Olympians RULE, dogs drool!

What was that about an orange bubble, Diana?? Rain, what rain??? A little rain couldn't put out our Olympic Flame! I LOVE FOOTBALL!!! (I even love North football every week but one each year) To all our North friends - thanks for being such good sports about the cross town rivalry! In your defense your team is very young and shows great promise for the future. But for now..................

WE'RE NUMBER ONE!!!

May the best (EAST) team win...

Can't believe it's been a year already but it's time for the big cross town rivalry football game again! To all my misguided friends that have children attending North, I'm sorry for your loss tonight! Seriously though I hope everybody has a great time and cool head prevail. Wouldn't it be cool if they would let us use Lucas Oil Stadium one of these years for this game? Maybe then it wouldn't be so hard to walk through the crowd to get to the bathroom or concessions.

A big Happy Birthday shout out today to Katie's boyfriend, Zane, who turns 18 today! I texted him at exactly midnight last night to wish him just that. Then told him to go to bed it's late. :) Always the mom, I guess!

Welcome Home, Katie!

Yesterday we moved Katie and Jaime into their new room at IU. This is a day they have dreamed about for a long time. They actually have a decent space. It is up about a half flight of stairs (which meant easier for unloading!). That makes it look like a second story room from the outside so nobody walking by can see into their window. They also have a huge tree in front that affords them tons of privacy. I think the girls did a GREAT job of planning out how to do a room. They took a very bland and boring room and turned it into a cozy home. It was controlled chaos for the first few hours with six of us in there trying to unpack and organize stuff. It was funny to see what they thought was so important that they had to take with them. Typical girls - shoes, clothes and purses. I think you only need three pairs of shoes. One for the shower, one to go to class in and one if you want to dress up a little. I think Jaime has about fifteen pairs just on top of her wardrobe closet that she couldn't fit in the drawer. Katie had enough tops to not wear the same one for at least a month, I'm guessing.

They printed out tons of pictures and posted them all over their room to add to the color and homey feeling. They used the bookshelf to hold purses and accesories instead of it's intended purpose. Too funny!

This is the final product of a long day's work. No, they didn't call each other to plan what to wear (or coordinate it to their room on purpose, either!) How long do you think that rug will stay white??? I guess they'll learn that lesson the hard way....maybe it will get dyed over the Christmas break. But they're all moved in and loving it so I guess that's mission accomplished. David was banned from the room for a little while because he was hungry and trying to rush us. He was sitting outside when this woman and her child walked passed. She kind of laughed and said, "Hang in there, Dad!" I guess he wasn't the only one banned. David was really happy to find out that their dorm building is all girl. There are guys in the complex - but they have their own buildings. No running into that cute guy in the hallway when you aren't looking your finest. So we hadn't even gotten out of Bloomington before we got our first call from her. She's having problems with her computer accessing the internet. Something to do with her still being linked to the domain here at the house. It's all geek to me! So she's a bit frustrated having to sit around and wait for the IT help people to get to her. Sometimes it sucks to be the "adult" and be at someone else's mercy. With an incoming freshman class of 7500 moving in yesterday - it may take them a few days to get to her. No internet of her own for days????!!!! What's a girl to do??? Um, borrow Jaime's computer to post your pictures on myspace???? MOM! You just don't get it! Yeah, I guess not. Not the first time and I bet it's not the last time, either. The house is already quieter (and not in a good way)! It's like she's sleeping over at someone else's house - but I know in my heart this is a lot more permanent. She's having fun....she's flying alone....she's having fun....this is what we raised her to do - go out on her own (could someone help me pick up the pieces of my heart, please?) Good luck at IU girls and have a GREAT year! Text occaisionally for something other than money....

We love you both and miss you already!

College Luggage

So tomorrow is the day we move Katie into her dorm. The bags (trash ones, of course) are mostly packed. Time for the last goodnights to her sisters. I was truly pleased to see that everyone was in a playful mood. It was like when they were younger and all got along so well. Shades of the women they will become, I hope. Just a little time left yet tonight to spend with Zane. How hard this must be for them! I am surprisingly doing well with it all. Maybe it will hit me tomorrow when we drive away without her.

Shades of leaving her at the daycare when she was seven weeks old??? I was at least smart enough that morning to not put any makeup on until after I'd dropped her off. I figured I would just cry it all off and make a mess. I really am excited for her though. I know she is a smart young woman and will make good choices. I hope these are some of the best years of her life! But I also want her to remember the way home....

Stuff to make you laugh

When I got home last night, my wife demanded that I take her someplace expensive... So, I took her to a gas station...

And then the fight started... ************************************************************************

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security. The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age. I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home. I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later. The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt.' So, I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair. She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application. When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office. She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten disability, too.'

And then the fight started... ***********************************************************************

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table. My wife asked, 'Do you know her?' 'Yes,' I sighed, 'She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years a go and I hear she hasn't been sober since.'
'My God!' says my wife , 'Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?'

