Music for the Masses
Friday, December 4, 2009
This Blog Is Officially Retired
Weef and I now maintain our blog at http://chrisandlori.com. Come read about our mundanity there. :)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
You know it's time to mow the lawn when ...
We seem to be losing water pressure in our sprinkling system. I'm not sure how or why--maybe it's something the city is regulating. I don't know. I *do* know that I popped the lid on our valve box that houses the secondary water line. Much to my chagrin, I found a few disturbing things:
So I put the lid back on and wondered what the heck I was going to do. As I sat on our sidewalk, contemplating my next course of action, I looked around the yard. All along the west side of the property, buttressed up against the shrubs that divide our yard from our neighbor's driveway, were black widow nests. There were at least a dozen ... probably closer to 20. I mean, they were EVERYwhere! That freaked me out.
Due to my quickly browning lawn, I knew I had to stick my hand in there. I also knew that doing so pre-maturely would probably end badly--at least with a healthy (see?! irony!) sized patch of necrotized tissue. Bad juju for someone who uses his hands for a living. Like I said, we have some shrubs that separate our property from our neighbor's. I took a relatively long twig off of it and began poking around in the valve box. Interestingly, the black widow immediately rallied around her two larges, most top-side egg sacs. It was rather cool to see. I mean, no ... she didn't rear up on her hind legs and knock the twig aside, but it was obvious that she was in a completely defensive mode. It was just cool to watch.
I think I'll take some pictures later tonight and post them. I don't really *want* to kill all the black widows. They keep our annoying bug population to a minimum. That's always nice, except our girls like to play in the front yard. Can't have that right now! It's strict backyard outside time for them until I figure out how to get rid of them.
- The inside of the box has become over-run with quack grass rhizomes and shoots. This isn't too surprising because our whole front yard is over-run with the stuff. Nothing I can do will kill it, either ... short of nuking the whole front with vegetation killer, which I *really* don't want to do.
- Nestled among the shoots and rhizomes was THE BIGGEST female black widow I have ever seen. She was at least 2.5" long. That's gargantuan by black widow standards.
- She must be the "get-around spider" of the yard cuz she had egg sacs all over the place. At least 3 or 4 that I could see, and who knows how many there were deeper in the hole.
So I put the lid back on and wondered what the heck I was going to do. As I sat on our sidewalk, contemplating my next course of action, I looked around the yard. All along the west side of the property, buttressed up against the shrubs that divide our yard from our neighbor's driveway, were black widow nests. There were at least a dozen ... probably closer to 20. I mean, they were EVERYwhere! That freaked me out.
Due to my quickly browning lawn, I knew I had to stick my hand in there. I also knew that doing so pre-maturely would probably end badly--at least with a healthy (see?! irony!) sized patch of necrotized tissue. Bad juju for someone who uses his hands for a living. Like I said, we have some shrubs that separate our property from our neighbor's. I took a relatively long twig off of it and began poking around in the valve box. Interestingly, the black widow immediately rallied around her two larges, most top-side egg sacs. It was rather cool to see. I mean, no ... she didn't rear up on her hind legs and knock the twig aside, but it was obvious that she was in a completely defensive mode. It was just cool to watch.
I think I'll take some pictures later tonight and post them. I don't really *want* to kill all the black widows. They keep our annoying bug population to a minimum. That's always nice, except our girls like to play in the front yard. Can't have that right now! It's strict backyard outside time for them until I figure out how to get rid of them.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Heading Up to Yellowstone!
Tomorrow we embark on our 9th annual Yellowstone trip. HUZZAH! Weef and I have been every year with the exception of 2002, and that was only because we were busy commiserating after moving back from Phoenix. Other than that, from 2000 through last year, we haven't missed a year. It's been fun because we've seen a lot of changes in those almost 10 years. Lots of new growth--especially on the road heading from the west entrance to Madison Junction.
To that end, in another 10 years, it's going to be pretty tough to experience Yellowstone the way we're used to experiencing it--wide, open expanses, sweeping vistas ... the new growth is great to see because it means the park is alive and healthy, but it completely obliterates the view from the road.
One of the great thing about this trip is that I'm bringing along some new "toys" for my camera. I have a polarization filter that should allow for some pretty amazing lake and springs pics; I have a UV filter that will add some color depth to the brighter outdoor shots; I have a wide-angle lens that should allow for some broader landscape views; and I have a telephoto lens that I'm not too terribly confident in, but we'll see.
Another great thing is that the weather is going to be cold and wet--perfect for seeing animals en masse. Yogi, here we come!!
Anyway, I'll post pics on Facebook either when we get back or while we're there, if possible. The hotel we're staying in doesn't have wireless internet or ANY internet, so that might be a problem. There's a little internet cafe around the corner though, so maybe i'll post something from there. We'll see.
Huzzah for Yellowstone!
To that end, in another 10 years, it's going to be pretty tough to experience Yellowstone the way we're used to experiencing it--wide, open expanses, sweeping vistas ... the new growth is great to see because it means the park is alive and healthy, but it completely obliterates the view from the road.
