Musings from a Magnificently Mad Mum!

Beach Babies!!

2007-08-06T12:18:00.001-04:00

My, what big teeth you have!

2007-05-29T16:14:00.000-04:00

It's Been a while....

2007-05-28T07:16:00.000-04:00

Updated Pictures...

First Photo Shoot!

2006-10-13T11:01:00.000-04:00

She's HERE!!

2006-10-07T18:03:00.000-04:00

Cornelia Philippa arrived October 1st at 4:04 am weighing in at 7.0 lbs and 20 inches. She has blonde fuzz for hair and blonde eyelashes and eyebrows, is beloved by her family and especially her big sister.

After a false alarm Saturday morning, she decided to make an apperance rather quickly...we arrived at the hospital at 1:35 am on Sunday morning and she was born at 4:04...and best of all, was born via VBAC!

Mom, babe, big sister, and dad are all doing well!

For Carolyn...

2006-08-24T18:46:00.000-04:00

BeeBabe and the Big Truck

2006-08-22T07:25:00.000-04:00

I think it might be time for a move....

2006-08-22T07:20:00.000-04:00

A trip to the zoo...and the merry-go-round too!

2006-04-27T07:18:00.000-04:00

BeeBabe meets the Geese!

2006-04-12T07:07:00.000-04:00

I too, Comply...thanks SV!

2006-03-30T07:48:00.000-05:00

FIRSTS:

1. First kiss: First real kiss...Davey
2. First love: Geoff

3. First heartbreak: managed to evade that till Christmas, when I was 19.

4. First car: 1989 Mercedes turbo desiel D class...that sucker was awesome...no A.C., sunroof, and black leather interior...had to have the oh so chic towels on the seats to avoid 3rd degree burns on flesh!

5. First pet: Queenie and King...a pair of adorable golden retrivers
6. First word: No idea

7. First concert: um...um...I still haven't been to a mainstream concert! Clocked lots of time at the classical variety though!
8. First sexual partner: Mr. Hazel Eyes (I'm using Sarah's nickname technique).

9. First alcoholic beverage: I can't remember exactly. Something the corrupters gave me, I'm sure.

10. First time you stayed out all night: Sometime shortly after Christmas of my 19th year...while at College of Charleston
11. First best friend: Lauren Carrico

12. First job: Bojangles (eek!!)

13. First school: Jefferson Elementary...go bluejays!!
14. First movie you watched in a theater: No clue

15. First thing you really saved up money for: my second car
16. First run in with the Law: speeding tickets...talked out of most of them while in Jefferson...alas, Charleston police are not so nice (or gullable)
17. First date: hmmm...you know, i don't remember!!
--------------------------------------------------------LASTS:
1. Last kiss: my husband
2. Last person you hugged: the beebabe
3. Last person you spoke to: in person: my husband...whispered to Beebabe so as not to wake her...email - darshani
4. Last alcoholic beverage: i wish i could remember.
5. Last sexual partner: should i make some really bad joke here?
6. Last movie: Snatch...'Eh...wannadaaag?'
7. Last person you thought of: my grandfather
8. Last school you went to: College of Charleston
9. Last person you said " I love you" to: Hubby and BeeBabe
10. Last run in with the Law: it's been awhile. parking tickets probably.
11. Last fight you were in: what, like fist fight? i'm sure the last person I verbally sparred with was Gene.
12. Last bar/club/concert/party you went to: Um. um um um....oh yeah! Does the Capital city Club count??
13. Last person you e-mailed: Darshani
14. Last thing you ate: toast...and it gave me heartburn, darnit!
15. Last thing you saved up money for: saving money for furniture....

-------------------------------------------------------NEXT
1. Next person you want to kiss: Hubby and beebabe!
2. Next movie you want to see: Memoirs of a Geisha...my hubby bought it yesterday for me!!!!
3. Next person you want to go out with: My husband
4. Next car you want to have: some freaky english taxi
5. Next time you're going out: um...I'm at work, so...about 10 I'll go outside for a few minutes...
6. Next time you're going to move: when our house on the hill with goats galore is built.
7. Next thing you are going to save money for: furniture and the birth of Thing 2
8. Next time that you will drink alcohol: um. funny question there as I'm currently preggers!
9. Next person you are going to call: the hubby to check on the Beebabe.
10. Next place you'll take vacation: Italy. I hope!
11. Next thing you are going to do after filling this survey out: actually do some work.
12. Next thing you are going to eat: carrot sticks at 10.
13. Next time you plan to be drunk: once again....preggers...
14. Next thing you are going to do outside: dodge the ciggy smokers and try to get some fresh air.
15. Next person you'd like to see fill this out: whoever wants it can have it...also feel free to use email format and send it to me if you don't have a blog, hint hint hint!

BeeBabe and the Easter Pictures...

2006-03-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Beebabe does NOT like hairbows...She did, however, agree to a few pictures being taken in her new Pascha frock...enjoy!

Wicked...hee hee hee!!!

2006-03-24T10:15:00.000-05:00

I just found out I can access this from work!!!! Why oh why does this feel deliciously wicked? Anyway, now that I've discovered passthroughs in the firewall, I promise not to abandon my dear blog anymore.

What has happened since the last post, you may ask?

Well, on Feb. 9th of this year, my wonderful grandfather passed away after suffering from a severe stroke earlier in the week. He is missed terribly.

I began a new job on Feb. 13th...it's ok, but not nearly as fun as being paid to be a wino...now i actually have to work...

AND...it seems as if there will be a new BeeBabe in town around Oct. 7th!

And now...running back to work....

Missing...but back!

2006-02-02T10:38:00.000-05:00

BeeBabe is becoming ShutterBug!

Sorry I've been MIA for a while, guys! It is GOOD to know that I do have readers, and many thanks to SV for keeping everyone updated. The Chiro family does not have any interent access at home, becase if we did, I would NEVER see my husband. As it is, the office computer has been lovingly dubbed 'The Little Beige Whore'. So, my visits to the office have been sparse, and I'm finding out daily how hard it is to get anything accomplished with an almost 17 month old attached to my legs. Things on the job front have been going slowly but well. I'm now in the 'we really like you but have a ton of paperwork to get through so we are going to make you wait on a final verdict for a bit' stage. Fun times, really. Oh, and i've tried to send a picture to the blog through Picasa for the past week with no success....I'll try again.

Unemployment does NOT equal Boredom!

2006-01-18T16:11:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'll be the first to admit, after the shock of being laid off resided, I began to think of my new found time at home in a new and pleasant light. Finally, I would have time to really CLEAN the house (ha) and cook wonderful foods for my family, and heck, I'd bet I could even spend hours blogging and eating bonbon's while still in my pj's every morning. HA, not so! The latest drama to happen at the Chiro family household involves me spending a LONG afternoon at the police station with my father in law to file complaints against his niece. She really isn't a nice girl. But that's an entirely different story. We thought after all of that last week, that this week should be super easy. The Fates laughed.

Last night, we had a wonderfully windy storm. And then, the dreaded BOOM of yet another tree falling on our house. Hippies are supposed to like nature and trees and the like, aren't they? Then someone explain to me why I feel the urge to take a chainsaw to every green thing surround my house that is taller than my daughter (aprx. 2 feet tall). Blegh.

Look, Ma, he's got feet too!!

2006-01-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

Poor Sir Nick...he must be subjected to the pokings and proddings of a curious 16 month old if he wishes to remain on the nice, cozy couch during these cold winter days.

Sir Nick keeps giving me these looks that say, 'Good greif, woman, I know she's only a kid but I swear if she screws with me one more time, I'm gonna get her. Seriously, get this beast OFF off of me.' While BeeBabe extatically screams 'CAAAT, CAAAT, MEeeeeoWWWWW.' My little animal lover.

Nick...the Playgirl shots...

