Alias: YellowJacket

At three years old, Bryan was mesmerized by the first generation transformers. Optimus Prime, of course, was his favorite. We still have the original Hasbro Optimus Prime. His dad and I would sit back and watch-listen to Bryan as he sat three feet away from the TV while the VHS movie played. He recited each line word for word, every line, every character, and he delivered with different voices to indicate the different characters.

In the past few years, as the new Transformer movies came out, I'd be reminded of the little boy sitting for hours watching the cartoon version.

A new movie is in production. They have been filming in Chicago, LA, and recently Washington DC. This Fox News footage shows, unscripted, a Washington DC police car crashing into "Bumblebee" (a 2010 Camaro) during the shoot.

There was confusion during a police call to respond to an incident and the officer blew through an intersection that was set up and in production.

Optimus Prime, the semi-truck you see first, makes it through the intersection but when Bumblebee arrived, so did the Washington DC police SUV. That's when you see the front of Bumblebee annihilated!



Can you imagine my surprise when I heard "Bumblebee" was being shipped "someplace" in metro-Detroit for repairs? Can you imagine my disappointment when I heard (from my boss) that there will be no photos taken what-so-ever as part of the agreement? Can you imagine how hard it would be for someone like me, a blogger, the mother of an original transformer worshiper, not to be able to blog or post photos about this?

I suppose I could just post about the 1969 GTO used in the movie Striptease staring Demi Moore that was restored "someplace" in metro-Detroit, but that's old news.

Time to catch up ...

March is flying by. My days are filled with endless to do lists that must be taking fertility drugs because they keep multiplying. At the end of the night, instead of crossing off things on the list, I'm adding to the "carry-over-to-the-next-day" list.

Caitlin finished her first semester and was so excited she got an A on her final in her pharmacy class. She's been working hard at school while also working two jobs. I'm proud of you Cait!

Cait out celebrating her "A" with a friend.

I was surprised on my birthday last Thursday, with a dinner party Don had at MacRays. What a freaky feeling to walk into a room and be totally surprised. I had no clue.


Both our immediate families were there. It was so nice, and very special. Thank you to everyone .. I can't put into words how much that meant to me.

Don got his boat (our fishing boat) out of storage and over to his friend who will overhaul the motor. It should be ready for a day fishing by the time the warm weather is more consistent. I'm looking forward to trying out the new telescopic fishing pole Don bought me for my birthday.

Here's a few pics from the party.

Showing Cait how to crack into crab legs

Piggin 'out on endless crab legs

Me, Sandi, & Bryan

Bailey & Casey are Don's nieces, with Caitlin

Cheers, and thank you!

Noodle Drop Time! *gasp*

Noodle Dropping is in the quirky trivial BS category, v.s. Brain Dumping ... which is more a therapeutic cleansing of my brain. Just thought I'd explain the difference ;)

Things that rolled around my noodle recently that made me smirk, chuckle, scratch mah head thinking WTF? ... or made me do some soul searching:

Am I a bad mother because I woke up to the sound of my son barfing and thought, 'Shit, I'm going to have to clear the snow off my car this morning." *gasp* ... But just for a split second!


The joy of wearing my favorite jeans again was overshadowed by the knowledge I haven't worn them in over a year because they were too BIG *gasp* ... I started my dieting again.


After working with a guy for over 13 years, I just found out his ex-wife is a childhood friend of mine *gasp* ... She wants to friend me on FB, which links to this blog, where not-so-nice posts of said co-worker have been published!


Cabo San Lucus and The Keys Florida are so yesterday *gasp* ... Don and I are talking about our next plan, hopefully a permanent 70'+ temps 12 months out of the year!

Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.
~Mae West~

Archives

Just took a look in my archives to see what I was up to on this day since I started blogging:

July 10, 2007 Puma

July 10, 2008 Black

I've been having the best of times since Don and I have started seeing each other. Scrolling through my archives, I found this and thought perhaps I have the man in my life that is going to finish out that meme.

August 20, 2007 Best Nights of My Life

Congratulations to The Detroit Tiger's Brandon Inge for making the All-Star team! I'm happy for Brandon and the Tigers but, I'm sadden that Magglio Ordonez decided to cut his hair (for charity).

August 24, 2007 Separated at Birth

You ask why Sara Palin has stepped down from her position as Governor in Alaska?

October 18, 2008 Well, it Could Happen!

