Mini Vacation Highlights

It was a great mini vacation! Even though I had this stupid ass cold during it, I much rather be in Orlando with the sniffles than stuck at home!

This was at Universal Citywalk, it was this great steam punk themed called the "Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen". Great food, drinks and service.

 

This was just one of those little bars, that had some good Margaritas :)

    

Ok, so at Disney Springs, Jock Lindsey's Hanger is probably one of our favorite places to go. 

I'm pretty sure I took this at the Irish pub called Ragland Road, love them too.

Splitsville no longer has frozen margaritas on tap, so I tried their "Swampwater". Pretty delicious!

Disney's version of steam punk theme, The Edison. You know, it' wasn't my fave. I liked the one at Universal better

Best way to end our trip <3 p="">

Upcoming Mini Vacation

As we inch closer and closer to our mini vacation, I am definitely getting excited.

We will be Orlando, first at Cabana Bay for a night (near Universal) and then 3 nights by Disney Springs.

Spending 1 day at Epcot for the International Flower & Garden Festival



Last year we did the Mickey's Magical Christmas so I love the fact we get to do a different season.

A break from work, life and school will be seriously enjoyed and appreciated.

Nothing better than a little bit of Disney love!

March can't come soon enough!!!

Upcoming Summer of vacations!

So, due to things outside of our control, we are taking 2 vacations. Horrid, I know. I mean, who wants to spend time with family in California AND 5 days at Disney World and then 2 days relaxing at Cabana Bay Resort (right by Universal Studios)

June, it's a flight to LAX, renting a 50' yacht (instead of a hotel), because I can, and a Dodge Challenger, again because I can. It's only like 5 days. Leaving Wednesday, arriving late and hoping I am not brain dead on Thursday. We fly back on Monday night, red eye. But I am taking Tuesday off so that I can recover and do laundry.

We have some tentative plans, ie Disneyland and 6 Flags Magic Mountain. I hoping to either visit Santa Monica or Venice. Of course, I am most excited about seeing my family :) :) :)

2nd vacation is in early August, we are driving - with 3 teenagers - to Disney World. It will be 5 days of the happiest place in the world, that I have never been to before. Slightly intimidating. Especially since my awesome boyfriend and his kids know it very very well! I sorta feel a little lost in some of it! I am super excited!! I can't wait to see all these things I've heard about. I am just a tad bit nervous it seems. It will also be as hot as fuck that week. I remember those days in Florida, the heat and humidity. I need to work my arms out so that I don't like some whacked out octopus in tank tops. Because, yeah...

Some Vacation Pics

Universal Studios - Orlando

Cape Canaveral Space Station

Minor updates!!

Just, ummm. Yeah! Hi, my name is Alison and I've been absent a bit!!

So, in a nutshell - I am super freaking busy :) Work is busy (always good), home life is busy (yay) and school life is busy :) Taking 2 classes, Accounting Principals and Music Appreciation. Just finished Macro Economics and Business Ethics (A's in both of them). If I stay on schedule, so far so good, I will be done with my. A.S. Spring 2016 :)

This is my cat, Daisy, at her vet appointment last week. She wasn't too interested in spending quality time there.

 

I have a small garden growing in my backyard this year :) Thanks to my awesome boyfriend who was able to dig out an area for me to grow things in :) 2 tomato plants, string beans, sweet potatoes (they were touch and go but I think they've adjusted to the soil, here's hoping), purple dragon carrots, onions and an itty bitty bell pepper. Oh and some lemongrass (for tea!) and flavoring.

I put in 3 rose bushes in the back, all are doing awesome :) we've planted some other flowers as well and also put some out front. My front yard is not as full as the back yet! Little by little though, right!!

I had to get a new lawn mower, and opted for an electric one (instead of manual) since my kid was always whining and people looked at me funny (not that I care about that) AND honestly, I just wanted my yard done faster. It's been awesome :)

The Kid starts high school in the fall. I really *really* hope he does better/likes it better than middle school. Because, yeah, happy that shit is over!

We have a vacation coming up, so excited! Universal Studies in Orlando! SCORE!!

Next year, I REALLY want to see my family in CA. 

This year, I REALLY want to pay off the vast majority of my credit cards, LMAO.

There is a TON more to write, but work is kicking my butt, school is keeping me busy, house/home/love keep me busy :) I will attempt to write more often again though!

Vacation @ Myrtle Beach

It. Was. Awesome.

