Happy Friday...this week I forgot about PPPP

and remember Best/Worst. I have some cute pix ready, but I've been home the last 2 days (of my own choice) and got busy doing other things, so I'll save the photos for next week.

Best/Worst this week are: Best - I only worked a three day week. Did some home projects yesterday and a whole lot of nothing today. (well, that's not entirely true, I did do some homework and go grocery shopping).

Worst - Lyric has to go in next week for an MRI. She's been having headaches almost daily since June. We've tried some meds and some symptom treating, but it's not really getting better. After the MRI, she will go see a neurologist and we will go forward from there. The neurologist that her peditrician referred us to would not be my first choice (sometimes working in the medical field can be a bad thing) so I'm weighing the options of this doctor versus one that is farther away (Can you say DeKalb, Lynn?!?!) Anyway, my first thought, of course, is brain tumor. Even though this is not a brain tumor sort of presentation. It's probably something easy, but still, I'm scared. She is having the MRI with and without contrast. Which requires an IV. Lyric hates needles....Let me rephrase that, Lyric would rather jump off the Eiffle Tower than have an IV. She's been warned, and I'm trying to prep her for the over all experience, but she's bigger than I am and probably stronger. I hope they have the big guys working that night.

I'll keep you posted on the events/results, but for now, just a quick prayer for good news would be really nice.

Til next time....

Quick addition...talked with my brother's fiancee tonight. She had a similar headache issue that related to puberty, and she still has really bad headaches at her "time". I know there are so many possibilities, most nothing.
I forgot to mention my complete breakdown Thursday night. Lyric had a performance at school, so we were out for a bit, but Jazz did over 2 hours of homework and still wasn't done, it was after ten, I was tired (not to mention premenstral myself), stressed about school, about Lyric, about the neurologist, and more. I would have been okay, but Fisher asked if I was okay and I lost it. I was bawling. I think I just needed to get it out but I think it scared him a bit too because I'm not usually that person. Oh, sure, I can cry at drop of a hate for an emotional commercial or get caught up in a show, but usually at home, I'm pretty strong. Just too much stuff all at once. It was a good thing I had two days off, or I might have quit my job. LOL

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof...aka Racoon at 4am

I have a whole list of things I want to blog about. Yes, I know I missed Money Making Monday. Sorry. There's this little thing I do called work that got in the way. I'll try to make up for it later. But, those other blog posts are going to have to wait because...

This morning, Fisher and I were awoke at 4am by a loud scratching sound. Actually, several loud scratching sounds. i thought maybe one of the troublesome chipmunks had made it's way into the wall, and was partying by our bedroom. Fisher went and looked out the front door (nearest to the commotion) and didn't see anything. The sound had stopped so he came back to bed. Then it started again. He got up, looked out our window, and there it was. A HUGE raccon, sitting on the roof looking down at us. That little bugger had been scratching at the roof. Fisher went outside to try to scare him away, and I think it worked. But this morning, when he assessed the damage, he found that there was an acutal hole into the roof.

He called the "Wildlife guy" who only charges $145 to come out and $50 per animal he takes away. Seriously? So, we may have to pay him some money, and we must, must, MUST get that hole fixed. Fisher is going to be away for a couple of days, and I'm tell you right now- if any kind of animal besides our dog is in our house, I'll be staying at a hotel until I am 100% sure that it is gone.

Cha...cha...cha....changes

See sometimes I do sing, thought it's hard to convey singing through a blog. that is my favoirte David Bowie song, BTW. You can see that I have again changed the template (see what kind of blogger are you post below) and I have also changed the title. The "address" is still "writeonetwo" the new title- Random Thoughts. Ta Da!

"Random Thoughts that don't mean anything to anybody but me" actually started a couple years ago as a journal. However, I didn't do so well with the journaling, so I've transferred the title over here. If you think about it, it fits. The blog has no common theme, it is all very random. (And yes I know that today is money making Monday- I'll get to that in a bit) So, instead of spring cleaning, I'm fall updating. (i'm acutally doing this at home this week as well- shampooing carpets, steam cleaning floors, getting rid of all that junk that has collected in my basement and if time allows, repainting my dining room - right after I get all the wallpaper off).

Thanks for continuing to come back and see what I have to say.

Phriday Photo Phiesta...making history

Here's a picture of each of the girls. The specialness of these, is the necklaces they are wearing. They are add a pearl necklaces that were a gift from my grandparents. They have a pearl for being born and then one each year for Christmas and their birthday through the age of 18. Both of the necklaces are complete because my grandparents wanted to be the ones to do that, and they wanted the girls to have the completed necklaces even if something happens to them. A little morbid, and it made me cry when they told me that. But it is also a very sweet and I love them very much.

Seriously, I have issues

Okay, this post could go so many ways with a title like that, but what it's really about is the fact that I rush through things and don't finish well.

So, you might notice that link to the right. If you have not already signed the petition to bring Rick back to Rockford, please do...and spread the word. I'd love to have 100 names to send to the OTW committee before they start recruiting for next year. i don't know why I didn't link it over there before. Seriously.

Thanks for sticking with me through all of my moments.

Giveaways

I think we have determined that everybody loves giveaways (Hey, Amy, I'm still waiting for your address BTW) So here's anther one that I know a lot of people would like.

SITS giveaway

Get on over there and check it out and tell them I sent ya.

What Kind of Blogger Am I?

Your Blogging Type is Unique and Avant-Garde

You're a bit ... unusual. And so is your blog. You're impulsive, and you'll often post the first thing that pops in your head. Completely uncensored, you blog tends to shock... even though that's not your intent. You tend to change your blog often, experimenting with new designs and content.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Money Making Monday...Avon Products

Everybody knows the name. Avon has been around forever and has a vast product line.

make up, body, mens, womens, jewelery, kids, gifts.

I've been an Avon lady a couple of times, so I can speak from experience. With a little bit of effort, this really can be a great business. If you are just in it to get the discount for yourself, that works too. The start up is only $10.

If you are interested, go check it out.

www.avon.com

2008 is a Trifecta!

First back in the Spring I won a contest from Barbara Delinksy . I actually recieved a signed copy of her newest book, a "life size" authographed poster and a phone call! I got to talk to her for about 15 minutes. I was super excited and thanked her for the call. You know what, she thanked me for reading and spreading the word about her book. Very nice lady.

Then in May, I went on my annual trek to Milwaukee. And I got to meet Rick Springfield . A lifelong dream come true. I got to share it with my two best friends, and that made it all that more fun.

Now, it is September and I got to meet Jason Thompson . FYI, I was going to sit on his lap, but Lynn told me not to. I'm just brazen and bold enough to tell him. I say "I was going to sit on your lap, but she told me not to." His response was "She should have told you to do it!" I totally called her out then. I said, "See, Lynn, he told me I should do it!" Sorry, Lynn. I hope I wasn't too bold for you. Thanks for suggesting we go. I'd definitely do it again.

I think it was finally my lucky year. I was due for some good karma and I recieved. Be sure that I will definitely do my best to pass along the goodness because I do believe in sharing, something, most of the time...LOL

Here's a couple of pictures of me with the guys.

And lets not forget, the most important guy. Here's a picture of me and Fisher taken last summer.

And the Winner is...

AMY at escape to thought. A few weeks ago, I threw out a contest/drawing to all who posted that week. Well, I finally looked through the posters and wrote down the names. Then did a blind drawing. Amy you are the winner. Email me your address and I'll get that copy of the Potawatomi Times to you ASAP!

Phriday Photo Phinish Phiesta...aka when sisters get along

These are a couple of my favorite photos of the girls. They are happy, smiling, and not yelling at each other (for a minute). I always wanted my girls to be strong willed, independant, self sufficient, but not at the cost of my sanity! I love them, but some days I would willingly trade them.


These were taken during our Southern Wisconsin Apple Orchard Tour last fall. I wish I could remember which orchard we were at because this tree house that they are in was AWESOME!

A Soft Impeachment

it all goes well in the cyber world, ASI is now available for purchase again. The cover is different than before, but the story is the same. I just did some grammar editing and put it back up. I was going to "publish by lulu" and then it would be available thru Amazon too, but in doing that it would also double the price. So I tweaked and tweaked and it is only available through LULU because I'm not that crazy.

Enjoying Grey's Anatomy anybody???

Name change

Since Amy seems to be one of the coolest and most popular names around blog land (and you know I totally made that up), I changed my display name to Aim, you know, like the toothpaste. But I guess if I was going there, I should have changed it to Colgate. Funny story from middle school.

