Stuff you really should know...

What do you need to know? Well, for instance, Shmoo turned 20 last Friday. Can't believe that. That's him in the balloon court jester hat. Can't believe we got him to wear that at dinner. Of course, he's already moved past this birthday and is planning the big "I'm turning 21" bash for Las Vegas next year. Let's just say it's hard to keep a straight face much less discuss a trip to Vegas when one of the participants has a balloon hat on his head.

Fortunately, he wants GG and I to go, which I guess is a good thing unless it's only to pay for the whole thing. That can't be the only reason, can it? OTOH, it is a little surprising since Beanie hasn't quite forgiven us for his "family" Vegas bash. Not only did he not get drunk, (Is THAT really necessary or am I dating myself by even mentioning that?) I don't think he bought or drank any alcohol that weekend. Needless to say Shmoo has different ideas for his birthday debauchery party. Thankfully it's a year away and if the college gods are listening it will be just weeks before Beanie (finally!) graduates from college.

Speaking of Beanie... The dear boy is always up to something. His latest shenanigans include a radio show called "Geek say what?" Yes you read that right. GEEK SAY WHAT? The link is to their facebook page. The little darlings in true geek fashion have gone to a whole rash of Comic Con events around the state and have interviews and other geek type stuff up. I believe they also have links to podcasts of their radio show. I'll tell you again... I never know what he's going to do next. He's thrilled that because he's on a radio show he has press passes and doesn't have to shell out for all these events. Wish I'd known that before getting he and his GF the 4-day pass to THE Comic Con in San Diego in July. Who knew?

Beanie called me on Saturday afternoon all excited because Stan Lee walked by him at a Comic Con he went to in LA. *eye roll* He was beside himself with glee. It's a goal to try and get an interview with Mr. Lee. OTOH, he was really looking forward to meeting Adam West and passed that up when he found out West was charging $50 for his autograph. I believe his words were something to the affect "Does he need money for retirement or something?" I reminded him how long ago that original Batman TV series was and how little Mr. West probably got paid.

He also told me how and I'm quoting here, how "freakin' weird" Verne Troyer, the actor who played Mini-Me, in the Austin Powers movies, is. Well duh...

In other news I've just finished re-reading Carolyn Jewel's books MY WICKED ENEMY and MY FORBIDDEN DESIRE. I needed to read something was going to be a sure thing to take my mind off real life stuff and these two books filled the ticket.

Now I'm just looking forward to getting away this coming weekend with my boyfriend. Of course as of this morning GG hadn't made any reservations. Isn't it a rule or something that if you ask your sweetie for a weekend get away you do the planning? Isn't that how it's supposed to work?

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Like most people, I love the fall and winter for the holidays they hold. Since my social life is pretty family centric this is a win-win. However, each year I'm challenged to focus on what is really important and not get "carried away". Fortunately for me I have an all-purpose, works-every-time, portable conscience barometer for just this purpose. I call it "GG".

There is nothing like hearing that deeply drawn breath before he utters one magic word. It's our own personal code. Depending on how extreme or slippery the slope, meaning my mood swings, it may go like this...

Babe!

Baaaaaay-buh...

Babe?

*eye roll* Babe.

Now Babe...

Since our Christmas shopping is almost complete I've heard all of these already.

In other news...

1. With the busy-ness of the holidays I haven't read much and obviously haven't been blogging or blogging hopping much either. It's that time of year where there just aren't enough hours in the day.

2. Beanie has entered some sort of stand-up contest at a bar. There's a purse of $500. Since he just called me yesterday on his way to work, I don't have any details. When I do I'll post 'em since a couple people mentioned interest in going to see him.

3. Shmoo has one more week of his EMT class and then his final next Saturday. He's nervous. It's been an intense 14 weeks. After he passes the class he still has to take the National Registry. Not a guy who likes school much, I'm so proud of how hard he's worked and studied. If you have a spare prayer or candle, keep him in your thoughts.

4. We still have no heat. Can you believe that? The story is too long and boring to go into, but I will say there has to be a more efficient way to put in a new unit and convert to gas (we were all electric) than the circus we've gone through this last month. Holy moly! Cuh-ray-zee!

5. I can't believe the first week of December is over and my house is only half decorated.

Well I'm off to wrap and get packages ready for mailing. I hope things aren't too crazy in your life and you are enjoying the holiday season.

Who needs heat when...

I'm going to see Tim McGraw tonight. Although you wouldn't catch me arguing if say the gas company service planning department finally decided to call so we could get going with this project already.

