Quiet Please

I realize this blog has been pretty quiet lately. Do you ever get in a funk? I think the winter weather (that refuses to go away) has gotten to me a little. It is April and I'm desperate for some sunshine. Should I blame the overcast skies on global warming? Summer IS coming...right?

Yet in another way I can't beleive the school year nearing the end. My little dude will be done with Kindergarten and heading to 1st Grade in the fall. When I think of time and how it relates to my children it seems to be flying by way too quickly. So with that said, why has this winter dragged on so long for me? I have issues! I guess not being able to deal with grey skies for weeks on end is one of them. Okay, granted that is the least of my problems... ha, ha.

Oh gosh. I don't know what else to say. It has just been one of those days. Tomorrow is Monday and we are back to the regular routine of life. For me it is chauffeuring my kids around, laundry, cleaning and cooking. I need break. Even one day would be nice. Maybe then I wouldn't be so grumpy.

Private Practice

I'm sitting here watching Private Practice (that I had saved on Tivo). This is episode #3 I think.

This show bugs me. It bugs me on many levels.

They each have like one patient a day in their clinic. How do they afford their mansions on the beach ?

A teenage girl in last week's episode had hidden her pregnancy from her Dad. Yet she went to this posh private practice. Who was paying the bills? She had even created a birth plan. How realistic is that?

The most upsetting thing for me though is when people arrive sick. Like really sick. I want to scream at the TV, "Call an ambulance!". Yet, they don't. They try to figure out what is wrong. Call me odd, but this stresses me out. It is like they are taking a chance with these people's lives. I just don't find this entertaining.

I'm a huge Grey's Anatomy Fan. Seriously.

I had huge hopes for Private Practice.

So disappointed.

Spell Check

I’m just curious…do you use spell check each time you post on your blog or write an email?

I was never that great when it came to spelling. Okay…my grammar is rather weak too. I’m like sure you have not yet noticed this fact about me right? LOL.

I feel very self conscious about my spelling skills so I always hit “spell check” when I’m done writing. I get a little rush of pride when I receive the “no errors detected” too. Yeah, I know…I probably need a life. Still, for that moment I think, “maybe I’m not such a bad speller after all”.

Of course that only takes me to my next email or blog post. I’m then quickly reminded that I suck at English! I was once told that I write like I talk. That it is hard to follow what I’m trying to say. So for that my dear (and few) readers I apologize.

And for all of you who have mastered the English language…I secretly hate you…only because I’m jealous.

The Common House Fly

I thought I would keep today's post more light hearted. I realize I have been throwing myself a little pity party over here. I'm sure people are sick and tired of listening to me complain about the stress I'm under and the lack of quality sleep I'm getting.

I'm sure everyone would be much more interested in my thoughts on house flies?

No?

To bad! I feel the need to vent about the common house fly. Don't think about logging out of my site! Stay and feel my pain, okay? LOL

This afternoon I couldn't help but notice the swarm of these pesky little creatures in my home. It appears one of my children failed to completely close the sliding glass doors in our house. With just an inch and a half of space a good 8 to 10 flies found there way in. Just lovely.

I truly believe these annoying insects are smart. Why else would they seem to endless enjoy doing fly bys around your head? Seriously. It's a big enough house. They could go to another room. A room far away from me.

But no...there is always that one fly that hangs around and seemingly circles you. The buzzing noise they make seriously annoys me. It is something like nails on a chalk board for me.

Equaling, I dislike killing them. Okay...I'll admit the little suckers are faster then me. Even still, when I do get lucky, I dislike the removal of the body. With kids gasping at the thought that I just killed it adding to the drama.

Okay, maybe house flies are not out to get me. They do not purposely set out to test my patience. Yet, doesn't it feel that way sometimes? Or is it only me?

Icky Neighbor Update

A fellow blogger commented on a previous post that I should throw a water balloon at my creepy neighbor...and I'm very tempted too.

Seriously. I shouldn't feel apprehensive every time I step out my front door. I am wondering if this guy is even working right now. He is like the standard old lady in every neighborhood (who watches everyone from the comfort of her kitchen window). I know this because my Great Aunt is one of those people. She knows every one's business and has no shame. Oops! I'm getting off topic...

