Hello!!!! Anybody there???

So I was thinking the other day about friends that blog, and I thought "Hey! I can do that! Wait a minute... I do. Well, I did, but it's been forever - and I mean FOR.EVAH.VAH!!!" So, I'm going to try this again and be a little more diligent about posting. Honest. I'm really going to try.

Forever - and a day

I started thinking about the blog page the other day, and realized it had been a while since my last posting. With everything that's been going on the last couple of months, I really haven't had time to do much posting. So, I grabbed a chair, opened the lap top, and logged into my account.


My last posting way May 31, 2008.


I'm a slacker when it comes to blogging, and there's not really an excuse for it. So, in an effort to catch up in the last year, I'll try and hit the high points...

• The Bug is getting ready to start FIRST GRADE in a shade under 3 weeks. She's also lost 8 teeth and we have the first consultation with the Orthodontist on Tuesday.
• The Bug will be starting 3-year-old Preschool in September, along with ballet. She's determined that her first rehearsal is actually going to be her recital.
• We got stairs to the backyard from our deck, a fence and a dog. But not in that order.
• We got a Wii for our anniversary (Thaniks, S&P!). We downloaded Super Mario World a couple of weeks ago. It's as addicting now as it was in 1991.
• I survived being Room Mom for Bug's kindergarten class and Jillian's 2-year-old preschool class at the same time I was teaching preschool and going to school. I think I have a few brain cells that didn't revolt from the various days of stress.
• Speaking of school, I FINALLY graduated! Boards, now that's a different story...
• Boards are schedule for August 17th. Hopefully the remaining brain cells won't abandon me between now and then...

That's some of the highlights... I make more of an effort to blog in the coming free time.

25 Things Every Good Southerner Knows...

1. The difference between a hissie fit and a conniption fit.
2. Pretty much how many fish make up a mess.
3. What general direction cattywumpus is.
4. That “gimme sugar” don’t mean pass the sugar.
5. When somebody’s “fixin” to do something, it won’t be long.
6. The difference between Yankees and damn Yankees.
7. How good a cold grape Nehi and cheese crackers are at a country store.
8. Knows what, “Well, I Suwannee !!” means.
9. Ain’t nobody’s biscuits like Grandma’s biscuits !!
10. A good dog is worth its weight in gold.
11. Real gravy don’t come from the store.
12. When “by and by” is.
13. How to handle their “pot likker”.
14. The difference between “pert’ near” and “a right far piece”.
15. The differences between a redneck and a good ol’ boy.
16. Never to go snipe hunting twice.
17. Learned what happens when you swallow tobacco juice at some point.
18. Never to assume that the car with the flashing turn signal is actually going to make a turn.
19. You may wear long sleeves, but you should always roll ‘em up past the elbows.
20. You should never loan your tools, pick-up, or gun to nobody.
21. A belt serves a greater purpose than holding Daddy’s pants up.
22. Rocking chairs and swings are guaranteed stress relievers.
23. Rocking chairs and swings with an old person in them are history lessons.
24. Butter makes everything better.
25. Just because the fashionistas say it's okay to do it, white shoes and/or pants are only acceptable after Easter and before Labor Day.

She's Growing Up!

It's official. My Number 1 baby is moving up in the world.

I registered The Bug for Kindergarten on Thursday this last week.

Bug reading to Jack the Cat on Saturday morning.

She's growing up way too fast, and I'm going to have to invest in Kleenex.

9 Words That Women Use

My girlfriend Autumn sent this to me last week, and I thought it was worth sharing...

9 WORDS WOMEN USE

• Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
• Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
• Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
• Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!
• Loud Sigh: This is not actually a word, but a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here arguing with you about nothing. (Refer to bullet # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)
• That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
• Thanks: A woman is thanking you - do not question this or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' ... that will bring on a whatever).
• Whatever: Is a women's way of saying Fuck You! There's not much recovery from this one.
• Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

I know that this is "9 Words", but I also want to add my own - The Scream. If you are in a different room than your wife/girlfriend/significant other and she screams, get off your ass and run - do not loaf - to her location immediately! If her scream goes unanswered by you and you get the "Don't worry, I'm okay", consider yourself in deep shit. You better start planning on how you're going to dig your way out of this one!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful women in my life - you know how you are!!!

Spring Break 2008

Since I've finally recoved from all the driving I did during Spring Break, I guess it's time to post some pictures of the trip to LA (Lower Alabama, that is)...

A moment in the sand when Bug & Bear aren't fighting.

Bug & Ethan (she still calls him "my man")

Bear & Dee Dee discussing the properties of sand.

Bug & Bear hanging out on the roots of a tree I used to play on when I was a kid.

*** sigh ***

For the first time in a very long time, I'm alone.

Really alone.

Yes, the cats are here, but I am the only biped within my home. Everybody is in PA watching Nephew #2 get Christened. I wanted to go, but I had Clinical today and couldn't get out of going.

sucks.

Bug's Favorite Song

Several months ago, Adam and The Bug were listening to the radio and this song by Avril Lavigne came on. Since then, Bug had called this song the "hey-hey-you-you-i-don't-like-your-girlfriend" song.

Aren't kids hysterical sometimes?

LMAO!!!

