dambetty

Who am I? And what would you like for supper?

2009-10-19T07:07:00.002-04:00

I was going to update the site. Really. But my friend Janna introduced me to Ancestry.com. Demps Clark, or Dempse, Dempsie, Dempsey, whose father's name is Will Clark, or William, or John william, or maybe William John, William J? anyway, guess you can tell how I spent the weekend when not cooking.

Don't you love cooler weather? It makes me want to cook--except when I' m huddled into bed with my laptop searching for illusive relatives, The laptop even keeps my toes warm.

new posts

2009-10-17T11:04:00.001-04:00

I'm going to update this blog--cross my heart. I even have pictures of my favorite place on earth to share. Might just make this a play on the computer all day day.

I want this. Bad.

2009-10-08T22:27:00.001-04:00

http://lifehacker.com/5373720/floating-monitors-and-hidden-peripherals

It's Over. So very Over.

2009-07-27T22:27:00.001-04:00

My vampire obsession, that is. I've been walking around for weeks now, saying i wanted Carlisle to make me an age-appropriate vampire.

No more.

I watched TrueBlood last night.

Nothing else need be said on the subject.

What is DC??

2009-07-26T15:00:00.004-04:00

DC are my "Dearest Children" text messages. my kids have been hateful and just not very nice at all this summer. They're capable of influencing humanity until the end of time , but don't seem to be hitting those strokes with me so far.

Anyway, DC 2 explains the rationale behind these texts.

I rarely* ragged on the kids when they were altogether--or even here at the house at the same time. So, having made that breakthrough thought, that I yell at both of them the same; they just don't happen to hear every time it happens when they're not here.

I needed to find a way to communicate that to my DC's. DC is a manner for me to comment on adverse behavior (prompted by the fact that somebody used the food processor and left it i the sink for me to clean up--oh no, I'm so very over this crap. It's been happening ALL freaking summer and it's over and done. (See, Bill, I promise you, I don't live Gina better!!! I love both you the absolute same--which may vary on any particular day).

See, DC has already brought better communication between us.

BTW, I'm pretty sure I told them that they have to actually replay text w/i 5 minutes or i'm cancelling their cell phone contracts???

*Trust me, it's "rarely" as compared to the number of times I want to do this, dammit.

DC 2

2009-07-26T14:59:00.001-04:00

the rivalry between you two has always just really bothered me. I
really tried very hard to follow whatever current line of perfect
parenting that was in fashion at the time. I'm actually pretty damn
committed and do things right, so why then, did my children so
horribly resent each other? IT'S BECAUSE I DIDN'T YELL AT YOU GUYS
TOGETHER!! You each thought I never "parented or corrected the other
child.--only you. But, don't worry darlings, that shit is so over.

what's worse than a house full of burst pipe?

2009-06-22T11:59:00.002-04:00

Getting everything moved out so the repairs can begin.

Baby girl stuck in Philly

2009-06-10T19:21:00.002-04:00

I have an exasperated child in Philly. She can't even eat a cheese steak because she's vegetarian.

Poor cupcake, I hope your plane gets there soon!

the water damage

2009-06-03T19:19:00.002-04:00

I got a new camera today. I think it's about time, since both of the kids have had one since I had. These are my first pics with it.

The adjuster finally called me today. She was just going to estimate the repair costs without anyone ever seeing the damage. Needless to say, I didn't think that was a particularly groovy idea, so someone will be out in a week to look and see. Personally, I think the entire ceiling in the dining room should be replaced, but we'll just have to wait and see what the experts say.

My pictures are still uploading into Photobucket. The new camera has a ridiculous 12 megapixels, so I guess the pics are incredibly large (I made no changes to the camera, just loaded up the memory stick and took some shots). Going to have to work on that, when I get a minute. I need to take a day (when I can find one) to just catch up on my technology. I had to reinstall or upgrade the Palm software for my T/X and now I can't access any of my info on the desktop. I really need to figure out what's up with that. I need to play with the new camera. If I can get my new mp3 operational after the bath it took in the washer this week (I know, I'm an idiot) I want to figure out how to convert DVD's to watch on it. But all of that takes time, time that I just haven't found lately. And, since DDTHHSG (dd, the honors high school graduate...I'm still in love with that concept), just bought herself (another concept I can get close to) Sims 3, I think my time on this PC will be rather limited at least until August when she and her Mac will leave me for points West.

OK, the pics appear to be ready.

This is the area behind my dresser in my bedroom. They had to cut here to access the toilet on the other side of the wall.

This is one side of the DS's bedroom wall (the white spot being where the "old" leak was repaired several years ago. It was hidden until a recent rearrangement of furniture, so I don't feel like the worst mom on the block:

Here's the worst of the walls, in the dining room.

The other side of the dining room:

And the floor of the dining room:

Now then, doesn't everyone want to hurry on over for a meal!

And one more picture, of my Moosie:

The pictures are pretty good, for a point and shoot.

and the black cloud is beyond consistent...

2009-05-19T10:53:00.004-04:00

Another leak; another soaked carpet; multiple new holes in sheet rock throughout the house. At least this time, I'm having all the crappy pipe totally removed and replaced. Then, the sheetrocking (and attendant mess) begins. Is my black cloud efficient, or freaking what!

A modified yurt

2009-05-08T20:05:00.004-04:00

Check this BH&G houseplan. I like this one a lot!
It's yurt-like. The only thing I'd change right off the bat would be to put a cupula at the top, so that it would get the skylight look of a yurt.

Lover Awakened

2009-05-02T15:25:00.003-04:00

First, I have to say this is the first time the Greensboro Library has truly come through for me on a new book. So, thanks.

As to the book and its author; damn fine work. I never really liked Rhev before, but he's fine now. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter in this amazing world. I thought the book was excellent. Truly well written, the characters believable and true to their motivations, no thread was started and left dangling (have you read Delicious? if so, you know what I mean). I positively adored the growth in Wrath throughout the book.

Loved it, loved it, loved it.

Now I'm going to go listen to one of the Twilight books again while I try to bring some sense of order to my life.

And a question. I know all about the Cinderella Projects and I support then, I do. The evil witch who married my father and then talked him into abandoning his family and leaving everything that my mother literally killed herself for to here skanky ass, (bitter, you bet your damn bippies); threw a huge pile of all my family's evening dresses into my car as I left my family home, sobbing, for the last time. DD and I went through them, and they bring back so many memories. Lots of bridesmaids dresses, formals from college, dresses my mother wore, even the academic gown my brother wore when he got his Masters. They brought back so very many bittersweet memories==in a totally visceral way. But, I don't have room for them--physically or probably emotionally. Any suggestions as to how to hold on to the immediacy of the memories while letting the fabric go? I would say I'd make pillow quilts out of them, but I've got other things ofmy mother's that I plan (eventually) to do that with. I don't think just takinng picturees of them will have the same effect. SO, anybody got a clue?

I'm hopelessly

2009-04-25T08:29:00.002-04:00

In love with the Twilight series. I just spent 45 minutes and my first cup of coffee reading ET updates of the New Moon film.

Oh well, I'm sure the mulch will get spread, the laundry done, the clutter picked up, the overtime worked. It just won't be this morning.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T14:46:00.002-04:00

I haven't observed Easter traditionally this year. Well, the bunny did hop for the kids, but nothing all that fancy compared to years past.

This Easter, I celebrated the spirit of the holiday. New beginnings that start with pain and sacrifice. I'm open to welcoming in that new beginning any day now!

It was rather weird, the wasband (I'm blatantly stealing this from a story I heard out in Chicago) came by early yesterday, wanting to go get me some mulch. There had been much talk the previous week about the boychild earning some cash by mulching. He might have told me, but I must have been in a fugue state at the time, that he had invited two boys to come over and work with him. Anyway, at 8 o'clock on Saturday morning, we unloaded the utility cart, hitched it up to the van, and drove to the High Point yard waste recycling center.

I love getting mulch. I'd rather get the really good stuff, but for the price, the stuff from the city works fine. I can definitely tell that the dirt in the flower beds are much improved over when I moved in. Well, you know; it's Easter. The yard waste center was closed. So we ate at IHop and came home.

I wouldn't let them put the cart back in the garage. Once it's in there, it becomes a gbhd to get it out again, and I want wasband and DS to go get some mulch on Monday afternoon (it's DS's spring break). So, even though it's Easter weekend, my utility trailer is out in the front yard, chained to a tree. It's to the side, says the redneck.

