Category Archives: friday free for all

• I’ve decided that it is time for a skincare regimen. This was prompted by my most recent dermatologist appointment for a never-ending acne flare up. Her: what do you use on your face? Me: Dove soap. Her: Twice a day? Me: … Her: any lotions, creams, moisturizers or anything? Me: Nothing. Her: ALARMED look on her face. I’ve sort of known it was time for a while now, and what better time than when I was put on an oral antibiotic plus a retin cream to clear up my face. I am required to wash my face, and use a moisturizer with SPF. So I might as well make this a whole routine now, I suppose. This is where I ask you, wise internets, what do you use? I want to know day night and in between. I have oily acne prone skin. So, GO! Recommend some things please.
• Also at the dermatologists office, I was asked what sort of contraception I am using. When I told her I had an app, she nearly spit her teeth out. I don’t know what she was picturing me doing with my phone, but I do have a cycle tracking app and I am also very in tune with my cycle. So that is what we do. This caught me by surprise, because I am used to usually, getting the lecture from my OB GYN, for all intents and purposes, the “you know we don’t support this…” line of crapola, and look. I know. I do. It has taken me 3 years to get back to really paying attention to my body, but please listen to me when I tell you that I know my cycle. I know my body. I KNOW. And if something happens, it does and it will be fine. I’m not an idiot. So leave me alone, Pimple Popper; MD.
• This is the same dermatologist who screwed up Hub’s back, by the way. I never reported how that went. He had the revision with the plastic surgeon in September, and it was smooth sailing. He was barely sore, and the scar looks great. 100 times better than before. And Hub was not a jerk or a baby after the surgery. Actually, he took me to lunch and then we bought a dishwasher. He surprised me. And other than the pain of changing his dressing, there were no ill effects. Saly for the win.
• I really really liked Swistle’s post the other day, and I am also fond of the comment I left her. I don’t always comment on everyone’s blog. And I apply my own logic to why people don’t always comment on my blog. And I am ok with it…so ok! I don’t think I have it in me to be a power-blogger anyway. Anyway, here is what I wrote over at Swistle’s:

“I am guilty if having referred to “all 4 of you” in a couple of posts. I am ok with it, and I am ok with the number of comments, that I get, whether it is 1 or 25.

Here is my line of thought: I subscribe to something like 40 blogs in my reader. I am going to click out of my reader to comment for 1 or 2 reasons:

1. you are one of my blogging bffs (and I feel like I have a couple of those), and my commenting is my way of checking in and saying “Hey, what’s up.”
2. Something you wrote resonated with me, and I feel compelled to comment.

If I apply the same logic to my own blog, and the comments I get, it matches up. Certain people will always comment, and that is because we are buddies. Others will only comment when I am not writing crap.”
• I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a new blog that is all about coffee. I make coffee my life’s mission anyway, so I might as well share what I am up to. I don’t know if I would have enough content to make it any sort of successful blog though, so that’s my dilemma. So, maybe coming soon. Maybe not.
• Those of you who asked for photos of the girls’ new beds: coming soon. They are sharing our master bedroom, and it is not overly girly. BUT when Lucy’s bedding comes, AND when Hub fixes the light (that Liv broke upon discovering that she could reach it from the top bunk), I will post a picture.
• I’m trying to do NaBloPoMo again this year. I’ve only made it all the way through once. We shall see what happens.