One of the great thing about this trip is that I'm bringing along some new "toys" for my camera. I have a polarization filter that should allow for some pretty amazing lake and springs pics; I have a UV filter that will add some color depth to the brighter outdoor shots; I have a wide-angle lens that should allow for some broader landscape views; and I have a telephoto lens that I'm not too terribly confident in, but we'll see.
Another great thing is that the weather is going to be cold and wet--perfect for seeing animals en masse. Yogi, here we come!!
Anyway, I'll post pics on Facebook either when we get back or while we're there, if possible. The hotel we're staying in doesn't have wireless internet or ANY internet, so that might be a problem. There's a little internet cafe around the corner though, so maybe i'll post something from there. We'll see.
Huzzah for Yellowstone!
Friday, June 26, 2009
So long, Savannah Jane
our little family was blessed with a wonderful 9 month old baby girl for a couple of weeks. it's a rather sad story, and it has so many twists that i don't have time to write about all of it. i can tell you this much: she left a hole in our hearts the size of the grand canyon. what a beautiful, wonderful little angel. we'll miss her dearly.
some things we'll always remember about her:
so long, savannah jane. we all miss you terribly and hope to see you again soon.
some things we'll always remember about her:
- the way she kicked her legs and flailed wildly whenever she's excited.
- how she used to raspberry every so often when she's happy.
- the little vein that ran right across the bridge of her nose.
- her big blue eyes
- how she'd coo in the morning to let us know she's awake, then how it would get more urgent the longer we'd try to sleep ...
- how excited she would get when she saw us first thing in the morning
- falling asleep holding her bottle straight up in the air
so long, savannah jane. we all miss you terribly and hope to see you again soon.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
David Throws the First Stone
www.boycottwarnerbros.com.
That's right. The war has begun. Don't think you can get away with stigmatizing almost every child on my family's side and get away with it, Warner Bros. You picked the wrong person to piss off.
That's right. The war has begun. Don't think you can get away with stigmatizing almost every child on my family's side and get away with it, Warner Bros. You picked the wrong person to piss off.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
David and Goliath--21st Century Style
Read this.
Watch the trailer. Become infuriated. I rarely condone anger on any level. This is one instance where indignation is completely and utterly justified.
I have been enraged to this level one other time in my life. That was the morning of 11 September, 2001.
It's one thing to glorify sex and drugs in movies. That line has been so crossed to the point where we can't even turn around and see where the line is, it's so far out of view.
Exploiting orphaned children, THEN stereotyping and stigmatizing them in this manner is morally reprehensible and dispicable. This line is about to be crossedby Warner Bros and Time Warner. I'm going to do all I can to keep that line from being breached.
At the bottom of the link are 3 addresses. Write to these morally bankrupt companies and inform them of your displeasure with this film. I personally intend to write them scathing letters and inform them that I intend to launch a full-scale attack against their company. I intend to find out if it's even legal to launch this film. To me, this borders on libel and slander of a group of children who are incapable of defending themselves. It stigmatizes and sterotypes children who, for whatever reason, were abandoned.
As a parent whose two angels have come into his life through the miracle and gift of foster care, I URGE ANYONE WHO READS THIS TO TAKE ACTION. The time to sit idly by and hope nothing comes of this is past. Nothing changes if you hope the other guy does something about it. Write. Blog. Post your blogs to social sites and get the word out.
I am also creating a website that will be up and running by the weekend. Look for www.boycottwarnerbros.com to be up and running by Friday. If not, email me and ask what my slow-pokeyness is all about.
This does not happen. Period.
Watch the trailer. Become infuriated. I rarely condone anger on any level. This is one instance where indignation is completely and utterly justified.
I have been enraged to this level one other time in my life. That was the morning of 11 September, 2001.
It's one thing to glorify sex and drugs in movies. That line has been so crossed to the point where we can't even turn around and see where the line is, it's so far out of view.
Exploiting orphaned children, THEN stereotyping and stigmatizing them in this manner is morally reprehensible and dispicable. This line is about to be crossedby Warner Bros and Time Warner. I'm going to do all I can to keep that line from being breached.
At the bottom of the link are 3 addresses. Write to these morally bankrupt companies and inform them of your displeasure with this film. I personally intend to write them scathing letters and inform them that I intend to launch a full-scale attack against their company. I intend to find out if it's even legal to launch this film. To me, this borders on libel and slander of a group of children who are incapable of defending themselves. It stigmatizes and sterotypes children who, for whatever reason, were abandoned.
As a parent whose two angels have come into his life through the miracle and gift of foster care, I URGE ANYONE WHO READS THIS TO TAKE ACTION. The time to sit idly by and hope nothing comes of this is past. Nothing changes if you hope the other guy does something about it. Write. Blog. Post your blogs to social sites and get the word out.
