We went back over to check on the cat one more time yesterday, and there she was, sitting pretty and smug just waiting for Violet to pet and brush her. Damn cat, worrying me like that. The boss will be back today. Violet had a really good end to her pet sitting job. I foresee many more jobs like this in our future.
Alright, who stuck a knitting needle in the back of their Freakmom voodoo doll? No confessions? Hmm, maybe it was evil ex-co-leader. I wouldn't put it past her, she's evil. About dinner time last night I suddenly got a horrible pain in my upper back. It spread around up into my shoulder and neck. I was starting to wonder if I had pneumonia or was having a heart attack. But it really just feels in the muscles. Perhaps a muscle-eating bacteria? It is better today, but I think I'd better not sit at my computer too much.
Today is the day big layoffs are coming at Mr. Incredible's company. We don't think he is in this round. But you never know. Scary, scary times we live in.
Violet's been back on a Girl Scout badge kick. We worked on some yesterday and she has more planned for today. Sounds good to me, it is like homeschool lessons all planned out for me. There's a lot of cool stuff for her to do as a Junior and only 2 years to do it in.
We have no errands to run today! It is the first day we are staying home since last Friday, and that was the first day since the Friday before that. Tomorrow our only plan is to go to the library and get some stuff that is coming in on interlibrary loan. The library is really close by (but not close enough to walk).
I wonder what kind of comfort food we have I can make for dinner. I think Mr. Incredible is going to need it tonight.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Pumpkins, Apples and Missing Cats
Things are still busy at the Incredible household. Over the weekend we went to the pumpkin patch and made our pumpkin selections. I chose a warty one. When we got up to check out the lady told Violet that the name of that pumpkin variety was "freak pumpkin". Now I ask you, how perfect is that?
Mr. Incredible and Violet each chose a more misshapen pumpkin. They felt the oddly shaped ones had far more personality than the perfectly round ones. It took us quite a while to make our selections, and the patch wasn't that big. But at least three other families came, picked out pumpkins and left, while we were still looking. Not all at once either, one at a time. Apparently we are slow pickers.
We also bought some apples. A tart variety, but I forgot the name and am too lazy to get up and look (and I'm not telling how incredibly close they are either). This afternoon Violet and I made an apple crisp. We just had some still warm for dessert.
You know how Violet is watching my boss' cat while she is gone? Well, we went over there today and we could not find that damn cat anywhere. She lives in the basement (boss' hubby is highly allergic) and the door was closed. There was no way she could have gotten out (although Violet did have one theory about the cat opening the door and closing it behind her - I think she reads too many books). We kept hearing thumping type noises from the vents but I'm pretty sure they were normal vent sounds, it is cool and I know the boss was leaving the heat on while they were gone (so her little kitty wouldn't get too cold, tee hee). I looked all over and couldn't figure out a way kitty could have gotten into the vents. At least I hope not. And we didn't hear mewing like she was in trouble. The food had been eaten and the box used. There are a lot of good hiding places and she's a small cat, so she must have been all curled up somewhere watching us. I hope.
This is not the economy to lose your boss' cat in.
Mr. Incredible's company is likely doing its latest round of layoffs this week. We're pretty sure he's not getting it this time. This economy sucks.
Tomorrow Violet has to go to the orthodontist to get her lower retainer bonded on better. I always feel like a bad mom when something happens and she has to make an extra appointment to go in. They are having a food drive at the orthodontist's office. A food pantry donation gets you a raffle ticket for an iPod shuffle. Gee, I wonder if we are going to an overpriced orthodontist? He does have lots and lots and lots of patients. It is a straight teeth mill in there.
How many more days until the election? I can't wait for it to be over.
Thank you to everyone who gave me e-mail and snail mail addresses for the Girl Scout sale! Violet earned the patches she wanted. And her sales have already surpassed her goals! She is so excited! Thank you!
Mr. Incredible and Violet each chose a more misshapen pumpkin. They felt the oddly shaped ones had far more personality than the perfectly round ones. It took us quite a while to make our selections, and the patch wasn't that big. But at least three other families came, picked out pumpkins and left, while we were still looking. Not all at once either, one at a time. Apparently we are slow pickers.
