Okay, so the deal with W's back. The new surgeon we saw has recommended further surgery. He is positive that the fusion failed. Basically, he'll go in, yank out the rods/screws, flip him over, spread stuff around, inject some goo designed to harden up and then close him up, flip him BACK over and put the rods/screws back in. Twice the pain and twice the recovery time. Sounds like fun, huh. We've agonized over what to do, but the only other real option is to live the way he is now, and that isn't really an option. We're awaiting worker's compensation approval, and trying not to worry whether they'll try to not approve it. The guy in Florence has agreed to take the case, because we do not want the original surgeon to touch him. We need to get a list of questions/concerns together and hopefully meet with the surgeon to address them.
I'm very scared about all this. Same risks are involved, including paralysis. W is worried about that the most. Mostly, we're angry that the first surgeon blew us off so much with our concerns that he wasn't getting better. We're leaving it alone for another week, then will start making the calls about setting up appointments and what not.
I am not looking forward to spending at least a week in Florence, over an hour from home. Most, if not all, of W's family will come down for surgery, and hopefully some will stay after. Bubba can go stay with G-ma or Nanny when we're in Florence, but someone will have to also take care of the dogs. I'm hoping to be able to stay in the hospital, and not have to go to the expense of getting a hotel room since I can't afford to do that. I surely don't want to have to drive back and forth every day. It's just a logistical nightmare for someone like me, who likes to have every little detail planned out, so I know exactly what is going to go on, etc. I've tried to loosen up in that department, but it's not so easy.
December 28, 2006
Pictures
My newest favorite of Bubba
The house I grew up in. I miss it.
Such a cutie.
Ack! Avert your eyes, it's my ugly mug.
The house I grew up in. I miss it.
Such a cutie.
Ack! Avert your eyes, it's my ugly mug.
Glad to be home
We had a wonderful time, but boy was it good to get home. Trip up was uneventful, I drove for a two and a half hour stretch while W rested, through Virginia and West Virginia. I managed to stay awake about the whole time, much unlike the last trip.
Friday we spent the day at Grammy's, then went to Hoser and Mitch's house (the little brother I married on the beach in October) and got showers and went shopping. They big boys went power shopping, Bubba, Mitch and I just headed to Walmart for supplies. Bubba went straight to bed, quite late when we got home. They were so totally awesome to let us have their HUGE king bed, and we all slept great. Bubba in the middle, and for once, no issues with him kicking/hogging the bed.
Saturday Mitch had to work, and I was promised by W a peaceful day, as he and Hoser were gonna take Bubba shopping all day. (Someone was unprepared for Christmas, can ya tell?) I did some cleaning, in preparation for the birthday party later, then relaxed in their glorious whirlpool tubby. I was going to attempt to take a nap, but W called and I joined the boys for the rest of their shopping excursion. Then we headed back to get set up for the party. Details are boring, but it went good, fun was had by all, and the food was phenomenal. I overate the whole damn time, and boy am I regretting it. Now I have FIFTEEN pounds to lose to get back to where I was! ACK!
We shipped Bubba off to Grammy's for the night, and all crashed hard, hoping to sleep in, but Grammy had planned a big family breakfast for Christmas Eve morning. We all overslept, too, and luckily they were running late as well, so after a delay, we all met up and overindulged some more. Mitch was off to her family's house, I helped Hoser wrap a ton of his gifts, W napped and Bubba watched Cars. Again. Oh yeah, while the boys were AGAIN shopping, I took an exhausted Bubba for a car ride to my hometown, to visit the cemetery and take flowers to my grandparents' graves. I also swung by the house I grew up in, snapped a picture and dropped in on the neighbors from when I lived there. Their kids weren't around, bummer, but I talked with them for a few minutes. Bubba had crashed out in the car, and didn't wake up until I pulled back into Mitch and Hoser's.
Got the car all packed back up with all our stuff, and headed to Grammy's to get ready for Christmas Eve mass. Not at midnight, but at ten. W had reached his exhaustion point in his cycle, he won't get much sleep for days, then it all catches up to him and he crashes hard for a day or so. So he didn't make it to church, but he put Bubba to bed while I went with Grammy, Uncle M and his knocked up girlfriend/fiance/whatever. She still hadn't told us all she was pregnant, but we all knew anyway. I am NOT going into all that mess.
Christmas is now a blur. Do you know how hard it is to keep a three year old from opening the gobs of presents that were piled everywhere until the whole family was there and/or awake?!?! Distractions of donuts and cookies only lasted so long. Once we finally got started opening, it was a long slow process, and we had to, get this...take a break so the ham could go in the oven. Then we opened and opened more. Somewhere in there, W and Bubba went upstairs for a nap, I crashed on the couch and dinner got all ready and put together. Heh. THEN, after dinner was cleaned up, we started in on the stockings. I am totally not kidding. It was an entire day affair, with some people leaving to go do whatever, and others arriving later.
As if that wasn't enough excitement W and I had to get the car loaded all back up. After getting Bubba bathed and reluctantly into bed for the night, we started in trying to get the immense piles of stuff back into my car. Amazingly it all fit.
Leaving for the morning wasn't too dramatic, but things went downhill. We had to go to Sears to return/exchange our gift of a portable DVD player, because the wrong thing was in the box. It took them an HOUR to sort all that out, and we had promised to stop at Chippy and Jan's for breakfast. Ugh. I hate getting out of there behind schedule. I didn't want to spend all day in the car and get home in time for bed, but that is exactly what happened. Granted, breakfast was great, and they loaded us up with ham sammiches for the trip home, but still. We didn't hit the highway until 11:30, and I wanted on the road by 9.
I started out the driving, hoping to be useful before I got to tired to help. HAHAHAHAHA! I drove until about 3:30, or so, we had stopped a few times for gas/pee breaks/windshield wipers. And I drove all through the mountains during SNOW!!! Bubba got to see snow, but not play, cause there really wasn't much. W ended up with a migraine, because he chose to take over driving through the worst traffic. He made about 3 hours, and I was back behind the wheel. Keep in mind, until our trip up in October, I have NEVER participated in driving on our trips ANYWHERE and we've been to and from the beach at least a dozen times. So not only did I drive, I about drove the whole fricking way home. Now I know why I prefer to be a passenger and sleep if I want to. I was so worn out by the time we finally made it home. But I am very proud of myself for making it, and hope I haven't ruined it by having to do it all the time now.
So that's it. Lots of good gifts were given and received, lots of good times with family, way too much good food was consumed.
Best gift: the portable DVD player. Bubba was entertained the entire way home. Cars, Curious George, Thomas the Train, and Cars again. Had a nap in the middle when we told him the player needed a break.
Other notable gifts: A bunch of the music/DVD's I had on my wish list; ink for the printer; cowboy boots *which technically haven't arrived yet, but we picked them out and are waiting for shipping*; chocolate; toe socks; and I got FOUR loofahs. hahahah, guess I'm stinky or something.
Bubba's haul included FOUR remote control vehicles, three of which are rather large construction trucks. He got oodles of Cars stuff, matchbox cars, some clothes, movies, a Leapfrog system with educational games *whee* and the biggest, a FULL kitchen playset. I'm not talking about just fake food and plates, but the actual kitchen thing. Grammy had it shipped to our house because we wouldn't have been able to get it home otherwise. W had that all set up by the time we got home last nite, and then he opened the rest of the gifts we didn't take up with us, a mix of stuff from us and Santa.
Oh yeah, K is somewhat on the mend. They are waking her up for brief periods, but she can't talk, still has tubes down her throat. She is improving slowly and I want to thank all of you that have added her to your prayers. She is not out of the woods yet, but things are NOT looking as grim as they were. I hate that she had to spend Christmas in the hospital, in almost a full coma, but if she pulls through, it won't matter all that much.
Sorry this got so long. I haven't posted in a week, sooooo. Both bosses are out of town the rest of the year, so I'm doing catch up stuff, and the list of crap one of them called in with for me to do yesterday. So basically, I'm goofing off as much as possible. I'll post some pics in a bit from the new camera. Still haven't picked up a memory stick, but soon.
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and that the new year is better than ever. I need to talk about W's appointment last Monday, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of it.
Friday we spent the day at Grammy's, then went to Hoser and Mitch's house (the little brother I married on the beach in October) and got showers and went shopping. They big boys went power shopping, Bubba, Mitch and I just headed to Walmart for supplies. Bubba went straight to bed, quite late when we got home. They were so totally awesome to let us have their HUGE king bed, and we all slept great. Bubba in the middle, and for once, no issues with him kicking/hogging the bed.
Saturday Mitch had to work, and I was promised by W a peaceful day, as he and Hoser were gonna take Bubba shopping all day. (Someone was unprepared for Christmas, can ya tell?) I did some cleaning, in preparation for the birthday party later, then relaxed in their glorious whirlpool tubby. I was going to attempt to take a nap, but W called and I joined the boys for the rest of their shopping excursion. Then we headed back to get set up for the party. Details are boring, but it went good, fun was had by all, and the food was phenomenal. I overate the whole damn time, and boy am I regretting it. Now I have FIFTEEN pounds to lose to get back to where I was! ACK!
We shipped Bubba off to Grammy's for the night, and all crashed hard, hoping to sleep in, but Grammy had planned a big family breakfast for Christmas Eve morning. We all overslept, too, and luckily they were running late as well, so after a delay, we all met up and overindulged some more. Mitch was off to her family's house, I helped Hoser wrap a ton of his gifts, W napped and Bubba watched Cars. Again. Oh yeah, while the boys were AGAIN shopping, I took an exhausted Bubba for a car ride to my hometown, to visit the cemetery and take flowers to my grandparents' graves. I also swung by the house I grew up in, snapped a picture and dropped in on the neighbors from when I lived there. Their kids weren't around, bummer, but I talked with them for a few minutes. Bubba had crashed out in the car, and didn't wake up until I pulled back into Mitch and Hoser's.
Got the car all packed back up with all our stuff, and headed to Grammy's to get ready for Christmas Eve mass. Not at midnight, but at ten. W had reached his exhaustion point in his cycle, he won't get much sleep for days, then it all catches up to him and he crashes hard for a day or so. So he didn't make it to church, but he put Bubba to bed while I went with Grammy, Uncle M and his knocked up girlfriend/fiance/whatever. She still hadn't told us all she was pregnant, but we all knew anyway. I am NOT going into all that mess.
Christmas is now a blur. Do you know how hard it is to keep a three year old from opening the gobs of presents that were piled everywhere until the whole family was there and/or awake?!?! Distractions of donuts and cookies only lasted so long. Once we finally got started opening, it was a long slow process, and we had to, get this...take a break so the ham could go in the oven. Then we opened and opened more. Somewhere in there, W and Bubba went upstairs for a nap, I crashed on the couch and dinner got all ready and put together. Heh. THEN, after dinner was cleaned up, we started in on the stockings. I am totally not kidding. It was an entire day affair, with some people leaving to go do whatever, and others arriving later.
As if that wasn't enough excitement W and I had to get the car loaded all back up. After getting Bubba bathed and reluctantly into bed for the night, we started in trying to get the immense piles of stuff back into my car. Amazingly it all fit.
Leaving for the morning wasn't too dramatic, but things went downhill. We had to go to Sears to return/exchange our gift of a portable DVD player, because the wrong thing was in the box. It took them an HOUR to sort all that out, and we had promised to stop at Chippy and Jan's for breakfast. Ugh. I hate getting out of there behind schedule. I didn't want to spend all day in the car and get home in time for bed, but that is exactly what happened. Granted, breakfast was great, and they loaded us up with ham sammiches for the trip home, but still. We didn't hit the highway until 11:30, and I wanted on the road by 9.
I started out the driving, hoping to be useful before I got to tired to help. HAHAHAHAHA! I drove until about 3:30, or so, we had stopped a few times for gas/pee breaks/windshield wipers. And I drove all through the mountains during SNOW!!! Bubba got to see snow, but not play, cause there really wasn't much. W ended up with a migraine, because he chose to take over driving through the worst traffic. He made about 3 hours, and I was back behind the wheel. Keep in mind, until our trip up in October, I have NEVER participated in driving on our trips ANYWHERE and we've been to and from the beach at least a dozen times. So not only did I drive, I about drove the whole fricking way home. Now I know why I prefer to be a passenger and sleep if I want to. I was so worn out by the time we finally made it home. But I am very proud of myself for making it, and hope I haven't ruined it by having to do it all the time now.
So that's it. Lots of good gifts were given and received, lots of good times with family, way too much good food was consumed.
Best gift: the portable DVD player. Bubba was entertained the entire way home. Cars, Curious George, Thomas the Train, and Cars again. Had a nap in the middle when we told him the player needed a break.
Other notable gifts: A bunch of the music/DVD's I had on my wish list; ink for the printer; cowboy boots *which technically haven't arrived yet, but we picked them out and are waiting for shipping*; chocolate; toe socks; and I got FOUR loofahs. hahahah, guess I'm stinky or something.
Bubba's haul included FOUR remote control vehicles, three of which are rather large construction trucks. He got oodles of Cars stuff, matchbox cars, some clothes, movies, a Leapfrog system with educational games *whee* and the biggest, a FULL kitchen playset. I'm not talking about just fake food and plates, but the actual kitchen thing. Grammy had it shipped to our house because we wouldn't have been able to get it home otherwise. W had that all set up by the time we got home last nite, and then he opened the rest of the gifts we didn't take up with us, a mix of stuff from us and Santa.
Oh yeah, K is somewhat on the mend. They are waking her up for brief periods, but she can't talk, still has tubes down her throat. She is improving slowly and I want to thank all of you that have added her to your prayers. She is not out of the woods yet, but things are NOT looking as grim as they were. I hate that she had to spend Christmas in the hospital, in almost a full coma, but if she pulls through, it won't matter all that much.
Sorry this got so long. I haven't posted in a week, sooooo. Both bosses are out of town the rest of the year, so I'm doing catch up stuff, and the list of crap one of them called in with for me to do yesterday. So basically, I'm goofing off as much as possible. I'll post some pics in a bit from the new camera. Still haven't picked up a memory stick, but soon.
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and that the new year is better than ever. I need to talk about W's appointment last Monday, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of it.
December 20, 2006
I have...
the best bosses in the world!
Check my gift, y'all:
The battery is charging away, I'm stopping for a memory card either tonite or tomorrow before we head out. Or maybe I'll wait until we get to PA. I also want to get a case for it, so I don't damage it. I can't WAIT to be able to take oodles of pics and get them in the computer. I just need to learn all the features and stuff. I've never had a GOOD camera before.
Oh, and I didn't just get the camera....I got cold hard cash to go along with it! Damn my boys rock, even tho I grumble about them a bit.
Ok, I must go back to pretending to work, instead of reading my owner's manual and searching for accessories. This will most likely be the last post for a while, unless I'm inspired tomorrow.
