Game On....

Preface: This morning I spoke with Caleb's Nana to arrange a time for him to return home today. Nana informed me he wouldn't be ready to come back until after 4 PM as he had a racquetball match against another child (consequently a girl) who is in his Sunday school class. When asked how his weekend went Caleb stated he'd been practicing racquetball since Saturday in preparation for today's match.

Caleb: "I had granddaddy take me to the center yesterday to practice a racquetball because I have to make sure I win...especially since I'm playing against a girl."

Game On....

Preface: This morning I spoke with Caleb's Nana to arrange a time for him to return home today. Nana informed me he wouldn't be ready to come back

Excerpts from Lola

Dear Mommy-

Let me begin by saying how happy I was you spent all day yesterday with me. I really liked snuggling with you and taking a nap with you. Even though you spent the day with me, I became very angry when you went upstairs to begin getting ready to go out with Matt for the evening (my first clue was when I heard you turn on the shower then again when you turned on your hair dryer). Out of frustration, I decided to show you how angry I was by pooping and peeing on the floor (twice), shredding up my unused pee pad, and dragging out the cat litter waste box (though this time I was unable to open it) all while you were getting ready. Then when Matt arrived home from work and I knew your departure was imminent, I decided to poop and pee on the floor again (after you had already cleaned up my earlier messes). I'm sorry for my temper tantrum-I only wanted you to stay home with me. I'm really sorry.

Always,

Lola ^-^

PS-At least I didn't act out while you guys were out.

Chantix

Dear Chantix-

It's Day 13 and I continue to be stuck at just under 3 cigarettes per a day. I am determined to quit once and for all (especially since I have to travel quite far at my new job each time I need to smoke as the campus is smoke free). If I begin taking you as prescribed (in the morning AND in the evening), will you promise not to give me nightmares or mess with my body?

Your Slave (still),

S

Dear Chantix

(Day 11)

Dear Chantix-

You have not only won the battle but also the war. Although I continue to have very strange dreams (even though I only take you in the morning as opposed to the prescribed instructions of "one in the morning and one in the evening") I rarely have stomach upsets at this time. I am now smoking 1-3 cigarettes per day. By day 14 I will have quit entirely. Although I have hated every step of this journey, thank you for sticking with me- smoke free in 3 days is quite the accomplishment.

Yours,

S

More Random....

1. Leigh is my middle name but I (unknowingly) spelled it wrong (Liegh) until I was twelve years old.

2. Although I enjoy watching movies, I really prefer renting them as opposed to going to the theater.

3. I am always punctual and it irritates me when others consistently are not.

4. I often eat the same foods repeatedly (for months at a time) before I then grow tired of said foods and repeat the entire process with different foods.

5. Although I have given up nicotine, I don't see myself ever eliminating my caffeine addiction (two Diet Dr. Pepper's a day).

6. I wish I could review my life and state I have no regrets; alas, that is untrue.

7. I require at minimum 8 hours of sleep to operate at my optimum self...yet 10 hours is my preference (though often unattainable).

8. I have a crush on Hugh Jackman and Johnny Depp...and nearly everyone else on the cast of "True Blood".

9. I just paid off all of my credit cards and it felt great...in fact, priceless.

10. Although I despise going to the mall, my favorite stores are Express and The Limited.

11. I am not above going to Good Will stores, however, I refuse to go to TJ Maxx or Marshall's because I hate to "dig" for clothes.

12. Although I still have a lot to learn, I am completely digging my new job (except for the fact I can no longer wear jeans to work).

13. Although motivation for going to the gym is sometimes (often times) lacking, I ALWAYS feel better afterwards.

14. I am currently in love with shrimp cocktail (thankfully it's low fat and healthy).

15. I love my animals but they seem determined to make my life difficult (daily).

16. I recently completed a children's book on Lola (my micro pig)...next step: begin mailing it out to various publishers.

17. My son constantly amazes me and makes me laugh.

18. My sister Amanda recently moved back into Manhattan...her view is of the Empire State Building...I am extremely jealous.

Latest

Loving my new job...blogging is slow due to sheer exhaustion of simply transitioning from one job to another...more to come this weekend. Luckily, tomorrow (Thursday) is my Friday.

P.S. Down to 4 cigs or less per a day- yay me!

Chantix Day 5

Dear Chantix-

You are winning the war.

You're slave,

S

PS-I still hate you.