We left before the ass crack of dawn on Friday. Got into Myrtle Beach by 11 am. Checked in and headed to the beach. The boys loved it. We all loved it.

The sand between you toes = Awesome
The slightly chilly ocean washing said sand = Incredible

Walking along the shore with your love, hand in hand, beyond happy!!

I don't even remember Friday night. Oh wait! I took a nap while the boyfriend took his kids to the amusement park and my Kid hung out (he was a bit freaked out over the ominous looking seas and sky and yeah it was freaking looking) but he woke me up from my light snooze (bad!) and we talked about it (good). I can totally relate to those eerie feelings about the ocean.

The layout of the room was nice. It had a double bed, a full galley kitchen and a living room with a pull down Murphy bed (that was ours), It had 2 bathrooms that shared 1 shower, which was also awesome. I found out I don't particularly like cooking in a galley kitchen. I felt cramped by that, but otherwise it was awesome :) Being able to get groceries for breakfast, snacks and lunch was pretty impressive with 3 kids :) It certainly made things easier (ok, well except for clean up!)

Since our bed was a pull down, it was magnificent for leaving the balcony door open all night and waking up to the ocean waves - absolutely glorious!!

(Ironically, the boyfriend and I both agreed last night that just sitting on the couch, watching tv - it was way too quiet)

Friday night was eating in and Saturday morning was bacon, croissants and and and yep that's it. We didn't get to the eggs - too excited to get out of the room!!

Saturday was laying out on the beach, listening the kids have fun, finding pretty shells and some shopping. Saturday night we went to the Pirate Voyage, which is like a Medieval Times with water, mermaids, pirates (of course) and sea lions. In other words?? Awesomeness. Preshow was an hour long, had some snacks and beverages (We got to keep the cups, which is good because those drinks were good and yummy and sorta expensive). The food was food, good but not crazy freaky good. The service was really good though. I would totally recommend it to anyone seeing it for the first time :) I am not sure if you want to see that same show a bunch of times in a row, probably a good idea to change it up over the vacations ;) Then it was time for putt-putt golf. Now, I have no played that in a good 20 some odd years. I mean, seriously. I had so much damn fun! I laughed almost the entire time (and score, I got 2 hole in ones!). After that, it was time to relax and sit in the Jacuzzi and then bed :) Beyond awesome, the whole day.

We got up sorta early on Sunday, packed the car, walked the beach one last time (for now) and headed for home. The home trip took a wee bit longer (more stops for food/breaks) and we hit a small snag in traffic. I was a bit cranky once we got back to his house. I think my brain melted somewhere along the road and my filter was not working for a short minute. But, I got my game back in play and loaded my car up and got the Kid home.

Being back home? Nice. Though I will say not so nice that I didn't wish I was still at the beach!! The Kid got his lunch made, I did laundry and then it was just a matter of sorta getting my brain to function until bedtime.

Overall, huge success, awesome vacation. I had such a phenomenal time!!

Day 3 of Mini Vacation - the Drive back

 

Day 2 of Mini Vacation

The Kid found a crab :)

Put Put Golf :)

Another view

Day 1 of our Mini Vacation

We were on the 15th floor :) Awesome views!

Happy Friday Thoughts

I have today off, which is a much needed break. We were planning on going to Myrtle Beach this weekend but it had to get postponed, which is not real problem. Especially since they are getting more rain right now than would probably be fun. Hopefully when we do head down that way it will be sunnier, because I need a little color.

In other news, we stopped by Home Depot today and got an appointment set up for them to come to my house tomorrow first thing in the morning to see about my lovely shower stall. I know the general stall I would like to get and I am just hoping they will not be asking for an arm and a leg to get things done. I really don't mind demolishing my current one myself, I just want someone to put in a new one and make sure that everything is kosher with the base and whatnot. I have been reading a lot on what it takes to install one of these things and all I can say is DAMN.

So.

Other than that, I have laundry and little bit of yard work I would like to get done (and it's definitely not mandatory!) and some general house cleaning as well. That is more mandatory. But it's general stuff and not like Spring Cleaning thankfully.

