Yes way!!!
Today in Winchestertonfieldville (that's Northern Michigan) the weather has been intense. I didn't have to go any where (a severe case of kick-my-#&$ bronchitis has me laid up in bed...still), but I thought I'd listen to the news at 6:00 am, as my honey was off to work. Turns out every college, high school, middle school, elementary school, day care and alternative education site from Mackinaw to Scottville (and probably south...my radio coverage is only that far) was closed.
THEN...for the first time EVER in my life...I actually got to listen to the Emergency Broadcast Network as it interrupted the news for EMERGENCY INFORMATION!!! Let me tell you, after 30 years of training, having to listen to those ANNOYING beeps and then being told 'If this had been a real emergency...', I was prepared!! Today the Michigan State Police AND the Michigan Department of Transportation issued warnings for ALL vehicles to be off the road. Whoa! Since my man works for American Waste, and since they drive garbage trucks and semi-trucks, he worked around the shop from 6am-12pm, then came home, because they couldn't haul anymore recycling to the center! Wow...his first snow day at American Waste :)
So anyway, apparently there were 50 mph whiteouts and crazy drifts (Matt said there was 1" of snow on one side of my car and a 12" drift on the other!). Not much was happening here in Northern Michigan. Not that I would know. I'm still in bed. Hacking. Do you have any idea how many muscles you have between your boobs and your belly button?? You'll never know until you cough incessantly for three days. Then they get sore.
Okay, that's enough. I'm getting loopy. It's time for a nap. Again. Till then...stay warm!! (It's finally 5 degrees at my house!!! It was -1 earlier...with -21 wind chill. Alright, I know I said I was done, but Matt just came in pouting. He's trying to get to the store, but everything is frozen shut! He tried pouring boiling water over the doorhandle and lock, but its freezing so quickly it won't work!! Poor baby :( Okay...I think it's funny, hee, hee).
Nappy time!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Late Christmas Photos
Okay, okay...I know its been a month, but I've been busy...and sick (full blown bronchitis...yuck). So anyway, months ago my sister donated my camera battery charger, not knowing what it was. Because of that I am limited in my photo-taking excursions. I only got four pictures for Christmas 2007. Two are smores pictures (I know you've already seen some, sorry). The other two are quite comical: Ella wrapped four times in a scarf and Cammie & Mitch...as unseen by most people (heh, heh)...oops. The computer isn't letting me upload anymore today. I'll try again later.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Man of My Dreams
Those of you who know me well know that humor is my safety-net. I like to take any situation and find the humor in it. Why? Because I have hyper-active tear ducts, so if I don't laugh I'll probably cry.
This was very much the case when Matt was recovering from surgery and chemo over the past few months. On more than one occassion I could be heard muttering, "I hope you're taking notes. Some day I'm gonna be pregnant and I'll expect the same from you."
Let me first say: I AM NOT PREGNANT.
However, I am slightly ill. Flu-like stuff: achy body, sore throat, tender ear, chunky boogers (I threw that in for Erica, who often says "I can't believe you said that!"...heh, heh...I said it). I feel like I've run a marathon, been hit by a truck and then had every remaining ounce of energy drained from my body and converted into the swelling in my neck (seriously...I feel like a linebacker right now). It's been a miserable few days.
In the midst of my misery I called my adorable hubby, a man I hadn't seen in days, and I actually started crying on the phone (see paragraph one) because its hard to been funny when your head is working against you. This lovely, thoughtful man pushed aside his plans for Friday night and Saturday morning, drove through a blizzard and showed up in CL, MI to stay the night with me and help me with five kids...even though he knows nothing about kids. Awwww.
He brought me water and Tylenol. He massaged my head. He put a hot-water bottle in the bed to warm it up for me. And in the morning, he kept an eye on the kids, even going so far as to pick up little baby HHC...without being asked (part of a Baby Relocation Program, to keep kids off of stools in the kitchen and put them in safer places...like the toy room).
He left CL a little before me to get the house ready for my return. When I came home he was already doing laundry. In the freezer was a WeightWatchers SmartOne meal, because he knows I need to watch what I eat, but he didn't want me trying to cook. On the bed were two cases of Izze sparkling fruit juice, a luxury we just don't often buy. He put my slippers on my feet, made sure I had my robe and has kept my water glass full for two days. Say it with me...awwwww!!
This is the man of my dreams. I love him so much. I just wanted to brag about him for a little while :)
This was very much the case when Matt was recovering from surgery and chemo over the past few months. On more than one occassion I could be heard muttering, "I hope you're taking notes. Some day I'm gonna be pregnant and I'll expect the same from you."
Let me first say: I AM NOT PREGNANT.
However, I am slightly ill. Flu-like stuff: achy body, sore throat, tender ear, chunky boogers (I threw that in for Erica, who often says "I can't believe you said that!"...heh, heh...I said it). I feel like I've run a marathon, been hit by a truck and then had every remaining ounce of energy drained from my body and converted into the swelling in my neck (seriously...I feel like a linebacker right now). It's been a miserable few days.
