd chapters. I honestly didn't think I'd make it through the book it was so bloody boring. But determined to finish it, I trudged on to the very last page and a joy washed over as I was finally able to close the book- never to open it again.
All the talk of 'Twilight' came. I never turn down a vampire movie (who can?!). My love (it helps that B loves vampire flicks as well) for the walking dead has rubbed off on Boo. She reads everything she can get her hands on about vampires and Dracula. She is fascinated by it all...it doesn't help that sometimes she reminds me a bit of Wednesday Adams. While other kids are buying books at the book fair of unicorns and treehouses, she's grabbed 'The Encyclopedia Horrifica' and the creepiest Goosebumps she could find.
Back to what I was saying- I knew that I wanted to read the books but I also knew that I didn't want to ruin it for ME. So after seeing 'Twilight' 27x in a week and knowing there was another coming out, I got the first book in the saga. It laid on the dining room table for what seemed like forever. I wanted to read it but was afraid too. I didn't want it to ruin the movie that was currently in my top faves. So I waited.
B & I went to see 'New Moon' and it was after that that I said it was time to start reading. He asked me to please not read past the NM book b/c he didn't want it to ruin everything for the both of us.
So, 'Twilight' is finished (a day and half to read it....I had to pay attention the kids sometime). I will get 'New Moon' as soon as I can and I will do my very, very, very, very, very, very best to not read past that book. Hopefully it won't be that hard....I mean, the release for 'Eclipse' is just around the corner (June 30, 2010).
Who said these novels were only for teenage girls?!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Date Night
On December 23rd, the husband came home from being on the road for 22 days.
In his absence, I missed him. You might be thinking, "uh, yeah," but it's been no secret that we haven't been getting along (as in talk of divorce) for well over a year....maybe closer to 2....so when I cried that he left, it honestly surprised me. It surprised me again when I'd catch myself thinking 'man I wish Brent was here.' Being out on the road and all by his lonesome, he did some searching of his own. We talked via cell phones continuously being 110% open & honest & vowed to change things not only with each other but also within ourselves in order to make things work for US (I mean, 11, almost 12 year together is a lot of time to just throw in the rubbish bin). Which leads me back to the title of this post.
Our date night was scheduled for December 26th. He wanted to surprise me in some of the things we'd be doing but I wanted to help in the planning of our night as well so we decided we'd mesh our ideas together to plan it....the last time we went out was over a year ago and it felt very rushed and that's what we didn't want this time. We both wanted to go outside of what we usually do when we get the chance to go out alone (dinner, movie then home) so we had started to throw ideas out there. Play pool (his idea), get tattoos (my idea) which he vetoed rather quickly, much quicker than I vetoed the pool....hmmmmm.....
So thanks very much to my SIL & her boyfriend (yes you read that correctly, lol), they drove an hour from their house to mine to watch all four of the kids and the animals so Brent & I could go enjoy our night out together.
It started around 3:30 PM and I think we made it home by 1 AM.
Here's the play-by-play:
As I was getting dressed Brent came in and asked me what earrings I was going to wear. I told him the white gold ones he had gotten me for Christmas. He asked me what was I going to wear in my second holes and I told him I had misplaced those studs. He whipped out of his pocket a box and opened it. Inside were tiny diamonds set in white gold. "Will these work?!" He asked. "No, not all," I told him shaking my head before exclaiming, "Um, YES!!" He made sure he told me they were real diamonds and I had better not "misplace" these. "Yes dear."
When we left the house we headed to C-View & took my sweet Grand her Christmas present of a DVD player w/some DVDs, which she loved and I loved that she loved it! Then we headed to Wal-Mart (what?! They have nice jewelry!!) to take my wedding set in that Brent had gotten me for Christmas. It needed to be sized down to a 4 if possible. (My previous 2000 $ engagement ring was stolen once upon a time but I won't name names of who we think, are 99.9% positive, did it). Then our date began!