P.S. Please, if you have done so, please, please please keep praying for Nanny's daughter, K. She had QUINTUPLE bypass surgery yesterday, and things are looking a little bleak. We need a Christmas miracle, honestly, so I'm asking for help in the prayer department. I know enough people find their way here, so maybe.....I'm hoping to not have to explain to my three year old why one of his favorite people is just gone. Ack, I'm gonna cry again. Bye.
Check my gift, y'all:
The battery is charging away, I'm stopping for a memory card either tonite or tomorrow before we head out. Or maybe I'll wait until we get to PA. I also want to get a case for it, so I don't damage it. I can't WAIT to be able to take oodles of pics and get them in the computer. I just need to learn all the features and stuff. I've never had a GOOD camera before.
Oh, and I didn't just get the camera....I got cold hard cash to go along with it! Damn my boys rock, even tho I grumble about them a bit.
Ok, I must go back to pretending to work, instead of reading my owner's manual and searching for accessories. This will most likely be the last post for a while, unless I'm inspired tomorrow.
P.S. Please, if you have done so, please, please please keep praying for Nanny's daughter, K. She had QUINTUPLE bypass surgery yesterday, and things are looking a little bleak. We need a Christmas miracle, honestly, so I'm asking for help in the prayer department. I know enough people find their way here, so maybe.....I'm hoping to not have to explain to my three year old why one of his favorite people is just gone. Ack, I'm gonna cry again. Bye.
December 16, 2006
At the station
Never got around to posting during the week. Been a bit busy at work, so that was mainly why. Other reason is nothing is going on.
I'm at the station now, finally getting a shift other than just taping my shift. Ran a remote on the spanish station and working on one for my station now. Our Christmas party was last nite, and I got a bit snookered, but not a bit of a hangover. The food was amazing. I ate way too much, but needed to so the alcohol would soak up.
The office party was Wednesday during the day, at work. LAME. The food was great and the gift giving was fun. My secret santa did a great job. After that stuff finished we convened in one of the small conference rooms, my bosses, and some others, with some booze. Was an interesting afternoon, that's for sure.
One of Nanny's daughter's is really really sick. She's been in the hospital since Tuesday nite. Heart issues. She is deep in my thoughts lately. I hope she pulls through, they are talking about bypass surgery not being enough, and she might need a freakin' transplant!!!! Ugh. Spare prayers, anyone? She helps out with Bubba all the time. How do you explain to a three year old that level of illness??? What if.....I'm not even finishing that thought. I can't take Bubba in to see her, because she's in ICU. No kids. Grumble.
All systems are go at this point for travelling to PA. Bubba is at G-ma's, and we are going down there after I get done here, to do his presents from them. And dinner, of course, but I don't know what we're having. I left my cell phone at home, because I got called in early and had to rush to get here on time.
Ummm...not much else to say. Oh, wait! I'm going to be an aunt again, courtesy of W's brother. And NOT the newlyweds, either. This is the older brother and his on again/off again fiancee. And the kicker? He told us Thursday nite....she's due early May. Check the math...yeah, she's four months along.
Okay, I'm not rambling on any more. I'll try to write before I leave, Thursday nite depending on weather. Then I won't be back near the computer til sometime Tuesday. Hopefully most people won't be writing tons, because otherwise, I'm going to have a lot of catching up to do.
Happy Holidays to those who don't celebrate Christmas. Merry, Merry Christmas to those that do. Hope you all have a safe and healthy one, and your hearts, homes and lives are warm and cozy.
Oh yeah, I meant to say something about the weather. After complaining about how cold it had been, it's warmed up considerably, and we've been having gorgeous days, for how close to Christmas it is. Now, it's probably going to freeze in PA, and boy will I hate it. Better pack extra socks and gloves or something. CYA!
I'm at the station now, finally getting a shift other than just taping my shift. Ran a remote on the spanish station and working on one for my station now. Our Christmas party was last nite, and I got a bit snookered, but not a bit of a hangover. The food was amazing. I ate way too much, but needed to so the alcohol would soak up.
The office party was Wednesday during the day, at work. LAME. The food was great and the gift giving was fun. My secret santa did a great job. After that stuff finished we convened in one of the small conference rooms, my bosses, and some others, with some booze. Was an interesting afternoon, that's for sure.
One of Nanny's daughter's is really really sick. She's been in the hospital since Tuesday nite. Heart issues. She is deep in my thoughts lately. I hope she pulls through, they are talking about bypass surgery not being enough, and she might need a freakin' transplant!!!! Ugh. Spare prayers, anyone? She helps out with Bubba all the time. How do you explain to a three year old that level of illness??? What if.....I'm not even finishing that thought. I can't take Bubba in to see her, because she's in ICU. No kids. Grumble.
All systems are go at this point for travelling to PA. Bubba is at G-ma's, and we are going down there after I get done here, to do his presents from them. And dinner, of course, but I don't know what we're having. I left my cell phone at home, because I got called in early and had to rush to get here on time.
Ummm...not much else to say. Oh, wait! I'm going to be an aunt again, courtesy of W's brother. And NOT the newlyweds, either. This is the older brother and his on again/off again fiancee. And the kicker? He told us Thursday nite....she's due early May. Check the math...yeah, she's four months along.
Okay, I'm not rambling on any more. I'll try to write before I leave, Thursday nite depending on weather. Then I won't be back near the computer til sometime Tuesday. Hopefully most people won't be writing tons, because otherwise, I'm going to have a lot of catching up to do.
Happy Holidays to those who don't celebrate Christmas. Merry, Merry Christmas to those that do. Hope you all have a safe and healthy one, and your hearts, homes and lives are warm and cozy.
Oh yeah, I meant to say something about the weather. After complaining about how cold it had been, it's warmed up considerably, and we've been having gorgeous days, for how close to Christmas it is. Now, it's probably going to freeze in PA, and boy will I hate it. Better pack extra socks and gloves or something. CYA!
December 09, 2006
Just another day
It's brutal cold down here in the South lately. My not cooperating at bed or naptime son has been asleep for almost three hours. Fell asleep on the way home from shopping with G-ma and Papa, and hasn't stirred even after the transfer from car to bed. I have a roaring fire going in the fireplace, a huge pot of G-ma's amazing turkey soup on the stove and I've been able to do some reading for the first time in months.
W's test appointment was a fiasco on Thursday, but I won't get into it all here. Spent ALL freaking day at the hospital almost two hours from home. We are really hoping all this drama will come to a head with some real answers at the follow up appointment. Which I will most likely not attend, because I can't take the day off. GRRRR.
Back to my fire, I'm sure Bubba will be up soon. Have a good weekend y'all.
W's test appointment was a fiasco on Thursday, but I won't get into it all here. Spent ALL freaking day at the hospital almost two hours from home. We are really hoping all this drama will come to a head with some real answers at the follow up appointment. Which I will most likely not attend, because I can't take the day off. GRRRR.
Back to my fire, I'm sure Bubba will be up soon. Have a good weekend y'all.
December 04, 2006
A few things
Happy December y'all. Goodness, I can hardly believe it! Hurricane season is over, as well, HOORAY!
Someone had his first trip to see Santa this weekend. Pic will follow at end. He did so dang good, I'm so proud of him. Waltzed right up and gave him a hug, had a great conversation, which I did *not* overhear! This age is so fun, with Christmas. We tell him, hey, don't throw that tantrum boy, Santa is watching! His little eyes get big, and normally he calms down. After Christmas, we're gonna be screwed however.
I neglected to give a HUGE welcome to the world post. My friend, K, in Ohio, who was pregnant with twins, bedrest, all that drama, gave birth to happy, HEALTHY babies on November 14. I hesitate to print the names, or the adorable pics she just emailed me, because I haven't asked if I could. So, instead, WELCOME to our huge scary world, A and J. Your parents are so happy and so deserving. And you are undeniably filling their lives with cuteness, poop and love. I can't wait to meet you in person, and smoosh those baby cheeks. Tho by the time I get to meet you you'll probably be 8 months old. We are thinking maybe in July, since I can't swing a plane ticket anytime soon.
Moving on. Christmas shopping is completed. I still have unreal amounts of things to wrap. I may pick up some little things for W, but really, the thingy I ordered him from Woot and what he picked out as what he wanted, should be enough. I know he keeps buying me silly little things, so I feel like I need to do more. We still don't know if we are going to PA for Christmas, gonna be a last minute thing due to weather. The old neighbors will most likely handle dog care, since the wonderful, new, I love to pieces neighbors WILL be in PA for sure. Big BUMMER.
We put our tree up last nite, and Bubba got to really help decorate. Very fun. He did pretty good, and I'm the only one who broke something. And I dropped a ton of ornaments, for some reason, I couldn't hold on to them.
W's test is set for Thursday, and I may have to take the day off. It depends on how long after the procedure until he's allowed to drive. If it's only a few hours, then his buddy will take him to and from, and he'll hang out there until he can drive home. If it's like a whole day, we still may do that, with him just crashing up there. Otherwise, I'll take the day. I'll also take the day for the follow up appointment with the doctor to discuss the results. I'm really hoping we get some information that will lead to healing/whatever. Two years is long enough to have been dealing with this. However, we are prepared for not so good news, considering what he had already told us when we first saw him.
That is all, must go back to making the attorneys some money.
P.S. I got paid for my 'clothes' challenge from the new attorney. If I didn't explain all that, I can if anyone is interested. I did my shopping his weekend, and plan on sporting a new outfit every day this week. I love HAMRICK'S. Five dresses AND a pair of pants for less than fifty bucks. PLUS I got bras and panties at one place, then a shirt and more bras at another, and still have money left over. WOOT! We're also gonna carry the challenge onto next year, too, so I will have to keep dressing up. I was hoping to slack off a bit. Okay, really I'm done now. Bye.
Here's Bubba and Santa:
Someone had his first trip to see Santa this weekend. Pic will follow at end. He did so dang good, I'm so proud of him. Waltzed right up and gave him a hug, had a great conversation, which I did *not* overhear! This age is so fun, with Christmas. We tell him, hey, don't throw that tantrum boy, Santa is watching! His little eyes get big, and normally he calms down. After Christmas, we're gonna be screwed however.
I neglected to give a HUGE welcome to the world post. My friend, K, in Ohio, who was pregnant with twins, bedrest, all that drama, gave birth to happy, HEALTHY babies on November 14. I hesitate to print the names, or the adorable pics she just emailed me, because I haven't asked if I could. So, instead, WELCOME to our huge scary world, A and J. Your parents are so happy and so deserving. And you are undeniably filling their lives with cuteness, poop and love. I can't wait to meet you in person, and smoosh those baby cheeks. Tho by the time I get to meet you you'll probably be 8 months old. We are thinking maybe in July, since I can't swing a plane ticket anytime soon.
Moving on. Christmas shopping is completed. I still have unreal amounts of things to wrap. I may pick up some little things for W, but really, the thingy I ordered him from Woot and what he picked out as what he wanted, should be enough. I know he keeps buying me silly little things, so I feel like I need to do more. We still don't know if we are going to PA for Christmas, gonna be a last minute thing due to weather. The old neighbors will most likely handle dog care, since the wonderful, new, I love to pieces neighbors WILL be in PA for sure. Big BUMMER.
We put our tree up last nite, and Bubba got to really help decorate. Very fun. He did pretty good, and I'm the only one who broke something. And I dropped a ton of ornaments, for some reason, I couldn't hold on to them.
W's test is set for Thursday, and I may have to take the day off. It depends on how long after the procedure until he's allowed to drive. If it's only a few hours, then his buddy will take him to and from, and he'll hang out there until he can drive home. If it's like a whole day, we still may do that, with him just crashing up there. Otherwise, I'll take the day. I'll also take the day for the follow up appointment with the doctor to discuss the results. I'm really hoping we get some information that will lead to healing/whatever. Two years is long enough to have been dealing with this. However, we are prepared for not so good news, considering what he had already told us when we first saw him.
That is all, must go back to making the attorneys some money.
P.S. I got paid for my 'clothes' challenge from the new attorney. If I didn't explain all that, I can if anyone is interested. I did my shopping his weekend, and plan on sporting a new outfit every day this week. I love HAMRICK'S. Five dresses AND a pair of pants for less than fifty bucks. PLUS I got bras and panties at one place, then a shirt and more bras at another, and still have money left over. WOOT! We're also gonna carry the challenge onto next year, too, so I will have to keep dressing up. I was hoping to slack off a bit. Okay, really I'm done now. Bye.
Here's Bubba and Santa:
Isn't he just adorable? And what an awesome Santa!
November 30, 2006
How my son makes me laugh.
We went to the radio station yesterday after work to pick up my schedule for this weekend (incidently, there is nothing on it, but my shift to tape) and he said he need to pick up his schedule, too. I chuckled. I told him, "Bubba, you don't have a schedule." And in complete toddler fashion, he says, "Yes I do!" So I explained, "This is what your schedule says, baby: Wake up, play play play, eat, go to Nanny's, play play play, eat, nap, wake up, play play play, eat, go home with mama, play play play, bath and bed." He goes on to tell me, "Mama, you missed something. You forgot stories, rocking, lullabies, and THEN bed. You forgot." So, yeah, Ok, "Sorry bud, you're right."
After going in and goofing off in the station for a few minutes, wherein, he grabbed an empty time card as his 'schedule' I had him buckled back into his seat and was getting ready to back out. He was holding up his schedule, and looking and it, and he goes, "Mama, my schedule doesn't say 'Play play play!" "It doesn't??" I say. "No, mama." "So what DOES it say," having no clue what he was going to spout out next. With the utmost serious look on his face he says...................................."Poop!"
I am glad I was ony backing out, and not flying down the highway, because I laughed so fricking hard, I was coughing. Such a silly little man. I love him to pieces.
After going in and goofing off in the station for a few minutes, wherein, he grabbed an empty time card as his 'schedule' I had him buckled back into his seat and was getting ready to back out. He was holding up his schedule, and looking and it, and he goes, "Mama, my schedule doesn't say 'Play play play!" "It doesn't??" I say. "No, mama." "So what DOES it say," having no clue what he was going to spout out next. With the utmost serious look on his face he says...................................."Poop!"
I am glad I was ony backing out, and not flying down the highway, because I laughed so fricking hard, I was coughing. Such a silly little man. I love him to pieces.
November 27, 2006
Oy, I ate too much.
Thanksgiving was a blast! The boys played great together, a few meltdowns by one or the other throughout, but they had a wonderful time. We all ate way too much food, took our after dinner walk, then ate more. While W went off hunting on Friday, Bubba and I headed off to G-ma's again for our long standing, but lately, much skipped, tradition of making Mashed Potato Donuts with all the left over taters. It's a difficult mixing process, but lordy, the results are so worth it. We netted about 20 dozen, after sampling while still working on them. So good. And no, you cannot have the recipe, it's a close guarded family secret. hahahahah. I've never looked, but I imagine theres something to be found similar on the great world wide web. Muhahahah.
