My boyfriend and I have four kids between us. I affectionately refer to them as our “two sets of twins.” The reason – we have two girls who are both 11 and two boys who are 7. I know weird, huh?! Anyway, the girls get along great…but they are LOUD. And I mean really loud. The boys get along a lot of the time, but also fight, too, because well…they’re 7-year-old boys. Now imagine all of them and us in my Honda Pilot traveling four hours for a short camping trip. Ten minutes in I wanted to cry.
Don’t touch me. Stop touching me. Leave me alone. You are so gross. Do not touch me. Dad! Mom!
That’s when we decided that something is missing in the design of all vehicles that seat more than 5 people – a sliding glass panel between the front seat of the car and the rest of it. You know similar to the glass panel that closes in a limo. What parent wouldn’t love that??? Go ahead kids, scream all you want, we can’t hear you. I’ll turn the volume up on the CD we made so you can scream the lyrics to "Somebody Call 911" (yeah, I'm about to call 911). Sure no problem because I can’t hear you anyway.
WHY I ask is that not an option when you’re buying the car? I mean, Honda, really, a sunroof is great, but I’d much rather have a sound-proof divider! I'd go with clear, though, so I could look back from time to time and make sure no one was choking or killing each other in the car, but I wouldn’t have to HEAR it.
Who's with me here?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tramp Tricks
It’s official – I suck on the trampoline! A visit to my friend’s house recently confirmed this. Her daughter, a tiny 10-year-old cheerleader, is doing back handsprings and all sorts of fancy tricks. She makes it look so easy. Um, yeah, not so much. I can’t even seem to master a normal jump, bounce on your butt and jump back up on your feet maneuver. Apparently, this is something easy that should just come naturally to me. That’s what my friend and daughter say anyway.
Well, listen here folks: it definitely did not come easy to me. And, while my friend and my daughter were in hysterics watching me try, the cute little 10-year-old was trying to coach me. Here’s how it played out:
My form, she says, is not right. I’m leaning backward and I need to lean forward. Ok, I’ll try that. Still can’t do it. I’m like dead weight hitting the tramp and then arms and legs flailing around. What a sight! Oh, wait, she identifies another problem, I’m bending my knees. I need to put them straight out and point my toes. Ok, ok, I can do it. I’m not getting off this tramp til I do it. Nothing, still can’t do it. By this time it’s starting to get dark, I’m sweaty and I might pee my pants. Oh, oops, think I did pee my pants a little. (Females who have not yet given birth have no idea what I’m talking about here, but trust me, YOU WILL!!). But that’s ok, I’m gonna do it damn it. More jumping around. I’m really determined now. I don’t understand, I say to my friend, why I can’t do this? I take aerobics, I’m very coordinated. What the heck? She just shakes her head and makes some comment about how her neighbors are closing their windows because we’re being so loud on this bouncing wonderland.
My little coach says I can’t get off the tramp 'til I do it. Yes, that’s just the pressure I need. One, two, three. And...SUCCESS...finally. I scream like I’ve just won the gold medal in the trampoline event at the Olympics, my coach screams because she’s now convinced that she’s an awesome gymnastics coach since she could teach a hopeless case like me, and my daughter says, "I bet you can’t do the Reese’s cup." First of all, that's not a trick, that's my favorite candybar, and second, why must she shatter my confidence? I’m PUMPED! I did it, victory is mine. My friend just rolls her eyes as I give her a fist bump.
Stay tuned for my next trick…
Well, listen here folks: it definitely did not come easy to me. And, while my friend and my daughter were in hysterics watching me try, the cute little 10-year-old was trying to coach me. Here’s how it played out:
My form, she says, is not right. I’m leaning backward and I need to lean forward. Ok, I’ll try that. Still can’t do it. I’m like dead weight hitting the tramp and then arms and legs flailing around. What a sight! Oh, wait, she identifies another problem, I’m bending my knees. I need to put them straight out and point my toes. Ok, ok, I can do it. I’m not getting off this tramp til I do it. Nothing, still can’t do it. By this time it’s starting to get dark, I’m sweaty and I might pee my pants. Oh, oops, think I did pee my pants a little. (Females who have not yet given birth have no idea what I’m talking about here, but trust me, YOU WILL!!). But that’s ok, I’m gonna do it damn it. More jumping around. I’m really determined now. I don’t understand, I say to my friend, why I can’t do this? I take aerobics, I’m very coordinated. What the heck? She just shakes her head and makes some comment about how her neighbors are closing their windows because we’re being so loud on this bouncing wonderland.
