Okay....today was the Halloween Parade at my sons school. So, in order to see all 3 of my boys I jumped on my bike, left work early (but not as early as I had intended) and rode hard to catch the parade.
While riding my little heart out, I of course went through the bike path....the same on that a week or so ago I had the squirrels playing chicken on....today they gave me a new twist. One of the little critters ran out right at my front wheel. I had no time to do anything but grab my handlebars tightly and hold on. He hits my spokes, spins up, hits my fork and falls backwards then runs back into the woods. I hope he's alright. I'm thankful that I didn't crash, break anything on my bike and that there are no blood and guts on my bike either.
So, I get to the school, breathing hard and hoping I haven't missed the parade since I'm now 7 minutes late. I get to the street that they are supposed to turn on to go back into the school just as the first Kindergarten teacher comes around the corner. I was thrilled to have made it in time.
Now my kids hadn't expected to see me...I had told them when they asked that I wasn't sure if I would be there but not to be disappointed if they didn't see me. It almost brought a tear to my eyes when they each saw me standing there waving at them and saw that big smile spread across their faces! I was so happy that I was able to make them that happy!
After the parade I rode out to our Local Bike Shop and talked to Tobie about making my Trek commuter friendly for the fall/winter/spring. I also talked to, I think, Mary (forgive me if that's the wrong name...if it's not Mary it's Kathy). Anyway, we discussed the new Orbea's that they are carrying now. Talk about lusting after something. That bike is Sexy!
Anyway, that has been my day thus far. I have to take a quick shower, make something quick for the kids for dinner then take them out trick or treating! Happy, happy, joy, joy!
Peace, love and all those things!
A blog about my exploits on my bike, my adventures with my camera, my life of rock and roll concerts, my 4 kids, and just about any other topic I think worth talking about.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
A Lovely Day
It was a gorgeous day! A little chilly this morning but this evening when I left work (I left really late and had to race home trying to get here before darkness set in totally) it was still nice out.
As I was riding into work this morning I turned onto the bike path and about 1/4 mile into the path noticed two deer up ahead of me on the path, standing next to each other. Just standing there...as I approached they began running and I felt bad for having interrupted them. They darted off into the woods along the path. It was pretty cool though. Something I hadn't expected. It's the first time I've ever seen a deer, let alone 2 deer on that path.
Work was good too. Certain unnamed nosy person actually let me do my work and only left a note in my box asking me to check something 'at my convenience' WOW...I'm happy about that and hope it stays that way! Crossing fingers!
Anyway, happy day! Tomorrow is Halloween (not my favorite holiday by a long shot but...) I have to play along.
As I was riding into work this morning I turned onto the bike path and about 1/4 mile into the path noticed two deer up ahead of me on the path, standing next to each other. Just standing there...as I approached they began running and I felt bad for having interrupted them. They darted off into the woods along the path. It was pretty cool though. Something I hadn't expected. It's the first time I've ever seen a deer, let alone 2 deer on that path.
Work was good too. Certain unnamed nosy person actually let me do my work and only left a note in my box asking me to check something 'at my convenience' WOW...I'm happy about that and hope it stays that way! Crossing fingers!
Anyway, happy day! Tomorrow is Halloween (not my favorite holiday by a long shot but...) I have to play along.
Green Bay Packers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My Packers are 6-1! WOOHOO! Brett Favre looked great out there. I always think he does!
Two weeks ago those jerk commentators were again going on with "Oh maybe Brett should think about retirement." "We are seeing the Brett that can't complete a pass." What a bunch of jerks!
Brett Favre is hands down one of the best, if not THE best Quarterback ever! (yeah Biased opinion I know!) however, he plays the game with all his heart in it. He gives his all...sometimes he's off..it happens.
Good grief I sit behind a desk all day and sometimes I can't seem to get my 'stuff' together and get what I need done...so why should it be any different for him?
Anyway....The Packers are 6-1! That is awesome! I'm doing the happy dance! Oh yeah and Gary if you read this....WE BEAT YOUR BRONCOS!!! WOOT!
GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Need Panniers for my bike
Okay, can't haul that backpack around much longer on my bike. Especially with winter coming I need to be able to move a little more freely and with a big heavy coat on I just don't know how all this is going to work.
Besides needing the basic gear (pants, long fingered gloves etc) I also need panniers for my bike so that I can lug all my stuff around and have a little more freedom.
If anyone has any they are looking to unload let me know. I'm willing to "wheel n deal" .
Besides needing the basic gear (pants, long fingered gloves etc) I also need panniers for my bike so that I can lug all my stuff around and have a little more freedom.
If anyone has any they are looking to unload let me know. I'm willing to "wheel n deal" .
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Oh Happy Day....
I'm heading to bed soon. It's been a long day.
Got up at 4 something a.m. cuz Bob had to be at work at 5 a.m.
Then made cinnamon rolls for the kids, left to work...got home, left with Cassy to go buy Luke's birthday present.
Okay, it doesn't seem like that much but it all took a long time.
Not going to finish watching the game tonight. I figure The Red Sox are going to win.
Trying to go riding in the morning before everyone is up and about.
Cassy and Luke are at a Halloween Party tonight just down the street. I can actually hear the kids laughing from where I'm sitting now :)
Got up at 4 something a.m. cuz Bob had to be at work at 5 a.m.
Then made cinnamon rolls for the kids, left to work...got home, left with Cassy to go buy Luke's birthday present.
Okay, it doesn't seem like that much but it all took a long time.