2006-01-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

Attack of the BeeBabe!!

2006-01-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend, beebabe and flower child headed out to the chicken/goat farm and had a blast. Those poor, poor chickens...they never knew what hit 'em!

After Christmas comes the Axe

2006-01-06T10:23:00.000-05:00

Yup, at 5:15 on Wed afternoon, I was called into my supervisor's office and told that we were downsizing. I got the axe. So, after spending a half a day sulking, the rest of my time has been spent burning up the phone lines calling anyone and everyone I can think of about a job. The result...an interview next week. One. Well, that's better than nothing. And thanks to a decent severence package, I'm not freaking out just yet. I'm off to work on a resume. Anyone here want to hire me??

Christmas Meme

2005-12-21T08:46:00.000-05:00

I have been ordered by SweetViolet to complete the following Meme. Enjoy!

Hot Chocolate or Apple Cider?
Cider of course!! Especially the mulled variety...yum!

Turkey or Ham?
Preferablly neither. Growing up on a turkey/cattle farm, I DETEST turkey and will only stand for it on Thanksgiving. Of course, seeing as how I have no say so on Christams Dinner, I will be subject to both turkey and ham. Chirodad has mentioned the interest in a TurDuckIn. Eww.

Do you get a Fake or Real/cut it yourself Tree?
I have insisted on real trees only! Nothing smells quite like christmas than a fresh Fraiser Fur!

Decorations on the outside of your house?
Ok, here's the deal...this year we DO have deocrations, though not at all what I wanted. We have a very simple greenery swag with red bows at the apex, a huge grapevine and light wreath, and a beribboned mailbox. I'd rather just have the nice greenery on the outside. Growing up, my Mother ALWAYS had either big parties at the house or we entered in a local tour of homes. This consisted of 5 fully decorated trees within the house, tons of greenery everywhere (God help you if you had allergies), a lighted tree stuck on a boat in the middle of the pond, an 18th century horse cart filled with 'presents' bows, and lights, and goodness only knows what else. I refuse to get that in depth with the decorations. And if I ever do, you have my permission to put me out of my misery!

Snowball fights or Sledding?
Since I live in SC, and rarely see enough snow to do either, I enjoy both! Although, one of my fondest memories as a child (when there was more than an inch of snow on the ground) is my Dad tying a rubber innertube to the back of a truck and taking my sister and me 'tubing' through snow-covered pastures! I guess thats redneck sledding??

Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
Before the hubby and child, yes. Now, heck no!

Favorite Christmas Song?
What Child is This and Gloria...oh, and O Holy Night and Santa Baby...I have too many!

How do you feel about Christamas movies?
Like most of them, love a few (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, animated version), don't really care for the newer stuff (Jim Carey's Grinch, The Santa Claus, etc).

When is it too early to listen to Christmas music?
July?

Stockings before or after presents?
After! My parents used to hide cash, gift cards, and jewelry in ours at home, so it was always a nice ending to the morning. Of course, now with BeeBabe in the picture, we may start doing them first (at the foot of the bed Christmas morning).

Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?

Having been a caroler, I pay close attention always!! Although, if you sing off key, I'm likely to try and help 'correct' you.

Go to someone else's house or they come to you?

This is an issue with a large family. We have ALWAYS had Christmas breakfast with my father's family and Christmas dinner with my mother's family. So, this year it will be, Christmas morning at my house with beebabe and chirodad, a Christmas brunch with my dad's family, Christmas afternoon with my mom, dad, brother, sister, and future brother in law, Christmas dinner with my mom's family. Christmas eve will be spent with my inlaws and at Divine Liturgy.

Do you read the Christmas story? If so, when?

does liturgy count? we probably will start doing this this year with beebabe.

What do you do after presents and dinner?

Drive back home!

What is your favorite holiday smell?

GINGERBREAD!

Ice skating or mall walking?

I've never been ice skating and heard its rather dangerous...still, I'd take that any day over the other choice!

Do you open a present on Christmas Eve or wait until Christmas Day?

Usually one gift on Christmas eve - PJ's!!

Favorite Christmas memory?

A very sleepy Chirodad showing up for Christmas breakfast at my parents house early in the morning. This was a few months before we were engaged...it was very sweet AND he had to meet all the family at once (poor guy).

Favorite part about Winter?

The weather!!! You can finally wear cuddly sweaters and scarves!

Ever been kissed under the mistletoe?

Yes. By a weird uncle. It was frightening.

As far as tagging goes...if you are like me, stuck at work and bored, go for it!!

I Am BatGirl!

2005-12-20T13:50:00.000-05:00

And this, ladies and gents, is what happens when Chirodad and BeeBabe go shopping together...

Bee Babe meets Santa...

2005-12-16T15:33:00.000-05:00

And didn't cry! In fact, she seemed rather determined to pull off the massive beard he was sporting.

An early Christmas Gift

2005-12-13T14:47:00.000-05:00

Yet another member of the militant breastfeeding club...

What's in a name?

2005-12-12T16:59:00.000-05:00

So, after several of the bloggers I read regularly posted bits and pieces about Wikipedia, I decided to do a quick search on my name. Turns out it isn't a bastardization of a French name after all! Woo hoo! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbette

Thanks, mom and dad. 4 days of deliberation and you came up with THIS?

A funny story about Bridges

2005-12-08T17:23:00.000-05:00

The wonderful Chirodad and I honeymooned in London and Scotland two years ago. Being the frugal couple that we are, we decided to carry our backpacks and use the wonderful Hostels (the US needs so many more of these!!). So, we left balmy Charleston, SC for the 2 hour drive to Charlotte, NC for our flight (the weather was about 75 degrees F and sunny). We get to Charlotte in time to take an earlier than scheduled flight to Newark, NJ. For the record, I do NOT like Newark. Period. My experiences there have never been pleasant, and I suppose the powers that be didn't see any reason to change that trend just yet. Well, we hit NJ, go through the insane security check lines, and head down to the Virgin gates to await our overnight flight. So far so good. Even the gaggle of young choirboys from Bristol couldn't manage to annoy me too much. Heck, I was on my honeymoon! And I was going to Euorpe! The flight there wasn't too horrible...the great thing about overseas flights is the liquor is free. Enough bourbon and anything is tolerable. Even the screaming 2 year old to the left of my seat. Upon arriving in London, we hit the tarmac ready to GO. Well, we soon find out that our luggage has been detained in NJ, but will be on the next flight over (that night). No worries...we decided to pick up a few pair of socks (Chirodad was in birks w/o socks...brrrr) and some necessities, hit the hostel, and then start the adventure.
To make a very long story somewhat shorter, the luggage took 6 days to arrive. We had planned on staying in the UK for a total of 10 days. Not fun. After day 3 of being in London (and hand washing underwear and socks), I decide what the hell, lets get on a bus and go to Edinburgh. We should have been there yesterday and I'm sick of staying here! So here we go....only the bus ride takes forever and we hadn't made reservations at a hostel in Edinburgh. Ok, so no worries, right??? WRONG!!! The only rooms in that freaking town that were left were DORM rooms. Thats right. I was going to spend part of my honeymoon in a room shared with *gasp* other people!!! Poor Chirodad...I had a literal meltdown (and remembering this, I totally see where my daughter's tantrums are coming from!) on a bridge in Edinburgh. Yes, there were people around and nope, I didn't care. So, Chirodad did the only thing he could think of. He managed to persuade me to step inside a nearby pub, ordered up some wonderful soup and a BIG glas of whiskey. Followed by a few dozen more glasses of whiskey. And wouldn't ya know, after that much whiskey, I could have cared less WHERE I was going to sleep!

