Migraineville

Population: Me

Yesterday was a lost day. Spent most of it in bed. In my pajamas. Watching TV. But I finished the blue scarf, so it wasn't a total wash.

Today is slightly better, although it's time for another Imitrex. Good thing these 3-4 day migraines don't happen every month. I am feeling quite rested though.

Hopefully, I'll be back up to speed tomorrow. I've got about 15 pounds of rhubarb in the fridge to deal with. And, of course, the laundry.

Odds and Ends

Today started with great promise.

I woke to the shout of, "I peed in the potty!" Nevermind that it was 6:45 am. Or that when I went to investigate, I found that pee had indeed made into the potty - through the soaked diaper and pants. Oh well.

He got a sticker anyway.

During that little trip out of bed, I realized that I woke up with a migraine. Blaming it on the lousy night of sleep, I climbed back into bed and let the kids fend for themselves for a while.

I was up at 9:30, out the door by 9:50 and to Crafty Neighbor's church about 10. Today was the big finale for the quilts that I helped prep last month. The promise of ice cream is always a great motivator for me.

Side note and TMI: During the potty stop before leaving the church, I realized WHY I had a migraine and that I had nothing in the car for a "feminine emergency." So, I went to T-Ball with toilet paper in my undies and prayed it would last until I got home. Also, mental note to self: Next time Fishing Guy wants the car cleaned out for corporate visits, do NOT take the Really Important Stuff out and forget to put it back in.

We headed straight from the church to T-Ball. It's sunny and hot today, so the game wasn't a lot of fun for The Princess. She doesn't like being dressed in black and forced to stand in the outfield. Fishing Guy came for an inning - the games are usually only two - and I have a feeling that he will be pushing her to play next year and she has said she doesn't want to. I want her to find her "fit" and it isn't T-Ball right now.

Speaking of ball games, Fishing Guy and I played a game of catch on Thursday afternoon in the front yard. It was the first time he's ever seen me catch and throw a baseball. Needless to say, my shoulder still hurts today, but he doesn't doubt my ability to catch or throw a ball anymore.

And the odds and ends.

Worms - Worms were found and squealed over the other day. I had to go inspect and then they were thrown to the side to start again. At least they weren't brought inside like the ladybugs...

Baby Bald Eagles - I heard them chirping at practice Thursday and again Friday morning (at the house) before it was light. We have a stuffed Audubon bird and it is easy to pick out once you hear it. Very cool!

VBS - Vacation Bible School. It runs July 18-22 and I am helping teach the 3 year olds. The Prince will (most likely) be in my class. It's the fist time I've been able to help out and I'm excited about this years theme - Ramblin' Road Trip.

Ocean's Twelve - Pretty Good movie. It took me three tries to get through the whole thing, so it was a bit jumbled for me. I don't remember anything of Ocean's Eleven, but if you do I bet it would make a lot more sense in places. The cast is fun to watch (Hello Brad Pitt and George Clooney!) and the covert stuff is cool. I thought it was worth renting.

National Treasure - First off, let me say that I love Nicholas Cage. So, although the plot was fairly predictable, the movie was fun. It was good enough to hold Fishing Guy's attention, so I deem that a success all around. Also worth renting.

Knitting - I promise to post pictures as soon as I finish something. The yarn I ordered for my Grandma's scarf doesn't match what I already have, so I'm going to have to rip out and start over with larger needles or just use the new yarn. The blue scarf is almost done, one or two more nights and I'll be able to finish it up.

Now, I'm off to figure out something for dinner.

Some Photos

of what we have been doing for the last two days. Joe finally had a "weekend" off and we got a lot done.

This is what the yard looked like BEFORE:



And this is AFTER:



There are stumps missing from here:



And one still in progress:



This is the Rhody bush, in full bloom:



One of three HUGE rhubarb plants. The kids are for reference:



The side yard:



And the backyard from the sideyard:



Have a great weekend!

Worms

It's overcast today and I'm feeling it. I feel cold to my bones and it's almost 60* - indoors and out. Wearing a long sleeved shirt, jeans AND a fleece jacket - still hasn't helped.

Part of it might be the allergic reaction to the couple dozen bug bites I have right now. Really. Up both arms, on my back and neck and my feet. Serves me right for wearing sandals and short sleeved shirts I guess. The only thing that is helping is the sunburn aloe stuff with lidocaine.

