2014 Better Get Over Itself

2014 can suck it!

No really.

Suck.

It.

It's only the 13th day of the year and already I just want 2014 to be over. Either that or whatever/whoever/whichever I/the world pissed off, I get it. I'm sorry We're sorry. Please go away! 

Everything starts off okay and full of promise just like every year.Finally get back to work for two days. Then off for the weekend.....or so I thought.

Nope!

Find out on Saturday, that hey, The Hubs now has to spend Monday - Friday at another store a few hours away. (So he will be gone.)

Sunday:
* Squeaker has a fever all day. Finally it breaks at dinner time and he seems to be doing fine.
* the University where I work decided to close for Monday.

Monday:
* The now infamous Polar Vortex known as Winter Storm Ion dropped a shit ton of show on our town. Then decided to follow it up with colder than fuck temperatures not seen in decades.
* Squeaker's fever comes back and he's pissy, whiny and not eating or drinking.
* Turns out he has the flu. Grab medicine and essentials and come back home.

Tuesday:
* Ion decides to keep up the craptastic weather and blows all the snow drifts over our driveway.
* Work closes again. Whew!

Wednesday:
* Work is now open. But....
* Squeaker seems to be doing better.
* I start having a sore throat, aches, sneeze, cough, headache.
* Snowed in.

* I call a Snow Removal company, sure they'll be out this afternoon to clear the drive.
* 1:30, call from Snow Remover, yeah,  can't make it to you today. Call someone else, if you can't get it done today, I'll do it tomorrow. 
* 6 companies later, finally get someone who will come at 7pm. Fine whatever, great, just get here!  Plus he's the cheapest too boot.


Thursday:
* Finally can get out of the house!
* Kids. Are. Going. To. Daycare! Woohoo!!!!
* I go to urgent care. Luckily no flu. I go home and sleep.
* Get kids, we relax. Day 4 was pretty good.

Friday:
* Hubs coming home!
* I'm supposed to be off work, but decide since I didn't go in at all. To put the kids in daycare and go in.
* Hubs gets home around noon.
* I get a call from Urgent Care. Squeaker's has pnemonia. WTF!!!
* Hubs, picks up Squeaker goes to Urgent Care. Gets 2 scrips. Huh?!?
* Pharmacist questions scrips.
* I call Squeaker's doctor's office. Talk to nurse. She says you have to ask the prescribing doc.

Saturday:
* Hubs works ALL DAY! Ugh.
* Doc's office calls back. Yeah, the Urgent Care, isn't affiliated with us and doesn't know that Squeaker has Virally Induced Asthma and that was probably the spot on the x-ray (indicating the pnemonia) So don't ever go back there cause they suck at pediatric care. (Yeah, they were professional about it, I'm just putting my version in.)
* Yay, Squeaker doesn't have pnemonia.
* I'm starting to feel better.

Sunday:
*Relaxation central.

I'm really hoping that all the shit of 2014 is over. At least for a while!

Weekly Obsession: Shaving Oil and Razor Blades

Here I go again with something most people are like? WTF? Really, you're obsessing over razors and shaving?

Yes. Yes, I am!

The Hubs found out about these awesome razors from a friend of his. Granted his friend recommended the razors for guys. But I found the women's 6 blade razor on there. Now, to be fair, I was kinda suspicious.

How are they so cheap? This has 8 blade cartridges and the "holder thingy" (I have no idea what it's really called.) for almost $16?!?!?!?!

Well, we tried them and I don't know about the Hubs, but I LOVE mine!!!

Now, I don't feel bad about getting a replacement cartridge as soon as it starts to get dull just because I don't want to waste the money.

And the best part............

Are you ready for it?!?!?!?

Is that the blades cartridge bends in the middle. WTF!?!?! Why has no one thought of this before now?

Yes, it's essentially 2 three blade razors fused together, but still bendable. A bit confusing to explain, but just look at this picture and you can kinda tell.

