September 29, 2005
Have a good weekend...
I'm outta here in a less than two hours to head up to Erie for the weekend. I've got to pick Son up at school and so forth...
I'm not looking forward to this trip, but you all knew that anyway, but now less so because my sister had to go and piss off our mother, and now I'm going to get the attitude from Mother all weekend. *sigh* I guess every family has a big mouth...
I'll make sure to post on either Sunday night or Monday about anything interesting or eventful, but I really doubt anything that exciting will happen.
Here's something to ponder, though: Ben Asslick, whoops, Affleck as the next Donk Senator from VA. Sheesh. I don't know...I'm glad I don't live in VA. Have we forgotten that the man can't act his way out of a paperbag? Yeah, let's send that boob to D.C. What a wanker.
Okay. I need to go make sure I packed my toothbrush and what not. Blahblahblahblabbbbbpth...
h/t: The Llama Butchers
Show Comments »
Take My Picture!
Last night Sears called to tell me that the portraits of the younglings were in. I hurried up and got them, so I wouldn't have to run around today, and as I was placing the 10 x 13's in the frames, I realized I hadn't gotten any pictures for my sister! Or for anyone else, save the grandmothers.I mentioned that to Husband, and I told him that if everyone's favorite sister-in-law is visiting this weekend, she'd probably get in a snit about not getting a picture.
People, this woman basically hands out pictures of her ugly kids at the door! We're forced to take them!
Therefore, I have decided to just say "Hey, I don't want pictures of anyone else's kids, so why force pics of my kids on anyone?"
Think that will piss anyone off?
See, now, I post pics of the younglings here, but the beauty part is, they don't pile up on your desk or counter; you can just look at them and move on. And let's be honest, don't we all get pictures that we just don't know what to do with? I used to be a maniac about sending out pictures, but really, it just got too damn expensive.
I'm in the mood to scrap with someone this weekend. Look out! Here comes GROOVYVIC!
Show Comments »
September 28, 2005
Not Really Stupid...
...but really, do we care?Jennifer Garner is having a girl. Um, okay, so?
Melania Knauss, wife of Donald "Oooo That Hair" Trump is pregnant.
People, celebrities are not the only folks to have babies! Why in the hell do we make such a big deal about it? As far as I know, babies all come into this world the same way, and the only justice to all this is that all these glamorous gals will suffer the same indignities as the rest of us mothers. You moms out there know what I mean.
Go over to The Superficial to get their take on all this reproductive hoo-ha.
Show Comments »
Pass it around
I've got leftover, unopened SW Episode III party supplies! Plates, napkins, a pack of invitations, those blow-y thingies, stickers...all brand new and never ever opened!Pass this around to anyone with kids who may want this for an upcoming party!
Show Comments »
My give a damn's busted!
Yes, I know, there are important things going on in the world these days. The former FEMA director is getting a new butthole drilled for his troubles, the #2 baddie over in Iraq has been whacked, and that old battle-axe Sheehan thinks she's important, but you know what? For some reason I just don't give a great goddamn anymore!
I have reached that point where I'm sick to death of the news, talk radio...yep, even Rush.
So yesterday I finally got a copy of the book pictured above. I've been waiting literally years for this to come out; it's the sixth in an awesome series, and the powers that be don't seem to want me to sit down and read it. I've had interruptions even after the kids have gone to sleep.
Therefore, blogging may be kind of light for the next few days. Unless something really ass stupid happens (and you'll notice I didn't even touch the Kutcher/Moore marriage thing) I won't be around too much. And I'm going up to Erie tomorrow -- look for some bitching and ranting about that on Monday.
Show Comments »
September 27, 2005
What's in a name?
I'm sure I've mentioned before how we have quite an assortment of wildlife here at Groovy-ville. Well, lately we've taken to naming some of the wildlife, and the names we've chosen make me chuckle.We have a couple woodchucks that like to hang out in front of our house and eat the acorns that fall off the trees. We've named the fattest one "Michael Moore," because he is so fat and has a nasty looking little tail, much like the real Moore is fat with a nasty little mustache. The second fattest has been dubbed "Cindy Sheehan," mostly because she is here all the time and has become quite a pain in the ass, much like the real Sheehan.
Did you know woodchucks can climb trees? Yep, the other morning "Cindy" scrambled up one of our trees - something must have frightened her. I told Husband "She probably knows we're Republicans!" Haw haw.
Our next character is a stray cat that likes to hang out and scare off the fox family. We've named the cat "Bill Clinton," because, well, he's a tom cat who pops up when we least expect it and don't want him. Need I say more? Damn cat, we trapped him once and drove out to another farm to let him go (trying to be humane, you know) and the bastard came back! He eats the food we put out for the fox, and we like the fox family. Old Bill comes up and scares off the animals we do want hanging around. Bastard cat.
Do I have to explain why I'm going to get my rifle with the scope from my mother?
And hey, if the skunk ever come back, I just may call them "Ray Nagin" and "Ted Kennedy."
Hee hee hee...
Show Comments »
September 24, 2005
Are You Ready to Par-Tay?
The next time I decide to have a birthday party for my kids, please slap me and remind me of the mass chaos that ensued today.Oh, it wasn't so bad, I mean, the house is still standing. The only rough part was that teacher's kid who came...and was just as rude and unruly as he was at Family Fun (Crock of Crap) Night.
That being said, I'm exhausted. Sorry, no pictures of those TIE Fighter things; Husband and I sort of messed up the recipe...but they were good.