Not going to finish watching the game tonight. I figure The Red Sox are going to win.
Trying to go riding in the morning before everyone is up and about.
Cassy and Luke are at a Halloween Party tonight just down the street. I can actually hear the kids laughing from where I'm sitting now :)
Friday, October 26, 2007
Trapping nosy people
While I like the idea of leaving "traps" for her (per the comment left by Midnight Rider) the problem is she just doesn't care.
I left a note on my computer screen that read "Good Morning, hope you find what you are looking for" that was 2 months ago...she doesn't care! She has no respect for others and really no respect for herself either!
Someone at work said they thought I should put a mouse trap in my desk drawer underneath a piece of paper...and while the idea puts a big grin on my face...well, I just can't quite do it.
She won't change. She's been caught red handed- she has no respect, decency or sense of boundaries.
I left a note on my computer screen that read "Good Morning, hope you find what you are looking for" that was 2 months ago...she doesn't care! She has no respect for others and really no respect for herself either!
Someone at work said they thought I should put a mouse trap in my desk drawer underneath a piece of paper...and while the idea puts a big grin on my face...well, I just can't quite do it.
She won't change. She's been caught red handed- she has no respect, decency or sense of boundaries.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Extraordinarily Nosy People
Okay, there is a certain person, who I will not name, that I work with. She is extremely nosy...going into everyone's offices when they are not in the building (she gets there before the butt crack of dawn so no one will catch her doing it).
She has a key to all of these offices but isn't supposed to. Even when a key gets taken away she still manages to get another (probably has several spare sets and a lock picking set at home just in case).
She also happens to be someone I report to. She goes through everything in my office with a fine tooth comb. I know this because I come into my office and things are missing, I've repeatedly asked that if she take something from my office she leave a note letting me know, she refuses to do this because that would mean showing some respect for someone and she seems to be incapable of such a thing. She also leaves notes on all of my things, can't leave a note about what she takes but leaves notes all over my desk and my books such as "be sure you call her daughter and let her know x, x, and y". If I don't report almost every move of mine to her, she comes into my office and looks to see where I've been on the computer, what insurance companies I have contacted etc. and will just leave notes all over my office and my files which are supposed to be reminders of things to do about each account but honestly are just another form of control to her because they annoy the (insert appropriate curse word here) out of me and are unnecessary because I actually do my job and do it pretty darn well.
Aside from this annoyance she also will take things that have been put in my "mailbox" in the front office, open letters addressed to me, open notes from my receptionists and just all around be extremely nosy. She will then try to come up with an excuse when she's called on it and say "Oh, I wasn't sure if you were going to be here early (I'm in the office before 9 a.m. every day and everyone knows that) and didn't know if it was something that needed to be addressed right away" which is a huge crock of you know what...insert appropriate term. Or she will try to act like she did something to help you out...also a crock.
Everyone in the building is frustrated by this. People talk behind her back all the time, discussing the latest thing she's done to someone. She also "taddles" to our corporate office constantly.
The problem is that no one will call her on the floor. Because at least in part, she is the person who brings in lots of money and does a damn good job doing her job, the problem is she spends 20 - 30 hours a week being nosy, checking to make sure I've done my job etc so then ends up with 20 - 30 hours of overtime each week because she can't get her job done in the time she should be able to.
It's ridiculous but no one, not even the corporate office will tell her off. She used to be a corporate person so she has that "protection".
Anyway, I've about had it. I haven't had someone stand over my shoulder so much since I was in the first grade in Rankin and Mrs. Collins used to stand over my shoulder yelling at me about how I spoke or wrote (Portuguese was my first language so English was my second and it made it a little difficult to do things correct sometimes, until I learned the language a little better). I really can't work under someone who constantly goes through my things. I mean honestly, my husband and I have a very intimate relationship, you get the point, and he wouldn't go through my things the way she does! It's rude! I've had enough. So I'm on the hunt.
God Bless!
She has a key to all of these offices but isn't supposed to. Even when a key gets taken away she still manages to get another (probably has several spare sets and a lock picking set at home just in case).
She also happens to be someone I report to. She goes through everything in my office with a fine tooth comb. I know this because I come into my office and things are missing, I've repeatedly asked that if she take something from my office she leave a note letting me know, she refuses to do this because that would mean showing some respect for someone and she seems to be incapable of such a thing. She also leaves notes on all of my things, can't leave a note about what she takes but leaves notes all over my desk and my books such as "be sure you call her daughter and let her know x, x, and y". If I don't report almost every move of mine to her, she comes into my office and looks to see where I've been on the computer, what insurance companies I have contacted etc. and will just leave notes all over my office and my files which are supposed to be reminders of things to do about each account but honestly are just another form of control to her because they annoy the (insert appropriate curse word here) out of me and are unnecessary because I actually do my job and do it pretty darn well.
Aside from this annoyance she also will take things that have been put in my "mailbox" in the front office, open letters addressed to me, open notes from my receptionists and just all around be extremely nosy. She will then try to come up with an excuse when she's called on it and say "Oh, I wasn't sure if you were going to be here early (I'm in the office before 9 a.m. every day and everyone knows that) and didn't know if it was something that needed to be addressed right away" which is a huge crock of you know what...insert appropriate term. Or she will try to act like she did something to help you out...also a crock.
Everyone in the building is frustrated by this. People talk behind her back all the time, discussing the latest thing she's done to someone. She also "taddles" to our corporate office constantly.
