American Honey

New Year Challenge

2011-01-11T18:23:00.001-08:00

So, I haven't done well thus far with the challenge of blogging for 30 days. After a visit to the ER on New Year's Day, a visit to the doctor, an ultrasound on the kidney in question to rule out a stone and oh, yeah... another trip the ER last night with a CT scan this time around, blood work checking levels for every.single.freakin'.organ, the beautiful invention of pain meds via an IV has only made me a little behind on my blogging. *giggle*

After all the testing, the ER found a cyst on the ovary that is causing all the pain. I'm holy cow... I thought I was in labor last night on the way home from work! To think that one little 3 cm cyst leaking into the abdomen could cause such severe pain. But like I said, thank god for pain meds! The doc shot me up with an IV pain med, sent me home with 2 more and I am doing a happy dance right now. I really can see how someone would want to continue to chase the feeling of this!

I think I will put the 30 days of blogging on hold for a day or two until I'm feeling better. I'm off to take a happy pill then to bed for the night. *grin*

My Challenge to Blog

2011-01-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

Life has been SO crazy the past year that in 2010 it seemed that I never had the chance to blog. In reality, I was going through some very rough times with the ex-husband and even though it might have been therapeutic for me, I didn't want to write about all of that "stuff" constantly. With the coming of the new year, I have decided (because I don't make resolutions) to blog more or at least make a good effort to do so.

Because of my non-resolution, I came across this idea and thought "Why not?" So, I will begin tomorrow with the Thirty Days of Truth list (thanks HDW for posting this list on her site):

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

You can all look forward to this and who knows... we all just might learn a little something on my journey of self-discovery. :)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T08:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! Wishing you all a holiday filled with peace, joy and love.

A Christmas Meme

2010-12-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

This came from Maggie. Thanks Maggie for another awesome meme.

1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate. Love hot chocolate especially with a peppermint stick in it.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa has always wrapped the gifts. If they were really big like the bicycle that I got when I was 5, he wouldn't wrap them.

3. Colored lights on the tree/house or white?
White lights on the house this year and big colored lights on the tree. Next year, I think the house will be decked out in the big colored lights as well.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, I don't hang mistletoe. I don't think I ever have.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
We try to put them up the weekend of Thanksgiving but it now depends on if the Princes are here or not. This year it wasn't until the second weekend in December when the princes were finally here.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
I'd have to say my mom's hash browns that she always mad eon Christmas.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child?
The breakfast that we would have after opening gifts. My mom would make pancakes, hash browns, bacon, scrambled eggs and sausage-gravy with biscuits. This is something that I have continued with my own boys.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
Truth about Santa? What?!? I don't think I was ever told about Santa and now having a Prince that is 7 years old, Santa is alive and well in our house.

9. Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve?
Not usually but last night Yummy gave me a Christmas Eve gift.

10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him?
Santa always gets holly-doodles. It's a snickerdoodle rolled in red & green sugar. He's gotten these since I was a kid.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
Love looking at it when it's white but after it gets dirty, YUCK!

12. Can you ice skate?
I haven't skated in about 15 years. The last time was when I went with the guy I was dating at the time and that was back in 1992, I think. I will be going this year as the Princes want to go to the outdoor rink in our hometown.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
I still have my favorite gift ever received as a kid. It's my teddy bear named Benny that my step-dad gave me after I "left" my beloved Snoopy in Chicago but really my mom threw him away after he was a mere shell of a dog. Literally, he was a shell that I carried around because all the stuffing had come out!

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
family.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
My grandma's sugar cream pie. I make it every year.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
The Christmas breakfast. We're not having it this year since the Princes are at their dad's for the morning today.

17. What tops your tree?
It used to be a star with Santa in the middle when I was a kid. But as an adult, I can't ever remember topping the tree with anything. I've never found anything that I like.

18. What do you prefer... giving or receiving?
I really like to give gifts but receiving is always nice too.

19. What is your favorite Christmas carol?
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"

20. Candy canes... yuck or yum?
Love 'em! Especially the soft peppermint sticks.

21. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes. But I am always careful to not give it to someone in the same circle of people that it came from.

22. Favorite Christmas movie?
"It's a Wonderful Life," "A Christmas Story", "The Holiday"

23. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, I have one that my mom used when I was a kid. It was made by a lady that lived in our town and it's painted in a pearl paint. I always put on a tray with the angel hair and sometimes some white lights too.

24. What's the most annoying thing about this time of year?
The people who are rude and the people who think they need to express their pity for me because Yummy is working so much at the restaurant.

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

2010-12-18T16:56:00.000-08:00

Ahh... quiet time. It has been so long since I have had the chance to sit and post anything let alone read any of the blogs that I love. It is finally Christmas break which brings me some down time to catch up on reading and posting... okay, maybe more reading than posting.

I can't believe the school year is half over and Christmas is around the corner! I have had such a busy beginning of the year with switching from teaching Kindergarten to moving to first grade. I know, you might be say "it can't be that much of a difference" but when you add into the mix the social studies science, grammar, it takes on a whole new twist! I have the smallest class that I have ever had in 10 years - 13 total. I started with 14 but one little boy moved after only 3 weeks of school. He would have been a great addition to the class and I hope he's doing well in the southern half of the state. Out of the 13 kiddos, I have 2 with attitudes and we've worked on them not having melt-downs and 1 that can read fairly well but doesn't comprehend anything that he reads! This makes for an interesting mix each day.

Finally, things with the ex have simmered down quite a bit. We were able to reach a new agreement in mediation in mid-August only days before the Princes started school. The new agreement has brought more stability to the Princes with the ex's parenting time being taken down to the one evening per week and every other weekend which is standard in our state. This has taken care of the homework issue that the Princes were facing. It has been such a HUGE relief to have this weight lifted and now, I just look at the ex and say read your agreement. I know I have to stick to it and not bend from it because that is what created some of the issues prior. There's no more of him not giving the Princes' their meds as prescribed or trying to change dr. orders as it's been written into the agreement that meds will be given as prescribed and all dr. orders followed to a T! And, I can officially say that the ex has actually backed me up this past week with a school issue that our middle Prince is having at school and when we met with his teacher, principal and resource teacher. There is hope!

Christmas shopping is done and now I just need to wrap those gifts. I wish Santa would move a few of his elves in my basement to take care of that for me! I did the last of the shopping today and definitely have spoiled the Princes this year. I did most of it before Thanksgiving but couldn't help but pick up a few extra books and scooter for them. I still have to pick up the stocking stuffers but can do that while the Princes are at school on Monday. Tuesday I'll be at their school for the Christmas parties! I'm so excited to help since I don't get to do that very often anymore so it's baking here I come...

Hoping everyone has a WONDERFUL holiday!

xoxo

Dog Days of Summer

2010-08-07T08:16:00.001-07:00

Well, summer is coming to a close for me. I hate when this happens. I could whine about how it's not fair, it's never long enough... blah, blah, blah. I have my first teacher meeting on August 11th and my students (all 13 of them) come on August 16th. I'm moving up a grade this year to first so it's quite a change setting up the classroom with little desks instead of tables, learning a new curriculum, and... deep breath here. I always think I'll never be ready but I get it all pulled together.

I also hate to see summer go but I am actually kind of looking forward to it. I'm anticipating a close to the on-going saga with the ex. Our court date is set for August 31st. The custody evaluation is coming to a close as the home visit was last weekend. The report from the doctor will be to the attorneys by August 20. My attorney is anticiapting a good outcome but we'll see. The ex keeps throwing things on me each week. Besides making the princes and I go through the custody evaluation because he told his attorney that I abuse the princes, am mentally & emotionally unstable, blah, blah, blah (And I just want to throw in here that my "crazy" test came back completely normal with NO clinical findings!!), the ex is now having his attorney subponea my personnel files from both schools I have taught at in the last 3 years! I swear will the man never learn that he's not going to find anything that will show I am a bad mom? Probably not... I really don't think I have met another person more vindictive than him. Uugghh... I just cringe when I think about being married to him.

On a brighter note... school shopping is done for the princes, registration for school is in a few weeks (they start a week after my students come) and I think they are looking forward to it just a little. The oldest prince will be heading to the other campus for his start of jr. high and gets to ride the shuttle bus. I didn't think riding the bus was that great at his age but I guess it was probably because I had to ride it every.single.day. The middle prince is going to be 'big man on campus' in his building and is wondering about the new 4th grade teacher coming and the little prince is heading into 1st grade and he is absolutely not ready to go back! lol

Hoping everyone enjoys that last weeks of summer! I think we'll head to the pool today and enjoy the sun!!

Nothing Like Family Time

2010-06-19T10:36:00.001-07:00

Summer is here!! Yay!!! I just *heart* summer. It's my favorite time of the year... well, because I am not a winter person. Not that I don't like winter. I think winter is a beautiful season with the white snow, jack frost on the trees but I just don't like the cold weather. When the mercury dips below zero, this chick-a-dee is not happy.

I have spent the first two weeks of my summer vacation waiting for the princes to get out of school. I've had appointments to attend to, an ankle to nurse back to its normal self, packing to do and a trip to Florida.

We made a long weekend family trip to the Gulf last weekend and it was FABULOUS!! The weather was perfect, the sun shining, no rain and warm temperatures! We spent each day at least part of it at the beach whether the bay side or gulf side. The princes had so much fun in the water, diving for shells, chasing the fish and just being boys.

We drove to Sarasota from the Anna Maria Island to visit Mote Aquarium. If you ever go, it's a must! They have great exhibits and the sea turtles are amazing as my oldest prince put it! He's so into them that he's wanting to grow up to help take care of him. Go him!!! We even went back to do one of their boat tours and cruised through the bay there to catch some amazing sea creatures that the princes all got to touch, hold and check out up close! I'm telling you... this was the BEST family vacation we've ever had!!!

The last night there the princes and I headed back to the beach on the gulf side (we were only 2 blocks away) and it was low tide so we were able to walk out pretty far. The sunset over the Gulf was *AMAZING*. There is nothing like a sunset over the water to just put you at peace.

The princes had so much fun that the littlest prince asked if we could move there! I am right there with him... if only we could somehow get the ex to agree to allow me to move that far with the princes. Hmm... I think, I'll have to wait until the princes go off to college to become those marine biologists. ~wink, wink~

Once I'm a little more organized, I'll get some pictures up from the trip.

School's Out for Summer!!

2010-05-30T05:47:00.001-07:00

School officially ended Friday with the 17 little kiddos heading out the door to their parents! YAY! The last week they were all so excited and I just couldn't help but think to myself that if they only knew how excited I was too to be seeing them off for 10 weeks and not having to hear "Miss Honey, I'm done.", "Miss Honey, What do we do now?", "Miss Honey, Where do I put this?", "Miss Honey, Miss Honey, Miss Honey..." You get the point! *wink, wink*

I do have to go back on Tuesday for my final teacher meeting of the year and get their permanent records done but other than that I'm done for the summer! It's time to start lounging by the pool and working on the tan. That will all be done between running the princes to soccer and swim practice/meets! Yikes! So much for a restful summer vacation. You'll be able to find me poolside at 9 in the freakin' morning M-F while the princes practice each week, soccer two nights a week and a swim meet every other week.

I'm only glad I do have the summers off so I can run them to all their stuff while trying to work in a little "me" time. Who am I kidding? I have so much stuff to do it's not funny. I have 3 months to prepare for the trial on the whole custody thing with ex. It seems now he thinks he's going to get full custody of the princes by filing a motion for it 3 months before we go to trial. The man has missed 25% of his parenting time with the princes this year and been gone 30% of the entire year! How the hell does he think he's going to get full custody of them and make all the decisions, run them to everything, etc. when he's not even here???? Yup, he thinks he's going to get custody of them when he couldn't even pick up the middle prince's prescription this weekend from the pharmacy and emailed me to do it and bring it to him! Oh, and he's told his attorney who believes him that I'm mentally & emotionally unstable thus requiring me to submit to psychological testing and a custody evaluation of myself with my princes! The only good thing about this is that he has to complete it as well and pay for it at a tune of over $10 grand!!! He didn't get the evaluator that he wanted so he's scrambling now because he's got to pay some law professor for a prestigious university to complete the eval. He's hoping that they find something that he can use against me since none of the doctors that the princes see has anything in their charts that indicates I'm a bad mom. Yup, he went around and requested each and every medical chart even the counseling notes from the oldest prince's therapist! I just couldn't believe it! What an idiot!!!

Glad that it's summer and I have time to relax!

The Worst Day Ever

2010-03-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

This day has been a day from *hell*! Seriously, here... I really can't think a of a worst day in my life than today. It started out just fine like every other Saturday. I decided to go shopping for some coats for the princes. I was in Old Navy trying on a few things I found for myself when my phone started ringing and it was the asshat of an ex. I answered thinking that something was up and was I right. He told me that the oldest prince wanted to talk to me which is unlike the ex to introduce a phone call from one of the princes.

The oldest prince got on the phone and was sobbing hysterically. He told me that his dad wouldn't give him his things to put in his book bag, chased him through the house and told him that he couldn't call me. I told the oldest prince to let me talk to his asshat father. The ex got on the phone and started giving me a song and dance about how the oldest prince disobeyed him, blah, blah, blah.... I asked him if he chased the prince through the house and he wouldn't answer me. I asked him 2 more times and each time he refused to answer which I told him that by him not answering it gave me the answer. I told him that this was the 2nd time this week that he had lost control with the prince (the other was on Thursday when he got into a verbal argument over homework and slammed on his brakes in the middle of the road, swerved to the side of the road and screamed at all the princes then when home put the oldest prince in his room for the remainder of the night) and I was going to call my attorney and the crazy parent coordinator. He responded to me by telling me to call the sheriff. I called both my attorney and the parent coordinator. Neither could be reached so I called my mom for advice. I ended up calling the sheriff department and asked them to meet me at the ex's house so I could check on the princes and explained that because of the incident with the oldest prince last September I was very concerned for their safety.

The sheriff sent 2 deputies and by the time I got to his house they were in there checking on the princes. One came out to talk to me. I explained what had happened even though I told dispatch the same thing, explained the prior events with the princes and with the ex assaulting me in January '09 and then again in September '09. A third deputy arrived and the one in the house came out. These two were not so nice more like a prick and a bigger prick. The one that had interviewed the ex and the boys said that it sounded like the prince wasn't getting his way and threatened to call me which his dad "walked" after him to get the phone. *Ahem, yeah... asshole prick of a cop... my son wouldn't be hysterical and scared if his father had walked after him!* Told me that I needed to be a good mother explain to my son that he needed to listen to his father. *Again, asshole... I AM a good mother and do tell the princes to listen to their asshat of a father.* This deputy told me that he could file a formal report but... *Ahem, yeah... you need to file a formal report!* I asked them about CPS as my parent coordinator told me to ask them about if it was necessary. The bigger prick of a cop told me that no crime had been committed and if any one of them called CPS they would each look like a fool. *Ahem, it's not about you asshole. It's about MY kids!* The nice deputy gave me a control number so I could call on Monday and find out how to get the report. I asked about seeing the princes or at least the oldest prince before I left so he knew that I was there. The prick of a cop told me it was up to asshat of an ex if he allowed the prince(s) to come out. The prick cop came out with the oldest prince who was in tears. I did what any good mom would do and reminded him that he needed to listen to his dad, get whatever it was that his asshat father was asking for, etc. Told the prince that I would call later to check on him and I would see him tomorrow.

It was the hardest thing for me to leave my princes there with the asshat! But I had no choice since there wasn't any crime committed as the bigger prick cop pointed out. When I talked to the parent coordinator prior to meeting the deputies, she said the ex had called her to tell her that I was calling the cops on him but he left out that he had chased the prince through the house. She said if she would have known that detail she would have insisted on talking to the prince but when she asked about talking to the prince, the asshat ex told her it wasn't necessary and she didn't think it was that bad because it was quiet. Ah, yeah... as he was probably outside in the garage talking to her! DUH!! I told her about the incident on Thursday and that I suggested to the ex that he needed to sit down and talk to me about disciplining the boys and he told me he'd rather seek professional help. I suggested parenting classes and the parent coordinator told me that she had no problem recommending those for the asshat. I think this incident has shed some light on it for her.

I never thought in my life that I would need to call the sheriff on my ex but I knew that I didn't have much of a choice. I couldn't go by myself, he wasn't being forthcoming with information (which is normal), and I needed to know that the princes were safe and a repeat of September wasn't/wouldn't happen.

So, now it's a phone call on Monday to the attorney and see what the next step is.

Rainy Days & Mondays...

2010-03-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

Geez, it's been a while since I've posted! It's been a little chaotic to say the least around here. I swear I've been running like a chicken with my head cut off... I really don't know which end is up.

**Restaurant is at a stand still as we are waiting on numbers from the kitchen design team, logo and other misc. items to finish the business plan.

**Things on the ex front has heated up... he returned from his trip and asked for some additional time with the princes due to missing all of his 12 days in January. I gave him 6 days to which he was not happy and demanded, you read it right... demanded that I give him every one of my days from the end of Feb. until the end of March! I think not! That didn't happen as the good ole' attorney threatened him with contempt charges if he didn't return the princes to me when he was suppose to at our agreed upon time.

**Homework continues to not get done while the princes are at the ex's house. He says it is okay for the boys to fail assignments/tests because it makes them a successful person later in life. Seriously, WTF??? He has stated that he should not have to help the 9 yr. or 10 yr. olds on their homework and that all three princes should be responsible to get their stuff completed and not bother him. Not kidding here folks!

**Continues to battle over additional days which I found out he is not entitled to as he chose to work rather than spend his time with his kiddos. But still thinks he is entitled to it and now has scheduled a meeting with the crazy parenting coordinator to make me give up my time so he can have the boys. The only thing is that no one consulted me to the meeting and I have meetings after school both nights. Oops!

**Had surgery last week for nothing it seems. Been having a severe pain in the left lower abdomen and the doctor did a laproscopy to find out why. Unfortunately, everything checked out fine which is a relief! Now, it's onto more probing if it persists but they are thinking that it is stress causing the pain. Not like I have any of that right now! ~wink, wink~

**We have a team of educators coming to my school this week to evaluate us. They will be there for 2 days and then after interviews, observations, etc. they will let us know if we retain our accreditation and at what level.

I'm just hoping that I can keep it all together the next few weeks, keep the stress to a minimum (or at least less) and keep the pain at bay. Here's lookin' to sunshiny days ahead...

Chef's Widow...

2010-02-06T07:31:00.001-08:00

Let me just warn you first - this is a post to just 'air' my frustrations with my chef. So, I'm sure it will seem like I am bitching and maybe I am but since this is my place, I can do that!

For the past several weeks he has been complaining about not seeing me/being with me/just hanging out with me/etc. You all get the idea. As many of you know and are aware of that being married to a chef means that I am a 'widow' on holidays, every freaking Friday & Saturday nights, evenings during the week... the restaurant owns him basically. Some of you may be wondering, didn't she know this before marrying him and the answer is a resounding YES! I knew all of this because we were together for 2 1/2 years prior to us getting married this past July. I knew what I was getting into but lately it's different... let me explain.

1. We have decided that now is the time for Yummy to venture out on his own and take the huge leap of faith and open a place of his own. It's exciting and I am SO proud of him and I KNOW he can do it and make it work. We had people come to us this past fall and inquire about him opening his own place and told us they would back it if this was something we both wanted. Hell yeah!!!

This has meant that after the hectic, chaotic holiday season that starts right after turkey day and goes through NYE Yummy has been putting together a business plan (of course, with my help - I'm the phone person, research person, read this, proof this, all around business plan bitch I suppose would be my title). This nasty deed is long and tedious and consumes most of his waking time that he is not serving the public. I've done as much as I can to help but I'm not in the restaurant industry per se so I don't know all the number stuff. It started as a venture that he insisted that it would take both of us to run the restaurant and I would need to be in it when the princes weren't with us - meaning rubbing elbows with the guests, making sure the servers are doing their jobs, etc. Basically a night time manager/owner. THEN all of a sudden he's talking about having a friend who has NO experience in the industry be the GM! WTF!!! Then, it goes to no we don't need one because you'll be there and eventually you can quit teaching and work at the restaurant. Uugghh... it changes daily - some days he wants me involved and others it seems that he would be fine if I was never there. So, IDK.

2. The next 'problem' is that he has been constantly complaining about us not spending time together and not seeing me and missing me. Blah, blah, blah. I totally get this because like I said each waking minute is spent working on this plan, doing research, etc. I have the same feelings as Yummy does and try to make time/find time/etc. so we can be together. But the problem lies in that he doesn't do the same. When I try, he's only interested in working on that damn plan.

He had 2 days off this week in a row (not typically) and was excited about it because he was going to get to spend some time with his family. Wednesday night I had to be at school because of the talent show but came home early from that so I could see him. As soon as I hit the door, I got the princes to bed/checked homework so I could see Yummy. What does Yummy do? Opens the plan and starts working on it. So much for that! Thursday night the princes are picked up from after school care by the ex who drops them off at 4:30 which I then take them to the skating party (Yummy doesn't typically have Thursdays off so this was not told to me until Wednesday.) for school which I asked Yummy to go with us. He chose to meet his friend to go over the plan (This is the friend that has not industry experience.). Yummy asked what time I would be home and I told him by 8:30 but probably closer to 8. Got home and no Yummy. Sent him a text letting him know I was home and he informed me that he stopped at the new wine bar because our friend wanted to go. Okay, so much for spending time together this week I thought. At 9:30 I went to bed with no Yummy who didn't come to bed until midnight. Not sure what time he got home.

Now he's wondering why I'm in a mood and just doesn't get it. He chose to be out with friends which is starting to happen more and more (and no, I'm not one of those wives that thinks her husband can't have friends but when he complains about not spending time with me...). He doesn't get why I've got a cold shoulder towards him and tells me he'll make it up to me. Ahem, yeah... not gonna hold my breath.

His answer to me is 'we just need a weekend get-a-way'. Yeah... that's the answer! Why would I even want to spend the money to go away for the weekend and hopefully have him pay attention to me because it's going to be a weekend of research for the restaurant since he wants to go to Cleveland and check out several different restaurants there when he doesn't give me the time of day here at home. A change of scenery isn't going to make a difference!

There it's off my chest so to speak... I'm sure you all will have thoughts and yes, tell me if I'm being bitchy, inconsiderate, whatever... maybe I am but the funny thing is I'm not mad or angry - I'm hurt I guess is the best way to put it.

Whisper to Me Softly...

