Done!

Once Christmas day is over, I don't like my tree up or anything seasonal around. Drives me crazy.

I came home from work yesterday and dug in. All is taken down, packed away, vacuumed up and nary a sign of Christmas in my house.


When my kids were small, I wasn't this fast at taking things down, I waited until New Years day. By bedtime though, it was all put away.

Now this doesn't mean my house is in order. I started tearing it apart to paint. Everything. The hallway, living room, dining room, kitchen, and the stairway to the basement. And all the trim. The whole house is 1990's neutral with stained trim. I'll take before and after photos.

I had hoped to sell it this past spring, (fat chance, this market and Michigan ... a double whammy) but since I will probably have to hang in here for a couple years, I decided to paint colors. Oh man, do I have some colors picked out too.

I've never lived in a house long enough to redecorate. I have been flipping houses the past 10 years, so by the time it needs repainting, I am out of there. I hope this is more fun that frustrating. I don't paint, so my son is going to be doing it all.

Me paint? It's like Lucy and Ethel all rolled in one, paint from head to toe and on everything but the walls.

The Good Kind of Chaos

My sister Sandi, has always had the whole family over on Christmas day. We are growing in numbers, in age, (well some of us) and in traveling distance. Yesterday, if I counted correctly, there were 30 of us.

Sandi and her husband Gary, have a beautiful big home, and we manage to graze roam room to room. One of the neatest things about their house, they have copper piping under her floor tiles, keeping hot water running through them, so the floors are never cold.

We discovered a bonus use for that feature yesterday. If you want to reheat something, simply place it on the tiles and it heats up.



Oh sure, you're thinking Gary just dropped some lasagna.







No way, look here, Zak is reheating some up too.





The desert table has a place of it's own in her formal dining room. This was taken before everything was out, because when I saw her homemade cookies coming ... I shut my camera off and helped her set things up, err, eh, yeah, that's what I did ... I helped her.


As usual, Sandi, everything was won.der.ful. My sister Shelia made the lasagna and I need the recipe. It was so yummy, I should have thought to bring some home.

We had my great niece's and nephew to bring the excitement of Christmas, through the eyes of children, to the party.

This was the first time Mom and my step father Marv were here. They are usually in Florida from late fall to spring. I think this winter filled their "home for Christmas" fix for another 10 years though.

Michael, Captain Obvious, is a little miffed that we didn't get a family photo. I know we all talked about it, but with fun chaos, sugar overloads, "cheers" in a glass, and people having to come late and leave earlier ... well it got overlooked. I like your executive decision though Michael, you can be Julie the Cruise Director next year and organize the photo early in the day.

Merry Christmas to All

... and to all a goodnight.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

... and these girls are so fetch.

I'll post the last of my photos with Santa Christmas morning.
I saved the best for last.

Happy Festivus Day

If you're a Seinfeld fan .... you're celebrating.

If you're not ... let me explain.

The episode called "The Strike" explains that Frank Costanza started this nondenominational holiday. It's celebrated on December 23rd, called Festivus.


Instead of a tree, there is an aluminum Festivus Pole. No frill, no tinsel, no decorating.





At dinner, the tradition of The Airing of Grievances takes place. This is the time for you to address family members and tell them what they did to disappoint you throughout the year.

Then there is a Feats of Strength contest, which is basically a wrestling match.


George takes donations for a non existing charity "The Human Fund"

"Festivus, the holiday for the rest of us."

Even Ben and Jerry's celebrate this holiday:

It's an episode you really much watch to understand. On second thought ...

Christmas, Rochester Michigan

The way our downtown Main Street decorated for Christmas last year, has been repeated this year. There's not much to say because the sight leaves you breathless. Every store front has thousands of lights. You really need to be in the mix of the lights and the people each night, to feel the spirit. Here is a photo (not taken by me) and a local writer's video. It's best to know the back streets and how to skirt from one end of the downtown area to the other if you're in a hurry. Every night, the sidewalks are wall to wall people and the cars drive through at about 5 MPH.

Conversation Hearts: To Cut or Not to Cut

Caitlin : Should I cut my hair?

Me: I like your hair how it is, but I think you'd look cute with it short too.
(can you tell I have learned?)

Cait: I'm thinking of cutting it like Victoria Beckham's

Me: It's a cute cut, and you'd look cute, but every time your hair gets any length to it, you cut it off and then regret it.

Cait: No I don't.

Me: Okay, well cut it then.

Cait: No, I better not, I usually wish I hadn't every time I do cut it.

re·gret

1.	to feel sorrow or remorse for (an act, fault, disappointment, etc.): He no sooner spoke than he regretted it.