It was the end of 7th grade. We were signing yearbooks. Most people addressed mine to Amy or Aim. One boy, I believe it was Jim Fox, said that Aim was a toothpaste not a name for a girl. he said if we were going to do that, my name should be Colgate. And so I was, for the next 6 months until I moved. How funny is that??

So anyway, Lynn, you will now be able to distinguish me from the other Amy's (I saw that there were 3 of us today that posted on your blog, all in a row). If need be, I can tweak it again later. But for now, Aim works.

On a semi related note, I have a funny story from Lyric's school. The teacher was asking her what she liked to be called. Her "real" name is not really shortenable, but she did it. Anyway, she told the teacher that she used either/both and it didn't matter. Right after that, a friend of hers piped in with- "My last name looks like Mitchell, but it's pronounced Jonas". Is that the funniest damn thing you ever heard? I told Lyric that I was going to tell people my last name looked like what it is but is pronounced "springfield", she was highly disgusted as only teenager could be.

Also, Lyric has decided that she is marrying Kevin Jonas. I said he's too old for her (7 year difference), and she says "you and daddy are 7 years apart"...which is totally true, but it's a little different when you are 20 and 27 instead of 13 and 20. I have a feeling she will date/marry an older man. She is my daughter by the way.

Found Siblings...AKA I'm Matt Hunter

Dr Noah Drake
Dr Patrick Drake
Dr Matt Hunter
(however he looks more like Shawn Douglas Brady in this photo than Matt Hunter. Matt has the scruffy thing that I love going on)

Sorry I haven't been around the past few days. I was busy and I was thinking and I was pondering. I've been a fan of General Hospital since the 80's. I didn't watch it then because of Rick Springfield/Noah Drake, but I do now. It was exciting when Noah came back a couple of years ago. We got to find out what he had been up to (married, had a child, alcoholic, etc) and where he was going. We got to meet his son (who I will REALLY be meeting this weekend!) and see some new stuff.

Last week, a new cat was let out of the bag. A new doctor in town, Matt Hunter, is Noah's son. Patrick has a brother. Patrick is pissed. Noah is...well, I don't really know what Noah is, and Matt is just hurt. I can relate.

A few posts back you may remember that I addressed the situation with my father. I would love to have a relationship with him, but I won't die without one. My mom is wonderful. I love her, I look up to her, and I'm so thankful to her that she did not give me up for adoption. (even though there was a time or two that I wished Rick was my father, but I digress).

A particularly painful scene on GH for me to watch went something like this:
PATRICK: what do you want?
MATT: nothing. I want nothing from you.

A few words, short, but it was like a sucker punch. I was asked that same question, several times. And really, all I wanted was to know the rest of my family. that's it. I didn't want money, or a place to live, or anything else. I just wanted to know. and if anything comes of it, that's okay. So, I've been thinking about writing a letter to the siblings I can and just let them know I'm here and I'm open to whatever they might be open to. And if that is nothing- it's okay. I'm good.

As far as Patrick's response, I can't imagine what I would do if somebody showed up claiming to be my sibling. I just don't know. I have thought about what would happen if say, Fisher had a child before we were together. I actually based one of my books on that situation. But while I was watching this scene, I had to think about the fact that I put somebody else in that position. It made me think about what I wanted to do from here. Hence the letter mentioned above.

Here's a link to a letter about a found sibling. dear margo It's true, there should be a book, a support group, a place to go for answers and a shoulder and an ear. Looks like I may have found a new coping mechanism. We'll see.

Phriday Photo Piesta...and more

Well, we made it to Friday (or Phriday). Lots going on, lots to talk about. First (or Phirst) here's my photo. I debated about this one, because it seems like the theme in my Friday's is Rick Springfield Concerts, and I really do have more than that going on in my life. Really. It just happens that at those concerts is where GREAT THINGS HAPPEN!

Left to right: C, K, Me, L, M, D. There were supposed to be two more of us, but they backed out at the last minute. We then had 2 unused tickets. Before the show started, we found two girls (possibly mom and daughter) who were wearing Rick shirts. We asked if they were going to the show (yes) and if they had front section seats (no). We gave them the tickets. They were hesitant at first, but finally took the tickets. We saw them later and they were really enjoying the show. I'd like to thank the nice Beloit Riverfest Staffer who took this photo for us. We all are smiling, looking at the camera, and looking good. It's hard to make that happen with six people involved. This was also my very favoritest concert/venue/concert experience.

The weather was great. We were outside. Rick rocked. And I was with friends. Nice.

On to the other things.

I have a bit of a complaint about General Hospital. Not the place, the show. A few months ago I watching and I heard in the background "Dr Noah Drake to the ER." it made me giggle like a school girl to hear his character's name. Then, when the infamous Dr Noah Drake is back on screen and has lines and stuff, they say that he was off doing Drs Without Borders?!? WTF? Did somebody forget to take him off the schedule? I hope that nobody died while they were waiting for him to show up in the ER.

Second complaint. A couple of days ago (maybe last week) Robin and Anna were sitting in the waiting area of whatever floor they are always on. In the background (yes I really do listen to this stuff) there was a "Code Pink NICU" paged and nobody that was on the set/in the scene even blinked an eye. Seriously?? I work in a hospital, 3 floors below the NICU and when we have a code pink everybody does something! You check stairwells, block entrances, watch for suspicious people. SOMETHING! There was another code pink called yesterday and again, nobody even really notices/cares. SERIOUSLY? At least look towards the door, or acknowledge that it was paged. Otherwise I say, DON'T PAGE! Come on. they could have any number of possible background thingys. We have a lullaby that plays everytime a baby is born. That would be okay to ignore. Or page ramdon doctor names that nobody would recognize. Then it would still seem hospitally (yes, I'm making up words), and continue the flow of whatever else is going on, without irritating me.

Special Blogger Note- If you have not seen GH this week, the below information could be construed as a spoiler.

Speaking of irritating- okay, not really, it just seemed like it was time to change the subject, or at least take a left turn. I loved most of the show yesterday. I love "Scruffy Noah", mostly because I love "scruffy Rick". I thought his reaction to Matt was good. i loved the recognition on hisface when Anna said Matt's full name. I loved Matt's line "It's a little late to act like you care, Dad." That was swesome! Also, Noah's "You can be as angry as you want, but I'm still your father!" was great! I loved it and have been repeating it all week (I actually saw it in a preview earlier in the week) What the preview did not show was that Patrick was in the hallway and overheard. Didn't see that coming, but I should have. It was AWESOME. I'm really tired of the Noah/Patrick hating each other thing, and it was nice to see them get along for once. This is going to tear them apart. But hopefully by the time Alyssa Rose Scorpio Drake is born, they will get their crap together and be a family.

Blogger note- not digging Alyssa Rose. it's a fine name, but doesn't really go with either of their last names, so I hope that they change it.

And a final note: Lyric got the part that she wanted in the play. She was so worried about it, she almost made herself sick. But the cast list was posted today, and she let me know right away that she got it. Hopefully she will start to feel better now. (i'm still not convinced that she doesn't have what Jazz had on Wednesday, but we'll see)

Quick side-ish note: for those not working in a medical facility/hospital- Code Pink is a child abduction. At our hospital it would be paged "Code Pink 2" if it was a two year old. It's for any missing child in the hospital under the age of 18. It is really the one code where everybody scrambles. Code Red (fire) and Code Blue (medication emergency) get people moving, but nobody wants a baby/child to disappear on their watch.

The play that Lyric is in is called "Ramona Quimby" and it's based on the book(s). She is going to be Ramona's mom.

It's Wonderful Wednesay...no wait, it's Thursday

Sorry, I missed Wednesday. I was at home with Jazz. She had the flu yesterday. Was up from 4am to 8am mostly in the bathroom or on the couch. She went back to bed at 9 and slept until 12:30. I cleaned, washed all the clothes that she had changed out of in the previously mentioned 4 hours, and did some home work. Right now I an currently 1 week ahead of schedule for the homework, yeah!

Jazz is back at school today, with an albeit tender tummy, but she took fruit, cracker and juice. She didn't want to miss the principal wearing a dress because they raise a bunch of money for PEACE. (Pennies for peace). Hopefully 1) she will make it all day at school and 2) nobody else will get sick at my house.

Lyric auditioned for the school play...you know, the fall play that might not happen until February because some other group thinks they need the gym that weekend. But she said it didn't go great. She had to audition with a partner, not of her choosing, and the other person was very nervous. The cast list goes up tomorrow.

Okay, back to business. See you for Friday Foto Finish Fiesta!