His plan was to take me to Olive Garden for a late lunch but by the time we left Grands and got to Fort Walton Beach, it was already almost 5PM. So we drove to the different theatres to check times, Brent's idea. He knew I've been literally dying (it really was causing me physical pain) to see 'New Moon' so he wanted to take me to see it. (AHHHHHHH). After doing that we drove to The Island to see what we wanted to do.....scope out places to eat as well....and check the theatres out in Destin. (NOTE TO SELF: get smart phones like Neva & Jeff's). After we knew all the showings of New Moon and drove from basically one end of Destin to the other, we decided we were hungry and found a place called 'McGuire's Irish Pub' (my new fave place). He left the dinner selection to me but pleaded no more Red Lobster (my old fave place to eat). The place was fantastic, although I think our waitress, bless her, needed to retire. The food was delish, my drink was fab and Brent was proud that I went outside my comfort bubble for dinner :)
We left dinner full, happy and excited about what will we do next?! We had more time than what we had expected between dinner and the movie so we drove the strip heading back towards The Island. B needed to stop & grab some meds. from the gas station as he had a headache coming on and it was on the way to do this that he revealed his plan that couldn't happen because the weather had gotten windy and much colder than was expected.
Pushed back in the 3rd row of the truck was a duffle bag with throw, 2 travel mugs and one travel container with which to fill with hot chocolate and sip as we sat on the beach at night listening to the waves come in. How romantic is that?!
Thank you Mother Nature for ruining that!!
As we pulled out of the gas station, B asked me if I wanted to go get my nose pierced. I've been wanting it redone FOREVER seeing how I was 17 when I first had it done and the 'rents refused to allow it but being that I'm so stubborn I waited until they compromised with me on something else to take it out....and I've wanted it redone ever since. Anyway- I said I was game, then said no I had a full stomach, might puke, we should wait until the end of the night then said yeah go ahead then said No, I'll have to wait for summer to come b/c I sub first thing back from Winter Break and I'd have to take it out. So instead of that we went into the 'Body Exchange,' an adult store. TOTALLY OUTSIDE OF MY COMFORT BUBBLE, but I had promised I'd go in despite my utter embarrassment.
OH. MY. GOD. There was a section on the second floor that I felt seriously in fear of my life. Seriously. There was one of those dog masks things and whips and chains and horse looking bits and omg in this glass case there were....tools....like the kind you only see at your OB/GYNs office or in an OR. HOLY SHIT- people actually use those things...FOR PLEASURE?! Sick buggers....When I walked out of that little room, looking behind my shoulder the whole time, I was sooooo ready to go. COMPLETELY UNCOMFORTABLE. Although Brent keeps making jokes about how my jaw dropped when I saw that dog mask thing. Yeah, that'll be chasing me in my nightmares. *Shudders*
From there we headed back to FWB where I was finally able to see 'New Moon.' (Que 'Hallelujah' music). Isn't Edward just the most romantic book character bought to life EVER?! (Can you tell I'm totally Team Edward....ok so I'm Team Jacob when he takes his shirt off but that's it! *Snicker*) While watching I realized that even though I love Bella, Kristen Stewart's acting is starting to remind me of Neve Campbell's and I am so not a fan of her inability to act...you know how it seems that she gasps before, between and after every word?! Seeing that I haven't read the books yet (that's a different post) I couldn't believe how it ended! Thankfully I wasn't the only person that blurted out "WHAT?!" when the credits popped up.
We left the movie talking about it; what we liked, our favorite parts, what we think will happen (I'm so lucky that B is a fan- not the way I am of course- but he does like the movies) and we headed to the bowling alley (my idea)! I like bowling, he likes bowling, we hadn't been since I was pregnant with McKinnley, now 10, so we couldn't go wrong with this.
We bowled 3 games; laughed, kissed, hugged, joked around. *SIGH* It reminded me so much of when we were 19 and it felt so good.
After bowling, we decided that we should head home. It was now after midnight and we knew that Neva & Jeff still had an hour ride back to their house.
We had a perfect night. One where we were able to enjoy each other's company and focus only on each other. An uninterrupted night of just the two of us and it was lovely. I can't wait until the next one!! Hopefully we won't have to wait so long before it can happen again!!
Thanks babe for the fab night! I ♥ You!!!
In his absence, I missed him. You might be thinking, "uh, yeah," but it's been no secret that we haven't been getting along (as in talk of divorce) for well over a year....maybe closer to 2....so when I cried that he left, it honestly surprised me. It surprised me again when I'd catch myself thinking 'man I wish Brent was here.' Being out on the road and all by his lonesome, he did some searching of his own. We talked via cell phones continuously being 110% open & honest & vowed to change things not only with each other but also within ourselves in order to make things work for US (I mean, 11, almost 12 year together is a lot of time to just throw in the rubbish bin). Which leads me back to the title of this post.
