Hawaii Scenery Pictures

The Leeward side

Our front yard

during a rain

We did have sunny moments.

The Windward side

I loved the sky.

Hurling and Curling

Yesterday I felt like hurling. No...not preggo. I think it was the glasses and binoculars combo as I looked at an inch worm we found. The feeling lasted hours and hours. Ugh. But...

Z just gives me the warm fuzzies.

As I lay on the floor trying to keep my head from spinning, I hear his sweet voice:

"Now it's my turn to take care of you."
"Why don't you go upstairs and rest?"
"I think you are 'home' sick. If you rest, you'll feel better."
"Just try to smile, honey."

I must be doing something right.

Why Hawaii is the best

Although it rained every day,

the rainbows made it all worthwhile.

Just for Fun

Take the Quiz

On Parenting

I'm a professional parent. I get paid in hugs and kisses and tears and the occasional tantrum. Having been the child too, I've learned a few "truths." Right or wrong, these are my views on parenting:

Be consistent.
Be honest.
Teach your child that what you say is what you mean. If your child cannot put faith in your words and actions, how will they be able to do so with anyone else?
Remember to give praise. It's so easy to reprimand...we sometimes forget that praise is just as important.
Be your child's greatest fan. Let them know you love them unconditionally even if you may not agree with the choices they make in life.
Teach your child to be their own individuals. It's okay to beat to a different drum. It's okay to think for yourself.
Teach your child to be self-reliant. Having friends and family to rely on is wonderful, but knowing you have the inner strength to carry you through adversity is a powerful thing.
Television is not a good babysitter.
Play. Play. Play.
Don't compare your child. Not even to another sibling. Remember...individuals! They are who they are and should not suffer or be made to feel any less because they are not a carbon copy.
Don't put undue pressures on your child. "Set a good example for your sister/brother since you are the oldest." BAH! PTOOEY!! That is a load of crap. Your child should behave simply because that's what they should be doing. NOT because they must set an example. If anyone should set any example, it should be YOU!
All children are good. They have the potential to be well-behaved. If they aren't, then...sorry to say...you need to take a look at what you might be doing wrong. Yes...YOU!
All children will screw up. It's called learning. If they don't, they never figure out what is right. Expect it to happen. Unfortunately, we are not perfect. It is not a sin. It's a learning experience. Use the opportunity to teach your child.
Let silly-ness be. Silly is good. Not all the time. Yes, there is a time and a place. Make sure to make the time.
Hugs and kisses are good. Give often.
Love, always.

Tangerine Bag

Finally completed another bag. This one is also "winged." Sorry, no pattern to share. It's unlined, intended for use as a shopping bag or beach bag. I haven't learned to do the lining yet. Sewing...ugh! Let me tackle knitting first! I will be sending it to my SIL so I hope she likes it. Now to start a project to give to my other SIL. And on my way to Hawaii so no picture blogs till I get back home.

About Last Night

I baked a cake. Chocolate. No raw eggs.

For the first time, Z got to...enjoy!

Someone else enjoys yarn as much as I do.

So, being a good momma, I shared...

some Pound of Love

Oh yeah, it was fun untangling it all.

Totally worth it.

Once around the park

I found an awesome blog called "Once around the park." Each blog is 30 words, and in those 30 words, the author, Clare Grant, paints such a vivid picture! It's like reading haiku but better! I love reading her words and the images and feelings she evokes. Check it out!

Knitting in Air

Yes, knitting needles are supposedly allowed in your carry-on according to the TSA, but note there is a caveat. Copied from their website:

"However, there is a possibility that the needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by one of our Security Officers. Our Security Officers have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow said item to pass through security."

I'm not going to risk it. I'll just hook on the plane.

Playing House

I buy my son toys that interest and enrich him. He has monster trucks and he has a baby doll. He has trains and he has a doll house. He has a r/c car and he has a pink doll stroller. It's all good.

So today he was playing with his doll house, albiet a little differently than before...











