life with WE

How are you today, Jennifer?

Do you think facebook really means it when it asks, "how are you doing today, Jennifer?"  Because this morning?  That is a loaded question.

I have matters to attend to.  Stat.  So I woke up early (ish) to get to gettin'.  Of course, yahoo mail was experiencing technical difficulties.  Why wouldn't they be?  Moving on, I began thinking/typing a blog entry.  And promptly deleted it, four times.  My thoughts are so unorganized and I could have just rambled, but then what?  Does it serve a purpose?  Other than clearing my head? 

Guess what?  That's what we're doing.  Julie's favorite, diarhea of the mouth, here we go!  I need to clear my  head!

• My baby sister is having her first born tomorrow!  It's a boy, scheduled to arrive via c-section tomorrow morning around 9:30 am.  My first born?  Turns 11 on Friday.  Yowzers.
• A few nights ago, I mis-heard Elaine as we were leaving Applebees.  The kids and I had dined there, and there were weird smells while we were eating.  On our way out of the restaurant, the lobby/waiting area was extremely crowded with families and such waiting on tables.  I commented that we had good timing, avoiding the rush.  Elaine said, "it's mainly eldery people in the line."  That is NOT what I heard.  I giggled to myself, grabbed her hand and said, "E, you can't say things like that."  She turned to me.  She repeated what she had said.  I laughed even harder.  "What I heard was, "there are filthy smelly elderly people".  This head cold and my ears?  Not getting along.
• I watched Robin Roberts 20/20 show last Friday night about her battle with MDS.  I wish I could have known some of that sooner.  I mean, I could imagine what my dad was feeling, but...  He's my dad.  He doesn't share that stuff, at least not with his girls.  The loneliness, the worry, the defeat, the resolve, the pain, the exhaustion - all of it.  I knew it, but I am so thankful for her sharing her journey.  I appreciate my dad's fight, but now I appreciate it even more.
• Speaking of my dad.  While he's not done - I mean he's got to protect himself from cooties for a long time and get his numbers up to the status quo - the relief I feel about the MDS being in remission?  It's literally that 'weight has been lifted' feeling.  I feel lighter.  Even though the scale reads heavier.
• Scales?  F off.  I have put on ten pounds of what I lost.  DAMMIT.  Back to the drawing board and with more resolve.
• When my dad called me the other night?  He sounded so much like himself that for a moment, I forgot about the MDS.  And he was just my dad.  That was awesome.
• Warren will be eleven on Friday.  How is that possible?
• Our lives have been so crazy lately, that I feel like Mike and I barely talk.  And when we do, we are so tired, we talk at each other instead of to each other and it's mainly about scheduling.  The good news is, we both recognize this, and it happens - you can't avoid it - so we're working on it. 
• This multitasking world makes you think you can listen to someone while emailing or scheduling or whatever.  You can't.  Put the electronics down.  Turn and give eye contact.  Be present.  (That's a reminder for myself.)
• Also?  SLOW DOWN.  I tell my kids to hurry up so much in the morning.  There's no reason.  If they miss the bus, I can get them to school.
• I need to slow down.  In my rush on the way to drive the kids to the bus stop?  I scratched my car against my mailbox.  That is so damn frustrating it makes me want to scream and cry all at the same time.  It's just a car.  But STILL.  A long scratch I did myself by not slowing down and paying attention.  For the love.
• Last night I mis-heard Warren as we pulled into the garage.  He asked, "where are Dad and Elaine?"  I heard "there's a dead bird in the lane."  How long will this clogged ear business continue I wonder?
• Do you think I'll ever finish my first attempt at creating a scrapbook online?  I mean really, is it that hard to focus Jennifer?  Ooh, I used my full name with myself, I must be serious.

I think that's it for now.  But I make no guarantees.  I could add to this.  Don't ask me such loaded questions facebook.   You never know what you'll get in return! 

Randoms. Collection #876

Working title: Julie's favorite - Jenny's diarrhea of the mouth.  (I tried to use it as my title, but it kind of makes me want to puke. So I ditched it.  But know that I thought about it.  For a moment.)

