August 31, 2009

Garage Sale

I had a Garage Sale on Saturday. It was the Garage Sale that almost didn't happen due to my never ending procrastination. I couldn't believe the amount of stuff we had. The saying 'One man's trash is another man's treasure' proved to be correct. I made over $200 in 3 hours. Needless to say it was well worth it. My hubby pushed me to just get it over with...he even stayed out to help. I guess he was eager for our garage to be rid of all my crap; not to mention everyone else's crap I agree to store. Oh, how he would just love to have a garage he can call his own.

Don't worry honey, you're one step closer now.

August 27, 2009

Survey says...

My friends and I post the occasional survey. Just random questions which I typically take the time to answer when I feel like taking my mind off of the more pressing tasks in my life. I came across this one and as if I didn't have anything better to do; I thought I'd copy it here and share.

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Growing old with my children and grandchildren. A slice of lemon meringue pie.

2. What is your greatest fear?
Easy. Losing my children. I think all of my greatest fears involve my family.

3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My hot temper. As an adult I've gotten to be pretty level headed and reasonable. You know; don't sweat the small stuff - except when I've been drinking. Correction...especially when I've been drinking. I'm generally happy after a couple of drinks. I mean, what's not to be happy about? If I'm enjoying a few beers it's usually with my close friends enjoying a night out but if I'm provoked, I tend to lose all rational.

4. What is the trait that you most deplore in others?
Lying. And I don't mean the little white lies. The 'I'm 5 minutes away' lie, but true lies. The ones that lead me to not trust or believe in you.

5. What living person do you most admire?
Hmm...there isn't just one. I admire people for different reasons. I admire my best friend for being such a wonderful friend. I admire those close to me who courageously battle cancer,with a smile. I admire my sister-in-law for working through almost 20 years of marriage. Trust me, that can't be easy. I admire my husband. He puts up with me and that alone says alot.

6. What is your greatest extravagance?
Designer Purses

7. On what occasion do you lie?
When I'm running late or when I want to avoid hurting someone.

8. What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My freckles.

9. What living person do you most despise?
I dislike people for different reasons. Despise. That's a really harsh word. I tend to have pity for people that deserve to be that hated.

10. What words or phrases do you most overuse?
I say the word fuck too much. I also use the phrase "Are you serious?" too often too.

11. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish that I was more open with my emotions, not such a hard ass. Sometimes when I tell LB that I love him, I can see the surprise in his eyes. That bothers me. How could he not feel it every minute of every day?

12. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My children. Hands down.

13. What is your most treasured possession?
A small picture I keep in my wallet of my parents. It's a picture that was taken of them at my 20th birthday. It's exactly how I always remember them; laughing surrounded by family.

14. What is your favorite occupation?
I can't say that I have one.

15. What is your most marked characteristic?
That I'm straight forward, to the point, frank. Maybe to a fault.

16. What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.

17. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Joan of Arc.

18. What is it that you dislike?
There's a list. Monday mornings, bland food, damp clothes, clutter, bitter ex wives and the list could go on.

19. What is your greatest regret?
That I had the opportunity to sit with my mom and express just how much I loved her and I never did. I don't know that I ever said the words I LOVE YOU to her when she was alive. I live with that everyday.

20. How would you like to die?
In my sleep. Let's be for real - don't we all want the easy way out?

August 26, 2009

Back to School

So the kids went back to school. They were very excited about their first day. I could tell when it only took one shot to wake them up. They were all smiles. School supplies – Check. New shoes – Check. LB called them from work to wish them well. It was going to be a good day. Through out the day I wondered how they were doing. Did they finish all their lunch? Were they making new friends? I guess we all were a little excited.

When we got home at the end of the day, I was eager to know how it went for them so I let them go on and on about their day…and they did. How they sorted their supplies, the familiar faces in class and the snack they’re allowed each day; but it had to be a healthy snack – no chips or candy. Then the dreaded forms came out. You know, the 200 forms that we get to spend the entire evening filling out. The menu forms, the in case of emergency forms, the proof of EVERYTHING forms. Yes, I know they’re necessary and I definitely appreciate the importance but I dread them none the less. I think LB could sense it because he kindly offered to help sort through them all. After a quick dinner, a mountain of forms and a stiff wrist, the kids were in bed and I was enjoying the latest episode of ‘Flipping Out’.

As much as the kids enjoyed their care-free summer; I am ready for some structure and getting back to our usual routine. So it’s officially back to the ol’ grind.

August 20, 2009

Some days are bigger than others.

Some days just have blah written all over them.

I've had a rough week but an even worse day. I’ve been carless this week, that’s never fun. It sucks depending on others to get you around. Especially for me. I go where I need to go, when I want to go. What other way is there to live?

I was awakened by a text from Tami saying she couldn’t give me a ride to work this morning. I had to be at work within the hour. I called my sister who works nearby; she was five minutes away so I better be ready quick, she said. As I rushed to get dressed, I noticed my pants were a bit…snug. Come to think of it, ALL of my pants are. I’ve been complaining for months that I gained a few pounds and my friends like to attribute that to now being “happy”.

