done!

I just finished doing the new layout over at my pic blog...here. I think it looks really good...tell me what you think!

til next time...=)

round robin!

Just to let you know, my pics are here...this time it's for the RRPC. Go check them out!

til next time...=)

follow me

See the new thing on the sidebar? It's my Twitter update...I'll update on there from work...that'll be fun. I'll let you know what stupid things people say or want me to find there...lol.

til next time...=)

pics

I posted a few pics over at Pics of Craziness...go look! And merry Christmas, although it's a little late...today's the first day off I've had since Christmas Eve...yuck.

til next time...=)

renovations

You like the new look? Brandi turned me on to PSP, and that was it. Ta-da! Let me know what you think...

til next time...=)

my arm was twisted.

Fine. I got a comment from someone (you know who you are...lol) to update. Dammit. I haven't updated in so long...only because I haven't really had time to. Not like there's nothing to write about...duh. Let's see...I...

--got a second job...
--did 2 birthday parties, including a sleepover (you think I would've learned from the 1st one)
--did Turkey Day at home...that's an entry in itself--both the day and the reason we stayed home
--didn't transfer my private blog from AOL, so everything will be out in the open now.

Let me start by saying I have been reading, just not commenting...I'm officially a lurker these days. I've been totally busy, with both jobs, the kids, and sleeping. Actually, the only reason I'm on here tonight is because it's my day off...from one job, anyway.

What's the new job, you ask? I'm a crossing guard at the school. It's not an easy job to come by, but this one pretty much fell into my lap. The person who was doing it got a new job...she knew me, knew I was available, and she needed me to do it for her the very next day. Of course I said yes...who the hell would turn down a $20 per hour job?!? I mean, it's only an hour a day total, and it totally works with my schedule at Verizon. Yeah, I'm still there too, driving 40 miles round trip each day...for 13 bucks an hour plus fully paid benefits, can't stop doing that one either. The only downside of the crossing guard job is the weather...standing out there in the cold and rain and snow...it sucks. In fact, the first day I did it, it was awful--cold, wind, and a rain/snow mix. But it's okay...I like seeing the kids in the morning--their smiles make it SO worth it.

Hmmm...what was next--oh yeah, the birthday parties. Acutally, they both went pretty good. We downsized this year, due to the fact that we're broke..lol. Bum had a few friends over, along with the family...all went well with that. Dude had his video game slumber party--meaning we moved his Wii out into the living room, so he and his friends could play on the big screen. That went better than expected, since her sleepover two years ago wasn't pretty.

Speaking of the monsters children, they're doing awesome. Both Bum and Dude are doing well in school, and still driving me nuts...when I see them, anyway. Brayden (still haven't come up with a permanent pseudoname for him yet) is getting big...he goes to the doc tomorrow. He's got two teeth already...and he bites like a son-of-a-bitch (wait, that makes me a bitch...okay cool). I gotta get some new pics of them...I'll put them up on the other blog.

As for the transfer, you can see that I didn't have a problem with that. I didn't transfer the unknown private blog only because I didn't see the need for it. This boring blog is for everything--however good, bad, or ugly it can be. But it's all me. Don't like it? There's a little "X" in the top right-hand corner. Anyhoo...

So there. You-know-who twisted my arm and made me post. I feel better now.

til next time...=)

moving

Let's see...what to write about...moving sucks. The journal, I mean. But ya know, it's for the best--there's more to do here. I like it--I've been photo blogging here for a while, now I'm gonna have to blog with words here too. I hope transferring everything is easy--I have 3 AOL ones I have to do...not including my private journal AND Bum's story blog too. Damn...that's a lot of crap to move. I'm not worried about the pics from long ago--I was using Photobucket before I was even blogging. It's 3 journals...no wait, 2...under different screen names. Ewww. But it'll get done, and I'll move on. It's not like I've been writing a lot lately anyway....too much going on for me to stop and write about it. Like financial crises, birthdays, school, and lots of work. But I'm still here...

til next time...=)

blog the recession

My job dealt me one hell of a blow a few weeks ago...well, actually my union. Our union contract with Verizon runs out at midnight this Sunday, and as of today, they still haven't reached an agreement for a new one. Which means...you guessed it--strike. Woo-effin-hoo. It involves about 70,000 employees up and down the east coast...maybe more.

Read more here...http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/FREE/911187560/1065/toc

I could use all the support I can get, even if it is in nice comments. That's why I'm linking to Kristen at Motherhood Uncensored and her "Blog the Recession". You can click the link in my sidebar. She's really funny too...she might say some stuff that could offend though. Yay!

til next time...=)

question me this...

