Happy New Year/Safe & Sound

Well, my two kids made it to New Jersey all safe and sound, and I've heard from them already a half a dozen times.  They landed at Liberty Airport just before 5 pm, and had pizza a few hours later at the "strip", wherever that is.  I am not quite sure if it was in Newark or Bloomfield.

  I do know that according to my daughter there is a Portuguese section of town, and she went to get a manicure done while her step-mom got her hair done for new years.  According to her, the place was packed with Portuguese women all under hair dryers leaving with the same exact short, big hair do!  Of course she thought it was the funniest thing ever, and went on to tell me that they were all gossiping, and carrying on.  As soon as she walked in there was a five second moment of silence and stares, and then, suddenly everyone turned their heads and no looked at her.  I could hear a lot of commotion in the background--a very busy place on New Years Eve.  She is now taking a nap with her new manicured purple fingernails and Andrew is watching T.V.

Lizzy mentioned that Andrew cried during dinner last night.  Of course I'm a bit worried about him.  Apparently his father is going on and on about him one day moving there to live so he can work for the radiator business.  Of course he isn't going to do that any time soon--my God he is only 13 years old, but his father doesn't seem to "get it."  It's all about money to him.  Andrew needs a dad--not a job.  I'm hoping to speak to him later today so I can remind him that he'll be home soon on Friday.  He is definitely homesick.  Yeah..I'm a bit worried.  Tonight they will be going to some Portuguese restaurant and a club to end the year.  Andrew isn't too thrilled about wearing his fancy clothes either. 

As for us, it's just going to be a very quiet evening with just me and hubby and Nicholas.  Matthew is going to spend New Years at his mom's house.  We might get take out and watch some movies at home.  As soon as Lizzy and Andrew call tonight, we may just hit the sack and go to sleep.  We aren't much Festa Hard people on New Years; we're just simple folk..ha ha ha..  Not many places you can take a four year old to,  you know.  I do hope to may be see a movie tomorrow. 

I hope the new year brings only joy, peace and love to everyone.  The end of this year at Jland has sure been a sad one with the passing of too many beloved friends.  May the new year bring many blessings to all of you--may there be an heaping overlapping helping of happiness and good health to you and the ones you love!

Photos courtesy of a 4 year old...

Nicholas got a Fisher Price digital camera...  Here are a few of his photos to share; eyes of a 4 year old..interesting stuff..

Wow..here I am..

Daddy!

Self-portrait.

Aunt Karen & Aunt Joanne

Tyson the cat!

Andrew's friend attempting to eat a cookie.

Hmm...cookies and milk!  Life's essentials.

Close up of cookies and milk.

Cookies & milk and Lizzy.

Lizzy chasing Nicholas..

 

Lizzy got the camera...

Christmas tree..

U.F.O?!  No...just the Christmas tree again.

Mom & Dad..

Daddy again

 

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Leaving On A Jet Plane/Christmas Catch Up

Here are some of the pictures of our four kids that were taken before Christmas...  I forgot to share these with all of you, mostly because it has  just been so hectic around here before/after and around the holidays!  I have finally got the time to post an entry.  I hear AOL has not been cooperating with journal entries as of late, so I'm hoping that this entry will not get "lost" in cyberspace.  I've been off from work since the 21st, and I haven't posted an entry since that time, so that gives you an idea how busy I've been at home.  Usually the only time I have  to post entries is when I'm at work..ha ha ha..  I know, sad, huh? 

When we send pictures to relatives there are two sets.  One with ALL the kids in them, and the other with just Andrew & Elizabeth for their dad and their side of the family.  I don't think his brothers and sisters would mind getting a picture with Nick or Matt to tell you the truth--but..I've been doing that since I've gotten re-married.  They know about Nick and Matt, and when they met Nicholas they welcomed him with open arms.  My ex-inlaws are really pleasant people actually. 

Two of my kids--I miss them already...  :(

Today I dropped them off at the airport in San Francisco.  They are off to see their dad in New Jersey.  The new law in airports about family not being able to walk and sit with their family members before the plane takes off really sucks.  I got them at the airport early, and they were there a good hour and 1/2 before their flight.  How I wish I was able to sit down with them and have breakfast at least with them at the airport, but no can do!  I instead watched them from afar as they went through security.  We waved about 4 times before they left.  I felt like a mother hen saying goodbye to her chicks,and of course I was the only mother hen.  The security people must have thought I was an overprotective nut case, but I don't care.  It was sad, but I didn't cry.  I promised Andrew I wouldn't because apparently my mom already made her Emmy award winning drama queen goodbye performance Friday.  Anyway's, I was dreading it, and I'm glad it's over.  Now I can look forward to their return on Friday.  It's always nice to have something to look forward to.   According to their dad and Teresa, there is a good chance of snow tomorrow.  Neither have not been in the snow for years, so I'm sure it will be a big treat for them to play in the snow.  I hope to see pictures of snow angels and snowman.  I only packed on pair of shorts for Andrew--hopefully he will be smart enough to leave them in the suitcase. 

