Procrastinator Queen

So, I'm sitting here with the best of intentions to write about: my day; my kids; my job; my lack of living a healthy lifestyle; the return to another school year, yadda, yadda, yadda!! What I really want to do is read about five billion blogs and comment on at least half of them! For a great chuckle, check out "My Husband is Annoying." I'm sure you've seen it advertised on your local news. It will either either make you laugh 'til your gut hurts, or, make you think the author is annoying!

My Kids: Hero doesn't want to come home and have free room and board. He likes his little college town. That's okay; his room was invaded five years ago by Ed within minutes of his leaving for college.

Rock is leaving for school tomorrow. He will be a college senior who dreams of the "college after-life." Should he throw himself into the band? Should he try to get an internship where he can use his art talent (and not just sit around answering phones)? Decisions, decisions! I'm so lucky that his college is only 30 minutes away...close enough to do laundry on the weekends, but far enough that I don't think about what he does during the week!

Ed, has carried on the tradition of having the most obscene and disgusting bedroom! It's as bad as any teenage boy's room! Her brother would be so proud! Let the bugfest begin! She has come of age by turning 18 and it changes almost everything! I no longer have control of everything in her life. The free spirit inside her that has wanted to break free, has done just that! She thinks she's ready to fly away! (please stay...just a little bit longer!)

My sweet little Katya is learning what it is to burn the candle at both ends. She is attending two different schools and has just been made a manager at her job. Sheesh! I'm exhausted just thinking about it. Ah, but she still makes the best Blizzards in town!

My job: I'm back at school, and sort of loving it... I was spoiled with sleeping in this summer. I'm paying for it now! But, it is great to be back with my co-workers, and, of course, the kids! I love getting a daily dose of the corny, silly, dramatic and "no clue" of 13 year olds!

Well, since I don't want to address my "lack of healthy lifestyle" right now, I will save it for another time. Suffice it to say that I am still on vacation, and I'm loving it!

The Joy Dance

The Hour of Doom is almost upon us! Today, against all natural forces, I arose from bed shortly after 5:00am. Why you ask? The dog made sure that I was awake since Mister was awake! In addition, it was a trial run to see if I could withstand what will be the daily routine for the next nine months!

Tomorrow is the first day of school for us and my workday begins at 7:00am. In order to time my coffee/cereal/shower/magical transformation into something that resembles a human being, around the coffee/shower/transformation of my significant other, I need at least one hour and 45 minutes (the 45 minutes is for getting ready... the one hour is for when I fall back asleep).

I'm eager to get back into a work routine. It sets me up to become more organized and make better use of my time away from work. "Crash, bang, grunt & giggle." What was that noise, you ask? It was me falling out of my chair laughing! Organization is not part of my personality... it's what I dream about, but have not yet been able to attain. I do not give up hope, however. This might just be the year that I finally get it right. "Crash, bang, grunt & giggle, ouch!"

I've signed all the high school papers where I promise to take responsibility for any damage caused by the tornadic whirlwinds I call my daughters. I pray for patience, tolerance and understanding by all of their teachers and school personnel. The Principal and I each have one of those "red" hotline phones that rings when one of us picks up the receiver. Time is precious these days... oh so precious! I need a few minutes to get my professional damage control team together.

I hope all of the moms and dads reading this who are doing the "oh joy, oh joy - back to school" dance can sigh with relief as the pitter patter of size 10's disappear into the mist... bless us all!

What Was I Thinking!

Today was one of the hottest days we've had so far. It was 98 degrees at 5:00pm. Guess what we did this morning, when it was 85? We had a garage sale!! I'm going to see a doctor about my "common sense" or lack thereof!

It was absolutely horrible! We had two box fans going nonstop, plenty of liquids, and an occasional hot breeze! I was sweating from just about every pore in my body, even my eyelashes!