Makes it easier to go around knees, ankles, etc. GENIUS!!!!!!


Now what blog post about shaving would be complete without a mention of the shaving cream? Well, this one, since I'm going to talk about shaving oil instead of cream.

Oil you say?!?!?

Yes, oil.




Somersets Shaving Oil has apparently been making shaving oil for quite some time. I ordered a bottle of this for me a little over a year ago, and it's still not even a fifth used.


Yes, exactly.

Now, you don't need a whole lot. I use about 10 drops or so.

NOTE:  it works better if you have already dampened your skin with warm water. It helps the oil spread easier rather than soaking into your skin.

Also, just to let you know, it does have a strong smell, the essential oils are a bit pungent first thing in the morning. Luckily, I don't mind it.

And they now have an extra delicate version for women as well for the bikini line since the oil may be a bit too much for those delicate areas.

Another great thing is that the oil, not only lubricates the leg, but it lubricates the oil making the blade cut closer and last longer!!!!! Double win for the razors!!!

The Hubs really likes the after shave lotion. But he doesn't use the shaving oil so when mine runs out, I'll just use his.

And get this......it looks like Walgreens sells Somerset's now too.

Weekly Obsession: Fringe

The Hubs and I have recently discovered this awesome gem of a tv show on netflix. We have been watching about 8 - 10 episodes a week. I just love Walter and his comments.

Peter: Are you okay? Did you take something?

Walter: Psychedelics? No, not since Thursday, no. 


Peter: I tried to expense a couple of Celtic tickets on the FBI--she caught me. 
Walter: Oh, I see. I hope she doesn't notice the $2,000 for the baboon seminal fluid I ordered. I hope I can recall why I ordered it.

Astrid: So this thing has the claws of a lion and the fangs of a snake?

Walter: It reminds me of a woman I once knew in Cleveland.

Peter: Walter, these punctures are over four inches apart. And that would make this snake eight-feet long.

Walter: Her name was Harriet something.

Olivia: How is everything?

Peter: Well, apparently you're looking for a lion-snake named Harriet.

 And the great thing is we don't have to wait for the next episode. Plus, I tend to get bored with tv shows easily. But so far, this show is amazing!!!!

Have you watched it? Who's your favorite character? Any favorite plot lines? Keep in mind that I'm mid way through season two. So no spoilers please.

Summer 2013

Hey everyone, life has been good, stressful, difficult and exciting.

We've had a great summer so far. And I'm looking forward to the rest of it. There has been a lot of individual travel. I went to my sororities national convention a few weeks ago, and the Hubs is off in Massachusetts for work. He's been gone since the 8th and will be back on Friday. It's the longest we've been apart and it's rough on both of us.

Luckily though, after this week, the rest of the summer should be smooth sailing.

As for my blog here, I don't know if anyone is even still following me or not. But I've got some ideas on how to increase my posting. So keep an eye out, things are in the works.

Blessed Be

LetterMo 2013

LetterMo is once more upon us. I am, of course participating again. Who wouldn't want to get mailbox sunshine?!?!

I also adopted another soldier from Soldier's Angels. And I branched out even more with that by signing up for the Ladies of Liberty team through SA. We send extra love to all the lady soldiers out there. Birthday cards, care packages or even just a simple letter letting them know that there are people back home that care about them. And Angel Baby is getting into the swing of things and including a Valentine in each of the cards, lets or packages I mail out. We hope everyone enjoys them. 

If you would like to get a letter from me, please add your address to my postable account. No one else will see it, but me. So no worries about security.

I hope you have a safe Friday, the snow/ice is flying this morning. Luckily the Hubs and I are both off today. And we have the Niece and Nephew to watch too since their school was closed because of the weather. So stay warm and dry.  Snuggle up with a favorite book, or follow me in getting a warm drink, a pen, envelope and paper and write a note to someone you haven't talked to in a while.

Cheers!

Stuff - Good and Bad

Let's start with the bad.

