Time to stop sitting at the computer, make a phone call, and take Giant and the three youngest for a walk.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Four Years Ago
Doing Shelob's Lair cache.
Time to stop sitting at the computer, make a phone call, and take Giant and the three youngest for a walk.
Time to stop sitting at the computer, make a phone call, and take Giant and the three youngest for a walk.
I ALMOST Had a Very Scary Dream
Sylvia 'I almost had a very scary dream! But I felt it come up till here... ' pointing at her stomach, 'And then I pushed it down! I could tell it was going to be Very Scary! I was going to die!'
'Later I had another scary dream and I could not push it down and I don't remember it, I just know it was very scary.'
'Later I had another scary dream and I could not push it down and I don't remember it, I just know it was very scary.'
Safety Tip #77
Sylvia, out of the blue 'Safety Tip Number Seventy Seven.'
'Never stand on a swivel chair!'
Um... ok.
'Never stand on a swivel chair!'
Um... ok.
The Joys of Owning an Old Van
We got this van when Erik was a baby, so it's not particularly new anymore, but usually it does just fine. Once in a while it does have issues though. Like last December, when I went on my Philadelphia trip, and had to get a rental. Which I got impounded (Yes, I will finish that story soon, really, I swear!)
In January, it had more problems, and I used a rental for a week. My kids spilled cereal and sprinkles in the back of the rental, which I mostly got cleaned up, but there were a few remnants still. The rental also had a dent in the passenger door, which I didn't realize till the day after I got it. The whole week, I was wondering whether it had happened in my possession, or not. Luckily, when I returned it, it turned out it was dented already when I got it. Phew.
Did I mention that the RPM meter in the rental was broken and that on cold mornings, the speedometer would refuse to go up higher than zero? Fun! Drive on highway and have no idea how fast you are going. Luckily this only happened twice.
Last week, the van was having issues again. Starting and then stalling. It would run if I kept giving it extra gas, but that is kind of annoying. The moment I let go of the gas pedal, the car stalled. Not so useful. So I called the garage and told them to get the darned van and get me a rental.
I was happy to get the exact same rental, with dent, with broken RPM meter and even with some of our own crushed cereal remnants still in the back. It was like greeting an old friend. Just to express its happiness on seeing me, the gas gauge stopped working for a bit, assuring me that I had a tank which was filled at about 167 % of the maximum capacity. Which messed up the motor temp gauge, which couldn't get higher than 'Your motor is really cold right now!'
By now, I was late for everything, and on my way to orthodontist appointment for Dawn. I was happily driving along, visualizing us getting a parking spot easily, unlike expected reality. Suddenly, I see this police car behind me, lights flashing, so I get out of the way, figuring he is on his way to Important Police Business. Till he starts pointing at me.
What???!!! I quickly go over my driving in the last few minutes. I did not speed. I did not run any red lights. I don't think he could have found out about... Never mind. I sit and wait and smile at him, pondering the line 'Wow, officer, you have such a taut body, I bet you are a leo!' but deciding not to. Yet.
He points at my inspection sticker and asks me sternly 'So, young lady. Why didn't you have your car inspected? It was due last September!' I bat my big blue eyes at him and want to reply 'I am innocent, officer, really, I didn't do it!' but instead just tell him that this is a rental and it never entered my thoughts to check the inspection sticker. He asks for the rental agreement and my drivers licence and goes off to make some phone calls in his car. I watch the time go by, and hope the orthodontist will accept our excuses of 'car broke down, the police stopped us, and the dog ate her homework.'
Anyway, he comes back, tells me he called the garage, and all is well, I can just get there to have it taken care of. I don't get a ticket, just a piece of paper telling me that I have been stopped and should be a good girl from now on. Or at least try not to get caught if I am bad.
Later that day, I stop at the garage and they inspect the rental on the spot, while Giant gets lotsa attention. I really wanted to add that to my already overfull day ^^
My van got returned during the Wednesday snow storm, they told me that it was fine, it just needed to re-learn how to idle. Thursday morning, it had forgotten how to idle again, so I returned it to the garage, telling them to teach it a bit more effectively, thankyouverymuch. Yesterday, they called to say it is fixed again, y'all send good vibes it actually IS!
The joys of car ownership! And I am not sure whether I ever want to rent a car again, it seems that they attract bad luck. Oh well, at least I have good stories!
In January, it had more problems, and I used a rental for a week. My kids spilled cereal and sprinkles in the back of the rental, which I mostly got cleaned up, but there were a few remnants still. The rental also had a dent in the passenger door, which I didn't realize till the day after I got it. The whole week, I was wondering whether it had happened in my possession, or not. Luckily, when I returned it, it turned out it was dented already when I got it. Phew.
Did I mention that the RPM meter in the rental was broken and that on cold mornings, the speedometer would refuse to go up higher than zero? Fun! Drive on highway and have no idea how fast you are going. Luckily this only happened twice.
Last week, the van was having issues again. Starting and then stalling. It would run if I kept giving it extra gas, but that is kind of annoying. The moment I let go of the gas pedal, the car stalled. Not so useful. So I called the garage and told them to get the darned van and get me a rental.
I was happy to get the exact same rental, with dent, with broken RPM meter and even with some of our own crushed cereal remnants still in the back. It was like greeting an old friend. Just to express its happiness on seeing me, the gas gauge stopped working for a bit, assuring me that I had a tank which was filled at about 167 % of the maximum capacity. Which messed up the motor temp gauge, which couldn't get higher than 'Your motor is really cold right now!'