This just in...

1. We are taking tomorrow off since we will be up late at the concert tonight. We plan to start our Christmas shopping.

2. We bought a pre-lit Christmas tree. Finally found one with lots of lights that didn't cost the earth. While I've been known to string the tree lights myself, both GG and I are delighted that chore is history. When you are picky about how the lights look it takes forever to get the tree lights "just right".

3. Beanie has to work on Thanksgiving at the Magic Kingdom. Major bummer. We think we will be venturing to the OC Thanksgiving morning and take him out to eat mid-day before work then we'll trek back here and go to my sisters for dessert with the rest of the family. At least that's the plan today. We've never eaten out on Thanksgiving, but I can't imagine celebrating the holiday without both of my children. It may be coming in the near future, but not yet...

4. Speaking of Beanie, he got second place in the open mic contest at his school. He was over the moon because most of the contestants were musicians. He has another "gig" on November 22. Someone asked him to perform for a group of *ahem* mature women. He was asked to include some material on Jane Austen, and Napoleon & Josephine Buonaparte. He's doing research. Just his comments on doing historical research for a comedy bit is funny. Honestly I never know what he's going to do next.

5. Proud Mama moment. GG mentioned to me yesterday how amazing it is that in this economy both of our boys have two jobs. Beanie got hired back as seasonal help at his favorite place in the world, nope it's NOT D-Land, it's Toys R Us. Maybe all those dinner conversations about there's no replacing hard work to achieve your goals really worked???

6. Just finished reading THE MARRIAGE BED by LL Guhrke and before that I read A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN by Deeanne Gist. I'd heard pretty good things about THE MARRIAGE BED and while good, it didn't change my world. Very well done character development though. The Gist surprised me. While privately I consider myself a spiritual person and certainly one of faith I've never read a book specifically labeled inspirational romance before. This also was a pretty good book and I enjoyed the story based on the real life brides brought to Washington Territory by Asa Mercer post Civil War. Anybody else old enough to remember the 70s TV show with Bobby Sherman, HERE COME THE BRIDES?

7. Got the most recent STAR TREK movie on blu-ray for the BA-TV for the "boys".

Well I think you are all caught up. Usually when I do these lists I think of two more things as soon as I hit "publish". Ain't life grand?

A Give Away & An Update

Life is so busy it is ridiculous. Honestly, I keep thinking next week will be better... Next week will be better. The fact is this time of year is nuts at home and at work and I'm embracing the concept. Sort of.

Do you have to fight the urge to do ab-so-lutely everything on your list every darn day? I do. It's irritating. Yet. I'm struggling to change my mindset. Aaaargh!

As I write I have three stacks of books next to me. The 5 remaining books to add to my September reading list, the 14 books to enter and post for my October list, and the 2 books I've already read in November.

Yes, when I'm too tired to pull up a chair to the computer and write any more, after sitting in front of a computer for 9 hours at work, I come home and wallow in my reading.

Stuff I'm excited to tell you...

GG and I are going to see

Tim McGraw with Shmoo and his GF in a couple of weeks. Yippee! It's so appropriate since Shmoo recently admitted he has always secretly liked CW music but didn't want to let us know. Like we'd be so devastated? Heaven help us Hannah! The lengths he goes to...

Shmoo is at the halfway mark of his EMT class. It is really getting tough now. He's nervous about keeping his 80% average to stay in the class. When he's not working one of his two jobs he is studying. His GF is a sweetie and she's been cooking for him and baking cupcakes. He's so spoiled.

Beanie dressed up as his favorite super hero for Halloween and went out with a bunch of his friends who also dressed up as super heroes. They got lots of attention and people were asking them all night to take their pictures with the Justice League.

Too funny. Anyway, my own Beanie Green Lantern ended up winning a costume contest to the tune of $200. He's over the moon.

In further Beanie news... He's continuing with his stand up. He's graduated from the coffee house to a bar. Of course since he's new kid on the block he didn't go on until 12:30 AM but he was very happy with his first outing.

*CONTEST*CONTEST*CONTEST*

Now to the important stuff. I went to the bookstore yesterday and bought two copies of Ava Gray's SKIN GAME. I liked this book so much, I will be giving away these two copies from names randomly chosen from anyone who comments on this post until midnight on November 8, 2009.

I will announce the winners on Monday, November 9, 2009.

So comment away. In the meantime, I'm hoping to get my book lists caught up, my blog hopping caught up, and some reviews done.

It could happen.

Just a Proud Mom...