Katya and I spent the three days prior looking for items, pricing the items and getting them out of the basement. As for general cleaning, I went through a half dozen boxes of papers and filled four trash bags with them. Unfortunately those four trash bags either have to be shredded or burned. Can't think of burning anything right now, since it is still in the 90's!

"Shred" you ask? I was one of the fortunate ones who had their identity stolen and it was used to make a few large purchases. Fortunately for me, Capital One was on the ball and called me to confirm that I had been on a shopping spree for $20,000. They were very kind and after a few phone calls back and forth, closed out the account that had been stolen and I was not required to pay any of the charges. Whew!! That is why I shred, shred, shred until I can smell the burn of the shredding machine.

Anyway, we made $50 (yippee skippy), boxed up everything else and made a thrift shop run. It felt good, but I still have a ton of stuff left. I could not bring myself to dispose of the craft supplies and 10 years of Girl Scout stuff! I'm going to offer the four boxes of craft stuff up to the Girl Scout leaders, and will trash the rest, no matter how painful and heart wrenching it may be!

My motivation to clean out my basement has been Coffee Bean over at The Righteous Buzz. Thanks, CB! She is a "hoot" as they say in the Midwest (which means "a lot of fun" or "slap my knee funny!") Stop by her blog sometime and you will usually leave with a smile and a chuckle!

I have one more week before I return to work as a secretary for the counselors at the middle school where I go to escape my family... I'm actually ready for it! In fact, I'm going in tomorrow for a few hours just to hang out. I told the kids that I have to go in to work on a "special project." Yeah, it's special to me because I get a few hours break from the sounds of teenagers complaining that their "summer is OVER!"

Eight days and counting...

Vacation...California Style

For the past 12 months, we have been planning a week-long vacation around the celebration of my father-in-law's 90th Birthday party. First, it's not every day that one is invited to be a part of such an extraordinary milestone! Second, if one is going to travel 2,000 miles to attend a weekend function, one might as well hang out there for at least a week! It would cost us plenty, but we figured that our kids will be paying off the national debt for years to come, why not the Mastercard, too?



Both my husband and myself grew up in Southern California, and my cherubims were all born there, as well. We all have our favorite places, but we all agree that our most favorite place is the beach. There is something soothing about the crash of the waves, the warmth of the sun's rays and the distinct feel of wet sand in a bathing suit that conjures up memories of years past. We were fortunate enough to hit four beaches during our eight-day stay.


Our home base was San Diego, and we travelled as far north as Santa Monica, where we missed the turnoff for the beach and ended up driving dangerously close to Beverly Hills as we tried to find our way back to the water. There was a marked change in the four beaches we visited as far as the appearance, population, and (thanks to our friends Down under for the storm they sent us) the size of the waves. The "surf was up" all over, and with strong currents! There were many surfers in the water, all of whom dreamed of that "perfect wave." We settled for boogie boards and jumping the waves! I stayed clear of the shore so as not to be mistaken for a beached whale! But the smells and sounds took me back to a time when life was so plain and simple...what bathing suit to wear and which guy would I stalk next!



Of course, no visit to Southern Cali is complete without a day at Disneyland! We dropped off the kids at the park, and then went slumming at the beach, had lunch and then went to see "Ice Age" killing time until dinner.

The kids came over from the park and we all met for dinner with Ed's Godparents in Downtown Disney. We were still sitting around talking after two hours when the kids returned to the park so they could finish their list of rides.


We watched the fireworks from our table and then began the long walk to work off dinner.










Our last excursion before the big birthday party was the zoo! They had pandas! These animals look just like the stuffed animals in the stores...imagine that! We walked about a million miles (pre-dinner workout) and then rode the sky buckets back to the main entrance. Back to the hotel for naps, showers and primping!