By now, I was late for everything, and on my way to orthodontist appointment for Dawn. I was happily driving along, visualizing us getting a parking spot easily, unlike expected reality. Suddenly, I see this police car behind me, lights flashing, so I get out of the way, figuring he is on his way to Important Police Business. Till he starts pointing at me.
What???!!! I quickly go over my driving in the last few minutes. I did not speed. I did not run any red lights. I don't think he could have found out about... Never mind. I sit and wait and smile at him, pondering the line 'Wow, officer, you have such a taut body, I bet you are a leo!' but deciding not to. Yet.
He points at my inspection sticker and asks me sternly 'So, young lady. Why didn't you have your car inspected? It was due last September!' I bat my big blue eyes at him and want to reply 'I am innocent, officer, really, I didn't do it!' but instead just tell him that this is a rental and it never entered my thoughts to check the inspection sticker. He asks for the rental agreement and my drivers licence and goes off to make some phone calls in his car. I watch the time go by, and hope the orthodontist will accept our excuses of 'car broke down, the police stopped us, and the dog ate her homework.'
Anyway, he comes back, tells me he called the garage, and all is well, I can just get there to have it taken care of. I don't get a ticket, just a piece of paper telling me that I have been stopped and should be a good girl from now on. Or at least try not to get caught if I am bad.
Later that day, I stop at the garage and they inspect the rental on the spot, while Giant gets lotsa attention. I really wanted to add that to my already overfull day ^^
My van got returned during the Wednesday snow storm, they told me that it was fine, it just needed to re-learn how to idle. Thursday morning, it had forgotten how to idle again, so I returned it to the garage, telling them to teach it a bit more effectively, thankyouverymuch. Yesterday, they called to say it is fixed again, y'all send good vibes it actually IS!
The joys of car ownership! And I am not sure whether I ever want to rent a car again, it seems that they attract bad luck. Oh well, at least I have good stories!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Life
We have a roaring fire.
And blueberry scones.
I discovered that I didn't have a phone number I needed, so I hiked uphill, both ways, through a HORRIBLE snow storm, barefoot, dah dah dah, and discovered they weren't HOME! Tsk! How inconsiderate!
I had a bath, and it was Almost Uninterrupted.
Now I am ignoring life and posting pictures of 2000, in which there is No Snow! Not that I am bitter about the storm at all. No, I am not.
And blueberry scones.
I discovered that I didn't have a phone number I needed, so I hiked uphill, both ways, through a HORRIBLE snow storm, barefoot, dah dah dah, and discovered they weren't HOME! Tsk! How inconsiderate!
I had a bath, and it was Almost Uninterrupted.
Now I am ignoring life and posting pictures of 2000, in which there is No Snow! Not that I am bitter about the storm at all. No, I am not.
Live Snow Storm Blogging
I am sure y'all jealous you aren't here.
I did get my van back though. Home delivered too! I am sure it was just taking up too much space in their parking lot, but who cares.
Giant surely does enjoy the snow.
Shoveling s*** for the win!
Twelve to Twenty Four Frigging Inches!
The good news is that I canceled everything but one early morning's doctor appointment.
The bad news is that my van broke down yesterday. Yes, again.
The good news is that I got a phone call today that it has been fixed.
The bad news is that I refuse to go pick it up during this snow storm, so will be stuck with their rental for another day.
The good news is that I got this rental yesterday, very soon after my van broke down and I could make it to all my appointments. Even if a bit late.
The bad news is that I got stopped by the police. 'I didn't do it, officer! Really! I am innocent!'
The good news is that in this case I actually WAS innocent, and it was the RENTAL car which was way overdue for its inspection.
The bad news is that I had to take it back to the garage to get it inspected.
The good news is that it didn't take too long, and it was good socialization / waiting practice for Giant.
I will make a fire soon, and I will start scallion filled steamed buns. We already have tea eggs, yum! Life is good!
The bad news is that my van broke down yesterday. Yes, again.
The good news is that I got a phone call today that it has been fixed.
The bad news is that I refuse to go pick it up during this snow storm, so will be stuck with their rental for another day.
The good news is that I got this rental yesterday, very soon after my van broke down and I could make it to all my appointments. Even if a bit late.
The bad news is that I got stopped by the police. 'I didn't do it, officer! Really! I am innocent!'
The good news is that in this case I actually WAS innocent, and it was the RENTAL car which was way overdue for its inspection.
The bad news is that I had to take it back to the garage to get it inspected.
The good news is that it didn't take too long, and it was good socialization / waiting practice for Giant.
I will make a fire soon, and I will start scallion filled steamed buns. We already have tea eggs, yum! Life is good!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Donuts
Making donuts with many helpers.
I don't know how people with only one or two kids do it!
There is something sooooooo good about deep fried junk food!
Even if it sometimes gets a bit messy.
Donuts for the win!
I don't know how people with only one or two kids do it!
There is something sooooooo good about deep fried junk food!
Even if it sometimes gets a bit messy.
Donuts for the win!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happy New Year!
Today is Chinese New Year. The Year of the Ox has started. We celebrated by making a gingerbread house on Friday, and smashing it today. Since that clearly is the most traditional way to celebrate Chinese new year, no?
Actually, our family tradition is to build a gingerbread house between Christmas and New Year. But somehow life happened, and I did BAKE the gingerbread house, but we never put it together. Heck, not only did I not put it together, but the cats helped by knocking it down a few times, so we had nice set of broken gingerbread house pieces. Which I ignored, just so I wouldn't feel guilty. And which I told the kids to just eat the darned pieces, since those were not going to be assembled into a house.