2.	to think of with a sense of loss: to regret one's vanished youth.

–noun

3.	a sense of loss, disappointment, dissatisfaction, etc.

4.	a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a fault, act, loss, disappointment, etc.

Me: Okay, leave it long, maybe just lighten it for a change.

Cait: Maybe I should just lose weight.

Me: ( not even going there, silence )

Last night, after work:

If Only ...

Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee;
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies.

Well, I'm all grown-up now,
And still need help somehow.
I'm not a child,
But my heart still can dream.

So here's my lifelong wish,
My grown-up Christmas list.
Not for myself,
But for a world in need.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up Christmas list.

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree.

Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.

This my grown-up Christmas list.

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end, oh.
This is my grown-up Christmas list.
This is my only lifelong wish .

This is my grown-up Christmas list.

A Meme Rerun

Carrie Sue from Carrie & the Koehmstedts and Jan (her mom) from The Prytz Family both tagged me for this meme ... on the same day. Those two are just in sync with each others thoughts. I just did this one, but I'll give it another shot. Especially because I was cracking up over Carrie's #7 in her meme. Go read it, I'll wait.

The tag rules are:
1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog.
3) Share 7 facts about yourself.
4) Tag 7 random people and include links to their blogs.
5) Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I can still do a tripod.
Head down like you're going into a headstand. Palms flat on floor on either side of your head, elbows out and up. Bring knees up and rest one knee on each elbow. Try not to tip ... fall over laughing.

2. Frito's Scoops and Win Schuler's Bar Cheese are my crack.
I hadn't had any in over 4 years, until last night. I ate it all in one sitting. That should do me for another 4 years. *Burping Frito breath*

3.I haven't missed one episode of LOST.
It's the only show I actually sit and watch. New season starts January 31, 2008

4. I only get french manicures ... never a color polish.

5. I rarely shave my legs in the winter unless I am going to wear a dress or I am, ahem, going to be gettin' bizzy. You'd probably not even notice. I am almost hairless to start and what little I have is blond.

6. I'd like to go out to dinner with Steven Buscemi and pick his brain.

7. This is for you Carrie and Jan. (If you didn't read Carrie's #7 ... better go read it)
I used to ask my dad to roll me a couple joints from his stash before I went out. Those 70's eh?

If you haven't done this meme yet, I tag you. =)

Their First Ballet Recital

When my niece was in the sixth grade, her parents proudly sat in the audience for her performance as Clara in the production of The Nutcracker Prince. Oh yea, the Prince was played by Bobbie Ritchie ... yep the one and only Kid Rock.


Through the years, my niece was in many plays, talent shows, and dance recitals. Elementary through high school, college and community theater, she is quite talented. I recall her stealing the show several times.

This past weekend my niece and her husband were the proud parents in the audience as their two children had their first ballet recital. Her son is 6 and daughter is 3. As you will see, they both are following in her footsteps as far as stealing the show. It won't take but a minute to figure out which one is my great niece.

Waving, "Hi Nana and Papa"


"Danseur" ... not ballerina!

12 Days Pains of Christmas

Why Hate?

My site is less than a year old.

It didn't take me long to see the stream of "cliques" ... just as in high school. (I have been out of high school 35 years!) Some bloggers support each other in commenting about others in a negative way. What ever happened to "if you can't say anything nice, don't say it at all"? I've never had a nasty comment left, but then again I've also read "you know you've made it as a blogger when you start getting hate mail". I'm glad I haven't "made it".

Daily, I read new blogs and always with an open mind. I chuckle at the writers who are "grammar and spelling police" and note that they only read blogs that are properly or professionally written. I happen to have two favorite blogs that I am sure would read as fingernails to a chalk board to those thinkers, but I enjoy them immensely. I like to read as if I were face to face, having a conversation. I appreciate the creative writers too, and I know some write with more theatrics because they are expressing their thoughts with an art form in their writing.

I was pleasantly surprised when I received an e-mail from a site I hadn't heard of or read before. They promote blogs that are "hate free". The Alliance of YHate sent me the following:

"Your blog was a pleasure to review for your ability to write about your personal views and life in a manor that is both entertaining and inoffensive. In particular you have earned this award primarily for posts like "Imagine" and the post titled "Restores My Faith ... In Kindness". Your commentary within the later was truly great content to accompany such a wonderful video. THANK YOU for being MOM we can all LOOK UP TO!!"

Thank you YHate for the nod and award. I will continue to write head tilting humor without malice. If I ever offend anyone, it's purely accidental.

I'm in Love

Be still my fluttering heart.

I know what you're thinking.

