It's the big day. I don't know if I'll know the results today, so I still can't say what "it" is. I'm not quite sure if I want this to end in a yes or not. I'm not quite sure I want this to end in a no. I can tell you that this doesn't have anything to do with cellular division in any way shape or form. No babies. No cancer. No Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...although with the crazy things going on it wouldn't surprise me.
So, you can say a little prayer for me, think good thoughts, or just do the hokey pokey and turn yourself around.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
No News is Usually Good News
It's been a National Lampoon's sort of month. Something happens and we just shake our heads and have to laugh because it's just been so unbelievable. Bill started his pre-deployment leave earlier in the month. If you read his blog, you'd know that he ran over a gnarly piece of metal which left a nice gaping hole in his tire on the way home from his last day of work. The next day was when his truck was broken into and had about $300 worth of things stolen. Three hundred dollars we really didn't have set aside with the whole traveling to Ohio, van rental, etc. Next, our irrigation system decided to retire. Yes, summer is always the best time to quit working, I always say! Not being the original owners of this fine piece of equipment I had to google till I found the owners manual online and did just as it said to fix it. There, perfect. Ummm...I said perfect. WHYWON'TTHISSTUPIDTHINGWORK!!! Go to the store to buy yet another replacement piece. Yeah, that didn't do it either. We had to buy a whole new control box. And replace a couple of sprinkler heads. At least now we can water our parched lawn. Do you know how difficult it is to keep grass green in the desert?? Then the bees. Oh, the bees. I noticed them out of one of those artsy fartsy windows that really has no purpose in the master bedroom. It doesn't open. It's too high to reach. It just sits there and lets the light in and encrourages eight legged friends to move in to the corner lot. I went outside and saw that the little busy bees were entering the attic space from the vent on the outside of the house. Loverly. A couple ventured into the house through the recessed lighting in the hallway. Fortunately they were so intent on trying to return to the attic that no one, including the cats, was stung. Lloyd pest control came out and killed 'em in a matter of ten minutes for $250. They'll be back this week to remove the comb for an extra $100 and that's with the military discount. Fortunately we caught it early enough that the comb is still small and doesn't require removal of anything structurally holding the house together....which I guess really happens sometimes.
Rent is going up in July. Babysitting is going up in July. Tuition for the boy is going up in September. Holy Oleo. Did I happen to mention in any of my previous blog entries that we're trying to figure out how to buy a piece of the American Dream?!
My best friend leaves for the Asian Pacific area in a couple of weeks. I'm happy that this crazy month happened while he was still home. I need to take that stress/eustress test and see what they say. I need a vacation. And a million dollars.
Something else is on the horizon but in fear of jinxing it, I won't mention it until something develops.
Rent is going up in July. Babysitting is going up in July. Tuition for the boy is going up in September. Holy Oleo. Did I happen to mention in any of my previous blog entries that we're trying to figure out how to buy a piece of the American Dream?!
My best friend leaves for the Asian Pacific area in a couple of weeks. I'm happy that this crazy month happened while he was still home. I need to take that stress/eustress test and see what they say. I need a vacation. And a million dollars.
Something else is on the horizon but in fear of jinxing it, I won't mention it until something develops.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Yes, we're home. No, no good stories...yet.
Ok, so I didn't post any new 'midwest' stories. I haven't even posted any new California stories. I have to prep a father's day gift for my dad, wrap one for Bill, clean the house for tomorrow's Father's Day get together, do laundry leftover from the trip, get a baby gift wrapped, get all snazzy for a baby shower and attend said baby shower. That's a lot for one day.
My weather pixie tells me the humidity level is 88%. EIGHTY EIGHT PERCENT!!! Do you know what that does to a girl who's used to living in an arid climate. Me either, but it sure doesn't help with my productivity level.
A radio DJ once said that San Diego is going from a dry region to a humid region partially because of all the new developments going up at a rapid pace. The former open dirt/sand areas with drought resistant plants are being replaced by new homes with lawns, parks with lawns and more and more lawns. All these lawns need watering. That's, apparently, raising our humidity levels. Sound crazy? I don't ever remember it feeling like this.
Ok, now that my rant about procrastination due to the weather is over, I guess I should get started.
My weather pixie tells me the humidity level is 88%. EIGHTY EIGHT PERCENT!!! Do you know what that does to a girl who's used to living in an arid climate. Me either, but it sure doesn't help with my productivity level.
A radio DJ once said that San Diego is going from a dry region to a humid region partially because of all the new developments going up at a rapid pace. The former open dirt/sand areas with drought resistant plants are being replaced by new homes with lawns, parks with lawns and more and more lawns. All these lawns need watering. That's, apparently, raising our humidity levels. Sound crazy? I don't ever remember it feeling like this.
