Twilight

I just finished Twilight. I slept really good last night and woke up around 8 AM and read for a little bit while the house was still nice & quiet. Not sure how I feel about the book. And, I'm not sure how good the movie will be. I kind of feel like Edward is a controlling, creepy boyfriend and Bella is too quick to change her entire life for him. I worry about what message this book is sending to all the young girls out there who have read it (and from what I understand, this book has a cult following). I think too many girls today are so quick to give up everything for a boy. Women so quickly loose their identities -- we are identified as wives, mothers, daughters but never really use other words to describe ourselves. I guess what I'm saying is that I would have liked to see Bella play hard to get. I think she just gave in to Edward too soon and I would have liked to see her explore new friendships in her new town before she fell in love so quickly. As a character, I don't feel that she developed, she just jumped into a relationship.

On another note, last night the girls & I went to Tuscaloosa to hang out w/ Chris & the boys at camp. KJ was so over-tired and cranky and somehow lost her lacrosse ball that she had decorated w/ her name all over it. Then, she got upset because we didn't have bathing suits w/ us and all the boys were going to the aquatic center to swim after their scrimmage. We brought Haden w/ us to talk w/ the Loyola coaches. Haden couldn't attend camp this week but the coaches remembered him from last year and asked about him.

Fun Nite

The girls & I had a really good time last night at Dave & Ingram's house. Dave plays lax w/ Chris (Dave's in the orange shirt), his little boy Hank -- in the black shirt -- plays (Chris calls him "Stank") and Elizabeth (in pink) plays w/ KJ. Their older daughter is a year younger than T and she plays also. The MLL guys are still in town for the last day of camp (major league lacrosse) so Dave & his wife had them all over for dinner and invited us, too. Unfortunately, Chris is still in Tuscaloosa for his own camp. T complained the whole time that she didn't want to go but the minute we got in the car to drive home she said, "OMG! I had such a good time!" The guys are really fun, they were great w/ the kids running around, jumping all over them and generally bothering them. Ingram is an incredible cook and I didn't think I was going to like the shrimp and grits she served for dinner but I went back for seconds.

OMG

I have the giggles really bad today and this show isn't helping. T & I are sitting here cracking up. We're watching back to back episodes and in the first episode the bride wore a camo veil and the groom had 3 or 4 teeth. In his whole entire head. After the ceremony, attended by their children, they went "muddin." The episode we're currently watching, the bride ordered her wedding gown off "the world wide web" and it doesn't fit (she's a size 28, they sent her an 8). They're getting married in a flea market underneath an arch of Budweiser and Bud Light empty beer cans. This particularly imaginative couple is writing their own vows -- "You're hotter than a Hot Pocket." Classy. Oh. I forgot to mention, they each have a paper route.

Good Tuesday

So we have already established I'm not a "morning" person. I slept HORRIBLE last night. I read until around 11 PM, woke up at 1:15 AM, 3:30 AM, 4:50 AM and got out of bed at 6:15 AM. Very unlike me. I jumped in the shower, woke KJ up and drove her to lax camp at 8:15 AM. From the fields I went thru the car wash and vaccuumed out my car. I then treated myself to a bagel and OJ @ Panera and picked up KJ's new Vera Bradley lunch bag I had monogrammed for her. After that I had a nice relaxing pedicure. It's now 12 noon, it's hot as hell and I'm ready for my nap!

New Addition

Associated PressPublished: July 28, 2008
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - The Birmingham Zoo is welcoming a new addition.
A reticulated giraffe was born early Monday morning. The baby is nursing and seems to have bonded with its mother, Juno. Both mother and baby are doing well.
Zoo staff have been keeping their distance because of the mother’s protective instincts. This is the second baby for Juno, who is almost 8. The father, Morefu, is 23 years old.

I've created a Monster

KJ's taking a bubble bath in my tub. She laid out the bath mat, her towel, and all her bath supplies just like I do! She even put a glass of ice water on the side of the tub (I usually have a nice chardonnay or a pinot grigio when I take a bath). She came home from lax camp w/ a horrible headache. The poor thing was crying so bad. In an attempt to make her feel better, I even tried to bribe her w/ one of those DQ Girl Scout Cookie Thin Mints blizzards. She was having none of it. A few minutes after we left the fields, she yelled for me to pull over, she threw up a little bit on the side of the road and then immediately fell asleep in the car for the rest of the ride home. She slept for a little while on the couch, woke up and asked to take a bubble bath.

Wondering how Chris is doing at his lax camp. He had to pack like he was going away to college: towels, bed linens for his dorm room, flip flops for the shower, etc. This should be an interesting week. Several boys T's age are signed up for this camp. Chris doesn't know them very well but I'm sure he'll come home w/ lots of stories.