In the midst of my misery I called my adorable hubby, a man I hadn't seen in days, and I actually started crying on the phone (see paragraph one) because its hard to been funny when your head is working against you. This lovely, thoughtful man pushed aside his plans for Friday night and Saturday morning, drove through a blizzard and showed up in CL, MI to stay the night with me and help me with five kids...even though he knows nothing about kids. Awwww.
He brought me water and Tylenol. He massaged my head. He put a hot-water bottle in the bed to warm it up for me. And in the morning, he kept an eye on the kids, even going so far as to pick up little baby HHC...without being asked (part of a Baby Relocation Program, to keep kids off of stools in the kitchen and put them in safer places...like the toy room).
He left CL a little before me to get the house ready for my return. When I came home he was already doing laundry. In the freezer was a WeightWatchers SmartOne meal, because he knows I need to watch what I eat, but he didn't want me trying to cook. On the bed were two cases of Izze sparkling fruit juice, a luxury we just don't often buy. He put my slippers on my feet, made sure I had my robe and has kept my water glass full for two days. Say it with me...awwwww!!
This is the man of my dreams. I love him so much. I just wanted to brag about him for a little while :)
Day 4-5...its a long story.
First off, let me say that #5 (1.5 yrs old) ate more for breakfast on Friday than did #3 (7 years old). Just to start things off...
Okay, I slacked, but there's a really good reason: late Thursday night I became ill. I could barely sleep (sore throat kickin' in) and #4 & #5 alternated every 2 hours crying. Rough night.
I wasn't feel so hot Friday morning, but I woke up #1 and was trudging through with my brain in a cloud. #1 volunteered to go start my car for me to warm it up, then came in and asked if I was sure he had school. Heck, I wasn't sure of ANYTHING at that point, excepted my mind was mush and my throat was swollen. So we turned on the TV and, sure enough, no one had school in about three different counties. So all five kidlets stayed home with me while I tried not to infect anyone. I did the best I could.
I did make every French Toast on Friday, however, and that went over well (#5 - 3 pieces of French toast and a can of pears...whoa). I let the kids stay in PJ's and goof off until noon. Then we had lunch and I put them to work. Well, I had a small list, so they only really worked for a couple of hours. Unfortunately for the parents who would have liked for me to stimulate their childrens' minds and encourage them in their weekly chores, I was whipped. By two in the afternoon I was beaten. I retreated to the couch and moved as little as possible. The kids were fantastic. They played very well together, and anytime there was screaming I told them to figure it out. Low and behold, they did.
Well, I was supposed to take the kids to church in TC on Friday night, but with the nasty weather and my icky throat there was no point to making the trek to help out on the worship team if I couldn't actually sing. And at the rate I was falling, I didn't think I'd make it back. It was a good decision.
I called for pizza at 4:10 pm. The pizza place is 3 blocks from the house. I asked them to deliver. They didn't start delivering until 5pm. I told the kids dinner would arrive at 5:05pm. It was that bad. And then I called my honey; my soft-haired, blue-eyed, dimple-cheeked honey. I was a mess. A few hours later, he arrived to give me a hand.
By 7pm I was pretty sure I was running a fever. I was popping Tylenol like they were Tic-Tacs and hudled under an electric blanket. I let the kids watch a movie about cheerleaders (#2 & #3 are taking a pom-pom dance class) before going to bed. #4 wouldn't leave me. By this point she'd decided I was okay and deserved the honor of having her share a bed with me. I did my best to dissuade her, but she would have none of it. Being very careful to avoid anything that might transfer germs (but also realizing that anything that was gonna be transfered had already moved by now) I let #4 cuddle. And boy does she cuddle!!
So, anyway, honey-man stayed the night. #4 & #5 slept STRAIGHT through the night, so I got some decent rest. I was at the house until about 3pm, at which time I was sent home by the parentals. I didn't really do much on Saturday either. The kids and I cleaned as best we could, but when you're home, and basically inside, for two days forts get built, dolls get moved...the house becomes a toy. And thanks to the football-player sized neck and painfully tender right ear, I didn't really care anymore (sorry mom and dad!).
So there you have it. Sheer craziness. And to really make me look lame...because I've been recovering on the couch, venturing up only to use the rest room and get a snack, the Christmas tree is STILL up. This was our designated weekend to take it down. Dang it. So I've make an executive decision...
I hope you can all stop by on Feb. 14th this year - VALENTINE'S DAY!! See our house, with it's festive red lights, heart-shaped paper decorations...and our very first Valentine's Tree!!!
Okay, I slacked, but there's a really good reason: late Thursday night I became ill. I could barely sleep (sore throat kickin' in) and #4 & #5 alternated every 2 hours crying. Rough night.
I wasn't feel so hot Friday morning, but I woke up #1 and was trudging through with my brain in a cloud. #1 volunteered to go start my car for me to warm it up, then came in and asked if I was sure he had school. Heck, I wasn't sure of ANYTHING at that point, excepted my mind was mush and my throat was swollen. So we turned on the TV and, sure enough, no one had school in about three different counties. So all five kidlets stayed home with me while I tried not to infect anyone. I did the best I could.
