Dancing queen

Well, I survived, unscathed!
It went well, I only missed one beat....and I caught up quickly. A friend's daughter's friend told Keith that I was the prettiest mom there. How sweet of her.

Tonight I'm going to see David Sedaris at a local theater. I've read several of his books, and they're always amusing. There's a bunch of us from bookgroup going, and we're meeting at a friend's for dinner first, then going out for a drink after. I'm really looking forward to a night out! I found a recipe for pumpkin brownies I'm going to make to take along for dessert.

That's about all I've got. I'm desummering the house today, and decorating for fall. I hate to see summer go, but I love fall colors and decorations!

Rah rah sis boom bah!

Today's the pep rally.
Wish me luck.
Also wish that no one does anything incredibly stupid and that the video doesn't show up on youtube.

"If you liked it then you should have put a ring on it..."

Since JJ is a senior, there are special things done during the football season. They're all very nice, except one.
During the homecoming pep rally, moms of the seniors have to do a dance. Not a dance of their choice, mind you, a dance that 16 and 17 year old cheerleaders come up with. I'm not especially looking forward to it. I can dance. And, looking around at some of the other senior moms, I'm sure I'll make less of a fool of my self than some of them, but.....I hate performing. I hate knowing people are looking at me. It makes me feel so selfconscious! Last year, the moms had to wear shorts with their kids' names on the ass, and bend over and flip their shirts up at the end of the routine. How humiliating! What teenage kid wants to see the ass of a 40 something?
I'm voting for sweatpants! I'm picturing us dancing to "Put a Ring on it" like they did in Glee last night.
Tonight is my first practice. Wish me luck. And, don't tell me to break a leg, I just might! Or even worse, a hip!

Walk this way

I have been such a bad blogger. I just don't have the energy. Till I get home from work(s), make dinner and clean up the kitchen, I'm exhausted.
Next week Tristan's family is going on vacation, so I can come right home after school. I'm so looking forward to napping every afternoon! What an exciting thing to look forward to.
Last weekend, the walk went well. It was a beautiful day and I walked it no problem. The only problem was how crowded it was. There were over 20,000 walkers walking at the same time through Central Park. It took over 45 minutes just to get over the start line. It's really hard to walk with that many people all around you.
After the walk, we took the subway to Chinatown. There were about ten of us in a group. All of a sudden I notice my sister-in-law starts acting a bit strangely. Suddenly the other women start acting equally weird. Here, sitting next to Denise is Reed from the Bachelorette. Now, I don't watch the show, so I had no clue who he was. But, he was a good sport about all the ogling and talking from a group of 40 year old housewives. He talked to us the whole ride, but I'm pretty sure I saw him running away when we got off!
Nothing major this weekend....and I'm glad. Laundry and cleaning today. Trimming and weeding tomorrow. yay me!

On your mark, get set.....

Tomorrow I'm going to NYC to participate in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. My sister-in-law (afro's wife) made up a team to enter, and I joined. I'm sure I can walk 5K, although I never have, but I'm still a bit nervous. I bought new sneakers to wear (I'm going to break them in a bit today) and it's supposed to be a beautiful day. Stephen Colbert and Judge Judy (among others) will be there. I wouldn't mind finding Mr. Colbert right next to me. I got some sponsors at work, although they're betting I won't make it in on Monday....hahaha, I'll show them!
After the race, we're going to do some sight seeing/shopping. It should be a very nice day. Two friends of mine are going too, and I'm looking forward to it!

JJ had a football game last night. Keith and I sat there in the pouring rain watching it. It was so windy, my umbrella flipped inside out about ten times before I finally said, "fuck it" and just sat there in the downpour. At least they won!

Today, I'm doing laundry and straightening up the house a bit. It sure does go to pot during the week with all of us in school/work. I have to get in the habit of putting my clothes away/in the laundry each day, but I'm so tired at night, I just drop them in a pile. My bedroom looks like a teenagers!

Bye 47

Here's how my life goes. Maybe I am just a bitch. You decide.

In July Keith and I were in a road rally. We were car number 47. They painted a small 47 on my front and back windshields. After the road rally, I didn't have the occasion to wash my car for a couple of weeks, and everyone kept asking me, "What's with the 47?", "Why don't you wash the 47 off your car." So, because I am who I am, I decided that I was going to leave it on there as long as possible.
I washed my car, but was very comfortable around the 47's. I liked my 47's....don't ask me why. Maybe because it's my age.
Anyway, Sunday morning Keith came in from the garage with a bottle of windex and a dirty papertowel in his hand. "I got that 47 off, finally!" he said, all proud of himself. "WHAT?!" I screamed. I told you I was trying to leave that on there as long as possible. I can't believe you cleaned it off. You never clean my windows, even when I ask you to!" I was miserable. Over something so stupid, I know. But it's the principle. He never listens to things I say, because he thinks all my thoughts are ridiculous. He doesn't pay attention to what I tell him. "What's the big deal?" he asked. "Nothing," I said.
Later that morning, I was talking to my brother and I told him about what Keith did. You know what his reply was? "Poor guy. He can never catch a break."
Seriously? He can never catch a break?
Keith is such a nice guy, and I'm not. So, these kind of things always seem like I'm being a bitch. I know it does. But, I don't think that's really what it is. All I wanted was MY 47 on MY car. It didn't cost anybody anything, it wasn't bothering anyone. It made me happy. Now it's gone and I'm the bad guy for being mad/sad/upset about it.
Tell me honestly, am I a bitch?

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

I just finished reading this book...see title above.
I love, love, loved it.
The little boy is sweet and charming.
The old man is not sweet and not-so-charming.
I bought it because the title reminded me of Braden.
I highly recommend it.

Hate mongers

I am a tad bit annoyed. Actually a little more than that...
Braden has been in scouts for several years now, and he's trying to become an Eagle Scout. The "leaders" of his troup are tried and true conservative republicans. To each his own, right? But, it seems that every time any of them gets any kind of political/military/religious emails they insist on forwarding them to everyone on their mailing lists.
I find most of these emails to be the kind that are hate-inspiring scare tactics. They offend me. And, they're are usually from the head of the scout troup, but they can be from other members too. I'm never sure what the emails are...sometimes they send legitimate emails about special meeting or trips, so I open all of them. Then I'm stuck reading nonsense. Well, stuck reading it until I realize what it is and hit delete.
I think it's completely unprofessional for scout leaders to send emails about their personal views to me. In the past, I replied to them saying to please remove me from their mailing list, and to only include me in scout related emails. But, they still come.
Last night I got an email that's first line was:
"I didn’t vote for him either…but it looks like we’re stuck with this buffoon…..even for HIM, this is LOW!"
This wasn't the first line of the original email, but the line that the forwarder added to top. Again, I hit reply all, and asked to please refrain from sending me these types of emails. (so far I got one reply, saying that I shouldn't have "reply all"-ed it, but addressed the sender personally. I replied to her that I would have, but that person isn't the only one who sends these emails.).
I just don't understand people. I would never forward any type of political/religious/military emails to anyone unless I was certain they'd be interested in reading it.
What do you think? Am I right to be angry?

boring, boring and more boring

I have been very remiss in blogging, I apologize. It's just that I don't have much to write about. My life isn't interesting to me, I'm sure it's not to you either.

I go back to work-work on Tuesday. Summer's over.....long sigh. And, our week of trainings seems like a month. Long and drawn out. Yuck!

Here's a cute story (well, I think it's cute), about Tristan (the autistic/MR boy I work with). Itmight be a little hard to relate, by typing, but I'll give it a shot.My supervisor and I have been giving him his yearly testing that's used to do his treatment plan. One of the things he had to do was say his first and last names. I've been working on this with him for months, so I thought he'd do well with it. He climbed on my lap,where he prefers to sit, and I said, "okay, buddy, what's your name?" "Tristan," he answered. "Good," I said, "Tristan what?" He just looked at me. I know he knows his last name, but he wouldn't say it. I kept saying "Tristan....." (Sort of like they do on password, when they want you to finish a phrase), finally he said "Guage"....which is his middle name. I chuckled a bit, since I'd never bothered to use his middle name. Then I said, "Tristan Guage......." and he said,"TRISTAN GUAGE KNOCK IT OFF!" Hahahaha, that must be what his mom says to him when he's up to no good. After I stopped laughing, I finally said, "Tristan Guage knock it off......" and he said, "Smith." So, he got full credit for that one!

"we are family"

I don't have a whole lot to report. My summer has been mostly uneventful...which is a good thing.

August looks to be a little busier. I'm having a semi-family reunion this Sunday...I hope the weather is nice so the kids can swim. My cousin is a great baker, and I'm looking forward to see what she'll bring.

Keith has been working on a big fund raiser for JJ's football team. They're having a concert in a couple of weeks with a Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen cover band. It should be a fun night out. In between I'm filling in for someone in a bunco game, and having my bookgroup friends over for a ladies-only pool party.

I go back to work on the 18th... so my summer is practically over!