I told you about husbands 1, 2, and 3 right here. (appropriately titled oddball moi)

Man-O-Man, this is the real deal. And this is so different, really.

Last night, when my lips touched .... well, let me just tell you ... it was H.O.T.

Please, take a look at this hunk-o-burning love that I picked up last night:




When I got home, I slipped into my something comfortable ... hey for me it's a fleece lined hoodie and cotton Old Navy sleep pants.

In mere seconds, I had a cup of this hot delicious perfectly brewed coffee in my hands.

I'm in love forever.

Mike and Ike

No, not this kind, but I do like them!







Ike Turner.
When I heard he passed away yesterday, my first thought was wondering how Tina reacted.

His early career as a musician didn't bring him fame until Anna Mae Bullock joined the band as a singer. Anna became Tina Turner. And the endless hits that made them famous. River Deep Mountain High, Nutbush City Limits, and Proud Mary. (A wedding favorite, NOT) It's the personal life with Tina that taints Ike, for me. His drug abuse, physical abuse, and cheating that I think about. Tina rose above it and Ike is a name that to me, in later years, just road on Tina's coattails.

So when I heard he died, I get bummed that the "real" man ruined his musical genius persona for me.

And that's how I feel about Mike.

I have a love/hate relationship about Michael Jackson. I love his music and his writing. He too, is a genius as far as forging through past years with new and brilliant songs and entertainment.

Why did he have to turn out to be a plastic looking alleged (ahem) pedophile?

THAT, ruins the fun of his music.



I know our favorite musicians, actors, politicians, sport figures, etc., are just people, but if they are "out there" can't they at least keep their personal crap out of my face so I can pretend they are the idol I'd like to think they are?

I hated when I was 10 and my dad humanized The Beatles by saying they poop just like the rest of us!

Please Pass the Remote Control ...

... I need to hit rewind.

Where has this month gone?

Tree up? Nope
Shopping done? Nope
Baking? What's that?

Still sick? Yes, and still mad about it.

But, the lovely, and I mean that in a visual and a heart felt way, Ev, from My Life is Murphy's Law, has tagged me.

I have been behind in reading blogs because I feel like sh*t. I just go home after work, curl up in the fetal position, whine and complain until I realize there is nobody there to hear me. 'cept maybe Quinn, but he's getting to be a bigger whiner in his old age than me.

When I looked back at her posts I have missed, I am ashamed to see she gave me some blog bling I missed. That will teach me to miss a day of reading *smiles* Thank you Ev.

She tagged me for the following memes:

8 Random Facts about myself~

1. I wear a size 8 shoe
2. I pray every night and while in shower in the morning.
3. The Beatles are my all time favorite band.
4. I would do anything for my kids, and I probably do too much as it is.
5. I had all silver fillings replaced with white composite years ago, before many were doing it.
6. I question helping other nations when the people of the U.S. need so much help.
7. If you are my friend, I will do anything within the law for you. (and I may even consider breaking the law, if no one gets hurt)
8. I prefer white gold over yellow gold.


Her other meme, 50 questions! OK, if she can do it, so can I.

1. If a doctor told you TODAY that you were pregnant, what would you say?
Cha-ching! The impossible ... I'll sell out!

2. Do you trust all of your friends?
If I didn't trust them, they wouldn't be counted amongst my friends.

3. Would you move to another state or country to be with the one you love?
Certainly, and I'd love him more if it was in the Caribbean.

4. Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?
Indeed. For every action there is a reaction. Sometimes our actions or reactions can sway the reasons.

5. Can you make a dollar in change right now? No

6. Which one of your friends do you think would make the best doctor? None

7. Are you afraid of falling in love? It's kinda been a hobby.

9. Is there someone who pops into your mind at random times? RuthAnn, a childhood friend.

10. What's your most favorite scar? Not the ones you can see ... the ones I still feel.

11. When was the last time you flew in a plane? Last February.

12. What did the last text message you sent say? Happy Thanksgiving.

13. Ev? You skipped listing this.

14. Fill in the blank. I love it when ________ pops over. My friend Bea.

15 & 16 Ev skipped listing these also. ( I like how she shortens these memes on the sly.)

17. How many kids do you want to have? Just the 2 I have, but grandkids ... sure ... in a few YEARS.

18. Would you make a good parent? I think I have so far. Ask me again in 15 years.

19. On your My space, where was your default picture taken? No MySpace for me.

20. What's your middle name? Marie

21. Honestly, what's on your mind right now? The end of this meme.

22. If you could go back in time and change something, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change anything about me, I may change some decisions in history.