One of the guys at work was also at the Explorer Academy and took pictures. He sent me these of Shmoo.

First day

Serious business

Running the line

"Another week!" she squeaked.

Dunno what's happening to the days. They are flying and melting away so fast! I can't believe it's been almost a week since my last post. I'm hoping this week I'll be doing some catching up because next week I'll be out of town for work.

Reading has suddenly slowed to almost a halt. Go figure. I'm thinking it's because I've been busy with real life stuff.

Uh let's see what else?

1. The visit with Nathie and the SoCal ladies was awesome. I look forward to seeing everyone and there is never enough time!

2. GG found out he's getting one unpaid furlough day per month. In a year that's almost two weeks pay he's losing. Blerg!

3. I've read 10 books this month. That's a book every other day. I haven't done that in forever.

4. Do you ever crave to read a particular kind of book? I'm craving an intense historical. Something riveting. Any ideas? Maybe a re-read is in order. Any ideas?

5. I swam for the first time in a month with my scarred up nose. Yes, me and my scar went for a swim. Hopefully it will stop the regular delivery of the "you-really-shouldn't-eat-that" food to my mouth. One can hope.

6. Shmoo went to Explorer Academy in the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest last week. He passed all his classes and can now apply to be a wildland firefighter. While I'm happy as all get out to see him reach one of his goals, I can't say having him out in one of the ferocious wildland fires we have here in SoCal exactly thrills me. Au contraire!

7. In a little over a week Bean will be 23! Ho-lee! I already got he and his girlfriend a 4-day passes to Comic Con. My sweet little geeky boy was over the moon. But 23! I can hardly believe.

Better go take care of some of that real life stuff I was talking about. Miss you!

Bean and Shmoo

First, a big fat wa-hoo because I'm off on Friday this week so I'm going to enjoy a 4-day weekend. Of course this also means that I will pay for it next week. Sometimes the shorter week almost isn't worth it. Almost. Hey maybe I'll get my August reading list finished. Ya think? Maybe?

Shmoo news...

Shmoo has started his EMT class. It's done in 8-hour sessions on Saturdays for 16 weeks. Yep. 16. Weeks. Lots of homework too. He's also in the process of getting a second job. Is it wrong that I'm so gleeful he's going to be so busy? I think it's great and the mother in me rejoices that he's working hard and building character.

OTOH now that he's going to have two jobs he's looking into buying a new vehicle. Like most guys in the fire service he wants a truck. Fortunately he's willing to start small because he can't afford it and doesn't want a Ford 350 right out of the gate.

I had to smile. Secretly. We have an agreement with him about how much money he has to have in an investment account, a savings/emergency fund and money saved for a down payment. I calculate it will take him at least a year to save enough money, added to what he already has, to meet our agreement.

Undeterred, and because he's the male of the species, he's already shopping. He's narrowed it down to a Toyota Tacoma. He walks into my room to talk to me a couple of days ago and starts the conversation with, "I'm so excited about my new truck." Dude. He's already gone online to get a quote for insurance too. Just so he knows what it costs.

Shmoo is like GG in that regard. He gets focused on something and Hannah-bar-the-door, he's going to do it. It's a good thing, I know, but the next year is going to be full of truck magazines, ideas for stereos, color, truck posters in his room. Mark my words. This is far from the last we will hear about "my new truck" in the next 12 months.

In other news...

Beanie called me yesterday. As I've mentioned a few times Bean is my geeky dorky comic book kid. While he loves working for Disney he's totally bummed that Disney bought Marvel comics. Suddenly Disney is not the "happiest place on earth". Bean is very concerned about what the "evil empire" will do to Marvelverse. Lordy.

We spoke a bit about his comic book project. I finally read his narrative for the first issue of the comic book that he's creating with about half the students attending Cal State Fullerton.

I keed, I keed.

Although, I think there are like 8 people involved at this point. I'm also ashamed to admit that I was surprised and intrigued with what I read. Yeah, I'm going to Mom hell for my tendency to roll my eyes when my kid's current focus during his 5th year of college is creating a comic. Great kid. Wonderful human being. Just in no hurry to graduate. Since he works and got student loans I guess I shouldn't can't complain. But, you know, I was hoping there'd be less comic book and more communications degree this year.

Besides I was a little worried because early on Bean had mentioned that his super heroes were getting their powers from an STD. Isn't that a delightful premise? Anyway, I had visions of myself having to lie to my sweet Little Beanie Boy if I really didn't like his comic book. I'm thinking it's also the reason why I may have procrastinated reading it.