Our date night was scheduled for December 26th. He wanted to surprise me in some of the things we'd be doing but I wanted to help in the planning of our night as well so we decided we'd mesh our ideas together to plan it....the last time we went out was over a year ago and it felt very rushed and that's what we didn't want this time. We both wanted to go outside of what we usually do when we get the chance to go out alone (dinner, movie then home) so we had started to throw ideas out there. Play pool (his idea), get tattoos (my idea) which he vetoed rather quickly, much quicker than I vetoed the pool....hmmmmm.....
So thanks very much to my SIL & her boyfriend (yes you read that correctly, lol), they drove an hour from their house to mine to watch all four of the kids and the animals so Brent & I could go enjoy our night out together.
It started around 3:30 PM and I think we made it home by 1 AM.
Here's the play-by-play:
As I was getting dressed Brent came in and asked me what earrings I was going to wear. I told him the white gold ones he had gotten me for Christmas. He asked me what was I going to wear in my second holes and I told him I had misplaced those studs. He whipped out of his pocket a box and opened it. Inside were tiny diamonds set in white gold. "Will these work?!" He asked. "No, not all," I told him shaking my head before exclaiming, "Um, YES!!" He made sure he told me they were real diamonds and I had better not "misplace" these. "Yes dear."
When we left the house we headed to C-View & took my sweet Grand her Christmas present of a DVD player w/some DVDs, which she loved and I loved that she loved it! Then we headed to Wal-Mart (what?! They have nice jewelry!!) to take my wedding set in that Brent had gotten me for Christmas. It needed to be sized down to a 4 if possible. (My previous 2000 $ engagement ring was stolen once upon a time but I won't name names of who we think, are 99.9% positive, did it). Then our date began!
His plan was to take me to Olive Garden for a late lunch but by the time we left Grands and got to Fort Walton Beach, it was already almost 5PM. So we drove to the different theatres to check times, Brent's idea. He knew I've been literally dying (it really was causing me physical pain) to see 'New Moon' so he wanted to take me to see it. (AHHHHHHH). After doing that we drove to The Island to see what we wanted to do.....scope out places to eat as well....and check the theatres out in Destin. (NOTE TO SELF: get smart phones like Neva & Jeff's). After we knew all the showings of New Moon and drove from basically one end of Destin to the other, we decided we were hungry and found a place called 'McGuire's Irish Pub' (my new fave place). He left the dinner selection to me but pleaded no more Red Lobster (my old fave place to eat). The place was fantastic, although I think our waitress, bless her, needed to retire. The food was delish, my drink was fab and Brent was proud that I went outside my comfort bubble for dinner :)
We left dinner full, happy and excited about what will we do next?! We had more time than what we had expected between dinner and the movie so we drove the strip heading back towards The Island. B needed to stop & grab some meds. from the gas station as he had a headache coming on and it was on the way to do this that he revealed his plan that couldn't happen because the weather had gotten windy and much colder than was expected.
Pushed back in the 3rd row of the truck was a duffle bag with throw, 2 travel mugs and one travel container with which to fill with hot chocolate and sip as we sat on the beach at night listening to the waves come in. How romantic is that?!
Thank you Mother Nature for ruining that!!
As we pulled out of the gas station, B asked me if I wanted to go get my nose pierced. I've been wanting it redone FOREVER seeing how I was 17 when I first had it done and the 'rents refused to allow it but being that I'm so stubborn I waited until they compromised with me on something else to take it out....and I've wanted it redone ever since. Anyway- I said I was game, then said no I had a full stomach, might puke, we should wait until the end of the night then said yeah go ahead then said No, I'll have to wait for summer to come b/c I sub first thing back from Winter Break and I'd have to take it out. So instead of that we went into the 'Body Exchange,' an adult store. TOTALLY OUTSIDE OF MY COMFORT BUBBLE, but I had promised I'd go in despite my utter embarrassment.
