The Long Road

I'm a Prime

2008-11-09T04:55:18Z

Happy birthday to me, lalala

I'm 37 today- a prime number. I guess that means this year the only thing that can divide me is myself. Well, and one-but that just leaves me again. I love math jokes :0

So freely accepting well wishes, money, winning lottery tickets and visits by geekily handsome Scotsmen :)

Politely declining negativity- try again next year.

It's going to be a good year.

Please don't steal my name

2008-07-29T04:14:10Z

[repost from notgoddess.com since no one reads that and I need some input]

My kids just got back from their summer visit with their Dad. We stopped at the store to pick up some groceries and one asked for some peanuts. Another chimed in, saying "Yeah, Mom has peanuts but won't let us have them." He was referring to Whatever's new wife, their stepmom.

My world crumbled a little bit and I'm not sure what expression I had on my face. I hope I recovered quickly enough-they didn't act as if they'd noticed anything. And yes, I bought the peanuts though they had to eat them outside (shells are very messy).

This morning I was dropping them at the sitter and 'Mom' was mentioned. As carefully as I could I asked, "You mean K----?" He replied, "Yeah, we're supposed to call her Mom and you Sara when we're there [Whatever's house]." Somehow I managed to remain calm and replied that while they should follow Daddy's rules at his house, I didn't think they should ever call me Sara, but maybe they could say 'my mom' instead. I kept myself calm and 'fine' as I got them settled inside. They raced off and I let my face fall a bit. The sitter gave me a questioning look and I just said 'They called K---- Mom' and left as quickly as I could.

I was half an hour late for work because I broke down a couple blocks away and bawled my eyes out.

Despite the one son's statement that they are 'supposed to' I'm not sure if Whatever or K---- asked/told them to do this or if they were just choosing to do it. I certainly can't ask them more about it as just about any phrasing would let them know it hurt me and drilling your kids about their time with the other parent is one of the big Thou Shalt Nots of divorced parenting. What I know about what happens there comes pieced together from casual conversation.

Intellectually, I knew this could happen-I'd even had a conversation related to it with a friend only days before. But emotionally....I feel like part of my identity has been stolen and there's nothing I can do. If they choose to call K---- Mom then I have to accept that, and never let on how much it hurts. But the thought that Whatever and K---- are telling the kids to do so, and especially that they say not to call me Mom makes me furious.

Today I certainly feel like I'm in some angst-ridden soap opera... the role of 'Mom' will now be played by....

Should I write Whatever and ask that they call her something else or at least that they not be asked to call me anything other than Mommy, Mom etc.-certainly not my first name. I was raised in the age of Mrs/Mr and having my children refer to me by my first name in this way just seems wrong, as if I'm some adult friend of the family and not their mother. I'm not sure it'll do any good, and may only encourage more of this if I do.

K---- if you read this: I can understand your not wanted to be called by your first name as well, and I can understand your wanting to build a bond with the kids, but please, please, don't steal my name.

August 6, 2008 - Doomsday or Dud?

2008-07-13T16:55:30Z

Dan Kaminsky, Director of Penetration Testing for IOActive, Inc., has put his reputation on the line to protect the internet.

He’s discovered a flaw in DNS that could leave it open to DNS-poisoning. For non-techies, DNS is what matches a webname like google.com to an ip address like 72.14.207.99 – the actual address of the website. A bad guy using this exploit could cause you to type in google.com and go somewhere else entirely, unlike normal phishing sites or redirects you wouldn’t know the difference.

The details are sketchy, but Mr. Kaminsky has been working with all the big guns to simultaneously release a patch to fix this issue on all platforms. Since it’s a patch going out to individuals, I gather it’s something that affects client machines and not (or not just) the name servers themselves.

If you have automatic updates on your computer, you’ve received the patch this last tuesday. If you don’t update automatically, go to your OS update site and update NOW.

Mr. Kaminsky estimates it’ll take the bad guys about a month to figure out the flaw once its presence is announced. So, August 6, 2008 is put out as the deadline to update. I wouldn’t wait.