Thankfully there was no mention of sexually transmitted super powers. The writing and premise were pretty decent. I actually (appropriately) laughed at some of the dialogue.

Silly me for worrying. Just don't tell Bean, okay?

With that I'm going to post a picture of the boys with their GFs. I finally remembered to ask them if it was okay to post their picture on my blog. Why I worry when they all post pictures of themselves right and left on FaceBook and elsewhere, I don't know, but I thought I should ask first.

The Best Mother's Day Gift

It's not news that the best gifts often don't come with wrapping paper and ribbon.  Earlier this week my son Beanie called to ask me my plans for the weekend.  I reminded my absent-minded son that his Dad and I were going out of town for the 1/2 marathon.

The original plan was for our whole little family to go.  We even invited the girlfriends, but the our plans got derailed when we realized it was Mother's Day weekend and the girls wanted to (understandably!) be with their Moms. Beanie then got his job at Disney and would be working part of the weekend.  Shmoo said he would go with us, gladly.  So all was not lost, just a new plan.

Last weekend at the Relay for Life event we found out that Shmoo's friend who was going to watch Emily for us had a scheduling conflict with his work. This week we couldn't find anyone else to stay at the house either. Shmoo opted to stay home so we wouldn't have the expense of kenneling Em or just leaving her by herself and only staying one night at the race.  Not great, but practical.

I was wondering aloud to GG on our drive to the race destination how our trip got to be so different than we originally planned.  I told GG I felt bad when Beanie called because he found out he was off on Saturday, his GF was working and he had planned to come home and stay over on Friday because he wasn't working until Saturday evening.  GG shook his head because Bean is notorious for forgetting what's going on.  Anyway, I told GG I felt a little bit guilty and bummed out that I wasn't home with my kids when they made an effort to spend time with me for Mother's Day.

Now you all know from this blog that I spend time with my sons frequently. Even with Beanie 90 miles away at school, we see him at least once a month and talk on the phone several times a week. Obviously, it's not like I never seem him. Shmoo still lives with us and is a part of our daily lives, but it's Mother's Day weekend and I felt weird not being with them.

But guilt knows no logic.  The guilt got a little worse when I spoke with Shmoo late yesterday afternoon and he seemed a little down.  No plans for a Friday night, home by himself with only Emily for company.  Okay it doesn't sound so bad when you are my age, but when you are 19 it pretty much sucks.

About an hour later Bean called.  He had called his brother (on his own!) and decided if he couldn't be with me, he would go spend time with his brother and stay over and they could hang out.

It's just the best gift I could ever receive.  While I still feel sad to miss a Mother's Day with the boys, knowing that they are there for each other is just, well, I have no words.

The faster I go...

...the behinder I get.

My sister is coming with the stair steps. She'll be here until Saturday, and in between I'm working and walking and swimming... you get the drift.

Once again my participation in these here parts will be scattered. I might not make my TBR Challenge this month. Bummer that.

Tomorrow is Shmoo's 19th birthday. He's celebrating by going camping with his Dad for a couple of days. Yes, that does mean what you think. I'm home alone with my sister where we can talk books to our hearts content.

Yep, no more pity party...

And now for the News...

Yes, it's St. Paddy's Day. Since I'm mostly Italian I didn't grow up celebrating this holiday much. No big parties. No green beer.

When we adopted Shmoo we found out he's of Irish heritage which he loves to carry on (and on) about. He thinks it's very significant. That said when I was making pasta salad for the St. Paddy's potluck at work today, Shmoo chimed in with a "It's St. Patrick's Day tomorrow?" Ain't he somethin'?

I can't remember why I was telling you all that. To wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day? Probably. Let's go with that, shall we?

In other news, you may have noticed in the comments yesterday that Wendy the Super Librarian and I have purchased our airline tickets for Washington DC. Yippy, yappy and yahooey! Now it's real. Four more months. Since we are two and a half months into 2009 already, that's not that far away. Am I crazy or does it seem like it was just Christmas?

Beanie is officially working at Disneyland. He's a submarine driver on the Finding Nemo ride. He's also registered with an agent to do extra work and maybe, just maybe possibly get some work in commercials. What can I say, the boy's a big dreamer. He's also finally found a "good artist" to draw his comic book idea. I think this makes a total of 4 people collaborating on it now. Of course, I'm constantly asking motherly questions like, "And, how's school doing?"

Like most college kids he's burning the candle at both ends but seems to be thriving. I'm happy for him. Please Lord, one more year to graduation.