OH. MY. GOD. There was a section on the second floor that I felt seriously in fear of my life. Seriously. There was one of those dog masks things and whips and chains and horse looking bits and omg in this glass case there were....tools....like the kind you only see at your OB/GYNs office or in an OR. HOLY SHIT- people actually use those things...FOR PLEASURE?! Sick buggers....When I walked out of that little room, looking behind my shoulder the whole time, I was sooooo ready to go. COMPLETELY UNCOMFORTABLE. Although Brent keeps making jokes about how my jaw dropped when I saw that dog mask thing. Yeah, that'll be chasing me in my nightmares. *Shudders*
From there we headed back to FWB where I was finally able to see 'New Moon.' (Que 'Hallelujah' music). Isn't Edward just the most romantic book character bought to life EVER?! (Can you tell I'm totally Team Edward....ok so I'm Team Jacob when he takes his shirt off but that's it! *Snicker*) While watching I realized that even though I love Bella, Kristen Stewart's acting is starting to remind me of Neve Campbell's and I am so not a fan of her inability to act...you know how it seems that she gasps before, between and after every word?! Seeing that I haven't read the books yet (that's a different post) I couldn't believe how it ended! Thankfully I wasn't the only person that blurted out "WHAT?!" when the credits popped up.
We left the movie talking about it; what we liked, our favorite parts, what we think will happen (I'm so lucky that B is a fan- not the way I am of course- but he does like the movies) and we headed to the bowling alley (my idea)! I like bowling, he likes bowling, we hadn't been since I was pregnant with McKinnley, now 10, so we couldn't go wrong with this.
We bowled 3 games; laughed, kissed, hugged, joked around. *SIGH* It reminded me so much of when we were 19 and it felt so good.
After bowling, we decided that we should head home. It was now after midnight and we knew that Neva & Jeff still had an hour ride back to their house.
We had a perfect night. One where we were able to enjoy each other's company and focus only on each other. An uninterrupted night of just the two of us and it was lovely. I can't wait until the next one!! Hopefully we won't have to wait so long before it can happen again!!
Thanks babe for the fab night! I ♥ You!!!
WHEW!
So the Holidays are finally over.
Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas but I hate, no, I LOATHE the stress of the Christmas season. Ya know, the whole getting that one toy that your kid has been wanting all year and only one store in 7 cities is carrying it and in limited quantities and then there's the stress of money during the holidays because unfortunately we don't get a break from paying bills like the kids get a break from school which by the way should totally be a new law that passes AND let's not forget the major stress factor that is known as family get-togethers or suck fests if you have my All- American dysfunctional family. Many of my extended family belong on Jerry Springer, I'm very sad to say.
And it's these very same people that twice, sometimes 3x a year, my and mine have to get together with. I spend those 3 some-odd hrs. worrying about what they're going to say that I will later have to try to explain to my older observant kids. What word will they use this time that will make my blood boil and who will be offending who with what this year.
Thankfully, this year, there were no blow-ups, no hurt feelings, no negativity. It was actually kinda nice not having to stress about people actually having conversations. Family was actually smiling and getting along. Genuine smiles spread across faces, laughter between people that only converse at these (dare I say) forced get-togethers. It felt....strange, odd, weird...but nice all at the same time. I didn't miss the attitudes, the tension, the...the shit that usually happens on Christmas day. And I could breathe as a result......I might not be so lucky next year!!
Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas but I hate, no, I LOATHE the stress of the Christmas season. Ya know, the whole getting that one toy that your kid has been wanting all year and only one store in 7 cities is carrying it and in limited quantities and then there's the stress of money during the holidays because unfortunately we don't get a break from paying bills like the kids get a break from school which by the way should totally be a new law that passes AND let's not forget the major stress factor that is known as family get-togethers or suck fests if you have my All- American dysfunctional family. Many of my extended family belong on Jerry Springer, I'm very sad to say.
And it's these very same people that twice, sometimes 3x a year, my and mine have to get together with. I spend those 3 some-odd hrs. worrying about what they're going to say that I will later have to try to explain to my older observant kids. What word will they use this time that will make my blood boil and who will be offending who with what this year.
Thankfully, this year, there were no blow-ups, no hurt feelings, no negativity. It was actually kinda nice not having to stress about people actually having conversations. Family was actually smiling and getting along. Genuine smiles spread across faces, laughter between people that only converse at these (dare I say) forced get-togethers. It felt....strange, odd, weird...but nice all at the same time. I didn't miss the attitudes, the tension, the...the shit that usually happens on Christmas day. And I could breathe as a result......I might not be so lucky next year!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tag! I'm It!