So I’ve had a rough couple of weeks since I last posted. Squeaker gave himself a black eye and  fell down the stairs. (He’s okay!) Angel Baby has been more of “Demon Baby” with her whining and new potty issues. Why she has to constantly pee on her panties is beyond frustrating. I bruised a toe pretty badly and just last Sunday, I fell on the stairs. Well slipped down a few stairs and landed on my butt. So yesterday, I had a very sore coccyx. (Hubs was so hilarious when I mentioned it. “You said cock. Hee hee. Apparently, I’m married to a 12 year old. And we all had a really horrible stomach flu thing that stuck around for a full week. I’m happy to say that I lost a few pounds, but come on. There has to be an easier way.

Good news: my office’s holiday party is tomorrow. I can’t wait to go and have fun. I get to run the White Elephant and it’s always such a blast to see what present everyone fights over. 

Other great things? I’m almost done Christmas shopping. I only have my Mom and Step-Dad and Dad and Step-Mom left for buy Christmas gifts. However, I still have to get Hubs something for his birthday. Other than that it’s just wrapping and finishing up the gifts that I’m making. 

Yet more great things? I participated in the Holiday Mix Tape Swap that Meagan, Sara and Meghan were hosting.

I was matched up with Christine at A day in the life... We sent a few emails back and forth about what music we both liked/were looking for. She did a great job on my tape. It was great! Lots of oldies, newbies, and some that I've never heard before. 

1.       Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Mariah Carey

2.       Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Dean Martin & Martina McBride

3.       I’ll Be Home for Christmas - Elvis & Carrie Underwood

4.       Silent Night - Sarah McLachlan

5.       My Grown Up Christmas List - Kelly Clarkson

6.       It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Harry Connick Jr.

7.       The Christmas Song - Peggy Lee

8.       Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow - Michael Bublé

9.       White Christmas - Bing Crobsy & Frank Sinatra

10.   Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Christina Aguilera

11.   Jingle All the Way - Lena Horne

12.   Shake Up Christmas - Train

13.   It Came Upon a Midnight Clear - Norah Jones

14.   Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong & the Commanders

15.   It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas - Harry Connick Jr.

16.   Blue Christmas - Elvis & Martina McBride

17.   Jingle Bells - Michael Bublé & The Puppini Sisters

18.   Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt

19.   Winter Wonderland - Dean Martin

20.   Joy to the World - David Archuleta

21.   Satariffic - Harry Connick Jr.

22.   All I want for Christmas is You - Michael Bublé

23.   It Ain’t Christmas - Joe

24.   Holly Jolly Christmas - Faith Hill

      I highlighted my top faves from the playlist in Green. Also, I have to say that in perusing all the other mix tape playlists I found out about a great group. Pentatonix. They are AMAZING!!! I had to go and buy their Christmas album on iTunes. If you haven't heard of them. Check them out here. 

      

     

Cruise + Halloween Follow Up + Contest Shoutout

I'm back to my smiling, ash blond, no black eyeliner self today. Happy and content with another Halloween past. Granted, I would have liked to have been able to go to a Halloween party. But when your Hubs doesn't really care about Halloween and he schedules a TON of stuff on the weekends around it. Yeah. I'm not able to go to any parties.

Though to be fair last weekend, I was in Cozumel. So I guess I'll take that over being here and freezing.

On to Halloween. The Chillin's had a blast with Halloween. Squeaker didn't go trick or treating since he was out with his Amma at the time when we had to go out. Plus it was cold and wet and I didn't want to have to subject him to that anyway.

Angel Baby made out like a bandit. She got all sorts of candy. And even a king size candy bar! I bet that house won't ever get egged or tp'ed. Like ever.

Aren't they the cutest?

And as for contest shoutout. Lisa over at A Southern Belle Misplaced in Michigan is having a giveaway. She is an amazing stitcher and I'm impressed with her output of stuff. Really you should go check out her blog. Incredible.