(somebody remind me I have a GH complaint. It's been swimming around in my head for a few days and of course I need to share my opinion with the world!)

Blog Awards

My friend Amy gave me an award. Is is weird that we are both named Amy?? No. I think there should be a webring just for bloggers named Amy because it is a cool name. And because there are like a million of us. I haven't always thought that it was a cool name, but I've come to terms with it as I have matured. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself.



Anyway, here's the award.

Thank you so much, Amy! Now you know I have to pass it along. There are some rules and a meaning to this award.

To translate the gift from Portuguese to English, it means:"This blog invests and believes, the proximity"[meaning, that blogging makes us 'close' -being close through proxy]

I am now instructed to pass it along to a few blog buddies and they are:

Ally

Lynn

Sooz

Paula

These are the blogs I check the most. We all came to the blogosphere for different reasons at different times, but we are all here and connected, and I'm so glad for that!

Now they must all post the award and pass it on. I guess I better let them know they got the award first, huh??

Thanks, Sooz, for the heads up. Apparently I pasted when I should have cut or something and both Paula and Sooz were linked to Sooz's page. Should be all better now!

Money Making Monday- Signature Homestyles

The point of Money Making Monday is to spotlight a home based business. I've always seen myself as a home bases business person. I've done Mary Kay and Avon. I'm continually looking for THE right opportunity for me. So, as I do the research, I will post ideas here. If anybody is a consultant for any of these businesses and would like to give first hand info, please let me know. There is only a couple of requirements for MMM on my blog. 1) it must be a business that I would actually consider, and 2) it must be affordable (to me). I know I had a few on my other blog that were a bit steeper with the start up- you will not see them here. (Affordable to me usually means less than $100 start up, unless it is a product line I really love).

So, today's choice is Signature Homestyles.

$25 start up/deposit, and the rest of the $175 is taken from you commissions.
Included in your Show Case is:
(Over $500 Retail Value) :
Simply Seagrass Ladder Stand
Arched Tealight Holder, Cocoa
Down Home Plaid Runner, Small
Trailing Vines Runner
Rustico Berry Clips
Olive Chenille Trunner®
"Go to the Diner" Card Game
Passing Thyme Insert
Photo Frame Insert, Black
"Home" Photo Frame
Safe T Light Set
The Wall Wizard® Frame, Walnut
The Wall Wizard® Ultimate Frame, Black
Great Leaf Book Holder
Storage Basket Caramel
Small Rectangular Caddy, Chocolate
Rectangular Caddy, Chocolate Scroll
Divided Caddy, Caramel Scroll
Autumn Elegance Accent Plates: One Spice, Mustard Chocolate and Olive
Rustico Leaf Swag
Classic Collection Cube, Toffee; Large Rectangular Basket, Espresso & 2 Small Baskets, Toffee Classic Small Caddies (1) Toffee and (1) Espresso
Love Plaque

Product line is storage and decoration (which I am getting ready to do at my house)

website for more information:signature homestyles

Phriday Photo Phinish Phiesta

I can't believe it's 2pm and I'm just now getting in here. Where did the day go?? Anyway, here's the photo for today.

This photo rocks. I know I often have photos from Rick Springfield concerts and here is yet another one. I'm not naming names, to protect the innocent, but that's my on the left, rocking out with Rick dancing on our table. The other red shirt/pink sleeved girl is my evil twin. We are oh so similar is so many ways, yet sometimes night and day. But we both know how to ROCK OUT WITH RICK! Dude, he was dancing on our table. Did a little lap "stand" for K (you can just see her curly hair in the bottom of the photo) and hit her in the face with his guitar (it was totally an accident!) He spilled wine on my camera, and I'll admit it- we all took turns drinking out of the glass after he moved on. I know on some level that was gross, but on the bigger level- we touched something he touched! I don't remember who I got this photo from, but if you are reading this- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU and I owe you something! This is a memory that will not go away for a long, long time.

New Schedule

I believe in schedules. I'm a list maker. I believe that happiness lies in being organized. I like being able to cross things off. It shows accomplishment. It's shows that I can actually get a whole bunch of stuff done, well. I believe that everybody should have schedules and stick to them and cross things off as they are completed. Nobody else in my house feels this way. Fisher does makes lists but they are usually "don't forget" lists, not "these are all the things I want to get done today so that I can feel like I really did something" lists.

Anyway, that's not really what this post was supposed to be about, but I guess it all ties in. I'm going to try something for a month. Certain days of the week will correspond with a certain theme post. It really makes sense and helps me put on my creative hat a little bit.

So, here is the upcoming schedule (for the next month at least)

MONDAY- Money Making Money (remember that other blog I had for awhile? it's going to be like that)
TUESDAY- open discussion, whatever comes up
WEDNESDAY- Wonderful Wednesday (the good, the wonderful)
THURSDAY- another open day
FRIDAY- Phriday Photo Phinish Phiesta ( I found this by chance, started it for fun, will continue as long as I can find a good picture to show)
SATURDAY/SUNDAY- Super Days! I don't often blog both days so these will be saved for something super- coming up, recent past, past past, whatever)

Updates

Hey, all! Thanks for stopping by again. Today is very eventful/informative day, so I'm glad you came!

The link for A Soft Impeachment is probably not working. It's okay. I have temporarily made it private. I promise to let everybody know, via the blog, when it goes live again. I had to do this because I found a few typos and a couple of inconsistent facts that I needed to fix. It should be done this weekend, but again, I'll post here when you can get your copy, because I know that everybody is chomping at the bit to buy my book.

Jazz went back to school today. She was feeling pretty good yesterday afternoon and evening, and may have overdone it, but she got up and got going today. And I didn't get a call from the nurse, so we're good.

School bites. For me, not the girls. I have to take a test by midnight tomorrow over 3 chapters, but only two were assigned, until last night. Good thing I took the initiative to read the chapter anyway. 10 questions, 20 points, 3 chapters- you do the math.

Lyric is trying out for the fall play next week. She's super excited. I really hope that she gets a part but there are less than 20 parts for this particular play. So competition is going to be tough. At least her drama teacher likes her, and the choir teacher loves her voice (they are the ones that decided who gets in.

What else, what else? I thought there was something else I was going to say, but it isn't coming to me right now.

Have you ever...

thought that your child "just" had a cold and it turned out to be something else?? I have done it a bunch. The past couple of days, Jazz has had a stuff nose and a cough. Last night she said it hurt to swallow. At 5am, she was in our bed HOT AS HELL, and crabby. We all rolled around and tossed and turned....if you know anything at all about me, you know that I LOVE SLEEP. Anyway, Lyric already had a doctor's appointment scheduled for today to check on her headaches. (yes I had myself half convinced she had a brain tumor). I called the office to see if they could see Jazz as well. I love my pediatrician. Anyway, took them both in.

Lyric (13) is 5'8 1/2 " tall
Jazz (9) 5' 1/4" tall
Mommy is 5'5" tall on a good day

Okay, so Jazz has strep throat. I feel so bad for her. She can home and slept for 5 hours. She's hungry now so I'm going to try to feed her something, but she really still feels like crap.

And, Lyric, well, Dr R is thinking it's related to her allergies. She said Lyric's nasal passages were so swollen she was surprised that she could breath through her nose. Nice, huh? So, she is now using a nasal spray for two weeks and keeping a headache journal. If it's not allergies, we have to figure out what it IS. Not sure what else, but Fisher and I both get migraines, as did his dad, and my mom had a bought of headache pain with a pseudotumor a couple of years ago. My kids are doomed.

Phriday Photo Phinish

I'm in again! Here's two versions of a four generation photo. One is my brother, his son, my mom and grandfather. The other is me and my girls with my mom and grandfather.






























We have also been lucky enough to have a five generation photo on the other side of my mom's family. All first generation women. I was born on my Great Grandma's birthday. She recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

I love these photos because we don't get to see my grandparents very often, and it was just a really special chance to get us all in the same place.

Homework Correction

I have figured out something. Those words that I was complaining about- not the spelling words. They are the vocabulary words. There's a difference. Spelling words they have to know how to spell (duh), vocabulary words they need to "understand". Hence the synonyms, antonyms, definitions- etc. It only took me a week to figure that crap out. I think it will help Jazz a bit now that we understand it.

Tonight we will be sitting down to do the DSAP's. (definitions, synonyms, antonyms, pictures)

My Dad

I try to keep the blog pretty light and, hopefully, entertaining. But today I need to share/vent/post about something that happened last year. I talked to my dad for the first and only time. It was September 4th. Without going into all the gory details, I will tell you this.

