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Last Night... Dinner fiasco

Well last night was hilarious. I say hilarious because I decided that I was not going to stress about it, my first little hurdle in my mission of not letting everything stress me out, especially little things... cause really there are much better things to stress about.

So, summer is coming to an end and I decided to call my sister and her family over to barbecue and hang out. I decided to slowly roast some pork, teriyaki chicken thighs, corn, baked beans, orzo and fresh tomato salad, and a cake. Thankfully I decided on slow roast, because I went out to the grill to turn it on, and no flame... shoot!

I convinced my sweet hubby to fill the tank, did some prep, when he returned, I hooked it up and still nothing. Oh boy, so I start fooling around with it, finally asked my hubby to come out, and he does the same, nothing! I start to panic a little thinking if this doesn't start soon, my roast is out the door and I will have to go get more chicken.

My husband points out the 800 number on the grill, and as a last digit effort I decide to call. The woman who answered seemed very nice, but her accent was so thick I had no idea what she was saying. I was grateful when she transferred me. The man who was also very nice walked me through a ton of troubleshooting, and in the end determined that it was the regulator.

So there is no time to do anything at all, so barbecue chicken turned to fried chicken, and slow roasted pork happened in the microwave with plastic wrap, now that might sound bad... but it was not at all, everyone loved it. So all in all the day ended well.

House Hunting... a continued journey

Well, house hunting is both fun, and extremely, hair pulling, scream from the roof top, white jacket frustrating! First of all in an attempt to be responsible we went with a loan amount that is less that what we budgeted for, you know pay extra, unexpected repair expenses... etc. So it seems that the price range is wildly competitive, with some families and investors.

I understand people wanting to invest in something safe, I do. But they keep coming in and swooping house out from under us. See we are veterans and apparently the inspections for VA loans are more choosy. So people would rather 1. go cash or 2. go conventional... did I mention AHHHH! I think that the inspection process should be the same for both fha and va you even out the playing field, but that is yet another humble opinion.

So I know that the right house is coming but I have 2 year old-itus and am kind of stomping my feet right now.

Where did all the time go!!!

Recently I have found myself wrapped up in work and family I find it increasingly difficult to find time. I mean really... how is it exactly that I lost such a thing. Did it fall out of my pocket, was there a hole in my purse and it slipped into the unknown abyss where pens, and quarters go to never be found again. I guess the key is too organize my schedule right... I find it ironic that even that has slipped to the way side of "I just don't have time". My lack of sitting down and making anything has also caused a lack of inspiration, so I have decided to do something about this. I will cram a small blank notepad or journal thingy in my purse I will probably pick some kind of bright obnoxious color so I will see it. Anytime I am sitting around at a waiting room, or any few seconds I can scrape, rather than picking up a magazine, I will draw something. Now I wish that I could say that this is my idea, but alas it is not. My awesome friend, for 30 some-odd years, gave it to me. My thought is this, when I sketch something fantastic, or incredibly inspiring... maybe, just maybe, I will head to the studio and grab some clay. So there you have it, enough is enough, make a small change and eventually it will be a habit... right!

Cash for Clunkers... wonder or blunder

*Update* I realize I did not put in the cost of parts and repairs for the older vehicles!

hmmm. Admittedly I am tempted, after all there are cars out there you can get for $5000 brand new after the government credit! So why do I hesitate, the gas mileage would be alot better than my Nova (which by the way is never an option for trade in or sale) My van is decent mileage about 18 or so on a good day. It would be prettier than my van that is for sure, poor little work truck, filled with gear, waiting for a little more in the budget for her makeover.

So I couldn't help myself... had to figure it out. Now I am no accounting wizard here just gathered some information from what I knew personally regarding parts and from what I got when I called local shops.

So here it is check it out I think you would be shocked as I was! The money alone we could save... would fix the air conditioning in the van, brand new paint job, and reupholster the whole thing in just a couple of months of what I would save if I opted to not get a new car. The Nova by the way is perfect in all those departments

The figures for monthly expense includes what you would need to put away for replacement of wear and tear. Most people say well older cars are not dependable. On our newer car we learned that everything is much more expensive; from simple oil changes, inspections, etc. From talking with other people at the time our car payment was considerable low at the time. All in all these figures I believe will be different for each person, maybe your car payment is higher or maybe your gas mileage is better. I think it is better to hammer out the long term factors before considering Cash for Clunkers.