DS's friends are waiting when we get back. Since we can't mulch, I decide they're going to clean out the largest bed in the front yard--it looks horrible since I couldn't work on it at all last year due to my foot surgery play violin music here. It was horrible, choked with weeds, wire grass, chick weed, sticker bushes, day lilies, azaleas, Asiatic lilies, jonquils, etc. So, you just couldn't go at this thing with a rotor tiller. You had to be careful. I spent the time to show the boys the different foliage types. I explained the process--break up the larger expanses with shovels, then use the hand tools--especially the hands--to pull out the weeds and to get as much of the root system as possible while you're at it. They all nodded dutifully at the dotty old lady (at least I wasn't wearing a gardening hat at the time) and I went back to straightening out the garage.

I set up all my folding tables--that would be four, and started sorting all the accumulated stuff. The base is the carpet squares that they gave away at my office last year. But on the top, there's usually an interesting few layers of other stuff. You see, when it's not in use as a trailer, the trailer is a holder of all kinds of crap. Usually, it's the stuff the kids leave in my car and I get in a semi-frenzy when trying to put something on mine in the car but there's no room for it. So, I take out their stuff and toss it on the cart. My plan is, they will see their stuff and it will remind them that they should take said stuff (expensive coats, books, backpacks, electronic equipment, sports stuff) and put it away.

Oh no. The stuff becomes part of the landscape and more stuff gets piled on top.

I'm ashamed, but hey, that's what happens.

So, since the trailer is out in the yard, all the stuff has been displaced; and it became the perfect time for perfect placement. I must be nesting or something, because it became my quest to get it all put away (and without the usual resentment that accompanies such a chore--a miracle of the season). Gina replanted the sunflowers she's raising from seeds, the boys were weeding the large bed and chortling, and wasband was actually hanging the garage rail in the attic (another long story, but I decided it would be best used up there to sort the incredible assortment of luggage this family has accumulated over the years--okay, she realizes she has a problem with luggage and accessories; that's the first step, after all.

Life just doesn't get much better for me these days. So we're all working away. I decide to check on the boys. Remember those Asiatic lilies I'd so painstakingly shown to the boys--about half were gone. Those boys were certainly willing and eager, if not particularly discriminating. I didn't yell (much), I didn't screech (much). I just put cleaning the garage on hold to help the boys. They were so happy with my tutelage (not, but they put up with it since I was paying them). I made Gina come over and help me sort through the clumps and clods to remove as much root and weed matter as we could (did I mention that it poured the entire night before? It was cold and nasty work, but the sun was shining and we would never have been able to shift any of the nasty weeds if the ground had been dry--I need to remember to buy some amendments to add to the ground before we mulch--I wish I had some leave so I could take the time off to do it; why don't the Fed's give us Spring Break???).

My willing helpers eventually became less willing. One had to leave, and I didn't even see him call or text his mom to come and rescue him--but he might have. The other child continued valiantly, but mine own beloved hope for the future became increasingly whiny. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't pleasant. I made them clean up around the bed (the packed mud would have killed the grass in very short order otherwise), clean the tools, and then I turned them loose. About that time, DS's GF came by.

I've only met the GF's mother once before. I looked like hell, then, too. I love making great first impressions. Oh well, she's a gardener of exquisite taste, and to tell you the truth (not that I don't always anyway), she's the one who started this entire front yard spring clean up frenzy. You should see her pansy's! Oh, they're lush, they're gorgeous. I have pansy envy. I admit it. I also have pansy's in my mailbox bed, my center bed, my side of the house bed, and before I leave for DC on Thursday, there will be pansy's in my biggest bed--the site of today's yesterday's assault.

While the kids go into the house and start watching TV (I mean, good grief, I don't think DS had had ANY screen time and it was probably at least noon). I kept slugging away in the garage. I threw things away, I sorted, I puttered, I persisted. The carpet squares remain stacked in 4 foot piles along the center of the garage, but I got all the spare wood pieces stowed; the gardening stuff organized; the stuff that has needed to be returned to shed in the back yard for about 9 months now in a pile to the side; the painting stuff from the great January adventure (if I were good like P-Dub, I'd do a link, but I don't care) put away. I cleaned up the tool bench, and threw away a bunch of junk.

Yep, my trash heap at the curb began mid day on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. My neighbors will not miss me when I leave. I just wish my beloved side neighbors would hurry up and put their garbage out, too. My big bin is completely overflowing and I need to stuff some stuff into theirs.

So, I'm cleaning the garage, DD is loudly proclaiming that she doesn't think DS should have friends over because their not doing anything and he will never do anything so long as he has friends over....it went on and on and on and on... I tuned it out and she eventually went back to her computer and facebook.

In all the stuff I found the folding gravity neutral recliner I had purchased for myself last year at Ace Hardware (I love my Jamestown Ace Hardware store) for a great price. I was saving it for LEAF, but since the box had gotten somewhat damp, I decided to open it. And then I set it up. And then I sat in it. And then I laughed. And laughed. OMG, that thing is SO comfortable. So, I'm sitting in my driveway, facing my almost totally clean garage, drinking lemonade, and laughing my ass off while I'm reclining my chair. The detritus of the cleaning frenzy all around couldn't dampen my joy.

Pain and sacrifice had once again led to a new beginning and joy (on a much more mundane level than that being celebrated).

About 5:30, I stopped. I had promised the kids all day that we'd go shopping at J.R.'s down in Burlington when I was done. I didn't have it in me. Gina had been called in to work anyway, and she was the one who most wanted the JR excursion. So I bribed DS and his GF into supper at Lubrano's and a trip to Barnes & Noble instead.

I had a wonderful shower. Blew the fuse while drying my hair (I think maybe the plasma TV downstairs is on the circuit, because I've never done that before). Left the hair wet, rounded up the kids, went to Lubrano's, had the most incredible seafood manicotti of all time, bought chocolate at the Big Lots for the Bunny; bought a couple of books each and coffee at B&N; came home, went to bed, read my new book (Delicious by Sherry Thomas, we'll talk about it later, but I did enjoy it).

And that was yesterday (you wouldn't believe what I've already done today!).

Today is Easter; a time of miracles, new beginnings, and hope. We're on track around here. I sincerely hope you are, too; wherever you may be.

Geeky Lawyer Nirvana

2009-04-02T09:29:00.002-04:00

I'm here in Chicago at the ABA Techshow--truly Nirvana for a geekgurl like me. I love Chicago, I love playing with a whole bunch of other lawyers who love computers and gadgets. Oh, and I'm rooming with my very favorite gadgetgurl of all times!

Yippee!

ALJ application

2009-03-25T17:03:00.003-04:00

Just about everybody who knows me, knows I've been involved in a very prolonged application for possible employment as a federal administration law judge. It's been a very interesting journey, and I'm joyful to announce that, other than an interview that if it happens, will happen the week of 4/13; all my efforts are over. It's now in the hands of someone else.

Thank you, Jesus.

As I told a friend on the phone on the way home from shipping off the latest glob of requiring information; if anybody were to even ask me my name at this point, I'd have to say check back tomorrow.

The fork is already inserted people. I'm so beyond done.

Yippee!

I think it's a perfect pairing

2009-03-21T20:16:00.003-04:00

Just got back from taking my DD to an open house weekend at her prospective school. She's already accepted but we hadn't had time to go through the school until this weekend. I had no qualms, but she confessed that she had a few. All of them disappeared after we first set foot on Campus at Western Carolina University.

She loved it; I loved it. I can't imagine a better place for my baby girl to get serious about education and her future. The kids I met--every single one of them--looked happy, engaged, and get this--were actually incredibly polite and forthcoming.

Besides all that, it just felt right. A perfect fit. She didn't even want to come home, and I could hardly blame her. I want to go back to college myself. She wasn't too interested in Construction Management as a major, but I spent entirely too many of my formative years as a paralegal working on construction litigation lawsuits not to appreciate it. I asked her if she thought we could be roomies--she snorted--loudly. I took that as a no. I'm intuitive like that.

The Globe Theater--happened.

2009-03-16T21:50:00.002-04:00

DS pulled it off, or out as his darling sister so delicately put it last night when she came downstairs to see it.

My camera is MIA, so I didn't get a picture. Bitter loss to humanity, that.

I have to apologize to my child. I never ever thought he'd get it done. But he did; and it was done quite brilliantly.

Proud of my baby boy!!

The projects--progress

2009-03-15T20:23:00.003-04:00

The Globe is actually recognizable--in pieces, but still. It's 8:30 and there are 12 hours until school opens. Might happen

The Scarlet dress is more than a beyotch than she was (bless her heart). At least we have a little more time.

I'm off to buy abulations of the 15 year old variety. He ran out of soda earlier; and I'm pretty sure cannot imagine going on much further without something to drink.

He is getting into the Elizabethan aspects of his work, however. The highlight of the day was when he called down Moosie, saying "nay, dog; nay." Gina and I giggled over that one for hours. You would have too, had you been here.

And another thing...I quit smoking...Again

2009-03-14T20:09:00.002-04:00

It's still a big hairy deal, even if I have quit many times before--for years at a time. The sad thing about an addiction is that it's always there. At your weakest moment, even if it's been years, you can turn to it; and licketysplit, you're back to a pack a day.