I love Pop Tarts

Just sitting here drinking my tea and eating my pop tart. KJ got up really good this morning for lax camp (maybe there's hope for her yet -- I've totally been dreading the whole back-to-school routine!). She saw her friend Elizabeth last night at Laxapalooza and they decided they will wear their lax uniforms to camp so they can look like twins. Chris woke up like a big boy this morning, too. I, on the other hand, slept on the couch last night. Actually, I didn't sleep. I tossed and turned a lot on the couch. I haven't slept good in a week or so. I hate this feeling. When I don't get a good night's sleep, I'm dragging all day long.

I'm emjoying reading Twilight so far. I'm only about 15 or 16 chapters along.

I have so much to do today. T's in for a big shock when she wakes up this morning. She's gonna take out the trash, swiffer the kitchen floor, etc. I've got a lot of chores for her to do. This house is a mess!

2 late on a Sunday Nite

About 10:30 Sunday night. I have had just about enough lacrosse for a 48 hour period. We drove home from Asheville today (Chris didn't go to any of his games today so he could be back in time for Laxapalooza), walked in the door around 4 PM, showered and ran up to the fields around 6 PM. There were several Major League Lacrosse players there (which was cool because we just watched them on TV a week or 2 ago playing in the All-Star game). They're so great w/ the kids, very patient. They talked about the game, what it takes to make it to the college level, the professional level, etc. They show the kids some stick tricks, they do a fastest shot competition w/ a radar gun, they sign autographs, balls, sticks, whatever. They give away a bunch of stuff. It's a great kick-off for lacrosse camp which is this week. Chris will be in Tuscaloosa at the "big boy" camp (yes, my 40-year old husband will be sleeping in the dorms) and KJ will be attending a camp for the younger kids.

I have GOT to get this house in order while everyone's gone this week. Laundry, dishes, you name it, I need to do it. Although I like summer and I generally enjoy having the girls home, I really need the house back to myself.

Not feeling so great

Sitting in our hotel room in Asheville. Not feeling so good. Stayed for 2 of Chris's 3 lax games. The girls & I did a little shopping and had a very late lunch at Moe's. Don't know if I waited too long to eat or if it was the heat & humidity (it rained a little today in Asheville during game time), but boy I was not a happy camper late this afternoon. We got back to the room, the girls watched some TV and I cranked the A/C and closed the curtains and slept for a while. Chris said the 3rd game went very well. He's got 2 games Sunday but I don't think we're planning to stay for either one. Chris really needs to be back in B'ham for Laxapalooza Sunday night.

Belly Cherry

Actually, it's the Bele Chere festival in Asheville, NC.

Just sitting here in our hotel room relaxing. Chris has 3 games tomorrow.

On our way up we stopped in Atlanta around lunch time and Chris decided to surprise KJ by going to to the new American Girl store. She has been diligently saving her money for something "big". She had $92 w/ her and bought the Mia doll. Not that we need another American Girl doll in the house but ..... anyway, we had a nice lunch, KJ bought some new sneakers for school and T bought some clothes at Charlotte Rousse. We had dinner at Carrabas (and a very deslih pomegranate martini).

So, tomorrow are the lax games, tomorrow night we party. When I say Cowboy, you say Mouth. Cowboy! Mouth! Cowboy! Mouth! I told T I was gonna get shit faced drunk and lift my top up during my favorite song. She said she's not concerned w/ my 40-year old boobies showing, she's more worried about the hair on my back. Ha! ha! She's such a smart ass!!!

addendum to my earlier post

just like to give a shout out to my good friend Julie H who waved at me and called my cell phone while I was getting my speeding ticket. now that's a true friend!!

Class of 2012

T texted me a couple of times from orientation -- her schedule was wrong. Instead of a pre-AP English class they had her in a "regular" English class. Not a big deal. Very easily fixed at registration. Registration was much, much smoother than I thought it was going to be. I got to the Freshmen Center around 2:10 PM, saw T's bright green shirt, waved her over to the car and off we went to the Senior Campus. They took our paperwork, we fixed the English class situation, paid our fees ($220), went over to the Buc Stop for some supplies ($26), chatted w/ some friends, and we were on our way home by 3:30 PM. Oh yeah. Almost forgot. I got a speeding ticket on my way home. In the end, Freshmen Center registration may end up costing me a couple hundred dollars. Chris can take her next year.

KJ spent the afternoon w/ the Magster which was perfect. She would have been miserable at registration and would have made everyone else miserable, too. She had hip-hop class this evening and we had left-over shrimp scampi for dinner (it's always better the second night!). Chris is at men's practice. We're off to Asheville in the AM for a men's tourney and some COWBOY MOUTH Saturday night!!!!

