I should be at church

But I'm home. Joe is sleeping because he stayed up all night playing video games and I'm catching up on the laundry, kitchen and computer stuff before he gets up.

The New News:

I've got a new sewing table, as of yesterday. We got it on clearance for $80 (regularly $280) and Joe put it together for me while I napped last night. The table is a replacement anniversary gift.

The TiVo was returned after 11 crappy days messing with it. Joe called the TV Guru at Fred's and found out that because of where we live, the function I bought it for, doesn't work and will never work. I also missed Survivor last week because it recorded a blue screen. *grumble* I am back to the regular VCR and tapes if I want to record something.

Promised Stories:

Joe's Eye Adventure

On Tuesday, Joe went to get his Driver's license. He came home upset and I thought he failed the test. He did fail, but not the one I thought. He failed the eye exam in his right eye. His overall vision was good enough to get his license, but clearly he was in need of Emergent Eye care. Now. Because he was going blind. Seriously. (I laughed.)

I called and scheduled an appointment with the Eye Doctor and they could get him in March 2nd. A whole week away. I also got him listed on the Wait list in case of cancellations. He spent the next 24 hours blaming anything and everything on his "disability" and wondering (loudly and often) Why wasn't I up in arms about it and Why didn't they get him in Right Away. Because he was going blind. (I laughed some more.)

Now, amid all of this drama, I found out two important things. The first was that around the age of 12, Joe was given glasses. As one of 10 kids, without vision insurance, they were cheap and he didn't wear them. Ever. We have known each other almost 10 years and I never knew this. Secondly, neither of us remember the last time that he had a vision exam. Clearly, he has not gone blind overnight.

Wednesday afternoon, we were playing darts and the Eye Doctor calls with an opening on Friday afternoon. Joe tells them he can't make it and hangs up. He finally looks up and sees me standing there with my jaw on the floor, wondering why he turned down an earlier appointment. He calls right back and manages to get the appointment, but has to tell them that he is an idiot and forgot he was on vacation all week.

At the appointment, Joe kept asking the Eye Doctor if 1. This was the most serious case he'd ever seen? (Umm, no.) 2. If he was going to be able to write up the case for the medical journals? (Again, no) and 3. Was he going blind? (Still, no) In fact, the Doctor told him that if he hadn't failed the vision exam at the DMV, he would have passed a regular vision screening and never would have had glasses. So anti-climatic for him. hehe

So in the end, the vision in his right eye is about as bad as BOTH of mine are and his left is almost normal. His comment, when I told him that, "That must be a bummer for you."

For Snapper -- The quilt shop is indeed on the Dookie List. I didn't make it into the store on the 12th for the Second Saturday Block Day. I was told that I could stop in anytime during the month, pay another $5 and get the next kit. So, I walked in on the 22nd, holding my block and immediately realized the clerk was knee-deep in finding stuff for another customer's project. I gave them some time because I like that kind of service myself.

I wandered around the shop for about 20 minutes (in a space about 500 square feet and was never greeted) and then realized that the clerk knew the customer and they were getting more and more chatty. The last straw was when another lady walked in and was greeted right away. It seems you have to be over 50 and in the local guild to get service. I walked out without anyone even saying anything to me.

I figure that I've saved myself some frustration and they don't have anything that I can't get on the internet and shipped right to my door.

Vacation Update

I was right about being busy this week. I was just wrong about what I would be doing.

We got our new driver's licenses on Tuesday. Very romantic for an anniversary, don't ya think? Joe also signed up for a membership at the Athletic Club. I tried to go to the quilt shop and ended up angry. I won't be finishing the Second Saturday quilt there. The Post Office was a bust too because the line was out the door and I was out of patience by then. Of course, it was the day I needed to mail something to Canada. The packages are still in the car and I really should go this afternoon.

Wednesday, I was up early to get my blood drawn at the doctor's office. I won't get the results for a few days. We (Joe) spent most of the day working on a 1000 piece puzzle, which we finished before going to bed. Grace had Cubbies in the evening and it was our week to bring snacks.

Yesterday, we started the morning be getting the taxes done. Amazingly, we are getting money back. Despite selling the house and moving, it all worked out. Yippee! From there we went to the Athletic Club and I was added to Joe's membership. Fred Meyer was next. Grace spent her birthday money ($50) on MORE Polly Pockets. We are literally drowning in them right now. The last count was 14 girls, 1 boy, 2 horses and a bajillion little-tiny-pieces I will probably vacuum up by accident. Joe needed to fill out paperwork for his Eye Doctor Appointment and then we headed home for lunch. At 1:30 pm.

I messed with the TiVo so we can watch TV and still record on another channel. I admit it was so I didn't miss Survivor last night. Now, I can't watch what I've recorded because I can't remember what I did to change it over. Technology is so much fun sometimes.

I finished out my Thursday by going to a Sensaria party with a friend from church. I was skeptical, but had a relaxing time and I'm going to host a party in a couple of weeks. It was like a mini spa and I really needed the break! I won the door prize and missed out on the lemon cookies, both good things.

