I'm BAaack

I know. I know. I have been a little out of the loop lately. I haven't been my usual Social butterfly self. Well, I have got excuses.. but you really don't want to hear them. I'm busy, you are busy.. let's just kiss and make up.

So now that by gones are by gones. Let me tell you about someone who inspired me today. If you are not familiar with the Uniform Project check out. Those of you who are probably heard the same blurb I did about the girl who wears the same dress for a year. That isn't that amazing, but what she does with it is. the best thing for me is she only uses thrifted, vintage, or handmade accessories that are donated. She is cutting down on waste. I am thinking of doing something similar.

Please send her a donation for her endeavor. You can donate as little as $1.00. Seis put her money where her mouth is, and I am offering up any accessory in my etsy shop.

Everyone Makes Mistakes

My Mistake: I bought this for my ShopChato's Mistake : He let me talk him into putting it on.

What do Seis and Baywatch have in Common?

We are both huge in Europe. No really, I am. Just like David Hasselhoff, Seis's style is more appreciated across the pond than right in her own backyard. Over the last couple of weeks I have started my own vintage clothing store. I have not blogged about it, because it is still in an infancy stage.

Clothing store, you ask? What happened to just say No? Well, I got inspired by some conversations with some girlfriends (k-mom and L) about doing something you love. I love to go to thrift stores. So I started my own vintage shop. Now I am busier than ever.

I have had 5 sales in the last week. Great except all of them are from Europe. I don't know if it is the weak dollar and/or the recession, but no one in America is buying my stuff. That is fine with me. I sold two dresses and a purse to a shop called Fur coat No Knickers. She sells vintage wedding dresses.

Check me out at Hip and Vintage...web site coming soon.

What in the H*ll is that Smell?

So, I try to mostly drive Chato's work car. This keeps the mileage off our car and the money in our pockets. So, last week I didn't drive my car for like four or five days. Yesterday, I go to get in my car and am astounded by this god awful smell. Immediately I think old sippy cup of milk. All Moms know that stench and it is horrific. This was worse. I look under all the seats, start sniffing like a basset hound.. nada. It smells but no culprit to be found.

I roll the windows down and drive down the street. Somehow the smell is getting worse. How can fresh air be making it worse? But it is. I retreat. Something dead must be under my car. I call Chato out. He looks under the hood and under the car nothing. Next, I pop the trunk. We both take several steps back and cover our mouths. Literally, the stench knocks us back. Chato looks at me ans says, "I can't."

Fearful, he might pass out or puke, I head in. After a second I find that I have left a grocery bag in the car which was hidden by soccer stuff. Inside the bag was previously frozen chicken breasts. Something already dead was decomposing in my car. It was horrible. My car has been airing out for two days. Can I please have a minivan now?

All I want for Christmas...

Me: What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?

Felix: A jet pack.

Me: Like the buzz light Year backpack thing?

Felix: No a jet pack that makes you fly.

Me: I don't think your old enough for that?

Felix: I am, I am a big kid.

Me: Do you have a license?

Felix: Um, No.

ME: I think you have to be at least old enough to Drive a Car to get a Jet pack.

Felix: How many is that again?

Me: 16

Felix: Will you count with me how many before I can get the jet pack?

Me: sure.. 4,5, 6, 7, ...16.

Felix: So, after my superhero birthday, I can get my jet pack.

Oh Dear lord...

Facebook Oddities

So, a couple of weeks ago, I got a friend request from a girl who made out with my boyfriend in High School. I thought this was odd since when he didn't break up with me, she then preceded to let he air out of my tires at my work. Nice, huh. For my part, I was sorta vindictive and mean. I made him tell her off, while I listened, and then I broke up with him.

Anywhoo, needless to say the befriending caught me off guard. I had not thought about this girl in at least 15 years, so I was interested to see why she had befriended me. She hasn't contacted me on facebook, but perhaps I can take all the farm animal gifts she keeps trying to send as a peace offering.

Strangely enough, a week goes by, and the ex-boyfriend sends a friend request. Curiosity killed the Cat and I accepted his "friendship". He looks basically the same, but with short hair. He plays in some garage band, and his profile pic has him holding a can of beer. I guess that cliche the more things change the more they stay the same, might be true here.I thought maybe I would get an apology. Like, hey sorry I was such a jacka**. Glad your doing well. Nah, I got nothing.