• Every time someone tells me that Lucy looks just like me or is my “mini-me”, my heart kind of skips a beat. I don’t know why; it just makes my heart swell. (I don’t see it at all, btw)
• Likewise, every time someone asks me where in the world Liv got her blonde hair from, I want to ballpunch them. Are you implying that perhaps she has a different daddy? No, really. What exactly are you implying? And I feel compelled to explain to people that Hub is the only brown-haired person in his family. His father, sister, aunt and cousins are all red-heads! There are definitely genetics at play. The whole dominant and recessive gene crap. So let’s shut up, ok. Nevermind that she has her brother’s exact face. (as a note, I don’t mind hearing “she so blonde!” or about Lucy “her hair is so shiny and dark!!” it’s the questioning that bugs me)
• Liv is constantly asking questions now. Like full questions as in “can I put my packpack right there?” “Can I have more mulk please?” It’s crazy how she has become a little person all of the sudden.
• Twice this week, Bud’s friend and his mother stopped by and ended up staying for hours. The first was impromptu—they were on a bike ride and saw Bud outside an stopped, so we ended up talking to the mom while the kids played. Last night, the boy called to see if Eddie could play, and I talked with the mom who said she would ride with him and he would come over. And the mom stayed the whole time. I don’t mind that she came and stayed at all, but I did kind of feel bad that she was just standing and then sitting there. And she felt bad because she thought we felt like we needed to entertain her. It was just kind of a weird awkward type of situation. But we did have a nice time talking to an adult while the kids were entertained.
• A few weeks ago, we cleaned out our previously closed off attic. Prior to closing it off, it was the cats’ room—they had litter boxes and toys and all that jazz up there. Since cleaning it out, (Hub cleaned the carpets and everything), the cats (or at least one of them) have been sneaking up there to pee and poop. Where there is no longer a litter box. A few days ago, we found a huge puddle of pee on the basement floor. It was odd—we couldn’t figure out what would possess them to pee right in the middle of the basement floor. Today though, Hub found out what actually happened—they are pissing in the floor vent in the attic—the one that was open to the basement as a vehicle to get heat up there—and it is trickling down to the basement. What the bloody hell? So obviously, we are sealing off the attic again (and cleaning that duct out). But also, we are going to buy 2 jumbo litter boxes since the TEH INTERNETS told me to. If that doesn’t fix it, I don’t know what we’ll do. Sebastian has been known to pee and poop in our bed when something is wrong (like when he is sick or the time my SIL brought fleas in to our house) so I don’t think that’s the issue. Hopefully it is just that they remembered that the upstairs used to be the poop room. If they don’t cut it out though, I’m gonna cut them!! (ok, not really)

• I think we finally have this vacation situation figured out. Not that we’ve booked anything, but we’re looking at 2.5 days in Ocean City, MD, a day in Hershey PA and then home. With drive time, we’ll be gone 4 days; the true picture of a whirlwind vacation. But Hub will be able to work some before the holiday weekend, and all will be good.
• He wants to take a weekend at some point, just me and him as well. Maybe in mid-September, for our anniversary. We’ve talked about going to Toronto, Cleveland or The Poconos. The Poconos sound like the best bet to me. Think he’ll let us stay HERE? The champagne hot tub is something of a legend in these parts. Even if we had unlimited money though, I don’t think Hub is ever spending over $400 on a night in a hotel.
• For the first time since I can remember, we have no plans this weekend. None. Maybe I can actually get some sleep. I’ve become something of an insomniac lately. I can fall asleep with no issues, but I can’t stay asleep for the life of me. I am up at all hours of the night and can never fall back to sleep. It sucks.
• As I’ve mentioned, the baby will be 2 next week. TWO! And I am beside myself about it. While she is my baby, she’s not what anyone else would consider a baby. She’s a bona fide toddler. With opinions. And personality. She sleeps in a big girl bed, and pees and poops on the potty exclusively. And well, I just don’t know if I can cope with that. She’ll be off to college before we even know it. And I will be left with nothing.
• I think that maybe I’d like to get my hair cut and colored this weekend. I’ve been putting it off for like, 6 months now. Maybe that’s a good thing to do when we have nothing else going on. Speaking of haircuts, the garden needs one too. Add that to my weekend list.
• And speaking of the garden, I picked 26 green beans the other night! Then I steamed them up, and Liv and I ate them with pasta in a white cheddar sauce. They were delicious!! The big kids wouldn’t go near them, but Liv and I enjoyed them greatly. My eggplant and tomatoes are growing well, and my cucumbers are REALLY multiplying. I even have one ear of corn growing. I never in a million years thought that gardening would be so much fun, but it is! It really is!!