What was the last thing you ordered from McDonalds?
Big Mac Extra Value Meal w/no cheese.

When was the last time you got totally wasted?
At my brother-in-law's wedding. Two years ago...I need to get wasted again...lol.

Do you own a canoe?
Nope.

What was the last button you pushed?
The "on" button on the coffee pot.

Do you have or want any Piercings?
Yup--my ears, but maybe my tongue eventually.

What do you think about people with tattoo's?
Cool--I have one, and I want at least one more.

Are you in love?
Yup.

Have you ever had an unusual pet?
We had three iguanas, a few anoles, and two emporer scorpions.

What color is the wall closest to you?
White...didn't paint this room.


Have you ever set foot in a tanning salon?
For me, it would be a burning salon...so no.

Have you ever played strip poker?
Nope...

What's your mother's favorite color?
I dunno...let me channel her and find out.

Fast Food Restaurant or Chinese Takeout?
Depends on the mood I'm in...right now it would be fast food.

If you could move, would you?
Seriously thinking about it now...

Do you prefer hot tea or iced tea?
Iced.

What is your favorite musical?
Phantom of the Opera.

When did you stop believing in Santa Claus?
I think I was nine or ten...

Who was your first crush?
Can't remember.

What's the stupidest thing you've done?
There are so many...can't think of just one.

Have you ever faked being drunk?
I don't think so.

When is the last time you were on a bicycle?
At least 5 years ago...wouldn't mind having one though...gas prices suck ass.

What's your dad's favorite color?
Don't know, don't care.

How many numbers are in your phone book?
OMG...at least 50.

Do blondes really have more fun?
Sometimes...

Ever fallen out of love?
Yup.

Have you ever smoked tobacco out of a hookah?
Nope, but wouldn't mind trying.

Who do you hate the most?
I'm not the type to hate the person, just the things they do.

Have you ever donated to charity?
Yup.

Ever used a fake id or an id that wasn't you?
Nope.

Are you donating your organs?
Let me check my license...yup.

What is by far your favorite moment of life?
There's too many...the birth of my kids stands out.

What is the last thing you ate?
Hamburgers...last night...getting hungry now.

What's the last thing you drank?
Coffee.

Ever been on ecstasy?
Nope.

Who has it easier, guys or girls?
Guys...hands down.

Who called you last?
My niece Stephanie.

If you were really upset, who is the first guy you'd go to?
Joey.

Who is the first girl you would go to?
I dunno...probably Steph.

If someone liked you right now, would you want them to tell you?
I dunno.

Do you prefer to take showers at night or in the morning?
Morning.

Do you think you have made a difference in anyone's life?
Yup...I know I did.

Do you remember the name of your first school you ever went to?
Yup--Charles Sumner...it was Bum's first too.

How many piercings do you have?
Just my ears...three holes in each.

Which year has been the best so far?
I dunno.

Ever found more than a dollar in a random place?
Yup--20 bucks...both on a bus and on the street.

Last time you laughed really hard?
Can't remember...I need a really good laugh.

Last text message in your inbox?
Joey.

Do you know anyone addicted to any type of drugs?
I did, but she's clean now.

How many kids do you want to have?
Maybe one more...four total.

What color are your eyes?
Blue-gray.

What is the natural color of your hair?
The color it is now...strawberry blonde.

What is the closest purple object to you?
Ummm....my Hello Kitty notebook.

Did anyone watch you the last time you kissed someone?
Maybe my kids...I dunno.

Do you believe that if you want something bad enough you'll get it?
Knowing my luck? No way.

Have you ever kissed someone in a vehicle?
Of course...who hasn't?

Break someones heart or have your heart broken?
Yup.

Would you ever get a belly piercing?
Maybe...if my stretch marks magically disappeared.

Are you a morning person or a night person?
Used to be a night person, but now mornings are my thing.

Do you snore?
Yup, and talk too.

Do you like to spend time with people?
Some people...

Are you hungry?
Yup.

When was the last time you did the dishes?
This morning.

Are you talking to anyone while doing this?
Nope.

Have you ever thought someone died, when they really didn't?
Nope.

Three feelings at the moment?
Tired, anxious, and a little excited.

Done anything you regret so far in life?
A few things.

Are you listening to anything?
Food Network on the TV.

Where are you right now?
In my bedroom.

Last movie you watched?
30 Days of Night.

Last song you sang out loud?
Can't remember.