And by the way...

February 5, 2007 Who IS this Marie Millard?

Because I always have photos:

May25, 2007 Tupperware ... Timeless

This post has my favorite photo of my son Bryan and daughter Caitlin.


Recently, while on FaceBook, I found a photo of them at a friends party. I'm glad they hangout together, but it's odd seeing these Tupperware wearing babies of mine each holding adult beverages!

Singing: The *GaySport would be lost

I suppose it's a good sign that I'm not blogging every day. My posts were to entertain myself, document trivial BS that happened daily, and like most all bloggers, whether they admit it or not ... feed that attention seeking biotch that lives in my ego. I justify that facet of my personality by blaming it on M.C.S. (middle child syndrome) Fewer posts just mean I'm busy enjoying life.

**********

Michael Jackson
(Why did I sell the mint-in-the-box dolls I had of him years ago?)

Farrah Fawcet
(Why did I pitch that poster of her in the red bathing suit my ex had?)

**********

Don's daughter Tyler came for a visit. (She lives in Florida)

Don, Ty, his son Cheyne, Cheyne's girlfriend Candy and I went ... where else ... out on Lake St Clair for a boat ride.

Ty and Candy

Candy acquired a dragonfly for a pet. It stayed on her back and finger for the longest time.


Cheyne caught up on his sleep.

Ty caught us up on her life in Florida and her plans for her time here.

Don, and I caught up on ... cocktails!

Then ... Mother Nature caught up snuck-up on all of us.


*Don's boat had been named the GaySport in jest. It's a BaySport and the lettering had been "tampered" with. And no, he's not gay nor were there any gay sports happening on it.

The weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed,
If not for the courage of the fearless crew
The Minnow GaySport would be lost,
The Minnow GaySport would be lost.

We made it just one mile short of our destination and had to get off the lake. Don did a great job of making sure we didn't end up like Gilligan. Would I have been Ginger or Mary Ann? Don't even suggest Mrs. Howell!

Ty placed a call to the bar restaurant we were heading to and they kindly sent a waitress over to pick us up. We were soaked, so Don bought us all T-Shirts there. We looked like a commercial in progress for the place.

We had a great lunch, the storm passed, and we headed back home.

********

We had a wedding to attend. Don suggested we go by boat, I vetoed it. I just knew I'd somehow end up overboard!

********

Sunday, Don had a graduation party for his son at the local park. It was perfect weather and the park pavilion he rented was at the furthest point ... right on Lake St. Clair. (Common' you knew it would have to be on the water now, didn't you?) Friends, family, BBQ, great weather, cocktails, and cake ... can you think of anything better at that moment? Me either.

Cheyne and his Grandma

I ate too much this past weekend and slept too little. I'm thinking of the 4th of July coming up this weekend. I better fast the next 3 days.

Full Circle

Even though my son Bryan is 23, I still remember the inquisitive little boy he was.

His W I D E eye look of wonderment.

His excitement to learn new things.

And yeah me, the Hero Mom that was teaching him all the cool things.

Playing with Fisher-Price toys and remote cars.

The awe of putting "cassette tapes" in the back of Teddy Ruxpin!

That all lasted until he was about .... three.

Then something happened.

Technology lost me in the dust and it became second nature to kids.

So, last night I came home with a new phone.

There I sat, next to my son, so he could teach me how to use it.

Now, it's my son, teaching tech challenged Mom.

I THINK it's going to be cool, but, as of this morning, I am feeling pretty uncool.

I haven't mastered scrolling through names and menus, and that's supposed to be the easy part.

(LG Dare)

My First Born

Yesterday Bryan turned 23.
Where do the years go?


Why do they grow up so fast?
Why don't their dad or I look any older?

[smirk]
Just hush and let me pretend!

Houdini ...err, I mean Houdoggy

This is Quinn.









All ten pounds of him.

Quinn has access to the backyard 24/7 via this dog door.









This 8" x 11" opening dog door.
(I know, dog snot on the flap. I'll hose it off tomorrow)

This is Bently.









All 90 pounds of Ben.

Remember, Bryan and Bently moved back home?

When I came home yesterday, Bryan thanked my for letting Bently out into the backyard on my lunch hour.

Hu?

I never came home during the day.

When Bryan got home from work, Ben was out in the backyard with Quinn.

This morning before I left for work?

