doodlebugmom: September 2006

Friday, September 29, 2006

Hmm, work has been seriously dead this week.

This week:
-I have all my paper work done by noon everyday
- swept up dead crickets,
-cleaned the bathroom
-cleaned off my desk
-blogged
-made a card for my Stephen Minister care receiver
-entered some online sweepstakes...yeah..i really want to win a jeep!
-printed off some recipes
-visted blogs, read comments, which lead to more blogs and I even posted on a few!
-washed the windows
-read up on the lastest teat dip and stayed awake for that!
-spent (almost) as much time chatting with the UPS and FexEd guys as I do with my own family
-chatted online w/ my daughter
-made a fool in front of myself in front of my cranky boss (not unusual, thank God my nice boss likes me enough to conter-act my cranky boss encounters!)
-window shopped online , love looking at scrapbook supplies and makeup
-cleaned out the file cabinets
-shredded lots of papers from those file cabinet

and I even got a raise. woo hoo!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/29/2006 12:02:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Orange things I love

Clementines..we only get the good ones here at Xmas time

* the striped towel is for orange and hot pink together

Thats only 9. the 10th is Rob's blog I read it most everyday and I especially like his foto Fridays!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/29/2006 12:02:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

The Rock part 2

Sunday was a beautiful day. So my son and his girlfriend climbed the rock again.

(I have pictures at home, I will try to remember to add them when I get home)

This time they decided to invite a few friends. so it was:

my son
his girlfriend
the exchange student that gf's family is hosting from Ecuador
a guy from school that likes the chica from Ecuador
the exchange student from Germany
the exchange student from South Korea, apparently she was hilarious, she got tired of climbing "the mountain"
and the host "sister" to the South Korean exchange student

My son dubbed it "international rock climbing day"

:)

Updated: Pictures are the view from the top. Cars look so little from up there. The land on the horizon, just a little right of center, are the fields on our ridge.

Camp ground at the base of the rock. We camped there once. too many snakes for me.

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/27/2006 11:00:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Red things I love

This is the lastest thing floating around blog-land. List 10 things you love from each of the colors of the rainbow.

Now, I know, there is not enough caffeine in the world to keep anyone awake long enough to read all my choices. So I will do one color at a time. When I feel like it. And since this is my blog I am skipping indigo...too close to blue and violet. I may also add things like pink and brown and black and white.

Good old Mr Osterday, 8th grade science, grilled ROY G BIV into my head, so RED is where I will start:

1. Redbirds. My high school mascots. Not cardinals, Redbirds. Even though we used a cardinal as the mascot, the true inspiration for the name was Chief Redbird, a Ho_chunk leader. If you want to check out some Wisconsin History on him, click here

2. Red seedless grapes

3. Cranberry Home Interior candles.

4. Poppies.

5. Red, white, and blue. I even have my kitchen decorated in red, white and blue.

6. Valentines. My husband is not big on romantic stuff, but I never give up hope! I got a heart shaped box of candy from one of my customers a couple years ago, didn't make my hunny jealous, he did help me eat them though!

7. Kit Kat bars...ok I know they are not red, but the wrappers are.

8. The UW marching band. We have been up to a few Badger football games and the Badger Band is awesome!

9. Target. None close to me, so when we go to the "big city" to shop. I always want to stop at Target

10. Apples. Crisp delicious and the ones for all the yummy fall baking. We baked an apple cake the other night and it was gone before it was cool.

What are some of your favorite red things? Comment here or do them on your own blog!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/24/2006 08:40:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Cross County runners and fans have the best t shirts!

-Some people ask why I run fast. Wouldn't you run fast if you hear a gun?

-If you have to ask why we run, you will never understand.

-Cross Country: Finally a good use for a golf course!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/23/2006 02:40:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Open Heart. Open Minds. Open Doors?

I drove by church Tuesday, was a little disturded to see a "Vote Yes For the Marriage Amendment" sign in the lawn.

(In March, both the state Assembly and the state Senate gave approval to a Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) state constitutional amendment that would define marriage as heterosexual. Voters would have to approve the ammendment in November)

What happeded to Open Heart. Open Minds. Open Doors?