23. Who was or will be the maid of honor/ best man in your wedding? LMAO, 1st Sandi, 2nd Margie, and 3rd, both my kids. (shut-up Michael)

24. What are you wearing right now? Jeans, blue sweater, Harley Davidson boots.

25. Righty or Lefty? Righty

26. Best place to eat? Outside, in warm weather.

27. Favorite jeans? Lately, my DKNY

28. Favorite animal? My dog Quinn

30. Have you had the chicken pox? Yes

31. Have you had a sore throat? Right now, scroll up for further b*tching about it.

32. Ever had a bar fight? Noooooo

33. Who knows you the best? My sister Sandi

34. Shoe size? 8 and I used that in the first meme up there ^^^

35. Do you wear contact lenses or glasses? Dollar store reading glasses.

36. Ever been in a fight with your pet? Ummm, nooooo ... he'd win.

37. Been to Mexico? Yes ... see this.

38. Did you buy something today? Not yet, but the day isn't over.

39. Did you get sick today? Yes…of the stupidity of these questions. (Ev's answer, I concur)

40. Do you miss someone today? No ... grrr dumb questions!

41. Did you get in a fight with someone today? No, but I'm thinking about beating the crap out of whoever developed this meme! Again, Ev's answer, again I concur.

42. When is the last time you had a massage? Last March ... I could use another.

43. Last person to lay in your bed? Caitlin

44. Last person to see you cry? Good question ... anyone? I can't remember.

45. Who made you cry? I don't remember ... probably me for doing something stupid.

46. What was the last TV show you watched? Probably Greys Anatomy

47. What are your plans for the weekend? Put up Christmas tree.

48. Who do you think will play along? I won't torture anyone with this.

49. Who was the last person you hung out with? Cyndi and Madonna

50. If your "significant other" asked you to marry them TODAY what would you say?
I'm significantly free at the moment =)

Lawdy, Lawdy, I am not passing this one on!

Imagine

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky

Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too

Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one


John Winston Lennon

October 9, 1940 ~ December 8, 1980

Baby's Got Back Bible

Nah, this isn't going to be a preachy post.

But in fairness, I will link to Momentum Christian Church in Garfield Hgts. Ohio. “Momentum moves people forward to love God, love people, and serve the world.”

I found their site by accident, but ended up reading about them and viewing a few of their hilarious videos. They have a obviously young minister who appears to be doing a pretty good job at reaching out to younger people. I found this parody pretty funny:

Yes, that guy is the minister ... what would the Pope think?

Keeping It Real

Mary Alice at From the Frontlines has commented to me, that she likes to read blogs of moms with older or grown children. Maybe there are some advantages in seeing what lies ahead. Certainly it helps to hear other experiences with older kids. Sometimes I bite my lip and say nothing, just because the experience is too damn scary! But we all make it don't we?

I read quite a few "mommy bloggers" ... those having kids under the hell on wheels teenage years. I chuckle at the mini drama stories that are "cute" in comparison to what they will experience in a few more years. I refrain from saying, "that's nothing, wait until you see what's ahead". We all roll with it, but in different ways.

Nobody ever said raising kids would be easy. We can only go by what works for us at the moment. The one thing I have to say is the simple but true, hindsight is 20/20.

With this busy month taxing all our brains, and with the next month a fresh start of a new year, I'm just going to throw out a few of my thoughts since my kids are grown and on their own.


Real moms:
Can buy 3 dozen cupcakes for the class party. Half of them are thrown away, stepped on, or found smashed in the bottom of a book bag anyway. Kids don't know if they are homemade.

Real moms:
Choose to put an overtired kid to bed dirty, still in their play clothes, because an overtired dirty kid in a bathtub is going to be harder on both of you.

Real moms:
Will forget about house cleaning on a beautiful sunny day, instead, go outside and play with her kids. Spending one sunny day cleaning only to have them all in the next day while its pouring, is frustrating as you watch them mess what you just cleaned.

Real moms:
Can't recall the color of their refrigerator doors because they are always covered with art work, school papers, and family photographs.

Real moms:
Know that kids are demanding buggers and will play you like a game of chess. It's better to have a flexible strategy, because you don't need to win all battles, only the ones where "death is not an option".

Real moms:
Make time for real dads, because team doesn't have an "I" in it. "Dad" is your partner first, remember that, everyday. (I say that as a mom that divorced when my kids were 4 and 7 ... and yes, there has been regret)


June Cleaver, Donna Reed, Mrs. Cunningham, Carol Brady, and Harriett Nelson smoked pot daily. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

REWARD * Amber Alert , sorta

(AP) "Frosty" the snowman has been swiped. The 42-foot-tall inflatable holiday decoration was taken from a tree farm. Officials at Dixon Farms say Frosty, worth about $10,000, was last seen Friday night. So far no arrests. Lot owner Royce Wisenbaker believes Frosty was hoisted over a fence. A $1,000 reward has been posted for the safe return of the towering decoration.