Work has been good, nothing to wonky. I know it will be picking up in the coming up months and next year just because we have a huge project going on and I, lucky me in Logistics, will get to deal with some big ass equipment. Good times though :)

I do have a couple projects that I need to work on. One being a baby blanket or two that I need to finish and start/finish. I am going to learn how to make cheesecake (yum! First one will be pumpkin) and I want to learn how to make good southern biscuits. Weird, I know. I also want to get my attic organized and start cleaning stuff out of it. I will probably donate a lot of stuff in that, or at least sell it on eBay or Craigslist or something like that. My son has just outgrown them and I no longer have John here to give to (sad thought, that). So, I am hoping that someone else can at least get some form of enjoyment out of those. My son also wants to sell off all his Skylanders that he has. Which is quite a bit. Ugh. We invested so much money in those things and now he's all, I'm just not interested anymore. But that is life and there you go!

Anyways, hopefully everyone has a good weekend :) I will be getting some sunflower seeds dried (from the boyfriends stock) this weekend and hanging mine that are currently in the bathroom up in the attic because I think they will do better there. And hopefully that big ass one will be wilted enough I can cut off it's head. Hahahahaha, I always feel like the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland when I say that!!

Also, so far the Kid's grades are doing good this semester. I keep a daily eye on how he's doing because of the drama from last year. He's, of course, complaining about school, but that is pretty much damn normal. He's not the happiest with some of the kids he's in classes with but honestly, whoever is?? I've explained that you will always have those people that you don't like and that you don't get along with, in school and work, and that you just need to figure out how to you want and can deal with it. Do you want to let it bother you or not? Do you want to annoy another person so much that they hate you ? Do you want to just let things other people go and move on with your own life? Because, really, why let someone else determine YOUR feelings and how you want to do things? Fuck that, it's your life, be happy with who you are and don't let others get in the way of that. I am really hoping he eventually at least hears part of that. Who knows, it will probably be someone else make a similar comment and then it will click. I just hope it clicks.

A lot of little things

Ok, so life is all over the place lately.

Since I am now officially divorced (YAY) I can legally change my last name. Now, first I must got to Social Security to do this, then the DMV and after that, it's everything from my bank accounts/credit cards, to house/car titles to ordering new checks to work and anything I've ever used my married last name for (like LinkedIn). I need to make a fucking list.

I am also in the process of opening an IRA account for the money that is from the Ex per the divorce. Who knew that can take such a process, and don't you know, it's smarter to wait until my name is changed.

My nephew's mother is a piece of work and is now stating she can't raise her son, again. I have no idea what's going to happen, I just know that last time is was painful and hard to change our lives into a new family when we took him. Got him fit, changed his outlook, started really teaching him positive things and then she demanded him back 4 months later. And not even 2 months goes by and she's all - I was wrong to take him back. I told her (and everyone) that he has to go into the foster care system. That she has to really give him up. Because I am not a yo-yo and this poor kid has already been too through to fucking much to keep on doing shit to him. And if I could be his foster mom, that is better than informal kinship without much help. Ugh. And honestly, right now, that's sadly a big IF. He's a great kid, in that he can be a great kid. He's a smart mouth, a know-it-all, and exhausting. He deserves better than he's gotten, but I can't change the past. I don't even know if I can help him now. Until you raise someone else's kid, you have no idea how different and hard it is. How much you change and sacrifice and at the end of it still feel like whatever you do won't matter...he has the gene's of my drug addict/alcoholic brother and his always-theVictim/NoResponsibility-manipulative mother.  That is a tall fucking order. But wait, let me know rearrange my whole life (again) and possibly damage my relationship and hope my 13 yo son isn't a constant prick, because I'm the only one available. That makes me feel awesome, not. I'm already a single parent. I remember lots of time crying in the shower because I was so stressed. I know that part of that was IN PART because he really thought this was temporary (and oh look it was) and he didn't see the point of making a connection. I have no idea if he's going to make a connection. Who wants to raise someone who doesn't WANT to connect with you. That hurts. Why, again, would I want to do that??????? Because he's my nephew? My brother's son? Because it's not his fault his parents are assholes and he's gotten the shaft for the last 9 years? I just don't know...

My son is 13, and his hormones are like a permanent case of PMS. I never know when he's going to have a melt down, which includes throwing a 5'8" sized temper tantrum, cussing and yelling, stalking off and slamming doors and then crying. And then apologizing for being a dickhead. Ugh.

And throwing a traumatized 9 year old into that? Ugh.

And trying to get house/home/yard cleaned, organized, anything on top of that? LOL. I need more energy it seems. Or something.

School starts Wednesday.

I was contemplating going back to college, actually get a degree.

At least I am getting my period still, on a regular basis. For over a year now. That says something to me in a very profound way.