Photo 1: Note the ambulance and fire truck parked outside the house. Note the "girl" lying in the bushes.

Photo 2: Note the fire truck inside the house.

I think my husband needs to stop watching AFV with the boy.

Some UFOs

"Z" Bears: different crochet patterns



...no faces to protect their identities...
*hee hee*



knitting project...
keeping it easy so garter stitch
let's say it will be a scarf...




KK piece...long loom
maybe a bathmat or mat for Lucy...
any ideas??

What's the Weather?

S is for Snowman

R is for Rainbow

M is for more art from a preschooler

UFOs and FOs

Apparently there is a whole 'nother language I have to learn. The hooker language. No, I don't mean that kind of hooker! Hooker as in crocheting!

I had quite a few Beavis and Butthead moments giggling as I read through some crochet forums. If you get your mind in the gutter, anything can be funny! For example, did you know some women are tight hookers?! Got you giggling too, huh? You Beavis!!

So to my non-hooking friends, I may educate you as I learn a few things. (Even hookers from L.A. can learn something new!) For future references: UFO's are unfinished objects (I think). FO's, therefore, are finished objects. Also, if you see KK it refers to Knifty Knitting. Here are a few of my FO's!

2 Knifty Knitted hats (to be donated to charity)

5 golf club socks/covers (going to my mom)

the 2 on the left are crocheted and the other 3 on the right are KK

another KK doggy sweater for Lucy

My yarn stash is growing at an alarming rate as my interest blossoms in this area. They are like Tribbles! (Who's a Trekkie?)

I am currently learning to knit. I think I figured out I do better with smaller needles, and I am working my first garter stitch scarf. It gained a stitch somewhere, but I'm not frogging! (I think frogging is the correct term. Tanya? A little help?) I'm just going to press on...unless you look carefully, you can't tell. And that is what I am banking on or I will never finish!!

I'm trying to keep my UFO's to a minimum. I've got two small stuffed crocheted animals that need faces, and a crocheted beach bag to finish. Then I get to start something else. Yaaay!!

I'm still deciding what to bring with me on my trip to Hawaii. Knitting needles go in the checked baggage. I'm not risking having to mail them back in case they don't allow me to carry it on. Yes, that means I'll be hooking on the plane.

Important issues

It's happening all over again.
New generation of homeless vets emerge
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080120/ap_on_re_us/homeless_on_the_homefront;_ylt=ApE2FHizYjlAn5HG8lqPVQVH2ocA

Another Good Word

Yesterday was the first day of this year's Fun & Friends Preschool Program. The letter of the day was "S". Miss Kim asked the group (of 18 kids!) what starts with the letter "S". I clearly heard Z.

"Slither."

The words he knows never fails to amaze me.

Outta his mouth again!

We went out to dinner last night. Instead of bringing a toy for Z to play with, I brought Brain Quest. It consists of a stack of cards with questions...covering areas like story logic, picture matches, and alphabet recognition.

Z constantly amazes me with his answers.

There is a picture of a house with a chimeny.
The question: What comes out of a chimney?
His answer: Santa Claus

I asked: What starts with the letter "H"?
His answer: I don't know.
I say: Think. "H".
His answer: *he sounds it out* "H" huh. huh. Hummus!
DH thinks: huh?!
I think: That's my boy!

And the other night, Z stops playing with his trains and tells us, "My neck is a little tight." So he got a massage and some attention with it! The things they learn from us!!

**Due to the confusion of my adult readers please note: The answer to the first question is not related to the second. The answer to the first is "smoke."

Freebies

As you all know, I'm big on helping others. Especially if it's not going to cost me a dime.

I recently found Good Search. It's a search engine...like Yahoo and Google...but it also donates money for searches you do on it. You can designated where to send the monies to. There are the popular nonprofit sites and schools such as World Wildlife Fund - WWF, Red Cross, and Salvation Army. There are also smaller nonprofits. If you search, you may find one close to you...I'm donating to Harbor Interfaith Services. So far I've raised $1.11 for them. Wanna see what good you can do for free?