My creepy neighbor.

Instead of a stool by his kitchen window he sits out on his porch. He seems to enjoy talking to all the neighborhood ladies. The few I've talked to seem (for the most part) feel as I do. There is lady down the street who finds him harmless. They are seen having long gab-fests on the side walk.

Maybe I'm a snob.

He just makes my skin crawl. I hate knowing he can keep tabs on when my family is (and isn't) home. I don't know...

Anyway, that is my vent for today.

Big Brother

I haven't chatted lately about my favorite Reality TV show. Okay...my favorite one of the moment. Survivor is coming back this month. So is the Biggest Loser. You just have to LOVE Fall TV.

I think I watch too much TV. For example it is Saturday night. What am I doing? Well... my kids are in bed and I'm on the couch. Yeah...I'm on the couch in my pj's with the TV on and my lap top perched on my lap.

Frazzled Mom needs to get a life.

Oh - hold it. I was going to blog about Big Brother tonight. Okay, I'll throw myself a pity party another time...

I'm upset that Eric and Jessica are out. You know that Danielle and Dick are going to take it all the way now. I suppose Danielle deserves it as she has been a great player (although a whinny one). Does any one think Dick deserves to be in the final two?

Wait a second. Why am I asking for people's opinions? Besides my one blog friend Casey, no one reads this. Gosh...I really am pathetic.

I wonder if there are any chips in the cupboard.

later

One Annoyed Momma

Okay...I know theoretically I shouldn't be jealous of my husband who is away on a business trip. Still I have to ask, is it really work when his "business trip" includes dinners at 5 star restaurants, a nice hotel room, no kids, and even a golf game?

I love my kids. I truly do. Lately though all they do is fight. I can not wait for school to start. Little Dude will be entering Kindergarten. I think having some separation will do them some good. It will do me some good too.

In the meantime I can't help but be a little jealous of my husband. A chick flick, and room service would be nice right now!

It's Dark Outside...What does it mean?

This weekend has been a blurrr. One ugly vomit induced blur.

It just wouldn't be fair if my son didn't get sick too...right? Just when I thought the worst was over with Butter Bean my little dude gets sick. Like typical kids they hate to feel like they are missing out on things. I'm trying to be funny and to laugh at the situation, but seriously I can feel the tears coming.

It's just the flu, Hopefully the 48 hour kind. It isn't the end of the world.

Yet, after being thrown up on for 2 days straight and living on zero sleep I kind of feel like it is. It is dark outside and I swear if I didn't have the TV on right now (Extreme Make Over - Home Addition) you could of easily convinced me it was morning and the sun is rising...

Okay...why am I updating my blog when I could be sleeping?

Well...the house is quiet...both kids are a sleep (and will hopefully stay that way). I just want to escape for a few minutes. Or maybe I'm throwing a pity party and I'm looking for guests. LOL. Hell, it is probably a bit of both!

Huh?

There are some days I could kill the man. Seriously. I feel like I’m talking to myself because obviously I’m wasting my time speaking to him. He has drawn his own conclusion and I can tell he isn’t listening to a word I’m saying.

Other times he contradicts himself completely. Then tries to deny it by passing blame on me. “No I didn’t say that...", he'll start off meekly. Then he'll conclude with a cowardly cop-out, "…you did”.

What?

Seriously…be a “Man” and fess up. I only lose respect for you when you either:

A. Play dumb
B. Deny, deny, deny
C. Try and pass blame
D. Have sudden amnesia

Maybe I am PMSing, but man my husband can annoy me to no end sometimes.

Soda in the Bottle

I remember when I was in my early 20’s I would see mothers putting soda in their young toddler’s bottles. In fact I had a friend whose 2-year-old son’s first word was “Coke”. Nice huh?

I have to say it seemed almost commonplace back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. What were they thinking? Even then I felt it was wrong.