We had Han Burgers and Sidious Joes...
I'm hungry...going to eat some cake and go to bed.
Show Comments »
September 23, 2005
I found this...
...and I thought it was pretty cool.
But, you know, I'm a sucker for that Anakin Eye-Candy Skywalker...
Show Comments »
Hot Guy Friday
MICHAEL HUTCHENCE.
Since I got on a rant about INXS trying to find a new lead singer, I thought I'd post the best damn lead singer they ever had!
"Devil Inside..." You know it!!!
Show Comments »
To The Parents...
Okay parents out there, I've got a situation for you!I'm sitting on a bench watching a bunch of kids play (I'm the only adult present) and I notice your kid doing something that could really hurt him or her, so I tell that child to get down, knock it off, stop! Am I being responsible in looking out for your child, or am I out of line?
This happened last night at Family Fun Night (or Crock of Crap as I call it) and I saw a little boy climb on top of playground equipment and stand up. If he had fallen, he would have least broken an arm or leg. I told him to get down! (He also happens to be the child of my son's teacher...) Do you know what that little brat said to me?
"You're not a teacher, you're not the boss of us."
I told him no, but I'm a mother and I don't want anyone to get hurt.
Little brat child. Fine! Break your damn neck, see if I care!
Input?
Anyway, back to Crock of Crap. Yeah, loads of fun that was, sitting alone watching my son play alone. Oh, some of his classmates played with him for a while, but for the most part no one played with him, and I sat alone on a damn bench watching him play. I finally said let's go home, as Son managed to get filthy and sweaty, and he wouldn't eat those pale, flaccid boiled hot dogs. Ugh...
Funny, these kids won't play with him on the playground, but they sure are lining up to come to his birthday party tomorrow!
Am I in a bit of a bad mood? Yes, yes I am. Remember Upset Mother? Well, she's still upset...constantly upset would be a better term. I just want to tell her ease up a bit, settle down, and if she has this much of a problem with the way things are done, put her kid in another school! It isn't like she doesn't have options. Frankly, I'm sick of hearing about it! I'm not exactly thrilled with the school district, but Son is doing well; I'm giving it some time, but I'm also looking into private schools.
Oh well.
Show Comments »
September 22, 2005
Support the Troops Weekend
If I didn't have that party planned, I'd be in D.C. this weekend. I would love to be a part of this!
Anyone out there who does go, give a cheer for me, willya?
Show Comments »
Domestic Bliss -- NOT!
What a damn morning. I took Son to school and dropped off my pathetic cookie contribution, then ran to the gas station...and decided to hit Kroger while I was out. Oh man...that creepy guy who I see sometimes was there; he tried to pat Daughter on the head and she wisely ran and hid behind me. He's strange, that's all I can say.Cut to me trying to clean the house -- no easy thing with a two year old who sees Mommy moving the furniture as a reason to go crazy leaping from cushion to cushion. I tore the furniture apart to clean it and turn the cushions, and Daughter somehow managed to get apple juice all over the couch. I moved all the furniture too, and got yelled at, by Daughter, for moving the end tables.
Everything has been put back...I'm taking a break. I've still got to wash the windows and finish the dusting, but as I sit here looking at my shabby furniture (that somehow is mistaken for Kleenex by Daughter) and newly dusted end tables, I know that by tonight all my efforts will have been in vain.
I know, I know, kids will do that to a house, but it's just so defeating, know what I mean?
Show Comments »
Uh, er, ummmmm....
I had been asked by someone on the PTO if I would bake something for tonight's "Family Fun Night" and I said I would, figuring on pulling out one of those handy cookie mixes. (Note: I usually bake from scratch, but this is a busy week.) So, after dinner last night I did bake those cookies, but half of them burned. Burned to the point that I couldn't even scrape them off the cookie sheet. I threw what I could out to the animals and just tossed the sheets in the garbage.
I have 14 cookies that are edible.
I called up my friend on PTO and told her my tale. She said not to worry, she'd send in a package of Oreos for me.
My gawd, people, screwing up cookies? I'm slipping...
* I'll try to post about something of significance later. I'm just not in the mood to talk about Cindy bleepin' Sheehan anymore. I've got to go fill La Tahoe's tank with petrol before prices skyrocket again thanks to Lovely Rita (not).
Show Comments »
"Don't get stuck on stupid!"
You got to love it! They have a press conference to warn folks about the threat of Rita and all the reporters want to do is try dig up some dirt, like why are you warning us this time and not the last time (not that they have any kind of agenda). General Honore just tells one reporter the way it is: “You are stuck on stupid, I’m not going to answer that question.”A new enduring slogan that I may have to start employing- “You are stuck on stupid!"
Show Comments »
September 21, 2005
Ahhhhh...FREAK OUT!!
It's official, I'm starting to panic about this birthday party. Head-count thus far for kids has topped out at 20.Why do people insist on waiting until the last minute to RSVP? I hate that.
This is one of those "I would really love a cigarette" moments.
Show Comments »
Screamin' Women and Burnin' Rubber
*snort*Everyone else is talking about this...I think it's pretty damn funny.
Should I start calling BillyJeff "The Sheik" instead???
h/t: The Museum of Left Wing Lunacy
Show Comments »
Crude, but oh so true...
I found this on a t-shirt. I think I'll get it and wear it up to the in-law's for Thanksgiving.
Show Comments »
Umm...okay?