If you want to test your own DNS, he’s provided a checker on his blog. Click on the ‘Test My DNS’ button on the right sidebar.

Links of interest:
Dan Kaminsky’s blog post on the DNS poisoning exploit
Dan Kaminsky on putting his reputation on the line
Dino Dai Zovi’s blog entry-one of two people to do a peer review on Dan’s work

And lastly, if you haven’t already-patch.

Completely absurd, possibly offensive, definately poor taste, but hilarious.

2008-06-02T17:43:37Z

If you are a fan of Torchwood, Doctor Who or stuff that probably shouldn't be funny but is anyway, I ran across this clip from a movie with Hitler with the subtitles added to talk about Torchwood. Probably helps that I don't know enough German to follow the actual dialogue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLg-43lTEvM

If you cannot handle the humor here's another video just for you....

I couldn't bear the cuteness after about five seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNS6SUe-kGc

Six months and they still love me

2008-04-30T04:44:44Z

I had my six-month review today.

I thought I'd been doing well, contributing and such, and if asked how I felt about my current position words such as 'Wonderful' and 'Fantastic!' would be liberally sprinkled in the response.

Of course I felt a little dread-I think anyone would, but was reasonably confident of a good review.....

[this is where if I were mean I'd do an lj-cut to heighten the tease-factor...]

End result of the review: They love me. I'm a phenomenal asset and they are extremely satisfied with my performance. :) :) :) :) :)

...maybe a few more :) :) just for good measure.

I feel great. I love this work-it's challenging and I really have a talent for it.

Here's to the next six months at my dream job. :)

You gotta love that anonymity

2007-10-16T06:51:20Z

Interesting comment to my previous public post....

It's interesting that the poster would immediately assume my priorities lie with my career and not my kids.

Looking over my journal, I can see where one may get the impression that my job is more important than my children. After all, they are hardly mentioned at all in the last several public posts.

Keyword, public. Just because I don't choose to make public much more than the occasional humorous anecdote about my kids has no bearing on my quality as a mother.

You would think that someone who thought being a mother 'was and is the best job in the world' would know that.

Fork in the road

2007-10-13T16:30:56Z

Well, I didn't get the QA analyst position, but as many of you already know I will be starting another job this Wednesday :) I was offered and accepted a position as a Web Developer at a firm downtown. There's a pay raise involved (above and beyond the increased expense of working downtown, yay) and most importantly, I'll finally be doing what I love full-time!!!! (is that too many !!! ?)

Ever get generally frustrated and re-arrange your furniture? It doesn't accomplish anything, but it makes you feel like you've at least done something about your situation, however small. That's about how I felt when I posted my resume at a IT jobsite. The next day I had three calls for interviews! I went to two, and was delighted when I was offered the position with this company as their views and goals seem to mesh so well with my own.

I didn't necc. want to leave my other company-they have been so wonderful to me, but this opportunity is simply too good to pass up. I'll miss out on the substantial Christmas bonus :( but I didn't think asking them to wait until Dec. to start was a good idea :) I'm leaving on good terms, with two of the executives thanking me personally for the work I've done for the company these past three years. I think I was vital then, but I'm pretty sure there are enough people comfortable with the system now that they can carry on without me, and at worst, I'm only a phone call away if they can't figure something out.

I'm so excited about this position-it's going to be very challenging and I keep breaking out in smiles every time I think of it. To finally do what I love as my 'day job'...it's a dream come true. Short of winning a multi-million lottery, it's about the best thing I could imagine, and I know I'll work well enough to become as valued at the new company as I am at the old.

to end the post, jump up and down a couple dozen times yelling 'wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!' and be happy for me :) :) :) *bounce*

careers pt deux

2007-09-15T07:04:26Z

Following on the careers motif, I did a apply for a Systems Analyst position and was shot down :{