So, later that week I see someone was friends with this girl that I took Driver's Ed with. I wasn't particular nice to this person, and sometimes kinda mean. If Karma is any indicator, I got a D in Driver's Ed, and I am a terrible Driver. So, I wrote her an apology letter, because that is what I would have liked to have gotten from those other people, and more importantly that was what she deserved. The subject line was Better Late than Never.

"Thanks for accepting my friend request. I wanted to drop you a note to tell you I am sorry for some of the jokes I made in High School. It was mean and inconsiderate. I am embarrassed at how I acted at 15. I got a D in Drivers Ed, and I am still a bad driver to this day, so hopefully I got what I deserved ;). You look happy in your photos and I wish you well. Sincerely, Seis

Making amends (even 20 years later) feels nice.

Halloween Hilarity

Last nite was the annual preschool/church Halloween Carnival. Yes, I said Halloween and church in the same sentence. Our preschool/church actually celebrates Halloween, which is one of the reasons we chose it. I know you are thinking that when looking for your preschool you were considering instruction, creative play, and pedagogy. Not me, I just wanted to know they would have a great Halloween Party, and they do.

They have a haunted house in the church basement, ran by the church teenagers. Oscar really wanted to go. Felix not so much. Oscar begged and pleaded. I was hesitant after I heard that a group of his classmates didn't make it all the way down the stairs before they came crying back. Every time I tried to dissuade him he would say, "I am the Hulk I have big big muscles." I was worried if I let him go through the Haunted House and he got scared, that he might be scarred for life, or if he liked it and become a serial killer.

After, much discussion he managed to talk his buddy into going with him (no amount talking would convince Felix). So, down he went. At one point, his buddy started to get scared, but he looked over at Oscar and he was growling at the monsters. He kept telling them that "I am the hulk. I am mean. "followed by his growl. When we got out, he told me that he scared all those big kids. The teenagers couldn't hardly keep a straight face at the three year old that was growling at them. Maybe they are teaching reverse psychology at preschool?

Time = Money

So, today at lunch we were discussing Alice.com , and how much we love it. If you loathe Wal-Mart, but feel guilty for overspending on everyday stuff at Publix or Target, then Alice is your new BFF.
Basically, you can get all the stuff you would normally buy at Walmart for the same price or lower than Wal-Mart, and you don't have to deal with the horrible shopping experience that is the essence of Wally World. You like to clip coupons.. me too, and Alice does clipless coupons making the deals even sweeter. Plus, it is shipped straight to your door for free and no sales tax. There is a minimum 6 item purchase, but on your first time they will waive the 6 item limit (ssshh! that is a secret).

I find I save money, by not going into Wal-mart and buying stuff that I didn't realize I needed until I got there. Somehow, Wally is a vortex. Go in for two things come out with four. You can raise that figure to the tenth power once my foot crosses the Target Threshold.
Try it Out



Let me know what you think.
Use the referral button and once you spend 50$ they should send you a 10$ coupon.

I personally, have just booked marked it on my laptop, and when I see something getting low, I add it to my list. When there are 6 items in my cart I press send. In three days I have all the stuff I ordered. It is like magic.

The free stuff keeps coming

Barnes and Nobles has a coupon for a free cookie and kid’s size hot cocoa on October 24th.
Barnes and Noble’s Hot Cocoa Cookie
and Sears is giving away a free Mattel Toy for every kid dressed in a Costume on October 31st:
Free Toy

Wordless Wednesday ~ Hand Soap

Yes, it really is soap. Sorta creepy and funny.. perfect for Halloween. If you wanna buy some head over here

More free Stuff.

I hae already done this, and I got the coupon. It works.
Edible Arrangements: Free box of dipped fruit--first 100,000 only

Go here to become a fan of Edible Arrangements on Facebook and then go here to sign up for a coupon for a free box of six chocolate-dipped fruits. Offer is good for the first 100,000 people who sign up. The coupon will be emailed to you within 1-2 days.
No purchase is necessary but delivery costs will apply. (If you have a local store, I'm thinking that perhaps you could possibly pick it up without incurring any charges, but I'm not certain on that.)
At any rate, this would be a great and inexpensive way to surprise someone special in your life! The coupon is valid through November 21, 2009.