Shmoo is rethinking his commitment to the fire service. The kid I had to nudge, push and shove through his senior year of high school actually likes college. He announced to us over the weekend he thinks he will go ahead and get his 4-year degree. While I'd love to send up the halleluias I know his mind and attitudes changes with the weather. OTOH, I'd be a liar if I didn't say it made me happy that he's even considering a degree. It was a brief moment of bliss to think that maybe, just maybe some of the stuff we've been drilling into his head talking to him about since he started kindergarten has stuck.

GG has had some rocky roads and tough transitions at work lately, not the least of which was a co-worker being struck and killed by a truck in the freight yard where he works. The truck driver was where he was supposed to be, the co-worker in the correct crossing area, they just didn't see each other. Horrible, horrible accident. Knocked my GG a bit off kilter. His words to me, "You just never know what a day will bring. All the guy wanted to do was go to work to take care of his family." I love my husband. I really do.

Day one of my new job? Pretty darn good. Of course the transition is nothing like being brand new at a company. I know all the people and routine. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll be in my very own office. I got all kinds of keys today. That's one of those things you don't know how to feel about. Good=They trust me. Bad=Crap! They trust ME? Yes, this is my internal dialogue. It's so fun. NOT.

I didn't make my bed today. It was liberating because I didn't think about it once and got home and was surprised by the unmade bed. Okay you probably don't think it's significant, but if you've been reading my blog for awhile you know that it was b-i-g for me.

I'm walking. I'm swimming. I'm trying going to lose more weight before DC. Although I've pretty much conceded that if I want to read and blog I'll probably be sleeping less.

I told GG sleeping was overrated. He said, "Not when you aren't getting any." I hate it when he's right. And gets the last word.

Shmoo Talk

I stole this from Angie who borrowed it from her friend Penny. Sure my sons are lots older, but it was fun asking Shmoo (age 18) these questions. Lori? I'd love to see what your guys would answer.

Before I continue, let me set the scene for this little experiment. It was Sunday morning, Shmoo's GF was over and they were fixing breakfast. Fixing breakfast that involved them cooking. French toast. Enter Mom (me) sitting at counter and asking Shmoo these questions as he is cooking turkey bacon and whisking eggs for scrambled eggs.

Oh, and one more note. He didn't even question me or balk at answering. Cooking diversion and the GF are my friends. Heh.

1. What is something your mom always says to you?
You'll succeed no matter what.

2. What makes your mom happy?
When me and my brother don't fight.

3. What makes your mom sad?
When me and my brother DO fight and when I make racist jokes.
*head desk* (Ed. Note: He knows it really, really bugs me, so of course he does it.)

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
When she thinks she's funny.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
I don't know. I wasn't alive. She bossed around my uncles.
(Ed. Note: I have sisters too, but he didn't mention them. Hmmm...)

6. How old is your mom?
54

7. How tall is your mom?
Short

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Read. No wait... Work.

9. What does your mom do when you’re not around?
Hell if I know. Probably work.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Diplomacy

11. What is your mom really good at?
She's good at having random conversations with people and giving advice.

GF: Your Mom is good at loving you just the way you are.

(Ed. Note: Isn't she awesome?! I'm keeping her even if he doesn't.)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Being mean to people.

13. What does your mom do for her job?
A lot of different stuff. Coordinate stuff.

14. What is your mom’s favorite food?
I don't know. What is your favorite food? Spaghetti?

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
She raised me and didn't kill me.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Uh... (turns to GF) what's the name of the nice Power Puff girl? You know, the leader with the red hair?
GF: I don't know who you're talking about.
Shmoo: Her. You'd be her, the red haired one.

17. What do you and your mom do together?
I do her shredding at work. (Laughs) We talk when I come home at night.

18. How are you and your mom the same?
We are the only two funny people in the family.

19. How are you and your mom different?
I'm A LOT funnier. I'm arrogant.
(Ed. Note: Amen to the arrogant comment!)

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Cuz she hasn't kicked me out yet.

21. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
*tcha* *eye roll* The bookstore. You really going to put this on your blog?

Me: *Tcha* *Eye roll* Yes!

The Center of the Universe

Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They came through you but not from you and though they are with you yet they belong not to you.
~Kahlil Gibran

My life is changing. Again. Life does that. These expected and anticipated changes. You logically know they are going to happen, yet somehow when they arrive it's sort of a surprise. Beanie moving out was not a surprise. It was planned. He was ready. We were ready. It was time. Yet now it seems so odd not to have him living under the same roof. That part was a surprise.