Shower

My Hubs and I have a standard size shower in our bathroom. Nothing major right? Well apparently my Hubs has decided, within the last year and a half, that our shower head needs to be constantly moved up. Mind you, we've lived in this house for almost four years.

So, picture this. I'm 8 months pregnant with Squeaker and I want to take a shower. No problem. I noticed though when I got in that the water was spraying at the opposite wall of the shower.

THE WALL people. Now really?!?!?!

So I adjust it. Proceed to shower and think nothing else on it. Other than my husband has suddenly lost his mind. I mention it to him. He says he usually moves it, he just forgot to put it back. Whatever. Fine. Then he and Angel Baby leave. So I go upstairs to finish getting ready. I take a step into the bathroom, barefoot of course, and I almost bite it. I had to do this crazy, kung fu, yoga type move not to fall on my ass. Cause, hello! I don't want to hurt the baby that's currently taking up residence in my womb.

I pulled my twat people.

I kid you not. I didn't even know you could do that. But, I'm here to tell you, that yes, yes you can.I yell at mention it, to The Hubs and he says he won't do that again.

Famous last words.

Not only has it been an issue since then. But last fall we noticed a brown spot on the ceiling of the living room.Turns out that the water on the floor, leaked through the tile and then the floor boards and finally through the dry wall of the ceiling.

So now, how do we solve the issue? Maybe by being more cognizant of where the shower head is directed?

Nope.

We have to have a hand towel on the floor by the tub so that it can sop up all the water from the shower.

I guess the good thing is that now there isn't water on the floor, so no more slip and slide bathroom time.

Kick in the Ass

So I've obviously not been posting. I was happy in just reading/stalking all of my favorite blogs. But Sara from Sara's Organized Chaos is having a swap. I LOVE swaps. But alas, can't enter because I haven't been actively blogging. So I guess, it's just the kick in the pants I need to figure out what to write. It's crazy how easy it is to slip out of practice of doing it. Honestly, I just haven't felt that there's been anything post-worthy.

Though, come to think of it.

Pros:
* Squeaker turned one last week. Where has the year gone? My little man is almost walking already. Eesh.
* Angel Baby has finished up her first year of dance and has started her SECOND year. Double eesh.
* I've started my second year of advising for my sorority.
* The Hubs and I are doing amazingly better than we were a year ago. Of course, when I'm not the size of a house and either incubating a child or recovering from giving birth to said child, it's pretty easy to feel all romantical and sexy.
* My brother is getting married to a wonderful, beautiful and charming woman that I'm so excited to call my sister. 
* Finally had my job reclassified. So I got a bump up in pay. And I'm actually working in grade instead of above it.
* Have a cruise planned for just me and the Hubs in October.
* I initiated into my Circle in April.

Cons:
* LUPEC is on hiatus until January.  I need a girls night out like a junkie needs his next fix.
* I've been lax in my cross-stitch project. And I'll have to put it on hiatus and start a new one soon. (Gift for Christmas)
* I haven't lost as much weight as I wanted to. But then again, when have I ever? I'll get there. It's just taking F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!!
* I  haven't had much chance to go to ritual lately. And won't be able to go to Samhain either (due to the cruise). Hopefully, I'll get to go to Yule.
* After LetterMo I really dropped off the Letter Writing Wagon. I hope to get caught up soon with all my pen-pals.

That's really all I can think of right now. So I guess when you put everything together, the pros outweigh the cons. And that's all you can really ask for isn't it?

Well? What's new with you?

Updates and Idiots

I've been meaning to get back on here and post something. We moved from a laptop to the iPad and it's sometimes a little difficult to the on a screen. I'm getting better, but if you see major glaring typos that's why.

I think my life is finally getting back to normal. We had Squeaker in Sept. and it's been one thing after another since then. We had Halloween/ Samhain. Then Thanksgiving, Yule, and Christmas. Plus two really bad colds/ flus that ripped through our house. Now the Hubs is doing inventory at work. So after this weekend, everything should be finished and we can go about life as usual. Just with an added bundle of joy.