I had a full house on Christmas Eve for dinner, and I kid you not that I had to have a few days to recover.  I love having a full house though.  I was so busy, I don't really remember eating anything however.  I do remember "grazing" quite a bit on crab cakes and cookies..  Christmas day I took the kids to church, and dinner was spent at my sister's newly renovated, beautiful home.  Meanwhile, the kids as you can imagine have been pretty busy testing their new toys.  Nicholas I'm afraid got so many, he really hasn't looked at them all really yet.  He has been hypnotized by his new Spongebob game, and his new camera.   He has taken quite a few amazing pictures--will share later..  Here are a few of my own:

 

Matt, my nephews Brandon, Frankie, Lizzy, my niece Tara, and there's mom...

Andy, my nephews, Michael, Seth, Brett, & nieces Bonnie & Amanda

My brother, Eddy & my sister-inlaw Karen

My brother in-law Frank & his wife Lea--the newlyweds.. 

Let's play Candyland!

Festa Hard!  My nephew's slogan from the summer...  It means, "party hard"..  I got these done at www.cafeexpress.com  You can make anything there--it's great! 

Opening of gifts...  Nicholas looks pretty confused... 

Glowing with their new Hollister hoodies..

Wow, a picture of me and hubby!

Yeah, there's mom....getting down with it.  I swear, my mom does not drink! 

Christmas At The Ghetto

Well, it's definitely Christmas time around here!  I am surrounded by Christmas cards and a few presents.  Everyone is wearing red or green, and there really isn't much work in today.  Have you noticed?  Yeah, it's my fourth entry. 

Some of the clients are also in the Christmasy mood.  Our lovely receptionist is not here today, so I got to sit up front and chat with the clients waiting in the lobby.  Let's see..there were two child molesters in here, one with a Santa's hat--(scary, huh?), a few people that looked a little like Rudolph (red noses), and one sprite who I guess wanted to give a iris plant to her new probation officer as a gift.  She wore a matching iris in her hair to match the plant, and I think she actually was flirting in the lobby.  Wow.  You'd be surprised on how many female clients come in for appointments wearing really tight sweaters and belly button revealing attire.  It doesn't matter if it's only 40 degrees outside... Summer, winter or fall, they show up and dress to impress.  Little do they know that most of the employees here swing the other way, if you know what I mean.. 

I got this from my niece Kassandra who is stationed in Italy.  I thought it was cute, so I'm sharing it.  This will be the last entry I will make for the day.  I don't know if you'll hear from me until AFTER Christmas.  Everyone have a wonderful, peaceful and joyous Christmas!! 

Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows
nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately.
Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch,
it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it
any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000
calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
'eggnog-aholic' or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it!!!! Have one for me. Have
two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy
does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes.
Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole
milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an
automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your
eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's
food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You
can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for
long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a
10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted
Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them
and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of
attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind,
you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you
don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When
else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory
celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up
from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips: start over, but
hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways,
chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally
worn out and screaming 'WOO- HOO what a ride!

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Dawn's Meme Part II...

 

22. Favorite Song: I have too many favorites.  Today:  Blue Christmas, by Elvis.

21. Paper or plastic? Paper.

20. The all-time best movie(s) I’ve seen? All time?  I still have a lot of living to do, and movies to see..  I’ll answer this one later.

19. The all-time best feeling in the world is… enjoying life, and being healthy enough to enjoy it, and knowing well enough how to enjoy life, and being able to laugh at yourself from time to time.

18. Favorite scent: vanilla, brown sugar..

17. What color is your hairbrush? Grey & black

16. Favorite shoes: Boots.

15. I lose all respect for people who… have never put in an honest day's work. 

14. Color of your room? Beige. 

13. TV channels you watch: Nickelodean/Disney/ABC...CBS...History Channel...  I don't watch much T.V.

12. Best feature:  I like getting things done.

11. Worst habit: I worry too much.

10. The worst pain I was ever in was… having my first child.  The drugs didn't kick in until AFTER I had the baby. 

9. Best memory: Sitting on my father's shoulders as he brought me downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast.

8. Favorite TV show: Desperate Housewives/Pushing Daisies/Amazing Race...

7. My favorite celebrity couple is… Gee..  There aren't very many left.  I guess it would be Paul Newman and his wife--what's her name? 

