Yes! A new post from me!

I know this has been long awaited! Much like the second coming of the Tron series or the upcoming Breaking Dawn movie...

Updates: I am about 99.9% healed from my fractured femur/hip! I guess Kelly Ripa couldn't take all the attention I was getting and decided to do the same, she's such a Copy Catter!

OK, I got hired back at my district but only at 25% of full time, but crossing my fingers that another day of work comes up somewhere.

Still having a midlife crisis and it seems to show no signs of slowing down, ugh..It's as if what's left of my youth is quickly slipping through my fingers and I am powerless to stop it....Wow, now that was depressing! Sorry, but it's true...moving on:

My kids are fabulous and fantastic!!!!! I often wonder how I got so lucky having two perfect angels bestowed upon me! Just because I have been asked to leave the library on two separate occasions just goes to show me that the general public is so jealous, jeez....;)

I would like to be able to teach my kids appreciation for what they have. I am planning to have them help out with a worthy cause this holiday season. My telling them to eat their dinner because some people have to eat out of garbage cans seems to only disgust them. You can't appreciate something unless you know how good you have it, right? If anyone has any ideas, please let me know!

I saved the most interesting tidbit for last! And that is the fact that last month I finally used the crockpot we got as a wedding gift! I am well on my way to being domesticated! oh, wait...I mean more domestic, ha ha. As someone who is known for saying, "Cooking blows!" This crockpot thing really rocks! OK, thanks for still hanging in and I think I have now stocked up enough life situations to bring back FREAK MAGNET FRIDAY! Ok, not this Friday, but anyways...stay tuned and thanks for reading still!

Back up for air!

Hi everyone! Sorry about the extended break but as per my last post, lots going on! I could get into all of it, but really, I'd rather not...I will keep it light by just throwing out some highlights from the past two months.

We are pretty much all moved in and I still can't believe I live here! Love my street, my house, and my neighbors (so far)!

Oh, and I DO NOT have Osteoporosis, an underlying bone disorder, a disease, a thyroid problem, a Vitamin D deficiency, and since we are being honest here, Gonorrhea and Syphilis have been ruled out as well, phew!

I am still on "lay off status" at work, but there have been many advantages to not going to work everyday, with the exception of a paycheck, but whatevs....

I walked two miles yesterday for the first time since the fracture diagnosis almost two months ago, yes! Felt good to be outside by myself again.

The kids and I still miss our old house and our neighbors, but that's how life goes sometimes.

Both kids are playing soccer right now and so far the verdict from both of them has been, "Meh..."

Ok, and I know we are all super excited about Halloween coming soon, I am planning to be an oppressed/repressed housewife from the '50's, you know, June Cleaver! I do have to be invited to a party soon or else it's kind of pointless, but anyways, that's it in a nutshell, thanks for reading!

About 24 hours in the ER, my report findings!

So it all started with some on again off again pain in my hip area about four years ago, after my dear son was born. I would complain, get sent home with some Motrin, then be ok, then would aggravate the pain again, etc. Until this year after a day of hiking when it felt like my hip area seized up and I couldn't walk, like at all.

I was in the middle of getting an MRI when they pulled me out of the tube to say, "Did you know you have a fracture?" I was like, "what? who are you talking to?" I figured out it was me, but that's how surprised I was. I was then sent to the ER which I knew meant a long wait so I asked if the ER was busy (ha ha ha! I know, what a smart question!). They said I was a "trauma one" which meant I had priority over everyone except dying people...score! This means I would get in pretty quick I thought.

I get there and they put me on a gurney and put the bracelets on, including one that said, "FALL RISK". Nothing makes one feel old quite like wearing that kind of bling! so I wait, and I wait, and I wait....There is no room for me so they put me in the hallway right by the triage board, definitely NOT boring in that spot. I saw things I really could have gone my entire life without seeing. Including:
Drunk, belligerent people demanding cigarettes and drugs. I.e. "Nurse! Doctor! (raspy, crackly voice) I need a cigarette! Can someone take me out for a cigarette???" Hmm, I'm no doctor, but pretty sure that would not help your situation, regardless of what it is.

As I was laying there minding my own business I see a set of O.M.B's! Let me tell you, I really really did not need to see those. But that is what happens when some old drunk dude has his legs up with his gown on right at your eye level. Ah! I shudder every time!