Down to ONE measly gift left to buy, for one of two bosses. I think I'll wimp out and buy him a hat for his favorite college football team. Last year I got them sports books. They liked them, but I don't think I want to do that every time, it will lose it's appeal.
I explained in an email to Laz about the Christmas Club, but if anyone else doesn't know, it's simple. You simply open a new account at your bank, if it's offered, and I imagine most do. It's just a separate account that you can put money in as often as you want, most are interest bearing accounts. So I tucked money away every week or so, all year long, and in the beginning of November the money gets transferred into our regular checking account. So off shopping we went, using our debit card. I didn't technically add the amount into our balance, but I kept track separately so I could know what I had spent Christmas wise, and not affect our meager regular checking account balance. Anyway. One gift left, barring anyone we've forgotten, and there's still enough left for a hat, should that be the way I go.
Work wasn't too bad to return to, umm, wait, lemme rephrase that. It SUCKED getting up this morning after being off since TUESDAY!!! What I really meant is that my desk wasn't as trashed as I expected because really, I only missed one day because we were closed Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday was W's new opinion appointment. Not much news came out of that appointment, other than he ordered the test our caseworker has wanted for a while now and noone would order it. We can't make much other decisions on what we are doing until after that test is done and interpreted. It may NOT be good, however.
Gotta go, someone in the lobby, and then off to lunch, I'm starving.
Down to ONE measly gift left to buy, for one of two bosses. I think I'll wimp out and buy him a hat for his favorite college football team. Last year I got them sports books. They liked them, but I don't think I want to do that every time, it will lose it's appeal.
I explained in an email to Laz about the Christmas Club, but if anyone else doesn't know, it's simple. You simply open a new account at your bank, if it's offered, and I imagine most do. It's just a separate account that you can put money in as often as you want, most are interest bearing accounts. So I tucked money away every week or so, all year long, and in the beginning of November the money gets transferred into our regular checking account. So off shopping we went, using our debit card. I didn't technically add the amount into our balance, but I kept track separately so I could know what I had spent Christmas wise, and not affect our meager regular checking account balance. Anyway. One gift left, barring anyone we've forgotten, and there's still enough left for a hat, should that be the way I go.
Work wasn't too bad to return to, umm, wait, lemme rephrase that. It SUCKED getting up this morning after being off since TUESDAY!!! What I really meant is that my desk wasn't as trashed as I expected because really, I only missed one day because we were closed Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday was W's new opinion appointment. Not much news came out of that appointment, other than he ordered the test our caseworker has wanted for a while now and noone would order it. We can't make much other decisions on what we are doing until after that test is done and interpreted. It may NOT be good, however.
Gotta go, someone in the lobby, and then off to lunch, I'm starving.
November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
I'm stealing a few moments while my boys are in the shower to do my post. Some things I am thankful for.
Bubba and W, and their hysterical laughter coming from the shower right now.
The surprise visit from my brother and his son, who are down at G-ma's waiting for us.
My job, even tho I dislike it, because there are plenty who don't have one.
All of my family, friends and internet buddies.
The plain simple fact that I have a roof over my head, a car to drive, a healthy son, a *somewhat* healthy husband.
My four-legged kids, Dusty, Emmy, Jack and Angel. They bring a lot of joy, even tho Emmy likes to growl at Bubba. It's hard to sleep lately without Angel curled up next to me, and Jack loves to hog my pillow.
Ok, so this is kinda the run of the mill thankful list, but it's true.
I am greatly looking forward to gorging on turkey at my parents this afternoon and watching the boys play together. Hopefully no blood will be shed, as Bubba can get a bit rough.
Have a wonderful holiday everyone.
P.S. I don't need to go shopping tomorrow, because I am almost done shopping for Christmas. Two gifts left, for my bosses, the hardest to buy for ever! Anyone have any good ideas for two attorneys who have the money to buy themselves whatever they want, and normally do?
Bubba and W, and their hysterical laughter coming from the shower right now.
The surprise visit from my brother and his son, who are down at G-ma's waiting for us.
My job, even tho I dislike it, because there are plenty who don't have one.
All of my family, friends and internet buddies.
The plain simple fact that I have a roof over my head, a car to drive, a healthy son, a *somewhat* healthy husband.
My four-legged kids, Dusty, Emmy, Jack and Angel. They bring a lot of joy, even tho Emmy likes to growl at Bubba. It's hard to sleep lately without Angel curled up next to me, and Jack loves to hog my pillow.
Ok, so this is kinda the run of the mill thankful list, but it's true.
I am greatly looking forward to gorging on turkey at my parents this afternoon and watching the boys play together. Hopefully no blood will be shed, as Bubba can get a bit rough.
Have a wonderful holiday everyone.
P.S. I don't need to go shopping tomorrow, because I am almost done shopping for Christmas. Two gifts left, for my bosses, the hardest to buy for ever! Anyone have any good ideas for two attorneys who have the money to buy themselves whatever they want, and normally do?
November 20, 2006
A few more pictures
The bride and groom, mid-toast by W.
W and Bubba. who has helped himself to MY cookies.
Bubba with the bride, during the money dance, right before he went home to bed.
W and Bubba. who has helped himself to MY cookies.
Bubba with the bride, during the money dance, right before he went home to bed.
Boring posts are back!
Friday was a 'daddy' day for Bubba. He stayed home from the sitters to goof off with W. They stopped by the office for a surprise visit, did some shopping, and just had a fun day. Then we went out to dinner, for our anniversary and we pigged out on pizza.
Wow what a weekend. Went shopping all day with my mom and dad on Saturday and then worked a bit that night. I got two new outfits for work, drastically on sale. Plus a few gifts. W had been hunting, home just in time for me to go to work. Work was boring, I didn't pay much attention to the race, I just read blogs pretty much the whole time, once I finished taping my shift. Did I mention, I have a new timeslot? No? Well I do, from 8 to midnight every Sunday. I won't be pre-empted by Nascar, especially now since the season is over.
Sunday, W and I went shopping some more with Bubba, and started all our Christmas shopping. Our Christmas Club money went into the account, finally, so we could finally start. We got a large amount of stuff done, maybe ten more people to do for. I just hope we don't run out of money. It's a good possibility we will, but we may work it out just fine.
Once we finished shopping, we got home in time for lunch/nap for Bubba and then the last race of the season. I actually got to sit and enjoy it, because Bubba slept through the majority of it, and Daddy was on duty for the rest. Once it was done, we played with some of his new toys from his birthday and did bath and bed. It was a really nice day.
There's a sleepover with G-ma planned for tomorrow night because W has his second (third) opinion on his back, two hours from home at 8:00 AM!! Not looking forward to that drive on Wednesday. Then I'm off Thursday and Friday from work, for Thanksgiving. We did a petition at worked that the big boss approved and the day after Thanksgiving is now a paid holiday! Most of us took it off as a vacation day or without pay, and we were utterly shocked when he agreed to pay us all for the day from now on. So I'm only working two days this week at the office. SWEET! I have a few hours at the station on Saturday, and then back to the normal grind. I won't be having as many hours there now that racing is over, so my extra income from that is going to be miniscule.
Not much else going on. I've picked out my gift from my bosses for Christmas. A digital camera!!!! WOOT! They always spoil me, normally with a chunk of cash, but have always said if there was a 'toy' I wanted, to let them know and they'll hook me up. Last year I got a new office chair, plus cash. This year we really wanted a good digital and rather than ask for that from W's family, we asked them, and they said cool. So I've picked out a Sony Cybershot that will fully suit our purposes. (I should also still get a check, too, which will help.) I really just wanna be able to take lots of pics of Bubba and such, and the one I like will do that just fine. It will be neat to not have to develop film anymore. We can easily delete the ones that stink, and then get the good ones onto the computer for emailing/posting. I'm considering a Flickr account.
I'm exhausted, lately, all the time. I went to bed early last nite, and I guess I just didn't sleep well, cause I'm really really tired. It's getting annoying. My thyroid could be out of whack, too, and I'm gonna get that bloodwork done this week, even though it will have to get paid for with the credit card. Same with Bubba's three year pediatrician appointment, that I keep forgetting to make. Maybe I'll do that right now.
Ok, back to work, even though I'm pretty caught up again. Have a great week, in case I don't make it back. And Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate. I may try to do a "What I'm thankful for post" but who knows.
Wow what a weekend. Went shopping all day with my mom and dad on Saturday and then worked a bit that night. I got two new outfits for work, drastically on sale. Plus a few gifts. W had been hunting, home just in time for me to go to work. Work was boring, I didn't pay much attention to the race, I just read blogs pretty much the whole time, once I finished taping my shift. Did I mention, I have a new timeslot? No? Well I do, from 8 to midnight every Sunday. I won't be pre-empted by Nascar, especially now since the season is over.
Sunday, W and I went shopping some more with Bubba, and started all our Christmas shopping. Our Christmas Club money went into the account, finally, so we could finally start. We got a large amount of stuff done, maybe ten more people to do for. I just hope we don't run out of money. It's a good possibility we will, but we may work it out just fine.
Once we finished shopping, we got home in time for lunch/nap for Bubba and then the last race of the season. I actually got to sit and enjoy it, because Bubba slept through the majority of it, and Daddy was on duty for the rest. Once it was done, we played with some of his new toys from his birthday and did bath and bed. It was a really nice day.
There's a sleepover with G-ma planned for tomorrow night because W has his second (third) opinion on his back, two hours from home at 8:00 AM!! Not looking forward to that drive on Wednesday. Then I'm off Thursday and Friday from work, for Thanksgiving. We did a petition at worked that the big boss approved and the day after Thanksgiving is now a paid holiday! Most of us took it off as a vacation day or without pay, and we were utterly shocked when he agreed to pay us all for the day from now on. So I'm only working two days this week at the office. SWEET! I have a few hours at the station on Saturday, and then back to the normal grind. I won't be having as many hours there now that racing is over, so my extra income from that is going to be miniscule.
Not much else going on. I've picked out my gift from my bosses for Christmas. A digital camera!!!! WOOT! They always spoil me, normally with a chunk of cash, but have always said if there was a 'toy' I wanted, to let them know and they'll hook me up. Last year I got a new office chair, plus cash. This year we really wanted a good digital and rather than ask for that from W's family, we asked them, and they said cool. So I've picked out a Sony Cybershot that will fully suit our purposes. (I should also still get a check, too, which will help.) I really just wanna be able to take lots of pics of Bubba and such, and the one I like will do that just fine. It will be neat to not have to develop film anymore. We can easily delete the ones that stink, and then get the good ones onto the computer for emailing/posting. I'm considering a Flickr account.
I'm exhausted, lately, all the time. I went to bed early last nite, and I guess I just didn't sleep well, cause I'm really really tired. It's getting annoying. My thyroid could be out of whack, too, and I'm gonna get that bloodwork done this week, even though it will have to get paid for with the credit card. Same with Bubba's three year pediatrician appointment, that I keep forgetting to make. Maybe I'll do that right now.
Ok, back to work, even though I'm pretty caught up again. Have a great week, in case I don't make it back. And Happy Thanksgiving to all those who celebrate. I may try to do a "What I'm thankful for post" but who knows.
November 15, 2006
9 years
To W:
It's been nine years now since we've said "I do." I still love you as much, if not more than I did on that day. We've changed, grown, matured, together all this time. It's not been a totally smooth road, and we've had far more downs lately but there is very little I would change. In our darkest times, I hope you will always realize that I would stick by you through anything. We will persevere through all the issues with your back and everything else, and I hope we become even more dedicated to each other.
I may not be the easiest person to live with, and I have my faults, but who doesn't. I look forward to what the next nine, ten, twenty years have in store for us, as we raise our beautiful child together. It's a ripoff from one of our favorite movies, but I can't wait to grow old with you.
May our next year together bring healing, of your back, and other issues so that we can concentrate on each other and Bubba without the stress and drama. Again, I love you baby, and Happy Anniversary.
It's been nine years now since we've said "I do." I still love you as much, if not more than I did on that day. We've changed, grown, matured, together all this time. It's not been a totally smooth road, and we've had far more downs lately but there is very little I would change. In our darkest times, I hope you will always realize that I would stick by you through anything. We will persevere through all the issues with your back and everything else, and I hope we become even more dedicated to each other.
I may not be the easiest person to live with, and I have my faults, but who doesn't. I look forward to what the next nine, ten, twenty years have in store for us, as we raise our beautiful child together. It's a ripoff from one of our favorite movies, but I can't wait to grow old with you.
May our next year together bring healing, of your back, and other issues so that we can concentrate on each other and Bubba without the stress and drama. Again, I love you baby, and Happy Anniversary.
Volume 3
W being goofy in the spirit of Halloween!
This is in the kids play area, but I liked the dragon.
This is in the kids play area, but I liked the dragon.
November 10, 2006
This can't compare to Dooce's newsletters, but here it is.
Three years ago, dear Bubba, you came kicking and screaming into this crazy world. After 18 hours or so of labor, and five pushes, your wriggling little self slithered on out of me and even more into our hearts. What an amazing three years it has been. You have grown into such an intelligent, imaginative little rascal. I love you more than I ever thought imaginable *okay, what mama doesn't say that, really* and there is little I would change. You have my little dimples, which you love to show off whenever you smile, which is often. Hard to say whose eyes you got, since me and daddy both have blue. You did get Daddy's blond hair and regardless of how badly mama wants it to turn red, it refuses. It's ok, though, because you are absolutely adorable. Wherever we take you, people are floored by how polite, cute and intelligent you are. I used to think you would never talk enough to fully understand you, and alas, now there is rarely a moment of silence when you are awake. The things that come out of that little mouth of yours is another wonder. You see/hear something once and have it so committed to memory that you can repeat it or duplicate the action easily. You are a master of the new computer and blow me away with how quickly you learned how to make it do what you want it to do.
You are getting a little less snuggly with me, lately, because everything is all about Daddy. I know it's a phase, and I'm trying not to let it bother me, but deep down, I miss all the snuggles and kisses. I recently taught you butterfly kisses and it is so sweet when you ask for them on each cheek, and then insist on doing both cheeks for me. You also love eskimo kisses.
The only major improvement I seek for you, darling, is your eating habits. Really, I promise that eating vegetables won't kill you. Same goes for fruits. A boy really doesn't need to consume just french toast sticks, french fries, mac n cheese, spagheti, bread and mashed taters forever. Sure, we get some chicken nuggets into you, but why won't you embrace the wonder that is turkey, and steak? All in good time, I'm sure.
My wish for you, as always, dear son, is that you continue to grow up to be a bright, creative, handsome man. I may not be the most patient mama, but never doubt that I love you fiercely and will stop at nothing to give you the best chances in life. I hope you never have to struggle the way W and I have lately, with finances, emotional health and even his physical health. Things were bleak for a while, but we've recommitted to each other to make everything work, and to muddle through all these issues with his back. Hopefully it will all be resolved before long and you won't remember Daddy not being able to do this or that with you because he hurts too much.