Also, on my side bar to the left, you'll see some sites to visit and click for free donations to help with issues like breast cancer, literacy. Hey, with one click you could help plant a tree. And did I mention it's free?!

Pupsicles and Hot Dogs

What has Lucy so enthralled?

What stops this girl in her tracks?

What makes her calm?

What does she beg for (aside from treats)?

What warms her from inside out (or outside in)?

Fire.

She loves a good roaring fire.

A tutorial on your blog page set up

How to add those side thingys to your blog (for you know who)

After you sign in, you are directed to your “dashboard”. You would have already selected a template for your blog (the way it looks aka color and overall framework). From the dashboard, click onto “layout”. Then click on “page elements”. From here you can add links, pictures, slideshow, labels etc… depending on which you choose.

That should point you in the right direction. Hope this helps. Let me know if I can help with more.

A pooped pup pouch

Here's a bag a crocheted a few months ago. I styled it after those sling/tote bags. It all evolved from laziness. Lucy would get tired from walking, so I would end up carrying her. I got tired of carrying her in my arms.
I walk till she is tired or I see a store I want to go in. I pop her in and we are in business.
Note: Not recommended for dogs named Baxter or Roscoe (or those over 10 pounds)!

Move over Sally Field

Z gets a kick out of seeing his name in print.

Today while in the car, I pointed out a store that had "Z's" name.
It read "Z's Upholstery".

He commented, "They must like me."

We all agreed.

Knifty Knitter Dog Sweater

Using my blue round loom, I knifty knitted these sweaters for my girl. The first one was just a bit too snug. I think she did the whole "gasping for breath 'cause my pants are too tight" thing. So, I made another...same loom but made the stitches as loose as I could. Looks much better.
For those who are curious as to how I made mine, I used regular acrylic yarn, 4-ply, 2 colors, blue loom. I started out making the neck part. This was done as you would for a hat, making the brim. Then I continued on. The leg holes were done using the technique I found here. At Off the Loom Linda discusses how she made her's. I haven't tried the stretchy bind off but if you are better at this than I am, it probably makes dressing your baby easier.

My Snow Angel

After Christmas we went up to Big Bear for a few days. It snowed just a little bit but enough for us to have some fun!

Please Remember

I'm going to nag you all again. Gently.

Troops far from home. Some in the midst of battle.

No matter your views on war, could you send them some kindness from home?

It takes a minute of your time. It's free and you can maintain your anonymity. Please check out these sites and send an online message to someone in the military.

Let's Say Thanks

Forgotten Soldiers

Letters to Soldiers

And if you'd like to send more, like a care package, visit Any Soldier for details.

Make someone feel good. Show your holiday spirit and goodwill towards mankind.

Thank you.

Another Zorro-ism

Zorro: "Mom, why is Eeyore so slow?"

Me: "Well, everyone is different. Eeyore is sad and slow. You know how Rabbit is rushing and grouchy?"

Zorro: "You mean like daddy?"

I haven't stopped laughing. Out of the mouth of babe indeed!

Rare but There

My tip for you (free and unwarranted ~ but also harmless):

Get a box of mini candy canes. You can get about 40 for $0.99 (plus tax). Or if you are feeling more generous ~ some small Snickers bars or bags of M&M's, the kind you'd give out at Halloween.

Here's the important part, put it in your purse or backpack. Then as you go about your day... you will invariably encounter the crying, whining babies and their parents, the disgruntled store clerk, the pained at customer service department... It might be the season to be merry and jolly, but it sure doesn't feel like it sometimes.

Do your part to help out...hand out a candy to someone. It's a small gesture of goodwill but I guarantee it will brighten someone's day and maybe they will pay it forward. One ripple...

Seeing a smile where there wasn't one before, definitely makes your own steps just a bit lighter. And don't we all want to be lighter this Christmas?!