I am also creating a website that will be up and running by the weekend. Look for www.boycottwarnerbros.com to be up and running by Friday. If not, email me and ask what my slow-pokeyness is all about.
This does not happen. Period.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I *Had* To Mention This ...
So, girl 2 is just about done with potty-training. Stubborn little pill that she is, she fought us tooth and nail (or bum and toilet paper, as I guess is more appropriate), but in the end, she/we did it.
With one fairly recent distinguishable exception ...
On Saturday, she was outside playing with girl 1, then I heard someone come in. A few seconds later, I heard the toilet flush. Then she came down stairs with her big announcement.
"Daddy! I went poo!!!"
"Great job, sweetie! I’m so proud of you!"
"In the backyard!!"
*silence while she grins her toothy grin and jumps up and down clapping*
"ummm … what?"
"Then I picked it and put it in the toilet!!"
*more silence*
"I …"
"AND FLUSHED!!"
She said all of this with so much enthusiasm that it was hard to be upset about it. She was so proud for not pooping in her panties, as is so often the case with her, that all I could do was just sit there and let my mind flip flop back and forth between heaping praise on her for actually not soiling herself, and putting her in timeout for pulling down her pants and pooping on the back lawn like a dog. In the end, I did pretty much nothing other than stare back stupidly at her in sheer dumbfounded-ness.
Gotta love that kid.
With one fairly recent distinguishable exception ...
On Saturday, she was outside playing with girl 1, then I heard someone come in. A few seconds later, I heard the toilet flush. Then she came down stairs with her big announcement.
"Daddy! I went poo!!!"
"Great job, sweetie! I’m so proud of you!"
"In the backyard!!"
*silence while she grins her toothy grin and jumps up and down clapping*
"ummm … what?"
"Then I picked it and put it in the toilet!!"
*more silence*
"I …"
"AND FLUSHED!!"
She said all of this with so much enthusiasm that it was hard to be upset about it. She was so proud for not pooping in her panties, as is so often the case with her, that all I could do was just sit there and let my mind flip flop back and forth between heaping praise on her for actually not soiling herself, and putting her in timeout for pulling down her pants and pooping on the back lawn like a dog. In the end, I did pretty much nothing other than stare back stupidly at her in sheer dumbfounded-ness.
Gotta love that kid.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Popcorn Goodness
There are some things that you just can't keep to yourself. I have decided to share my popcorn recipe that we concocted the other night.
We prefer hot-air popcorn, but this works for popcorn in a kettle, too. If you're still using microwave popcorn, may God have mercy on your soul.
======================
1 cube butter
1 Tbsp garlic SALT (not powder)
1 half cup shredded parmesan, mimolette, romano, or asiago
1 big bowl of popped popcorn
Grate your cheese of choice. Set it aside.
Pop the popcorn. Simple enough, right?
Pour popcorn into a bowl to about 2/3 to 3/4 capacity.
Mix butter and garlic salt with a fork. Or spoon. Or ... whatever. Just mix it. Melt butter over medium-low heat, preferably on a gas burner, but if not, over an electric burner. Let the butter froth and bubble. Once it starts doing that, it's ready to pour over the popcorn.
Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn. Shake the bowl so the butter is distributed somewhat evenly throughout the popcorn.
Sprinkle the cheese over the popcorn. Shake the bowl in a similar manner to how you shook it for the butter.
Consume. Engorge. Enjoy.
**NOTE**
This is best consumed while watching a good movie. Or a good TV series on DVD. Also, you might want to have a tall glass of milk standing by. It's VERY good with the popcorn.
=========================
There you go. You're welcome.
We prefer hot-air popcorn, but this works for popcorn in a kettle, too. If you're still using microwave popcorn, may God have mercy on your soul.
======================
1 cube butter
1 Tbsp garlic SALT (not powder)
1 half cup shredded parmesan, mimolette, romano, or asiago
1 big bowl of popped popcorn
Grate your cheese of choice. Set it aside.
Pop the popcorn. Simple enough, right?
Pour popcorn into a bowl to about 2/3 to 3/4 capacity.
Mix butter and garlic salt with a fork. Or spoon. Or ... whatever. Just mix it. Melt butter over medium-low heat, preferably on a gas burner, but if not, over an electric burner. Let the butter froth and bubble. Once it starts doing that, it's ready to pour over the popcorn.
Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn. Shake the bowl so the butter is distributed somewhat evenly throughout the popcorn.
Sprinkle the cheese over the popcorn. Shake the bowl in a similar manner to how you shook it for the butter.
Consume. Engorge. Enjoy.
**NOTE**
This is best consumed while watching a good movie. Or a good TV series on DVD. Also, you might want to have a tall glass of milk standing by. It's VERY good with the popcorn.
=========================
There you go. You're welcome.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Death
I got an email from my step-mom this morning. Her mom passed away on Saturday. She actually sent the email on Sunday, but our lovely client-based email crapper (read: Outlook) decided not to download any messages until today. Of course, I sent a heart-felt letter of condolence and expression of sympathy, but it just seemed ... hollow? Empty? Not because I didn't mean what I said; I absolutely did. I don't know ... I just felt like i was reciting from memory what I knew was appropo to say, yet it was exactly what I felt.