So, rather than dwell on the negative, i'm trying to be positive here. I quit smoking again while I was in Florida. It was Monday, February 23, 2009; and my very nice exit coach, Eileen, (I was leaving the discovery portion of the Lifespring Training), talked me into it. The discovery deal was pretty amazing and certainly mind expanding. I'll have to blog on that in the future. Anyway, Eileen, convinced me I should just throw away my pack of cigarettes, and I did. Haven't had one since. It's a pretty amazing comentary on the discovery deal that quitting smoking was the absolutely EASIEST thing I could think of to do as a life changing event.

And it is a life changing event. I guess I smell better. I know I have more spare change in my pockets. I haven't seen my friends at the convenience store in weeks.

But I'd love to have a cigarette. It's just a freaking shame I can't smoke just one; or just one pack. And I don't want to get back into the vice of that addiction. It's such a pain to always have to have cigarettes, or plan to stop and get more before you run out. And it makes you smell--and it costs an absolute arm and a leg--and, there's that health stuff, too. It is nice that my throat isn't hurting.

I just wish I felt better; and that during moments when I'm pissed, I wouldn't REALLY want a cig. But those things won't change; so I'm not going to worry about them.

My mantra is, it's been almost three weeks; I'm over the physical addiction. This three weeks has probably been the EASIEST smoking cessation of them all; some have been real doozies (thanks again, Boca-chickie!). No reason on earth to give all this up for a smelly, expensive, cancer stick. I'll only have to go through it again, soI might as well stick with this one. And the urges haven't been all that bad (nobody's died; and that's always a good thing).

But back in the bad old days, I really liked smoking. Except for the stink, and the cost, and the pain, and inability to breathe.

I've been on sabbattical, or something. And I'm going right back!

2009-03-14T20:04:00.002-04:00

I don't think anybody's missed my blog, but I have. February was a flash; March is marching on. Right now, I'm up to my neck in projects.

DD's senior project involves making an antebellum dress--channel Scarlette here, ladies. So beyond my skill level (and DD's never made anything but torn up tee shirts and modified tote bags).

And get this...I love this one. My oh so beloved DS is making a model of the Globe Theater--tomorrow. Yep, boychild thinks he can recreate the half timber Globe in one Sunday afternoon.

Snif. I'm so proud of my children. They're such dreamers.

I'm running away from home...right this very minute. Let's see, the Globe Theater is due on Monday (laughing hysterically here) and the pink silk gown is due April 7. I'll be back around the 8th.

Back in the saddle again

2009-01-30T05:17:00.002-05:00

I lied. I haven't gotten those pictures up yet. I haven't gotten my room totally back together again, either. But I do have all the larger pieces of furniture back in, I was able to gather all the clean clothes that had been squirreled away in laundry baskets waiting for easier access to their drawers--and most importantly, I have the keurig coffee maker back in operation.

My angel darling sister gave me the reusable cup thing for Christmas, and I was finally able to use it this morning. Oh yeah, life is back to almost being perfect.

Maybe I should check my lottery ticket numbers.

It's done.

2009-01-25T16:36:00.003-05:00

Yeah.

I'm going to take another nap. I did take some pics, so I"ll get them up eventually.

There's primer on the walls!

2009-01-24T13:30:00.003-05:00

I'm beyond thrilled. The end is nigh. There's a light (and yes, I sang the line from Rocky Horror when I wrote that) at the end of the tunnel.

I woke up at 5:00 a.m. Read a little of Loretta Chase's The Last Hellion, and decided to get to work. So, I caulked. Effen I say so myself, I'm a cawking caulker (I've been to Maine). Got dressed, asked the DD through her closed door if she wanted to go to breakfast and Home Depot, but suprisingly (not) she declined.

Went to breakfast. Drank lots of coffee delivered to me. It was marvy. Since my bedroom has been in flux for three weeks now, the Keurig is buried in the guest room--so I haven't had my instant coffee fix every morning--and that is not a Good Thing.

Anyway, I was sitting there and these two older guys were seated at the booth beyond mine. I happened to notice that each of them had rather impressive beer bellies--but not the most incredible ones I've ever seen. No biggie, I just happened to notice. So, I'm eating, and sipping, and reading my book; and I start to overhear their conversation. Beer Belly one says, "it's just incredible how women let themselves go when they get married." Beer Belly two agrees, and they go one to talk about all the women they know who've gotten fat. I found it a bit hypocritical and enjoyed the irony as they shoveled in blue berry pancakes as fast as they could.

From there, it was off to see my new best friend, Rick. Rick is from New Jersey. He works in the paint department at Home Depot. He gives me pretty good tips--except he told me to use spackling compound on my torn sheetrock places without first coating the wound with white shellac. I was happy to hear that, since HD was only selling white shellac in gallons for $35.00 a piece. Got home, applied spackling to said rooms, and immediately the bare drywall began rippling. Went to my neighborhood Ace hardware store, and was told I should use drywall mud for that. Bought drywall mudd, came home and it didn't cause rippling. Just thought you'd like to know; I myself have no use of this knowledge because as God is my witness, I'll never spackle again. ).

Anyhoodles, Rick stirred my Restoration Hardware paint that I bought last February. Then Rick fixed me up a gallon of primer, tinted to match the paint. I came home, did all the necessary prep, and DD and I primed the room.

It wasn't worth the hell of the past few weeks, but it looks pretty damn good. We'll be painting tomorrow.

Other hints for those who haven't sworn off home repair: those little paddles for cutting in--they work. Buy yourself one. In fact, they work so well, I think I"m going to go buy the larger one to use instead of the roller. And those latex gloves they sell in the paint department. Those suckers get the DamBetty seal of approval, too. When I go buy the new paint paddle, must get more.

I wanted to post before and after pictures, but didn't. The before was ghastly. Pale peach paper with various colored stylized flowers with a darker peach border with larger flowers. Ickoid. Just imagine late 70's cliched wall paper and you're there. I also wanted to document the incredibly beautiful spackling job I did; but the camera was downstairs and I already had goop all over my hands, so it didn't seem to worth the trip. I just might take the camera up there and snap a shot or two of the primed walls. Maybe a shot of the guest room mess. Maybe a shot of my pitiful nails (I'm seriously considering a mani/pedi this afternoon). We'll just have to see.

It's snowing!

2009-01-20T07:55:00.003-05:00

We have about an inch (so far) of the most beautiful powder I've ever seen in NC. Would that I were in the mountains skiing. I tried to get to work; had to back down one hill, went another route and slid through two stop signs. Fishtailed going into the church parking lot from which I called my supervisor to say this just wasn't going to work today; turned around and made it home.

Looks like I'll be a caulking fool while watching the Inauguration. And, I'm going to wear red (they're saying on the news that some idiots out there are up in arms that the Obamas are wearing red for the occasion--marking them as commies. Oh puhleeze. These next four years are going to be such fun).

Y'all thought I was kidding.

2009-01-19T16:34:00.005-05:00

But this has become the home improvement project from hell. I've been to Home Depot once, and the local hardware store twice now.

Here's what I looked like about 30 minutes ago when I finally got the FIRST, dammit, FIRST coat of spackling sanded.

Just shoot me now.

Doesn't the DD look clean? Ha. Not for long. I have her up there vacuuming the walls and then dry sponging them. That shirt I was wearing--it's a very very dark green. I may never get the smell of that dust out of my nose, even after having worn the mask. I know you're dying to see the unmasking...

As God is my witness, I'll never strip wallpaper again.

Another Saturday Night

2009-01-17T17:53:00.003-05:00

OMG, I;m in such a mess. DD came home from Maine at New Years and decided I was totally worthless and started stripping the wallpaper in my bedroom. I had to make her stop long enough to move most of the furniture out. So here it is, 2 weeks later, I can';t get to my underwear without reenacting that scene from that movie. I can't find anything, there;s wall paper shreds and pieces all over the carpet,'

the paper is down, and I spent literally the last 12 hours scrubbing the walls with substitute TSP, scrapping, scrubbing, scrubbing with steel wool, rinsing. up and down the step ladder. I'm almost done, but these walls are really nasty. I've done the best I can, but I don't think I got all the wallpaper gunk off. Also, I think they must have used a scim coat of plaster under the paper, and some of that has been scratched Of course we tore the actual paper of the underlying sheet rock, too. I knew I'd have to spackle, but I'm thinking this is beyond my skill level.
dayum.

dsis and her dh are coming Tuesday; I've got to get the house put back together before they get here. I know I won't be able to find a painter, if I had the money to pay him, before Tuesday.

so, I could just say f-it and paint over the crap, but it would look disgusting. I can't have that, so, I'll probably just clean up the construction crap and let them sleep in here with raw walls. I hate not to finish such a big project--who the heck knows when I'll get back to it, and now I HAVE to look at this crap for weeks!!!