(dis)Orientation and Registration

T had to be @ the Freshman Center by 8:30 this morning for Freshman Orientation. That child hasn't that side of 8 AM since God knows when. But, she did get up, shower and Chris took her to school. I guess they'll take the kids around the new FC, let them walk their schedules, maybe meet their teachers, etc. I know they are having pizza for lunch.

I'll pick her up @ 2:30 PM and take her to registration at the senior campus. She'll get her yearbook photo taken, pay all her fees, etc. Margaret is going to help me out w/ KJ while I'm at registration. I have no idea how long it will take and w/ all the confusion, I don't need KJ telling me she's bored.

Yesterday I somehow had to keep GeeDubya (GW) for the afternoon. Her mom had to go out of town to take care of her mother in FL but said she had a friend lined up to watch both kids all week. Well, the friend calls yesterday and says, "I've had the kids all week (ummm, it was Wednesday AM, hardly ALL week) so what time are you picking Lauren -aka GW- up?" My response was, "Who is this?" She was under the impression I had volunteered to take the 2 kids the remainder of the week when what I had very clearly told Jo was that I could help out in the event of an emergency Tuesday or Wednesday during the day. So, I did the right thing, picked the kid up, let her play for a while and took her back to this ladies house. Holy miscommunication Batman.

Austin came over last night and hung out w/ T and watched some movies. He's a nice boy. When Magster was over here playing yesterday she told T she didn't want to go home yet. She wanted to meet Austin 'cuz KJ said he's cute. Considering that KJ makes fun of all of T's boyfriends, that's pretty impressive.

Oy!!! My aching head!

Woke up this morning w/ a really bad headache and haven't been able to shake it all day. I think it's the pressure system that moved in this afternoon. Seriously. Among my many other talents, I can predict the weather with my head.

Took T over to a friend's house this afternoon. They went to the pool but it started to storm on them. KJ had hip-hop this evening and really seemed to enjoy it. I picked T up on the way to KJ's dance class and we went to the bookstore during our hour to spare. Hey, when one of my kids actually ASKS to go to the bookstore, we go! She really likes a certain series of books and they came out w/ a special summer series. Every one's been positively raving about these "Twilight" books so I bought the first one. From what I hear it's about a teen-age girl who falls in love w/ a vampire. Not sure if I'm gonna like this book but I'll keep an open mind. On our way home from dance class we picked up the Magster and a pizza.

T asked me tonight if Austin could come over tomorrow night and watch a movie. First time she's ever asked that. Hmmmm......

St. Thomas

just found out the date we need to be in St. Thomas: Saturday, March 14, 2009. Usually the company flies us in on a Sunday but I think they want all the presenters in a day early so they don't have to be pulled away from all the fun to rehearse for the awards ceremony. St. Thomas was our favorite stop on the cruise. We had a great day walking around downtown, had lunch and hurricanes at the Hard Rock (which closed a week later) and in the afternoon we took a catamaran out to a island and snorkled. The island was very lush, very green, very tropical. We didn't like St. Maarten as much; it was kind of dry and desert like.

Registered KJ for 3rd grade yesterday. I got there right at 4 PM and didn't have a wait. The only thing that annoyed me was the parents who didn't bring a copy of their deed -- the rest of us who were prepared and had copies had to wait while the volunteer went to the copy machine and held up the rest of us. They should have had 2 lines: one for people who know how to read and came prepared w/ copies of their deed and their utility bill and one line for people who were not prepared. We picked up our school supplies and made sure they had the proper information for the emergency telephone system.

After registration we ran over to the High School so T could be fitted for her pre-game costume. I can't keep up w/ this stuff. They have more costumes and uniforms than the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Pre-game, game day, half-time routine, practice gear, bags, shoes, false eyelashes, rhinestone earrings, etc. I wrote my last check for $275. T is officially a member of the freshmen dance team.

We met Chris at the Iguana Grill for dinner and margaritas (mango is my favorite). Not much to do today. KJ starts her hip-hop class tonight. I think she'll really enjoy it!

Brooke Hogan

“You know what? I am actually not that much into voting. I think it’s kinda crazy that a woman is running, because I think that women deal with a lot of emotions and menopause and PMS and stuff. Like, I’m so moody all the time, I know I couldn’t be able to run a country, ‘cause I’d be crying one day and yelling at people the next day, ya know?”-- Brooke Hogan on voting.

WOW. I am totally speechless. What a flaming idiot. This dumb-ass has a reality show, a dad who is dating a woman half his age who looks just like his teenage daughter (and his ex-wife), she has a brother in jail for leaving his best friend in a vegetative state and her mother is dating a 19-year old. With a family as dysfunctional as the Hogans, it's no wonder she's "not that much into voting."