So now I feel like not a good step son. I'm an English major; I work with words for a living. You'd think I could find something a little more eloquent than rote dialog suitable for a passing, but no ... blank as a fresh-off-the-assembly-line chalkboard. Other than the expected churn, of course.
I don't know ... it's always difficult to know what to say to someone who's just lost someone. I mean, I always *want* to say, "Ohhh ... s/he's in a better place." But really, who wants to hear that? Or there's "I'm so sorry for your loss," "My deepest sympathies," "Our condolences" ... they all sound so trite and canned. But the reality is that she IS in a better place. I am sorry for my step mom and sister's loss. She was a wonderful woman. So warm, and kind and loving. We have such fond memories of her of when we'd visit in the summers and go to their cabin on the lake.
Which is precisely what I ended up telling her, along with the expected lines. The thing with death is that it's an end--someone or something loses the breath of life and pass on to the other side. They really are better off. We are the ones left with the heartache and void that seems so impossible to fill.
Goodbye, Grandma B. May you rest in peace and find your loved ones waiting for you on the other side.
So now I feel like not a good step son. I'm an English major; I work with words for a living. You'd think I could find something a little more eloquent than rote dialog suitable for a passing, but no ... blank as a fresh-off-the-assembly-line chalkboard. Other than the expected churn, of course.
I don't know ... it's always difficult to know what to say to someone who's just lost someone. I mean, I always *want* to say, "Ohhh ... s/he's in a better place." But really, who wants to hear that? Or there's "I'm so sorry for your loss," "My deepest sympathies," "Our condolences" ... they all sound so trite and canned. But the reality is that she IS in a better place. I am sorry for my step mom and sister's loss. She was a wonderful woman. So warm, and kind and loving. We have such fond memories of her of when we'd visit in the summers and go to their cabin on the lake.
Which is precisely what I ended up telling her, along with the expected lines. The thing with death is that it's an end--someone or something loses the breath of life and pass on to the other side. They really are better off. We are the ones left with the heartache and void that seems so impossible to fill.
Goodbye, Grandma B. May you rest in peace and find your loved ones waiting for you on the other side.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sad Day
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/02/25/bnl-page.html
I can't say this surprises me at all. The last show we went to in November 2006, Steve seemed ... out of it. Like he wasn't into the show at all. The rest of the band didn't seem all that into it either, but Steve particularly seemed lackluster and out of it.
Apparently, the band is going to continue ... just not with Steve. There's enough talent in that band to keep it going for a long time though. Kevin, Jim and Ed are creative enough to come up with good material. And really, I think Jim's only contributed 3 songs since the inception of the band. His side project--The Creegan Brothers--is good material! He SHOULD contribute more to the band. And Kevin ... his talents are bottomless (Much like the hiphopopotomus' lyrics ...)
Anyway, Lori and I will always have awesome memories of our Ladies' shows. We've seen them 5 times: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. Not a bad run! Every show was amazing ... even the last show that "sucked."
All the best to Steve and the band. I hope they will all find happiness in their new paths.
I can't say this surprises me at all. The last show we went to in November 2006, Steve seemed ... out of it. Like he wasn't into the show at all. The rest of the band didn't seem all that into it either, but Steve particularly seemed lackluster and out of it.
Apparently, the band is going to continue ... just not with Steve. There's enough talent in that band to keep it going for a long time though. Kevin, Jim and Ed are creative enough to come up with good material. And really, I think Jim's only contributed 3 songs since the inception of the band. His side project--The Creegan Brothers--is good material! He SHOULD contribute more to the band. And Kevin ... his talents are bottomless (Much like the hiphopopotomus' lyrics ...)
Anyway, Lori and I will always have awesome memories of our Ladies' shows. We've seen them 5 times: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006. Not a bad run! Every show was amazing ... even the last show that "sucked."
All the best to Steve and the band. I hope they will all find happiness in their new paths.
Friday, January 23, 2009
ObamaWatch: Day 4
Well well well. This didn't take long.
Our new president has had a busy week. So far, he's ended the war on terror, closed Guantanamo, and freed up federal funds for foreign interests that support abortion.
Links:
End to war on terror: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28807952/
Closing Guantanamo: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28788175/
An all-too telling bridge between those two articles: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28800516/
Abortion funds:http://www.ksl.com/?nid=126&sid=5396819
It is very likely that you, my devoted readers, are going to notice a very heavy political slant in my posts over the next 4 years. Maybe 8, if the country is that stupid. Everyone complained about how President Bush had low approval ratings. Yah, well ... the smart thing to do isn't always the most popular. He executed his job in office with as much precision as Reagan and FDR. You can argue that he "mired" us in Iraq, or that he's a failure because we haven't captured bin Laden. Truth is, we haven't had any other terrorist attacks on US soil since 9/11 . that is a direct result of the programs HE instituted, and that President Obama is whole-sale rejecting and reversing as fast as his little hands can sign paperwork.