2010-01-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

Well, enough is enough... I swear if I don't catch a break here pretty soon then I'll just scream. Okay, maybe not but I'd like to. **wink, wink**

The month has been going fairly well with the ex-husband being on a business trip since Jan. 9th and the princes being with me. It's been true bliss except for the emails flying back and forth the day that he left but I'm done with it and the good news in this area is that my attorney is getting a court date so the judge can decide and get the crap over with since it's been going on for 3 yrs and the mediation & parent coordinator (crazy lady as we like to call her around here) didn't make any dent in the situation. I'll either get my ass handed to me by the judge or come out with what I'd like to see happen for the princes.

Back to this week... it started with me making a visit to our local Redi-med on Saturday night to find out I had a bad case of strep throat, staying home from school on Monday and going back on Tuesday and finally feeling better on Wednesday.

Wednesday night comes and I begin to slowly lose my voice! WTF???? My throat doesn't hurt, I'm feeling better and now I'm losing my voice? I woke up this morning with the squeakiest voice I have ever heard - I swear it was like having Minnie Mouse in the house or something like that! Anyhoo... I go to work because no one would be able to hear me if I called to request a sub plus I had a box full of basketball clappers that I needed to take to school. Got to school and came to the realization very quickly that there was no way that I would be able to teach a group of 5/6 yr. olds with no voice. Got a sub and went to the dr.

Waited almost 2 hours to see the nurses practitioner (and this was only to get back to the room). It was another 40 minutes before she came into see me and this is how the conversation went:

NP: "Hi, I'm so-and-so."

Me: shaking head

NP: "You went to Redi-med and was diagnosed with strep throat?"

Me: shaking head again

NP: "They put you on 500 mg Biaxin 2 times per day?"

Me: again shaking my head in agreement

NP: "And why are you here to see me?" (Imagine her saying this while she is doing the little head cock with the annoyance in her voice.)

Me: squeaking out "Because I have no voice."

NP: "It's going around and it takes 5-7 days for the voice to come back."

Me: "But I had strep earlier this week and think it could be related."

NP: "It's a virus." (This without her even touching me!)
Me: "I've waited 2 hours to see you when my appt. was at 11:20 and you're not going to examine me."

NP: "It's a virus. Sorry. Go home and rest."

Me: "The phone nurse could have told me this when I called. The front desk or your nurse could have told me you were 2 hours behind and given me the choice of seeing someone else but instead I waited for 2 hours for you to not examine me. This is unacceptable - I came in to make sure it wasn't anything else or still the strep but you won't even listen to what I'm saying to you."

I politely told her that she was a bitch and walked out with the paper to take the the cashier who when I asked her to have my dr.'s nurse make a note that I am NEVER to be given to the nurse practitioner again asked why. She promptly offered to have another dr. see me and went and explained the situation to the other dr. This dr. stayed late from lunch to see me. Comes to find out I have fluid behind my right eardrum (enough to be causing problems), a sinus infection that is draining into my throat causing it to be sore & irritating the vocal cords making them swell to the point of causing my laryngitis! This dr. put me on another medicine along with the current antibiotic and if there isn't a slight improvement tomorrow then she will change my antibiotic tomorrow afternoon before the weekend. Hmm... now the nurse practitioner might have caught all of this if she would have done her job and actually examined me!!! Thank goodness for the wonderful dr. and wishing the nurse practitioner learns some bedside manners very soon!

I should have part of my voice back by Monday (and I'll scream then if I'm not better) but it means another day off from school for me and not going to the school's open house on Sunday. Nothing like a 4 day weekend - it'd be better being able to talk but a little "me time" is always good. ~grinning~

A Decade in Review

2010-01-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

Wow! Where has the last decade gone? I think with each passing year the time goes just a little bit faster or could it be that I am just a little bit busier with each passing year? A thought for another post I suppose.

Having had the day to reflect on where my life has taken me over the last 10 years (it seems I've either had a touch of a 'bug' or one hell of a hangover which is unusual for me on ONLY 2 martinis!)

When Y2K began, I was a new bride and new mom - I know what a combination... and I had realized what a mistake that I had made in getting married to a man that I truly didn't love but as many people I thought to myself that I "made my bed and needed to lie in it" and tried to make the best of a not-so wonderful situation. My then husband chalked it up to me having post-partum that kicked in 6 months after the birth of the oldest prince. Shortly after this I found out I was expecting the second prince. I know *shaking head* some of you will be asking "why". I've asked myself that million dollar question many times and I always come up with an answer but that's another post.

Three years later brought the youngest prince and my accomplishment of finishing my teaching degree, giving up my job to raise my little guy who came early and take care of my princes. It also brought to the realization that I was married to a man that didn't actually care about my well-being which was definitely apparent when I was placed on bed rest and he chose to ignore the medical issues that I was having and it was still required that I take care of the house, other 2 princes and the yet to arrive prince.

A year later in 2004, went through ups and downs with family - had A LOT of money scammed from us by someone we trusted and had let into our lives. Needless to say, I had the last laugh in 2005 when the SOB was arrested and he tried in 2006. That is definitely another post! I can tell you about super-duper sleuth skills and my "undercover" assignment.

Then in 2005 I became involved in an organization that gave me a purpose and unbeknownst to me I would be introduced to my prince charming! It just took a whole year for that to become apparent.

The year 2006 rolled around and my close friend moved to the Wild West the past August, I increasingly started doubting my husband's devotion to me and his family and started questioning what the fuck I was doing with my life. It was the year of change for me... and boy, did it ever. The friendship that I had made with this person that would end up being a god send helped me realize that I was not me any longer. I long had "lost" who I once was - that fun-loving, silly at times, strong but serious when I needed to be girl that moved to a town that I had no one 10 years before. I decided to take a leap of faith and step out and find her again and knew that to do that I needed to make changes. The first was to stop lying to myself and the people I truly cared about and finally step out of a relationship that I had allowed to suck the life out of me. With that first courageous step, I have finally found ME again. You know you are on the right track when your mother looks at you and tells you that she has her daughter back. OUCH!

The last 3 years has had it's ups and downs but I am a stronger person because of them. I continue to grow in who I am - I still have my prince charming that was there when I needed him the most, my princes adore their mom and I adore my princes, I FINALLY have a job that I LOVE!

Now, as I begin a new decade.... I am still a new bride but this time it's a dream come true so I say bring on the next 10 years!

Christmas Greetings to You and Yours

2009-12-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and your family a blessed and wonderful Christmas.

Christmas Meme...

2009-12-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Christmas and giving some holiday fluff... Enjoy this Christmas meme that I stole from Maggie.

Favorite Christmas…

01. Non-Jesus-related song?

"Winter Wonderland"

02. Jesus-related song?

"First Noel" or "Do You Hear What I Hear?"

03. Santa-related song?

"Santa Baby"

04. Fictional character?

Hermie from Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

05. Dinner’s main course?

We don't really do dinner - we always have Christmas brunch with pancakes, french toast, bacon, scrambled eggs and if I'm feeling really inspired to cook, sausage & grits for Yummy

06. Dinner’s dessert?

Any and all please!

07. Scent (pine, gingerbread, candles…)?

Fresh pine, cookies baking in the oven, hot cocoa

08. Animated movie?

Really all the ones from when I was a kid but my fave is Rudolph!

09. Non-animated movie?

That's an easy one - "It's a Wonderful Life", "The Holiday" and "A Christmas Story"

10. Personal memory?

Hmm... I have two. The first when I was about 6 and my step-dad got me a teddy bear that was named Benny. I still have the bear (and no I don't sleep with it). It was so special to me because I received it from one of his trips to the air reserve base and he'd been gone for some time but it became my replacement for my beloved Snoopy dog that I wore out and he had no stuffing.

The second was Christmas 2006 - I should say two days before when Yummy proposed. I was making pies for him to take to his kitchen crew and he came home all weird and nervous. After his shower, he came to the kitchen and wrapped his arms around me, started telling me how much he loved me and asking me a BUNCH of questions (remember I did say weird. lol) at this point I KNEW something was up and when I turned around to ask him what the hell was up with him, he was down on one knee with the most beautiful ring! A Christmas to remember when your prince charming asks you to be his princess!

11. Story/Fairy Tale?

Twas the Night Before Christmas - we read it EVERY Christmas Eve whether the princes and I are together or not. It's a tradition! If they're at the ex's, I call them and we do it over the phone because we can't go without reading it together!

This or That

12. Candy cane or peppermint patties?

Candy Canes

13. Sugar or gingerbread cookies?

Definitely sugar with icing and sprinkles!

14. Tinsel or beaded strands?

Really neither - tinsel and dogs don't mix well and I used to do beads but the trees about the princes and our memories we hang on it.

15. Multi-colored or same-colored lights?

multi-colored like I had when I was a kid

16. Flashing or still lights?

Still.

17. Wreaths or mistletoe/holly?

mistletoe

18. Rudolph or Frosty?

Rudolph of course!

19. Sledding or snowball fights?

Both but it seems the snowball fights are what happen during the winter. ;-)

.20. Snow or ice/icicles?

Snow

21. Snow hat or earmuffs?

Hat

22. Getting or giving?

I love giving but getting is also a plus. :-)

23. Snow days or plow trucks?

Duh! I'm a teacher - SNOW DAYS!!!

24. Stockings or presents?

Both because stockings usually have the smaller presents. ;-)

25. Cookies & milk or letter to Santa?

all of the above, of course!

26. Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Both! But Christmas Day seems to not be my fave especially the years that the princes spend the ENTIRE day at the ex's even though he NEVER celebrated on this day until he met me and celebrated with my family!! UUgghh... what a way to be a Grinch and steal Christmas from me and the princes each year!

27. Log Burning Channel or real thing?

Real thing, of course!

28. Cards or emails?

Cards but emails also let you know that you are thought of.

29. Shoveling or cleaning off the car?

Neither - that's why there's snow blowers!

30. The Inn’s manger or the animals?

animals

31. Mary & Joseph or The Wise Men?

All.

32. Hot cocoa or eggnog?

Cocoa but a good rum eggnog is a plus!

33. Jack Frost or Little Drummer Boy?

Little Drummer Boy

Christmas Wishes ~ HNT

2009-12-23T22:45:00.000-08:00

Well, this will be the only HNT that I participate in this year. With the craziness of my life happenings at the current time, I opted a year ago to fore go posting any pics until things calmed down. I'm hoping that I will be able to return to the fun of it all soon. But as tradition from Os has it... it's time to give (virtually that is) to fellow bloggers. Here goes...

Wish #1 - goes to the man himself, Os. For you, I wish you good health and fortune for the upcoming year. You gave all of us a scare earlier this fall. Know that you are loved and adored by many. *muah* PLUS... a Thin Mint Blizzard (because we know it's one of your faves!)

Wish #2 - For M... another blogger that I had the chance to meet last year (thanks to Os!) and has had a rough year to say the least. I wish you patience to deal with your ex and know that you are the best mom that your kiddos could ever ask for! You continue to be strong for yourself and for them.

Wish #3 - This one goes out to Maggie. She's not a fellow HNT'er but she deserves something special this year. She moved back to civilization as she puts it last year at this time and has had some ups & downs over the past year... so for Maggie, I give her a Venti Peppermint Mocha from our fave place to hang, a personalized reading nook in Barnes & Noble complete with your very own comfy chair (in pink of course!)

"And as he drove out sight he exlaimed, Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!"

Update... (I actually forgot to title this last night. DUH!)

2009-12-23T15:08:00.000-08:00

Well, the prince is up and can walk down the stairs! That's a HUGE improvement from yesterday when I had to carry him every.freakin'.place! But nothing I would do for my little man but geez, he's getting to weigh a ton. lol

The has been fairly productive with the prince being so sick. I did manage to get all but 3 of the 18 pies finished and the buckeyes are rolled and ready for dipping. Oh, yeah and I made a trek to the pediatrician's office to pick a up a letter stating that the prince was indeed ill with pneumonia and had travel restrictions. No joke here people!

You see... the parenting coordinator that the ex and I have been working with to improve communication between the two of us (and that has yet to happen!) wants to meet with all 3 princes over the holiday break. Typically wouldn't be an issue but she is a nut case, unprofessional and would do more damage than good to the princes. My attorney and I were hoping that with the prince being sick that she would not push the issue but NO - that wasn't the case. She emailed today requesting dates for the next 2 weeks and I again informed her as I did yesterday that he was ill with pneumonia and it wasn't appropriate to schedule a meeting at this time.

Needless to say, the ex and she decided otherwise and went ahead with the plan for her to interview the boys next week. So, I spent my morning calling the dr. office to get a note confirming the prince's dx and what restrictions he has at the current time. Dropped it off at the attorney for him to send an email to the coordinator letting her know that it appears that she and the ex do not believe me about the prince and that they should follow the dr. restriction.

It didn't go over well with either of them but I'm thinking too freakin' bad people! I'm his mom and I am the one taking care of him and the last I checked, I do KNOW what's best for my prince! Obviously, not the ex who carts the same prince off to a waterpark only days after breaking a 103 degree fever from the swine flu!!! Ahem, yup.

So, we'll see what happens at this point. Not much I can do next when the princes go to the ex's house for the holiday next week but it wouldn't look too good for either of them to disregard his well-being and health. All I can say is neither of them have a clue!

TMI

2009-12-22T13:09:00.000-08:00

1. What do present do you hope ends up under you tree? These boots by Frye

2. What is the "naughtiest" thing you have ever done under a Christmas tree? Gotten a floor burn on my back (and there's a scar to prove it!). We'll just leave it at that. ~wink, wink~

3. Do you prefer to give or receive? Do I have to choose? I LOVE to give and see the person's reaction because I put a lot of thought into each person's gift(s) and try to make sure it's something that they want or are interested BUT I also like to receive because it's so exciting for me to open the gifts from the boys and Yummy - they all try so hard and they are usually right on with their gifts.

4. What is your favorite part of a sexual partner's body? Wow, we've gone from Christmas questions to sex questions... I'd have to say the curve of Yummy's neck - it's one of the spots that drives him crazy.

5. What is your favorite part of your body - the one you hope a sexual partner will find or pay the most attention to? The small of my back and the curve of my neck.

Bonus (as in optional): [Idea blatantly stolen from Os and his HNT wishes.] What Christmas wishes would you grant and to whom? To my middle prince - his health. He's battling a nasty bout of pneumonia right now and we're praying that he stays out of the hospital. To my oldest prince - the calmness of just knowing that his dad is the way he is and there's nothing that any of us can do to change that. And for the youngest prince - all the Lego sets... hey, he IS 6!

***Daily Recap***

Well, the middle prince spiked a 102 fever last night, got sick and complained of his chest hurting. He woke up (I should say I woke him up to check on him at 9 a.m.) with labored breathing, retraction of his chest and horrendous chest pain PLUS a 103 fever! Off to the dr. we went for them to confirm what I knew already that he had pneumonia. Gave him a shot of Rocephin (not sure if I spelled it right), checked his oxygen level, gave us a scrip for zithromax and sent us off for a chest x-ray. Had to take him in a wheelchair because he was SO weak that he couldn't walk! He couldn't stand to do the x-ray so I had to hold him up on the stool for them to take the x-ray! Got home and he's been in bed asleep since about 12:30 today! If he's not getting better by tomorrow then I have to take him to the ER for him to be admitted. Let's hope that doesn't happen!

Oldest prince is spending the day with Grandma after his server training at church. Grandma called and said she would bring him back sometime tonight. Glad he's enjoying his one-on-one time with Grandma!

I did get 7 sugar cream pies made today and would have more but I ran out of cornstarch. I ONLY have 11 more to go so Yummy can take them to work for his kitchen crew for the holidays. They requested the pies this year. lol I did get the caramel/toffee/chocolate pretzels done this morning before we were able to go to the dr. office. Now, I just have the rest of the pies, finish the buckeyes, snickerdoodles & chocolate crinkles to do. There is 3 days left until Christmas and oh, yeah... I do have all the wrapping to do still. I think, I need to put on the supermom cape pretty soon. lol

Hope everyone has a rockin' Tuesday!

Tis the Season

2009-12-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

First day of Christmas break (officially) and the princes are off and tormenting each other. I leave this morning to take the dog to the groomers which is literally 5 minutes down the road and they start in as soon as the garage door starts. OY! It's going to be a long day and I am foreseeing some mommy cocktails in the near future. lol

Seriously, a completely insane day with groomers, dr. appt. & a little shopping with the princes plus holiday baking. I *adore* holiday baking! Chocolate crinkles, snickerdoodles in red & green sugars, carmel/chocolate pretzels, and the to die for peanut butter balls doused in chocolate! YUM-O!

I'll check in later to let you all know if I survived the baking with princes with or without adult libations. ;-)

***Update...***

We have the carmel/chocolate pretzels in the fridge along with the buckeyes but now I'm adding to the list taking care of a sick kiddo. The middle Prince has come down with a mysterious 102 degree fever, cough and a sore throat (a little as he puts it). He's been in bed sleeping since 4 p.m. I swear I will have a Christmas meltdown if he has that nasty flu AGAIN!! I'm praying that it's a fast moving illness and he's not down for the holidays but on the bright side - better he gets sick while he's with me for the week rather than the ex's house! Nothing like having momma around. ;-)

Dear Santa

2009-12-20T14:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I've been a very good girl this year. So I am hoping that you will put these underneath the Christmas tree this year.

I've found these great "go with everything" boots by Frye... Size 7 1/2 please.

I'll make sure to leave your favorite cookies and eggnog out.

Love,

Honey

Being Married to a Chef Isn't All Glam

2009-12-19T17:42:00.000-08:00

What is with people and the notion that being married to a chef is glamorous? Newsflash... I'm here to tell ya - it's far from glamour. I know it's hard to believe!

I was out doing a little Christmas shopping and stopped into one of my fave stores to peruse it for Yummy to let him know if he should head in there or not for his holiday shopping. I asked if they would be open on Sunday - this is his ONLY day off as he works 12-15 hours, 6 days a week. Of course the store isn't open on Sunday but the sales person asked if I wanted to pick things out for them to hold and he could run in on his break and pick them up. Break!?! What break? Then she asked, "Well, doesn't he have just 10 minutes that he can run in and pick up some packages?" At this point, I had to nicely explain to her that she really didn't understand that what little time he has is very valuable and when he's running a restaurant that is now doing lunch for the 4 weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas and running 200+ covers at lunch and 350+ for dinner that he doesn't have 10 minutes to leave the restaurant since when one shift gets done, he starts prepping for the next let alone time to eat or sit down! The owner of the store was there and she somewhat got it as she knows how busy the restaurant is during the holidays but I just thought to myself - what a naive person.

Besides Yummy not having time to shop for the holidays, I literally see him for 10 minutes in the morning before I leave for school and then an hour when he gets home and before I go to bed. Then there are the times that I am in bed before he gets home because I just can't stay awake any longer.

Not to mention the holidays that I spend alone... Yummy works on Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day. We're fortunate that the restaurant is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas! It's a grand time spending the holidays alone and having people pity you because your husband is working.

Don't get me wrong - I love my husband beyond words can express. I wouldn't have him change for anything in the world. I stand tall and proud when I tell people what my husband does for a living. I'm not complaining about my life -it just amazes me at how some people do not think about what it's really like. They just don't get what it takes to run a restaurant and the downside to it.

So yes - being married to a chef is just glamorous.

TMI - better late than never

2009-12-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

1. Which is more important of the two in "chemistry," physical attractiveness or emotional attractiveness? Definitely the emotional attractiveness is the most important of the two. Not that physical attractiveness isn't important but when it's all said and done, the emotional connection/fire that you have with a person is what keeps everything going!

2. On a scale from 1-10, how kinky are you? Seriously?!? I have to rate myself? I'd like to say at least 5 or higher but I wouldn't be honest with myself. I think the 'desire' is there for more but schedules doesn't always permit it happening. I'm happy with a 5 since it's much higher than when I was married the first time around. ~wink, wink~

3. Sitting on Santa's lap... fun or creepy? I'd have to go with creepy - an old, grandpa looking Santa does not make me want to sit on his lap. YUCK!

4. Have you ever fallen asleep or passed out during sex? I think there were times I wish I had when I was married to EH. That may have helped the situation. lol But I'd have to say I never have.

5. Do you wear socks to bed? Do I have to be honest here? Okay - I have worn socks to bed. It depends on the weather outside and if it's freezing and the house is cold and I'm just not warm, then I wear them to bed because if I'm too cold (and my feet are ALWAYS cold), I can't sleep. Is that okay or totally unsexy? Seriously, it is totally unsexy but that's the farthest thing from my mind when I'm freezing to death and it's time for bed. lol

Bonus: What is your greatest strength? My intuitive nature - I can read people almost to a tee and get a good grip on a situation just by watching/listening. And as my princes would say my total super coolness as a mom. Gotta love 'em. Weakness? I have several - my princes, my family, the love of my life... if I think that any of them are being hurt then I hold true to my scorpion sign - I make a better friend but if I think you've hurt me or someone I love then watch out. Oh yeah... and my incessant need to always think the best of people and give them the benefit of the doubt when I've been burned several times. I really have to stop this.

Update on Noah...

2009-12-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give everyone an update on Noah, the little boy in Michigan who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

I recently found out that Noah passed away on November 23rd. Please keep his family in your prayers during this holiday season as you are surrounded by your own children and loved ones.

Family, Friends, Food & Long Weekend

2009-11-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year... the hustle and bustle, gathering with family & friends, cooking, shopping, the lights... you name it, I *heart* it!

Wednesday spent the evening with the Princes downtown viewing the lighting of the Santa & Reindeer on the bank building along with the big lighted wreath on another building. Then we walked several more blocks and went to view a festival of decorated trees. These just aren't any trees - these are over the top decorated by local people/groups and sponsored by another group. Each local sports team had a tree decorated and their mascots were there to kick off the event. Santa & Mrs. Claus were a hit. The youngest Prince saw Santa and gave him a small list. ~wink, wink~ We ended the night with dinner at Logan's Roadhouse. The Princes love this place if only for the peanuts! lol
Thursday was a lazy start to the day since we were heading to Thanksgiving lunch. Yummy made an awesome salad with pork belly croutons while I roasted brussels sprouts and topped with a hazelnut & sage butter with a hint of honey. We spent a nice afternoon with family having good food & plenty of wine. ;-)
I attempted to hit the black Friday sales at midnight at the local Toys 'r Us but the line when I got to the store was 300+ people. No kidding! The store called the local police for crowd control because people were lining up on both sides of the store. The sales weren't that sensational for me to fight this angry mob (err... I mean crowd). So, back home I went to bed.
I did go out Friday but not until 4 hours after the stores opened. I did get some good deals and finished my shopping for the princes. WooHoo!!
Friday night was spent with the Princes and Yummy playing board games. Connect 4 was a huge hit along with Uno Attack.
Today's been the usual laundry, cleaning in preparation for the big tree decorating tomorrow.
Looking forward to tomorrow afternoon when I get to see my mom. She's moving back!!! I'm so excited because sometimes you just need your mom. :)

Is a 'healthy' divorce possible?