Oh, and remember DD the little angle who started this whole fiasco?

She's out driving my car, with my Tom Tom and my digital camera. But she did clean the rest of the house today, so she really has helped.

I wanted to cry, so I blogged. blogging is better.

I ate dinner at the batchelor's pad tonight

2009-01-13T22:00:00.003-05:00

DH invited me over to his apartment to have some lamb. Having nothing better than some probably tired hamburger in the fridge, I went.

Oh my.

I knew things were pretty grody over there, but I was not prepared. It was rank nasty. We had to wait for the lamb to cook, and there's only so much of "Scrubs" I can stand, so I started picking up the DS's dirty clothes. Then, I went to his bedroom, that DD had originally claimed, but then she never stays over. Poor DS was sleeping onthe couch, rather than the mattress on the floor. So, I gathered up her stuff and put it to the side so thatDS could at least get in the room. Picking up all that stuff made me look at the floor.

Big mistake. It, too, was nasty/gross. I called DS to come move the mattress so I could get the sheetsw out from between the mattress and the wall. He was his usual 'yes m'am, momma; what can I do for you" guy (ie, he whined and moaned like I'd asked him to dig his own grave). But we were saved by the bell...the dinner bell.

The lamb was quite delicious and afterwards, I made DS load the dishwasher, then I asked where was my vacuum cleaner (when DH moved out, I gave him the downstairs vacuum, a huge sacrifice on my part, because I hate lugging the Kirby up and down stairs, and the cannister got the surface dirt off the wine colored carped in the den much better anyway.).

At that point, my darling child grabbed my coat and purse and thanked me for coming.

To tell you the truth, there was no well in hell I was going to vacuum that place anyway, but it was funny.

2009--it's finally here!

2009-01-01T09:13:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!

I fell asleep last night, watching Carolina play Nevada. My personal idea of heaven is watching the Heels play basketball on New Year's Eve. Why didn't somebody think of this before? Anyhoodles, I neglected to choose the sleep option on the TV, and the poor thing ran all night. (resolution, be more careful about wasting resources this year).

So, I woke up to this espn talk show. I think the guy's name was Colin Cowhip (or something equally unlikely) and the show was the Herd or something. Guy had a very nice voice, so I just lay there, luxuriating in the fact that I had no hang over, no real plans for the day, and nothing that would get me up out of my cozy little nest. Don't you just LOVE mornings like that?

Anyway, the guy started ranting about John Daly, who is evidently this PGA golfer who's been suspended for six months. The guy said Daly had been quoted last week about saying there was only one more day until the new year (or something, I was in a most delightful doze). Then, the guy starts ranting that people like Daly will never change. They make poor life choices and they'll never change unless threatened with death. That defeatist attitude needled into my cozy cocoon like a shaft of cold steel.

Man, that guy was harsh and beyond sanctimonious. It appears his philosophy is that nobody can change and losers will always be losers (not that I know anything about John Daly or his problems. The closest I get to the PGA is frequent rereads of the SEP's with the golf guys. Oh, and did you hear that she's writing a new one with Teddy Beaudine? Yum!, but I digress).

Mr. Cowlick, or whatever, has evidently totally written off hope and redemption for the common man.

I hope he's happy on his Ivory Tower, because if I remember my Greek tragedies correctly, those towers can quickly turn into shafts, if you catch my drift.

So, for all my friends and family, I wish for you hope in the new year. Hope and the chance to seize the opportunity to make changes, if you feel they're necessary. Enjoy the dawning of a day and new year with the potential of endless opportunities... I'm certainly going to.

What a great vacation.

2008-12-29T20:19:00.002-05:00

2008 has been quite a year. I won't be sorry to see the end of it, to be quite candid.

I did, however, greatly enjoy my Christmas break. I have to thank the Pres for the extra day--honestly, I needed it. I didn't do much for Christmas this year. I didn't even put up a tree or decorate a single thing. Which, of course, means I don 't have to take that stuff down. I figured that saved me at least three or four days. I've taken long afternoon naps. I'm pretty sure I'm going to pay for that tomorrow at work. Why hasn't North America adopted the marvelous custom of siesta?

For those who may be wondering why I didn't send Christmas cards, again, this year, I'll tell you. The DH and I separated last October. I didn't think that news would make much of a holiday statement--even though I truly believe it has been nothing but beneficial to all parties. Then this year, my father died the Monday before Thanksgiving. Yet another nonholiddayesque piece of news. I have wondered a bit about my reticence to share these significant life events with my friends and family. Most, if not all, already know. I just didn't think it would contribute to any one's holidays.

Life is not, of course, filled only with happy and joyful things. Crap happens at an alarming rate and regularity. Call me the queen of denial if you must, but I just didn't want to think about the sad things this Christmas. So I didn't. I napped, I read; I puttered trying to keep the house picked up. I played with my kid and my dogs. I even let the stupid cat sleep with me. And I have to say--it worked. I feel so much better, which will last until at least 9:00 a.m. in the morning when I have to get back to work and reality.

It was a very good run, though. I hope your holidays will bring you peace and serenity. I think we're going to need it in 2009.

DC

2008-12-16T20:31:00.008-05:00

I had a pretty important interview in DC yesterday. I wanted to go up Saturday and play a little, but it just wasn't in the cards. I didn't even make it out of town particularly early on Sunday. But I did manage to navigate myself to the Woodbridge Ikea and then to the hotel. It's the same hotel I stayed at for the written demonstration back in November. The bellman greated me by name when he came to open my door, and immediately asked how my father was doing. When I went to DC back in November, Daddy had made amazing progress and was getting all the ice cream he could lick, after a Herculean effort to convince the medical powers that be that he could swallow after removal of the ventilator tubing. I had to tell him that daddy had died, and he was very sweet about it. I can't remember his name to save my life; and that makes me sad, because he was such a sweetie. In my fantasy world, I'm going to immediately become as rich as Roarke, and hire him to be my Summerset!

this hotel--it actually has a name, the State Plaza; was really cool. First, it was located within a block and a half of OPM, where my tests (very loose use) were; secondly, the price was right, especially if you used their internet link; and third, it's rather European in its ambience. Very nice, but not luxe, if you know what I mean. And, all their rooms are suites with decent sized kitchens, a very nice dressing room that I covet IRL, and retro bathrooms that I just loved.
On my first trip, we had a two bed suite (DS went with me), so it was a little larger. I spent the evening redecorating it with functional furniture from Ikea. I decided it was just about all the property I wanted to have to maintain--although a little balcony was really needed to make it totally peachykeene.

I'm sincerely hoping that the actual point of this post is going to jump right up and take control any minute now. while we're waiting, here's some pics:

This is what it took to get me all gussied up for the interview. As this nect picture will demonstrate, I am not a child of the facebook/my space generation. I can't take a picture of myself.

On my way up there (I'm just a victim of my puter, who knows what I did to make it start underscoring--sorry, but it's beyond my capacity to change it now.) I stopped at JR--a serious ouylet. In the picture, I'm wearing the cashmere/silk sweats I got for $50.00. They feel sooo good.

Here's yet anothwer poorly taken and out of focus picture of me in my suit.

Well, the point never did reappear so I guess this is enough.

I don't get it

2008-12-11T22:11:00.002-05:00

You probably don't know, but family lore is that I'm related to Ben Franklin on my mother's side. I believe it, 'cause I've got the nose to prove it. Anyway, that's why I have Ben's quotes in my side bar.

Just now, I noticed today's quote:

The cunning man steals a horse, the wise man lets him alone.

I just don't get it. Who or what is the wise man leaving alone? The cunning man or the horse? And why? Wouldn't a cunning man be pretty handy to have around, even if "cunning" does have a tinge of evil in its connotation, it still means smart, thinking, planning. I like a cunning man myself. Or how about the horse. So, the wise man just leaves the horse? That's honorable, not to steal (I do know that much). Maybe it means that it's just too much trouble and exposure to take the horse. Maybe the wise man knows the horse is trained to always return home and is afraid he'll be trying to ride the horse when horsie says "oops, gotta go get my hay" and takes off. Maybe I'm not interpreting "lets" correctly. As you see above, I consider it synonymous with "leaves," or perhaps an earlier usage. But hey, I could be totally wrong on that, too (these things happen).

So, assuming someone will actually read this blog one day, if you get this, would you please explain the greater meaning of it to me.

Thanks. I'd appreciate it.

The kids...h

2008-12-10T13:10:00.003-05:00

They were cute this morning. DD's new power cord for her Macbook came in, and since she's basically dii (dead in the internet) without it, I just couldn't justify waiting for Christmas when she needs it so badly. So I gave it to her this morning. it works, the computer works, and she was very happy.