Batman and Monday mornings

Kind of dragging this morning. I didn't sleep well at all last night and I'm hurting this morning. Very tired and a little cranky. That's what sleep deprivation does to me. After tossing and turning all night I finally got up around 5 AM and moved to the couch. I was sleeping pretty good until around 7 AM when KJ came down the stairs, saw me on the couch and woke me up to tell me she had a bad dream. So, she joined me on the couch.

Supposed to be very, very hot today. I don't have any plans to leave the house until later this afternoon. KJ has school registration today. I missed the morning session so we'll go to the afternoon one. I also realized while I was eating my breakfast that I haven't filled out any of the forms for KJ. T also has a dance team meeting this afternoon.

Had a nice lazy day yesterday. KJ went to Alabama Adventures w/ a friend. T & Chris watched Sweeny Todd. T didn't like it at all which is strange because she LOVES Johnny Depp. She also went to see Batman w/ a bunch of friends last night and said it was really, really good.

Christmas in July

I didn't think much about it until I read my friend Shawn's blog this morning. She posted about a local store putting up their Christmas decorations already (I think she was in a Michael's crafts store). Yesterday the girls & I were at my favorite gift shop -- Wrapsody. She was putting out all her gorgeous Halloween decorations. A full 3 months early. Then, when we were at Wal-Mart, a little boy on line behind us had a Halloween costume in his hands. T then said, "Wow. We better hurry and get good costumes. Halloween's right around the corner." According to my calculations, we still have more than 90 days.

Saturday Silliness

OK. You know how Paris Daily Photo is one of my favorite blogs? Well, the other day Eric blogged about L'Occitane stores and I posted a comment about how I bought a few things there when we were in Paris (I could have easily bought the same items in my local Sephora store but it was so much more authentic the way I did it). Anyway, this lady from B'ham pretty much posted the same comment. I clicked on her name and discovered she has a Birmingham, AL Daily Photo. Check her blog out if you have time or add it to your favorites: http://www.birminghamalabamadailyphoto.blogspot.net/ I'll be the first to admit I barely leave my little "village" except when I chaperone a class trip or something and we have to go downtown to the McWane Center or something like that. The mall is here, grocery stores, my dentist, the dry-cleaners, etc. The only reason I travel out of my comfort zone is for my OB/GYN.

Speaking of malls (nice segue, huh??), took the girls to the mall today. I had to return a bra at Victoria's Secret. I bought it on T's b-day, 7/1, and the stitching and seams were all coming apart. I didn't have a receipt so they gave me an even exchange which is fine because that's the only type of bra I wear. T got a pair of jeans for school and 3 shirts at Buckle. We had lunch at Moe's and went to Best Buy to buy Austin's b-day present.

Chris was in Huntsville this morning for a men's lax game (at least I "think" it was men's; I dunno. Could have been All-stars, could have been just his boys team. All I know is he left the house very, very early).

KJ & I are slooooowwwllly wearing Chris down about the whole dog situation. I think he's pretty much told KJ she can get another dog, it's just a matter of agreeing on what type of dog. I would be very happy w/ another ShihTzu. Buddy was a good, snuggly dog. He wasn't aggressive, never bit or snapped at anyone. He loved to hang out w/ the kids and he was also very playful. He was JUST right in my opinion. He was a small dog but he wasn't a prissy spoiled dog. He travelled well and liked to be in the car w/ us. So anyway, here's a pic of the CockAPoo KJ's had her eye on. We found him on a local web-site. He's 14 week's old. Hmmmm.....to be continued.

blogger

wow. I haven't blogged in a couple of days. seems to have lost it's appeal lately. it was something I've enjoyed immensely but a certain someone has sort of sucked the life out of it.

had fun w/ the ladies last night at the pool; good pizza and good company. I definately need to get out more and talk w/ normal people. my friend Laura just got a facebook which is really funny. she's not sure yet what's she's doing and is somehow friends w/ one of Tracy's baby sister's friends from school somewhere out in the mid-west. it will be weird not working w/ everyone this fall when they go back to school but I told them I would definately sub.

T's boyfriend's b-day is this weekend and she is at a total loss as to what to buy him for a gift. he bought her a very nice necklace for her b-day (she wears it 24/7).

KJ is up; T is still sleeping. probably just go to the pool today and relax for a while.

Chris -- R U Listening???

Some more pics of puppies. Chris, are you getting this??

Mr. Sun is playing games today. One minute it looks sunny, the next it looks like it's gonna pour.

KJ & I are just taking it easy today. I think GW is sleeping over tonight. (Sigh)

T is scheduled to come home Thursday. Let the fun & games begin. Hmmm....any bets on where she'll want me to drive her first? The mall? The movies? A friend's house?

