Halloween

I let the kids pick out their costumes again this year. B-Man decided to stick with last years zebra while Ms. R decided to be Gabriella from High School Musical.
We opted out of the mall crawl because it was so stinking nice. Sticking to the neighborhood was a nice break. B-Man's been battling a cold and wasn't feeling so hot before we headed out. When we asked him if he wanted to keep trick or treating or go home he choose to go home after three houses. Ms. R, however, was on a mission. She was going to FILL her bucket by golly! Not many houses were giving out candy, but even less kids were out trick or treating so her bucket was bulging by the last house.
Oh for my Canadian lovelies ... it was 22 degrees out there.

Tickets

Jerry brought home two tickets to the NASCAR event happening on Sunday - anyone who reads this want them?
Seriously, we're not going to use them. I have to (I mean GET TO) teach and he's not going to go alone.
Hit me up if you want them.Here's the seating chart. Click on picture to see a bigger view.

That's Interesting

I mentioned a site Jerry's company launched the other day (or week or month. Time is so relative) ...
Let me clarify what "launch" means in reference to Jerry's company:
A group of people or company come to Jerry as the something or other (maybe president maybe CTO maybe captain dancing monkey) of his company and ask him if his guys can write the code (the stuff that makes website work. Not the part you see, but the part that makes it possible to do anything there) for a website for them. Depending on the amount of guys he has available, how much he personally believes in the project, how much money they will make or have to invest, how long the project will last, the continuance of services rendered, ect He makes a decision on whether the company will attempt to give the customer what they desire.
A launch date is always projected, worked towards and finally causes mass hysteria as it draws near. No matter how ready the guys are. There is always mass hysteria. It's an interesting phenomenon to watch in a bunch of 30-40 something men. I don't think it's that they lack confidence in what they are doing or their ability to kick a$$ and take names in the web programming world ... it's just an anxious time. Knowing that 1000's possibly 10's of 1000's or 100's of 1000's or if you're really lucky and cleaver millions of people are going to view what you have built up from random (to the untrained eye such as mine) strains of code.
I cannot say how many projects Jerry's companies have built up over the last 8 years. How many sleepless nights he has devoted. How many hours he's been in conference calls. How many swear words he's uttered. How utterly defeated he has seemed. How much hair he's lost. (haha, okay, I just had to throw that in there to lighten things up)
Then came along his latest project. A project that had become so big, so well known, so stable in the last month that Jerry (the pessimist) has started talking about the future. Infact, this evening he was *shock* even sounding optimistic.
The website has generated such buzz that my blog gets 30 hits a day, on that entry alone. And my blog is by no means on the top of the Google search engine list.
You know what this means? What it would mean if this project kept on this path?
My electric, water and gas will never be turned off again from lack of payment!
WOOOOHOOO!

I Should Be In Bed

But what am I doing? Watching this movie.
Yes. Yes I did just post a link to an airlines promotion. Seriously though, doesn't that just make you wish you had a lot of money and were flying somewhere REALLY far away? I am about to say something that most people will find somewhat racists. So if you're going to get your panties in a bunch, move on with your day (or night, if you're an insomniac like myself) and stop reading. On Japan Airlines, do you think that their seats recline into shorter beds than say Quantas?
If someone can show me how to do that thing where you can just highlight a word and it means you can click on it and be twirled to a new website, I'd greatly appreciate that.

Moon Dance

Tonight was the Annual Moon Dance at Ms. R's school. It's a 2 hour event with miniature pumpkin decorating,Ms. R and a friend from class

spray on tats, refreshments/drinks, a couple silly contests for the kids, dancingwhat IS that look on his face?

and a silent auction ... but somehow the kids always seem to wrangle an unmitigated amount of fun out of it. I won three things this year (Jerry sent me with a blank check, I did my solemn best not to spoil that trust and go CRAZY like I was REALLY tempted to do.) Things I won and cost to me:

$20 - Two tickets to a Legends of Country concert. Funny things (1)I looked it up online and I paid more for the tickets than they are worth. Only $6 more. But still. More. (2) I haven't heard of any of the people performing. Oh well, all the money goes directly to the PTA ... so whatever. Maybe I'll offer them to one of Jerry's partners who I know loves country music. Maybe he'll have heard of some of the musicians.
$30 - Two certificates for a children's consult/x-ray worth $200 Niiiiice!
$10 - Lunch with Ms. R's teacher. I really didn't want this one, I mean I see her every day as it is. But when I walked by the page with 5 minutes left and NO BIDS on it ... I felt rather bad for her.
I didn't bid on any of the baskets put together by the individual classrooms. Though you get a lot for your money(some of the baskets goods were worth more than $500), I don't really like buying a package deal knowing there are things in the package I'm just going to be packing up and sending on to Sally Ann.
Ms. R had a splendid time. I saw her for maybe 2.8 seconds while she and her troupe decorated their pumpkins. And that was by chance.
I love that she has friends this year. I love that when the class pairs off for activities it's not Ms. R standing to the side pretending she doesn't care and WANTS to play a pairs game by herself. I love that we can't leave the classroom at the end of the day without half the class needing to give her a hug before we exit. But most of all, I love that she is loyal. Even though she has all these new, exciting, inviting friends she always seeks out her Spanish girl friends from last year at recess; pulls them along and into the games her new friends have invited her to play. It's a beautiful thing to see.