2009-11-21T16:56:00.000-08:00

What a week! I'm just plain tired of dealing with an ex-husband who just doesn't get it. I had a two hour meeting with him and the parenting coordinator FINALLY to begin working on proper communication techniques so maybe, just maybe, I can have a productive post-divorce relationship with him. Hmm... at this point I don't think that will ever happen but you can be the judge of the matter.

During the meeting again - he did not take any responsibility for anything that has transpired. I was 'forced' into explaining each and every issue that I have with him while he was not required to do so by the coordinator. I'm thinking at this point that he's being favored. Then when I brought up the issue of him not giving me first right of refusal when it comes to him needing a babysitter for the kids and him saying he ALWAYS does this, I reminded him of the 3 times that he has never notified me that he would be having a sitter and did not give me the opportunity to decline spending more time with my kids. The biggest was when he went into the hospital on Easter morning at about 2 a.m. He had enough sense about him to call our son's godfather, gather all of their school belongs, coats, clothes they had worn to his house that needed to be returned to me, their shoes and place them all in an OCD line up by the front door so his friend would not have to hunt for anything. I was notified at 6 a.m. that morning when I received a phone call by his friend telling me to come get my kids so he could get home and explained that the ex was in the hospital but he had not heard from him. WTF??? I was not called and it's VERY black and white in the states outline and it doesn't say that if you're having a heart attack you don't have to call (oh, and he didn't have a heart attack just an irregular heartbeat probably from the uppers that he takes but unfortunately I can't prove that he does but I have heard from people that he pops 'something'.). But when I relayed this to him and the coordinator, he said that he didn't want to deal with the stress of calling me. *Ahem* excuse me but you are required by law idiot to do so regardless of the situation. If he would have called me I would have told him that was fine and to have his friend call me in the morning. (Does this sound unreasonable?) But to top it off, the coordinator looked at him and said she was understanding that he decided not to because he didn't want to stress himself out because he said he felt the need to protect himself. Again WTF??? Protect himself from what?

Then on Friday afternoon the youngest prince received 'student of the month' at school and was given the award at church. We both received an email from the school 3 weeks ago asking for his shirt size which I responded to. I went to the mass as well did the ex and the prince's step-dad. All the princes sat with me and their step-dad during the mass after we had asked if they wanted to sit with us, their dad or their class. They chose us. I did not see the ex come in or see where he was sitting in the full church because of the ENTIRE school being there for this. After the service, the princes were asked if they wanted to go see their dad and they said 'no' because he was going to pick them up at the parking lot after school. Well, okay then. I walked the youngest prince to his class and the older two went to their classrooms to get their things for dismissal. I walked out with all 3 princes to the parking lot because I needed to give cub scout shirts to the ex for today's raingutter regatta.

After giving the shirts to the ex, he asked if I would call him to discuss what happened today. What the hell? He went on to tell me that I robbed him of enjoying the mass with his sons! I about fell over. He received the SAME notification as I did. He was there. He made no attempt to have the princes sit with him. Blah, blah, blah...

This morning I get an email from the coordinator with an email forwarded from the ex regarding the church incident. He complained that I did not cc him on the shirt size email as he found out from the school that I had responded. He complained that I snatched the boys and how he was saving seats for all of us and how we sat where there was no room for him. Ok, pple... when we came in the church was FULL. Seriously, there were 2 spots with enough room for us to sit. We did not see him and IF he did see us, why did he not come over to us or motion to get my attention? Hmm... He continued to complain about the youngest prince coming back after the award to sit with me and how he could not enjoy the award with him. If he wanted the prince to sit with him, then why did HE not get up and come meet the prince when he was returning from receiving the award? The list goes on and on.

He also complained about being forbidden as he put it from his son's birthday party at MY house that I was paying for!!! The reason that he is not allowed in MY house is that he has over the last year started to become physically assaulting to me when we are in the same area and have any exchange that he does not like. He has shoved me into doors, thrown water bottles at me and slammed my truck door into my shoulder and leg as I was trying to get out of my truck. Hmm... PLUS, my attorney has told me that if I am paying for an event then I do not have to invite the ex to it and I was advised that I needed to stay away from him because of the potential risk.

He also complained in the email about me telling him and his girlfriend (and I use this term loosely) that they could not sit beside me at soccer games. I have endured 2 seasons of them plopping their asses down right beside me, talking about me like I am not there when he and I have discussed something because she ALWAYS has her two cents AND SERIOUSLY, WHY WOULD SHE WANT TO SIT BESIDE THE EX-WIFE? So, I nicely explained to him that the kids could run down to where he was sitting prior to picking up all their shit and moving it right behind my freakin' chair to where I had to step over them to get to it IF the princes wanted to either a) see them or b) sit with him. From what the oldest prince tells me that before I got back to my seat, the ex came over and started moving all of my shit to make room for him and his girlfriend. Okay, seriously... not cool. They got pissed, she made a comment to me about her not having a problem with sitting with me and they moved back to where they were at. But according to him, I yelled at him and it was embarrassing for them. Well, gee... according to the therapist and attorney, they do not get to sit with me UNLESS I am OK with it. Guess what asshole, I AM NOT OKAY WITH IT!!!

Oh yeah... and the last thing is that he is pissed that the school or daycare (that I pay for) calls me first and notifies me of things with the princes. He thinks that he should have the opportunity to be notified instead of me well, the ONE and ONLY time the school did that when one of the princes left school sick and he picked them up at 10 a.m., I wasn't notified by the ex until 6.5 hours later that my son had left school! So all day, I was thinking that my son was at school! This is why the school is told to call me no matter what and let me know PLUS I am the custodial parent according the divorce paper work. DUH!!

So, now... I get to meet this Tuesday with the ex and coordinator to begin a series of 4 meetings to try to help with the communication issues and discuss all of his concerns! What the fuck? What about my concerns? I guess those will get tabled for this first meeting and I will get to tell him off or I'll completely get my ass handed to me by the coordinator. But I have a feeling that it will be to court we go soon...

Under the Weather

2009-11-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

Hmpf... Someone should have said when I got the freakin' seasonal flu shot yesterday that I may experience *ahem* some side affects. Side affects my ass... this shot kicked my butt. I was sitting at dinner with the princes at Applebee's when it just hit. I swear. I thought I was going to die. By the time I got home, I had all the joint aches, body aches, nausea... you name it, I had it.

Thankfully, the princes were a big help and pretty much put themselves to bed and I curled up on the couch and fell asleep until Yummy came home from work. I ended up in bed and slept until 8:30 this morning.

The thing is... I get the seasonal flu shot EVERY YEAR and nothing like this has EVER happened! So, what was so different with this year's recipe? I'm praying that I don't get the seasonal flu because if it is anything like what I experienced last night, then someone else can have it.

TMI Tuesday

2009-11-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Having a sick little prince at home leaves for some time to catch up on my blogging. So, here ya go...

1. I lost my virginity at 18, in the back of a car, on prom night. Where and when did you lose yours? I was 17 and it was in my boyfriend's bed. Still remember it - his bedroom windows faced the lake and we could hear the breeze coming in off the lake surprisingly over the heavy breathing. **wink, wink**

2. I think my ass is my best sexual feature. What is yours? I always thought it was my back - more specifically, the small curve of my back right above my ass but Yummy tells me that's nice but it's my boobs. He points out to me when we're out how many times they get looked at by other people. I guess, I never realized. But I still like to think it's my lower back. *grin*

3. A recurring theme in my fantasies is being slammed up against the wall. Do you have a recurring fantasy or a theme to your fantasies? Typically it involves Yummy, myself and another hot chick. Enough said.

4. I love watching guys masturbate. Do you enjoy watching others (a partner or a stranger) masturbate? I think it's a big turn on to watch Yummy masturbate. I know he likes it when I do it. I think for me... it shows how comfortable the other person is with you and that's a HUGE turn on but I definitely don't want to watch strangers doing this. No, thank you!

5. I hate when guys are quiet in bed. I like to hear you moaning as you cum. Do you like you partners quiet? Are you quiet? Before Yummy, my now Ex was ALWAYS quiet and he hated it if I wasn't. With Yummy, we fit perfectly together. **wink, wink** He's not quiet and neither am. We both love to hear the other moan. Again, it's a big turn-on.

6. I love playing with nipples. Do you having your nipples played with? I love have anything played with including my nipples. Thankfully, Yummy enjoys every aspect of them so they get played with a lot.

7. My ‘number’ is between 15 and 25. What is your 'number'? I hate to say it but I don't really know. That's sad... I would say less than 20.

Spread the Christmas Joy

2009-11-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

After watching this link here , I have decided that my class will be trying to make a little boy's wishes come true this Christmas season. I found this on another awesome site that I just love HDW has a heart of gold and would do anything to help anyone in need. Thanks for sharing HDW!! You ROCK.

Noah's story makes you as a parent realize just how lucky you are with your own children. Make sure you tell your baby you love them, kiss them and while you're at, say a prayer for Noah and his family.

Are you interested in sending a card? Here’s the information:

From: CDC Parent’s Network – CDC [mailto:PARENTS-NETWORK@LISTSERV.CDC.GOV] On Behalf Of Jan HankinsSent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 8:53 AMTo: PARENTS-NETWORK@LISTSERV.CDC.GOVSubject: Have time to send a card to a little boy?

A friend of mine posted this on her facebook page. Her friend’s friend, Diana Harrison Biorkman has a 5yr old son, Noah, who is in the last stages of a 2 1/2yr battle with Neuroblastoma Cancer.The family is celebrating Christmas next week and Noah’s request is to get lots of Christmas cards.

Please send cards (ASAP) to: Noah Biorkman, 1141 Fountain View Circle South, Lyon, Mi 48178

Lets see how many cards we can get to this little guy!

Food, Guns, Bourbon

2009-11-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

What a whirlwind of a weekend. After a very short work week because the middle prince was home ill, I spent the weekend dabbling in catering service. Now, don't laugh... I used to wait tables eons ago but Yummy was putting on a private catering event and needed help. I was actually invited to it but chose to go and help out.

It was a fun time... after set-up was done, we went out to the shooting range and did a little shooting. Yummy brought my Springfield 45 xd and I FINALLY was able to try it out. I didn't realize how much I missed shooting until Saturday! The guys we were shooting with even let me try out their .357 pistol! I have to say I did a fine job holding my own up against the big boys. lol

We went back in after the little shooting range expedition and fixed a 7 course meal for our friends with a plethora of wine tasting and bourbon. I forgot how tiring serving is but it was a great time working beside my fabulous husband and by helping, I did more than just serve some food - I was able to talk to one of the gals there that we know about opening a restaurant. She pulled Yummy aside before we left and told him that when we got all our ducks in a row to let her know and she'll help us get the backing that we need. YAY!!! I'm so excited - my sweetie's going to be able to fulfill his dream of owning his own restaurant!

What a fabulous weekend! Now, I'm off to a few more days off this week with the littlest prince being sick with the high fever.

What a Day...

2009-11-05T17:09:00.001-08:00

Now, don't anyone fall over or anything. The world is not ending because I am posting on a somewhat regular basis. It's that I'm just gettin' my groove back so to speak. I've missed posting and reading the blogs I like to follow AND I finally have free time in the evenings to write/read. ;-) The only thing that I won't be heading back to is my HNT photos quite yet - as Tug pointed out to me today that might make things better. Hmm... I miss those too. I'm hoping soon when all the legal garbage is done with the ex.

It doesn't look like it will be over anytime soon as I received an email from BOTH the ex and the parenting coordinator telling me in not so many words that for either of them to communicate with me that I needed to dismiss the pending legal filling. Hmm... let me think about it... NO!

Last night before the princes went to their father's, I took the youngest prince to the dr. because he was complaining about ear pain and after having his 4th set of ear tubes put in this summer, it was better to have the ears checked. The littlest prince was saying that he got water in his ear from his bath the night before. "Momma, YOU got water in my ear!" That's what I heard all the way to the dr.'s office. Hey, on the bright side, at least I know HE listens to what the ear dr. says - now if ONLY his father would listen about how to take care of the ear tubes we'd be all set! lol

Today was the first day back to work after being gone for 3 days with the middle prince. He's doing better and is on his way with his brothers to Ohio to a water park for the weekend with their father. I'm hoping that the trip goes well with no major issues with the oldest prince and his father. There is definitely a personality conflict there.

I spent the day reviewing with the kiddos and oh, yeah... cleaning up diarrhea. Yup, you read right... I had a kiddo right towards the end of the day after visiting the nurse several times have an "episode" in class. So, guess who got to help them get cleaned up? And this is why I teach little ones! What a welcome back!

Feed a Fever, Starve a Cold...

2009-11-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

I think this freakin' flu bug is coming to an end for the middle prince. His fever is FINALLY gone and he's feeling "medium" - not good and not bad but just plain medium. lol We've spent since Friday evening when he came back from the ex fighting the fever or actually letting it run its course. Going to the dr. on Saturday to get told it's probably a cold or flu. Seriously, ya think! Sunday afternoon was spent at the hospital getting a chest x-ray which came back clear.

Thankfully, his fever has been gone for 48 hours now and he'll be off to school tomorrow afternoon. The entire school grades 2-8 are heading to a local event arena for an all school area mass with the Bishop. Yup, I don't think so... we don't need him coming home with some other creepy crawly.

So once I drop the older princes off at school, I'll have an afternoon to myself. What's a girl to do?

Happy Freakin' Halloween

2009-11-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

It wasn't the scariest of Halloween's or maybe it was? The middle prince wasn't able to go out and plunder the neighborhood with his brothers for all the sugary treasures because he has the freakin' killer virus going around!

It started for him on Thursday with fever and by Saturday he wasn't getting any better. The fever was actually rising to just over 102 and he said he was having 'lung pain' when he coughed. Off to the dr. we went on Saturday for Doogie Howser to tell us that he had a cold or the flu. Really? No, I wouldn't have thought it was that!

So, the prince got to stay home with me while his brothers went trick-or-treating with their 'father'. He picked them up at 5:30 so they could head to his neighborhood for the start of trick-or-treating. Not a biggie but he had his girlfriend with him at MY HOUSE... this woman is no gem. Seriously, I'm glad he found someone and she suits him to a tee but what gets me is that when she's around me she has to puff out her chest and strut her stuff like she's marking her territory. I hate to tell her that I've been there, done that and don't want it. She can have him!! Uugghh...

Everything was going okay until 8 p.m. hit and the princes were to be back to me. See, I had emailed the ex earlier in the day telling him that the middle prince went to the dr. and his fever was rising and he would not be going trick-or-treating. In this email, I asked him if he would bring the other two princes back to me at the agreed upon 8 p.m. time so I wouldn't have to load up the sick one and drag him 30 minutes across town to pick up the other two princes. He responded saying he would bring them back. So...

At 8:30 p.m. the princes were not back. I sent the ex a text asking if they were on their way because at this point, I started to worry that something may have happened. I got a response back saying that they were on their way but I was suppose to pick them up at 8! WTF??? Seriously???

They got here at 8:50 p.m. The princes came in and I stepped out on the porch to talk to asshole and had the email in hand. Showed it to him and he insisted that I was to pick them up according to the original email arrangement but when I pointed out that I had emailed him earlier in the day asking for him to bring them back and he responded he would, all he said was that he had not read the 8 p.m. time and I was trying to cheat him out of time with the princes! And that he was to have them until 8 p.m. Well, if he would have returned them at 8 p.m., wouldn't he still have had them until 8? I tried to reason with him but there was none of that going to happen. He was laughing at me when I told him that he had no regard for me or ANY agreement that we made between the two of us! He told me that I couldn't do anything about this and I reminded him that he was actually in contempt. He told me to do what I wanted because it wasn't going to matter because nothing would happen and for me to have fun in court. That's when I exploded and told him that he could explain to the judge why he's such a fucking retard and wanted me to load his sick child up with a 102 degree fever to drive across town to get the other two when he was quite capable of bringing them back to me!

Uugghh... I'm home tomorrow and will be calling the attorney to insist that contempt charges be filed on the asshole because the ONLY thing that will make the asshole be accountable is actually getting him in front of a judge and making him answer for his actions!

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2009-10-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a week! I'm posting a run-down and it's in bullets nonetheless...

Monday head back to school after the relaxing weekend (okay, mini vacation) in Michigan.
Tuesday a meeting after school which I open my mouth saying 'yes, I can do that' and I get handed a HUGE (I mean freakin' huge) project for the principal that has to be at the state department of education in one week!
Got into a tiff with Yummy over my freakin' birthday gift. I HATE celebrating my birthday - used to love it but then being married to a douche bag for 8 years who didn't put any effort or thought into gifts or celebrating MY day, it does tend to put a damper on a person's attitude toward their own birthday. Yummy tries SO hard but I had asked him not to get me a gift mainly because he likes to do things on a grand scale and money just doesn't allow for it right now since we did take a little vacation the week before. PLUS, my birthday wasn't until Thursday.
Got an email from the ex saying my middle prince had asked him if he was going to attend the party on Sunday. He wanted to know where his invite was! Decided to just ignore the email.
Thursday was my 29th birthday (again). My students made the most darling picture frame from the pottery store with their fingerprints and a class picture. I even got a Macy's gift card from one student and her family - WooHoo!!! Shopping is always a great gift. :)
The ex emailed me again on Thursday with a list - YES, a list of things for me to answer. At the top of the list was the damn birthday invite. I really wanted to tell him to quit being a fucking idiot and to give me a break on my birthday. But instead I answered it and told him that he was not invited to the party plus answering all his other requests.
I get an email from the ex telling me my middle prince is ill an hour after I told him he was not invited to the party.
Middle prince is VERY sick with fever, cough, sore throat, body aches... but his 'father' thinks he'll be better to go bowling the next day. Ahem, don't think so!!
Spent my birthday without the princes, Yummy had to work so I treated my self to a pedicure/manicure and spent a couple of hours with my in-laws.
Today was the Halloween party at school. The room parents threw a HUGE party for the kids... 2 pinatas, 2 games, treat bags, snack, crafts.
Picked up the Princes from their 'father' and he couldn't tell me how high the Prince's temp was, symptoms, etc. Did get out of him that he had kept him drugged up all day and the poor kiddo was so out of it.
Had to track down the oldest prince's winter coat because the ex lost it and didn't bother trying to track it down. So, this took another 20-30 minutes longer that I could have been home with the prince that's sick. Found the coat at the local YMCA where the princes go for after school care. At least we found it - I didn't want to have to buy another new one.
Got home to find that the prince has had a temp (fever) of 101 the last 2 days and it doesn't drop much with the drugs. His throat is red, his cough is worse and he doesn't have any energy.
It's looking like we'll have to postpone the birthday party for a few weeks so the prince can get better. We have this guy coming that has an ark of exotic animals that he has gotten from people who cannot take care of them - I swear it's going to be a Desperate Housewives episode as the baby alligator latches on to a kid's finger.
It's also looking like we'll be off to the doctor in the morning for them to either tell me the prince has the seasonal flu, H1N1, strep throat or pneumonia.
Oh, and telling the prince that he won't be able to go trick-or-treating was a big disappointment. Now, we'll see if his 'father' throws a fit and pouts because it's his year to take the princes trick-or-treating. The last time one of the prince's was sick on Halloween the *ahem-asshole-ahem* made me get the prince loaded up for him to take him AND took a sick kid trick-or-treating. Would it kill him to give up one night with the princes for the sake of their health? Yup, I hear father of the year calling...

I'm thinking that this week can't get worse but I'm wishing that it was next week already and I was working on the big project for work.

Here's to Long Weekends...

2009-10-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

I forgot what it's like to curl up with a book. I'm fortunate that I teach at a school that still has a fall break. I had 3 days off last week plus the weekend - a mini vacation! I swear this is unheard of around here anymore.

I spent the time in Ludington, Michigan with Yummy at his family's lake cottage on Lake Michigan. I know, I know... you're thinking Michigan? What!?! But, it was not too terribly bad for weather. We had one day of rain but it was in the mid-50's to low 60's for most of the week. We spent a little each day in the quaint little town that I swear is a ghost town when the 'season' is over with at Labor Day. Pretty much all the little shops close for the winter. The candy store was having an end of season sale - they were still making fresh chocolates and carmel apples but they were prepping to close. I was able to get the yummiest carmel apple - a HUGE Granny Smith covered in buttery carmel and chopped peanuts. YUM!!

So most of the impromptu vacation was spent curled up with a blanket and a book at the cottage since there wasn't a damn thing to really do in town. I was able to get an entire book read - a co-worker turned me onto The Sookie Stackhouse Series (True Blood). Don't laugh - it's actually not bad and I'm starting the second in the series and looking forward to finishing it.

Besides the book, Yummy and I were able to get some 'adult' time in too. ~wink, wink~
I swear, I never get to spend that many days with him all to myself. I forgot what it's like sleeping late, staying in bed all day if you want and not hearing "Momma... I want..." :-)

Here's to hoping all of you had a GREAT weekend!

The Life of a Teacher

2009-10-14T17:59:00.001-07:00

Well, it official... if you're in need of first aid, cpr, aed... I'm your person! I spent 4 hours tonight training on these plus blood borne pathogens. It was such a great experience. The lady talked for the entire time, we didn't show her anything and we didn't take the test so my question is how can we be certified in all these areas? Hmm... idk.

Now, tomorrow night we have training on a new website & volleyball/soccer games for our undefeated teams and then Friday is the fall carnival that we're required to be at. Who ever said teaching was an 8-3 job?

Getting In Touch with One's Self

2009-10-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

Let me just start out by saying that this is NOT what all of you are thinking by the title. You see... as many of you know I have been trying since May to gain full custody of my princes from their loser 'father' (and I use that term loosely). It's been one hoop after another trying to get the papers filed, get a mediation date and a court date. I'm still waiting on the latter.

Before a court date can be filed, I must endure mediation which I did back in June which was a total waste of time! EH argued over who was going to pay what percentage of the mediator and the parenting coordinator that his side has requested. We NEVER discussed any of the issues that brought us to that point.

In the meantime, things have gotten worse since school has started. The boys are failing numerous assignments when they are with him, they are having numerous late assignments, he has flown off the handle at the oldest prince, grabbed a hold of him leaving swelling & bruising along with scaring the daylights out of the middle prince to the point where these two are scared to go. He refuses to discuss ANYTHING with me without his attorney present. He's slammed my car door into me and thrown a water bottle at me in his frustration after I told him that he could not open my truck door while I'm sitting in the truck. (This came after 2 aggressive emails from him.)