Luckily, I haven't had anymore issues with the Angel Baby and her potty training. And she's getting more used to having Squeaker around. He's discovered his tounge. It's quite cute actually. He will be chewing on his fists and suddenly he's holding his tounge with his fingers. So hilarious.

Not much new to report, really.

Except a funny / really? type of scenario that happened at work the other day.

So I work at a university. In an all graduate department. So we're not talking about some 18 year old idiot here. This idiot was at least 23 or so. Still an idiot age to many of us, granted.

Anywho, we've been offering more and more online courses. And of course, they fill up super fast. Like within a week of registration opening. This idiot decides at the last minute that he needs to get into a full online course. Now in this situation, we always refer the student to the professor. If the prof is willing to give you an override, we'll put you in. Keep in mind that it's already two weeks into the semester as well.

So this student comes to the professor teaching the course and says "I need you to drop someone from the course and put me in the class. Because I have a job and need the course for my position."

Really?!?!?!?!?

REALLY?!?!?

You have the balls to ask that the professor kick someone else out of the course. Someone that registered with enough time to get into the course. But because you have a job that somehow makes you better than them and therefore you deserve to get in the course.

Puh-lease.

The correct route would have been to just ask if the professor would allow you in the course and then give your reasoning.

I was very happy that the prof laughed at the request. Granted it was over email so the poor delusional individual was unable to see just how idiotic his request really was.

You know, just because you're the center of your Mommy and Daddy's universe doesn't mean that you are at the center of everyone's.

Idiot.

Updates, Gripes and Pleas

Okay, so I'm alive. Everything is going well with the bun in the oven. I'm now at 32 weeks and I'm ready to have this kid already. The Hubs, Wee One and I went and visited family on the other side of the country last month. It was fun, but exhausting. Though I have to say, my daughter is a great traveler. At 2 1/2 I figured there'd be some screaming, crying, carrying on. Something. Nope. She was an angel both going and coming back. In fact, she got a lot of compliments from our seat neighbors after each flight to tell her what an angel she is/was. Relief on my part. And let me tell you. Squeezing my 7 1/2 month pregnant self and a 2 1/2 year old into an airplane lavatory. Oh my goodness! Talk about tetris-ing yourself. Having to figure out where to put her, and shimmy my way around. Ugh. Thank goodness we only did it a few times. Pull-ups are a great relief!!!

Now on to the gripes.

For Goodness sake people....don't comment on any pregnant woman's belly in the following fashion.

"You look like you're going to explode."

"You look like you've eaten way to many ____."

"Are you going to deliver any day now?"
"No. At the end of September."
"Twins? Triplets?"
"No. Just one."

Or when I say the end of September. Then you tell me there's no way I'll ever make it. And look like I'm a crazy person for not going into labor right then and there.

My doctor and I aren't worried with my progress. I realize I tend to carry everything low and in the front. So I looked like I was full term (for most average women) at 5-6 months. Every pregnant woman is different. Back the fuck off!!!!

I swear, I've been blowing it off. No rude comments back. But the next time a person decides to comment on my size, or tell me how I'm just deluded and that I'm really 11 months pregnant and why haven't the Guinness people called me yet, I'm going to fucking lose it!

Really.

In fact, the only comments that I really enjoy.

"You look adorable."

"You are so cute."

Something along those lines. I don't usually like to be called adorable or cute. But when I feel so gigantic already, then have to deal with random rudeness from idiot fucktards, I will take it.

So, a plea to all of you out there that might think to comment on a pregnant woman's belly.

99.9% of the time, you shouldn't say a single word...unless you're hoping for suicide by proxy.

.1% of the time, you compliment the pregnant woman.

And that .1% of the time should only happen when there's a woman, like me, that is so obviously pregnant that there's no way she could just be gaining weight.