Freebies make Me Happy

Kodak Gallery: Free $15 gift code to 300,000

The first million people to register here with Kodak Gallery will get a free gift. 300,000 of those free gifts will be a $15 gift code--which would be perfect to use to purchase some Christmas gifts for grandparents or to get photos printed to include in your Christmas cards.
Go here to sign up and see if you win a $15 gift code. It only takes about 30 seconds to do and I just signed up and already received my $15 gift code via email!
Thanks, More Than Cents!
By the way, be sure to click thru Ebates first to redeem your gift code as they are offering 20% cashback right now!

Just Say No

So, Chato started his new job and has been out of town during the week. Since I am sorta a single parent now, I am trying harder than ever to stay on top of things. Housework, Work, Playtime, all those things that are easier when you have someone to split it. I am bound and determined to make this not only work, but to see my family thrive. Therefore, I am being super selective on what I commit to these days.

I don't want to seem flaky, and I just don't want to over commit (over committing is my Achilles heal). I am focused and organized. This means alot less "me" time and a lot less "social" time, but my family is worth it. Those people who love me will be there when the dust settles, and the outpouring of support has been wonderful. Thank you- to all those of you who have offered a hand, I might still need it.

Remember, No is only a two letter word not four.

Haunted Gingerbread House

The Box Image

Our House

Oscar.. the Proud Parent of an ugly house.

Consumer Seis

I am elated and over the moon. They are opening a new Target that is much closer to me. I should feel bad about this, but I don't.

Halloween Happiness - The Review Edition

So, anyone who knows me, knows Halloween is by far my favorite Holiday. The twins have their costume, I am going to be the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. Gotta re purpose the Easter Bunny costume. So, on with the month long Holiday extravaganza. I am going to try and share our picks and pans, in hopes that it will inspire.

Hubby and I dislike scary movies, but every year we watch them just for the month Halloween. It really gets us in the spirit. Friday night we drank a bottle of Gnarly Head Zinfindel . It was very yummy and the bottle had a very spooky label. We rented El Orfanto (The Orphanage), which listed Guillermo del Torro at the top of the case. He directed Pan's Labyrinth, if you haven't seen it rent it right away. It would be a great Halloween rental.

Basically in a nutshell, it is what is subtracted when you take "The Others" and add the "Sixth Sense". Plus, as a mom it is hard for me to watch movies where children are abused in any way. It was pretty and creepy, but not gory. So a good pick for Chato and I, but can't recommend it.

I started to read the Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. It is a thriller about Dracula. I am 165 pages in and it is moving about as fast as a snail in a marathon. Can't waste my horror month on a 600+ page snoozer. I am setting it free. I got a suggestion for a Batman graphic novel, and thought why not. So, I will be picking it up Wed. at the library. I have never read a comic and the only graphic novel I read was MAUS. So I am somewhat excited about it.

Went to Scarecrows in the Garden, and maybe it was too early but there were not that many scarecrows. Holding off review until my second trip. I hope the bad economy hasn't axed this gem. Felix and Oscar loved it enough to want to make their own Scarecrow Garden in the front yard. It too is a work in progress. Right now, it consists of twin boy scarecrows and miniature pumpkins. We also made this Halloween Gingerbread House. I'll let y'all review it on Wordless Wednesday.

I love starting new traditions and hearing about unique ways to celebrate. Please share yours and inspire Seis.

Strange in Encounters

Today, i went hiking with musicmama.
It was just like that Finley Quaye song
Sun is shining
The weather is sweet yeah
Makes you wanna move
Your dancing feet - guess you could change that to hiking feet.

Anywhoo, as we were trotting back to the car, we were passed by a woman mountian biking wearing bright red lipstick. I loved it. Her spirit really shined through, and if it wouldn't have been way too bizzarre, I would have flagged her down and requested to be her friend. I thought it was awesome. I wish I looked better in red. This stranger made my day. What a totally cool free spirit.

Girl Next Door

So, I realize I may get alot of heated comments, for doing something political but I simply can't help it. No worries, "I got my big girl panities on" ;). I am soo sick and tired of hearing about how bad the health care bill is and how hardworking Americans don't need it. How the stimulus is just bailing out bankers and buying people cars. Well my suburban friends, I am very grateful for the stimulus.

Obama's stimulus allowed me to have health care for the past five months while my husband looked for a job. We were very fortunate. We had no credit card debt, a decent savings, and he got a severance package. However, if we would have had to pay the full COBRA for the past four months of 1400$ a month, plus our plans 20% we may have gone broke. Our alternative was to insure our kids and go without insurance for ourselves. However, the stimulus package subsidized our insurance.