I did make every French Toast on Friday, however, and that went over well (#5 - 3 pieces of French toast and a can of pears...whoa). I let the kids stay in PJ's and goof off until noon. Then we had lunch and I put them to work. Well, I had a small list, so they only really worked for a couple of hours. Unfortunately for the parents who would have liked for me to stimulate their childrens' minds and encourage them in their weekly chores, I was whipped. By two in the afternoon I was beaten. I retreated to the couch and moved as little as possible. The kids were fantastic. They played very well together, and anytime there was screaming I told them to figure it out. Low and behold, they did.
Well, I was supposed to take the kids to church in TC on Friday night, but with the nasty weather and my icky throat there was no point to making the trek to help out on the worship team if I couldn't actually sing. And at the rate I was falling, I didn't think I'd make it back. It was a good decision.
I called for pizza at 4:10 pm. The pizza place is 3 blocks from the house. I asked them to deliver. They didn't start delivering until 5pm. I told the kids dinner would arrive at 5:05pm. It was that bad. And then I called my honey; my soft-haired, blue-eyed, dimple-cheeked honey. I was a mess. A few hours later, he arrived to give me a hand.
By 7pm I was pretty sure I was running a fever. I was popping Tylenol like they were Tic-Tacs and hudled under an electric blanket. I let the kids watch a movie about cheerleaders (#2 & #3 are taking a pom-pom dance class) before going to bed. #4 wouldn't leave me. By this point she'd decided I was okay and deserved the honor of having her share a bed with me. I did my best to dissuade her, but she would have none of it. Being very careful to avoid anything that might transfer germs (but also realizing that anything that was gonna be transfered had already moved by now) I let #4 cuddle. And boy does she cuddle!!
So, anyway, honey-man stayed the night. #4 & #5 slept STRAIGHT through the night, so I got some decent rest. I was at the house until about 3pm, at which time I was sent home by the parentals. I didn't really do much on Saturday either. The kids and I cleaned as best we could, but when you're home, and basically inside, for two days forts get built, dolls get moved...the house becomes a toy. And thanks to the football-player sized neck and painfully tender right ear, I didn't really care anymore (sorry mom and dad!).
So there you have it. Sheer craziness. And to really make me look lame...because I've been recovering on the couch, venturing up only to use the rest room and get a snack, the Christmas tree is STILL up. This was our designated weekend to take it down. Dang it. So I've make an executive decision...
I hope you can all stop by on Feb. 14th this year - VALENTINE'S DAY!! See our house, with it's festive red lights, heart-shaped paper decorations...and our very first Valentine's Tree!!!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Day 3 - Settling In
Well, with Sha-nay-nay here things have gone really smoothly...mostly because I don't have to haul ALL of the kids around anytime I want to go someplace.
Got kids #1-3 off to school easily. #4 & 5 were GREAT. They played so well; #5 took a good nap; we all went GROCERY SHOPPING!!! Yeah. Went in to Glen's. We at a can of Pringles, tried the blueberry pie samples and bought Go-Gurt. It was a good trip.
Sha-nay-nay spent the evening at home while I shuttled: pick up #2 from dance; 45 min. later drop of #3 to dance; 45 min. later pick up #3 with #2 and take them to Awana, which starts in 15 min; 75 min. later pick them up from Awana, come home for a snack and then to bed! All the while #4-5 are at home getting ready for bed and #1 is getting a ride home from the bball game.
The big news for Day 3 is food. How much food can one 1.5 yr. old and one 3 yr. old child eat? A lot. Scrambled cheeses eggs, toast and cereal for breakfast. Plus water. Grilled cheese for lunch. A banana. Pringles at the store. Go-gurt at home. A can of peaches. A plate (or two bowls) of spaghetti. Ice cream. Pretzel rods. A peanut butter sandwich. And THEN...#4 comes down @ 10pm with a "tummy ache". She's so hungry she eats some soup.
But wait!!! There's more. They wake up almost TWO HOURS early this morning...hungry. They each have a bowl of oatmeal. #5 also adds a banana and a bowl of spaghetti. #4 has a glass of chocolate milk and a pretzel rod. And it's not even 11 am yet. Yes, I know...I spilled into Day 4, but it's the only way to make my point. I'll tell you more later!!
Got kids #1-3 off to school easily. #4 & 5 were GREAT. They played so well; #5 took a good nap; we all went GROCERY SHOPPING!!! Yeah. Went in to Glen's. We at a can of Pringles, tried the blueberry pie samples and bought Go-Gurt. It was a good trip.
Sha-nay-nay spent the evening at home while I shuttled: pick up #2 from dance; 45 min. later drop of #3 to dance; 45 min. later pick up #3 with #2 and take them to Awana, which starts in 15 min; 75 min. later pick them up from Awana, come home for a snack and then to bed! All the while #4-5 are at home getting ready for bed and #1 is getting a ride home from the bball game.