Glory Days

One of my favorite songs has always been “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen. Recently the song came on the radio and instantly I was transported back in time to the summer before my senior year in high school. While reminiscing about all of my “glory days” in high school (oh such blissful ignorance about everything living in the “real” adult world entails) I realized the glory days don’t simply disappear post teenage years. In fact, despite all of the fun times and naiveté being young (and clueless) entails, my twenties were far better than my teenage years when compared collectively. My thirties (thus far) have proved to be even better. Although youthfulness fades, wisdom and knowledge are (in my opinion) a fantastic trade off. I have more confidence and self-assuredness now than I ever did in my younger years. Songs such as John Mellencamp’s “Jack and Diane” which talks about holding on to the age of sixteen as long as you can as “life goes on even after the thrill of living is gone” is in my opinion inaccurate. While I like John Mellencamp’s (80’s) music, I think there’s only a thread of truth in those lyrics. Yes, as a teenager you are carefree, innocent, fun loving, etc. yet teens have no idea who they are and rarely have been molded into what their values, beliefs, etc. will be as an adult. I believe that it is only through experience, trial and error, and growing pains that lead people to discover their true authentic selves. It is with great conviction that I feel this is simply not possible to do as a teenager or even in you early twenties. Personally, I would never voluntarily choose to return to those years if nothing else because they have created and shaped the person I am today (both good and bad). While many songs from my youth will continue to flood my mind with nostalgic memories, I am happy to have moved on to a different set of “glory days”.

Chantix Day 3

Dear Chantix-

I hate you. While I experienced no psycho dreams, headache, or even stabbing stomach pains this morning, I did become extremely nauseous and felt as though I were lit on fire from within. Luckily these symptoms passed after 45 (painstakingly long) minutes. With that said, I know you are working as I have already cut my habit in half and it’s only Day 3. If at all possible, please be kinder to my body during the next few days.

Your slave,

S

Story of the Week

While waiting at the Louisville airport for my sister’s flight to arrive, Caleb, Erica and I browsed through the gift shops. One rack in particular had a series of funny cards with pictures of various animals on the covers. Caleb spotted a farewell card with a picture of a donkey on it and proceeded to make the following remark:

Caleb: “I should have bought this card for Bob Steven (their former farm donkey) before granddaddy sold him”. ^-^

Chantix Day 2

Dear Chantix-

I feel like sh*t… I swallowed you this morning only to find myself immediately sick for five minutes (the most accurate description would be to say it felt as if I were being stabbed repeatedly in the stomach-luckily past experience prepared me for this in advance). I now have a horrific headache (likely due to the beginning symptoms of nicotine withdrawal as you begin to block the nicotine receptors in my brain). I know from past experience I will feel 100% better by Day 7 and be completely smoke free, however; this knowledge offers little comfort at this time. Fret not, I will stick it out as I am determined to quit once and for all and be smoke free when I start my new job.

Your slave,

S

P.S. Thanks for the psycho dreams last night- dreaming I was swimming with two tarantulas are an experience I hope to never have in real life.

Job Changes and Such....

I cannot believe I only have 4 working days left at my current job. I am excited and nervous....it's come so fast.

Stolen Part V

This weekend my sisters and I traveled to Owensboro to see our paternal grandmother (who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's-please see previous "Stolen" blogs). While our grandmother seemed to be in good spirits (and for the most part of sound mind) it was emotional sorting through her things at her house. My sisters and I discovered old photos, mementos, toys, etc. that brought back a flood of memories. This entire process is difficult-much more heart wrenching than I imagined it would be. While my sisters and I sorted through her things (and divided up what we each wanted), it still cannot replace our grandmother as we have always known her. The objects are merely sources of comfort yet sadly it cannot replace what has always been.

Quote of the week

Preface: I recently ordered the book entitled "What's Happening to my Body" book for boys (Caleb is curious and I wanted him to at least have a reference guide as I received the same version "for girls" whenever I was ten-years-old). Once the book arrived (via mail) Caleb briefly flipped through the book and made the following statement:

Caleb: "This book is shameful to me!"

Parenting

This morning I discovered Caleb made numerous purchases on his facebook account using my credit card. Initially, Caleb was given permission to purchase one $5“credit” on facebook, however; I failed to realize that upon entering my credit card information, it remained on his account (in the event future purchases might need to be made). As I checked my credit card statement this morning I discovered Caleb made four additional (and unauthorized $5 purchases) using my credit card without my permission while at his Nana’s house this past weekend. As a result, Caleb is now “grounded” from using facebook for one week and I deleted my credit card information from his account. In addition, I changed his password to ensure he cannot secretly gain access to his account during his time of punishment. In this instance I feel the consequences fit the crime and I do not feel guilty. What I do in fact feel guilty about is canceling his “Poptropica” membership (which cost $3.95 per month and he was paying for out of his allowance). My guilt stems from the fact I know he has worked very hard (via winning games, completing tasks, etc.) in order to “build up” his virtual world which he is very proud of. Deleting his account (as well as changing his password to ensure he cannot gain access while on punishment) has caused me guilt as his facebook crime had nothing to do with his “Poprtropica” membership/account. Still, when I look at the situation objectively (which is hard to do when you’re the parent and it’s your child), I think the punishments are justified and an important lesson for Caleb to learn. Consequently, Matt reported Caleb acknowledged that what he did was wrong but nevertheless pouted prior going to school (first by shutting himself in his bedroom and hiding under the covers then again by refusing to ride with Matt in the front seat on the way to school). Parenting is hard…it hurts my heart that I have taken away something he’s worked hard on but know it’s a lesson he must learn. With that said, I finally understand the parental meaning of the phrase, “this hurts me far more than it hurts you”.