4 days into office, and I already don't like this guy. I was afraid this would happen. And trust me ... I *wanted* to like him. I want to believe in his vision of "the future America." However, he's literally opening doors for terrorists to attack. You can say what you want about Bush; he kept this country safe. Show me what Obama is doing to ensure that same safety.
Our new president has had a busy week. So far, he's ended the war on terror, closed Guantanamo, and freed up federal funds for foreign interests that support abortion.
Links:
End to war on terror: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28807952/
Closing Guantanamo: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28788175/
An all-too telling bridge between those two articles: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28800516/
Abortion funds:http://www.ksl.com/?nid=126&sid=5396819
It is very likely that you, my devoted readers, are going to notice a very heavy political slant in my posts over the next 4 years. Maybe 8, if the country is that stupid. Everyone complained about how President Bush had low approval ratings. Yah, well ... the smart thing to do isn't always the most popular. He executed his job in office with as much precision as Reagan and FDR. You can argue that he "mired" us in Iraq, or that he's a failure because we haven't captured bin Laden. Truth is, we haven't had any other terrorist attacks on US soil since 9/11 . that is a direct result of the programs HE instituted, and that President Obama is whole-sale rejecting and reversing as fast as his little hands can sign paperwork.
4 days into office, and I already don't like this guy. I was afraid this would happen. And trust me ... I *wanted* to like him. I want to believe in his vision of "the future America." However, he's literally opening doors for terrorists to attack. You can say what you want about Bush; he kept this country safe. Show me what Obama is doing to ensure that same safety.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Saturday, December 27, 2008
The Magic of Christmas
Since little kids don't quite grasp the concept of what Christmas is actually about, it's nice to have a symbol like Santa Claus that embodies the gift of our Savior.
There is nothing quite so magical as watching two little girls get giddy and squealy over seeing santa claus when they see him. Right now, our girls are watching "The Polar Express." What a fantastic movie. They get so excited and start dancing, clapping, squealing ... it's just adorable. "DADDY! LOOK! SANTA!"
Weef and I have a tradition of giving each other an ornament for our tree. I know exactly what I'm getting her next year. I can't wait!
Though there is something so bizarrely disturbing about seeing a CGI version of Steven Tyler belting out whatever song that is at the end of the movie. Just ... creepy. How funny.
There is nothing quite so magical as watching two little girls get giddy and squealy over seeing santa claus when they see him. Right now, our girls are watching "The Polar Express." What a fantastic movie. They get so excited and start dancing, clapping, squealing ... it's just adorable. "DADDY! LOOK! SANTA!"
Weef and I have a tradition of giving each other an ornament for our tree. I know exactly what I'm getting her next year. I can't wait!
Though there is something so bizarrely disturbing about seeing a CGI version of Steven Tyler belting out whatever song that is at the end of the movie. Just ... creepy. How funny.
Monday, December 15, 2008
A Beautiful Sight
Weef is sitting on the couch directly behind me playing Mario Kart Wii. She's doing really well, too. Here in a little bit, we're gonna race. She is now a worthy opponent. ;)
As we're sitting here, she's playing the Wii, I'm blogging, A Perfect Circle's "The Noose" comes on. What does she say? "Wow ... I really miss this song."
*sigh*
I picked a super winner. We may have our moments of frustration with life, each other, whatever ... it can't touch us long-term, though.
Yah. It's time to play. Later. :)
As we're sitting here, she's playing the Wii, I'm blogging, A Perfect Circle's "The Noose" comes on. What does she say? "Wow ... I really miss this song."
*sigh*
I picked a super winner. We may have our moments of frustration with life, each other, whatever ... it can't touch us long-term, though.
Yah. It's time to play. Later. :)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Chronic Suffering and Agony
So, as many--if not all--of you know, I suffer from chronic headaches. I've been getting debilitating headaches since I was 20. That's a long time to suffer with literally no explanation of why.
Well, now there's a why. I have arthritis in my neck. Specifically, on the second and third vertebrae. For years, I've been going to doctors, getting MRIs, CT scans and x-rays. They've always been focused on my head--not my neck. FInally, I went to a chiropractor last week. He showed me exactly where and why I've been getting these headaches.
So now that we know WHAT the problem is, there has to be a solution for treating it. If nothing else, at least find out if something can be done. Fortunately for me, I live really close to a world-class medical facility. I have an appointment scheduled for next Thursday for an initial consultation.
I'm so glad that I'm FINALLY making some progress headache thing! Consequently, I know that weef and the girls will be glad to have me "whole," as it were. I constantly feel broken--not 100%. And I *want* to be 100%. I want to let my daughters play on my back, or give them horsie rides and not worry about whether I'm going to require a muscle relaxant for a week straight after. I want to stay at work all day and not have to leave because "If I don't leave now, I won't make it home." I'm tired of having this problem, and I am SO excited to be on the road to recovery. It's beautiful.