I love you, little man. You are my inspiration to be a better person, mom, wife, everything. I can't wait to see what other wonders you have in store for us as you learn more and more. I live for those dimply smiles of yours and of course, the giggles and full body laughter we evoke when we have tickle fests.
I don't know how else to wrap this up, other than to say: Guess what, chicken butt! *yes we have this exchange all the time, alternating with an "I love you" answer instead of chicken butt. We are easily amused.
I hope you like your pirate ship cake and pirate themed party tomorrow, dear boy. Arrr!
November 08, 2006
I'm saddened by this.
"S.C. voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment Tuesday that would ban gay marriage, while the state's property tax amendment also appears to have passed, according to early returns." whole article here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/15957775.htm
The main reason I voted was for this, and I should have known this southern state would approve this ban. Idiots. Not to mention they passed a sales tax increase to pay for road improvements. We pay enough fricking taxes, dammit.
The main reason I voted was for this, and I should have known this southern state would approve this ban. Idiots. Not to mention they passed a sales tax increase to pay for road improvements. We pay enough fricking taxes, dammit.
November 06, 2006
*blink* *blink*
I don't really have anything to talk about, so I've not been posting. Who really wants to hear about my crappy existence right now, anyway?
Hope all is well with whoever stops by. Jen, hope you are moving along, and I guess the same words apply for you, too, Laz. :)
In laws are invading this weekend for Bubba's birthday. And I'm not really looking forward to it. I keep getting into trouble with them for one reason or another. And it appears we're going to PA for Christmas. Not too thrilled about that, either. *sigh*
I'll try to check in later this week. Way too much to do at home right now and work has been busy, too.
P.S. I AM SO FUCKING TIRED OF ALL THE DAMN ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS!
Hope all is well with whoever stops by. Jen, hope you are moving along, and I guess the same words apply for you, too, Laz. :)
In laws are invading this weekend for Bubba's birthday. And I'm not really looking forward to it. I keep getting into trouble with them for one reason or another. And it appears we're going to PA for Christmas. Not too thrilled about that, either. *sigh*
I'll try to check in later this week. Way too much to do at home right now and work has been busy, too.
P.S. I AM SO FUCKING TIRED OF ALL THE DAMN ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS!
October 30, 2006
Nothing witty to put here.
I see the stripper name post went over like a fart in church. Oh well. Guess I'm not meant to be a popular blog, with lots of comments and such.
Same ole shit going on around here lately, and it's not making it easy to write. Can't get into specifics, but damn, I'm sick of all the drama with W and his back and getting drug refills and having doc appointments cancelled because of more dramatic bullshit. Not too mention we are so fricking broke. I have a birthday party to put together and no clue how I'm going to swing it, let alone gifts. *sigh*
Work still sucks. Radio station was ok this weekend, but I didn't get a shift on the air on Sunday, and I'm not sure why. Could have something to do with the timing of the race and the other part time guy being available again, but I sure hope it's nothing more than that. Most likely, I'll be back on next week. I miss it, ya know.
Bubba got an early birthday gift from my parents. A Hobby horse!!! It's awesome, even though it's really big. We need to rearrange the house a bit, so it has a decent place to sit. Between his birthday next week and Christmas coming, my house is getting so cluttered with stuff. Need to sit down and go through and donate stuff he doesn't use anymore.
K, I'm outta here. Sleepy again. Time change and toddlers don't mix. He bounded into my room this morning at 6:30!! ugh.
Same ole shit going on around here lately, and it's not making it easy to write. Can't get into specifics, but damn, I'm sick of all the drama with W and his back and getting drug refills and having doc appointments cancelled because of more dramatic bullshit. Not too mention we are so fricking broke. I have a birthday party to put together and no clue how I'm going to swing it, let alone gifts. *sigh*
Work still sucks. Radio station was ok this weekend, but I didn't get a shift on the air on Sunday, and I'm not sure why. Could have something to do with the timing of the race and the other part time guy being available again, but I sure hope it's nothing more than that. Most likely, I'll be back on next week. I miss it, ya know.
Bubba got an early birthday gift from my parents. A Hobby horse!!! It's awesome, even though it's really big. We need to rearrange the house a bit, so it has a decent place to sit. Between his birthday next week and Christmas coming, my house is getting so cluttered with stuff. Need to sit down and go through and donate stuff he doesn't use anymore.
K, I'm outta here. Sleepy again. Time change and toddlers don't mix. He bounded into my room this morning at 6:30!! ugh.
October 26, 2006
Something funny,
I needed to lighten things up around here, just a bit. My new name is Heidi Leatherridge. What's yours??
Maybe y'all could leave your new name in my comments? And maybe I'll have more than one comment! ahahahahah, yeah right.
What's Your Stripper Name?
See what your stripper name will be, and share it with your friends:We all need a little stress-reliever!This only takes a minute.Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. And, if we are honest, we have a lot more stressful days than not.Here is your dose of humor...
A. Follow the instructions to find your new name.
1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:
a = Fantasia
b = Chesty
c = Starr
d = Diamond
e = Montana
f = Angel
g = Sugar
h = Mimi
i = Lola
j =Kitty
k = Roxie
l = Dallas
m = Princess
n = Heidi
o = Bambi
p = Bunny
q = Brandy
r = Sugar
s = Candy
t = Raquelle
u = Sapphire
v = Cinnamon
w = Blaze
x = Trixie
y = Isis
z = Jade
2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:
a = Leather
b = Dream
c = Sunny
d = Deep
e = Heaven
f = Tight
g = Shimmer
h = Velvet
i = Lusty
j = Harley
k = Passion
l = Dazzle
m = Dixon
n = Spank
o = Glitter
p = Razor
q = Meadow
r = Glitz
s = Sparkle
t = Sweet
u = Silver
v = Tickle
w = Cherry
x = Hard
y = Night
z = Amber
3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = hooter
b = horn
c = tower
d = fire
e = thighs
f = hips
g = side
h = jugs
i = shock
j = cocker
k = brook
l = tush
m = sizzle
n = ridge
o = kiss
p = bomb
q = cream
r = thong
s = heat
t = whip
u = cheeks
v = rock
w = hiney
x = button
y = lick
z = juice
Maybe y'all could leave your new name in my comments? And maybe I'll have more than one comment! ahahahahah, yeah right.
What's Your Stripper Name?
See what your stripper name will be, and share it with your friends:We all need a little stress-reliever!This only takes a minute.Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. And, if we are honest, we have a lot more stressful days than not.Here is your dose of humor...
A. Follow the instructions to find your new name.
1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:
a = Fantasia
b = Chesty
c = Starr
d = Diamond
e = Montana
f = Angel
g = Sugar
h = Mimi
i = Lola
j =Kitty
k = Roxie
l = Dallas
m = Princess
n = Heidi
o = Bambi
p = Bunny
q = Brandy
r = Sugar
s = Candy
t = Raquelle
u = Sapphire
v = Cinnamon
w = Blaze
x = Trixie
y = Isis
z = Jade
2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:
a = Leather
b = Dream
c = Sunny
d = Deep
e = Heaven
f = Tight
g = Shimmer
h = Velvet
i = Lusty
j = Harley
k = Passion
l = Dazzle
m = Dixon
n = Spank
o = Glitter
p = Razor
q = Meadow
r = Glitz
s = Sparkle
t = Sweet
u = Silver
v = Tickle
w = Cherry
x = Hard
y = Night
z = Amber
3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = hooter
b = horn
c = tower
d = fire
e = thighs
f = hips
g = side
h = jugs
i = shock
j = cocker
k = brook
l = tush
m = sizzle
n = ridge
o = kiss
p = bomb
q = cream
r = thong
s = heat
t = whip
u = cheeks
v = rock
w = hiney
x = button
y = lick
z = juice
October 25, 2006
Yeah, I'm back
Hey y'all. Been home since Monday morning, but exhausted, frustrated and not in the mood to post, because it wouldn't be pretty.
In a nutshell, trip up sucked ass, the reception kicked ass, we had an awesome time, trip home sucked majorly. Anything more I add would be unnecessary, boring and uninteresting, I'm sure.
My job is killing me right now. Life at home ain't that grand, either. Sometimes, I wonder why I even bother. I'm so sick of being this frustrated, underappreciated, and taken advantage of by so many. I'll be back soon. Just gotta dig outta this hole.
In a nutshell, trip up sucked ass, the reception kicked ass, we had an awesome time, trip home sucked majorly. Anything more I add would be unnecessary, boring and uninteresting, I'm sure.
My job is killing me right now. Life at home ain't that grand, either. Sometimes, I wonder why I even bother. I'm so sick of being this frustrated, underappreciated, and taken advantage of by so many. I'll be back soon. Just gotta dig outta this hole.
October 19, 2006
Road Trippin'
So we are getting ready to head off again. Three days in PA before heading back here Sunday nite. NOT looking forward to the actual drive, but the rest of it will be glorious, I'm sure.
Tuesday it was off to the beach house again after I got done with work. We ended up going out to play putt-putt golf. Bubba's first time. At first, we were the only ones there, but a few more groups showed up, and when they caught up to us we let them through, since there were seven of us. Bubba did pretty good, tho I never found out who actually won, not sure the scores ever got added up. We got rained on a bit, mostly sprinkles, but at the end it got a bit harder.
After that, dinner fiasco started. L was buying, at a great sub shop, however her husband, who blows me away with his picky eating, and I'm quite picky, wouldn't eat there, so he AND dad decided on Mickey D's instead. Two stops, for food. THEN they wanted to stop and get donuts, instead of having to run out in the morning. First place they stopped, no donuts. Um, OK. Another stop at the other place, and on our way finally back to EAT. I was starving at this point. I inhaled my sub, it was after nine and this point, got Bubba into his jammies and heading home.
Everyone left yesterday morning, and got in LATE!!! Bubba stayed awake the entire drive! The willpower on this child simply amazes me. We'll be in Bubba Boot Camp when we get back next week, since Grammy and Company has been spoiling him rotten.
Get this, MY DESK IS CLEARED OFF! There is a pile of stuff to deal with when I get back, but it's all either prep work, or no time limit stuff that just has to get done eventually. VERY NICE! I'm leaving at four, not to return until Tuesday. Should be my last break from work for a while, except for long weekend at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I highly doubt I'll have ANY computer time, and what I may get, I'm just gonna check emails and bloglines. No way I'm putting my site in the history on the in-laws computer. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and I promise not to drink too much! Hahahah yeah right. I didn't drink much last weekend, so I doubt I will this. Too hard to get trashed when you have to chase your toddler around all the time. I don't think I'd actually trade that, however. With W not doing DJ duty, he can share in the chasing duties.
We decided to wait until we got back with more film to get everything developed at once, so I'll have a roll from Busch Gardens, two rolls from the wedding/reception here and probably two more rolls from PA. I'll figure out how to add pictures here, plus I'll email to Jenn and Laz, and whoever else may read and ask. They are the only two I know read. *smooch girls, Jenn I hope all is well with your trip.*
Talk again next week, probably more long rambling posts about parties and travelling! Oh the excitement of this blog! No wonder I have such a small number of readers.
BYE!
Tuesday it was off to the beach house again after I got done with work. We ended up going out to play putt-putt golf. Bubba's first time. At first, we were the only ones there, but a few more groups showed up, and when they caught up to us we let them through, since there were seven of us. Bubba did pretty good, tho I never found out who actually won, not sure the scores ever got added up. We got rained on a bit, mostly sprinkles, but at the end it got a bit harder.
After that, dinner fiasco started. L was buying, at a great sub shop, however her husband, who blows me away with his picky eating, and I'm quite picky, wouldn't eat there, so he AND dad decided on Mickey D's instead. Two stops, for food. THEN they wanted to stop and get donuts, instead of having to run out in the morning. First place they stopped, no donuts. Um, OK. Another stop at the other place, and on our way finally back to EAT. I was starving at this point. I inhaled my sub, it was after nine and this point, got Bubba into his jammies and heading home.
Everyone left yesterday morning, and got in LATE!!! Bubba stayed awake the entire drive! The willpower on this child simply amazes me. We'll be in Bubba Boot Camp when we get back next week, since Grammy and Company has been spoiling him rotten.
Get this, MY DESK IS CLEARED OFF! There is a pile of stuff to deal with when I get back, but it's all either prep work, or no time limit stuff that just has to get done eventually. VERY NICE! I'm leaving at four, not to return until Tuesday. Should be my last break from work for a while, except for long weekend at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I highly doubt I'll have ANY computer time, and what I may get, I'm just gonna check emails and bloglines. No way I'm putting my site in the history on the in-laws computer. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and I promise not to drink too much! Hahahah yeah right. I didn't drink much last weekend, so I doubt I will this. Too hard to get trashed when you have to chase your toddler around all the time. I don't think I'd actually trade that, however. With W not doing DJ duty, he can share in the chasing duties.
We decided to wait until we got back with more film to get everything developed at once, so I'll have a roll from Busch Gardens, two rolls from the wedding/reception here and probably two more rolls from PA. I'll figure out how to add pictures here, plus I'll email to Jenn and Laz, and whoever else may read and ask. They are the only two I know read. *smooch girls, Jenn I hope all is well with your trip.*
Talk again next week, probably more long rambling posts about parties and travelling! Oh the excitement of this blog! No wonder I have such a small number of readers.
BYE!
October 17, 2006
Day after
I woke up a bit more rested Sunday than I had the past few mornings. Bubba of course was up early. The child never sleeps in past 8 regardless of how late he was up. The plan for the day was for me to go shopping with my mom for a bit for Boss's day presents. Grammy and everyone were going to go to the Flea Markets, and take Bubba. W had run home for dog duty, and I think more sleep, we lost touch for a bit.
So my mom and I hit the mall, and I settled on some silly NFL books for my bosses. They are really very hard to buy for. They don't NEED much, and my budget doesn't allow for much. They both seemed to like them, tho. Mom got a call from my brother, P, and while she talked to him, I got a pretzel and a drink, and one for her. Very yummy. We did a bit more shopping, but mom couldn't find the baby store she was looking for, and she needed a baby gift. I ended up getting ANOTHER headache, and wanted to go back to the beachhouse so we left.
I get there, and was locked out. I figured they would have left the screen door on the back deck open, so I went over to the second house, and the groom informed me that he was locked out, too. So I raided the fridge for leftovers, and crashed because my head was killing me. I had already taken a motrin, chugged water and ate, and none of that helped, so I figured some sleep might. I dozed off and on for two hours, but woke up hurting even more. W had come back by then, so he gave me one of his migraine pills, I chugged more water, and by then Grammy had returned so we got back into the house, and I went in the hot tub for a bit. My calves were also killing me, from all the steps, up and down, and across the sand between the two houses so much the day before. Every step was a bit of agony, and was until this morning, two days later. I also woke up with a mysterious, giant bruise on my left inner calf, right above one of my tattoos. NO clue what I did, but man, it's ugly.