The problem is that no one will call her on the floor. Because at least in part, she is the person who brings in lots of money and does a damn good job doing her job, the problem is she spends 20 - 30 hours a week being nosy, checking to make sure I've done my job etc so then ends up with 20 - 30 hours of overtime each week because she can't get her job done in the time she should be able to.
It's ridiculous but no one, not even the corporate office will tell her off. She used to be a corporate person so she has that "protection".
Anyway, I've about had it. I haven't had someone stand over my shoulder so much since I was in the first grade in Rankin and Mrs. Collins used to stand over my shoulder yelling at me about how I spoke or wrote (Portuguese was my first language so English was my second and it made it a little difficult to do things correct sometimes, until I learned the language a little better). I really can't work under someone who constantly goes through my things. I mean honestly, my husband and I have a very intimate relationship, you get the point, and he wouldn't go through my things the way she does! It's rude! I've had enough. So I'm on the hunt.
God Bless!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday things....
Today is pajama day at work. I have always had a hard time with pajama day...ever since initiation in Pep Club in high school. You know, rollers in the hair, makeup smeared on our faces, obnoxious pajamas...and then not only having to go to the main restaurant in town to eat but being paraded in front of the entire school and made to sing "WILD WILD WEST" ...that's traumatizing! LOL!
I'm probably not going to wear pajama's today. I tried to call my boss but she's not at work yet (this is a big surprise since usually she is there around 4:30 a.m.), was trying to get a feel for who might be going along with this whole thing.
I will be driving to work today. The bike is parked...my leg is still throbbing and even climbing into my truck today to take Bob to work hurt (hopefully he will have that water pump installed in his truck this weekend).
Cody is spending the night at Matthew's house tonight. This is kind of hurting Brendon's feelings. I feel bad for him but he has his own friends and I'm sure will spend the night at Matthew's another night.
Gaven is supposed to have Shelby spend the night this weekend. However, he has to finish his writing assignment before I let Shelby come over.
Tonight is also a home game for the football team which means I need to be there, especially since finding out that the band is playing the theme song from Rocky during the half time show! Yep, I'm a big nerd! I don't care! That was and still is one of my favorite movies!
Let's see what else? Working for Welsh's this weekend, so that I have extra money. Lord knows we can always use that!
All right, my free morning time is over, time to wake up the wonderful people of my house!
Have a good day everyone! Thanks for reading, hope you're amused at my constant state of discombobulation (as my son called it yesterday...the 7 year old..then asked me if I knew what that meant)!
I'm probably not going to wear pajama's today. I tried to call my boss but she's not at work yet (this is a big surprise since usually she is there around 4:30 a.m.), was trying to get a feel for who might be going along with this whole thing.
I will be driving to work today. The bike is parked...my leg is still throbbing and even climbing into my truck today to take Bob to work hurt (hopefully he will have that water pump installed in his truck this weekend).
Cody is spending the night at Matthew's house tonight. This is kind of hurting Brendon's feelings. I feel bad for him but he has his own friends and I'm sure will spend the night at Matthew's another night.
Gaven is supposed to have Shelby spend the night this weekend. However, he has to finish his writing assignment before I let Shelby come over.
Tonight is also a home game for the football team which means I need to be there, especially since finding out that the band is playing the theme song from Rocky during the half time show! Yep, I'm a big nerd! I don't care! That was and still is one of my favorite movies!
Let's see what else? Working for Welsh's this weekend, so that I have extra money. Lord knows we can always use that!
All right, my free morning time is over, time to wake up the wonderful people of my house!
Have a good day everyone! Thanks for reading, hope you're amused at my constant state of discombobulation (as my son called it yesterday...the 7 year old..then asked me if I knew what that meant)!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Some type of bite
Okay, talk about bad luck........I got bitten again by something. I think a spider, hubby says brown recluse. It's on my upper thigh (inner) and it is red, swollen, kind of throbbing and does not seem to be getting better.
I'm going to have to break down and call the doctors office tomorrow to see if I can g over there on my lunch break tomorrow.
I am going to have to do this because I can not walk without being in extreme pain at the moment! I mean it HURTS! Not trying to sound like a crybaby here but oh my gosh!
I'm also running a fever and have the chills as well as a bit of nausea at the moment. Trying to avoid the ER as I have no medical insurance...which sucks! But, it is what it is.
So tomorrow as soon as I get to work I'll call the Doctor's office. I'm sure he'll be happy to hear I've again been bitten by something and need his assistance! I hope he can fit me in.
Don't think I'm riding my bike to work tomorrow...because my leg hurts too much!
I'm going to have to break down and call the doctors office tomorrow to see if I can g over there on my lunch break tomorrow.
I am going to have to do this because I can not walk without being in extreme pain at the moment! I mean it HURTS! Not trying to sound like a crybaby here but oh my gosh!
I'm also running a fever and have the chills as well as a bit of nausea at the moment. Trying to avoid the ER as I have no medical insurance...which sucks! But, it is what it is.
So tomorrow as soon as I get to work I'll call the Doctor's office. I'm sure he'll be happy to hear I've again been bitten by something and need his assistance! I hope he can fit me in.
Don't think I'm riding my bike to work tomorrow...because my leg hurts too much!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Boring day...not much to say
Beautiful day even after it started to rain.
I worked about 12 hours today so I'm tired and don't have much to report on.
Gotta get up and do it again starting at 5 a.m. happy happy joy joy.