The only thing that tops off the bridge tantrum was the return bus ride to London a week later. We were the last two people on a packed bus, and weren't able to sit together (SOOOO High School, I know). Chirodad got a lovely, stick thin fellow as a seat partner. I got the Santa-in-training GASSY partner. And the bus driver wanted to be a NASCAR driver, I swear. So, that night was spent being farted and half-sat upon while simoultaneously being scared witless. Fun times, fun times.

I'm ready to go back!! Imagine the fun times to be had with a toddler in tow!!

Random Scotland Pictures

2005-12-08T17:16:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of us around Edinburgh...we have St. Giles' Cathedral, King Arthur's Seat, the Bank of Scotland (that STOLE my freaking debit card...the dang machine wouldn't give it back and I was almost screwed, but thankfully had a great hubby with me who took care of things), Edinburgh Castle, an Armistice Day memorial, The Tollbooth Tower, and me!

Rosslyn Pictures

2005-12-08T17:10:00.000-05:00

Here they are...Pictures taken with a sub-par digital camera at Rosslyn Chapel during our honeymoon. These are a few of my favorites...the Apprentice Tower (thought to house the Holy Grail), Lucifer (fallen angel tied in ropes), the Little Green Man (pagan Aztec God), and a few stained glass windows. There were also carvings of agave plants and maize all over the place (along with the 5 point flower/star associated with Masons), but we were unable to get pictures of those on the digital camera.

My cat is a Gigolo!

2005-12-02T10:20:00.000-05:00

Yes, thats right. I'm admiting that my cat is not the most selective of creatures. To those of you who don't know, I have an almost 6 year old black and white neutered feline in my posession of the name Nick (Mr. Mistofoles was a bit hard on the tongue). Nick has been with me for quite a while...through several college roomates (and helped harbor the love of all things feline in one of them, Kim you know I'm talking about you), crazy parents, and now a husband, daughter, and live in father-in-law. At one point, poor Nick was forced to give up the lazy house-cat life and become quasi-feral at the Dragon Lady's home (aka, Chirodad's Grandmother). She tried to rename him, but he was having none of that nonsense, thankfully!

It was noted by the two fabulous college roomies that Nick was somewhat of an attention whore. We'll translate that to food whore...we found out that he actually had a 'route' of apartments that he visited where each of the little old ladies fed him copous amounts of tuna and milk (the smell makes sense now). Fast foward a few years to our current living situation. I've noticed a certian fuzzy grey furball hanging around with Sir Nick, as he goes about his neighborhood route (begging for food and attention, no doubt). I thought that this grey cat would be a good companion for Nick, especially considering that his fathering kittens was out of the question. And I had thought that one companion would be enough for him. Ha, boy was I wrong. Turns out, the grey kitty is only his daytime companion...at night, he hangs out with this fellow, who scares the bejesus out of me!

My Office Smells

2005-11-30T16:27:00.000-05:00

Of moldy carpet.

That is all.

A story of the she-wolf...

2005-11-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

I never really realized exactly HOW ingrained the she-wolf response is in us mothers until this weekend. My husband and I had friends in town for the big college football game (USC vs Clemson...go tigers!!) for Saturday and Sunday. Chirodad and one of the friends went to the big game, and the other friend and I went to Harry Potter (neither of us really wanted to freeze, and as tickets to the game were sparse, the movie seemed a God-send). BeeBabe stayed home with her Mimi. BeeBabe is also a champion tooth-cutter as she is now cutting not one, but at least TWO molars at the same time. Needless to say, she is rather grumpy at the best of times and down right angry at the worst of times. Well, we all met back up at the chirofamily house after movie and ballgame for a few celebratory drinks and chit-chat. All was well. We made plans to meet the next morning at liturgy (the two friends are childless and don't like staying with us as the BeeBabe is quite vocal). All went well till lunch. We met up at a local restaurant, which was of course crowded. Beebabe hadn't had a morning nap (it was aproaching 1:00 pm), was hungry, and was in pain. She and I walked around the restaurant for a bit while waiting on our food to come. I hadn't planned on that much walking and had worn insanely high heels (dumb on my part), so we made a few stops back at the table for me to either sit her down or hand her to Chirodad until she started crying/screaming/being annoyed again. At one point, one of the friends (who had been reading the paper and taking absolutely no part in any conversation whatsoever) looked up disdanefully and said that if BeeBabe didn't shut up, he was going to leave. Well!! I was FUMING!! I managed to grab my daughter (along with the bread from the table), instruct my husband to get our food to go, and headed up the car. I think I may have pierced my tongue with my teeth, I was biting it so hard!! BeeBabe and I had a great time in the car, and she actually managed to fall asleep (which was a large part of her fussiness) while we waited on Chirodad to return. Then, I get the most absurd email Monday morning asking wheter an apology was necessary?!?! Um, YEAH, it was!! I can understand being tired and cranky, but that didn't mean that a freaking 35 year old should have acted that way. At any rate, I think we've mended the tear in our relationship via email. I always find that I am much more willing and able to express myself clearly in writing than by speaking. I guess it's because by writing something, you can be as crass as needed, feel better for getting it out, then erase it all and find a much nicer way of getting your point across. Eesh. A note to any childless people reading this diatribe...if you are around people with children and feel the need to give out parenting advise OR act childish and unsympathetic, JUST KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

Now...on to the happy part of this message....a BIG CONGRATS to the Jensen Family!!!!!!

Armistice Day

2005-11-11T16:03:00.000-05:00

In honour of Armistice Day (aka Veteran's Day to those in the US), here are several photos taken on our honeymoon two years ago. We were lucky enough to be in Scotland on Armistace Day and witnessed several parades and a multitude of paper red poppies.

My Weekend & Geriatric Derriere

2005-11-07T09:15:00.000-05:00

So, after my series of anniversary posts on last Tuesday, drama hit the Chiro household full force. My husband and daughter stopped by my office around lunch on Tuesday to say hello and deliver my wonderful anniversary gift (a HUGE, framed portrait of beebabe). During their brief visit, Chirodad's phone kept ringing, but being in a metal building was registering some weird 'roam' message, he didn't answer the phone. Once they left, he was able to check the phone calls...well, turns out it was his dad...having a stroke...or, more accurately, a series of strokes. So he and the beebabe pick up my father-in-law to take him to the hospital. I get a frantic message from husband saying to come and get the little one as we seriously don't need her picking up a nasty cough, germ, bug, what-have-you from the ER.

The hospital finally admits my father-in-law around 10 pm Tuesday night. So, no anniversary celebrations for the chiro family, but beebabe and mommy did get to spend a pretty nice afternoon together, and for that I'm thankful. Fast forward to the weekend...I leave work early on Friday to deliver a sewing machine to Sweet Violet (still haven't figured out the links...sorry!!) and after leaving her wonderful home, find yet another frantic message from the Chirodad. Turns out, father-in-law was released at 4:30 Friday afternoon, and they made it all of 2 blocks before having to turn around and hit the ER yet again. He was having more strokes in the car, this time with minor facial paralysis. Out I go, making yet another fast trip to the ER to retrieve BeeBabe. They admit my father-in-law in the wee hours of Saturday morning. All seems OK with him during our visits on Saturday (even though the Dragon Lady (aka, my grandmother-in-law, was in attendance). We give him a call Sunday on our return from liturgy only to discover that he is having yet another stroke while on the phone (couldn't speak clearly, didn't know his siblings nor his son's name). Chirodad calls the INCOMPETENT head nurse, argues with her as to his father's state, drops me and the beebabe off at home and heads back to the hospital. After spending about 4 hours there with him FINALLY sees a doctor and is told that we can expect weekly minor strokes and that he will be released from hospital care on Monday.

So, now it looks like Father-in-law will be moving out of the inlaw suite and into the main house in short order. Hopefully, I'll be able to figure out how to knock down a wall or two to give us all more space. Poor chirodad now has not only beebabe with him at all times, but more than likely will have his father as well. At least he is GREAT with beebabe and really seems to enjoy being around her.