In walks my baby. He's six feet tall and a big guy and 14. He came in with a sheepish look on his face and said "I know I'm five, but can I have a present, too?"

Seemed only reasonable to me, especially when he was being sweet and funny and not whining and demanding (not that EITHER of my children would ever be whiny or demanding). I happened to have a stocking stuffer-==a cast iron hook thingie with a moose in relief above to decorate. Hey, his dog is named "Moose" so unbeknownst to him, the Moose has become his decorating motif.

Anyway, the iron hookie thing was sitting in the other room, so I grabbed it and gave it to him.

Unimpressed, stunned, and perplexed, he turned to me and asked, "a hookie thing? You gave me a hookie thing??!!??"

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

I'm so happy.

2008-11-06T22:00:00.002-05:00

first of all, I'm profoundly grateful this country selected a great new president.
secondly, I get to go the mountain house tomorrow for the first time since July.
I get to spend the weekend with my college bound daughter, and our wonderful friend, Ms. Woowoo.

Yippee!

I just don't get it...

2008-11-04T19:19:00.003-05:00

How can the people who constantly rave about how bad government is, be the ones who want government to control the most intimate decision a woman can make?

Being pro choice doesn't mean you're pro-abortion, you know.

The world didn 't stop...

2008-10-31T20:22:00.002-04:00

For the very first time in my adult life, I hid from the Trick or Treaters. I just didn't want to mess with it. The kids are at a Halloween party, the dogs are in with me, I'm drinking kahlua and soy mild (;~)), watching the Ap State/Wofford game. Life is good.

Of course, this is the first time I've come up for air since I got back from Connecticut, but that's okay, too. As of tomorrow, I'm all over getting ready for the administrative law test I'll be taking in DC on 11/21. So, tonight is especially sweet.

Happy Halloween! Even if I didn't give out candy.

Columbus Day. The best Holiday of the year

2008-10-16T22:52:00.002-04:00

In the 12 years I've been a federal employee, Columbus Day has become my favorite holiday. Think about it. No cards. No meals. No decorations (unless you're absofreaking insane). No presents. And my kids never get the day off! It's perfect.

Here's some pics of how I spent this Columbus Day:

We didn't have Mystic Pizza, but we did have some darn good Buffalo Chicken Pizza:

From Connecticut

The leaves weren't quite at peak, but they were still awfully pretty:

From Connecticut

This is what happens when you spend too much time reading p-dub:

From Connecticut

What a gorgeous afternoon it was:

From Connecticut

I used to sail one of these:

From Connecticut

My friend was megaworried over this horse.

From Connecticut

The Witch of Blackbird Pond was one of my all time favorite books as a child. I just couldn't stop thinking of it the entire time I was in Mystic:

From Connecticut

and this one:

From Connecticut

Oh well, there are lots (and lots) more pictures where those came from, but it's time for me to get to bed!

New Haven, CT

2008-10-12T23:09:00.003-04:00

I'm spending my Columbus Day holiday weekend with a friend in New Haven. It's my first autum weekend in New England, but certainly not my last. I'm pretty sure my camera is out in the car (God, I hope so, anyway). I found the case, but not the camera. I was going to see how my pictures from Mystic Seaport came out. I have to go home tomorrow, but first we're going to poke around Yale. Richard, a guy a met onthe plane flying up here, says they have a copy of the Gutenberg Bible.

I'm trying to clean my pantry

2008-10-05T16:56:00.002-04:00

OMG, who wants to come over and have Hamburger Helper. I can't believe there are five boxes of that stuff (trying to keep it clean, DS does occasionally enjoy HH). My pantry is a closet with a really weird configuration at the top. I'd swear it was under the stairs, but it's not. So, either there are stairs within the walls going places I cannot imagine, or it's there for some reason not readily apparent.

Since I don't have issues with trust, I'm going with not readily apparent.

One side is about 7 inches tall rising over a space of about 28 inches (the length of the shelf) to about 30 inches.

From Pantry

Here's the rest of the pantry:

From Pantry

So, I'm thinking a shelf about 6.5 inches tall. Then, I was thinking clear stackable containers for the beans, rice, pasta, powdered sugar, brown sugar, regular sugar (hey, DD loves to bake); etc. But the shelf is probably 14 inches deep; so if there's a shelf over the containers, would I be able to get them out; or would it not be a big hairy deal to just double stack them. I would be able to see the contents, because the shelves are wire mesh, so I could just look at the bottoms through the shelf. Then, I could use the taller side for stuff I don't take out of the boxes.

Lots of great places on the internet for this, but if you've got any recommendations on containers, please share.

Here's what needs to go back in there (and now would be the best time, since I really need to start cooking supper):

From Pantry

and yes, that's a 5 pound bag of grits. I love grits, but I think at my current rate of consumption, it'll take 5 years to eat that much (WWIT??)
and there were a couple more of the other counters, but I don't appear to have uploaded them. What a loss to the greater world of photography.

So, help! And thisof course, now brings me to the real question. Why the hell does someone who cooks as rarely as I have all this FOOD!

a new mini computer

2008-10-03T18:00:00.002-04:00

I got an asus eee a few weeks ago. It's aa cute little machine, but please be aware, the keyboard is itsy bitsy and while I've gotten somewat better at using it; typos will still be quite prevalent.

My new little computer uses a Linux OS. I used to know the actual version, but I forgot. I guess I'm going to have to load xp on it. It has a mp3 player, and the library has recently started offering mp3 audiobooks. should work, huh. Not so much. I can't get Overdrive mp3 player to open; I personally dont see why I should even have to do that anyway. but then again, n0body gives a rip what I think. so, i'll keep- working on it. but, if anybody happens across any relevant info, please let me know.

You know how you can increase the font size in windows. I cn't figure out how to do it in Linux. clues on that would be helpful, too.

I'm hungry but don't feel like going downstairs and cooking something. how worthless is that?
1
BTW, DD has been must acco0mmodting and hasn;t stolen my robe all week.

she's gone too far

2008-09-28T19:31:00.002-04:00

the little darling is out campaigning for Obama in my Prius.
that's great. However, she is not answering calls or texts asking her to explain why I had to go to HER room to get my white fluffy robe off the floor before I could take my shower. (see post below about my current feelings on that). And I realized, this is it. Sunshine has gone too far.

Note to my daughter: use my robe--never mind merely failing to put it back--USE my robe--and every single thing you hold dear: cell phone, car, door, computer, ipod, books, and TV will be gone.

Love,

Momma

ps: I have a new motto: I don't make threats, I make promises.

ve at t6he compound

2008-09-28T19:04:00.001-04:00

a bathtub. it can be in the indoor/outdoor bathroom, but definitely a bathtub.

Well, hell.

2008-09-25T03:32:00.004-04:00

I woke up at 2:00 a.m. It was old (you'll have to insert the letter that sounds like see in every weird word, more on that later). I'd fallen asleep as soon as I hit the door; so that was a good 8 hours. Anyway, I woke up, raving offee, ame downstairs and brewed a pot. I feed the pups, dried a load of laundry and ran the dishwasher. I was really in a pretty good mood. Played on my Asus a little while. ame to the onlusion that I hate the damn keyboard. I just an't type on the little bastard. The dogs started fighting, Moose started eating my last year band parent's hat, so they were banished bak to their rates. I played a little more on the Asus and finally said, well, you know what I said.

So, I ame to the big omputer. Guess what? DD, or should I say dear PIG? has s rewed up THIS keyboard. AT first, I thought road runner was just being annoying; but I soon realized that the see is no longer fun tional. Freaking amazing, huh? The only way I was able to navigate to this site was to modify a link from my bookmarks.

I am so tempted to go upstairs and drag her out of bed to rail about this entire deal; but it is 3:37 and I guess that might be evil. But dammitalltohell and ba k, she freaking deserves it. I have TOLD her time and time and time again to quit eating over this keyboard; and now this.

Major league poopers oopers.

It's tarnished the joy I was going to share with all my faithful readers (ha) about having found my "brain" (PDA to all those who don't really know me and don't know that I've been totally unable to fun tion without a PDA sin e 1996). Anyway, I lost it over the weekend. Spent Friday night volunteering at the Brisinger release at Barnes and Noble (DS said it was good, so that was a worthwhile event); ouldn't find it while franti ally pa king the daypa k for the band festival I haparoned on Saturday--for 12 freaking hours for a daughter who has now ruined my relatively new ergonomi keyboard ( an you tell every missed " " is firing me up all over again?). And the pda was lost. Very lost. I even Fall leaned the bedroom yesterday, moved every pie e of furniture, va ummed, dusted, turned the mattress (by the way, I did find the book I'd lost to the bed in July, so that's something). I onta ted all the pla es I'd been. Nope. The brain was well and truly lost.