The big news for Day 3 is food. How much food can one 1.5 yr. old and one 3 yr. old child eat? A lot. Scrambled cheeses eggs, toast and cereal for breakfast. Plus water. Grilled cheese for lunch. A banana. Pringles at the store. Go-gurt at home. A can of peaches. A plate (or two bowls) of spaghetti. Ice cream. Pretzel rods. A peanut butter sandwich. And THEN...#4 comes down @ 10pm with a "tummy ache". She's so hungry she eats some soup.
But wait!!! There's more. They wake up almost TWO HOURS early this morning...hungry. They each have a bowl of oatmeal. #5 also adds a banana and a bowl of spaghetti. #4 has a glass of chocolate milk and a pretzel rod. And it's not even 11 am yet. Yes, I know...I spilled into Day 4, but it's the only way to make my point. I'll tell you more later!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Day 2 - Reinforcements Arrive
Sha-nay-nay arrived Tues. afternoon - phew! There wasn't much going on when she go here. #5 was napping and #4 was watching a movie. However, within the hour the troops began to come home. #2 & #3 came home by bus, and I got #1 from practice. Dinner was a lesson in organized chaos, but the chores got done, house was cleaned and homework finished in time for ice cream. We even got #2-5 into bed (and asleep!) by 9:15...yeah! We beat the mark from the first night! So #1 can stay up until 9:30 anyway...he doesn't count.
Anyway, all went well. Everyone made it to school on time and #5 managed a nice 3 hour nap from 12-3 pm. A great day!
More news on Day 3...
Anyway, all went well. Everyone made it to school on time and #5 managed a nice 3 hour nap from 12-3 pm. A great day!
More news on Day 3...
Monday, January 14, 2008
Mother of Five???
Well, I'm used to being around kids all day,I'm a substitute teacher, but living with them?? I am currently embarked on a most courageous adventure: I am babysitting my friends' five (yes FIVE) children for five days. The range from 1.5-13 years old, attend two different schools in two different towns, participate in 4 different dance classes, basketball and Awanas. And they are under my care (gulp).
So far things have gone really well. I've only been here one day, but I got all of the kids into bed (and asleep!) by 9:40 pm (they are late-nite children by nature). Its now my time to kick back and relax at the puter...until 6am...which is coming quickly...and I'm tired.
Well, this has been fun, but as the temporary-single-parent-of-five, I'm blowing outta here. My friend Sha-nay-nay will be here Wed/Thur to help out, so I can update you then.
Till then...please keep praying!!! :)
So far things have gone really well. I've only been here one day, but I got all of the kids into bed (and asleep!) by 9:40 pm (they are late-nite children by nature). Its now my time to kick back and relax at the puter...until 6am...which is coming quickly...and I'm tired.
Well, this has been fun, but as the temporary-single-parent-of-five, I'm blowing outta here. My friend Sha-nay-nay will be here Wed/Thur to help out, so I can update you then.
Till then...please keep praying!!! :)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Hello to my faithful followers!! You've been VERY good this year - congratulations!!
Okay, whatever. So, I'm at my parents' house with the VB side of the family. It's been a GREAT time! I was in Winchestertonfieldville with my hubby's fam until Thursday, and now I'm here. LOTS of people to see! My brother and sister-in-law from NYC (anvil makers) and my aunts, nieces and sisters down at the 'rents. LOTS of people. I like my cozy house with hubby and two cats. It's CRAZY to enter a house with 7-9 adults, plus kids, presents and too much snow :)
I'm going to try to take some pictures and post them later this week, but I didn't want anyone to think I'd dropped off the face of the earth. I'm still here...making anvils.
Many blessings!!!
Okay, whatever. So, I'm at my parents' house with the VB side of the family. It's been a GREAT time! I was in Winchestertonfieldville with my hubby's fam until Thursday, and now I'm here. LOTS of people to see! My brother and sister-in-law from NYC (anvil makers) and my aunts, nieces and sisters down at the 'rents. LOTS of people. I like my cozy house with hubby and two cats. It's CRAZY to enter a house with 7-9 adults, plus kids, presents and too much snow :)
I'm going to try to take some pictures and post them later this week, but I didn't want anyone to think I'd dropped off the face of the earth. I'm still here...making anvils.
Many blessings!!!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Count down...
'Til Christmas? No. 'Til presents? Try again. 'Til...family time? DING! DING! DING! Tell 'em what they won Bob!
Well, you will receive a brand new, used, slightly damaged but reconstructed car, complete with faulty...no, wait. What? Oh sorry, wrong game show.
Anyway, in ONE WEEK I'll get to see my brother and sister-in-law from NYC - yeah! And THEN...I'm so excited...my nieces!! All the way from PA and NV, Ella and Sarah Gabel! They are too cute, too funny...ahhh :) I'm so excited!
Oh, I'm pretty sure my sisters and aunts will be there too. I mean, I guess my sister has to come with her daughters. Whatever.
TEN MORE DAYS!!!
Well, you will receive a brand new, used, slightly damaged but reconstructed car, complete with faulty...no, wait. What? Oh sorry, wrong game show.
Anyway, in ONE WEEK I'll get to see my brother and sister-in-law from NYC - yeah! And THEN...I'm so excited...my nieces!! All the way from PA and NV, Ella and Sarah Gabel! They are too cute, too funny...ahhh :) I'm so excited!