Thunderstorms in the forecast tomorrow, not really looking forward to the ride into work:(
I worked about 12 hours today so I'm tired and don't have much to report on.
Gotta get up and do it again starting at 5 a.m. happy happy joy joy.
Thunderstorms in the forecast tomorrow, not really looking forward to the ride into work:(
Near Miss
Last night riding home from work I had a near miss with a car.
As I approached the 4 - way stop about 3/4 of a mile from my house I was in the lane to go straight. I waited my turn, then started into the intersection, the whole time keeping my eye on a girl in a green car (I believe it was a ford) who was chatting away on her cell phone,quite oblivious to the world around her.
As I get into the intersection she pulls into it. I of course slammed on my brakes and missed her by maybe the width of a finger! It was really close.
I got home safely with a very elevated heart beat!
So, my thought for the day..."Put down the cell phones and pay attention people! I'd like to make it home safely as opposed to being a human burger on the roadway!"
As I approached the 4 - way stop about 3/4 of a mile from my house I was in the lane to go straight. I waited my turn, then started into the intersection, the whole time keeping my eye on a girl in a green car (I believe it was a ford) who was chatting away on her cell phone,quite oblivious to the world around her.
As I get into the intersection she pulls into it. I of course slammed on my brakes and missed her by maybe the width of a finger! It was really close.
I got home safely with a very elevated heart beat!
So, my thought for the day..."Put down the cell phones and pay attention people! I'd like to make it home safely as opposed to being a human burger on the roadway!"
Boobie Art
Okay, I have a girlfriend who lives in Australia. I met her through a preemie group that we both belong to. Anyway she is an amazing person and also has an uncanny talent...painting with her breasts....
I know, it made me kick my head to the side and say "HHHMMM" the first time I heard about it. But she has become quite the sensation.
I would strongly recommend taking a look at her site. The link is listed below!
http://bbwboobieart.com.au/
I know, it made me kick my head to the side and say "HHHMMM" the first time I heard about it. But she has become quite the sensation.
I would strongly recommend taking a look at her site. The link is listed below!
http://bbwboobieart.com.au/
Monday, October 15, 2007
Weekends Over
The weekend is over. Starting a new work week...
The weekend was pretty good. Saturday was the shopping/errand day so nothing major. The kids and I went, we left Bob at home because he was being a little grouchy!
Sunday I cooked- A LOT! I made peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies (yes from scratch). I also made chili, bbq chicken wings, breakfast casserole and I think some other stuff...It was a busy but nice day with the family. The boys helped with the cookies for a while between playing x-box and raking leaves into piles to play in.
It's supposed to rain today so I'll get wet riding, but that's okay, it's not terribly cold yet.
Jumped on the treadmill this morning. Tired of being overweight...even with all the biking I do I still can't seem to shed the pounds...Big Sigh.
Okay off to start the day, my reprieve of quiet time without any one/thing bothering me is over, the dogs are up, the kids are starting to stir and I need to jump in the shower!
The weekend was pretty good. Saturday was the shopping/errand day so nothing major. The kids and I went, we left Bob at home because he was being a little grouchy!
Sunday I cooked- A LOT! I made peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies (yes from scratch). I also made chili, bbq chicken wings, breakfast casserole and I think some other stuff...It was a busy but nice day with the family. The boys helped with the cookies for a while between playing x-box and raking leaves into piles to play in.
It's supposed to rain today so I'll get wet riding, but that's okay, it's not terribly cold yet.
Jumped on the treadmill this morning. Tired of being overweight...even with all the biking I do I still can't seem to shed the pounds...Big Sigh.
Okay off to start the day, my reprieve of quiet time without any one/thing bothering me is over, the dogs are up, the kids are starting to stir and I need to jump in the shower!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Playing Chicken with the Squirrels
Today riding home on my bike I ran across an interesting thing. As I was on the bike path that runs through a really nice wooded area a squirrel ran out in front of me and STOOD THERE....playing chicken with me...after I slammed on my brakes he ran off into the woods again...I'm sure chuckling with all his buddies. So I start riding again, shaking my head over the whole incident. I'm getting back up to speed when another squirrel or possibly the same one jumps on to the path a little in front of me and starts zig zagging on the path in front of me...causing me to again have to slam on my brakes. Once I'm almost stopped, he of course takes off into the woods from whence he came, to laugh some more at the stupid people on the bike path no doubt.
Isn't that just bizarre?
Isn't that just bizarre?
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
What a day!!!
Okay, I'm going to complain, so if you don't want to hear it/read it just skip this one (wasn't it nice of me to warn you ahead of time).
All right...here we go
I got to work and the State (Public Health) was there for our survey...happy, happy, joy, joy...they didn't bother me per se however, they had everyone else on edge (department heads) which means they make the day bad.
SO I'm thrilled when I can leave. I can't wait to get home....I jump on my bike...not only is it only 51 or 52 degrees out but it's also super windy....2 things that I dislike...the wind and the steep hills (c'mon folks I live in northern Illinois we don't have hills here...I am not used to those things). So the winds are gusty at 20 mph (I know this because I checked on the weather channel when I got home). I had to work hard to get home.
I walk in the door right behind my 15 year old who tells me not to walk into our kitchen...why? you might ask...well you see those two dogs that I mention in some of my posts...well they decided that paper plates and coffee filters which were all the way back on the counter so I hadn't thought that they were able to reach those...apparently Brownie has a long reach........So I had to clean up a big mess...my whole floor was white paper of some sort or another. Fun times...that of course put me in a fowl mood....