Took DS to the do tor; got bak out into the automobile, stu k my hand in my purse to find something--and God put that PDA right in my hand. How amazing is that? I've been breathing the breathe of the blessed ever sin e. Until tonight.

I think I'll try to go ba k to bed, now. Just to see if it is possible to save the rest of the day.

So, anybody know where I an buy a "see"?

It's bulls by the horn day

2008-09-04T08:45:00.005-04:00

(I don't know why this text is now blue and underlined. I'm sure there's a cosmic meaning, so I'm leaving it)

So far, and it's only 8:47, I have made great strides in chopping down a few trees. Go me! I made a call I've been dreading, was met with professionalism and concern; and now I feel newly shriven and released from self-imposed guilt (and unwarranted, but that's the point with self-imposed guilt).

So, if you've been putting off dealing with something unpleasant; until the point that it assumes huge dominance over your thought processes, I urge you to join me on "bulls by the horn" day and deal with it. I'm old. I know things are never as bad as they s eem; but that's a life lesson I just keep having to learn over and over and over again.

And, just because I want to now turn my attention to more pleasant considerations, here's a picture of my girl scout troop, and the mothers and leaders, at the Gold Tea we hosted back in May. I'm so proud of all of these girls. One of these days, I'm going to post about the lessons I learned while preparing for the tea. It was a positive orgy of family feminism--I used items from my great and grand mothers; as well as my mother's. I used family recipes (and flipped through many more); and basically just had myself a fine old time making cheese straws, chicken salad, pimento cheese, and so much more; and all the other stuff that is required of a traditional southern afternoon tea.

Love,

Betty

PS: I'm proud of me!

The trees, omg, the trees

2008-09-01T08:25:00.003-04:00

I've always been one of those persons who can't see the forest for the trees. I'm hopelessly detail oriented and hyperfocused. Always have been. I really try to make myself pull back and try to see the forest, I do. But sometimes, the trees just keep crashing in.

The trees are consuming me right now. I think the only thing I can do is start hugging one and hang on for a little while.

It's been a week.

2008-08-30T23:10:00.002-04:00

My father was in the hospital all week, so that just added to the overall stress level. He's out now, but his tests and things aren't looking all that good. Fortunately (yeah right) my parents are both advocates of the "if I don't think about it, it won't happen" school of thought. But hey, when there's something really bad coming your way with nothing you can do about it, that might just be the way to go.

My feet have been hurting this week. Wah.

My bed ate the second book of the Grace Valley series. Cross my heart. I was reading it in bed Sunday night. Fell asleep. Looked for it the next morning, and every morning since. It's just not there. I did a pretty thorough cleaning this morning--and that stupid book is just not there. I almost bought another copy, but managed to restrain myself.

I'm having a major communication issue with a woman at work. I got chewed out for a problem I didn't know existed. The woman who is causing these problems never bothered to express a complaint, a comment, hell, a word about anything; but without warning she went over my head to complain. So, the director called me into his office. He had no specifics to share with me; just the fact that a complaint had been made. I'm sorry, I need specifics. This is not the first time this has happened; in fact, it's just about totally par for our course. This past week was pretty intense work-wise, but come Monday morning, she and I are having a discussion. I wonder if she'd agree to let me record it--I absolutely do not trust her to remember anything correctly. Actually, now that I've thought of it for a nano second, I think I'm going to request that she, the higher up to whom she complained, and I all sit in on this meeting. I really don't appreciate the disrespect or the rudeness of the entire deal. I'm a professional, if I make a mistake, I own up to it. But for goodness sakes, you have to have actually communicate a goal before you can say someone has violated it. But it's probably just me...

I'm in Georgia, drinking Wine

2008-08-23T19:07:00.002-04:00

My darling neffy-poo got his Eagle award today. I am so proud. I didn't bring my compact flash reader, so I can't upload any photos, yet. It was pretty cool, because my sister's husband's family is from south Georgia, and since we live in NC, we really haven't interacted since the wedding--which just happened to have been 21 years ago--today. How amazing is that?

And now, thank God, the party's over. We just ate supper and I'm using the excuse that DSis's kitchen is too small for more people (namely me) to help. There's a very nice bottle of wine that appears to be disappearing rather rapidly; but I have a bottomless glass, so it's not my fault.

Back to Greensboro tomorrow. Probably not enough time for a stop by Ikea again; since I have to be in Greenville SC by 1:00 pm for an emergency color consult for the dd who bleached her hair in my absence. And on that note, I'm having another glass of wine.

My cat is very weird

2008-08-20T11:38:00.000-04:00

I have a bad case of dishpan hands, having just finally cleaned up and scoured the kitchen which was nasty because DD is NOT holding up her side of the bargain we negotiated...but anyway, so my hands smell of bleach, or something. I'm sitting here scrolling away, just taking a little break, and the cat comes up and wraps his little paws around my hand while it's on the mouse--he starts licking it (ick) and then the little idjit started biting my knuckles. WTH is up with that? He's never done anything like that before... made me laugh--once I'd disengaged the hand.

reposted from Adwoff (because I'm lazy, that's why)

The Saturday to which I referred previously

2008-08-14T18:54:00.003-04:00

Ok. I'm going to finish this story. Or that's the plan. We'll just have to see.

So anyway, Bonnie called and I threw all my other responsibilities to the wind and decided to go to the mountains. I should have stayed home and cleaned. I did get to the office, but it was a "dark" weekend, (meaning we had no intranet access) and I was working off my own hard drive. But, something happened, I think I got locked out of my laptop, and I had to stop after two hours. We'
re actually required to work at least four, but when stuff happens, it happens. So, I blew doors.

Raindrop (the name DD gave the POS her father and I bought her) and I were just tooling down the road, having a great time. At one point, something weird happened and she seemed to lose acceleration, but that got fixed. I talked to the DD on the phone, told her how well things were going. She informed me that they were well on their way home from the beach, and had stopped at Andy's, my absolutely all time favorite sandwich shop in Columbia, SC, and gotten me a double treat--my all time favorite sandwich. So things were good. I hung up. And so did Rainbow. No acceleration. She just stopped all forward motion, other than momentum. Thankfully, momentum got us off the road. I had made it 46.2 miles. I know that precisely. It is not important. I was on the side of the road, dead in the weeds.

Since I had had to rejoin AAA the previous weekend to get back into the van, I was all set to call my handy dandy automotive friends. I did, they said they'd send somebody out right away. It was a very nice day. Not too hot, which was a nice change. So I sat. I chatted on my cell phone to a bunch of people. I called in prescriptions I'd been meaning to do for a week. I read. I had Diet Rite and a cooler of ice, so things were just peachy.

But then, the Diet Rite decided enough was enough. And things got dire. I was right there on the side of the highway. There wasn't any cover. But after about an hour, I climbed the big hill and just took care of business. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

So I'm bored. Very bored. AAA had called back and they couldn't find anybody who could come get me and tow the car back to Greensboro without a wait (ended up being 4.5 hours). So I read. I chatted some more. I was in constant contact with Bonnie and they decided to just blow off the mountains and come to Greensboro; but it would be a while.

After about three hours, a very nice looking gentleman pulled over to make sure everything was okay. I told him that it was, that I was waiting for AAA and that I had drinks. I also told him that he was the only person to have stopped in over three hours. He gallantly said, "Well, I'm sorry I didn't get here sooner" and then he took off. It was such a very kind thing for him to have done. I felt like I'd been visited by an angel driving a yellow Miata convertible. With the top down. But he didn't take me with him when it left. It was sad.

I continued with boredom, and finally broke down and did something I had sworn I wouldn't do. I cleaned out the DD's car. I'm pretty sure she gets the nasty car gene from STBX. My car gets groddy, but I'll clean it up. When their cars reach critical mass, they just think it's time for the second layer. Luckily, there were multiple plastic bags, so I was able to sort the stuff that needed to go into the house (mostly one shoe of various pairs. how the child manages to do stuff like that, I don't know). I packed up the garbage. And, I found a bunch of 4th of July decorations.

I'd been in the mountains with the DS, and DD had spent the day celebrating with her posse of friends. So I decorated the car. It looked kinda cute. So, being a child of Pioneer Woman, I decided to take a picture. But by now, the sun was definitely shining too brightly through the windshied. So I did something I absolutely would not have done, had it not been for the amount of time I spend reading every single post on Pioneer Woman's blog. I adjusted the flippin' exposure on my cell phone camera. I couldn't believe it even occurred to me. But the picture came out pretty cute:

It worked! I was amazed. So, just about then, the friendly tow truck arrived. They scooped up Raindrop (the license plate is disguised by Photo tubes in paint shop pro--I don't have Photoshop, snif):

And then, since the wrecker guy had brought a friend, and I really didn't relish the idea of riding in the middle of the tow truck's front seat, and since I knew Bonnie and her gang were wending their way towards me, I talked the wrecker guy into taking me to the next exit, where he dropped me off at a Barbeque Restaurant.