Oh, I'm pretty sure my sisters and aunts will be there too. I mean, I guess my sister has to come with her daughters. Whatever.
TEN MORE DAYS!!!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Christmas Decorations!!
Here it is! My first real out-of-my-parent's-house Christmas tree! I had a fake tree before I got married, but now I have a hubby with lot a saw and tree stand :) Isn't it pretty??
And this is my teeny-tiny nativity set. Yes...we have it set up on top of the water cooler!!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
My Sister's Magic Fingers
This is the story of a scarf. It's not any ol' scarf either. It is the scarf that, as my brother-in-law says, makes 5 year-old girls everywhere jealous. Here is it's tale.
It all starts with a different scarf. Blue, gray and black, hand knit by my sister. It's wonderful. I wear it all of the time. My friend Sha-nay-nay sees it and LOVES it! She's been looking for one just like it all winter! Where can she get one?!? Being the self-less, considerate, humble person that I am, I give her mine. When I leave Sha-nay-nay's house I call my sister in the car:
"I need a new scarf. I'd like it to be colorful and unique."
Sister with the magic fingers is on the case. She calls me before Christmas to tell me its done. It'll be under the tree. But...it's something she's never done before. In fact, it's kinda wild. Honestly, she's not sure about it, so if I don't like it all I have to do is tell her and she'll pull the stitches and make a new one. Sounds good to me.
Christmas Eve. I open the box. I pull out 7'6" of bold, twisty rainbow scarf. I'm scared. It looks like someone may have taken round pot holders and strung them together. Turquois and red? Raspberry and orange? The colors astound. I look at my sister with the magic fingers.
"I'm not sure about..."
"What?!? You want me to take it apart?? Do you know how long that took me to make?!?!"
"It's perfect."
Mid-January arrives. The scarf has been sitting in my house. Not even the cats go near it. But it's a gift. I must wear it, at least once, even if the spirling yarn exposes my neck to the elements. I put it on and go to the grocery store. My neck is surprisingly warm. The cashier admires my scarf. I decide to try it for a while. By the end of the winter I have received quite a few compliments.
October 2007 I read on-line that long, skinny scarves are out. Chunky, bulky scarves are in. Whatever.
November 2007 I pull out the winter wear. I grab my scarf. I cannot go into public without at least one person asking about my scarf, wondering how I made it or where I bought it. I am running errands and Christmas shopping with my husband. At Wal-mart I see the librarian who assisted me less than an hour before at the library. I say hello. She replies:
"Where's your scarf??" (In the cart, for those of you wondering)
In Target a woman approaches me:
"You were at Wal-mart earlier today, weren't you? I remember the scarf."
My desire in life has been that people would remember me for my love of God, for my humor and for my heart. I fear now that I will be remembered for my scarf.
It all starts with a different scarf. Blue, gray and black, hand knit by my sister. It's wonderful. I wear it all of the time. My friend Sha-nay-nay sees it and LOVES it! She's been looking for one just like it all winter! Where can she get one?!? Being the self-less, considerate, humble person that I am, I give her mine. When I leave Sha-nay-nay's house I call my sister in the car:
"I need a new scarf. I'd like it to be colorful and unique."
Sister with the magic fingers is on the case. She calls me before Christmas to tell me its done. It'll be under the tree. But...it's something she's never done before. In fact, it's kinda wild. Honestly, she's not sure about it, so if I don't like it all I have to do is tell her and she'll pull the stitches and make a new one. Sounds good to me.
Christmas Eve. I open the box. I pull out 7'6" of bold, twisty rainbow scarf. I'm scared. It looks like someone may have taken round pot holders and strung them together. Turquois and red? Raspberry and orange? The colors astound. I look at my sister with the magic fingers.
"I'm not sure about..."
"What?!? You want me to take it apart?? Do you know how long that took me to make?!?!"
"It's perfect."
Mid-January arrives. The scarf has been sitting in my house. Not even the cats go near it. But it's a gift. I must wear it, at least once, even if the spirling yarn exposes my neck to the elements. I put it on and go to the grocery store. My neck is surprisingly warm. The cashier admires my scarf. I decide to try it for a while. By the end of the winter I have received quite a few compliments.
October 2007 I read on-line that long, skinny scarves are out. Chunky, bulky scarves are in. Whatever.
November 2007 I pull out the winter wear. I grab my scarf. I cannot go into public without at least one person asking about my scarf, wondering how I made it or where I bought it. I am running errands and Christmas shopping with my husband. At Wal-mart I see the librarian who assisted me less than an hour before at the library. I say hello. She replies:
"Where's your scarf??" (In the cart, for those of you wondering)
In Target a woman approaches me:
"You were at Wal-mart earlier today, weren't you? I remember the scarf."
My desire in life has been that people would remember me for my love of God, for my humor and for my heart. I fear now that I will be remembered for my scarf.
Sam's Disappointment
I love Sam's Club. Matt and I go there to walk around, sample food and occassionally grab some food at the cafe, which we then eat while sitting on the display furniture (they have some REALLY comfy chairs!!). We like it there.