Snoop Doggy Dog

I'm not gonna beat around the bush. KJ & I want a dog and we want one now.

this can onlly mean trouble

Uh-oh. Another blogging buddy's on facebook.

This can't be good.

Einstein

Came across this picture on the National Geographic web-site. This statue of Albert Einstein was one of my favorite places in Washington, DC and the only statue in the city you can climb on w/out getting in trouble. The Albert Einstein Memorial is located at the National Academy of Sciences and I have many fond memories of T running around here when she was little.

lazy sunday

“Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.” -- Susan Ertz quotes

Nice, lazy, rainy Sunday. Just the way I like 'em!



Chris & KJ went to the pool but it started to rain shortly after they got there. KJ ran into a friend of her's at the pool and they invited her over for the afternoon.



T left for the beach w/ the twins around 11 AM. She called later this afternoon and said they arrived safe & sound but there was a big storm so they went to Hooters for a late lunch/early dinner.



Monday KJ's little friend Lauren (or GW as she's known at my house) is coming over so her mom can have a nice quiet lunch w/ some friends. Hope it's decent out so we can go to the pool while she's here. KJ's kept her room clean for a couple of days and I'd like for it to stay that way.



Not much going on this week, especially now that T is @ the beach. I don't have to drive her to/from dance.

"What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth." ~- Jewish Proverb

"If it's very painful for you to criticize your friends - you're safe in doing it. But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue." ~ Alice Duer Miller

"When you are in trouble, people who call to sympathize are really looking for the particulars." ~ Edgar Watson Howe, Country Town Sayings, 1911

Some quotes today about gossip. T & I have been the subject of some gossip thanks to a petty fellow traveller on our recent trip. Last night I had had just about enough and called her out on it. Of course there were a lot of denials, a lot of "I don't recall's," and even a couple of out-right lies. You can say what you want about me, but don't you DARE talk out of school about my child when you don't have all the facts. I am 40 years old and feel like I'm smack dab in the middle of a really bad teenage movie like "Mean Girls."

The old man's still got it

Chris had his annual Green vs. White game this morning (the alumni/original founding members of his men's lax team vs. the current players). The hubster didn't disappoint and scored a couple of goals. Not bad for a 40-year old.

Polls

Woo-hoo! Looks like I am kicking Chris's boo-tay in our little on-line poll.
Thanks for your vote!

TGIF & Pool

Just spent a couple hours at the pool w/ T, KJ & Magster. At first we were the only ones there, then a bunch of teenagers showed up but then left fairly quickly, then a bunch of kids showed up and the girls played the "movie" game at the pool and T played basketball w/ the boys.

Chris is home from Chicago. He went to a baseball game at Wrigley Field while he was out there and had an incredible time. He's not a big baseball fan but said the experience was phenomenal. He said they had awesome seats and there's nothing like seeing a game at Wrigley Field. I think it also helped that they were playing the Cincinnati Reds and Chris always says, "that's my team."

I heard some disturbing news at the pool today but I guess I shouldn't be too shocked. I kind of had an idea it was coming. I heard that one half of our neighbors moved out. I knew they had been having "problems" but didn't realize it had gotten to that point. She's a bit of a drama queen in my opinion so I just chalked a lot of it up to over-reaction and attention getting. Chris & I are entering our 40's and we've had several friends in the last year or so go thru seperations/divorces. Some we never saw coming, a couple we were surprised they lasted as long as they did. I think everyone goes thru a rough patch every once in a while and yes Chris drives me absolutely insane sometimes. However, I know he can easily say the same thing about me. Is it bad enough to seperate or divorce? No. Crying out loud. Chris's nightly snoring is enough to send me over the edge but I'm still here.

Toothbrushes and Vera (as in Bradley)

We didn't find anything even remotely exciting in KJ's closet this afternoon but we did find 4 toothbrushes in 4 different overnight bags. I think the child gets a fresh toothbrush each time she sleeps over a friend's house.

Took T to dance and picked up the Magster and a pizza on our way home. I've already warned the girls that it took us 2 days to clean KJ's room and they better not make a mess up there or else! ("Or else" what I'm not exactly sure but I'll think of something!)

So I just rec'd a Vera Bradley catalog in today's mail and I'm totally in love w/ the new Puccini pattern (see picture). I can just hear my husband's voice now "you need a new bag like you need a hole in your head." However, I use my Capri Melon from last season as my "spring/summer" travel bags and I would like the new Puccini pattern as my "fall/winter" travel bags. I really like this weekender bag. I also like having the ditty bag (lined w/ plastic -- great for wet bathing suits, shampoo or other things that might spill, etc.). I'd also like the travel cosmetic case and the hanging organizer if any one needs gift ideas for my upcoming b-day (just a mere 75 days away) and/or Christmas. If I was still working @ the playschool I'd like to have the lunch tote but since I'm not there anymore and eat my lunch at home, I really don't need one. The clip zip ID is cute, too.