Ok, now that my rant about procrastination due to the weather is over, I guess I should get started.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Are We There Yet?
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
3:15am: Jen's alarm goes off.
3:15am: Jen rolls over and sees that Bill is not in bed so Jen wonders if Bill even went to bed.
3:16am: Jen goes downstairs and sees that Bill is out cold on the couch.
3:17am: Jen wakes Bill up with the temptation of coffee. Bill realizes that he set the alarm on the tv for 3am Sunday. Doesn't do much good on Tuesday.
Somewhere between 3:17 and 3:30am Bill and Jen (my name should be Ted, that sounds better) shower, finish last minute packing and straightening of the house.
3:30am: Jen goes into Trey's room. Trey pops out of bed and excitedly asks in 4 year old sleepy voice, "Is it time to go on our trip now?!!!!"
"Yes, Trey. It's time to get ready."
"Yayyayayayayayaya!!!!!"
From the other room, "Waaahhhh, momma momma momma."
I have one excited kid and one wondering what the heck is going on.
I get one kid dressed and change the diaper of the other kid who purposely slept in her flying clothes. One kid is asking to go and one is asking to nurse. No time no time no tiiiiiiime for the boobie.
4:00am: Everyone in the car. Bill is in the front, kids and Jen are in the back with Jen contorted so the wee one who is almost two can nurse while safely strapped in her carseat. Good thing it's dark outside.
4:15am: Call mom from the top of the hill and notify her that we are turning onto her street as we speak.
4:20am: On our way to San Diego International. I'm so glad we didn't have to drive up to John Wayne in Orange County for a good deal.
5:15am: Give hugs goodbye and realize just how much traffic there really is in San Diego when it took us 45 minutes to make a trip downtown that usually takes at least an hour and a half, not on weekends which would have taken two.
5:15 to 6:10am: Try and control tired children and keep them from running/throwing herself down on scuzzy airport floor in protest of walking or standing or doing something other than whatever it is she wants to do.
6:10am: Board our plane
6:10am to 8:15am/9:15am Denver local time: Fly, eat, distract, nurse, read Dora, make a trip to the bathroom and other things to keep two small children civilized during the flight.
9:15 to 9:30am: Run like mad from gate 95 to gate 19 to board our connecting flight with one in a pink stroller, wind blowing through her hair and one very upset four year old who doesn't WANT to go.
9:30am: Board the next flight. Trey gets an invitation into the cockpit. Bill is obviously jealous. Trey is clueless on how utterly cool this apparently is, especially for the aspiring pilot.
9:30-12:20/2:20 Indiana local time: Repeat prior flying routine.
We arrived in Indiana eight hours after waking up and that was after a bountiful four hours of sleep. Rented a van and drove drove drove through a bunch of green stuff they call trees and grass out here. Huh? Where's the palm trees? Where's the succulents? Where's the chaparal? As we flew over a river in Indiana, Trey asked if that was the beach. Oh, dear child of mine, if you only knew that we are so fortunate to live where we do.
The kids napped so they were ok and running on adrenaline. We, however, are zombies. Trey and Bill bunked together and Leah and I bunked together. Wouldn't you know it? I try to bring the comforts of home with me but the girl wants nothing to do with the crib so she slept in the bed with me. This is NOT continuing when we get home, sister.
We have a full week of Cincinnati stuff to do. Dixie Chili is a must when eating with the locals. Don't ask me what it is with Cincinnati style chili. It's an acquired taste and these people are known for it. I just think they like to go to the counter and ask for a 3-way and the person taking the order doesn't think anything dirty about it. We haven't made it to Steak N Shake yet but that, as well as Graeter's is on the list. Hey, if Oprah is willing to have Graeter's flown in to Chicago, then we must have it while here, right?
Today, I'm meeting up with one of my bestestess friends from high school who lives out here thanks to the Corps and help her finish her baby registry. Yay!!! Wouldn't you know it, she decides to up and finally get pregnant when she's away from home. ;)
Thunder storms and upper 70's expected today. Don't they know I'm used to a dry heat??
More fun, exciting midwest stories as the week progresses.
3:15am: Jen's alarm goes off.
3:15am: Jen rolls over and sees that Bill is not in bed so Jen wonders if Bill even went to bed.
3:16am: Jen goes downstairs and sees that Bill is out cold on the couch.
3:17am: Jen wakes Bill up with the temptation of coffee. Bill realizes that he set the alarm on the tv for 3am Sunday. Doesn't do much good on Tuesday.