Then one kid can't find his homework, everyone wants to pull me in 10 different directions and it's really aggravating. Okay, done ranting and going back to the land of loud kids who need me....oh yeah and a stove that's calling my name or else people might starve! UGH!
All right...here we go
I got to work and the State (Public Health) was there for our survey...happy, happy, joy, joy...they didn't bother me per se however, they had everyone else on edge (department heads) which means they make the day bad.
SO I'm thrilled when I can leave. I can't wait to get home....I jump on my bike...not only is it only 51 or 52 degrees out but it's also super windy....2 things that I dislike...the wind and the steep hills (c'mon folks I live in northern Illinois we don't have hills here...I am not used to those things). So the winds are gusty at 20 mph (I know this because I checked on the weather channel when I got home). I had to work hard to get home.
I walk in the door right behind my 15 year old who tells me not to walk into our kitchen...why? you might ask...well you see those two dogs that I mention in some of my posts...well they decided that paper plates and coffee filters which were all the way back on the counter so I hadn't thought that they were able to reach those...apparently Brownie has a long reach........So I had to clean up a big mess...my whole floor was white paper of some sort or another. Fun times...that of course put me in a fowl mood....
Then one kid can't find his homework, everyone wants to pull me in 10 different directions and it's really aggravating. Okay, done ranting and going back to the land of loud kids who need me....oh yeah and a stove that's calling my name or else people might starve! UGH!
Crochet
As Christmas approaches I'm always in desperate need of money (I know, who isn't right? ) But, I have this hidden talent besides biking....I crochet. A lot! So, I have afghans, baby blankets, hats, scarves and even dish rags that I crochet. I even take orders....I can make hats, scarves or afghans in your team colors, your kids high school colors or whatever. If you are interested in seeing any of the things that I have done shoot me an email. I have a lot of things already done and I can make pretty much anything along these lines that you would want. My personal email is:
patricia_croom@comcast.net
Nothing says I love you like something you can curl up in or wrap around you when it's cold outside!
Above is a picture of one that I recently completed. It's a plum purple and rose pink checkered pattern. Will fit a twin size bed.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Grizzly :(
I'm sad to report that last night after a meal of corned beef hash and milk...we found Grizzly a couple hours later dead. We aren't sure of what happened or what caused it...however, I have a very sad son...and a very sad daughter. The twins are less upset than my oldest two, probably because they didn't really spend much time with her.
Anyway, it was a sad night, Bob and Gaven buried her. Poor kitty, she was very sweet and even though I'm not a big cat lover, I really did like her. She will be missed.
A person I know was giving away kittens and had one left that we went and looked at tonight. Gaven realizes that no kitten can replace Grizzly or be Grizzly but he wants to have a kitten to love. So we now have Tiger, whom I will post a picture of later, he was tired and went right to sleep in Gaven's room when we got all the stuff in there for him.
Anyway, it was a sad night, Bob and Gaven buried her. Poor kitty, she was very sweet and even though I'm not a big cat lover, I really did like her. She will be missed.
A person I know was giving away kittens and had one left that we went and looked at tonight. Gaven realizes that no kitten can replace Grizzly or be Grizzly but he wants to have a kitten to love. So we now have Tiger, whom I will post a picture of later, he was tired and went right to sleep in Gaven's room when we got all the stuff in there for him.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Green Bay Packers
I stayed up late to watch the game. I love my Packers.
The game started out great....looked good!
Second half started....um...have we lost our minds? What the heck is going on here...Now with less than 2 minutes left we trail by 7 points and there was just an interception....how sad is that?
Oh well, I still love my Pack! #4 still rocks! And we are 4-1 on the season!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The game started out great....looked good!
Second half started....um...have we lost our minds? What the heck is going on here...Now with less than 2 minutes left we trail by 7 points and there was just an interception....how sad is that?
Oh well, I still love my Pack! #4 still rocks! And we are 4-1 on the season!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday Biking Adventure
Well it might not be quote acceptable to call it an adventure but.....
~ I surpassed my 1,500 mile goal for the year (I've now ridden 1,505 miles).
Rode most of the 22 miles I rode today with Bob. Cruised around town, stopped for ice cream that kind of stuff! It was a good time. I'm glad that he went riding with me.
~At 3:30 p.m. I rode into work to relieve Mary so that she could go to Maudie's visitation. I left at 5:30 to ride home and finish out the mileage needed to surpass 1500 miles. While riding along on the bike path through Greenwood Acres, some kid on a bike goes flying passed me...then looks back at me with this look like HMPH
Of course the competitor in me immediately thought 'yeah right you're gonna fly by me like that' so I speed up getting right on his ass when I hear a click, click, click,
Before I can get stopped the entire wireless sensor for my computer flies off. I get stopped and spend 5 minutes looking for pieces, never did find the battery, not that it would do any good I'm guessing. So, now I have no computer for my bike...this ticks me off. It's like 50 bucks for a new one...donations anyone? Send them to me in the mail :o) haha!
Anyway, Bob and I have a night to ourselves but we will probably be too tired in the next 2 hours to actually do anything fun
Insert raised eyebrows and a grin here.
So, that's about it for today. I'm out a computer but hit my goal mileage for the year. I'm glad I didn't crash or break a spoke when it caught and flew off. Have a great night all! Happy and safe riding!
~ I surpassed my 1,500 mile goal for the year (I've now ridden 1,505 miles).