We also bought some apples. A tart variety, but I forgot the name and am too lazy to get up and look (and I'm not telling how incredibly close they are either). This afternoon Violet and I made an apple crisp. We just had some still warm for dessert.
You know how Violet is watching my boss' cat while she is gone? Well, we went over there today and we could not find that damn cat anywhere. She lives in the basement (boss' hubby is highly allergic) and the door was closed. There was no way she could have gotten out (although Violet did have one theory about the cat opening the door and closing it behind her - I think she reads too many books). We kept hearing thumping type noises from the vents but I'm pretty sure they were normal vent sounds, it is cool and I know the boss was leaving the heat on while they were gone (so her little kitty wouldn't get too cold, tee hee). I looked all over and couldn't figure out a way kitty could have gotten into the vents. At least I hope not. And we didn't hear mewing like she was in trouble. The food had been eaten and the box used. There are a lot of good hiding places and she's a small cat, so she must have been all curled up somewhere watching us. I hope.
This is not the economy to lose your boss' cat in.
Mr. Incredible's company is likely doing its latest round of layoffs this week. We're pretty sure he's not getting it this time. This economy sucks.
Tomorrow Violet has to go to the orthodontist to get her lower retainer bonded on better. I always feel like a bad mom when something happens and she has to make an extra appointment to go in. They are having a food drive at the orthodontist's office. A food pantry donation gets you a raffle ticket for an iPod shuffle. Gee, I wonder if we are going to an overpriced orthodontist? He does have lots and lots and lots of patients. It is a straight teeth mill in there.
How many more days until the election? I can't wait for it to be over.
Thank you to everyone who gave me e-mail and snail mail addresses for the Girl Scout sale! Violet earned the patches she wanted. And her sales have already surpassed her goals! She is so excited! Thank you!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Splish, splash
I mentioned in my last post we were headed out on an overnight trip. We stayed at the Kalahari Resort and indoor water park in the Wisconsin Dells. It was nice. But we aren't in a huge hurry to return.
We liked the water park (Violet LOVED the water park). But Mr. Incredible and I just have a hard time thinking of the Dells experience as anything but a cheesy getaway for Chicago suburbanites. If they aren't going to Lake Geneva, they are going to the Dells.
The room was nice. But the whole thing was expensive. A lot less expensive since my inlaws paid for most of it. But still. At least gas prices had come down by the time we went. Gas in Wisconsin is nearly 30c cheaper than here. We filled up before we came back across the border.
Some highlights: Seeing Violet build up the nerve to try the mid-size water slides and love them. The electric fireplace in the room was fun. Violet also painted a ceramic kitten in their pottery shop in the resort. It was ready to bring home with us.
At least it wasn't crowded. The Wisconsin Dells in the summer is a madhouse. We had a relatively empty resort in mid-October.
We're back home and getting back into routine. Violet and I had our first school-day performance at the local theater today: Magic Tree House the Musical. It was okay, but not one of our top five favorites. Next is Junie B. Jones. Violet likes the shows that are musical plays the best. I think that is the only reason she chose Junie since she never was a fan of the books. But at $7 a seat (compared to $25-40 for the full price performances) it doesn't matter if we like them all or not. It does make for a fun fine arts curriculum.
Tomorrow we are staying home all day. And really looking forward to it.
We liked the water park (Violet LOVED the water park). But Mr. Incredible and I just have a hard time thinking of the Dells experience as anything but a cheesy getaway for Chicago suburbanites. If they aren't going to Lake Geneva, they are going to the Dells.
The room was nice. But the whole thing was expensive. A lot less expensive since my inlaws paid for most of it. But still. At least gas prices had come down by the time we went. Gas in Wisconsin is nearly 30c cheaper than here. We filled up before we came back across the border.
Some highlights: Seeing Violet build up the nerve to try the mid-size water slides and love them. The electric fireplace in the room was fun. Violet also painted a ceramic kitten in their pottery shop in the resort. It was ready to bring home with us.