It felt wrong that overnight all those years of care and worry, the daily watering and care of my children, was just over. Done. Don't get me wrong. The move was a good thing. Beanie is doing great. Shmoo is doing great. It's just weird not to have to be on watch. Know what I mean?

In all honesty, I am a little melancholy. It's the passing of another stage of my life. For so many years the boys have been the center of the universe for GG and I. Thank goodness we live in a time where the internet and cell phones make our loved ones so close and accessible. I'd probably be a real mess otherwise.

Anyway, lately GG and I find ourselves at home together. Without kids. This is like one of the premier best kept secrets about being an (almost) empty nester. Alone in your very own house without the kids! I have to say it's pretty freaking awesome. Hey, maybe that's why I'm not reading more??? I swear it's better than going away for the weekend because you get to be together AND sleep in your own bed.

Most fortunately we still enjoy each other's company. I'm so grateful we have so much to talk about every day. Laugh about. Complain about. We can be quiet together. We swim and walk together. It's pretty cool.

Snap!

Just like that the planets and life have realigned. We now have a new center of the universe. Each other. So, I figure, what's not to like? Change is good. Right?

And Shmoo lives just down the hall and Beanie is only 50 miles away.

Saturday

Here it is another Saturday. This past week went by like a blink, even faster than usual.

Anyway I have lots of stuff floating in my head this morning:

Did you ever have such a horrid case of bed head in the morning that you wondered who you wrestled in your sleep?

Have you ever been awakened out of a sound sleep at 2:45 AM by a group of teenaged girls at a slumber party shrieking this song?





As a woman does Sarah Palin get on your last nerve? Is it because she's a woman or is it her politics?

One month to the big family wedding. The drama begins. Much eye rolling, sighs and laughing ensue.

For years I've been dreaming of having someone else clean my house. This week I finally had a cleaning company come to clean. Of course we had some issues (I'm verra verra picky) but I think we are going to continue with the service every other week. It's a little bit of heaven on earth.

Still on the dream list? My very own swimming pool with lap lane. Must remember to buy lottery ticket.

I'm reading DARK CURSE by Christine Feehan. Don't ask me why because I'm not sure I can answer that question. I've been reading it all week long. I'm almost done. It's been an up and down read and I'm really ready to move on.

Beanie is home this weekend. Yes, it's laundry week again. I just found out he and the GF take turns. She does it one weekend and he does it another. This is why we found surprises when we helped with Bean's laundry last time he was home. He was so cute sorting it last night before he went to work. Warms the cockles of my heart to know he was listening at least part of the time I was trying to teach him important survival skillz all those years.

Have I mentioned Shmoo is taking classes in prep for a career in the fire service? He's already started. He loves it. My baby a firefighter. I'm so proud of him.

BTW, look at the post time. Weird huh? I didn't change it either. I just noticed it when I went to save this.

Aloha!

GG and I at graduation with Beanie. We sent our pic to Shmoo and he sent us his. We shared a moment. Alas, his photo from his phone is too small to share.






Whew! He's graduated... Beanie looking on.
Side note: Beanie always wears some sort of ball cap. There's never an occasion that doesn't require a hat. He looks like he just came in from plowing the back 40. He's cute. I love him. But, the hat? *sigh*






Everyone who attended the party got their pictures taken.* Wish I could share more but I didn't get releases signed, permissons granted, etc. etc. etc. Although my nearest and dearest KNOW I have a blog, so doesn't that imply everything's game if they don't say "off the record" first? Heh heh. GG looks pained. I don't know why, I'm the one who got groped. Note the lovely garage cabinets in the background. We had a tropical back drop on the other wall. Could we take pictures there? Oh nooooooo.... it might block the path to the beer. Aargh!! I lost that argument before it even got started.

Shmoo's car got egged and saran wrapped last night. He thinks it's the ex-girlfriend. He's plotting revenge. I'm praying and lecturing while setting up a bail bond account. Yeah, everything's back to normal.

*No humans were harmed OR intoxicated in the taking of these photos. Fun was had by all.

The longest blog and catching up...

Did you ever go into a store for a couple of things and spend $100? The bookstore doesn't count. I figure most of the people who are reading this already do that.

No I mean have you ever innocently walked into say MICHAELS arts and craft store for two things, just TWO and left with one bag that cost you $100? Well, I set some kind of land speed record when I did this yesterday in just 30 minutes. I stopped for filler pages and post extensions for Shmoo's scrapbook and began buying little things called "embellishments" for the scrapbook. Like these music ones I got for Shmoo. Anyway, the next thing I know I'm walking out of the store with one bag and $100 poorer. At this rate I'm going to request a Lloyd's of London appraisal on the scrapbook when I'm finished.