A lady right behind me had an alcohol induced seizure, followed by her being so combative that she had to be restrained. Another man told me randomly that he should probably stop drinking if he doesn't want to lose his legs. I did not ask him for this info, but he freely shared as we were both laying on a gurney in the hallway. I felt like I might as well be out on the street with all that was happening! If you want to see reasons not to drink, try hanging out at the local ER.

More randomness...As I was getting some Xrays done one of the techs comes over and starts to tell me, in a very heavy (and somewhat effiminate) Vietnamese accent, the story of his hernia surgery. I will try to recall verbatim:

Him: "You know as patient, is very code in hee."
Me: "Oh, well I am not cold."
Him: "Wayo, when I had surgery for hernia, I was very code. Do you know that mostly it's da mens that get hernia?"
Me: "Yeah, I think I heard that somewhere."
Him: "It becaw when da baby is in da mom, da testico not descended yet."
Me: "I..did not know that, no."
Him: "Wayo, now you learn someting!" (this was followed by loud laughter on both our parts)

This conversation went on in further detail, complete with hand gestures to make his point very clear, but you get the drift. I realize this was incredibly politically incorrect, but felt I had to describe this conversation phonetically for the true experience to come through...moving on...

Finally I am told by a team of med students and the resident in charge (who was not unpleasant to look at, btw) that I will need surgery to fix my fractures! I was so disappointed by this news, but figured since they ALL agreed that surgery was necessary that I guessed it was, and I signed all the paperwork for early that morning.

So, more waiting and waiting and after about twenty hours without being allowed to eat or drink anything, I finally get a visit from the "Fracture Specialist." He comes in and goes, "You do not need surgery." I was sooo happy and now confused. I said, "What about what that doctor said last night?" He goes, "Pshhh, he was a resident. I am the one who decides." Oh, ok...I did like this answer better. I then proceeded to tell him my own thoughts about my x-rays and he gave the student he brought with him "that" look. You know, the look that says, "Oh look, yet another patient who thinks she can read x-rays!" Whatever! I was right after all...

Well, after all was said and done, no surgery! Now I could eat! I finally relaxed and watched a marathon of Judge Judy, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and a bunch of other mindless TV. Those last few hours almost made up for the twelve hours I spent in the hallway of the ER. They said I could take my time about calling my ride home, so I did! When else am I going to have someone wait on me while I watch TV in bed? Exactly.

What a week so far, and it's only Monday!

Hi everyone! Or maybe, hi you!
This week has been like an emotional roller coaster and as my title states, it's only Monday.

Wow, ok, so we finally, finally found a house that we love and are moving. Everything about it is perfect! I'm sure our realtor agent popped a bottle of Champagne, he is probably so tired of us, ha ha.

Then went to my job today to find out why they were asking me to come get my stuff, I thought we were going to wait and see? Ahhh, not likely. Later it hit me that this is the first time I will not be around on the first day of school and I was so sad :(. I almost didn't cry about it.

Then I went to the doctor and guess what? (No, I am not preggo) My blood pressure is back to normal, woo hoo!

Then I talked with my dear friend's hubby about how her cancer treatment is going ( going well so far, btw) since she was not in a position to talk. I missed her and worried about her and then tried unsuccessfully not to cry, again...

Then I found out one of my cousins is pregnant! They have been through a lot when it comes to this so it is like a little miracle! Nothing like new life to make me feel happy and hopeful again!

Thanks for following this rollercoaster! I feel better just blogging about it all!

Roughing It

(Posted pic is not really representative of my actual family, it is for point making purposes only)

So we just got back from a week of camping with our extended family. We go to a campground in Lake Tahoe, it has all the basic necessities, but you still get covered with a lot of dirt and there is always the bear factor! (Side note: I have never seen a bear there in the 30 plus years I have been camping). The good news is that my kids are now able to really appreciate being at one with nature, etc. However, I think there may have been times we pushed a little too hard in this respect.

First example, a 3.5 mile round trip hike. Yes that is kind of a lot, but on the way there was so leisurely and neat that it was no problem. On the way back? Way different story! Both of my kids (ages almost 7 and 4) told me their legs were not working anymore, the hubs and I took turns carrying them which was not easy going up a rocky trail. They both were thirsty and sweaty by the time we made it back. Both declared they were, "Never, ever, never going hiking again!" Oopsies, so much for making fun childhood memories...