Great News!!!

Hey everyone, I have some amazing news. I've been playing this close to my chest for a long time now and figure that I can finally tell everyone.

I'm 20 weeks pregnant!!!!

I'm having a little boy!!!!

So, we are all of course very excited. This time around, I'm not worrying so much about how I'll be as a parent. Now I'm worried about how my daughter will handle a new baby brother. So far, she kisses and hugs my belly. Saying "Hugs and kisses for baby brother." So that's good. But at other times, I'm wondering if her new affectionate nature, is a response. The Hubs said he was very affectionate as a child so it could be a personality thing.

Don't get me wrong, I love all the unprompted "I love you, Mommy." and "Mommy pretty." comments. My heart just melts when I hear it. I'm just hoping that it's here to stay and not something temporary. Well, granted it probably won't happen when she's 13. But hopefully it will stay for a while.

I had a wonderful Mother's day. I got flowers from my mom. And a "World's Best Mom" coffee mug with a brand new Keurig coffee maker from my Daughter and Husband. Though the coffee maker is apparently for both Mom and Dad's day. No biggie for me. Cuts down on the shopping I have to do in June. ;)

So what are you all up to? Any big news for you?

Lately...

• I've been reading: The Trouble with Magic, A Charmed Death & Mermaids in the Basement.

• Enjoying all the "Happy Mommy's" from my amazing, little daughter.

• Visiting family.

• I'm happy that despite the rain, the temps seem to be going higher and higher.

• Trying not to get sucked into yet another tv show (True Blood) by my Hubs.

• Listening to The Ragbirds.

• Playing Angry Birds on my Nook.

What have you all been up to?

Early Birthday Gift

So, my birthday isn't until the end of the month. But the Hubs and the Wee One went, out Sunday afternoon and bought me my birthday present. Now, I wasn't expecting it. In fact, I didn't realize they had left the house last Sunday until the Hubs mentioned they went to Costco. (Granted, I was out of the house from 10:15 - 3pm.)

Anyway, the Hubs mentioned that he bought the Wee One a book. She told me it was a Tinkerbell book. Or rather, "Daddy. Book. Bell Bell." Which means the same thing in 28 month old speak. Turns out they left it in the car. I told the Hubs I'd go get it. No worries, right?

Well, the Hubs left my present on the front passenger seat. I played it off. But he asked me point blank at dinner that night if I'd seen it.

"Yes. But I'll be surprised." (For the Munchkin's sake. Since we don't get birthday presents for each other anymore. The Daughter does. She pays the other parent in Smiles, Hugs and Kisses. LOL)

So later that night. Hubs gives my present to our daughter. She comes running out to me, saying "Happy Mommy Birth. Happy Mommy Birth." And is so excited.

I of course play along. And she snuggles up next to me on the couch and eagerly watches me open it.

What is it?

Why my Nook Color that I wanted. I had to go plug it in. So I took it into the kitchen and when I came out without it, my Daughter starts crying. I soothe her and try to explain that it has to be charged in order to work. After some time, she calmed down.

Needless to say, the whole thing was very cute. And I've been addicted to my Nook ever since. I'm still not sure how all the bells and whistles work. But, I'm having fun, nonetheless. And I bought this cover.I wanted one that had a few pockets, had a closure and was only a bi-fold. I was a little sad to see that they only had black. No flashy colors to choose from. But alas, I took function over style. Maybe sometime in the future they'll come out with Style and Substance.

So, anyone with a Nook want to explain the LendMe feature?

The Joys of Laryngitis

Yes, my friends. I have developed laryngitis from this nasty fucking cold. The joys are numerous. To name a few:

* My 2 year old daughter doesn't acknowledge my flailing arms when I'm trying to get her attention. I've reverted to clapping, stomping and slapping walls like a crazy person. And then the only one who comes running, is my husband, who thinks I've had some odd accident.

* Random people whisper back to me. Thinking it's a conspiratorial game of sorts.