My mom was young when I was born. He was older. He was in a more committed relationship with somebody else. (They married 2 months after I was born.) My mom didn't put his name on my birth certificate because she didn't want to lose me to him. My mom and her family did a tremendous job of raising me.

I've known since I was five that my biological dad was out there somewhere. I've searched off and on since I was about 14. Never had any luck.

Come to find out we were spelling his last name wrong. One letter makes a huge difference. And he was orginially from California, but now lives in Nevada. I had found somebody with the "right" name in Utah. Had a friend help me look for some contact information (Thanks, A!) and then I wrote a generic letter about how I was looking for somebody in my family.

I got a call about a week after I mailed that letter. I had actually sent it to my half-brother. We talked. I told him I was really looking for my dad, yada, yada, yada. He called his dad. Gave him the story. Called me back and gave me a cell number. Didn't really have anything else to say at that point. I'm not sure if he was shocked, pissed, upset. I don't know. I haven't talked with him since.

I filled my mom in on this stuff as it was happening. I hadn't told her that I sent the letter at the time, but now I was filling her in. I have to say, My Mom ROCKS! Anyway, I did call my dad. Talked with him for a few minutes.

He said that he couldn't confirm or deny that he was my dad. It was possible because he had in fact slept with my mom. Nice, huh?!?

Anyway, we exchanged contact information and got off the phone.

Over the course of the next couple of months, I exchanged emails with his wife, my step mom, I guess. One thing that was asked was what was I looking for. I don't know what they thought- that I was looking for money? But all I wanted was to finish that piece of the puzzle of me. After some pretty hurtful things, we got to a "good place" but I haven't exchagned emails with her or my dad for almost 9 months.

I have had some contact with a half- sister. She seems pretty cool and I would love to actually get to meet her some day. There is another sister as well, but I don't know much about her. I feel for the brother that first got the contact and I want to send him a letter, but I don't know what to say.

Someday I still hope to have to opportunity to meet my dad, but the only way for that to happen is for me to go out there. Fisher said he would go with me. (I LOVE HIM!) But, it's kind of a two way thing. Do they want to meet me? I can't imagine that I would meet them and not want to have a relationship/contact with them. I'm not sure it would be reciprocated, and I can't take that rejection again.

So, for right now, I'll continue to email W, and sent Christmas cards to R & N, and we'll just have to see where it goes from there.

This Week's Spelling Words

Again, we (Jazz) has to do synonyms (one word only) and antonyms (one word), along with define, use in a sentence and draw a picture.

teenage

legendary

league

bowling

migraine

Seriously?? I think I just might learn something this year. How to keep my 9 year old from going crazy.

Also, I add a couple of links to the side. They are for my cafe press stores. We'll be adding more items over the next few weeks.

Please sign the petition

to bring Rick Springfield to On The Waterfront. (I'm pretty quick when I want to be)

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/RLS_OTW/

I'll collect "signatures" for a while and then send the whole kit and kaboodle to the On The Waterfront Committee.

Best/Worst

In my rush to get everything done yesterday, I forgot to do best/worst. Best thing that happened last week? Nothing bad happened! Worst- I'm not sure how I did on my test. I finished 90% of the test in like 10-15 minutes. The last 2 questions took me another 10-15. The ones that caused me trouble were both worth 6 points each. Yowch! I'll let you know how it goes next week when I get the grade.

Tonight I have about 5 hours to myself, sort of. Lyric is babysitting and the mom asked if Jazz wanted to come along. It actually works out. Lyric takes care of the twins (9months old) and Jazz plays with M (3 1/2). They are only about 5 blocks from here, and the dad works another 2 blocks the other way. Fisher is helping at church. We let people park in our parking lot for the On The Waterfront festival. He'll be there until the lot fills. There's a wedding too, so they had to block spots for that, but those cars will all be gone by 6:30. It's a beautiful day so hopefully it will fill fast. I told him that I would bring dinner.

On a side note, I'm going to look into what needs to be done to get Rick Springfield booked for next years OTW festival. How freakin' cool would it be if Rick came to town again!?!?

Okay, I'm off to work on my homework. You know as soon as I start, somebody is going to need something, even though they are not here. :-)

Friday Photo Finish

This is a favorite photo of mine because the girls were having so much fun. We were at a "free" concert near Chicago. Okay, really, it was Rick Springfield in Arlington Heights. Anyway, the girls were having fun, had just gotten back from going on some rides and were looking forward to the concert. It was H's (on the left) first concert. Lyric, in the middle, had written on her shirt "my mommy says don't talk to stranger", and Jazz, on the right, was glad to be hanging out with the big girls.

Spelling Words...Homework

Here's how the conversation started:

Me (to Jazz): Do you have homework?
Jazz: Math, and Language Arts. But the Language Arts isn't due until Friday.
Me: Well, let's at least get it started because tomorrow is dance, and you don't want to save it all until Thursday night.
Jazz: But it's not due til Friday
(can you just hear the whining??)
Me: Sit here with me and let's look at it. We'll do a little bit now.
Jazz: Fine. here it is.

And by IT she means, a packet- 6 of the spelling words- define, synonyn, antonym, use it in a sentence and draw a picture. It doesn't sound so bad, right. Here are some of the words.


Depriving



venture



pact




foisted




seriously?!? Foisted?? I've never said that word as many times in my whole life as I said it last night. seriously. At least Jazz already had the words and the definitions written down. I admit, I pulled out the laptop and started looking up synonyms and antonyms for her. I'm not sorry either, because that crap was hard for ME! A college student. How is a fourth grader supposed to get it. And thank goodness we did not wait until Thursday, I just might have been kicking myself in the head. Or doing the WHOLE thing for her, which would defeat the whole purpose of her learning something new.

Bring on 4th grade! I'm gonna learn all kinds of stuff this year.

Giveaways...Got Rick??

Lots of people do giveaways on their blogs. I've been wanting to do one for awhile, but what would I give away? What do I have that somebody would want?? I finally figured it out. Last night, I found a copy of the Potwatomi Times from May that has a little blurb on Rick Springfield. I know that some people collect everything Rick. I have been doing a bit of "spring cleaning" and have started to really think about things hard before I decide to keep them. And if I do need to keep something, it needs to find a home. FAST.

Also, duh, I have a book I just finished. Although I haven't ordered any copies for myself yet, I'm going to, so that will be a down the road give away.

Anyway, here's the deal. Anybody who posts here with in the next week (8/26/08 to 9/2/08) will be entered into a drawing for the Pot Times. I might even be able to include a couple of decent photos of Da Man. One Entry per person! even if you post every day, I'm only putting your name in one time.

Spread the word.

Happy Belated Birthday..and more

I'm a very bad Rick Springfield fan. I totally flaked on the fact that Saturday was his birthday. TOTALLY. Like, didn't even think about him the whole day. I guess I'll have to stay after the next concert for "detention"...LOL So, anyway, Happy Belated Birthday, Rick Springfield.

Friday night we went to a baseball game. We won and their were fireworks after. Saturday, we took the kids swimming and then I spent 3 hours working on my math homework. That stuff is hard, man! What's funny is Lyric and I are working on some of the same stuff.

Sunday was church and working in the yard and 2 hours of homework. Thena grocery run and laundry.

So even though I was online a lot this weekend (my homework is all online), I didn't even check email or anything. School sure is cutting into my social life. I thought it was the other way around. It sure is for Lyric....and Jazz a little bit too.

Oh, by the way, I changed the template today (in case nobody noticed...LOL. Just think of it as my new school clothes)

Friday Photo Finish and Best/Worst

Here's my submission for Friday's Photo Finish. It was taken last fall. Aren't they cute?? This was at the end of out "Apple Orchard Tour" Day in Southern Wisconsin. They are actually sitting on the porch of a tree house that goes up two stories. I like this picture because 1) they are both smiling, 2) both looking at the camera, 3) getting along.

Also, I've decided to start doing Best/Worst of the week, here on the blog and at home with the kids. Best thing this week is Jazz LOVES! school. She's making friends, is excited about her teacher, feels better about herself and school in general. Yeah, Jazz! Worst thing this week- I had to drop one of my classes to be able to meet the requirements of another class. It's not the end of the world, but it makes the school thing take a little longer.

the new me

Hey, I just wanted to send a shout out to Amy, who told me about faceyourmanga. As you can see, there is the new me. Here's a photo of me (and Kelley) from May. Do they look anything alike?? I can't decide.