On Thursday I baked new house pieces, and on Friday I made royal icing, so that Dawn could put together the house. It is nice to have kids old enough to do the work while I sit on my butt and watch soap operas on television.
Today we SMASHED the house, yes, using a hammer. Pictures of that will follow once I download them from the camera. Some day. I promise!
We also had Chinese take out for dinner and I BOUGHT scallions to make scallion steamed rolls, even if I never actually made them. But the intent should count for something.
Happy New Year!
Actually, our family tradition is to build a gingerbread house between Christmas and New Year. But somehow life happened, and I did BAKE the gingerbread house, but we never put it together. Heck, not only did I not put it together, but the cats helped by knocking it down a few times, so we had nice set of broken gingerbread house pieces. Which I ignored, just so I wouldn't feel guilty. And which I told the kids to just eat the darned pieces, since those were not going to be assembled into a house.
On Thursday I baked new house pieces, and on Friday I made royal icing, so that Dawn could put together the house. It is nice to have kids old enough to do the work while I sit on my butt and watch soap operas on television.
Today we SMASHED the house, yes, using a hammer. Pictures of that will follow once I download them from the camera. Some day. I promise!
We also had Chinese take out for dinner and I BOUGHT scallions to make scallion steamed rolls, even if I never actually made them. But the intent should count for something.
Happy New Year!
Quote of the Day
We were in the computer room, I was trying to email all the ten teachers from the virtual learning academy who wanted to schedule a phone call. Erik was on my lap. My head was slowly exploding trying to remember who where when what.
I hear sneezing behind me, but am not really paying attention. I continue my emails.
Another sneeze, another ignore.
Suddenly a voice pops up 'Maybe you should say BLESS YOU!'
I hear sneezing behind me, but am not really paying attention. I continue my emails.
Another sneeze, another ignore.
Suddenly a voice pops up 'Maybe you should say BLESS YOU!'
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Today Is Tomorrow
So many times, I have told myself 'I really need to figure out a way to feed the birds so that the cats can't reach them.' So many days, I have said 'Today, I will finally get that done.', only to be hit by life and facebook. So many times I chose for the simple and optimistic solution 'I will do it tomorrow.' Repeat as needed.
Last week, Erik made this birdfeeder (with peanut butter and bird seed) at homeschool club, came home and immediately put it outside. Next morning, first thing in the morning, a chickadee was happily eating. Watch my feelings of guilt growing bigger, but somehow, I still was putting this project off till tomorrow. Every day.
Today I decided that THIS was tomorrow. Birds don't care about excuses, they just care about being fed. Cats would love to sit on the kitchen table and watch the birds visit our feeders. Oh wait, they aren't supposed to be on the table, maybe I should send them a memo about that.
I was crazy enough to start this project barefoot. I mean, getting out my boots was WAY too much work and I wasn't going to be out very long anyway. The wind chill was only 3F / -16 C, boots clearly would be overkill.
I stepped out, enjoying the feel of the cold, crisp, and icy snow under my bare feet. I looked around and found an old lawn chair, which would be perfect to help me to hang my feeder. Getting out the ladder would be even MORE work than getting out my boots. That lawn chair would do just fine. It did. Kind of. Let's just say that I sometimes possess more optimism than common sense.
I hung one bird feeder, and came back inside with a feeling of accomplishment. And freezing feet. I spent a minute defrosing my feet on the heater before I went to the basement and got fillers for the other feeder I wanted to install.
I got the filler cakes, went out again, stepped on the lawn chair (after making sure that THIS time I would not topple while I was on it) and discovered that being out of reach for the cats and being out of reach for me seem to be correlated. Who would have thought??!! Shucks. I reached more, got closer and closer, but just not close enough. Now what?
My feet were darned cold by now. I was tempted to do the rest tomorrow. But somehow I didn't think that was the right thing to do.
I took a deep breath, went inside, spent some more time on the heater and resigned myself to the fact that boots and ladder were going to be required. I hate it when I have to admit to myself that I was wrong. I should be right at all times, darn it!
Naturally, boots and ladder greatly improved my efficiency, and it didn't take long till my goal was accomplished. I am sure there is a life lesson in there somewhere if only I could find it.
The birds will be happy when they discover the feeders. The cats are happy and ready to watch the birds. Well, kinda.
And I am happy because I FINALLY did the darned birdfeeders, and the birds better appreciate them!
Buoyed by my successful endeavor, I decided to fill the dishwasher so the mixer can be used to make donuts. I think today is a donut day.
Last week, Erik made this birdfeeder (with peanut butter and bird seed) at homeschool club, came home and immediately put it outside. Next morning, first thing in the morning, a chickadee was happily eating. Watch my feelings of guilt growing bigger, but somehow, I still was putting this project off till tomorrow. Every day.
Today I decided that THIS was tomorrow. Birds don't care about excuses, they just care about being fed. Cats would love to sit on the kitchen table and watch the birds visit our feeders. Oh wait, they aren't supposed to be on the table, maybe I should send them a memo about that.
I was crazy enough to start this project barefoot. I mean, getting out my boots was WAY too much work and I wasn't going to be out very long anyway. The wind chill was only 3F / -16 C, boots clearly would be overkill.