Are you thinking of someone right now?
Nope.

til next time...=)

tag...i think

I think I was tagged by Jimmy...

Put your IPod or MP3 on shuffle and list the first 8 songs that play.... tag 8 other people to do the same. If you don't have an IPod or MP3 then make shit up. You might think about moving into the 21st century by getting an IPod or MP3 player of some sort.

Here's mine--

1. These Are Days--10,000 Maniacs
2. Bodies--Drowning Pool
3. The Light In Your Eyes--Todd Rundgren
4. All Around Me--Flyleaf
5. Ordinary World--Duran Duran
6. Bug-A-Boo--Destiny's Child
7. Real Love--Mary J. Blige
8. Runaway--Janet Jackson
9. Wake Up Call--Maroon 5
10. Get A Job--The Offspring

Yup--I have an IPod...actually, I won it at work. For taking the last call in the Scranton office before it closed...lol.

Almost forgot--tag--you're it...

Barbara
Krissy
Mary
Robin (when she gets better)
Sharon
Amanda
Missy
Dave

til next time...=)

update

Just updating...Brayden's been off the blanket since last week...his bilirubin levels went seriously down...that's a good thing!  Yay!  He's more awake now...I can just stare into his eyes...lol.

There's some good news for me too...went to WIC this morning--they had to weigh me.  I was anticipating this...I was 168 when I got pregnant...174 a week before I had Brayden...I now weigh...wait for it.....

 

151!!!!!!!!!

Damn right...I lost 23 pounds.  Woo-effin-hoo!!!

Bad news...I still haven't got my last paycheck from work...from two weeks ago...meh.

til next time...

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pics and stuff

Finally added a pic to the sidebar today.  Finally getting around to writing an entry.  Been so tired lately...including today, since I've been up since, oh, about 4:30 this morning.  YAY. 

 

We came home on Saturday...just in time for Joey's communion party.  Yup--only spent a day and a half in the hospital.  I didn't want to be there any longer than I had to.  In fact, my OB said I looked so good on Friday afternoon, he would have discharged me then...HAHAHA.  I guess I bounced back quick.  Now just my boobs (from breastfeeding and then stopping) and back (from the epidural) hurt.  But other than that, it's like I wasn't even pregnant...I don't even look like I was...woohoo!

About the labor...ugh.  NINE HOURS.  Ouch.  I finally got an epidural around 3am...man, that moved things along.  When the nurse put the baby monitor back on my tummy, she couldn't find his heartbeat...uh oh.  The OB came in, and did an internal monitor.  That's when they realized something was wrong--every time I would have a contraction, his heart rate would drop.  They were thisclose to doing an emergency c-section.  But instead, they wanted me to trying pushing him out.  Two pushes later (literally), there he was.  Found out later they had a hard time getting him to breathe...about 3 or 4 nurses were around him...from what Joey told me, it looked like he was trying to cry, but nothing was coming out.  Anyhoo, here we are.

I know--what the hell is that in the above pic?!?  That's a Wallaby blanket, which is an ultraviolet fiberoptic light.  It's used when jaundice doesn't go away on its own.  Brayden's in there, and it's supposed to get rid of the bilirubin (bile) in his system.  He only has to use it for a day or two--the jaundice should clear up by then.  Good thing the insurance covers that.  He kinda looks like a blue E.T. if you ask me...lol.

Now that you're all caught up, I have to go feed Brayden...until sometime during the night...lol.  *yawn*

til next time...=)

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checkin in

Just writing a quick entry to let everyone know that me and Brayden are doing ok.  He was born at 3:29am, he weighed in at 7 pounds even, and 19 1/2 inches long.  I'll write more about him when I get home...hopefully tomorrow.

til next time...=)

hellooooooooooooo.....

Where did everyone go?  I know I've been a little lax on the commenting...cut me a little slack--from the previous entry, I've had a lot going on lately...I barely had time (or the energy) to post (and there's more than just that...).  Don't get me wrong, I have been reading.....I'm still here...are you?  I feel lonely......boohoo.....sniff sniff....helloooo?

til next time...

questions

 

Got this over at Sharon's place....

 

Your best friend tells you she is pregnant.

Cool--me too!

When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in their face?

Not really into that, but I wouldn't mind getting some of the wireless customers I talk to....

What is the last thing you spent money on?

Lunch yesterday.

Do you think you gained or lost weight this past month?

I'm almost 8 months pregnant...duh.

Crunchy or Puffy Cheetos? 

Puffy.

Congratulations! You just had a son. What's his name? 

Well, since I'm expecting one of those, Brayden.