Rode most of the 22 miles I rode today with Bob. Cruised around town, stopped for ice cream that kind of stuff! It was a good time. I'm glad that he went riding with me.
~At 3:30 p.m. I rode into work to relieve Mary so that she could go to Maudie's visitation. I left at 5:30 to ride home and finish out the mileage needed to surpass 1500 miles. While riding along on the bike path through Greenwood Acres, some kid on a bike goes flying passed me...then looks back at me with this look like HMPH
Of course the competitor in me immediately thought 'yeah right you're gonna fly by me like that' so I speed up getting right on his ass when I hear a click, click, click,
Before I can get stopped the entire wireless sensor for my computer flies off. I get stopped and spend 5 minutes looking for pieces, never did find the battery, not that it would do any good I'm guessing. So, now I have no computer for my bike...this ticks me off. It's like 50 bucks for a new one...donations anyone? Send them to me in the mail :o) haha!
Anyway, Bob and I have a night to ourselves but we will probably be too tired in the next 2 hours to actually do anything fun
Insert raised eyebrows and a grin here.
So, that's about it for today. I'm out a computer but hit my goal mileage for the year. I'm glad I didn't crash or break a spoke when it caught and flew off. Have a great night all! Happy and safe riding!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
What the heck is wrong with people?
It's 7:05 a.m. on Saturday. I get up and grab the paper and sit down with a glass of milk and a cinnamon roll (made them for the kids but mmmm they smelled too good to pass up). I look at the front cover of the paper...the headline reads "Dekalb Woman Charged with stabbing man" and just below it 'Shots fired in separate gang-related incident'.
Are you kidding me? I live in the corn capital of the United States. We have Friday night football, a dirt race track, a skate park, and lots of country roads. What the hell is wrong with people? This crap just burns me up...
The "incident's" mentioned above happened seriously across the street from me in the University Village Apartments. When I was in High School they were occupied by lots of single moms who were trying to make ends meet. Now they are occupied by a few of the just mentioned and a lot of worthless pieces of crap. I don't want to hear that it's the environment that they know. I grew up in a house with a man who beat the hell out of me (I'm talking broken bones, stitches in the head, bruising so bad that I had to be kept out of school for weeks at a time) and my home is relatively calm if you don't count all the zoo like noises my 3 boys and my husband make while wrestling and being loud boys.
We choose our path in life....by this I mean, each individual decides to either to be a good person or be a bad person. I assure you there was never the thought in my mind that I would beat my children, nor have I ever come close to doing so. However, society needs to wake up...apparently time out doesn't work as well as once thought. Kids don't care about time out or about half of the punishments that people try to give. Bob and I have never beaten or really even spanked our kids yet they know if they do something bad enough they are going to be in DEEP SHIT! They don't even want to do anything bad enough to be in that kind of trouble.
Another point to how things used to be (keep in mind I grew up in a really small town then moved here for high school) when we would walk across town to go to basketball, softball or track practice and we pulled any crap someone was on the phone calling my mom or stepfather and letting them know what crap we had pulled....we got our butts cracked right in front of God and everyone...thus helping to shame us into compliance as well.
I'm not down with beating children but I assure you that what a bunch of these kids need is a good spanking. For example: the kid who choked my son on the bus a couple weeks ago. His mother was letting him outside to play the same day....are you kidding? My son would have gotten spanked! He would have then walked to the persons house with me towing him behind me to apologize for acting like an animal, I would then be driving him to and from school for the rest of the school year while reminding him every day that people are not allowed to act like animals! He'd also have more chores added to his list and he wouldn't be seeing a T.V. or a playground for at least a month.
Kids need guidance. Not moms and dads who want to be their friends and feel cool. They need to know what our (their parent's) expectations are for them and they need to know that there are consequences for not meeting those expectations.
Rewards....allowances and all that other stuff are fine and good, but they shouldn't be used as bribery either....my son when he was 4 asked if he was going to get a pack of bubble gum because he was good at the store...I said "No" because good behavior is not something that should be rewarded constantly....he hadn't done anything above and beyond what my expectations were to be rewarded. You want to be rewarded? Do something above and beyond those levels of expectation...
Don't get me wrong, we reward our kids, even for just consistently behaving well...such as when they have all done their chores all week or for two weeks, we will just randomly take them out for ice cream or to the kite festival or whatever. It's not something they need to expect each time they do something right. Good behavior is the norm.
The girl that did the stabbing is 20...ten years ago she probably could have used a belt across her butt and an attitude adjustment, the gang related shooting those people also are all in their late teens and early 20's....also, could have used an attitude adjustment from a parent or parents who gave a damn! Instead they will now go to jail where they will become bigger jerks and then come out being even less useful in society (can you tell I'm not a big believer in rehabilitation either?).
Anyway, that's my soap box preaching for this morning.
Are you kidding me? I live in the corn capital of the United States. We have Friday night football, a dirt race track, a skate park, and lots of country roads. What the hell is wrong with people? This crap just burns me up...
The "incident's" mentioned above happened seriously across the street from me in the University Village Apartments. When I was in High School they were occupied by lots of single moms who were trying to make ends meet. Now they are occupied by a few of the just mentioned and a lot of worthless pieces of crap. I don't want to hear that it's the environment that they know. I grew up in a house with a man who beat the hell out of me (I'm talking broken bones, stitches in the head, bruising so bad that I had to be kept out of school for weeks at a time) and my home is relatively calm if you don't count all the zoo like noises my 3 boys and my husband make while wrestling and being loud boys.