I had Brighton last weekend. He's such a cutie and he's very bright. We took him to a local carnival where his pop-pop (Keith) insisted on spoiling him with a pony ride. Brighton was less than thrilled with it. Here's a picture of the little guy (chewing on a page from his favorite book):

"If a picture paints a thousand words..."

This is Keith and me at Afro's wife's grad party. It was a fun night and she loved the gift I got her (a chamilia bracelet with a graduation cap charm).

"How did ya' know I needed you so badly"

I really don't have much I have to do this weekend. I have to grocery shop. Maybe do a load of laundry. We'll play it by ear.
Tonight, as I mentioned in the post on the main page, I have my sister-in-laws graduation party. She wanted me to make something with peanut butter, so I'm making chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting.
And, I know my title isn't a song about chocolate, but the group is "Hot Chocolate".
I remember, before the surgeon general changed the food pyramid around and everyone became health conscience, we had some good school lunches. My school's lassagna was the best. So was the meatloaf and the spaghetti. But, my all time favorite was the chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. The cake was so heavy and moist, it was perfect with the peanut butter icing. I have searched and searched for a chocolate cake recipe that tastes like that one, but I haven't found one. Everytime I make a chocolate cake, I try a different recipe, so far without success. I've tried recipes with buttermilk, recipes with coffee, recipes with mayo...It's just elusive.
What was your favorite school lunch?

'It's, me and I'm back from sea" says Barnacle Bill the Sailor'

Good news!
I just got back from my doctor's appointment. She said I have SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS. Nothing serious. It doesn't even have to be removed unless it bothers me. And it doesn't. She said she calls them "barnacles of life". I never thought I'd be happy to have a barnacle. I am very relieved!

"Take me out to the ball game...."

Here are some pictures from the Iron Pigs wedding. It was actually much nicer than I thought it would be. We had a lot of fun. Here's also a picture of the favors they used, and the unifor the players wore in honor of the occasion. It even made ESPN's top ten. Not that I'm a baseball fan, but our seats were on field level right behind the catcher. It didn't mean that much to me, but the kids and the men were thrilled!

"This little piggy went to market..."

Tomorrow we're going to a wedding.
The son of friend's of ours won a wedding at our local AAA baseball game. It should be interesting. The team is called the Iron Pigs, and the wedding is going to be broadcast on TV. The kids are excited because there's a chance they'll be on. The players are wearing uniforms that look like tuxes, and the bride and groom get to throw and catch the first pitch. It should be a good time.
I don't know what to take out for dinner tonight. I'm thinking skirt steak, but I'm not sure. All I know is I have some fresh green beans I'm going to saute with whatever I make.

"Who loves ya, baby?

Who loves ya, baby?

I bought a new pair of shoes that I love, love love. Oka B. Their slogan is "Shoes that love you." They're very comfy and you can wash them in the dishwasher. They have ribbon bows on the front, and I think I can go to the craft store and get more ribbon and change them out. Make several pair of shoes out of one.

JJ has been dating the girl-next-door (well, actually she lives across the street) on and off for nearly a year now. He told me yesterday that they've broken up. It took every ounce of will power I have to not jump up and down and clap my hands. I hated them together. She's lived across the street from me for seven years and has never said more than hello to me. I know she's a little shy, but you can't force yourself to say more than hello when you come into my house and go down the basement to "play video games" with my son? I didn't say too much to him, just "at your age, if someone doesn't make you happy, you shouldn't spend time with them"...because if I blast her too much, it will be certain that they'll get back together.

No solid bites on the house yet, but we've had about ten showings. Braden told me he's going to paint "RED RUM" on his bedroom walls so no one will want our house.

"crying, over you....crying over you"

Emma's post reminded me of this. I wanted to post it before, but I forgot.
I think most of you know that I've been working part-time as a TSS for a MR and Autistic boy named T. I started last August. He's six years old and the most beautiful child ever. A head full of blond ringlets...he looks like an angel. And, when I'm not being hit, bitten, kicked or pinched he's the sweetest thing. Anyway....he has the strangest hate for Billy Mayes. If one of his commercials comes on the tv, and T hears it (even for just a few seconds) he starts to cry. And not just "I don't like that man" crying, inconsolable, heart-wrenching crying which can last for hours. His mom told me, "I'd never wish anybody dead, but I can say it will make my life a little easier."

Braden got a new iphone. After much hulabaloo, they finally replaced it. And, for my trouble, threw in a free Shuffle, which Keith quickly snagged.

I have Brighton this weekend. He's adorable and so smart. But, I probably won't get much done. I got up early this morning just so I could have a little "alone" time. We're taking tea lady to lunch today for her birthday, then we have a party to go to later. It should be fun. I'm making baked brie and these adorable cupcakes that you decorate with brown sugar (sand), blue food colored icing (water) a drink umbrella and a round red/white peppermint ball (beach ball). I just have to find the umbrellas.

"Telephone line, give me some time, I'm living in twilight"

Yesterday morning I had the best french toast! Joe came down and he stopped a little produce stand on his way. He bought a loaf of banana nut bread and a loaf of coconut bread. He made the french toast with it. I had the coconut, and I swear it was the best FT I've ever had.
Braden bought himself an iphone and has been having trouble with it. In the last three days I've spent over 6.5 hours on the phone with AT&T and Apple. The end result....I have to drive to the Apple Store and get it replaced. I'll never get those 6.5 hours back. It was very frustrating, to say the least.
Still no offers on the house. It's kind of a good thing, though, because there's nothing for sale right now, in our price range, that we're thrilled with. There is plenty just above our price range, so maybe by the time our house sells, the price on them will come down. We'll see.

"It don't matter if you're black or white"

At this very moment, I could have been a widow. That is, if things would have gone differently about 35 years ago.
Sadly, that's not the way things unfolded.
When I was about 12 I wrote a letter to my love, Michael Jackson. In this letter I professed my undying love for him and my wish to be his girlfriend. At the end of the letter, in a typical teenage angst-ridden tone I confessed that there was perhaps one small problem in our future relationship, and that fact was that I was white.
I never heard back from him. I was crushed.
If only he had.

In all seriousness, I'm very saddened by his death. He was a musical genious. I know he had issues, but to me his talent outshined all that.

All the book group food was a hit. They were all new recipes, and they came out well. I thought the baked onion dip was a little salty, and the lime cheesecake I wasn't thrilled with, but others were. The corn dogs were scrumptcho-banumptcho! But, the pumpkin cheesecake muffins were my favorite!
Our house went on the MLS on Wednesday and the sign went up on Thursday. We had four showings this weekend. That's a good sign. (it sure is a pain to have to evacuate the house, especially getting the dog out as that limits where we can go for the hour the showings typically last. - It's not supposed to be as rainy this week, so hopefully when there are showings we can just go for a walk)
Other than that, I got nothing. But, that's a good thing, I guess.

Yummy

I'm hosting bookgroup tonight.
I have a fun afternoon of cooking planned. I've recruited JJ to help me (It will help work off his punishment for his grades). The book had a Japanese/baseball theme
The menu I've planned is:

Bleu chees/bacon corn dogs
Roasted spicey nuts
Baked onion dip
Wrapped asparagus
Egg rolls

Desserts:
Lime cheesecake
Pumpkin Creamcheese muffins
Raspberry filled chocolate cake

Oh, and a sparkling peach punch.
Personally, I'm looking forward to the corn dogs (new recipe) and the muffins.

Lights, camera, action!

Well, the list is finished.
The real estate agent is coming tomorrow and we're listing it.
My neighbor doesn't want us to move so she said she's going to do strange things so potential buyers are afraid to move here. Like get a bunch of old cars on blocks in the front yard, hang a rebel flag, etc.
Keep your fingers crossed.

"One small step for man...."

Well, I was pleasantly surprised at yesterday's meeting.
It was JJ's and Braden's school caseworkers and the Director of Special Ed. and me.
First we went through JJ's IEP, and she agreed that the goals were irrelevant and non-measurable. But, she did say that if he has any interest in college at all, a 504 plan is better than an IEP. I don't know if that's true....I can't find any information that says one is better than the other.
Then we went through Braden's. She helped his caseworker rewrite all his goals. Then she said that she knows the school was totally wrong with not sending reports of progress but that she had no idea. She just assumed they were since the middle and elementary schools were sending them. She also said it looked like IEP's needed to be looked at in general and more training was needed for her staff. She said they're using a new computer program next year that will automatically generate the reports, which will be tied right into report cards. She going to implement a plan where the report cards of student's with IEPs will be generated separately and the reports will be attached and mailed together by the main office, who will notify her if reports aren't done.
She thanked me for calling her and said that believe it or not, I'm the first high school parent to ever call and complain about IEP's or lack of progress reporting and if I hadn't called, she would have continued to assum that things were being done the way they were supposed to be.
I didn't particularly care for her....he attitude was a little, "I'm way better and smarter than you'll ever be", but I made my points clearly and she took care of all my concerns. Now, we'll just wait and see what happens next year. But, she clearly knows that if these issues aren't rectified, I will call the state.