Well, now there's a why. I have arthritis in my neck. Specifically, on the second and third vertebrae. For years, I've been going to doctors, getting MRIs, CT scans and x-rays. They've always been focused on my head--not my neck. FInally, I went to a chiropractor last week. He showed me exactly where and why I've been getting these headaches.
So now that we know WHAT the problem is, there has to be a solution for treating it. If nothing else, at least find out if something can be done. Fortunately for me, I live really close to a world-class medical facility. I have an appointment scheduled for next Thursday for an initial consultation.
I'm so glad that I'm FINALLY making some progress headache thing! Consequently, I know that weef and the girls will be glad to have me "whole," as it were. I constantly feel broken--not 100%. And I *want* to be 100%. I want to let my daughters play on my back, or give them horsie rides and not worry about whether I'm going to require a muscle relaxant for a week straight after. I want to stay at work all day and not have to leave because "If I don't leave now, I won't make it home." I'm tired of having this problem, and I am SO excited to be on the road to recovery. It's beautiful.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Now THIS Is Excellent!
I called our old auto insurance broker company today. We've been paying a ridiculous amount for coverage. Granted, we had a $100 deductible, but that's proven to be a bust since we're safe drivers. I'd rather save more and go with another carrier than worry about the deductible.
So I called them. They told me they could save us almost $1400 a year in auto insurance with the EXACT same coverage. Only difference is we would have a $500 deductible instead of a $100, but considering we've never had an accident, and we're extremely cautious drivers (mostly), paying that much more on the chance we'd need to spend money on a deductible is kind of silly.
Then the agent asked me about home owner's insurance. They're going to save us another $203 by bundling auto with the home insurance. All told, we'll be saving about $1600 a year. I don't know about y'all, but that's pretty dang exciting news in our book!
We're dropping our cell phones since my company provides me with a cell phone, and we're picking up a new carrier for weef with a cheaper plan, so that'll save us a bundle.
All told, by the end of the day, I believe we're going to be saving over $2000 a year. That's good stuff, right there. We have stuff around the house that we're looking to sell as well.
It's amazing what this economic crunch can cause as far as thoughts and planning goes. I mean, honestly, the things we're looking at selling are things that are extraneous around the house that we just don't use, like the little TV and DVD player we barely use; the chair in the spare room that's just sitting there, unused; stuff. Things we don't need/want, or things we just don't use ... all going away.
In their place, we'll buy things that we know we'll use or need. Nice!
So I called them. They told me they could save us almost $1400 a year in auto insurance with the EXACT same coverage. Only difference is we would have a $500 deductible instead of a $100, but considering we've never had an accident, and we're extremely cautious drivers (mostly), paying that much more on the chance we'd need to spend money on a deductible is kind of silly.
Then the agent asked me about home owner's insurance. They're going to save us another $203 by bundling auto with the home insurance. All told, we'll be saving about $1600 a year. I don't know about y'all, but that's pretty dang exciting news in our book!
We're dropping our cell phones since my company provides me with a cell phone, and we're picking up a new carrier for weef with a cheaper plan, so that'll save us a bundle.
All told, by the end of the day, I believe we're going to be saving over $2000 a year. That's good stuff, right there. We have stuff around the house that we're looking to sell as well.
It's amazing what this economic crunch can cause as far as thoughts and planning goes. I mean, honestly, the things we're looking at selling are things that are extraneous around the house that we just don't use, like the little TV and DVD player we barely use; the chair in the spare room that's just sitting there, unused; stuff. Things we don't need/want, or things we just don't use ... all going away.
In their place, we'll buy things that we know we'll use or need. Nice!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tripping and Fumbling Down Memory Lane
Today was ... bizarre. In a single day, I've found more friends from a former life as a "back Easterner" than I thought possible. I've had Facebook conversations with friends I haven't spoken with in easily 13-14 years, all of which were as easily picked up as if we had spoken yesterday. It brought back SO many memories: Super Saturdays, YSA activities, college days ... it's been a blast. Still so many common interests, like our once-upon-a-time local football team (who just can't seem to get a break ...), local cuisine, etc. Yet here we all are, almost 20 years removed from our former lives, reconnecting on a new, modern level, and discussing current events like it's no big deal that we haven't spoken in eons.
That's the quality of people I grew up with.
If any of you from FB happen upon this blog, please ... leave a comment. Say hi! I'm so excited to have reconnected with all of you, even if it's only through here for now.
That's the quality of people I grew up with.
If any of you from FB happen upon this blog, please ... leave a comment. Say hi! I'm so excited to have reconnected with all of you, even if it's only through here for now.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Blessings in Disguise
So, as you all know, we're mired in this quagmire of a battle between us and the bugs. I think we're winning, but it's really hard to tell, and we probably won't know for at least a week.