I stepped out, enjoying the feel of the cold, crisp, and icy snow under my bare feet. I looked around and found an old lawn chair, which would be perfect to help me to hang my feeder. Getting out the ladder would be even MORE work than getting out my boots. That lawn chair would do just fine. It did. Kind of. Let's just say that I sometimes possess more optimism than common sense.
I hung one bird feeder, and came back inside with a feeling of accomplishment. And freezing feet. I spent a minute defrosing my feet on the heater before I went to the basement and got fillers for the other feeder I wanted to install.
I got the filler cakes, went out again, stepped on the lawn chair (after making sure that THIS time I would not topple while I was on it) and discovered that being out of reach for the cats and being out of reach for me seem to be correlated. Who would have thought??!! Shucks. I reached more, got closer and closer, but just not close enough. Now what?
My feet were darned cold by now. I was tempted to do the rest tomorrow. But somehow I didn't think that was the right thing to do.
I took a deep breath, went inside, spent some more time on the heater and resigned myself to the fact that boots and ladder were going to be required. I hate it when I have to admit to myself that I was wrong. I should be right at all times, darn it!
Naturally, boots and ladder greatly improved my efficiency, and it didn't take long till my goal was accomplished. I am sure there is a life lesson in there somewhere if only I could find it.
The birds will be happy when they discover the feeders. The cats are happy and ready to watch the birds. Well, kinda.
And I am happy because I FINALLY did the darned birdfeeders, and the birds better appreciate them!
Buoyed by my successful endeavor, I decided to fill the dishwasher so the mixer can be used to make donuts. I think today is a donut day.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
My Fellow Citizens
Wow. His first few words and I am included! Can you tell I am still excited about having naturalized and voted for this president? Today was a typical 'running around like crazy' day, but around 11:30am, I dropped everything and hightailed it to my friend flyingfisher to watch the inauguration on her big ass screen tv.
I had three littles with me who watched him being sworn into office, and then reverted to their clamoring 'Can we watch cartoon network now????' 'How about now?' 'Now?' We sent them upstairs where she has another tv ^^
Meanwhile, my sister was eating her bento lunch and watching.
Wow! She ROCKS!
Tonight, during dinner, Erik mentioned 'I want to be president when I grow up. This led to a discussion about who in our family could become president. I told Jane that maybe she could be the first female president. Sylvia thought for a moment, and mentioned 'Cool, then I can be the second female president!' Dawn, competitive as always nudged Sylvia 'Hey! If you grow up faster than Jane, maybe YOU can be the first female president! QUICK! Start growing up!' Sylvia replied 'I am EATING!'
I had three littles with me who watched him being sworn into office, and then reverted to their clamoring 'Can we watch cartoon network now????' 'How about now?' 'Now?' We sent them upstairs where she has another tv ^^
Meanwhile, my sister was eating her bento lunch and watching.
Wow! She ROCKS!
Tonight, during dinner, Erik mentioned 'I want to be president when I grow up. This led to a discussion about who in our family could become president. I told Jane that maybe she could be the first female president. Sylvia thought for a moment, and mentioned 'Cool, then I can be the second female president!' Dawn, competitive as always nudged Sylvia 'Hey! If you grow up faster than Jane, maybe YOU can be the first female president! QUICK! Start growing up!' Sylvia replied 'I am EATING!'
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Eleven Kids
Last night, I had eleven kids sleeping over at my house.
Can get messy at times, but it is so much fun!
I love it!
They went to bed late, so they are slowly waking up now. I think I will make chocolate chip pancakes to celebrate the snow storm. Puppy class has been canceled, so I have the day off! Well, kinda. Apart from getting two kids to McDonalds early this morning. Don't worry, I didn't have breakfast there.
Can get messy at times, but it is so much fun!
I love it!
They went to bed late, so they are slowly waking up now. I think I will make chocolate chip pancakes to celebrate the snow storm. Puppy class has been canceled, so I have the day off! Well, kinda. Apart from getting two kids to McDonalds early this morning. Don't worry, I didn't have breakfast there.
Friday, January 16, 2009
McBreakfast
You have no idea how many times I have made fun of Americans eating their breakfast at McDonalds. I mean, how can ANYONE EVER want to eat there before lunch? Heck, how can anyone want to eat there at all?
This morning, at 7am, I found myself at McDonalds. With -24 F on the thermometer. Not being happy about getting up so early. Not to mention that I found out that my current rental (don't ask, yes, van trouble again) turned out to be equipped with The Worst and Most Useless Icescraper EVER (tm). Which was very aptly named.
I had promised Tim a McDonalds breakfast before his exams today, so I didn't have much choice. I decided to improve my quality of life by adding hot chocolate to my breakfast order ('No, please hold off on the dead animals, well, thank you')
'Sorry, our hot chocolate machine is broken'
'Oh. Well, in that case, I'll have a mocha.'
'That is the same machine.'
Me, mentally going over the next seven choices, all involving The Darned Machine, but still refusing to consider McDonalds tea, studying the menu again.
'I can just give you a plain coffee.'
Ah, finally something which did not involve The Darned Machine.
'Would you like cream and sugar?'
'No, I just want coffee already, and no stuff in it, and see if I care about your Darned Machine!'
Surprisingly, we had a lovely breakfast, just sitting and chatting with my two oldest boys. Pretending to make fun of their friend, working at McDonalds, while we sat on our butts. Solving all the world's problems.
McDonalds for the win!
Well, maybe. Although I think they should start using REAL maple syrup.