My Husband, My Husband, My Husband

Three Beautiful Things:

1. My husband coming home from work (and not grouchy)
2. My husband putting food on the dinner table (dinner he cooked)
3. My husband standing in front of the kitchen sink (actually washing dishes)

OMG! Is it my birthday? Is he cheating? Am I dying?
Who cares? I'm just taking it all in and enjoying.
It's a beautiful thing.

How Men take Messages

I saw this on a message board and thought it was just too funny not to share.

Thanks Mom

I'm all for learning new things. Mom always says education is very important and the one thing no one can take away from you. I love to learn.

I came across a new slang ~ Monroe. So I typed in "Monroe definition" and came across "Monroe Transfer." It didn't make sense since the topic at hand was about an infected piercing.

I used urbandictionary.com to decifer the difference... which led me to ask "WHY?!" Why would anyone feel the need to create a slang such as a "Monroe Transfer" much less do a "Monroe Transfer?!" (By the way, a "Monroe" is a piercing between the nose and the lips, modeled after Marilyn Monroe's mole.)

It's an odd and sick time we live in. Odd. Sick. And strangely funny.

Thanks Mom.

Starting the day off on a good note

1. little noses and Eskimo kisses
2. hearing "You are sweetness" from my Zorro
3. emails from jellybeans' mom

Creative Crochet Dog Sweater

Here's a sweater I crocheted for Lucy. I sort of winged it but it fits pretty good.

It's a Small World (Take 5?)

I know! I know! Another one? True! This happened yesterday...

The moving van had just left, and our newest neighbor was outside talking with another neighbor. We went over to introduce ourselves.

She says, "Oh, are you the ones from Hawaii?" We respond affirmatively and do the usual "what island/what city." She tells us she's from Hawaii but had been in California since the 60's. Her gentleman friend tells us she's from the same city I am...went to the same high school ~ albiet before I was a twinkle in my father's eye.

I say, "What year did you graduate?" (It's something typical someone from Hawaii asks. We want to know where you went to high school and what year you graduated. Then we ask if you know so and so and the information binds us together and makes us friends of friends and family. One big ohana.)

She replies, "1963." 1963?!

I ask her if she knew my father. Bam Zip Zowee!!! Holy six degrees Batman!! If you guessed she was my dad's classmate, you win yourself a prize!

Not only were they classmates, but they apparently used to race cars, with my dad prodding her, "One more time." She says he signed her yearbook liberally with the refrain "One more time."

It was wild and weird...another strange coincidence that cements that idea that it really is a small world.

Today

...and everyday...

Thank you.

A Hand, Doggy Glam, and a Warm Heart

1. This hand reaching for mine as we go up and down the stairs...


2. $2.50 at Target and an indulgent doggy...

3. My son made sure his friends were warm too...

And one of Zorros's 3BT...Chocolate oatmeal with M&M's and sprinkles...

Chocolate, Cubans, and Smorgasbord

1. A 3 ft sous chef and chocolatey chocolate chip pancakes
2. Buena Vista Social Club on my MP3 (guaranteed to soothe the angry beast and get it to dancing)
3. Whole Food Market array of ready prepared foods (so I don't have to turn on my stove)

My own Happy Happy Joy Joy

As some of you may have noticed, one of my places to visit is called Three Beautiful Things. I've decided to broaden my outlook by attempting to find my own 3BT. That is how I will label them. You will see them from time to time. Some people are talented at conveying feelings through photographs. I'm going to attempt to impart my joys with words.

1. cuddling a kitten ("Z") before breakfast
2. a hug over the phone
3. a clean desk

Dear Doctor

I was scheduled to have my annual GYN check up today. Now, while this is not necessarily something we ladies look forward to (I know, shock to some of you guys, but trust me...we don't), it is definitely a must do to maintain our health. Cervical cancer is a big deal. Heck, cancer is a big deal. So, I made the appointment well in advanced, making sure to write it on several calendars so I wouldn't forget.

I dropped my son off at preschool and headed over for my 9:30 am appointment. Then I proceeded to sit and wait until my name was called.

And wait.

And wait.