Second example, a family bike ride through the campground! I thought this would also be a great family activity, you know, with the whole being active thing, but it really became unpleasant and dare I say torturous? Yes. So we are all riding bikes together when shortly after we take off (and I mean still within sight of where we just left) my dear son who is four, starts complaining. He started with, "My legs hurt, they hurt so bad!" This is followed by loud moaning and groaning for other campers to see and hear. I tried to be encouraging by telling him it was a short ride, to enjoy the trees and the little animals we saw, but he wasn't having any of it. This continues until he starts crying and saying, "Agua! I need agua!" He had his head thrown back for maximum effect. Keep in mind that we are really not a bilingual household. People passing us probably wondered if they should alert Social Services, geez....One group of ladies passed us and started saying things like,"look at that poor little boy!" By the time we made a half circle it was time to head back, I was laughing at all the theatrics, the hubs was annoyed, and my dear daughter was rolling her eyes, it was a perfect family moment!

Ok, but besides these two examples, we had a great time! It is fun to hang with family I don't see that often and the lake is always so clear and beautiful. My kids love seeing all their cousins and they run around exploring everything. It really is good times, we will do it all again next year!

My review of two short plays, category: tragedy!

Summer is here which means lots of free time for the kidlets! Today I had my five year old niece and my six year old daughter at my house all day. This of course, inevitably, leads to my watching at least a million different plays, shows, dances, etc. I am used to this but felt I must describe two of the plays I (was forced to) watch. They were tales of tragedy which reached a dark and disturbing level that left me shocked and also with a mental note to monitor more closely what they watch on TV. Here is a synopsis of the first play:

Young girl crying in a chair (very young, like five years old). Slightly older girl comes in and asks younger girl: "What's wrong?" Younger girl, sobbing, replies: "My boyfriend just broke up with me!" Older girl: "Why?" Younger girl: "Well, I had a cat and my boyfriend did this to it! (Stabbing motion) and now it's gone!" Me (from the audience): "Oh my gosh! Your boyfriend sounds like a mean boy!" This is followed by two glares for interrupting said play...anyways, it ended shortly after this, like right after, actually.

Next play: Older girl (like six years old) sitting in a chair, sobbing, with a blanket pulled over her. Younger girl comes in and asks older girl: "What's wrong?" Older girl: "My boyfriend just broke up with me!" Younger girl: "Well why?" Older girl: "Well, I had a baby and he took it!" Younger girl: "Where did he take it???" Older girl: " I don't know, but he took it away!!!" Me (from audience): "What is with these girls and their mean boyfriends? I mean you see how much trouble boys can be? etc etc." This interruption is again followed by two "looks that could kill" glares proceeded by an attempt to silence me by putting hands over my mouth, shees! The play also, coincidently, ended shortly after my outburst.

Yup, this is what's happening around here so far. Next play will hopefully not include the beginnings of Lifetime movie channel material!

I'm still here!

Hi everybody! I am here I have just been dealing with the tail end of the school year. This means for myself, my daughter, and my son. I am also taking an online class on "Psychopharmacology" in an attempt to get licensed. I am planning a surprise party for my dad, working a 50 year celebration carnival for my daughter's school, and even though I have been laid off, I still have to go to a bunch of meetings, how did that happen???
I am busier than I have been since Graduate school! Btw, being out of school for more than ten years, it was very difficult to put my "student" hat on again! That part of my brain has been de-activated for quite some time. It reminds me of that time last year that I attempted a cartwheel after at least 15 years since doing the last one. Oy!
Summer is coming, so I will have more time to post about my adventures, thanks for sticking around I miss my blog sisters on here but just need to get through this. Stay classy, blogosphere!

T minus 31 days to 40!

Sooooo, it has hit me like ton of bricks that I am going to turn 40 in one month! How did this happen?? This has caused a new flare up of my ongoing mid-life crisis, sigh....To put things into perspective and to hopefully help me get a grip, I have come up with a top five list for both the positive and negative aspects of turning forty from my POV. Here goes:

Things I do not like about turning 40:
1. I remember my mom being 40 and thinking she was old.
2. The "young half" of my life is behind me (sorry, but you know it's true)
3. wrinkles around my eyes that stay even when I am not smiling or squinting.
4. Men do not seem to flirt with me as much as they used to, although I am sure I am mistaken about this one....right???
5. I don't recognize the person I see in the mirror when I first wake up in the morning, I mean, who is this chick?