We are a middle class family, both of us our college educated, and we were on the brink of the millions of uninsured. I think an option for everyone is important. I don't think it is right that you pay four times more for a doctor visit if you don't have insurance than if you have BC/BS. We already pay taxes to help Special Need students get the care and education they deserve at school and we pay for grandma's social security even if she never worked. It is the right thing to do. It wouldn't be right for me to say since my kid doesn't need special help at school that I don't want my tax dollars to go to get little johnny down the street an aide. Likewise, people who never have kids go to school, still pay into the education system.

I know some people will complain that we don't have the money right now, as a country. I agree. However, when we had a huge surplus under Clinton we were too greedy to pass the bill then. I think sometimes the right thing to do, just isn't easy. No child in America should go without healthcare. If I was that close, think about all the other Americans with less oppurtunity and their children.

Music

I am a music snob. I really need help. I usually only like obscure music, and I hate it when a band I loved forever gets played on the radio, adds a string section, and gets overproduced. . I know I need help.. and if anyone can suggest a good 12 step program..I am ready.

There is however an exception to this rule. Michael Franti and Spearhead (I had to add spearhead because I have seen him without them and he needs them). I love him and think he is the king of happiness spreading. However, his shows are not air conditioned so be prepared if you see him in the south during the summer. Recently, his Say Hey song has been getting a ton of air play. I am happy for him. I just hope he doesn't go commercial and add a string section.

I have been watching this video every morning. It keeps me grounded. Even if you have seen the video or heard the song, watch it again. You can't help but smile.

Supportive or Stupid...

It is a fine line. You decide. Today I came back from the park with the kids to see a bloody trail leading to the master bath. Some people would worry about a serial killer hiding in the house to pounce, but not me. I already knew what awaited me. There was chato covered in blood trying to stop the bleeding from the half dollar sized hole in his elbow.

The same elbow you will remember that had a smaller but significant hole in it 2 months ago, and 2 months before that had staph from an even worse bike accident. I had asked him to wear elbow pads after the second accident. When I questioned him about his promise, he explained that he hadn't planned to fall. Much like the gambling addict that spends your savings, because he doesn't plan to lose.

Most people, tell me to make him quit that he is too old for these shenanigans. However, this is the man I married. I am not sure if it is right to try and change him. To make matters worst, this was incorporated into our wedding vows. We promised to support each other in recreation. When you meet kayaking this seems like an important commitment.

I made him go get the stitches and x-rays and they cut away a bunch of dead flesh they were afraid would rot. The x-ray showed gravel the ER doctor could not remove. So he is off to an Orthopedic Surgeon tomorrow to see if he needs to have it removed. He made me promise not to tell the Dr. he was going about 30 mph when he fell. He told him he was just skating. He thinks I was being a nervous Nelly and a drama queen. I really want him around for a long time, and I am done having kids so I don't want to change any more diapers either. Where is Anne Landers or K-Mom when you need them?

Murphy's Law... and the path to Hell

Whenever, I get use to something, Bam it changes. I was all set to move, and Chato's new manager called and said not get a realtor. I guess that means we are stayin put. Musicmama is psyched, but that means my fresh start and free spirit dream is halted. Plus, we had already started the porch project in order to rent/sell the house, which I would have waited on if a move wasn't in the works.

I read this article where this woman posted all the positive things she gained from being in abusive relationship. It was inspiring because she cited being a good negotiater and being able to bob and weave as credits. Perhaps, with some perspective I will be able to do the same.

Well, it has come to my attention (by Blue momma), that this blog isn't all sunshine and rainbows. So, I took out the second paragraph of this post, because she is right. there has been snark on this blog. I won't take down the previous posts, but I wanted this to be a positive thing. I am sorry if it hasn't. I have tried to show the silver lining to the bad stuff, because life is sometimes crappy. It is how you deal with it.

Roots

No, I am not heading back to Africa the ancestral mother land. I am talking about getting settled. I have never been a settle down kinda girl. Almost everywhere I have been in my life has been a stop on my next adventure.

Alabama has been sorta hiccup. Recently, everyone has been commenting on how I don't wanna live here or there and I just nod and uhhuh. I was talking to my sister how someone was lamenting on how they knew I didn't want to live in Atlanta.
She quickly replied, "You didn't ever want to live in Alabama did you?"