Finally I was called in, got undressed and put on that lovely paper shirt with the opening in the front. A quick glance at my watch told me it was already 10:30. I sat for another 10 minutes before getting dressed again.

What was more important than getting a clean bill of health down there? Making sure my son didn't think he was abandoned and picking him up on time.

Really doctors. It's bad enough I have to expose myself to you in that way, but do you really need to keep me hanging too?

Treat me like a valued customer.

If you are already over an hour late at 9:30 am, you are just too over booked. And although, dear doctor, I think you are great, I'm going to have to take that business end of me somewhere else.

My time is just as valuable.

Babe-isms 11/1/07

One of my friends quotes her daughter's cute "-isms."

"Zorro-isms" sounds like quite a mouthful.

I'm tired of "Out of the mouth of babe."

How about "Babe-isms?" Not bad, I think. It fits. I call him babe. He is (and always will be) my baby. Therefore Babe-ism it is!

Here are a few of his latest creations...

"Toasted toast"

"Fastily" (quickly)

"Hibernationing" (the act of snuggling under the covers like polar bears)

"Sizzlicious" (something good!)

Happy Halloween

Today was my son's Halloween party. The kids were all dressed up in their make-believe finery...princesses to super heroes. They were all very excited because not only did they have a party planned, but they also got to go Trick-or-Treating at the homes of their teacher's relatives and at the classroom next door. The children had been memorizing and practicing a poem which they recited with the mask you see below (the one Zorro made).

Here is Zorro as they finished their Treating. For the third year in a row he is a fireman... (his choice) wearing the exact same costume (I bought it big 3 years ago). I think this may be his last year in it. My, he's growing up.

I know you'd think he would want to be a firefighter when he grows up. But, you'd be wrong. He wants to be a race car.

Uh, no typo there. No, not a race car driver. A race car. I asked. I say, be the best race car you can be, son. I think his aspirations are growing too. It's better than his previous answer... a stop sign. =)

You May Love the Nightlife

Mornings alone with my son are one of our most treasured times. I would go to his room to wake him up for the day and he would ask, "Mom? Do you want to snuggle?"

Do I want to snuggle?!

I get into bed with him and under the covers.

Somedays he is "Copycub" {from Richard Edwards' "Copy me, Copycub"}and I am his mommy bear...we are huddled in our warm, safe cave, ready to hibernate as the snow falls outside the entrance. Sometimes he is an egg and I am a mommy duck. He tells me to sit on him and from beneath me I hear a "crack." Then my fuzzy little duckling emerges in a flurry, amidst the down of the comforter.

Mornings are our time. It's our time to bond over hugs, tickles and lots of pretending, but always with a very real love.

I wonder who I'll be tomorrow.

Not just Fine

Me: "How are you feeling today?"

Zorro: "Quite well."

Not just "fine" or "good." "Quite well." Where does he get these from?!

Not So Hot Stuff

The California Wild Fires are insane. Thankfully, we are far enough away that we aren't in any danger. Unfortunately we are close enough to receive the fallout. The past few days the skies have been a hazy gray. Smoke has thickened the air, surrounding us with a faint stagnanting smell of burning tobacco. It has been steadily raining white ash like Californian snow.

I've been trying to keep Zorro indoors as much as possible, forgoing the park and pumpkin patch. Luckily he has caught a cold which gives me more ammunition as to why he should be playing inside and not outside.

We're doing okay. Hopefully all the fires will be contained and out soon. Until then, we're sitting tight.

My son the Know It All

"Dad? Did you know there is lots of sand at the beach?"

Got Rice?

Talk about addictions!

Thanks to Tanya, I am hooked! For free, you can play a game, test your vocabulary skills, learn a new word, AND donate to a good cause. www.freerice.com Check it out!

My Horror-scope

I try to keep an open mind about most everything... with what I consider to be a healthy dose of skepticism since I do tend to be rather naive and gullible. I shy away from fortune tellers and their ilk... not so much because I'm afraid they might be wrong or right, but because I'm too cheap to spend the money on what will be anyhow. (Yeah, I do believe in fate...but then I also believe in making my own---see how f'ed-up I am.)