Oh, I'll bet you are wondering where the geriatric derriere comes into play, aren't you?? During our visit Saturday, Beebabe and I needed to escape the Dragon Lady, so we took a walk around the hospital. Turns out we were on the Geriatric floor, and none of these older people had a robe because at every open door, there was a butt staring at us. Why on earth everyone seemed to need to get out of bed at the SAME time and with an OPEN door is beyond me. Seriously, folks, after about the 3rd door, I was giggling so badly that we had to make a beeline to the elevator so I could regain composure.

Here's to hoping that this week is better...and that I'll finally get to see my husband (in a good mood) for longer than 20 minutes. I love you, babe!

Happy couple

2005-11-01T09:55:00.000-05:00

Something Old, Something New...

2005-11-01T09:52:00.000-05:00

All Saint's Day...and My Wedding Anniversary

2005-11-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

Two years ago today, I married the most wonderful man ever. Chirodad and I were married at Citadel Square Baptist Church in Charleston SC at 6:00 in the evening, right at the end of hurricane season. We had beautiful weather for our entire weekend in Charleston and were surrounded by lots of family and friends. Actually, at this exact time two years ago, I was still trying to recover from a night of champagne and cookies with one of my bridesmaids and best friend of 7 years! We had a blast and I am so glad that everyone was able to make it to the wedding. The groomsmen had shots of Makers Mark in the parking lot while listening to the Clemson football game, the ceremony took all of 18 minutes (the best man timed it), and the reception was held at the William Blacklock House on the College of Charleston campus. We all had a blast! Chirodad and I danced to a great piano and bass duo rendention of Diana Krall's 'Swonderful', and at some point, i got rooked into playing Heart and Soul with my little sister. We will soon be celebrating her wedding, and I can only hope that she has as great a time at her wedding as I had at mine (and after the $200.00 I spent on the damn bridesmaid's dress and hip flask for her wedding, she had BETTER have a great time!). Enjoy the pictures!!

My co-workers show their true natures...

2005-11-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

We have, starting at the top left corner and going left to right....
A Barfly
A Patient with an Absolut IV
Scary Guy and Flapper Girl
Goth Girl (aka Chiromum) and Barfly
Lorana Bobit (complete with a portion of John in the jar)
Barfly and Sadistic Boss
Big Pimp
La Fee Verde side shot (the Absinthe fairy)
And a set of Crooked Judges....

Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?

2005-10-25T08:21:00.000-04:00

The flashing blue lights of two cop cars are what I awoke to early this morning. Talk about surreal! It turned out we had a visitor on our property that shouldn't have been there.

For those of you that don't know, my Father-in-law lives with us. He is more than a little eccentric, and the recent bout of mini-strokes he has had has left his perception of reality a little off (to say the least). Anyway, in the past we've had an issue with an ex-acquaintance of his showing up at all hours of the night for the sole purpose of money extortion. Not fun. She was an ex-employee of his that he was OBSESSED with while she worked for him, but after quitting her job she basically became a homeless junkie. A homeless junkie with a penchant for extortion. Usually, the in-law doesn't let us know when she is around, he just gives her cash or whatnot and tries to talk with her before she leaves with her dealer. But last night, he had the presence of mind to give chirodad a call when she showed up. Progress!! So, Chirodad had to go listen to the drama (her mom died...for the third time) while keeping her on the grounds long enough for the cops to show up. Once they came, Chirodad told her she wasn't allowed on the grounds ever again (which is something we were told over the past year we had to do, she just kept leaving before we could catch up with her to tell her not to come back), and the cops took her away. I'm hoping that this little drama is all played out, as the past few times we've had anything to do with her, property of some sort (car, lawn care equipment, DVD's, etc) has gone missing. But, I have a feeling I'm going to be on pins and needles for a few days.

Bee Babe and Mom find Pumpkins

2005-10-20T15:32:00.000-04:00

In the Pumpkin Patch

2005-10-20T15:31:00.000-04:00

Lots of pumkins, only one Bee Babe!

Tis the season...For Pumpkins!

2005-10-20T15:29:00.000-04:00

The ChiroFamily went on a search for The Great Pumpkin last night. Many pumpkins were found, but none Great enough. The search continues...

My Green-eyed Lass

2005-10-14T09:33:00.000-04:00

Here she is...my One year, One month, and 4 day old daughter!

This time last year, I was struggling with the concept of having to leave my adorable and very attached newborn daughter to return to work. I remember waking up every morning absolutely depressed because it was one day closer to returning to work. Thankfully, Chirodad managed to deal with me and reminded me that the BeeBabe would be with HIM rather than a day care provider, and would be brought to me daily for her lunch. How very glad I am that he has been able to keep our daughter with him at his office. Especially when I get phone calls from an aghast father (and very proud daughter) proclaiming the BeeBabe's new found talent of stripping. In less than 5 seconds. She takes after her father's side of the family!

More Bridezilla....

2005-10-11T12:30:00.000-04:00

Bridezilla - the Early Years

2005-10-11T12:25:00.000-04:00

She's the blonde, I'm the brunette...and I have no clue what the small animal is that we seem to be torturting...

Oh the week I had...

2005-10-11T09:47:00.000-04:00

Last week started off well enough...but began a quick spiral downward once Wednesday came. It was my duty, nay privilege, to pick up the birthday cake for one of the old codgers here at work. Why the heck he is still here while celebrating his 68th birthday, I'll never know. Must be all the free booze. And the wonderful office staff. Anyway, as usual, I was running a tad late. So I hit the asphalt running towards the grocery store to grab the cake before I headed to the office. I managed to successfully dodge the insanely happy store manager and two workers that dared darken my path towards the bakery section under the pretense of wishing me a happy day, grabbed the cake out of the display case, and high-tailed it to the checkout. The card aisle caught my attention while I did a mental head-slap, 'duh' and steered my whirling dervish course towards the cards...Found a sufficiently insulting yet humorous card and turned to leave. Mistake one - all this time, I had heels on. Mistake two - grocery store floors are freshly polished at night, rendering a VERY slick surface for the first shoppers in the morning. Mistake three - trying a triple axle jump-like move on slippery floor in said heels. Needless to say, you can all see where this is heading...I managed to fall, break a toe, and IMPALE myself onto my car keys, but damnit, that cake stayed in my hand unharmed and my skirt didn't fly up around my ears. So, I get up, brush myself off, pull my key out of my leg and head to the checkout, all the while making sure that no damage was done to the damn cake. Once I finally get to the office, I notice that I can't feel my toe...Remove my beautiful heels and find something similar to the below picture. Only, now, my entire leg is black and blue from toe to knee. Lovely.

Adding insult to injury was my yearly review at work on FRIDAY afternoon (tell me that wasn't something to look forward to) and finding out that the bossy co-worker just might be put into a position of authority in the next few weeks. All because I've got such a great attitude and can handle any work load and can work with anyone. Talk about encouragement. Oh, and before the lovely review on Friday, I managed to fall ON THE SAME LEG at work and spill coffee all over the wall, floor, and my sleeve. Fun, fun, fun.

Just in case you were wondering...the cake was enjoyed by all. As were many a joke about my gracefullness.

A Meme! I've been tagged...but it's ok, it didn't hurt a bit!

2005-10-03T12:35:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to SweetViolet for tagging me (and as soon as I figure out how to do the cool links, I'll add them to the post). Here goes nothing...

1. If money were no object, what would you be doing with your life?

First and foremost, I would be a full time stay at home mommy to Bee Babe and any subsequent children! And we would be living in either Maine or along the Welsh coast in a lovely, hand-made home by chirodad. Of course, the bees would be with us along with a menagerie of goats, Highland Cattle, and a smattering of dogs and cats. And Chirodad would have the sailboat he dreams of and we would travel yearly. I'm sure I've forgotten something, so I'll stop for now...