I've also applied for a Quality Assurance Analyst position-I'm not sure I'd completely love the job, but seeing as I don't completely love what I do now that's a moot point. What finally pushed it was realizing that I'd stayed up for 6 hours debugging a textpattern plugin-not because I needed to do it, but because it just wasn't doing everything it could be doing. I'd say I have the patience required for the job, mostly testing updates to the new system. I don't really get to debug them, rather just report on what's wrong-not being able to actually go in and search out the problem will be the hardest part.

what to do with my life

2007-09-15T06:54:18Z

Following in burgunder's meme:

The top ten careers a computer quiz thought were best suited for me:

1. Computer Engineer
2. Web Developer
3. Business Systems Analyst
4. Database Developer
5. Mathematician
6. Computer Programmer
7. Video Game Developer
8. Multimedia Developer
9. Meteorologist
10. Cartographer

And after I put in my actual skillset:
1. Web Developer
2. Composer
3. Artist
4. Comedian
5. Musician
6. Cartoonist / Comic Illustrator
7. Desktop Publisher
8. Animator
9. Computer Support Person
10. Webmaster

The funny thing is that I said I can't relate with people and can't draw.

Happy Anniversary you ***

2007-09-15T06:30:16Z

Yep. 1 year ago today Randy made the oh so good for him decision to screw up our lives with a letter left on the bed.

I knew it...I'd even mentioned it to a friend earlier on Friday, but I kinda forgot. In a conversation with a friend I'm being a complete bitch, alternating being dismally rude, then apologetic; I thought I was pms'ing. After I hung up I realized again what day it was. I never knew I had this much repressed anger and poor Simon was taking the brunt of it like a champ.

On other things,
The boys love their new school (they started at the one a block away from us this year).
N. has discovered he loves math (yay).
K. is learning to play the baritone (yay).
I. is following with my trumpet (yay).
A. is talking up a storm, his favorite phrase being 'eat brains' courtesy of his brothers' coaching.

For myself insert whatever euphemism you like-one will work as well as another. I am a bit saddened by the theft of my ipod three weeks ago. At first I'd thought one of the boys had taken off with it, but it's clear now it was taken when I was stupid enough to leave it in the car that night while we ran into the store. Just another stick to throw on Sara's bonfire of annoyances.

Bleh. I have to get out of this mortifying mindset and be productive. I just wish I was further along with that 'best revenge is living well' idea.

Quick catchup

2007-07-11T05:38:58Z

All righty, quick public catchup-been too long. I'll do private posts later to add detail.

First, I found a solution for my daycare issues thanks to a very very kind offer from Ander's sitter. She'll watch them all until school starts and the rate is much lower than the 310/wk I was looking at before. It'll be tight but it's manageable with the extra work I've brought in this month. Looks like I won't be a 'welfare mom' in August (yay).

Second, Randy got remarried to Karin on 23 June. The next week their town flooded. Okay okay not related but it's an amusing coincidence personally, tho I feel for the poor folks forced out of their homes and who suffered damage.

I've applied in-house for a position as a Systems Analyst. I know I can do the job and if they are looking for SQL experience, I've got it in spades if you count MySQL +variants. It'll likely be a few weeks before I know if I'm being considered or not.

I'm settling into the house. I've not done as much decorating/organising as I might like as I've been working my tushie off trying to earn daycare funds, but it's getting there, slowly.

Speaking of working my tushie off, I'm pleased to announce that I am now a size 10, having lost about 20+ lb in the past six months. :) Given that 10 today is probably a 12 from when I was in high school I've still a ways to go but it does give the ego a boost. I estimate I've another 20 to go, but I'm not sure how much of that is tied into the extra tummy the kids gave me-it would take a tummy tuck to get rid of the last of that. I've started doing yoga again in addition to the walking, so I hope that'll help w/ the toning I'll need.

JC Penney was having a wondrous clearance sale and I managed to pick up $280 worth of clothes for $33--2 black pants, 3 sweater-tops in black/brown/ivory (I loved it :), 3 chemise (ivory/lilac/pale rose), a rose knit top and crocheted summer sweater. It was a needed expense as I cannot fit into most of my clothes anymore. I'm still not small enough to fit into my 'goal dress' a size 11 simple black slip (too much tummy), but I'm getting there. I'll need more, but I'm being cautious on buying too much in this size (that and I'm a miser when it comes to buying clothes :)

I'm doing fine, despite the troubles. Missing the kids terribly, but they'll be back soon. In the meantime I'll keep working and get all my clientele finished up by next week, with the exception of a revenue project I'm involved in.