But I just so happen to read my forecase yesterday and it struck me dead on with it's seemingly clear and concise insight into the core of my current situation. Here's how it begins:

"You are not one who particularly likes structure, dear Capricorn, but know that you probably need it more than anyone else."

Have I mentioned I hate...loathed...detest conformity?! I hate the little uniformed townhomes and rebel against couture. Hence the no make-up, short Fantastic Sam's hair cut, and Goodwill clothes (but I draw the line at the European no-frills armpits...armpits must be shaved!).

But knowing I intend to homeschool may have given you some clue to my views on the matter. Anyhoo, I also hated to have to account for my time at home. If I did 5 loads of laundry, took care of my son from sun up to sun down, did the grocery shopping, cleaned 1 and 1/2 bathrooms, cleaned the kitchen, had the dishes washed, vacuumed, and fed the dog (and cleaned after the dog), does it really matter how much time I spend on the compter in the meantime?!

Am I digressing? Sorry, venting they say is good.

Back to the horror-scope topic, I'm nonchalant, I've been told. I know what I have to do and will see to it that it gets done but please don't tell me how to do it or I may just have to take drastic measures like...tune you out.

But, it is clear I recognize my own need to organization...hence my revamping of my books and files, reorganizing the house, creating and printing many forms to help keep my life in order. So, that being said, it was refreshing to see it in black and white. It helped to hit home.k

"Today would be a good one to take an honest look at your life and see what kind of adjustmenst need to be made in order for you to keep it all in control."

Kinda sends shivers up the spine, don't it?!

"Discipline is a key element to this day. Try to stay focused and not get distracted by your fluctuating emotions."

Wow.

So, I'm taking a step back and taking a closer look at my life.

• I'm not perfect.
• I don't have to be perfect.
• I need to listen to others' "good intentions."
• Other people may be right some of the time.
• I don't have to get defensive or offended.
• I don't have to do things the "right" way.
• It's okay to do things "my" way.
• I need to speak out loud what is screaming in my heart.

I've decided I have to worry less about how other people may react to what I am doing. I have to not internalize their anger or disapproval. Easier said than done but at least I have a somewhat working plan. I have to know what I am doing is right for me.

Fire Safety Month

We went to our first kids craft day at Home Depot last Saturday and made this cool fire truck (crayon holder) with a bit of help from a very nice Home Depot employee.

It is Fire Safety Month so those with kids may want to check out these two sites:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/kids/flash.shtm
http://www.sparky.org/index.html

New Truck

Zorro has been wanting a Power Wheels for a long time now. He'll admire them in the stores, sitting in the ones he can, pretending to drive.

We've held off purchasing one since they are a rather pricey toy and storage is a problem.

But, last Friday, we decided the price was right. He'd made it 1 whole week dry in bed sans diapers or pullups. He'd been doing his paperwork without fussing. We'd give him the Power Wheels as a reward and figure out the minor details later.

So my husband tucked the box into our bedroom closet, waiting till after Zorro's bed time to assemble it. The battery took 18 hours to charge so we kept mum (and kept him out of the closet) until it was ready.

We surprise him with the F-150 truck. He is thrilled and amazed, hopping into it immediately. Then he pauses.

"But, there's no cup holder..." he says.

Oy vey! Kids nowadays!

No More

DIAPERS!!

As of Saturday, September 29, 2007, Zorro slept in his underwear.

30 Seconds

A brief reminder...

If you have 30 seconds, please do your part and click to help. It doesn't cost you and thing and you will be making a huge difference.

http://www.thechildhealthsite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1&link=ctg_ths_home_from_ars_home_sitenav

Better yet... click everyday!

And Less is More

Decluttering and reorganizing. That's my ongoing mission. I continued again last night, getting rid of about 2 bags of my romance and poetry books and 1 bag of my son's board books. My husband came home to see me reorganizing the books I had left, wanting to know if I could whittle it down to just one book shelf.