I haven't been watching that INXS show. Frankly, I think it's a crock of hooey! I mean, let's get real here, Hutchence was hot, he was awesome...did we see, oh I don't know, Led Zeppelin try to replace Bonham?Well, INXS is no Led Zeppelin, but you see where I'm going...
So, it's been with a bit of a chuckle that I've been reading Wuzzadem's take on the whole mess.
Dave Navarro? Seriously? Um, short of marrying Carmen Electra, why is this man important?
I guess it's a good thing I haven't been watching this show...
Show Comments »
Det. Logan Returns
Friday's Hot Guy is indeed coming back to the Law & Order franchise, this time to L&O Criminal Intent.
Set your Tivo's for Sunday night!
*sigh*
Show Comments »
"Hassle the Hoff"
All I have to say is Hector Vex had better post this on Free Music Friday!
Apparently this is old news, but still.
h/t: Ace
Show Comments »
September 20, 2005
"There can be only one..."
Husband and I just watched this most feckin' awesome movie the other night!
I love this movie, I could watch it everyday. The first time I saw it was at a slumber party back in high school...thankfully we have this video in our extensive collection.
Stinky sequels, though...
Show Comments »
Whew!
I just spent the last two hours cleaning Son's room. Can anyone tell me why he insists on keeping Happy Meal bags and used Dixie cups?I dusted, vacuumed, moved...my back is killing me. I weeded out some books he no longer looks at, packed those away for Daughter, and then sorted the books into categories: dinosaur, Star Wars, Scooby Doo, and Other.
His room looks a lot better...I give it two days before it's back to a mess.
Show Comments »
Oh my...
Looks like Mother Sheehan isn't stopping at BillyJeff, now she's going after Hillary.Show Comments »
Whatwhatwhat???
Another tasty bit from Ace; looks like Mother Sheehan is bashing the President...Clinton that is!War Criminal? Really?? Sheesh...abuser of cigars, maybe...
It's getting bad when they start turning on each other...weeeeeee!!!
Show Comments »
I don't even know what to call this...
Husband and his sibs recently pitched in to buy their father a dog for his birthday...it would "make him happy," as Husband told me...after I bitched about it, but that's a loooooong story.I said then what I thought would make FIL (father-in-law) happy, and it turns out I'm not the only one with this idea.
I'm laughing right now. D'ya think I should let FIL borrow my Jenna Jameson video???
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.....*snort*
h/t: Ace
Show Comments »
September 19, 2005
Glutton for Punishment
The realization has set in that we're having a party this weekend. After several people came up to us at church to RSVP, Husband got a bit concerned as to what we were going to do and how we'd set everything up. I'm flying into a panic about having enough food for everyone, and he got worried that the kids wouldn't have anything to take home. I told him I somehow acquired 88 treat bags (all with good ole' Darth Vader on them) so no one will leave empty handed. I got literally a ton of candy, plus there will be stuff in the pinata...but NO...that wasn't good enough, so I hopped online and ordered "thumb wrestlers" and had to pay out my arse for fast shipping.I am not liking this already.
And can anyone tell me why people can't RSVP at all? I know, I just know that people will just show up who didn't even have the courtesy to give me a heads up or anything.
Damn, damn, damn.
A two hour party, that's all this is, and I'm freaking out...and it's only Monday...the acid reflux is fluxing...
Anyone want to come help me lose my mind????
Show Comments »
Get On The Stick!
Mr. Stick Figure had quite a conversation with Tim Russert...h/t: Wuzzadem
Show Comments »
September 16, 2005
I think his tractor's sexy!
So Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney are splitting up.
Well...that's too bad. I will say this, though, those country stars work pretty hard; it seems like they're always on tour. Okay, so it's none of my business, but if I was married to Kenny Chesney I'd just look at him all day and ask him to sing "When the Sun Goes Down"...without his shirt, of course, and without Uncle Kracker.
Yep.
Show Comments »
This, That, and the Other Thing...
Took Daughter to the pediatrician this morning for her two year well kid check-up. Now that she's two years old, I don't have to strip her down to her diaper to be weighed and measured; she stood on the scale like a big girl. She's a little over three feet tall! She's tall! But, she only weighs 31 pounds...but Son was just the same way, tall and thin...and a damn picky eater. It drives me insane.I know, I know, kids play with their food.
I stopped at, like, the only party store in this armpit of Ohio, and they had no Star Wars balloons. Damn damn damn damn...but I ordered balloons anyway, in SW colors (whatever) and the lady behind the counter was nice enough to give Daughter a free balloon.
Daughter and I ran to a couple more places, and after today I know why I don't like to run more than one errand a day with the kids. We were both worn out!
On to Bush's speech last night, if you were wondering if I watched it...and I did, watch most of it, but then I fell asleep. So I have nothing to say about that...for once!
Show Comments »
Hot Guy Friday
CHRIS NOTH a.k.a. "Mr. Big"
Let me first say that I love Sex and the City. I have every episode on VHS and DVD, and every once in a while I have a SATC marathon; let's face it, those TBS versions just aren't the same. And despite the fact that I do NOT agree with SJP's politics, I like the show a lot. It so reminds me of how I was when I was single (really) and makes me glad I'm NOT single now!
So! Chris Noth! Excellent. I have seen him in Law & Order and I like the episodes with him the best. Yes, I did see The Rough Riders, which also showcased Tom Berenger and Sam Elliot. That's about it, really.