And then the fight started... ***********************************************************************

I rear-ended a car this morning. So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car. You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny? Yeah well, I couldn't believe it... He was a DWARF!!! He stormed over to my car, looked up at me and shouted, 'I AM NOT HAPPY!!!' So, I looked down at him and said, 'Well then, which one are you?'

And then the fight started...

*******************************************************************

HOPE EVERYBODY HAS A GREAT WEEKEND!!

A talk all parents should have...

And you thought I was going to get serious about something.....Bahahahaha! Just thought I'd pass along something that made me smile.

Back to School

Today is the first day back to school for all the girls. Yahoo! Megan had a half day yesterday at the new school and it seemed to go ok. A small issue with her schedule and limited classes but we've worked it all out to all our satisfaction.

It was strange last night at the elementary open house. I usually sign up for a ton of stuff on the volunteer lists but I'm not exactly sure about committing to things during the day now that I'm working. It felt really bad not to sign up for everything. Emily's teacher this year is Mrs. Baker - or as she's known around here - Aunt Heather. She's our niece, Lauran's, wicked step mother. Yesterday afternoon Heather called me just to quack since we hadn't seen each other all summer. I told her about going back to work. She jokingly asked if I was doing it so I wouldn't have to volunteer in her classroom. Darn! She's on to me! Sarah has Mrs. Osman. She's an unknown entity to me - very unusual for me not to know one of the teachers! Sarah is bummed because she only has one "friend" in the classroom - and it's not Mary Aliza or Sara (the camping buddy). She's not too sure about this teacher, either. Since I don't know her I can't really say anything about her teaching style. I guess this will just have to be one of those "learn to deal with all kinds of people" years for Sarah. Wish us all luck!

Katie is home this morning and enjoying the peace and quiet. I think some of reality will hit her today - as Zane is coming over during his lunch mod. I think it will really drive it home that she is out of high school when he has to go back to class and she doesn't. Poor guys, how stressful a time for them as a couple. Katie & I have talked about how communication will be key for them while they adjust to their new lives. If there is one thing I know about it is a long distance relationship and communication. David & I dated for three years while he was here in Indiana and I was in Cincinnati. And look how well that turned out!

I'm waiting for a maintenance guy to get here so I'm working from home today. Probably should actually be doing something other than blogging....

Sister Megan

Megan is starting a new school this week. East just wasn't a good fit for her. Too big and too much freedom with a dash of not enough maturity to handle it thrown in! She'll be attending Columbus Christian School. Thursday she got her locker assignment and took a quick look around the school. We also received the student/parent handbook. They don't make them where uniforms (yet) but in her words - she has to dress like a nun! Shorts & skirts must be at the knee. All tops must have sleeves. Pants & tops are not to be tight fitting or fit the shape of one's body. (are potatoe sacks acceptable?) If you see lines from underclothes--it is too tight for school - move up a size or two if necessary. No revealing neckline, back or midriff shirts. Shirts must be long enough to be tucked in and must cover the waistline at all times. If you bend over and skin is showing - select a longer shirt. If you raise your hand & your belly shows - select a longer shirt. No tatoos or ink or marker on skin of any kind. Only natural color hair colors are allowed. No rips, tears holes or frays on any clothing. Pants must not drag on the floor. Even if you are doing an extracurricluar activity - no spaghetti strap or tank tops and shorts must STILL be to the knees! Boy was it fun shopping for clothes for school today! We actually did ok - capris are ok so she got two pairs and a khaki skirt. The shirts are mostly polo style or button front. I think she can still be a little stylish - just a lot more modest - and that works for me (and her dad especially!).

They're Baaack!

I picked up Emily & Sarah from camp today.

They didn't seem any worse for the wear after three days in the woods!

This was the first time for Sarah & her friend, Sara. Look at the happy, shiny face Sarah had on the day we dropped her off! Still smiling on day three - and ready go sign up for next year!

Emily & her friend, Ella, are "old hats" at this camp thing. They went together last summer, too. The drop off day picture looks like they are planning on giving their counselor some trouble!

Emily was talking about maybe going for a week next summer....but we'll have to see about that. I'm not sure Ella will be up for that.

Looking a little worn out on day three!

This guy is Steve. He has been at this camp FOREVER! Katie and Megan both remember him from their excursions to CYO camp - - That was about eleven years ago! He must be a fun guy though because both Katie & Megan grinned and laughed when I asked them if they remembered Steve. Can you say Peter Pan Syndrome? Anyway, the house was much too quiet without the "Littles" around! The phone didn't ring off the hook as it usually does. Nobody fighting over the computer....strange how just a few days without each other and all our batteries are recharged. I really did miss them - that's good to know! Makes me start thinking about how quiet it will be around here without Katie home. No - - don't want to go there yet.....(picture me humming, eyes closed and sticking my fingers in my ears).......

Hope my kids don't read this...

