The transaction

Parents-Whose turn is it to get in the shower first?

Kids--Blondie's

Blondie (to Brownie)--I'll pay you $5 in cold, hard cash to take yours first.

Brownie--Okay

Blondie rethinks and now offers $2, and is negotiated back up to $3. Money actually changes hands.

Brownie--I'll do anythng for money!

Parents--Oh, that's nice to know.

I know I am a bit compulsive

I make lists for traveling. I am way too concerned about not having something that is needed. However, I think it qualifies as taunting when my dear husband takes my list and adds his items (inside the black box).



Is it really necessary to call such attention to my obsessions? I think not.

The post that didn't make sense

This post is not going to make sense, and I know that in advance. It is 6 in the morning, and I am awake. If I were working, I might be tolerable, but I just called in, go you figure it out.

I woke up with csats yammering at the door, a huge headache from drugs (legal) and pain in my back and hip. I was also dreaming that Sweetheart thought I had a drug problem and insisted on confronting me in front of the kids and his ex.

I know my back is a mess because I worked two 10 hour shifts, and I will be going to my doctor to get a note that I cannot work that long. I know I have a shitty back, but I signed up for 8 hour shifts for a reason. Ugh.

There were two deaths in my personal neighborhood this week. My aunt who was 54 years old with a 19 year old daughter died from a respiratory disease. She had been in the hospital a couple of weeks, and I thought this would be the outcome. Since the funeral was in Charlotte yesterday, I knew I wouldn't make it--particularly as we are having our family reunion this weekend. How strange is that. However, as my father said, "There isn't any good place to be, so might as well have them where peoplc care about them."

The other death was my best friend's father. He also had been sick for a while and was of a more appropriate age. It was interesting that I felt more compelled to see her and hug her neck than my uncle's. I do love my uncle and cousin, but they aren't part of my routine. My friend is. I talk to her at least twice a week, and definitely feel more connected. Turns out the reunion is just a bit too far for me to drive over to see her--unless she calls and says, "okay--get here no matter what." So far, she and her mom are doing great and things are not at that point.

I think ir will make the reunion a bit weird. We already have my sister's Can't Come Soon Enough Divorce on the table for discussion, and now this. I think it will be more light hearted than it sounds (we all use humor to deal with stress), but that is what it will be.

To be honest, I am selfishly hoping that the girls have fun with the pack of cousins, Sweetheart gets some quiet time to get to know my family, and I get time to sit on my ass and paint my toenails. Anything else is a bonus. All this can only happen after we get the girls packed (god help us), so wish me luck!

Happy Birthday to the twins!

Brownie and Blondie turned TEN today. They spent the day playing their new Wii at their mom's. I don't know how they can be 10, but I'm glad they have had a good day. Here's hoping the tweens don't kill us all!

I need some feedback

Here are a few more examples of the letters I have painted. I really like how Lil Wicked's turned out. I also now know that high noon is the only time I can get enough light to show details.

What I am wondering is this...
Do you guys think I could sell these letters on Etsy?
How much do you think would be reasonable?
Any brilliant ideas of how to mount them on the wall? (I was thinking those little cloth hooks or tiny sawtooth hooks.)
Anyone else ever sell anything on Etsy?

Some additional information...
They are 4" tall and 1/4" wide (deep?). The letters cost 50 cents, but if I sell them I may go to a "fancier" one that costs $1. The paint is about 75 cents for 2 ounces, and I don't know how much I use on each letter. I am very clear that I fall in the "crafty" category rather than the "artist" category, and I am okay with that and think it should be reflected in the pricing. Any tidbits of advice would be greatly appreciated.

Naming contest

Here are all the various names entered into the contest. I knew nobody would guess. The names are Noah (guessed by nobody) and Jameson (amazingly, also guessed by nobody). I should have made it into one of those "how many words can you make out of these letters" games.

Jonah
James and Hannoo
Mason and Janeho
Hanna and Jemoos
Jonah and Amenos
Joanne and Shamo
Josh and No Name
James and Noonah
Nanooh
Hoonan
Ann...ooh
Jonah and Menosa
John and Seamona
Jason and Neamh? (But I'm short an O. But I like the Neamh, it's an Irish name).
Mason & Johnsea?
Jonas & Noameh?
James, hanna, anna, hejooms, lol. IDK
Shamen and Jonas
Soon & Hamanej

And so, I wrote all the names on small pieces of paper and then had Blondie pick one. The winner is...............................
................Wicked H!

So, let me know if you want it to say Smelly and Lil Wicked or their real names, okay?? I love the fact that I know almost everyone who entered as well as who the important little ones are in their lives. I may not be leaving my job to blog, but I really enjoy you guys. Thanks for your participation!

It would have helped if I mentioned this part

I will be stunned and amazed if anyone gets the girl name. It is a family name and not very girly. You are eligible for a prize just for guessing--that's why I said it could be half-assed. I failed to take into account the determination of some readers. I will put the names of guessers as of midnight Thursday into a hat and pick a winner.