Who the ... WHAT THE!?!?!

Keywords cropped up this week that either tickle me or leave me slightly mystified:

Krista slave in love ... I typed this into Google myself and after scrolling through 6 pages and didn't find me directly who ever used this and got to me, must have been very determined. I hope you found what you were looking for. Cause it sure ain't me!

blue jays vs my back yard ... and my backyard won! Well, at least dismantling the nest they had built in my light fixture made me the winner. My son can once again play in the backyard without being terrorized

Christmas flowers ... I am at a loss. As I would say to Court, "Reh?"

spot o kristovi ... who are you, Kristovi, and can we become friends on the "spot"?

Troy Aikman Mormon ... I'm sorry, Troy, I didn't mean to further the speculation. Just so you know, I'd never put the two of you together. Anywhere but my dreams.
I hope my sleeping brain (I know there is a scientific word for it, but I'm finding I cannot remember how to spell it for the life of me. And spell check is no help because apparently I'm not even in the ball park) picks some hot sports guy next time ... like ... well hell, I can't think of any in particular but I'm sure there are those that I would find very ...
Nevermind.
I'm not talking about that anymore.

It's Making News

Jerry's latest client OneSeason.com is making small waves.
Here's an article posted on the Wall Street Journal by Nando Di Finol
For someone writing for the WSJ, it's a really funny article that helped me understand more fully what the website is all about.
CNBC also posted an article about the company.
They have a poll posted on the article that states that 77% of the readers think this is a "viable" business.
Good on ya, Michael and DJ. Oh and sorry for teasing you about being too much of a wuss to bowl at the Christmas party. I swear ... I don't really think you were too scared to lose to a girl ;)

Laughed till I Snorted.

If you can read this whole story without laughing, then there's no hope for you. I was crying by the end. For those of you who have lived in the south you know how accurate this is ...

Frank: "Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a Chile cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native New Mexicans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge 3."

Here are the scorecard notes from the event:

CHILE # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILE
Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild..
Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These New Mexicans are crazy.

CHILE # 2 - EL RANCHO'S AFTERBURNER CHILE
Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.

CHILE # 3 - ALFREDO'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILE
Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse Chile. Great kick.
Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting sh*t-faced from all of the beer.

CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC
Judge # 1 -- Black bean Chile with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a Chile.
Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. woman is starting to look HOT .. just like this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is Chile an aphrodisiac?

CHILE # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP REMOVER
Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong Chile. Jalapeno peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 -- Chile using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the jalapeno peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her Chile had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher .. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.

CHILE # 6 - VARGA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY
Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety Chile. Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can't feel my lips any more. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.

CHILE # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI
Judge # 1 -- A mediocre Chile with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of Chile peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about judge number #3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with Chile, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing..It's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.

CHILE # 8 - BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILE
Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend Chile. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced Chile. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the Chile pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot Chile?
Judge # 3 - No Report.

My Kids Current Favorite Song

Is odd. Not so much something that crosses your mind when you think "Kids songs".
Here's the song and EXACTLY how they belt it out in the car when it's on the radio

"SO WHAT" By PINK
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na

I guess i just lost my husband
(mumbling)
I wanna get in trouble
I wanna start a fight

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
I wanna start a fight
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
I wanna start a fight

So so what?
I'm still a rock star
(mumbling)
So so what?
I am a rockstar
I got my rock moves
And I don't want you tonight

(more mumbling)
I'm gonna get in trouble
My ex will start a fight

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
He's gonna start a fight
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
We're all gonna get in a fight!

So so what?
I'm still a rock star
I ...
(mumbling)
I am a rock star
I got my rock moves
And I don't want you tonight

(mumbling)
I'm still a rock star
(mumbling)
I'm alright(I'm alright),I'm just fine (I'm just fine)
(mumbling)
I am a rock star
(mumbling)

No No, No No
(mumbling)
So so what?
I am a rock star
(mumbling)

Ba da da da da da

B-Man shouts the "I am a rock star" while Ms. R (ironically) shouts out the "fight" parts.
Come on. It's better than some other songs on the radio the kids could be singing ...

5's

Yeah, alright, I'll join the 5 train ...