I got tagged by a new blogging friend 2 kids....3 martinis (wish I knew how to make that a link....ooh, Suzannne.....) and the idea is to "tell you all seven things that maybe you don't know about me or just some weird, personal shit". My first thought was "oh cool, my new friend likes me...." so second grade of me... then I thought "Yikes! I'm so boring I've got nothing I can write". I checked into some of the stuff her friends had written just to get some ideas. That got me to laughing because I realize I've got "stuff" I'm just not sure how much of it I can share when I know my kids will sometimes check in on my blog, blog, blog, blog, blog (to be sung to the tune of the thong song...) They love to tease me about having one - a blog not a thong although they'd tease me about a thong if they knew - that is once they stopped puking. So fair warning my lovelies...proceed at your own caution! (Then again, maybe not). Oh, Wait! Wait! I think I just figured out how to make that a link!!! I'm so proud of me! ok - back to the list....(boy am I going to look even more like an idiot if that stupid link doesn't work...)



1. I am addicted to computer Mahjongg and Spider Solitaire. I love Bookworm Deluxe, too. I'm a closet geek.....



2. I would love to be able to dance - not just slow dancing. When I picture myself dancing I think I must look like Elaine on Seinfeld. Not many of you have ever seen me dance - cause the only time I have the nerve is when there's too much alcohol involved. I figure if I'm not going to remember this tomorrow - - whomever I'm out with probably won't either :)



3. I had a severe head injury in 1994. No, seriously! Ok, STOP laughing now.....I know you've all pretty well guessed there is something wrong with me...but I was weird even before that.




4. I devour fiction books. Mystery, romance you name it. Just as long as there aren't groping couples on the front cover! Hoping to still find the time now that I've gone back to work.



5. I've been officially kicked out of the state of Indiana by the police. Well now, there's a doozy! I was at David sister Terri's wedding. The champagne was flowing so quickly that Terri asked me to put a bottle in the back of David's car to make sure they would have one at the send-off breakfast the next morning. At the end of the evening everyone was leaving and before I knew it everyone had left the parking lot. David was in no condition to even tell me how to get back out to his house. This was before we were married and I still lived in Cinci so I didn't know my way around - especially at night. I had been on good behavior as this was one of the first "official" family events that I had attended. This was back before cell phones so I was waiting until his parents got home to ask how to get there. Before that could happen this cop pulled up and shined a flashlight in the car and saw the bottle of champagne. He took a lot of flack from the cops at the booking desk when he brought us in but he wouldn't back down. He tried to tell them that he wanted to book me for underage drinking (as I was still a teenager) and DUI. Um...the keys weren't even in the ignition! They put me in a cell with an adult female - I can't remember now what she was in for - but it scared me to death! My future father-in-law got me out in a hour or so but it seemed FOREVER. The charges were dropped - but I had to be - and I quote here - "out of the State of Indiana by sun down the next day". Is this a small town or what?! My parents didn't found out until about 15 years later when my father-in-law said something to my dad about it - thinking my dad already knew. Oops!



6. I'm scared of my family's history of Alzheimers. Especially since head injuries are supposed to add to the chances of getting it (see #3). I don't want my children to feel like they've been forgotten - even if they are adults at the time. I don't ever want to hurt them like that or be a burden to them.



7. I literally sang through contractions while giving birth to my girls. It was like being on a natural high - at one with mother nature (and my epidurals!). I loved being pregnant and snuggling a baby. I know - not PC and all equal rights - but it's true. Some people get angry and surly during labor (the opposite of their natural disposition) - I got happy and sang - wonder what that means my natural disposition is.....



And there you have it! Seven things you may not have known about me (or ever have wanted to have known!)



I don't have too many blogging friends that haven't already been tagged but here are a few
that I'm hoping will play along:

Kelly - Turner House Party

Laura - My Life

Kids can make you feel OLD!

Megan and I were at Goodwill the other day killing time while the "Littles" were at a party (jeez - my kids are at a party and I'm at Goodwill? Ain't I the lucky one?) I was looking for fun "retro" stuff for Katie's dorm room. I found a cool desk lamp but needed her ok before buying it (what I think is cool isn't always cool in her eyes - imagine that....but lately I've done very well). While hanging out, Megan picks up a cassette tape and asks me what it is. I explained and she called me old and I thought that would be the end of it. Oh, no....it's like the drive in movie earlier this summer....she picks up an 8-track and asks what it is. I told her it was like the grandfather to a CD. At this point there's an older woman beside me giggling as I try to make it sound like I'm not as old as the hills. Megan looks down on the shelf and there's an old 45 (a single not a gun). Please don't ask, please don't ask...Well, honey, it's like when you download only one song instead of the entire CD. Only this actually gives you two songs cause you can flip it over and play the other side. And yes some dinosaurs were meat eaters and some were vegetarians....the lady next to me looks like she's going to wet her pants trying not to laugh. She finally gave up and just busted out laughing. She ended up thanking me for such a good laugh. She'd been having a bad day and she said that she needed a good laugh. Glad we could help! And just so you know...I scored with the lamp, too! You gotta love the line under the vinyl photo I'm using ... Ole farts vinyl....yep, that's appropriate!