I think for right now, I am going to keep my goals small. Keep my life simple. I only want complicated in the books I read.

I have a lot of thinking to do.

I am looking forward at least to a couple things. The Maryland Renaissance Festival and a mini vacation to Myrtle Beach.

Mini Vacation

So we went to Great Wolf Lodge for a mini vacation. It. Was. Awesome.

I haven't been to a water park in probably 2 decades. The last time was when I was a teenager and went to White Water Rapids in Southern California. AGES AGO!! So, going on this water roller coasters was pretty damn fun. I don't think I screamed, laughed and just had this much fun in gods know how long!! The really nice things about this one is that it's for those who are staying at the hotel only, so it's not open to the public. This is nice because you don't have really long lines for the rides AND you don't feel over crowded.

The Kid - Well he's never done this type of thing before. I think he had some fun. He really didn't want to go on any of the big slides but I am hoping that he will next time :) Oh yes, there will be a next time :) He did have a lot of fun dumping water on other people (me included). He was still a bit of a whiney teenager pain in the arse part of the time, but that's all about growing up I think.

The drive wasn't bad at all. Though it's a really good idea to plan out your music (that is, what you're in the mood to hear) before hand. I had set aside some CD's to take with us, but completely forgot them. Not the end of the world by any means, just something to think about. Oh and don't do the buffet unless you are a going to feed a starving nation of children, because, seriously it's not worth the money unless you get a couple plates of food, each.

Lucky me got my period right before we left. So the cruise did change my schedule. Ugh. Still, could have been worse! Could have happened during the drive and not have been prepared. That would have sucked the fun out through my pores.

Last night, I did laundry and some chores and then watched TV. Nothing exciting, still trying to adjust to being back to normal life! I did work on my puzzle though too. This is one I'm working on right now - you might have to click the link to go to Amazon to get a better view of it.

Tonight, ugh, more laundry and cleaning the bathrooms. And probably working on the puzzle some more.

Saturday night I have a Wicca type meeting, it's all about tarot and things of that nature, so I am looking forward to that :) During the day I am going to check out Home Depot paints and get pricing from them for my shower.

And is it horrible that I just got an email from See's Candies about free shipping and I am seriously contemplating ordering because I love their chocolate ??

Ok, I need a nap and some more hot tea and maybe some form of chocolate.

And how is it, that I weighed myself this morning and was 216, but my size 14 jeans are loose enough I can wear my cuddle duds under them comfortably? Bloated. More than likely. Stupid PMS. I am taking vitamins again though, which should help with my hormones. I got a blend this time to see if that helps vs. taking a bunch of different things. Oh and I was wearing 12's again and yep, those fit me best right now :) YAY!!

Almost forgot, tonight I am doing my Tai Chi video too. It's gonna be a busy night!

A Quick Update

I'm back from my vacation!

I went from 84 degree sunshine to 24 degree snow. Good gods, what a change!

I am attempting to fight off a cold (probably from the cruise), which is why this is short!

IT

WAS

AWESOME

I still have to download and catalog all the pictures I took :) Suffice it to say though, it was greatly needed, hugely appreciated and just plain awesome. Awesome.

It's all been surreal.

I am happy to be home though :)

I am grocery shopping tonight, putting that away, making dinner and stashing my ass on the couch to relax!

I will attempt to write more this week :)

Vacation Bitches!!

Ok, I won't be posting this week or next.

My ass is going on vacation to the Caribbean with my BFF :)

I will post pictures and exciting details once I'm back!

It's a busy time of year

So. Crazy fucking busy lately.

I had CPR training today, which was actually pretty cool. I like knowing how to help someone. There were several very funny moments. One of them was when the instructor told us to pair up, 1 person to do CPR and the other to handle the AED. I was the one to do the AED (we switched after so we both get to do the exercise) and at one point the instructor said to run to where our AED is located, tap it and come back so we can get the training one. It was to show more of a real life situation. I was the *only* one who actually RAN to the damn thing and back! I mean, wow. I know it's just a training class and whatnot, but isn't the purpose to actually DO it as if it was an emergency ? I don't know, maybe it's just me?

Did I  mention my spayed kitty being in heat? Briefly I suppose. So, yesterday I basically spent the afternoon running home, got the cat, went to the vet, paid money for them to tell me they are taking blood and sending it out to see if there are hormones in it. Running back home, dropped her off and heading back to work. It was a long lunch. I made up for it today though. Anyway, I will hopefully know by Friday. If so, I will be calling the Humane Society to see if they can help pay for the cost. Because, baby kitty in heat? Not so much fun.

This weekend, I have laundry, packing and cleaning (yes, this includes filing) to get done. Movies on Friday night, dying my hair on Saturday morning, wax job on Saturday afternoon. Way too much to get done!

I would like to get out the Christmas (aka Yule) tree on Sunday and see if it needs more ornaments or anything.

Tomorrow, its the pet store, this cool artsy type store and maybe Michael's. I am not sure about Michael's, my brain might be melting from my head at that point. I want to see about doing some crafty stuff for the holidays for the house. Did I already mention that? Sheesh, see - brain melting!! Oh and I have to do a deposit for the band AND I am helping them with a bit of the fundraiser tomorrow after work.

Busy fucking week!

But next week?? Next week, I fly my fine ass out to Florida and then head out on my cruise vacation. Gods, I have no idea how I am going to handle it. Being away from the kid, cats and loved ones... and just, well, everything. Plus, I have no idea how I will react being on a freaking ship!! I'm getting more and more nervous and excited!! I will probably get the WiFi, oh that reminds me, I need to see if my cell company has a plan for when I am in port! That would be helpful :) Plus I have to let my credit card companies know I will be out of the country :)

I still can't believe I am going out of the country. I mean...just, wow. Wow.

And then I will be back home, hugging my kid and cats and sleeping in my bed and feeling my blankets cocooning me. And being happy. Hopefully a little bit tanner, with some awesome pictures, stories and things for my loved ones.

Ok, I'm tapped out now.

Open and Honest

Let's have some open and honest communication shall we?

First things first! I am super excited to be going on a vacation with my BFF. On a cruise no less. Now, those of you that know me really well, know that I have this deep seeded fear of the ocean. Not so much drowning or anything like that. It's just that, to me, the ocean is this very incredibly powerful entity that if she got pissed off enough, she would basically burp and the US is the new Atlantis. That's all. Respect the ocean people!!!

So, I've never been one who wanted to willingly place my body on the ocean for any sort of journey. Because it would sort of be like tempting fate.

However, with the end of my marriage and life's upheavals, I decided (ok ok, I said FUCK IT!) that I need to face and (hopefully) conquer this fear. Of course, the timing was serendipitous because my BFF had contacted me about going on a cruise with her. Hmmm, now what would prompt someone who knows of this fear to ask me about a cruise? Well, I will call it Fate or intuition or something, because it's probably the most perfect thing ever.

Part of that awesomeness is that I've never ever been outside the US (tragic, I know) and now - well now I get to go 4 different ones! WOOT!!

Seriously, fucking excited and just a tad bit scared.

I am going to miss my kid though. Like, seriously miss him. Of course, he will be with his Dad for a portion of it and staying at home with another BFF who's watching my house. But still. I always have a really hard time when he's not home.

Open and honest - hmmm what else.

Well, some things just aren't anyone's business unless I include them in it. What does that mean, you might wonder? Oh, I don't know...my friends know what's going on with me. So does my family. Basically the ones that I care about and that care about me. Of course, I am a bit behind on catching some friends and family up on life. But that's normal. It would be too exhausting to keep everyone in the exact same loop! Not to mention they have their own life and issues going on. But I should try to schedule a girls night soon though. Which will probably happen AFTER the holidays are over!!

No, I don't go posting crazy shit on for status updates on facebook or anything like that. I haven't even had time to blog a whole lot lately (laundry anyone??) but I'm hoping that after the holiday season is over, things calm down again and life moves forward and things are good. I am really looking forward to that...

Weight is staying about the same. I've started walking at work though. I should probably stop getting breakfast from Dunkin' donuts if I really want to be better about my eating habits. Yes, well...it's the fucking holiday season so whatever!! And when winter really hits, not sure what I will do. Oh wait, you know inventory my ass off! LOL

The Kid

Let's see - He's a preteen, hormones are starting to get to him a bit. School life is rough in 7th grade...there seems to be a lot of fighting, arrests and bullying going on. Never easy that. He's doing good in his classes though. He has a couple good friends. I know he wishes he had more and/or that there were less assholes in his classes. I think we all wish there were less assholes in the world though. He plays a lot of video games, I think as do most boys his age. He's starting to exercise more though, which is always a good thing. He has such a big heart. He loves band. Loves it. Says he wants to do it in HS. Wow. Who knew!!! I'm so happy he's happy with it :)

He's been having it rough lately. With the divorce and issues with just everything going on, it's not easy. Plus, he usually takes a little time to digest it before he can talk about it. It's something I am keeping a very close eye on. Last night he was a bit of a wreck. I got a call from the school nurse saying he had a headache yesterday morning. I talked to him and honestly, he sounded very stressed out. I went and picked him and took him home. Had a good talk with him. He was upset and worried and just stressed out from everything. He needed a day away from school and some time to decompress. He freaked out because he didn't get something completed that he had wanted to. I told him not to worry, that he can complete it later and everything will work out fine. He was on the verge on tears, but after hearing that and knowing it was ok, he was a lot better.

I think he needs to upcoming holiday break and then winter break more than anything. Winter break will be nice, easy and relaxing :) Plus he gets presents, and that will be a nice distraction :)

We're going to the movies this Friday. I'm trying to get him out of the house a bit more, hanging with friends or just doing stuff together. Maybe we will go to the park and check out the skate part of it. Or just walk it.

Holiday Projects

I am thinking of going to Michael's this weekend to see about getting some supplies to make a wreathe and maybe some cute but easy ornaments for me and the Kid to do. I also want to go to Pier 1 to see if they have some cool ornaments :)

Ok, time to take my spayed kitty to the vet, it seems she's in heat. Yeah, that makes sense right!! Ugh!!

Exhaustive but wonderful Weekend

Can you believe it's already Tuesday??

Friday night was the football game, and I think my ass is still thawing out! I was a chaperon and it wasn't that exciting. But it totally brought back memories of HS Band!! I did take a lot of pictures of the band though. I need to download those and send them to the band director.

We got home kinda late, my brain was friend and the Kids more so.

Saturday, go up late, made pancakes and eggs, cleaned a little bit and then that afternoon was back at the school for the Mummers Parade. Which was a lot of fun and boredom at the same time. Once I dropped him off, I went and parked at the library and just hung out, waiting, for others to show up and the parade to start. Oh and yeah, the Kid ate something like 20 of the pancakes!! Talk about prepping for a long day!

And it was cool watching the parade!

After seeing the Kids band go by, it was time to get something to eat, since I was starving!! So we got Chinese. We were just leaving when the Kid called and said he was back early. We swung by and got him and headed home.

Sunday, the kids slept in late. I mean, it was close to 1 pm by the time the Kid was sorta up. And he said he wasn't hungry, which I think is BS especially considering how much he ate the day before! But damn it, he wanted pumpkin pie it seems. So we head out, go to a corn maze and have a lot of fun :) I take more pictures and we meander our way back home with a couple stops along the way. One being dinner, where he ate literally 3 hamburgers and 1 hotdog. OMG, seriously, that's a growth spurt in the making I think. We also did some grocery shopping on the way home. And it was laundry Sunday and Monday night. And sweeping and dishes and it never, ever, fucking ends! The cleaning!! I like a lot of it to be honest. I just wish it wasn't every single time I turned around!!

In other news: The gas company has been doing construction around my neighborhood and it seems that my house is on their list. So Thursday they will be replacing the pipe line and meter. The guy said it should only take the 1 day. He had a lot of piercings, which was cool. I don't know about replacing gas lines, but as long as everything is safe, and my house isn't destroyed, I'm good with it.

I've been feeding a stray cat. Last night, I think he wanted to come in. Now, I don't mind feeding him, but he's not coming in with his fleas and gods only know what else. Plus, I have my hands full with 4 cats, 2 of whom are sick and 1 will probably end up on a slow downward spiral :( Poor Puck. I've been giving him the antibiotics, which he does not seem to appreciate. And that shit was expensive. Oh, that was another thing I had picked up Saturday morning! See, busy fucking weekend!!

Ok, so stray cat...I put out a towel but I was told that probably won't help, because a 32 degree towel is about the same as 32 degree floor. Good point. So, I will just be washing that and figuring something else out. It was also suggested that a light bulb does put off heat, and that might be a good idea. I like it :) Sometimes even 10 degrees can mean life. Now, if there is some major snow storm or something, I guess I could open the cellar and keep the light on or something. With food and water. I don't know...too much to deal with.