This morning, at 7am, I found myself at McDonalds. With -24 F on the thermometer. Not being happy about getting up so early. Not to mention that I found out that my current rental (don't ask, yes, van trouble again) turned out to be equipped with The Worst and Most Useless Icescraper EVER (tm). Which was very aptly named.
I had promised Tim a McDonalds breakfast before his exams today, so I didn't have much choice. I decided to improve my quality of life by adding hot chocolate to my breakfast order ('No, please hold off on the dead animals, well, thank you')
'Sorry, our hot chocolate machine is broken'
'Oh. Well, in that case, I'll have a mocha.'
'That is the same machine.'
Me, mentally going over the next seven choices, all involving The Darned Machine, but still refusing to consider McDonalds tea, studying the menu again.
'I can just give you a plain coffee.'
Ah, finally something which did not involve The Darned Machine.
'Would you like cream and sugar?'
'No, I just want coffee already, and no stuff in it, and see if I care about your Darned Machine!'
Surprisingly, we had a lovely breakfast, just sitting and chatting with my two oldest boys. Pretending to make fun of their friend, working at McDonalds, while we sat on our butts. Solving all the world's problems.
McDonalds for the win!
Well, maybe. Although I think they should start using REAL maple syrup.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
That Exercise Fairy
Remember how I discovered the truth about the exercise fairy? Well, it turns out I do just fine without her. The last 1.5 weeks, I made it to my aiki budoin every single class. That hadn't happened in ages! I also have been taking Giant (yes, maybe HE is the exercise fairy) for walks and even have been running part of the way. Heck, today I ran most of the way around the block. Yes, it was not a very big block, and it was not a very fast run, but I did it anyway! More than I usually manage to run.
Mongoose and all, thanks for your advice about running. It is not even that I don't like it, it is just that I can't do it! Which I am sure is mostly because I have never trained for it. Which also means that I could actually train myself to be able to do it. Maybe. I am not totally convinced yet.
In addition to exercising, I am cooking more. Over the last few years, it was one of the balls I dropped many more times than I wanted to. Tonight, I made a nice curry, and life was good. I even have enough leftovers for tomorrow's lunch!
I guess now I just have to get to sleep before midnight, which I might not be totally successful at tonight.
Mongoose and all, thanks for your advice about running. It is not even that I don't like it, it is just that I can't do it! Which I am sure is mostly because I have never trained for it. Which also means that I could actually train myself to be able to do it. Maybe. I am not totally convinced yet.
In addition to exercising, I am cooking more. Over the last few years, it was one of the balls I dropped many more times than I wanted to. Tonight, I made a nice curry, and life was good. I even have enough leftovers for tomorrow's lunch!
I guess now I just have to get to sleep before midnight, which I might not be totally successful at tonight.
2^3
My Voldemort baby.
Such a sweetie! He is quite the reader. He also loves playing computer games.
He just started a trampoline class, where he can bounce all he wants without people asking him to stop.
We had a nice family celebration, with lots of love and laughter.
Presents throughout the day, and cake at night. How much better could life get???
Such a sweetie! He is quite the reader. He also loves playing computer games.
He just started a trampoline class, where he can bounce all he wants without people asking him to stop.
We had a nice family celebration, with lots of love and laughter.
Presents throughout the day, and cake at night. How much better could life get???
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Guess Who Lost His Living Room Privileges for the Day?
Lesson of the day: when puppies are quiet you have to check just as much as when the kids are quiet.
And don't leave puppies alone in the computer room for more than a few seconds either. I wonder whether this is what they mean when they say we have to train them to have good house manners.
Anyway, did I mention the snow?
At least we got great exercise and Giant got to see a snow plough loudly at work.
Happy Sunday to y'all!
And don't leave puppies alone in the computer room for more than a few seconds either. I wonder whether this is what they mean when they say we have to train them to have good house manners.
Anyway, did I mention the snow?
At least we got great exercise and Giant got to see a snow plough loudly at work.
Happy Sunday to y'all!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Be Careful With Those Poisoned Apples!
I told them to be careful of those apples!
But they did not listen.
I am not even trying to understand the whole story.
Especially not this part!
But they did not listen.
I am not even trying to understand the whole story.
Especially not this part!
How Cool Is This?
We found baby pictures of Giant on Facebook. One where he is only three days old and nursing. He has three brothers, and a yellow lab mommy. I love facebook ^^
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Love Thursday: Puppy Love
Love is sharing our puppy love.
Giant, our guide dog in training, who is more than happy to share his positive energy with anyone.
He will be an awesome guide dog.
Happy Love Thursday!
Giant, our guide dog in training, who is more than happy to share his positive energy with anyone.
He will be an awesome guide dog.
Happy Love Thursday!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Straight From The Bottle
Posting pictures, you can make up your own story.
Cheers!
Straight from the bottle!
Sometimes we need it.
Cheers!
Straight from the bottle!
Sometimes we need it.
Impounded! Part II
So we had a great dinner in Chinatown and came back to find our car gone. Now what?
We flagged down a police car, explained to them that they had stolen our car, and how the heck could we get it back? They spent some time laughing at us, but did tell us that they towed a bunch of cars from there about half an hour ago, and we could find our car at the Suckers Impound Lot. Maybe. If we were lucky.
Could we walk? Did we even want to walk in the cold? And the dark? And while feeling stupid? Gone were our feelings of superiority. We decided that we would take a cab.
Right then, a taxi showed up and drove us all around the most seedy parts of town, to drop us off at the impound lot. Welcome to Philadelphia, enjoy your stay! M used the travel time to tell us stories about how he got his car impounded in Baltimore. When he arrived at the impound lot over there, they were closed, and he couldn't even get his car out that night. We sure hoped the Suckers Impound Lot would still be open!