Eventually, the headache wore off, and I was able to relax a bit. I'm gonna leave out the bits about W getting into an argument with his entire family over something to do with Bubba. I had to go home, because I had to work Monday, and couldn't sleep over, again. Same with last nite, I went over after work, had some hot tub time, played with Bubba and went home, after dinner.
Pretty much same plan for tonite. Stop back at my house and let the dogs out and then head over. This is their last nite, so I don't know if we'll do a walk on the beach or just hot tub. It's raining, and will keep raining most of the night, so probaby no beach.
Bubba flew a kite for the first time Sunday with Uncles M, J and B. Actually, I also flew a kite for the first time, too. Very neat.
Oh, yeah, we forgot to sign the marriage license during the reception so we took care of that Sunday while I was locked out of the house. I got them mailed off to the court yesterday, so it's all official.
I MUST get back to work now. I'm kinda busy with a bunch of different stuff, so I shouldn't have taken this much time to write these posts, but meh, who cares.
Talk soon. We'll be leaving Thursday nite for a long weekend in Pennsylvania, and I'll have a slew of posts relating to that. Hopefully not too boring for my few dedicated readers.
So my mom and I hit the mall, and I settled on some silly NFL books for my bosses. They are really very hard to buy for. They don't NEED much, and my budget doesn't allow for much. They both seemed to like them, tho. Mom got a call from my brother, P, and while she talked to him, I got a pretzel and a drink, and one for her. Very yummy. We did a bit more shopping, but mom couldn't find the baby store she was looking for, and she needed a baby gift. I ended up getting ANOTHER headache, and wanted to go back to the beachhouse so we left.
I get there, and was locked out. I figured they would have left the screen door on the back deck open, so I went over to the second house, and the groom informed me that he was locked out, too. So I raided the fridge for leftovers, and crashed because my head was killing me. I had already taken a motrin, chugged water and ate, and none of that helped, so I figured some sleep might. I dozed off and on for two hours, but woke up hurting even more. W had come back by then, so he gave me one of his migraine pills, I chugged more water, and by then Grammy had returned so we got back into the house, and I went in the hot tub for a bit. My calves were also killing me, from all the steps, up and down, and across the sand between the two houses so much the day before. Every step was a bit of agony, and was until this morning, two days later. I also woke up with a mysterious, giant bruise on my left inner calf, right above one of my tattoos. NO clue what I did, but man, it's ugly.
Eventually, the headache wore off, and I was able to relax a bit. I'm gonna leave out the bits about W getting into an argument with his entire family over something to do with Bubba. I had to go home, because I had to work Monday, and couldn't sleep over, again. Same with last nite, I went over after work, had some hot tub time, played with Bubba and went home, after dinner.
Pretty much same plan for tonite. Stop back at my house and let the dogs out and then head over. This is their last nite, so I don't know if we'll do a walk on the beach or just hot tub. It's raining, and will keep raining most of the night, so probaby no beach.
Bubba flew a kite for the first time Sunday with Uncles M, J and B. Actually, I also flew a kite for the first time, too. Very neat.
Oh, yeah, we forgot to sign the marriage license during the reception so we took care of that Sunday while I was locked out of the house. I got them mailed off to the court yesterday, so it's all official.
I MUST get back to work now. I'm kinda busy with a bunch of different stuff, so I shouldn't have taken this much time to write these posts, but meh, who cares.
Talk soon. We'll be leaving Thursday nite for a long weekend in Pennsylvania, and I'll have a slew of posts relating to that. Hopefully not too boring for my few dedicated readers.
The wedding post.
I was up very late Friday nite, after getting out of work late, and then going to the beachhouse. Had the first of some glorious hot tub time, and crashed out. In the morning, W and everyone kept Bubba occupied, while Grammy and L went to get their hair and makeup done. As did most of the bride's group. *I* went home to let our dogs out, download wedding march music and take a nap. Only one of those things didn't happen, and that would of course be the nap. I stopped by the station, to pick up the CD that E was making for me of required wedding music we didn't have at our disposal. Then back to the beach. Bubba wasn't napping, as he was supposed to be, so I got food into him and W put him down later then we wanted for his nap. We all started getting our showers and all gussied up, planning on getting Bubba up right before we needed to get him dressed. I hated to do it, because he is grumpy when we wake him. Other than not really wanting to wake up, he wasn't too bad. He looked so freaking adorable all dressed up, too.
The wedding was supposed to be at three, with us all meeting over there at 2:30. ahhahah. They bridesmaids and some groomsmen were supposed to set up the archway on the beach at 2:00 and by 2:30 it wasn't done yet, so I sent my dad, and W over to take care of it.
I get over there, and the photographer is still busy with the girls getting pictures. Trying to move things along *including this post!* I basically told him we couldn't run more than 15 minutes late because we had a deadline of 4 pm. He was still going to need pictures of the whole group after the ceremony and the limos were coming at 4 but I couldn't say anything, because only four of us knew!
The groom and the boys were lined up on the beach around ten after three, and I told the photographer he had five minutes. Once the girls got all lined up, and everyone was ready, I started things off by walking down from the beachhouse to the beach, standing by the groom.
The processional worked out wonderful, the cutest part, aside from the bride, of course, was my little man taking his sweet time on the steps being so careful not to fall. The two ringbearers were supposed to walk down side by side, but the other boy is bigger and didn't wait for Bubba, but it actually looked so much sweeter to have them come separate.
I cried. When the bride appeared, and came down the aisle with her daddy. I was so nervous, and then she was there, and I took a deep breath, and got strength from above, I think, because after that all the nerves were gone.
The ceremony worked out great, the ringbearers behaved, brought me the pillows when I needed them and didn't act up. The only glitches were the bride forgot to put her veil over her face for the walk down the aisle, and forgot to get her bouquet back from her maid of honor before walking back up to the house. The kid in charge of the music did a wonderful job.
Considering all the stress that went into the planning and everything, we couldn't have asked for a better day. I was freaked because high tide was set for ten minutes before the ceremony, but it wasn't an issue. It was warm enough, just a slight breeze so all of us in sleeveless outfits were comfortable until later when the sun went down.
We had quite an audience on the beach, from people who obviously waited around to see what all the fuss was about. As soon as it was done they all disappeared! That was funny, to me.
So after the ceremony, I was running from house to house getting stuff together for the surprise. Sure enough the limos showed up early. Grammy was still getting pictures, so I ran out there, then they needed ME for pics so I had to run BACK through the house again. Into the limos we all went, and damn were the bride and groom surprised. Actually, everyone was. The plan was to drive up to the pier where they got engaged, and do more pics on the beach. While they did that, I ended up supervising the ringbearers and flowergirl, who simply ran in between the two limos and crawled around in them for the almost two hours they were there. Then back to the beach houses for FOOD!
I had to run home again, to let our dogs, and the neighbor's dog out, but had to eat first because I drank almost half a bottle of champagne while supervising the kids. Wasn't driving without some food. Got back and had more food, changed clothes and W started in with the special dances for the bride/groom, parents, etc. Bubba was getting very impatient, and wanted to get dancing, so I had him outside on the patio goofing off a bit. When it was finally time for him to be able to dance, he was having so much fun. He behaved pretty good the rest of the nite, but wouldn't slow dance with me for more than three seconds. Lots of great moments.
I finally took him over to the other house around 11 and he crashed in minutes. As did I, even tho I was planning on waiting for others to get home for hot tub time, but it never happened.
I think that's about it for Saturday. I'll do a separate post for Sunday. Coming as soon as I get it typed up.
The wedding was supposed to be at three, with us all meeting over there at 2:30. ahhahah. They bridesmaids and some groomsmen were supposed to set up the archway on the beach at 2:00 and by 2:30 it wasn't done yet, so I sent my dad, and W over to take care of it.
I get over there, and the photographer is still busy with the girls getting pictures. Trying to move things along *including this post!* I basically told him we couldn't run more than 15 minutes late because we had a deadline of 4 pm. He was still going to need pictures of the whole group after the ceremony and the limos were coming at 4 but I couldn't say anything, because only four of us knew!
The groom and the boys were lined up on the beach around ten after three, and I told the photographer he had five minutes. Once the girls got all lined up, and everyone was ready, I started things off by walking down from the beachhouse to the beach, standing by the groom.
The processional worked out wonderful, the cutest part, aside from the bride, of course, was my little man taking his sweet time on the steps being so careful not to fall. The two ringbearers were supposed to walk down side by side, but the other boy is bigger and didn't wait for Bubba, but it actually looked so much sweeter to have them come separate.
I cried. When the bride appeared, and came down the aisle with her daddy. I was so nervous, and then she was there, and I took a deep breath, and got strength from above, I think, because after that all the nerves were gone.
The ceremony worked out great, the ringbearers behaved, brought me the pillows when I needed them and didn't act up. The only glitches were the bride forgot to put her veil over her face for the walk down the aisle, and forgot to get her bouquet back from her maid of honor before walking back up to the house. The kid in charge of the music did a wonderful job.
Considering all the stress that went into the planning and everything, we couldn't have asked for a better day. I was freaked because high tide was set for ten minutes before the ceremony, but it wasn't an issue. It was warm enough, just a slight breeze so all of us in sleeveless outfits were comfortable until later when the sun went down.
We had quite an audience on the beach, from people who obviously waited around to see what all the fuss was about. As soon as it was done they all disappeared! That was funny, to me.
So after the ceremony, I was running from house to house getting stuff together for the surprise. Sure enough the limos showed up early. Grammy was still getting pictures, so I ran out there, then they needed ME for pics so I had to run BACK through the house again. Into the limos we all went, and damn were the bride and groom surprised. Actually, everyone was. The plan was to drive up to the pier where they got engaged, and do more pics on the beach. While they did that, I ended up supervising the ringbearers and flowergirl, who simply ran in between the two limos and crawled around in them for the almost two hours they were there. Then back to the beach houses for FOOD!
I had to run home again, to let our dogs, and the neighbor's dog out, but had to eat first because I drank almost half a bottle of champagne while supervising the kids. Wasn't driving without some food. Got back and had more food, changed clothes and W started in with the special dances for the bride/groom, parents, etc. Bubba was getting very impatient, and wanted to get dancing, so I had him outside on the patio goofing off a bit. When it was finally time for him to be able to dance, he was having so much fun. He behaved pretty good the rest of the nite, but wouldn't slow dance with me for more than three seconds. Lots of great moments.
I finally took him over to the other house around 11 and he crashed in minutes. As did I, even tho I was planning on waiting for others to get home for hot tub time, but it never happened.
I think that's about it for Saturday. I'll do a separate post for Sunday. Coming as soon as I get it typed up.
October 13, 2006
Do NOT plan a rehearsal for a wedding on Friday the 13th!
Ok, I'm at work. I'm exhausted. I'm excited, I'm stressed. Lemme tell ya about the past day and a half.
Dinner last nite was another adventure with getting everyone where they were supposed to be. The bachelor party dinner was at the restaurant right next to the beachhouses where everyone is staying. They were going over at 7 and the girls, the bachelorette dinner, if you will, were headed over at eight. We get there, well, wait, I got there, why am I always the first person to arrive, this comes into play again later. But I say, yeah, reservation for 13, the female half of the rowdy bunch behind you that is throwing peanuts all over the damn place. Snooty, waiter type person, "We don't take reservations." Um. Eventually they get us all situated, ten minutes later a waitress shows up to take our drink order and 15 minutes after that the drinks arrive. Did I mention my son was none to happy to be having to sit still, while daddy was across the room and there was fun to be had? Yeah. So when they finally came for our food order, I asked for his to come out right away, and they did manage to make that happen. The food was great once it did arrive, but geez it took forever. So the men have already headed off to the bar, again, a few doors down, this is all so convenient. Noone would be driving, no worries about wedding party being arrested or anything. *hahahahah, wait for it.* The ladies left after a bit longer.
So W and I, Grammy, Pappap and Aunt L got Bubba all tucked into bed finally, and W and I headed over to the bar for a brief visit. Most of the wedding party was quite trashed already, but we were having a good time. Karoake was involved, but not for me. I had one drink, and was ready to go. W and I left, went to the beachhouse and CRASHED! Exhausted.
Morning broke with W's sister L, rushing into our room, shrieking, "W, come quick, mom is choking!!" I run out there to see L's hubby doing the heimlich. I asked mom if she could talk, and she squeaked out she was ok, so I tell J to back off a second....once she was able to talk we knew she'd be ok. Thankfully.
After that we headed out for a walk on the beach, and man was the sand cold. Bubba was still in his PJ's with his coat on and bare feet. So cute. I had my jammie shirt on, jeans and barefeet. It was awesome to see the sunrise on the beach.
Most of the rest of the afternoon was uneventful, save for the stupid fight W and I had. No big deal, I never expected to get through an extended weekend, including all his family without at least one. Bubba took a three hour nap, which put us behind schedule to get back to the beachhouse for the rehearsal.
Meanwhile, we heard rumblings about the groom and his friend getting into trouble as they were leaving the bar. I didn't believe it, thinking they were just trying to punk us. They weren't. After a while, they had walked across the street from where everyone started to a different bar so they could shoot pool.....they stayed a few hours and when they left, ran into some trouble. A nice local police officer was watching the door, and when they left, beers in hand, kindly wrote them both a ticket for drinking in public. They hadn't drawn any attention to themselves, they were simply leaving. It's a bunch of crap, and hopefully I'll be able to help them out on the tickets through work. Oy. Oh yeah, W's mom knows nothing about it!
On to the actual rehearsal. Supposed to go at five, for dinner at six. 4:45 and the bride wasn't home. Somehow I ended up trying to get everyone rounded up and somewhat ready so when she DID show, we could get the show on the road. (Remember, I had to be at work at 7:15, meaning dinner at six, and I'd probably have to rush. Retrospect at this point, I should have scheduled myself off regardless that I needed the hours.) So I think about 5:20 we were all gathered on the deck of the house and were making progress. Finish up the rehearsal of the ceremony, try to get everyone in gear to GO TO DINNER. We could stand around and talk on the beach later, dammit. I finally leave for the restaurant at six, get there first, again, why am I always first. I'm not in charge, dammit! I politely explain to the hostess person that I was the first to arrive for the so and so dinner, and got a blank stare. See, the bride had reserved this establishment's 'party room' about six months ago. Oh, are you with the group that was to be here at 6:30, she says. Um...no. We had the reservation for six, we're running late. Jokes on us. The group that was supposed to be there at 6:30, in a separate place, came an HOUR early and got put in OUR ROOM! By some idiot who can't read a seating/reservation chart. As the rest of the group of 30 or so filter in, I get to explain to them that the room isn't available and they were going to try to seat us all together somehow. It's 6:30 by now. I have a half hour to eat so I can get to work on time. They end up giving me to-go boxes and I was able to pile them full of yummy goodness, but it also meant I was going to miss out on sitting with everyone and seeing the gifts from the bride and groom. W's mom was absolutely furious, being that she was paying for the dinner, and nothing was as expected. My dinner ended up being comped, and they were assured they would get a discount on the rest of it. I'll find out the deal with that later tonite. My dinner was awesome, if some what lonely, as I ate it here at the station in front of the radio board. I still haven't eaten the dessert because I'm still stuffed, and I ate two hours ago.