School started this week for me and the girls. Jazz (the daughter formerly known as Baby) is loving, loving, loving school. Lyric loves it too, but more for the social piece than the education. I had to make some changes right away and drop a class. I wasn't happy at first, but it will be for the best in the long run. The math class I didn't think I'd have to go to campus for- yeah, I have to go out there 2 times a week. It's okay though, or at least that's what I keep telling myself.

A couple of people have bought a copy of my book. THANK YOU! Seriously, though, check out the preview before you buy. In this time of weak economy, I'd hate for somebody to buy the book and then, well, hate it. I would like to know if you see any typos, etc. And, of course, if you love the book- tell me right away. LOL

I probably won't get to work on the next one until winter break. I'm not sure which will be next- Smalltown (this one is going to get renamed) or Stranger in the House or Affair of the Heart. They are all strong stories. Hell, the other one is too. So, it's a toss up. I'll probably read through what I have and then decide which one is grabbing me the strongest.

Have I rambled enough, yet?? I'm super busy at work for the next few days, so blogging might be a bit hit and miss. But since I have to do all of my homework online, I'll be getting on the computer every night. Haven't done that for about 8 years. Now, if I could only find a comfortable place in my house to sit. The dining room table is only good for about 15 minutes, can't sit in the living room, maybe in the bedroom. I guess I'll have to see how it goes.

A Soft Impeachment

The book is finished. Finished. Completed. Done. Now, that doesn't mean I'm done writing. but it does mean that you can get your copy of the book at Lulu.com. There's a link over their to the left. Please feel free to let me know what you think, and if you see any mistakes, PLEASE let me know. I've read through it 3 times today, but I'm not perfect. It's available as a download or hard copy paperback.

Singing with a sore throat

I dare you to type the title of this blog into yahoo or google. I did and I was surprised that I actually got a bunch of semi appropriate hits. I had to do the search because Lyric has a sore throat. She has to sing in a little over 6 hours. Hopefully, it will go well. She's gargling and drinking honey and lemon tea. I'm hoping that it will help. Yikes!

She's singing in the church choir tomorrow as well, at 2 different services.

Cross your fingers for us that everything goes okay!

Playing Friday Photo Finish

A favorite photo and why. This is Lyric the night she sang the National Anthem. She was happy. She was smiling. She was relaxed. As a teenager, we don't see her like that much. (She's also going to be singing it again tomorrow.)

I'm linked

I have been a fan of JAKonrath since I read his first Jack Daniels book. Now, we are linked! You should see a link to the side for his blog, if you click on his name in this post, you will get to his website. (He has both). He writes crime humor. I'm sure that he doesn't classify it as that, but really, it is. It's intriguing, gory, funny, entertaining. Anyway, if you go to his blog, I'm linked too.

On his website he also has this really cool picture thing. Slide. I went to make one for this blog, but most of the photos were very pixely. So, I'll have to keep playing with it.

I'm also reading Stephanie Meyers Twillight series. This is a HUGE break from my norm, but I loved the first book. I'm having trouble getting into the second one. And, thanks to Entertainment Weekly, I already know some of what will happen in the last book. (There are actually 4 in ther series).

And, today, I've been made aware that a couple of Lyric's friends are not allowed at our house anymore. Why, you might ask. And a good question it is. Because Fisher and I require that all phones (home and cell) be out of the bedrooms at 9pm. Even those belonging to Lyric's friends who spend the night. apparently, their parents will no longer allow them to spend the night becuase of this. Because they need to have the phone in case the parents need to contact them. In the middle of the night. When they are sleeping. Okay, I know that it is a sleep over and the girls don't really sleep, but I would never need to call Lyric at 1am, unless it was an emergency. When I told her that the parents could call the home phone in case of emergency, she about lost her mind. What is everybody's thoughts on this?? Am I completly off base??

So, anyway, that's what's up in my world. What's going on with you?

So Much Going On...

in my head anyway. I have a bunch of stuff I want to say, but I'll save some of it for another time.

I don't usually post pix of the kids, but these are too funny not to. There's a bit of backstory, too.


Lyric had her Starlight banquet on Friday. My friend, Kelley had a wedding to go to so her youngest, we call him "E", spend the night at our house. So, I take all of the kids to the park. I wanted to get some nice pics of Lyric in her dress. I take one and guess what?? Camera battery is dead. Unprepared mommy that I am, I have no back ups. (I really thought I didn't need my camera case!??!?!!?- note to self, always take camera case!) Anyway, so Lyric goes the bangquet.


I take the little kids home and make sidewalk paint. They start innocently enough.




then I say, "Don't get that all over E." And where do their minds go?!? We'll here's the finished product.










I had to throw them both in the shower as well as washing clothes and shoes, but it doesn't really matter because they had a great time.

Then, when Lyric got home after the party, I was able to make her keep the dress on for a couple shots.





and then I notice that the dog keeps showing up in the photos. Too funny.


P.S. the sidewalk paint was really easy to make, and way cheaper than the Crayola stuff. Cornstarch, water, and food coloring.

Cleaning "House" Again

Most of my loyal readers (all two of you) know that I will be heading back to college in a couple of weeks. I'll be taking three classes this semester, plus working, plus being a girl scout leader, plus running the kids around (baby just signed up for dance class) , plus being a mom and a wife, and a bride'smaid (my brother is getting married next spring).

So, anyway, I have been "cleaning house". I deleted the blog I was going to start "Summer of truth", I deleted the blog "moment in time", I deleted the blog "making money your way". These are things that I can still touch on if/when I have time. But I won't feel pressured everytime I log into blogger and see that I haven't posted there for days/weeks/months.

I've ordered most of my books. I've bought the kids school supplies. I've spent time working on "A Soft Impeachment" (I would LOVE to have this done before school starts). I bought a new planner so I can keep track of everything. I'm instituting a new plan at home.

In addition to the wall calendar that holds the important appointments, we will be using a notebook. cheap spiral from Wal Mart (can you save 5 cents?!?) and each day starting with this Sunday gets a page. I can write down what is going on any given day (70 days worth) and what else I need to accomplish that day. Some of these things the kids can help with (sweeping/vacuuming) , some of it is so hubby can see why I'm so busy, some of it is so I don't forget to do something. "mom has a test tomorrow" or "mom has to study" should be seen A LOT. LOL Actually anybody in our family will be able to write stuff in it. When it's done (say sweeping) it gets crossed off and we know that it got done. I love lists, but I especially love crossing things off of lists. And as least I'll be able to see that nobody swept for 5 days and do it or make somebody else step up. (Not like the dust bunnies and dog hair won't tell me!)

So, that's my plan. You should still see me posting regularly here and over at BeautifulYou. But the other blogs are gone, for now. And I'm okay with that.

P.S. Lynn, I did it again, without looking at your notes!

P.P.S. If anybody has any suggestions for Baby, let me know. I've been thinking for awhile that that's not really appropriate, most of the time. She is 9.

A couple of things

First of all- Happy 15th Anniversary to me (and Fisher). what a ride! I'm looking forward to the next 15. We were the first of 5 weddings in his family in less than 4 months. We got married at the courthouse, a week later his little, I mean younger, brother got married. In October, his little sister got married. She actually had two weddings in one day, as her husband is from India. They had a Lutheran ceremony and a Hindu ceremony. Then Fisher and I had our church wedding in December. I'm happy to say that all 3 couples are still together.

Second of all- I just figured out my perfect job. My friend Lynn, posted the other day about all of her blogs on her blog reader. I was thinking to myself, there's not that many I read EVERY day. But then I looked at my bookmarks, and oh yes there is. Everytime I read a blog, I check to see whatelse they are reading that might be interesting to me. If I see something I like, I bookmark it. I can't say I check them all everyday, but I check them all every week. And the list is getting longer. As the bloggers I regularly check add and change what they're reading, my list changes. I get daily google alerts on Rick Springfield and Sahara Aldridge, and sometimes, I find a blog that I bookmark. I search for information for myself, for work, for the kids, and I find a blog that I bookmark. So, what does all of the mean?? My perfect job is sitting at the computer reading blogs. Yup. If I can find somebody to pay me to do that, I'm so there.

P.S. Lynn, thanks for the help. I think I did it right!

What's On Your Ipod??

I've done this post before, but the music on my ipod is a constant state of change, and so I'm again doing....The next 20 songs on my ipod when I set it to shuffle....