We arrived at the impound lot, and phew, it was open. We went in, and started the lengthy process of getting my car back. The car of which I did not know the license plate, and of which I didn't have the rental agreement on me. Only thing I knew, was that it was a grey impala with a Maine license plate.
M remarked that this impound lot is so much better than Baltimore already. To actually have someone there to talk to. Even if it took quite a while before she figured out my car. 'No, I have no idea about the license plate, sorry.' But eventually she did. We were listed as a 'stopped by the police' which would be more expensive and she took some time to change that to a 'got towed while having dinner' category.
While we waited, I made fun of the ATM in the building. I mean it clearly says 'NO WAY you are going to have enough money on you to pay our fees!' M continued his Baltimore story which involved a huge towing fee, only payable in cash. And no ATM nearby of course. AND his car windows smashed in when he finally got his car back. Which made the barbed wire here a bit more understandable, but I still thought it looked very unfriendly.
Finally I got a red, important looking slip of paper, allowing me to go and get the rental agreement and insurance information from the car. Not that that was going to help me much, but I was starting to be more hopeful. I had to go by myself, we clearly were to dangerous too be allowed in as a group. Stay tuned for how I changed nationalities in the next installment.
We flagged down a police car, explained to them that they had stolen our car, and how the heck could we get it back? They spent some time laughing at us, but did tell us that they towed a bunch of cars from there about half an hour ago, and we could find our car at the Suckers Impound Lot. Maybe. If we were lucky.
Could we walk? Did we even want to walk in the cold? And the dark? And while feeling stupid? Gone were our feelings of superiority. We decided that we would take a cab.
Right then, a taxi showed up and drove us all around the most seedy parts of town, to drop us off at the impound lot. Welcome to Philadelphia, enjoy your stay! M used the travel time to tell us stories about how he got his car impounded in Baltimore. When he arrived at the impound lot over there, they were closed, and he couldn't even get his car out that night. We sure hoped the Suckers Impound Lot would still be open!
We arrived at the impound lot, and phew, it was open. We went in, and started the lengthy process of getting my car back. The car of which I did not know the license plate, and of which I didn't have the rental agreement on me. Only thing I knew, was that it was a grey impala with a Maine license plate.
M remarked that this impound lot is so much better than Baltimore already. To actually have someone there to talk to. Even if it took quite a while before she figured out my car. 'No, I have no idea about the license plate, sorry.' But eventually she did. We were listed as a 'stopped by the police' which would be more expensive and she took some time to change that to a 'got towed while having dinner' category.
While we waited, I made fun of the ATM in the building. I mean it clearly says 'NO WAY you are going to have enough money on you to pay our fees!' M continued his Baltimore story which involved a huge towing fee, only payable in cash. And no ATM nearby of course. AND his car windows smashed in when he finally got his car back. Which made the barbed wire here a bit more understandable, but I still thought it looked very unfriendly.
Finally I got a red, important looking slip of paper, allowing me to go and get the rental agreement and insurance information from the car. Not that that was going to help me much, but I was starting to be more hopeful. I had to go by myself, we clearly were to dangerous too be allowed in as a group. Stay tuned for how I changed nationalities in the next installment.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
The Exercise Fairy or Lack Thereof
This past year, I had been really good about exercising regularly. I went hiking, to the gym, swimming, to aikido, was pretty darned active. But once winter and too much life hit, somehow the exercise part of my life seemed to have dwindled down to a lot less than it should be.
No problem, I was sure if I sat on my butt long enough, someone would pay attention and send over the exercise fairy. I was by no means unactive but I also wasn't really doing regular exercise anymore. It is amazing how easy it is to find excuses 'Too busy, too snowy, too cold, too hard, too blue, too orange, too beady, too bumpy, too much, too little'. The list is endless. So I sat and made excuses for myself, got another cup of tea, and waited for that darned exercise fairy to show up.
Yesterday, when I was working through some stuff, a realization hit me. There IS no exercise fairy! Duh! If I want exercise, there is only one person who can do it. And that person is not the exercise fairy.
I turned off my computer, grabbed Giant and took him out on a mile long hike. Wow. That felt GOOD! Um... why was it too snowy before? This was just fine. And why was it too cold before? There is such a thing as warm clothes, you know.
In the afternoon, I went geocaching, with some hiking involved too. I felt all warm and glowy and wonderful and life was good.
Shared my important discovery with my friend Elia and proudly exclaimed 'And I walked A WHOLE MILE! Uphill! Both ways! Through the snow!' He looked at me and said 'Um... That is not very impressive, is it? It should at least have been RUNNING.' Yeah, Elia is one of my favorite friends. Gah. Well..., no problem, I can make excuses why not. I am soooooooooo not a runner. No idea where to start to become a runner. But a small part of me is saying 'Wouldn't it be nice?'
Today, I found myself running part of the way on my two kilometers hike and discovering that I am still not a runner, but hey, maybe I can become one!
No problem, I was sure if I sat on my butt long enough, someone would pay attention and send over the exercise fairy. I was by no means unactive but I also wasn't really doing regular exercise anymore. It is amazing how easy it is to find excuses 'Too busy, too snowy, too cold, too hard, too blue, too orange, too beady, too bumpy, too much, too little'. The list is endless. So I sat and made excuses for myself, got another cup of tea, and waited for that darned exercise fairy to show up.