This morning, we went to Jumbo Gym. Absolute chaos! The kids loved it (of course) and we had to bribe them with McD's for lunch in order to leave early. Joe had his Eye Appointment at 1 pm and will have glasses by this time next week. The Eye Appointment really is a story in itself and I don't have the time to type it all out right now, but it is funny!

I haven't gotten anything done on the quilt - big guilt here - and I lost my sewing table to the puzzle endeavor. I'm going to have to force myself to do it next week with every waking moment. On the positive side, it's not like I've been getting anything crafty done. I just have been spending all my time with the family. As it should be. Joe goes back to work Monday, so I'll have a little more time.

Happy Days

Happy 5th Birthday to my baby yesterday...



And the proof of the Polly Pocket Explosion...



Today is our anniversary. Sunday night, some friends from church watched the kids and we went out on a date. Dinner and a movie. I even had a Strawberry Daquari at the bar. We saw Hitch - super funny and well worth the money!

Last night, we had the neighbors over for the evening. They came for dinner (and the birthday stuff) and stayed to play darts. Joe whipped us all soundly. We decided we need to do it more often.

I've got a list of things we need to get done this week, including getting driver licenses and the taxes prepared. I've got to go back and have blood drawn tomorrow and see if I'm a little healthier in the cholesterol area. I've got a quilt that is of Number One priority too. I'll be scarce this week - as I always am when Joe is on vacation, but hopefully I'll be getting a lot done. :o)

Reflection

It's been a long week. I still have a lingering twinge of a migraine, yes, the same one that started Monday. The Imitrex I took, wiped me out for the rest of the day and Tuesday wasn't much better, except that we spent the day shopping (Joe's day off and Payday) and I got my Tivo*. Wednesday, I cleaned and cleaned and the kids went next door to play and I cleaned. I feel like I'm caught up again now. Yesterday was another long day, plus Joe got home late and in a bad mood. Hip, Hip Hooray - it's Friday! My last day before Joe is home for another nine days.

Which brings me to the upcoming happenings. Grace turns 5 on Monday and we celebrate our 8th Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday. I've been spending a lot of time thinking about where and how we've come and gone since then.

I'm still in the draft stage, but here's a little snippet.

Five years ago (January 2000), I was working full time and pregnant with Grace. We had moved to Washington in May 1999. I found out I was pregnant in June and I stopped working right after it was determined the world didn't end with Y2K. I've been home ever since.

There was so much family drama that first year, I threatened to write a soap opera based on it. I tried hard to fit in, but I was naive and I was wounded. Enough that it still affects our decisions today - like moving here - which has been good for us.

I'll write more this week and I'll hopefully have pictures too.

*The TiVo's name is Vito.

Happy Heart Day!

I had great plans for an inspiring post. Well, I still have those plans, it's just going to have to wait until I can put my thoughts together. I woke up to Migraineville today and the Imitrex is kicking my behind right now.

We celebrated last night, since Joe works late on Mondays. I got a dozen roses - which smell wonderful - and a matching set of earrings, a necklace and a ring that Grace picked out herself (and Joe paid for). It's all purple trillion cut, like the diamond on my wedding ring. I got to order pizza, instead of Joe cooking for me. He will still cook, but not until next week. There are also 2 boxes of chocolate covered cherries to share. I was told I would have gotten the TiVo too, but payday is tomorrow and I'm paranoid about spending the emergency buffer money. :o)

Have a great day! I hope to be back up to speed later.

Second Saturday

I almost forgot that today I have to take my quilt block in to the quilt shop for my next packet of fabric. Good thing I actually use my calendar.

My arm is better. It seems that the approved therapy for an injured dart arm, is to play more darts. I'm starting to win a few more games too, which helps my injured ego.

I have a quilt that is of Number One Priority and I just can't get motivated to work on it. The kids are healthy, playing well together and generally behaving - UNTIL I sit down at the sewing machine. I'm also out of Mountain Dew right now and that affects my ability to stay awake past 9 pm. I am so serious about that. Last night, I fell asleep in the middle of "Numb3rs" - about 9:20 pm our time.

As to solve the above problem, I asked for a TiVo for our anniversary. Or my birthday. Whichever. I'm tired of missing shows because I can't figure out how to record off the digital box.

Randomness

As if most of my posts aren't... But anyway.

My right arm is sore. From playing darts yesterday on our new dart board. I can't even pick up the kids right now. I did win a game though. But I haven't wanted to type because of it. How lame is that?!?

Joe got involved with the Cubbies stuff and decided it would be cool for her to do the "extra" activities each week. Last night he informed me that I was going to be making Valentine's today. He mentioned glue, glitter and scissors in the same sentence TO HER!! -- and then watched me turn into a pile of wriggly goo on the floor.

We improvised today. No glitter. Pretty construction paper, (Thanks Mom!) a glue stick and kid's scissors did the trick. Of course the activity said three (3) and we made, ummm, like 15. But Grace was happy and Tristan made some "Boy Ones" from black and blue paper. I have to do envelopes and get them ready to mail tomorrow.