This weekend, I am hoping to paint the office and get a curtain up in that window. I am also seriously considering swapping out the hardware for the curtains in some of the rooms too. I think I will need help with that. I also want to at least see about getting the paint for my room as well. I've sorta decided on a color, if I can match it somehow at Home Depot (I have this beautiful blue moonstone ring, LOVE the blue). I am going to the movies Friday night :) Which is quite exciting!!

Hmmm, I really this this weekend is about getting more of the house done and in order. A good feeling, especially if I can get this accomplished before my vacation. Oh and I think I've gotten everything for the vacation (at least clothes wise) which is a relief.

Ok, time to sign off and go search for the Kids cell phone. Will explain that one later!!

It's a chilly, rainy Monday morning

I should have brought a scarf to work. I am wearing a cute knit beanie hat today, but it's not warm enough for this chilly morning. So, I'm drinking some hot tea and wearing a fleece jacket and trying to wake up. I don't like waking up. I'd much rather be asleep, in a warm cozy comfy bed. Curled up inside my nest of blankets and warm kitties. Diego alone is an awesome heat source, love it when he sleeps against my back.

This weekend, got waxed :) Yay :) Though I have 2 patches on my inner thighs that are NOT thanking me. I've been smearing some yummy lavender oil blend on them which is helping though.

My sister got in around lunch time on Saturday! YAY!!! SO EXCITED!!! It is so unbelievably AWESOME to see her and talk to her and just hang out! I mean, wow. I have really and truly missed her!

We went to Mom's Organic store yesterday and Martins to get some groceries. Mom's is always a huge treat for me :) Love shopping there :)

I want to take her to a couple different restaurants in the area, probably tomorrow and Wednesday. Thursday (my bday) I am making lasagna and dump cake. I have not had to best luck with my birthday in the past several years...so I am taking that day off from work and hoping to just kind of hide from the world, make some good food and celebrate with loved ones. Quiet, easy, fun. Maybe watch a movie.

Then there is Friday and Saturday we can still check out stuff. I want to take her to Shepherdstown at least one night :) And the Catina is on Tuesday :) After dinner :)

Western Maryland is such a different place from Southern California. I know it's a bit of a culture shock. And it's kinda neat to see someone else go through what I did when I first moved here. I mean, I lived in Southern CA for a good portion of my young life and was in South Florida for 10 years. It's just SO damn different!! Not bad, per se, but wow you gotta adjust! It's a different mentality, different perspective in a lot of ways...just because life is different - not that people don't do the same types of things like work, home life and everything else. It's just that here is so green, things are farther away from each other, the pace is different...among other things. It's actually hard for me to explain for some reason right now.

Oh and I ordered another cute ass hat the other day:

Can't wait until this one comes in :) I'm wearing a green knit beanie one today :) Looks very french, almost.

Ok, work is busy, shock. I need some more hot tea. Also: My period is thinking of starting, but it's just a minor thought at the moment. My lower back pain is starting though, which is always fun - not!

Freaky Friday!

I am soooo excited! Tomorrow! Renaissance Festival! Yay!!! I plan on having a lot of fun this year :)

My ankle is doing ok. Just ok though. Should be interesting all the walking I will be doing tomorrow. I will be bringing my wrap with me, just in case it needs it.

Today, is just a beautiful day :)

It's actually kinda chilly out today too! I think the high is supposed to be 72 degrees, which is perfect.

An Inner Bitch Quote:

An Inner Bitch Reminder:

If you settle for less, that's exactly what you'll get. Is that what you want? I don't think so.

 I have no idea how busy today is going to be. I just know I'm sorta tired (got to bed late) and I am chugging my coffee like it's my life blood. Ok, what I really mean is that my subsisting on coffee period at the moment! LOL. It's my bestest friend. Well, that's Jackie, but right now she's in Florida and she doesn't exactly give me a caffeine fix!

I guess I should start thinking of what the hell I will be wearing on my vacation too. I should make a list of what's required and see what I can that might past muster. The awesome thing about losing weight is some of my old but still hot/cute clothes now fit again :) Oh and me wearing a size 12 jeans?? HOTNESS. My 14s are pretty comfy/loose now. I could wear 12s without a problem. I have a couple times and damn, I got some good reactions. But I am not sure if need every guy staring at my ass at work. Yeah, that's probably not what I need! What I need, is to clean my house though. Because dust bunnies seem to multiple on an hourly basis!! I blame the cats.

Damn it, I just had a thought and as I was about to write it, it ran away. Hate it when that happens...

 Anyway! It looks to be a busy weekend and next week as well :)