Challenge by Sophia

I saw Sophia post this this challenge on the pub board over at Two Peas so I thought I'd try it.

1) When was the last time you truly watched at a sunset? I couldn't even tell you. I don't know that I ever have. Isn't that kind of sad.
2) What are you most obsessive about? I'm not anymore, I used to be about my music and videos being alphabetical but with the kids, that's impossible.
3) Last thing you ate? Lean Cuisine Chicken Fettucini-it's my lunch time.
4) Any plans for Halloween? Taking the kids out
5) What kind of shampoo do you like? Pantene for color treated hair
6) What do you do with your change? I have one of those things that helps you roll your change. I put my change in there until each roll is full then I cash it in.
7) What do you usually do/eat at lunchtime? A lean cuisine. It's just easier
8) When was the last time you called someone for help? What was it for? I don't know, I guess Saturday, looking for a sitter for the kids.
9) If you could have one TOY for Christmas, what would it be? A laptop
10) How many people have you currently not forgiven for something/do you hold a grudge against? I don't have any grudges.

Random Thoughts

Well since I seem to be the worst blogger ever.

Let's see what has been going on. Fall is upon us. We will be going upstate on Saturday for the holiday weekend to Lowville. Little town, my inlaws own a place up there. It'll be great to get away. And it'll be the most beautiful drive with the leaves changing.

Julia started dance again, this year it's ballet/jazz and hip hop. She's loving hip hop big time. And she's got the groove baby.

Greg's therapy is coming along. Tomorrow is one year since he had his intial evaluation. He's doing better with the speech, coming along, any day now it will click and he will be spouting out sentances.

Dad's doing better. It's been about 8 weeks since he had his bladder removed. Things in the beginning were tough for him, but it's gotten alot better.

Mom is doing good too. You'd never know they told us she had about a year. Maybe she'll prove them wrong and live longer, show that ol Irish spirit!

Anniversary of 9/11

I was at work, the NY State Liquidation Bureau had taken over our company about 2 weeks prior to the date. Work was under a lot of diress from that but I remember very clearly what happened that morning. I was walking past a coworker's desk when she said Oh My God a plane hit the trade center. What do you mean hit the trade center. I was thinking a little 2 seater plane maybe thought wow how do you hit a building? Then someone else turned the radio on and for the next 3 1/2 hours we sat and listened to the radio. I remember at lunch I couldn't eat we went into the gym we had at work and watched the news. The people from the bureau were trying to get a hold of fellow co workers still in NYC, their office was not too far from the Trade Center. They let us go home that day. I remember picking up Julia from the sitter. Her daughters lived down there, but had not made the trek into the city yet for school so they were home safe. Fortunately I did not know anyone who did not make it. Although I still cry everytime something comes on about that day. My birthday is September 13th, that was the worst birthday ever. There was no way I could celebrate that day. Not when people were still wondering if there loved ones were alive.

My brother in law is in the National Guard. His job was to check out every vehicle going over the George Washington Bridge. He was able to come home 2 weeks later.

I never hugged my family so hard as I did that tday.

Going to see Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Going to Bethel Woods again on Sunday. Going to see CSN&Y. How cool is that. It's like they are coming home, cause they played at the original Woodstock, I think they've been back for the 20th concert that happened.

I saw this on a pea's blog thought I'd play along:

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
I actually like the area I'm in,Liberty, NY just maybe more property!
2. What's your favorite article of clothing?
I have an old navy shirt I love.
3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex?
eyes and arms.
4.What's the last CD that you bought?
Toby Keith -White Trash with Money
5.Where's your favorite place to be?
Home.
6. Where's your least favorite place to be?
The dentist's chair.
7.What's your favorite place to be massaged?
My shoulders and along my spine. And it usually needs it.
8.Strong in mind or strong in body?
mind
9.What time do you wake in the morning?
6:30
10. What's your favorite kitchen appliance?
the phone for take out? Microwave I guess
11. What makes you really angry?
Child abuse.
12.If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
Guitar.
13.Favorite color?
purple
14.Which do you prefer, sports car or SUV?
Sports car.
15.Do you believe in afterlife?
99% sure.
16.Favorite children's book?
when I was a kid there was a series the Happy Holisters. I wish I still had them.
17.What is your favorite season?
Fall, and it's fast approaching!
18.What's your least favorite household chore?
Cleaning the bathrooms.
19.If you could have one super power, what would it be?
I want to be like Samantha of Bewitched wiggle my nose and things get done. Like cleaning the house.
20.If you have a tattoo, what is it?
No tattoos.but I want one.
21.Can you juggle?
nope
22.The one person from your past you wish you could go back and talk to?
My grandmother
23.What's your favorite day?
Saturdays
24.What's in the trunk of your car?
folding chairs, ice scrapper & snow broom, sweatshirt
25.Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
Hamburger - I WILL NOT eat sushi, YUCK

If you read this, consider yourself tagged!