Thanks to FeliciaE over @ Living Just Like Grandma for tagging me on this latest little Christmas diddy- sorry I'm late on getting to this :)
1.) Have you started your Christmas shopping?
~ Only just thanks to Black Friday
2.) Tell me about one of your special traditions.
~ Every year the kids get a new pair of Christmas pajamas just for that one special night.
3.) When do you put up your Tree?
~ Whenever I'm in the mood really. There is no set time frame of when it goes up or when it comes down.
4.) Are you a Black Friday shopper?
~ A dedicated one- this year I was sick at both ends if you know what I mean (all thanks to too much sugar) and I trooped through Wal-Mart and braved the crowds.
5.) Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home?
~ If we had the money I'd def. want to travel but we don't so we stay home.
6.) What is your funniest Christmas memory?
~ I'm drawing a blank. When I think of something I'll come back to this.
7.) What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time?
~ Either 'Home Alone' or 'The Santa Clause'
8.)Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat?
~ I bake for the kids X-Mas parties @ school- christmas cupcakes are always first on the list.
9.) Fake or Real Tree?
~ Although I'd love a real one I think I'd kill it before the big day arrived so we do fake every year.
10.) What day (as a Mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
~ The closer it gets to the 24th.
11.) Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
~ HELL YES.
12.) What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
~ Watching Christmas movies curled up on the couch.
13.) What Christmas craft do you like the best?
~ Who the hell has time for crafts?!
14.) Christmas music: Yes or No, & if yes What is your favorite song?
~ Not until almost through the first week of December and I don't think I have a favorite.
15.) When do you plan to finish all your shopping?
~ As the money comes in.
We would love for any blogger to participate in this meme, even if you haven’t been tagged yet. Heather will go back and add your blog link to the list if you wanna play along.
Just simply copy and paste the questions into your blog, and then answer them.
Then tag 5 or more of your favorite blogs, and leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged. When you post your blog, please spread some Christmas cheer & leave a link back to JaelCustomDesigns.com and the blog that you were tagged by. That’s it! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s answers!
Tag! YOU'RE It!
1.) The Young and the Relentless
2.) My Army of Five
3.) The cream filling of my life
4.) Lady Shameless
5.) Maneuvering Motherhood
1.) Have you started your Christmas shopping?
~ Only just thanks to Black Friday
2.) Tell me about one of your special traditions.
~ Every year the kids get a new pair of Christmas pajamas just for that one special night.
3.) When do you put up your Tree?
~ Whenever I'm in the mood really. There is no set time frame of when it goes up or when it comes down.
4.) Are you a Black Friday shopper?
~ A dedicated one- this year I was sick at both ends if you know what I mean (all thanks to too much sugar) and I trooped through Wal-Mart and braved the crowds.
5.) Do you Travel at Christmas or Stay home?
~ If we had the money I'd def. want to travel but we don't so we stay home.
6.) What is your funniest Christmas memory?
~ I'm drawing a blank. When I think of something I'll come back to this.
7.) What is your favorite Christmas Movie of All time?
~ Either 'Home Alone' or 'The Santa Clause'
8.)Do you do your own Christmas Baking, what’s your favorite treat?
~ I bake for the kids X-Mas parties @ school- christmas cupcakes are always first on the list.
9.) Fake or Real Tree?
~ Although I'd love a real one I think I'd kill it before the big day arrived so we do fake every year.
10.) What day (as a Mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done?
~ The closer it gets to the 24th.
11.) Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve?
~ HELL YES.
12.) What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas?
~ Watching Christmas movies curled up on the couch.
13.) What Christmas craft do you like the best?
~ Who the hell has time for crafts?!
14.) Christmas music: Yes or No, & if yes What is your favorite song?
~ Not until almost through the first week of December and I don't think I have a favorite.
15.) When do you plan to finish all your shopping?
~ As the money comes in.
We would love for any blogger to participate in this meme, even if you haven’t been tagged yet. Heather will go back and add your blog link to the list if you wanna play along.
Just simply copy and paste the questions into your blog, and then answer them.