For me I'm thinking maybe not, because I can put the van in perfect running order with new paint and interior and not only, not have a car payment but save other expenses as well.

Good Luck in your decision

Alzheimers

I love the radio, especially KDUV morning show, its a fun but Carrie & Dale also take time to talk about important stuff.

This morning they briefly touched on the donation by Jeanine Mason's 250,000 to Making Memories, an organization for Alzheimer's. I probably mentioned before I was raised by my grandma, I was raised to believe that she was my momma till I was about 15. She is still my momma though. I remember momma as she got older she was "forgetful".

It wasn't till later when I was about 18 or so that I realized that it was more than that. When I moved out and would come over to visit, she would forget that I didn't live there anymore, when I would explain to her and try to remind her of the times she came over, she just couldn't remember. Most times she had trouble remembering if she had even eaten. Later I joined the Marine Corp, I would call, her voice so soft, we would talk a little before asking my name again.

I remember the day when I came by while on leave to visit, like it was yesterday, she moved in with my mother by then, and she looked at me blankly. I knew what was coming, I didn't want to hear the words from her, I couldn't bear the pain of my momma not remembering me and our whole lives together. As if it was drawn out on a dry erase board, one quick swipe, and essentially my childhood, my life...gone.

No witness to the times we would laugh and laugh at the way my dog chased her tail till she ran into the dresser, sitting around watching episodes of Cops on TV, shopping together, or the times when I cried and cried over a boy. I remember though, I will always remember her smile, laughter, and the way she would hug me so tight, telling me how much she loves me.

I couldn't bear the pain of that loss, oddly similar to death "momma, do you want me to get your coffee" she smiled... "yes honey" Momma passed away several years ago, I miss her, I miss us. But I am happy that now she can remember everything!

I love you momma!

Stage 3

Well, its Stage 3... Surgery in about a week. very sad... don't know what else to say.

What a beautiful day!

In spite of all the craziness! it is so beautiful... no ac.. all doors and windows are open. I want to take time to enjoy this and maybe even finish the garden. No garbage, no drama, just quiet time.

The breeze is just right, cool, it is supposed to stay this way all day too! The kids are outside, mine, and the ones borrowed for a sleepover... I can here them laughing, and yelling at each other, about stepping over some safe zone. A bike bell just went off and star the neighborhood dog just came out to join in on the fun. Her bright red fur shines in the sun... must have had a bath. The kids all yell out her name, welcoming her like Norm at Cheers. You can tell she loves it, her big dog smile and wagging tail gives her away as she plays, bouncing around from kid to kid. She lets them get just close enough to pat her head before leaping away.

We have lots of trees in our neighborhood, big oaks and a few smaller ones, I don't know what they are called but they are beautiful. When the wind blows it is almost as if they are cheering, I wonder what team they are on boys or girls. On the porch the cat is laying there switching her tail as she stares at the bird sitting on the fence, contemplating lunch... And me, I am just sitting here taking it all in.

These are rare days in the summer. Maybe even go to the lake and check out the fish, I don't know I feel a little invigorated today. I want to write about it so that when I am feeling bad I can remember it.

Get off the computer silly... enjoy the day!

AAARRRRG!

Oi! I really need to pay attention cause those of you who follow must be aware of the bombard of blog posts... it is important to make sure that "save in drafts" in not checked when you click post.... then it doesn't go anywhere. I think this is like the 3rd time now.... hopefully 3rd times a charm and I don't forget again.

Cleaning woes

I am trying to clean get caught up on housework... but here I sit. I am not looking forward to this at all, but I beat myself up a little for not having it done already. Weird little place I have myself in. Really I am just trying to keep busy till Wednesday or at least till Thursday when she has the appt. for results.

My goal is to get everything cleaned up... light cleaning. Then on Wednesday I will do the blinds and the bathrooms. I am also trying to put better effort into dinner. You know make some really fabulous we never had this before... Your the most amazing mom/wife on the planet.

But I don't want to aim to high... aim for mediocre I always say.... then when you do something good then really its more like WOW! not really but it sounds fun.

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