• I need to do something with my hair. I don’t know what. It’s longish right now, and has a weird kind of texture. Once completely straight, it is wavy to the point where there was a remarkable difference when I blew it out for a wedding last week. Seriously, WTF. As if I don’t have enough things to worry about. So I’m debating whether or not it is a good idea to cut it in to a layered bob, per usual, on account of the wavy texture issue, or if I should have it trimmed and shaped and just keep it long. I need to take in to consideration that I will never ever style it or even dry it before work. There is no time. So I think I’m leaning toward longer; it’s probably the easier option.
• Hub has We’ve decided to not go to Disney this year. Hub thinks We think it would be better to save some money and plan it for next year. Instead we are looking in to Sesame Place for a few days and then maybe Atlantic City for a day or two. It’s markedly cheaper, obviously. And Sesame Place is a place we’ve wanted to go that has a limited shelf life with Bud approaching 7. So I think we’re going to do it.
• As if Kindergarten Graduation wasn’t emotional enough, Lucy has pre-school graduation tonight. I think we are leaving Liv at home with FIL because getting her to sit still in any situation, much less in a crowded non-air conditioned auditorium has proved to be impossible lately.
• We’ve registered the big kids for 6 weeks of summer camp this year (only 2 days a week). It happens at the daycare which is nice, since I am dropping Liv off anyway. We get to pick and choose the weeks though and it works out really well. They are off for the next 2 weeks. Mind you they’ve been ff together for the last 2 DAYS and are already at each other’s throat. It’s going to be a fun summer.
• I am on vacation the week of the 5th. I’m looking forward to it, but I’m not chomping at the bit as I have been for previous vacations. I guess I like my job now.
• Speaking of the job though, I haven’t had to travel yet and I am a bit disappointed. Originally, I was to be in NC next week and Dallas in July. Then it was NC this week (around the graduations, kind of whirlwind) and Dallas next week. Now I’m not doing anything, and will probably be somewhere in August. What do you want to bet that I will either come home the day before, or leave the day after the girls’ combined birthday party? That’s what I’m betting on.
• I feel like there was more I wanted to say…I’ll leave you with the “nice photo” I tried to get of all 3 kids after Bud’s graduation. IMPOSSIBLE!

• Thanks to everyone for all the Disney advice and whatnots. I feel like I should clarify that the week we are going (if we go), while beginning in August, is actually the 1st week in September. Our school district starts the day after Labor Day, while the rest of the country has typically already gone back to school. I think we’ll be good crowd-wise. I know it will be hot. We’ll live. (I hope) I did go ahead and buy the book that Misty recommended. I’m excited to start devouring it.
• Is it just me, or are little girl’s clothes made significantly smaller than they need to be? Bud, who will be 7 in January, is wearing a size 6. Lucy, who will be 5 in August, is also wearing a size 6. She is more than a full head shorter than Bud, and weighs significantly less. So, um, WTF?
• We are moving Liv in to a toddler bed. In fact, last night was her first full night in it, and she did great. When she did wake up, because lets face it, she will never sleep through the night—EVER, she called to me to come and get her. I don’t think it even occurred to her to get up on her own. She looks so big! What happened to my baby? In 2 months, she will be 2. (those are Lucy’s Bieber posters. OMG)

• I wrote an entire post about my fitness and weight loss and the things that are controllable vs. those that are non-controllable. Then my computer ate the whole thing. The gist? I don’t weigh myself because it is too disappointing, but my pants are definitely looser. I can’t control the fact that I have Hashimoto’s Disease. I can control stuffing junk in my pie hole, and not slacking at the gym. Eye-opening stuff, huh?
• I need to say this without giving you any context: If you have a history of alcoholism, the kind that has brought you near death, it is not ok to drink socially. I don’t care if you are on the trip of a lifetime. I don’t blame you because I know it is a sickness and you were probably just looking for an excuse, but I totally blame the people you were with, who knew. And I can not and will not get over it. Ever.
• The baby has bronchitis and is on the Zpak. She’s been in a surprisingly good mood though.
• Tomorrow, I am taking all 3 kids to a party 1.5 hours away, alone. Hub has to work. It will be fine. It will be fine. It will be fine.