Then tag 5 or more of your favorite blogs, and leave them a comment telling them they’ve been tagged. When you post your blog, please spread some Christmas cheer & leave a link back to JaelCustomDesigns.com and the blog that you were tagged by. That’s it! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone’s answers!
Tag! YOU'RE It!
1.) The Young and the Relentless
2.) My Army of Five
3.) The cream filling of my life
4.) Lady Shameless
5.) Maneuvering Motherhood
Friday, December 4, 2009
Freaky Friday
*I think I just threw up in my mouth a little*
Yeah. Dude? I don't think it's going to work...Just sayin'...
Ew, ew, eeeewww!!
WTH was he really thinking??**Blogger is giving me fits uploading pictures and adding text to them. Sorry!**
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Cross our fingers...
...and hope for the best.
That's what the hubs and I are doing right now with his new job. It doesn't sound or so far seem all that great and I honestly don't think he'll be there for very long but they were the only trucking company that offered him a job and after pretty much 2 months of no job, he (we) jumped on it.
The kids & I took him to Montgomery, Ala. late Sunday where the company had a Greyhound bus ticket waiting on him. (He was thrilled, let me tell you!) From there he would go to Nashville, Tn. to the Western Express trucking terminal, be put up in a hotel for their 2 day orientation and then be given a truck to be on his merry way. Sounds like it would go smoothly, but of course, it didn't.
We found out on the way to Montgomery that they only provide lunch and if he gets up at 5AM, he can grab a Continental breakfast. Let me just say that this company does not pay the drivers for going to orientation (as others do). They also don't pay safety, fuel and retention bonuses (as others do). BUT again, they offered him a job so I should just stop complaining- NOT. Anyhoo, the first day of orientation lasted from 6 AM to 9 PM. The last shuttle from the terminal to take people to eat was at 8 PM. Hmmmm, what are these guys supposed to eat? So hubs walked to the nearest food joint, a Waffle house, at 9:45. I stayed on the phone with him b/c I was worried about him getting mugged or something.
After his orientation was over, which hubs says was crap (but this is the 3rd company he's worked for in 3 yrs.- 2 layoffs due to gas prices- so really what more could they have to go over besides their company policies?) they scooted him outta the hotel to sit in the terminal lobby for hours on end waiting for another trucker to come pick him up to take him to his assigned truck-in Kentucky. He was the last guy from his "class" to not have a load out of there.
He arrived at his truck, which had been left by the previous driver (reason it was in Kentucky), at around 3:30 AM. The truck was dead so he had to call for someone to come jump it. He then received a message over the CallQuam that that will be a charge of $160. WTF?! Finally he gets that taken care of and now he is sitting. Waiting for a load back to Nashville so the truck can be serviced and cleaned. What a crock of shite.
So it looks as if he won't be getting any loads the rest of this week. We're hoping he gets some good ones next week b/c that's Christmas money....of course he found out at orientation that they run off of a star system and the guys with the highest stars get the loads offered to them first. A new guy obviously, has no stars.
Here we go with it. WWWWHHHHHEEEEEEEEE................
That's what the hubs and I are doing right now with his new job. It doesn't sound or so far seem all that great and I honestly don't think he'll be there for very long but they were the only trucking company that offered him a job and after pretty much 2 months of no job, he (we) jumped on it.
The kids & I took him to Montgomery, Ala. late Sunday where the company had a Greyhound bus ticket waiting on him. (He was thrilled, let me tell you!) From there he would go to Nashville, Tn. to the Western Express trucking terminal, be put up in a hotel for their 2 day orientation and then be given a truck to be on his merry way. Sounds like it would go smoothly, but of course, it didn't.
We found out on the way to Montgomery that they only provide lunch and if he gets up at 5AM, he can grab a Continental breakfast. Let me just say that this company does not pay the drivers for going to orientation (as others do). They also don't pay safety, fuel and retention bonuses (as others do). BUT again, they offered him a job so I should just stop complaining- NOT. Anyhoo, the first day of orientation lasted from 6 AM to 9 PM. The last shuttle from the terminal to take people to eat was at 8 PM. Hmmmm, what are these guys supposed to eat? So hubs walked to the nearest food joint, a Waffle house, at 9:45. I stayed on the phone with him b/c I was worried about him getting mugged or something.