• I get very annoyed with people who do not perform squats properly.  Of course, this is on my mind because I just got back from an evening zumba class where squats were required in one of the songs and I always think to myself, "someone should show some of these people the right way to do a squat."  If you don't do it right, you're cheating yourself out of way strong quads and a nice tushie.  Also, if you don't do it right, you could hurt yourself.  Figure it out people.
• I like eating lunch by myself sometimes, especially if I am alone yet surrounded by people.  I like to block it all out as white noise and have a moment of peace and solitude but with people.  Of course I don't like eating along all of the time.  But it can be a real zen thing when you need it.
• Part of my crazy is what makes me who I am.  And I'm starting to accept it for what it is.  I get emotionally invested in just about everything I do.  Which does NOT make me a good business woman.  But DOES make me a very empathetic person.  It also can make me a sucker, because I'll do things to help you out even if I don't have the time.  I am getting smarter about backing away from things though in order to keep my sanity.  Does any of that make sense?
• Elaine has been more independent lately and has shown a lot more confidence in herself.  Such a welcome change.  I love it.
• I'm re-reading this as I type it.  Why do I care if people don't do squats right?  Control freak much?
• Warren wears his Yadi 360 shirt at least twice a week.  For a boy who does not care what he looks like, smells like, or if he has on matching clothes; he sure monitors where that shirt is in the laundry process and plans what days to wear it.  Freaking hilarious.
• Sometimes Mike and I are so exhausted at night we fall into bed and forget to talk.  So we'll call each other the next morning on our way to work and such.  Comically enough, those are some of our best talks.  Part of it is ridiculous, but at the same time, it's awesome.
• My dog Truman is getting very old.  On April 1st, he turned 11.  He's a Lab, mixed with some kind of mutt German Shepard.  I love him, but as he's aged his snoring has increased as well as his need to re-situates himself a million times at night.  He's louder and more restless than Mike and I combined.   I like to tell myself that he'll live forever.  Don't tell me otherwise.  Or I'll punch you in the face.
• Denial has gotten me through a lot of things in life.  You should try it.  It's awesome.  Especially if you combine it with just the right amount of naivete.  Fabulous combination.
• Why do you lose your butt when you get older?  And what happens to it?  I mean they just disappear!  I wish I had an awesome butt.  Not a Kim Kardashian butt, but a bit rounder and lifted would be nice.  (Butt but.  Funny.)
• We do not pay teachers enough money.
• I'm ready for this election to be done and over with.  I'm so sick of that being the news.  Why did I even start talking about  the news?  It's so darn annoying.  Except Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert.  That's news I can stand behind.
• Hey, guess what?  I still haven't eaten Mc Donalds this year!  Remember, that was my resolution?  Still going strong - much to my kids' dismay and my delight.
• Baseball is back baby!  Go Cards!
• I would like to write a book.  It would NOT be a collection of my random thoughts - at least I hope not.  But when people tell me "you should write a book" I think to myself 'oh no, I can't do that!'.  Could I?  Would I have to lock myself in a room somewhere and pound out chapter after chapter while chain smoking and drinking scotch?  (Why in my vision are authors chain smoking scotch drinkers?)  Would the editor be all, "this book is ridiculous and you have no grasp of proper grammar?"  Honestly, that's quite true.  But if he/she said that to me, you know I'd threaten to punch them in the face and then where would we be?
• I've never shoplifted.  Have you?
• When I'm running - which is still hilarious by the way - I cannot stand to run somewhere and turn around and run back the same route.  I prefer a loop.  Also, I run looking down.  You've got to watch for killer acorns.  I still plan on running a half marathon, but I'm only at about 2.5 miles.  I'd better get to working on that.  Also, why does it cost so much to enter a race?  Why must I pay to run in a group all at the same time?  I don't need the medal, but I would like the tshirt.  Can I have a discount?
• All of my ideas turn out so well when I'm thinking of them.  But the execution of said ideas...leaves something to be desired.  I should fix that.
• This has been a lot more randoms than I intended.  I think I should stop while I'm ahead.  It's probably too late for that but I'll stop anyway.
• Seriously, everyone needs to learn how to do a proper squat.  It's like your sitting back on a chair.  Put your weight on your heels.  Your feet should be just a scootch more than shoulder width apart.  Keep your head up, and sit back into it.  Knees basically parallel to your ankles. 
• WHY DO I CARE SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR SQUATS?  Get over it Jennifer!  (Now you know I'm serious, I used my whole name.)
• Before you even ask - no, I'm not drunk and yes, I've refilled my crazy pills and am taking them regularly.  I just wanted to talk, okay?
• I'm thinking that I should save this post and review it in the morning.  This might not be one that ever sees the light of day.  Then again, I could take a risk, schedule it to post and go to bed.  What will I do?