Did anybody see this on Ellen? One of my colleges sent me the link and it aparently is a real product. Check it out and be prepared to snicker till the cows come home.

The Bug, Part Deaux

A while ago, I posted a picture of The Bug after she lost her first tooth. Since then, the second has fallen out and her big girls teeth are quickly taking their place. As I look at her permanent teeth growing each day, I can only think of one thing...

How are all those big teeth going to fit in that tiny little mouth?

And then I'm thankful there are people called Orthodontists that walk this planet.

Young Love

The Bug has a classmate that The Bear is completely in love with. Bear does nothing but talk about Jake and when the get married. I took this picture Friday afternoon while the kids were playing. It was Jake's idea to hug all over the Bear. Is this young love in bloom, or just childish infatuation?

Jake & The Bear - March 7, 2008

You be the judge.

The Passing of a Musical Legend

I was reading 14 Giants earlier this evening, and found out that Jeff Healey died Sunday after a long battle with cancer. If you remember the song Angel Eyes from 1988, then you know who Jeff Healey was. Mess of Blues, Healey's first rock/blues album in eight years, is being released in Europe on March 20, and in Canada and the U.S. on April 22.

May he rest in peace.

The Bug is Growing Up

This picture was taken not long after we got back from New York. Bug had two teeth loose on the trip, and I kept expecting one to come out before we got home. Thankfully, it waited until we got home.

One down, one to go.

Dessert, Anyone?

I present to you a scrumptious specimen of mankind.

Yumm-o!

Laugh Till You Pee

I'm cleaning out my e-mail today, and I came across this link from my friend, Autumn. Don't view this if you hate cat humor. If you like cat humor, don't drink anything whilst you watch this... Enjoy!

New Year's Resolution

I haven't blogged in forever.

My New Year's Resolution is to blog three times per week.

Let's see how long that lasts...

Does This Really Exist??

Adam and I watched an episode of The Naked Archaeologist on History International tonight. This particular episode was about archaeologists searching for evidence of Joshua. Throughout the show, the film makers used Lego sets to recreate several scenes - battles; parting the Red Sea; etc. After about twenty minutes, Adam turned to me and said "Are those Biblical Lego sets? I wonder if you could get one of those at the Lego Store?"

Getting to Know You - Christmas Style!

A very dear friend sent me the following e-mail yesterday, and it's quite cute! I actually learned some things I didn't know about myself.


Welcome to the "Christmas Edition" of getting to know your friends! Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Copy this entire e-mail and paste into a new blank e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so they apply to you. Then, send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you. It's the season to be cheerful!!!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper.
2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Usually real, but this year we’re going artificial.
3. When do you put Christmas tree up? The first weekend of December. I really can’t bring myself to put the tree up before then.
4. When do you take the tree down? Anytime before Epiphany (January 6th, 2008 – the first Sunday of the Liturgical calendar).
5. Egg Nog – Yea or Nea? Yumm-o!!! Gimme a big ol’ mug – with a little shot of brandy!
6. Do you have a nativity scene? We have two – one for the living room chest and one for the girls - but we'll probably get another one this year.
7. Favorite gift received as a child? Do I really have to decide?!?!
8. Hardest person to buy for? My Father.
9. Easiest person to buy for? Jillian.
10. Worst Christmas gift? If I named the gift, that person would get their feelings bent-out-of-shape.
11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? Mail.
12. Favorite Christmas movie? It’s a tie between A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I love them both equally!
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually early November. Since Emily has a November birthday, I get both done at once.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No.
15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Slab of Beast!!! Unless we are both sick as dogs, I make a prime rib, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, and some other yummy stuff.
16. Clear or colored tree lights? Clear.
17. Favorite Christmas Song? I don’t really have one favorite, but I like Little Drummer Boy.
18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? I really love staying home for days in my PJs, but we’re traveling to visit Adam’s family in NY the day after Christmas.
19. Can you name Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph.
20. Angel or Star on Tree top? Star.
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? We open one present on Christmas Eve, and then everything else Christmas Day.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The fact that retailers insist on putting out Christmas decorations before Halloween! There really needs to be an amendment saying that retailers are not allowed to begin putting up decorations before Thanksgiving.

I Hate Driving

This year, we went to my Dad and Step-mom's new house in Fort Worth for Thanksgiving, and it was a really nice visit (pictures to come), but the drive - yes, I said drive - there was a pain in the ass! I'm OK with the "once-a-year-drive-to-Long-Island-to-see-Adam's-family" drive, but the 14-hour drive to and the 16 1/2-hour drive home (in the rain, no less) has totally put the kibosh on wanting to go anywhere else for the rest of the year. I'm sure this might change, but don't expect me to want to do this again anytime soon.

Oh, how I love having family in four different states, and having to visit them all!

Strange...

This story was one of the "recommended" reads today on MSNBC.com. When you consider that a funeral in the US today can start around $6,500 - and that's before the cost of a cemetery plot - this makes sense. The whole idea of a home funeral does sound a little weird, but this is how most - if not - individuals were buried until the mid-twentieth century.

Personally, I'm of the school that "if it still works, give it to somebody that needs it and cremate the rest". Hopefully, my family will honor those wishes.