This was good for a variety of reasons, some of which are depicted in pictures, but also because I was STARVING. But anyway, I got there, and used an actual bathroom (oh, the luxury) and quickly decided I was very happy to be there. Even though, this had been my first sight upon entering the establishment:

That was kind of how I felt. But still, a little off putting, don't you think?

So I looked to my right, and saw:

That looked pretty good. And I looked to my left:

And I knew I was home free. So I ordered a large chopped plate and proceeded to eat and read. It was only as I sat there that I realized I'd been through a harrowing event. Anything could have happened to me on that highway, but it didn't so I didn't go too crazy.

Just about as I finished, Bonnie, et. al., arrived. So they ate and we chatted and then we all drove back to my house. Which, you may remember, was not looking it's best.

This is what happens when I abandon my duties for my 'druthers. Every single time.

And as God is my witness, I'll never loan my Prius to anyone again.

Is it really mean to....

2008-08-13T12:41:00.001-04:00

Give Moose an empty jar of mayonnaise and laugh when he holds it with both paws and breathes heavily into it?

Just checkin'

See that cute baby boy in the picture below...

2008-08-13T10:28:00.002-04:00

He went to high school orientation today.

I. am. not. impressed.

My compound

2008-08-09T19:29:00.004-04:00

I have some undeveloped land up in the NC mountains that I inherited from my mother. When I say undeveloped, I mean it. No roads go close, but I'm going to work on that. Soon.

So, I've been fantasizing about what I'm going to do with it up there. I know I'll never have a bunch of money to really go crazy, but I should be able to plop a yurt up there one day. Just for the summers. I won't winter there. I've been fascinated with yurts for a couple of years now. Go check out www.yurts.com and see if you don't think they're pretty cool, too. So, my yurt obsession was formed on the internet, but last October, I actually visited a place that has two yurts (a little excessive, don't you think? since I haven't got any yurts).

Very soon after STBX and I split, my friend Ms. Woowoo took me to a Wild Woman home blessing--at a magical place in the mountains of SC--and among the many blessings I found there, were the yurts. I got to go in. They're as mystical as I'd imagined--and, they're really not that expensive.

I've always loved tent camping, so the yurt wasn't at all far fetched for me. But then I started thinking about bugs and vermin. I'm sure it's not a problem, but it seems to me that bugs and vermin could penetrate my lovely yurt. So, I've kept thinking.

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of church camp at Camp Linnhaven, which just happens to be around the bend and across the hollow from my property. There's a rustic two story lodge building, where we all met that is just so gorgeous. So, I've decided to include that in the compound.

What I'm thinking about, is building the lodge/pavilion--like the one at Linnhaven, but only one story (or maybe with a little loft...just a little one). In the pavilion, there will be a basic kitchen and a glorious bath--modeled quite extensively after Ms. Woowoo's. It will also have a large covered deck area (the frequent showers are called mountain sunshine and happen just about every afternoon). And there will be a large gathering room, with a fireplace, lots of squishy sofas for reading and relaxing.

Like this:

You'll notice the pavilion is missing a bedroom. That's because I'm going to have it--and a yurt! How cool is that? I'll move all the bedroom stuff into the pavilion for the winters, and then the little vermin can run wild through the empty yurt until I come back the next April. Win win win.

You might remember that I've referred to the Highland Games as the great house party experiment. That's because it's the first time I've ever taken people up there. The place only has two bedrooms; but I took a few more friends than that. So, everybody but me (hey, I was going to stay in the tent, but DD's friend didn't feel comfortable sleepng in the same tent with the DS, and I couldn't make him stay in the house all by himself, could I? It wouldn't have been motherly). So, I invited a bunch of people and told them to bring their tents. And we set up a tent village. Like this: (can't find the picture, dammit).

Anyway, everybody seemed to have a pretty good time and nobody died or anything, so I'm considering the entire thing a success. And this is important because that's the way I'm going to do it at the compound. After I get the pavillion and the yurt up, I'll (I say that in the general sense, you understand) also install platforms scattered closely, but privately, around, and my dear and wonderful friends can come see me and stay in their tents. Most of my friends really enjoy camping anyway, and with the advent of those double stacked air mattresses, it's not a hardship. There will be electricity available at each platform, and the pavillion will have all the amenities. So, I'm thinking it's going to work.

Here's some of the ideas I've been gathering. There are a few on magazine pictures I need to scan to add to my file, but here's some of the stuff I'm considering.

Some of you may recognize PW's farm's kitchen. It's basic, well designed, and more functional than any kitchen I've ever had before. So, I'm shanghaing it. I think PDub and her MIL would approve.

I'd also like to incorporate bottles into the fireplace. Kinda like this:
It's pretty and it's green. Andy hey, maybe they could be bottles actually consumed during the construction process.

And, I've always wanted to include garage door walls in the pavilion (even before I knew it was a pavilion). I've been seeing them in magazines over the past few years, and at Logan's our favorite dining establishment, they have this:

It's only a weird coincidence that PDub's sister has them in her house in Austin, cross my heart. But I swear, it's weird how these coinkydinkys keep popping up.

I'd love to have your thoughts on stuff to add. I definitely want it to keep it very simple, very green (I already have a source for the composting toilet) and very welcoming. I'm definitely going to have an outside shower (or two) because showering al fresco is one of the world's most delightful experiences. So, don't be shy. I need help.

Her first day

2008-08-06T07:28:00.002-04:00

My baby girl just left for her first day at school as a senior. I took a picture (of her printing out her summer assignments, 'cause why on earth should that have been done before?) but it's on her camera, which she took with her. Her pictures of her first day at 3 year old nursery school, kindergarten, and other grades, are all regular pictures, and haven't been converted to digital yet. So, I can't post them. I'll scrounge around and find something.

But still. I think I'm finally ready to let her go to kindergarten. This entire senior in high school thing has to be carefully considered. Next, she's going to want to go off to college or something equally ridiculous.

Poor Bonnie

2008-08-04T21:37:00.004-04:00

I might have left the wrong impression with my comment about getting a call from Bonnie. It was NOT the call from Bonnie than changed my life that week. It was her kind, sweet, wonderful, and incredibly loving call, asking me to come to the mountains and play with them that coming weekend, that rocked my world. Because, you see, I love the mountains. Love love love the mountains. And why wouldn't I, when it looks like this up there?

And I'm not only a wimp, I'm weak. Very weak. Because even though I hadn't gotten nearly enough stuff done around the house, and I really should have worked a full day at the office on Saturday and my darling babies who I hadn't seen in a week were returning home that day, I immediately started really considering it. Once they threw in a reminder that it was my angel neffy-poo's birthday on Sunday, the deed was done.

So, I start getting ready for the weekend. Until Friday morning, when I greet Sienna Lee with my usual loving comment, get in, and fire her up. And what does that ungrateful car do? She flashes a "check engine light" at me. Now, was that nice? Was that called for? I stopped in the drive way and immediately looked it up in the owners manual (that's what lawyers do, you know. We look stuff up). It said hie thee to a dealer. I said hie this and continued on to the office. (Oh, yeah; I'd also left my cell phone at the office the day before, so I was nekkid on the interstate). Got there, called STBX, and he said fergetaboutit. So I immediately flung taking Sienna Lee to the doctor from my to do list. But, I was still somewhat hesitant about driving her up to the mountains if she wasn't feeling well.

Did this setback stop my plans to join my adorable darling little sister (360 days younger)? of course not. I considered taking the Mountaineer Express, a twice a day bus from Greensboro to Boone that costs the ridiculous sum of $10.00. What a deal, and I could have read the entire way. But Bonnie was working on the house and really didn't want to take the time to come to Boone and pick me up--and she definitely didn't want to have to take me back to Boone on Sunday morning before they left to return to Georgia. So, I explored alternative mass transit options, leaving from Asheville to return to Greensboro on Sunday. (Bonbon and I really wanted to go to Biltmore on Sunday. We both have season passes, and while she's used hers, mine hasn't been used and it's going to expire September 2). Well, it might have well been Maine, 'cause you just cain't get here-yah from there-yah. (the Maine inlaws have spent years making fun of my Southern accent, not knowing the absolute glee their accents were creating in my soul, so I can say this stuff--as long as they never read it).

So, I called the Van-Man, BIL of the year who can fix everything and unfortunately, is generally called upon to do so. You see, DD's car, was sitting out in the driveway, too. It's older, and it's smallish, and she's got the most God-awful bumper stickers and window paint all over the thing. And, at the time, no bumper. Well, she had a bumper, it just wasn't on the car. Her mommy had given her a bumper for her birthday and we were waiting for STBX to have it installed. There were problems, so we were just waiting. Anyhoodles, I knew Van-Man could do it, so I called him and he assured me that the little car would have no problems getting to the mountains. I called DD, just to run it by her, and she assured me that the car would make it to the mountains. I talked to STBX, and he assured me that the car would make it to the mountains.