Dinner was to-die-for! We had a private room with flowing champagne and really hot servers (not the warming plates, but the waiters)! Since moi no longer consumes alcohol, I watched as the family consumed buckets of these beverages. My normally reserved Hero and Rock (who are both over 21) came alive with conversation and giddiness. Ed, who is almost 18 asked for a taste, so I thought "what the heck; she's not driving." After she finished my glass of champagne and the wine I was given with dinner, she, too, became a very happy girl. Katya and I were the designated drivers for the evening!

Brunch the next morning was on yet, another beach (that makes five) at a restaurant right on the water. Again, champagne and mimosas were on the family menu! Katya and I had the thickest french toast we'd ever seen, topped with ice cream! We had a plane to catch for the last stop on our trip, so we ate and ran, thanking and hugging everyone on our way out. On to Vegas!


We spent only 18 hours in Vegas...just enough time to check out the lobbies of several hotels, get lost, and develop blisters from too much walking in bad shoes! The kids enjoyed "Beatles LOVE" at the Mirage, while Retro and I played the penny slots! He had a beer and I had a DIET COKE on the ROCKS! We dragged ourselves back to my aunt's condo and collapsed. Our flight home the next morning was at 9:40am, with a three hour layover in L.A., at which time we were told we would be boarding a different plane at a different gate, which wouldn't leave for another hour. Once on the plane, we plugged in our mp3earplugs and watched "17 Again." Then our descent to home began. Needless to say, we slept like a bunch of hibernating bears that night!



The first, last and most important place we visited was "In N Out Burger"! You know that euphoric look on a baby's face just as he/she finishes its mother's milk? Well, picture six people sitting in a booth with that same look on their faces as they devoured mass quantities of burgers, fries and shakes! We have yet to find anything that comes close in comparison. Too bad they won't come to the midwest!

We've been home a week, and the exhaustion still lingers. I have two weeks before school starts and I return to work. I can write my "To Do" list on an entire role of toilet paper, but I won't!

At least the kids will have sufficient material for their "What I did on My Summer Vacation" essays!

Hope you have some great vacation memories to share!

Day at The Beach Photo

I was thinking of entering this picture of Ed & Katya in a Beach Theme contest sponsored by an awesome photography blog. I'm very much a beginner and it's the first time I've ever done something like this. Please visit their blog by clicking on the i heart faces logo below, or by clicking here.



You should check out this blog if you love to take pictures, or if you just like to enjoy some wonderful works of art done by those who do take pictures. There are so many talented photographers out there!

Look for my upcoming post about the amazing time we had in California!

Fighting City Hall

Ahhhh, I love to hear about the joys of fighting “City Hall!” Need I say more? How many times have we attempted to right a wrong, complain about bad service (or no service) or make suggestions for improvement?

Well, I doubt if “City Hall” really wants to hear how they can improve. They believe that they are already a well-oiled machine and need no improvement in any area!

Here are a few comments, complaints and/or sarcastic remarks about some of the things that bother me:

1. Let’s double property taxes to give owners the illusion that they live in a classy neighborhood. It doesn’t matter whether or not they can afford it.

2. Eminent Domain keeps the neighborhood looking spiffy, and paves the way for new revenue for elected officials.

3. First-time offenders for minor infractions should have the book thrown at them. Examples must be set to keep order in society.


4. Elected (and appointed) officials shall determine recess of sessions if they are not getting their way. Sessions shall resume when the outcome is more to their liking.

5. Health insurance companies know best when it comes to coverage. They provide for exams to obtain a diagnosis, but then deny claims for treatment. (Some pay for an eye exam, but not for the glasses that are prescribed.)

6. Many attorneys know to what we are entitled, even if we don’t. They can acquire money for us (and themselves) for anyone’s mistake, regardless of the circumstances.


7. Individuals in the media tell us that it is our right to know the intimate details of victims and their circumstances, no matter how shocking the deed, or how upsetting it is to the victim. Get a life! Much of what is reported is none of our business! For instance, giving the public the address and details of a horrendous accident, murder or police standoff, is just asking for crowds to show up to watch.