I am voting NO.

Same sex couples deserve to make that commitment to each other.

No one should deny the legal protection that marriage provides.

And Wisconsin's ammendment goes far beyond gay marriages. It will also ban civil unions and threaten any legal protections for unmarried couples.

Ohio judges have dismissed domestic violence cases involving unmarried heterosexual couples because the victims were not married to their alleged abusers. Even though the women were not gay, the judges ruled that the state's new amendment prohibits legal recognition for any unmarried couples--even when it comes to domestic violence.

Why in this day and age would our state choose to move backwards?

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/21/2006 02:23:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

On a Lighter note!

I got this from my friend Ron. too cute not to share.

Puppy Puzzle

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/21/2006 11:28:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sad stuff

Not too far from us a guy killed his son. And then hung himself.
My husband works with this guy's brother. He doesn't know what to say to him. Really, what could anyone say to him except "I'm sorry."

I was talking to a friend about this the other day. Stuff like this happens all the time. We just don't notice until its close to us :( Sad.

Speaking of close to us! We have had a murder in our neighborhood! He was picked up Monday night. For a rape & murder in Michigan back in 1979! Yikes. And my hunny teases me for locking the doors. Creepy. Totally creepy.

In Madison, a cook at a local pizza place heard some noise outside. Went to investigate. Proceeded to join in a gang rape in the alley and took pictures with his cell phone. That poor woman. She said she heard someone, thought help was on the way, then saw the flash. Holy Crap.

What they heck is wrong with people?

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/21/2006 11:28:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Ahoy mateys!

I heard on the radio this morning tody is Talk like a pirate day.

Apparently is has been around since 1995, but owes its recently popularity to Dave Barry.

I am thinking Johnny Depp and SpongeBob have a bit of influence too!

You can even check out this pirate translater if you are inspired!

Do you know why the pirate couldn't take his kids to the movie?

Because it was rated ARRRR!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/19/2006 09:37:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, September 17, 2006

spinach

Its been all over the news. E.coli tainted spinach.

I sent an offline message to my daughter (away at college): Don't eat any spinach!

A few hours later I got this message: Yeah...like that is going to happen!

I could just picture her rolling her eyes as she typed it.

Kids. lol.

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/17/2006 01:45:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Friday, September 15, 2006

Not all religion is to be found in the church, any more than all knowledge is found in the classroom. ~Author Unknown

Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to the garage makes you a car. ~Author Unknown

I could not decide between these two quotes. They both make me feel a little better.

I rarely post anything serious on my blog. But this has been bugging me.

I went to church once all summer. I feel guilty about it. My church bugs me, so any excuse not to go lately,is a good excuse.

I don't question my faith. (thus, the quotes)

I have a problem with our current pastor.
-He is a football and basketball fanatic. Nothing wrong with being a fan. But his sermons Sept-March are nothing but bragging up a few kids that do well on the team.(and dont get me wrong some of them are good kids, some not, just like ALL the kids in the congregation...the jocks, the band geeks, the honor students and the ones struggling to graduate)
-He will also lie about anything to get his way. I caught him once in a lie. When I confronted him about it, he apologized. I was beyond angry, so I was unusually bold. I asked him if he was sorry he lied to me or sorry because he got caught. He hung up on me. That was my answer.

Our current youth pastor has been having some personal difficulties too. Its hard to respect a person who lives her personal life in a non-Christain way and then preaches the opposite. Its harder still on my kids. She swears constantly, gossips, and her husband recently left her and not because of his indiscretions.

Our congregation is also in the midst of building an addition. Our church is less than 10 years old, but we seem to have outgrown it. Its dividing people.

The meaning of Stephen ministry classes seem to get lost with gossip and snacks.

Sometimes it is just easier to stay home and not deal with all the crap and politics of church. And speaking of politics, it irritates me beyond belief when my pastor uses the pulpit to tell me who to vote for.grrrrr!

So.. I am disillusioned. Disappointed. But I will go back. I miss it. As awful as it can be some days. I miss the fellowship of worship.

My husband reminds me, we were here before this pastor and we will be here long after he is gone.

