I didn't realize it had been so long since I last updated. Dumb me. Nah...just nothing really new to report.
Was sick a couple of days earlier this week. Migrains, while few and far between, usually turn me into a slumbering ogre with a really sore head & neck. I finally gave in, got my headache cure (that would be a mocha-breve with hazelnut), and nursed that baby until there was nothing left in the grande cup.
Let me see:
My mother-in-law has cancer and is taking chemo. My sister in law in Tennessee has been to California. I think Jack feels left out, but my gut feeling is that mom doesn't want her son, who isn't in the best of health, to worry. We almost lost him last April/May (saving some the more icky moments, when my husband was taken to ER, he was about 20 minutes from being cemetery fodder---story another time, but needless to say, when Jack says that it looks like a small animal was slaughtered in the bathroom tub, he wasn't whistling dixie).
The story goes like this: we go to the University of Washington medical on the 9th of February. That day, we go to a class and they start taking labs & such of Jack to see if he is ready to be put on the list for a liver transplant. Then, we go from there.
That is why I almost lost him. Tough stuff.
He is worried about me. I admit that I do worry, but as I told Jack, I tend to look on this positively and remember that life is still moving forward and normal things aren't going to stop because he needs a new liver and a transplant. I am a firm believer that spending hours and hours and hours sitting at bedside while he snores and farts doesn't accomplish daily things. It's not meant to sound harsh or uncaring, but I look at it like this.
In 2003, I had a triple whammy: my grandfather in Kansas died in January (this sent mom to Kansas until the first part of April). Then, a good friend in Canada who was exactly three months older than myself died of a pulmonary embolism. 30 isn't enough to accomplish everything in life. Then in March, my uncle Jim passed away, making it a marked moment in personal history getting dad up here (he was driving long haul and was already in California...go figure), packed and back down to LeMore. Me...I'm stuck in the middle with one parent in the great plains and the other in earthquake zone 1. Duing this, i stayed calm, collected, took care of the bills, the dog, and waited to get one hell of a case of the flu until mom came home.
Point is, it would have been easy to let things go and get out of hand. My concern is there. I haven't had enough time with my husband, bless his pointy little head. I want him well. I want him to enjoy a very long life.
So I guess i process stuff differently. Doesn't make me cold.
So anyway, I'll be back here soon. I am waiting for my bedspace to be unoccupied by mom.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Mud Begone!
There is nothing more grand than going out to your car, getting in and....and....and...
Car is stuck. In the Mud.
I ended up taking the folks Buick. I got home and helped Jack get it unstuck. Nothing funnier than watching cardboard go shooting out from under the front wheel. It reminds me of my commute to Aberdeen.
There was a woman who worked in the social work area for vouchers and stuff. She commutted from Shelton, which about halfway between Bremerton & Aberdeen. There were a few days I either didn't make it in, or called in late because of weather conditions. One day, as I was leaving, she goes, "how was the drive?"
"Not bad. Took it slow."
"Well, isn't that thing front-wheel drive?"
"Yeah," I said.
"It shouldn't be a problem."
"True, but I don't do snow."
"But its four-wheel drive."
"Yeah, but if you're a crappy driver on dry pavement with four-wheel drive, you'll be equally crappy, if not crappier in snow conditions."
"True."
Went with Jack on Friday and we had lunch at Red Lobster (mmmm....shrimp), stopped by Barnes & Noble (yes, I would buy their stock if I had the means), then went to see "The Lovely Bones."
It wasn't a bad movie. I had read the book when it first came out and it seemed okay. To not spoil it, in case you really feel and urge to sit through 2 hours, 16 minutes of film, if you want, turn away now.
It's about a girl who is murdered when she is 14 years old in the 1970's. The story follows her parents, siblings and a pseudo-lesbian named Ruth, as well as the man who murdered and raped her.
If you have seen Robin Williams film, and the title escapes me...What Dreams May Come? It is sort of like that. The role of heaven is whatever a person makes of it. Now here, I thought that the director (Peter Jackson, Lord of the Rings and Heavenly Creatures) would have had a field day, but it wasn't quite what I expected.
Not to say it isn't good. I thought it was. I feel that the hardest part is how the book is initially written. After all, your main character is a little bit dead. It's one i would probably tell people to wait for the DVD to come out before watching it. Me, I've been waiting, so it was nice to see.
**
Okay, back onto other things.
I need to finish my Thank You's for the wedding. As if I wanted to wait this long to do them. I think it is part every time I sit down to write them, dad is yelling for me to haul him out of his chair or the dog needs to be taken out or someone can't find anything. Not the best excuse but it is there. There is no where in this house to find quiet and solitude.