Things I like about turning 40:
1. I have a beautiful family, totally worth ruining my body for, btw!
2. I consider myself successful and love what I do for a living.
3. I don't care nearly as much as I used to about other people's opinions, thank God...
4. Inside, I feel like I'm 20, but then that could be because I am incredibly immature, ha!
5. I am in good shape, mostly healthy, and I try to accept all social invitations while I am still young enough to enjoy going out!

In summary, yay me!!! Oh yeah, I need ideas for how to celebrate :)

The tooth fairy has changed!

So my dear six year old daughter has been walking around with her teeth falling out as of late. Well, not literally, but she is at the age where she loses a tooth like once a month it seems. This has led to discussions about the toothfairy and how she(?) operates, what kind of loot she leaves, how does this fairy know when a tooth is under the pillow?, etc.

This, in turn has led me to have discussions with other parents and how the Tooth Fairy operates in their households. In conclusion, I guess one could say the Fairy who comes to our house is "old school", and by old school, I mean cheap, no frills kind of stuff. This is what I have learned in chatting with others:

Some of you really build up the whole thing the night before, writing tiny notes, leaving sparkly glitter around, putting the tooth in a fancy container. Some of you actually go purchase a small gift! I am so impressed (not judgemental, at all!)by all of you who go all out!

It's not that I am lame, it just never occured to me to do more than leave a dollar under the pillow, because, well, when I was a kid there was not much fanfare, just a QUARTER under my pillow. No note, no fairy dust, no fancy container, and definitely no gift of any kind! Como friegas, already! Oops. I forgot that I wasn't going to be all judgy...hee hee. I was happy with my quarter, too!

To be nice, it sounds like all of that extra stuff is fun and really, they are only kids for such a short time....yadda yadda...so might as well be creative and have a sense of frivolity, right? I guess I could learn from all the cute ideas out there! Feel free to give me any ideas that a) don't cost a lot and b) don't involve extensive planning of any kind. Thank you for your input :)

My review of New Moon, if anyone cares...

Hi everyone! So sorry I haven't been around, I hope someone is still reading out there, hello? hello?

OK, so I recently watched New Moon on DVD with some gal pals. This was my second viewing of this movie so I feel I have a solid understanding of this nonmasterpiece. First and foremost, the acting was, hmm, how should I say this? HORRIBLE! I loved all of the Twilight books and the acting did not do any of it justice.

"Bella" is a mumbler and she did not sell devastation very well. The scene, THE scene where Edward leaves her is supposed to be the worst thing ever. She basically walks around like Rainman mumbing his name a few times, trips over a log and falls on her face, and scene! Yup, that was it. Jeez, I show more emotion when I kill a spider.

"Edward" mostly stands around looking like he has a stomach ache and it looks like the director tells him before every scene: "Edward stands awkwardly in the background. Ok, let's roll!"

"Jacob"...hmmm Jacob is hot....oh wait, ok the movie....his acting actually was not bad. The funny thing about him is that he did not have a shirt on the ENTIRE movie and no one asks why? If I were in the movie I don't think I would be able to concentrate on my lines with him standing around like that, the fact that I am old enought to be his mother is irrelevant. I guess it's a good thing no one asked me to be in it.

Speaking of, I told a friend of mine that maybe I could have a part in Breaking Dawn? I could play a character that phases into a cougar and goes after the wolves....but I digress.

So, does this mean I am not going to watch Eclipse? No way! I plan to be at the theater with my popcorn and some friends and we will say we are there with our teenage daughters who ditched us.

Please forgive my lack of posting, I suck...

OK, I don't really think I suck, but anyways! I am so sorry I haven't posted lately, I have actually went to post several times but something always interrupted me. I can fill you in on some things that have been going on with me, which may or may not excuse why I haven't blogged in a while!

I recently got a "preliminary" pink slip. This means I am laid off until further notice, basically. There were 90 teachers laid off throughout my school district, this just blows my mind. Who suffer the most? The students!!