Don't we all have a Mr. Big in our past? I'll admit I was a bit disappointed when Big's real name was revealed in the last episode. I mean, couldn't they have come up with something, I don't know, less common? (If anyone hasn't seen the last episode, I shan't spill the beans.)
Show Comments »
September 15, 2005
Right...Wrong
I’ve been at a loss as to what to post in the blog as of late. So many things…so little time…so little motivation to do so for some reason. There is all of the political sniping around Katrina (I still think it is too early to get into the politics of it, and I find it interesting how the media is starting to sight in the LA politicians…imagine that). There is the ranting of a few Senators over the confirmation of Judge Roberts (funny to hear a recording of Kennedy a few decades ago flat out opposing what he himself is doing now, and surprising to see Spector put some of his fellow Senators in their place…refreshing actually).
And then they announce that a Federal judge ruled in favor of the atheist (forgot his name) out there in CA because of the precedence set by the 9th Circuit Court a few years ago. My first, knee-jerk reaction was to write about how much of a crock that was, but then I starting to think. I can understand him not wanting his child to be “indoctrinated” (as some would liken it) into believing in God- that is for the parents to do, not the public schools or government. I mean I wouldn’t want the school my kid attends to start having the students reciting something like Mohammed being God’s prophet (not that there is anything wrong with believing so, just not my cup of tea), so it is only fair I guess.
I don’t really want to get into the whole argument as to whether or not there is any basis for claiming that the reference to God in the pledge is truly brain-washing children. I know, the original Pledge didn’t even have “under God” in it. That’s not what I want to rant about. The problem with this ruling is that these folks will keep going. Admittedly, I am not an atheist, but this guy out in CA and others like him are zealots and are going to try to get every mention of God removed from the public forum: from our money, to our oaths of office…so much for two hundred years of tradition.
No big deal, right? I mean we should be tolerant and make sure no one’s civil liberties are being abused. It even sounds like the right thing in principle. Heck, I was thinking that way until I started to see this whole issue as a zero sum game. What makes the difference in my eyes is that atheism is considered a religion in the eyes of the law (Kaufman v. McCaughtry). Not all atheists may agree, but more and more are embracing the idea so they can have the legal protections of a religion. Now, the “religion” of these folks (if I understand them correctly) is the absence of God. Maybe I am missing something, but if they argue that the mentioning of God in the public forum is promoting religion, is it not promoting their religion if all mentioning of God is removed? There really can’t be a compromise between these two bipolar positions…if one wins the other loses. So, if we legally remove all mentioning of God in public forums so that they don’t feel that we are trying to convince their children that there is a God, wouldn’t they then be convincing our children through those legal restrictions that there is no God? After all, if it was against the law to mention God in a public forum, then it must be because to believe so is wrong…right?
Show Comments »
Book Review...
...of a sort. I haven't even finished it yet!Whilst perusing the book/magazine section at my local Wal-Mart yesterday, I came across the book Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner. I'll admit to having read some "chick lit" books before, and not been too impressed with them. I have yet to find a book written by a woman about being a woman and a mother that strikes a familiar note with me.
This book, however, comes pretty close. True, I'm not a new mother anymore, but the new moms in this book experience some of the same things I did when I had my kids. You know what I'm talking about, mothers out there, the exhaustion, the very low desire to have intimate relations with the mate, annoyance at in-laws. Weiner doesn't exactly nail it, but she gets pretty close.
Check this book out; I've linked to Amazon...
I should write a book. What do you think?
Show Comments »
September 14, 2005
Baby Talk
Okay, I just had to post this little episode from my domestic life:Last night the younglings were watching Husband play Revenge of the Sith on the PlayStation, and to say they were riveted would be an understatement. Husband got to the very end, to the fight on Mustafar, and this time, Anakin kills Obi-Wan! Anakin gets his new lightsaber from Darth Sidious and then Anakin shish-kabobs the old man, turning to the Clones and announcing "The Galaxy is mine!"
Nice twist...
Thus, Husband has unlocked the bonus missions, where he can use Darth Vader (the man in black) and Ben Kenobi to fight. Pretty cool, we thought, but Daughter went crazy. Vader is fighting Ben Kenobi (ala Episode 4) and Daughter is bouncing up and down yelling "Go Pot-ide, GO POT-IDE!" Now, she's rooting for Darth Vader, and it sounds like she's cheering on for Aparthied...but it's really a combination of "power of the dark side" somehow translated by a two-year old tongue.
Now, can you picture that? My kid, blonde curls flying, cheering on Darth Vader?
Yeah, I know, we're big old Star Wars geeks around here...
Show Comments »
September 13, 2005
Gettysburg Homesick Blues
This is the time of year when Husband and I would make our annual trek to Gettysburg. Not as reenactors, as "regular people." This picture is from our last trip, back in 2002; Son was almost three years old. He had a blast exploring Devil's Den with his daddy.
*sigh*
Is it weird that Gettysburg is my favorite place to go? I know that place like the back of my hand. I just love it there! I love it best in the fall, and I'm "homesick" now, I'd love to just pull Son out of school and take off for a while.
Really, I love it that much.
I told Husband we should offer tours ; we know where there's a great winery...Think of it, a wine and battlefield tour. And we'd even dress in period clothing!
Show Comments »
Looking Better...