Oh, it’s because you just got married, and you’re happy now. Huh?

Some how that used to bring comfort but the fact is I can’t seem to stop eating those wonderful little cupcakes at the bakery or start exercising again.

I’ve been too tired and sluggish to even kiss LB goodbye in the morning.

I broke a promise to the kids that I would take them to build a bear last night. After paying our usual bills, back to school needs, and the unexpected lack of support (thanks dad) - it just wasn't in the budget this week. I felt wretched breaking it to them.

My house is falling apart, or so it seems. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit there but I can walk into any room and point out something that needs fixing.

My father’s birthday is in two days. He passed 9 years ago and any milestone having to do with my parents has been surprisingly hard on me this year.

I was a bit relieved that LB texted me wanting a soup n’ sandwich for dinner tonight. Good. The housewives of Atlanta are on TV tonight; well I suppose that’s my silver lining.

August 19, 2009

And we're off...

With all the back to school preperations I haven’t had a chance to post about my first book club gathering, but it went well. Of course we had a few that didn’t show and we got off to a slow start but for the most part we had a nice evening. I wasn’t as prepared as I could have been, but I don’t think they noticed. We talked about the Lovely Bones over a glass of wine and shared our thoughts about the after-life. It was refreshing to hear someone else's idea of heaven . After a good discussion about the book and the upcoming movie, the meet came to an end and we moved on to a livelier subject…our spouses. You put a group of women together and we could talk about that all night. As I heard some of the ladies talk about their husband’s and describe their relationships, I realized just how much I adored mine. Don’t get me wrong, LB drives me nuts sometimes. And there are other times I could just smack him, which I’m sure I’ll write about but those times are far and few between. He is so giving, understanding, and supportive (I know, I know…you wanna puke now) but it’s true! So that night when my husband got home from taking my kids swimming so that the girls and I could have our time, I made love to him. He didn’t know it, but I was counting my blessings.

Oh, I almost forgot, we tried to name our club that night and some of the gals decided that since we were a group of Latina women, why not go with a Spanish name? As much as it pains me to admit, we remain nameless (sigh). Any suggestions?

August 10, 2009

Did I just read that book and like it?

I started reading the twilight series and just about finished with New Moon. My daughter read the books this past school year. Now, I had no intention of reading the books until I had a couple of friends who were into them and wanted someone to share them with. So I thought i'd give them a chance and I just can't believe how much I am enjoying the story. The characters are awesome and I find myself reading every spare moment I have. No, wait...I actually make time to read the book it's THAT good. My spare time last weekend was spent reading New Moon. I get excited just thinking about what the next book has in store for me.

Yes, there are a few peeves about the books. For instance, I want to scream everytime I read about another one of Bella's 'near death' accidents, I mean how many can a hermit of a teenager have in one summer? And why does Bella always clench her chest or have someone take her chin in their hands? She has this happen almost every chapter, come on Stephanie!

But aside from the blah writing at times, so far the books are great. See for yourself, these books are real page turners. I still can't believe I became a twilight junkie right along with all those screaming teenagers. Who would of thunk it? I'm trying to suck my best friend into the series and I think it working.

What do you think about Twilight?

August 6, 2009

Bon Voyage

Okay, so can you believe Summer is almost over? Yup, it came and went...buh-bye! I guess the older you get the faster it passes. It's a shame it's been too hot to really enjoy it this year or does that come with old age as well? Let me tell you I love, love love Summer! Although most people complain about the Texas heat, I can't seem to get enough. I especially love the feeling of the warmth that comforts my body when walking out of a cold restaurant on a hot Summer day. Some of my fondest memories are from past Summers. I mean, what's not to love?
  • No schedules to keep
  • The sun shining on my face
  • No traffic in the mornings
  • My birthday
  • Outdoor concerts
  • Baseball
  • The smell of sunblock and chlorine
And those are just some of my favorites. I fell in love with the man of my dreams one summer and married him on the first days of summer- and no matter how hard you try, you can't top summer lovin'. So to celebrate, my best friend and I are hosting an End of Summer party next weekend for our kids. Something else to look forward to.

August 5, 2009

The little book club with no name

Ahh, the smell of an old book and the crackling sound of a worn out spine as you open it...loves it! You know for the last several months I joked with my bestie about joining a book club so guess what? I have started my own book club. As if my vida wasn't hectic enough, right? Well, I'm pretty excited about it. I have a great group of gals and our first meeting is in a couple of weeks. May I add that I also didn't realize the responsibility that comes with it?
Paperback or Hardcover?
Classic or Bestseller?
Pound cake or Trifle?
Decisions, Decisions...no worries, I learned long ago anything worth doing is worth doing right. So i'll be sure to keep posting and reveal the name of the best lil' book club in Texas.
Peace and Chicken Grease!