One Passenger - Rick Springfield
All Day and All of The Night- Rick Springfield
Photograph- Nickelback
What About Now- Daughtry
Online - Brad Paisley
Sorry - Buckcherry
Imagine - Rehearsal- John Lennon
Positive- Legally Blonde Soundtrack
Seven Days of Lonely- I Nine
Baker Street - Rick Springfield
Violet - Savage Garden
Honey, Honey - Mama Mia soundtrack
Strange Love - Goo Goo Dolls
Gone - Daughtry
If You Think You're Groovy - Rick Springfield
Let Love In - Goo Goo Dolls
Pleasure Songs - The Mary Onettes
Blood In The Water - Legally Blonde Soundtrack
Real Love - John Lennon
If - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Mama Mia! Venus (is) In Overdrive

Hello, blog readers! How was your weekend? mine was very...musical. As you all know, (or you should anyway) Venus In Overdrive came out last week. My girls are enjoying the music as much as I am, and that's saying someting. Then, Friday night, we went to see Mama Mia!. I wasn't totally sure what to expect. I have heard good things about the stage show, and I knew it was base on/included ABBA music. I loved this movie! Great job on the casting (although the singing was okay), and the scenery was gorgeous. I think I'm going to Greece. :-) So, then Saturday, I boot up the desktop computer, and find the "old" Mama Mia! Soundtrack. You know, I one I got from the library like 2 years ago and nobody ever wanted to listen to. I made a CD. The girls are going back and forth between MM and VIO.

Lyric likes "Money, Money, Money" and "Thank You for the Music", "Saint Sahara" and "Jessie's Girl (acoustic version)".
Baby likes "Honey, Honey" and "Mama Mia", "What's Victoria's Secret?" and "Jessie's Girl (acoutstic version)"
Mommy likes "Mama Mia" and "Thank You for the Music", "Venus In Overdrive" and "Oblivious"

And Saturday night, we went to see "Thoroughly Modern Millie". Cute show, l o n g, but the girls enjoyed it. Their first babysitter was the lead.

Yesterday, I spend a couple of hours working on "A Soft Impeachment". Chapters 1-6 are done! It looks like the total will be nine or ten chapters, I am easily half was done. i just need a few more hours. Then a couple of clicks to uplaod to lulu and you all will be able to enjoy it too.

National Anthem

Here it is. The long awaited (almost a week) video of Lyric singing the National Anthem. Enjoy. (and if it doesn't work, I'll keep trying!)

Being an author

I found this list today of my "works in progress" and I thought I'd share it with the world.

The one that is closest to being done ( i just need a few short hours to complete the edit!) is called "A Soft Impeachment". It is the story of Derek and Abbi, well, mostly it's Abbi's story. But Derek is there. (See the entry below)

"Smalltown" is a sequel to "A Soft Impeachment" but it's also a stand alone story. It's the story of Abbi's sister, Stephanie and her husband, Todd. She does everything she can to help her husband be happy, but is it enough??

"Stranger in the House" is Sarah and Steve. Sarah is an author, Steve is a business man. They've been married for close to 20 years. And then a stranger shows up. But is he really a stranger? Steve is Todd's cousin, but again this is a stand alone story.

"Affair of the Heart" is Kim's story. She's happy, she's content, she's settled. But her husband isn't. You don't know what you've got until it's gone.

"Divine Providence" is Andi's story. Andi starts as a pregnant teenager. Read this story and watch trials life throws her way.

"Six Things" is a short story, or at least I think it will end up that way. It is inspired by "Lucky Seven". You know, that Lifetime movie staring Patrick Dempsey and Kimberly Williams Paisley. But it's a little different. Two sisters got the same "Instructions" from their mom. See how it works out for them.

Okay, so there's my stuff. Several people have read A Soft Impeachment or parts of it. Melissa has read the first chapter of Stranger in the House, but I think the rest has been pretty private up til now.

What do you think?? Anybody interested?? I haven't decided what I will work on completing after ASI in done, so if you have interest in a specific one. If I chose it, you might get mentioned in the book.

Venus Is In Overdrive

Today is the day. Venus In Overdrive is officially released...out into the world....I received my copy yesterday (thank you Best Buy) and I love it. Today's the day that counts. Last I checked it was #25 in music at amazon.com. What the heck are you waiting for?? Go buy a copy (Kmart, Target, Wal Mart, Best Buy) or order a copy (amazon.com, bestbuy.com, even itunes.com) As a long time Rick fan, I would love to see him hit the mainstream again.

There's a nice variety of songs- slow, fast, pounding guitars, I hear a little Stevie Ray Vaughn influence and a bit o' the Beatles. But it is all Pure Rick Springfield. Go get your copy TODAY. You will not be disappointed.

The National Anthem

Lyric sang the National Anthem this weekend at a baseball game. I'll have a youtube link to it in the next couple of days. Let me know if you would like to see it. She did a really good job. Everybody was amazed. A lady came up to her after and gave her this story: "My son is supposed to sing the National Anthem at (****) in a couple of weeks, but we'll be out of town. Would you be willing to sub for him if I give them your name?" Of course she is willing to do it, are you kidding me??! The only issue I have is this: it's the same night as my 20 year class reunion (I know you think I'm not old enough for that and thanks!). Fisher wants to hear her at that venue. I would, if we didn't have plans. So now I'm torn. The reunion dinner needs to be paid for this week. We don't live close enough to do both. We could skip the dinner and just go to the party. Hmmmm, so many things to think about.

Oh, by the way, Our team won!

7/30/08 update- Looks like the 2nd showing of the National Anthem is on. Not sure if I'll make it to the performance or the reunion, but Fisher is definitely not going to the reunion. If Lyric gets another gig, I'm telling people that I'm having shirts made up. "The 'Lyric' National Anthem Tour" with all the dates on the back. She's so humble though, that might freak her out.

How Many Shows Have You Been To??

I've been trying to compile a list of the Rick Springfield concerts I've been to, along with a set list if I can find it. It's definitely a work in progress. But here's the actual list. Where, when and who I went with.

7/18/82
Dane County Coliseum (Now has a new name), Madison, WI
With Barb. This is the show that started it all

5/28/00
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
with hubby, and Jody

7/30/00
Ridgefest, Chicago Ridge, IL
with sister in law, niece and oldest daughter

11/2/00
Zanzibar EWmpress Casino, Joliet, IL
hubby, Jody, Ron and Dana (GREAT SHOW- Hubby even admitted it was entertaining, however, he doesn't like to admit that he has seen Rick in concert more than once)

11/15/00
Potawatomi, Milwaukee, WI
Jody (I think this was the show that she called me two days before and TOLD me I was going. She had already cleared it with hubby!)

3/7/02
Potawatomi, Milwaukee, WI
Chris, Kelley
(This show was 2 weeks after my emergency appendectomy. hubby was joking that that doctor hadn't released me to travel, I told him the tickets were bought and I was going. I actually drove there and back!)

6/1/02
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
Chris, Sarah and Melissa (Kelley was supposed to go, but ended up working that night so I called her at work.) I loved this venue and I wish Rick would go there again. Drive time for me is about the same as to MKE, but I jsut love the outdoorness, openness of this venue!)

5/22/03
Potawatomi, MKE, WI
Kelley

6/13/03
Aqua Fest, Rice Lake, WI
Technically went with hubby and the kids, but I was the only one IN the area. They sat back behind the gates for awhile, then headed back to our resort. We started our vacation a day early this year so I could go to this show. hubby's cousin lives in Rice Lake and she suggested it. It was so worth it. I made it on stage and in the paper....I wonder if I can find that clipping?!??!)

7/11/04
Beloit Riverfest, Beloit, WI
Chris, Kelley, Diana, Melissa, Laura
This was by far my FAVORITE show/venue ever! IT was outside, by the river. The fans were great. The show was great. The weather was great. I have an awesome picture of all of us together. This was just a really fun night. and it was the first time Kelley got to touch him. (I really have created a monster!)

2/18/05
Coronado Theater, Rockford, IL
Kelley, Melissa, Dina, and my mom plus we met up with some other friends before and after. This was a fun night too. We were all a bit scattered because we had bought tickets, then Melissa and I both won tickets from the radio station. I want to know what happened to winning tickets from the radio station and being up front, though. Our seats ended up being in the balcony. This is the show that was filmed for HD. Nice of Rick and the boys to come to my town for once.

5/13/05
Potawatomi, MKE, WI
Kelley (are you seeing a theme yet??)

5/12/06
Potawatomi, MKE, WI
Kelley (continued theme)

5/11/07
Potawatomu, MKE, WI
Kelley (duh) and Melissa
This was the first year that we stayed over. It was great. Nice to hang out at Blu after the show and just not have to drive back home a midnight.

7/7/07
Frontier Days, Arlington Heights, IL
Melissa, Hallie, Lyric, Baby, and Kelley and her hubby!
This was a free show and I have to say thanks to Carey for getting there early and saving spots or we would have been in the back forty!