IEP SchmIEP

About a month ago I had to go to the school for JJ's IEP meeting. The school says he doesn't need an IEP anymore. Last year he had two goals on his IEP and at the meeting one was classified as "not introduced" and the other showed "minimal progress". In math, JJ tests at a 4:7 (high fourth grade level). How can they say he doesn't need an IEP when they haven't met the goals of his existing IEP??? Unfortunately, I don't have Educational Rights for him, and Children's Home doesn't want to fight it. My hands are tied.
Two weeks ago I went in for Braden's IEP meeting. He has three goals. Two were marked "moderate progress" and one was marked "significant progress". However, the school has no data to back up these statuses. When I requested it, they said there really wasn't any. Braden went from a tested sixth grade level in math at the end of 8th grade, to a 5th grade level at the end of ninth grade.
Also, according to all IEP's, there are supposed to be quarterly IEP progress reports sent home...I never get any for either boy. I talked to my neighbor, whose son has an IEP, and she doesn't receive the progress reports either. And, all three of these kids have different special ed caseworkers at the school, so it's just not one person not doing their job....it's standard operating procedure.
I called the Director of Special Ed yesterday and she wants me to come in today for a meeting at 9:am. I know a lot of you aren't familiar with IEP's, but Nazareth is being non-compliant. That's against the law. I know it. They know it. She said the meeting was going to be with her, and JJ's and Braden's caseworkers, but, I know I'm going to walk into that meeting this morning and have to face about 8 people with various degrees. I'm very nervous. I'm so pissed about this whole situation and I'm going to forget all the logical points I have made in my mind. I'm going to come off as a stark raving lunatic....but, holy crap, this is about the education of these boys. And, if the three kids I know with IEP's are having this problem.....what about all the other kids with IEP's? It just can't be a coincidence that these are the only three problems.
Wish me luck!!!

listless

My list finally has more things crossed out, than aren't crossed out.
Thursday we're getting the carpets shampooed, then we'll be ready.
I was going to buy new bedding for my room....so my curtains and bedspread match...but, I don't want to spend the money. I just have to plant some flowers in the window boxes out by the pool and we're done!
I'm glad, yet sad.

"No more pencils no more books...."

Today was the last day of school this year for me.
So, I'm off for the summer....except for the part-time job I do. But, 15 hours a week is better than 50. I won't have to set my alarm for two months!

extra extra read all about it

I got a call from the Children's Home yesterday asking if I would be able to go there for a meeting with JJ, his caseworker and the campus supervisor.
So, I left work early and went to the meeting. I got there before JJ, and reiterated my points with the supervisor, and explained how important I think it is to stick to my guns here so that JJ learns responsibility. To my relief, she completely agreed with me (I had my doubts, because of how things tend to run at the Home).
When JJ arrived, I asked to speak with him alone for a minute. I gave him a hug, told him I loved him but then told him that I loved him too much and wanted too much from him to not hold him accountable. He didn't smile or really say anything. I was very concerned at this point, and, to be honest, a mess. I didn't think this was going to go well.
We went into the meeting, and surprisingly calmly talked everything through. He was respectful, apologetic and said he just wanted to come home. So, I brought him home. On the way home, he apologized again for what he'd done and for being disrespectful when he was angry. I think he wanted me to know that it wasn't just for show in front of the staff from the Home.

Sidenote: On Thursday, he had gone to his football coach (a man, who up until this point I had mixed feelings about) and explained what had happened. After practice, the coach took him out for pizza and talked with JJ. Then he took him to the Home and asked to see JJ's brother. He told his brother, under no uncertain terms, that JJ had the best world with us and that if Andrew wanted what was best for him, he'd do everything he could to make JJ realize that. The football coach called us after he dropped JJ off and told us everything. He also told me that if JJ's punishments for grades don't seem to be working....and they don't, perhaps he could help me with some creative punishments that, while they wouldn't be unhealthy for him, would make him uncomfortable. I told him I really appreciated it and it was great that JJ has another positive male role model in his life. Let's say my opinion of this man has gone way up.

So, as of now, JJ's home and last night we had a nice time together. I have Brighton this weekend and we were outside playing with him in the driveway when a couple of JJ's friends pulled into the driveway. Right away he looked at me and said, "I didn't tell them to come. I know I'm grounded." I knew he hadn't, just by the look on his face. I also know how worried his friends were about him and how stressful the week was for JJ, so I ordered some pizza and let them hang out for a little while. (making sure JJ realized why I did it, and that he was still grounded). He looked me in the eye and said, "Thanks miss. Really, thanks."

Title-less

Holy crap, I need a break!!

JJ left last night. He had his caseworker take him back to the Children's Home. She came up to talk to him about not following rules, lying, etc. I guess he thought it would be better to give up all the love he gets here, all the friends he's made, his high school and his football team instead of agreeing to admit fault and start living by the rules of the house. I'm in shock. I don't know how this will all pan out. He might call in a couple of days, or he might never call. He's so angry with me. Yeah, only me. The enforcer. As he left, he said, "sorry Keith. I didn't want it to turn out this way." I feel like a failure with him. I took the day off today, needless to say, I didn't sleep very well last night.

I went to my doctor's appointment. He recommended a dermatologist and told me to call to have it biopsied. I called the dermatologist, and they don't have an opening until the end of November. So, I have to find another one.

Today would have been my dad's 80th birthday. Happy birthday dad!

"All in all it's just another brick in the wall"

I'm still on strike. Well, semi-strike.
Both of the boys made dinner for me on Monday and pledged their undying love and gratitude to me. They promised to accept consequences for their actions and to be more responsible. Keith still thinks I'm being a jerk and thinks his end of the strike will be over if he keeps trying to kiss my ass. Think again. He needs to start stepping up to the plate as far as the boys are concerned.
So, the beginning of my week went well.
Then came the end of the week.
I found out that JJ has been lying to me all week. He offered to give up his phone in exchange for being able to go out after the prom. (we, oops, that would imply that Keith took an active role in this, I told him that since he was grounded because of his very poor grades that he couldn't go hang with his buddies after-prom.) I agreed to the switch. However, that sneaky, cheating, lying kid took the sim card out of his phone on Sunday and put it into an old phone of mine...which he took without asking and replaced it with an old sim card he got from a friend)so, he has not been phoneless. When I found out (something told me to turn his phone on) he lied about how it happened. He had plans to go to his Aunt's in Philadelphia this weekend, so I told him to leave the phone he'd been using and his driving permit on the counter before he left. He didn't do it. Now he's in Philadelphia until Monday and I get the stew over it all weekend. Yay me!
Also, on a completely separate note, I found a huge spot on my back that is certainly some sort of cancer. I have an appointment on Tuesday at the doctor's. There are some sorts of nearly-harmless cancer, but this is my life we're talking about. I'm sure it's melanoma. Plus, I've been doing some research and the little bugger fits all the criteria for melanoma. I'm sure I'll be okay, but what will I do if I can't sit out by the pool and read books every weekend in the summer? That's what I look forward to most.
Really, can one more bad thing happen to me? Mortgage crisis, idiot husband, disrespectful kids, bad economy....let's see, what else can we give her?? Oh yeah, how about cancer!

Strike

I'm on Strike.

Come Sail Away

That was the theme of JJ's prom. Here's a picture of him and his date:

Isn't he handsome?

?Happy Mother's Day??

I am so angry and disappointed in my kids right now, I literally am using every ounce of strength I have not to hop in my car and drive as fast and far as I can.
Neither Braden or JJ is a great student...they don't have it in them. But, they know I expect at least C's on their report cards. Every single report card comes and they get grounded for D's. Occasionally F's. Every single one.
They got grounded again last week. One is handling it better than the other, who shall remain nameless (Braden). He's been nasty and rude and disrespectful ever since he got his consequences. And, since they've been grounded, their grades have gone down. Yes, I said down.
Keith was planning on taking us out to dinner for Mother's Day, but I told him to cancel it. I really don't feel like sitting around a table with a couple of kids who could so blatently disregard what is expected of them, and pretending to be a happy family. I'd go without them, but I don't trust them to stay home and not use the entertainment (computer, video games, etc) that they've been grounded from.
I told them this and all I got in return is blank stares. No remorse. No apologies. Who are these people?

Brighton

My list didn't shrink at all this weekend...but for a good reason. I had my grandson. Not to sound like one of those boasting, stereotypical grandmothers...but he's adorable. And so bright. I took him grocery shopping with me, and of course everyone we passed was ooohing and aaahhing him, which he accepted with graceful smiles in the direction of the flatterers. When one man passed us, and had the audacity not to talk to him or smile at him, Brighton grabbed the man's shirt as he walked past us and when the man turned around Brighton dazzled him with his best smile and wave. The man laughed and laughed.

Here he is, judge for yourself.

"she works hard for the money"

With everything that's going on with my family (financially), you'd think I would be aware of how shitty the economy is, right? Wrong.
We had our house appraised in November by our realtor. Now that we're ready to list it, he "ran the numbers" again, and it went down twenty thousand dollars. In four months!!!! I'm flabbergasted. I'd better get my list crossed off quickly or it will go down again!

lists

It was report card time this week. Just once I'd like to get my kids' report cards and smile. But, noooooo. They're crappy. So, Braden and JJ are both on my shit list.

Last weekend I cleaned out the back flower beds and dejunked the basement. This weekend I'm doing windows and the front flower beds. Two more things crossed off my list.

We have our next three books picked for book group, so, for once, I'm going to plan ahead and order the whole list at one time. Save some money on shipping. Here's what we're reading:

"Gifted: A Novel" by Nikita Lalwani

" The Housekeeper and the Professor" by Yoko Ogawa

" The Story of a Marriage" by Andrew Sean Greer

"you've got to move this, you're doin' fine...."

Well, the decision has been made. We've decided to put our house on the market and to find a less expensive one.
Now, there's so much to be done! I have to paint the whole upstairs. I have to have the carpets upstairs shampooed. The garage has to be de-cluttered. I have to dye my living room curtains. There's an interior door that has to be replaced. Oh....and clean! Not that I'm not clean, but I'm not "show-your-house-to-complete-strangers-hoping-they'll-love-it-so-much-they'll-want-to-buy-it" clean. Plus, outside there's a ton that has to be done.
But the hardest thing of all is that we're going to have to agree on a new house. I might need to get a professional mediator.
Part of me is overwhelmed thinking about all this stuff....I'm starting this weekend on my list, but another part of me is relieved that we're going to take some action. It took a lot of persuading to get Keith to take his head out of the sand and agree to this.
Braden's upset, but kind of excited to move into town and be closer to his friends. JJ's just upset.

Ugghhh

Back to work tomorrow. It was nice having a couple of days off from school. I still did my other job, but only working one is better than two.

Easter dinner was a success. The crown roast was delicious and moist. The roasted vegetables were my favorite...and I even tricked Afro into trying them. The banana cream pie was just so-so. I'll have to look for another recipe.

I've made my decision

I'm going with the crown roast. I found a recipe in a Martha Stewart magazine. With it, I'm going to serve roasted root vegetables (fingerling potatoes, parsnips and turnips). I'm not sure what vegetable yet...something green.
Banana cream pie and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
If anyone doesn't like it, they can go hungry.

Suggestions, please?

Life around here has returned to semi-normal....not that normal is so great.

I'm trying to decide what to make for Easter dinner. We always do a ham, but we just had ham and since I'm not really in the mood to do Easter at all, I thought if I mixed it up a bit, I'd get into it a little more. I have to cook for 12, so it has to be something not too expensive. At first I thought a beef tenderloin...but that would cost me a third of my weekly grocery budget! Now I'm thinking maybe a pork crown roast. Any thoughts or suggestions?

My dad

To get ready for my dad's services, we all went through our old pictures. Here are some of my favorites. The first one is he and I this past Christmas. The middle one is him with Afro about three years ago. The last one is him in his 30's on a fishing trip. It's funny, looking back now, I see how he aged. But, if you would have asked me two weeks ago, I would have said he only aged in the last six months.

My father passed away this morning.
He was having difficulty breathing...but nothing terrible bad.
He told my mom, "I don't think I can do this much longer" and died within a half an hour.
I'll always miss him, but glad his revolving hospital door experience is over for him.

sleep. hospital. weather. real estate. I've got it all!

What a week!
I'm so tired. It seems I can never get enough sleep. I even fell asleep during 30Rock last night.

My dad is in the hospital...again. He's been in at least six times since Thanksgiving. This time he has an infection in his lungs. Last time it was in his arm, where they have the port for dialysis. Apparently it moved to his lungs. They expect him to be okay, but he has to stay in there on IV antibiotics until it's completely gone. I feel so badly for him...he hates all this attention. He hates that we take time out of our schedules to go visit him. But, on the good side, he loves the food at this particular hospital. Brags about it all the time.

Let's see, do I have anything else to report? Not really. It's starting to warm up a bit here. It's in the 60's today. It was two weekends ago too...but then dropped back down to the 30's. I'm anxious to get the yard cleaned up and looking nice.

I'm also trying to talk Keith into putting the house up for sale. He wants to "hold on for one more year". I'm sick of holding on. I want to live again. Although, I don't want to do all the painting/fixing up we'd have to do to have our house on the market. I've watched too many episodes of Designed to Sell to not do some things. Things that are perfectly fine for us to live with, but not for perspective buyers.

Isn't it ironic?

Sometimes the way businesses run just amaze me.
As I said, I sent out a bunch of letters regarding our mortgage. One of senators had me fill out a form saying they could contact Chase (the devil) on our behalf. We did that. They called the devil and sent them a letter, enclosing a copy of the letter I wrote.
I got a phone call yesterday from our contact at Chase. He said that they still couldn't do a loan modification for us, but they could do something. They said that if we pay only $x for the next three months ($400 short), at the end of the three month period they would reconsider and possibly we would qualify for the modification. I replied:
What about the balance for each of those months? (he said it would go into a suspended account)
Will Chase report the short payments to the credit bureau? (he said they're obligated to by law)
Will it negatively affect my credit rating? (he said of course)
Even though I'm paying the amount you're telling me to pay? (yes)
Can you assure me we'll get the modification? (no)
To sum it up, I said, you're giving me permission to short pay my mortgage, but you'll report the short payments, negatively affect our credit rating, and then MAYBE we'll get a lowered mortgage payment so we don't lose our house and ruin our credit? (yes)
I said, your bank has received over $25million in bail out money, yet you won't work with me unless I ruin my credit rating first? Even though the only thing I did wrong was get my mortgage through a crook who has been found guilty and is sitting in jail? He said, we have to make sure you're serious about this, not just looking for a lower payment.
I told him no thanks.

"Give me three steps..."

Last night, I got a phone call from my brother. He and his wife, my sister and a couple of her friends were at the legion. Come join them for a beer.
So, I ran up there and my cousin Kirk was there. He's my cousin third removed, or something like that. More like an uncle....a lot older than I am. Growing up, he and his wife lived right next door to my family.
Anyway....he was two sheets to the wind and telling stories about when we were younger. He was thrilled to see Afro, Susan and Me in the same place. So, he proceeds to tell this story of how he came home from work one day with a huge bag of peanuts and threw them all over the yard so us three would keep his very young son busy outside. "Ha ha," we laughed, now having kids of our own and knowing the feeling. He goes on to say that he was so horny, he wanted to "give it to" his wife. They couldn't even make it up the stairs, he said, he, and I quote, "nailed her on the third step."
How is that for a nice family visual.

"I am barely breathing...."

I'm still alive, but very, very busy. I haven't had time to post.
However, at the risk of completely jinxing it, I may have Saturday and Sunday completely to myself. Stay tuned for the update.

Once bitten, twice shy baby

My book group picked "Twilight" for this month's selection. I was a bit disappointed. I didn't want to read the teen vampire book.
I borrowed a copy and started it yesterday. I finished it yesterday. It was addicting. I want to meet an Edward. He's smart, funny, handsome and he can't have sex!

Today is my anniversary

Big fuckin whoop!

"So take a letter Maria, address it to my wife"

Ala Emma, I wrote a letter about our predicament and sent it to all our local government officials, the President, The CEO and all board members of JPMorgan Chase. I'll see where that goes.
If I get no response, I'm going to do a press release, like Bert suggested. Not only did he suggest it, he wrote one up for me. I have to change a couple of details, but I like it.
Hopefully this will get us somewhere!

There was a farmer had a dog....

To copy from Emma, I had a GNO last night....sorta.
I went with my sister to the local legion for bar bingo. Yes, that's right. I played B I N G O with my sister, her roommate and about ten other crazies. There's the old woman that plays with her false teeth and holds her ears if anyone yells, there's the funny guy that yells, "That's bullshit" if anyone but him yells, BINGO!, and there was the bingo caller who looks like a member of the Grateful Dead. A dead member.
It was a lot of fun though. I won three separate games...including the coverall. I paid for my games, bought the bar a round (I've always wanted to do that) and still came home with an extra $25.00.
I had a blast. Oh, and I was home by 10:15 to read and watch HGTV.

Time keeps on slippin, slippin, slippin

I have Brighton this weekend. He's still as spoiled, and adorable, as the last time I had him. I haven't showered or made a bed since he got here!
Not that I'm complaining...there's plenty of time for all that other stuff...
He'll be a year old next month. Where did the time go?

"This is how we do it baby"

Back to the never ending saga of our mortgage situation.
Chase has offered loan modifications to customers who are having difficutly paying their mortgages. Not just the ones involved in the Wesley Snyder debacle, but those in trouble because of the economy/ARM's, etc. We filled out oodles of paperwork. Sent it in. About eight weeks later, they requested more paperwork, we sent that in. We waited.
And we waited.
Then, we waited some more.
Last week, "our guy" from Chase called. Unfortunately they wouldn't be able to offer us any type of loan modification. Keith took the call, and of course didn't ask any questions. I called the guy back and here's what he told me. We don't qualify for the loan modification because....get this....we DON'T make enough money. Huh? He said that they don't think we can make the payment even if they lower the amount. I told him that we've been making the higher payment for the last six months and he said, "but you won't be able to keep doing it." "So," I asked, "Instead of giving us the opportunity to make a lower payment, and keep our house, you're just going to write us off?" There was nothing he could do, he said. I said, how did we qualify for this loan in the first place, and he replied that Chase didn't approve the loan, it was originally with Suntrust. I asked him if when Chase aquired the loan from then, didn't they have to meet any type of criteria, and he said yes. So, apparently at one time, you thought we could make the payments and now you don't? Our income hasn't gone down, it's gone up. I work two jobs now. He said he apologized, but they couldn't do anything.
Have you ever heard anything so ridiculous? I'm flabbergasted. I keep waiting for Howie Mandell to pop out and say, "That's howie do it!"

fractions

The other day, I was having a discussion with a girl in my class. She's a senior with far too many absences. I had to tell her that she couldn't have one more illegal absence or they would not let her graduate. She didn't think she'd missed that many days. So I laid it out for her. We've been in school for 93 days so far this year and she's missed 33. I told her "That's a third of the time. You've missed one third of the school days of this year." She replied, "But I've been here the other third."

"You light up my life...."

Something happened to my computer, and I had to do a system restore. Why did I keep ignoring the Norton suggestions to back up my files? I've lost nearly every picture of the baby, and a ton of other stuff. Oh well, at least it didn't cost me anything.
Everyone's still getting on my nerves...it's a good thing I don't pack heat.
I'm reading a great book right now...."The Hour I First Believed" by Wally Lamb. It's great...it got me hooked the second I picked it up. I'm glad it's long, because I'd be disappointed if it was over already.
A couple of weeks ago, I bought one of those book light things at Dollar Tree. I got it home and it wouldn't work. It was only a dollar, what did I expect. I just never got around to throwing it out. Last night, after dinner, we were sitting in the kitchen and Braden was playing with it....he dropped it on the floor and I yelled at him..."Leave it alone, it's not yours. Why do you feel free to touch things that aren't yours....etc, etc" (remember, I'm miserable right now). He felt pretty bad, yet continued to play with it. He switched it on, and IT WORKED! He looked at me and said, "You're welcome!"

Blah

I'm feeling very blah. I hate everything/everyone.
I need something to excite me. Get my blood flowing.
I plan on cleaning out closets today. That oughta do it. ~~0~~0~~

The best week ever...

That's what Braden has to say about this upcoming week.
Monday there's no school and 24 is on.
Tuesday is Barrack's inauguration.
Wednesday he gets his braces off and Lost starts back up again.
What else could you ask for in life?

"Sitting on the sofa with a sister or two"

My furniture came and I love it. It completely changed the look of the living room, and it's so comfortable. It's amazing how much more enjoyable sitting is without springs poking you in the butt.

I don't really have much to report here...which is probably a good thing.
I have book group on Friday night. We read "Loving Frank"...it's fiction but based on the relationship between Frank Lloyd Wright and the wife of one of his clients. It was pretty good. I really didn't know much about him, and I got curious while I was reading. I started looking online at some of his designs and reading a bit about him. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who might read the book, but something devastating happens, and I saw it on one of the websites....and it compeltely ruined the end of the book for me. I was so mad at myself.

I had Brighton for the whole weekend. I'm exhausted. Now I remember why people don't have kids at 45. Well, a few weirdos do, but I don't think I'd survive it now. It was enjoyable though. He's at such a cute age...nearly 10 months. Toddling around, making funny faces, playing peek-a-boo. It was a nice weekend.

Now I'm going to go sit on my nice, comfy couch.

"and no one heard at all not even the chair..."

I'm glad the holidays are over. Too much family time. Except for the getting-up-early part, I was glad to go back to work.

We have been scrimping and not spending for a year and a half now. It's driving me insane. We need new living room furniture so badly....the springs hit the ground on one of the chairs, the sofa has a huge rip in it that I keep trying to cover up with a throw, the ottoman is all misshapen. Plus it's big and ugly. A large furniture store here has been running a sale...no interest for three years and no payments for a year. (I figured in a year from now we'll either have had to sell the house and be living somewhere cheaper, or some of the lawsuits will have been settled.) So, I made Keith go with me and we picked out furniture. A sofa, loveseat and chair. I'm so excited! They're delivering it on Friday. The sofa and loveseat are tan...but a bright, golden shade of tan. They're corded microfiber. So comfy. And the chair is a brown suede recliner. But not your typical, bachelor style recliner. It looks like a regular chair. I can't wait to get it...and sit on it....and rearrange it! The pillows that come with the sofa/loveseat are brown with a faint design in them with tan/green/orange.

I have an antique chair that Keith's mom had reupholstered for us. It's a nice chair but the material she picked out is pink and blue flowers. It matches nothing in my house. A friend of mine from book group is going to bring her sewing machine up, we're going to pick out material and make some sort of slipcover for it to match the new stuff. She's going to try to teach me how to sew. I've never learned. I can do some hand things....buttons, hems, rips...but I've always wanted to learn to sew with a machine. There are so many things I can make...curtains, pillow covers, matching outfits for Braden and JJ.

For Christmas, my kids arranged to go have a family portrait taken. I've been wanting an updated one for a long time, but with our schedule...and certain children's escapades, there is never a good time to get everyone together...and not wearing an orange jumpsuit.

Here's a look at my favorite:

Christmas pictures

Renee and my dad

Joe, Renee, JJ, Braden and Brighton

Braden and Brighton

We wish you a merry christmas

Well, I'm nearly done with everything.
A little wrapping to do yet, and that's it.

Tomorrow we go to Afro's for Christmas dinner. I'm making sausage soup, a bread pudding and I don't know what else.

I hope everyone has a great holiday and enjoys a little time off work.

Merry Christmas!

Left hand, give it up

The kids at my school have started playing this new game. They can walk to you, or anyone, at anytime, and say, "left hand give it up" and whatever is in your left hand becomes theirs. If you're quick enough, you can say, "half and half" and then you only have to split it with them. I think it's hysterical that it works. You should see them at lunch time. The other day one kid wound up with five milks! Somene lost a watch. One kid taped the fingers of his left hand together, so he would remember not to use it. I'm addicted to it. I love to catch them...and make them give me their stuff. I give it right back, of course.
Could you imagine innocently eating your school lunch and because someone says, "left hand give it up" and you lose your hoagie??

updates

We're off today....the first snow day of the year. I think I'll get a jump on my baking. Maybe I'll do cutouts today.

My dad is getting out of the rehab center on Saturday. He has agreed to stay at my sister's for a week or two, just so we can make sure he can get around okay. My mother is in such poor health, that she's useless when it comes to taking care of him....so this way there will be other adults around in case he falls or needs something. He still has to go for dialysis three times a week, and he'll probably have to continue with some sort of physical therapy. Pooh, if you're reading this....good luck with the tea lady. I hope you bought a case of lipton!

Renee, goofball and the baby moved out a little while ago. It's been nice to have my household back to normal. Well, as normal as my household can be. Right now, she and the baby are staying with her grandfather, and goofball is in Allentown and he's still working. She got herself into more trouble on Thanksgiving, and even though my ex-father-in-law swears that he's done helping her out....he bailed her out and is now letting her and the baby live with him. She is involved with Children and Youth so there will be random checks on her and the baby. Presently she seems to be doing well....but she always does for about a month. She needs serious help and sadly, I'm the only one in her immediate family that seems to realize this. I just hope she gets it before it's too late. She's coming here on Christmas Eve, and she might leave the baby with me for a visit for a few days. I sure miss him! When we talk on the phone, she puts him on and he coos and aaahhhs. It makes me want to squeeze him.

I still have a bit of Christmas shopping to do. Just a few items. Nothing that I have to search for. And I have a lot of wrapping to do. And baking.

"There's a tree in the grand hotel...."

I am so far behind....I might be a little in front.

I haven't even started Christmas shopping yet. Not one thing. No gift wrap, no cards, no presents.

I have a dentist appointment this morning, then I'm taking the rest of the day off, and I'm going to try to get a start on it all. We'll see how it goes. I usually do well under pressure, so I'm hoping I can get most of it done today...all except the kids. I save them for last. Especially Braden. He changes his mind a kazillion times. And even more than hate Christmas shopping, I hate returning Christmas gifts.

I'll let you know how I make out.

Misc....

My father is improving. He's starting to eat a little, now that my mom has talked them into removing all the restrictions they had on his diet. He's 80 years old for crying out loud....if he wants to have pudding instead of diet jello, let him have it! Much to his chagrin, they moved him to a rehab center yesterday so they can concentrate on his hip. He's being very stubborn about walking on it. He has to go for dialysis three times a week. So, on that front things are looking up.

My Thanksgiving dinner went well. Everyone enjoyed the food, and I didn't have too many leftovers...just enough. Here's a picture of Braden and JJ taken on Sunday. Doesn't Braden look cute in that hat?

I'm going to start decorating for Christmas today. JJ has a basketball game this morning and when he and Keith get back, they're going to bring all the decorations down and then I'm going to "cheer this place up." I love decorating for Christmas, but then I can't wait to take it down. I have to force myself to leave it up until New Year's.

Brighton is starting to walk by holding on to furniture, or people, or toys...or anything he sees that he thinks will work. This plan works more often than not...but when it doesn't...let's just say

he takes quite a few nosedives. He's a good sport about it all though. Since I haven't blessed you in a while, here's a picture of him.

My Thanksgiving menu for today:

Roasted red pepper/gorgonzola dip
shrimp
buffalo chicken dip
candied nuts

Turkey
ham (my sister is bringing this)
sweet potato casserole
mashed red skin potatoes
stuffing
bacon topped sauteed brussel sprouts
cranberry salad

Banana cream fruit tart
pumpkin spice bundt cake
pie (my brother is bringing this)

egg nog
soda
beer (afro is bringing this)

The good, the bad and the....well, more bad.

The good: As you all know by now, we do our Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. But recently we've found ourselves with nothing to do on actual Thanksgiving....and I'm not cooking twice. Friends of ours have a daughter that dances. She's very good. She is part of the featured dance group that is dancing in the Philadelphia Boscov's Thanksgiving Day parade this year. So we decided to go. We went down to Philly on Wednesday afternoon, spent the day hanging out, went out to a nice dinner with the parents and another family that were there for the same reasons as us. We got up bright and early Thanksgiving morning, walked the mile and a half to the steps of the art museum and watched the parade. It was a very nice time.

The bad: My father, who will be 80 in May and isn't in the greatest health anymore, fell and broke his hip. He needed surgery but they weren't sure if they were going to be able to do it because his kidneys aren't in the best of shape. The doctor said it would be okay and they did the surgery on Sunday. The day after the surgery his kidneys started shutting down and they had to start dialysis (?) treatments. He's been confused as anything. Talking about the savior came for him but the ladies wouldn't let him in. He thought the walls of the hospital were caving in and told my mom to leave because it wasn't safe. He kept insisting that the nurses leave so they could escape with their lives. We went back down to see him yesterday and he didn't seem quite so confused. He didn't talk any nonsense, but sometimes you can see in his eyes that he's not sure what's going on. And, he hates people making a fuss over him. Hates that nurses are checking him all the time, hates that we're all taking time out of our day to go and visit him. Hates it, hates it, hates it. After years of putting up with the tea lady, I hope the rest of his life isn't spent like this.

You guys are probably beginning to think I'm making all this crap up.

"When you're hot you're hot, you really shoot your shot"

The other morning I get to work around 7:00 and as I'm climbing the stairs to my classroom, my cell phone starts ringing. Who in the world is calling me at 7:am? One of the kids must have forgotten something. I answer the phone and it's my neighbor. "Black smoke is coming out of your basement. I just called the fire department. You'd better come home." So, I put my stuff in the classroom and hightail it out of there. As I'm driving home, luckily only a five minute ride, I remember that Braden didn't go to school and was sleeping up in his bed. I frantically try to call his cell phone, no answer. I call the house phone, no answer. I call my neighbor back, no answer.
I'm driving like a mad woman. Crazy thoughts racing through my head. If the fire is in the basement, Braden will wake up before the upstairs is engulfed in flames, wouldnt he? What about the dog and cat? Thank God Renee and the baby aren't still in the basement. If my house really is on fire, and everyone gets out safely, it better burn all the way to the ground. I don't want to have to deal with smoke and water damage for months only to have to turn around and sell it. God, Braden wake up. I try to make all the calls again. No answer.
I finally, after what felt like an hour, make it to my driveway in under five minutes. I can't get in. There's three fire trucks, two police cars and an ambulance. A ton of people in my driveway. Including my neighbor, still in her robe. I see a familiar cop standing there. "Officer Dempsey, Braden's asleep up in bed!" "Not any more he's not. It's all clear in there, but he's awake in the living room."
Apparently something backfired in my furnace/water heater, causing black smoke to billow out the vent. In the half-light, it looked to my neighbor that it was coming out the window. It was all cleared up already and they recommended that we get our furnace checked. My neighbor apologized a thousand times, but I told her it was the right thing to do. If it had been a real fire, she could have been responsible for Braden being alive.
Good news: No one was hurt and my house is still in one piece. No smoke/water damage.
Bad news: My water heater is shot and two months past it's warranty protection. Over a thousand dollars to replace it.
Braden said, "mom, it's scary being woken up by a policeman and a fireman."
I am probably SO the talk of the street. In the past month I've had at my house an ambulance, the police twice and now every community vehicle the township owns. If we move, I'd be willing to bet no one can offer them the kind of excitement we have!

"then peace will guide the planets..." Or proposition for Tree

I am reading "Eat, Pray, Love" right now. It was a book group pick. I probably wouldn't have chosen it myself, but I'm enjoying it. I would love to take a year off and travel. I don't know if I'd pick the three places the author chose...although Italy would be one.
Right now she's in India and talks about meditating and her guru. It got me to thinking. I want a guru. And, I've chosen Tree.
Doesn't she seem like the guru type? She's so calm and rational. When she's angry...does she really get angry or just annoyed? Anyway, when she's peeved, she can get her point across without sounding argumentative or self-righteous. When she's happy, she sounds wonderfully happy. She's so eloquent. And, to me at least, she seems at peace with herself and those around her. I would like to be more like her. Maybe then I'd be handling all this stress better than I am now.
How 'bout it Tree? Would you be my guru?

"listen to the jail house rock"

Our justice system is incredible!
Renee spent two days in jail, and after talking with the arresting officer, he decided that she's just a "good kid" who has a problem and made some bad decisions. He's arranged it so she doesn't have to do anymore jail time until her hearing, and then he'll recommend the same thing. He told her to, and I quote, "get a job" and do well. Don't get me wrong, she is/was a good kid, but she has a serious problem that needs to be addressed and a job won't cut it. She's tried that route before.
Now her and knucklehead have rented an apartment and are going to be moving in next week. In the meantime, they are going to be staying with a friend of his, as soon as Children and Youth check it out and give the okay.
You know, as mean as it may make me sound, I wanted her to sit in jail a while. Get good and clean. Maybe get some court ordered rehab. I don't know. This way I just get to worry constantly, get my hopes up when she does well for a month and then wait for the other shoe to fall. Again.

"I shot the sheriff...."

The police came and picked up Renee yesterday. They were very cooperative. I know this has to be done, but there's no way I could be present when they came. The detective said she admitted to everything, and was scared, but very cooperative. Right now she's at the county prison. I thought maybe she'd call last night, but I would imagine she's very angry with me. Hopefully down the road she'll realize why we had to do what we did.
As long as we're pressing charges, the bank isn't going to hold us responsible for all that money. It will take a long time to get it back, but eventually we'll be able to recoup.
I'm taking a sick day today. I have to call Children and Youth, try to convince dipshit to let me have temporary custody, help said dipshit find a place to live, etc.
If we end up keeping the baby, I'm going to have to find out what kind of subsidies (?) there are are for childcare expenses, because there's no way I can afford it right now.
It's sad to say, but I slept better last night than I have in a while. I know that, at least for right now, everyone is safe. And that I won't wake up to find anything missing. That's awful, isn't it?

"Blown round by the wind, thrown down in a spin..."

Just checking in, really.
I've got nothing new to report.
At the risk of sounding melodramatic, my life continues on its downward spiral.
We're going to two open houses today.
Next week is the last week of football.
Oh, and my daughter stole my MAC card and sucked our checking and savings account dry. We filed a report with the police and are waiting for them to conclude their "investigation".

"Our house is a very, very, very fine house"

Well, it's come to that point. The company Keith works for is laying off 150 people this week. Thankfully Keith isn't one of them, but it does mean that all his overtime is being cut out. Which, in turn, means that he'll be bringing in a couple hundred dollars less each week....which in turn means that we can't afford this mortgage payment. I took a part-time job that I go to Monday-Friday after work, and we still can't swing it without the overtime. We had a real estate agent come out and do an appraisal on Monday. We're waiting to see what he comes up with. He suggested that we don't list our house until after the first of the year, since the holidays are the slowest time in the real estate market. It kind of makes me sad, but I can deal with it. The kids, I'm not so sure about.

On a different note, Braden got a part-time job at the new Sonic that opened. He loves it. And has so many plans for his money, you'd think he' was bringing in $50k a year! Everyday there's something different he plans to buy.

And, on yet another note, I saw a sign for gas yesterday for $2.99 a gallon. Hard to believe that $2.99 for gas can get me excited, but it does.

And, to go with this dreary post, I'll leave you with a picture of the most beautiful baby in the world. Even if I do say so myself.

"It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown"

I saw something like this in a magazine, and I thought I'd give it a try. I'm happy with how it came out.

"..all the news that is news across the nation...."

You're never going to believe these....

The rehab that Renee was going to go to is in Houston. Where did Hurricane Ike go? That's right. We haven't been able to get a hold of anyone and are in limbo. Their phone lines are down, I guess. I have no way of knowing if the place was destroyed or if they're just waiting for power to be restored.

Goofy got a job!

Braden came to me yesterday and said he apologized for all the lip he give us and for all the hard times he's caused. He promised to try to think of other people and stop being such a pain in the ass. He actually hugged me good night last night and said he loved me...IN FRONT OF A FRIEND!!

JJ actually came to me for advice with a girl problem.

That's one big minus, yet three pluses!

"someone left the cake out in the rain...."

Last night I got to spend 2 1/2 hours sitting in the rain at JJ's football game. We won at least...but two out of the last three games have been in the pouring rain. And, ironically enough, last weekend Keith and I were out shopping for a baby shower gift when I saw these really cute flowered rain boots on sale for $10. They were so cute, I saw they had my size, I picked them up then thought....how often would you wear rain boots? Is it worth $10.00? Well, last night at around 7:30 I would have sold my wedding ring for them!

Renee is going to a 90 day rehab in Texas. She just had to get a physical and some tests done. That's done and faxed to the place...so they'll be calling any day with her start date. I think Ray found a job!!! Through an employment agency. Not that I want to give him an excuse to stay here longer...but I don't want him taking the baby. It's second shift, so I'd hardly ever see him! He's a goof ball with no job, no career, no license, no place to live and not a cent to his name. He thinks he's taking the baby to Camden NJ. Where, by the way, his cousin was just stabbed at a convenience store. Over my dead body! I told him he was welcome to leave and that I would care for Brighton until Renee got home. Not that Keith and I really feel like having a baby in our lives at this point, but, how would I ever sleep again knowing he might be hungry or wearing a dirty diaper?

On a comletely, less dramatic, note, today and tomorrow my whole household is being relegated to yard work. I might as well use the free labor while I have it. I want to move all my periennials (I'm sure that's spelled wrong, but I'm too lazy to look it up) and I have to dig up all my day lillies and divide them, plus I have a large bush that needs to be moved.

"I'm a joker, I'm a smoker....."

On a completely different note....

I am not an overly political person. I have my views and my favorites, but I don't feel the need to put my opinions out there. I'd be happy to have a political discussion, if one came up, but I wouldn't be the one to do so. Also, I don't really care what your views are. If you like this guy better than that guy...good for you. I might think it's a bad choice, but it's your decision. If you want a McCain sign in your yard, feel free. If you want an Obama t-shirt, fine and dandy.

BUT...there are these two guys at work that have bumper stickers that say NOBAMA. For some reason, they really piss me off. Every time I walk past the one car, I want to smash the back windshield where he has the sticker. I don't know why this particular sticker brings out this feeling of rage in me, but it does.

The other day I cut out little red G's to match the sticker and placed them over the red N's. Leaving their stickers to say GOBAMA. I did it as a joke. They noticed and found out it was me, now they're swearing revenge. In a funny, "we'll see who laughs last" kind of way. But, I'm a nervous wreck as to what they might do. It's driving me insane...which is probably part of their plan. I've never been one for practical jokes because I'm always afraid of the retaliation. Something just got the better of me in this case and now I'll probably pay the price. Everytime I see the one guy in the hall he says, "Game on!" and I nearly pee my pants.

I'm afraid I spoke too soon, in regard to Renee. So, she's gotta get outta here...I won't/can't allow that kind of behavior around Braden and JJ.

Now comes my true dilemma...what about Goofy and the baby???? Just look at him!

It's a miracle...a true blue spectacle

Well, it's close enough to a miracle that I'm counting it. I have the house nearly to myself. JJ is at football practice, Renee and Ray are out running errands and Keith is at work. Braden's in bed, so I find myself with 20 minutes or so before I have to go grocery shopping.

Renee has had a couple of pretty good weeks. Apparently it's harder after the first 30 days....then they say at day 60 it becomes a little easier. We're at about day 40. Knucklehead has practically found a job. The only thing is he needs his driver's license. That's right, he doesn't even have a license. They're going later today for him to take his permit test.

JJ got a concussion last week at football practice, but got "released" on Wednesday, so he was able to play in the scrimmage Thursday night. He did a really good job and was so pleased with himself. His attitude has done about a 160 degree turn so things are pretty good on that front.

Braden had his birthday party last night and he had a blast. They swam and hung out and played manhunt. What else could you ask for at 15? He's getting really excited to start school on Monday. It's hard to believe he's starting his first year of high school. I remember all the battles we had in elementary school like it was just yesterday.

I'm on the SAP team at work, and it's really a time consuming thing. Meetings after meetings after meetings. I'm trying to weed things out of my life that bog me down (ala Tree) and I prepared this whole speech that I was going to give the principal of all the reasons I have to resign from the team. All the other things I do at work, above and beyond my job description, that take all my free time...blah blah blah. While I know they can't force me to be on it, they did spend several hundred dollars to send me to the training and I wasn't sure how he'd take it. I walked in and said, "Can I talk to you about the SAP team?" He said, "You don't want to be on it anymore?" I replied meekly, "no." He said, "then quit." I asked if he wanted an explanation and he said, "You do so much around here, I'm sure whatever reason you have is a good one. I trust you." That made me feel good. One down, a thousand to go.

THE SUMMER IN REVIEW

THE SUMMER IN REVIEW:
(Take heed...it ain't pretty)

JJ has been a shit lately. Sneaking out after we go to bed to meet with the girl that lives across the street. Lying about it. Being completely, postively miserable when faced with consequences for said behaviors. Sneaking around with other things too...more lying. Not the behavior we've seen in him in the two years since he's been here.

Braden is just being Braden. Enough said.

Renee, her idiot boyfriend and their baby have moved in with us. They think they'll have a better chance of finding gainful employment here as opposed to where they were living. Since they've been here, she slipped back into an old, terrible habit. So, now she's doing intense outpatient rehab. She's just begun a job waitressing. I have to practically be a prison guard. The boyfriend has done virtually nothing but sit in the living room and apply for jobs he's totally unqualified for. And, he talks as if he's the perfect guy. He can run a 2 minute mile, he is thinking about becoming a doctor (he only has one semester of post-high-school-education), he's the best father in the world (hardly), he makes up words, and he preaches about everything.

We're still in mortgage limbo. We can't get the home equity loan we wanted until Chase sends a letter saying we're current with our mortgage payments, which we are, but I can't get anyone to send the letter. We're supposed to be working something out with them by September, but so far I have about 20 un-returned voicemails in to them.

The only good thing is I get to see my adorable grandson every day.

I don't know what's going on, but you might want to keep your distance.
Everyone around me is falling apart, and I'm not really sure I can handle one more thing.

What a week I've had.
Renee came down with the baby on Sunday and when she was leaving on Wednesday, I convinced her to leave him with me for a few days to give herself a break. What a sweet thing he is. So pleasant! But, I forgot how hard it is with an infant. Having to time everything between naps. I can honestly say that when they came back to get him, in spite of how much I knew I was going to miss him, when they pulled out of the driveway I sighed a sigh of relief. I didn't have time to do anything while he was here. It was worth it, but I was exhausted.

Wesley Snyder, the man behind our mortgage debacle, had his sentencing trial last week. The national guidelines call for between 10 and 12 years in prison. The judge gave him 12 years and 2 months. Plus ordered him to pay restitution to all the victims. Not that that is going to happen. The money is gone. Either ill-spent or hidden in the Grand Caymans. I think, though, that this adds fuel to our case with the banks and the management company that was supposed to be monitoring him.

I've got a ton to do today before going back to work tomorrow. And, really, I feel like doing nothing. But, I wanted to post a quick update. But, my time's up so I'm outta here.

--Oh, and if you can believe it, I now have even more Japanese beetles than I had last week. I'm blessed.

"I think I'm turning Japanese..."

These little f-ers are back!

"This little light of mine..."

Well, I can see a little light at the end of the tunnel. It might just be the flicker of a match, but it's still some light.

For the past two weeks I've been calling banks, mortgage brokers and checking online for refinance options. Some way to get our payment lower so we can ride this thing out without losing the house. We could make the higher payment, but we would have absolutely no money to spend. And, with two teenage boys, you always need money to spend. The problem is, our rate with Chase is very competitive and we wouldn't be saving any money by refinancing...only if we went interest only....and we really didn't want to do that with our mortgage.

I talked to the nicest mortgage broker yesterday. He is a little familiar with this case, as it's been in the papers and on the news since September. He said he feels very strongly that Chase, our mortgage company, will wind up offering some type of settlement. They've done it in the past for cases that while not like ours, the end results were the same. He said that it would be much easier for Chase to forgive part of a loan they already have, than to get them to cut a check for us to pay off a loan that's with another lender. I told him that I agreed, however, it won't do me any good if my house is in foreclosure, or I can't afford to heat it.

He suggested a low interest home equity loan to consolidate our other debts. We have enough equity to get one to pay off my Pacifica (even though it's a lease) and our two small credit card balances and the four wheeler we bought. He recommended that I call a banker he works with. I called her and she had an amazing offer. An interest only home equity line of credit. With what we need, the payment on the interest only loan would be a little over a$100 a month. Well that's a saving of about $500 a month. We only have to make up around $300, so we can apply $200 to the principal each month and our payment will go down down down. Then, if something comes up and we have a tough month financially, we can just pay the interest and it won't reflect poorly on our credit.