At least it wasn't crowded. The Wisconsin Dells in the summer is a madhouse. We had a relatively empty resort in mid-October.
We're back home and getting back into routine. Violet and I had our first school-day performance at the local theater today: Magic Tree House the Musical. It was okay, but not one of our top five favorites. Next is Junie B. Jones. Violet likes the shows that are musical plays the best. I think that is the only reason she chose Junie since she never was a fan of the books. But at $7 a seat (compared to $25-40 for the full price performances) it doesn't matter if we like them all or not. It does make for a fun fine arts curriculum.
Tomorrow we are staying home all day. And really looking forward to it.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Like a chicken with its head cut off
I've been running very which way this last week. The end is in sight. We have an overnight trip tonight (details later) and a busy Thursday, then we are off for a couple of weeks.
Saturday Violet, Red, Red's Mom and I went to a cemetery walk as a Girl Scout event. It was nice. It was one of those historical re-enactments that have been popping up everywhere. The girls wore their sashes/vests and looked great. Violet said she'd do another with me sometime.
Violet started her pet sitting job. She's watching my boss' cat while she is out of town. She lives about 25 minutes from here, so it is back and forth, but not every day. Violet is really loving it. She looks forward to going over, and for a kid who'd usually rather stay home it is a nice change of pace.
I've been busy for work. It is convention season and several things have come up. But as I type this, I am happily caught up. (I'll check e-mail later.)
We haven't done a lot of formal school work, but I figure a cemetery walk, pet sitting and the hike we did on Sunday all count. Today's overnight will be more p.e.
Violet also has collected blankets, towels and pillows for the greyhounds. She works with a greyhound rescue organization from time to time and gets used items for them to use as bedding and such. She's going to be doing a more hands on with the dogs project next year for her Girl Scout Bronze award. I haven't taken her picture yet with all the stuff she got, but I'll post it when I do.
So far I've still managed to outrun the germies. Violet and Mr. Incredible still make awful coughing sounds from time to time, but are feeling much better.
Thank you all who gave me your e-mail and snail mail addresses! E-mails will arrive sometime after Saturday when the sale officially starts. Violet is excited that she'll be earning the patch. We do really appreciate it!
And finally, today is my birthday. Yes, I'm now 42 years old and still don't have to put up with that crap anymore.
No matter what the crap du jour is.
Enjoy the day!
Saturday Violet, Red, Red's Mom and I went to a cemetery walk as a Girl Scout event. It was nice. It was one of those historical re-enactments that have been popping up everywhere. The girls wore their sashes/vests and looked great. Violet said she'd do another with me sometime.
Violet started her pet sitting job. She's watching my boss' cat while she is out of town. She lives about 25 minutes from here, so it is back and forth, but not every day. Violet is really loving it. She looks forward to going over, and for a kid who'd usually rather stay home it is a nice change of pace.
I've been busy for work. It is convention season and several things have come up. But as I type this, I am happily caught up. (I'll check e-mail later.)
We haven't done a lot of formal school work, but I figure a cemetery walk, pet sitting and the hike we did on Sunday all count. Today's overnight will be more p.e.
Violet also has collected blankets, towels and pillows for the greyhounds. She works with a greyhound rescue organization from time to time and gets used items for them to use as bedding and such. She's going to be doing a more hands on with the dogs project next year for her Girl Scout Bronze award. I haven't taken her picture yet with all the stuff she got, but I'll post it when I do.
So far I've still managed to outrun the germies. Violet and Mr. Incredible still make awful coughing sounds from time to time, but are feeling much better.
Thank you all who gave me your e-mail and snail mail addresses! E-mails will arrive sometime after Saturday when the sale officially starts. Violet is excited that she'll be earning the patch. We do really appreciate it!
And finally, today is my birthday. Yes, I'm now 42 years old and still don't have to put up with that crap anymore.
No matter what the crap du jour is.