Brad, Eric and Restless Heart

Friday I am going to to see the above. I'm pretty excited and just found out tonight that Restless Heart will also be there. So that's cool. Thought I was seeing 2 acts and we get to see 3. How cool.

James Albert Ward

That's my dad. I think back in the 60's. He really hasn't changed all that much. Little heavier, well worn lines in his face. Alot older. But the same. He always made sure we had what we needed. And as I got older even allowed me alot of what I wanted. But I'm the youngest and by the time I hit high school he had a better paying job then when my brothers lived home. Growing up as a kid things I remember most. On summer sundays mom would maybe sleep in, Dad and I would go to town to get the sunday paper, go to the local Bakery Katz's for some hard rolls, jelly donuts and maybe some eclairs. Sometimes we'd stop by to see his friends Ralph and Grace Knack. She always tried to feed me breakfast. She was the sweetest lady I ever met. Then we'd go home. Mom would make brunch, usually fried egg on a roll. Yum!

He came to every meet, game whatever I had when he could. Even if it was only for the last 10 minutes. He helped me and my brothers with homework. Tried to teach me how to drive a stick. I couldn't do it then and I still can't. LOL As kids we all had nicknames. My oldest brother Jim was Bones, I can't remember what Scott was and as a kid I was Huggy Buggy and when I was older I was Marg and Fatso(now he wasn't being mean I was 5'11" and weigh 125) He loves his kids, and he loves his grandchildren.

He grew up not that far from where he settled down with his family. He was raised on a farm with cows, goats, horses, chickens, rabbits, you name it. At one point his dad left his mom. He got together with another woman. He doesn't really talk all that much about his dad. More his mom and his aunts and uncles who were also a big part of his and siblings lives. At one point in his life they had to sell the farm because his mom couldn't afford to live there anymore. They moved to town. At 16 he quit school and went into the army. He used to have a Hudson Hornet. He met my mom in a bar called the Light House when she was up here in the Catskills staying with friends. She was from Queens, NY. They married in 1963. Had Jim in 1964 and Scott in 1966. I came along in 1973 (my going joke is they were too scared to have another any sooner. My brothers were handfuls)

He's respected by many. Always willing to help you out. But doesn't always ask for help himself.

My dad was diagnosed in May with bladder cancer. While a surgery date has not been set, they will be removing his bladder. This whole thing has been very hard on me. As he's my daddy. And while I don't always agree with his opinions and what not I love him very much. I hope and pray all will go well. Other than the cancer he is in pretty good health. The surgery time concerns the doctors because his heart is not the strongest (he had a quadruple bypass in 2000) so that needs to be factured in to the whole equation.

The other hardest part about this whole things is my mom has lung cancer and was given a year. I'll save her entry for another day.

The drowning of Olympus (my camera)

Well it's offical my little Olympus is dead. I'm not sure what happened, but my poor mil did it. And my camera landed in my son's baby pool. I am saddened. While I know it's not the best for certain shots, I've grown to love it. {Sigh} The good thing is my mil offered to get me a new camera. Ugh the decisions of what to buy!!! More on this later.

Stampin Up's New Catalog

OOOOOO AHAAAAAAAAA! Living in the sticks as I do this is about the only place I get see great stamps and stuff. Other than online of course. My good friend is a SU demo and she got me the latest catalog and can I say drool! Get me a cup. I keep adding to my wish list. Boy I'd better hit the lotto. If you haven't seen it yet check it out. I'm off to go work on my list. Again!

10 Things I did today

1. laundry
2. bought cat and rabbit food at the pet store
3. bought some flowers
4. planted flowers
5. weeded the garden
6. made venison parmesan and spaghetti (YUM)
7. played Guess Who
8. marked dd's stuff for summer day camp
9. watched NASCAR
10. cleaned the hallway walls with the magic eraser

Ten things I should of done
1. paid the bills
2. dusted
3. vacuumed
4. meal planned
5. taken a nap
6. bought more flowers
7. cleaned off the kitchen island
8. straightened the pantry closet
9. called my mom
10.walked on the treadmill