More fun news and maybe TMI...I have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure, because you know, I am secretly an obese old man, jeez! WTH? I was so convinced there was a mistake, I have never had high blood pressure in my life! I told them that they needed to do it over because surely they did it wrong, ha! This is strange to me because I exercise, I eat right most of the time, I am not 60+ years old. Weird. I am trying alternative methods in dealing with this. I don't want to start on the daily meds thing quite yet. I don't want to have to buy one of those plastic weekly pill containers that help you remember your meds! OK, moving on...

Apparently my school has been built on an ancient indian burial ground because we have had some CRAZY stuff happen as of late. Well, more crazy than normal anyways...We had a student who has never been in any kind of trouble start a fight with another student, we were shocked! We asked her what on earth happened, she said "The devil got inside me." Hmmm. I may try that as an excuse myself in the near future.
We had some second grade students pole dancing at recess and then were flashing their "ta ta's". Yup, that's right! They were also "booty dancing" and when asked what they were doing they said they were, "Pretend strip club!" Ugh....
We had a fifth grader bring a Marijuana bud to show all his friends, he said he "found it on the sidewalk" on his way to school, mmmhmmm.
Last we had to have the police involved in a fight between a nine and seven year old, and they are brothers! Did you remember that I work at an ELEMENTARY school? I am afraid for our future after all this!

What else is happening around here? hmmm, oh yeah, for Lent I have decided to work out six days a week and to only put healthy food in my body, cut out after dinner snacks, drink more water,etc. How is this working out for me? I have been following my own rules and as a reward I have GAINED two pounds! I know! The universe is punishing me for some reason, maybe I was Hitler in a past life, or? OK, that is all for now. I will make an effort to post at least weekly, thanks for reading :)

Get Your Crab On!

My daughter's elementary school has a big crabfeed every year and it is a pretty big deal around here. Last year was the first time I had ever been to one but had to leave early so I didn't really get to see how involved these things are. This year I stayed for the whole thing and this is what I observed:

First, people are serious about their crab! People bring their own butter, candles and those little containers to melt the butter in. They bring crab nut cracker thingy's, and lemons and oranges. There is salad, bread rolls and pasta to act as "fillers" so you don't just eat crab, but the experienced people were onto that, and they flat out refused any food until the crab came out.

When the big aluminum containers of crab come out people yell, "CRAB!" when it gets near them. I guess this is in case the crab doesn't know what it is, which it doesn't, because it is cooked and not alive anymore.

The bigger your pile of crab shells are, the better! People were bragging about how big their pile was going to be and when they were done, how big their piles were. People were even taking pics of their used up crab shells, that is not gross or anything.

What are the oranges for, you ask? You bring them into the bathroom to wash your hands when you are done eating. They really help get the crab smell off. That is a good thing. What to do when you are done eating? Well, now is the part of the show where you dance!

And also, where apparently, you get stinkin' drunk. Ahhh, good times! I had not seen so many people drunk in one place since college! No one seems to be worried or ashamed by this behavior. It's like Mardi Gras, but local.

All in all, I had a great time! Now that I have some tips I will be at the next one ready with butter and bib in hand. If you have never been and you like seafood, I highly recommend it! Remember, they are always for a good cause, so you can feel good about your gluttonous, raunchy behavior!

Recurring fantasies, circa 1985-1990

So my recent addiction to the Twilight series (I know, I am a little behind the times) has transported me back to my early teenage years. I actually feel like I am fourteen or fifteen when I read them! I should have had a hint when I went to the library to try to find a copy and they sent me to the "Youth section."

I started thinking about what was going on for me at those times, where my head was at, what was important to me, etc. Then I remembered the oft repeated fantasies I had going on. Nothing dirty (that I will share) thank you very much! I had a few scenarios that I would replay in my head over and over from time to time during these impressionable years. First, let me preface by saying that all these fantasies are incredibly ego-centric, but that is what made them great! Here is a sampling:

The Hospital stay-This one involves me being in some sort of accident which almost results in my death. The guy I had a crush on would hear of my experience and come rushing to my side, telling me that when he found out what happened he realized how much we were meant to be together! This event caused him great distress and he had to get to the hospital as quickly as possible to tell me his feelings in case I didn't make it. Phew!