The latest edition of Elle Magazine arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Perhaps you've seen it on the out there...Britney Smears is on the cover, post-"makeover" or what ever. I do not like this girl, I never have, but I will say that she looks a hell of a lot better in this mag. At least she looks like she's taken a bath and washed her face. And all that stragglin' blonde mess has been cut and styled. Yeah, Brit, keep washing your face, especially now and after that kid comes out. Trust me.Ooooo, my hair fell out in gobs after I had kids. Ha ha ha ha ha....Bald Britney. Too funny.
I laugh because these damn magazines act like celebrities are the only women who have babies. I hate that. Now I read somewhere that Brit has gained like, a metric ton or whatever, "eating for two." Aw hell, I was pushing 200 lbs. by the time I had Son...like women don't gain weight?
Seriously, I'm annoyed that this annoys me, and I'm annoyed because I'm actually paying attention.
I just hope, pray even, that we aren't subjected to photos of Brit breast feeding. Some things should not be photographed for the world to see, and NO this is not an anti-breast feeding thing!
UPDATE: I read Brit's interview...my gawd, this girl is a dumb as a box of hair.
Show Comments »
Way down the Mississippi, Down in New Orleans...
If you haven't been over to The Wandering Mind yet to see his pictures from New Orleans, go now. Good stuff, commentary...just do it.Show Comments »
September 12, 2005
Blogs and the Blogging Bloggers Who Blog
Or, in this case, bloggers who blog about getting up and actually doing something to help out.A favorite blogger is posting about his experiences in the Big Easy.
He's got some great pictures over there too.
h/t: The Wandering Mind
Show Comments »
Weekend Wrap-Up
I have somehow managed to go back in time. I’ve gone back twenty years and now look remarkably like my fifteen year old self, although without those HUGE glasses and spiked hair. Thanks to the magic combination of what I’ll delicately call “femininity,” wearing my glasses, and that sweet devil Coca-Cola, I now literally have what is vulgarly referred to as a “pizza face.”
Yesterday I wore contacts, to let my face breath, and also because right where my glasses sit on my nose there’s a big growth. Alright, it’s a big painful zit, but it looks like I’m trying to grow another nose or something. It’s disgusting.
I know, stop drinking that damn Coca-Cola, but I’m weak and pathetic, I just had to drink it. Better that that’s my vice du jour as opposed to something really bad for me.
MOVING ON…
Daughter’s birthday was nice, and she certainly had a good time unwrapping her gifts. I have to say I really made a great cake this year, opting to use sweetened whipped cream instead of canned frosting. And it wasn’t Cool-Whip either, I whipped the heavy cream myself. I highly recommend this, as it really cuts down on the sweetness factor.
Actually, the weekend was pretty quiet. Son went over to a friend’s house yesterday to play and Husband worked, so it was peaceful around here. Daughter was busy enjoying her new toys and what not.
Nothing earth shaking, at least not yet. I haven’t made the rounds to all the other blogs and such, and as Husband has the day off today, I doubt I’ll have anything of importance to post today anyway.
Show Comments »
September 11, 2005
My Memories
Today you'll read a lot of fellow bloggers memories of 9/11/01, and since September is a big month in the Groovy household, I'm going to add my memories to the mix.I commented to my mother yesterday that I wished I was still in the Sesame Street mindset that I was in that morning four years ago. Son was almost two years old, and loved to watch those "kid shows" on PBS and the like, so we had spent that morning happily immersed in Bert, Ernie, and Big Bird. ("Baby! You know the sound of the 'B!' Buh buh buh...")
It wasn't until I sat down to check my email that I found out something had happened. My sister had sent my something that was cryptic at the time, how the kids were being kept in school, she couldn't believe this happened...so I hurried up and turned on CNN and saw those pictures. By the time I changed the channel, the towers were gone, the Pentagon had been hit, and those brave souls had met their maker in a mass grave in Pennsylvania.
I had to keep it together, if I broke down and cried Son would panic and how does one explain to a two year old what had just happened? But I did cry, as I prepared lunch for Son, I could hear the TV in the other room, saw those images over and over again. I clung to the oven door and just sobbed.
I knew then that nothing was ever going to be the same again. I wished I'd stayed on Sesame Street, or chatting with Mr. Rogers in the Land of Make Believe...but I changed the channel and here I am.
One year later, Husband, Son, and I were taking a vacation, enjoying the Antietam battlefield, and we saw President Bush fly over as he made his way to Pennsylvania for the memorial service. We had spent the previous night in Frederick, MD, and we knew we weren't that far from D.C. I woke up at 6 a.m. on the morning of 9/11/02 to hear sirens, and I panicked. But, it wasn't what I thought it was.
Fast forward to 2003, I'm four days past my due date with Daughter when I tell the ob/gyn that I want to be induced that day. It was 9/9/03, I said, and I did not want my daughter born on 9/11. Bad enough Son shares his b-day with another family member, my daughter shouldn't have a birthday that brings so many bad memories to so many people. Thankfully, Daughter made her rather reluctant appearance on the 10th.
All our lives were changed that September morning, but I know that the changes in my life are nothing compared to those who lost loved ones on those planes, in those buildings... Those are the people I cry for still. I still say to myself "Oh those people on the planes. How on earth did they deal with seeing those builiding come at them? How in the world did those on Flight 93 feel?" I'll never know, not really, no matter how many documentaries I watch.
That day proved to me that this country is worth fighting for. How can we not want to fight for all that we have after that day? We're lucky, blessed even.
Show Comments »
September 10, 2005
September 09, 2005
Get a Load of Me!
I'm...I'm...speechless. I'm flattered!I'm a big dope, but go read this...
h/t (and thanks again): The Llama Butchers
Show Comments »
Hot Guy Friday
DAMIAN LEWIS.
Pictured here as Richard Winters in Band of Brothers, which happens to be, in my opinion, THE best thing HBO has ever put on television. Awesome. I still watch it when ever it's on the History Channel, and we have the DVD's... Just excellent.
So, Damian Lewis. British! Darn good actor. And also, coincidentally or not, in the movie An Unfinished Life. I'll wait for the DVD release, but I read a review for it last night, and Lewis plays the psycho boyfriend to JLo's character.
I did see a part, just a little bit of a movie Lewis was in; it was something about the UN troops in Kosovo? Is that right? I can't remember, there was a disturbing rape scene and after that I couldn't watch.
If you haven't seen it already, go get Band of Brothers. Or read the book. Or, better yet, read the book about Richard Winters... But go watch the miniseries. Do it. If for nothing else, watch Donnie Wahlberg's performance. Definitely not NKOTB.
Show Comments »
Do You Watch Ellen?
Just saw a commercial/tease/preview for Ellen's talk show today. Kanye West (who ever that is, seriously I do not know) is going to be on and he'll be asked to "talk about what everybody's talking about."Okay, fine, what ever. Like I said, I have no idea who he is and I've never heard his music. Ellen is on here at 11:00 a.m. and I don't watch it, and I won't today. That's when Daughter and I curl up to watch Teletubbies together...well, she watches, I have my mind on other things.
But you watch...let me know what he says. Jeff Foxworthy is going to be on too, and I do know who he is, and I like him, but I'm still not going to watch.
Show Comments »
September 08, 2005
Just Thought You'd Like to Know
I can't sleep, so I thought I'd post my thoughts on that curriculum meeting this afternoon.I was one of about a half dozen parents (out of the 22 students in the class) who showed up. I sat at Son's desk, looked through the assortment of handouts we were given, listened to the teacher. It all sounds on the level, and as far as Son is concerned, it's nothing he can't handle. He's been doing well so far.
The mother, the one that called me earlier today all upset, stated that this was all just too much for a six year old to deal with, that she has her son working on this stuff for three hours every night. The teacher was all like "Oh, no! Just 15 minutes, that's all!"
Upset Mother kept saying to me "I ain't no teacher! I can't teach him this stuff!" Uh-huh, right you "ain't." I told her that the more she stresses, the more her kid will stress, do what you can in 15 minutes and let it be that for the night. After everyone else had left, Upset Mother and I talked to the teacher, and Teach said that my son is so bright, smart, he just sails through everything...which got me a dirty look from Upset Mother.
While waiting for our kids a bit later, Upset Mother made a comment "Well, obviously your kid isn't having any trouble with this stuff." Now, what does she think we do? Sit around listening to classical music, discussing Quantum Physics and reading The Canterbury Tales in Olde English? Huh...yeah, okay, most nights find Son glued to the TV playing Star Wars Battlefront.
Okay, so my son sees me reading. I've read to him since birth. He's always been quick to learn and remember stuff. Is that a bad thing? Is it so bad that I encourage Son, help him out? The fact that both Husband and I have teaching degrees doesn't mean that much, we just want our kids to do their best.
Why am I getting the feeling that these parents have that "you're the teacher, you teach them, I'm just the parent" attitude? This particular elementary school is big on parental help. If we don't help our kids at home, reinforce and encourage, what good is going to school anyway?
Perhaps I'm over-analyzing this, but what do I say to these mothers who complain about their kids getting C's when Son had brought home A's and B's? Why are we getting so worked up and the kids haven't been in school for a month?
Show Comments »
Yeah, well, up yours!
Someone told VP Cheney to go f**k himself, twice, during a press conference today.Now, is this productive? Is this going to dry out NO or rebuild houses in Biloxi? Is telling the second-in-command to do the physically impossible going to bring people back to life?
No.
While it may vent some of the anger and frustration being felt right now, it isn't going to get anything done. And it's pretty darn immature...
Show Comments »
How Much is Too Much?
As I watch a deer saunter across my front yard...So, today is the big curriculum meeting at Son's school. I got a call from another mother this morning, wondering if I was going to go; she said she needed me there to back her up. Our kids are in first grade and already have had math tests on content I guess they aren't grasping. I don't know, Son came home with an A- on his test...and he's been doing great on all the papers he's brought home so far.
Now the big stink is a ten word spelling list. I know my son can do it, he's already proving himself to be a great reader with a capacity for memorization and comprehension (like his mother!) so I'm not all that worried.
I wonder, though, if these teachers are aiming more at teaching towards the proficiency tests and not the individual student's needs. I know, I've heard that "No Child Left Behind" won't work, I don't need a lecture in that. But still, how much is too much? I realize that schools have changed in the (gulp) thirty years since I was in first grade, but if some kids can do the work, why shouldn't they? Is my son going to be somewhat held back, possibly bored, because the class has to slow down for those few who don't grasp the new concepts?
I don't like the whole "teaching to a test" line that I hear from a lot of teachers, albeit secondary teachers. I don't want every student swept up as a collective group, I do want individual attention, not "hurry up and learn this so you can take a test."
*sigh*
This is why I'm going today, to ask those questions. Parent-teacher conferences begin later this month...we'll see.