We choose our path in life....by this I mean, each individual decides to either to be a good person or be a bad person. I assure you there was never the thought in my mind that I would beat my children, nor have I ever come close to doing so. However, society needs to wake up...apparently time out doesn't work as well as once thought. Kids don't care about time out or about half of the punishments that people try to give. Bob and I have never beaten or really even spanked our kids yet they know if they do something bad enough they are going to be in DEEP SHIT! They don't even want to do anything bad enough to be in that kind of trouble.
Another point to how things used to be (keep in mind I grew up in a really small town then moved here for high school) when we would walk across town to go to basketball, softball or track practice and we pulled any crap someone was on the phone calling my mom or stepfather and letting them know what crap we had pulled....we got our butts cracked right in front of God and everyone...thus helping to shame us into compliance as well.
I'm not down with beating children but I assure you that what a bunch of these kids need is a good spanking. For example: the kid who choked my son on the bus a couple weeks ago. His mother was letting him outside to play the same day....are you kidding? My son would have gotten spanked! He would have then walked to the persons house with me towing him behind me to apologize for acting like an animal, I would then be driving him to and from school for the rest of the school year while reminding him every day that people are not allowed to act like animals! He'd also have more chores added to his list and he wouldn't be seeing a T.V. or a playground for at least a month.
Kids need guidance. Not moms and dads who want to be their friends and feel cool. They need to know what our (their parent's) expectations are for them and they need to know that there are consequences for not meeting those expectations.
Rewards....allowances and all that other stuff are fine and good, but they shouldn't be used as bribery either....my son when he was 4 asked if he was going to get a pack of bubble gum because he was good at the store...I said "No" because good behavior is not something that should be rewarded constantly....he hadn't done anything above and beyond what my expectations were to be rewarded. You want to be rewarded? Do something above and beyond those levels of expectation...
Don't get me wrong, we reward our kids, even for just consistently behaving well...such as when they have all done their chores all week or for two weeks, we will just randomly take them out for ice cream or to the kite festival or whatever. It's not something they need to expect each time they do something right. Good behavior is the norm.
The girl that did the stabbing is 20...ten years ago she probably could have used a belt across her butt and an attitude adjustment, the gang related shooting those people also are all in their late teens and early 20's....also, could have used an attitude adjustment from a parent or parents who gave a damn! Instead they will now go to jail where they will become bigger jerks and then come out being even less useful in society (can you tell I'm not a big believer in rehabilitation either?).
Anyway, that's my soap box preaching for this morning.
Friday, October 5, 2007
My Uncle
is in the hospital. I just found out yesterday but didn't really have time to post. My mother called tonight to tell me that my aunt told her that he's "Just fine"
Well that would make sense if we called their house and asked how he was but he's in the hospital and is still there with no idea of when he's being discharged...so if he were just fine....well........he wouldn't be in the hospital. Comments like those drive me bonkers.
Now, here's what's got me still awake (besides waiting to pick up my kid from the homecoming game)....I realize that my aunts and uncles are getting older...I also realize, especially after my Godfather, my Uncle Joe died. He was so important in my life and I don't know that he knew how important he was to me, or how much I respected him. I emailed him all the time for advice and he was always so patient with me. He never told me what an Idiot I was being, he was always wonderful, loving and understanding. He died of a sudden heart attack...it seriously broke my heart.
So now another family member is in the hospital and it hits me that I've not told him how much I love him. I mean when we see each other we say "love ya" and such but I just don't want to live with regrets for not saying the important stuff.
Note to self....don't worry about being cheesy with the family, just say how much I love em all!
Okay off to pick up the oldest from the game...peace and love!
For any of my family or friends that are reading this... I LOVE YA!
Well that would make sense if we called their house and asked how he was but he's in the hospital and is still there with no idea of when he's being discharged...so if he were just fine....well........he wouldn't be in the hospital. Comments like those drive me bonkers.
Now, here's what's got me still awake (besides waiting to pick up my kid from the homecoming game)....I realize that my aunts and uncles are getting older...I also realize, especially after my Godfather, my Uncle Joe died. He was so important in my life and I don't know that he knew how important he was to me, or how much I respected him. I emailed him all the time for advice and he was always so patient with me. He never told me what an Idiot I was being, he was always wonderful, loving and understanding. He died of a sudden heart attack...it seriously broke my heart.
So now another family member is in the hospital and it hits me that I've not told him how much I love him. I mean when we see each other we say "love ya" and such but I just don't want to live with regrets for not saying the important stuff.
Note to self....don't worry about being cheesy with the family, just say how much I love em all!
Okay off to pick up the oldest from the game...peace and love!
For any of my family or friends that are reading this... I LOVE YA!
Homecoming Week
Was this week....and of course goes through the weekend. Last night was the bonfire, which Cass didn't go to because she and Luke were out. Tonight was the homecoming football game (which I can hear as I'm sitting in my house since I'm so close to the stadium). As my daughter is leaving for school she tells me she's not coming home before the game..."How are you going to eat dinner then?" I question her.
"I won't" is her reply.
I'm standing in the kitchen thinking 'holy crap, that's almost 12 hours without food by the time she gets back to the house tonight' which is a totally unacceptable thing as far as I'm concerned.
I, of course, have no cash on me since Bob took the rest of my cash for gas in my guzzling gasoline machine the Suburban. I called a friend, who teaches at the school and asked her to loan Cass 5 bucks till I see her this weekend. This works out fine so a little relief.