I need to get my rear in gear and get the house back in order, but I'm just not motivated to sort through the toys right now. Or the stacks of paper and mail. You'd think it would be easy to throw out the dead lily on the banister, but no. There it still sits. Mocking me. As I knit on the couch. Hehe.

Today was to be Potty Learning Day for The Prince. Yes. He's almost 4 and still has NO clue when he is about to pee. Or poop for that matter. Every stinky diaper is like a mystery to him. "Did I poopy?" Uh, well, yeah. That would be why everyone moved out of your way. Pumba-like.

He was doing well this morning - no accidents for nearly 2 hours after the initial overnight pullup - although there was no action on the potty either. Fishing Guy called and wanted me to come down to the store to visit some friends. OK. I put a pull up on The Prince and we headed out. Of course, by the time we got home an hour later, the pull up was soaked and there hadn't been a word out of him. We even had to make an emergency visit to the bathroom for The Princess, so it's not like he didn't have opportunity. So, now he's back in a diaper until I feel like I can deal with him. Hopefully, that will be tomorrow. The boy needs to have this down before preschool starts in August.

Crafty Neighbor has her in-laws in town this week, so I'm stuck being the neighborhood mom. Right now, my kids and a new neighbor Connor are in the backyard playing. This was after the jumping on the trampoline and using the new wading pool as a boat.

Did I mention I'm cold today and the last place I want to be is standing in a soggy yard watching children?

Oh yeah, the big hunt now? Is for worms.

Can it really be?

Sunday already???

Yikes. I just got the email from SiteMeter and my visits are down to 9 per day. So, either I am not posting anything of value (or not posting at all) or everyone is busy away from the computer right now. I'm pretty sure it's a combination of both. At least I hope so...

So what have I been up to?

We had a T-Ball practice and a game. I've watched National Treasure and part of Ocean's Twelve. We went swimming at the local pool (indoor) and The Prince did the entire hour swim without a diaper and NO accidents. I went garage sale-ing with Crafty Neighbor on Saturday morning (early) and only spent $15. Last night, the window screen fell out of the kids' window and landed on my car. Now there are 3 scratches on the hood. We walked to church this morning because it was so nice out. I was also up early enough to make muffins for breakfast, fold laundry, shower and pack my bag - in time for us to walk over. Small miracles.

I hope you have a great week. I'll try to be here more.

Sunny weather...

keeps me away from the computer!

Saturday was our helicopter tour. The Princess missed her T-Ball game because we had just gotten home.

Crafty Neighbor and I worked for the rest of the morning on preparing meat for meals. We turned 12 pounds of ground beef into 16 meals - 8 for each of us. The plan is to do it again with chicken, pork, bread and cookies. That way we will have stocked freezers for the winter and it is so much more fun to cook with someone else anyway.

Sunday was my day for renewal. We went to church in the morning - I always feel better after I stop focusing on MYSELF. After lunch, the kids played outside and I started a new scarf, while sitting in the porch chair. It reminds me of the Red Hat colors, so I decided to finish it for my Grandma for Christmas.

Monday, I watched all 4 kids for most of the day, while Crafty Neighbor pressure-washed their house. They are prepping for painting next week. My payment was pizza for dinner.

****continued Wednesday 4:10 pm****

Finally back at the computer... Dang sun.

I went to Joann's yesterday morning - looking for enough yarn to finish the scarf. I came back with 2 more pads/slabs of paper and a few craft things for the kids. I had to order the yarn online ($30) and it should be here in a couple weeks. Gah. I should have just tried that first.

After a rough lunch hour, a nap for The Prince and snacks in the front yard, we went shopping (with Crafty Neighbor and kids) for a few groceries and some boat supplies. Fishing Guy bought a new salmon pole and a bunch of gear too. We didn't even got home from shopping until 5:40 pm and the men headed out on the boat about 7 pm. I still can't believe what the long daylight does to you here. It wasn't even dark when I fell asleep about 10:15 pm.

The boat is broken again - something with the transmission this time. The engine wouldn't start again last night and they came back to the harbor on the kicker. I won't be out on it again for a while, at least not until it runs reliably.

So, today. We've spent all but 2 hours outside and I'm fried. It's hot (70*) and the kids are pink again. I forget the sunscreen until it's too late. I started another scarf - in a blue multi-tone yarn - and I think I'll head back out to the yard with it. One thing I love about knitting - it's so portable!