Show Comments »
September 07, 2005
You Think I Forgot, Right?
Well, no I didn't forget to post today, this thing called "life" happened today (yes, I do have a life that doesn't involve blogs and the blogging bloggers who blog).
I've been in a mood most of the day and just didn't want to inflict that on you all, so I cleaned the house, talked for almost two hours to a new friend (on the phone...and she didn't insult me, like some commenters do...you know who you are!) and started firming up plans for Son's birthday party.
The invites went out to his classmates yesterday! The kids are really excited; I just hope I can keep their attention. I've got great names for all the grub I'll be serving, and I'm going to put pictures on everything; here's the rundown, tell me what you think:
Sidious Joes (sloppy joes, I couldn't call them "Sidious Slop" right?)
TIE Fighter Ties (hot dogs with bread sticks baked around them to look like TIE Fighters)
Anakin's Chips (because, let's face it, the boy had issues)
Yoda Soda (green Hawaiian Punch)
Jedi Juice (blue punch)
Tatooine Tonic (red punch)
And then cake, which is just "cake" and ice cream, which I may call "Hoth cream" who knows...
And there'll be a pinata! Jedi mind tricks! Music! Woo! Hoo!
Aw crap, maybe I really don't have a life!
Show Comments »
September 06, 2005
F.Y.I.
I don't watch much broadcast news anymore, either network or cable. I've sworn to never watch that bastard Brian Williams again (little pisser) and I now have absolutely no respect for FOX. I mean really, Geraldo Rivera? I was watching his "talk show" the day he got bashed in the nose with a chair. It was the only time I've ever cheered on a skin-head!And Shepard Smith...come on. What a wanker.
I have no respect at all anymore for the news, and while this may be considered in poor taste by some, Wuzzadem once again sums up the ri-goddamn-diculous crap we've had to watch of late.
Sheesh. Geraldo Rivera. Come on! Any credibility that jerk-off had went down the crapper when he wasted our time at "Al Capone's Vault." He's a...ugh, I just cannot stand that asshat. The past week has been nothing but an exercise in vanity for that self-important booger.
Show Comments »
"Happy Labor Pains Day!"
So said my step-father yesterday.Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but I didn't feel like posting yesterday. True to my word on Friday, I only posted when something caught my eye, and Randolph Dudetooth did wander by to throw something out there. I did, however, read a couple blogs and RedState.org. I have found that the folks over at RedState have some really good commentary, and while this weekend was the first time I'd commented on anything (without starting an argument) I go there a lot more these days.
A fellow blogger posted on her experiences volunteering in Houston to help the hurricane victims. Really good stuff there, but the comments...whew! I would be crushed under the kind of bitter feedback she gets!
As to other things, well, not much. Husband did go up to visit his kin on Saturday. I don't know if I should be insulted or gratified that no one even asked how I was!
Sunday was church, and wonder of wonders, Son actually went to children's church! It boiled down to me saying "You go or there will be NO Star Wars on the PlayStation for the rest of the weekend." So he went, but it was good that he's made a new friend; she's only six days younger than Son, and she loves Star Wars too. I guess Son made quite an impression, because later that afternoon his new friend's family called to invite him up to Cleveland to hear the symphony play the music from all the movies. It was last minute, but we let him go, and he had a good time. The parents couldn't stop saying how nice, polite Son was, a little gentleman.
At which Husband and I said "Huh? Our kid?" But I guess every parent would say that, but really feel proud of their kid for being so good.
Anyway, did anyone see the Labor Day marathon of that show "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery Channel? It's usually on Tuesdays at 9 p.m., try to catch it. It will make you appreciate what you do all the more, really! Yesterday I tuned in just time to see the dude who goes around with those that do the dirty jobs cleaning all the poo out of a septic tank. It was pretty explicit, that's all I say here. I can only take that show in small doses because some of the jobs are quite nausea inducing. At one point the host dude is on a boat off Martha's Vineyard and the water was a tad rough...and well, you can take it from there. But I'm like a kid, you know, the grosser it is the more I laugh and peek through my fingers at the TV...
Oh yeah, I made homemade cookies last night. I got the recipe from one of my Star Wars cookbooks..."Wookiee Cookies," which are really just renamed chocolate chip cookies. I guess the new name makes them more appealing or something, I don't know.
Baby needs a new pair of shoes. Daughter, that is, and since she's going to be two years old this weekend I'm going to run her up to the mall this morning and get her some shoes. Those feet grow pretty fast!
Show Comments »
September 04, 2005
Does it always have to be political?
Following perhaps the greatest natural disaster in our nations’ history, we have witnessed some of the best and some of the worst in
And yet there always those (a small minority) who are more concerned with some kind of personal gain. They are perfectly willing to take advantage of the situation in any way, shape or form; whether that be looting, raping, or playing politics. The scope and breadth of this disaster is almost incomprehensible, from the damage to the mind-boggling logistics of the relief and reconstruction effort. And yet, we’ve got politicians, news reporters and bloggers who are apparently omniscient. Granted, those who are down there definitely know more than those of us who aren’t. But, in my humble opinion, only those who are truly arrogant or looking for some kind of personally gain are running around drawing conclusions and claiming they know everything there is to know about this disaster.
So much time and effort is being used by these folks trying to pin the blame on anyone in their political crosshairs. We won’t have all the facts about what has happened and what is happening now for perhaps months. Not only that, but there’ll be plenty of time to deal out the punishment (if any is due) later. How about we focus some of that time and effort into helping those in need? How about we focus on rebuilding before the fallout of this disaster harms anymore citizens?