So (and this is the epitome of the wimp factor, here), I BELIEVED THEM. This also explains my original and much misunderstood comment about Bonnie's call. My wimpdom just wouldn't allow me not to find a way to get to the mountains. And I wouldn't have even considered it, if I hadn't wanted to see my beloveds so very badly; so I let the wimp out.

Guess what?

The car didn't make it to the mountains.

And that, my friends, will be the subject of the next post (and was to have been the subject of the prior post). It's a good thing blogger doesn't charge me by the word. Actually, they don't charge me at all, which is mighty kind and generous of them. Heck, maybe they should change their name to bonnie-ger, 'cause she's mighty kind and generous, too.

It's also a good thing that none of my former English teachers read this. My run-on factor is off the charts these days.

What I did last Saturday--or the one before that

2008-08-03T15:00:00.004-04:00

I'm finally getting some of the "old" stuff I've already written up here. It's old, like my croc in the picture. See, if I weren't doing this, I"d have to clean up the crisis that surrounds me--and I'm going to do it, really. Just not right now. Right now I have important stuff to do, like posting this blog.

Week before last, STBX took the kids to Edisto Island for vacation. EI is my most favorite of all places, but I didn't go (all that STBX stuff, ya know). Anyway, after all the leave I've taken from work this winter, my leave balance rivals my bank balance for pitifulness, so it wasn't really an option anyway.

OK. So I'm a wimp. There was never a doubt, but this experience just totally reinforced that concept. STBX drives our old Sienna LE van. Great car, still going strong, very comfy for long road trips, lots of room, mega dings and dents since STBX has been driving it exclusively, but that was to be expected. The only problem with Sienna LE (pronounced Sienna Lee, as determined by DD at about age 7) is that she's got a slight drinking problem. It's not excessive, given her size and age and all, but she does suck down some gas.

Now, I drive a Prius. Back last February when the writing was on the wall (in freakin' neon) that there was going to be a split; I accepted the inevitable and realized that Bubblz, my adored and darling VW bug ragtop, just wasn't going to be practical transportation during the upcoming transition. I mean, the DD was taking frequent cello lessons, for goodness sakes; and if the weather wasn't cooperative, she had to ride in the back seat while the cello reclined in the front--leaving no room whatsoever for the DS (whose initial desire to play the cello was immediately quashed by his mom--cellos are NOT easily transported). Anyway, Bubblz was traded in for the Prius. The Prius has no name; she's just a great car and gets me to and from wherever I want to go WITHOUT ANY DAMN PROBLEMS! (you'll forgive me for shouting, soon).

Back to the wimpdeal--I let STBX take the Prius for the week. He was taking the kids, after all; and it would save him a bunch of $$$. And it wasn't that big a deal. Even though driving Sienna Lee now makes me feel like an 8 year old driving her daddy's car, I could deal.

Transferring cars makes me anxious. STBX had loaned me the van the previous weekend for the Highland Games Houseparty adventure; and I was already on the ropes. There's just too much stuff that is required in a car these days. Chargers, sun glasses, garage door openers, GPS devices, hats, wind breakers,--stuff. But it was all in about 3 tote bags anyway, so the transition shouldn't have been that tough.

Did I mention the Smart Key? That's a relatively new feature of cars that I never thought I'd love--but I DO. I truly do. With the smart key, you just zip the little fobbie thing (no actual metal protrusions are on a Prius key--just a fob) into the interior pocket of your purse and go. When you walk up to the car, you just open the door. You then hit the big power button, and quietly (no motor at first) glide away. Oh my. This is a truly addictive and excellent advance in technology. Ever since I've been driving the Prius, keys have slid out of my universe.

Sienna Lee is an old-fashioned girl, and while she has a fob with a beeper; she doesn't have a smart key. I left the house on the way to work Saturday before last. I stopped at Sam's to get dogfood or something equally benign (oh, and pick up Tribute, Nora's latest. But the new book had absolutely no stake in the decision to stop. You believe me, don't you? Sucka). And of course I locked my keys in the car. Got my dad and Joyce to come get me and take me home, hoping I'd find an old spare key somewhere. Nope. Ended up rejoining AAA, and they unlocked the car. (oh, btw, Sienna Lee doesn't have onstar, either, OK? ). So, that kinda sucked all the available working hours out of the day, and left me feeling rather put upon. But, I'm used to that, and I had an excellent book to read.

Enjoyed my week of peace and quiet. Wish I could have gotten more done around the house, but I barely got the placed picked up. But still, it was good.

Until Bonnie called.

(Please note for the future, when problems arise in my life, they can usually be traced to calls from a family member. Don't ever underestimate the power telephone calls from family have over my wimp factor. )

And this post is entirely too long already, and I haven't even GOTTEN to the one that was supposed to be the topic of this post. The clutter calls; Flylady is whispering in my ear ("ice cream sandwich"--oh, no; I think that was my mean angel. If I concentrate really hard, I can hear Flylady whispering 'baby steps' ---"possibly to the freezer", but I think that last part would be the mean angel breaking through again. In any event, I'm going to get to work on this room and you'll just have to wait for the continuing saga of automobile hell.

Oh yeah, I also downloaded the audio version of J. R. Ward's Lover ?? to listen to while I work!
Because I ain't totally stupid.

Stephanie Meyer

2008-08-02T10:51:00.002-04:00

I haven't read the books. I'm going to, as soon as the DD keeps whisking them away immediately after thrusting them into my face. The entire damfam (except for the STBX) volunteered at the High Point B&N release party last night. I manned the tissue paper flower corsage station. Made an incredible number of the little suckers. Demonstrated the technique to countless tweens (it's a very good skill). reminisced with mothers about learning it in Brownies. Taught it to a few of the brave boys who attended--told them they could save their butts with them, were they to pull a "male moment" and piss off their girlfriends after florist hours. Had a great time. Came home totally exhausted. Woke to DD screaming about something in the book. Then, my woowoo friend Brina called at 10 and woke me up. She was astounded to find me still in bed, as I'm usually the early bird dragging her mermaid hair out of the bed. The only thing I could think was "Oh, God. I promised to volunteer at the Briesinger (Eragon) release in September." It'll be fun, and I have at least 6 weeks to recover.

DD manned/girled the registration desk outside the doors; affixing the appropriate bands to the wrists of the faithful. DS had the best job of all--he was the book bouncer. DS is a very big guy for a 14 year old, and was wearing a black shirt with raybans; standing with his arms crossed in front of the books. Definitely meant to be a brother of the BBD. He was there to prevent anyone from touching, photographing, or otherwise jeopardizing the purity of the release. After the lines formed, he was the caboose on the cafe line; to keep people from continuing on their neverending quest for frappicinos--are those blends loud or what!

So anyway, the chickies of High Point have their books. They're all grumpy as 40 getouts this morning (including the DD who slammed out of here to go to work, clutching her book and still mad because someone had had the audacity to wash her workclothes and not return them to the pile on the floor-- WHERE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE!). I hope the patrons at Penn Station are kind, is all I can say.

And yes, I feel the love. Did y'all see my impressive list of comments? P-Dub better watch out. I may not have calf nuts, but I'm going to have something-someday--maybe.

2008-07-30T13:36:00.003-04:00

I have a comment. A real live, honest to goodness, not related to me by blood or marriage, comment.

Thanks, Connie.

And you thought I'd never find this again.

2008-07-29T20:13:00.000-04:00

Okay, well actually it was me who thought I'd never find this again. And I didn't; but I did. Miracles happen each and every day.

I just started following my first person on Twitter. Of course, I'm not sure Miriam has her device on. Tonight's the night she usually plays trivia, but since all the Bennigan's closed, last I heard she had no place to play. I hope she found an alternate location, cause I know how grumpy the DS gets if he can't play his trivia when we go to Buff WW.

Here's my Twitter icon. I think it's cute and I'm very proud of myself, I resized it and everything.

I really do have some prewritten stuff I need to get on here. I think this is going to be fun (so long as nobody actually reads it).

The first post

2008-07-23T08:13:00.000-04:00

I'm waiting to run to the doctor for a blood pressure check, so I was checking my email/rss feeds--you know, stuff. Anyway, I've been thinking for quite a while that I needed to start a blog. I've even got a notepad of blog posts already written beside the bed. So, I decided, hey, you have a minute or two, research how to do a blog. And look, here I am blogging--or blathering, but hey, it's a start. I can't get too crazy, because I've got some decluttering to do in the remaining 19 minutes until I have to leave for the doctor. God, I hope I can remember how to get back here.

TTFN

Betty