The Funeral-This is one I had for many years, often thought of during times I had trouble sleeping and obviously before I had kids. It could get very detailed, but most of the main points stayed consistent. The scene is my funeral, there is sad music playing, my boyfriend at the time is on suicide watch. People make these great speeches about how great I was, and EVERY guy I ever dated, liked, thought about, etc. was there, distraught beyond words....Ok, as I am reading back, this is hilarious! Aaah, youth....

The Wedding- This one is so narcissistic, that the groom in this fantasy doesn't even have a face! That is because I have had this one the longest, so it was ever changing. I am at a Cathedral somewhere, and everyone I know in the world is there. I walk down the aisle in the fanciest gown ever and people just gasp as I walk down the isle, in complete awe of how awesome I look! Again, every guy I have ever had contact with is (of course invited, and..) silently weeping at their lost opportunity, poor shleps!

So, now, I want to ask you what your (clean) adolescent fantasies were? Did you share any similar to mine? Please share, unless it is too embarrassing for you :)

Happy Friday!

Clarification: This person is NOT a freak...

She is my mom! Ok, so I have been on the fence about this post as my mom reads my blog sometimes and I would not want her to feel insulted. BUT after a few observations on this topic, I feel compelled to write about this phenomenon. I will just hope she has a sense of humor about it, like I do! I am talking about... Technology And My Mom (echoey sound effect). A confusing, frustrating, and funny combination. This has nothing to do with age, as I have noticed that since the early days of technology (tape to tape, answering machines, speed dial, etc.) there have been issues. Some classic examples:

Television: The TV in our house confuses my mom whenever she visits. Once I saw her with one of our remote controls raised high over her head and she was clicking and clicking it. I asked her what she was doing, and she said she was trying to lower the volume of the TV. I said, "but why are you pointing it at the bookshelf?"

Also, anytime she has our remote in her hands she will inevitably change the output so that it ends up on some snowy channel with no volume, probably some station from like Nebraska or something. I have no idea how the TV ends up in that state, I couldn't do that if I tried!

Cell phone: My mom is under the impression that you must yell while simultaneously holding your hand in front of your mouth in order to be heard by the person on the other end. I actually have a picture illustrating this, but I won't post it, but it is funny, hee hee.

Home phone (aka "land line"): At one point I wanted to make life easier for my mom so I put all her important numbers into her phone thinking it would make things more convenient. All she has to do is push the phonebook button and then use the arrows to scroll. I have demonstrated this to her several times, but she still just hands me the phone and says, "can you call so and so for me?" After about four years of telling her all the numbers are in the the phone and you just have to blah blah blah, she will still go find her old black address book and look up numbers!

Social Media: My sis and I recently set up a Facebook page for my mom so she can stay in touch with some of our relatives. I know what you are thinking at this point, but anyways! One time she was at my house and asked if she could log in to her account from my computer. I did everything except put her password in and said, "There. Just put in your password and log in." I went back to what I was doing and after like three minutes I said, "Did you log in?" She was still typing and said she was almost done. I asked, "What are you typing?" Then I went to look and she was in the process of creating a new account!
Later, while we were on the phone, I was trying to explain how instant messaging worked and the dialogue between us was hilarious! Well, to me it was anyways..

Her: Where do I see who is messaging me?
Me: The bottom right hand corner, you should see my name...
Her: Where it says "news feed?"
Me: No, the VERY bottom of your screen, on the right... Her: I don't see any names...do I click on the yellow thing?
Me: Yellow thing?
Her: Yes, I see a yellow thing, should I click on it?
Me: I don't see a yellow thing on my screen.
Her: Oh, I clicked on it and now I am offline!
(followed by Spanish expletives)

And there you have it! I love my mom to death and hope that she manages to skip this post, ha ha! Happy Friday, and thanks for reading!

Why The Face????

Last week my Principal called me into his office and said, "We need to talk about your job...."
Ugh! Our district is in a serious financial crisis and as a result, there are going to be around 70 more layoffs this year. Principal also said if he were me he would start looking for another job NOW, and not wait. He said, "even if you need to break your contract..." WHOA! For those of you who work at a school, you know what this means. Sooo, let me know if you hear of any job openings for an awesome counselor! I have excellent references! OK, anyways, moving on...

So I have noticed some annoying trends in the world of Facebook that seemed to have leaked from the email world.....

One, the copy and pasted status updates...It says, "What's on your mind?" Not, "What's on your friend's mind." Not sure why people do this. I really don't need to read the same exact status update from all my friends.