When I was a kid my siblings and I drank a lot of juice in our bottles. Back then our mother wasn’t aware of the high sugar content. My brother suffered from this lack of knowledge with several cavities. Still there was some nutrition value in the juice. You cannot say the same for soda. Today, my kids get watered down juice for an occasional treat.

I was thinking of this topic this morning because of the latest reports on Brittany Spears. The gossip magazines are claiming she puts soda in her son’s bottles. I’d like to believe this isn’t true. With this said I can’t help but wonder if there are really mothers out there that do it?

You can’t tell me it is just young moms who don’t know any better. I don’t care how old you are, this is plain common sense. I personally haven’t seen a mother in public do this. I have a feeling strangers would approach and voice their disapproval if one was seen.

Maybe this topic bothers me more then it should. I just think it is hard enough to get nutrition into our young ones as it is. Toddlers seem to be born to be picky eaters. Why would we introduce the sweet taste of sugar and perhaps the energy inducing effects of caffeine to our children?

Okay, I have vented and I feel a little better - LOL

Shaking my Head in Disbelief

Bush Outlaws All War Protest In United States

In one of his most chilling moves to date against his own citizens, the American War Leader has issued a sweeping order this week outlawing all forms of protest against the Iraq war.


To read the complete story click here.

So so sad

I was away from the TV and computer for 12 hours and when I tuned back in I found myself bombarded with the news of Lindsay Lohan’s latest arrest.

I find this sad on two levels.

The first being this young girl who seemingly can’t get her life together. She is only 21 and I hope she can get her life on track.

I am also sad to see how celebrities are the priority when it comes to top news stories. I guess we as a society would rather read about the latest fall of a young star then confront what is going on in Iraq. Or what Bush has done to our country…

Pushy Bloggers

Do you know any pushy bloggers? I have one. She keeps a private blog so her list of readers is very small. Maybe it is because of her small list that she has become so pushy.

It had been a few days since I last logged onto her site. I had a few posts to catch up on. One ended with, “Please feel free to keep the comments flowing people”. I noticed no one had commented. Her late post was even more direct, “Email me if you have any trouble commenting, should you make the effort as I have you all on the permission list to the best of my knowledge.”

I will admit that I am a lazy commenter. I don’t always stop to post. I’m sorry. I am not very witty. I can never leave clever little comments like others do. I lack that talent. So sometimes when nothing comes to mind I will skip it.

Looking at my friend’s blog I noticed her pushiness didn’t produce any comments from her readers. Maybe she will catch on that her comments will only alienate people…I hope so. If you are wondering…I didn’t leave a comment either.

PS: Oh yeah, and don’t forget to comment people! (I thought I’d throw in a little sarcasm – LOL)

Family

Family members can be demanding, selfish and thoughtless sometimes. Yet, because they are blood related we find ourselves biting our tongues. More so if said members are our parents.

I have a mother-in-law who up until 2 years ago had been the best Grandma in the world. She doted on her grandkids. Traveled just to spend time with them and spoke with them regularly on the phone. That was then.

I am not sure what happened exactly. It’s not any health concerns that are holding her back from seeing her grandchildren. In fact she is planning a trip to Ireland this winter. It is not the lack of her son and daughter-in-law inviting her either. Just this week Big Daddy commented that at some point you just get tired of asking.

It is not just the lack of visiting; it is the lack of interest in anything that concerns the kids. She doesn’t want to talk on the phone with them any more and doesn’t seem interested in hearing updates on what they are doing. Now I’m probably sounding like an egotistic mother right now. I’m not. Well, on most days I’m not (said with sarcasm). I don’t expect her world to revolve around my children. Really.

You are probably also thinking that something happened. For her behavior to completely change we (as in my husband and I) must of done SOMETHING. Yet, I can honestly say we didn’t. There was no fight, no hurtful words exchanged…nothing.

Here is what I’m thinking…and it does sound a little crazy. I think that once my kids left that “cute baby” stage she lost interest.

She has older grandchildren that she has been this way with since I’ve been in the family. Plus when Butter Bean was just a baby I noticed Grandma’s favoritism for her. I only hoped that Little Dude didn’t noticed it as well.

Family. I just don’t get them sometimes.