I can't believe the kids have 4 weeks (from today) left of summer. KJ bought a new school bag this weekend. She wanted a messenger bag rather than a backpack this year and found one she liked at Limited Too. We also bought 2 t-shirts to wear to school. I am totally DREADING school shopping w/ T this year. I'm telling you right now, I need a couple shots of tequila under my belt before I take her shopping or Chris can go w/ her. She's SO hard to buy for on a good day, clothes shopping for freshmen year is going to be a NIGHTMARE.

...to be continued

Day 2 of the great American Closet Clean-up. We may find Jimmy Hoffa or Amelia Earhart in KJ's closet. Or maybe somthing really cool that I can take on that PBS show where they tell you how much your antiques are worth.

bragging rights

Dear Blog Visitors and Concerned Citizens:

Please remember to vote in the on-line poll located in the top right-hand column of this blog.

As you know, voting is your civic responsibility and this year, more than ever, it is important that your voice be heard and your vote count.

It is also very important that I kick Chris's ass in this poll and prove to him once and for all that my blog is better than his stupid lacrosse blog.

Thank you for your support.

KJ's room

KJ is asleep on the couch. Poor thing is wiped out from cleaning. We have just spent the last 3 ½ hours in her room (and 2 huge lawn & leaf bags filled w/ crapola). We started in her bathroom and I had to re-fold every towel and washcloth in the linen closet. When I ask her to take her clean towels upstairs she’s just been throwing them on the closet floor or stuffing them in the closet. We’ve only taken a break because it’s 2:30 PM and we haven’t had lunch yet. Still not done w/ her room. Tomorrow, we’re tearing through her closet. In all fairness to her, it’s not entirely her fault her room is a mess. The big sister dumps a lot of her old stuff on KJ (clothes, shoes, pocketbooks, old Barbies, backpacks, etc.). It also doesn’t help that she’s a “hoarder.” She had stuff (happy meal toys, notepads, crayons, coloring books, chapsticks, my little pet shop, etc.) STUFFED into every little pocketbook, every little totebag, etc. OMG. She’s upset and I’m not a happy camper.

Weird Wacky Wonderful Wednesday

I've noticed a lot of people do "wordless Wednesdays" in blog-land. Anyone who really knows me knows there ain't a damn thing wordless about me.

T started a 2-week dance summer dance class on Monday. Monday-Friday is ballet and Tuesday-Friday is jazz. She'll dance from 5:30 to 8 PM Tuesday-Friday. Last night was her first night of jazz and I know she's got to be sore and exhausted. I don't think t wants to take a hip-hop class this fall but KJ, on the other hand, wants to take a hip-hop class rather than the ballet/tap/jazz class she took this year.

KJ & I went to dinner and a movie last night. We saw the Kit movie. It was cute. Chris O'donnell (spelling?) played Kit's father. I didn't know this until Tracy pointed it out. He's definately grown up since his Batman & Robin days. He still looks the same, just a little older, a little more mature. Stanley Tucci and Joan Cusak are also in the movie. Joan Cusak is a riot.

I haven't been upstairs in a couple of days but apparently KJ's room is quite the mess. Chris went up there this morning to get a suitcase and said her room was a disaster area. Great. I know what I'll be doing all day today.

lots to do today

I've got a lot to do today, some banking, mail some stuff for Chris, and a lot of laundry. I just haven't been very motivated to do anything lately. It's really hot out and I hate leaving the house. I'm such a homebody (that's HOMEBODY, not HOMIE).

I've got to take T & Katie to dance tonight and then I promised KJ I'd take her to see the new American Girl movie. Kit is my favorite American Girl. We bought T the doll the Christmas we moved here from Cincinnati (that's where Kit's from!). I know she's just a doll but I like her the best out of all the American Girls. I think for KJ's b-day in October we'll get Wicked tixs at the Fox theater in ATL, spend the night and take her to the American Girl store the next day (she's been to the one in NYC and is just dying to go to the one in ATL). She's not getting another American Girl doll but maybe we can do tea or something.

Another Goody from NBC13.com

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. --- Birmingham’s shot spotter system detected 414 gunshots from July 4-6, according to Sgt. Carolyn Lavender with Birmingham’s dispatch center.
Sergeant Lavender told NBC13 HD there were a total of 4,326 shot spotter detections, but most of them were related to fireworks.
On the July 4th itself she said there were only 24 gunshots picked up by the system.
Sergeant Lavender added that the 400+ gunshots detected over the holiday weekend were more twice as many as a normal weekend.