But I told him if I die while this pastor is still here, to find someone else to do my service. I like the Lutheran pastors. One of the other pastors here is town is always friendly and asking me about my kids...maybe him...nah...I have heard him preach and he is all "fire and brimstone."

I have considered attending the little Lutheran Church down the road, but fear I will be lost during the service. I love the silver-haired line-dancing pastor there. He never remembers a name, but is always excited to see us. My husband's grandparents were members there, my kids teach their VBS, we are more welcome at the Mother-Daughter and Father-Son banquets there than in our own church. My kids and I have recipes pullished in their church cookbook(my church cookbook didn't publish ours!) We will be buried there someday....hopefully not anytime soon!

hmmm, good to vent a little. I feel so much better! Ahh!

(regular posts will return soon!)

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/15/2006 11:50:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

quote

Since the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9-11 has stirred up many feeling this week, I wanted to share this quote"

The real differences around the world today are not between Jews and Arabs; Protestants and Catholics; Muslims, Croats, and Serbs. The real differences are between those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it; between those who look to the future and those who cling to the past; between those who open their arms and those who are determined to clench their fists. ~William J. Clinton, 1997

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/13/2006 02:14:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

primary election day

...here in Cheeseland.

I went to vote after work.

Touch screen voting has come to my rural, really rural township.

Cool.

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/12/2006 10:12:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

ABC scrapbook

If you want to see my latest scrapbook project

click here.

Scroll down a bit to see all the pages, I actually posted them on order, not sure what happened with that.

It was a fun project and it was really hard to give it away!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/12/2006 01:40:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Monday, September 11, 2006

9-11

I am sure we all remember that day like it was yesterday.

I was glued to the tv.

Not believing what I was seeing with my own eyes. Surreal.

I wished I could call my mom, but she had passed away a few months earlier. Then minutes later I was glad she did not live to see this.

I watched til I could not watch any longer.

Then I had to turn it on and watch more.

Update: Today was a different day. I didn't listen to the radio, or read any articles, or watch the specials on tv. I didn't want to hear about the memorial contoversy. I thought about the families whose loved one never came home that night. How they must have hoped for the phone to ring, or to hear a key in the lock. How a day like today must be agonizing. Yet they go on. Our country goes on.

None of us will ever be the same.

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/11/2006 07:22:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Friday, September 08, 2006

Friday

It's official.

I am starting back on full time as of now. I will miss my days off, but my scrawny paycheck is ready to bulk up a bit. I think its a good deal all around. Better to have Mrs M out of her, she was bad for business with her snotty attitude and no one really wanted to hear the details of her "private life"

My son had his second CC meet last night. Was a very flat course. He does better on the hills. It was a sticky humid evening, but alway fun to watch the kids run. My niece is running on the girls varsity team, and there is a second cousin on the boys team so CC meets are like little family reunions. Another meet tomorrow, sounds like it will be rainy.

Oldest daughter is fairing well at college. Not so sure how the roommate situation will work out. They seem to be getting along, but....

Youngest has been walking on cloud 9. She was chosen by faculty to be on the safety patrol at school. Big deal for a 6th grader. She is also going to be a kindergarten helper and join band. She will be busy!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/08/2006 12:05:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, September 07, 2006

It has been a while since I have been tagged

So I will play

1. Three things that scare me:
bridges
water (lakes, swimming pools, etc...I can handle the shower!)
driving in traffic

2. Three people that make me laugh:
Jon Stewart/ Daily Show
Niles Crane(from Frasier)
my kids

3. Three things I hate the most:
snakes
rodents
liars

4. Three things I don't understand:
Math, I was fine with numbers, but when I got to high school and letters came in to picture...zing...right over my head
prejudice
racism

5. Three things I'm doing right now:
Sitting with all the shades drawn
laundry
listening to CMT

6. Three things I want to do before I die:
see the ocean
build a house
maybe go back to school

7. Three things I can do well:
listen
keep a secret
cook

8. Three ways to describe my personality
trusting (or maybe gullible would be a better word)
empathetic
ecclectic

9. Three things I can't do:
advanced Math, see #4
knit
drink beer, yuck

10. Three things I think you should listen to:
ME! lol
Country music
Your mother

11. Three things you should never listen to
Neighbors in a hotel
Bigots
Republican...haha...you knew that was coming, didn't ya??