Fast forward to last week when I met with the parenting coordinator (PC). Her role from my understanding is to give me suggestions of how to better communicate with the ex in hopes of the problems going away. Well, after a 4.5 hour meeting, I walked out of there with the understanding that I need to find myself and get in touch with my inner voice. I was told to learn to heart-center and bring my 4 personalities to the center or my core. She told me to explore my Native American side and gave me a book on animal spirits. I kid you not! She also gave me a book on the 4 personalities - warrior, martyr, wanderer & orphan. Okay, what the fuck??? I went to get suggestions of how to communicate with an idiot so I don't lose my freakin' mind and I come out with books on animal spirits and told to find my animal totem and this will explain a lot!?! I left with papers to notify the ex about appointments for the princes and told to mail them certified if money was no object. WTF!!!

So, I'm off to read about animal spirits and find out what my flippin' dreams of snakes has to do with all the shit going on with my ex. lol

Just call me Pocahontas.

True Love Stories Never Have Endings ~ Richard Bach

2009-10-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!!! Blogger has let me upload the pictures of the wedding. Wow, it's only been 3 months since the big day but here ya go...

The day was perfect! I can't actually think of anything that could have made it better other than the Princes being there but New Orleans really isn't a city for little ones after dark. ~wink, wink~

I started the day with a relaxing brunch with my best friend and then I was off to write my vows, get my hair and make up done in a quaint little salon by the hotel.

The wedding was at 6 p.m. which was perfect time after it had rained (and I mean really rained to the point the streets were flooded). I was told that the rain before the wedding was a good sign! ;-)

Arrival at Jackson Square, New Orleans

The kiss..

At the gates of Jackson Square

I'll post more pictures later... once again, blogger is not cooperating with me!

TMI

2009-09-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

TMI Tuesday #206

1. Have you used put anything edible on (or in) your partner's body and then eaten it?

Okay, who hasn't done this in some form? Yes, on my partner's body but not in it.

2. Have you ever had an AIDS test due to reasonable suspicion or hyperactive imagination?

No, never had the reason to have it done because of suspicion or my imagination.

3. Have you ever fantasized about someone else other than your partner while you were engaged in sex, oral sex, or mutual masturbation?

All the freakin' time when I was married the first time! That should have been a HUGE clue to me. LOL

4. Have you ever engaged in sex, oral sex, or mutual masturbation while in a moving car?

Yes, a few times... we'll just leave it at that. **wink, wink**

A car being driven by someone not engaged in the sex, oral sex, or mutual masturbation?

5. Have you ever had sex so many times or for so long that one or both people involved runs dry?

Doesn't happen that often but it has happened.

Bonus (as in optional): Name 5 things an unplanned (or planned) visitor would find in your bedroom?

Hmm... well, besides the obvious? The person would really have to 'hunt' through the drawers to find the sexy lingerie, *ahem* my 'little pink friend', the leash/collar that I got for Yummy as a joke hanging from the lamp, and then there's Yummy's chopper magazines on the bedside table and a bookcase full of books.

I know, the answers aren't too exciting at the least. LOL But since I'm running on fumes today with a sick Prince at home, it's the best I've got right now. I'm hoping to get the wedding pictures posted if Blogger lets me this time around (I've only been trying since July! Geesh!!)

Seriously, What is Up with Blogger?

2009-07-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have been trying for a week to upload the pictures from the wedding and with no luck! UUgghh... As soon as I can get it to work, I'll get them posted so you all can see the festivities in New Orleans.

In the meantime, I'm getting the house ready for the big summer picnic here complete with moonwalk, snow cone and cotton candy machines plus Yummy is the grill master that day with many tasty delights planned. ;-)

I've got the pie duty and will be making 10 pies this week along with brownies for the kiddos when I can fit it in between swim lessons, mediation with EH (wish me luck on this - we're hoping that he caves when we present all the proof that he's a liar) and family coming in from the East Coast, Atlanta, Baltimore and southern Indiana along with trying to get pictures around of the wedding ready for everyone to view.

3 weeks and counting

2009-06-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

It's exactly 3 weeks until the big day in New Orleans! Things are coming together and I've been busy between the shit with EH to finalize details of the wedding. I spent yesterday afternoon getting some kick ass jewelry from a local designer. I'm so excited to have one of a kind pieces for my big day and their are freakin' fabulous. ;-)

Everything in Nola is paid for and booked. So, it's hopefully looking like a stress free event. I'm hoping at least. But, if not... I can *always* tie one on afterwards and we all know that will make any stress go away for at least a bit. LOL

The only thing I'm having trouble with is finding something for the ahem wedding night. Our local Victoria Secrets hasn't been having much options to anything very sexy and my only other option in this god forsaken town is to hit the 'adult' stores where all the strippers shop. Not a bad option but don't know if I want my whole attire to be the same as what I could see on stage at a local club. :) So, if any of you have some kick ass sites that you can suggest, I would appreciate it!

Looking for a little sunshine...

2009-06-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week... with all the rain and lack of sun, it's taken a toll on all of us! It's been a week of doctor appointments and making more follow up appointments. I tell ya if I never see the inside of a doctor's office again, it will be too soon! lol

The oldest prince had his first therapy appointment and the freakin' dr. came out of it after only seeing him for an hour that he is depressed and needs zoloft. WTF??? Zoloft, seriously? Isn't that like the shit that makes kids want to kill themselves? Oldest prince will not be going on zoloft any time soon! He'll be seeing the therapist in a few weeks and starting his therapy sessions so he can learn to deal with an idiot of a sperm donor. The kid is not depressed... just because a kid doesn't answer questions, sits and cries during a session does not mean he's depressed! At least the dr. did say that oldest prince's issues are caused from his idiot of a sperm donor. (We do not refer to him as a father because it takes SO much more to be a father than helping create new life!) Hopefully, therapy will help him deal with all the anger/frustration that he has with his idiot of a sperm donor.

EH finally got an attorney so the shit can start moving forward. That came late last week but we're setting mediation dates. I'm not too optimistic about resolving the issues during mediation. Remember, EH told me he's a vindictive person as he called me a whore a few weeks ago in front of the youngest prince so this means that he'll drag it out and fight me on every.fucking.thing. Now it's just a wait and see...

The youngest prince has an ear tube plugged and an infection in the same ear. This means another trip to the ENT and a possible 4th surgery for replacement of the tube! Uugghh...

But on the upside of things... 28 days and counting to New Orleans baby!!! We have 17 people coming to the wedding there! It's all paid for and the stress level is low. (That's a very good thing.) Yummy is making his spice mixtures up for wedding favors - Voodoo Love and Kamasutra Curry. We're planning the picnic back here for when we get back for all who couldn't make it to NOLA with us. My hair and makeup appointment is made for a very chic little salon right next door to the hotel. Everything is coming together! Woot!!

Hope everyone has a kick ass weekend with some sunshine in it! We're heading to the pool today for a little sun time. ;-)

TMI - a day late

2009-06-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

1. What was the last movie you saw on a date? That would actually be "My Bloody Valentine" in 3-D. I know what a date movie but Yummy thought it was great... I sat there the entire clinching his arm and hiding my face.

2. What was the last meal you had on a date? Smoked duck and basil flatbread, grilled scallops with couscous and a chocolate trio for dessert. YUM!

3. When was the last time you made out in the car on a date? More? This used to happen a lot but it seems far and few between with our schedules anymore. The date nights are far and few between. Hmm... it seems that one is in order.

4. Using a dating websites do you think you are more likely to find a "hook up" or a relationship? I've never used a dating website but from what many have told me, it's the hook up. BUT I do know a few that have found their spouses through one so I really think it just depends on the people involved and what their looking for.

5. Do you have any special "first" date rituals? Flowers, certain restaurant, ect. Hmm... I've never really thought about this but I'm sure I do... like wearing my fave outfit. I know not very exciting but I honestly can't really think of much.

BONUS QUESTION: Do you believe in sex on the first date? Can a relationship bloom if you have sex on the first date? I can honestly say that any time that there was sex on the first date, the 'relationship' never blossomed into anything more. I mean... Yummy and I could have definitely had sex on the first date but we waited and look now where we're at! :) I think that if a relationship starts out based on sex that you never really get to know the person and when the sex dies so does the relationship.

School's Out for Summer

2009-06-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! School's FINALLY out for the summer. What a relief to be out of that classroom and home. I think I might be able to get some relaxation in before next school year... oh, wait... that's right, I'm not among the unemployed. OFFICIALLY... started the job interviews yesterday for a 3 day a week gig teaching preschool, got turned down for an interview by email this morning bright and early at 6 freakin' thirty and received a call to come in for a 6th grade math/science position that is only for one year because the teacher took a year off.

I'm not going to worry until Aug. 15 when the last paycheck comes rollin' in but I'm sure by then, I'll have found something. If not, Yummy says I can be a kept woman for as long as I want as long as I do the laundry and clean the house. Okay, don't I do that already and what kind of deal is this? I swear, there better be something better out of this deal than that! lol Like maybe sex every.single.morning? That sounds like a good deal to me! ;)

I'm actually looking forward to having some down time for the first week of summer. The princes don't have any events to participate in other than an ortho appt. and going to the zoo to see the new lions, honey badger, hyenas at the newly renovated African exhibit on Friday. I went today and got 2 new books for me to read. I'm hoping to spend some me time reading this summer because I haven't had a chance to do that for a long time and lounge by the pool for the summer before the wedding.

Speaking of wedding... oh, that's right we weren't' but hey, it's my blog so we are now. :) Everything is planned and we have 39 days until the dress comes out of the garment bag, the hair is done and we party on Bourbon Street in NOLA! I absolutely can't wait... I'm excited, the princes are excited, Yummy's excited... It's just one huge ball of excitement around here. So much that the princes are asking if I can marry Yummy tomorrow! lol

Update on the EH situation... where to begin? Well, let's go back to 3 weeks ago when his 'girlfriend' showed up at the princes' soccer game and they put on a show for all to see with the public displays of affection. We're not talking small pecks on the cheek or hand holding. It was full blown tongue down throat action. Can we all say EEWW? EH doesn't get it - I've been there, done that and if I wanted it, I'd still have it. Let's move to 2 days later at the soccer practice when he threatened me by telling me "just wait until the boys are 18, then I'm going to let them know what a whore their mother is." Yup, that's right... and he said this 4 times right in front of my 5 year old prince! Just stellar... now that's a father of the year award coming his way, I can just feel it. lol

The next day, the papers FINALLY got filed in court. Wow, come to find out... my attorney kept forgetting to do it. Well, I guess me calling him that morning and telling him about me being called a whore plus my 9 yr. old now would rather be dead than spend any time with his father lit a fire under his butt. That's right, my 9 yr. prince would rather die than be with his dad. His father informed me that it's my fault he feels this way and that he's been saying it for some time now (like months!). Okay, isn't THIS something that should have been communicated to me right away? Just sayin'. The next this was that EH has decided that his relationship with the 9 yr. old prince is ruined and not worth his effort to work on... his words were "I'm done with him and not going to work on my relationship with him." Ahem... no wonder the kid feels the way he does!

So, I've spent the last week trying to find a therapist for the prince but I have to have one that will testify in court and not all do that plus I'm running into the problem of because currently I have joint legal custody with EH and we both have to agree on medical treatment, no one will see the prince without EH coming in to say it's okay. A*motherfuckers*hem... MY kid is threatening to kill himself!! So, a system that is suppose to save a kid isn't set up to do just that! How fucking messed up is this? I'm hoping that I have calls into 2 other therapists and one of them will help otherwise, I'm stuck until we go to court.

Which... fall over... my attorney is setting a date for the preliminary hearing and filing a motion to have the court order mediation with EH! YES!!! I think, with the prince wanting to die, we're now at a near emergency level is what the attorney said so we can start pushing but EH still hasn't gotten an attorney or acknowledged receipt of the first motion of me filing for a change in custody. Oh, well... just makes him look like an ass when we get to the judge!

So, yeah... I think so much for a relaxing summer vacation. ;)

Is it Friday YET?!?

2009-05-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

It's only Monday and I feel like a truck has hit me. Literally... a big, huge, Mack truck... with the trucker girl mud flaps flapping in the wind as it rolls right over me.

I awoke to a blasting email from the good 'ole ex about the stupid baseball game he is suppose to take the princes to next weekend for cub scouts. There was a mix up with tickets and the oldest and youngest princes do not have tickets for the camp out. And some how... I was suppose to 'fix' it. WTF!?! He badgered me until I gave up MY weekend with the princes so he could take them to this freakin' game that initially none wanted to go and see. But this morning's email again told me that I was crazy and that he would do what the hell he wanted and leave the two that could not go to the camp out with whomever he wanted to and I had NO say in it what-so-ever. Ahem*mother-fucker*I*think*NOT... So, I guess he thought I would be okay with him leaving MY kids with his 'girlfriend' that I haven't met, seen, etc. and that the boys have been around maybe at the most 3 times! Yeah... and what drugs does he think I'm on that I would agree to that? Oh, and did I mention that he blamed the whole thing on my 9 year old son? Yup, you read it right... real mature here folks!

But it just kept getting better with emails from him today. So, I made a phone call to the attorney to make sure the papers got filed in court. Supposedly (and I use supposedly because they didn't get filed last week when the attorney told me they did) the papers were filed on Friday and the court would be send certified copies out today or tomorrow to EH. Now, it's a waiting game for the whole mediation thing but at least this will force the asshat to get an attorney and I can start getting things rolling for the boys' sake!

To top the day off... it's the last full week of 'work' at school for the students and they are done. Put a fork in them - done! I had to give a year end assessment test and 2 out of 3 classes I gave it to told me they didn't know how to do it, I never taught them things on it... you name it, they were throwing it out there. I lost it today because the 7th grade teacher actually heard me raise my voice (yell for me) to her class. I had explained to the little piss ants that they were not receiving a grade on this for a test but they still would be getting graded on it but I expected them to do their best. I actually had one kid tell me that they didn't have a problem like the one he was working on when I said to them that these were 'like' the standardized test that they just took for the state a month ago. He literally thought I meant that these were the same exact fucking problems he had a month ago! But, what got my blood boiling was his attitude and tone he used with me. Gah! No respect for authority what-so-ever! Seriously, what is wrong with today's teenagers?

I'm hoping that I make it through tomorrow with my 8th graders having the state's core test in algebra and make it to Friday when I take them to the amusement park for their graduation trip. Wish me luck!

A dog's bark is not always worse than it's bite...

2009-05-16T12:34:00.001-07:00

Uugghh... I started a post but got interrupted by a dog fight between two of my girls. It seems that my Boxer of 2 years has now taken a dislike to the two new girls that I adopted in February. The vet says it's a dominance aggression issue and she has an appt. for the vet school to see the doggie "crazy" doctor but after today, I'm not so sure if it's worth the trip down to the school to see if they can figure it out. Lucy is fine with all of us and as long as I have the other two girls locked up in their crates, everything is hunky dorie... Last weekend she sent Maggie to the vet ER clinic for some deep puncture wounds. I've spent a week rotating them all out of crates and front room so each has time to spend with the family. Lucy hasn't done anything to Miley so today I decided I'd let them play together for a while but that last all of 2 seconds when Lucy decided to bite Miley in the butt. That's right...

I'm to the point now that I don't know if the vet school would be any help or not. Her appt. is 6 weeks out because they are that booked up. I guess that just shows all the dogs that have issues! lol I emailed the rescue group earlier this week to let them know what was going on with the two new girls and have not gotten a response back. I'd hate to have to get rid of any of them but it's coming to the point where I, wait WE are going to have to decide. I just hate the thought of having to send Miley and Maggie back to the rescue because they've made such progress here with us but I realize that I have to do something before any of them gets seriously hurt or one of the princes gets hurt from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Besides dealing with the dogs, I'm on the hunt for a new teaching position and there's NOTHING out there! I'm just mildly worried but know that I was in a tizzy when I found my current position 3 weeks after school started so I know it'll all work out. I just have to be patient.

I'm also dealing with an ex-husband who as we all know is an asshole to say the least. He refuses to talk to me about anything when it comes to the boys. He's not giving them their prescriptions, he's continuing to 'buy' their affection... now it's he's getting a dog this summer just after no more than 3 months ago he sends me a scathing letter telling me that because I have dogs I am stealing his kids away from him and now I find out from means that I won't disclose... okay, I will... he has a facebook page and I periodically check it and last night I find that he's getting an inground swimming pool this summer but the boys don't know about it. Now, how am I to 'compete' with that? Granted we go to the pool every day because of having a membership but to have a pool in your very own backyard? Now that's any kids dream!

The kicker of it all is that I'm waiting patiently for my attorney to file the motion for me to request full custody of the princes and that's been a story in itself. Supposedly the ex has never gotten the letter requesting mediation as our state now requires and supposedly my attorney has sent it several times but I'm starting to wonder. I happened to have to go to the court house on Friday and get a copy of my decree from the file and the new motion that was to be filed by Thursday was still not filed! Fortunately, my attorney's office is right next door so I walked myself over and inquired. He didn't have an answer for me and promised me that it would be in there by the end of the day on Friday. So, we'll see when I call him on Monday to find out if it was filed.

I'm losing my job, can't find one in in this god-forsaken town so now it's imperative that I try to get more child support, request that I am allowed to move out of state if need be for me to find a job in my career and most importantly, get the boys away from the idiot they have for a father. As it's only going to get worse because he's now got a girlfriend. He went to his boys' soccer games last week and spent the entire time talking to her on his cell. I know it was her because he made several loud announcements while on the phone and made sure that I was able to hear him tell her he loves her. Isn't that sweet... this is the man that wouldn't date anyone longer than 3 months because of commitment issues and wouldn't tell me he loved me until right before we walked down that fucking dreaded aisle! So, I'm sure it's true love this time. Hey, I'm all for it if it gets him to leave me the hell alone! So, more power to 'em.

Uugghhh... can there be anything else that is given to me to handle at this point in my life?

Think, Think, Think...

2009-04-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

As Pooh would say... "Think, Think, Think..." I'm thinking of giving my notice to the school. No, I won't end my stay immediately but at the end of school which for me would be June 1. I love my classroom and this is hard for me to decided. I have to carefully consider all the fall outs from such a decision...

Yummy tells me to give notice and stay home with the princes. We can do it... it would be tight but we can make it. I could sub as the princes schedule allows to bring in extra money and then in January I get my settlement check from the ex...

I'm worried about if I don't give notice then whoever sent the letter to the bishop will do it again and not stop until they succeed.

Yummy and I are planning to get married in July. I don't have my annulment so technically I can't teach in a Catholic school because I'm a sinner...

I'm having trouble getting my classes I need for the summer so I can renew my emergency permit to teach in middle school. Without it, I would not have a job anyway.

If I stop teaching within the system then I would have to pay for the princes to attend the school they attend. I receive free tuition as a benefit. This saves us about $3000 each year.

If I do give notice and stay home, I could attend more functions at school for the princes. Which they would LOVE.

I'm scared I will go stir crazy.

My mother tells me to stay home if we can do it... get married and live my life and not worry about it. It will all work out.

She's probably right... everything has a way of working out.

I've Been Branded...

2009-04-16T15:30:00.001-07:00

Well, it seems that I've either a) pissed someone off really bad or b) pissed someone off really bad... my boss - you all know the one... the micro-manager who is passive aggressive... emails me on Tuesday telling me that he needed to meet with me. Okay... about what you may be asking? I didn't have the faintest clue so at lunch I told him my anxiety was rearing its ugly head and he needed to ease it. I asked if everything was okay and his response was "I think so." But still wouldn't give me a clue as to what he wanted to meet with me over.

I rationalized that if it was bad, he would have pulled me into his office and told me that day. I thought it would be about the pending graduation for my students. I waited until Wednesday after school (Did I mention I had to wait 2 full days to find out what the hell was up?).

Well, it seems that someone sent the article that Yummy was featured in from our local morning paper to the freakin' bishop of my diocese. It seems that Yummy implied from his statement that answered the paper's inquiry about how often he cooks at home that we lived together. For those of you that are not Catholic, this is a HUGE no-no in the eyes of the Church. Yummy's exact statement was "I enjoy cooking for Honey and the princes but don't get to do it as often as I would like because of my schedule. Most chefs, me included, have the worst schedule with working evenings, weekends and holidays. But when I do cook, it's usually for a special event and we tend to make it an all day event."

Please help me here... where, oh where, does it say that he lives at blankety, blank-blank... in ass backwards, USA? How does one get from that statement that we are co-habitating? I'm baffled with this one...

But you see... I was guilty before I was even asked about it. My boss had my termination papers right there. Asked me if Yummy was living with me and I told him that as I told him when Yummy had surgery that he was staying with me because he couldn't be on his feet and needed someone to take care of him. So, yeah, I guess he is... My boss told me that if he was living full time with me then that was grounds for dismissal. I gave him Yummy's address told him to check it out if he needed. Then my boss through a sucker punch at me with I checked Yummy out on whitepages.com and his name comes up with your address and phone number. What the fuck did he just say he did? Ahem, yeah... asshole as I did that intentionally so I wouldn't have creep calling me as being a single mom and all. It's called protecting myself. Duh! Oh, yeah... did I leave out that I have Yummy's name on my checking as a "just in case" measure - if something were to happen to me someone can right checks out and pay for shit since I have no fucking family in the area!

My biggest concern out of all of this was when my boss told me that the letter was sent to the bishop anonymously. What the fuck? Did he just say anonymously? The fucking ball-less cocksucker didn't have the nerve to sign their name when they chose to put my job at stake? What kind of shit is this? What kind of person would do such a thing? And to send it to the freakin' bishop for god's sake... I can see sending it to the priest at the school but to the fucking bishop? That's a little (okay, a lot) excessive. It was sent with the malicious intent on getting me fired. I wasn't smart enough yesterday to ask to see the letter because I was seeing red. (It's fitting since I'm now wearing a Scarlett Letter.)

My boss went on to give me the lecture about getting my freakin' annulment and that this would follow me if I transferred to another school in our diocese. Was that a threat I just heard? I think so. See, I've put my name on the transfer list for this year as I'm licensed in my state to teach the fucking adorable middle school students. I needed to get 2 classes completed this summer to renew my emergency permit but the fuckin' college isn't offering one of my classes and the other not a time that I can take it. Having ones' own kids gets in the way of everything. :) So, if I couldn't find the classes some place else, I was going to have to give up my classroom. It was advised that I try to transfer to another school should a position become available. At this point, I told my boss that I had applied for a preschool position and an elementary position within another district which he made sure to tell me that they only accept applications on-line. Really... didn't know that even though I've already completed everything for it Sherlock.

Now, I'm left wondering if it was a parent, a church member, a co-worker, or my fucking ex-husband (yes, he would do something like this) or one of his many so-called friends. Whomever it was has now ruined my career with the diocese. I'm marked with the Scarlett Letter. Because of this... last night I was ready to sign my resignation letter and turn it in today to my boss. I feel like I'm caught... if I stay, the person will just try again. It looks like I will be giving up my classroom at the end of the year to stay home with the princes. This just takes one thing off my already filled plate and considering I'm adding a legal battle with the ex for full custody of the princes due to his stupidity that will take the jobs spot on the plate, I'd say it just might be divine intervention at its best.