2. Money is just that - an object, so why aren't you doing it?

Give me a few months...I'll soon be the full time stay-at-home mommy and the rest will follow.

3. What's better: horses or cows?

Cows. Much better temperament, and they don't throw you from an English saddle on a daily basis when you are only 8 years old and learning to ride English saddle...and, I KNOW chirodad is thinking it, so I'll go ahead and type it(SV, avert your eyes)...Cows taste better.

4. What do you think the secret to happiness is?

Being satisfied with who and where you are.

5. When was the last time you had a dream that you either remember well or did not want to awake from? Can you share a bit?

I rarely remember my dreams, but one that I still haven't figured out if it was real or not happened when I was pregnant. I kept seeing a small boy, about 5 or 6 years old wandering around in our house. He kept coming by the bedroom door. He never really freaked me out, just made me kind of sad for him. I've since seen him while awake, and usually whenever Beebabe is nearby. Weird.

6. When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to do something with children. I used to say pediatrician, and then after reading one of my favorite books, C.Everett Koop's autobiography, that changed to pediatric surgeon. I currently work in the beverage industry doing nothing with my Biology degree, but have high hopes of one day becoming a midwife.

7. Complete this statement: Love is . .

HARD! And wonderful! And fulfilling! Love is the way my daughter gazes up at me while nursing, or the way my heart fills when I glance at my husband from across the room while he is playing with our daughter. Love knows no bounds, as any parent will tell you time and again. "Love's not times fool..."

8. Can you tell a good story? (write one!)

I used to be able to. I think I was one of the only science majors that took English classes for fun (British Lit rocks!). Sadly, after the year long, 1,000 page senior thesis (where I proved Lamarkian genetics, thank you very much) I lost much of my love of pen and paper. I am hoping to regain it soon.

9. Can you remember your last daydream? What was it about?

Earlier today amidst the many numbers I was looking at, all I was really thinking of was holding the BeeBabe tonight.

10. If you were to thank someone today, who would you thank?

Chirodad, without a doubt, would be thanked for his tremendous patience with a very irritable, and sometimes irrational, chiromum. You are my rock.

Ok, that's it from me! And I'm NOT tagging anyone else because the people I would have tagged have already done this and Chirodad does not have a blog. At least, not one that I know about! Hope you enjoyed!

EEGADS...it's been awhile...

2005-10-03T11:45:00.000-04:00

Good grief, I've neglected my poor little blog. In defense, last week was one HELL of a week at the office. I think that the majority of the people I work with can only perform in crisis mode, and thus enjoy creating mayhem and havock for all other employees. Case in point...last week, I had 48 hours to re-price every wine item in our company (something that usually takes about a week to do) by $0.24 per CASE. That's right people, a whopping $0.02 per bottle for most items. Well, on Thursday , we found out at 11:30 am that all the work I had done was for naught, because the powers that be didn't approve the change (thank you manager-wannabe for not getting approval because you have a superiority complex and can't stand to be told that you are ignorant of your job and company procedure) and all work done must be undone in 12 hours.
Top all the work shennanigans off with a visit from the parental units this weekend, mix in some mother-nature hormones, and the result is a very wired and ticked off Chiromum. Oh, and the kitchen sink got a hole in it and had to be replaced Saturday night. Thank God I married a man that knows how to do plumbing!! And that understands that my mother throws me into a whirling dervish of swiffering, dusting, and cleaning tizzy (damnit, the baseboards weren't clean...and I had a spot on the rug...). I guess it doesn't help that I have a sister whose many talents include a spotless apartment (she's in college) and the ability to scrub floors all day long while folding laundry with her toes and leaving not a speck of clutter or dust on any surface for longer than 2 nanoseconds. I can't wait till she has children and realizes that they WILL destroy a room in 5 seconds, no matter what you do to try and keep it tidy.

And guess what else we discovered this week...Old MacDonald had quite the menagerie. This is bee babe's new favorite song that must be sung for no less than 20 minutes before those sweet little eyelids will even begin to flutter closed. And among his many animals, he had a moose, an owl, an elephant, a pigeon, a llama, fainting goats (YES!!!), and a gecko.

September 23 is...

2005-09-23T08:05:00.000-04:00

My Birthday!!

Come celebrate with me!!

Bad Mood!!

2005-09-21T08:19:00.000-04:00

I'm addicted to a parenting message board. It is a hippie message board so I feel a little better about admitting that to the blogosphere. And I also feel the need to justify any and every little thing that I do because of the whacked Southern Baptist childhood I had. It took me until I was 21 to STOP apologizing for my opinion if it differed from the majority of my peers. I digress. I really wanted to check a certain thread on this board that has been going on for a bit only to find that the entire website is shut down for maintenance. This, of course, means that once I finally am able to get BACK on the website, they will have more than likely changed the damn format so that it will take me hours upon hours to figure out where the thread went to. All of this in addition to the fact that my boss has been out for the past week with some mysterious stroke like symptoms. So, I've had double work to do all the while dealing with a co-workers domineering, 'I'm the acting boss even though I have no clue what he or you ever do and only am good to sit on my arse until I can retire' attitude. Top all of this with BeeBabe and her teething efforts (another tooth in, one more on the way) ergo lack of sleep for me and it just equals me in a bad mood. I'm going to get a cup of coffee and hopefully will be in a better mood in about an hour. Wish me luck.

Bee Babe Turns ONE!

2005-09-12T12:43:00.000-04:00

My darling little baby is now officially ONE! We all celebrated on Saturday, her actual birthday. Wonderful weather, lots of family and friends made for a great day at the park. Of course, now I'm swamped at work and can't do justice to the day, but here are a few pictures of my TODDLER! Eesh, where has that year gone? And I wonder what the next year will bring!

This picture is after the encounter with mummy's cake - a sugar-induced euphoria followed!

This one is pre-birthday cake...and pre-nap! I think she was too sleepy to smile in this one!

Something to Ponder...

2005-09-07T14:28:00.000-04:00

Yet another video collection that I simply MUST have!! Wonder if Bob Jones has it in stock??

Labor Day and I'm Laboring away...

2005-09-05T10:39:00.000-04:00

Ok, well, obviously not really. But, I am at work. And I really am not thrilled about it.

Just think, instead of being chained to my desk working on not much of anything (because it is a holiday and I work in a retail type setting and all the stores are CLOSED today) I could be finally finishing the dining room work. I took Friday off from my illustrious job to get a few things done around the house. Ever notice that no matter how many lists you make, time tables prepared, good intentions you may have, only about a fourth of the planned work actually gets done? This means that instead of getting the dining room a fresh coat of paint, new curtains, floors in the entire house mopped, and the grocery shopping done, I managed to get half of the painting and the shopping done. UGH!!! Oh well, at least the paint fumes are good for a few laughs around the house.

The Bee Babe and I trekked up to Wingate, NC this weekend with her great-grandparents for the birthday party of Bee Babe's second cousin. It was quite the festive occasion and looked as if a John Deere tractor threw up at the location. Tractor boy is 4 days older than Bee Babe, and much to her dismay is already walking/running. She got VERY annoyed that he could get away from her faster than she could scoot/crawl after him. She also LOVED his brand new John Deere Gator tractor toy. So much so, that we had to hide the toy to keep both babe's in somewhat of a good mood. Oh, and her new trick...popping balloons. Turns out Bee Babe is a bit more like her dad than we all imagined. She managed to get her little hands on a balloon, and in not even two minutes time popped the thing. All the other little children began crying at the big loud noise. Did Bee Babe cry? Oh no...Bee babe LAUGHED at the other silly children! Looks like I've got a tiny antagonist on my hands. Lord help me when she starts talking and reasoning more. Lest I taint your image of my sweet little girl, she did show quite a bit of compassion towards the other children when it came time to share in the toy bounty. At one point, she had two rubber balls and gave one to a little girl that didn't have any toys to play with. And, I'm quite proud to say, she is the only child that wasn't in tears as we left because she had to leave behind the wonderful toys.