What are you craving right now?

Again...pregnant...food.  Anything edible.

What was the last thing you cried about? 

When Joey was stuck in Iowa.

When you buy something and your change is 2 cents, do you keep it or tell the cashier to keep it? 

Depends on how I feel that day.

What color is your tissue box?

What tissue box?  TP works for me.

Do you have a ceiling fan in your room, and if so, is there dust on that fan? 

No ceiling fan here.

Scariest thing you've experienced in the last year?

Almost falling on the ice...and Joey flying for the first time.

Have you ever had a garage sale?

A few.

What color is your iPod?

I don't have one, but Bum's is sparkly white.

What is the last alcoholic beverage you had?

Ummm...Boll Weevil...when I was in Tennessee last summer.

Are you happy right now?

I guess so.

Who came over last? 

My mom-in-law and other family...but I wasn't here...

Do you drink beer? 

Ewww.

Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted? 

Not that I can remember.

What is your favorite key on your key chain?

Ummmm....the one that starts the car.

What was the last movie you watched at home?

Saw 4.

What is in your pocket?

My lighter. 

Where do you hurt?  

Where the baby is kicking me.

Has someone ever made you a Build-A-Bear?  

Nope.

What's something fun you did today? 

Taking my kids to school...WOOHOO!

What is your favorite aisle at Wal-Mart? 

Hmmm...electronics and baby stuff.

When is your birthday?

June.

Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror? 

Purple beads from Mardi Gras...last year.

What kind of milk do you drink? 

Only flavored...chocolate, vanilla, strawberry.

What is something you need to go shopping for? 

Food...and lots of it.

 

til next time...=)

the i's have it

The "I" in me....

I Live:  in Pennsylvania...where it's cold and raining right now.

I Work: doing wireless 411 at Verizon (not VZ wireless).  But for how much longer...who knows.  I like my job.

I Talk: see above...I'm on the phone ALL. DAY. LONG.

I Wish:  things were better, and people would stop pulling the rug out from under us.

I Enjoy:  having time to myself, and taking the family on little outings, like the pool and the park for the day. 

I Look: like the semi-toothless wonder...but not for long...=D

I Find:  that my friends help when they can.  They help by listening.

I Smell:  when I'm in such a rush in the morning, I forget to put deodorant on...ewwww.

I Listen: to lots of people and their situations...and help out whenever I can.

I Hide:  in the house on my one day off a week...like a hermit.

I Pray:  that things will get better.

I Walk:  to the store.  Sometimes in the rain.

I Write:  my grocery list, then leave it at home and forget what I needed.

I See:  lots of things, including some that I'd rather not see.

I Sing:  in the car, at the top of my lungs.

I Laugh:  to keep from crying.

I Can:  do lots of things...

I Watch: my kids grow up right before my eyes, unfortunately.

I Yearn:  to own my own house.

I Daydream: about how much better it could be.

I Fall:  in love again everyday.

I Want:  to not worry about what tomorrow's going to bring.

I Cry:  a lot these days.

I Burn:  if I'm in the sun too long.

I Read:  computer screens all the time.

I Love:  to bake.

I Rode:  lol...I'm thinking baaaaaad on this one.  bwahahaha

I Sometimes:  wonder what it would be like not to worry about anything.

I Hurt:  when my family hurts.

I Fear:  everything...it's the anxiety talking.

I Hope:  tomorrow's better than today.

I Break:  the car.

I Eat:  whatever I can.

I Bathe: daily!

I Drink:  coffee, and lots of it.

I Stop:  people from yelling at me...by being calm (or at least sounding like I am).

I Save:  whatever I can.

I Hug:  whoever needs one.

I Meditate:  when the kids aren't home.

I Play:  Wii Bowling.  And I'm good!

I Miss:  my mom.

I Hold: until you tell me to let go.

I Forgive:  all the time.

I Drive:  a Pontiac Grand Am.

I Learned:  that nothing comes without a challenge.

I Dream:  about everyone getting along.

I Have:  an awesome family.

I Don't:  take anything for granted.

I Made:  brownies yesterday.

I Believe: that good times are right around the corner...

I Wait:  until that day comes.

I Need:  too much to mention here!

I Owe:  more than I have.

I Hate:  people who mean to me because they can't see me (at work)

I Feel:  lots of love in my family.

I Know:  I am loved

I Wonder:  what would have been....

I Applaud:  everyone's triumphs

I Love:  everyone!

til next time...=)

dark side survey

Got this from Barbara...had to give it a try.