After his orientation was over, which hubs says was crap (but this is the 3rd company he's worked for in 3 yrs.- 2 layoffs due to gas prices- so really what more could they have to go over besides their company policies?) they scooted him outta the hotel to sit in the terminal lobby for hours on end waiting for another trucker to come pick him up to take him to his assigned truck-in Kentucky. He was the last guy from his "class" to not have a load out of there.
He arrived at his truck, which had been left by the previous driver (reason it was in Kentucky), at around 3:30 AM. The truck was dead so he had to call for someone to come jump it. He then received a message over the CallQuam that that will be a charge of $160. WTF?! Finally he gets that taken care of and now he is sitting. Waiting for a load back to Nashville so the truck can be serviced and cleaned. What a crock of shite.
So it looks as if he won't be getting any loads the rest of this week. We're hoping he gets some good ones next week b/c that's Christmas money....of course he found out at orientation that they run off of a star system and the guys with the highest stars get the loads offered to them first. A new guy obviously, has no stars.
Here we go with it. WWWWHHHHHEEEEEEEEE................
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
We've got a 'Drop Dead Fred'
And he is in the form of the stuffed Barbie cat Twayla.
This has been going on with the Little Diva for over 2 months now. At first we thought it was cute and funny awww tee-hee, now we find it aggravating, I'm going to put Twayla in the wash machine and drowned her. Yep. That's what I told my 4 year old last night when I was at wits end with Twayla & her messes. Twayla breaking things, taking things that she shouldn't be touching, getting into things she ought not be into. Twayla does everything- good and bad. She has good ideas and she has horrible ones.
Twayla must accompany us everywhere we go. Sometimes Diva carries her in her arms and other times she is put into her toy pet kennel and Diva carries her that way. If we leave her, and Lord knows we've tried, we are informed that Twayla will cry b/c she will miss Diva and of course Diva cries massive alligator tears while informing us. However, if Diva wants to leave her to bring her Princess Poodle, which is a rare thing, she lets us know that Twayla is taking a nap and doesn't want to go to town. Did I tell you that happens maybe one in ten times?!
If another kid tries to touch Twayla....Hell hath no fury like a pissed off preschooler! That kid better run like the wind and sprout wings in the process!
I don't really know what to do about this. Should we take the cat from her? Should we just wait and see if she grows out of this phase as I'm sure she will.....We don't play along with her anymore in blaming Twayla for things. We let her know that she did it and it's not acceptable. Anyone had any experience in this department?
This has been going on with the Little Diva for over 2 months now. At first we thought it was cute and funny awww tee-hee, now we find it aggravating, I'm going to put Twayla in the wash machine and drowned her. Yep. That's what I told my 4 year old last night when I was at wits end with Twayla & her messes. Twayla breaking things, taking things that she shouldn't be touching, getting into things she ought not be into. Twayla does everything- good and bad. She has good ideas and she has horrible ones.
Twayla must accompany us everywhere we go. Sometimes Diva carries her in her arms and other times she is put into her toy pet kennel and Diva carries her that way. If we leave her, and Lord knows we've tried, we are informed that Twayla will cry b/c she will miss Diva and of course Diva cries massive alligator tears while informing us. However, if Diva wants to leave her to bring her Princess Poodle, which is a rare thing, she lets us know that Twayla is taking a nap and doesn't want to go to town. Did I tell you that happens maybe one in ten times?!
If another kid tries to touch Twayla....Hell hath no fury like a pissed off preschooler! That kid better run like the wind and sprout wings in the process!
I don't really know what to do about this. Should we take the cat from her? Should we just wait and see if she grows out of this phase as I'm sure she will.....We don't play along with her anymore in blaming Twayla for things. We let her know that she did it and it's not acceptable. Anyone had any experience in this department?
Reporting
Originally written November 12, 2009.
Basketball Practice
Gene Clary Park
LH, Fl.
11 boys grades 3-5
4 dads
1 people watching mom
There is a dad here that has an extremely annoying laugh.
If I have to hear it one more bloody time, I'm going to hang myself with waxed dental floss.
That is all.
Basketball Practice
Gene Clary Park
LH, Fl.
11 boys grades 3-5
4 dads
1 people watching mom
There is a dad here that has an extremely annoying laugh.
If I have to hear it one more bloody time, I'm going to hang myself with waxed dental floss.
That is all.
Librarian for a day
This was originally written on November 11, 2009.