I blocked off the dog door. He's bound to get stuck or hurt.
His head is 25" in diameter. I can't imagine how he squeezed through, although the flap over the door doesn't lay right anymore.

It's been three days/nights that he's been here. No damage, no accidents, he's polite and well behaved. I'm hoping Quinn learns some manners from him.

I sense further blog fodder with Bently living here.

Bullets with Pictures

• Bryan, Friday, dressed for a wedding.
  

• 

• Caitlin and her boyfriend Ray, Mothers' Day.
  

• 

• Bently seeing a fish for the first time.

• 

• Bryan is moving home ... with Bently ... TEMPORARILY.
  

• 

• Quinn will be happy Ben is moving in.
  

• 
  

• Me, not so much
  

Bryan's lease is up and he doesn't want to sign a new one. He wants to move to Arizona. He is in the process of getting information on training and hiring in to work Border Patrol. Recruiters are coming to the metro Detroit area in June. If anyone has any information they'd like to pass on about this, I'd appreciate it. (The sooner the better, *smiles) He's looking at New Mexico, Arizona.

The BEST Mother's Day Story / Photo on the web:

Lori and her son Brian, home from Iraq

Six Word Memoir Meme

I've been tagged by Lori.
The assignment: Write Your Own 6-word Memoir

The rules:

1) Write your own six word memoir
2) Post it on your blog; include a visual illustration if you’d like
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible
4) Tag at least five more blogs with links
5) Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

My Kids

I'm glad
they still come
home.

Instead of tagging you ... I'll leave it up to you to write yours.

Co-inky-dinky?

Last night, I woke up about 3AM from a deep sleep. My heart was racing. It wasn't a dream that startled me. It was a thought.

I thought that my dog Quinn had just died. He was curled up behind my knees sound asleep, but I nudged him anyway, just to make double sure.

I went back to sleep and didn't think about it again ... until just this evening.

My son Bryan came over with Bently.

Just as they were leaving, he said, "Oh yeah, do you remember Jake? Uncle Ron and Aunt Pattie's dog?" (ex-in laws to me now)

I said, "Yeah, Jake ... sweet 'ole Jake." My kids have loved that dog since day one. Jake is 16 years old, so he's always been around for them.

Then Bryan said "He died last night. Just had a heart attack in the middle of the night and died."

::: chills :::

Have you ever had anything like that happen? Coincidence, or is there something to it?

Eye Spy

I'll post more later, but I am off to take my son Bryan for Lasik. This is a newer type procedure using the Intralase™ FS laser. If you have had Lasik using this laser, leave a comment please.



*** Update ***

I took longer to drive there and back! (one hour each way) It was awesome. I watched the whole procedure. Dr. has a glass wall looking into the OR. He also has a big screen in the room to view the details. At first, I wasn't sure I could watch, the squeam factor, but it really was neat. The "target" lining up looked like something out of Star Wars. Then when the laser "fired", yep, again, like Star Wars.

Bryan sat up and said he noticed the difference immediately. He said there was no discomfort during the surgery. On the way home, he said it was just blurry, but because of all the drops they put in.

I took this from the Dr.'s page about the laser he used on Bryan:

Intralase™ FS laser
The Intralase™ FS Laser provides an all-laser approach to lasik surgery. It uses the laser to create the corneal flap. Not only does it have a new level of safety assurance but the computer-controlled laser provides unprecedented control and the ability to customize the flap for each of our patients.

Conventionally, a Microkeratome has been used to create the corneal flap. This is a mechanical, hand- held instrument that sometimes can contribute to LASIK complications. Though the complications are rare (1 in 2500 or 5000 cases) the Intralase™ makes LASIK much safer by reducing the rare occasion of complications.

IntraLASIK, is the term used when the combination of Intralase™ is used in conjunction with LASIK. Intralase™ uses a laser beam that is focused into a small spot of energy. This energy passes harmlessly through the outermost layers of the cornea until it reaches the exact measurement within the corneal layer needed to make the flap.

Researchers are exploring the possibility of using the Intralase FS Laser in other procedures, such as cornea transplants and glaucoma treatment.