Since we live out of State we try to visit our family back home once a year. This is all that we can afford when having to purchase 4 airline tickets, a rental car and a dog kennel stay. I just feel bad for Big Daddy and the kids…especially the kids. Children should feel unconditional love from their Grandparents. A short yearly visit with little if any contact in-between saddens me.

Maybe this bothers me more then it should. I was very close to my Grandmother and I guess I just wish that for my kids too.

Will Blog for Chocolate!

I spent the morning cleaning the house. Picking up small toys off the floor. Such fun.

My back now has an awful knot in it. It hurts like hell.

The dog threw up…on the carpet

Back ache moved up and expanded it’s residence into my head.

Little Dude had a melt down because I made him a hot dog for lunch. I didn’t know he really wanted a corn dog. Apparently there is a big difference.

Did I mention the dog threw up?

Big Daddy worked late.

My Girls Night Out has been postponed. My one chance to escape this week was taken away.

But the worst thing of all is…

The house is out of chocolate.

I could really use some chocolate right now...

An Open Letter

Open letters are all the fashion right now. I hear all the top listed celebrities are doing it, so why not me? I know I am just a frazzled mom, but I have a few things I’d like to say to the older gentleman in the Blue Buick this afternoon

Dear Sir,

Did you see me laughing? Seriously, I really hope you did.

I know you were trying to aggravate me. I quickly caught on to your motive. My only question is why?

Seriously sir, what possessed you to try and ruin the day of a mother in a 9-year (no thrills) family car with two occupied car seats in the back?

I was two cars behind you in the left turning lane. When the light turned green you took your sweet time moving your car. I’m pretty sure your 20-mile an hour speed limit (in a 55 zone) was the reason the car in front of me roared passed you. That would be my guess any way.

I gave you a chance to pick up your speed. I was following a safe distance behind you. I had no ill feelings towards your lack of motivation to move. After all it had been a lazy Monday afternoon for the kids and I. We just finished running a few errands and were all in a good mood (a rarity with my kids). Although I was in no rush to get home, I was hoping to get there TODAY

So can you blame me for wanting to pass you? I used my turn signal and moved into the other lane. As I approached you turned on your signal as if you were about to move into my lane.

I quickly moved back to avoid an accident…but you just stayed in the same lane and kept your signal on.

I moved back behind you and watched as you turned your signal from left to right at the next set of lights. Just to toy with me I realize now…as you drove straight through.

Sir, I think it would do you some good to find yourself a hobby or a social outlet of some sort. Keeping a mother and two children hostage in the car behind you as you switch your turn signal from left to right and back again leads me to believe you are looking for some attention.

Any way, I hold no hard feelings towards you. We followed you for several more blocks and watched as you played with your turn signal. Had you looked in your rear view mirror you would of noticed me laughing.

Thank you for making my day!

Customers are Giving Starbucks a Bad Name

Is it just me? I seem to come across the rudest people standing in line at Starbucks.

Not too long ago I was in Safeway with my kids. I went over to the Starbucks (located inside the store) and stood in line with my full cart and kids. Two men in fancy business suits were in front of me. One started to huff and puff about my cart. It wasn’t in his way by any means. And let’s get serious – we were in a GROCERY store. He was concerned that my cart was blocking his exit. Without a word I moved it off to the side. A gentleman behind me spoke up and said, “Couldn’t you leave out the exit (opposite direction of me) instead of hassling a mother with two young kids? Fancy businessman just laughed and said, “What?” Nice huh? It wasn’t surprising that these men were too superior to walk over to pick up their coffee at the next counter. They of course left through the entrance too.

Just yesterday at the same Safeway at the same Starbucks a woman blatantly cut in front of me. Wearing her teenage daughter’s low rider jeans with sparkly pockets, she turned and glared at my direction as she placed her large order. Clearly my loud and slightly out of control kids were annoying her. I so didn’t care. Seriously, I would have been out of there with my Latte had she not jumped in line.

I don’t know about you, but I freely give people my “I’m so unimpressed with you” look. However with two young kids as an audience I usually stay silent.