Do you ever notice when you try to think of something to write, whether smart, funny, etc. you mind goes ________ blank? What about when you actually feel like writing and yet not a single thought comes to mind. If you've ever had these moments then you know what I'm talking about. If you've never had moments such as these....shuddup! *WINK*
So here I sit, all by my lonesome (the high school aide book-put-awayer doesn't count plus it sounds better for dramatic purposes *SNICKER*) pondering on what I should write about that would actually have a purpose....I feel like writing today & yet all that's coming to me is worrying if there's enough left-overs in the fridge to do our Thursday left-over night...
**TAPS FOOT FOR A WHILE**
Nope. Still nothing. *SIGH* I suppose I'll go wonder aimlessly about the library until something wonderful pops in me head.
TO BE CONTINUED.......
My wondering the library aimlessly is over! I found a book that, for reasons I can not remember, was one of my favorites throughout my early elementary years. The book? 'Make Way for Ducklings.' Written & illustrated by Robert McCloskey. As I sat at the front desk & began to read it, a flood of memories came back to me. Memories of sitting 'indian-style' in a class circle, of little girls playing with each others hair, of laying our heads on our jackets for storytime, of taking the pictures provided in the story and turning them into "real-life" happenings in my own little world.
After reading & reminiscing on that book, I wanted ti find a book that was a favorite even into my teen years. 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.' Written by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz. Who couldn't love this book?! Everyone has days like Alexander (except maybe Willy Wonka or Glinda the Witch of the North) so everyone can identify with and find humor in the story. (I actually used to own the book until I had 2 scribble & rip-happy toddlers in the house...) but alas, the book was checked out.
***Other books that bring back memories:***
Do you ever notice when you try to think of something to write, whether smart, funny, etc. you mind goes ________ blank? What about when you actually feel like writing and yet not a single thought comes to mind. If you've ever had these moments then you know what I'm talking about. If you've never had moments such as these....shuddup! *WINK*
****PAUSE TO CHECK IN/OUT BOOKS & GO TO LUNCH****
So here I sit, all by my lonesome (the high school aide book-put-awayer doesn't count plus it sounds better for dramatic purposes *SNICKER*) pondering on what I should write about that would actually have a purpose....I feel like writing today & yet all that's coming to me is worrying if there's enough left-overs in the fridge to do our Thursday left-over night...
**TAPS FOOT FOR A WHILE**
Nope. Still nothing. *SIGH* I suppose I'll go wonder aimlessly about the library until something wonderful pops in me head.
TO BE CONTINUED.......
My wondering the library aimlessly is over! I found a book that, for reasons I can not remember, was one of my favorites throughout my early elementary years. The book? 'Make Way for Ducklings.' Written & illustrated by Robert McCloskey. As I sat at the front desk & began to read it, a flood of memories came back to me. Memories of sitting 'indian-style' in a class circle, of little girls playing with each others hair, of laying our heads on our jackets for storytime, of taking the pictures provided in the story and turning them into "real-life" happenings in my own little world.
After reading & reminiscing on that book, I wanted ti find a book that was a favorite even into my teen years. 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.' Written by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz. Who couldn't love this book?! Everyone has days like Alexander (except maybe Willy Wonka or Glinda the Witch of the North) so everyone can identify with and find humor in the story. (I actually used to own the book until I had 2 scribble & rip-happy toddlers in the house...) but alas, the book was checked out.
I did find however a copy of 'Twilight' that I checked out promptly b/c I am one of those people that lives under a rock and hasn't read the book yet BUT am totally in love with the movie version so I can't wait to read it!
***Other books that bring back memories:***
~ Miss Nelson's Class
~ Where the Red Fern Grows
~ Where the Wild Things are
~ Ramona Quimby book series
It's me again Blogger
I can't believe it's been basically an entire month since my last blog entry. My only reason/excuse behind this is life. Things here have been crazy busy, exhausting, stressful....I'm sorry to those that have been following me as I see that I've lost a couple of followers in my absence.
I have been writing in a notebook though when time has allowed for blog entries so I plan on posting those today as well as filling everyone in on the craziness at my house.
So hello again! I'm back :)
I have been writing in a notebook though when time has allowed for blog entries so I plan on posting those today as well as filling everyone in on the craziness at my house.
So hello again! I'm back :)
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