Back to 'work'...

The Aliens Are Coming!!

2005-08-31T14:33:00.000-04:00

My husband and I were very fortunate in that when we purchased our home, it came with an attached (but not internally accessible) in-law suite. The original plan was to open the entire house, suite included, to make a bigger home to house the many children we hope to be blessed with (this was before discovering the joys of attached parenting when the thought was that each child would be in a crib/bed of their own from day one forward). Well, two weeks after closing on the house, my father-in-law had several strokes. So now, instead of lots of DIY home improvements, we have an intact in-law suite occupied by one (somewhat crazy) 61 year old. I think/know that my husband is quite relieved to have dodged the DIY bullet.

Father-in-law has always, always been something of an odd duck. And now, sans strokes, the oddness has amplified. How much of that is due to the strokes vs now having an excuse to be odd, I'm not sure. Pre-stroke, after introducing someone to his dad, hubby would always lower his voice and say, "yeah, we have to be careful with him here...at home, we put tape on all the mirrors so he wouldn't fall through to another dimension." And he would only be half joking.

I found out over the weekend that Father-in-law had a series of weird dreams he had to tell hubby about. He remembers the tree falling on the house, and remembers us coming outside to tell him about it. But then he tries to tell hubby that later that night, a spaceship hit our house And he KNEW it was a spaceship because a few hours after the initial impact, he heard all the aliens walking around on the roof and was scared to come outside. Hubby then tries to explain to him that the aliens were, in fact, hubby on the roof trying to asses the damage. Nope, Father-in-law is staunch in his defense of the alien story and of narrowly escaping the dreaded probe.

The lesson learned from this - the next time Father-in-law starts getting under my skin more than usual, I'll have to break out the flashlights and ladder and re-enact the invasion of the aliens!

Bridezilla Strikes Again

2005-08-24T11:46:00.000-04:00

Here they are, folks...The shoes that I was 'almost' destined to wear for my little sister's upcoming nuptials. Have you all finished gaging/laughing yet? Now, lest you have the wrong impression....This is a Southern Baptist wedding, complete with the 300 or so family members in attendance. THANK GOD I got her to change her mind.

Normally, when she isn't being periodically, my little sister is a pretty down-to-earth kind of girl. Granted, she is still stuck in the small-town mindframe (why would I want to travel, especially where they don't speak English? Was the response to an offer of plane tickets to LONDON for her gift from big sis and brother-in-law) and upon completion of her teaching degree from Clemson University, she will be returning to the same small town to live out her days in country (lest I say it, redneck) glory. So I really don't get the stripper shoe thing. Perhaps it really is just a case of beauty being in the eye of the beholder. But I'll be damned if I'm going to shell out $70.00 on a pair of clear shoes that will give me blisters for a DRY wedding on NEW YEARS EVE surrounded by way too many family members. I'm counting the shoe battle as a victory. And a hard earned one at that (go figure that dyed to match shoes did not register in her head as fashionable).

Now if only I could convince her that candy apple red does NOT suit everyone, especially the Matron of Honor...

Poor readers, I'm sure more horror stories are to follow as the day approaches.

The Price of Gas

2005-08-17T16:07:00.000-04:00

Let me begin this by thanking the uber wonderful Chirodad. Thanks for the prompt to write and idea!

The bee babe awakened at an insanely early hour this morning (5:00 am) and did NOT want to go back to sleep. So, being the rather wonderful mommy that I am, we got up and did a few things around the house before I had to get ready and leave for work. On a whim, I turned on the local news. And of course, the very first thing I hear is...'How Much is Gas Where You are?' Ok, that got me thinking...yes, $2.50 a gallon is rather pricey, and I almost got rilled up enough to really start moaning and complaining. Then, I comment to hubby about the insane price of gasoline and promptly get told, "Yeah, well, I'm tired of hearing that. Seriously, getting from point a to point b is one of life's necessities and you know, a few cents more a gallon just isn't that much." And he is right (hubby, you may want to print this out for future reference).

The increase in price is about the same as the cost of one hamburger (or one fancy Sonic drink...a la diet cherry limeade). And what do we need more...the over processed, almost nutritionally void fast food burger or the gasoline? Now, for those of you who have the PRIVILEGE of living in an actual city where public transportation is an option, my gasoline vs food argument might seem a bit crass. Unfortunately, here in the southland, public transport is poorly lacking. So, I'll forego the burger and take the gas. Dino's be damned. Stop bitching about the price of gas and report some REAL news!!

Edited to add: did you know that spellcheck on this thing doesn't recognize 'Bitching'?? Who would have thought?

Call me the Wicked Witch of the East...

2005-08-10T10:58:00.000-04:00

Because a TREE fell on my house this morning at 12:55 am.

I now have 2 holes in my roof, and just missed having this thing on my HEAD as it hit the wall between my bedroom and the library. Poor Bee babe woke up screaming, and I can't say I blame her. It is NOT a fun thing to be awakened by a loud freaking boom. Of course, once she got herself calmed down and truly awake, we walked into the library to assess the damage and she promptly pointed up to the protruding limbs and announced, "TREE!". Notice the cat in the picture...I can only imagine what he's thinking...

A Story with Poo

2005-08-08T15:33:00.000-04:00

Being the oldest child in my family, I've become pretty used to being the butt of jokes. Ok, well, perhaps age doesn't have as much to do with it as my very literal translation of things and bad eyesight. For example, to this day, I cannot drive around my sister, brother, mother, or combination of the three without one of them exclaiming, "Remember the squirrel?".

I was 16 years old and had recently been upgraded from car-less, angst filled teenager to taxi driver for the family. My responsibility after school was to pick up my sister and brother from their school one town over, drop them off at the house, then go back to my high school for debate practice, academic team practice, band practice, etc. So, one one of these trips when both the brother and the sister were late getting out of school, I was going a little faster than normal home. Ok, ok, so I was speeding. Anyway, I don't know where you are from, but it is pretty much the norm now to have the reflectors embedded into the road on the middle line of the road. Well, we didn't have those in SC for a LONG time. In fact, they were quite the novelty when I was 16, and very new to my hometown (one stop-light, 500 pop. town). So here I am in my little 88 Honda zipping down the highway trying to get the kids home as fast as I can when all of a sudden a squirrel darts out in front of us. My 5 year old brother just happened to be in the front seat (it was his turn and no airbags meant he couldn't be decapitated if we were to wreck) and saw the suicidal rodent. He immediately tears up when we hear the inevitable, "thump thump". Then, we hear, "thump thump" again. And again. All I can think is 'Damn, it's stuck. How the hell am I gonna get out of the car without seeing squirrel goo?' and my brother has now tried to get his head out of the side car window while still being belted into the seat to see if he can SEE the roadkill. Amidst all of the commotion, my sister from the back of the car announces in a most annoyed and disdainful voice, 'You idiot. You are driving over the reflectors. The squirrel survived.'

Then there was the time that we were at a middle school football game and a bird crapped in my hair. I, of course, find it hilariously gross and announce it to everyone, whilst my sister grabs my arm and informs me if I had just kept my mouth shut, no one would ever have known. Yeah yeah, whatever. Damn pigeons...Using my head as target practice. I suppose I should be grateful it was a pigeon and not a seagull...

Today, I get a call from the sage sister announcing that she has also had a close encounter with a bird. HA HA HA!! Is it wrong that I feel vindicated? I think not. Way to go, bomber birdy, I owe you one.

Wish I were here now...

2005-08-03T16:52:00.000-04:00

Because it is darn hot in SC right now.

Because nothing is as special as your first trip overseas.

Because nothing is as wonderful as a honeymoon.