Yesterday, when I was working through some stuff, a realization hit me. There IS no exercise fairy! Duh! If I want exercise, there is only one person who can do it. And that person is not the exercise fairy.
I turned off my computer, grabbed Giant and took him out on a mile long hike. Wow. That felt GOOD! Um... why was it too snowy before? This was just fine. And why was it too cold before? There is such a thing as warm clothes, you know.
In the afternoon, I went geocaching, with some hiking involved too. I felt all warm and glowy and wonderful and life was good.
Shared my important discovery with my friend Elia and proudly exclaimed 'And I walked A WHOLE MILE! Uphill! Both ways! Through the snow!' He looked at me and said 'Um... That is not very impressive, is it? It should at least have been RUNNING.' Yeah, Elia is one of my favorite friends. Gah. Well..., no problem, I can make excuses why not. I am soooooooooo not a runner. No idea where to start to become a runner. But a small part of me is saying 'Wouldn't it be nice?'
Today, I found myself running part of the way on my two kilometers hike and discovering that I am still not a runner, but hey, maybe I can become one!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Happy New Year!
May your new year be filled with love, health, happiness, good friends, lots of laughter, and many hugs.
May your life be filled with positive energy from your soul.
May 2009 be your best year yet!
Happy New Year!
May your life be filled with positive energy from your soul.
May 2009 be your best year yet!
Happy New Year!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Impounded! Part I
Finally getting around to posting more about my trip to Philadelphia and how my car ended up at the impound lot.
Did I mention the barbed wire? I thought not. Well, grab a cup of tea and get ready for a long and complicated story. It was Saturday night, and it was time for dinner. Since this was a go workshop, and we had a Chinese teacher, it seemed an easy decision to go to Chinatown. We got into our cars and drove there. I had three friends in my car. My rental car, because my van was out of service for the week.
Everyone had told us how hard it is to park in Chinatown. So when we were almost there, and saw a few parking places open on the side of the road, we marked that in our minds as a possible parking location. We smugly talked about how we would get free parking, AND free exercise, while all the people parking in Chinatown were not as lucky and smart as we were. Always nice to feel superior.
We drove through Chinatown, didn't find parking, but we had our brilliant plan B and parked on one of the last few open spots alongside that road. Life was good, and we walked to the restaurant, happy about being with good friends and the prospect of excellent food. And free parking!
We ate, we chatted, we had a great time, but eventually it was time to get back to the car. This time P joined us. We walked back, me looking at my GPS, to make sure I could find my car. (Someone said 'You are the only person I know who marks her parking location with her GPS.' He clearly wasn't a geocacher.) We walked, I half looked at my GPS, we walked more and I stood still. Hmmmm. 'Did we just pass my car? What colour was it again? Why do all those rental cars look alike anyway?' Well, it shouldn't be hard to find, since it had a Maine license plate, and there weren't that many of those in Philly.
We walked back, getting a bit confused and worried. A car won't just disappear into thin air, would it? P helpfully spoke up 'You guys didn't park here, did you???!!! This is a no parking zone!' Oh...
Those signs weren't there when we parked, I swear. I mean, how could FOUR intelligent people have missed a sign like that if it actually had been there? (Oh shush!)
Now what?
Stay tuned for part II!
Did I mention the barbed wire? I thought not. Well, grab a cup of tea and get ready for a long and complicated story. It was Saturday night, and it was time for dinner. Since this was a go workshop, and we had a Chinese teacher, it seemed an easy decision to go to Chinatown. We got into our cars and drove there. I had three friends in my car. My rental car, because my van was out of service for the week.
Everyone had told us how hard it is to park in Chinatown. So when we were almost there, and saw a few parking places open on the side of the road, we marked that in our minds as a possible parking location. We smugly talked about how we would get free parking, AND free exercise, while all the people parking in Chinatown were not as lucky and smart as we were. Always nice to feel superior.
We drove through Chinatown, didn't find parking, but we had our brilliant plan B and parked on one of the last few open spots alongside that road. Life was good, and we walked to the restaurant, happy about being with good friends and the prospect of excellent food. And free parking!
We ate, we chatted, we had a great time, but eventually it was time to get back to the car. This time P joined us. We walked back, me looking at my GPS, to make sure I could find my car. (Someone said 'You are the only person I know who marks her parking location with her GPS.' He clearly wasn't a geocacher.) We walked, I half looked at my GPS, we walked more and I stood still. Hmmmm. 'Did we just pass my car? What colour was it again? Why do all those rental cars look alike anyway?' Well, it shouldn't be hard to find, since it had a Maine license plate, and there weren't that many of those in Philly.
We walked back, getting a bit confused and worried. A car won't just disappear into thin air, would it? P helpfully spoke up 'You guys didn't park here, did you???!!! This is a no parking zone!' Oh...
Those signs weren't there when we parked, I swear. I mean, how could FOUR intelligent people have missed a sign like that if it actually had been there? (Oh shush!)
Now what?
Stay tuned for part II!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Dawn
I know people have been wondering who Dawn is. Some people thought she was Cees's girl friend.
Some people thought she was a friend of the girls.
Some people wondered why I never posted about Tara anymore.
Today, I am finally solving the mystery for y'all. Dawn is *drumroll* the Time Event Formerly Known As Tara, also lovingly called Tefkat. (but only by Adam!)
Yes, she decided to change her name. The same day Sylvia turned into Crystal, Jane turned into Devin, and other renamings happened. No one else lasted more than a few days. Dawn was the only one fully committed to her new name.