At the moment, I'm sick to my stomach, depressed, pissed off (better than pissed on as one person pointed out to me) and ready to rumble with whoever steps in the way.

Exercising My 2nd Admendment Rights!!!!

2009-04-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

I'm heading to become an "Annie Oakley" type of gun-toting, biker babe... during the last month we've had a rash of home break-ins in our neighborhood. The first house the assholes cleaned them out of $20,000 of stuff (at least that's the word on the street). The second house is right across the street from mine and the third that we know of was my next door neighbors... the fuckers used his garage door opener in his vehicle and were only scared away because his truck alarm sounded as they tried to get into it! Yummy and I are thinking that ours was the fourth house intended as on Tuesday our newest boxer girl that we leave out of her crate went nuts and tried to destroy the back door. Let me just say that she's NEVER done anything like this and typically doesn't get excited unless there's something right outside the door. I discovered our back gate was unlocked as well which leads me to believe that the little pricks tried our house but good ole' Maggie scared the asses away!

To top it off... the cops along with everyone in the neighborhood think it's the 20-something wanna-be gang banger that lives across the street with his mommy and some of his fucking wanna-be members! The kid is a complete juvenile delinquent with spending time on home detention when we first moved into the house but then shortly after ran away. He ended up spending a year or so in a youth detention center. Not the best of upstanding citizens!

So all of this has led us down the path to the gun store to purchase a semi-automatic 9mm. We've looked at the Glocks and Taurus 24/7. Both seem like they would do the job of stopping the mother fuckers but we did have the chance to handle an XD 45. Seems to me that the grip on this one fits better into my little hands... Hmmm.... decisions, decisions...

Any of you gun-toting bloggers have any advice for me? And please... those of you that are far-left liberals promoting gun control... please keep the comments to yourself. I know all about gun safety and don't need a lecture on turning the other cheek. We're talking about protecting yourself and your family!

Self Confessions of a Control Freak...

2009-03-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, I'm getting to post again before a week has gone by. What is this world coming too? I have some 'extra' time as it may be - the Princes are with EH and their spring break starts tomorrow at noon. Mine is the following week so maybe - just maybe - I can catch up on all my back reading of the blogs I love so much. :) Wishful thinking between painting the house and getting it cleaned from top to bottom for a party the end of April.

Hey, great news today... I found out I have a condition according to EH. Yup, a bona fide condition. I guess I'm a control freak (at least that's what I took from his email today). You see, he is suppose to give me an itinerary, departure/return dates, specific places going, etc. with the Prince when he takes them out of state. He told 4 weeks ago that he was going to take them to Kentucky/Tennessee for spring break. Fine but when I asked exactly when they would be leaving/returning, he told me that he'd have to get back to me on that one. Well, break starts tomorrow and as of Monday I had not gotten word. My attorney (because we're in the middle of requesting mediation that the state says I have to request because of all the other 'stuff') told me to email EH and cite the specific place in the agreement that we both signed that says he has to provide this info or he can't take the Princes. I did this on Monday and requested that he give the info by yesterday. Yesterday came and went and no information in my inbox. This morning I get an email from him that starts on a personal note telling me that I need to go to counseling for my condition and how my condition is affecting our working relationship and my relationship with the Princes will suffer if I don't get a handle on it. And how I'm having problems with not being able to control the situation.

Okay, reality check... it's not about controlling the situation. I have a right (my god given legal right) to know where & when he is taking my Princes. It's about he can't seem to get it through his head that yes, he's their father but he is responsible to me to give me this information as I am to him (I gave him the same type of info last year when I took the kids to Disney) but rather than give me the information, he gave me his sister's contact info and basically told me that I'd have to contact her if I needed to get a hold of the kids. What kind of bullsh*t is this? So, I'm going with this, passing it along to my attorney who will then turn around and use it when we go to court. Just another instance of him not wanting to communicate with me. Maybe when he gets stuck with another attorney bill, he'll get a clue? Hmm... yeah, didn't work the last time so I don't think it will work this time. I think when God was passing out common sense, he missed out and got in the line with all the idiots. :)

And if you haven't noticed, I don't deal well with idiots.

Are You There? It's Me... Honey.

2009-03-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't completely fallen off the face of the Earth... just slightly. :) I've just been insanely busy with work, taking care of Yummy after his Achilles tendon surgery, wedding planning, the Princes, new puppies... You name it, it's on my plate right now.

Yummy had surgery on Feb. 16th on his Achilles and spent 3 weeks at home with not being able to do ANY.FREAKIN'.THING. I swear what is it about men and when they're down? I'll admit he's not like when EH would get sick and you'd thought the world was coming to an end but it was still bad... he'd get up in the morning and make his way downstairs to sit on the couch all day and watch movies or play his PS 2. But, could the guy put a dirty glass in the dishwasher at least once? Come on... it's his foot that can't do anything, not his hands! Thank goddess that he went back to work before I blew a gasket because it was getting close. But, alas... things are better and he hopefully will be released completely from the surgeon in a few weeks.

At the same time of dealing with Yummy, the new puppies decided to eat our couch in the extra room. Yup, the entire arm of it. Luckily, most of it came right back out of them but poor Maggie had gotten a piece stuck in her stomach and spent the night at the ER vet's. They were going to do surgery but when they went to prep her, she got sick and the piece that was stuck was no longer stuck but she was borderline anemic which kept her overnight. Come to find out she was full of whip & hook worms so was put on a dewormer to take care of that problem. She's now gaining weight and things are looking up with her and her sister! (I'll try to get some pics posted this weekend of them.)

The wedding is planned! Yippee! Hooray! The hotel is booked in New Orleans, the reception planned at K Paul's, the minister at the French Quarter Wedding Chapel booked, carriages ordered, dress is in first alterations, cute little flip flops bought, rings ordered, invitations here... friends are starting to book their flights/hotel. I'm planning on spending the weekend addressing invites to get those out this next week. How exciting!

The Princes are all doing good especially after the melt-down that the oldest Prince had at his dad's a few weeks ago that I got blamed for because I got 2 more dogs. But EH made things right with the Princes... he went and bought them each a pet... a chameleon, tortoise, frog and newts! That's just what they needed... instead of a dad who actually parents them, they got more STUFF. But this time, STUFF that needs fed, cages cleaned... Oh, did I mention one newt escaped in the youngest princes room and is MIA for over a week now? Yup, my son will have a decaying, rotting newt corpse in his room in a few weeks. Yeah!

Other than that EH just keeps becoming more of an idiot... my middle Prince was sick and at his dad's and stayed home from school. EH told me at 7:30 that morning that he was going to call the dr. and take the Prince in to be checked because the severity of his sore throat. At 9:30, I get a text from EH asking if he can drop the Princes off at my house at 1:30 to Yummy. WTF!?! What happened to the dr.? When I got EH on the phone (he wouldn't answer his phones - my oldest prince had to), he said he wasn't taking the middle Prince to the dr. because he'd given him cough medicine and he wasn't coughing any more. What? This is the kid who has had strep Dec. and Jan. and stayed home the week prior because he didn't feel well! So, not to inconvenience EH, I took the Prince to the dr. to find out that he had strep along with a sinus infection! What an idiot! When I called to tell EH, he didn't answer his phone (of course!) but I got no apology, "that's too bad", NOTHING!!! Well, his nothing is going to be landing his butt right in mediation/court with it being very likely that FULL custody will be granted to me. That would be the only positive thing that comes from this!

And I'm on the hunt for a new teaching job... I have 2 classes that I HAVE to take before August to receive a renewal on my emergency permit to teach middle school and the college doesn't offer one of the classes at a time that I can take it (10 a.m. while I'm teaching just doesn't work) and the other class is not offered at all. When I talked to the licensing advisor, he told too bad and he was not going to support a request for an extension/waiver so I could have another year to take the classes. So, now I'll be out of a job unless I can find these 2 classes at another college and the advisor has to okay them before I'm allowed to register for them because they have to transfer to HIS college. What a jerk!

Well, I hope everyone is having a rockin' weekend... I spent the day with the Princes at an art festival that 2 of the 3 have art pieces displayed! How fantastic! Now, I'm off to finish some laundry, fix dinner and crash...

L is for Love

2009-02-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Valentine's Day and I'm sitting here catching up on the blogs that I've neglected to read for some time. Yummy's working and serving food to 800+ people tonight at the restaurant! The life of being almost married to a chef.

Today hasn't been a total loss... our two new fur babies arrived via doggie taxi. We decided to adopt a pair of Boxer sisters. These are the same two that we tried to adopt back before Christmas but they went to a couple that was already approved to adopt. But, this couple could not handle the Boxer in them and returned them to the foster mom. We were next in line... We now have Miley and Maggie joining our family. They are FULL of energy and Miley NEVER lays down for more than a few minutes at a time. We have our hands our full but in a good way. We're fortunate that they were abused by the original owners but they were neglected and drastically underweight. They still need to put on a few more pounds so we'll be working on that with them but it's kinda hard when they run, run, run in the yard each time they go outside. :)

Wedding plans are well underway. The chapel and everything with that is booked. We moved the date to help keep costs down and booked the restaurant we wanted for the dinner afterwards. I just need to find the perfect shoes to go with my dress... anyone have any sites that they would recommend? Invitations are the next on the list to order... maybe I can get to them this week.

Yummy's having surgery on Monday for his Achilles tendon. He'll be off work for 2 weeks and then back but in the corporate office until he is completely released from the dr. Yummy will get a look into what it would be like for him as corporate chef. We're both excited because he'll have normal hours during this time. I'll actually get to have dinner each night with him and go to bed at a normal time. Woot!

Things are still the same on the EH front. He's still an asshole, still telling the princes things that are not true and throwing them for a loop... the only new thing is now he's started to get physical when I try to talk to him about it. He pushed me out of the doorway a few weeks ago. The latest 'tale' that he's telling the princes is that he pays the judge so they don't have to live outside in the cold. WTF? The littlest prince thinks that he's going to end up living outside if his asshole father stops paying the judge! EH actually told me last night that it would happen if he ever decided to not pay his support. Hmm... why the fuck do I have a job? It's not because his support pays all my flippin' bills! I swear there's something wrong with this guy. He's delusional to say the least.

Going to the Chapel...

2009-01-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

and we're gonna get married! Yes, Yummy and I finally have set a date and decided to throw caution to the wind and get married this summer! We picked July 4th as the big day in New Orleans. I'm so excited and have started planning the entire day. I've already ordered my dress last weekend and this week we went and picked out wedding bands for each other and those are on order, reserved the chapel and date and now we're searching for the site of the reception. We thought we had it planned but our fave restaurant in NOLA is closed on the 4th. What a bummer! But there are still many places to choose from and we'll just go there on Friday night with whoever is in town.

I'm so excited! Did I mention that?

TMI Tuesday

2009-01-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

'Would you rather...' edition

1. Would you rather be stranded on an island alone or with someone you dislike/don't get along with? Alone - definitely. Why have that stress of having someone around that I can't stand? That would be like going to hell... At least by myself, I can paint a face on a coconut and have a friend that way. ~wink~

2. Would you rather accidentally walk in on your parents having sex or have them walk in on you? Eeww... do I really have to answer that one? It was bad enough coming home for a weekend visit and just hearing my parents go at it! Since I have to choose one, I'll pick have them walk in on me.

3. Would you rather be snapped by paparazzi during a nipple slip or while exiting a car with out any underwear?(guys, consider similar circumstances) I think I could recover from a nipple slip and blame it on a wardrobe malfunction. No panties shot... that's just plain stupidity!

4. Would you rather not have sex for two years or not be able to use the Internet for two years?

You're killing me here! But this is definitely no Internet for two years. Just thinking about not having sex with Yummy sends chills. Horrible thought!

5. Would you rather find true love or 1 million dollars? I'd love to have 1 million dollars but I'll take true love over money any day. As long as I can pay my bills, I'm good with the money thing but true love - that makes for a perfect life! ~smiling~

Bonus (as in optional): If you had to choose *one* sexual position for the rest of your life, what would it be? Why? Again - killing me... if I have to choose just *one*, I'll go with me on top. I get a full view of his expressions, he can touch me all over ~wink~, and I can control it. I'll admit - I'm a control freak. ;)

Come play along... leave me a comment but make sure you stop by and where it's all at... TMI Tuesday.

*****

Wow, what a whirlwind of a last week of vacation. The Princes and I did a few fun things during our week together.

- A trip to Build-a-Bear to build our new best friends.

- Went to see Bedtime Stories. The new Adam Sandler movie - it was cute but really didn't hold the Princes' attention through the entire movie. Some of the humor was over any kid's head. It's one of those that I'd wait to pay 4 bucks to see on cable vs. 26 bucks at the theatre.

- Built derby cars. See previous post. Btw... they're coming along nicely. We're in the final stages of prepping and assembly. The race is this Saturday so we're hoping for a better outcome than last year.

- Trips to the dentist. Fun... Fun...

- And some good ole' family time together snuggling on the couch.

Hoping everyone made it back to school this week with little trouble. It was hard to get up out of bed yesterday morning but we made it without major meltdowns. Whew!

Racers Start Your Engines...

2009-01-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was spent with the Princes and Yummy in the garage building the Princes' pinewood derby cars. The race is just a week away and there's still so much to do. They cut and sanded the cars, polished axles - I think I heard a few grunts coming from the garage. It's that guy thing - new tools and all. I swear these cars have cost $500 to make! A new scroll saw, belt sander and various derby tools from the Internet plus did I mention that we had to get new kits because the first blocks of wood splintered? Hopefully, it will be all worth it. The Princes are EXTREMELY excited to have Yummy making the cars for them. When he was a kid, he and his brother both won their packs derbies several times. So there is A LOT of pressure on Yummy right now. We're trying to make it about having fun and learning how to use the tools but the Princes really want fast cars and to win. What little boy doesn't?

Today we're off to the hobby store to pick up paint for the cars. Come back home sand some more and then put a couple coats on today. By Wednesday, we should have the cars built and ready to race. Then it will be test time to make sure the cars run straight... Wish us luck!

The race is Saturday afternoon so I'll make sure to post pics and the results that night or Sunday.

HNT Year Favorite

2008-12-31T17:34:00.000-08:00

I know I said I wouldn't be posting any HNT's for a while but since these are on the site already, I thought what the hell! It's that time of year to pick the favorite(s) that we've done over the past year. The year started off for me with participating pretty much each week and has ended with not so much. But I did have a few favorites from this year so without further waiting...

This is a no brainer for me... this was one of the best ever... being half-nekkid on something that Yummy built with his hands. Need I say more?

A girl and her tools... what could be better than a girl who can handle tools?

And last but not least... this was the hardest pic for me to take by myself since I had to use the timer function on my camera. I was so proud of myself but really I *love* this one for the delicateness of it and the contrast between the lace and my skin.

I hope you all have had a stellar 2008 and wish you all an even grander 2009! Happy New Year's to all of you!

A Year End Review...

2008-12-31T16:28:00.000-08:00

My future father-in-law sent this to me today. It's cute and doesn't it sum up the past year? Enjoy!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

2008-12-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

Sunday my little sister came over to celebrate Christmas with us and it was all going good. The Princes were showing off, wrestling and just being boys. When all of a sudden out of the mouth of the middle Prince we all hear "Pussy." That's right... you heard - I mean read it here. He said 'pussy'. He was calling the oldest Prince this. All I could do was laugh my ass off. It was so funny. He stood there as everyone adult was laughing waiting for the smack down to be brought on him but all I could was laugh.

After the giggling stopped, I asked him if he knew what it meant and with a "duh, mom" look on his face said "Yeah, it's like a kitty cat." And we left it at that but I did do the proper motherly thing and tell him that he can never say that word because he'd get in trouble at school along with at his sperm donors house. God forbid that happens because that would be the one thing that EH could try to use in court. ~wink~ I'm thinking this is all I need a phone call from school saying "do you know what your son just said" - it's A Christmas Story all over again. :)

I Kiss and Tell... Do You?

2008-12-30T14:10:00.000-08:00

1. Last week was "The Most Wonderful time of the Year", but what are your favorite 2008 memories? Hmm... there are many - let me see. 1) Seeing littlest Princes eyes and smile as he saw Mickey on the first night at WDW. 2) Middle Prince FINALLY riding his bike without training wheels. 3) Me surviving a year with middle schoolers - that's an accomplishment in itself! LOL 4) Any moment that one or all of the Princes came up and gave me a hug & kiss out of the blue. 5) Last but not least... all the wonderful, loving 'little' things that Yummy did for me - I think the best was when he made the road trip with me to Indy so I could meet up with Os, M, Dana, NY Diva & ASM. ~grinning~

2. What is the best thing you learned in 2008? That I have the most brilliant children in the world. :) Ok... seriously, Littlest Prince's teacher could say it enough at P-T conference time. Just makes one beam as a parent. Obviously, we all know where the Princes get their smarts from! ~wink~

3. On a scale of 1-10, how good was your 2008? Hmm... I'd have to say a '9'. It wasn't perfect but it was pretty darn close.

4. What is your wish for 2009? This one could go on for a while but I'll limit myself. I'd say that my biggest wish is for me to gain full custody of my Princes so they can be with someone who wants them ALL THE TIME! Oh yeah and for my anullment to come through in record time so Yummy and I can get married sooner than later without me losing my job. IF these two things happened it would make for a stellar year in my book!

What is your wish for someone else for 2009? Hmm... for Yummy a new job/career. This would be a big one as things are not the greatest at restaurant. Or for him to get the promotion which would allow him to move out of the kitchen. Both would be a dream come true along with his ankle to heal and to avoid surgery. I wish that my Princes will come out unscathed from the crap that their sperm donor is putting them through right now. And for my dear friend that just moved back to the area, for her to find peace and contentment.

5. Where was the first place you ever passionately kissed? Are we talking 2008 or the first place ever? I really don't remember the first place ever that I kissed someone passionately but for 2008 it would have been on New Year's Day as the clock struck 12 as we toasted in the new year with friends at a local Irish pub.

Bonus (as in optional):Do you make New Year's resolutions? I don't ever make any because I never keep them. What is/are your's for 2009? But if I did... maybe try to get better organized and get the basement unpacked. It's almost 2 years soon in the house and there's still boxes galore in the basement. It unfinished so we can't really enjoy it but still I'd like some order down there too. :)

So come along and play. Leave a comment if you want - I adore comments. ~wink~

Merry Christmas (Belated) to All!

2008-12-26T06:34:00.000-08:00

I know, I know... I'm a day late wishing you all a Merry Christmas. It's the story of my life right now. I thought Christmas vacation was suppose to be a vacation which meant more time for myself. Yeah, right! Who am I kidding?

But, anyhoo... I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas with your families. I know yesterday was spent here with ripping of wrapping paper galore... I think the middle prince made it in record time this year! *snort* No, really... the princes loved everything that Santa brought even though it was a little sparse under the tree this year. But I'm proud of them... not one wimper about what they didn't get. You go Princes!

Although, when the littlest Prince ran in the first words out of his mouth were "It's sheep puppy time!" He had asked Santa to bring him a white Boxer puppy for Christmas. But me being the smart mom that I am talked with him before hand about how a white sheep puppy might get lost in the snow outside and he wouldn't want that. (Okay, I lied to my kids - Deal with it people.) But he dealt with the little disappointment but I reminded him what we had talked about that it would be better to wait until summer vacation to get a new sheep puppy and he was all fine with that. ~wink, wink~

So, I hope your Christmas brought you all you wanted!

***********

On to another subject... you all may have noticed the lack of HNT's on the site for some time now. At first it was due to not having or finding the time to pull together some quality pics (I hate doing last minute pics.) but now it's because I'm in the middle of preparing for a custody fight with the good ole' Ex and have to make sure that there isn't anything new that can come bite me in the behind when in court. I really don't think he has the address to this new site (he did to the old one as he found it and would stop by every now and then - part of the reason for the switch) but I can't be too careful right now. I'll save the most recent escapades for another post at another time but if you've read any of the past posts about him - you all know he's such a gem of a father! LMAO

But until I know what is happening in this area of my life, I'll be taking a little hiatus from HNT's right now. I hope you all understand.

xoxo

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-12-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

Okay, don't fall over... Yes, I'm playing today. It's been awhile but hey, I'm home with a sick kid AGAIN today. 'Tis the season for strep! Anyhoo...

1. Do you consider sexy underthings a present for you or your partner? Ahem, BOTH! I *love* getting little sexy things from Yummy. Even last year, there wasn't a complete outfit but sexy panties.

2. What are 3 characteristics of "your type"? Have you best relationship(s) been with your type or when you have gone against it? Wow, my type... strong (mentally & physically), athletic of some sort, clean cut. I really have to laugh at this because my best relationship is the current one with Yummy and he's far from my typical 'type.' He's definitely strong both mentally and physically - has to be to spar with me on a good debate now and then. :) And he was very athletic in high school but not so much now but I would have never considered him clean cut. I always dated (and then married) someone that was the typical preppy of sorts. With being tatted up, into cars and all things with gasoline engines, he's definitely different from the others. That's a good thing as I have found out! lol I love the fact that he doesn't fit into that mold of who I thought I should be with. Sometimes when you look outside the box, you find exactly what you were looking for!

3. What is on your Santa list this year? This little red corset, these, and these, this or this one and a couple evenings ALONE with NO sick kiddos for Yummy and I to enjoy some adult time together! ~wink~

4. Generally speaking, who has historically had a higher libido, you or your partner(s)? Typically me but it can change depending on the stress level we each are having at work. Although, Yummy will NEVER turn it down when it's offered. *lol*

5. The unsculptured female bush seems to have passed from fashion. What about men, do you think they need to trim and shave "down there"? Ahem, definitely... good hygiene goes a long way in my book. Why would I want to fight the forest to find the tree? Just sayin'.

Bonus (as in optional):What are a few of your favorite things (both sexual non-sexual)? This list could be quite extensive... but I'll limit it to just a few. Well, of course back rubs (and this falls into both categories!), long hot showers, a good book (and time to read that book!), of course my Princes.

*************

Well, once again the crap hits the fan with EH. The middle prince was dropped off on Sunday to me with a fever and turns out after a stay at home and visit to the dr. yesterday that he has strep throat.

To top it off, on the way to the dr. the littlest Prince informs me that his sperm donar (aka father) made him eat liquid dish soap for sticking his tongue out at his brother "3 days ago mommy". WTF?!? Liquid dish soap! I about drive off the road when I hear this and the middle prince confirms it to me.

So after the lengthy visit to the dr. I go to pick up the oldest prince from the sperm donor and try once again to explain to him that when his children are sick and they are in need of seeing a dr. he needs to take them when they are in his care. He blows me off saying he 'felt our son's forehead' and there was no fever. Oh... newsflash... that's not the best way to tell if the kid has a fever especially when his body temp. runs normally below 98.6!