So again, don't try to do a wedding the weekend of Friday the 13th. We are hoping this means that all things tomorrow will go flawless. Please keep your fingers crossed.
Here at the station they have a Friday the 13th obstacle course in the parking lot, that I got suckered into doing. Oh man. Running in flip flops. I didn't fall, and it was awesome on the air. I hope the hell I just haven't totally cursed myself with bad luck. Involved was running under a ladder, and breaking a mirror, among other things. Lots of fun, though.
Ok, that's it. W got the hot tub at the house fixed, so after work, I'm heading home to let the dogs out, then will head down for some hot water relaxation. Will sleep over again, but have to run to our house early to let our dogs out again. Plus we are helping the neighbor by letting HER dog out during the day tomorrow before and after the wedding cause she is traveling a bit most of the day. Fun fun fun. As long as her dog doesn't bite me. He's a persnickety old Sharpei.
I still haven't taken any pictures, and am hoping to get some of the house and stuff tomorrow. I"m gonna ask my mom to take some pictures during the ceremony with my cam. I'm sure there will be plenty of photo ops during the limo ride, and reception.
Sorry this got soo long. I hope to have time for the actual wedding post on Monday.
Dinner last nite was another adventure with getting everyone where they were supposed to be. The bachelor party dinner was at the restaurant right next to the beachhouses where everyone is staying. They were going over at 7 and the girls, the bachelorette dinner, if you will, were headed over at eight. We get there, well, wait, I got there, why am I always the first person to arrive, this comes into play again later. But I say, yeah, reservation for 13, the female half of the rowdy bunch behind you that is throwing peanuts all over the damn place. Snooty, waiter type person, "We don't take reservations." Um. Eventually they get us all situated, ten minutes later a waitress shows up to take our drink order and 15 minutes after that the drinks arrive. Did I mention my son was none to happy to be having to sit still, while daddy was across the room and there was fun to be had? Yeah. So when they finally came for our food order, I asked for his to come out right away, and they did manage to make that happen. The food was great once it did arrive, but geez it took forever. So the men have already headed off to the bar, again, a few doors down, this is all so convenient. Noone would be driving, no worries about wedding party being arrested or anything. *hahahahah, wait for it.* The ladies left after a bit longer.
So W and I, Grammy, Pappap and Aunt L got Bubba all tucked into bed finally, and W and I headed over to the bar for a brief visit. Most of the wedding party was quite trashed already, but we were having a good time. Karoake was involved, but not for me. I had one drink, and was ready to go. W and I left, went to the beachhouse and CRASHED! Exhausted.
Morning broke with W's sister L, rushing into our room, shrieking, "W, come quick, mom is choking!!" I run out there to see L's hubby doing the heimlich. I asked mom if she could talk, and she squeaked out she was ok, so I tell J to back off a second....once she was able to talk we knew she'd be ok. Thankfully.
After that we headed out for a walk on the beach, and man was the sand cold. Bubba was still in his PJ's with his coat on and bare feet. So cute. I had my jammie shirt on, jeans and barefeet. It was awesome to see the sunrise on the beach.
Most of the rest of the afternoon was uneventful, save for the stupid fight W and I had. No big deal, I never expected to get through an extended weekend, including all his family without at least one. Bubba took a three hour nap, which put us behind schedule to get back to the beachhouse for the rehearsal.
Meanwhile, we heard rumblings about the groom and his friend getting into trouble as they were leaving the bar. I didn't believe it, thinking they were just trying to punk us. They weren't. After a while, they had walked across the street from where everyone started to a different bar so they could shoot pool.....they stayed a few hours and when they left, ran into some trouble. A nice local police officer was watching the door, and when they left, beers in hand, kindly wrote them both a ticket for drinking in public. They hadn't drawn any attention to themselves, they were simply leaving. It's a bunch of crap, and hopefully I'll be able to help them out on the tickets through work. Oy. Oh yeah, W's mom knows nothing about it!
On to the actual rehearsal. Supposed to go at five, for dinner at six. 4:45 and the bride wasn't home. Somehow I ended up trying to get everyone rounded up and somewhat ready so when she DID show, we could get the show on the road. (Remember, I had to be at work at 7:15, meaning dinner at six, and I'd probably have to rush. Retrospect at this point, I should have scheduled myself off regardless that I needed the hours.) So I think about 5:20 we were all gathered on the deck of the house and were making progress. Finish up the rehearsal of the ceremony, try to get everyone in gear to GO TO DINNER. We could stand around and talk on the beach later, dammit. I finally leave for the restaurant at six, get there first, again, why am I always first. I'm not in charge, dammit! I politely explain to the hostess person that I was the first to arrive for the so and so dinner, and got a blank stare. See, the bride had reserved this establishment's 'party room' about six months ago. Oh, are you with the group that was to be here at 6:30, she says. Um...no. We had the reservation for six, we're running late. Jokes on us. The group that was supposed to be there at 6:30, in a separate place, came an HOUR early and got put in OUR ROOM! By some idiot who can't read a seating/reservation chart. As the rest of the group of 30 or so filter in, I get to explain to them that the room isn't available and they were going to try to seat us all together somehow. It's 6:30 by now. I have a half hour to eat so I can get to work on time. They end up giving me to-go boxes and I was able to pile them full of yummy goodness, but it also meant I was going to miss out on sitting with everyone and seeing the gifts from the bride and groom. W's mom was absolutely furious, being that she was paying for the dinner, and nothing was as expected. My dinner ended up being comped, and they were assured they would get a discount on the rest of it. I'll find out the deal with that later tonite. My dinner was awesome, if some what lonely, as I ate it here at the station in front of the radio board. I still haven't eaten the dessert because I'm still stuffed, and I ate two hours ago.
So again, don't try to do a wedding the weekend of Friday the 13th. We are hoping this means that all things tomorrow will go flawless. Please keep your fingers crossed.
Here at the station they have a Friday the 13th obstacle course in the parking lot, that I got suckered into doing. Oh man. Running in flip flops. I didn't fall, and it was awesome on the air. I hope the hell I just haven't totally cursed myself with bad luck. Involved was running under a ladder, and breaking a mirror, among other things. Lots of fun, though.
Ok, that's it. W got the hot tub at the house fixed, so after work, I'm heading home to let the dogs out, then will head down for some hot water relaxation. Will sleep over again, but have to run to our house early to let our dogs out again. Plus we are helping the neighbor by letting HER dog out during the day tomorrow before and after the wedding cause she is traveling a bit most of the day. Fun fun fun. As long as her dog doesn't bite me. He's a persnickety old Sharpei.
I still haven't taken any pictures, and am hoping to get some of the house and stuff tomorrow. I"m gonna ask my mom to take some pictures during the ceremony with my cam. I'm sure there will be plenty of photo ops during the limo ride, and reception.
Sorry this got soo long. I hope to have time for the actual wedding post on Monday.
October 12, 2006
Wow
Ok, so we had dinner last nite with the whole family. It was a riot, getting everything coordinated, but after touring the two beach houses, and getting Bubba settled down after seeing everyone again, off we went. I am so utterly in love with this beach house my inlaws are in. I WANT ONE!!! Lord, the kitchen is twice the size of mine. I can't describe enough how awesome these houses are.
Bubba spent the night last night after getting in late from dinner and settled into his room in the house. If all goes well, W and I will sleep over tonite, too. His family's house is smaller than the one the bride's family has, and they still have too much room. The bride, however, will be short on beds, and using sofas and floors for all her guests.
The bride and groom had a special request for me yesterday, as well. I was freaking out that they wanted me to change the ceremony, but it wasn't that. Seems one of her bridesmaids cannot make it up to PA for the official reception, and that meant she was short an escort for one of the groom's attendants, M, the oldest brother of W's family. So they asked me to wear her dress and walk with M, and do the dance with him and all that. My first question was if her dress would even fit me, and lordy, it's gonna be way too big. So, L, W's sister, will wear the missing girl's dress, and I will wear L's, which will still be big, but not as bad as the first. And Grammy will most likely be able to pin it or something to help make me not look real bad. This dress will be easily 2 sizes too big. L's is a 12, and I would probably need an 8. But the other girl's is a 14!!!!
W is at home, busily completing his honey-do list so we can go over to the beach house tonite. Must take pictures. Tomorrow will be busy, as well, the rest of the guests are arriving, including the photographer and bridesmaids. Will be much shopping and planning as well as the actual rehearsal, and dinner. I did find out I have to work at the station at 7:15, but should be able to do dinner, and then if I must, leave before everyone else. I have a call in to E, who will already be at the station, running high school football games, and will ask him to cover if I'm a few minutes late. I told my boss about it, and he was fine with that, so I just have to make sure E is able.
I still have to do a final print of the ceremony, make a cover page, and figure out how the heck to bind the thing together so it looks all pretty. I don't remember how I did the last one, mainly because W DID IT! Ack!!!!
Not sure I'll get a post up, unless I do it at the station tomorrow. Hopefully will update Monday about how everything went. I'm out of here at work in two and half hours, and I cannot wait. Have a great weekend y'all.
Oh, and thanks for the words of encouragement, Jenn, and have a wonderful and productive trip yourself! Talk soon!
Bubba spent the night last night after getting in late from dinner and settled into his room in the house. If all goes well, W and I will sleep over tonite, too. His family's house is smaller than the one the bride's family has, and they still have too much room. The bride, however, will be short on beds, and using sofas and floors for all her guests.
The bride and groom had a special request for me yesterday, as well. I was freaking out that they wanted me to change the ceremony, but it wasn't that. Seems one of her bridesmaids cannot make it up to PA for the official reception, and that meant she was short an escort for one of the groom's attendants, M, the oldest brother of W's family. So they asked me to wear her dress and walk with M, and do the dance with him and all that. My first question was if her dress would even fit me, and lordy, it's gonna be way too big. So, L, W's sister, will wear the missing girl's dress, and I will wear L's, which will still be big, but not as bad as the first. And Grammy will most likely be able to pin it or something to help make me not look real bad. This dress will be easily 2 sizes too big. L's is a 12, and I would probably need an 8. But the other girl's is a 14!!!!
W is at home, busily completing his honey-do list so we can go over to the beach house tonite. Must take pictures. Tomorrow will be busy, as well, the rest of the guests are arriving, including the photographer and bridesmaids. Will be much shopping and planning as well as the actual rehearsal, and dinner. I did find out I have to work at the station at 7:15, but should be able to do dinner, and then if I must, leave before everyone else. I have a call in to E, who will already be at the station, running high school football games, and will ask him to cover if I'm a few minutes late. I told my boss about it, and he was fine with that, so I just have to make sure E is able.
I still have to do a final print of the ceremony, make a cover page, and figure out how the heck to bind the thing together so it looks all pretty. I don't remember how I did the last one, mainly because W DID IT! Ack!!!!
Not sure I'll get a post up, unless I do it at the station tomorrow. Hopefully will update Monday about how everything went. I'm out of here at work in two and half hours, and I cannot wait. Have a great weekend y'all.
Oh, and thanks for the words of encouragement, Jenn, and have a wonderful and productive trip yourself! Talk soon!
October 11, 2006
Ramblings.
Awful quiet around these parts. Comments have been nonexistent. If you've stopped by, won't you please say hello? I need friends, even just online would be neat! I'm lonely, ya know.
The inlaw invasion begins today. I'm excited, but also very nervous about Saturday. I still have to print the ceremony on the fancy paper and bind it somehow, but I don't know how. I'm worried the weather isn't going to be nice enough, and we'll all be cold. Me especially, since I don't have much options in clothes. I'm worried I'm not going to be loud enough for everyone to hear me. I'm just plain worried. This is the biggest wedding I've done, and it's even more special because it's family this time.
W got a deer yesterday when he was hunting! I'm so freaking thrilled about that, because it means we'll have fresh meat for the rest of the year. Our freezer was just about empty, not much deer meat left in it. It wasn't a very big one, but it will surely help.
*just talked to the groom, and they *JUST* pulled into the rented beach house, so they have arrived!* Mom of the groom wasnt' too far behind, in fact, he thinks they actually got there first.
Ok, back to work. I may be scarce until next week, with all the craziness due to happen with the wedding this weekend. Not too mention, no feedback leaves me not so eager to post.
The inlaw invasion begins today. I'm excited, but also very nervous about Saturday. I still have to print the ceremony on the fancy paper and bind it somehow, but I don't know how. I'm worried the weather isn't going to be nice enough, and we'll all be cold. Me especially, since I don't have much options in clothes. I'm worried I'm not going to be loud enough for everyone to hear me. I'm just plain worried. This is the biggest wedding I've done, and it's even more special because it's family this time.
W got a deer yesterday when he was hunting! I'm so freaking thrilled about that, because it means we'll have fresh meat for the rest of the year. Our freezer was just about empty, not much deer meat left in it. It wasn't a very big one, but it will surely help.
*just talked to the groom, and they *JUST* pulled into the rented beach house, so they have arrived!* Mom of the groom wasnt' too far behind, in fact, he thinks they actually got there first.
Ok, back to work. I may be scarce until next week, with all the craziness due to happen with the wedding this weekend. Not too mention, no feedback leaves me not so eager to post.
October 09, 2006
Feeling Frustrated
I'm having some anxiety today, as I balance the checkbook and look at all the bills coming due towards the end of the month. W's worker's comp checks are coming in at random times, not when we're used to them coming, and it's really messing with the budget. Not to mention we have the wedding this weekend, W's little brother, on the beach, HERE, I'm doing the ceremony. His entire family, plus friends will be here, and there will be much partying, stuff like that. We can probably get away without spending too much then, but the following weekend we are trekking up to Pennsylvania for the fancy reception to the wedding and there will be gas money and expenses needed there, and I don't know how we're gonna swing it all. On top of all of that, W's taxes on the truck are due *my hick state charges personal property taxes on vehicles* by the end of the month. I just don't think the savings will stretch far enough to cover all of it and I'm very frustrated about all of it. I also feel like I may be getting sick. Like, crud in the lungs/chest kinda suck. If that happens, how the hell am I going to perform a fricking wedding? Ugh.
We had so much fun on vacation, and were able to forget about all of the crud, but it's all back slamming me in the head again. With no hours at the station the past two weekends, and none planned the next two weekends, that won't be a fall back for the budget, either.