My little coach says I can’t get off the tramp 'til I do it. Yes, that’s just the pressure I need. One, two, three. And...SUCCESS...finally. I scream like I’ve just won the gold medal in the trampoline event at the Olympics, my coach screams because she’s now convinced that she’s an awesome gymnastics coach since she could teach a hopeless case like me, and my daughter says, "I bet you can’t do the Reese’s cup." First of all, that's not a trick, that's my favorite candybar, and second, why must she shatter my confidence? I’m PUMPED! I did it, victory is mine. My friend just rolls her eyes as I give her a fist bump.
Stay tuned for my next trick…
The Blog is Back
After my hiatus, TMac is back...frankly, Facebook doesn't offer me enough space to write all the stories I want to share! Anyone who has heard one of my stories knows all too well how detailed they can be.
So, I joined the Facebook frenzy. I had to; I think I was the only one who wasn't on. I admit it is a great way to connect with people, but man, you can really waste hours on that. I still am not 100 percent comfortable navigating on Facebook walls and what not, but I'm confident I'll catch on.
Happy Summer!
So, I joined the Facebook frenzy. I had to; I think I was the only one who wasn't on. I admit it is a great way to connect with people, but man, you can really waste hours on that. I still am not 100 percent comfortable navigating on Facebook walls and what not, but I'm confident I'll catch on.
Happy Summer!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Christmas Observations
OK, I only have 10 minutes to write this entry because I’m too busy trying to hang my Christmas lights up outside, address my photo Christmas cards, make cookies, finish shopping, wrap my presents, mail a package off to Maine and balance my checkbook (which you know is all out of whack considering I’ve been whipping that debit card around like I’m a millionaire). So, really, I have no time to blog. However, I just had to share some of my favorite Christmas observations:
1. I hate everyone in my neighborhood. They obviously have no life because they all got their Christmas lights up at Thanksgiving. Come on, people, give me a break! I still have leaves under that foot of snow in the yard! Aah, the pressure…
2. I’m not really a big fan of those stupid blow up figures people put in their front yards. If you have one, I apologize. I just think they’re dumb, and they always blow over (it is Erie, ya know).
3. Cats and Christmas trees do not mix. My cat (this is his first year experiencing a tree) won’t leave my tree and ornaments alone. I’m thinking about buying some kind of spray for $14.99 that may keep him away. Seems pricey, but then the peace of mind would be worth it.
4. I despise the song “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.” And I’ve never known anyone who roasted chestnuts for Christmas, let alone did it outside where Jack Frost was nipping at his nose.
5. Fruit cake – gross. Who eats that? And, believe me, I eat just about anything.
6. Nutcrackers freak me out. I don't know why, they just do. And I was very disappointed that the Christmas stamps this year were either the Virgin Mary or a Nutcracker. It seems I've turned my kids against them, too. Two years ago I wrapped one up for my daughter as a joke. It was great. Last year, my mom wrapped one up for me. This year, I'm going to regift that one and give it to my son...an unsuspecting victim. Ha, what fun!
I put up this little decorative thing outside my cubicle at work that says, "Countdown 'til Christmas." Every day you change the number. My friend Melissa said, “Looking at that thing every day is a heart attack waiting to happen.” Nicely put! I laughed, but it’s still hanging there to remind me of all that I have to accomplish in only 16 days.
That being said, you won’t hear from me until after the holidays unless something really funny happens, because I simply won’t have time to update the blog. So, have a wonderful Christmas. I hope you have a beautiful holiday with your loved ones; I know I will (aside from my sarcastic – some would say “smart ass” responses -- I love Christmastime.) Be Merry! Catch you in '09...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Black Friday Big Bust
I had a master plan for Black Friday.
I had a plan after carefully studying all the newspaper ads and figuring out what I wanted. I made a detailed list. I set the alarm....and then in the morning...couldn't quite get myself out of bed as early as I wanted. I planned to get to Wal-Mart by 5 a.m. Well, 5 came and went, so I figured ok, no big deal, I'll get to Target by 6 a.m when they open.
I rolled out of bed, threw on clothes, brushed my hair, brushed my teeth and set out for the adventure. Well, I arrived by 6 a.m., but then I had to find a parking space. What a joke! That took another 7 mintues. Finally, I walk in the store with the other 5,000 people who apparently had the same idea as me, and realized that there was no way in hell I was getting that Kodak digital camera for $89. There were no carts left, there were people walking around with stacks of DVDs in their hands, and there was no where to even walk in Electronics. I have never seen more chaos in my life. It was insane. I heard people swearing, I heard the guy working behind the counter in Electronics scream, "Just hold on...I'll be with you in a minute!!!" That's when I realized that there was no way I was getting anything I came for, let alone getting out alive! The lines were backed up further than they eye could see, so I promptly left.
I decided to check out Wal-Mart. Could it be possible that everyone was just at Target and that maybe Wally World would be more calm. Um, yeah, not so much. It was just as insane. I ran into someone I knew in line with a cart full of stuff. She said she was already in line to check out for an hour (and she was only about 3/4 of the way to the cashier!). Again, no way am I waiting in line for a couple things. So I left there, tried my luck at Kohl's and decided it wasn't worth waiting in line there either. By this time, I am thoroughly disappointed that I woke up for nothing, wasted 2 hours of my time and didn't get any deals. UGH. But I'm already out and I've already missed my morning Jazzercise class so I decide why not try the mall. Wish I would have only gone there, it really wasn't that bad. It was about 8:30 and yes, it was busy, but not too bad. I did manage to get some good deals and was home by 10 a.m.
Here's my solemn oath: I will never ever in my life get up that early to shop!
I don't care if they sell a 30-inch TV for $25. Not worth it.
I really think Black Friday is crap. There is no way I could have gotten any of those deals because I wasn't waiting in line at 4 a.m. I wish some store would have a Black Friday sale that kicks in about 9 p.m. on thanksgiving night. I'm a night owl, so I'll tell ya, I could do some damage if that was the case. But this getting up at 4 a.m. thing, no way, not happening.
And to further my irritation, I see women all dolled up---hello women, what time are you getting up to put on make-up and doing your hair? Are you kidding me! I have no time for that! I could barely roll out of bed to begin with.
Black Friday -- for me -- was a real bust. If you got some deals, please do tell. And do tell how you managed it...
I had a plan after carefully studying all the newspaper ads and figuring out what I wanted. I made a detailed list. I set the alarm....and then in the morning...couldn't quite get myself out of bed as early as I wanted. I planned to get to Wal-Mart by 5 a.m. Well, 5 came and went, so I figured ok, no big deal, I'll get to Target by 6 a.m when they open.
I rolled out of bed, threw on clothes, brushed my hair, brushed my teeth and set out for the adventure. Well, I arrived by 6 a.m., but then I had to find a parking space. What a joke! That took another 7 mintues. Finally, I walk in the store with the other 5,000 people who apparently had the same idea as me, and realized that there was no way in hell I was getting that Kodak digital camera for $89. There were no carts left, there were people walking around with stacks of DVDs in their hands, and there was no where to even walk in Electronics. I have never seen more chaos in my life. It was insane. I heard people swearing, I heard the guy working behind the counter in Electronics scream, "Just hold on...I'll be with you in a minute!!!" That's when I realized that there was no way I was getting anything I came for, let alone getting out alive! The lines were backed up further than they eye could see, so I promptly left.
I decided to check out Wal-Mart. Could it be possible that everyone was just at Target and that maybe Wally World would be more calm. Um, yeah, not so much. It was just as insane. I ran into someone I knew in line with a cart full of stuff. She said she was already in line to check out for an hour (and she was only about 3/4 of the way to the cashier!). Again, no way am I waiting in line for a couple things. So I left there, tried my luck at Kohl's and decided it wasn't worth waiting in line there either. By this time, I am thoroughly disappointed that I woke up for nothing, wasted 2 hours of my time and didn't get any deals. UGH. But I'm already out and I've already missed my morning Jazzercise class so I decide why not try the mall. Wish I would have only gone there, it really wasn't that bad. It was about 8:30 and yes, it was busy, but not too bad. I did manage to get some good deals and was home by 10 a.m.
Here's my solemn oath: I will never ever in my life get up that early to shop!
I don't care if they sell a 30-inch TV for $25. Not worth it.
I really think Black Friday is crap. There is no way I could have gotten any of those deals because I wasn't waiting in line at 4 a.m. I wish some store would have a Black Friday sale that kicks in about 9 p.m. on thanksgiving night. I'm a night owl, so I'll tell ya, I could do some damage if that was the case. But this getting up at 4 a.m. thing, no way, not happening.
And to further my irritation, I see women all dolled up---hello women, what time are you getting up to put on make-up and doing your hair? Are you kidding me! I have no time for that! I could barely roll out of bed to begin with.
Black Friday -- for me -- was a real bust. If you got some deals, please do tell. And do tell how you managed it...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Snowin' and Stormin' in Erie, PA
This entry has nothing to do with being single in Erie.