What amazes me is how much it's drawn us together as a family. Weef and I are constantly doing laundry, washing, conditioning and combing hair (except not mine; I'm baby-butt bald), bagging toys, boiling combs, vacuuming anywhere the girls sit for longer than 30 seconds, spraying down bedding, couches, chairs, etc ... it's a never-ending battle.
We're now starting day 6 of what I've termed "Hell Week", though I'm fairly certain that might have to be broadened to "Month." We'll see. Anyway, at the beginning of the day, like any other day, the girls come plodding downstairs and bemoan their hunger status. I get some food in their little bellies (eventually), then wait for Lori to wake up. At that point, we start planning out the day--who's going to do what and when. I've been on hair patrol the entire time: sifting through the girls' hair (all 3 of them), washing, using what I consider to be useless ointment to try to kill the bugs and eggs ... it just doesn't work. We've applied 4 treatments to each of the girls, none of which have worked worth a hill of beans. We did some online reading and found some home remedies that seem to be working better. If you apply white conditioner with extreme liberty to dry hair, it seems to suffocate the bugs and they come running to the "surface," allowing us to simply comb them out. This method does NOT kill the eggs, though. For that, you have to pour vinegar over the hair and let it sit. That loosens the eggs, then you can use a nit comb to pull out the eggs.
But I digress. My point of this blog is how well we've all bonded over this. The girls have been such troopers, especially girl 1. She is definitely ground zero for the infestation. She sits so patiently (most of the time) while we go through her hair for literally hours a day. She does whimper on occasion about how she wants to watch another show or something, or that we're pulling too hard on her hair, or scraping her poor little scalp with the comb, but overall, she's been a champ and a half.
Weef and I just laugh. Or cry. Or stare in horrific disbelief at the sheer magnitude of everything. But we shake it off and trudge along, trying to keep each others' spirits uplifted and bolstered.
Girl 2 ... what a ham. As long as she's awake, she'll find some way to entertain herself. She's been noticeably attention-starved a couple of times, at which point we'll take a small break to play with her and let her know that we're not intentionally ignoring her. For example, yesterday she was noticeably feisty and smacking weef's leg and smiling that impish grin that says, "Ha ha. You're looking at me. I'm getting attention." Weef was displeased, but completely understood. As I was already sitting at the computer, checking in on work to make sure I'm getting updates on what needs to be done, I said, "C'mere, you. Let's look at some pictures." She came bounding over with such joy and a smile to die for ... "YAY!!" She climbed up on my lap and I showed her pictures of our family. She pointed out everyone and everything--people, pets, toys ... it was so cute.
What I've had reinforced to me during this whole sad ordeal is just how much my family means to me. I'd be nothing without them. They are my world. Friends are definitely important, and work is necessary, but they can't ever take the place of my little family.
I love you, weef and girls!!
What amazes me is how much it's drawn us together as a family. Weef and I are constantly doing laundry, washing, conditioning and combing hair (except not mine; I'm baby-butt bald), bagging toys, boiling combs, vacuuming anywhere the girls sit for longer than 30 seconds, spraying down bedding, couches, chairs, etc ... it's a never-ending battle.
We're now starting day 6 of what I've termed "Hell Week", though I'm fairly certain that might have to be broadened to "Month." We'll see. Anyway, at the beginning of the day, like any other day, the girls come plodding downstairs and bemoan their hunger status. I get some food in their little bellies (eventually), then wait for Lori to wake up. At that point, we start planning out the day--who's going to do what and when. I've been on hair patrol the entire time: sifting through the girls' hair (all 3 of them), washing, using what I consider to be useless ointment to try to kill the bugs and eggs ... it just doesn't work. We've applied 4 treatments to each of the girls, none of which have worked worth a hill of beans. We did some online reading and found some home remedies that seem to be working better. If you apply white conditioner with extreme liberty to dry hair, it seems to suffocate the bugs and they come running to the "surface," allowing us to simply comb them out. This method does NOT kill the eggs, though. For that, you have to pour vinegar over the hair and let it sit. That loosens the eggs, then you can use a nit comb to pull out the eggs.
But I digress. My point of this blog is how well we've all bonded over this. The girls have been such troopers, especially girl 1. She is definitely ground zero for the infestation. She sits so patiently (most of the time) while we go through her hair for literally hours a day. She does whimper on occasion about how she wants to watch another show or something, or that we're pulling too hard on her hair, or scraping her poor little scalp with the comb, but overall, she's been a champ and a half.
Weef and I just laugh. Or cry. Or stare in horrific disbelief at the sheer magnitude of everything. But we shake it off and trudge along, trying to keep each others' spirits uplifted and bolstered.