Unfortunately, not all departments are created equally. Take, for instance, the tire department. They have good prices on tires, decent prices on tire installation, but horrible...HORRIBLE service, at least in Winchestertonfieldville.
Last year Matt & I arrived at 6pm, immediately after he got out of work, to have his snow tires put on. It takes 45 minutes. They're open until 7pm. All is well...we thought. We go to the service counter and are informed that there must be at least two mechanics in the shop to do the work. There are two guys there. However, one guy has to leave at 6:30, so they can't take us. Did they tell us this when we called and asked how late they're open? No. Was there a sign posted anywhere saying they were closing early? No. What did the manager have to say about it? "Welll, they need two guys working, so they can't do it tonight." Apparently not one other mechanic in their entire employment was available to work that day, so they decided to close early, tell no one and the administration was fine with it. Okay...maybe it was a fluke.
Fast forward to Winter 2007: we go in at 5pm to get tires changed. We are informed that they stopped taking new customers at 3pm because they are already booked until 7pm. Completely understandable. The man gives us some hints: first, come when it's not snowing or when the forecast for the next day is clear (people aren't thinking about tires until it's snowing or they predict snow) and second, get in line by 6:30 am. When they expect snow there will be 20 people in line when they open the doors at 7am. Wow! Thanks for the help buddy...that's great to know! So on Saturday, December 1st...our day off, a day of rest, a time to relax...we get up at 5:30 am to be in line at 6:30 am. Matt is the 5th person in line!! The doors open, the man looks up and says, "Do you have a business membership? Anyone with a business membership goes to the front of the line until 8am." WHAT?!? Did anyone tell us that?? No. Is it POSTED anywhere?? No. By 7:15 am Matt is now the 15th person in line!!! The response that we get..."Well, we have to serve business members first". Nice to know. At 7:15 we left Sam's Club...and went to Belle Tire. At Belle Tire they opened the doors early so we could wait inside, out of the cold, and took EVERYONE on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The moral of this story (as I always like to have a moral): Buy yourself an extra set of rims if you are going to change your tires seasonally. You can have the tire shop mount the tires for you and then swap them yourself, in your driveway, whenever you want (because, even though the guys at Belle Tire were patient, helpful and very kind, it still took until after 1pm for them to get the tires done).
Unfortunately, not all departments are created equally. Take, for instance, the tire department. They have good prices on tires, decent prices on tire installation, but horrible...HORRIBLE service, at least in Winchestertonfieldville.
Last year Matt & I arrived at 6pm, immediately after he got out of work, to have his snow tires put on. It takes 45 minutes. They're open until 7pm. All is well...we thought. We go to the service counter and are informed that there must be at least two mechanics in the shop to do the work. There are two guys there. However, one guy has to leave at 6:30, so they can't take us. Did they tell us this when we called and asked how late they're open? No. Was there a sign posted anywhere saying they were closing early? No. What did the manager have to say about it? "Welll, they need two guys working, so they can't do it tonight." Apparently not one other mechanic in their entire employment was available to work that day, so they decided to close early, tell no one and the administration was fine with it. Okay...maybe it was a fluke.
Fast forward to Winter 2007: we go in at 5pm to get tires changed. We are informed that they stopped taking new customers at 3pm because they are already booked until 7pm. Completely understandable. The man gives us some hints: first, come when it's not snowing or when the forecast for the next day is clear (people aren't thinking about tires until it's snowing or they predict snow) and second, get in line by 6:30 am. When they expect snow there will be 20 people in line when they open the doors at 7am. Wow! Thanks for the help buddy...that's great to know! So on Saturday, December 1st...our day off, a day of rest, a time to relax...we get up at 5:30 am to be in line at 6:30 am. Matt is the 5th person in line!! The doors open, the man looks up and says, "Do you have a business membership? Anyone with a business membership goes to the front of the line until 8am." WHAT?!? Did anyone tell us that?? No. Is it POSTED anywhere?? No. By 7:15 am Matt is now the 15th person in line!!! The response that we get..."Well, we have to serve business members first". Nice to know. At 7:15 we left Sam's Club...and went to Belle Tire. At Belle Tire they opened the doors early so we could wait inside, out of the cold, and took EVERYONE on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The moral of this story (as I always like to have a moral): Buy yourself an extra set of rims if you are going to change your tires seasonally. You can have the tire shop mount the tires for you and then swap them yourself, in your driveway, whenever you want (because, even though the guys at Belle Tire were patient, helpful and very kind, it still took until after 1pm for them to get the tires done).