1. FIRST NAME? Peggy/Margaret
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? my mom's favorite aunt
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? last week
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? most of the time
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? honey ham
6. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes, 2
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Of course!
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? sort of
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? all the time
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? nope
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically no and emotionally-most of the time
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? chocolate chip cookie dough
16. SHOE SIZE? 9 1/2
17. RED OR PINK? red
18. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My bad habit of procrastination
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my grandma ward
20. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Sept 13th, Middletown, NY
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? blue jean capris and beige slippers
22. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? pringle
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? So you think you can dance
24 IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? purple with sparkles
25. FAVORITE SMELL? a fresh cut lawn
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED WITH ON THE PHONE? a customer of my dh's
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU MEET? Eyes
28. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?. ?
29. FAVORITE DRINK? non alcoholic Mountain Dew alcoholic: Parrot's Bay w/ pineapple
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Nascar
31. HAIR COLOR? brown w/ red highlights
32. EYE COLOR? brown
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy Ending always!
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? CARS
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? white
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer
39. HUGS OR KISSES? both
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? brownies
41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? When Good things happen to bad boys
42. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? road runner
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My kiddos giggling
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? stones
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Florida
46. IF YOU COULD PICK ANY TWO PEOPLE TO HAVE DINNER WITH, WHO WOULD THEY BE? Lori Foster and Janet Evanovich
47. IF YOU COULD MARRY A CELEBRITY WHO WOULD IT BE? Chris Cagle (country singer)

My view

Mojito had posted her fav place, I was home today so I decided to do the same. We've neglected our porches so far. But I do want to do something with them.
In order: #1 is my upstairs porch (taken from below)#2 and #3 are the views from that porch. #4 is the downstairs porch and #5 is the view from that porch.

Should I rename the Dark and Depressing?

So they've given my mother a year. If the pneumonia won't stay away then I'm not sure how much time she'll have. But the doctor did say they would be able to make her comfortable with drugs when the time comes. My biggest concern is that my kids won't get to know their grandmother which is why it's so important to get memories written down while I can.

Haven't gotten all the info on my dad. He needs a bone scan as they think his cancer may have already gotten into his bones. And even if it hasn't with his heart condition they are not sure if they can treat him.

So lives my life right now. Me who loves to know what's going on and what we are doing next. I'm numb, then I'm crying.

How could it get any worse you ask?

Last week my father was diagnosed with bladder cancer. There are still things to determine but he has it.
Today the doctor told my mother she has lung cancer. Of course she smoked for 50 years what would you expect.

I don't even know what else to say.

IT'S FRIDAY

I've been waiting for this day all week. It's been a bit stressful see belows posts to know why.

I'm headed up to my parent's house in a few. Going to clean out my childhood room. Um I've been out of that house for 12 years. My mom once said she hadn't done anything because that way it didn't seem like I was really gone. Love my mom!!

So I'm sure to find all kinds of interesting stuff. I know I have these collagey type posters I had made. I'll take pics of them and post them later tonight maybe.

So if anyone actually reads my blog LOL, tell me when you moved out did your parents keep your room as you left? How long did they leave it like that? Or did they change it around right away and what is it now?

Later!

Dora the Explorer Live

took the kids today. It was a great show, had taken Jules to the last one about 2 years ago. And it was just as great. The performers really get the kids into it But unfortunately West Point was slacking on the whole how to let lots of people with antsy kids into west point to park and get in to see the show. We sat for 45 minutes just trying to get into the freaking grounds of West Point, we will definately be checking out alternative routes for future reference. I love going to Eishenhower Hall. They have great shows, we've now seen Cats, The Nutcracker Ballet, two Dora shows and Gary Allan concert but it was insane today. Okay rant over.

Stressing!!!

My dad has to have surgery on Friday, they are going to remove tumors from his bladder. My dad is 68 and in great shape really. But this poor man has had more issues. After I was born, he went through testicular cancer, he's had a burst appendix, quadruple bypass, gall bladder removed and just last year he had a hernia surgery. everytime the doctor has said, don't do this anymore...he stopped, get more exercise...he has. It's not fair. He's a good man. Never done anyone harm. So we wait and see what they have to say about the tumors.

On top of this, my mother who is 70 has emphesema. And she has panic attacks. That's not good. So of course the fact that my father is having surgery has just sent her over the edge. So she goes to the doctor the other day about something else (she hadn't been feeling well) does she tell the doctor???? Umm NO! So I have to call the doctor on Monday to see if he can do something. And give him some info on my mother. Like the fact that she's already headed for alzheimer's. I don't know if it's too late for meds or not. It runs in her family. But given the fact that she has panic attacks over things. Me telling her she should have a visit with a neurosurgeon is sure to surely push over the edge. I don't even know how to bring it up to her.