Enjoy the day!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
A Favor to Ask
We interrupt this blog for an announcement. (Not a particularly important or interesting announcement, feel free to click next blog and move on if you'd like.)
It is that time of year again, the Girl Scout's Fall Product Sale. They sell candy and nuts and magazines. One of they ways they get you (the parent that is) is to offer a separate patch if the girls complete an address book with 11 snail mail addresses of friends and family members to be mailed a magazine catalog along about January. Okay, fine we've done that the last few years. Now they have added a second patch for 12 e-mail addresses to receive the magazine offer now. I have to hit up even more loved ones in the name of not-for-profit. Stupid patches. And I bet I poke myself with the needle trying to sew the things onto her bag (she has a tote bag with all her patches and just puts her official badges on her sash - I'll have to post a picture of her in her uniform.) And, the patches all fit together in a nice neat little design. It's a scam I tell you.
Purchases from the snail mail do help out our Girl Scout council, but don't help Violet towards her goals or incentive. E-mail purchases made before October 31st-ish (I can't remember the date right now) do count towards her sales...but with my magazine addiction, she's already met her sales goals. I have a problem. I love cheesy magazines. Hmm, a magazine about cheese, that could be good. I'll have to check the catalog when I'm done with my plea. I may need one more....
The company only sends one request, and they never sell names or addresses. If you are willing to receive a mailing or an e-mail, would you let me know via e-mail (freakmom at gmail dot come). Either e-mail or snail mail or both (batting eyelashes). Feel free to delete the e-mail they send or recycle the offer when it is received. Unless you share my love of magazines, then check out their deals. Some are really good, some are okay, some stink. Check around before buying. Vegetarian Times is cheaper through Girl Scouts than the renewal offer I received (yes, you can renew too).
I don't know how I feel about fund raisers. They are necessary to keep the program going. But they are a pain in the neck (and wallet). So feel free to ignore this request. I'll bug enough people to get Violet her patches, not to worry. And I agree that the fund raisers get really tedious.
Back to your regularly scheduled blog...
It is that time of year again, the Girl Scout's Fall Product Sale. They sell candy and nuts and magazines. One of they ways they get you (the parent that is) is to offer a separate patch if the girls complete an address book with 11 snail mail addresses of friends and family members to be mailed a magazine catalog along about January. Okay, fine we've done that the last few years. Now they have added a second patch for 12 e-mail addresses to receive the magazine offer now. I have to hit up even more loved ones in the name of not-for-profit. Stupid patches. And I bet I poke myself with the needle trying to sew the things onto her bag (she has a tote bag with all her patches and just puts her official badges on her sash - I'll have to post a picture of her in her uniform.) And, the patches all fit together in a nice neat little design. It's a scam I tell you.
Purchases from the snail mail do help out our Girl Scout council, but don't help Violet towards her goals or incentive. E-mail purchases made before October 31st-ish (I can't remember the date right now) do count towards her sales...but with my magazine addiction, she's already met her sales goals. I have a problem. I love cheesy magazines. Hmm, a magazine about cheese, that could be good. I'll have to check the catalog when I'm done with my plea. I may need one more....
The company only sends one request, and they never sell names or addresses. If you are willing to receive a mailing or an e-mail, would you let me know via e-mail (freakmom at gmail dot come). Either e-mail or snail mail or both (batting eyelashes). Feel free to delete the e-mail they send or recycle the offer when it is received. Unless you share my love of magazines, then check out their deals. Some are really good, some are okay, some stink. Check around before buying. Vegetarian Times is cheaper through Girl Scouts than the renewal offer I received (yes, you can renew too).
I don't know how I feel about fund raisers. They are necessary to keep the program going. But they are a pain in the neck (and wallet). So feel free to ignore this request. I'll bug enough people to get Violet her patches, not to worry. And I agree that the fund raisers get really tedious.
Back to your regularly scheduled blog...
Dodging the Germies
I know what you are all saying...What happened to Freakmom? I've been missing for a week. Sorry about that. The first week of the month is always super busy. Why does everyone think that monthly meetings and events have to take place the first week? We have more things we have to do the first week of the month! The second week is only a little better. Then by the third and fourth weeks...nothing. Argh.