I think I can. I think I can.

I got the Kitchen Cleanup started this morning and then we went to get groceries. I made my lists, checked the ads and headed out. I did a great job at Costco - the secret for me is to stay out of the middle book/video section! - I found some great deals and only spent $270. What really gets me is that $100 of that is Red Bull and chew for Fishing Guy. I paid the power bill at their really nifty drive up window and went straight to Fred's. I stuck to my list there too (Fishing Guy added a $15 glass cup that was NOT on the list) but still only spent $80. I've got meals for at least the next two weeks, snacks for T-Ball next week and two new PFD's for the kids. We stopped at the post office drop box and at the gym (for the summer schedules) on the way home.

The kids played outside while I unloaded the car. Then watched me split up the shredded cheese and put it in the freezer. Now, it's onto the clean laundry pile, while they watch some cartoons.

I've still got to clear a path in the garage, take out the garbage, finish the Kitchen Cleanup and get dinner together and I've got two hours.

After that, I'm taking the rest of the weekend off!

Didn't like it anyway

Blogger ate my post from yesterday, so I'll try to remember what I was rambling on about.

Monday - Trip to Sandy Beach for the first Cruise Ships of the season.



And the Diamond Princess



Building sand castles (on the beach in Alaska in May!)





We took the kids to lunch, walked through downtown and ended up at the library. I finally got my card and the kid's checked out a few books. We stopped at Fred's on the way home and when Joe got home, the boys took the boat out for it's first float. That involved a blown tire and not getting home until after dark - about 10:45 pm.

Tuesday - Joe's Day Off! He trimmed trees in the back yard and did the trimming, mowing and thatching of the front yard.



Dawn and I put together their new trampoline. Joe met some of the other managers in the afternoon for drinks. I watched the finale of the Amazing Race.

Wednesday - The night was rough. I moved to the couch at 1 am. Tristan came to join me at 5 am and by the time we got up at 7 am, I was sleeping mostly on the ottoman. It was a VERY long day - with nothing much accomplished. I spent a lot of time waiting for it to rain - which it never did.

Today - After a rough morning (tears and such from BOTH kids) we went out to the harbor with Dawn and Rob. What was going to be a small ride for us and a longer outing for them, turned into a medium ride for all of us. I wasn't prepared for an extended outing, especially over lunchtime, but it turned out fine.

The back of the boat and the harbor opening.



The kids having a grand time in their life jackets.



We got home about 3 pm and I picked up the basement toys. So much for me ignoring it and someone else picking it up. It only took me about 10 minutes to pick up and vacuum. Argh! Grace has T-Ball pictures in about an hour and then practice afterward. I still have no idea what to do for dinner.

I'm muddling through the everyday stuff. I still feel like a solo parent most days. I have been listening for a simple "Thank You" and there haven't been any. I got so much crap about my Mother's Day cards, that I only sent out three - to my mom, grandma and mother-in-law. I am set for the next 15 years though. I've been working on my scrapbook (for 2000) and I have the photos ready for the vacation album from last summer. That is next on the list.

Dawn and I have been busy planning for our camping trip in July. I have been researching food storage options (never a bad idea in a place that has to depend on a boat to bring in food) and that morphed into recipe planning for the trip. So far, we will be eating wonderfully!

We are also going to try to use the dehydrated stuff that comes with food storage (less weight) and put together a cookbook of tried and true recipes, plus quantities and shopping lists. I spent some time looking for a reflection oven today too. We want to try to make pizza at the campsite.

Happy Mother's Day!

To all of my favorite moms!

This morning I had breakfast made for me - cereal and milk. I got a handmade card and lots of hugs and kisses. At 7 am. And then I went back to bed.

We made it to church (a little late) and I got a rose, two bags of potpourri, two bookmarks and two little cards.

We went to see Fishing Guy at work and he gave me $$ to take the kids to lunch. hee!

During our picnic lunch on the lawn, a neighbor brought over a vase of carnations for me (and one for Crafty Neighbor too). Bless her - she is so sweet!

So, now I am relaxing and enjoying the sunny afternoon.

Hope you all have a great day!

The 05-05-05 Post

I couldn't go to bed tonight without an official Cinco de Mayo de Cinco post.