I like the part of this article where Sergeant Lavendar says that there were "only" 24 gunshots on 4th of July. Only? Are you serious??? Isn't that like 23 too many shots??? She also goes on to say that the 400+ detected gunshots were twice as many as a normal weekend. WTF goes on in B'ham, anyway???? No offense, but these statistics are LA numbers -- Compton or Watts gang violence.

Teen Drivers

This is from NBC13.com:

"Alabama ranks #2 in the nation for fatal traffic accidents when teenagers are behind the wheel. The state is a hotspot for deadly wrecks when it comes to inexperienced teen drivers. The Birmingham Metro area ranks as #5 in the nation for fatalities involving teenage drivers. Mississippi is named as the worst state in the nation."

Great. T will want to be driving in how many months???

Please don't eat the Marshmallows

Don't know where she heard of it or where she saw one, but KJ has been bugging us for a marshmallow shooter for several months now. She's been relentless. She would wake up in the morning and ask, "today can we look for a marshmallow gun?" So this afternoon, Chris drove her all over creation looking for a marshmallow gun. They went to the Smith's Variety in Mt. Brook (closed on Sunday). They drove to the Homewood Toy Store (closed on Sunday). Next door was the other Smith's Variety store (also closed on Sunday). They went to the Toys R Us in Hoover. No such luck. I met them at the mall for lunch (I was buying new sunglasses -- mine broke Friday afternoon) and we went to KB Toys at the mall. Nothing. To take her mind off the marshmallow gun I offered to take her to the movies to see Kit Kitteredge. We missed the 4:10 PM movie by 10 minutes and the next one wasn't starting until 7:05 PM. Too long to wander around Patton Creek. I thought we'd try Learning Express as we were driving out of the shopping center and lo and behold! Not only marshmallow guns, but marshmallow bows & arrows, too! Stupid thing costs $30 and of course we had to stop at Wal-Mart on the way home and buy 2 bags of marshmallows! They've been out on the driveway shooting the marshmallows straight up in the air trying to catch them in their mouths (by "they" I mean Chris & KJ, who else????).

Ingrid Betancourt

I've been meaning to blog about this for the last couple of days but kept forgetting.
I'm sure by now you've heard that Ingrid Betancourt, was rescued after being held for 6 years by leftist rebels in the Columbian jungle.
When we were in Paris, there was a wonderful photojournalist display in one of the parks depicting current world images. One of the photos was of Betancourt. I explained to T who she was and what had happened to hear. How amazing to read of her rescue!

From MSNBC:

"Betancourt was campaigning for Colombia's presidency when she was kidnapped in 2002. She became a cause celebre in France, with her portrait hung on town halls and constant street rallies by supporters.
She was freed Wednesday in a daring Colombian operation involving military spies who tricked FARC rebels into handing over Betancourt and 14 other hostages without firing a shot."

Jaws

Had a really nice 4th. Randy invited us to the LAH office in Homewood to watch Thunder on the Mountain. What a perfect location. LAH closes their parking lot to vehicular traffic and everyone brings lawn chairs and blankets. They had refreshments and a couple of guys w/ guitars playing some tunes. At 9 PM they broadcast the simulcast over the speakers and we had the most amazing view of the fireworks over Vulcan.

The girls had a good time walking around Homewood and we even ran into some people we knew! The nurse from KJ's school yelled her name as we were walking around and we saw Kathy D and her family. Kathy and Chris worked together @ ADT many moons ago. I had never been to downtown Homewood before and saw some shops and restaurants I'd like to check out.

KJ had a bit of a rough time last night. A family at the fireworks had some beagle puppies in a basket they were trying to sell. Of course she kept checking on the puppies all night and wanted her daddy to buy her one. The puppies reminded her of Buddy and she cried a lot last night. She said the house feels really empty w/out Buddy. It was really weird because right before we were leaving to go to Homewood, I thought of Buddy and how he hated fireworks and ran away on New Year's Eve when the kids in our neighborhood were setting off some firecrackers.

Got home around 10:30 PM and I was wide awake. AMC was running all 4 Jaws movies back to back. I watch Jaws 2 and started to drift during Jaws 3D so I TiVo'd it. It's a raining, yucky Saturday morning (my kind of day!!) so I'm siting here watch Jaws 3D. Very cheesy. I do have some 3D glasses somewhere. Maybe it's better w/ the glasses on.

Chris got up early this morning and got KJ & I bagels at Panera. We dropped T off at Katie's house last night on our way home. I swear, that child never stays home.

Happy 4th of July!! Happy B-day Tracy Lev!!!

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." -- Erma Bombeck

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it." -- Thomas Paine

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -- Elmer Davis

Nice 4th of July so far. Chris made KJ & I bacon and eggs for breakfast (T spent the night @ the twins' house). Chris has done some yard work, I've gotten a few things done in the house. Think we might go to Homewood for the fireworks tonight. Honestly, I'd like to just curl up on the couch w/ a good book.