• I have pneumonia. Very fun times around here, let me tell you. I did (finally—after almost 2 weeks) go to the doctor yesterday and got myself some antibiotics, an inhaler and a chest x-ray. I already feel 100 times better.
• We are making our annual outing to Letchworth State Park tomorrow, one week earlier than normal, and meeting up with some family for a picnic. I am excited for family fun, but also to go and take our Annual Autumn Photo. I hope that the weather holds out for us.
• I had to overcome serious Nervous Tummy last week to tell a strange lady that she was walking in to the men’s room. In addition to NT, I have a crazy fear of walking in to the men’s bathroom by mistake. So that won out and I averted a crisis for this poor lady.
• Bud had an altercation with a boy on the bus. The boy stuck his finger in his face and told him that he was not his friend. Bud bit his finger. When we talked to him about it, he told us that his feelings were hurt that the boy did not want to be his friend; a new feeling for him because is daycare and preschool, he was the kid everybody wanted to be friends with. I was torn between being pissed that Bud would bite anyone, and having my own feelings hurt because his feelings were hurt. Hub made him go across the street and apologize and the bus driver agreed not to report it to the school—otherwise, he would be kicked off the bus. It is so hard to be a parent in this type of situation. Most of me is like “It serves the little shit right for being a piss pot!!” But as a parent, I need to send the right message to Bud that this sort of behavior is unacceptable.
• I have been shopping for children’s clothes on Ebay lately and for Lucy, it has worked out so well! For a total of $40 (2 different auctions—including shipping) I got her 10 full outfits, a few sweatshirts and 4 pair of jeans. Stuff that looks brand new. I am pleased. And also ready to start selling some of my own stuff on there. I think I can make a killing! We’ll see, I suppose.

This whole week has been a free-for-all. And when the hell was the last time I posted 3 times in a week? WOW!

Last night turned out to be a great night, despite my misgivings on my SIL arriving so early. I really love my SIL. If I had a sister myself, I would want it to be her. She is a hippie, essentially, patchouli and all. She doesn’t care what other people think; she is free and loose and generally awesome. I wish she lived here instead of Florida.

Anyhoo, she got to our place around 6:30 and we all went to Friendly’s for dinner. The kids stayed up late showing off for somebody new, and then she, Hub and I stayed up talking until after midnight. I’m looking forward to more of the same this weekend.

In other news, we think we have found a place for MIL to live; less than 5 minutes down the road from us. This will mean a lot in that we’ll be able to check in on her on our way home, grocery shop for/with her and so on. I’m hoping that the security deposit is reasonable and that we can get her in there soon.

Does anyone have any experience with selling on Ebay? I want to start selling off our baby clothes etc and I wonder if Ebay is the way to go. Craig’s List freaks me out, the whole meeting up in a dark alley to exchange goods for cash aspect of it, but, is Ebay out? Do people go there anymore? I wonder.

Want to know something else I hate? When people brush their teeth in a public bathroom. I mean, sure I REALLY admire your hygiene, but I’m not interested in seeing you spit all over the sink. And also, the minty minty toothpaste smell, mixed with bathroom smells, totally makes me nauseous.

There, I feel better. Happy Weekend!