Frosty is described as a white male, sporting a red hat and scarf, with a pipe in his mouth.The Associated Press




This isn't really newsworthy. Or so I'd think. But I have seen it on all the major TV stations, in the papers, on line several places and if you Google it, a couple pages of links come up. (now I am adding one more)

First, 42 feet? Who ever took him can't hide him for long.

Second, Why can't news that really matters get this kind of coverage?

Third, I say everyone start up their "snow-blowers" ... he'll come running *wink*

Mrs. Claus, Naughty and Nice

I Haven't Lost My Marbles

When I read Debra's post about The American Marble and Toy Manufacturing Company, I couldn't help to think about a bag of marbles I have. They are safe, in a purple *Seagram's 7 bag with the gold draw string.

I don't even know how long I have had them. I remember when I was little collecting and trading them like everyone else in the neighborhood. Solid colors or cat eyes? Which did you like best?

The solids had milky white swirls in them. The cat eyes were clear with the swirl of color. I think I liked the cat eyes the best. I didn't like the "steelies", steel marbles. Those seemed so cold and more for boys, not pretty at all.

I remember getting an iron skillet, heating it up and putting the marbles in it. When they got real hot, I'd take the skillet and run it all under cold water. Those marbles would crack and look like crystals. I don't think I ever broke one.

I'd count them, sort them, roll them around in my bedspread and play for hours with them. But, I never played a game of marbles. I don't even think I knew how to.

Marbles, something I bet is at the bottom of just a few kids Christmas list, if even on it at all.

*Oops, it's a Crown Royal bag. What kind of kid was I that I didn't even know my booze bags?!

But Wait ! There's More !

I took so much cold meds last night, I was asleep by 9PM.

Not a good thing for me because I was up and wide awake by 3AM.

I started surfing TV because my usual blog reads were asleep and hadn't posted anything for me to read at 3AM TYVM.


I can see how these infomercials can really suck you in get one's attention.

There was one I watched a couple times. (Yes, I haven't been back to sleep yet)



Victoria Principal's "Principal Secret". It's a complete cleansing and skin rejuvenating line of products that claim to "put the brakes on the visible signs of aging". I wonder if they're anti-lock.

The whole regime claims to clean, tone, lift, boost and enhance, all the while leaving the appearance of hydrated and tightened skin.

A 30 day supply is just $29.95 plus S/H. Why don't they just say $30 bucks? Like 5 cents is the deal breaker?

If I order this six piece "age breaker" system, I will get THREE bonus gifts. "EyeMazing Eye Cream" "Wrinkle Retreat Lip Wand" and "Skin Refining Thermal Treatment". That's a nine piece system ... almost an orchestra for my face!

As I watched this (a couple times), I kept thinking, Victoria and Andy?
What a mismatch that was. I mean Andy Gibb was the "hot" Gibb brother.
Victoria was Pam Ewing on Dallas ... remember, the whole season was "just a dream" so they could bring Bobby (Patrick Duffy) back the next season after he had died?

And Vickie? How can you promote your natural beauty line, when we all know you were married to famous Hollywood plastic surgeon Harry Glassman? Wait, was he famous for his work or for getting greedy during your divorce and being awarded an obscene amount of money from you? I'm just saying, you're looking a wee-bit nipped and tucked in your commercial.

She has a bottom of the jar guarantee. Try it for 60 days, if I'm not happy return it, even if I have used it all, and I will be given a full refund. (I bet they keep S/H ... I didn't read that far)

What do you think? Have you tried it? Should I?

Should I try it?
	Sure, why not?
	Don't waste your time!
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Thank You

Thank you for leaving comments and humoring encouraging me to see my NaBloPoMo commitment through. Thank you for well wishes on this nasty bug I am caring around. Thank you for the e-mails sent with notes directed at specific things I have shared on here. Although I don't leave comment for comment, I read everyone and I appreciate them.

On the lighter side.

For the next 25 days, I will be posting a different "Christmas with Santa" photo on my sidebar. Just a way to count down until the big day.

I recently read Detroit has the #1 position in crime rate stats. I was born in Detroit and raised in the 'burbs of, so I guess I am just calloused to it. I don't freak out about it. I know where to go and not to go when maneuvering downtown. Detroit has a lot to offer in arts, entertainment, and sports. I can't imagine having to avoid going there.

Here is a little smirk ... Christmas Shopping in Detroit: