Smile, you're on candid camera

Thursday night my niece was being inducted in to the Junior National Honor Society. The whole family went to see her. She has this core group of about six friends that have been friends since kindergarden, and five of them were participating in the ceremony, so I knew quite a few of the kids.
Anyway, as the ceremony begins, the kids all take their places up on the stage, and one of Shay's friends is sitting in the front row. She had on a very short dress and black boots. Let's just say she didn't exactly look like she was being inducted into the Honor Society, more like the dishonor society. So, I lean over and whisper to my brother (afro), who is taking a picture with his cell phone, "wow, Z looks kind of like a hooker up there"....he turns to me, aghast and points to what I thought was his cell phone. Turns out, it was the smallest video camera I'd ever seen. And, I just did a voice over. Great.
I'm pretty sure I ruined my niece's video of her induction. I actually said the girl's name, and it's a friend of hers, so there's no denying it. And, while everyone else agreed, and some commented on the outfit after the ceremony, I'm the only one you can hear on the video, immortalizing it for ever.

E I E I Ooooooo

It's a rainy, miserable Saturday morning. Perfect weather for...you guessed it...moving furniture. I woke up this morning and decided, out of the blue, that my living room furniture needs to be rearranged. That will give me something to do this afternoon.
Nazareth high school is starting a dive team this year. They were looking for kids to train, so Braden decided to go out for the team. He started "dryland" practice this week, and this morning they have an informal practice in the pool. He's so excited. And, you should see him in his swim trunks. They're actually like bicycle shorts...he's so skinny and walks around in them, clenching his butt cheeks. "Look mom"
JJ's football team won their game last night. He had a really good game. A sack, some really good tackles (I love when they announce his name for making a great play), he tipped a ball off, and ran the ball back on a kick off return. It was 35 degrees and raining/snowing, so the stands weren't too full, but it was a good game.
I have book group tonight. We read "The Lace Reader". I didn't really care for it, and the ending pissed me off. You ever read a book where the ending just makes you mad? Well, this one did it for me.
Also, I'm addicted to Farmville on facebook. I need a couple more neighbors so I can have a bigger farm. Anyone else play?

Can't come up with a title

I had a jam-packed weekend.
Friends of ours have a son that started going to a private school in Wilkes Barre, so a bunch of us went up to watch him play. We tailgated before and after the game and had a nice time. It would have been a bit better if the weather would have been a bit warmer, and I could have done without the sprinkles on and off.
Yesterday we went to see Renee and the baby. He gets cuter every time I see him. I know I'm a bit biased, but he's just adorable. At one point, my ex-husband took Keith to his restaurant to get some wings....I would have loved to be a fly on the dashboard of that car. No, on second thought, I probably wouldn't have wanted to.
Thank goodness we're off school today. I have to put four hours in at Tristan's, then go grocery shopping, then I should have some time to tackle at least some of the things I didn't do over the weekend.
Oh, and a student threatened to kill me this week at school. Correction, the kid threatened to fucking kill me. He was smashing on a window, trying to get to me as I stood out in the hallway. Damn me for trying to make him follow a simple instruction like "stop talking". He hasn't come back to school since (2 days), but I'm not looking forward to tomorrow when I'm sure he'll walk through the doors.

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.