8. School officials enjoy their power to render consequences to students who have made mistakes or bad choices, with no regard to the character of the student. It says in the School Code that “if you do this, then this will happen.” In a court of law, arguments, evidence and witness testimony are heard before a verdict is rendered. I guess that someone somewhere has determined that children are too young to learn about “the system” outside of school. (This is a favorite gripe of mine.)



9. Why must we desire to look like the individuals on TV, movies and magazines? We must purchase products or services that remove our wrinkles, cellulite and veins. We must also purchase enhancement products that promise to improve our sex life. Why do they keep shoving these ads for sexual intimacy down our throats while our children are nearby watching? Duh!

I am now stepping down from my soapbox…… thanks for allowing me to get a few things off my boobalicious chest!

These are some things that may or may not be possible to improve or change. If we don’t voice our concerns (in a gentle, loving way) change will never come about. I think it is important to make those with authority aware of injustices or unfair practices. They just might spend some time thinking about a better way of doing things….or maybe not.

Collections - Part Two

In a former post, I talked about the collections I had as a child. I’m not sure anyone would be interested in collections I had during my teen years. It might appear that I had a stalking problem while in high school… (a post for another day), and I’m not sure how long the statute of limitations is for stalking in California.

One summer, I volunteered to lead about a dozen 3rd grade girls at a day camp. “Movies” was the theme of the camp. Since my first choice of “Fly Away” was already taken, I chose to use the movie, “Ferngully,” because it had fairies in it. I have long been mesmerized by movies and books about fairies. I don’t have everything that was ever made, but I have collected a ton of fairy stuff. And, here was my big chance to show off my acting skills by becoming a real-live fairy. When I couldn’t find a fairy costume in my “womanly” size, I had to get creative. That’s all I’m going to say, and no, there are no pictures of me while at this day camp!

My “Mother Fairy” duties included planning a daily craft, snack, physical activities and a skit to be performed at the end of the week. We made fairy wings, magic wands, and fairy dust pouches (we had to improvise since the parks would not let us use “real” fairy dust; we substituted birdseed for the dust) . For activities throughout the week, we would visit other groups in the camp, cast spells and throw fairy dust on them. Since this was a Girl Scout camp, we snubbed any boys that had been brought as guests. We would cast bad spells on them every day. All the nice girls received good spells, and the stuck-up girls got the same spells as the boys!



On one of the days, we made a “walking snack” which is a “to go” snack that can be carried while hiking. We cut into very small pieces some carrots, celery and grapes. Then we put them on a leaf of lettuce and rolled it up. This yummy delicacy also served as “breadcrumbs” on the hiking path by the veggie haters and un-coordinated (I speak for myself) who could not, or did not want to, keep the lettuce leaf closed. Needless to say, we had some very astute young ladies and we never once lost our way home.

While on the hike, we eagerly looked for fairy nests within the flora. I told the girls that nests could be anywhere “except” for the plants that had three leaves…I didn’t want phone calls from moms yelling at me for exposing their daughters to dangerous shrubbery. The girls, as well as I, were extremely disappointed that we did not find any fairy abodes. I had to make up some lame excuse that fairies were scared of large groups of humans. The girls bought it.

For the skit, we learned a song and dance where the girls used their wands to cast spells, threw fairy dust at the audience and showed off their wings. Being the dance teacher that I am (not), I stood in the back and mirrored the steps and mouthed the words for the girls. The other leaders delighted in watching me as I made a complete fool of myself, but I was so “into” being the Mother Fairy I hardly noticed them until the roar of applause and whoops and hollers were heard at the end of the skit. All of the leaders were looking me, and not the girls! I couldn’t find a rock big enough to crawl under!

In all, it was a lot of work, but it was probably one of the best camping experiences I have ever had. These girls are now 16 years old, and I pray that any memories from that week of day camp have either disappeared, or are locked inside of some psychiatrist’s safe.

I do believe, I do believe!!!