Then he tells me that he'll discipline the princes how he wants at his house when I ask him about the liquid dish soap. He tells me it wasn't dish soap but another kind of liquid soap and that the littlest prince kept sticking his tongue out and he told him to to stop but he didn't. Another newsflash here... there ARE other ways to discipline a child rather than making them ingest liquid soap! So I basically got told to go to hell and he'll do what he wants.

Once again I had to make that wonderful call to the attorney. I'm thankful that my attorney doesn't charge me anything until we actually have to do something! God love him! But seriously, what is wrong with EH? Does he really want to not see his kids because that's what he's heading to if (I mean when) we go to court.

Other than this... things are peachy on this end.

Christmas Meme

2008-12-07T06:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks to M for stealing this from ASM or maybe Dana.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Usually wrapping paper. I love sitting there for hours wrapping! lol

2. Real tree or Artificial? As a kid, I ALWAYS had a reall tree but when I got married EH would only allow an artificial tree. He didn't grow up with real trees, the mess, he paid SO much $$ for the big-ass fake tree, etc. Well, you get the idea. Two years ago my Princes had a real tree for the first time and loved going to pick it out. Last year with the new puppy, we decided on an artificial tree and that's what's up this year. Still in the puppy stage but we're going tonight to get a real tree for the front porch to decorate. Gotta use those big bulbs for something. :)

3. When do you put up the tree? Typically the day after Thanksgiving. It was up this year but had to wait to be decorated until the Princes came home from the sperm donors.

4. When do you take the tree down? This usually happens mid-January as our Christmas season doesn't technically start until Christmas day and goes until Epiphany.

5. Do you like eggnog? Ick!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? That would be the bear my step-dad gave me when I was 6. I still have the bear and adore him to this day!

7. Hardest person to buy for? It's a toss up between my oldest prince that never makes a list and Yummy because he wants all the expensive 'toys' for his chopper and car. Boys and their toys! ;)

8. Easiest person to buy for? Definitely the littlest prince - he's 5 and wants EVERYTHING!

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yup, it's one that my mom had when I was growing up. I adore this set - it was hand-made by a friend of my mom's that passed away a couple of years ago. It's just beautiful in the pearl white finish. I set it up each year with angel hair and lights (although having trouble finding angel hair the past two years for some reason.).

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail of course! Who doesn't like to get Christmas cards in the mail?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Hmm... that would anything EH had picked out for me himself. I *always* ended up taking the things back but he'd pick things out that HIS mother would wear. Do I look like I could be his mother? Don't think so and don't want to dress like her. (I should have taken this as a hint.)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life - I love this movie and watch it each year. It sends such a great message and yes, Professor, you NEED to watch this movie!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Depends on the money situation but I try to start right after Thanksgiving. I did this year with Black Friday and I'm pretty much done except for a few gift certificates and my brother.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I actually can't remember ever doing this.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Of course, the Christmas cookies! I loved these as a kid. I remember my mom would make several different kinds Hollydoodles (Snickerdoodles with red and green sugar), chocolate crinkles, spritz cookies, sugar cookies, and the list goes on. I still do this with my princes and we still make the Hollydoodles each year. ;)

16. Lights on the tree? Always colored lights with big bulbs as a kid. When I was married, EH had to have white lights and then switched to blue lights only. Now we have the mini color lights. The outside tree will have the big bulb lights.

17. Favorite Christmas songs: I adore Christmas songs and have many... Do You Hear What I Hear?, Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, O Holy Night, ...

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Now that the princes have to be split on Christmas, it's a stay home Christmas. But, I guess really it always has been since they have been around. But unfortunately, there will be no traveling to see my brother and his family or my mom. Whatever lawmaker decided that it was a good idea to split Christmas in divorce was stupid. The state of Indiana says that each parent gets the kids every other year on Christmas but that means the first week of Christmas vacation which ever parent has them that week can not go on any trips over Christmas. So, this cuts out ever visiting my family on the east coast! The joys of divorce (and especially with a jerk for an ex when it comes to things like this)!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course!!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Unfortunately, our tree can't hold a tree topper. The top's not strong enough for the angel or even a star! What a bummer.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? It's always Christmas morning. Just not as early this year since the princes won't be waking up here.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The Lexus commercials - who the hell gives a car for a Christmas gift? Oh, yeah and all the grummpy shoppers. It's a holly, jolly Christmas people... get with it!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? When married to EH, the tree was all about him. It was ONLY to be blue lights with the gold Danbury Mint ornaments of his. All the ornaments that my mom had given to me as a kid NEVER went on the tree or the ornaments that I bought for the princes each year NEVER went on the tree. But NOW... we have a tree that has all sorts of ornaments on it from when I was a kid and all the ones the princes have gotten over the years along with the ones they have made in school. I love this tree and the ornaments and the princes are *always* excited to hang their ornaments. This year the littlest prince kept asking me "did you have this when I was born mommy?". "Oh, yes baby duck... mommy had this one when you were born."

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? I'm a traditionalist when it comes to this... a Christmas ham, green been casserole, scalloped corn, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles... pies, cookies. This is what we would have EVERY year when we went to my grandparents and my continued this even after they were gone and now I do the same for my princes. There may not be huge family get-togethers but as I'm making all this just for the princes, Yummy and I, I can still picture my grandmother rolling out the noodles and me snatching them away to eat as she cut them and the sugar cream pies that she would make just for me.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Gee... there's really nothing that I want for Christmas. I never make a list out and it drives people crazy. I guess, if I had to ask for one thing it would be to have my entire family together for the holidays. I haven't seen my brother and his family in 2 years. The last time I saw them was Christmas of 2006 - a bad year for me and I wasn't really in the family mood. My niece was just turning 1 and now I have another niece that I've yet to see and it's been a year since she was born AND they are expecting twins this spring! I never get to see my sister because she lives on the other side of the state and my moved last month out to my brothers for a change of scenery. I don't really do good at the holidays when I can't see my entire family so I guess, that's what I want for Christmas.

A Lie is a Lie

2008-12-05T15:45:00.000-08:00

I have to admit middle school students are not my favorite. I know I've said it here maybe once or twice but it's true. I swear to high heavens the group that I have as my homeroom just do not get it. They recently received the talk from the principal (which is about useless) about their act of bribery, blackmail, slander and gossipping but did they learn anything? No. They continue to go about their merry little way. The priest came in last week and talked to them also about this but did not put the fear of God into them. What good is the priest? Once again, the kiddos went on their merry little way. Today, the 7th grade homeroom teacher told me that she was so pissed at my class and their antics that she about stroked out. It seems that when one of the girls in my class was absent (this girl wouldn't do anything to hurt a fly and is NEVER involved in the above mentioned acts) one of my lovely boys decided to take her seat in the 7th grade room. He even went as far to switch her nametag, tell her that was her seat when she returned and continued to sit by another boy in the class.

Well, today they all were joking around about it with the 7th grade teacher who did not find it humorous at all to say the least. She said she gave them the lecture of their life about the dishonesty, deceitfulness and lack of trustworthiness. She told them how they had all lied to her and how disappointed she was in them. She also made sure to tell them that they had lost her trust and that would be a hard thing for them to get back. Hmm... maybe they'll take notice now with her stating that she can not trust any of them. Everyone in the class knew about this little 'joke' but none spoke up to her. Not something that this teacher takes lightly.

She and I both are at a loss with this group. They just don't care and don't get that their actions have consequences. They figure that as long as no one gets hurt physically then it's okay. I'm hoping it comes with maturity but I think this group missed out on it the day it was passed out. Unfortunately this is the start of juvenile deliquents and some are not far from beginning in this group.

UUgghhh...

Post Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

An after Thanksgiving recap... I was so excited to get out of school on Wednesday. Nothing like having 4 days off in a row to do absolutely nothing. I adore vacations! Wednesday night was spent getting a manicure and pedicure. Just some 'me' time and how I needed that after the past week at school but we'll save that for another post. ~wink~

Thursday was a rather lazy day. This holiday was spent with Yummy and his family. My mom recently moved to Connecticut to be closer to my brother and his ever growing family. My sister lives on the other side of the state with her boyfriend and was doing her thing with his family. So, this left just Yummy and I together since the Princes were at their sperm donors for the holiday weekend. This year there was no cooking on this end. Yummy and I spent the feast at his cousin's house. They did all the cooking, clean up and god, how nice that is not to have a messy kitchen and be chained to the stove for hours! The down-side... no left overs for the next day! Even without left overs, we survived the holiday with family. Afterwards, we went back home and I perused the black Friday ads to make my list and check it twice. I *love* going through the ads and seeing all the stuff on sale. There were some really good deals this year on large electronics. Just wish I would have had the money because a flat screen would be just grand in our living room!

Black Friday... I was up at 4 a.m. to get to Wal-mart for some silly Cabbage Patch dolls our nieces and a Hot Wheels City for the youngest Prince. After getting yelled at by a crabby shopper things were good. Checked out and headed to Meijers to pick up the things for the Princes that Wal-Mart wouldn't ad match for me. The parking lot was full but the store was like a normal shopping day - no lines at checkouts, room to walk through the aisles. The last must stop was Target for a few items. After checking out here, I was pretty much done for the ole shopping list! How exciting!

Not wanting to head home quite yet, I headed to the outside mall and did a few more stops but spent most of my time in Barnes & Noble just drinking Starbucks and leafing through magazines and reading. I love when I can do this - no kids pulling me in all directions. Just more 'me' time.

Friday night Yummy and I went to his niece's birthday party and spent more time with the family. After a couple hours here, Yummy was ready to go and so was I. We went back home and watched some tv and headed to bed. I was exhausted after the day of shopping.

Saturday I spent the day decorating the house for Christmas while Yummy went back to work. I put up my new Christmas village. I love it! I had always wanted one but EH would not let me have one. He said it was a waste of money to have village house sitting around collecting dust and we had no place to put them. I just adore these with their old days gone by feel. So when I was out I picked up a few pieces... my dream home in the country and the town starting with the canine shop and a bakery. ~smiling~ Yummy thought they were great and this is just another reason that I'm with him! ~wink~ All the decorations are up except for the ornaments on the tree. This is waiting for the Princes to come home today. But, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care and sugar plums will be dancing in the Princes' heads soon as they wait for St. Nick.

I'm off now to shovel the driveway... we FINALLY have snow! In 3 hours this morning, we got a few inches. It's so pretty. The backyard now looks like a tornado hit it as Lucy ran and played when I let her out. I love this time of year (ok, minus the cold!)!

TMI Tuesday

2008-11-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

1. When did you last use your cellular telephone as a flashlight? Wow, were you spying on me? I swear, I do this practically EVERY night as I go up the stairs to bed. I know... silly but I'd rather not turn the lights on and wake up the princes.

2. On a scale from 1-10, how comfy are you being naked? Hmm... have you seen my past HNTs? Just sayin'. ~wink~ Really... IDK. I guess, I'd have to say about an 8.

3. What is the longest you've ever been celibate after having lost your virginity? Oh, god... I hate to admit this one... Can I plead the 5th? If I did, it wouldn't be called TMI now would it? I'd have to say all of 6 months... one of those had sex, broke up then started dating a guy my girlfriend hooked me up with that got shipped off to a base in Okinawa, got heart broken and then the rest is history.

4. Have you ever had sex in a car? If yes, since you were a teenager? Ahem, yes and yes. That's a story for Yummy to tell you all about - we'll leave at too much to drink and well...

5. When did you last use food or drink as medication? What kind of question is this? As medication? I can't think of any time that I've actually used food or drink as medication. Well, I guess if you count drinking a glass of milk while pregnant to try and ease the nausea or ginger ale for the same thing.

Bonus: Name three words that:

a) get you excited - HNT ~wink~ (I could only pick one word here people!)

b) make you squirm - larvae (it just brings a mental picture)

c) make you laugh - hearing my mom try to say the word 'aluminum'

Come play along with me... ya' know you want to. Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by - I'm dying to hear from you all after my long absence. *Muah*

Hustle and Bustle...

2008-11-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

What a weekend... I had a rather long weekend to boot! I took Thursday & Friday off as sick days from school. Went to the doctor for what I found out was severe nausea due to stress. Got put on an anti-nausea med that knocks me on my butt!

Saturday had a the raingutter boat regatta race for the princes in Cub scouts. They didn't fare so well on the high seas of the gutter. Their regattas weren't prime due to lack of help from EH. You could tell they were half-*ssed (have ya' noticed I'm trying to not swear as much in my postings - must be the drugs I'm on or something! lol). I tried to give a few pointers but EH quickly shot them down being I'm a girl and all. How could I know ANYTHING about force, resistance, velocity, speed... I ONLY TEACHING IT MOTHER-F*CKER!!! Needless to say, I had two very disappointed princes.

Saturday evening was spent laying around being nauseated, drugged off my *ss and skipping my friend's wedding. I'll be in trouble for this one. But I thought not getting sick all over the dance floor would be appreciated plus Yummy had to work and I didn't want to be the date of my other girlfriend. Although, would be bad for a hook-up but just wasn't feeling it Saturday night. ~wink~

Sunday morning came I was ready for a road trip to Indy. I met up with several of our fellow bloggers... Os, ASM, Dana, M & NY Diva. Met them at their hotel and headed out for brunch before they all had to head back home. It was great getting to meet some of my fave bloggers and I can't wait to be able to get together again but hopefully next time I can make it for one of the evening outs. :) We had a grand time talking, gossiping, laughing, gossiping, talking... okay... only a little gossip. Yummy went too as he was leery of me meeting some of my 'on-line' friends. He was worried that I would be whisked away and never heard from again. Ya' know... the whole Jeffrey Dahmer thing goes through his mind. I felt sorta bad for him as he had no clue of the things we were talking about or who we mentioned. But, nonetheless, he was a good sport. Gawd, I love him for humoring me like he does!

Today I was going to head back to work but the oldest prince had other plans for me. At about 10 p.m. last night, he spewed god knows what all of his bed and again all over my bathroom wall, floor and bathroom rug (which I didn't even attempt to clean - just threw it away). So, I got another day to veg out at home... do some grading, reading and prepare for my afternoon meeting tomorrow with the Bishop and teacher's council. So I have another morning off and can sleep in a little. :)

Now, I'm waiting for the middle prince to come home from his cub scout meeting. Will put him to bed, bundle up under the blanket on the couch with the fire place on and wait for Yummy to come home to snuggle up with - Oh, and I almost forgot... Yummy texted me today and said he had a present for me. Have told you all how I adore him? ~wink~ I'm hoping the snuggling leads to some adult alone time... Hmmm....

Do I Need to Draw a Picture?

2008-11-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

Growl... I just want to say I hate ex-husbands (EH). Just had to get it off my chest. I guess, better than being on my chest. ~wink~ If that was the case, he wouldn't be my ex. LMAO Anyway, I think he's PMSing or something equivalent that a guy does! (Sorry to all my guy readers but I know NONE of you PMS!) Everything has come to a boil and is spiraling out of control.

I've had problems since the beginning of the school year with him making sure the princes have completed their homework. He'll bring them back on Sunday evening with homework not done, big projects not done and that are due on THAT Monday! Each night parents are to sign the assignment planner that the oldest prince has per his teacher's policy but for some reason, EH thinks he's above it and doesn't sign it which means he hasn't looked at it to know what oldest prince needed to have done for the next day. This has resulted in 3 late assignments - I know, that's not much but the pattern is starting. In September, he had my princes for an entire week and the middle prince had a diorama to put together. The assignment sheet came home on a Tuesday and it was due that following Monday. Friday I pick the princes up from after-school care and get a text from EH saying that he has the assignment sheet along with the shoe box for the project and it's due Monday. Well, that just threw a kink in the plans of going to Michigan to the lake cottage for the weekend. Instead, I had to stay here and search for a freakin' raccoon toys small enough to fit in this damn diorama and help the middle prince put it together. And I did it all with a smile on my face because that's what moms do! ~smiling~ When I asked EH about why nothing was done except for gathering the shoe box and printing off some information from the web, he replied because we were busy. Well, gee buddy... we're all busy and ya' need to step up to the plate and multi-task like the rest of us parents.

The busy excuse is his excuse EVERY time homework is not done or a test hasn't been studied for and it's that Monday. Gawd, I know he wants to be the Disney dad and all but it's about ridiculous.

The kicker came a few weeks ago when the princes came back from their usual weekend but this time they were way more violent with each other and all they could do is talk about killing stuff! Yikes! We're talking a 9, 8 and 5 year old here people! Come to find out they had been allowed by their "father" and I use that term loosely, to play 'Dangerous Hunt 2009' and 'Ghost Squad' on their Wii. This 'Dangerous Hunt' game is rather disturbing... it's rated for Teens and it's about a hunter that hunts exotic animals but ends up becoming the hunted. The animals viciously attack the hunter and it's rather graphic for little princes to handle! The 'Ghost Squad' is about a counter-terrorist military group that seeks out terrorists and kills them. Another very graphic game for little ones. So finding this all out, I did what any good parent would do and called EH to inquire. I got told that it's not a big deal, they weren't playing the games but then in the same breath, he said he watched them play it and the littlest prince was right there the whole time! He couldn't get what the problem was with the whole thing. Told me I was being a b*tch and to take him to court. Well, then okay ...

The next day I got a very scathing email from EH telling me I'm no mother of the year (never said I was!) and how he does EVERYTHING in the best interest of the princes. Hmmm... the jury's still out on that one. Sorry, I digress. So, I made a call to the attorney to find out what could be done because he was going to continue to allow the princes to play these games and told me that what is done at his house there is nothing I can do about it. I responded with a nice email back explaining what I expected when he had the princes and if he couldn't do that or allowed them to view these games, then I'd take the next appropriate step. Didn't get a response from this so I thought maybe, just maybe he realized what I was saying.

Boy, could I not have been more wrong! EH had the princes for the weekend and they came back with homework not done for the oldest which when I get them back at 5 p.m. and they go to bed by 7:30 AND I have to feed them in there too with bathes, etc. Doesn't leave much time for homework. But the oldest princes was up until almost 8:30 which meant he was a bear to get up the next morning. I also discovered that the littlest prince's hat and gloves were no where to be found so I called EH to inquire about the missing hat, gloves and homework. He didn't answer (remember - he's pissed at me and is pouting). I left a message but didn't get anything back until 8 a.m. the next morning about the hat & gloves ONLY. Fine... ignore me.

That Monday night, I get notice from the oldest prince's teacher that he had a late assignment the previous week. When I inquired about it, I found out it was from when EH had them (Oh, and I had gotten a note from EH on the previous night about he wasn't signing the assignment planner anymore because the teacher didn't require it. Hmm... that's kind of funny when it's in all her back-to-school information and she made a big deal about it the first month of school!). So, I sent EH an email since he wouldn't answer a call from me or return a text. Still nothing. So, by Wednesday I decided I would leave a nice voicemail stating that he needed to acknowledge my question about homework and talk to me about this. Boy, I wasn't really ready for what I got that afternoon.

I got an email late afternoon from him stating that he didn't have an answer for me. Knew nothing about the late assignment or homework that wasn't completed over the weekend. Informed me that he was going to change the after-school arrangements and would not be allowing them to go on his nights and oh, yeah... take him to court if I wanted to. Well, for one... he can't change anything - I think he's forgotten I'm the custodial parent. Lovely Indiana has this stupid warm fuzzy 'joint legal custody' that they make all parents have together for decision making things such as school, medical, religion, etc. But assign one parent as primary physical custodial parent. We share the legal crap but it really doesn't mean much when one comes right down to it. If anything had to be fought over (hopefully, it doesn't), the court usually favors the custodial parent - not always but most likely.

Anyway, I spent 2 hours with the attorney on Thursday going over EH's emails to me and my replies. The attorney said that after reading EH's emails, it appears EH doesn't want to have the princes during the week. But unfortunately for me, I needed to wait to file a motion in court. I needed to let EH hang himself a little longer. It's not that we don't have a solid case but my attorney said the court sees things that are much worse in nature than this and depending on the day, we might not get the ruling we'd be expecting. Although it would be very unlikely for us to lose if/when we went into to court. So, now it's sit and wait...

Things have not gotten any better... I called to talk to my middle prince over the weekend and EH would not call me back after I left a message requesting the prince to call me. I got a text 6 hours later stating the prince didn't want to talk to me. Oh, and I got told that EH would not reimburse me the after-school expense that I had to pay regardless of the princes' attendance from the nights he was not going to allow them to go. But he was going to check with the YMCA about the changing the days and fee structure. This morning I spent time at the YMCA and on the phone with them trying to get the director to understand I am custodial parent, I signed the contract, etc. I mean my f*cking god... they have a copy of the divorce decree and part of the marriage settlement that states I have primary physical custody of the princes. She wanted the whole f*cking entire settlement that gives specifics on support, division of assets, etc. Can I say go to hell? Don't think so! Then she wanted me to get a letter from my attorney and me to pay $250 freakin' dollars to have him draft a letter that would say the same flippin' thing as the papers she already has!! Dumb, just dumb... And, this girl also informed me that EH had called her to inquire about the changes but she told me that the director of the YMCA informed her that since I pay for it, signed the contract and am primary custodial parent, EH can't make any changes! Score one for the parent of the year (ok, at least in my world... *lol*)

Now, tomorrow I get to deal with the school and all the sh*t he's doing there. Meeting with the principal - who just happens to be a friend. So, shouldn't be too bad. Still having this meeting even though I actually spoke to EH tonight and point blank asked him what was up. He of course turned it onto me - typical! Once again, he couldn't see what I was talking about, said he wasn't changing the after-school arrangements (yeah, no sh*t mother-f*cker) and told me that I was doing things that wasn't in the best interest of the princes. Hmm... ahem*yeah*mr.Iletthekidsplay videogamesthatgivethemfreakin'nightmares*ahem. I nicely explained to him how he is in violation (directly) of the decree when he doesn't return my calls when I ask to speak to one of my kids and when he tries to change an arrangement that I made for after-school care. EH still didn't quite understand how all of these plus him not making sure the princes have their homework completed and turned in on time when they are with him could get him his weekday visitation revoked. Explained to him it wasn't anything personal (ok, maybe just a little) but I was just doing what I had to do to protect my princes.

I think, he got it for now but it'll go back to the same old sh*t in a few months and then I'll be in court before school's out getting full custody of the princes and he'll be going to the one evening a week and every other weekend sh*t but that's what his emails/actions, etc. are saying he wants. So if I have to, I'll be more than happy to give it to him and be the bad guy by taking his kids away from him as he so puts it. It's all about him - always has been and always will be unfortunately for the princes. EH will never grow up!

So, ahem... yeah... I've been just a little busy lately!