* My Mother hangs up on me, thinking my voice issue is due to bad reception. I have to call her back and say, "My voice sucks, don't hang up." really fast, hoping she'll hear and understand me.

* When going to order lunch yesterday, I think. Oh, crap. How can I get food? I have to pathetically ask a (very sweet) co-worker to order my lunch for me.

Favorite Christmas Songs Part Deux

Okay, so on with the cheesy videos but great songs. Sheesh Mariah....you're singing about how the only thing in the entire universe that you would ever want/need for Christmas is your boyfriend, stud muffin, boy toy...and all you show in the video is you.

Maybe it's you singing to yourself in the mirror. Then it makes sense. All you want for Christmas is yourself.

Oh well, it's a great song, even if the video sucks.



Hope you are all doing well. I'm really glad the weekend is over and we're into the week. I had to deal with the Wee One and the Hubs both puking. Ugh. So gross. I really hope I don't get it....so far I'm okay. But we'll see. Keep your fingers crossed.

Happy Thanksgiving

So what are you thankful for this year?

I asked myself that question today. Hmmm. Well, of course, there's my husband, daughter and extended family, the friends that I've gotten closer to, old friends that I've reconnected with. Of course, there's always the family and friends that pop in my head when I say this. But what else? Anything?

What am I thankful for?

I'm very happy that the Hubs and I are both employed.

That I've decided to put myself more in the fore-front. And I don't mean selfishly. I mean, I did the 3-Day walk this year. I trained, fundraised, and dealt with blisters. But I gained so much. I learned how much strength I really had. I pushed myself to walk every single step. And I did it.

I've recently started on a new spiritual path. Not exactly new, more of a more structured path than I was on before. It's refreshing to have people to talk to about my faith on a weekly basis. Plus I'm thankful that I have an understanding husband. And we can discuss our different faiths, and come to an understanding that we are both on different paths, but going in the same direction.

I'm thankful for the Holiday Season this year.

I usually wait until the week or two before Christmas before I even start to shop. But this year, I've already gotten quite a head start on it. And I'm the one putting Holiday music on in the car. Rather than running screaming from it (remnants of my time in retail).

I'm thankful that I have such a blessed and full life.

I can say that this year and truly mean it!

Surprise Blogger Swap

Okay ya'll, so I decided to join in this fun Surprise Blogger Swap that Jamie over at This is Me; Consequently. decided to host. And last week I received my wonderful surprise package from Lisa at A Southern Belle Misplaced in Michigan. And she sent me such cool stuff.


As you can see, I got a journal, notecards, two candles, a raven figurine and a fun little Blessed Be pillow (which is now hanging on the knob of my china cabinet).

The raven is the centerpiece on my table and I'm looking forward to lighting the candles which smell all wonderful and Autumn-y.

I've been up to a whole host of things lately. I had the week off last week since the Hubs is out of town for work. Which has really sucked ass. I miss him so much, as does the Little One.

But while I was off, not only did I visit a bunch of people, I also took this awesome bead class. I don't know how many of you bead with a loom, but this lady I took the class from had an awesome idea and invented her own loom which has less work overall. Anywho, here's the first part of the project. Well, I'm finished with all the beading. Now, I have to wait for the next class to figure out how to finish the bracelet. But here's my hard work in all it's glory!


I can't wait to finish it so I can

1. wear it.
2. start another one.

Things that Make me Smile

To lift my spirits up I've been doing the following lately.

Playing with the Wee One. Her laugh definitely lights up my day!

Snuggling with the Hubs on the couch.

Making jewlery. (Specifically using sead beads.)

Making my Halloween Costume. Part of it looks like this but sparkly. I had glitter everywhere!

Getting back into daily oracle/tarot readings.

What are you up to?

Oh. My. God. When will it end?!?!?!?