Because we were on a relationship high then, not too easily irritated by one another's idiosyncrasies. Romance wasn't a dreaded word or dream of things past. We could walk all day and explore all the fascinating nooks and crannies powered only by a liter bottle of water and our excitement at being in a new place as an official, state-sanctioned married couple.

Because even though the airlines decided Newark, NJ needed our backpacks more than we did and left us without clothes in November in the UK, we still had fun.

Because I never would have met the odd New Zealand girl that thought we celebrate Guy Fawkes day in the states, nor would I have met the smelly, knows-no-boundaries Scottish guy on the eternally long and hot bus ride from Edinburgh to London.

But, I'm here in SC now...a married mom. And really, this is where I need to be. And I'm happy about that.

What makes me happy

2005-08-01T10:57:00.000-04:00

It really is the little things that make you happy. Like getting an insurance check for all the stolen stuff that is more than twice what you anticipated (rendering it possible to finally be able to purchase a proper dining table and chairs...yes, hippies DO like to have tables and chairs, people!). Or shopping about in Target over the weekend to find perfectly acceptable knock-off Robeez shoes for under $15.00! And while shopping in Target with a less-than-happy babe, meet up with a family of 4 boys who take the fussy babe under their wing and play peek-a-boo with her (even the eldest, pre-teen!!) to make her happy! And to find out those great boys are not only super sweet, but are also homeschooled (something in our future)! Oh, did I mention that I'm in COLUMBIA, SC and actually met up with a random homeschooled family that didn't try to push a religion on me?! I was extatic! Back to the happy list...to be able to purchase not one, but 3 new steel doors for the recent burgled home for under the price of one? AND, finally...to have a hubby that LIKES the idea of having a bright, happy RED door as our front door (see, mom, he DOES have penache!). All in all, a much better, if wetter, weekend was had than week.

Need to Lighten My Mood

2005-07-29T11:36:00.000-04:00

After a marathon night of heated discussion with the hubby, I decided to download the newest pictures of my babe. Who can resist smiling at that face??

What Happened to the AC?

2005-07-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

So I get to work EARLY for a change today, only to find out that over the night, the AC has gone kaput. Right now it is registering 87 degrees F. in my office. Turns out, we will have to wait until this afternoon to even consider being seen by the repairmen. Why do I live in SC again??

My Husband's Dream Home

2005-07-26T11:37:00.000-04:00

This, my friends, is a YURT. It is basically a tent on a platform with a large hole in the ceiling to vent smoke from a cozy fire. Hubby's dream vacation home would be a large yurt surrounded by little pod-like yurts as guest rooms on a random lot, far away in the mountains somewhere. I've said OK...just as long as I've got a bathroom that doesn't have a half-moon on the door and a stack of magazines/leaves on the roll.

Oh, lest I forget...I am to be the one to sew said yurt. Help?

States Rights, Marriage, and The Simpson

2005-07-25T12:29:00.000-04:00

So, an episode of The Simpsons sparked a rather interesting discussion between myself and Gene last night. It began with a big Parental Warning before the episode aired. The warning stated that homosexual marriages were the topic of that particular episode; I found it rather interesting that that would constitute a parental warning, but whatever. For some reason I have it in my little head that the parents concerned with their children being exposed to 'alternative' lifestyles wouldn't let them watch something as risque as The Simpsons anyway. I digress. In this episode, Homer is ordained as a minister (a process that we actually got a giggle from since we both know an Atheist Jewish Baptist Minister who was ordained in a similar process) and goes about reeking havoc in Springfield marrying anyone and everyone. This sparked the discussion between Gene and myself. I feel that marriage is a religious term, a union blessed by a church or religion and one that is completely different than a civil union. I see no issue with a civil union between two same-sex partners. Because of my faith, I do not feel that a marriage is applicable between two same-sex partners. Now you may ask what is the difference between a marriage and a civil union to me and all I can quantifiably state is that one is blessed by a higher power and one is not. Simply a matter of religiosity. Both Gene and I feel that no one should be denied the civil liberties imparted upon heterosexual couples (insurance for partners, adoption status, tax exemption, etc.). So what would the solution be? To define the limits of a civil union and marriage? Gene has this idea of States Rights being completely un-regulated by a Federal government and taxpayers being able to 'vote with their feet'. If they don't like the laws in one state, move to another. He also thinks that the Federal government should only be responsible for maintaining the military. I'm not really sure where I stand on all of this...I do know if his ideal world were ever to happen, we would most assuredly be moving OUT of the bible belt!

The Search for the Great White Dress

2005-07-25T11:19:00.000-04:00

Ok, admittedly, shopping for my sister's wedding dress wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. Thank Goodness!! We spent longer in the car driving to Burlington, NC than we did in the actual shop. She came away with an awesome deal on an absolutely gorgeous dress. I only found a few things odd enough to comment on.

Did you know that children are absolutely forbidden in bridal shops?! Yes, even infants who can't possibly touch the pretty dresses encased in heavy plastic. I was rather upset when told this and almost asked about the few pregnant brides having to remove themselves from the premises since their children were past the magic red line. Thankfully, after one stern look from me, the assistant assured me since it was slow, the babe could stay with her grandma or myself while her aunt tried on dress (after dress, after dress, after dress...). One would think that if we were there to spend THAT much money, they would be a little more accommodating!

Speaking of the money of the dress...What on earth has possessed this culture to spend god-awful amounts of money on a dress that will be worn once for only a few hours?! Granted, the idea of being a princess for a day is a wonderful fantasy come true for many...But when you start thinking of this realistically, wouldn't the money be better spent on, say, a house payment? Or put into a savings account? Or, really, just about anything other than a DRESS?! Not to be completely hypocritical, I DID have the huge, standard-Southern wedding, but only after trying to convince the parental units that we would rather elope and take the cash. If Elene or any other daughters I may be blessed with finding partners, I will be most assuredly encouraging them to elope.

The Newest Gotta Have Item of the Season...

2005-07-20T13:23:00.000-04:00

No, don't worry, this little critter isn't dead...it's just pretending! It turns out in the wonderful world of livestock oddities, there is a breed of Fainting Goats. When startled or scared, these little cuties will just freeze up and faint. I find this absolutely hilarious and a must have for our future hobby farm (since it looks like hubby will win the battle on that particular subject). Hey, the bees need a friend or two, right? And imagine the label possibilities for fainting goat cheese. Yummy!

We Have Teeth!

2005-07-18T11:53:00.000-04:00

Just to show what the angel-babe has acomplished! There are 6 teeth in there, with 2 more on the way!

They Come in Threes...

2005-07-18T09:14:00.000-04:00

So, this weekend was supposed to be a quasi-stressful one, filled with meeting new extended family members. Lets just say, it definitely started with a bang.