To add to this, Mr. Incredible came home from work on Friday sick. He managed to do stuff like mow on Saturday, but by Sunday he was wiped out. He slept all day on the couch. Mondays he works from home and spent the day back and forth between his computer and the couch. He's been back at the office Tuesday and today and says he feels much better, but he's still sounding awful and taking cough and cold medicine.
So that meant I got to do all his weekend chores for him. While doing all of my own. While doing all my first week of the month commitments. While trying really hard not to catch the cold. I've been washing my hands and towels and dishes like a mad woman.
I think I am staying ahead of germies so far. I need to stay ahead of them through tomorrow night when I have a really big Girl Scout meeting to go to. I could have someone fill in for me, but it would be a big favor to ask. I have several things I am doing at it. Things I'm bringing to it. Things I'm taking home. I'd like to save that big of a favor for when I really, really need it.
The germies are getting their paws into Violet. She woke up this morning with a fever and sore throat. The children's Tylenol and cough syrup have been helping. We didn't go to my parents like we had planned. Instead they came by here. That was really nice. We still got to see them, Violet didn't have to leave the house, I got some extra stuff done around here and didn't have to drive.
My goal is to get through tomorrow, then I can catch this if I must. Until then, I'm off to get the hand sanitizer out.
To add to this, Mr. Incredible came home from work on Friday sick. He managed to do stuff like mow on Saturday, but by Sunday he was wiped out. He slept all day on the couch. Mondays he works from home and spent the day back and forth between his computer and the couch. He's been back at the office Tuesday and today and says he feels much better, but he's still sounding awful and taking cough and cold medicine.
So that meant I got to do all his weekend chores for him. While doing all of my own. While doing all my first week of the month commitments. While trying really hard not to catch the cold. I've been washing my hands and towels and dishes like a mad woman.
I think I am staying ahead of germies so far. I need to stay ahead of them through tomorrow night when I have a really big Girl Scout meeting to go to. I could have someone fill in for me, but it would be a big favor to ask. I have several things I am doing at it. Things I'm bringing to it. Things I'm taking home. I'd like to save that big of a favor for when I really, really need it.
The germies are getting their paws into Violet. She woke up this morning with a fever and sore throat. The children's Tylenol and cough syrup have been helping. We didn't go to my parents like we had planned. Instead they came by here. That was really nice. We still got to see them, Violet didn't have to leave the house, I got some extra stuff done around here and didn't have to drive.
My goal is to get through tomorrow, then I can catch this if I must. Until then, I'm off to get the hand sanitizer out.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Pillows
We covered those old pillows yesterday. What do you think? We made the covers rather baggy so that we could machine stitch them closed rather than trying to do it by hand. Boy what a mess! It never dawned on me how messy it would be using faux fur. Don't ask me why it didn't occur to me that when you cut the material, you inevitably cut some of the fur. And that red fuzz would be EVERYWHERE!
It looked like we massacred Elmo in the front room. And we did it on the day when so many troop leaders were stopping by to drop off their registration packets. At least the material and sewing machine was sitting out so it looked like a project and not an every day occurrence. Violet found it extremely funny that I had red fuzz all over me including my butt as I'd stand at the door talking to the troop leaders looking so nice in their just from the office clothes. I assured her I wouldn't trade my fuzzy-butt producing life for theirs for anything.
No projects today. We played Borderline and Violet trounced me 3 games. I'm really not trying to lose. I wonder if she's cheating? Hmm. We also did a lot of school work and read more Mary Poppins.
Right now there is a chicken pot pie in the oven for dinner and I am trying to talk Violet into going ahead and showering now and putting on her jammies. It is cold enough tonight for footie p.j.'s. Fall has arrived. That reminds me, I did run out to the garden and harvested another handful of broccoli and some green peppers as well as an eggplant that might be ready, might not, but wouldn't survive the cold temperatures.
Winter's a coming!
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