Why the Intralase™ FS Laser:

• IntraLASIK is a safer procedure that eliminates the potential of complications from mechanical microkeratomes.
• IntraLASIK allows correction of higher refractive errors especially those with thin corneas because of the ability to make precise shallow flaps.
• IntraLASIK significantly adds precision and predictability by using an all laser procedure.
• IntraLASIK creates a better fitting flap, when put back into place form a tighter seal. This makes dislocation after the procedure more difficult.
• IntraLASIK is painless and a more comfortable procedure because there is less pressure placed on the cornea than with the laser Vsvs mechanical microkeratome.

Ridin' Dirty

I have downloaded different ringtones for different people on my cell. When the song plays, I know who's calling (because I am so frickin' blind, I can barely see the printed name of the caller).

I have "Ridin Dirty" (Chamillionaire) for my son. He has a love/hate relationship with cops. He used to think he wanted to go into law enforcement, but decided most cops are asswipes. I tried to explain that at his age, being a guy, and his vehicle ... well, he would be a target for a few more years.

This song reminds me of Bryan. He has a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. When he bought it, he had the windows tinted the blackest black (illegal as hell), he pulled the back seats out and fitted it with his custom system and "8 10's". (That's 8 10" speakers) He put those tiny rims on his tires and a loud ass muffler. I asked him why he didn't just put a neon light on the roof saying "yeah asswipe, pull me over".

Anyhow, within the first year of this transformed vehicle of his, he went to court for the tints three times. In our area, even though they are not legal, most cops have a blind eye. If they want a reason to pull you over, that's a good one to use. He blew I don't know how many speakers ... his car was the one at parties or bon-fires that provided the music.

Now, he has the Jeep, no speakers, back seats back in, full of mud from his job (construction) and tons of dog hair and drool from his 125lb. baby "Bently". His tints are the legal lighter black and the rims are only put on from spring to fall. They don't do well in the winter.

Why does he think cops are asswipes? Other than the obvious, being pulled over because he's a young guy, this hilarious story really pissed him off.

He was at work (construction) ... they had dug footings a few days before. He didn't know when he left for work that morning, he'd be clearing water out of the footings, so he didn't have a change of clothing or high waterproof boots. Long story short, when he was done at work, he didn't want all the wet muddy clothes in the car, so he stripped to his boxers and threw the boots and clothes in the back.

He was driving home, 4:00 in the afternoon, and there was a huge accident ahead if him. (yeah, you see where this is going) The cops were flagging everyone over. He pulled to the side, and was stopped about 2 car lengths away from the accident. He saw in his rear view mirror the ambulance coming up behind him and realized if he pulled out and over, the ambulance could get right up front, close to the injured people. He caught the cops eye as he begin to slowly roll out to move and flagged that he was moving. The cop screamed at him, waived him back and came up to him, demanding he get out of his car. Through the window, he explained to the cop he was trying to move so the ambulance could get close and that he didn't want to get out because he had only boxers on. The cop made him get out, and then another cop who saw the whole thing, came over and told Bryan to get back in his car and move so the ambulance could get in. I concur, some cops can be asswipes.

Up To Date:

When I read others entries, I always hope they follow up on the little things that seemed huge the day they posted. Here are some follow-ups from my past few months posts.




Yes, Caitlin moved out, I miss her.

(Beth, I know you get it)



Bryan is back on two feet, back to work this week.

Quinn is back on four feet, healing real good.

House, UGH, I'm staying put.


Weight, covered that yesterday.

Cell phone, I have a brand new one.



Hot water heater, I didn't know what I was missing! Longer hot showers.

Detroit Tigers, I still have hope, seasons not done yet.

Blog bling, a Schmoooze award from Around the Island, thanks!

.... and the best update:


My niece Fannee Doolee delivered Bridget Sophia this morning!

Hopefully stats and pics to follow soon.

Last of the "Teens"

Caitlin turned 19 ... her last year to be a teenager.
She and I went out to dinner on her actual birthday during the week.



Yesterday her dad and brother, and grandparents came over for cake and ice cream to celebrate with her.

I can't believe how fast the time goes. Everyone warns you of that when you are wiping snot, kissing boo-boo's and marking off the days until they are independent. I am proud of both my kids and enjoy seeing them finding their way into the world.

If I could though, I would wish to spend 48 hours with them at 5 and 8 years old ... just to see them as little kids again.


Bryan is doing better, Wednesday we will find out if he needs surgery or not.

On his own, with Mom a la Carte

It doesn't matter how old your kids are, when they get sick or hurt, they still call Mom.




Bryan, the handsome guy in the photo to the right, works construction. He called me yesterday, about 9:30 AM.