If you haven’t already given, I urge you to donate to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org or help in anyway that you think you can. Keep all of those in need and in harms way in your thoughts and prayers.
Show Comments »
William Rehnquist, R.I.P.
It was with real shock that I opened Google News this morning and read that Chief Justice Rehnquist has passed away. Husband was equally shocked.Gary, the Ex-Donkey, has a nice, succinct post about this loss; I couldn't have said it better myself.
Show Comments »
September 02, 2005
Frustrated...
I think I'm going to use this weekend to take a break from reading blogs...posting too. I've been reading stuff in the past two days that has me so upset, frustrated, downright pissed off that I'm eating like a crazy person.(I can't smoke, so I eat.)
So, maybe Randolph Dudetooth will wander through, I don't know. Unless something really catches my eye over the next couple of days, I may not post until Tuesday morning.
Huh, I just ate a whole container of potato salad...better blame Bush!
Show Comments »
"Alcohol!"
So goes track #2 on Brad Paisley's latest CD.
Go buy it, now. It's really good!
Show Comments »
Big Wheel Keep on Turnin'
So I went up to put fuel in La Tahoe this morning. The price of regular is holding at $3.09, which is where it was Wednesday when I went to the bank.I called my mom this morning and told her that I was almost afraid to go up to the gas station, for fear someone would rage out on me about driving an SUV. She told me to suck it up and just do it. Well, nothing happened. I got the fuel and went on my way.
On another note, kids are too damn crafty for their own good, at least mine are. Daughter figured out how to disconnect the seat belt that holds her car seat down....well, I went around a curve on the way home (we're in the "foothills of WV" remember) and that damn seat went ass over tea kettle! Daughter wasn't hurt, just scared. I pulled over, flipped on the four ways, jumped out and calmed her down.
See? Too crafty. She could have been hurt, but thankfully she wasn't. My goodness; I wasn't even driving fast!
Show Comments »
Hot Guy Friday
SLASH.
Okay, I confess, the other day when my sinuses were a-poundin' I sat down to watch VH1's Behind the Music and it just happened to be about Guns N' Roses. Slash caught my eye, mostly because he was interviewed, and he had all that hair away from his face. He's intriguing.
Plus, I've always had a weakness for guitar players. And I love that damn hat.
Slash just came across as someone I'd like to sit down and drink with. The man could probably drink me under the table...okay, no contest there, but still. He seems like a pretty cool guy.
And no, if you're wondering, I haven't heard any Velvet Revolver stuff. I was a Stone Temple Pilots fan, even saw them in concert once, but Weiland has been shooting that smack too much...and to be completely honest, I lost interest in GNR after Appetite for Destruction. Axl, that fart, got so artsy poo-poo. I mean really, diving off an aircraft carrier and swimming with dolphins?
But anyway, SLASH! Cool drinking buddy? Damn good guitarist!
Show Comments »
Do I Smell Cheese?
I don't watch network television, and now I know why.There's a new show coming out this fall, dealing with a fertility clinic. Yep. It's called Inconceivable.
The ability of a woman to conceive is a painful subject, and NBC is making a series about it? Smells pretty cheesy to me.
Frankly, I don't care about the private lives of doctors. As long as they get enough sleep, that's all I really get concerned about. Why, after watching ER for so long, and getting sick of it, would I want to watch a show about a fertility clinic? I've had my kids, I've done the monthly test thing...been there, done that. I, at least, don't really appreciate a television show about it, interspersed with doctors gettin' it on.
P.U.
Show Comments »
September 01, 2005
Info Appreciated
This was bumped up from the diaries over at RedState.org.Every little bit helps.
Show Comments »
We Can All Help!
via RedState.org
Show Comments »
It's September 1...
Happy month of September! With the new month comes a new beginning, of sorts, for a blog buddy of mine: Gary, the Ex-Donkey, has joined the Mu.Nu family (for some reason I think of a fraternity house...). I updated his linky thingie over in the sidebar, go give him a look-see and then bookmark him!This is shaping up to be a busybusy month for old Groovy. It seems like all my in-laws (and I have a lot) were born in September, plus my sister, plus my kids! My son shares his birthday with my father-in-law and a buddy of my husband's . One of my brothers-in-law (I've got four) has a birthday today...so happy happy to him.
Son's school is having curriculum meetings next week, so GV is going to pack up Daughter and go. That should be interesting...maybe.
I asked Husband last night if he was still going up to visit the Prodigal Son this weekend, now that regular unleaded is $3.09/gal, and he said yes, and was I planning on going up at the end of the month with La Tahoe now that gas is so expensive and will only get worse? I said "NO" and that I'd already warned my mother.
I'm sorry, Mom, but my checkbook is a bit more important right now, know what I mean?
In other news, after watching the Naw'Lins devastation, I panicked again about someone I know who lives down there and called his parents. He's fine, not down there...whew! Then I remembered that someone I've been friends with since Kindergarten lives down there, so I made a call...no word yet, but I'm sure she's fine too.
I hear stories of babys that have no diapers and I feel somewhat guilty that I've got a stockpile of Huggies for Daughter. Old GV will be looking for the Salvation Army and Red Cross websites today, don't worry.
Now that I've given youse guys my monthly agenda, I'm going to get another cup of coffee and read the news.
Show Comments »