I just wish I knew of a way to get some extra money. I know Christmas will be ok, because I've been putting the money in the Christmas club account. Maybe we will have some leftover, but I don't know. Then we'll be waiting and waiting for tax refund, which will get us a little bit of wiggle room, but not a lot. I'm not even sure how much we'll get this year, because W hasn't had ANY taxable income this year, which means only MY money will count toward refund. Which just isn't THAT much. *sigh* I'm sick of this. Sorry, y'all. I'll quit bitching now. We dug our own holes with bad decisions, so we have noone else to blame for some of it. However, the bad luck of the injury and job loss, insurance loss, and some other unavoidable bills just make it all too much for me sometimes. I'll be fine eventually.
We had so much fun on vacation, and were able to forget about all of the crud, but it's all back slamming me in the head again. With no hours at the station the past two weekends, and none planned the next two weekends, that won't be a fall back for the budget, either.
I just wish I knew of a way to get some extra money. I know Christmas will be ok, because I've been putting the money in the Christmas club account. Maybe we will have some leftover, but I don't know. Then we'll be waiting and waiting for tax refund, which will get us a little bit of wiggle room, but not a lot. I'm not even sure how much we'll get this year, because W hasn't had ANY taxable income this year, which means only MY money will count toward refund. Which just isn't THAT much. *sigh* I'm sick of this. Sorry, y'all. I'll quit bitching now. We dug our own holes with bad decisions, so we have noone else to blame for some of it. However, the bad luck of the injury and job loss, insurance loss, and some other unavoidable bills just make it all too much for me sometimes. I'll be fine eventually.
Vacation wrap up
I know, I promised a wrap-up post, but I got busy and sidetracked and yadda yadda yadda. Instead of a drawn out one with the last few things, I'll just do it real quick like this:
Funniest thing seen on the side of the road: an intact pineapple; we saw a cop pull over a driver, most likely for speeding, shortly after we almost zipped on by him, before realizing it was a cop and slowing down and falling in behind him; I tried to sleep the entire way home, even though we both slept like rocks the night before we left.
Okay, so there's that. Not sure many are reading, I haven't figured out how to access statistics or counters, and it's not that big of a deal.
Funniest thing seen on the side of the road: an intact pineapple; we saw a cop pull over a driver, most likely for speeding, shortly after we almost zipped on by him, before realizing it was a cop and slowing down and falling in behind him; I tried to sleep the entire way home, even though we both slept like rocks the night before we left.
Okay, so there's that. Not sure many are reading, I haven't figured out how to access statistics or counters, and it's not that big of a deal.
October 06, 2006
The Trip Home
(I'm again having formatting trouble. sorry. )
Okay, so we headed to bed, a bit late Friday, with the alarm NOT set, figuring we'd be up as always around eight am. Hahahahaha. Didn't happen. While we both did wake up at four am for potty breaks we fell back to sleep and were comatose until my eyes creeped open, glanced and the clock and SHRIEKED! It was ten am! YIKES! Guess our sleep cycle finally got caught up, because of all the walking and such we had done for two days. Needless to say we scurried around and got ready, because I wanted to be on the road BY nine! hahahaha. Furious packing and arranging ensues and off we go.
I promised W we'd go back and get his vest that he wanted at the Trading Post, and dammit, if when we went and he actually tried on what they had, they didn't fit. Not the not so as expensive one OR the expensive one. He was quite upset, but we went back to the outlet we went to on Wednesday and spent way too much time finding one that fit and wasn't mangled in some way. Best part, it was less than the other two.
Finally on the road, but I'm starving. I had a slimfast type shake when we got up, but that didn't sustain me long, so I was snacking and snacking. We stopped around noon for gas/food/potty. We thought we were making good time, but the whole trip home took forever. Once we get close to home, it's all back roads the way we go, and there's just no other good alternative, and it seemed like we were just crawling. I was so anxious to get to my mom's to pick up Bubba. We finally made it home, we had to empty the back seat and put the car seat back in, then drove the last part down to my parents.
Bubba freaked OUT when we got there, he missed us a bunch. We missed him, too, obviously. I think we gave him the little Curious George stuffed animal we had won him at Busch Gardens there and told him we had more stuff for him at home. Meanwhile, W and I got meatloaf and taters that Mom and made for dinner and pigged out. Then packed up all Bubba's stuff and headed back home.
At that point, of course he wanted his surprises, and we had the neighbors over so we could give them their thank you gift for taking care of the dogs. Needless to say, it was a late night for the boy and he did NOT want to go to sleep after that. *He's back on track, now, but he had a late night again last nite, because he just lay in bed babbling and rolling around, and didn't go to sleep until after ten pm!!!*
At that point, of course he wanted his surprises, and we had the neighbors over so we could give them their thank you gift for taking care of the dogs. Needless to say, it was a late night for the boy and he did NOT want to go to sleep after that. *He's back on track, now, but he had a late night again last nite, because he just lay in bed babbling and rolling around, and didn't go to sleep until after ten pm!!!*
His presents?? A wooden farmyard set, like Lincoln Logs, that builds a barn and a fenced enclosure for the animals, and a silo. LOVES IT! Also a toy sized claw machine like you find at stores with stuffed animals in it. Comes with little tokens that make it work. It is his new incentive program. He gets a token in a bowl right before bed. If he's a good boy and listens, and behaves, and all that other stuff, he gets to use his token to play before his bath the next day. If he's bad, and doesn't listen, we warn him he won't get to play, and if he doesn't shape up, we take the token. The set up was all W's idea, and in fact, it's QUITE effective. The game is so damn fun to play, even for the grown ups. We've filled it with some of his favorite candy, which is why he doesn't get it right before bed, but long enough before for the sugar to wear off. There are gummy worms, candy corns, M&M's and lollipops in there. The worms and lollipops are the easiest to get, and we keep putting more in. We'll have to experiment to figure out other new stuff that works, the grip on the claw isn't that great.
After we finally got him into bed that nite, I got half the stuff unpacked/put away, W did the other half. Then, get this, I had to go to work!!!!! I needed to tape my shift for the radio station for Sunday, and rather than have to leave Bubba for part of the day, I decided to do it late, so I could spend all day with him. Worked out well, but man I was tired!!!!
Looks like I'll be doing the same thing tonite or tomorrow, because the only thing I'm on the schedule for there this weekend is my shift! UGH! That's two weekends in a row of nothing for the station. The reason now is they are running live shifts on Saturdays for a while, and whoever is there live will be taking care of any remotes. However, if races on Saturdays are later than the shift, I'll get them. BUT: I need off the next two weekends, *not this one, unfortunately* for the wedding and subsequent trip to Pennsylvania. Looks like my extra income from the station will be non-existent for the next month or two. Crap.
Okay, that's it for vacation fun and games...I have another little post planned with thoughts and some funny stuff we saw/did/whatever I want to have separate. Coming soon!
October 05, 2006
Day 3: Busch Gardens
We slept in, well, not really. Got up and took our showers and just took our time getting ready. We headed down to breakfast, and I mean down the hall, because we were on the first floor, just all the way down at the end of the looooooong hallway. True to his word, our friendly server was back, and the buffet was set up. Since he knew why we had free breakfast the day before, he asked if we had another one, since the pool still wasn't fixed. We hadn't made a big deal about it with the front desk, but he hooked us up with a discount, not to mention didn't charge for half the stuff, anyway.
After stuffing ourselves with eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, ummm, biscuits and orange juice, off we went. Busch Gardens didn't open until ten, so we had time, and I wanted to stop at this little trading post for some shopping. We discovered how unbelievable easy it is to get around Williamsburg, once you figure out the right roads. Maybe we were just lucky to be staying right downtown, but we loved how easy it was.
We looked around the trading post, saw some great stuff, and W really wanted to get this leather vest, but knew it was a bit too expensive. I told him we'd see what was left after the day, we'd have time in the morning to shop again before leaving. On our way out, I asked if they had or knew where we could get discount admission to BG, and they told us right down the street they had some. Wasn't much, but it saved us like five bucks. I realize now I should have looked harder online for discount tix and ordered them ahead of time, but whatever. Tickets in hand we set off for the park, which was only like five minutes away.
This place is huge, for those who've never been. We weren't expecting them to be very busy, but got there right around opening time. I had pre-ordered the parking ticket, because that saved us two more bucks! Again, in retrospect, we could have taken a cab or the bus, tho the cab may have been more than parking, the bus would have been a bit cheaper, but not much.
We got parked, and loaded up, again I was carrying a huge backpack full of drinks, water for me, soda for W and snacks, along with my little backpack with my inhaler, wallet, camera stuffed in the top. We started seeing signs about no drinks allowed inside, and started freaking out. We had already ridden the tram up to the gate, and I was gonna be pissed if I couldn't take my stuff in, drinks were outrageously expensive. Anyway, since we had our tickets, we didn't have to wait in THAT line, and on up we went. Sure enough, they were searching bags, but the way I had mine set up, the drinks were on the bottom of the big bag, and when you open it, you saw my bag and the camera, etc., and the guard didn't dig much and in we went. I was so relieved. I figure we saved easily 25 bucks by not buying drinks.
I don't wanna bore you all *hahahah like this is all that interesting* with details of each ride/area in the park. But let's just say we walked the entire park once by about 2 pm. During that time, I rode each big roller coaster, and three 3D/4D rides. W did the one thing at the beginning, a sit down, in a theatre 4D thing with me which was very cool. Pirates themed, totally geared for the kids. The only other thing he rode was a 4D adventure ride that after I rode it, realized it was okay for him to go along. It was a haunted castle type thing, and it didn't have bumps or jerks or anything like that. I rode that one three times, actually. Rode one of the coasters three times, the others, except for one, twice and that last one only once.
Halfway through the park was Jack Hanna's Animal Odyssey, or whatever they call it. First enclosure we saw was BALD EAGLES!!! There were about six of them in this large area, open at the top, because they were all injured birds that they had rehabbed, but could not fly. We got a bunch of pictures and just stared at them for a while. *for any who aren't aware, hubby and I are BIG 'nature' freaks, and among our favorites are bald eagles and wolves.* Speaking of wolves, they were the next exhibit. Two gray wolves, who were curiously quite white, but I know that's normal. They were loping around and looking at us, and we got some more great shots, I hope at least. They had shows scheduled, but we missed them all, dammit. THEN!! As we were walking up some more, lo and behold, there's a park chick holding a fricking eagle, and you could walk right up and check him out and have your picture taken with it. (Of course, I asked if I could pet it, and knew I couldn't but really wanted to!!) When I turned around to face W she leaned in and was holding the bird like RIGHT AT MY SHOULDER. It was so awesome. I cannot WAIT to get those pics. When I took W's the bird shifted his head and looked like he was looking right into W's ear. Hee hee. There was also an aviary, which I couldn't go in at that time, because they were on break. When we came back later, the bitch wouldn't let me in, because they had JUST closed. I was not happy about that, at all. There was other pet shows, but we didn't see them, we were too busy doing the other stuff. This area was the other main reason we picked Busch Gardens because we knew W couldn't ride much, but that he'd enjoy the animals. We intended on doing the shows, too, but it didn't work out.
Once we completed the full park we stopped to eat, at the smokehouse. Spent a bit too much on food, but we were really hungry and it was really good stuff, not complete junk. Then it was just about time for the Halloween stuff to start.
It had cooled down a bit by then, and we were concerned, because yeah, we left the coats in the car again. We found a store in the France area that had long sleeve shirts on sale, 50% off!! We each got one, for the price of one! How awesome!
Ok, Halloween stuff: They had four haunted maze things, most of them pretty lame, tho. The train ride was all decorated for the haunting, but also turned out to be quite lame. I did some of the repeat rides at this time, as we were going through the park again to do the haunted stuff. We got ice cream at some point, too, in a waffle cone, dipped in chocolate with rainbow sprinkles!!!! Very very yummy.
The whole place got a bit busier after five, most likely with kids out of school, and people coming in for the Halloween stuff. We wanted to do the one haunted trail again, because it was the only one outside, and it wasn't quite dark when we did it the first time, so it wasn't too scary. It had the most potential to be worth it, but the train ride took a while, and by the time we finished it, and walked ALL THE WAY back to the entrance where that trail was, it was too late. By that point we were both really tired, quite sore and ready for bed. We had to ride the tram back to the parking lot, find the car and get back to the hotel. We took long showers again, and completely crashed out for the nite.
Okay, hopefully tomorrow I can finish up the vacation saga. Hope my few readers are enjoying.
After stuffing ourselves with eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, ummm, biscuits and orange juice, off we went. Busch Gardens didn't open until ten, so we had time, and I wanted to stop at this little trading post for some shopping. We discovered how unbelievable easy it is to get around Williamsburg, once you figure out the right roads. Maybe we were just lucky to be staying right downtown, but we loved how easy it was.
We looked around the trading post, saw some great stuff, and W really wanted to get this leather vest, but knew it was a bit too expensive. I told him we'd see what was left after the day, we'd have time in the morning to shop again before leaving. On our way out, I asked if they had or knew where we could get discount admission to BG, and they told us right down the street they had some. Wasn't much, but it saved us like five bucks. I realize now I should have looked harder online for discount tix and ordered them ahead of time, but whatever. Tickets in hand we set off for the park, which was only like five minutes away.
This place is huge, for those who've never been. We weren't expecting them to be very busy, but got there right around opening time. I had pre-ordered the parking ticket, because that saved us two more bucks! Again, in retrospect, we could have taken a cab or the bus, tho the cab may have been more than parking, the bus would have been a bit cheaper, but not much.
We got parked, and loaded up, again I was carrying a huge backpack full of drinks, water for me, soda for W and snacks, along with my little backpack with my inhaler, wallet, camera stuffed in the top. We started seeing signs about no drinks allowed inside, and started freaking out. We had already ridden the tram up to the gate, and I was gonna be pissed if I couldn't take my stuff in, drinks were outrageously expensive. Anyway, since we had our tickets, we didn't have to wait in THAT line, and on up we went. Sure enough, they were searching bags, but the way I had mine set up, the drinks were on the bottom of the big bag, and when you open it, you saw my bag and the camera, etc., and the guard didn't dig much and in we went. I was so relieved. I figure we saved easily 25 bucks by not buying drinks.
I don't wanna bore you all *hahahah like this is all that interesting* with details of each ride/area in the park. But let's just say we walked the entire park once by about 2 pm. During that time, I rode each big roller coaster, and three 3D/4D rides. W did the one thing at the beginning, a sit down, in a theatre 4D thing with me which was very cool. Pirates themed, totally geared for the kids. The only other thing he rode was a 4D adventure ride that after I rode it, realized it was okay for him to go along. It was a haunted castle type thing, and it didn't have bumps or jerks or anything like that. I rode that one three times, actually. Rode one of the coasters three times, the others, except for one, twice and that last one only once.