Tomorrow I don't have to work thankfully, but am going to try to get a bike ride in before the kids wake up in the morning. Cassy has the homecoming dance tomorrow night followed by band competition on Sunday. Sunday the buses are expected to arrive back at 11 p.m. ***Does the school think that just because they don't have classes on Monday that none of the parents have to go to work the next day....I have to be back up before 5 a.m. Monday morning...upsetting to say the least*** Now don't get me wrong...I know all the rhetoric about sacrificing for our kids but dang....I'm getting old and staying up that late is hard!
Okay there's my rant for the day!
"I won't" is her reply.
I'm standing in the kitchen thinking 'holy crap, that's almost 12 hours without food by the time she gets back to the house tonight' which is a totally unacceptable thing as far as I'm concerned.
I, of course, have no cash on me since Bob took the rest of my cash for gas in my guzzling gasoline machine the Suburban. I called a friend, who teaches at the school and asked her to loan Cass 5 bucks till I see her this weekend. This works out fine so a little relief.
Tomorrow I don't have to work thankfully, but am going to try to get a bike ride in before the kids wake up in the morning. Cassy has the homecoming dance tomorrow night followed by band competition on Sunday. Sunday the buses are expected to arrive back at 11 p.m. ***Does the school think that just because they don't have classes on Monday that none of the parents have to go to work the next day....I have to be back up before 5 a.m. Monday morning...upsetting to say the least*** Now don't get me wrong...I know all the rhetoric about sacrificing for our kids but dang....I'm getting old and staying up that late is hard!
Okay there's my rant for the day!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
FLAT TIRE.....SICK KID
Monday I rode to work of course, then as I'm leaving for home (with 15 minutes before the kids bus gets to the house) I realize I have a flat tire...on the back.
A couple problems here....1. I have NEVER had to change a bike tire before
2. I only have 15 minutes to get home.
3. I have no tools other than my multitool on me.
4. I have no air pump or CO2 cartridge.
So....I call our maintenance guy who gives me a ride home. I get there just as the bus pulls up.
I figure I'll wait for Bob to get home from work but as I'm sitting on the porch looking at my bike I think "How hard can it possibly be...I'm a smart girl...might as well change one now and have a hand up cuz it's bound to happen on the road."
I tear into it. First getting the back tire's quick release to release...quick my rear end. Then onto getting it off without ripping my chain off and twisting it (you know this would be my luck). Ok, good, now the rim is lying on my porch, I try getting the tire off, yeah I manage it...I feel proud of myself. I pump up the tube to figure out where the hole is. Tiny little hole...hmph! Look at the tire, a piece of glass is still stuck in it..I promise the piece of glass is almost unseeable except that my glasses are stronger than a normal magnifying glass!
So I clear it out of the tire and decide I might as well scrub my rim good (one clean rim on my bike currently). I put the new tube inside the tire, figuring I'll tackle trying to patch the old tube later....I get it all back on...Now I'm biting my nails trying to think how I got the rim off and around the derailer and all that stuff....well I pop it back in and tada...everything goes back into place nice and smooth....I tighten the quick release again.
I look at my bike in amazement...HOLY CRAP I just changed my tire without assistance and with out frustration...I do a little celebration dance on my porch, to the amusement of my 3 boys...who say I should be called "DORKY CROOM".
Tuesday I didn't go to work cuz Gaven was vomitting.
Today I rode into work on the bike I fixed with my own blood and tears (yeah okay scratch that,,) I mean with ease...proud of myself the whole way that I did it all by myself and it still was shifting and riding just as smooth as before! YEAH ME!
And yes, I'm aware...I'm a dork!
A couple problems here....1. I have NEVER had to change a bike tire before
2. I only have 15 minutes to get home.
3. I have no tools other than my multitool on me.
4. I have no air pump or CO2 cartridge.
So....I call our maintenance guy who gives me a ride home. I get there just as the bus pulls up.
I figure I'll wait for Bob to get home from work but as I'm sitting on the porch looking at my bike I think "How hard can it possibly be...I'm a smart girl...might as well change one now and have a hand up cuz it's bound to happen on the road."
I tear into it. First getting the back tire's quick release to release...quick my rear end. Then onto getting it off without ripping my chain off and twisting it (you know this would be my luck). Ok, good, now the rim is lying on my porch, I try getting the tire off, yeah I manage it...I feel proud of myself. I pump up the tube to figure out where the hole is. Tiny little hole...hmph! Look at the tire, a piece of glass is still stuck in it..I promise the piece of glass is almost unseeable except that my glasses are stronger than a normal magnifying glass!
So I clear it out of the tire and decide I might as well scrub my rim good (one clean rim on my bike currently). I put the new tube inside the tire, figuring I'll tackle trying to patch the old tube later....I get it all back on...Now I'm biting my nails trying to think how I got the rim off and around the derailer and all that stuff....well I pop it back in and tada...everything goes back into place nice and smooth....I tighten the quick release again.
I look at my bike in amazement...HOLY CRAP I just changed my tire without assistance and with out frustration...I do a little celebration dance on my porch, to the amusement of my 3 boys...who say I should be called "DORKY CROOM".
Tuesday I didn't go to work cuz Gaven was vomitting.
Today I rode into work on the bike I fixed with my own blood and tears (yeah okay scratch that,,) I mean with ease...proud of myself the whole way that I did it all by myself and it still was shifting and riding just as smooth as before! YEAH ME!
And yes, I'm aware...I'm a dork!
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