Catch Up...

2008-11-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

Yeesh... it's been 6 weeks since I was able to post. So much has happened! I've been laying low with the whole posting thing since one of my co-workers decided to view what the students took as porn while at school and the students saw it. Our principal has been on a real micro-managing attack and threatening to check everyone's personal laptop for 'contraband'. I just didn't want to take any chances because he made it VERY clear that it didn't matter if we had viewed the website at home or school - we could lose our job!

Get this... each time I make either a personal call or email on my break, I have to email or give him a note and tell him what time, who it was to and why! Can we say Big Brother???

I've been so negligent in checking sites and I promise I will start stopping by again and will get caught up in my posting as well. But, for now, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am still alive!

xoxo

A First Meme...

2008-09-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

This was stolen from the ever lovely Professor. I thought you all deserved something since I have been very neglectful in posting lately. I've got to work on getting some HNT's done and scheduled so I don't have to worry about it. It seems that Wednesday rolls around and I'm either too tired from work or Yummy and I are off doing what we do best... ~wink, wink~ I promise I will get back into the swing of things and be better at stopping by to see all of you too! But, for now... enjoy!

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Greg
2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
No
3. What was your FIRST alcoholic drink?
Either beer or a swig of the manhattans that my daddy would drink... I started 'WAY' early. lol

4. What was your FIRST job?
Besides babysitting then it was as a waitress...

5. What was your FIRST car?
The first car I drove was the family-mobile (a silver Chevy Caprice, I think) but MY first car was a 1989 red Chevy Cavalier.

6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
My sweetie... Yummy!

7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
Yummy as I rolled over into his arms to catch the last few moments before getting ready for school.

8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Mrs. Wampler

9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
Dallas - airplane but does a helicopter count... my dad's company he worked for had it's own helicopter that the pilot would come land in our yard and take me up in it when I was oh, IDK, 5 or so. :)

10. Who was your FIRST best friend, and are you still friends with him / her?
Jodi... friends probably but we don't/didn't stay in touch with each other.

11. Who was your FIRST kiss?
Dan but not sure if it counts as I was all of maybe 8. First real kiss... that would be Cory D. (dated a few Cory's in the day!)

12. Where was your FIRST sleep over?
My grandparent's house

13. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
The princes when I told them it was time to get up.

14. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
My step-mom's sister's. I was the flower girl.

15. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Got out of bed.

16. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
New Kids on the Block with Debbie Gibson! I know, WAY cool!! lol

17. FIRST tattoo or piercing?
Piercing - ears

18. FIRST foreign country you went to?
Canada without passport but requiring a passport was Mexico

19. First movie you remember seeing in the theater?
Apple Dumplin' Gang with my parents

20. When was your FIRST detention?
5th grade

21. What was the FIRST state you lived in?
Indiana

22. Who was the FIRST person to really break your heart?
To really break it? My high school boyfriend, Steve.

23. Who was your first roommate?
My college roommate - Renee (roommate from hell!)

24. With whom was your FIRST date?
Cory D. (Never go on a date with your best 'boy' friend since preschool. Not a good thing!)

TMI Tuesday

2008-09-23T05:53:00.000-07:00

Don't fall over or anything... I know, I know... I'm posting today. I'm home with a sick little one (or what seemed like one). Littlest prince woke up this morning and got sick but it was only the nasty phlegm stuff from allergies. Probably could have gone to school but what does a mommy day hurt every now and then? So, we're hanging out watching cartoons on PBS.

1. What is the strangest thing you have ever inserted or seen inserted (in a sexual manner) in person?

I can honestly say that I have not inserted anything 'strange' and I can't think of anything that I have seen but I'm sure there's been something. I can tell you that when I worked at the ER, there was always the story about the chick who came in with a frozen hotdog that broke off inside her. It wasn't so frozen when she got there but can you imagine how embarrassing that would be for a person?

2. Have you ever had sex anyone whose name started with a J?

I can say 'yes' to this one!

3. Have you ever been outside completely naked?

As a sun worshipper, this is also a yes! Can't much do the sun bathing naked since my neighbors can see now but every chance I get... ~wink~

4. Do you prefer music, tv, or other noise in the background when you have sex?

I don't have a preference to anything in the background for noise during sex. But, it normally doesn't bother me if there is some kind of background noise.

5. Have you ever used ice for sexual purposes?

Ahem, yes, again.... who hasn't?

Bonus: Have you ever been propositioned for group sex?

I'm guessing we're not talking about a three-some but more than 3 kind of group. I have been but passed on it. Not sure if that's something that I could really do.

Well, interesting questions this week and I know my answers are not very exciting. But come play along and go check out TMI Tuesday.

A is for Apple

2008-09-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

We had such a busy weekend... Friday night after picking the princes up from after school care, we did the whole family thing. Yummy was home from work so we hung out with him and enjoyed a family dinner. We don't get to have those often with Yummy's schedule so when we get to eat together other than Sunday, it's a treat for the boys.

Saturday started the popcorn sales for Cub Scouts. We walked our neighborhood and the older princes went door-to-door. It took two hours to do about half the house in the neighborhood. After lunch we went back out and did the other half. They did an awesome job and sold over $400 worth between the two of them. They set a goal of $500 each - Woo Hoo for them! They are half way to their goal. They were so adorable going up to the door together and giving their sales pitch. They even did well when some people told them "no thank you" and one guy got kind of snippy with them. I was very proud of them for handling the turn downs well. It's hard as a little kid to hear that someone doesn't want to help you out. They were a little bummed when we got done for the day that they hadn't filled their order forms but we talked about how some people don't have the extra money to support Cub Scouts because of various things such as gas prices, cost of food, etc. The oldest prince really got it because he piped up and said "yeah, mommy... it costs a $100 a month for you to put gas in the truck." I told him he was close but explained to him that's what it cost per week and he added up how much it is for a month. When he got done, he said "Wow, mommy that's a lot of money!" I guess, you could say it was one of those teachable moments. :)

Saturday night the princes and I went to a local youth production of "Alice in Wonderland" at an old fire station that has been converted to a theatre. It was quite quaint with only 5 rows. WE were in the front row and the princes loved it! The group had adapted it and made it somewhat modern with the MadHatter rapping. The group would make comments referring to some of the audience members and right off the bat... the middle prince was referred to as a common street urchin from Alice's tutor and the littlest prince was make creepy faces at Alice and she commented. They had such a great time that they asked when they could go back for another play. We're going to see "Wizard of Oz" in a few weeks there and they also want to get involved in the theatre and want to audition for upcoming plays! The princes ROCK!!

On Sunday we all headed to the local festival in honor of Johnny Appleseed. We stuffed our faces with all the typical festival food of carmel corn, carmel apples, BBQ chicken, ham-n-beans, cornbread, corn on the cob. We strolled through all the crafter's booths, farmers markets, and traders area. Oh, did I mention that everyone there (except spectators) was in period dress? They all have to be dressed in clothing that was typical of the time period AND all the food vendors must make everything on site and not use any electricity what-so-ever! Lots of open fires, kettles and grills.

What a great family weekend! It's rare that we have so much time together in one weekend. The princes had a fabulous time - little fighting and lots of laughing! That makes for a wonderful weekend for mommy!

Plant Show Update

2008-09-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

The older Princes took their plants to the city wide plant show yesterday. We got to find out late afternoon how they did. They both received red ribbons for their entries of umbrella plant and giant sunflower. Not too bad considering there were about 15 entries in each category and a total of 745 in the entire show!

So, Woot for the Princes!

Blue Ribbon Plant?

2008-09-13T07:28:00.001-07:00

Woot! for the two older princes... on Wednesday was the annual plant and flower show in our area. They spent all summer caring for their plants that they received in April. The oldest Prince chose the ever faithful umbrella plant (his favorite- he choose the damn thing EVERY year!) and middle Prince chose a dusty miller (which I have absofuckinglutely NO experience with). Plus they each bought seed packets to grow veggies over the summer.

On Sunday I picked up the oldest Prince's umbrella plant from his fathers - he decided to keep it there instead of having it at our house. His father can pretty much talk them into almost anything! But I digress... this monstrosity of a plant was so big that it wouldn't fit in the back of my SUV! It took up the entire space with its branches well, branching out. These plants will grow to the size of the container they are held in but since this thing was in the garden and had free-will to grow as fucking big as it wanted... it did. So, Sunday night I spent prepping the plant for Wednesday and by prepping, I mean cutting off every little brown piece of leaf it has, broken branches, etc. It took me I swear like FOREVER to do this... it was at least an hour or longer! That is how big this plant is.

I also had to prep the giant sunflower head that the youngest prince grew for the middle Prince to enter. Youngest Prince is not old enough to enter this show since it's for grades 1-5. But this sunflower head full of sunflower seeds measured 17 1/2" in diameter! So we entered it in the size category.

Tuesday night I once again prepped the damn umbrella plant and got it looking all pretty for the show on Wednesday. Took it along with the sunflower and dusty miller in on Wednesday morning for the show and we waited anxiously for the results to come on Thursday. I tell you... this is a BIG deal at our house.

Thursday came and the Princes found out that the umbrella plant received a blue ribbon and invite to the city-wide show along with the sunflower receiving the same. The dusty miller received a red ribbon which was good considering it didn't grow very well over the summer and we almost lost it several times!

The city-wide show is today so last night I spent an hour at the ex's house prepping this plant again. I know what some of you are thinking "why couldn't he do it?" He has no clue when it comes to this stuff - I ALWAYS took care of it before. He didn't even know that it needed to be trimmed on Sunday and when I mentioned it he was shocked. So I promised the Princes that I would be over to help get the plants ready. It was a wonderful hour with the ex out in the garage with me the entire time! He left the youngest prince in the house for an hour by himself and when I mentioned I wasn't going to go through anything in the garage and maybe he should check on the littlest Prince he replied "What does it matter, there's two more." I know to him he was joking but you don't say shit like that in front of your two other kiddos! That's his warped sense of humor that he thinks EVERYONE loves!! Eeeeks... that's one of the reasons I left the dumbass - he'll never learn. The comment pissed me off - it just struck a nerve with me as it reminds of when his parents told me when I was pregnant with the oldest Prince "This grandchild doesn't matter because we have so many." I kid you not!! Now, we all know where he gets it from.

Okay, I digressed again there! Today at 2:30 we'll find out how the princes did in the city wide competition. They are all excited and even the littlest Prince as his big brother is taking his sunflower. It's a tough competition as the umbrella plant category will have entries larger than the oldest Prince's but when does size matter? ~wink~

I'll report back later with an update!

Red, Red Wine HNT

2008-09-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's an encore of my Mystery Guest photos from Os's site last week. I hope you all don't mind that I did a repeat. Do you?

What I had planned for this week was just too difficult for me to take the photos by myself. Yummy was out of town (again) on business trip learning to roll sushi. So, we'll just have to save it for next week. I know you'll be waiting with trepidation... But for now...

Make sure you click...

Make sure you check all the half-nekkidness out for the week.

*****

Weekly recap (late)

Yummy came home from a week in Florida last Friday. I swear we haven't had a moment alone! I missed him so much. I forgot what it's like to have a SO that travels but this time around... I didn't want him to go. Always before with the ex, I was mostly wishing for his next trip so my life would be much easier. I'm looking forward to the next few days - the Princes are at their father's and won't come home until Sunday night. So, that means some *hot* sex! YEAH!!!

Plant and Flower show was today at the Princes' school. The older Princes had 3 entries total. An umbrella plant that was I swear looked like it came out of the rain forest. It was that BIG! A 17 1/2" diameter giant sunflower head and a small dusty miller plant. And the best part of this whole thing is I got to carry these huge fucking plants into the school! I hope the Princes appreciate it (kidding... it's what a momma does for her babies). If they get blue ribbons today, then they will get to exhibit the plants at the city wide contest on Saturday. The first year the oldest Prince participated he won 4th place in the city wide competition for first year umbrella plants. So, keep you're fingers crossed that they did well in it at the school level today. We'll find out tomorrow how they did.

Today I dealt with the teenager gossip/meanness issues but it wasn't the girls for once! I've got a group of boys that likes to pull on one girl's pig tails. Today it was the boys declaring this girl a slut. I'd like to say boys will be boys but when boys do this it tends to be because they like the girl and she is not paying them any attention. And, that is EXACTLY the fuck what is going on with these kids. This girl moved into the school last year and dated one boy in the class (I use the word dated loosely), broke up with him and moved onto the next boy and broke up with him. She is now dating a boy from last year's class from HELL. Wow, it's a love triangle or hexagon.

****

Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds or next week when grade progress reports come out. I'll then have parents to deal with and we all know how that ends up!

“Pink is the color of romance and a friend tells me that the girl with the pink dress at the party is the one who is selected for each dance”

2008-09-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

~Alfred Carl Hottes

~clickety, click~

~Shhh... don't forget to click~

Wow, did I find out how hard it is to take pictures by yourself. I finally figured out how to use the timer option on my camera since Yummy is in Florida this week and we didn't have time to take pictures before he left. These aren't the best I don't think but not bad for a newbie when it comes to the whole timer thing... lol So, when you're leaving comments today (and I know you won't let me down on that one... because you all KNOW how much I *heart* your comments), please be nice. ~wink~

What a week it's been and it's only Thursday! And, it was a short week... Will recap tomorrow when I get a chance. But for now, go spread the pinkness around, say "hi" to Os and visit all the others who share their half-nekkidness.

Wednesday Weirdness and Other Rambles

2008-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday and I took a mental health day from school. No, seriously... I think a headache waking you up at 2 in the fucking morning qualifies as being sick! Don't you? I already had sub plans made because I had gotten called for jury duty today but got dismissed last night from it. Plus it's a half day of school because of some teacher convocation or other. I think, the little darlings will be okay without me for one half day! Anyway, this gives me the chance to get caught up on my blogging, veg out and have a day all about me!

Yummy's in Florida until Friday, Princes are with their father all week, I'm home alone (okay, not quite alone - 3 fur babies are here) but I doubt I'll be getting into much trouble with all the laundry, cleaning and other stuff that needs to be done.

But I did find time to play Wednesday Weirdness... Go check it out.

1.) Someone dares you to eat two cooked bulls testicles for 1,500 dollars. They're fried, topped with nacho cheese, belly button lint, lima beans, sweat rung out from a dirty sock and maple syrup and you have to eat it all. Are you going to eat it for the cash or pass?

Okay, you almost had me on this one you mentioned nacho cheese. EVERYTHING tastes good with cheese but I'm not so sure about this! I guess, it depends... no wait, I take that back. Have you seen the size of bull testicles? There's NO.FUCKING.WAY I would eat this!! And living with a chef, I've been nudged to try a few things but I don't even think HE was eat this.

2.) If you were not getting enough sex in your relationship, how would you handle it? Would you cheat on your significant other?

COMMUNICATION... verbal, non-verbal... whatever it takes. But there does come a point when talking and being the one who constantly starts things up gets old. Regarding the cheating, since I've been involved in that before but for WAY many different reasons, I don't know. I mean, I don't think I would but I can't say for sure.

3.) Would you cheat if you knew you would never be caught? Why or why not?

I think you ALWAYS get caught. I mean, the other person will begin to suspect something, your guilt takes over... I've cheated and it wasn't about doing it because I wouldn't get caught. So, I guess, my answer would be no because NOW I'm with a person that I truly want to be with, they want to be with me and it's for ALL the right reasons. :)

4.) If you could get rid of any of the late night talk show hosts and replace them with anyone you want, what late night persona would you get rid of and who would you replace them with?

This is bad... I have NO clue because I'm not up that late to watch talk shows. I've got an early call at 5:15 or so AND if I am up at that time of night, I'm usually doing something that doesn't involve the need for talk. ~wink~

5.) If you could get rid of one day time talk show, which one would you pick and why?

Again, I don't watch these so I wouldn't have a clue.

6.) Where is your favorite places on the body to be kissed?

The curve of my neck as it meets my shoulder and the small of my back.

Favorite places to kiss?

Yummy's fingers, shoulders, neck, ears, lips... practically EVERY place on him! lol

7.) Do you watch porn? How does your significant other feel about that?

That would be a YES! And, Yummy joins in with me. I've had many pple tell me that "a couple who plays together, stays together." I really believe that - my Ex-H would have NEVER watched porn with me - it's just not something a guy does with his wife is what I would get told. Like HE knows anything! lol

TMI Tuesday

2008-09-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

1. When was the last time someone hit on you? What went down? According to Yummy, it happens ALL the time. I guess, it would have to be Sunday night at our friend's get together. Two of the guys that were there were flirting pretty heavy. I'm kinda oblivious to stuff like this. I just take it as someone being nice - that's what got me in 'trouble' with Yummy. ~wink, wink~

But I'd like to think it was back when I was hanging with Luke Bryan and the flirting the insued that night... ~smiling~

2. If you were single and could be with any one person, who would it be (thinking singer/actor or someone famous here, but whatever)? Hmm... that's a tough one because typically famous pple aren't all that they're cracked up to be. I'd have to say that if I was single, I'd still choose Yummy. He's the one person that truly 'gets' me. But if I have to pic a famous person, then I'd go with my new obsession of Luke Bryan ~ he's just delicious... ;)

3. Have you ever had done anything sexual in your office or your place of employment? Nope... come on I teach at a school. Do you know what kind of scandal that would cause if it was found out?

4. Do you apologize when you make a mistake? How do you react when someone calls you out? That is one thing that I do DO... if I'm in the wrong, I'll admit it and apologize. I'm usually okay with someone calling me out on it as long as it's in a constructive manner.

5. Top or bottom? This could be talking about many things... my first thought was to say top because I like to be in control... just ask Yummy. ~blushing~

Bonus (as in optional): Bonus: How old were you when you first had a willing sexual experience? I was a later bloomer in this compared to many of my girlfriends in school. I was 17 and a junior in high school when I had my first 'real' boyfriend.

Do you kiss and tell? Come play along and let us know in the comments. Make sure you check out what everyone had to share this week over at TMI Tuesday.

A Little Bit Country...

2008-09-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

I guess, I'm getting caught up on my posting. Before school started for me, I had the chance to go to a huge concert in my hometown that featured several up and coming country stars. And, because Yummy has connections, I was able to meet several, hang back stage the entire concert and have dinner with two of the singers. What a night... Here's the pictures and videos for some (in case you don't know who they are or what they sing)...

This is me with Monte (I think) Pyle - songwriter for James Otto, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban to name a few. Yummy called me and when my ringtone sounded, Monte recognized the Rascal Flatts song. Starting our conversation of what a huge fan I am so he did the ultimate and called the gang so I could talk to Joe Don. Unfortunately (or probably fortunately for Joe Don) he didn't answer but Monte had me leave a message. I'm sure Joe Don's thinking what a crazy person. LOL

This is my FAVE... I'm pictured with Luke Bryan. He's one tall drink of water! What eye candy for a Sunday afternoon! He's such a jokester... we had a great time hanging out. He took my phone when I was talking to my little sis and talked to her and joked around with her. That just set her over the moon!

James Otto on stage. He's another tall drink of water standing at 6'5" and oh, about 270!

And last but not least... Gary Allan. Didn't get to hang with him but was back stage when he came on. I guess, from what I hear, he's not much into greeting the fans after the tragedy a few years ago with his wife. But, still another great eye candy for a Sunday.

After the concert, Yummy and I went back to our friend's restaurant that we helped prepare dinner for James and his band. And, who just happened to be there when I walked in but Luke Bryan. He came to join all of us for dinner so I got hang out some more with him, Monte and James. I swear, if I could have taken Luke home, I would have but don't think Yummy would have liked it too much. lol But, OMG... he's one yummy site. ;) What a star struck night! It's nice to have friends in high places... ~wink, wink~

The Big Easy Recap...

2008-08-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth contrary to what Os make think. I'm still around just, well... busy with the teaching stuff. Trying to make sure that I build a relationship with my students as my principal put nicely in my evaluation from last year. Something he says I didn't have with my students from last year - *ahem* I'd like to say I did have a relationship with them... they hated me and it was mutual. ~wink~

Any who... I thought since I've been very neglectful at posting since school has begun for me that I'd post some of the NOLA pics from July that I've been saying I would do and haven't gotten around to doing.

This five foot (or so) alligator was in the Jazz Funeral store on Bourbon Street. It's the closest I'll be getting to a live a alligator thank you very much!

Yummy took my pic in one of the millions of Mardi Gras masks that can be found along the way. But it wasn't until after we left this store and went into oh, IDK, a thousand others that we noticed a sign in all of them saying not to take pictures of the masks. Ooops!

I just couldn't resist since I *am* the Cat's Meow. ~wink~ This was the karaoke bar that we hung out in on Saturday night. As you can see in my right hand, I was on my way to enjoying an adult libation of some kind of slushie drink with 191 proof something or other...

The street performers were very prominent along Bourbon Street.

Yummy got in on the act.

Okay, this picture is after I had finished my first slushie drink... remember the 191 proof and started on a Hurricane this time before I had anything to eat since oh, IDK... 8:30 a.m. Yummy and I ate at Pat O'Brien's for lunch seeking out some good gumbo and there were TONS of pigeons around and this nest just happened to be above where we were sitting. Me in my not so sober state decided I wanted a picture of the baby pigeon. I'm surprised it wasn't a scene straight out of Hitchcock's The Birds.

Yummy and I in the garden patio at Pat O'Brien's.

Dinner at Redfish Grill. I was still drunk from earlier in the day even and decided this guy was too cute to eat. He needed to be immortalized in pictures.

An original structure in the "Red Light District" from long ago. The red light still hangs outside. It's now part of a hotel but this is the bar.

The sign says it all...

And one of the he/she or shims as the locals call them... I tried to get a better picture but didn't want to make it too obvious as to what I was doing. I swear some of them have bigger 'girls' than what I do! Yummy wouldn't let me go ask where they put their man parts because some of them had on thongs or g-strings... When I'm drunk... the questions just start flowing... ~wink~

On Sunday, we headed over to Royale Street for breakfast at Brennan's. This is a must when visiting the French Quarter. We ate and drank too much but it was well worth it! This is their garden patio and taken in front of the turtle pond. The waiter (and all the wait staff were male) made sure to tell us that these were not the same turtles used in the turtle soup that Yummy had to eat.

After breakfast, we headed back to the French Market to do a little shopping but on the way back that afternoon to the hotel, a local pointed out Brad & Angelina's house and Nicolas Cage's here. While I was taking the pic, another local came out of his townhouse that I was standing in front of to inform me that I just missed Nic leaving with his son. So, like any good stalker would do, Yummy and I went into the corner market bought a bottle of Beam and stood on the corner waiting to see if the guy was full of it... I swear we looked like a couple of vagabonds... Never saw Nic but later it was confirmed that he was in town to shoot a movie. This house is the site of some grisly torture and murders by Madame LaLaurie. She was an elite socialite of the 1800s and loved to throw lavish cocktail parties. It was during one of these parties, a fire started in the house. As the fireman were trying to put it out, in the attic was discovered a medieval torture chamber where she and her physician husband performed crude operations on their slaves. Many slaves were found chained to the wall, disfigured by the cruel medical experiments.