Some people thought she was a friend of the girls.
Some people wondered why I never posted about Tara anymore.
Today, I am finally solving the mystery for y'all. Dawn is *drumroll* the Time Event Formerly Known As Tara, also lovingly called Tefkat. (but only by Adam!)
Yes, she decided to change her name. The same day Sylvia turned into Crystal, Jane turned into Devin, and other renamings happened. No one else lasted more than a few days. Dawn was the only one fully committed to her new name.
Happy Love Thursday!
Visiting GoG, Giant had fun playing with Ra. This picture deserves some kind of caption, but I am not feeling focused enough to create a good one. It clearly is perfect for Love Thursday though.
Come up with a good caption and win no prize! Happy Love Thursday! Happy new year too!
Come up with a good caption and win no prize! Happy Love Thursday! Happy new year too!
Baking
I made those cool peppermint meltaways. Never tried them before, I liked the way they turned out. Dawn helped me by crushing candy canes, I was a bit jealous that she got to do that violent and fun job.
We also made a gluten free chocolate cake. I have to admit that I cheated and used a mix. We made it twice. Once on Sunday, to test. And once on Monday to prepare for our visit to A Gaggle of Girls.
It turned out quite well. Most of my kids did not know it was gluten free and ate it just fine without whining about it being different. And that is quite a high compliment!
On Tuesday, we visited the GoG and had a great time. They gave us candy in exchange for our chocolate cake. Good trade ^^
And yes, Keppy, I got to go to Trader's Joe. For the Very First Time Ever! I got chocolate. Oh, and other things I guess. More about that when I post about our visit to GoG.
We also made a gluten free chocolate cake. I have to admit that I cheated and used a mix. We made it twice. Once on Sunday, to test. And once on Monday to prepare for our visit to A Gaggle of Girls.
It turned out quite well. Most of my kids did not know it was gluten free and ate it just fine without whining about it being different. And that is quite a high compliment!
On Tuesday, we visited the GoG and had a great time. They gave us candy in exchange for our chocolate cake. Good trade ^^
And yes, Keppy, I got to go to Trader's Joe. For the Very First Time Ever! I got chocolate. Oh, and other things I guess. More about that when I post about our visit to GoG.
Christmas in Too Many Pictures
We had a Really Good Christmas. We kept it low cost, but high fun.
I took the kids to local thrift stores to buy presents for all their siblings. Erik found an Xbox game for Tim.
Jane got a smiley for on the computer. It is Very Cute, but it puzzles me every time I look at it. Never had expected to meet a smiley in person!
Kate is opening her two bouncy balls, which were featured prominently on her Christmas wish list. I like it when wishes are so easily granted!
Erik had a bit of a challenge opening his present without bouncing off the ceiling.
Erik found The Most Cool Dollhouse Ever for Sylvia. It has a foldable house, RV, three bicycles, many dolls and so much furniture. It was an amazing buy, especially given the fact that it was $5 altogether, including everything. Kate had seen him buy it, and her Christmas list featured 'The doll house Erik got for Sylvia'.
Dawn got books, a slinky, and MONEY! She is saving up so she can buy Her Very Own Laptop.
Jane found a cool barbie cruise ship for Kate, Erik, and Sylvia. All of them got new barbies too (including boy barbies) so it was perfect.
Cees got one or two books. Or maybe a few more. Yes, all those are his.
The cats joined in by coincidentally being in the living room. It had nothing to do with the fact that all kinds of fun was going on. Nothing at all. Notice the cat behind Sylvia, half hidden under wrapping paper.
Jane enjoying one of her new books.
NO idea what Cees is doing. Trying to prevent me from making a picture of the Christmas tree? Running away before his stack of books falls over? Needing to pee very badly? Has to catch the last bus? Well, whatever it is, he looks happy about it.
I took the kids to local thrift stores to buy presents for all their siblings. Erik found an Xbox game for Tim.
Jane got a smiley for on the computer. It is Very Cute, but it puzzles me every time I look at it. Never had expected to meet a smiley in person!
Kate is opening her two bouncy balls, which were featured prominently on her Christmas wish list. I like it when wishes are so easily granted!
Erik had a bit of a challenge opening his present without bouncing off the ceiling.
Erik found The Most Cool Dollhouse Ever for Sylvia. It has a foldable house, RV, three bicycles, many dolls and so much furniture. It was an amazing buy, especially given the fact that it was $5 altogether, including everything. Kate had seen him buy it, and her Christmas list featured 'The doll house Erik got for Sylvia'.
Dawn got books, a slinky, and MONEY! She is saving up so she can buy Her Very Own Laptop.
Jane found a cool barbie cruise ship for Kate, Erik, and Sylvia. All of them got new barbies too (including boy barbies) so it was perfect.
Cees got one or two books. Or maybe a few more. Yes, all those are his.
The cats joined in by coincidentally being in the living room. It had nothing to do with the fact that all kinds of fun was going on. Nothing at all. Notice the cat behind Sylvia, half hidden under wrapping paper.
Jane enjoying one of her new books.
NO idea what Cees is doing. Trying to prevent me from making a picture of the Christmas tree? Running away before his stack of books falls over? Needing to pee very badly? Has to catch the last bus? Well, whatever it is, he looks happy about it.
Quote of the day
Sylvia 'Guys! I need really bad help!'
Luckily I was able to give her the bad help she needed ^^
Luckily I was able to give her the bad help she needed ^^
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