Excerpts from Lola

Dear Mommy-

How can I even begin to explain the terrible incident that occurred at 5 AM this morning? I knew I was in trouble because not only did I wake you up with the loud thumps but also because of what you discovered once you came downstairs. In my defense I think I made bad choices this morning due to the over excitement of the Super Bowl last night (that half time show really revved me up). Mommy I am really, really sorry I discovered the cats litter box "waste container" (and the bad choices I proceeded to make after finding it). I don't know what possessed me to pull it across the kitchen floor, pry the lid off, then proceed to eat then scatter the cat litter/poop everywhere. I am sorry you spent twenty minutes on your hands and knees scrubbing the floor and cleaning everything up. If it's any consolation my belly really hurts now.

Always,

Lola^-^

P.S- I saw Izzie laughing at me whenever I got into trouble so I told her she can't come to my birthday party (because I turn 1 years old next month).

P.S.S.- Tell Matt I am sorry too...I ran away from him (down the cul-de-sac) last night despite the fact he had pepperoni treats...I just cannot resist running through the dark. Please also tell him I am sorry I made such a mess as I know he spent a lot of time mopping the kitchen floor yesterday afternoon.

M

Dear Mirena-

Fail me now and I will sue your ass.

That is all.

S

Rants and Raves

I am by no means perfect and like any human being have horrid habits, etc. With that said, I am simply venting (AKA ranting and raving) about some of the things that personally send me over the edge at times:

Ink pens that don't work yet no one ever throws them away (as if they'll "magically" begin working again)

Poor grammar

When Lola "escapes" (always at a mad dash) towards the end of our cul-de-sac (please see previous posts)

Whenever Izzie "escapes" period

People who inhale their food (with their mouths wide open all the while trying to carry on a conversation)

Plucking my eyebrows (no further explanation needed)

Insomnia (yet I am drinking a diet Dr. Pepper as I write this at 3 AM-correlation perhaps?)

Bad manners

Rude people

Bullies

Racism

Narrow minded people

Religious extremist

High gas prices and even higher electric bills

Stubborn nicotine habits

People who drive slow in the express lane (seriously pull the f* over to the right side of the road so others can at the very least drive the speed limit)

My white-out obsession (if you work with me then no further explanation is required)

Animal cruelty

Abuse and neglect of any kind but especially towards children

Lola automatically assuming I should feed her each and every time I walk downstairs (even if it's only been five minutes since her last meal or just sixty seconds since I walked up then back down)

Having to write things out on paper-I type a million times faster (sadly my once beautiful penmanship has gone to hell)

Having to wait (for anything)...terrible habit I struggle with

People who type in all CAPS (it's as if they're screaming at you)

Habitually late people

When people urinate on the seats in public restrooms (and leave it for others to deal with)

My iPhone coverage at my house (I mean seriously, WTF AT&T?)

The stubborn five pounds I can't seem to permanently shed

Going to the dentist (AKA extreme anxiety regardless of the reason for my visit-no offense Dr. Major's-it isn't your fault)

Grocery shopping and the inevitable stares I receive from strangers who don't understand the reason my cart is filled with so much produce is because I have an apparently starving "micro pig" at home (because even a vegetarian couldn't consume that much produce in a months time yet Lola devours it in less than a week)

Not having a fan available whenever I go to sleep

Having my family live so far away (or is it perhaps the fact I live so far away from them?)

Expensive vet bills (let's be honest-vet bills in general)

Habitual/pathological liars

Commercials (thank you DVR)

Having to wait a million months for Season Four of "True Blood" to begin v v

Habitually selfish and irresponsible people

People who brag incessantly

To this day, I still adore M.C. Hammer (and I don't care if it's "cool" or not)

Lola is truly my second child.

I am looking forward to reuniting with Erica and Amanda next weekend more than you could possibly know.

I do not wish to have any additional children at this time- my animals are my second, third, etc. children. Not to mention the fact Caleb is nothing short of fabulous.

This season of American Idol has made me fall in love with Steven Tyler all over again (as if I needed further reasoning).