We are back into rainy weather. We still have snow, but it slowly melting. I also called in for my prescription for Imitrex, finally, and BEFORE I was hit with this month's round of fun. It was $30 for 9 tablets, close to $200 without the insurance break. It breaks down to about $3 a pill, but if it makes my head stop pounding, it's worth it.

I shopped the clearance toys last night and got Grace three sets of Polly Pockets for her birthday. I saved about 2/3 of the regular price and she is going to be beside herself with all the new stuff. I hid them at Dawn's so she doesn't even know about them. I have to get into party planning mode fast, it's sneaking up on me very quickly.

I also got a thermometer system, on sale. It has an outdoor sensor and two indoor displays. I put one display upstairs and one by the computer downstairs. So far, I've learned that the thermostat in the living room is WAY off and we have been keeping the house cooler than I thought. The upstairs didn't get over 64* today and right now I'm typing in 70* bliss in the basement. Go figure.

I'm trying to get more pictures uploaded and ready to post, but that required a new virus program to stop the wacky errors I was getting. I think the computer is running better today than it has in the past month, which is a relief. I really need to get myself a laptop (and a wireless router) because the kids are using this one more and more. Putt-Putt is a favorite around here.

I also talked to a friend about piano lessons for Joe. She's willing to do something once a month (or so) and seemed really excited to be teaching an adult. I have to call her this week and she what all the details will be.

Oops, I've got to run and get Grace.

On the wings of eagles

Where has the last week gone? I swear time goes faster and faster as I get older.

We didn't get the forecasted 18" of snow last week, but it has been cold and nothing much has melted. We are getting 1-3 inches of new snow almost everyday. I've been shoveling for my morning workout and it's nice just to get outside for 20-some minutes and enjoy the quiet. It is so beautiful here right now, with all the snowy trees and white mountains. It has been good for me to be here.

This morning, I noticed that we were getting perfect snowflakes. It was worth standing out in the middle of the driveway, looking like an idiot with my arms up, catching flakes on my sleeves. The kids (and Joe) thought it was cool too. I am in awe of those small things, all different shapes and sizes, but perfect.

We went to a Superbowl Party yesterday at one of the other manager's houses. We had never met, but they have kids the same ages as ours, so we have some new friends for playdates. It was nice to get out of the house for a little while, but I'm bummed the Eagles lost the game.

I've been following my schedule for my crafts this week and it seems to be working pretty well. I have quilting in line for today and even if I only get an hour at the machine, it's more than I had done yesterday. I finished piecing a top on Friday night and my Second Saturday block done on Saturday morning. It is nice knowing that things are getting done, even if it is at a snail's pace.

Hump Day

Six-ish inches of new snow yesterday and up to 18" forecast through Thursday. I'm not feeling so silly for going to Costco yesterday in the middle of a semi-blizzard. This winter has been "Unusual" according to all the locals. Normally, we don't get feet and feet of snow here. What we have been getting is more the norm for Fairbanks and Anchorage. It was actually one of the things I looked at before we moved here. I was bummed that we wouldn't get an actual winter... Little did I know.

I went out this morning and shoveled for a bit, a mini workout actually. I've lost 10 pounds so far and I noticed a big difference the days I was out sledding and pulling the kids around. The cardio is what makes a difference for me. My cough is almost gone, so I hope to get to my new exercise DVD's this weekend.

Tristan is full of snot again. His cough is just as bad as it was last week, but Grace had a couple days like that too. I'm still debating on sending her to Cubbies tonight. It seems like everyone is sick right now and I really hate to send her out into a germ-fest, right after she's finally feeling better.

Joe has been home more than he knows what to do with. We are really noticing the lack of commute now. It's about 10 minutes from the house to work on a bad day, so he's home a couple hours more a day than he was in Washington. To help with that, we rearranged the basement last night and his keyboard is by the computer again. We bought a "Learn to Play" CD set at Costco and he's going to start teaching himself the piano again. Between the PS2 and all the other toys he has purchased, he might make it until spring.

I have a quilt ready to go, cards in the creative process and I'm itching to work on my scrapbooks. I just don't have enough hours in the day to get it all done. I've been trying to schedule craft time - something like: Mondays - quilting, Tuesdays - scrapbooking, Wednesday - photo management/organization, Thursday - Cards, Friday - knitting, Saturday - piecing/cutting and Sunday's are always Family Days. I keep finding that by the time Wednesday rolls around, I haven't kept my schedule and want to quilt AND make cards. The kids always want to make cards with me and as soon as I pull out fabric, I'm getting scraps out for them to play with and then I end up yelling at them for messing with my rulers/rotary cutter/scissors/etc. and give up. What I need is my own room with a door.

I keep reminding myself that I am so blessed that I have kids that want to spend time with me and are interested in the things I do. The last five years have gone by so fast, but that's a post for another day.

It's snowing again...

I'm still here.

There has been nothing new to report.

This cold is hanging on and just wiping me out.

The kids are at the getting-better-but-oh-so-whiny stage of things.

Happy February.