On this day, back in 1998, I got my tattoo. No drunken stories. We DID have dinner at a local Mexican place, but for the life of me I can't remember the name and it has since turned into a Marie Callender's. Plus, I don't live anywhere near there anymore, so it really doesn't matter.

Anyway, today was nothing like that.

I got to sleep in until 9 am and I also got a nap this afternoon. Go Me!

I was recovering from yesterday's 4-mile Rollerblade Adventure and our Strawberry Card Swap Party. I promise I am working on the photos - just got the computer to talk to the burner drive again this afternoon. As soon as I get all the photos uploaded to my webspace, I'll post them here and at my other blog. My family is getting antsy for pictures too.

I'm actually getting into the exercise groove and we have plans for another hike tomorrow, out to the same waterfall we went to last week. There is a great urgency to get to the tourist-y places BEFORE the first cruise ship shows up next Monday.

I got a bit of scrapping done tonight too, so I'm feeling back in the swing of things. It's also nice that the sun is shining late into the evening, but I don't know what I'm going to do with the kids when it's still light at 11 pm. It's almost 10 now and they are not asleep yet.

Then again, we didn't get out and run much today...

Glorious Rain!

I woke up this morning to the sound of water rushing down the drainspouts! What a great way to wake up... Even if it is at 6:30 am. And it is already light.

Anyway, by 7:30 am I had done some dishes, cooked oatmeal for breakfast and was well on my way to a productive morning. I came down to the computer to check email and discovered that I couldn't type anything. The problem has been fixed now (obviously) and I am much relieved.

I went with Crafty Neighbor to her church for a quilty morning. I got to sew and cut and be one with my sewing machine, while the kids all played together in the gym. It was good to get my baby out for a little drive. By the time we got back home, it was 1:30 pm.

This afternoon was over before it started - with a quick trip to Fred's for a snack with Dad and back home to start cooking dinner. Trooper fixed my computer while I made spaghetti and Fishing Guy got home just as we were finishing up.

I watched Amazing Race, the recorded Deadliest Catch (Discovery Channel) and then came downstairs to check that everything was back up and running here.

So far so good.

For tomorrow - pictures (and story) of our biking/roller blading trail adventure from Monday.

Grumpy and Tired

Yesterday just about killed me.

We had the Little League Opening Ceremonies at 9:30 am. Thankfully, it was close enough to walk over and I didn't have to deal with parking issues. It was windy and dusty, but sunny. Fishing Guy had to work, so I videotaped most of it for him. The Princess keeps asking him to "watch her movie."

We got home about 10:45 am and the kids went outside to play. Crafty Neighbor was watching a friend's little girl, so they came out and all the kids rode bikes and played together. We were outside until lunchtime - when we moved into Crafty Neighbor's family room because of the wind.

At 1:15, we packed up the kids and took them to the friend's house - she was returning the sitting for Crafty Neighbor and I'll owe her a playdate - and Crafty Neighbor and I headed off for the stamping party. It was kid free and a nice break. I ordered two new stamp sets, some cards and a storage box - plus got a discount on a really cool butterfly album.

We picked up the kids at 3:30 pm and I rushed home to get The Princess into T-Ball gear for her practice at 4:30 pm. She was one of 8 kids that came to practice, but she got some good one-on-one time with the coach. We got home from T-Ball at 6 pm and Fishing Guy got home about a half hour later.

I made dinner and we helped Crafty Neighbor bring in her new grill and FoodSaver. The kids were shuffled off to bed and I read 40 pages in a new book before I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore.

This morning the kids were up before 7 am. Fishing Guy woke me up at 5:30, when his alarm went off and I was just getting into the good sleep. I watched the beginning of Snow White with the kids and now I need to jump in the shower if we are going to make it to church on time. Good thing it's across the street!

Hmmm, Fishing Guy just walked in the door...

*Update 2:00 pm*

Well, Fishing Guy brought home breakfast - hot from the deli and orange juice! The kids were thrilled to see him in the morning hours and I had an adult to supervise the food while I was in the shower. We made it (on time even) to Sunday School and the 11 am service this morning. Whoo!

Now that we are home again, I've folded 3-4 loads of clothes (and put the kids' away), made a snack and The Princess has picked up most of the toys, upstairs and down. I'm planning on getting the rest of the laundry put away, loading the dishwasher and then taking the rest of the day off.