Lola is well overweight...I consider this as only more to love-after all, she isn't overfed, she is simply "well loved" :)

I am blessed beyond belief to have such a naturally brilliant child (thanks Brad- he had to get it from you as I always had to work for it and had to climb mountains to get there).

I am addicted to both facebook and to blogging...without which I would likely fall into deep depression for nothing more than lack of expressive creativity.

My iphone appears to be "jacked"....I think it may be time to upgrade.

Oprah and my mother are the number one women in my life....no question.

I am looking forward to bowling night/karaoke night with my coworkers Feb. 18th- oh yes, due to the simple fact it's my last day, I will sing Karaoke.

I think it's nothing short of fabulous Elton John and his partner of 19 years not only made their civil relationship legal, but also had twins via surrogate. Come on America, get with the program already.

Random

1.The toilet paper at my job is terrible. I have had a stomach virus for three days. Enough said.

2.I loathe raw vegetables. On the other hand, I will eat most veggies if they are cooked well and especially if they are seasoned in some way. Naturally, veggies are less nutritious whenever cooked but I simply cannot choke down raw carrots and celery no matter what type of spread/dip is provided/offered.

3.If you have not seen the movie trilogy “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” I highly recommend it. Although English versions are currently being produced, the Dubbed English versions (made in Switzerland) are excellent. Lizbeth Salander rocks it.

4.I had to drop off my eyeglasses for repair on Tuesday (luckily I had the foresight to purchase the insurance offered). Apparently, the” Deck” really did win (see previous post “Me Versus the Deck…P.S. the Deck Wins”) as I still have a small knot on my head and the right lens of my eyeglasses are scratched. It should be noted this incident occurred more than 12 days ago and bruises are still visible on my left shin.

5.I have only 9 more physical working days at my current job before it’s my last day. This both terrifies and excites me.

6.I’m still uncertain exactly what is going on in Egypt but do realize its paramount the world take note.

7.I generally only wash my hair every other day (unless it’s a gym day); however, rest assured I do bathe daily. It is only because I have thick (finally grown out) hair that allows me to get away with this.

8.Is extremely grateful for the much larger tax returns we are receiving than initially anticipated. Praise be I will be able to pay off all of my credit cards next month (promptly followed by me cutting said credit cards up).

Excerpts from Lola

Dear Mommy-

Please tell Matt how grateful I am he bought me new bags of pig pellets (after being out of said pellets for two days). Although I enjoy fruit and veggies, I really love my pellets (though I do think my breeder underestimated how long a bag should last versus how long it actually last at our house). I am currently out of fruit and veggies so please do not forget to pick them up for me when you grocery shop this weekend. I hope you have taken note of my improved manners as of late…I am using my litter boxes regularly and have learned to accept the weather this winter will pass and soon I will be able to play in the backyard again. Please also note how bad Izzie has been lately-she barks too much at the neighborhood cats and has escaped the backyard twice this week. I’m just saying.

Yours,

Lola ^_^

Story of the Week

Preface: Last weekend, Caleb attended his cousin’s winter festival (AKA school fundraiser). The festival consisted of games, a cake walk, and a silent auction.

Caleb: “Nana can I bid on the big basket of candy?”

Nana: “How much is the bid at now?”

Caleb: “$10.00”. (At this point Nana gave Caleb permission to place a bid on the candy).

Nana: “How much did you write down?”

Caleb: “$23.00.”

Needless to say, Nana quickly rushed over and changed the bid to a much lower amount.

Four days later, Nana received a phone call from the school informing her they won three items for a total cost of $45.00. Surprised, Nana is sending Granddaddy down to the school today to pick up the unknown items Caleb “won”.

Quote of the Week

Preface: Caleb and I enjoy watching the television series “I Survived” on the Biography channel. Although at times it can be graphic, each person manages to overcome tremendous odds and survive their terrifying predicament (thus the survivor recounts their true story of survival on the show). A couple of nights ago Caleb made the following comment prior to the season finale:

Caleb: “You know, almost everyone ends up living on the show”.

After a few seconds, Caleb pauses, laughs, then states, “Oh yeah, of course they all live-that’s why it’s called “I Survived!”

Story of the Week

Preface: One of my coworkers was getting her seven-year-old son ready for school this morning when he made the following remark:

Child: “Mom-you’re foxy!”

Coworker: (Confused) “What did you say?”

Child: “I said you’re foxy!”

Coworker: “How do you even know what foxy means?”

Child: “On the movie “Ice Age” the character Manny (a male wooly mammoth) says Ellie (a female wooly mammoth) is foxy.”

Coworker: “Do you know what foxy means?”

Child: “It means “round” mom, you know, like big and round”.