Let Me Entertain You

2007-04-09T04:32:30Z

I've just had a lovely dinner with some close friends. None of us had plans for Easter and I thought it would be nice to entertain in my new home (plus it was incentive to get more items unpacked). I've not entertained for years, but I plan to do it more now that I'm closer to them. I think it'll be good for me to have more adult social interaction, and I'll have to keep my house clean if I'm having people over every few weeks-right?

As a party favor I gave them plush baskets shaped like Peeps, filled with candles. I brought out my good china (now being called the 'new house china') and silver.

I made a ham, roasted asparagus, boiled potatoes and garlic rolls. I used a mandarin orange glaze instead of the usual pineapple, and it added a nice flavor to the ham. I roasted the oranges and extra juice with the asparagus (with a little butter/pepper). They brought the rolls, potatoes, a bottle of champagne and a red table wine from a local vineyard. I'm not much of a wine person, but it wasn't bad. I also had some Warsteiner as an alternative. I don't drink much, but when the boys are gone I don't see the harm in indulging in an alcoholic beverage or three (no driving).

For desert we had Key Lime pie. I love the way the tartness finishes a meal and removes that feeling that you need to loosen your belt because you ate too much. I didn't have any sugar for the coffee (I don't use it), so I offered fresh ground cinnamon instead and it added a pleasant edge to the coffee so that it didn't need sweetening.

Everyone left about 8. I finished off the last half-glass of wine in the bottle and am currently enjoying the last Warsteiner. Oddly I'm not feeling drunk as I should be after 2.5 glasses of wine and a beer. But evidently I am feeling talkative (to typative as the case may be).

It was a very pleasant evening and for a few hours I didn't worry about the kids, work, how many boxes I've yet to unpack or try to figure out just where my mother put my can opener.

the agenda for tonight

2007-01-15T00:46:41Z

Play a game of CandyLand (Ander always cheats), bake a cheese-crust pizza, and enjoy the premiere of 24. The boys, of course, have said they'll actually let me watch the whole thing tonight, but I'm having a friend TiVo it just in case. :)

Waiting for sugarplums

2006-12-25T05:42:48Z

Scanning LJ entries while I wait for the last of the tousle-haired treasures to fall asleep so I can give Santa the okay to deliver the presents. Found the 'year in review' bit some are doing. Here's mine:

January:
February: The last couple weeks I've been treated to a wonderful sound: My 2yr Ander singing notes in pitch, go-ing 'ah' 'ah' in half-octave changes, sometimes only for a few notes, sometimes going on for several minutes.
March: ..so Hubby calls me at work, saying he'd just missed the FedEx truck and there was a door tag.
April:
May:
June: I've been putting off making this post...as if that would somehow alter events, or at least delay the impact of their reality.
July: Solutions for the FireFox Bug: single quote or slash causes find box to open
August: Rather than spending the last hour actually working, I spent it tweaking a photo of Hugh Laurie to use on my desktop.
September: I just noticed that the last time I posted was about Dad. I guess I've just gotten too isolated-maybe if I hadn't and had been talking to you guys I might have seen this coming...
October: I have so much on my plate right now.
November: We had the temporary hearing for the separation today.
December: My husband picked up the kids this morning and for the first time in three months I found myself with some time to myself.

Trends- I don't post often enough..and seem to trend to the bad and/or trivial.

An unexpected present

2006-12-03T04:50:02Z

I forgot to mention, while at the Pampered Chef party I decided to make a wishlist-I can't afford to buy things I don't really need, but I saw a few items that might be nice to have once I can splurge a little again.

I grabbed one of Wendi-girl's purple pens and in the midst of my writing commented in jest to her that I was going to nab it-I have a thing for purple. She said that I could have it and I looked at it closely-written on the barrel were the words: I am so proud of you!

Okay, so she didn't delibrately hand me that pen or imply anything, but it's amazing how nice it is to read those words.

Turns out they are from the FlyLady site-it's a site to help folks with housekeeping. I've been there many times but never noticed these.

Wendi-girl was so sweet she gave me four more to share with the boys. I hope they'll feel that same little boost I do when I read what's on the pen.

Oh the people you meet

2006-12-03T04:27:04Z

My husband picked up the kids this morning and for the first time in three months I found myself with some time to myself.

Oh, I've had breaks, thanks to my very supportive friends and family. They've really pitched in to help, but when they offer to watch the boys for a few hours, it was always so I could get something done or even if it was for a break I always had this clock ticking away in the back of my head, and I felt both a little guilty for needing the time, and a need to get back asap, so as not to overburden them.

But today was different-they are with their daddy, not being babysat, so I wasn't feeling the guilt nor the need to get things done. I knew, and my friends made sure to remind me, that I needed to take a little time for me, to recharge my batteries so when the boys return tomorrow I'll be refreshed and destressed.

I knew in order to accomplish this, I had to break from my normal routine. There is stuff to be done at home, and as always a lot of web work, and missed sleep to catch up on, but I need to break away from everything for a bit.

So, I watched a movie with no cartoons, tried to get in on the Kim Komando show (hey that scooba mopping robot is just what I need :), and headed into town. I picked up a coffee, arrived an hour late to a Pampered Chef show hosted by a friend of mine and managed to mention the boys only 4 or 5 times in a couple hours, then headed to Target. My intention was to find a bill organiser for a reasonable price (translation: on clearance). I found one I think will work nicely, but need to scope out a few other places first.

That task accomplished, I decided to pick up a new sponge for my mop and head home for a nap or work or whatever. While browsing the myriad cleaning supplies I started chatting with a lady in the aisle with me. I'll call her R----.

We started out debating the merits of Scotch Brite's product vs Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser, got on to the subject of housekeeping in general, and from there wandered off on such a variety of topics that I still smile to recall them. I think we must have chatted for 30 minutes or more about everything and nothing. We finally broke off, heading our own ways, and as I walked down the aisle toward the checkout I couldn't help but notice how I was walking a bit lighter, smiling a bit more.

That short conversation with a total stranger was, oddly, just the 'breakaway' it seems I needed. I feel more energized, less stressed, and more clear headed.

Thank you, R----. I don't know if we'll ever cross paths again, but your little random chat with a stranger helped brighten the world a bit.

Halloween pics

2006-11-23T13:11:50Z

Considering these are pictures from this year rather than last, I'm doing pretty well. :)

More at: http://elneri.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=628

Birthday surpises

2006-11-09T02:32:08Z

Well I faced my birthday determined to use humor and silliness to make it through the day, and I did.

My sister sent me some beautiful fall flowers (I'll take a picture tomorrow and post), which was so sweet-I haven't had flowers delivered since another friend sent me some georgeous sunflowers when we moved to Bagley (not counting those I've bought for myself or gotten from work).

Also the receptionist, who I consider a dear friend, bought a present for me that's also for the boys. It's a Webkins elephant. We've not done the online part yet-waiting for Noah to return from bible study, but I checked it out earlier and it looks like it'll be fun place for us to go as a family and play educational games.

I giggled when I saw it was an elephant-another friend really likes them and evidently she's also a carrier cuz now others have caught it :) We'll name it together tonight and it'll be our 'family elephant' (everyone needs one, ya know).

Happy Birthday to me

2006-11-08T16:07:23Z

yada yada.

35 years old! eep.
I'm sooo glad I have some friends that are older so I don't feel as decrepit as they are. :) :)

In Loving Memory: Kenneth J Cupps

2006-06-06T08:48:04Z

I've been putting off making this post...as if that would somehow alter events, or at least delay the impact of their reality. But it is time.

My father, Kenneth Cupps, died on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 3:20pm.

He'd had a long fight with cancer, and kept beating the odds and pushing back the clock. He had been declared terminal early in 2005 and given three months by the doctors. He kept going, not defiant, but determined to get as much life out of his body as he could.

We've considered that year a blessing.

Everyone who knew and loved him had a chance to talk with him, and say their goodbyes, so when he died there were no regrets, no 'if onlys'.

He was able to see my boys grow up a bit more, especially Ander, who he watched grow from a cooing baby to a tootsie-roll toting toddler (Dad's candy of choice). He got a glimpse of the men my boys would grow up to be.

He was around to witness the birth of Samuel, my brother Dan's first child.

He was aware and although weak and tired from the drugs, vital and 'Dad', living at home until the week before his death, when he grew fragile to the point where we needed to place him in Hospice in Ames. There they respected his dignity, and cared for him as the great man he was.

Dad was well-known for turning every moment into a teaching moment. He shared a final lesson with us a few minutes before he passed that I would like to share.

His breathing had become weak and staggered-each time he'd stop we'd pause at his bedside, wondering if this was his last, then he would take another breath. Finally, he stopped and didn't resume after what we'd come to consider the normal delay. We all sighed and through tears, my sister signaled for the nurse to come. Then Dad took another breath. Out of nowhere we all burst out laughing...the nurses entered and wondered what was going on....we just laughed some more.

A few moments later, Dad finally passed, but he left us with one final, joy-filled moment with him that has a very simple, yet very profound message: Treasure every moment. Even in the darkest times you can find something to laugh and be joyful about, and that will help pull you through.

I love you, Dad. I know I'll see you again, but until then say 'hi' to the family over there, and I'll enjoy the moments I have here until we meet again. I hope I'll have some wonderful lessons-learned to share.

Wheeeeeee

2006-03-27T04:46:32Z

Three wonderful things today.

First, we celebrated Dad's survival anniversary.

For those of you who may not know, he was declared terminal in February, 2005. He'd had larynx cancer more than five years before and the doctors thought they'd beat it, but it had re-emerged in his lungs as an inoperable tumor. Since it's not lung cancer, even if they were able to remove the tumor it would just come back, there or elsewhere. Thanks to some miracle, he's still here with us, although he wears out easily and has to take a lot of pain-killers (the tumor rubs against a nerve).

We know we're going to lose him-we made peace with that a year ago, and now we're just grateful for any extra time we have. He's gotten to see my nephew Sammy born, and my kids grow up a little more and that is just wonderful. No time to be sad when there's so much joy to be appreciated.

Second, I got an email from my long-lost-but-found Scott, a dear friend from high school. He and Steve and their five (5!) dogs are living in Houston now. He's been living in Iowa City, and we finally reconnect after he moves to Houston. sigh. But it's still good to finally hear from him. I've tried to track him down a few times over the years, but never quite made it.

Third, I was finally the one at the family gathering with the 'kewl new toy'. I got to show off my iPod to the family. My brother, Dan, reacted best, being appreciatively covetous of the item (he exaggerated a bit because he knew I was hoping for a reaction :).

I know it's silly...but with 4 kids I don't have the income to buy 'things' so to be the one with the 'latest and greatest' was a rare thing I have to cherish when I can. :) Ed made me laugh by saying 'You know, Sara, now I'm going to have to out-do you' in his mock-serious tone.

If you were wondering, we had corned beef (baked and boiled), ham, cabbage of course w/ potatoes and other vegetables, and pineapple upside-down cake I'd made for desert. Kathy did a marvelous job cooking.

Anyone order a present for me?

2006-03-17T04:14:21Z

...so Hubby calls me at work, saying he'd just missed the FedEx truck and there was a door tag. He asked if I was expecting a FexEx package.

Well, the only things I've been expecting in the mail were a data disc from a client and my computer rebates (no..I'm not holding my breath on those :), and I wouldn't think either would come FedEx.

Just now I typed the tracking number into the FexEx tracking site and see:

Tracking number xxxxxxxxxxxx
Ship date Mar 14, 2006
Estimated delivery Mar 17, 2006 4:30 PM
Destination BAGLEY, IA
Service type IP Direct Distribution
Weight 0.4 kgs.
Status At FedEx destination

Date/Time Activity Location Details
Mar 16, 2006 4:26 PM At local FedEx facility AMES, IA
11:50 AM Delivery exception AMES, IA
Customer not available or business closed
8:33 AM On FedEx vehicle for delivery AMES, IA
7:46 AM At local FedEx facility AMES, IA
Mar 15, 2006 5:50 PM At dest sort facility DES MOINES, IA
5:09 PM Departed FedEx location MEMPHIS, TN
12:42 PM Arrived at FedEx location MEMPHIS, TN
11:35 AM Departed FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN
2:59 AM In transit INDIANAPOLIS, IN
2:36 AM Int'l shipment release INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Mar 14, 2006 11:11 PM Arrived at FedEx location INDIANAPOLIS, IN
1:22 PM Departed FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
12:29 PM Arrived at FedEx location ANCHORAGE, AK
1:37 PM Left origin SHANGHAI CN
1:18 PM Picked up SHANGHAI CN
Package received after FedEx cutoff
11:30 AM Package data transmitted to FedEx

I find myself very curious to see what this is.

Ander can sing (proud mommy)

2006-02-26T18:29:26Z

The last couple weeks I've been treated to a wonderful sound:
My 2yr Ander singing notes in pitch, go-ing 'ah' 'ah' in half-octave changes, sometimes only for a few notes, sometimes going on for several minutes.

He only 'sings' when playing by himself...he won't 'perform' on command regardless of my coaxing, but I do love that sound.

McDonald's stole my catch phrase

2005-11-08T16:56:06Z

Those of you who know me know I've had this, well catchphrase isn't the proper term but close enough. I always refer to my imaginary poolboy 'Pietre' or 'Raoul' or 'Giacomo' or some other suave-sounding name when joking, much as I refer to my husband's 'mistress' 'Betsy'.

And when I got famous and was asked for wisdom for younger, aspiring women, I was always going to say 'Every woman needs a pool boy'.
The reporter would of course respond 'but not everyone has a pool', and I'd reply
'Exactly' or 'What does that have to do with anything' or the like.

In short every woman needs a 'pool boy' even if they don't have a pool.

Well last night I was on a rare 'I can watch tv!' night (prison break) and commericals come on. I'm half watching it, talking with my husband when I hear "I'm going to get a pool boy".
I turn to the tv and there is a woman staring out a patio door. She walks off screen and the camera changes to show the backyard (no pool) and voice-over "and I don't have a pool".
Cue McD's new da da da theme song as I'm pointing to the screen sputtering.
"HEY! That's MY LINE!!!!"

My husband almost fell off the bed he was laughing so hard.

So which friend of mine is friend to a friend to a friend to an ad exec?

...oh yeah...and 'happy birthday to me'.

Sara, Elwing, NotGoddess, et al

When it rains....

2005-09-08T16:00:45Z

We're already in a bad financial bind, hoping to hang on until I get my holiday bonus as work (which thankfully is very generous).
Last week I killed our blue car, which Hubby had just gotten fixed.
Today I threw a rod in our van, which means it's trashed and we still owe $1000 on it.

We're going now to a dealership-husband of a friend works there and we're hoping maybe we can find something, but I fear the answer is going to be 'sorry, bad credit'.

Not exactly a cheery update, but we're screwed. We have to have two cars because Hubby has to pick up our pre-K guy at noon (no bus for Pre-K) and I have to get to work, an hour away.

I don't normally plea, but well, if anyone can help out, donate a little, short term loan til December, any web work you might need done that you can throw my way, even hugs and comfort, I'd appreciate it. I don't know what we're going to do-my family is tapped out and we already borrowed my in-laws car to replace the blue one.

My landlord just stopped-he's going to help bring the van back and said we could use his extra vehicle for a few days and would help replace the engine if we can get one. God bless him. Sunlight in a storm.

Sara