Monday, November 26, 2007
Two Years
November 26, 2005 - 10:30 am
Karin Van Buren weds Matt Beery
Wow. Two years. That's it?? I'm trying to remember what I did for the first 27 years of my life. It feels like Matt has always been there. Weird. And cool :)
What a crazy two years...and what a potentially bizarre third year we might experience. Let's look at the timeline of the life of Matt & Karin Beery:
Nov. 05 - Married
Apr. 06 - Both start new jobs
June 06 - Move to Acme
Aug. 06 - K quits job
Aug. 23, 2006 - M diagnosed with cancer
Sept. 06 - M has surgery
Oct. 06 - M body returns to normal
Feb. 07 - M AFP counts go up
Jun. 07 - AFP counts still climbing; consult with Dr. @ IU
Jul. 07 - Schedule M surgery @ IU
Aug. 07 - Surgery cancelled; chemotherapy scheduled
Sept.-Nov. 07 - Chemo
Nov. 26, 2007 - 2nd Anniversary
Our lives have been CONSUMED by Matt's diagnosis. We met and wed in eight months; we spent nine months married before the cancer. We'd only even known each other for 17 months...and have spent the past 14 months dealing with this. So what will year #3 bring??
A life without cancer :)
BOTH of us working regularly, with no hospital bills, and a chance to catch up financially :)
Rest :)
I don't know...
For those of you who've known Matt longer than me, this will be the first time that I will actually live with THE Matt Beery. Not Matt Beery the newly wed, Matt Beery the new-man-to-the-workforce, or Matt Beery the cancer patient. I will get to live with and love the Matt Beery everyone has known for years. I'm looking forward to it all :)
Karin Van Buren weds Matt Beery
Wow. Two years. That's it?? I'm trying to remember what I did for the first 27 years of my life. It feels like Matt has always been there. Weird. And cool :)
What a crazy two years...and what a potentially bizarre third year we might experience. Let's look at the timeline of the life of Matt & Karin Beery:
Nov. 05 - Married
Apr. 06 - Both start new jobs
June 06 - Move to Acme
Aug. 06 - K quits job
Aug. 23, 2006 - M diagnosed with cancer
Sept. 06 - M has surgery
Oct. 06 - M body returns to normal
Feb. 07 - M AFP counts go up
Jun. 07 - AFP counts still climbing; consult with Dr. @ IU
Jul. 07 - Schedule M surgery @ IU
Aug. 07 - Surgery cancelled; chemotherapy scheduled
Sept.-Nov. 07 - Chemo
Nov. 26, 2007 - 2nd Anniversary
Our lives have been CONSUMED by Matt's diagnosis. We met and wed in eight months; we spent nine months married before the cancer. We'd only even known each other for 17 months...and have spent the past 14 months dealing with this. So what will year #3 bring??
A life without cancer :)
BOTH of us working regularly, with no hospital bills, and a chance to catch up financially :)
Rest :)
I don't know...
For those of you who've known Matt longer than me, this will be the first time that I will actually live with THE Matt Beery. Not Matt Beery the newly wed, Matt Beery the new-man-to-the-workforce, or Matt Beery the cancer patient. I will get to live with and love the Matt Beery everyone has known for years. I'm looking forward to it all :)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Kitties...
Otay...This is what happens to your cat when you don't clip her claws regularly: she gets them stuck in the webbing on the stereo speaker.
And THIS is what happens when you surprise the kitties with a BIG can of Turkey in Gravy for Thanksgiving...kitty coma:
And THIS is what happens when you surprise the kitties with a BIG can of Turkey in Gravy for Thanksgiving...kitty coma:
Friday, November 23, 2007
Re: Pictures
See www.mattsmiracle.blogspot.com to understand why you will never see pictures of us again. I'm frustrated.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
The Human Body
It's pretty amazing, isn't it? All of the layers of protection and support, to keep itself safe and healthy. I'm in awe. Like when you sprain an ankle and it instantly swells to protect the joint, or when your cuts bleeds and clot to flush out infection and then seal itself off. Wow. But here's one I don't understand...
So, over the years I've gotten into some bad sitting habits. I'm working on correcting these as I've gotten used to swiveling my hips, which actually causes my left leg to appear 1" shorter than my right. However, by paying attention to my posture (and a few minor adjustments) I've been doing well. Pat myself on the back...way to go!!
This past week I've been subbing in a high school (Winchestertonfieldville High) and walking a TON. I drive to and from work, but nothing big. I rarely find myself sitting until just before I got to bed. My hips should be good, right? Sure, you just keep telling yourself that...
Yesterday Matt and I drove for 1.75 hours to visit my parents. In desperate need of a shower, I waited until we arrived to forgoe the rust-heavy, hair destroying hard water at my place to enjoy the silky, softness of my folks' water. Everything was great. I cleaned, dried, fixed my hair, got dressed...then proceeded down the stairs to the rest of the house. Half-way down (eight steps to be exact) the hip starts up. I try to ignore it. I descend one more flight of stairs to the guy-paradise (50" high-def, plasma flat screen with Bose surround sound) and stop. I'm not in awe of the wonder of HDTV (college game day, after all). I'm in pain. Crazy, tight pain.
My left hip quit. Yep. That's right. I have some ability to move my leg forward and backward, but any side-to-side or swivel action is kaput. Have you ever noticed how much your hips swivel to help you get around each day? Me neither!!! Trust me, its a lot. Anyway, my hip hates me now. It doesn't want to move. It hurts. It's tender. And its uncooperative. Here are some hip-heavy activities that you might now about:
-Getting in and out of a car
-Getting into bed
-Changing directions while walking
-Rolling over in bed
-Adjusting your position while sitting
And I'm sure there's more...I'm trying to move as little as possible today. Hopefully I won't discover any other painful movements.