5/9/08
Potawatomi, MKE, WI
guess who? Kelley and Melissa and Lynn meet us there
Stayed over again this year. Got to meet some more people (Ally, it was soo nice to meet you and I'm glad we have a great pix to commemorate it!) This was also the show that we all (Kelley, Melissa and Myself) got to meet Rick after the show. Memories, memories, memories!

That's Right...It's My Blogoversary!

Who knew when I started this blog two years ago, on a whim, that it would still be up and running today. And being inspiring to some, entertainment to some, and a link to more/new information for some. It's by no stretch the most read blog, but the fact that it is read at all is amazing to me. I wish I had more witty things to say, but I ain't that witty.

I wanted to do a cool giveaway, but, I don't have anything to share...yet. I may be having a couple of give aways in the future, and let's say, if you like to read, you might want to get in on them. :-)

So, anyway, happy blogoversary to me. Here's to 2 more!

Blog Site Makeover

Thanks to Lynn for posting the information after she updated her blog. I've done a bit of a makeover and I hope you like what I've done with the place! I did lose a couple of things so I'm still "unpacking" as it were and getting everything put "on the walls". I'll have a link to the site/blog that I got the blog makeover informatioin from as well.

Eat Your Vegetables

I had such a mom moment last night, and Baby finally hit with a great bit of sarcasm. I was so proud of her. Here's the scenario.

Fisher offered to take the girls to DQ (Dairy Queen) if they both spent some time reading. I bumped it up a bit and said they had to eat some corn with dinner as well. (These two things did not happen at the same time, mind you.) baby loves corn and actually had 3 spoonfuls. Lyric on the other hand, hates corn, and was going to try to get up from the table without eating it. Hence mom's rule that there would be no DQ unless the corn was consumed.

Now, I'm not really a meany, and I don't force food on either of them. I had a really bad thing happen when I was 5 and I still don't eat peas. Can you say "Negative food adversion". (Learned that in A & P!) Anyway, Lyric can and will eat corn occassionally and I didn't need her to eat the whole bowl. Just something to make me feel like they have some sort of balanced diet.

Anyway, Lyric gets up from the table to clear her plate, I'm in the other room. "Did you eat your corn?"
"Yes, and Baby is my witness."
at that moment, Baby pipes up with "What corn??" in all seriousness and straightfacedness she can muster.

I laughed loud, long and hard. It was perfect. It was a moment for the memory books (or at least mom's blog). After Lyric went to her room to read, Baby asked "Mom, was that really a good one?" I told her it was the best! And it made me laugh all over again.

A Soft Impeachment- Preview 2

Abbi had to take a package to Derek while he was working.
It was a slightly overcast day as she made her way around the pool,
heading towards the studio. She had left the boys in the family room
playing videos games, and she hoped that the rain would hold out
until she got back into the house. She wondered if Derek had ever
considered a tunnel from the house to the studio. It wasn’t a long
walk, but it could be a wet one if there was a bad enough storm.
The studio was located on the far side of the house, around the
pool and behind the garage. Derek loved having the studio here,
because if he worked late, it was only a few minutes until he was in
bed, verses a long drive across town. He also had a guest cottage in
case any of his clients needed to stay after a late night.
Abbi had the package in both hands and wobbled a little on
the small walk. She made it to the studio and she shifted the package
to a hip so that she could knock and opened the door almost
simultaneously. Derek was sitting at the mixing board.
“Oh, Derek. I didn’t know you had somebody in here
already.”
She couldn’t really tell who was sitting next to Derek. Derek
leaned back in his chair, hands behind head and smiled.
“What’s up, Abbi?” he asked casually.
Abbi froze. She looked past Derek and was looking into the
sparkling green eyes of Rick Springfield.
“Abbi! Hey! What’s up?” Derek asked again.
“Oh, um, sorry. I was just bringing out this package from
Jack that just came.”
“Thanks. We’ve been waiting for those,” Derek said and
Rick nodded.
It was then that Rick stood and came towards her. She felt
like she was twelve. She was frozen in her spot, watching him get
closer and closer. He quickly stuck out his hand.
“You must be Abbi. Nice to meet you. I’m Rick.”
“Springfield,” she said softly, shaking his hand.
“Yup, that’s me.” He threw a look over his should. “She’s
cute, Derek. And very articulate, too.”
Derek chuckled as he watched Abbi. She was still frozen,
staring up at Rick, not quite holding, but still touching his hand.
“Um, Derek, I gotta go. But here’s the package from Jack
that just came.”
“I know. You already said that.”
“Oh. Yeah. Okay then. I gotta go.” She slowly pulled her
hand out of Rick’s and clumsily backed towards the door. “Bye.”
“Nice to meet you, Abbi,” Rick said.
“you, too.” she was a walking bowl of jelly as she left the
studio. She heard Derek’s deep laugh as the door shut.
When Derek returned to the house later, he found Abbi
reading in the den. The boys were in bed, and she was curled up on
the sofa with just the table lamp on.
“Hey, Abbi. How was your day?” He asked sitting next to
her feet.
“Good.”
“Rick said you were cute and seemed very nice.”
Abbi’s cheeks flamed. “What?”
Derek was grinning. “He said you were cute.”
Abbi knew that he was teasing her. At least she hoped he was.
“Derek, I’m so sorry. I’ve never acted like that before. I’ve never
been star struck. But if anybody was going to do it, he would be the
one. I feel like such and idiot.”
“You should have told me you were a fan. I would have
introduced you weeks ago.”
“weeks?” she squeaked. “He’s been coming here for weeks?”
She threw here head back and moaned.
“Abbi, I do believe that you are blushing.”
She playfully punched his arm. “I don’t blush.”
“Oh, but I think you do.”
“I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be. And you know what? Rick was right. You are
kind of cute.”


The book will soon be available through www.lulu.com. I'll be sure to post a link here once it's ready to go!

What's Victoria's Secret?

Here's a video of Rick Springfield's newest single....The new CD will be released 7/29/08. Order now at www.amazon.com

Abbi and Derek

Here's the first few pages of "A Soft Impeachment". After doing a quick review last night, I noted that this book is ALMOST FINISHED! Here's a teaser for you. Let me know what you think.