1. Ok, I’m just going to say it and maybe I’ll catch some heat for it—DMB. I don’t get the obsession with him or his band. Sure, the music is ok though I do find every song to be ridiculously long. But srsly—I don’t get it.
2. Adding to the list of things I have found in the baby’s mouth recently: a cat’s discarded toe nail. I can not stop gagging when I’m thinking about it.
3. Despite having a day off next week, I have to work tomorrow, training some new hires. It’s supposed to be a beautiful day, and we have plans (CRASH-A-RAMA Demolition Derby!!) in the evening, so it’s going to be a long day for me.
4. My skin. I mentioned during my pregnancy how bad it was, and it has not gotten any better. I guess I’m going to have to see a dermatologist because I’ve tried every lotion, potion and supposed miracle to no avail. I look worse than I did as a teenager. It’s really frustrating. Ugh, my hair too. It’s a stringy, disgusting mess.
5. Speaking of frustrating—my job in general. LE Sigh. I’ve decided that I want to work in the city, so I’m watching for opportunity there.
6. Also, because it is webmail, GMAIL has been blocked here citing a security risk, so I can only check my mail via phone. But I can still get in to Facebook and Twitter.
7. My mother in law is moving to Alaska for 3 months….oh, wait….that is NOT bothering me one bit.

• When I got home last night, I could smell a delicious fried oniony smell as I walked up the driveway. I thought to myself how I wished it was our dinner but that it surely wasn’t since Hub hates onions. To my surprise, it was our dinner though. Hub fried pierogies and made mashed potatoes and broccoli. It was good; he is a good husband.
• I brought the leftovers for lunch today, and I can barely stop myself from eating lunch RIGHT NOW!
• We are doing something completely impractical with our tax refund—buying the kids a swing set. We could totally pay down bills and just take them to the park. But we really want them to have it. It will last for years, right?
• We are planning a trip to the indoor water park at the end of the month too. I’m excited; I really need a vacation.
• Hub knows someone who will have beagle puppies in a few weeks. Hub and the kids want a puppy—me, not so much. But, I did have a beagle once and loved her. So……maybe. We’ll see.
• Hub has all 3 kids out for a walk right now; it’s a gorgeous day. I wish I was home.
• I can’t remember being this glad it was Friday in a really long time.

Well, If Tess can reinstate Fun Fact Friday, I can also reinstate my Friday Free For All, at least in limited form since my blogging has been sporadic at best lately. I’m going to further copy her though by giving you my own 25 Random Things list. And, this will be a different list than what is on Facebook……So if you are my friend there, you get a 2 for one. LUCKY YOU!!!

1. I am thinking of selling off all of my baby stuff.
2. I don’t necessarily think that I want another baby.
3. I think the idea of another baby is more appealing than actually having and caring for another baby.
4. And you know, doing all the baby stuff again.
5. I was thinking of Craig’s List but I don’t like the idea of meeting in a dark alley or some shit to exchange my goods for cash.
6. Plus, if I change my mind later, I can buy new stuff.
7. I found the Bumbo to be completely unusable and stupid.
8. It kind of terrifies me that I feel like I don’t want any more kids, especially because the desire was strongly there, even right after Liv was born.
9. I feel minorly bad too, because Bud really wants a brother.
10. Secretly, I don’t mind that Lucy finds her way in to our bed on most nights.
11. We’re thinking about getting a puppy.
12. I am not a dog person. Seriously. At all. Hate them.
13. I think this has a lot to do with having to get rid of many pets when I was a kid on account of moving etc.
14. Plus, I hate wet dog smell.
15. I feel uncomfortable drinking socially because of my mother, which is a shame because I really do enjoy a good glass of wine. I’m afraid of enjoying it too much though.
16. I am in a rut in re: my appearance. I am not happy with my body right now and I don’t care to dress it in anything other than jeans.
17. For whatever reason though, I can’t stay motivated to eat well or exercise.
18. I don’t know what is wrong with me. Depressed? Lazy? Who knows?
19. I am a huge procrastinator.
20. I hate it when people my age dress like teenagers.
21. I think I hate it more that I am old enough to say “people my age”
22. I am starting to feel the effects of not taking a vacation last year. And no, my maternity leave doesn’t count. I need to go somewhere.
23. I get bent out of shape when hub implies that the kids are any sort of nuisance.
24. It’s totally ok if I imply it though.
25. I think that maybe I’d like to be a Midwife or a Doula