Hello Blogosphere - land,

Yes, I am alive. I was able to successfully beat the sniffly, sneezy cold that my daughter ever so graciously gave me. Of course, she had it for an afternoon, while I selfishly held on to the virus for about 2 weeks. Silly me.

Anywho, I get over the icky cold and then classes start. Yes, for those that don't know I work at a university. So, needless to say Fall semester is insanity in its purest form. People that didn't register back in March want to get into a class that has been closed for months. People that didn't think ahead and decided to apply two days before classes start, one of those days is a holiday mind you, and they want you to work miracles and not only process all their materials, admit them, register them, and quite possibly take all their classes for them. No I'm kidding, but only on the last part. People, if you decide to go to college, please keep in mind that there are many people that have to view your materials. We are not instant coffee. And by no means, are we going to help move your materials along if you berate, scream or treat us as though we are out to get you. "You get more bees with honey."

So, I had a very insane day before classes started, huge conference that I had to help out at, a student employment fair that I needed to be at as well, and get all my usual work done. All of that, and I made it out of the office and into my car right at 5pm. Woohoo!!! Got home at 5:30. Even more of a woohoo!

I decided to take an early shower and work on some stuff from the office after the wee one went to bed at 8. Plus, I knew my in-laws wouldn't be over for another half hour or more to drop the little bundle of joy off. So, I'm golden. I throw dinner into the oven, run upstairs, shower, dress and head back downstairs just as my phone rings.

It's my in-laws. The Wee One has something not quite right on her bottom. But don't freak out, it's something that should be looked at, but don't freak out.

So, they get to my place. I look at it. It's definitely something that needs to be looked at. I don't freak, but we take the Munchkin to the Urgent Care like 2 miles from our house.

They say it's an abcess, nothing they can do except give her a shot of antibiotics and a prescription. Plus tell me to schedule an appointment with her doctor for the following morning.

Great, insanity at work and I have to take a day off. Okay, anything for the Wee One, but I'm sure not looking forward to the plethora of things building up. So, we get an appointment with her doc. He says, let me give you a different prescription and you need to go see Pediatric Surgery to have this taken care of. So, I call Ped. Surgery. They don't do abcesses. I have to go to Ped ER. Okay, fine. I go, they say yep, it's an abcess and it's more than likely MRSA. Oh my god, I'm going to lose my shit here.

So, they operate, give me yet a third prescription for something stronger than the others, and send us on our way home. Mind you we have to come back on Thursday morning to have her IV taken out, (since they wanted to give her another dose of the antibiotic via IV in the morning as well as check on her.) So, this antibiotic I have to give is every 8 hours. No biggie I thought, yeah, it is a big deal when you have to get up at 2:30am to shake this crap, dose it out, get a new dressing ready, grab 2 drinks (one she likes to negate the icky medicine taste, the other water to rinse her mouth from the first one.) and a diaper. Then go up, wake up the Hubs, wrangle the Wee One into letting us give her the medicine, take of her diaper, clean her, take off the dressing, let the area dry, replace the dressing and put her diaper and pj's back on. Ugh.

So luckily the Hubs, was off Thursday. So he takes her back to the ER and I meet them (took a few hours off.) They ask me to follow up with the doc on Sat. morning, give her another dose of antibiotic, remove the IV and send us on our way.

Friday, I have to stay with her since no one is going to be able to wrangle her like Mommy and ask my Wonderful Sister-In-Law to come and help me. Then, call the Doc's to get her in on Sat. All good.

Saturday, I go in with her and the Hubs. Doc says it's healing nicely, and that unless things start to backslide, he won't need to see her again. AWESOME!!!!!

And then it's pretty quiet until Tuesday. I got the lab test results back. It was Staph, but luckily not MRSA. However, they said that it was good that she was on the last prescribed medicine since the other two wouldn't have worked.

Needless to say, it's been a crazy time trying to get back into the swing of things at work. But hopefully all of this is done for a while.



And then she woke up yesterday sneezing and with a runny nose.


Goddess help me!!!!!!