It's just about living in Erie in the winter. Or fall...
Here it is mid-November and we've already had two major snow accumulations. The storm right now is really freaky. It was actually thundering and lightning. Wow, was that weird. I don't think I've ever experienced a thunderstom and blizzard at the same time. I was out on my deck brushing the pile of snow off of my grill and patio furniture. No, I did not move them inside ... yet. I know, I'm irritated at myself, too. But it seems all of a sudden I ran out of time. Then we changed the clocks back and well, by the time I get home at 5 or 5:30 from work, it's dark. I had all intentions of doing it this weekend, but it literally rained the entire time.
Oh, and then the rain turned to snow. aaaahhhh...Within about four hours, it seemed several inches fell. I don't really know how many inches we have now, but I'd say a lot and the snow keeps on coming. If anything happens to that new patio furniture, I'll scream (see earlier entry from June). Believe me, as soon as this latest accumulation of snow melts, I'm on it. I'm moving it all in the garage -- even if it's pitch black out.
Until then, bundle up and get those snow boots out...
It's just about living in Erie in the winter. Or fall...
Here it is mid-November and we've already had two major snow accumulations. The storm right now is really freaky. It was actually thundering and lightning. Wow, was that weird. I don't think I've ever experienced a thunderstom and blizzard at the same time. I was out on my deck brushing the pile of snow off of my grill and patio furniture. No, I did not move them inside ... yet. I know, I'm irritated at myself, too. But it seems all of a sudden I ran out of time. Then we changed the clocks back and well, by the time I get home at 5 or 5:30 from work, it's dark. I had all intentions of doing it this weekend, but it literally rained the entire time.
Oh, and then the rain turned to snow. aaaahhhh...Within about four hours, it seemed several inches fell. I don't really know how many inches we have now, but I'd say a lot and the snow keeps on coming. If anything happens to that new patio furniture, I'll scream (see earlier entry from June). Believe me, as soon as this latest accumulation of snow melts, I'm on it. I'm moving it all in the garage -- even if it's pitch black out.
Until then, bundle up and get those snow boots out...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
One -- no two -- Sexy Devils!
Happy Belated Halloween!
I am the sexy devil in red pleather with light-up horns and a tail (which I know you can't see), but it was a pretty cool ensemble. He was undecided if he should go as an angel, devil, fallen angel or half and half. It was Friday, he's a guy (you know how those guys are always procrastinating...) and he went to the Spirit Halloween shop in search of horns. No luck. But my resourceful man, upon walking into his house and spying his carved pumpkins on the table, took matters into his own hands. Yes, those are pumpkin stems on his head. Aren't they freaky, considering he is bald? We decided it looked like the horns were growing out of his head. But still, how cute is he? :) Well, you might ask: How did those horns stay on his head? Good question. Very simple answer: Super Glue. Yes, Super Glue. How is it that the Super Glue did not take off a layer of his scalp? I'm not really sure, but it didn't. In fact, the one horn kept falling off, and I had to reapply the glue several times. We figured it must be because the head is more oily than say a finger where the Super Glue always seems to stick. 
Anyway, I think we look pretty cute together, if I do say so myself!
The weather this year for Halloween was fantastic. It was great to see kids without snowsuits on! It was also cool that Halloween fell on a Friday.
So, my kids and I went to a party after trick or treat. It was at my boyfriend's sister's house. He has asked me many times to post our picture on my blog, so I've finally decided to oblige. Now you can see for yourselves this creepy guy (of course, I'm kidding)!
I am the sexy devil in red pleather with light-up horns and a tail (which I know you can't see), but it was a pretty cool ensemble. He was undecided if he should go as an angel, devil, fallen angel or half and half. It was Friday, he's a guy (you know how those guys are always procrastinating...) and he went to the Spirit Halloween shop in search of horns. No luck. But my resourceful man, upon walking into his house and spying his carved pumpkins on the table, took matters into his own hands. Yes, those are pumpkin stems on his head. Aren't they freaky, considering he is bald? We decided it looked like the horns were growing out of his head. But still, how cute is he? :) Well, you might ask: How did those horns stay on his head? Good question. Very simple answer: Super Glue. Yes, Super Glue. How is it that the Super Glue did not take off a layer of his scalp? I'm not really sure, but it didn't. In fact, the one horn kept falling off, and I had to reapply the glue several times. We figured it must be because the head is more oily than say a finger where the Super Glue always seems to stick. Anyway, I think we look pretty cute together, if I do say so myself!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