Amazingly, I've only re-done 2 pages. Which if you knew my track record you'd widen your eyes in amazement. I haven't progressed beyond the Shmoo's 2nd grade which is where I was on Monday. So I've got the next 10 years of his life to finish this weekend. I HAVE TO. When I go to bed Sunday night the scrapbook and letter book both have to be done. Finis. Finito. The End. Seriously. I CAN'T be working on it until graduation. Not happening.

You believe me...right?

On the other hand, all the stuff for the luau is awesome. The invitations turned out cute. Except for making final decisions on food we're in good shape for the party.

Fortunately, Shmoo tracked down enough tickets for everyone who will be here on graduation day. 15. The little schmuckety will have 15 people in the crowd cheering their brains out. I'll be loudest of all. He's graduating. Halleluia!

In other news, work has decided to be insane this past week. Totally nutso. My boss surprised me today and told me that I could have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off next week. That was very welcome news. One of my sisters will be here visiting and I'll be able to enjoy my time with her AND get everything done for the party AND go to Beanie's college tour on Thursday. Yippee skippy doo-dah day!

Someday I'm going to tell you about how I almost committed a capital crime in a SPRINT store this week trying to buy my new phone. Here's my pretty.

Good Lord I've never had so much trouble giving someone money in my life. I want to buy a phone and renew my contract for two years and you'd think I was trying to rob the place instead of giving them business. All I can say is "Thank you Arnie in Texas!" for letting me buy my phone. After much angst and wailing I got my phone yesterday and finally got it activated and synced with all my stuff. It doesn't take much to make me happy. Really.

Beanie had his last day at junior college today. Three years and two AAs later he's graduating and off to Cal State Fullerton next year. You can count on hearing more about that as the summer progresses. We are all excited about his new adventure. I've worried and fretted from time to time, but I'm also very proud of him.

Shmoo has his last final tomorrow. So we are down to less than a week until graduation and 9 days until the party. Time seems accelerated right now. Posting will probably continue to be sporadic and Lord knows when I'll catch up on reading any of yours. I try to catch up and read from google reader randomly, but they seem to reproduce more quickly than I'm reading.

This is the longest post ever but I sleep better knowing I've told you more than you want to know everything. I've got my paltry (9? 10?) May reading half written. Maybe I'll get it posted over the weekend. We'll see. I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.

The Countdown Begins...

Sixteen days ladies and gentlemen. 16 days until Shmoo graduates. Lots of stuff has happened the past few days.

Yes, Shmoo has a car. Finally after much searching GG came upon this little gem in his work parking lot. It was a dream find and a perfect first car. Price was right. What's not to like? Hurrah! No more car sharing. Of course, I suspect there's a kid lots happier about that than I am.

I lost a day scrapbooking because I indulged myself and read on Sunday. But I was back hard at work today. Heritage scrapbooks are completely done and I've actually begun on the Shmoo scrapbook. Wonders will never cease. Hopefully no all nighters are in my future.

The other thing I started today was getting the invites ready for the party luau. The boys had a bit of fun with me getting a picture ready to put on the invitation.

Gee, not a hammy bone in their bodies.

Tote that barge, lift that bale...

"Tote that barge, lift that bale,
you get a little drunk
And you land in ja-ail..."
OL' MAN RIVER from SHOWBOAT
WRITERS OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II & JEROME KERN

My whole body feels like I've been mulched which is funny when you think about it because the reason my whole body aches is from mulching my flower beds today. So, one more thing off the 'To Do' list, the flowers are planted. Can I get an 'Amen'?

So, before I went outside this afternoon I was going through posts on Google Reader when I run across a humorous anecdote from Megan Hart. Apparently her daughter made a request for some cleaning to be done before her slumber party. I got quite the chuckle out of the post and Megan's remarks in the comments. Let me just say there would never be a conversation like Megan had with her daughter in our household. NEVER happen. And, no, not because my house is so clean or anything either. I live with the male of the species.

Interesting to be sure, surrounded by men, but oh the trials, troubles and, well...laughs. Here's my conversation about a week ago with Shmoo.

Me: We have to start getting stuff done for your graduation party.

Shmoo: What? Why?????

Me: What do you mean why...40 (or more) people are coming to our house and I want it to be clean and the yard cleaned up and we have to...

Shmoo: All these people have been to our house before we don't have to do anything.