Second, the implication that I do not support: breast cancer research, abandoned orphans, the amazon, the environment, finding missing children, etc. If I do not copy and paste! I really can't believe some of my own friends do this, I just shake my head.

The copy and pasted statements about what a phenomenal woman I am, ha! I would like it if it came from the heart instead of, "Fwd this to at least seven phenomenal women you know, or burn in Hell!!! " Ok, it's never anything that drastic, but you know what I mean. I guess I could just appreciate the message, right? I just have a pet peeve about these things.

It will be interesting to see what trends come about, I am waiting for the old, " FWD: FWD FWD: WARNING!!! PLEEASE READ! THIS IS SCARY!!!" heading to now makes its way onto Facebook or maybe it already has and I missed it? Anways, that's all I got for now!

Freak Magnet Friday! This one is fresh, just happened today!

I finally I have a Freak Magnet Friday story I can share with you all! Note: I have had several stories that I would like to post, but it is just too risky at this point in time. Bummer.

This is my last week off of work until Spring Break, so I have been really trying to enjoy these few remaining days. Today, as per my New Year's rez, I went for a 2.5 mile run even though it was freezing cold! Ok, I think it was 48 degrees, but that is close enough. I had dear 3 year old son with me so I of course had to bring the rickshaw, aka jogging stroller which always makes running that much more fun.

After my run we stop at the waterpark which is a neighborhood park that has a "Sprayground". This is a place that has a bunch of water squirting, dumping, splashing apparatuses for the kids to play with in the summer. My dear son asked me if he could go turn on the water for the sprayground and I told him the water doesn't come on in the Winter because it is just too darn cold. Plus, there is a sign that says the water will be turned back on in May.

Anywho...So dear son goes over and pushes the buttons that turn on the water and everything comes on, water everywhere, full force! We both just looked at the water going because neither of us thought it would actually turn on. This is when I see a maintenance guy standing by the bathrooms, staring at me. I looked at him because I thought he was going to say something about us turning on the water. But no, he just keeps staring until the moment becomes awkward, so I say: "Oh, I thought the water was shut off in the Winter."
Him: It is supposed to be off (heavy accent, it is apparent that English is not his first language).
Me: Yeah, I thought the city kept it off to conserve water, maybe we should tell someone?
Him: Yes, it is supposed to be off, I don't know why it is on.

At this point he walks over to stand next to me and watches the water spraying.

Him: (Serious tone) Do you want to take a shower? You could take a shower, you don't need soap.
Me: No....
Him: Yes, you should take a shower, go (gestures toward spraying water).
Him to my son: Hey, little Mister, do you want to take a shower? Go on, go in the water...
Then he actually tries to guide my son into the spraying water! I was like, WTF? So then I tell my son that it is time to leave the park and I go to get him into the rickshaw/jog stroller and this guy follows me! I looked at him confused. He stands right by me as I get son situated and at this point I am starting to have thoughts like, "Please don't kill me" and such. I get out of there as fast as I can and when I finally get to the main sidewalk I look back and he is standing in the same spot I left him in! Ugh, what a weirdo.

I think my mom may have jinxed me when she told me earlier that day to watch out for weird people while I was out on my run. I laughed and said I wasn't worried about that in my neighborhood, but I will keep my eye out, thanks.

Happy Friday! Thanks for reading and be glad it wasn't you!

Happy New Year! Also, please read my previous post!

I just had to throw that out there, my last post is a great true story! Ok so does anyone care about my New Year's resolutions/plans???

I have an ongoing one that involves improving on my social skills. I think it is working, as I seem to be meeting more and more people. In nutshell, all I am doing is being a little more friendly, as I have been told that I can come across as aloof. Really, I think it is just residuals from being extremely shy when I was a kid. But hey, who couldn't use more people in their life? ;)

Getting back in shape, yawn....I know, this is like a default resolution/plan, but it's there!

Move into a bigger house! We just really need one more bedroom, so wish us luck!

Continue with my liberal use of exclamation points....

More quality time with the kids. Meaning where I actually sit on the floor and play, ignoring the phone, laundry, dishes, etc.

Change my blog background for some variety.

I think this is good for now, I may tweak some here and there. Happy New Year to you all, and thank you for reading!