Calls from the Empire State Building..

Hello!  Happy Thursday! 

You know that saying, the "calm before the storm."  This morning when I went to mom's to drop off my youngest, the weather was so calm.  The sun was coming up through the trees, and it was very quiet---almost beautiful outside.  Apparently a big ole' ugly storm is going to break by this afternoon, and they are saying we may get as much as 7 inches of rain before the end of the weekend!  It' still calm outside right now.  I hope this weather isn't going to delay the kid's flight from NJ tomorrow!! 

 

Yes, it seems like yesterday, but they will be returning tomorrow night!  Yeah!!  :)  I got numerous calls yesterday from the Empire State Building.  Here are a few quotes:

"It's so cold mom, my hands hurt!"  Lizzy  (Where are her gloves?) 

"The Statue of Liberty is closed until summer."  Lizzy  (Looks like they'll have to make another trip in the summer."

"The Statue of Liberty is so small!"  Andrew  (Andrew--everything is small from the top of the Empire State Building)

"We took the subway, and Dad never had taken it before.  He didn't even know how to buy the tickets!"  Lizzy  (Oh gosh..  I wish I could have seen that!)

"Andrew is deleting pictures...his memory card is already full!"  (Oh boy!  I can't wait to see all these pictures!) 

"Dad gave me his laptop!  I may get an Iphone too!"  (Oh boy...the spoiling of presents have yet not ended..)

Later last night (after 10pm) I get another call from Andrew:

"Mom, if I get an Iphone will you pay for the contract?  I'll help you sell Avon!  Please?!"

I told him he didn't need an Iphone. 

"Please!!!  I'll deliver brouchuresall over the neighborhood!"

I told him that I would think about it, but don't let your father buy one unless HE wants to pay for it. 

Silence.

"I miss you Andrew!"

Said in a very sarcastic tone:  "Well, I don't miss you!"

Lovely, huh?  It didn't hurt my feelings-it actually gave me a good laugh.

Gee, I hope his atitude changes when he gets back home! 

                      

 

Hello 2008!

Our last day of 2007 was spent eating Mountain Mike's pizza, and watching an array of rented movies on the T.V.  I didn't hear from my two older kids at 9 pm like I was hoping, so I decided to call them at 9:15 on the east coast-12:15 their time to wish them a happy new year.  They sounded quite happy, but they were dying to go home and go to sleep.  From all the loud people and music in the background you can tell there were many "happy" people out there in New Jersey...  Festa hard, Dawn, Teresa & Mary!! 

We saw a little bit of Dick Clark on the tube, but Rich and I found it too hard to watch poor Dick Clark speak.  Poor guy...  It's enough to break your heart.  At least he is looking alright, but his voice--poor man.  Watching him made me feel so incredibly old, and the singers that came on were probably not even born when I started watching American Bandstand..probably don't even know what that was.. Oh well.  I heard the fireworks go off for what seemed to be hours outside.  Happy New Years...  We went to bed like too old people!  

I'm here at work, and I have my new calendar up.  Time to pull out the old bench warrant criminal files of 2007 to make room for the new criminals of 2008!  Whoohooo!  Exciting stuff I tell you!  Our receptionist is here, and she is all bundled up in scarves and her purple coat.  When I was in her area last a few minutes ago she was complaining to the boss man about a very rude client who had called previously...blah blah blah..  Boss man was in here looking for the boss lady, but no one knows where she is.  After she left, the sensory light in her office went on for some odd reason.  This gave me the creeps.  I swear, there must be a ghost or something in this builidng.  A new employee and I were talking about the weird door jams we both were experiencing, and he said something about checking to see if anyone died in the building---he was very serious about it, I may add.  This is a really old building--who knows. 

Hubby and I were jokingly talking about GPS systems that people use to monitor kids--their comings and goings...specifically for teenagers.  I won't get into why were talking about this, but apparently there IS something where you can put a micro chip in a car and monitor where itactually goes...  Have any of you heard such a thing?  I know it can be frowned about as an invasion of privacy, but where do you draw the line?  Does a child who openly lies about their comings and goings deserve privacy? 

Well, I checked in with my two kids in New Jersey, and they spent New Years day in Atlantic City.  Today they are doing sight seeing of New York.  I asked my son if it was cold, and  he said, "not really" but he is not wearing shorts.  I packed him 5 pairs of jeans and sweat pants and only one pair of shorts-just in case it gets warm for any odd reason.  I hope they are taking a lot of pictures...  I told them to call me when they got to the Statue of Liberty--no calls yet.   They'll be home on Friday night.  I hope they are enjoying some quality time with their dad, and that they get spoiled by their attention as much as possible by Friday.  Lizzy thinks her father belongs to the Portuguese mafia because of the fancy car he drives.  All I think of when I hear about NJ is The Sopranos.. 

 

Tony's uncle, the old man in the hat and glasses looks just like my deceased ex-father-in-law.  There is also an old man who catches the bus in front of this ghetto building that looks a lot like him too.  My friend Sharon, the medium who used to do readings in the building said she "saw" him and told me he was pushing money in the direction of my two older kids.  Interesting, huh?  Yeah, this reading was done in the boss lady's office right next to mine.  No wonder the lights keep flashing on and off! 

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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.