Watched Juno last night; cute movie. T saw Hancock the other night w/ Will Smith and said it was good; unusual, different, but good. Chris & T really want to see Wall-E. KJ & I want to see Kit Kitteredge instead.

Weather Pixie must be on Vacay

So one of Chris's "boys" reported to the Naval Academy this week. Wow. I get emotional every time I think about it, can't even imagine the pride his family is feeling. What a very special young man. He was very, very determined to make it to Annapolis. While all his friends will be doing keg-stands at frat parties this fall, he'll be working on his leadership skills. He'll graduate an officer and a man and will fight for his country. I told Chris we need to take a road trip this spring to see Jacob, Brye and Grant & Patrick (Grant & Patrick will be attending college in MD, not far from Annapolis). If Jacob makes the JV team at Annapolis, there may be a chance he'll play against Grant & Patrick. That would be very cool!


My little Weather Pixie icon hasn't been working for a while so I deleted her. Doesn't matter. The forecast for the next several months (until at least late September) will be hazy, hot & humid.


Got a lot done today. I went grocery shopping and when I came home the girls & I cleaned out the fridge. They took all the bins and shelves outside and hosed everything down. I heard KJ say, "this is actually fun" and T said, "be quiet; if mom hears you she'll make us do this kind of stuff all the time." I bought lots of fresh fruit for the weekend and made a macaroni salad for tomorrow to go w/ the ribs I plan to make for dinner. I also cleaned out my purse and wallet. I'm sure that doesn't sound like a big deal, but trust me. It was. I had a pile of receipts from Europe and a bunch of junk in there. Like 5 tubes of lip gloss (all basically the same shade -- got to start thinking outside the box).


Heard from an old high school friend today. She tracked me down on Classmates.com. It was so good to hear from her. She's been married 11 years now and has 2 little boys. She was there from the very beginning of mine & Chris's high school relationship and couldn't believe we were still together. I love wonderful surprises like that and get a big thrill when I hear from someone I haven't heard from in a long, long time. I guess it means a lot to me since we're thousands of miles from our "hometown."

Politics Among Friends

You may have noticed the little elephant Republican widget on my blog. I'm not usually a political person and truly do not like to discuss politics or religion among friends. Without sounding dorky, I do think our differences make the world go 'round and my beliefs may not necessarily be your beliefs and vice versa (and I'm OK w/ that). However, the upcoming presidential campaign has really got me going. The more and more I read about Obama, the more and more I intensely dislike him, his wife and his politics (or should I say, "lack thereof???"). His Muslim ties scare the crap out of me and his ignorant comments about "whites" disappoint me (have you read snippets of his wife's college dissertation???). He has turned his back on the family that raised him and has openly embraced a culture that is hell-bent on destroying America. Unacceptable to me.
There. I've said what I've needed to say (and please don't forget this is my blog and I can say whatever I want to say; when you have your own blog, you can say whatever you want, too!).

Here are some quotes from Obama books:
From Dreams of My Father: 'I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.'
From Dreams of My Father : 'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race.'
From Dreams of My Father: 'There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white.'
From Dreams of My Father: 'It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names.'
From Dreams of My Father: 'I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself , the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela.' And FINALLY the Most Damming one of ALL of them!!!
From Audacity of Hope: 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'

The Day After

A bunch of girls slept over last night. Not really sure who's here. I went to bed around 11 PM and I heard them come in at 11:30 PM. They were hanging out on the deck and were surprisingly quiet.

It's been hot here but not humid; very pleasant. I'm sure the girls will wake up and go to the pool. KJ is going to Maggie's pool this afternoon and is very excited. If I can get everyone out of the house, I can get some work done.

So what's up w/ the Maddona divorce drama? I've always liked her husband Guy Ritchie. I think he's one of the few men who can handle her (even though he's a couple years younger than her). Also, what's up w/ Brangelina? No babies yet?

Watched a couple of John & Kate Plus 8 shows last night that I had TiVo'd. I'm not trying to be bitchy but I realized last night that Kate has a lot of help raising her family. Again, I'm not saying she doesn't deserve it or need it. On one of the shows I watched last night, she discusses laundry. She said she usually does her laundry on Tuesday & Wednesday because the lady comes in Thursday and folds it (approximately 8 loads) and Thursday night a different lady (maybe a night-time nanny??) puts it away. Now, we all know how much I hate laundry and how much I would love to have someone fold my laundry and put it away. And anyway, 8 loads a week for 10 people?? I do 8 loads a week for a family of 4 (during the height of lacrosse and softball season I'm sure it's more!).

Check out my Slide Show!

Happy Birthday Little Chick-a-dee!