Friday afternoon, I leave work, marveling at my wicked maneuvering in the parking lot and somehow make it to the FIRST of the exiting line (we don't have a light and really do need one...Sitting at a stopsign 50 cars deep for 20 minutes every afternoon is NOT my idea of fun. Must have been an USC engineering student that cursed us with this). I make it onto the interstate in record time, heading to pick up miss Elene from her dad's office. Almost as soon as I exit onto the interstate, we come to a complete standstill. Seriously. No movement whatsoever, no wind even!! On the up-side, I managed to exit the interstate in about 15 minutes and take surface streets to the office. And, while waiting those 15 minutes met some really cool hippies from Maine that were traveling up and down the east coast. Hippies rule! So, I pick the babe up and head home only to find...Our door standing wide open. Ok, so being a country (naive) girl, I thought...hmmm, lets call Gene and find out if he left the door unlocked and the cat somehow managed to open the door and get inside (no, the cat doesn't have opposable thumbs, but I envisioned the bees had helped somehow). Nope, not the case. And a very irate husband now informs me to NOT enter the house, go next door to the neighbor and call the police before I enter. We do all of this, and mercifully, Elene falls asleep while we are waiting for the ETERNALLY SLOW police to show up. Now, I know they have a hard job, but damnit, when I need them, I need them NOW and a 30 minute wait is just too damn long. Before the cops make it to the house, Gene actually gets through 2 patients, leaves 2 at the office with the explanation that he will return in 10 minutes (one of the dear people actually volunteered to come with him) as we live all of 3 miles from his office. He makes it to the house and goes inside to make sure no one is still there, quasi-assesses the damage and then leaves for the awaiting patients. 5 minutes after he leaves, the cop FINALLY shows up. He seemed very reluctant to be at the house and much more interested in all the fun little codes his radio was hammering at him. I'm sure that all the other crimes were much more fascinating than our robbery, but I wanted his full attention. So, I managed to keep him at the house dusting things for half an hour...29 minutes longer than he had planned on staying, I am sure. But, hey, I had to wait half an hour on him, he could stay half an hour with me to make me feel a little less invaded (and, no, telling someone that they would more than likely never catch the people that did this was NOT good PR. Seriously, don't DO that!). So I get Elene off to bed for the night only an hour or so past her bedtime, and proceed to packing for the morning trip to the Mountains while cleaning off the really nasty black dust stuff used to search for fingerprints (we never did get a good one, no matter how many times/things I got him to dust). Although both our door and my father-in-law's door (who had nothing taken) were kicked in, we managed to salvage them for now with new locks and such. Thank goodness as the budget currently isn't set up to allow for two new steel doors!
The mountain folk turned out to be pretty darn nice, if a bit on the 'Rebel' side. Maybe its the culture up there, but the abundance of rebel flag t-shirts was a bit astonishing (especially the gal at the local grocery outlet that had on a rebel shirt and a button about the wonderful organic section of the store...I had to giggle about that one). OH, in addition to the matching family rebel t-shirts, chewing tobacco was prevalent as well! I have NEVER seen a young momma hold a 6 month old with one hand while managing to get a wad of chew in her mouth with the other hand. I was amazed at her agility! All in all, it was a good trip, got to meet some very interesting people, and no one seemed to want to kidnap me. I guess they had heard about our assassin bees.
So, we make it home Sunday afternoon and start putting the ransacked house back in order. Gene and a neighbor went through the neighborhood talking with other robbery victims (there have been several, come to find out) while I worked on cleaning the carpet and laundry. Around 8, Gene and I were working on a mental list of stolen items for the assessor when we hear a very loud bang. We really didn't think too much of it since Ft. Jackson is very close by and often emits such sounds. 15 minutes later, the nice neighbor comes by to tell us that a tree in our yard had just fallen, crushing our fence and his car. Nice.

This morning, I rush out the newly-equipped, recently-destroyed front door to the car only to find that my car absolutely refuses to start. I think it was punishing me for a weekend of being left behind. Moody Honda. It was feigning being out of gas, so after a quick refill from Gene's gas can (thanks honey for running to the gas station in your shorts), I finally make it to work.

Can I get a refund on my weekend??

2005-07-15T15:55:00.000-04:00

All dressed up...

My Darling, Well-Behaved Angel

2005-07-15T15:54:00.000-04:00

Head-banging Angry Babe!!

I've been Questioned!

2005-07-15T15:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Cannot be Trusted, for this fun little exercise.1. If you want to participate, leave a comment below saying "Interview me." "Blow me" or "Eat me" are not acceptable substitutes.2. I will respond by asking you five questions - each person's will be different. I'll post the questions in the comments section of this post.3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview others in the same post.5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.Got it? You have to ASK to be interviewed, and I promise I will try and be clever.

These questions are from a spy among us (I've not figured out how to do the link thingy yet).

1) You've gone to visit the mormon side of the family, they've kidnapped you in the mountains, what do you say that convinces them to let you go?

I have a hive of 60,000 trained assisn bees at my home. They have been instructed to set forth and destroy should I not return within 48 hours of depature of said home. Are you prepared? Well, punk, are you?

2) Your bees have all escaped, what's your next insect pet?

Since I'd miss all the buzzing, I'd have to go with one of the Homoptera family...cicadas are always fun! Just think of the amplified sounds of 60,000 cicadas...my neighbors would LOVE me!

3) Your last meal must be prepared using only a bic and a butter knife, what do you make?

the most obvious answer here is a piece of honeycomb with honey intact! the bic used to smoke the bee's away, the knife to cut out the comb!

4) You must marry another quack, what kind will it be this time?

Disclaimer first...honey, if you are reading this, we all know that you are NOT a quack. Now, back to the question...I'd have to go with a Vitamen pusher. That seems the most benign answer.

5) Would you rather have 14 beautiful well-behaved children, or one bad ugly one?

14 kids, beautiful, ugly, well-behaved, devils, whatever! The more the merrier...and variety is the spice of life. But once you get to know me, you'll understand that well-behaved is a characteristic doomed to be remissive amongst my progeny.

I finally figured out the picture thingy!!

2005-07-13T17:14:00.000-04:00

Ok, more to come at a later date...but let this be evidence to all that I have overcome my shyness around the computer and now dominate (at least till the next meltdown). Eesh, I really suck at blogging. Enjoy the baby toes.

baptismal baby feet...

I've been neglecting this...

2005-06-08T09:17:00.000-04:00

So maybe I'm not as adept at blogging as I had hoped to be. Or perhaps it is just that I've been too busy. Since it sounds much better to say that my life is amazingly interesting and hectic than I'm a lazy person, I'll just use that excuse. Actually, my life IS hectic!

In the past few weeks, we have had many changes! Elene is now in the process of cutting not one, but 4 new teeth! My poor baby was so exhausted yesterday that she fell asleep playing on her mat. She just put her head down and zonked out. The good news is that it seems they are all erupting through the gum now, and her pain has gone done quite a bit. I never would have thought that a natural process in my daughter (teething) would be able of physicaly hurting me. I held her and cried with her a few nights ago when it was really bad. Poor baby.

She is not only a teething babe, but also a tumbling babe. Her dad left her on the bed for all of a split second, and she rolled off. Granted, I'm aware that this happens to most, if not all, children sooner or later. She was fine after a few minutes...DH on the other hand was not. He has questioned his parenting skills ever since and is FINALLY back to where he was (it has been 2.5 weeks since the tumbling accident) in his confidence as a dad. Should I be ashamed that I'm secretly glad that her first tumble (of many, I am sure) happened with him?

I'm off to see if I can finally get a picture or two on here...

In the Beginning

2005-05-23T14:48:00.000-04:00

So I wonder if blogs really are mostly for women? Being the more verbose sex, perhaps it is apropo. Anyway...I suddenly find myself at a loss as to how to begin. I'll chalk that up to the lack of sleep over the past weekend. We had a long weekend spent camping with Elene and husband in Roan Mountain, TN. It was a very nice campground, but boy did it get COLD! I've been much to used to 90 + degree heat we've been having. At the campsite, it was in the low 40's at night. Thankfully, I managed to remember to pack elene's snow-suit like polar fleece outfit, so she slept snuggly each night. Unfortunately, I thought that her father and I could handle whatever nature threw at us with shorts on. I couldn't have been more wrong! By 2 am Friday night, I found myself snuggling closer to Elene just to share in her body heat. It is amazing how much heat a well-bundled 8 month old can generate. I was actually jealous in the morning of her warm little hands and pink face. By Saturday night, we had bought an extra blanket to share between ourselves as well as filled up several plastic bottles with hot water before retiring for the night. That (and a very hot shower in the morning) seemed to do the trick. We also attended the Blue Ridge Celtic festival in Blowing Rock while on our mini vacation. Fun times and great music for all.

I suppose this is a decent start to a blog...I'm off to try and figure out all the options for my new blog spot!