Imagine that, for some reason, you've now been forced to consider the following:

1. You're forced to choose between one of the following vices. You have to choose, and do, one of them: Smoking, drinking, illicit drugs. Which would be the most acceptable to you?

Smoking...I do that already.

2. You're forced to give up one of these senses: sight or hearing. Which one do you give up?

Hearing...I can learn to read lips....

3. Disregarding the previous question, you're only allowed to enjoy one thing from now on :music player (CD, iPod) or DVD player. Which would you keep?

CD player.

4. You have to give up one of these for 3 days: eating or drinking. Which would you choose to do?

Eating...I can drink to make myself feel full...lol.

5. You have to choose one: perpetual daytime, or perpetual night time. Which one do you think you could live with?

Night...it's cooler then.

6. You can only choose one type of treat for life: salty snacks (potato chips, Doritos, etc) or candy. Which one?

I can deal with losing the salty snacks, but not the candy...gimme chocolate!

7. Your life partner has to be one of the following: heavy smoker or heavy drinker. Which one?

The smoking I can deal with, as long as it's not in the house.  Hell, even I don't do that.

8. Your life partner also has to be one of the following: Democrat or Republican. Which one could you live with?

Democrat, since I'm one.

9. You can only watch one forever: CNN or FOXNews Channel. Which one?

CNN...I watch that now.

10. You can only have one: a computer or a TV. Which one do you keep?

The TV...I can get WebTV...

11. You have to live in one of the following places: The Sahara Desert or Antarctica. Where do you go?

Antarctica.  Too hot in the desert.

12. You have to give up one: MySpace or your cell phone. Which one do you keep?

The phone.  I have MySpace, but I'm on the phone more.  And MySpace can't help me in an emergency (such as when I forget what I need from the store).

13. You have to do one of the following: create 1000 email surveys or answer 1000 email surveys. Which one?

Hmmm...this one's tough.  I would say answer them, since making them is SOOOOOOOOOO much harder.

til next time...=)

tag

Got this from Robin, who got this from Barbara, and who knows where she got it.

1. Are you a child of the 70s, 80s, or 90s?
80s and 90s.

2. Where were you born?
The same damn place I am now...Pennsylvania.

3. What kind of home did you grow up in?
All apartments, mostly projects.  Yay.

4. Did you enjoy your childhood?
Eh...it was ok, but I'm glad it's over.

5. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Um...teacher...can't remember anything else.

6. What do you want to be now?
Landscape architect, psychologist, or pastry chef.

7. What was your first best friend's name?
Angel.

8. Is she still your friend?
Yup.

9. Can you name all the schools you ever attended?

Uh huh.  Ready?
Charles Sumner ES
Frances Willard ES
Newton-Ransom ES (for a week!)
Falwell ES
West Scranton IS
South Scranton IS
East Scranton IS
West Scranton HS
Penn State University--University Park Campus

10. Were you closer to your mom or dad as a kid?
Dad wasn't really around after the divorce...

11. What was the first record, tape or CD you remember buying?
Vanilla Ice...Ice Ice Baby, I think.

12. best age to be a parent
Late 20's.

13. Are you scared of anything?
Everything--I'm an anxiety attack waiting to happen!

14. What was your favorite class in elementary school?
Recess!!!

15. Did you buy school lunch or bring your own?
Got school lunch for free...high school I bought my own at the store...that was when we were allowed to go out for lunch...lol.

16. Broken any bones or had any freaky accidents as a kid?
Fell off a carousel when I was two--cried for 20 minutes, and that was it.  Chipped a bone in my elbow when I was six...playing King of the Mountain with a bunch of kids, including this 14 y/o, 200 lb kid.  Needless to say, I wasn't king (queen) that day.

17. Were you a mean kid?
Hell no--I was the one who was picked on. 

18. Favorite board game of all time?
Monopoly!

19. Did you play house or pretend to be a super hero?
Oh yeah...played house in the woods...that was fun.  No super heroes, though.

20. Seriously, are you still just a kid at heart?
Sometimes...but every once in a while I get hit with one hell of a reality check.

til next time...=)

cakey!

You gotta check this out...it's Cakey, the cake from outer space.  Found it on another journal I read--Fancy Food...and Silly Stories.  It's a series on YouTube...it's kinda funny, and the cake is cute!  Here's the link to the first video--it's a series of four.

til next time...=)

pic blog

Check out my new pic blog (plog?)...here.  It's pics only, so I'll still be posting here.  And I'll still post pics here, just ones that go with stories--the ones over there will be a little more self-explanatory.

til next time...=)