Halfway through the park was Jack Hanna's Animal Odyssey, or whatever they call it. First enclosure we saw was BALD EAGLES!!! There were about six of them in this large area, open at the top, because they were all injured birds that they had rehabbed, but could not fly. We got a bunch of pictures and just stared at them for a while. *for any who aren't aware, hubby and I are BIG 'nature' freaks, and among our favorites are bald eagles and wolves.* Speaking of wolves, they were the next exhibit. Two gray wolves, who were curiously quite white, but I know that's normal. They were loping around and looking at us, and we got some more great shots, I hope at least. They had shows scheduled, but we missed them all, dammit. THEN!! As we were walking up some more, lo and behold, there's a park chick holding a fricking eagle, and you could walk right up and check him out and have your picture taken with it. (Of course, I asked if I could pet it, and knew I couldn't but really wanted to!!) When I turned around to face W she leaned in and was holding the bird like RIGHT AT MY SHOULDER. It was so awesome. I cannot WAIT to get those pics. When I took W's the bird shifted his head and looked like he was looking right into W's ear. Hee hee. There was also an aviary, which I couldn't go in at that time, because they were on break. When we came back later, the bitch wouldn't let me in, because they had JUST closed. I was not happy about that, at all. There was other pet shows, but we didn't see them, we were too busy doing the other stuff. This area was the other main reason we picked Busch Gardens because we knew W couldn't ride much, but that he'd enjoy the animals. We intended on doing the shows, too, but it didn't work out.
Once we completed the full park we stopped to eat, at the smokehouse. Spent a bit too much on food, but we were really hungry and it was really good stuff, not complete junk. Then it was just about time for the Halloween stuff to start.
It had cooled down a bit by then, and we were concerned, because yeah, we left the coats in the car again. We found a store in the France area that had long sleeve shirts on sale, 50% off!! We each got one, for the price of one! How awesome!
Ok, Halloween stuff: They had four haunted maze things, most of them pretty lame, tho. The train ride was all decorated for the haunting, but also turned out to be quite lame. I did some of the repeat rides at this time, as we were going through the park again to do the haunted stuff. We got ice cream at some point, too, in a waffle cone, dipped in chocolate with rainbow sprinkles!!!! Very very yummy.
The whole place got a bit busier after five, most likely with kids out of school, and people coming in for the Halloween stuff. We wanted to do the one haunted trail again, because it was the only one outside, and it wasn't quite dark when we did it the first time, so it wasn't too scary. It had the most potential to be worth it, but the train ride took a while, and by the time we finished it, and walked ALL THE WAY back to the entrance where that trail was, it was too late. By that point we were both really tired, quite sore and ready for bed. We had to ride the tram back to the parking lot, find the car and get back to the hotel. We took long showers again, and completely crashed out for the nite.
Okay, hopefully tomorrow I can finish up the vacation saga. Hope my few readers are enjoying.
October 04, 2006
Day 2: Colonial Williamsburg
Okay, so we got up kinda early for vacation, around 6:30. Took showers, again, we liked the shower, OK? Headed down to breakfast hoping to have the buffet, but they weren't full enough, only a few rooms, so they didn't put it out. We had an awesome waiter, he was silly, and promised the buffet would be out the next day. So with our coupon, rather than two free buffets, we had $20.00 from the menu. I had an omelet *egg beater*, and W had a special, eggs, toast, bacon, etc. We both got awesome little potatoes, they were little chunks, baked, and were soooo good. It was way too much food, but we sure were filled up for the day. We only had to pay tax, which was like 3 bucks, plus we tipped well.
We decided to go find the Pottery Outlet before going to Williamsburg. While we DID find a great shopping place, it was NOT the actual Pottery we were looking for. We ended up getting the majority of our souvenirs for people at this little country store. Reasonable prices, great stuff. So after dropping that stuff off back at the hotel, we headed to Colonial Williamsburg.
They of course tried to up sell us on the package, but we only had one day to spend there, so we stuck with the cheapest admission. Well, technically, if you didn't want to tour any buildings, you could get in free, and still be able to do the stores, shows that are in the streets, etc. But we did the package, but since it was the cheap one, there were two buildings we weren't allowed to tour, but it wasn't that big of a deal. We walked and walked and walked, and were able to squeeze in absolutely everything we wanted to do. We toured everything we were allowed. Some places you could just walk through yourself, but others were in groups, and were guided. I really enjoyed some of the houses of the influential politicians, and the Capitol, which was where they held court for serious crimes. They had a fancy street playacting thing going on, dealing with some of the revolutionary issues. We watched some of it, but it was getting near the end of the afternoon, and we needed to finish up so we could go eat.
We pretty much didn't eat all day, except for a cookie. We drank plenty of fluids, tho, and I was lugging around this huge backpack full of drinks. We finished our last tour right at five pm, and everyone was filing out, because that's when they close. We hurried back to the hotel, changed clothes, I zipped up to the computer room and paid the mortgage, even tho it didn't schedule until Monday.
*side note: Our neighbor was going to deposit W's worker's comp check, that was due the Tuesday before we left, and ended up never coming!!! By Friday I was seriously concerned and when W. called they let him know that their printer was down and checks didn't get mailed until that morning. It finally came on the 2nd, A WEEK LATE and I was able to finish paying bills. SO FRUSTRATING*
Okay, so part of our package was $30 bucks for dinner at Olive Garden, Red Lobster, etc. and we picked Olive Garden. I had a daiquiri, W had a beer and we pigged out on breadsticks, and each ordered their Never Ending Pasta Bowl. Fettuccine alfredo for me, and Angel hair alfredo for W. We skipped salads, for more room for pasta. Man it was soo good. I then had a second bowl of five cheese marinara with angel hair pasta. Couldn't finish all of it, and was so incredibly stuffed. I felt guilty for overeating so much, but I considered all the exercise we were getting and didn't feel so bad anymore.
We kinda hurried through dinner because we were planning on going BACK to Williamsburg for a Candlelight Ghost Walk. We parked on the street, in the middle of The College of William and Mary campus, walked back to the bookstore and waited for the tour. We had booked the tickets on the phone before leaving for dinner. We brought our coats, but left them in the car, BAD MOVE! So off we went on the ghost tour, with parts on the college campus and the rest in Colonial Williamsburg. Turns out, the last house we toured before leaving is one of the most haunted houses, I wanna say ever, but at least in the States. There have been programs on Discovery channel about this house. A lot of the other tour guides won't even go in the house, our guide said, and he explained some of the sightings that HE has seen WHILE doing tours. Pretty neat. As we headed around the wind started picking up and there was some lightning, and we weren't sure we'd make it through before the rain. We hit the last part, and he was in the middle of his last story and it started pouring. Normally he'd go on, but none of us were prepared for cold rain, so we just ended it right there, and scurried back to our vehicles. We really enjoyed the tour, and would do it again, for sure.
By this point, it was almost ten pm so we headed back to the hotel, took more long hot showers and got ready for bed. Wait, actually we were back in time to watch ER, and THEN we took showers.
If I have time at lunch, I'll do the next post, Busch Gardens. That will probably be a long post, too. Hope y'all enjoy.
We decided to go find the Pottery Outlet before going to Williamsburg. While we DID find a great shopping place, it was NOT the actual Pottery we were looking for. We ended up getting the majority of our souvenirs for people at this little country store. Reasonable prices, great stuff. So after dropping that stuff off back at the hotel, we headed to Colonial Williamsburg.
They of course tried to up sell us on the package, but we only had one day to spend there, so we stuck with the cheapest admission. Well, technically, if you didn't want to tour any buildings, you could get in free, and still be able to do the stores, shows that are in the streets, etc. But we did the package, but since it was the cheap one, there were two buildings we weren't allowed to tour, but it wasn't that big of a deal. We walked and walked and walked, and were able to squeeze in absolutely everything we wanted to do. We toured everything we were allowed. Some places you could just walk through yourself, but others were in groups, and were guided. I really enjoyed some of the houses of the influential politicians, and the Capitol, which was where they held court for serious crimes. They had a fancy street playacting thing going on, dealing with some of the revolutionary issues. We watched some of it, but it was getting near the end of the afternoon, and we needed to finish up so we could go eat.
We pretty much didn't eat all day, except for a cookie. We drank plenty of fluids, tho, and I was lugging around this huge backpack full of drinks. We finished our last tour right at five pm, and everyone was filing out, because that's when they close. We hurried back to the hotel, changed clothes, I zipped up to the computer room and paid the mortgage, even tho it didn't schedule until Monday.
*side note: Our neighbor was going to deposit W's worker's comp check, that was due the Tuesday before we left, and ended up never coming!!! By Friday I was seriously concerned and when W. called they let him know that their printer was down and checks didn't get mailed until that morning. It finally came on the 2nd, A WEEK LATE and I was able to finish paying bills. SO FRUSTRATING*
Okay, so part of our package was $30 bucks for dinner at Olive Garden, Red Lobster, etc. and we picked Olive Garden. I had a daiquiri, W had a beer and we pigged out on breadsticks, and each ordered their Never Ending Pasta Bowl. Fettuccine alfredo for me, and Angel hair alfredo for W. We skipped salads, for more room for pasta. Man it was soo good. I then had a second bowl of five cheese marinara with angel hair pasta. Couldn't finish all of it, and was so incredibly stuffed. I felt guilty for overeating so much, but I considered all the exercise we were getting and didn't feel so bad anymore.
We kinda hurried through dinner because we were planning on going BACK to Williamsburg for a Candlelight Ghost Walk. We parked on the street, in the middle of The College of William and Mary campus, walked back to the bookstore and waited for the tour. We had booked the tickets on the phone before leaving for dinner. We brought our coats, but left them in the car, BAD MOVE! So off we went on the ghost tour, with parts on the college campus and the rest in Colonial Williamsburg. Turns out, the last house we toured before leaving is one of the most haunted houses, I wanna say ever, but at least in the States. There have been programs on Discovery channel about this house. A lot of the other tour guides won't even go in the house, our guide said, and he explained some of the sightings that HE has seen WHILE doing tours. Pretty neat. As we headed around the wind started picking up and there was some lightning, and we weren't sure we'd make it through before the rain. We hit the last part, and he was in the middle of his last story and it started pouring. Normally he'd go on, but none of us were prepared for cold rain, so we just ended it right there, and scurried back to our vehicles. We really enjoyed the tour, and would do it again, for sure.
By this point, it was almost ten pm so we headed back to the hotel, took more long hot showers and got ready for bed. Wait, actually we were back in time to watch ER, and THEN we took showers.
If I have time at lunch, I'll do the next post, Busch Gardens. That will probably be a long post, too. Hope y'all enjoy.
October 03, 2006
The trip up/first day
So after W planted the idea in my head to leave in the middle of the night, I guess I got sold on the idea. Either that, or I was too excited to sleep well, because I was up around five and couldn't get back to sleep. I finally dragged his ass outta bed and we took off. Stopped for gas, and to put air in the tires, and were ultimately on the road a little after seven. Have I mentioned that I pee a lot, especially when I drink caffeine? Uh, yeah, W was getting a little upset with me having to pee after just an hour of going, but he loosened up a bit, because really a quick pee stop didn't take very long. We didn't run into ANY traffic problems going up, mainly because of the timing. And jeez, we made really good time, too. We didn't stop to eat, we snacked on stuff in the car, and made it into Williamsburg around 1:15 pm. So, calculate the actual starting time, and the few stops we made, and it took us just about five and a half hours, and the travel directions listed it as seven!
Ok, so we get there, earlier than anticipated, and weren't sure we could check in. The hotel guy scrambled around and did find a place to put us, that was ready already, and luckily we were on the first floor!!! The hotel pool/jacuzzi was under maintenance, which really ticked me off. I expressed my dismay, and the manager gave us a coupon for free breakfast for the next day. We were okay with that, hoping that the pool would be fixed the next day.
So we get all our stuff into the room, and head over to the pizza joint that's attached to the hotel. Lemme tell ya, we were expecting mediocre food and extravagant prices, but that was totally not the case. We started with toasted raviolis and W ordered a steak sub, and I had chicken fingers. Very yummy stuff and even better, it was reasonably priced. We asked our server about some shopping in the area and he gave us directions to a few places, which we promptly forgot. But we headed out and did find a couple little stores and we walked around doing some shopping for stuff. Since we had lunch so late, we weren't super hungry, but we headed back to the pizza joint, which was also the bar for the hotel and had some drinks and wings. Again, decently priced food, and delicious. When we were finished and started bullshitting with some folks at the bar, it turned out the one kid was from MY HOMETOWN!!! I didn't recognize him, or his name, but he was a bit younger. It was totally crazy.
The bar closed early, so we headed back to the room, and took loooong hot showers and watched silly stuff on tv until crashing. Had the alarm set for early so we could get up and moving and go to Colonial Williamsburg. The bed was so fricking comfy. It was one of those Tempurpedic, or whatever it is called, like the memory foam matresses. Very very nice.
One complaint about the room was that the carpet wasn't very clean. And we found some trash in the cabinet under the sink that had obviously been there a while. And there were gnats or something in that garbage that escaped out into the room. But the bathroom was clean and the shower was awesome. I think there may have been something wrong with their vaccuum.
I'll leave off here, and pick it up with the next morning.
Ok, so we get there, earlier than anticipated, and weren't sure we could check in. The hotel guy scrambled around and did find a place to put us, that was ready already, and luckily we were on the first floor!!! The hotel pool/jacuzzi was under maintenance, which really ticked me off. I expressed my dismay, and the manager gave us a coupon for free breakfast for the next day. We were okay with that, hoping that the pool would be fixed the next day.
So we get all our stuff into the room, and head over to the pizza joint that's attached to the hotel. Lemme tell ya, we were expecting mediocre food and extravagant prices, but that was totally not the case. We started with toasted raviolis and W ordered a steak sub, and I had chicken fingers. Very yummy stuff and even better, it was reasonably priced. We asked our server about some shopping in the area and he gave us directions to a few places, which we promptly forgot. But we headed out and did find a couple little stores and we walked around doing some shopping for stuff. Since we had lunch so late, we weren't super hungry, but we headed back to the pizza joint, which was also the bar for the hotel and had some drinks and wings. Again, decently priced food, and delicious. When we were finished and started bullshitting with some folks at the bar, it turned out the one kid was from MY HOMETOWN!!! I didn't recognize him, or his name, but he was a bit younger. It was totally crazy.
The bar closed early, so we headed back to the room, and took loooong hot showers and watched silly stuff on tv until crashing. Had the alarm set for early so we could get up and moving and go to Colonial Williamsburg. The bed was so fricking comfy. It was one of those Tempurpedic, or whatever it is called, like the memory foam matresses. Very very nice.
One complaint about the room was that the carpet wasn't very clean. And we found some trash in the cabinet under the sink that had obviously been there a while. And there were gnats or something in that garbage that escaped out into the room. But the bathroom was clean and the shower was awesome. I think there may have been something wrong with their vaccuum.
I'll leave off here, and pick it up with the next morning.
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