 

 

My positive attitude is positively non-existent

Me, yesterday, renewing license plates (which requires going in to get the new ones), with babysittee in stroller.

Third in line.

45 minute wait before it was my turn.

Yeah, that's right.  45 minutes.  I almost had to get out of the line to leave to pick Elaine up from school it took that long.  Dude, I only brought in one pack of smarties to entertain babysittee.  Yikes. 
Are you telling me, in this day and age, that there is no easier way to do this?  Come on MO.  Get with the program.

Later that day, I tried to call a doctor to make an appointment.  A primary care/general type doctor.  I have a not so great family history containing wonderful things like - high cholesterol, heart issues (even the women), and blood pressure.  So I thought I should be proactive and get that all checked out.  Got a recommendation from someone of a good doctor and yeah, "he's not seeing new patients until the new year." 

It's mid-September.

I said, "whatever, that's fine."  She, phone lady, seemed annoyed and told me to hold.  She put me on hold for five minutes before I hung up. 

I know they are busy.  She may have been checking someone in or out or something.  All she needed to say was that.  Or "I"m really busy, can you hold or could I call you back?" 

You know, I was focusing this week on having a better attitude.  It was only day 3 of the week and seriously, those two incidents did me in.  Toss in the fact that when W got home from school, he immediately started fighting with his sister.  They fought with each other, the neighbors, and each other again.

What a humpday.  It sucked.  And I say that with the most positive attitude I can muster.

The story of the romance between Jenny and coffee, as told by the addict herself.

It began in college.  I remember going into the Kum & Go (is that the worst gas station name or what?) to buy my bladder buster soda - like 72 ounces for 60 cents or something.  One buster of Mountain Dew could help me through a night of studying or creating spreadsheets or whatnot.  But while in the Kum & Go, I'd smell the coffee.  The delicious aroma of that hot liquid made my mouth water.  It would call to me, "Jenny, drink me.  You will love me.  I promise I won't let you down."  But I didn't.  Because in high school I had tried my mom's coffee and absolutely hated it.  This period was coffee and I "checking each other out". 

My senior year of college, Kirksville, Missouri managed to get a coffee house.  Washington Street Java, I think.  And might I remind you, this was pre-Starbucks.  And of course, I was in college prior to laptops and cell phones.  You know, I had Fred Flinstone in my class.  Anywho, one of my roommates Amy and I were studying - different subjects - but we needed a change of scenery and to stay awake.  We went there, intending to buy sodas.  The guy behind the counter sold us on his wares.  "If you really want to be awake and study, you need iced coffee," he said.  We told him we didn't like coffee.  He promised we'd like this.  And I believe he made us an iced mocha.  And we downed it like water.  And we were AWAKE.  AND FOCUSED.  AND HAD JITTERY STOMACHS AND NEEDED TO EAT THE MUFFINS THEY SOLD STAT.  But the coffee, she was gooooooood.  I call this, the "wooing period". 

Segue to graduation and first jobs.  Although the free coffee in the breakroom at my job called to me on a regular basis, I still opted for my old roots - big Cokes.  The breakroom coffee maker would say,  "why walk so far to 7-11 for a big Coke?  You know I can help you.  I'm right here, and I'm free...."  And I wanted it, but I just didn't know.  I was so confused.  This was me, knowing coffee was the 'bad boy' I'd never dated but wanted to.  And I pretended not to be interested. I stuck to big Cokes, and felt like I didn't really NEED caffeine.  And why get addicted to coffee when I was very busy being young and going out and drinking and whatnot.  (HELLO Denial, nice to meet you.)

Flash forward, I'm 27 and I have a baby.  And wow, I'm tired.  And I went on a trip to MN with some girlfriends, went to a little coffeehouse in the cutest little town imaginable and my friend Michelle suggested the Chai Tea Latte.  Dude, it tasted like hot pie.  Frothy, cinnamony goodness.  And with a KICK!  Yea!  I was hooked.  I returned home and went to Starbucks.  After probably 50 bucks worth of Chai Tea Lattes, I moved on to coffee.  First a mocha latte.  Delicious goodness.  Then the vanilla latte.  Then mixed it up by switching to skim milk and adding extra espresso.  All the while fully denying my love of caffeine, particularly in coffee form.  This was me, falling head over heels in love with coffee.  The romantic phase, when everything is pretty and sweet and lovey.

As you can imagine, that got expensive.  And we had Warren and all and he required food and diapers (selfish baby), so I had to quit that - Starbucks that is.  I started making coffee at home - Folgers I think.  It wasn't as good but with a 1/4 cup of flavored creamer it was good to go.  I discovered coffee beans and grinding them and oh the sound and the smell.  My own little Starbucks. 

I got pregnant with Elaine and she said try to limit myself to one cup of coffee and/or one soda a day.  Um dude, I thought I might DIE.  I switched to half caf, with half the caffeine and at promptly 2 pm each day I poured myself a Coke or Diet Coke over ice.  I slammed it like an alcoholic slams his first beer.  It was while pregnant with Elaine that I finally realized I was hooked.  On the stuff.  The juice.  Gotta have it.  Me and the bad boy - we were an item.  And I NEEDED HIM.  This time, when I delivered my baby (Elaine), my first thoughts were not of a beer or a glass of wine, but of a triple grande nonfat vanilla latte, through the drive thru, of Starbucks.

I still can't afford (the calories or the cost) of Starbucks on a regular basis.  But I did shell out some cash for my new favorite coffee maker that grinds the beans and then makes the coffee and it is super hot and I love it so.  The sound, the smell, the process.  Coffee and I, we've been together for awhile now and the romance is still there.  I use about 1 tbsp of creamer instead of a 1/4 cup.  I've made progress.  I dream of the day I have an espresso maker and can pretend I work at Starbucks.  I'll probably make out with the espresso machine whenever I manage to afford one.  I could set up a stand in the mornings at the top of my street and sell my own version of triple grande nonfat vanilla lattes for 1/2 the price.  People would come, you know they would.

Anywho.  That is my random dissertation for today.  And Mike Rogers, if you a reading this, please start saving up to buy me an espresso maker.  I'll totally make out with you after I make out with the machine.  I promise! 

To dash or not to dash? That is the question.

Dined and dashed.  Have you ever done it?  Gone to two movies after only paying for one?  Done that?

Yeah, I haven't.  Am I a prude, or too honest?

And if I'm a prude, is it too late to dine and dash?  You know I would totally break down at the door, sobbing, admitting to trying to dine and dash and offer to pay for not only my food but everyone elses.  Because I have a guilty conscience like no other!

These are the questions that perplexed me on the way to the Cardinals game last night with Jason and Julie.  And by the way, Mike, Jason and Julie - they've all done these things.  I mean talk about peer pressure...

And my friends, have any of you dined and dashed while I was with you without my knowledge?  Because I am oblivious like that...

An open letter to the neighborhood kids

Dear Children in my neighborhood,

Hi.  It's me, Jenny.  You know, Warwhen and Lainey's mom.  Yeah, I need to set a few ground rules as many of you are, well to be quite frank, getting on my nerves.

Rule #1 - Mi casa IS NOT su casa.  Yeah, that's right.  Neither is mi yard su yard.  So you have to ask me and your parents if you can come in my house or play in my backyard.  That's the way it works.

Rule #2 - If I say no, that's that.  So quit asking/whining/begging.  Also, if you can help teach Elaine this rule, perhaps I'll say yes to you all now and then.

Rule #3 - Mi groceries are not su groceries.  Have you seen the price of food these days?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  I can't afford to feed my family and you kiddos.  So when you demand a Capri Sun or soda and a bag of chips, and I say no but offer you water, say thanks and take it.  Also, I'm betting you have those type of drinks and snacks in your house, so GO HOME and get one.

Rule #4 - You are not the boss of my dog.  He lives here, not you.  I cannot and will not move him out of the backyard so you can play in my  backyard nor will I put him in the backyard so you can play in my house.  Yes, I know he's large and black, but he's also very stupid and friendly.  So get over it.

Rule #5 - I also will not scoop the poop at your command.  Again, don't play in my yard if it bothers you and as a matter of fact I am scooping just about daily with my new little daycare ward being here playing.  So seriously, are there like two turds bothering you?  Deal with it.

Rule #6 - What is with the NONSTOP doorbell ringing?  Stop it.  For real.  Ring or knock and then wait.  And when the kids say they are coming out but they have to get their shoes, DO NOT stand there with the door open and then hurry to slam it on my dog's face.

Rule #7 - Quit asking me why and what I'm doing.  K?  I hate those questions.  And don't be so darn nosy.  "The kids can't play right now", is a sufficient answer.  You don't need to know that they are in trouble, or what they did to get in trouble.  Similarly, when we are backing out of the driveway, you don't need to know where we are going and when we'll be home.  It's probably nowhere cool anyway.

I think that's it for now.  But I'm sure that I can add more if I think about it long enough.  I really didn't want to be the crabby neighbor, but I think I have to, because y'all are taking advantage of me and not necessarily the other parents. 

Peace out,
Jenny

PS - Unrelated to this letter, it's Warren's first day of first grade today!  WOO HOO!

When did I get so old...

• that when I'm alone in the car, I often drive in total silence, and feel all zen-like?
• that I get snappy when a teenager is rude to me?
• that I say things like, "now you listen here little missy"?
• that I freak out when I see young twenty somethings dressing like hoochie mammas?
• that I break out into a sweat when I see teens or tweens roaming the malls in packs wondering what my kids will be like when they are that age?
• that I can't stay up to watch Steven Colbert and The Colbert Report?
• that I no longer find shows like Road Rules, Real World, and Big Brother entertaining?
• that I would rather sit in a quiet restaurant and talk rather than be in a packed bar shouting to be heard?
• that I am mad stores aren't open when I'm up?  Say around 7 AM ish?  Get moving Target - I got stuff to do!
• that is no longer makes me giggle to say things like, "my son will be in kindergarten next year"?
• that the thought of slamming a beer makes me puke in my mouth a little bit?
• that it takes two to three days to cure a hangover?
• that I simply cannot function without coffee?
• that this girl here seems like a very faint memory? 

That's me and my cousin Chad back in the day.  I'm not even sure where to begin on the critique.  The couch, the carpet, the clothing, the horseshoe bangs, the fabulous pants I am wearing...  But check out my face.  Is that Lainey or what?  Oy vey!  I bet prior to this picture I said to Chad, "hey!  One day I'm going to have a blog.  And on it, I will someday complain about the crotchety old lady I am becoming."  To which Chad likely replied, "as if I give a rat's ass.  Why are they making me play with a four year old girl?"

What are some of your 'when did I get so old' things?

Playground etiquette

I don't want to be one of those "helicopter moms" who hover around their kids, speaking for them and protecting their every move.  But I also don't want my kids to be pushovers.  Nor do I want them to be bullies.  The conflict between all of these feelings always manages to raise it's ugly head when the kids and I are on a playground.

Recently, we met some new friends at a playground for a playdate.  (PS, this was a friend of a friend set up, and she reads my blog, and our kids are the same age and genders - how cool is that?)  When we first arrived, we had the playground to ourselves.  Then a few other kids showed up, and everyone seemed to be playing together fairly well.  We were able to have adult conversation, interrupted only by our three year olds attempting the monkey bars, or climbing a ladder that was a bit too high for them.  Par for the course in playground land.

Then the first BUS arrived.  Daycare or camp kids - I don't know.  They swarmed.  And it's fine that the playground was crowded, but now our 3 and 5 year olds are mixing with ages 4 to I swear 12.  And those 12 year olds are not keeping an eye out for the little kids they might squash.  Of course, this led to a severe back up at the entrance to the slide where kids were lined up caught in the tube, waiting for their turn to go down.  Who was up there running the show?  Yeah - some twelve year olds being bossy.  As our kids tried to wait for turns on the monkey bars or other slides, bigger kids just passed them by or basically crawled on top of them as in the case of the ten-ish year old climbing UP the slide over children going down it.  Then a large 100 passenger (okay 16) van arrived and MORE daycare kids showed up.  Madness and mayhem ensued, so we gathered our kids and went to look at the pond.

I do not have an issue with sharing the playground.  Clearly, it is public domain!  But I do have an issue with kids with no manners.  By no means are my children angels.  And they do not always use their manners - especially at home.  But they seem to do a good job in public and at other people's houses, which makes me extremely happy.  HOWEVER, it is very hard to reinforce manners when other kids are not taking turns, or won't share etc.  When these kids are just random kids at a public place, what do you do?  Like when there's a bossy kid in the tube at the McDonalds playland - no parent in sight - and he won't let your children pass through to get to the slide?  May I remind you, it's the ONLY way to the slide, and he's pretending to be some sort of guard, but he's got my kids and two others crying because they JUST WANT TO SLIDE!

I'll admit.  I've stepped in once or twice to remind other kids we have to take turns and that they should make a line.  And I try to make it a general statement like "we need to take turns" rather than, "hey you.  Get the f out of the way you jerkface!"  I've also tried to tell Warren to ask please for a turn, and then to be assertive when said jerkface child does not take a turn.  My advice to Warren is to say, "excuse me.  I've been waiting for my turn and NOW it's my turn."  Of course, I'm sure the tone he uses is less than bossy.  Again - teach him to walk away, or stand up for himself?  And to what degree should I make him stand up for himself? 

I should send Elaine to handle all bullies.  But then what good would that do?  Is it better to have your mom stick up for you or your sister?  How do I teach my kids to use their manners yet be assertive?  And where do you draw the line from supervising to interfering in child's play?

Hold on, LIFE is calling on the other line.

Last Tuesday, Warren asked me to take him to his t-ball practice since, "daddy got to take me last time".  (You see it's all about being fair and taking turns when it comes to Warren.)  Warren plays on a team of 4 and 5 year olds.  It's an introduction to t-ball type league with one practice a week and a game on Saturday mornings for a total of six weeks.  Neither practice or games would last even an hour.

So, I went to practice - I had already been to a few games, and most of the previous practices had been canceled due to rain.  While at the games, I helped out - either by chasing Elaine on the playground (thereby keeping her off the field), or helping W's teammates.  Those kids tend to need a little help remembering that after first base, you need to run to second.  "And no, it's not out there in the outfield.  It's that next base over there with the daddy standing by it.  Okay, sweetie?  That was a great hit!  Oh, do you need to pee?"  There's about twelve kids on his team and I'd say easily ten were at this particular practice.  Each had at least one parent present.  The coach got the kids started stretching (always hilarious), and I set up my chair near the action to watch.  It was then I took a look around.

I was THE ONLY parent watching practice that was not on my cell phone.  Are you kidding me?   Only the coach, myself and two dads on the field were paying any attention to the kids.  It honestly bothered me.  It was somewhat depressing. 

I know we are busy people.  And I know that kids do A TON of 'watch me', 'did you see that', 'look at me' crap all day long.  And I know that parents need their downtime.  Believe me, I know.  But at t-ball practice?  On an introductory league?  When your kid needs your help just finding their position in the field; you can't stay off the phone?  Plus, we are all standing out in an open field.  I don't really want/care to hear your conversations.  I take that back.  If you are conversing about bringing an Oreo concrete to the field for me, then I DO care about your conversation.  And please, put a hustle on that order would you?

Practice was over in forty minutes.  For-ty minutes.  The parents on the phones, were on them I'd say at least 80% of the time.  Clearly no one had an emergency call as I don't remember anyone sprinting to their car while on a call.  And there was no Oreo concrete delivered to me.  It made me sad.  Sure I was sad to not have a concrete, but mainly, I was sad that this is what life is like now.  Sad about reality.  I can't judge those parents, and I won't.  But what has happened to our world?  Why is it okay to be there, but not really be there?

Cellphones are commonplace.  I get it.  But when did talking on the phone nonstop become so important?  I don't think we talked that often before cell phones were so readily available.  Did we?  (I mean, sure as teenagers and such, but as adults?)  I'm not asking to ban cellphones, and I certainly will not give up mine.  But can't we use them more responsibly?  At a better time?  Life is passing us by - if we don't stop to watch it, what will we talk about on the phone? 

Tball season is only six weeks (eight if you count our two rainouts).  For a total of twelve hours, can't we just stay off our cell phones?  Can you hear me now?  HANG UP YOUR DAMN PHONES!

Thank you, my rant is over.

Everyday thankfulness.

Yesterday we had crazy day.  Well, to follow along with the crazy, I decided to be happy.  Rather than pissy or stressed out or busy.  I chose happy.  And you know what?  It was nice!  (This was of course after dealing with MANY morning fights between the kids that involved hitting (them - each other) and screaming (again them - each other).)  While I was feeling so happy, and singing, and sunshine was practically streaming out of my ass; I decided to take pics of the things that make me happy on a regular basis.  So here is my Friday happiness pictorial.  If you're having a crappy day, choose to be happy.  Or stay bitchy.  I don't care.  I'm both on any given day, so I've got your back!

From left to right, row by row...

• Gerber daisies.  I bought them for myself at the grocery store.
• The beast - Truman.  I know he can be a royal pain, but overall he's a fine dog.
• This plant - a peace lily - which so far I haven't killed.  This plant understands me.  He lays his leaves down when he's thirsty and then stands back up after I water him.  Yes, it's a he.  Duh.
• Face.  Face was created by my friend's brother who is a very talented artist and also just a great person.  So is the friend.  I like seeing face watching over the plant.  And they are the only two things in my dining room at the moment.  I bet face would like a table to look over or something.
• Fake wedding ring.  While prego with Elaine, my feet grew a half-size and apparently so did my fingers.  My wedding ring hasn't fit since before she was born (almost 3 years ago).  I bought this for about 12 bucks - the same price as the flowers - and I'm happy to have something on the finger again - cubic zirconia or otherwise.
• McDonalds.  Dude, I hate their food - yet continue to eat it.  But my kids thing I am the queen of all that is good when I take them through the drive thru.  Especially on crazy day - in their jammies.  Check it. 
• Kitchen under the counter ipod/radio/tv/weather (who uses that part) player.  I love to have music while in the kitchen.  Especially while suffering through McDonalds.  And the anal retentive person in me loves that it is OFF of the counter.  And the plug is hidden - nice work Mike.  Oh, and did you notice my new cabinet knobs - a Christmas gift from dad and wicked stepmom.
• A scrapbook tools organizer free with my last purchase.  ROCK ON.  I love free things.  Especially free things that relate to scrapping, and are pink and brown!
• Grass seed.  The developers of the subdivision behind us have FINALLY seeded the area they grated last summer and fall.  Now I can encourage the snakes, moles and voles to GO BACK WHERE THEY CAME FROM.  Bastards.  Still happy, still sunshiny.
• Those stars.  Bought them at Michaels.  Just the right touch for that empty area in my entry way, don't you agree?  And if you don't - keep it to yourself.
• Wednesday's water fight.  I mean what kid doesn't love playing in the hose and getting their clothes soaking wet?  It makes me smile to see them do that stuff.
• Last but not least, hanging baskets.  I've been troubled since we moved in that I didn't have anything hanging on my four hooks.  There are actually four of these that Elaine and I purchased and planted Monday while Warren was at school.  Please don't let me kill them.  I hope the peace lily talks to them about how to behave around here.

Have a great weekend and a happy mother's day!