I got a good night's sleep last night for the first time in a long time. I love that man, and I've never even met him. Oh, the lady at the bank was very nice too.

Wish me luck!

I'm bragging just a bit

Okay, I'm not the least bit impartial here....but, isn't this the most adorable baby ever????

"Heard it from a friend who, heard it from a friend who..."

The pool party went off without a hitch. The friend's mom rearranged her schedule and got there about 2:30. The height of the action. No one tried to sneak into the woods. No one except Braden and his girlfriend. Twice I had to put the kabosh on a little "sneak away". I can't believe Braden is going to be in high school next year. Where does the time go?

Tonight's my book group meeting. I decided on my appetizers....roasted red pepper bruchetta, sweet and sour chicken and mini rosemary potato pancakes. Plus assorted crackers and dips.

I started the summer program this week. What an interesting bunch of kids we have. They're all high school kids in the partial hospitalization program. Serious mental disorders. And, get this....now try to keep up it gets a little confusing: There's one girl in my class who has dated three other female students in my class and one male student in my class. The male student has also dated one of the female students (who happens to be one of the three females that dated the first female). This female has never gotten over the serious relationship she had with the male and stares longingly at him all day long and cries when his bus gets called. Oh, and their relationship lasted a total of 4 days. And the first female is currently dating yet another female student in my class and all day we're either telling them to keep their hands off each other or counseling one of them after they get into an arguement. My days are just filled with FUN FUN FUN!

"I'm takin what they're givin cuz I'm working for a livin..."

Yesterday was JJ's last day of school. Today is Braden's. Some of you may know what that means....it's the famous last day of school swim party. This year, since it's his last year in the middle school, he wanted to have a huge party...over 50 kids. I told him that was too many hormone driven teens for me to watch at one time (let's face it....it was easier when he was 8 and I only had to worry about skinned knees and the boys dunking the girls. Now I have to worry about trysts in the woods, alcohol and lord knows what else). So, we decided that he'd go in with one of his friends. We'd split the food costs and his mom would come and help chaperone. Yesterday the boy and his dad dropped off their share of the food and told me the mom was out of town on business so she wouldn't be available today. So, that means it's going to be me and all those kids. I'll probably have a nervous breakdown trying to make sure no one gets pregnant or wasted.

Friday night I'm hosting book group. We read "Lamb, the Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal". I loved the book. I need some appetizer ideas. I'm tired of all mine. So far I plan on making roasted red pepper and gorgonzola bruchetta and for desserts I'm making custard bread pudding with brown sugar sauce, a lemon cake and coconut blueberry cheesecake bars. Any good appetizer suggestions?

Tomorrow I start working the summer program. I'm kind of looking forward to it...except for the getting up in the morning part. We'll see if I feel the same way in a couple of weeks.

"thank you for being a friend..."

I called Chrysler Financial today. We are leasing our Pacifica through them. You know how whenever somone is on a talk show talking about credit counseling, they say "call the people you owe money to and explain the situation. They're often able to work with you." Well, I explained our situation and how in the very near future I might not be able to afford the payments on the van, not to mentin the $70 a week in gas. The very nice woman I spoke with told me, optimistically, that they had two options for me.
She went on to explain that I could find someone to make the payments for me, or sell it.
Thanks. Thanks a lot.

"More than meets the eye..."

Today's my last day of work. Yesterday was our last day with kids. We can go in a half an hour later today (which is why I have time to blog) and wear shorts. I'll take advantage of the half an hour, but I wouldn't wear shorts to work if my life depended on it. I was invited to a little get-together after work today, so that should be a fun way to unwind.

They're filming part of the next Transformers movie near here. There's an old steel foundry in Bethlehem, and they've transformed (haha..pun intended) it into a Chinese city. I took the kids over the other night to see some action. Even Joe wanted to get in on this little trip. We got to see the set...the fake Chinese signs, helicopters....but no action. They don't start filming until the middle of the night....and we had to leave around 9:00. But, at least we got to see enough that when the movie comes out we can say, "I was there."

"School's out for summer"

It's hard to believe but this school year is practically over. My students are done on Wednesday and I'm done on Thursday. Well, I would be done except that I'm working the summer program this year to earn some extra green.
JJ's football team is having a clothing drive today and Braden's scout troop is doing a carnival grounds clean up....so I have to get them up and about shortly. Then, I have to go for groceries, do laundry, all my usual stuff..
I'm looking out my kitchen door right now and people are riding horses about 30 yards from me. They're cutting through the yards to get to the state park behind our house that has riding trails. It's kinda neat to look out your window and see horses. The other day there was a turkey in our yard.
I might take a ride to Renee's tomorrow. I have some big pieces and I have to go in the truck. I hate driving the truck. I keep putting it off because of that damn truck. But, they won't fit in my Pacifica. That trip will be about $60 in gas and a sore back. But, I'll get to see Brighton (and Renee). He's gotten so cute. We took him for pictures two weeks ago and I could just squeeze him and squeeze him. I'm trying to convince her that it would be good for her and Ray to let the baby come and stay with me for a few days before I start the summer program. But, you know first time moms!

Take that!

Press: The Attorney General's Press Office - Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General

"O-da-dee, o-da-da-Ah, la la la la life goes on"

Believe it or not, I have a busy weekend that I can blog about.
Last night I had book group. We read "Son of a Witch" the sequel to "Wicked". The book wasn't that great, but I always enjoy myself and eat too much at book group...so it was fun. Next month it's at my house and we're reading "Lamb, the Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal".
Today, I have my usual "chores" to do, then Renee is coming with the baby and we're taking him to get his pictures taken. Tonight we have a Comedy Night to go to for the football boosters and Braden has Lacrosse Fun day today too.
Tomorrow Joe is coming down and if all goes according to plan, I'm going to power wash the front porch and get the rest of my chairs/tables out of the shed.
You know I started taking Chantix. Well, for the first six weeks I was smoking a cigarette or two a day. Last Saturday I decided enough is enough and I haven't had one since. It only bothers me 18 or 19 hours of the day. Not too bad!
Oh, and as of June 1, our mortgage stipulation is over and we're probably going to go right to the poor house.

I started a new post, but I've really got nothing to say.

Got milk?

There's a book I came across while searching something else that sounds entertaining. I'm going to see if my library has it.

I especially thought of Tracee when I saw this...I remember her saying she likes to look at the receipts left in her library books.

http://www.amazon.com/Milk-Eggs-Vodka-Grocery-Lists/dp/1581809417/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209682825&sr=8-1

Sorry I've been so remiss in updating...I just feel so blah. I'm sick of everything and am anxiously awaiting consistantly warm weather and a change of pace.
I'm having a baby shower for Renee on Sunday. I still haven't planned the exact menu...all appetizers and desserts. Of course, I have the desserts picked out...they're always easy (A chocolate lava cake, honey cheesecake and sticky buns) but I dont' know what to do for the "food food". I found some cute shower games on line to play...I'm looking forward to that.
Keith is still healing...the doctor said it could be three months until he goes back to work. Three months!! Holy shit.
Braden and JJ are doing well...waiting for school to get out.
The judge in our mortgage debacle has thrown out the case, as it stood. I don't know where this leaves us...and the 810 other mortgage holders. There's a meeting scheduled for May 8th, but the 75% stipulation ends on May 31. I really and truly don't know what we're going to do. I took a summer position at my school for the extra money, but it's not enough to make the extra payment. And, when summer ends, we're liable to be looking for a new house.

"Ha Ha woman it's a crying shame,But you ain't got no one else to blame..."

You all know I'm not one to complain, but, I'm going to break from the norm. ~~0~~0~~

Keith is recuperating from his surgery. He can't drive, so he can't go anywhere, and it's driving him nuts. He sits around all day, waiting for me to get home from work so he can run errands with me. AArrgghh! (notice I didn't say he spends the day emptying the dishwasher, or doing laundry, or vacuuming) Errand running is my only time alone. I like to listen to a book in the car, or have the music turned up loudly. I like to not have to talk to anyone. Throw that out the window.
It's not helping that this medicine I'm taking to quit smoking has made me miserable. I just want everyone to leave me alone.
At 10:00, when I say I'm going to bed, Keith says, "Me too." And follows me to bed. Why does he have to go to bed at 10:00? He can sleep all day. I get ready for work in the morning making as little noise as possible, and as little light as possible, so he doesn't have to get up at 5:00. I resent it all.
It's so bad, that the other night I was watching a commercial for some sort of medicine to lower your cholesterol, and it showed how your arteries get blocked, one little speck at a time. I laid there, imagining all the little specks building up in his arteries, thinking "how long can this possible take?"
I'm awful. I know it. You don't have to tell me. I feel guilty enough. Not guilty enough to stop thinking about the specks, but guilty enough to feel badly about thinking of them.