Top Ten Cravings

On another blog I saw a blog challenge of list the Top Ten Food Cravings so here you go.

List ten food cravings that you easily cave in to! If there was one offered, you’d never turn it down.

1. Mountain dew- don't know what it is about the taste but I LOVE it! The only thing is I can't drink after 4pm or up waaayyy to late at night!
2. Chewy chocolate brownies!!!
3. Oatmeal Rasin cookies, soft chewy ones (squillen from 2peas makes awesome ones)
4. Oreo cookies
5. Almond Joy Cookies-these are no longer allowed in my house as per me.
6. Cheesecake
7. Irish soda bread (my recipe only it's in the Peas recipe book)
8. a taco dip recipe I make, it's too die for, (I'll include it later)
9. McDonald's french fries-I've been known to eat my kids!!!
10. Port wine cheese spread!!
Quite the odd combo of foods huh. I'm sure there are more. But I can't think of them at the moment. Of course this post post, explains the weight loss post below. LOL

Frustration!!!!

I'm very frustrated right now. But some background info is necessary first. At the end of last summer we had my neighbor Rita come see my son Greg. Rita is a speech therapist and Greg who was 22 months wasn't saying much of anything. She said it was probably worth it to have the Early Intervention Program check him out. Turns out my darling boy has low muscle tone, it explained the drooling, the reason why it wasn't saying much. Turned out he had a major delay. His speech was about 9 mos to a year behind where it should be. So they advised he should have PT 2 x a week and Speech 2x a week. Rita came right away and started. From the beginning PT was difficult the guy wasn't the most reliable. He worked with Greg on and off for about 3 months. Then he opened up his own PT place and no more therapy with Greg. So it's now been 3 months with no therapy. Yesterday I met with the Service Coordinator and Rita (the speech therapist) for his 6 month evaluation. While Greg has progressed some he still needs more speech therapy and Rita says the PT would really help him with that progress. But we can't find a PT who is available and while Rita does help him the PT would help him more so here we sit. Waiting for a PT person. I just want to hear my baby to say more!
Okay today's vent over!

Weight loss challenge

When I graduated high school in 1991I weighed 130lbs. I'm 5'11" so I'm was pretty much one of those girls most women hate. Ate whatever I wanted and didn't gain a pound. Until I switched jobs and sat more. Also that darn depo shot pushed weight my way. But actually I looked healthier. I was too skinny. Fast forward to the year 2000. I had my dd and was a size 14. I wanted to lose 20lbs. But I couldn't do it on my own. Finally I joined weight watchers with my friend and did it. I even became a Lifetime member. I was able to stay that way for 4 months. And low and behold I get preggo w/#2. After ds was born I again on 20lbs to lose. Cool. I managed to get down 10. Then something happened. I got depressed and went on meds. BAM! 190 size 16? What happened to me? So here I am again. I'm down 9lbs. So far. Shooting for 165 and size 12. I'll get there. It may take me awhile but I'll get there. And now I have my friends on Two peas to help me.

Blogging is hard work!

Blogging is hard work. Who would have thought it would be hard for me to come to a website everyday and just write what's going on but it is hard. At least for me. I'm never sure what to say in the blog. I don't find my life exciting so why would others?

I have a long list of blogs I read, some daily, some less frequently. I admire those that blog daily. I'm also glad to see that some people don't update as often. Makes me feel better about it. There's just not enough time in the day to do it all. I've decided to try and take the Friday night approach. Blog on Friday about the past week or so and what's coming up in our lives. Soooo.... my dd was on spring break last week. Dying to wear summer clothes. Since she was going to daycare I let her wear flip flops cause I figured she wouldn't be getting outside too much. She can change her outfit like 5 to 7 times a day. But I have to remind her to put the clothes back in the drawers each time she changes. The clothes aren't on her long enough to get dirty and if they do she does know to put them in the basket.
Greg really got into the egg hunt this year. He's 2 ½ and scored the most eggs. Too cute. He would have stayed outside all day looking for more if we let him. Some days I wish he could just talk already. I know that one day I'll be like will he stop talking. But I would love for him to say more than dada, baba,(sometimes mama) cookie, clue and clock. He's been getting the Speech therapy now for 6 months and while he says 3 more words than before speech it just seems so slow. But on the other hand. He knows what your talking about he knows a lot of his shapes and objects. Time it just takes time I guess.
Yesterday was our 10 year wedding anniversary. This summer we'll be together 13 years. I can't believe it. It doesn't seem like that long. And I still love him to death. Wish he'd work less. But we have to pay our bills I guess.