My 5 Favorite Blogs
1. Pioneer Woman
2. Fancy Nancy Pants
3. This is Reverb
4. 301NIB
5. Monger's


My 5 Favorite Places
1. In a warm, comfy bed with no small feet/elbows/knees digging into me
2. On the beach, lounging with a book and camera
3. Sitting around the table playing games with my siblings and their spouses
4. Out at a fun place with my kids.
5. Sitting by a campfire with good friends


My 5 Favorite Things To Cook
1. Fajita's
2. Muffins
3. Chicken in the Nu-wave
4. Pancakes
5. Eggs/Bagel/Cheese/Bacon

5 Websites I Visit Every Day
1. weather.com
2. NRH Public Library
3. Facebook
4. gmail
5. hotmail


5 Things I Want to do in the Next 5 Years
1. Make some "every day" friends in Texas
2. Start camping with my kids regularly
3. Get a new car
4. Go on a fabulous vacation
5. Replace the carpet in this house

Warm Caramel Apple Cake

I tried to post the recipe but for some reason the format got all messed up when I transferred it. So just go to here and put the name of the cake in the search area.

That site has some serious thigh/butt/diet damage recipes.
Beware.

That's Something to Chew on

One of the bloggers I follow (who I shared friends with in high school and also married an American) posted this today, "Life is about opportunities not entitlements." That simple statement really opened up a flood gate into my inner thoughts the last few days.
Ever since getting all riled up about not having access to funds when I "want" it, considering taking a job next year, thinking about the pros and cons ... Then I watched a video that one of Jerry's clients companies put together recently.
I have been a staunch supporter of this particular company for almost as long as it's been a concept. I won't post the name because I do not want to get slapped around for what I am going to say later about the video they produced. This company's concept is, to me, genius. It's all about woman power, networking, building relationships, building up other women in the business community. It's about empowering women. Helping them achieve more than they could alone in the business community. Like I said, I love this company.
However, Jerry gave me a movie they recently produce for distribution and asked me to watch it and give him my perception of it. I was all jacked up about doing it because I love what this company does. The disappointment I felt as I watched it was almost devastating. On one hand, I could appreciate the "look what these women have over come to become" message. On the other hand I felt like, as someone who has decided to be a stay at home mom, I was being slapped in the face. The prevailing message was if you're not out there doing something you're not living your full potential. "Mommy Guilt" for working a full time job to achieve something that is that much more important? Eh. It's to be expected, embraced and moved on.
I can understand it from one point of view, all but one of the women they featured are divorcee's, cancer survivors, poverty line. They had these huge obstacles to overcome. Good for them. It's great that they were able to go out there, support themselves and their families, overcome sicknesses, rise up from poverty and abuse.
But don't portray women who decide that right now, our greatest achievement/pride/joy is our children, who think that being intimately involved in our children's school, activities and lives is a great feat ... don't portray us as the ones who are giving up our dreams. My dreams, right now, are my children. My greatest achievement is knowing that my daughter is proud of her mom, knowing that the involvement in B-Man's education is making a difference.
I am not entitled to be a stay at home mom. It isn't my god given right because I gave birth to them. It's a special opportunity that Jerry provides for us, because he knows this is what is important to me.

It's an opportunity I hope I don't waste because I feel entitled to be the person my kids count on, cry on, love on.

Cause I gave birth to them.
They'd better ;)

Wayne

Jerry's sister in law Wenda flew over to Texas earlier this month to do some genealogy (took pictures, organized pictures, got the correct spelling, looked into correct dates for weddings) and we got the chance to chat while we were driving around. It wasn't really anything she said, but more of what I said to her about him that helped me realize just how much Wayne really means to me. How much I admire him.
Here is a man who wasn't much of a father to his sons when they were children/teenagers; at least not in the traditional way people of my generation expect fathers to be. He was abusive, demanding, negligent, belligerent, selfish ... you get the point. However, he has evolved and improved. You can tell he truly loves his sons. He wants what's best for them. He wants to see them achieve their goals and even to the point of giving when he should just stand back and let them fall. He calls them all at least a couple times a day, just to chat, to keep in touch, because he likes his sons. When you see him with them you can tell he gets no greater joy or pride out of their accomplishments and happiness.
Then there's his roll as my children's grandfather. He cannot do enough for my kids, tries his best to know them personally, takes interest in what they are doing, asks about them continually, tries to keep a lid on his temper when B-Man tries his patience, "sneaks" Ms. R coins and treats. Yesterday when I was talking to him about attending an Autism summit up in Vancouver, BC, Canada in February he offered to use his air miles (the man has more than a million accumulated...) to fly me there because he knows how important me being involved in my kids education is to me.
Our relationship has hit bumpy patches, but for the greater part ... Wayne has been a real stand up kind of guy. Being an only child, he loves confirmation that whatever he has done has been done. I'm more than willing to be his affirmative action person. We always enjoy doing projects together, from building cabinets to laying hardwood to tinkering in an engine to planning vacations.
He a good man, I am grateful he is part of my life.

Decieved

We had Stake Conference today, which means that I didn't take the kids to church. It's a pointless exercise in patience. One I do not willingly endure. I know that I should do something here at the house with the kids... but I like to get out as much as I possibly can. It's a curse.
After checking out local things to do I choose an event that sounded fun. Here's how the listing reads :
Pirate Days of The Colony
The festival features themed music concerts, pirate comedy routines, re-enactments in period costume, a children’s play and activity area, pirate costume contests for the two, peg and four legged, arts and crafts marketplace and exhibits, cannon fire and more.
Price: Free
The Colony is about 45 minutes North-North-East from our house so I thought this day out would satisfy everyone. Gets me out of the house, Ms. R could get her face painted and B-Man would get a nice car ride and see pirates.
The first indication that this was not as it was advertised? As we were driving up I saw signs that read "Parking $5". Wooow Nelly. I came to this because it was free. I certainly do not carry cash. So I pulled a U-y and drove into a neighboring community and guiltily disregarded the signs proclaiming, "Parking Strictly for Residents". Hoofing it almost 1/2 mile back. Suuuure you didn't have to pay to enter after you'd paid to park so you could watch the musicians ... but that was about it. EVERYTHING else cost $$$. Bounce houses, face painting, crafts, activity areas... I was completely disgusted. Ms. R was crushed because she couldn't get her face painted and B-Man was upset he didn't get to go do things with the pirates.
To stave off complete disappointment, we walked along the shore of Lake Lewisville and threw rocks and sticks in for a good hour.
After that we headed up to IKEA since it was only another 10 minutes from where we were. I love IKEA. Love the cheap restaurant, Smaland, wandering around getting organization ideas.

Paris for the Weekend

So there's a small city (some may even call is a large town) here in Texas called Paris. I kid you not. Since I discovered it's existence I have wanted to go there for a weekend. Simply so I could say "I went to Paris for the weekend."
Yep, I'm lame.

Books

There has been a question as to how I manage to read books. Or at least as many books as I do. It's simple:(1) I'm a really fast reader. (2) I'm home alone in the evenings after the kids go to bed and since I don't watch TV ... books it is.
Just this afternoon I started a new book. Another one on Autism. Another one written by someone with Autism. I truly love reading these books. They give me so much insight into how my favorite boy may be thinking, motivation, ideas.
This newest book, "The Way I See It" has already given me an interesting insight, only 1 page in:
It's okay to let your Autistic child tune out the whole world (not all the time) because, for them, it's calming. It helps them get centered.
They need 40 hours a week of "connected" time. Not necessarily 40 hours of hard core learning time, but 40 hours a week of being actively engaged with other people.

When I finish the book, I'll make a complete listing of what I found interesting.

*The Beach House*

My mama told me if I didn't have nothin' nice to say to not say nothin' at all. Which really, is a double negative. So I really SHOULD say something. But I will refrain.
Suffice to say, I am not a fan of this book.

Don't Think

I'm not a super spy or a creep or invasive ... but I run one of those analytic programs on my site.
A few weeks ago I read about it on Google and thought, "Why not? May be interesting."
Since then I have been blown away by:
#1. The range of countries I don't know people in are visiting from. The U.K., Costa Rica, Sweden, Spain and India to name a few.
#2. How many people, on average, visit my site a day. I won't write it down - I don't want you to think I'm bragging ;) Let's just say, it's way more people than I personally know.
#3. The "Key Words" people are Googling and venture into my site. "My ears itch after I sneeze", "Troy Aikman Mormon", "Nuwave Pumpkin Pie" (which I haven't made, but sounds DELICIOUS!), "how to spot a spoiled steak" (whhhhat ... I don't think I've ever spotted a spoiled steak. Then again, I've had one marinading in my fridge a tad too long I think ...)
#4. The average amount of time someone spends on my site - 2 1/2 minutes.

The WWW sure is an interesting place to be.

Done In

I have been asked a couple of times since I started volunteering at Rhiannon's school what I would think about being a paid aid next year. I have been fairly ambivalent in my responses "I wouldn't mind", "If there is a need, I could do it", "I don't HAVE to do it, but if you need me, I could". I like being able to help out in Rhiannon's classroom, knowing what's going on, helping her confidence grow, ect.
Generally, I just don't think about the fact that I do not have any money of my own to spend. I don't think about the fact that I need to ask Jerry every time I need money for anything. I don't think about it because it makes me feel mad, degraded, hurt, frustrated. Not feelings that foster a good marital relationship. I cannot change the way he feels about money, so, in my mind it's best to ignore it. Ignore the fact that he gives me the credit card and not cash or his PIN so he can control how much I am spending and know where I am spending it moments after I have done so. Ignore. Suppress. Move on.
This morning I kind of snapped though.
Knowing I had saved us $200 yesterday ... yet do not have any extra cash to take my kids anywhere fun today. Don't have any money to fill up my truck myself (Jerry does it when I tell him I'm below half). Knowing that I will have to wake Jerry up and say, "Do you think I can have some money to go out with the kids?" Then wait while he mumbles and grumbles around, asks how much I want ... then eventually (more than likely) say "No".
It's worse than when I was a kid. At least when I was a kid, I had my own money. My parents paid for my car insurance, food, essentials ... but the rest I had under control. I even leased a 1997 Ford Ranger (co-signed by dad) when I was in high school - paying for it ALL BY MYSELF.
If I have to take a job that will allow me to work the same hours that my kids go to school, that will not take me away from them in the evenings when homework, dinner and family time are going on ... I think, at this point, I am more than willing. Just so I can have some cash for ME. Some money, that say I want to, I don't know ... take the kids to a fun spot that isn't free - I can. I can just go. I don't have to go through the ridiculous process of waking up their nocturnal father just to be turned down or grudgingly given money.

Keller Fall Festival

She seriously thought she was leaving the house looking like this
All I have to say is "those rich people really know how to put on a festival". The cost to enter into this festival was a can of food per person and even that was on the honor system. There was mask painting, twirly art making, hayrides, demonstrations on how to put out a BBQ fire correctly, karaoke, cookie decorating, eyeing up a guy that was getting a little too close to her creation

bean bag toss, juggling/stilt/unicycle guys, pretending to be the guy on stilts

free stew/cornbread/drinks/popcorn ... it was all located beside a HUGE park.Best part for me? As we're driving away, Ms. R "That was awesome! You're the best mom!"

Salvage & Bulk Food Stores

I'm going to bite the "snooty" bullet in me and try out a discount food store this afternoon. I am not too sure what I'll find. Or if I'll be too creeped out by the idea of the food being "salvaged". Or if I'll be scared because of the part of town I'll be in. Or grossed out by the lighting. However, our food bill is getting out of control. Seriously. I know a lot of it is because I buy organic as much as humanly possible... but it still hurts when I look at the food bill and realize I spend more than Jenie with her family of 7. Probably only a little less than Dawn, who feeds 10 regularly. That is rather ridiculous. Not that Jerry will thank me or anything for spending less. But I'll feel better. Maybe. *Gulp* I'm still working up the nerve to go over to that part of town. Not that I think I'll be shot or anything. Mostly.
I'll pretend that it's because I don't like the thought of driving 15 minutes to go get groceries. Not because I am a snot.
Yeah, that's what I'll pretend.

Follow Up:
T.P. 7.99 reg 11.49
Soy Yogurt $4/16 reg $16
Canned Mandarine Oranges $.39 reg $.92
Canned Tuna $.68 reg $1.67
Refried Beans $.99 reg $1.89
Peanut Butter $3.99 reg $4.44
Kitty litter $4.99 reg $13.78

Those are just a few of the savings I found. You do have to look over the products, some are past the "sell by" date ... but then you have to decide how far past the sell by date you're willing to gamble. Some were just within a week. Others were a good four months out.
There were so many different kinds of food I'd like to just try out. However, I was VERY good and kept to my list (almost exactly).
Ya'll be surprised to hear that I stayed $200 under my usual amount. That may provoke the question, "Just how much do you spend on groceries?" That's for me to know and you to ponder.

I say

"Doll House"
They say
"Monster Truck"
This is a fundamental difference between Jerry's parents and I.
Should I explain?
While we were at Canton, Linda asked me what B-Man wanted for his birthday. I told her he'd love a doll house. She was appalled. Possibly even disgusted. She thought (as I often do) that I was teasing her. She was pretty upset when I reiterated that he really would love a doll house. Not so much the dolls ... but the house FOR SURE.
He loves playing with animals and Little People figurines as he makes up elaborate story lines ... the key figure in his play, however, is either the barn or castle he sets up first. I see nothing wrong with him loving to play with doll houses. Or dolls. I think it's simply embracing his nurturing side. It's when he puts on his sisters dresses that I worry ;)
Jerry's parents showed up out of the blue last night with his birthday present.
A monster truck.
A very loud monster truck.
Thank you, Wayne and Linda.
Thank you very much.
I think that's going to becoming a "play at grandma and grandpa's house" toy.
*wicked laugh*
Seriously, why do grandparents do that to their children?
We couldn't have been THAT BAD when we were kids to deserve those kinds of toys.
I mean ... were we?

Yummy In My Tummy

I went all crazy and decided to try a new Mexican place. I love Mexican food. Seriously, I consider it one of the best reasons to live this close to the border. We generally go to a franchise called On the Border because we know it's good, the have a good kids menu and it's fairly close to our house. However, as we were driving home from the fair the other night the kids and I were starving because we hadn't really ate anything at the fair (Jerry hates buying food there because it's so stinking expensive). As we passed through Irving I saw an "El Chico" sign and mentioned to Jerry I'd never ate there so he pulled off the freeway and we ventured inside.
Holy Wow. Free nachos, salsa and queso, an extensive kids menu, the service was beyond impeccable. Our drinks never got below half, our chips were also replenished before the bowl was empty, she was friendly but not intrusive ... I was beyond impressed. I am not willing to drive a little further for a totally awesome dining experience.

I Don't Care

If this is reality or photo shop. It's frickin' hilarious.

*The Last Summer (of You & Me)*

Oh. My. Heck.
Unless you want to drag through the first 100 pages with sad feelings assailing you ... then dredge through another 200 and some feeling sad and frustrated and angry and ... well, don't read this book. I thought it would be good because it's by the same author who wrote "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" which I enjoyed. But no.
Hint: The title refers to the last summer between two sisters not because they stop spending the summer together at their families beach house ... but because one of the sisters DIES! How much worse can this story get?
Very displeased. Very displeased indeed.
This book makes me glad I've started getting books out at the library and not buying them. I'd be REALLY annoyed to have spent money on that little ditty.

You Like It!

Short tidbit:
Ms. R usually strips down to her skivvies and under shirt after school, like some how the constraints of wearing clothes all day has just killed her.
B-Man, on the other had has taken on the need to wear at least two layers at all times.
This little difference has started a comedy of B-Man running around after Ms. R with clothing items shouting, "Put it on! You like it!" While Ms. R thinking it's a funny game, runs swiftly ahead of them easily eluding his attempts at adding layers.

*Baby Proof*

I am such a girl. I try not to say this with derision but ... I have a hard time with it. I have embraced pedicures, waxing, plucking, wearing make up on occasion, skirts, even flip flops. However, when I describe my daughter I hear myself say with some horror "she's such ... a girl" because really, I have no idea where girlie girls are coming from. I like pedicures, waxing and plucking because I personally like smooth skin not because it's a feminine thing to do, because I'm trying to fit in some group or category. I wear make up on occasion because I want to feel a little more confident. I love how airy skirts and flip flops are. But deep down, I'm a t-shirt, gym shorts and pony tail girl. So when I find myself drawn time and time to "chit lit" it confuses the inner tom boy. There it is though, another piece of chit lit I got emotionally drawn into. I felt so much for the main category, feeling her pain of wanting to live her ideal of life and wondering how much she'd have to sacrifice in order to achieve her goals. I liked this book. It wasn't heart warming or endearing ... but thoughtful and interesting. It would appeal to a certain type of gal.

Ahhh Errr Hmmm

So, today was our primary presentation which in and of itself ... just run of the mill chaos. I however, was blessed by just a hint more of "excitement" or embarrassment depending on which philosophy you subscribe to. To begin with, I had to drag B-Man out of bed which is NEVER a pleasant experience. He is not a morning person to say the very least. So after I'd drug him out of bed with the promise that he got to speak into the mic at church today we headed off to church (after I'd dressed and fed him of course). Because he was as of yet still not quite awake when we got to church he curled up onto my lap once we were seated on the stand. He flipped this way, that way trying, I guess, to get comfortable and stay warm. Eventually he woke up enough to want off my lap, so I scooted him over to the seat beside me and relaxed in my own seat. Only to discover that B-Man had managed to unbutton all my buttons down to my waist. *Gulp* I tried to be casual about it. Tried not to feel my face burning bright enough to light a house on fire. What do you do? Furiously button up your shirt hoping no one noticed? Grab quickly at both sides ... hoping no one noticed? Leisurely rebutton pretending it's no big deal ... hoping no one notices? WHILE THE WHOLE CONGREGATION SITS IN FRONT OF YOU POSSIBLY OGLING YOUR "UNDER GEAR"?!?!?!? I went with the last option... slightly angled inward. Though that option possibly wasn't any better as there is a Brother that teaches in our primary that was directly that way. *gasp* Eh. Flash one guy or a congregation full of people. That shirt no longer exists in my wardrobe. It has been banished to the out regions of Sally Ann. Good riddance.

"Fair"ly Traditional

Macromedia isn't working on my computer at the moment ... so you get them one by one and not in a slide ... sorry!

The Texas Star Ferris wheel (at 212ft it's the largest in N. America) ... B-Man calls it the Wagon Wheel

View of Dallas skyline from top of Texas Star
Cotton Bowl. It was the Red River Shoot Out today. Texas won... Hook 'em Horns!

B-Man feeding a baby giraffe

Seriously, how cute is that mug?

I couldn't hold Ms. R up so she could fee it and get a picture of the camel ... so you get a pic of just the camel. Sorry?

These are "Numerenian Princesses" just ask B-Man ...
Ms. R requested a cob of corn, then realized she had to gum it because ...

She's missing three teeth on top and two on the bottom - right in the middle! I laughed myself silly when I realized what her problem was.

She almost got to the top! I was so proud of her!

She thought sliding down the wall was great
Once he figured out the cable was a bungee, he forgot all about climbing and used it like a Jolly Jumper
Mighty girl ... dadadada! Well ... at least she was able to pick it up ;)
He whacked it hard enough to make the half way marker ... both got a pink pig for their efforts

Watching TV on her dads phone while we waited for supper. Possibly her favorite part of the day.

*Send In The Idiots*

Absolutely spellbinding. I seriously could not put this book down. Written by a man with high functioning Autism, as he gathers stories from a few of his former classmates ... it caught my attention from the introduction. Since I am also using this as a journal I'm going to write down lines I enjoyed from the book, for future reference, by me. I really hope the author doesn't mind.
"Coherentizing Behaviours" include ... walking on toes ... grinding teeth
Autism arrives by a fairly short route, from the Greek autos, meaning "self"
Craig's echolalia focused on the phrase "Send in the idiots".
Gridlock continues between the White House and Congress...
Send in the idiots (hu-stinking-larious!)
Why leave people to guess whether I am Autistic or not? It's hardly a game."
We're doing fine, we could do worse. If we tried, we could to worse.
A face couldn't outright change. A spoken sentence, though could change and still be the same sentence.
A conversation is a performance.
Conversation requires insincerity.
Striking up conversations with strangers is an Autistic person's version of extreme sports.
Conversation flourishes when we entertain each other.
Conversation sometimes requires us to ask questions, the answer to which we are not interest in ourselves, but which we feel the other person might enjoy or appreciate the opportunity to provide.
What did that feel like, to have created a life that was to fundamentally different form their own?
The challenge for Autistic individuals is that they are overwhelmed even by their own minds.
AS managing our own minds was such a challenge, it was unsurprising that we weren't curious about one another. We had enough going on.
They prefer to play on their own because they don't understand that it may be possible to play with another child.
This was as good as it got. Their son was loved.
"mind-blindness"
Autistic children simply don't understand that there are minds other than their own, which might have thoughts different from their own. this is why they display so little interest in others.

Over all the impression I got from this author is that he hopes that parents of Autistic children don't hope too high, too low, blame too much, look too little. Not every autistic child is going to become some sort of brain, or social outcast, or wildly fabulous at something. They are all going to be individuals, just as any other child would be. Possibly with more limitations.
He believes that Autism isn't to be blamed on anything more than genetics. It's easier for parents to look outward, it must be the immunizations, the increase in this that or the other. But to look inward and simply accept that they may have a little of it in them and passed it on in an amplified manner ... unacceptable.
When you read it coming from someone with Autism, somehow it's easier to feel ... not "okay" but more at peace with the fact that my son has individual problems, with deal with scenarios differently ... but he's still mine.

Clarification

The bookshelf on the side indicates I've read those books ... but ACTUALLY it's the list of books I am either reading or had checked out and waiting to be read. However, when you go to the website and place them in those categories it does not show them on your blog. Therefore, do not suppose I have read the displayed books. Assume that I am reading the first book and plan to read the books thereafter in that order ... please.

*Just Breathe*

I utterly fell in love with this book. The main character, Sarah, returns to her (small) hometown after the painful demise of her marriage. She has to over come her own insecurities and prejudices about those who were in the "in crowd" in high school. Come to grips with being an adult and learns to stand on her own two feet.
I know I love this book because it was like peeling aside my "tough" attitude about high school (which covers up a plentifully painful experience) and exposing my feelings. Having to come learn that it's been more than 10 years ... people change. I have, haven't I? I have to learn to forgive and eventually forget the pain and humiliation I experienced and just accept people as they are now.

Awww

As I was getting B-Man ready for school this morning he was stroking my hair (he's a very tactile kid), then he smiled and said to me, "You're cute girl mom."

4th Edge

Describe a favorite childhood Christmas.
My favorite Christmas was the one that we all got tickets to Disney World. I think that we were aware that is what we were getting - but it was still awesome to see the tickets in our hands.What musical instrument do you play or wish you could play?
As per my mothers' orders, I took piano lessons. I can still sort of play it, I can read the notes ... but have no desire to play it really well. Why? Because I sure don't want to be enlisted to play in church!Tell about any pets you had as a child.
We had pet after pet. Max, Bo, Chance, Chip ... I don't know if we were bad pet owners or just had bad luck with animals.

What kind of sports did you play, watch and like? How about now?
I played soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton and participated in track.
I liked to watch WHL games, gymnastics, college basketball, high school football.
I now do not play any sports. It's very sad.
However, I still enjoy watching hockey basketball baseball and football - especially in person. That rocks!

Did you have a childhood hide-out? Where? Describe it.
I would gather up all of my bedding and huddle up in my closet. I figured it'd be the last place my mom would look since she's claustrophobic.

What are some of your favorite smells? Why?
I love the smell of vanilla. Tide. Chlorine. Sunscreen. Safari by R.L.
Vanilla - it smells delicious
Tide - means it's clean
Chlorine - Summer!
Sunscreen - Ditto
Safari by R.L. - For some reason when I smell this on a man, my knees go weak.

What are your favorites: colors, flowers, food, activities, hobbies?
Colors - Blue, pink, purple
Flowers - Tulips
Food - chicken fajitas, sushi
Activities - Volunteering, traveling, dreaming
Hobbies - Photography, organizing, blogging

Tell about places you have worked.
Stop 'n' Go - Coaldale. I actually really like working here. The boss was super great, the gas jockeys were fun to flirt with and the play was decent.
Hard Rock Cafe -Banff. It was fun while it lasted. Interesting experiences. Worked with a variety of people from all over the UK ... and Canada.
Roots - Edmonton. I thoroughly enjoyed being in management. I however, did not enjoy the fact that being in management meant that I had to work most Sundays.
Subway - Coaldale. Finished saving for the payment on Jerry's wedding ring. I'm not sure if I liked working there or not. I don't really remember it.

Describe a favorite childhood friend and some things you did with him or her.
I'd have to say my favorite, longest standing friend is still "Daniel" Court. We acted like three year olds around each other. I have a hard time pinning down things we did with each other. Most of my memories are just based around feelings. I remember feeling happy, funny, important, amused, content when I was around him. I still do, actually.

Tell about a frustrating experience you've had with a car.
My trucks current AC needs to be replaced. It's highly irritating, you never know if it's going to be working from one day to the next. Not such a fabulous thing in Texas.

What did you do as a child that got you in the most trouble with your parents? What did they do to you?
Well, the worst thing I did (that they knew about) was skip out of doing chores to go over to a guy friends house Saturday morning with a girl friend I had sleeping over. They grounded me for the first time ever, maybe the only time. Can't really remember.

What influenced you most in your choice of a spouse?
Well, h*#$. Honestly? *sigh* At the time, he made me laugh. He had a steady, well paying company. He lived in an "exotic" location.
I'm just trying to be honest here ...

Describe the perfect autumn day. What would you do on that day?
Perfect autumn days are plentiful around here. It's "cooling down" to the 70's (20's), the days are getting shorter and the planned county activities are plentiful. The perfect day includes the kids and I grabbing breakfast, heading off to a local fall festival, playing lost of fun games, going on a hay ride, eating fire roasted marshmallows, then finally heading home with the kids TIRED and ready for bed.

Did you and your father share an interest? Tell about your relationship.
My dad and I both enjoy(ed) cars. We loved washing them, test driving them, talking them ...
I also accompanied him when he would ref basketball in the fall/winter. It was a nice time to enjoy one on one time with him.
Our relationship was easy. I think that is because he wasn't really involved with the ins and outs of what was really going on in my life. He knew about the surface and I didn't trouble him and further.

What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like it to be said that I was a great mother ... a dedicated friend and a decent wife ;)

Were you responsible for any household chores? What were they? Which ones did you most enjoy? Least enjoy?
My mom divided all the household chores into groups. Then divided them amongst the three of us kids. The duties rotated. I can't remember if they rotated every week or day ... but a definite rotation system. I enjoyed ... ahhh ... mowing the lawn, because I got paid for that. I hated cleaning the stairs the most. All those levels and corners *shutters*

Thinking back, was there a teacher(s) or class that had a great influence on you?
For the negative - that would be Mr. Holstein at R.I. Baker. Before him - I loved math. Thought I was pretty decent at it. He was somehow able to completely kill that love in grade 9.
Mrs. Dyck English 10, 20, 30 at Kate Andrews. She was passionate, intense, brutal and fabulous.

Tell about dreams, expectations and hopes you have for each of your children.
Ms. R ... all I can dream for her is to be happy. To know she is worth so much more than she can imagine. I expect her to be a good person. To try to make her life and other peoples lives better. I hope she fosters her gentle spirit and embraces her strengths and builds on her weaknesses till they are also strengths. I hope she knows she's more than the man she winds up with.
B-Man ... I dream so much for him. For him to learn to communicate. To learn how to assimilate into his environments. I no longer expect him to be outgoing and well liked ... I just hope he finds one good friend. I hope he becomes a well learned, capable man who appreciates all he can do. Exceeds expectations and breaks barriers.

What do you remember about yourself as a teen-ager? What was important to you?
It all depends on what part of my teenage years you speak of. When I was in Jr. High I was outgoing, confident, influential. Making the school sports teams, maintaining decent grades and spending time with my friends was all that was really important to you.
High School ... I was down trodden, fearful, painfully out cast. The most important thing to me was trying not to be noticed. Hoping if they didn't notice me ... they'd just leave me alone.

What did your father do for a living? He was a millwright/welder unto he got tendinitis in his elbows. Then he gave that up and opened a Subway Restaurant in Raymond, AB.
How did he get to work? He always drove a car ... well, for a while, he owned a Honda GoldWing. But that was a very short while.
What time did he go and get home? From what I remember, while he was working at Lethbridge Industries he went to work at 8 and got him around 5. Subways hours are more flexible. Since he's the owner and all.
Did he take a lunch? Until Subway, he always took left overs from supper for lunch. I remember mom packing it up for him after supper every night.
Who did he work with? No one he wanted to be friends with.
Did he get special training from anyone or schooling? He went to some kind of ... something or other for the millwright. I can't remember exactly what.
For Subway, he had to go over to CT for training before he was allowed to open his store.

Do you have a special school memory from high school?
I remember eating lunch and waiting to be picked up after school with Mark French. He pretty much saved my sanity at LCI.