CHAPTER ONE
“Why couldn’t anything go right today?” Abbi thought to herself. She had woke up late, nearly ran out of gas on the way to school, and then one of the kids had thrown up in the doorway to the
room. Now she was running behind with her conferences and all she really wanted to do was go home, get into her pajamas and forget this day ever happened.
She was glad that she was finishing school. This was the end of her last semester, her student teaching semester. It had been a long haul. She started college right out of high school, but she had always worked while she was taking classes. She was twenty-five and finally going to be a college graduate. The kids had been great and she was feeling good about her decision to go into teaching.
She always thought she looked good in yellow and today she needed the bright color to keep her spirits up. She had two conferences left, and then she was done. Tomorrow was her meeting
with her instructor and graduation was a week from Saturday.
Ally’s parents arrived and her brain returned to teacher mode. She looked down and ran her hands over her sweater.
“Hi, Ms. Went,” Abbi greeted Ally’s mom. Abbi lead her to the back of the room and they sat at the table. Ally’s mom had helped in the classroom for the Valentine’s party and had chaperoned a couple of field trips. Abbi was comfortable with her. It helped that they were close to the same age and she didn’t have any concerns with Ally’s progress this year.
They were leaning over the table when Abbi felt eyes on her. She fought the reflex to see who was looking at her. She kept her head down and her voice low. She tried to concentrate on what she was saying and make sure that it really made sense. She hoped she was accomplishing that.
Abbi stood up to get a packet off her desk and when she turned back she was able to get a glimpse of the man staring at her from the doorway.
He seemed nervous, hands in pockets, rocking on his heels. He was scanning the room with his gaze but his eyes kept returning to her. He was tall, firm, muscled, and handsome. He had a white tee peaking out from under a black fitted sweater. His blue jeans looked nearly painted on. He had a smile on his face and a look in his eyes that said his thoughts weren’t really in that room.
Abbi sat back down, trying to finish quickly. She felt his eyes hold on her. Or maybe she had imagined it. He was really staring at her now, was he?
She walked Ms. Went to the door and said goodbye.
“Mr. Alexander? Hi, I’m Abbi Hamilton. Come on in,” she gestured. She hadn’t meet Mr. Alexander before this and she was a little nervous. She knew that he was a famous record producer. Abbi walked across the room and hoped that he was following. He did, and when they got to the table, she gestured for him to sit.
They sat across from each other and she looking into his dark, green eyes. She sucked in a quick breath. When she realized she was holding it, she slowly let it out.
“Mr. Alexander, Lucas has done really well this year. He does good work and he is very smart, but he has moments where he seems to lose focus. I think he could do great next year, but I’d hate for him to lose any skills over the summer.”
“uh, huh…”
Abbi chuckled softly.
“What?” he asked, somewhat startled.
“Now I see where he gets it from.” She smiled at him.
“Anyway, here is what we’ve been working on.” She went over tests and class work. She subconsciously leaned forward to show him the report card. She smelled his cologne and fought the urge to inhale.
“These are the areas he can work on over the summer.”
“Hmm. That’s great, Ms. Hamilton, but I’m not sure I’ll have time. I’ve taken on some new clients and I expect to be pretty busy this summer.”
Abbi didn’t know what his job entailed and she wondered how somebody could be too busy for their own kids.
“Oh, well, what about his mom?” she asked trying to focus on Lucas’ needs.
“She’s not around. Debbi left us a couple of years ago. Ithought you knew.”
“Mrs. Emerson did mention something about his mom being out of the house.”
“It’s okay. I don’t have any contact with her, except through the lawyers. She hasn’t seen the boys since she left us.”
“For two years?” she squeaked, and then covered her mouth with her hand.
He smiled. “It’s okay. Most people have that reaction. How could a mother not have any contact with her children?! I don’t know. I’ve learned to adjust and so have the boys. I have a nanny to help take care of the boys while I’m working.”
“Maybe I could give you some worksheets that the nanny could work on this summer?”
“That would be great if I knew who she was.”
“What?” Abbi squeaked again.
“Our nanny just got married. She’s still working for me during the day, but obviously she wants to be with her husband at night. She is only staying until I find a new live in. I’m not having much luck right now.”
“Oh, I see. Maybe I could help you.”
“How’s that?” he sat forward, his hand nearly touching hers.
“I can make some calls. Check at school. What are you looking for? Just somebody for the summer?”
“For now. Maybe she could stay on, but we’d use the summer as a trial period. You know, make sure she likes the boys, the boys like her and she can handle the responsibility.”
He pulled a business card out of the inside pocket of his leather jacket. Their fingers brushed as he put it into her hand. “If you think of anybody, give me a call. Or if you decide you want the
job for yourself,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “please give me a call.”
By now, they were walking to the door.
“Thanks for coming in today, Mr. Alexander. It’s nice to see parents taking an active roll in their children’s learning.”
“No problem, Ms. Hamilton. It was my pleasure.”

new website

This didn't really fit with the last post, but I wanted to mention it. My new website is somewhat up and running. I've got to actually add the content, but here's the link.

http://wordsiwrite.bravehost.com

Right now there are a few links across the top. There are a few more to be added, but I wanted to get the content in there first. If you can't see the website, let me know.

Also, feed back is greatly appreciated. I'm not sure if I have a "contact me" link up there yet, but I will.

Storming...you don't know what you've got- til it's gone

Last nights storms were a bit much. The skies started getting dark and gray around 7:30 and by 8:30 the wind was blowing and whipping and the raining was falling (ie pouring) and ....our power was out. At about 9, I checked with the electric company and the recorded lady nicely told me they were looking into our problem and our power would be restored approximately 10:45. (The whole neighborhood was out, not just our house). We lit candles, opened windows, and tried to stay calm and cool (baby was having a bit of a fit during the storm....and for those that don't know, she has a couple of sensory issues that could make or make her day/night). We sent up a lantern so she could read and kept the mood light. At 10:30 I had to go pick up Lyric from practice. There were limbs down all over and LOTS and LOTS of houses with no power.

Got back home around 11. No power. Called ComEd again. And the nice recorded lady told me 12:45. So, I'm figuring sleep is a lost cause. Baby's a bit out of sorts (she can't have a nightlight or a radio with no power) and I'm hot, tired and cranky. Good thing Fisher and Lyric came to the rescue. Fisher got his radio out of the boat, and Lyric agreed to sleep on the hideabed with Baby. Done deal. I'm in bed.

At 4am, I wake up and realize the living room light is on! Woo Hoo....we have power. I love air conditioning. Here's hoping I get a good night sleep tonight!

A Blogging Award

From my friend, Lynn over at http://www.lynnslifeonline.blogspot.com/. I've never won anything like this before and I'd like to thank my family, my friends, my loyal readers (both of you!) and Lynn for the nomination. (was that a great acceptance speech or what!)

Here are the rules: If you already have the award just accept and that's all you have to do.
1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog to be visited by everyone.
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.
4. The award winner and one who has given the prize have to show the link http://arteypico.blogspot.com/ blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5. Show these rules.

Now I have to come up with 5. Let me think.

1)Charlene at Crazed Parent. http://www.crazedparent.org/ She's a mom, a writer, A Rick Springfield fan, and she's real. Read a couple of her posts and you'll see why I like her. She's also got a new gig over at Shine on Yahoo. Check her out there as well.
2)Paula at Paula's Place. http://www.paulafasciano.blogspot.com/. She's got a lot of stories to tell: about herself, her hubby and her two beautiful boys. Again, she's real. She's a Rick fan too!
3) Amy at How Many Lives http://howmanylives.blogspot.com/. She's a mom and a Rick fan as well (do you see a theme here.) She's also got a great web design business so if you're in the market, check out her links.
4) Andy at http://andymartello.blogspot.com/ Just some good, funny stuff.
5) I hate to toot my own horn, but I'm gonna do it anyway. Me at http://money-your-way.blogspot.com/ it's a blog I started to get information out there about direct selling companies. In this world of stay at home mom's and rising prices, I thought that some of this information might be handy for somebody.

Summer Fixer Upper

I've done a little tweaking and updating here at the blog. I'm a bit inspired by Lynn at lynnslifeoneline.blogspot.com, and if all is right in the world, you should see a link to the right for her blog. She's done a very nice facelift on her blog.

I've added a couple of things, deleted a couple of things, and will be adding a link to my new website soon. I've got a new story to share, and I didn't want to "blog" it, so it's going to get it's own page. This is along with the Summer soap that I've mentioned. That's coming along nicely too, and I have a first rough draft that will be posted this week.

Here's the summary. Boy- Chad, less popular friend, always seems to be the underdog, always "cleaning up" after his friend. This story is about Chad cleaning up one of the biggest messes and learning a lot about himself in the process.

What do you think? Interested?? I'll be looking forward to feedback.

Mamarazzi

I don't know if I've blogged this before, but I love this site. I can't realy describe it, but it's basically the paparazzi meets celebrity mom's meets blogging. Okay, that's not a great description. Do not go check it out if you are even a little bit easily offended. If you are a tough ol' bird like me....what are you waiting for?????

http://www.mamarazzi.org/

Update day

It's update day. I'm running a check of all the blogs and seeing what needs an update (all of them) The summer of truth blog will be going live in the next few days. Abbi and Derek's stories will be updated and I have a few photos for the other one.

Vacation was fantastic.

There's a picture of the view of "our" lake included in this blog. Weather was great but the water was cold. Fishing was okay overall. Lyric outfished Fisher 7 to 1 the only day she fished. Baby was in the lake everyday and the weather was only like 60 degrees. It was COOOOLLLLLDDDDDD. :-)

Okay, off to update some more blogs.

run one is done

Here's the flier, poster, promo information for Lyric's play. The first run was last week and boy, are we glad to be done with it. She did seven shows in 6 days. Of course, the day that they did 2 shows was very humid, hot, muggy, sticky, just icky. And did I mention the stage is outside?? The stage itself is actually air conditioned for the actors, but she said that she couldn't even feel it. It's a "World Premier" as this play is brand new. It was written by "The Mikes" who have been active in theater for YEARS.

Anyway, she has a bit of a break until July 6, which is great. School's out now, too. so she can have some down time. Sleep in. Do some chores around the house for me. (LOL)

opening night and closing the year

The school year is almost over. Three more days of school. Guess what the girls are doing?? A whole lot of nothing. Lockers were cleaned out last week. Desks were emptied. Lyric has had homework the past couple of days, but I'm not sure what class.

Tonight is preview night and tomorrow is Lyric's Starlight Debut. She's pretty blase about it. I'm excited for her. She's definitely not nervous, which is great. I'll be sure to let you know how she does. Since this is the first time this play hase been perfomed, I'm looking forward to seeing it. She said it's mostly told through songs (similar to Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat) and there are like 50 songs. Good thing the girl likes to sing. LOL