Me: It's a special occasion.

Shmoo: So?

Me: You're helping and we're doing it... so get over it.

Shmoo: What???!!! I have to help too? It's my party. I shouldn't have to do anything.

Me: You wish...

First of all, why was he complaining if he didn't think he was going to help? I'll tell you...because he already knew he was going to be helping. The little twerp!

Of course the conversation expanded to include Beanie and GG. Everyone had an opinion on how much or how little should be done. The over riding conclusion was that I didn't need all the stuff that I had on the list to be done. Yes, that's right. After all these years the male people I live with actually think that by saying, "We don't need to do that" will convince me to scratch something off the list. Riiiiiight.

There's one born every minute. I took up the slack for somebody because three live in my house. Heh heh...

For the Inquiring Minds...

These first photos are from Beanie's scrapbook. I chose 12x12 sized scrapbooks for both of the boys and for the most part I'm glad I did. These larger pages are the traditional size most of us visualize when we think of a scrapbook. However, it's not always easy filling those big pages.

Also, I'm not an expert or even particularly creative or clever. I am glad that I've gathered the stuff all in one spot and have it glued down some where, but don't expect a professional layout. It's just me. My only hope (and goal) is that my boys will appreciate having this stuff saved and put together. Some day. Maybe.

For the double page I photographed below, I had no trouble filling the big pages. It's the "He ain't heavy... He's my brother!" layout. I had lots of photos to chose from for that.

Side Note: I was too lazy to confiscate find the digital camera in Shmoo & Beanie's room. So, as usual, I took a shortcut and used my phone. The pictures aren't the greatest. End note.

I also took a couple of pictures from the heritage scrapbooks I did for all my siblings in the Fall of 2006 for Christmas gifts that year. This book is 8x8 and has a recurring color theme of pale green, red, and pink. I tried to use vintage looking paper, ribbon, lace, buttons, etc. to give it a historical feel.

The first page I'm showing you is the one I did of my parents wedding...

This next picture is of a page from very early in the scrapbook. I made a page with a large brown shipping tag like people used to put on their luggage when they came to the U.S. through Ellis Island. Then I used a label maker and made individual strip tags of all the family names I found in my research.

So now you have a little taste and feel for what I've done. I thought I'd share them with you since I frequently whine about being neck deep in some project.

Shmoo's scrapbook update: I bought some more cool stuff to go IN the book but haven't measured, cut or glued a single thing yet. But I'm thinking, thinking, thinking about what I'm going to do. Thinking. A lot...

Lots and lots of thinking.

To Sum Up

We went to Solvang on Friday. That's where the half marathon was held. My baby sister also ran in the event. It's always fun and so inspiring to go to these athletic events, but I got a tear or two watching my lee-tul seees-ter running. She was just awesome. She had hoped to finish in 2 hours and 30 minutes but surprised herself by finishing in 2 hours and 12 minutes instead. Rock on baby sis! She looks and feels great.

GG had a good run also and finished in 2 hours and 2 minutes. That was a personal best for him. So that was a very good day.

Beanie stayed home with the girlfriend to cook dinner for their anniversary. I'd left him marinara sauce and romano and parmesan cheese, a bag of salad, and whole grain pasta. It was all stuff I had in the house anyway, so he was all set. Turns out they had mac n'cheese and salad. What. Ever. I don't get it, but they apparently were very happy with their movie night and meal.

Shmoo was a little pissy about Prom. It wasn't a total disaster, but two of his friends didn't show. They came to the buses (no one is allowed to drive to the venue) but weren't dressed or ready to go. Now he thinks they probably never got tickets. I'm miffed because Shmoo was staying with my brother and no one took his picture. Yes, you read that right. NO ONE TOOK MY BABY'S PROM PICTURE! Shmoo says he doesn't care, which is fine, but I care, darn it! His prom was one of the reasons I was not going to go to the running event with GG and my sister. I thought I had everything covered. I only asked about 4 different people to take his picture figuring at least one of them would have done it for me. Nope. Not even his knucklehead brother that I threatened at least six times.

Boys! The same stuff just isnt' important to them.

So, I'm hoping this week I can get organized for graduation. I'm sort of there. We have to get the announcements out this week and I need to start the list of all the stuff I have to get done around the house for the party. Life around here the next month is going to be very interesting.

I see I have 233 posts in my Google Reader. I had whittled it down to under a 100 before I left town. What in heck is going on out there?

Do I have to mention that very little reading has been going on this past week? Yeah, didn't think so.