The lesson for today?? Stop taking showers. It hurts your hip ;)
So, over the years I've gotten into some bad sitting habits. I'm working on correcting these as I've gotten used to swiveling my hips, which actually causes my left leg to appear 1" shorter than my right. However, by paying attention to my posture (and a few minor adjustments) I've been doing well. Pat myself on the back...way to go!!
This past week I've been subbing in a high school (Winchestertonfieldville High) and walking a TON. I drive to and from work, but nothing big. I rarely find myself sitting until just before I got to bed. My hips should be good, right? Sure, you just keep telling yourself that...
Yesterday Matt and I drove for 1.75 hours to visit my parents. In desperate need of a shower, I waited until we arrived to forgoe the rust-heavy, hair destroying hard water at my place to enjoy the silky, softness of my folks' water. Everything was great. I cleaned, dried, fixed my hair, got dressed...then proceeded down the stairs to the rest of the house. Half-way down (eight steps to be exact) the hip starts up. I try to ignore it. I descend one more flight of stairs to the guy-paradise (50" high-def, plasma flat screen with Bose surround sound) and stop. I'm not in awe of the wonder of HDTV (college game day, after all). I'm in pain. Crazy, tight pain.
My left hip quit. Yep. That's right. I have some ability to move my leg forward and backward, but any side-to-side or swivel action is kaput. Have you ever noticed how much your hips swivel to help you get around each day? Me neither!!! Trust me, its a lot. Anyway, my hip hates me now. It doesn't want to move. It hurts. It's tender. And its uncooperative. Here are some hip-heavy activities that you might now about:
-Getting in and out of a car
-Getting into bed
-Changing directions while walking
-Rolling over in bed
-Adjusting your position while sitting
And I'm sure there's more...I'm trying to move as little as possible today. Hopefully I won't discover any other painful movements.
The lesson for today?? Stop taking showers. It hurts your hip ;)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Yawn and Stretch
Wow...you'd think by my blog that its been a slow couple of months. Quite the opposite actually. With Matt not working I am now the sole provider for the household. Possibly not a bad gig if I worked full time, but trying to bring in a full-time paycheck on a part-time work schedule calls for some creative accounting.
I can't wait for Matt to be able to work again. He's not happy staying at home, and I'm not happy having to work so much. Part of the beauty of me subbing part-time is that I can then take a day off every week to grocery shop, do laundry, clean the bathroom...you know. Plus, since my work day is usually only 6-7 hours I have taken on the role of cook as well. Now I don't mind any of this at all. Its kind of the best of both worlds: being a wife but also a working woman. I like it.
However, with Matt out of commission I find myself working nearly every day (I took today off, but I was working on my book...different job, same problem). With that in mind, I now have to figure out when to grocery shop, do laundry, clean the bathroom...you know. It builds up pretty quickly. And, on top of that, I have Matt. All housework stops for Matt. If you don't like clutter, please don't visit me because I have sacrificed my house to make my husband comfortable. It's the least I can do, and I won't settle for less.
This being said, I'm doing as much as I can as fast as I can. AND...my book is almost done! Woo hoo! Bust out the sparkling cider! I'd give you an update, but you can read that at www.therehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com (I don't like to repeat myself. I don't like to repeat myself.)
In other area news, I found a decomposing mouse trapped in a vase under the sink today. Massive ick.
I think that's it for now. I'm really anxious to get back to my story. I'd like to finish it tomorrow! Yipee!!
I can't wait for Matt to be able to work again. He's not happy staying at home, and I'm not happy having to work so much. Part of the beauty of me subbing part-time is that I can then take a day off every week to grocery shop, do laundry, clean the bathroom...you know. Plus, since my work day is usually only 6-7 hours I have taken on the role of cook as well. Now I don't mind any of this at all. Its kind of the best of both worlds: being a wife but also a working woman. I like it.
However, with Matt out of commission I find myself working nearly every day (I took today off, but I was working on my book...different job, same problem). With that in mind, I now have to figure out when to grocery shop, do laundry, clean the bathroom...you know. It builds up pretty quickly. And, on top of that, I have Matt. All housework stops for Matt. If you don't like clutter, please don't visit me because I have sacrificed my house to make my husband comfortable. It's the least I can do, and I won't settle for less.
This being said, I'm doing as much as I can as fast as I can. AND...my book is almost done! Woo hoo! Bust out the sparkling cider! I'd give you an update, but you can read that at www.therehastobeabeginning.blogspot.com (I don't like to repeat myself. I don't like to repeat myself.)
In other area news, I found a decomposing mouse trapped in a vase under the sink today. Massive ick.
I think that's it for now. I'm really anxious to get back to my story. I'd like to finish it tomorrow! Yipee!!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Tribute to Matt
My sister created a nice tribute to my cancer-fightin' hubby. You can see it at www.thegabelfamily.blogspot.com
(And check out the 2 foot, 15 month othe cutie while you're at it!)
(And check out the 2 foot, 15 month othe cutie while you're at it!)
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