I was taken aback. she was right. I never did want to live in Alabama. In fact, i cried the first time I ever came here, because I thought it was so terrible. I would spend the next five years trying to move. Something always stood in our way. Now, I have settled down. some call this a routine, others a rut. I like to call it roots. Either way, I felt panicked and fear stricken by moving.

This isn't me. I am not a good Southern Lady. I am loud, and tacky and always say the wrong thing. I hate monogramming, jon-jon's, ginormous girl hair bow's, bleach blond hair, and giving your kids last names for first names. I don't belong. However, I have grown to love it here, despite all the odd occurrences, and was even thinking about monogramming my bathroom towels. BTW, there is no way I am going to get one of those back windshield monograms- Ever.

Cory and I use to have a saying "It isn't where you are it is who you are." I wanna be that girl again. That free spirit. My Mom always said that the dolly Parton song "Wildflowers" reminded her of me. I need to remember that part of me that has gotten swallowed by suburbia.

Hypocrite Seis

When, I was about 11 or 12 my Mom took me on one of my most favorite childhood vacations to Nags Head, NC and the Great Smokey Mountains. It was great because my Dad wasn't there, and my mom let us eat chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.

There were downsides to the vacation. For instance, a seagull pooped in my hair on a ferry to an outer bank island. This was the eighties friends, and I had big poofy hair. Plus, this was an uninhabited island which meant I had to suck up the poop and try to get it out with a towel and be happy with the crust that was much stiffer than the aquanet I was using. Not a great moment for a tween. The tide was so fierce we could hardly swim in the ocean, and my brothers whined all the way up the sand dune at Kitty hawk. BTW, if you throw a tantrum or cry on any vacation or holidayin my family, my mom made sure to take pictures of you. This just made you more pissed off and want to cry more.

As an adult, I berated my Mom about this vacations. Why would she let us feed marshmallows to caged black bears in cages? She had our pictures taken with Cherokee Indians in full head dresses outside of staged tee pees (fyi- the Cherokee neither wore these costumes or lived in tee pees until tourism). Wasn't she politically correct? Wasn't she worried about scarring us?

Nah, it was fun for us, and that is all she cared about. She did later admit feeling sorry for the black bears, but she said that was my brothers favorite part. Now, I realize how hard of a vacation that must have been for her to take, with three kids by herself. How thankful I am to have those memories. I too, have started the cliche tourist trend with my kids. I let them stop by a petting zoo in Gadsden that was in a Food Lion parking Lot on our way to Nocculula Falls (really Peta should have been there it was horrendous and Chato and I felt dirty when we left). We went to the underground lake tour in Tennessee (might as well set that 50 dollars on fire), and this year will venture to the dreaded Alabama State Fair. I am sure the people watching will be great, and the kids will love it, but I might be emotionally scarred afterward. But that my friend is what a Mother does.

Never say Never...

So, When i got pregnant we had a lot of choices to make. At first, we planned to get a part time nanny so that I could keep my job. Then I found out I was having twins. I was going to quit my job. Then Chato (hubby's south American nickname) decided to take a new position that did not require travel, and I would go to work part time at night. We said we would never have jobs that required us to be separated as a fmaily. It worked great...until he got laid off.

Now, he has been offered a job with so many contingencies, I don't know how to plan. He has six months of training. Half of which is in Connecticut. In a better economy, we would turn this job down. However, this has been the only offer near his previous salary, and we won't have to sell our house. So now we have a lot of those same choices facing us. Do i keep my job? Do we get a nanny? Things are changing my friend. Let us hope they are or the better.

The circumstances of the world are so variable that an irrevocable purpose or opinion is almost synonymous with a foolish one. ~William H. Seward

She is soo fake...

You know those people who seem to have the need to profess ad nauseum how great they are and how their life and kids are absolutely perfect (ahem not this blog.. I would never be one of those people;). It usually comes off as fake and insincere, especially when coupled with other details. Anyway, I was thinking maybe those people are practicing my favorite enlightened principle - Fake it till you Make it.

I mean isn't it better to act happy even if it is fake, then to bitch and complain and be miserable all the time. This isn't to mean that Seis, never has a bad day. Friday I had to lend my BIL a 1000$ to get out of jail. Which I am quite sure, was one of the worst decisions I have ever made. However, I had to look on the bright side. So I got gussied up, and went to Bunco and told everyone that I at least did the right thing. In theory, if it was Felix and Oscar, I would want their wife to lend the money. BlueMomma was nice and didn't call me an idiot, and I had too much to drink. After a couple of hours of drinking and faking it, I really did feel better.