Girl 2 ... what a ham. As long as she's awake, she'll find some way to entertain herself. She's been noticeably attention-starved a couple of times, at which point we'll take a small break to play with her and let her know that we're not intentionally ignoring her. For example, yesterday she was noticeably feisty and smacking weef's leg and smiling that impish grin that says, "Ha ha. You're looking at me. I'm getting attention." Weef was displeased, but completely understood. As I was already sitting at the computer, checking in on work to make sure I'm getting updates on what needs to be done, I said, "C'mere, you. Let's look at some pictures." She came bounding over with such joy and a smile to die for ... "YAY!!" She climbed up on my lap and I showed her pictures of our family. She pointed out everyone and everything--people, pets, toys ... it was so cute.
What I've had reinforced to me during this whole sad ordeal is just how much my family means to me. I'd be nothing without them. They are my world. Friends are definitely important, and work is necessary, but they can't ever take the place of my little family.
I love you, weef and girls!!
Monday, November 24, 2008
a funny spot to an otherwise unbearable weekend
we've had this dryer for ... what? 4 years or so? in the last few months, it's started not drying without being run through 2 or 3 cycles. now, granted, i've been off laundry patrol since weef's home all day. so she's been doing all the washing and drying.
so when this epidemic hit, i decided that it was absolutely time to look at getting a new dryer. hit up KSL, found a dryer for $30 in ogden WITH delivery from a second-hand store that is renowned for their maintenance and CS. called, still available, scheduled delivery for saturday afternoon. well, since weef was busy combing shariden's hair, i decided to do the laundry.
there were some things in the dryer that still weren't dry, so i restarted the dryer. 10 minutes later, they were all dry. we're talking damp towels, jeans, stuff like that.things that would normally take a LONG time to dry were done in a matter of minutes.
i forgot to mention that weef thought we should blow out the lint trap, so we tried that. i grabbed the shop vac, used the leaf blower part, and blew out whatever was caught in the exhaust and lint trap.
so then i re-ran the dryer, and everything worked great! "sweet! don't need the dryer!" i called the girl, said, "yah ... don't need it, but thanks!" she said that it was no problem, and please keep them in mind for any future appliance needs, which we absolutely will.
weef finished doing whatever it was she was doing. she came down and started doing laundry. next thing we know, her load of drying stuff wasn't dry at all. it wasn't even warm. "crap ..." so weef re-ran the load, i called the appliance people and asked if they could deliver it again. they said they could bring it sunday morning. under normal circumstances, i would have waited until monday, but this was dire.
i got sunday morning and weef was vacuuming the ENTIRE front room: under the couches, the couch bottom, sides, back, cushions inside and out ... everywhere. i, once again, was on laundry patrol
the load in the dryer was still damn, so i re-ran the dryer. again, 10 minutes later, everything was bone dry.
"umm ... lori?"
she came downstairs and i showed her the dry clothes.
"why is it when *i* dry the clothes, the dryer works, but when you use it, it doesn't?"
"i don't know. i always set it to the highest setting."
"really? on the dial, point to where you think the highest setting is."
she pointed dead center on the highest setting, but it was right when the dryer starts cooling down. The "fluff" time of the cycle. i laughed so hard that i shed tears.
needless to say, i called the appliance store again, rather embarrassed.
so when this epidemic hit, i decided that it was absolutely time to look at getting a new dryer. hit up KSL, found a dryer for $30 in ogden WITH delivery from a second-hand store that is renowned for their maintenance and CS. called, still available, scheduled delivery for saturday afternoon. well, since weef was busy combing shariden's hair, i decided to do the laundry.
there were some things in the dryer that still weren't dry, so i restarted the dryer. 10 minutes later, they were all dry. we're talking damp towels, jeans, stuff like that.things that would normally take a LONG time to dry were done in a matter of minutes.
i forgot to mention that weef thought we should blow out the lint trap, so we tried that. i grabbed the shop vac, used the leaf blower part, and blew out whatever was caught in the exhaust and lint trap.
so then i re-ran the dryer, and everything worked great! "sweet! don't need the dryer!" i called the girl, said, "yah ... don't need it, but thanks!" she said that it was no problem, and please keep them in mind for any future appliance needs, which we absolutely will.
weef finished doing whatever it was she was doing. she came down and started doing laundry. next thing we know, her load of drying stuff wasn't dry at all. it wasn't even warm. "crap ..." so weef re-ran the load, i called the appliance people and asked if they could deliver it again. they said they could bring it sunday morning. under normal circumstances, i would have waited until monday, but this was dire.
i got sunday morning and weef was vacuuming the ENTIRE front room: under the couches, the couch bottom, sides, back, cushions inside and out ... everywhere. i, once again, was on laundry patrol
the load in the dryer was still damn, so i re-ran the dryer. again, 10 minutes later, everything was bone dry.
"umm ... lori?"
she came downstairs and i showed her the dry clothes.
"why is it when *i* dry the clothes, the dryer works, but when you use it, it doesn't?"
"i don't know. i always set it to the highest setting."
"really? on the dial, point to where you think the highest setting is."
she pointed dead center on the highest setting, but it was right when the dryer starts cooling down. The "fluff" time of the cycle. i laughed so hard that i shed tears.
needless to say, i called the appliance store again, rather embarrassed.
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