Uh... NO!

On top of being a pack rat, I am a bookophile. Is that a word? I think so, but I'm not goint to "Google" right now--y'all know what I mean in any case. I have reading material in every room of the house. In the closet. In the dining room. Under the beds. In the drawers. In the pantry.

Books have been my friends for a long time. Books shared their secrets with me and inveigled me into many adventures. I've laughed and cried with my books. I've treasured them...no folded corner pages, no cracks in the spine. It's damn hard to say goodbye.

So the ones I've kept are my favorites--the ones I return to over and over again. Julie Garwood, Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell, and Christine Feehan are a few of my favorites. They cover the genre in romance from historical to paranormal. Yes, vampires can be very sexy.

Part of decluttering is getting rid of what you don't need. And not accumulating more. That will be a toughie. The key, or so I'm told, is getting rid of something you have if you are getting something new. Out with the old, in with the new. And knowing where you will put the object before you buy it.

I still have piles of crap around the house. But each day I'm tackling them one by one. I figure by next year I should have the house well decluttered. I should probably get rid of the glass plate I was giving at my engagement party that I have never used and is still in the box. No, it wasn't a gift from my Aunt Gertrude... but it was a gift and it's hard to shake that mentality of giving away something someone gave to you.

Decluttering my house... decluttering my life...

Cleaner. Lighter. Better.

Princess Less

If you know me, you know that I am a pack rat. I am proud to say I don't own a cat, and I only have one dog. I can still see my floors, and I throw away my newspapers on a regular basis. I'm not the queen of pack rats. --more like the princess. I can't seem to help myself. I could think of a use for almost anything.

"No! Don't throw it away! I need it!"

You doubt me?!

Here's an example. You know those small plastic containers from drinks like Crystal Light that hold the powder so you just add water in a pitcher?

I save those. They make the perfect containers for holding individual paints during art project time. When we're done, I just rinse them out and save them for next time.

I have also saved yogurt containers which make the perfect size for snacks on the go. The crackers don't get squashed like they do in a plastic baggie and the take up less room than a rubbermaid or tupperware container. I also use them to hold water for our painting projects and have used the lids to hold dabs of paint. The lids are also great to put under table legs to prevent damage to any plastic floor covering you might use.

Package popcorn is saved. It can be reused as package material OR you could paint it and then use it in an artwork. Same goes for macaroni. I saved shoelaces for stringing beads or lacing projects...cleaned, of course. Jars are always a keeper. You never know when you might give a gift of "______ in a jar" or make a snow globe.

The list could go on and on. But I'll spare you my idiosyncrasies.

Lately, I've been getting organized. And I have to admit, it does feel good. It started slowly, but it's been on-going and consistent. I'm not going to win any awards any time soon, but I'm getting better at this. There is an abundance of information out there (and a surprising number of people on the opposite end of the spectrum). One very...um...enlightened organizer that I've checked out for tips is http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com/.

It's only Wednesday, and my floors have been wiped and vacuumed, the bathrooms (all 3) are cleaned. The bedrooms, living room, and dining room are cleaned. The bulk of the laundry is done with socks and undies to last us till next week. And all this done 2 weeks in a row. Yeah. I'm amazed too!

Now if I could only get to cooking dinners...I'd be joining the ranks of June Cleaver. I'd say Mrs. Brady but she had a maid.

Lucky bitch.

Free Love

Lucy is fine. She drank a lot of water yesterday and seemed to be on a little sugar rush, but other than that, she was thankfully normal. I'm so relieved since the hubby has cancelled her "health insurance" policy. He is unwilling to pay for anymore trips to the ER.

Crap.

Well, that's what happens when a dog lover marries a less compassionate soul. To him, a dog is a dog--an animal. Me? I see her in a different light, a more accepting light. I take the good with the bad because the good way supercedes the bad. To me, she's worth it. Money is just money. But then, I'm not the one making any either...