12. Three things I'd like to learn
Spanish, I had a little in high school, but that was a long time ago
More computer programs
Where all my $ goes

13. Three favorite foods
Chocolate
Chicken
Red seedless grapes

14. Three beverages I drink regularly
Water
Raspberry Lemonade Crystal Light
Diet pop

15. Three shows I watched as a kid
The Brady Bunch
Gilligan's Island
Carol Burnett

16...Three people I'm tagging
If you are reading and you want to, go for it!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/07/2006 09:16:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

this is just making me sick

I heard about this on the news the other day.

Its bad enough there is one sicko like this...but three of them?

And they needed condoms. yuck. just yuck.

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/06/2006 05:00:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Day after Labor Day

All my kids started school today.

The youngest claimed she did not want to go. But I know she is glad to be back. This is the first year they switch teachers/classes throughout the day. We (finally!) have a great principle at the elementary school. At least she gets him for this year too, before moving to the High School (where the principal does not impress me at all!)

7 am CC practice was cancelled this morning. Yeah! But I am guessing coach will work them kinda hard this afternoon. There is a meet on Thursday after school and another on Saturday. I love CC meets. He ran last Saturday, did not have his best time. But gives him room to improve, right? His knee is better, the school's trainer has been having him do some different stretches which seem to be helping.

My son's gf's family is hosting an exchange student from Ecuador. She arrived on Thursday, A&L took her to Walmart over the weekend, she was amazed. Apparently she had the hardest time deciding what shampoo to buy, not so many choices at home. And yes, Walmart's variety is ridiculous!

My college kid had a fun weekend. I am mailing off a care package this morning with a few things she forgot. Will meet up with brother- and sister-in-law at the meet on Thursday and they will take her a few more things. Its been chilly so she is needing more sweatshirts.

She and her roommate and another friend plan on hunting for a UMC close to campus. They are hoping they are not too old for youth group when they get there!

Labor Day Monday will have me confused all week. Remind me not to come to work tomorrow

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/05/2006 10:09:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Move in day

Move in day went really well. The school had rounded up a great bunch of volunteer move in helpers, and they were all so cheerful!

She seemed to hit it off with her roommate. As they were unpacking last night they were finding a few things in common. Both are more than a little nervous, UM's and 4Hers. The had the same scheduled move in time, so we got to meet her parents too.

Traffic was awful, but we expected that. Carrying the loft sucked! That thing was heavy, and of course my daughter has to be at the dorm way across campus and be on the 4th floor, no elevators in these old building. She so owes us for delivering that! lol. The weather was beautiful, mid 70's.

There was a welcoming ceremony for Freshmen and parents, the speakers were long winded (aren't they always?). The marching band played. Maybe she will get involved in band. She loved it in high school.

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/03/2006 07:57:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Friday, September 01, 2006

Packing

It's the day before move in day. My oldest is heading off to college. I know she is anxious. Prayers for calm would be much appreciated. Classes start on Tuesday and the school has enough fun stuff planned for the weekend there won't be time to be homesick.

We borrowed Grandpa's truck with the topper and the full size cab. So J can go too. (Son A has a meet) I am dreading the 4 flights of stairs and all that stuff! Her move in time is 10am. Student/Parent welcome is not until 4:30. Guess that leaves us plenty of time to shop for things we forgot.

This will be the first on on my son's meets I will miss. :(
He may not run because of a knee injury. Not sure if he will go with the team if he doesn't run. He hates taking times, but since his gf runs too, I don't think he will mind hanging around with her.
I hate to see him run and do more damage that might put him out for the season. Or worse, mess up his knee for a lot longer than just the season. Such a worry-wart mom my poor kids have to put up with.

First home football game is tonight. Not so sure how the team will be, but pregame and half time rock. Especially trumpets. The also do Fresh Trash, a percussion performance using trash cans. Its very cool. Hope the freshman figure it out soon.

Have a safe long weekend!

Posted by doodlebugmom at 9/01/2006 12:30:00 PM | Permalink | Comments