So, next time you think that lady who talks about how great her marriage is, or how her kids are secret rocket scientists, and how all her friends are the coolest is full of shit.. just remember... she probably is, but maybe it is her way of dealing. Plus, I much rather hear how great some one's life is than how shitty it is.

“If you haven't got it. Fake it! Too short? Wear big high heels, but do practice walking!” - Victoria Beckham

Thoughts for Thursday

Maybe my Happiness Bandwagon isn't full of Shit...

So, not only is the kool-aid yummy, but happiness really is contagious. The British Medical Journal published a 20 year study on happiness. Basically, it says that happy people are surrounded by happy people. That the happiest people are at the center of their social network, and people radiate out from them. I find this to be true of my life. Kimtastic is definately a happy hub for alot of people I know. So, from now on I am going to try and spread happiness, one friend at a time. Watch out Seis is coming for you... and I am riding a unicorn pulling a wagon full of rainbows.

I mean doesn't that guy look like he is spreading happiness. Unicorns are the answer my friend.

My Blog Nemesis ~ Wordless Wednesday

Happiness is ... Friendship

When I was a little girl, I had this Peanuts book that was called Happiness is... On every page was a simple statement of what happiness is. It is part of a the Charles Schulz Happiness Treasury. If ever I am in the mood to blow money again, perhaps I will purchase it on Ebay. This image is it's most popular pop icon:

When i was a girl, I loved to read the books over and over again. There was a Love book, a Happiness book, a Christmas book and a Friends book. I thought about it today and wondered what I might write as an adult.

• Friendship is knowing that someone "gets you" and appreciates your peculiarities.
• Friendship is telling the truth even when it isn't what they want to hear.
• Friendship is not holding it against the person who told you their honest opinion.
• Friendship is not being judged for your mistakes, but loved through them.
• Friendship is offering your hand out to help the other person, even if your other hand is full.

Thanks to all my FRIENDS you truly make me Happy.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss

Back to School.

Yes, it that time of year. Some people like Spring, I personally LOVE Fall. For me, it is a time of new beginnings, of hope, and wonder. Not to mention my birthday fast approaching. So, as a rite of passage I go back to school, as i have done every year since I was four. It feels warm and comfortable and most of all hopeful. The boys are just as excited and their anticipation makes me happy. They will have different class rooms this year, and I hope they love school as much as I do. As you see, I never left.


Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. ~John Dewey

Happy Nepaleese Friendship Day

Mark your calendars it is the first Sunday in August. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.

I wanna be the warm light that spreads over everyone I love.

Wordless Wednesday

Alaska Day 1 and Day 2

Well, the first day was just the usual getting settled in. We had dinner and I hit the sack early, which caused me to wake at 4:30 to full sunshine. Thank god for black out curtains.

The next day, we woke ate our complimentary breakfast and headed off to the Saturday market. They had every cliche Alaskan item ever and food: reindeer corndogs, salmon quesadillas, and funnel cake. I was in Hog Heaven. Here is me wearing some type of dead animal on my head.

After, the market we continued down the Kenai Pennisula toward Seward. Having no agenda we decided to see some glaciers. First we stopped at Portage, with the hoards of tour bus's carrying Japanese tourists. Luckily for us, they were more than willing to take out picture. Not outside with the glacier mind you, it was too frakin cold and the wind was like 30 mph. Crazy. Instead we viewed it from some glassed in room in the visitor center. Here is Cory and I at the visitor center. He kept trying to get me to feel up smoky the bear for the pic.

Next, we went to exit glacier. You can walk right up to the glacier to a certain point. Then there is a rope. Cory said we had come all this way that we weren't going to let some falling ice and the man keep us down. So, we ducked under the rope partitioning us off and got an up close view. It is amazing. I think you'll agree it was worth risking the fine. It was the most amazing blue, I have ever seen.

On the way out to thee parking lot. We took some video of our black bear encounter.