6. Favorite stuffed animal: All the ones my husband bought for me while we were dating.  I had never had a man buy me stuffed animals before.

5. My weakness is… chocolate.

4. What I like about the opposite sex is… they are little boys in big bodies.

3. Who broke your heart?  The Ex-husband--that is why he's the EX. 

2. One thing that makes me feel great is… a nice long night's sleep!

1. One person that you wish you could see right now? My dad.  He never met his youngest grandchild. 

Meme Part III

 

OOPS...I skipped these... sorry..

 79. Drunk or High? Never drink more than two glasses of Port wine..  I thought I was going to die.  High—never been there—the highest I’ve been is on a plane.   

78. Phone or Online? I keep in touch with more people online.  I have many cousins/family that live overseas--makes more sense

77. Red heads or Black hair? I'll pass on the red-headed men...sorry..lol--they are just a little pale for me. 

76. Blondes or Brunettes? Most of my friends are blondes.

75. Hot or cold? Neither, but if I'm cold I can always put more clothes on. 

74. Summer or winter? Summer!

73. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!

72. Night or Day? Day--I like the sunshine.

71. Oranges or Apples? Apples.

70. Curly or Straight hair? Straight hair, with waves.

Here’s What I Think About…
69. Politics:  BORING!

68. Backstabbers: Can't stand them.

67. Parents: My mom drives me crazy sometimes.  My father was a saint.

When did you last…
66. Hug someone? My boys-about two hours ago.

65. Kiss someone? Read answer 66.

64. See someone? Ten minutes ago the crazed lady who works downstairs, obessed over SSS Bubblebath.  She didn't care that half her order didn't come in--she said she'll wait for the entire order next week....  One less thing to stress over..

63. Cry in front of someone? I wanted to cry to "Timmy" the Avon "Specialist" stationed in India...but restrained myself.

Miscellaneous:
62. Who is the ditsiest person you know? I'm going to play it safe, and she say it's me.

61. Who makes you laugh the most? The kids.

60. The last movie you saw in theaters? The Fantastic Four; silly movie.

59. What I don’t understand is… why the simpliest things are sometimes so hard.

58. The most unsatisfactory answer I’ve ever received is… I can't guarantee you'll receive your items before Christmas.

57. Something I will really miss when I leave home is… the security, thewarmth...family.

56. The thing that I’m looking forward to the most… spending time with my family--especially my husband.

 

                               

I had to snag this from  toonguykc  :)  He asked for more "dammits", and he included my most recent dammit--my recent bathroom dilemna at a department store.  (The one above wasn't my dammit, but I had to include it because the picture is attached to my dammit.) He captured the moment so respectfully, I just had to include it in my entry.  He is such the talented artist! 

It's is finally Friday--here is my Meme from yesterday-part II.  I would include the entire meme...but it's more than 25,0000 characters.  I have no idea how Dawn included her entire meme in one entry.  She must have connections!! 

55. The thing that I’m not looking forward to is… saying goodbye to my kids at the airport when they fly off to NJ for a week.  54. Tomorrow: is Friday.

53. Today: a busy day.

52. Next Summer: Disneyland! 

51. This Weekend: Shopping and Cleaning Frenzie of 2007. 

50. People call me… Julie, honey, sweetie, mom, mommy...ma.

49. The most difficult thing to do is… raising 3 teenagers. 

48. I have gotten a speeding ticket… about 3 years ago.

47. The first person I talked to today was…Husband.

46. First time I had a crush… I was 13.  His name was Helio Almeida.  I saw him this summer; what was I thinking?! 

45. The one person from whom I can’t hide things: My kids.  They always figure out where I hide the Christmas presents!

44. Last time someone said what you were thinking: My husband..  Weird how he can do that.  It happens all the time.

42. What is your dream job? Private Investigator..  Kind of like the character from Murder She Wrote..  I write books, solve cases, and ride a bicycle around with a little flowered basket..

41. First job? I worked for the City Clerk's office.  I set up chambers for council meetings, and filled the water pitcher with water...fixed the name plates, and made copies of the agenda and minutes.

40. I want most: more free time to spend on family and hobbies.

39. I wish: good health, love, peace and an end to this war.

38. The worst sound in the world is… crying, screams of misery...

37. The person that makes me cry the most: When family/friends members are hurting, and you can't do anything about it..helplessness.

36. Bestsound in the world: a baby's laughter.

35. Person who makes you happy: Family/friends.

34. Cats or dogs? I go both ways.

33. Didn’t want to be… a county worker all my life, but the security of it all sucked me in.

32. Which Golden Girl would you be? Oh gosh..  Rose, I guess.

31. MySpace or Facebook: Neither.

30. Mexican food or Chinese? Mexican!

29. My favorite piece of clothing: Pajama pants!

28. My favorite color(s): Red.

27. Last time I cried: another repeat question!  duh!

26. My friends are… people who keep me sane!

25. My computer is… very helpful, but addictive! 

24. Last person at whom I got mad: “Timmy” in India.

23. Person on whom I secretly crush: It's not a secret..it's my hubby.

Thursday.. :)

Well, it's Thursday!  I've been purposively not making any entries for the past few days because I didn't want to write about all the negativity down.  To put it in short, Avon shorted me two boxes of merchandise, and kind of screwed me and a few my customers over due to shortages, and warehouse problems.  Urrrrr...  That's all I'm saying..  Ho..Ho...Ho...  I'm grateful that none of my customers are too upset, but still--sometimes I have an urge of just stop selling altogether.  It's not worth the stress!!

I got to emails from Amazon.Com telling me the items I ordered two weeks ago have been canceled because they are out of stock.  You'd think they could have told me earlier than 4 days before Christmas, huh?  Gee..thanks.  Oh well...just small pilittley things I know that I shouldn't stress over, right?

I got kind of an urgent call from my sister-in-law today.  She read a very disturbing article about Hollister Co.  Apparently they advertise in Maxim, and there is a very scandalous article with naked women sleeping under a Christmas tree, with words written hinting on young group sex.  Not somewhere she wants her two teenage girls to be aware of.  Lovely.  She wanted to know if we had already purchased Hollister clothing for the girls, and of course, we have already done so--I mean, it's 4 days before Christmas Eve.and that is all the girls wanted for Christmas.  She doesn't want anything to do with that store ever again!  I had to buy the gift cards for my mom.  I had two choices.  The card with the half naked guy, or the card with the guy and the girl kissing.  Gee..which card would you want from your grandmother?  All my grandmother gave me was a $5 bill and a book from TG&Y and I was happy. 

Here is half of a Meme I got from Goddess Dawn..  The other half, I'll post tomorrow.. 

110. My middle name is Anne.

109. I was born in a hospital about a mile away from my work.  It is now shopping center and an Italian Restaurant.

108. I am really silly sometimes.

107. My phone is very necessary--it's the only way I can keep track with kids and family.

106. My eye color is brown.

105. My favorite colors are red and green.

104. My ring size is 7 or 8--depends on what finger.

103. My height is 5'6.

102. I am allergic to cottage cheese.  HA HA...not really.

101. I was born on April 4th.

100. I am annoyed by rude and pushy people; and car salesmen.

99. Last book you read? Blue's Search of Clues.  (It's a children's book.)

98. My bed is one of my most favorite places on Earth.

97. One thing you hate about yourself? I worry and stress over stupid things and stupid people--who are not always as stupid as I make them out to be, which makes me feel even more stupid. 

96. My favorite holiday is Christmas.

95. The perfect kiss is from Hubby and my children.

94. The last three CDs I bought were Julie Brown, Goddess in Progress..  (No I'm not kidding),  Portugal Romatico & Portugal de Ouro..   All Christmas gifts. 

93. Are you living at home? I live in a home--not the one I grew up in though.

92. Are your parents divorced? No...I was one of the lucky ones. 

91. What did you do yesterday? I was on the phone on hold and talking to people in India.  It was not fun.

Do you believe in…
90. Love at first sight? Yes.

89. Luck? Yes.

88. Fate? You mean, Karma?  I believe in that, and I also believe we are given choice in life...things are not just brought to us.

87. Yourself? Of course.

86. Aliens? Yeah..  Although, I'm fearful of them--mostly because I think they may have the capability to just blast our little  planet into bits.  Some say they may be angels... who knows.  I only know that a friend of my brothers swears that he has been with aliens, and may have alien children out there in the universe.  He sleeps under a triangle at night, and the aliens sometimes disguise themselves as his parents. 

85. Heaven? Yes.

84. Hell? Aren't we in hell now?  I often wonder sometimes.

83. Ghosts? Yes, most definitely.

82. Horoscopes? I find it interesting, but I don't live by what my horoscope says.

81. Soulmates? Yes.

Which is Better?
80. Hugs or Kisses? Depends on who is doing the hugging and kissing...lol.  I've had strangers come up to me and kiss me on both cheeks.  It's not as bad as you may think. 

 

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Mystery of the Missing Hoops

Well, mystery of the missing hoops has been solved--not really--I don't know what happened.  Remember I wrote about how I thought I may have lost the golden hoop earrings I bought at the store the other day?  And, how I went back to the store where they gave me a new pair?  Well...  I was taking out the trash in the bathroom, and I found one of the gold hoop earrings!  I recycle my store bags and use them in my waste baskets, and it looks like one earring made it's way into a bag.  I then went into the garbage can to look for the other earring, but did not find it.  I figured..  Oh well..I then decided to take some laundry out of the dryer when behold, there was the matching gold hoop earring still attached to the store card with the price tag!  I have no idea how it got from the bag into my laundry, but I've been struck by guilt.  I was so sure that it got left at the store.  I called the store, and those poor people went looking for it, and I even assumed the lady who took my cart may have taken them.  Oh the guilt! 

I called the store this morning.  They all got a good laugh out of it anyway.  I can't even return them.  So..  Oh well..an extra pair of earrings for my dear mother!  Damn do I feel pretty stupid.  Oh well.. 

I just got back from the ghetto potluck, and I must say, it was pretty fun.  The food was good, and everyone enjoying eating my store bought cookies.  Some wanted the recipe but I told them I bought them, although some people said I shouldn't have said that.  Anyway, they were good, chocolately and chewy.  I personally liked the frosted sugar cookies I brought better.  The chocolate cookies get stuck in your teeth--as I soon discovered when noticing my fellow co-workers chocolate stuck on the tooth hillbilly smiles...  Anyway, the funniest part was the gift exchange.  The funniest lady I work with got stuck with the last present, which happened to be a "love whip."  Ironically, she supervises the sex offender caseload.  So, she got on a chair, and danced away with her love whip and proceeded to do a little dance.  It was quite entertaining.  I was suprised my other co-worker Dennis didn't get up there and join her.  Oh, how I wish I brought my camera!  The receptionist is here today, but was a no show at the party.  She doesn't do parties.   

'Tis The Season

If you get a chance today, please visit this website!

http://journals.aol.com/Canyonsun04/the-giving-tree/

It will put you in the holiday spirit of giving.  You will want to visit there all year long. 

 

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Ho Ho Ho....

Well, I think I've done it.  I think I'm done with most of my holiday shopping.  I just need to make a list for Christmas Eve dinner, and I'll be compeltely done.  I did some non-online shopping in the REAL world this weekend.  Oh my.  Thank God for online shopping is all I got to say. 

I was in line at this store, and here comes this woman dressed in tight jeans and a very tight black t-shirt with the BeBe logo in rhinestones.  She is standing in line with me with what I presume to be her husband who is holding a bunch of little girl clothes.  The entire time that we are waiting in line she just went on and on bitching over everything.  "I'm not buying all this crap for this kid.."  Or, "This store is a f...n mess..."  Blah..blah...blah..  the worst part of it was they had a little girl with them, and it got to a point where I had to turn around and give her that disapproving Portuguese evil eye.  Of course she didn't see me, but her husband looked quite embarrassed.  I guess the thought of shopping at Mervyn's with the common people, was just so beneath her she had to vocalize her disapproval. 

It was pretty much a zoo at the stores.  I was lucky to find a cart, and while I was unloading my cart, this one woman stood there impatiently waiting for me to unload my bags, and she almost took off with one still inside.  I had to stop her.  Crazy.  I think a smaller bag was still in there when she took off.  I came home and noticed that a pair of earrings I had purchased wasn't in the bag, but it was on my receipt.  I called the store and asked if the cashier forgot to put it in the bag.  They couldn't find it, but  they gave me a new pair to replace it anyway.  That was nice anyway.  I hope the lady likes her new pair of earrings too. 

Tomorrow is the annual potluck holiday celebration at the ghetto.  Whoohoo!  It's a very boring event where people sit around a very big table in the boss' office and do small chit chat.  No alcohol or dancing..just small chit chat with that uncomfortable silence--you know what I mean?  Where it's so quiet you feel like you should say something just to break the silence?  All you hear is the chewing of food kind of silence.  Yes I'm talking, loads of fun now, people!  Don't you wish you could come with me?  I wish you could.  I'm tempted to bring my camera so you can see the people I work with.  Imagine: a picture of the receptionist all wrapped up in a scarf and coat sitting behind the glass at the reception desk?  Wouldn't that be exciting?  I'll be lucky if she is here for that rare photo to tell you the truth.  She IS here today, believe it or not.   I'm tempted to bring the camera, but I would want to post them, and I may have to ask permission?  There is also a gift exchange, white elephant gift.  I'm not quite sure if I'm up to it this year or not.  Too bad we can't be like other offices and actually go out to a restaurant or something for a REAL party.  But, alas' it's going to be another ghetto building Christmas.  I should be thankful.   Someone got rid  of the dead rat. 

Friday....finally!

It's been a weird week. 

Yesterday afternoon I had to pick up Nicholas early from daycare because he had the case of the runs. 

"Mommy!  I made a big poop in the toilet!" 

I immediately heard a big yelp of laughter close by from one of the daycare people who exclaimed soon after:

"Yes, and I got to clean it up!"

Poor lady.  Well, at least he did it in the toilet.  If he has the runs, he can't go to school, so it looks like I may have another early day at work again... 

I'm feeling like the receptionist at work--a complete flake.  (By the way, no--she isn't here today; again.)  I've been working half days, and 6 hour days all this week because of either a doctor's appointment or aches or pains from one child or another...  It's just been kind of a stressful week.  Last night I finally finished most of my Christmas cards--only a few more to do, and I'll be done, with only a few more to do for the people at work.  Oh, and I have to put in an Avon order by noon today..  It's the last order I make for before Christmas delivery...  (Insert shameless plug in now:) BUT, it's not too late to order online at: 

http://julielangley.avonrepresentative.com/

Enter coupon code: REPSS and get free delivery for an order of $15 or more... 

Thank you for the recent orders I got ladies...you know who you are.  I don't expect everyone who comes here to actually go and buy stuff from my website---but thank you just the same.  :)

                                        

I need to get coffee, like now!  My office is freezing, but there is still that dead rat outside.  That just cannot be healthy.  This dead rat has been there since Monday.  Eww..  Can someone PLEASE remove the dead rodent?!  I refuse to go next door to get my coffee---just the thought of it laying there...  I think I will go across the street to get my coffee today instead.   I need to go now before I have to break the reception desk.  Yes, the lovely receptionist is gone today--she on average comes in twice may be 3 times a week, and continues to fork every lame excuse you can think of for not coming in.  Meanwhile she is getting all her Nordstrom packages delivered here.  I am so tempted to open one of those boxes and just see what she is buying at this place.  Perhaps it would give us an inside scoop of what she really does outside the office.  Perhaps revealing lingerie or hip boots, or men's clothing?...  Hmm..  You never know. 

Growing Pains

Whew...  Is it only Wednesday?!    I've been having a strange week.  I am running on a short fuse. 

Well..  Monday my son called me from school claiming that his back was killing him.  Naturally, I was a bit concerned--but not so much because I know he has been playing a lot of basketball and just finished flag football recently..etc..  Plus, add to fact that it has been pretty cold lately, and the boy refuses to put on a pair of pants.  He insists on wearing shorts everyday to school.  He is in denial that summer is over, and it is really getting on everyone's nerves--especially my mothers.

So, yesterday afternoon, I had the pleasure of driving back home with the kids and mom home after work.  The journey involved listening to Andrew whining about his back, and  how he thinks if he doesn't see a doctor as soon as possible that he will never play basketball again, and end up using a wheel chair, (no I'm not kidding), and my mother arguing back that if it happens it will because he refuses to wear pants and sweatshirts to school....  Yadda..yadda..yadda... 

Well, I took my son to the doctor's early this morning, and after she checked his back, and bones, she concluded that my son had a case of third stage puberty, "growing pains."  Yes, it's a real occurrence apparently.  Add that to his improper shoe support--(he does not lace his shoes up), and the fact that he plays a lot of basketball on asphalt, and likes to sulk--play video games late into the night...etc..etc..  So, all this I guess is a stage he is going through; a stage of growing pains.  I will have to say it was a relief to hear a professional say this to ease my son's concern--and mine as well.  Andrew felt a little embarrassed by the doctor's diagnosis, but was feeling better already; not to mention the prospect of new basketball shoes.  Did you know that arch support in an athletic shoe is null after three months?  I did not know this.  For awhile I wasn't quite sure if the doctor worked for Footlocker, and sold athletic shoes on the side. I had no idea.  Oh well, you learn something everyday, hey? 

And so we do..  Why just last night I solved a mystery.  For some reason the screens to a few windows in our home have been found taken out and left on the roof or at the side of the house.  Now I know why.  Apparently we have an escape artist living at home.  Don't even get me started on this one...  :SIGH: 

I also learned another "fascinating fact".  Apparently there are "no" drive thrus on the East Coast?!?!  I was waiting in line at the Burger King drive thru, leaving a space behind the yellow line for cross traffic.  I noticed this one car driving up, and waiting to the left of me.  After a few moments, the car decided to just cut in front of me.  Excuse me?!  I honked my little horn.  The car then backed out of line and the weird woman driving, who looked like a client at work comes up to my window and tells me:

"I'm sorry, I didn't intentionally cut in front of you.  I'm visiting from Boston, and I don't know the international laws of this state because we don't have drive thrus..." 

Okay.  Is this true?  I didn't realize that California was another country with it's own international laws.  Interesting.  I just nodded at the lady and pointed to the yellow line.  Honestly, I just closed my window and wished her away--she really looked like she was on crack or something. 

My neck and back are sore from being in front of the computer all night for two nights in a row.  I've been busy creating slide shows with the pictures I took last summer.  I learned how to add music, and finally got them burned on discs.  I will be sending them to relatives overseas as gifts.  A family friend will be bringing them personally for me, and I was under the impression that he was leaving Friday--but I was wrong--he wrote me back to tell me that he has yet another week until he leaves!  All that stress to get it done NOW was unnecessary..    It took awhile to discover that my computer will not burn discs using a vhr disc.  And of course I only had two of them at home, and 200 vhr discs.  So frustrating!!  Oh well...at least they are done now... 

I'm having a bit of stressed week-can you tell?!  My body feels like it's on overdrive, and I consumed what I'm guessing almost 4 cups of coffee today, and I NEVER do that.  I went shopping with my mom and the kids last night at the mall.  Nicholas was getting a little out of hand for awhile until I convinced to sit in a shopping cart at Target.  We went to various stores to help mom with her shopping.  Are you familiar with the Hollister clothing store?  It's pretty popular here on the west coast, and apparently, I have nieces that will absolutely wearing nothing but Hollister clothes which totally confuses me, because the clothes in my opinion is nothing special.  I guess it's that seagull emblem that is stitched on all their clothes--I guess that is cool or something?  You go in there, and it is so dark inside.  I'm guessing that's on purpose so you don't see the outrageous prices on the tags.  The music is loud and crappy, with overstuffed chairs, stairs in unexpected places (great for older people and children--yeah, right) with surf boards and beach items decorated all over the store and the ceiling-not a place to be in an earthquake, okay?!  I don't understand why they call it Hollister either.  It's not like Hollister is a beach town of any sort.  It's a mostly rural country town about a hour away from the ocean that prides itself being "Artichoke Capital Of The World."  Marilyn Monroe was crowned "Artichoke Queen" there at a festival years and years ago.  I don't think I'll be going back there anytime soon.  My mom didn't know what to buy, so we ended up buying gift cards with half naked couples on the them.  Lovely gift for grand-daughters, huh?  I'm sure they will love them though.

Yeah..I'm in a bitchy mood...can you tell?  Dammit, where is my chocolate?!?!

Other than that..that's all.  I think I'm due for a nice foot bath today.  Avon carries GREAT products for the feet.  FOOT WORKS!  Pamper yourself and get some today for all that holiday shopping at the malls!  (Insert shameless plug here:)

http://julielangley.avonrepresentative.com/

Type in REPSS in coupon code box and get free shipping with a $15 order or more...

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I will honestly tell you, it took all my integrity and strength to get out of my warm and cozy bed this morning.  It has 32 degrees each morning - I know that you Non-Californians may think that's nothing, but it is just too damn cold for me.  It may reach 55 degrees over here.. Brrrr...  I wish it would snow or something, sheesh.  At least make it look pretty!  Actually, the sky is blue, it's just soooo cold!!!

I checked my email at work, and I got two comments from a very old entry of mine by two questionable screen-names.  I don't know their precise names, but I think one of them was "Diirtydenise" and "Rubmesoftly"..  Lovely.  They left their links on my comments.  I am so sure.  Ewww...  I feel so violated right now!!  (I'm just kidding--there is enough Jland drama as it is.)

Today I went over next door to the ghetto to get my vanilla coffee and I stopped in my tracks to see some furry thing in the dirt. I take a short cut through this little dirty path behind the bus bench.  Never again.  Nothing like starting a new work week with a dead rat in your path.  Eewww..  I quickly turned around and walked on the side walk  It was grey, big and fat and dead.  Eeeww!!  It makes me quiver just thinking about it still. 

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? 

I haven't really--but I'm almost there.  I see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I went to the mall this weekend.  What a zoo!!  I was sooo thankful I didn't have my youngest with me-he stayed home with Daddy.  I cannot tell you what a difference it is shopping alone without constantly worrying if Nicholas will stay in the cart, or get up and run away..  Sometimes he will hold my hand and is a compelte angel, but other times, he just gets so cranky I cannot think let alone shop.  I saw a lot of little toddlers and babies at the mall, with very tierd and frustrated parents. I sympathized with them.   If you are ever at the mall...please be nice to these poor people.  Don't give them dirty looks, or say stupid and rude things like:  "Those kids should have stayed at home!"  or "Those brats need to be controlled."  I heard one old lady say this to this poor woman with two kids, and I almost said something equally as rude to the old bag, but I didn't.  You are at a mall at Christmas time.  There will be children there.  If you can't deal with it---don't shop at the mall during the day--go late at night!  Or....shop at my online website at: 

http://julielangley.avonrepresentative.com/

Under coupon code, type in REPSS for free shipping for a $15 or more order!!

(Ha ha ha...  I bet you thought I was going to not put in my shameless plug, huh?) 

I just got a call from my son--he isn't feeling well.  :SIGH:

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What A Day!

That's me..  The penguin jumping, jumping...jumping...

Whew..

At least it's Friday, hey? 

It was raining cats and dogs last night, and the wind was howling.  All this rain made traffic quite chaotic this morning.  I woke up at 6 am and put the T.V. on only to learn that there were 3 separate accidents on the highway I take to work.  I called into work to tell them that I would be coming in later.  No use to get ready only to sit in traffic for a hour.  By the time I dropped off Liz at school (a real treat for her because usually she takes the bus or lightrail) the highway was clear with no rain.  The only scary sight I saw was this rental truck with it's tires smoking.  Hmm..  Drove past that truck as fast as I could.  Eeek..  I could tell the lady driving it didn't know what she was doing by the expression she had on her face.  Scary stuff. 

Well, after dropping off the boys at school, I get an email from someone who wants to place an order on my Avon website, which happens to be:  (shameless plug..sorry)

www.youravon.com/julielangley

For FREE SHIPPING for a $15 order or more enter REPSS in at checkout under coupon code!!  Order now for before Xmas delivery!

(sorry to be sooo obnoxious..) 

Anyway, this new customer wants to order a really large order, and needs it ASAP--like right away.  I don't keep products in stock, because frankly--I just started.  So, I have to backorder by phone and get delivered ASAP.  So I call Pasadena and request the order to be shipped ASAP.  The Avon rep (who I could barely understand) said, fine and good everything is okay...  Well, being all new at this, I didn't know that I had to pay for the order shipment that I just got yesterday before I place a backorder!  Can we all say "DUH?" : SIGH:  All this frazzled me.  Well I paid it, and hopefully they will send out that backorder soon before the lady cancels it!  All that work for nada-I hope not--running around trying to collect money..then to the bank.. Oh and the strange IRS woman, well according to her boss, she retired, and probably won't be back until she pays a visit in another week... nope, I don't have her phone. Hopefully she'll come back and pay me..  Oh well, we learn from our mistakes...  I'm just feeling a bit worn out.

Here at the ghetto things are a bit crazy.  Apparently, there has been changes in regards to case assignments.  This change was done...um...2 months ago, and nobody cared to let me know about it until now.  Um.. HELLO!  I assign cases!!  Don't you think it's a good idea to tell the woman behind the partition who assigns cases about this?!  HELLOOO!!  A seasoned probation officer asked me why she wasn't getting a particular case, and that is how I found out about it.  And it was discovered that some other probation officers KNEW, but failed to tell me?!  I asked a supervisor who told me.. "I'm sorry.. we really should have written this down and told you more about it.."  Yeah, lady, I think so!!  Shhheeesh...  And this same woman has the gall to ask me how many people were assigned their designated probation officer under the new rule last month.  Um..  I didn't know the new rule lady until yesterday, so forgive me if I can't give you numbers...  Shheesh!!  I'm keeping statistics on that now.  Just a tad frustrating, but at least they know they were at fault for not telling me.  I guess they think that since I've been here so long, I should automatically, know, like a psychic or something. 

Speaking of psychic..  I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I think I have; my friend Sharon, who is a medium has done a lot of readings in this building, and from time to time again, strange things happen.  I think I told you about the time I was sitting on the toilet and I saw the lock on the stall move by itself?  Well if I hadn't before--I just did.  But anyway, lately other things have been happening with the office doors.  Three times this week I've felt weight on doors when opening them with my key--like someone is on the other side trying not to let me in.  Last week, I was in the mail room, and I heard someone turn the key on the lock, and then stop.  Then my boss eventually opened the door and told me "Very, funny!"  and I didn'tknow what she was talking about, but apparently she told me that it felt like someone was blocking the door and not letting her in.  Weird, huh?  I sometimes wonder, what "stays" here after one of those medium readings...  She has done dozens, and dozens in this building.  This other lady that works here, the real irritating one told me that she has "felt" something rest on her shoulders when she walks down the hall ways... Freaky, I tell you..... 

Well, this has proven a very long entry indeed.  It's the weekend though.. Praise the Lord!