Somewhere between 3:17 and 3:30am Bill and Jen (my name should be Ted, that sounds better) shower, finish last minute packing and straightening of the house.
3:30am: Jen goes into Trey's room. Trey pops out of bed and excitedly asks in 4 year old sleepy voice, "Is it time to go on our trip now?!!!!"
"Yes, Trey. It's time to get ready."
"Yayyayayayayayaya!!!!!"
From the other room, "Waaahhhh, momma momma momma."
I have one excited kid and one wondering what the heck is going on.
I get one kid dressed and change the diaper of the other kid who purposely slept in her flying clothes. One kid is asking to go and one is asking to nurse. No time no time no tiiiiiiime for the boobie.
4:00am: Everyone in the car. Bill is in the front, kids and Jen are in the back with Jen contorted so the wee one who is almost two can nurse while safely strapped in her carseat. Good thing it's dark outside.
4:15am: Call mom from the top of the hill and notify her that we are turning onto her street as we speak.
4:20am: On our way to San Diego International. I'm so glad we didn't have to drive up to John Wayne in Orange County for a good deal.
5:15am: Give hugs goodbye and realize just how much traffic there really is in San Diego when it took us 45 minutes to make a trip downtown that usually takes at least an hour and a half, not on weekends which would have taken two.
5:15 to 6:10am: Try and control tired children and keep them from running/throwing herself down on scuzzy airport floor in protest of walking or standing or doing something other than whatever it is she wants to do.
6:10am: Board our plane
6:10am to 8:15am/9:15am Denver local time: Fly, eat, distract, nurse, read Dora, make a trip to the bathroom and other things to keep two small children civilized during the flight.
9:15 to 9:30am: Run like mad from gate 95 to gate 19 to board our connecting flight with one in a pink stroller, wind blowing through her hair and one very upset four year old who doesn't WANT to go.
9:30am: Board the next flight. Trey gets an invitation into the cockpit. Bill is obviously jealous. Trey is clueless on how utterly cool this apparently is, especially for the aspiring pilot.
9:30-12:20/2:20 Indiana local time: Repeat prior flying routine.
We arrived in Indiana eight hours after waking up and that was after a bountiful four hours of sleep. Rented a van and drove drove drove through a bunch of green stuff they call trees and grass out here. Huh? Where's the palm trees? Where's the succulents? Where's the chaparal? As we flew over a river in Indiana, Trey asked if that was the beach. Oh, dear child of mine, if you only knew that we are so fortunate to live where we do.
The kids napped so they were ok and running on adrenaline. We, however, are zombies. Trey and Bill bunked together and Leah and I bunked together. Wouldn't you know it? I try to bring the comforts of home with me but the girl wants nothing to do with the crib so she slept in the bed with me. This is NOT continuing when we get home, sister.
We have a full week of Cincinnati stuff to do. Dixie Chili is a must when eating with the locals. Don't ask me what it is with Cincinnati style chili. It's an acquired taste and these people are known for it. I just think they like to go to the counter and ask for a 3-way and the person taking the order doesn't think anything dirty about it. We haven't made it to Steak N Shake yet but that, as well as Graeter's is on the list. Hey, if Oprah is willing to have Graeter's flown in to Chicago, then we must have it while here, right?
Today, I'm meeting up with one of my bestestess friends from high school who lives out here thanks to the Corps and help her finish her baby registry. Yay!!! Wouldn't you know it, she decides to up and finally get pregnant when she's away from home. ;)
Thunder storms and upper 70's expected today. Don't they know I'm used to a dry heat??
More fun, exciting midwest stories as the week progresses.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
GRRRR!!!!!!
You'd *think* that living in a housing area where the houses sell for three quarters of a million dollars, you'd feel a little bit safer.
Bill's truck was totally broken into sometime early this morning. The window is destroyed and the frame that holds the window into the door is busted. He had some pretty important stuff stolen. Police, Social Security Administration, Credit Fraud...all alerted. They should have just stolen the truck. We just paid it off. At least we would have been comped and could save the money while Bill is overseas.
This is the second time we've been vandalized since moving in.
Oh yeah, did I mention we're supposed to go on vacation Tuesday?
Bill's truck was totally broken into sometime early this morning. The window is destroyed and the frame that holds the window into the door is busted. He had some pretty important stuff stolen. Police, Social Security Administration, Credit Fraud...all alerted. They should have just stolen the truck. We just paid it off. At least we would have been comped and could save the money while Bill is overseas.
This is the second time we've been vandalized since moving in.
Oh yeah, did I mention we're supposed to go on vacation Tuesday?
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