Bryan : Hi Mom, what time are you taking your lunch hour?
Me: (knowing he never calls during work) I can take it anytime, what's up?

Bryan: Well do you think you could get some ice packs and Ibuprofen and bring it to my house?
Me: Sure ... what happen?

Bryan: Nothing, I fell about 8 feet from scaffolding and I think my ankle is sprained, or torn ligaments, but not broken.
Me: (*Accck*Panic*Worry*) Okay Bryan, I'll be there in 15 minutes.

When I got there and saw he had grown a cankle, I knew we were going to end up in ER.

One four letter word screaming woman in the next examining room, two rounds of x-rays, one crying (understandable) kid getting stitches across the hall, two injections of pain meds, a plaster splint, one guy (chest pains) calling a broker about how much money an account lost, crutches and a script for Vicodin and after six hours in ER,we were on our way.

Tomorrow, we go see an orthopedic surgeon to see if the tears will heal on their own or if they need surgical prompting. The upside ... private practice, sound proof walls, undivided attention.

Tupperware ... Timeless

I was clearing out one of my cupboards last night and found some old Tupperware stashed way in the back. I never use it, but can't pitch it because of this picture.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Bryan and Caitlin when they were little. I had it blown up and framed and it hangs over one of my dressers in my bedroom. Even today, isn't it nice the simpler things like Tupperware, pots and pans, and empty boxes are the timeless toys that most all little ones gravitate to?

They're back! TMNT

Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello

Those pizza eating, heroes in a half shell, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

I remember round one of their popularity. My son Bryan is 21. When he was little, ever kid was so obsessed by these adorable ninjas, they were impossible to find.

No problamo, my darling little blond haired, blue W-I-D-E eyed son decided not to bother asking Mom and Dad for them, Santa would bring them. YIKES!

He wanted Leo, Ralph, Mic, Don, Shredder, Splinter, April, etc., all of them were a must to be able to properly reenact the stories from the movie and TV shows. So I made friends with the stock people, night shift, and dock hands at my local 24 hour Meijer store. I remember it took about 2 weeks of going there at 3AM every night before I got all of them. Santa pulled it off! I still have every pizza loving one, with all their frickin million little pieces stashed safely away.

The new TMNT movie comes out this Friday. I plan on seeing it, maybe Bryan will go with me. !!! COWABUNGA !!!

Treasure, With a Double Entendre

I am leaving for Florida tomorrow morning. Figures, Michigan is experiencing a "heat wave" and promises of a nice weekend is ahead. Still, Florida will be a welcomed change. Tampa predictions are in the mid to high 70's, I can do that!

I remember beach time being all about laying there carefully posed in a bathing suit, designer sun glasses, and slathered with oil in anticipation of a volleyball accidentally-on-purpose landing by my girlfriend and me as some six pack male species jogs over to retrieve it. The time spent on beaches in my youth were all about not getting burned, polishing toe nails, trying to get sand out of wet polish, and attracting hot guys.

I also remember how cute I though it was to see old people walking the beach. Men in their "tourist" fashion of fishing hat, sear sucker shirt, madras shorts, white socks and sandals. The women with "muumuus" (you know I spell checked that), big floppy hats, flip-flops and a bag to carry their beach combed treasures.

Off in the distance you could see a relaxed but focused man with his metal detector. I always wondered what treasures beyond shells, star fish, or sea glass could be found. I'll let you know because that is what I hope to do. I want to rent a metal detector, don more stylish albeit age appropriate beach wear and have a treasure hunt.

When my son Bryan was about seven years old, a friend of mine gave him a metal detector to go explore out in the backyard. After explaining to him what to do and how to dig up something once it was located, Bryan headed out to the 160' X 240' fenced in yard. I had hoped it would give me some time to finish a few projects I had started. Within 10 minutes Bryan was in, flopped on the couch, complaining of boredom. When I asked him about his treasure hunt, he said he was done, he found buried treasure. I assumed it was just disappointment in uncovering a bottle cap or rusty nail, but still, I asked him to show me his treasure. He held out his little hand and said, "Here Mom, you can have it." I couldn't believe it, I cleaned it off and there was a gold ring with a Jade color stone in it. It's real gold and appears to be old. I was urged on by my friend to take it to a jeweler, but instead I put it on my finger and wore it for a long time. It's priceless to me.