Channeling Mother (or the dining room is finally put together)

I look so much like my mother did, that it sometimes scares me. I need to find and scan a picture of me, Mother, and Carson (who will hopefully be back to blogging soon!) when the three of us appear to be sisters.

Every once in a while, I do something that makes me think I am becoming more like her. Some days that is a good thing, and some days not. ;-) Today was a good day. Thanks to a book that Sarah blogged about, "The Big Ass Book of Crafts," I created some modern art for my dining room. I was fairly apprehensive about the end results, but I approached it with a positive attitude. Both of my daughters agreed that it turned out better that the one in the book.

I started with the colors from the rugs in the den and hallway. (Yes those are my toes that I failed to crop out.)



I proceeded to make a huge mess at the kitchen table, ue to the severe lack of a studio. In fact, Sweetheart said, "Oh my god," when he came in and I thought it meant he hated the painting.



Turns out he thought it was acceptable to go on the walls, and so did I. (Yes, my poor elephant teapot has a broken trunk and I don't seem to have any glue in the house.)



Then, I went to the antique store and spent under forty dollars for several items I found interesting, and hung them up on the other wall. I had the boomerang from an old antique store purchase more than ten years ago. The funky old key was from Mother's house when she made a similar arrangement (maybe even before I was born). The red item on the left is an old fashioned nutcracker. The miniature bowling pin is a prize from someone whose high score was 267. The vertical piece on the right is a wooden shoe size measurer. The horizontal piece on the bottom is a hand carved bat that was painted and appears to have been used at least a few times to play baseball by a child in Mexico.



My favorite item was purple glass that I found fascinating. There were several, and I had no idea what they were, but I loved this and had to have it. Turns out it is an antique buoy from the pre-plastic days. I was so glad that I picked it up not knowing. I may have to get more for the bedroom when I get ready to finish that up.



If I can manage some similar bursts of energy in future weekends, perhaps the house will be "finished" sometime this decade.

The this and the that

***We are ready for Hurricane Gustav not to show up. We have water, ice, soup and sterno. We have some other more fun, less practical snacky things as well--cookies, cheez its and the like. The night before landfall, I will fill up a jillion bottles with water. And, then, if all goes according to past schedule, we will have rain, flooding in other areas of the city, and life will go on.

***I have seen the following tshirts worn by kids at the hospital, and I don't like them:
"I may be small, but I'm still in charge"
"Rules don't apply to me"
"I should have stayed in bed today"
The first two were worn by patients around 5 years old. I hate these attitude shirts with a passion. The last was worn by an employee. Despite the fact it had Snoopy on it, I though it was highly inappropriate to wear to work.

**The prize of the week, goes to the mother who brought a blanket along to the recovery room--decorated with Playboy bunnies. Um, okay, whatever.

***I am working on a funky modern art thng for the dining room. I'll show it to you--success or failure.

**Today is the first day of "Daddy Days" with the girls. Sweetheart is going to start spending time with them one at a time, and I have to take up the slack. I am actually excited about spending solo time, and very glad he and they will be building their individual relationships.

So, what do you have planned for the weekend?

Yes, I went there, and I had fun

***severe inconsistency in punctuation. I apologize to those whm it offends.****

I purchased tickets for the American Idol Top Ten concert in Houston last night--initially for the girls and me. However, due to a lack of current interest on their part, and today being the first day of school, we chose not to go with that plan. We tried to sell the tickets, and had no luck. The final verdict was that I went with a friend from work.

The seats were great--I actually thought I was in the wrong place when I came up against the cordoned off area and then realized it was the right place--the seats were that good.

I was pleased with the format--each of the top ten were able to sing three songs. I was afraid it was going to be a bunch of the group songs that we heard just a bit too much of during the season.

Here are the things I remember. I don't listen to current music--so I did not recognize many of the songs.

Chikieze came out first. He was personable, dancing and in good voice.

Ramiele--still a little power house, far less timid than before.

Michael Johns--(voted off far too early IMHO) came up out of the stage like a true rock star "We Are The Champions," "It's So Wrong but It's So Right," "Dream On." Absolutely great and wonderful.

Kristy Lee--I have as little use for her now as ever, but the crowd loved her. "God Bless the USA."

Carly--How could I have forgotten about her? She looked great, and while I am not the biggest fan of her geisha tattoo if I were going to have a girl crush on a rocker chick it would be her. Crazy on You, and the old Cyndi Lauper "Drove All Night"

Brooke--great reception from the crowd, "Let it be" and two on guitar--one I believe was an original song "Yellow." I love her and would buy her CD if I had any money right now.

Jason--still stoned and cute and dreamy eyed. "Over the Rainbow" and "What a day for a day dreamer."

Syesha--my only disappointment for the night. I thought the vocals were muddy for her songs. She looked great, though

David A.--screaming teenyboppers galore. He sounded good (and was said to be sick) and he has matured a bit. Just not my cup of tea.

David Cook--kicked ass with a rocking, angry version of "Hello" (Lionel Ritchie). Amazingly good. "This is the Time of My Life." "Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and "Hero." He was personable, had good banter and stage presence, and was gracious and somewhat awed by the reception (or did a good job faking it). He videoed the crowd, "So I have something to remember when you crown next year's Idol and I'm on the Where Are They Now? show."

I was pleasantly surprised, to be honest. I love the show, but didn't really think the show would be up my alley. I would have showed up for "Hello" alone. Well, that and Carly Smithson. :-)

What shows have you seen lately?

Not a banner hour or so

***I went to see the doctor about my back today. However, the appointment was yesterday....and I waited for 15 minutes to be told I could reschedule for September.

***Since I had an appointment, and I was starving, I went to get some fast food. This was ill afforded by my wallet and my waist.

***The parking lot at the office complex doesn't take plastic, so I went to a bank and used the ATM. As I walked back through the bank, the teller asked, "Did you leave your card in the machine?" I checked my wallet, and sure enough I had. Not only could she not give it back to me, she informed me that it had been cut in half.

***At least I didn't lock my keys in the car, huh?

What I want for my birthday

(or, why don't you visit Sarah's etsy store)

Sarah, who blogs over at Maison Pants has really started moving things like crazy ar her Etsy store. You should go take a quick look and buy me the She Was Only Dreaming painting. I would buy it for myself, but I already am saving my money for a painting for my twin pregnant sister-in-law that she is doing on commission. When I get to show it to you, you will be so jealous you won't know what to do.

Anyway, unlike my crafty things, her stuff is really art. Go check it out. Now.
Maison Pants Etsy

For lack of a real topic...

Cattitude
Boris the spider, erm, cat has decided that his favorite new perch is up high on the window. I actually think he looks way the hell cute up there, but his path to get there involves traipsing across Sweetheart's shelves. He has so far knocked off nothing breakable, but he is a cat, so I think he is certain to do so soon. I looked online and it said to put tinfoil because they don't like to walk on it. I just watched him amble across it like it was no big deal. Any thoughts so my Sweetheart doesn't kill our daughter's favorite cat?

Grammar don'ts--
For me, it is a misplaced apostrophe. It makes me get all squiggy. For instance, as Christmas card signed: Love, The Smith's. I think I have the tiniest of strokes just typing it. For Sweetheart, it is the misuse of the word "I." When someone says, "This belongs to Boris and I," his head gets squiggy. He yells at the television, "Boris and ME!"
Which common mistakes give you pause? If any of them are in this post, please feel free to tell me.

Commercials that irk me--
There was a diamond store commercial (F--sorry, don't get squiggy) the other day that actually offended me. It was a guy talking about being afraid his woman would not let him participate in the Fantasy League draft or watch enough football games this season. His solution--but her diamonds. I was insulted with the concept that it was a "pay to play" situation. I may be naive, but are many women like that and I just don't know them?

It would be simpler

I am not by any stretch of the imagination trying to start a debate about politics or abortion with this post. I welcome any comments you care to make, but I am not trying to sway any opinions.

I was watching the television news in the break room at work with another nurse, and something about Obama was shown. She said, "He scares me." I replied (as light heartedly as possible), "McCain scares me more."

What followed was a very brief conversation about politics. Her bottom line was this, "I'm a Catholic first, so I can't vote for anyone who is pro abortion." Now, don't get me started on the phrase 'pro abortion.' I have some very mixed feelings about the abortion issue, but I end up in the pro choice category when it all sifts out. I am against abortion, but I don't think I should be making that choice for everyone.

What struck me was the fact that her choice of who to vote for was so simple. It is dictated by a single issue. I worry about a myriad of issues including the economy, the environment, equal rights for everyone, upholding that silly thing called the constitution, separation of church and state, and on and on ad nauseam.

I do not want to trade places with that nurse. I do not want to have her view of things. However, it did strike me that she has an easier task of picking who she votes for than many people I know. Sometimes I wish it were that easy for me.

Things about today

1. I took care of some kids with some weird names.

2. I ate a hot dog for charity (yes, it was a sacrifice).

3. The kids and the Sweetheart got kicked out of the pool for a "pooping" incident (no, they were not the poopers).

4. I met with an attorney as a result of my nursing career (a first in 21 years). I'm told I would make a bright, articulate, knowledgeable witness--let's hope I don't get to test that concept.

5. I got my car back from the shop, and I missed it so much I want to name it. Any ideas about what to name a really cute, blue Honda CRV?

6. I hope to get some work done of some craft/home decor projects. Anybody wanna help?

Three things

1. It is too hot for humans in Houston. I truly believe that we should not live somewhere that is so close to our own body temperature this many days a year. It is wrong.

2. This is officially the earliest I have ever seen Christmas stuff. August 11. Sheesh!

3. If your last name has three or four syllables, do not give your child a name with more than two syllables. This should be a rule followed by everyone.

A sense of ennui

I just don't feel exactly right these days. I feel like I am behind on my blogging and blog reading. Work feels so much more like work than usual. I didn't get nearly as much accomplished this weekend as I had hoped.

Perhaps it is because of the incredibly oppressive heat here in Houston. Today the high was 96 degrees. The humidity is absurd. I didn't even go outside today, though, so how would that affect me?

My new car is in the shop getting a new rack and pinion. I have no idea what a rack and pinion is, but I do not like my rental car. I know the rack and pinion helps the steering, and having the car go where I steer it is a good thing. Hopefully the car will be ready on Tuesday.

We had a rough week with the girls after we returned from the reunion, and I know that drags on me. I got as frustrated as ever with Brownie, and yelled at her like never before. I'm not proud of it, but I am also trying not to beat myself up about it. I think we are making progress, but it was a fairly big "one step backward." I think I got so upset because she was lying, and that scares the shit out of me. If lying becomes a habit, we are in for a hell of a mess. Perhaps the fact that I got so mad will end up having an impact--even though I wish I hadn't.

I also think my listlessness may be due to the fact that we had two trips fairly close together and now have nothing planned.

The best thing lately is that my sister has a closing date on her house and will be divorced sometime this decade if nothing goes awry. I am thrilled about this to no end!

So, tell me something else to be happy about. You can even make it up if you want.

Etsy shop

Well, since you guys seem to like the letters, I went ahead and listed them on etsy. I would love any feedback (positive or negative) that you have about the listing. I know I need to work on the photos, but I have put everything I was working on in packages!

If you know anyone who might like some letters, please send them to visit. I hope to have a few other items up soon.

Sophie's Etsy Shop

Political opinions ahead

I'm not trying to sway anyone's opinion, or to hurt anyone's political feelings, but I found this conversation very entertaining.

Scene--watching the Opening ceremonies which were amazing and beautiful and a really tough act to follow. I found the beauty of combining the traditional with the contemporary technology a pleasure to watch.

Brownie--Are there any Americans there other than that stupid President Bush?

Sophie--Why is Bush stupid?

Brownie--Because he started a war and he didn't have a good reason and millions of people have died.

I found it interesting for a couple of reasons. It made me realize that she pays WAY more attention to the things we say than I ever thought. I also wonder (as have the kids) who their mother is voting for. I believe her politics to be more conservative than ours, but I don't know where she stands. I suppose it means nothing more than that she and her (now ex) boyfriend don't talk politics like we do.

I keep waiting to get in trouble for the indoctrination. However, they simply hear us talk and we answer questions when they ask.

Picture quiz

Who can guess which photo was at the start or our airport time and which was after ten hours?




They were not happy about the taking of the second photo, but I like the comparison in a backwards kind of way.

This storm is killing me!

Above is the stunning view from the front door. We have power! We have water! We have telephone.

We have been forced to stay home in the rain and drizzle. Spencer is nervous, but he is always nervous. He doesn't like getting drizzled on. I have had to endure hours of hearing the 10 year olds play on the computer. Sweetheart has hardly ventured out of the bedroom. My projects will take far too long for the paint to dry in this dampness.

I guess I need to wait for another day to get my hurricane baptism.

I knew I didn't like that Eduord

In preparation for my first hurricane, which seems unavoidable as of now, we have done the following...

Purchased a fairly small amount of food rations
Found a large amount of batteries for our tv/radio and battery powered fan
Brought home lanterns from work (hubby)
Gotten off work for tomorrow (both of us)
Baked cookies
Purchased wine and put the Mike's on ice
Declined the option to pick up my mother in law since her nursing home isn't evacuating. We don't take her out to lunch any more, we certainly can't take her to a hurricane!

It appears that this will be a smallish, introductory hurricane for this redhead, but losing power is very likely. See you after he leaves!

Airport timeline

0850 Arrive at airport slightly later than intended.
0930 Missed flight--bummer on any day, with 2 ten-year-olds on the way to a reunion--more bummerish. Told to standby and that if we didn't get on the first two flights, "The 4 PM one is wide open."
1057 Do not get on standby.
207pm Do not get on standby.
440pm Do not get on "wide open" standby.
Pay $300 for confirmed tickets on the 722 flight. Go home for 2 hours so kids do not lose their minds.
630pm Return to airport. Discover that our confirmed flight is delayed 3 hours for weather. Make hotel reservation to spend night in Atlanta before driving 90 miles north to the reunion.
1000pm Announcement that delay will be until 2AM. Cancel hotel reservation (without penalty due to nice and understanding person). Go home wash the clothes on our bodies and put them back on after a brief amount of sleep. (luggage was already sent to Atlanta.)
0800 Get up and start over. Unable to go standby for 0930 flight. It is now 1011 and the 1057 flight is advertised as on time. There might be bloodshed if it is not. Yowza.

Are we having fun yet?