Brad & Angelina's house...

Our last night on Bourbon Street, we ate at K Paul's. The restaurant was founded by Chef Paul Prudhomme (Yummy has met him several times). This was the best food for dinner on the whole trip! The gumbo search had ended. Here we're pictured with the Executive Chef and Sous Chef from K Paul's.

Everywhere you walked down Bourbon Street you had your choice of what kind of dancers you wanted to see... We ended up choosing the cabaret club. (Sorry no pics of it) But as it was explained to us... the cabaret club is different from strip clubs because they don't have a pole and the girls are much prettier. I'd have to agree with that one! All the others either had girls that weren't attractive or their boobs were much smaller than mine. Why should I pay to see something smaller than my own? Anyway, I treated Yummy to a lap dance that I learned a few things from... this gal was doing some acrobatics on his lap... she ended up flipping herself so her... well, you can figure it out... was right in Yummy's face. I swear, if I had pen & paper with me, I would have been scribbling down notes on how to do it!

Before heading to the cabaret club and after K Paul's, we headed down or up to Bourbon House for some after dinner cocktails. This is Perry (on left) and Larry (on right) the oyster shuckers. They shucked oysters right at the bar while you sat there. They were great entertainment for the evening.

This is Alex, our bartender at Bourbon House. He was great! We sat down and ordered... he made me the BEST martinis EVER. Pineapple Upside Down, Blueberry Muffin and Raspberry Cheesecake... not all together sillies... And, he kept the bourbon flowing for Yummy. He and Jen, the server for the night (in the pic below), were like brother-sister and fought... did a little kung fu action on each other... we closed the bar down with them. Alex, ended up sharing his nightly shift drink with us.

Last but not least.... Jen from Bourbon House.

As you can see, we had a great time... these are just some of the highlights that I had good pictures of. We stayed at The Prince Conti Hotel around the corner from Bourbon Street, hit the French Market a few days, went on the VooDoo tour one night and learned a lot about voodoo and NOLA, ate breakfast at Cafe DuMonde for some beignets with a TON of powder sugar... I swear I had it all of me that it looked like I spilled my line of all over me (not that I would know what that's like). Just sayin'...

We can't wait to go back again but maybe next time, we'll hit it when it's not 105 plus degrees outside.

HNT

2008-08-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

(shh...clickety-click)

Wanna know what the heck is with all this nekkid-ness? Go check it over at Os's...

******

Wow, what a whirlwind of a week and it's on Thursday. Monday was the first day back in the classroom for me and I've been there non-stop. Today was the first student day and I'd have to say that it went well. I am so pleased with the students after just the first day. Many from last year have matured over the summer - thank goddess! But we'll see as the year progress.

My final day of 'freedom' was spent at a country music fest in my hometown. It was a lot of fun! I was able to be back stage the ENTIRE concert due to Yummy helping with dinner for James Otto. I was able to meet Luke Bryan (and damn, he's one tall drink of water!), get my picture with him... teasingly flirt with him, AND had dinner with him and James and James' band! I was also able to meet a songwriter from Nashville that writes for Keith Urban, James Otto & Rascal Flatts to name a few. When I told him that I'm a BIG Rascal Flatts fan, he called Joe Don from the group (unfortunately, Joe Don did not answer but Monte had me leave a message for him!) What a once in a lifetime chance! Especially for a country girl living in the big city! Watch for pictures in the upcoming days along with pics from New Orleans.

I'm off to write 3 tests for my math students for tomorrow... it may be hit and miss for blogging until I get a grip on being back in school.

XOXO...

Wednesday Weirdness...

2008-08-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, better late than never... first day of school with students and I haven't had one minute to look at any blogs let alone blog myself. Uugghh... Well, enjoy the Wednesday Weirdness.

1. Is there anything hanging from your vehicle's rear view mirror? No... can't stand things hanging from there... gets in my way.

2. When you go into the bathroom, do you ever check behind the shower curtain? You know, to make sure no one is miraculously hiding back there. Haven't in IDK how long...

3. At what age did your mom or dad give you "the talk" about sex? I actually don't remember when my mom gave me "the talk."

4. If you could add anything at all to an airplane to make trips more interesting, what would it be and why? Okay... Yummy says in-flight blow jobs but that doesn't help me any but that would make for an interesting trip. lol

5. What is one thing you and your significant other can never seem to agree on? Really there's not too much we don't agree on... but if I have to put something down, then it would be the number of shoes I have in my closet... I'm a shoe whore!!

6. Have you ever walked in on someone else having sex? How did you and the people involved react? Can't say that I have but I probably did back in the fraternity party days. ;)

7. Everyone hears discussions that they consider boring. What is one topic that can put you to sleep quicker than any other? I'm brain dead tonight after spending a day with teenagers so I honestly can't think of anything.

Seriously... I think I have the lamest answers this week... but anyways, go check out Wednesday Weirdness.

HNT ~ Finale of Biker Babe Series...

2008-08-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

(shhh... clickety-click)

(clickety-click)

The finale in the Biker Babe series... are you all sick of these pics yet?

****Random Thoughts****

Wow! What a week. I've just got a few days before my first day back in the classroom. Yikes! I'm not in the least bit ready. I've been going down a little at a time to get it ready. The room got painted... check. It's no longer this baby green/yellow color. It now resembles a tropical seaside with blues and a touch of flamingo pink! Come on... I AM a girl. ~wink~

My homeroom has ONLY 9 students in it. Can we say why the fuck is this school open? But, at least I have a job!

Here's the 'To D0' list for the remaining days of summer...

~ finish putting together the classroom by Tuesday

~ label the Princes school supplies

~hunt for the 'perfect' wedding dress

~ laundry

~clean the house (dust, sweep, etc.)

~finish writing the good old annulment and get it to the priest

~lesson plans for first week of school

~try to get just one of my assignments done for my correspondence class in physics. Yes, PHYSICS people... need I say more?

~clean out the basement (it's an on-going project over the last year)

~oh, yeah... and spend as much time with Yummy as possible before school starts. with both working opposite shifts, it's hard. We really only see each other one night a week and on Sundays when school's in session.

~party with friends on Sunday afternoon/night and attend the countryfest concerts here locally

I know there is more that should be on the list but at this point... I'll never get done what needs to get done.

Make sure you visit all the others that get half-nekkid over at Os' place!

Wednesday Weirdness ~ The Ex Files

2008-08-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Another Suburban Mom for the questions... yesterday we were talking romance and today ex's. Hmm... I wonder what's next?

1. When your relationships end, are you the instigator of the breakup or the recipient? The last relationship the instigator. Been married almost 8 years to the wrong man and *finally* had the courage/strength to get out with the help/support of Yummy and some very dear friends.

2. Do you save things from your ex, or get rid of them? If you save them, how? If you trash them, how? Usually, I trash them by ripping them to shreds, burning them, etc. But, this time around... I saved pictures because having 3 princes with the ex, I felt they should have pictures of that time. My mom did the same thing for me when she and my dad split. **BUT, none of these pictures is out except for one in my youngest princes bedroom of when his first pumpkin picking outing. I think, it's more that he likes the cool 3-D frame that I put the picture in.

3. Describe your favorite ex? A favorite ex? Is that possible... I guess, that would be the last guy I dated my sr. year in HS. We remained friends and still hung out together. He lives in another state now and I really miss seeing him when I go back home. I see his family sometimes and they're *always* so welcoming.

4. Do you consider a friend's ex off limits? Depends... I guess, I've really never dated a friend's ex. I always figured that they were an ex for a reason and since my friends and I have somewhat of similar 'taste' in men. But, if you consider now with Yummy... his ex-wife and I are best friends and hang out when we can. That would probably be a NO.

5. Have you ever had sex with an ex? Why? Ahh... duh. That's what break-up sex is all about. Why? IDK.... because I needed one more reminder of why I no longer wanted to be with this person.

6. If you had a choice between spending the rest of your life with your worst ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend, or your HS Nemesis, who would you choose? Do I really have to choose? I really wouldn't want to do either but since I *have* to, I'd choose my HS Nemesis. But only since I have to choose. ~wink~

7. Would you ever create a YouTube video or a website celebrating your exes' flaws? I guess, that's what I did when I started my first blog. My girlfriend, The Professor, suggested that I start blogging as way to vent about what was happening such as the ex-h video taping the condition of the house, all my clothing and make commentary about it, and oh, yeah... showing my dirty panties to the video camera! That's how he was coined PS for pantie sniffer back in the days. LOL

Well, hookers... have a great hump day. I'm heading out to work in the classroom to get it ready for the first day of school. Yikes! Oh, and make sure that you go and check out Wednesday Weirdness thanks to Amorous Rocker and Macabre Girl.

TMI Tuesday ~ Romance Edition

2008-08-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

1. What is your definition of romantic? I never truly *knew* what romance was until Yummy. For me, it's when he does the 'little' things for me like leaving me a note telling how much he loves me, a playful text in the middle of the day, just calling to hear my voice for no reason, well... you get the idea. ***But, shhh... don't tell Yummy that I've spilled that he's a romantic. He's got an image to up hold. LOL***

2. Would you consider yourself to be romantic? I can be at times. I wish I was more of one because I know Yummy likes it when I do those little things for him.

3. Is your significant other romantic? Refer back to #1. Most definitely!!

4. Have you ever chastised a SO for not being romantic enough or too romantic? *Ahemcough*exhusband*cough* This was one of the 'big' things for me with my ex. He was never romantic. I think I can count on uh... maybe... 3 times in the entire almost 10 years of being together. One of these times was when we first started dating and the second came 7 years later and then it was another 3 years after that one! So, romantic... I'd say not! (Although, he really thinks he is! LOL)

5. What do you consider a grand romantic gesture? Have you ever been the recipient or giver of one? Grand romantic gesture? Hmm... I think an evening/day all planned out for me by Yummy which includes breakfast in bed, followed by well... some very hot, steamy sex, then a day filled with all my favorite things and ends with dinner at our favorite restaurant that we celebrated our engagement at or a special dinner made just for me by Yummy followed by some more hot, steamy sex... and then falling asleep in the arms of the man that I am SO in love with! Have I ever been the recipient or giver? Yes and Yes! ;)

6. If you have done something romantic to get laid, did it work? If not, why and how did that affect your romantic tendencies in the past. I guess I have thinking about it... I had set up the bedroom when I was married in this elaborate display with flowers, strawberries, whip cream, and a few 'adult' novelties (that were on the low key side of things). Did it work? That would be a resounding NO! Why didn't it work? Because I was married to a stick in the mud and 'moms don't do things like that.' And how did it affect me? I was crushed because I had planned this for 2 weeks while he was a business trip, told him/hinted to the 'adult novelties' and when he got home... the only thing he wanted to do was sit in bed and watch TV and told me that I was the mother of his children and I shouldn't do things like that. Uugghhh... I was not just crushed but devastated!

7. What is the most romantic thing you have ever done? Had done for you? OMG... these are so hard this week - I really have to think about these! Most romantic thing I have done? Hmm... let's see... Yummy would either say when I sent him flowers at work because he was having a horrible day, I couldn't be with him AT ALL and I wanted to cheer him up. I sent it with a card only he would understand and you know what... he STILL has the card that came with the flowers OR when I made him breakfast in bed the first time ~ I made his favorite sausage & cheese grits... needless to say it didn't get eaten that morning! We had not seen each other for a week. ~grinning~

Thanks to ASM for the great questions this week! Also, for the very sappy movie clip. ;) Go on over to TMI Tuesday and play along. Or play here but ya' know ya' want to!

Music Meme for Monday

2008-08-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

I stole this meme from The Professor who stole it from Tense Teacher. It's a thing with teachers and their music. ~wink~

It's a fun little thing... see if you can guess what the song title and artist is of the songs on my iPod. Have fun and remember follow the rules...

The rules are as follows:
1. Put your mp3 player or computer music player on random.
2. Post the first four lines from the first 20 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song (Skip repeat artists).
3. Post, and let your friends guess which song and artist the lines come from vie comments section or in email.
4. No Googling! Don’t cheat!

****

1. I rolled up my sleeves today
Cause I thought that this was over
But then you called to say
You forgot that broach of your mother's

2. whenever i'm alone with you you make me feel
like i am home again whenever i'm alone with
you you make me feel like i am whole again

whenever i'm alone with you you make me feel

3. Looking for an angel in these hills
Looking for a map to find what we left behind
Knowing that we will

Always end up right where we start

4. I wanna drink that shot of whiskey
I wanna smoke that cigarette
I wanna smell that sweet addiction, on my breath
I wanna ride across West Virginia, in the back seat of a Cadillac

5. cant fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show

6. I play chicken with the train play chicken with the train train, uh huh huh uh huh huh,
You know that I play chicken with the train play chicken with the train train uh huh huh uh huh huh yea,
Hold 'em up,
Here we go,

7. I've been searching for you
I heard a cry within my soul
I've never had a yearning quite like this before
Now that you are walking right through my door

8. Well I ain't never
Been the barbie doll type
No I can't swig that sweet champagne
I'd rather drink beer all night

9. Soulmate
Until the end of time
You're my soulmate
I'll love you till I get to heaven's gate

10. I turned on the evening news
Saw a old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what's the secret to life

11. When the night falls down
I wait for you
And you come around
And the world's alive

12. Four, tres, two, uno
Listen up you all, 'cause this is it
The beat that I'm bangin' is delicious

Fergalicious definition make them boys go loco

13. I'm through with standing in line
To clubs we'll never get in
It's like the bottom of the ninth
And I'm never gonna win

14. She's got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky

15. JR! Sean Kingston!
You're way too beautiful girl
That's why it'll never work
You'll have me suicidal, suicidal

16. Watching every motion in my foolish lover's game
On this endless ocean finally lovers know no shame
Turning and returning to some secret place inside
Watching in slow motion as you turn around and say

17. I've always been there every time he let you down.
I caught your fallin' tears before they hit the ground.
But I just heard somebody say that you finally told him goodbye.
Well, girl now you've finally made your move, now I'm here to make mine.

18. It's a long trip alone over sand and stone
That lie along the road that we all must travel down

So maybe you could walk with me a while
And maybe I could rest beneath your smile

19. Lying here with you
Listening to the rain
Smiling just to see the smile upon your face
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

20. When you light those candles
Up there on that mantle, setting the mood
Well, I just lie there staring
Silently preparing to love on you

Okay, I know it said 20 but here are a few bonus...

21. I took a walk down a road
Its the road I was meant to stay
I see the fire in your eyes
But a mans got to make his way

22. (Whispered) Let me be your hero

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Would you run and never look back
Would you cry if you saw me crying

23. I took a walk around the world
To ease my troubled mind
I left my body laying somewhere
In the sands of time

I'll post the answers on Thursday and which lucky reader knows their music! Have fun and remember no googling. :)

And, once I'm feeling a little better... I'll give you a recap of the weekend that Yummy and I had together.

Friday 5 and More...

2008-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick Friday 5 meme...

1. Of television programs that aired before you were born, what’s your favorite? I'm thinking it was 'The Munsters'. I just loved that show as a kid and thought Grampa Munster was a riot!

2. What person of historical significance was from your neighborhood or city? Elmo Lincoln - was the first Tarzan in the silent movies in 1918.

3. What’s a story that’s often been told about someone in your family in the years before you came along? Wow, that's an easy one... I grew up listening to the stories about my grandfather performing in the circus with a high-wire act and then how when the act broke up, he went onto a solo act as a sway pole performer until his death in 1950 while performing in Colorado.

4. Which of previous generations’ dumb mistakes (in deed or thought) baffles you the most? Honestly, with my grandparents and great-grandparents, I can't think of anything that I thought was a 'dumb' mistake. Even with my parents, they've made their share of mistakes and some could be considered 'dumb' but they had their reasons and those reasons typically involved doing what they thought was best for myself and my siblings.

5. What aspect of life in the good old days would you love to see a return to? Gathering on Sunday after church at a grandparent's house for Sunday lunch. I miss that so much! I did that *every* Sunday as a child. We would take turns between my mom's parents and my step-dad's. I could always count on fried chicken, mashed potatoes and sugar cream pie when we went to my mom's parents' and homemade noodles at my Grandma F.'s. She would ALWAYS get after me for eating raw noodles and tell me that the noodles were going to grow and fill my tummy up. :) What silliness... That never stopped me from snatching up the noodles that were being cut.

Join in on the fun... and thank you to Friday5 for the questions!

Hope everyone has a kick ass weekend... I'm off to enjoy my 3 days with no Princes! That means haircut, pedicure and a little shopping just for me!! Yeah!!

Oh... one more thing... I want to give a *HUGE* shout out to Vixen. She and PC are getting married tomorrow! So, if you have a chance, go on over to her site and send them some *love* and well wishes! Don't forget to tell them that I sent ya!

Beauty and the Bike

2008-07-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

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The second in the "Biker Babe" series... I couldn't decide this week so you all get to double your pleasure. ;) Enjoy!

I need to give a shout out to Lapis Ruber for the title for this week's post. It was a great suggestion! Thank you!!! xoxo

Make sure you check back next week for the finale in this series... Let me know what you think over in the comments section about this week's submission and the new layout. And while you're at it, go over and check out the King of Half-Nekkidness and send him some love! ;)

Wednesday Weirdness

2008-07-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

1. Would you rather be 3 inches taller, or 3 inches shorter than you already are? Definitely 3 inches taller. I have a 'thing' with being short. At almost 5'7"... I can't go shorter. lol

2. What are 3 words that could never be used to describe you? fat, short, dumb... If you've seen any of the pictures of me, I definitely can't be called fat or short (never have since I was like born!) Dumb - I have to be on the top of my game to teach middle schoolers. lol

3. Have you ever eaten something at the grocery store while you were shopping, prior to buying it? Did you pay for it when you got to the check out line? I was going to say I haven't but I just remembered there have been a few times that I've grabbed one of the bottled Cokes out of the case and drank it while shopping (we're talking needing the daily caffeine fix here people) BUT I *always* pay for it when I check out.

4. If you could have any 3 materialistic things in this world without paying a single cent for any of them, what would they be and why? 1.) My dream house out in the country with plenty of land, gourmet kitchen, big enough to entertain all my friends/family, a pool with pool house (which is also a guest house) ~ you get the picture. ;) Why would I want this... well, I can't stand my neighbors, I grew up in the country. As for the other 2 things, can I just have the money bc there's really nothing else that I want for *me*.

5. Have you ever fallen asleep or nodded off during sex before? Never have but definitely thought to myself 'when the fuck is this going to be over.' **Clarification bc Yummy reads this... not with you sweetie. ;)

6. What are 3 jobs you’d leave your current job for? If you don't have a current job, just list 3 jobs you would like to have. Why would I want to trade jobs... I work 186 days out of the year, have summers off... need I say more?

7. Do you or have you ever answered the phone during sex? I hate to admit it... but I actually have answered the phone during sex. Why I would think that anything was that important is beyond me! lol

Thanks to Macabre Girl and Amourous Rocker for this meme! Make sure you go check it out over at Wednesday Weirdness.

TMI Tuesday ~ Language Edition

2008-07-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is a tribute to the late great George Carlin.

1. What is your language pet peeve. (example 'hot water heater', why would you heat hot water) Misspelled words - It drives me up the wall!

2. What is your favorite word? Both dirty and clean? Onomatopoeia - I just*love* how that word sounds. I don't think I really have a favorite 'dirty' word but I say 'fuck' a lot. So, I guess that would probably be it. lol

3. What is the one word you cannot spell? Typically, none... I'm a teacher. ;) It's my job to know how to spell.

4. What is the one word you always pronounce wrong? Again, the teacher thing - It's my job to know BUT I *always* get hung up on 'communicative' and 'multiplicative' when I'm teaching.

5. If you could erase one popular catchphrase from the english language, what would it be? Probably *ANYTHING* my students say! lol With middle schoolers, you never know what will come out of their mouth next. :) Seriously, though... I can't think of anything right now.

Bonus (as in optional): The late, and very hot Michael Hutchence (INXS) once sang, "Words are weapons, sharper than knives" . What is the most hurtful thing you have ever said to anyone? Was it deliberate or accidental? What was the most hurtful thing ever said to you? Do you think it was deliberate or accidental? I KNOW there was plenty dished out during my divorce both deliberate and accidental but the worst thing I ever said during was when I made a comment about him not doing it for me in bed. OUCH! Said to me, there are two that stick out 1) the ex said that he never was 'in love with me' and he made sure to tell me that if he met someone who wanted kids, that he'd have more or would adopt a child with the new person KNOWING full well, that after having Littlest Prince, I wanted to adopt a little girl from another country because I couldn't have any more because of the risk of premature birth, baby or me or both dying if I tried.

Wow, that bonus was a serious question! Glad it's over. Well, now you know what time it is! It's your turn to kiss and tell. Make sure you let me know you stopped by and leave a comment while you're at it and go over a visit all the others that kiss and tell!

Mute Monday ~ Brands

2008-07-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Geesh... I haven't played in a *long* time but thought I would today. So, today's theme was 'brand/brands' and here are my faves...

Breakfast of champions... lol

More of a Basil Hayden girl but anything Beam will do. ;)

Shaken not stirred...

Make sure to stop over and visit The Troll Report to find out what Mute Monday is all about!

Welcome!

2008-07-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

After weeks of trying to design a new blog - I FINALLY did it! I'm pretty happy with the results of it. It's more me (at least, I think so.).

If you're wondering why I decided to revamp the blog and give it a new title and look... Well, it was mainly because I was tired of the old me. I recently got a fresh start with my life and it all seems to be falling into place (slowly). *grin* So, I wanted the blog to have a fresh start and reflect more of who I am.

So, tell me what ya' think...

**edit** Below is last week's HNT post from the old site. Over the next few days I'll be adding all the HNT pics to this site as an archive for those of you who like to go back and browse. ;)

HNT ~ Biker Babe Series

2008-07-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

(clickety-click)

I promised that I would be moving my HNT pics from my old site over to this one. Here's the one from this past Thursday. What is a girl to do without her HNT pics? *snort* I'll be adding the others soon...

But for now... enjoy this one. For those of you who didn't see it on the old site, here's a recap...

These are the first in a series featuring the 1977 Shovelhead Chopper that Yummy built in 2006! It's a monster at 700 pounds, suicide shift, no front breaks... And, yes ~ I ride on the back of it with him with a lick 'em, stick 'em seat, no hoochie pegs (I wrap my legs around him!)

Enjoy!