We has intended to camp on Day 2 and their was a nice city campground on the water in Seward, but it was raining. i can rough it, but even I don't like to camp in the rain. So Cory negotiated a budget hotel with a view of the water for ninety dollars. We went to the Yukon Bar after we ate dinner. They were ALaSKA, yes a ska band in Alaska playing standards. I guess that is about as far from Jaimaica as possible. Several people in the bar confused me with a local who lives in a blue house, but then told us we definitely had to come back the next night to see Hobo Jim, a true Alaskan experience.

I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine. ~Caskie Stinnett

Wordless Wednesday ~ Alaskan Wierdos

Hooker and Kids a match made in...

Heaven.. surely only God could create something this beautiful.
Day 2 of the Ashevegas Extavanganza, was a trip to Hooker Falls. Nature makes me HAPPY.

“A river is more than an amenity, it is a treasure”

Chicken Dance

While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about.~Angela Schwindt

School's Out For Summer

Today is my first day of Summer Break. Anyone, who knows me knows that I won't be on the computer for most of the summer, so it is best to text or phone me. We are as we speak, headed to Asheville, NC. We are trying to look at this time together as a precious gift, and truly make the most of being unencumbered by the constraints of work and school.

We are going to visit friends and play in the fresh air. The boys are excited to see the mountains, and our friends are delighted to see how they have grown. It will be good for my soul. I often have to block out the mountains calling me home.

Maybe it is time I started to Listen.

“When we tire of well-worn ways, we seek for new. This restless craving in the souls of men spurs them to climb, and to seek the mountain view.” - Ella Wheeler Willcox

Wordless Wednesday - Beam Me Up Bradley

Quick update

I have changed the comment moderation to allow for anonymous comments. Actually, I did not know that it wasn't set to do so until someone pointed it out. Feel free to leave snarky pain in the ass comments. Leave your name or don't, I will accept them all with open arms. Sorry, to anyone including my sister who wanted to comment and couldn't. Just remember Seis is an equal opportunist. Come one, Come all.

"Without an open-minded mind, you can never be a great success."- Martha Stewart

Life's Little Ironies

So, last fall I placed 150 pages on why I should be promoted into a packet to be reviewed by basically everyone else I worked with. This in itself is kinda an odd peculiarity of academia. Nonetheless, I sent it in and waited. and I waited..and I waited. The last faculty meeting rolled around where they announce the promotions and nothing was announced. Not mine or any of the others. I took this as an ominous sign.

However, Monday rolled around and as I was deleting my weekend junk mail there was a message from the provost announcing my promotion. I am now Associate Professor. When I called Hubby to tell him. He simply replied "What were you before?" Nothing like family to keep you humble. Well, exactly one week after hubby gets canned, I get promoted.

"Life's a roller coaster might as well throw your hands up and enjoy the ride." - Seis

At least I still have a Uterus....

Ok, cut me some slack. I know that the two people who follow this blog, will notice that it is backdated. This might be considered cheating, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

At my after race celebration, we were talking about all the crazy things that go on in your life. Those unexpected things you never thought you would do as a parent, etc. They were stories of guilt and humor and the realization that we were all children of horribly negligent parents. Really, where was DHR when we driving around without car seats, pedaling our bikes without helmets, and walking to the neighborhood convenience store without supervision? The way the media acts we are phenomena an outlier lucky to have survived.

This conversation morphed into the strange things children do to your bodies. As we all griped about the spreading of hips and sagging of boobs, one Mom retorted "at least you still have a uterus, mine fell apart." We busted out laughing. It became the catch phrase of the day, and it made me think of the fact that no matter how hard your situation is, some one has it worse. At least I still have my Uterus.

Thanks girls for keeping it Real.

"Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”- Anonymous

Slow and Steady Seis wins the Race

OK. I didn't actually win but I did finish. Today, my friends Queen B, K-Mom, and I ran a 5k. It was the first race for K-Mom and I, but Queen B was an old pro and was so sweet and reassuring. The race was the annual zoo run, and it was so much fun. I was actually scared and a little dare I say, pessimistic about before I ran. We all did better than we expected, and were so elated to have accomplished our goal. We met up for lunch with a few more friends and celebrated our personal victories.

If you like to people watch, the race is great showcase. There was a guy who ran the whole thing barefoot. Two girls who dressed up as the Turtle and the Hare, and the turtle actually beat the hare. A little boy about seven, who smoked us in the 5 k that looked like a little greek god with his blond pony tail, and everyone in between.

They were handing out medals for the kids race, and I was so jealous that I talked the teen handing them out to give me three for us. I really felt like we deserved more than a T-shirt. I wore the medal to lunch.

I mean really doesn't life need more flare?

"Great is victory, but the friendship of all is greater."____Emil Zatopek

Debbie Downer

So, Felix has taken up making this sound sporadically. Every so often he will go "womp womp". You, know that sound they do in that SNL skit for Debbie Downer. He seems to uncannily know when I am whiny and bust it out. It always makes me laugh.

Doesn't he know I am the new positive Seis? Well, I guess that is what I get for complaining about running a race that I volunteered for and organized. Hopefully, tomorrow he will change his studio audience soundtrack into a cheer track.

Thanks Felix for keeping it real.

Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours” - Swedish Proverb

Sunshine Makes me Happy

This has got to be the rainiest spring in Alabama history. OK, maybe I exaggerate, and this is probably magnified by the fact that we have been in a drought for years, but it has been raining like we live in Seattle. This afternoon was sunny and hot. Just as the South should be. We took the kids to the pool and the whole family swam. It was lovely.

It suppose to rain all weekend, so I am glad we got out while we could. Maybe next time the sun decides to visit, I will get a rainbow. You can't have a cocktail with only one ingredient.

On another Happy note, only three more days till summer. Can't wait.

Wacky Wordless Wednesday

Drive Thru Recession

So, today was really hard. I found out that my work will not give me health insurance, and we will have to COBRA hubby's. I cried when the HR lady called me on the phone. She was so nice, and I started to feel sorry for her. What a bad job it must be to fire people and tell them that you can't give their family health insurance.

Well, I decided to move on with my day and get hubby prepared for the job search. I went to the cleaners and while in line, I overheard a woman ranting from her Lexus. She was going on and on about how the recession was just media hype. All I could do is laugh like a crazy maniacal serial killer. I swear sometimes all you can do is laugh.

Later at Casa de Crisis, our friend Wes arrived just as we were going through Hubby's severance package. He commented on the bad timing, but then retorted, "Hell, if I get fired at least five times a year. You only get fired once every five years. I think you will make it."

He goes on to tell us how he had no power for a week, because he couldn't pay the bill. That he was on the phone with his baby mama, and could hear his son begging to go to daddy's house.

After, about the third request his Baby Mama curly replied, "Your Daddy ain't got no power." He said how white trash he felt. Knowing Wes the story was embellished for my benefit, and I thanked him it was very funny and really helped the situation.

He went on to complain that Cory wouldn't come over and visit him while he was without power. Without missing a beat, Hubby says " I drove by but I didn't see any lights so I thought no one was home." We were rolling in laughter and my day was instantly better. Funny friends are priceless.

What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul. ~Yiddish Proverb

When One Door Closes...

Well, on Day 2 of the Year of Happiness my hubby lost his job. He is upset and, I am sorry he is sad. However, he hated his job. Hew was good at it, but he didn't like it at all. I am hoping this unfortunate turn of events yields a great opportunity. I am very optimistic and extremely hopeful. His next job will be lucky to have him.

I am just grateful to have a husband that is hard working, loving, and faithful. If he never found a job, I would be the luckiest (albeit poor) woman in the world.

Quote of the Day:
“Sometimes I think [my husband] is so amazing that I don't know why he's with me. I don't know whether I'm good enough. But if I make him happy, then I'm everything I want to be.”

A Year of Happiness

People seem stuck on all the woes, worries, and drama in their lives. I have recently been wallowing in an egocentric puddle of self pity this last week. For example, my hubby's really sick, dishwasher broken, a/c out, and generally being overwhelmed.

I started to lose sight of the other side of the coin. I have a great hubby that perservered and went to work for his family despite his physical discomfort, and managed to fix the dishwasher by himself. I am fortunate enough to have a home and the money to fix my a/c. Being overwhelmed is just another way of realizing I have a very full life.

So, No more self pity from Seis. (post Script: I am really sorry K-Mom that I called you and ranted about all the stuff I didn't want to hear about, but made you listen to). Everyday, I am going to post something happy. I hope you will do the same. Feel free to comment with whatever made you smile or laugh today. If you see something here that might help change someone's day pass it on. Remeber, happiness is contagious

Today is Mother's Day. I am happy to be a Mama, and I am glad to have such wonderful grandmothers for them as well. I am truly blessed and thankful.

Quote of the day:
Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.
-Mother Teresa