Other than mud and rain and stuff, nothing going on.
--Mindy, film critic
Car is stuck. In the Mud.
I ended up taking the folks Buick. I got home and helped Jack get it unstuck. Nothing funnier than watching cardboard go shooting out from under the front wheel. It reminds me of my commute to Aberdeen.
There was a woman who worked in the social work area for vouchers and stuff. She commutted from Shelton, which about halfway between Bremerton & Aberdeen. There were a few days I either didn't make it in, or called in late because of weather conditions. One day, as I was leaving, she goes, "how was the drive?"
"Not bad. Took it slow."
"Well, isn't that thing front-wheel drive?"
"Yeah," I said.
"It shouldn't be a problem."
"True, but I don't do snow."
"But its four-wheel drive."
"Yeah, but if you're a crappy driver on dry pavement with four-wheel drive, you'll be equally crappy, if not crappier in snow conditions."
"True."
Went with Jack on Friday and we had lunch at Red Lobster (mmmm....shrimp), stopped by Barnes & Noble (yes, I would buy their stock if I had the means), then went to see "The Lovely Bones."
It wasn't a bad movie. I had read the book when it first came out and it seemed okay. To not spoil it, in case you really feel and urge to sit through 2 hours, 16 minutes of film, if you want, turn away now.
It's about a girl who is murdered when she is 14 years old in the 1970's. The story follows her parents, siblings and a pseudo-lesbian named Ruth, as well as the man who murdered and raped her.
If you have seen Robin Williams film, and the title escapes me...What Dreams May Come? It is sort of like that. The role of heaven is whatever a person makes of it. Now here, I thought that the director (Peter Jackson, Lord of the Rings and Heavenly Creatures) would have had a field day, but it wasn't quite what I expected.
Not to say it isn't good. I thought it was. I feel that the hardest part is how the book is initially written. After all, your main character is a little bit dead. It's one i would probably tell people to wait for the DVD to come out before watching it. Me, I've been waiting, so it was nice to see.
**
Okay, back onto other things.
I need to finish my Thank You's for the wedding. As if I wanted to wait this long to do them. I think it is part every time I sit down to write them, dad is yelling for me to haul him out of his chair or the dog needs to be taken out or someone can't find anything. Not the best excuse but it is there. There is no where in this house to find quiet and solitude.
Other than mud and rain and stuff, nothing going on.
--Mindy, film critic
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Birthday Party
Attended Jasmine's birthday party. She is a big 5 year-old! I remember when I first moved in and saw her as a tiny baby. Jocelyn wasn't feeling too well, but not bad enough to not enjoy her little gifts (her birthday was last week--she is a big 3 year-old). Jasmine got Hannah Montanna poster, shirt, jeans & shoes, a doll, colored pens/pencils/crayons and journals. She got a pink tiara & wand, hair accessories, money & gift certificate. Her cousin got her a mermaid barbie!
She was adorable. She has a book she makes a picture and tries to write a story. She's working on it, so I am definately going to contribute to that. Donnovin was there too. He is 7 years-old. We don't see much of him, but he was more outgoing tonight than usual. He's a pretty quiet little boy who likes video games and horror movies. He was enjoying popping balloons tonight. I do wish his eating was a bit better. He has never "ate" with us the times we've been together. Either he is finicky (my guess), has some weird thing about eating in front of people (who knows) or just doesnt' have a schedule and eats when he feels like it. Since he ate cake tonight, my guess he eats when he is hungry.
No Jeff. No suprise there. I felt the mood was pretty good--throw in Jeff and all bets are off. He never shows for anything, more interested in his own stuff than being a part of something. Oh well--his loss.
I think I'm going to go see "the Lovely Bones" tomorrow. I'm not sure if Jack is going with me or not. I would like him too. I am anxious to see how this movie will go, as the book is not at all one that can/could be easily be made in to a motion picture. However, not only did Jackson do the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but he also did a movie called "Heavenly Creatures" (Kate Winslett's introduction) which also used CGI to effect. I hope it's good.
--Granny Min
She was adorable. She has a book she makes a picture and tries to write a story. She's working on it, so I am definately going to contribute to that. Donnovin was there too. He is 7 years-old. We don't see much of him, but he was more outgoing tonight than usual. He's a pretty quiet little boy who likes video games and horror movies. He was enjoying popping balloons tonight. I do wish his eating was a bit better. He has never "ate" with us the times we've been together. Either he is finicky (my guess), has some weird thing about eating in front of people (who knows) or just doesnt' have a schedule and eats when he feels like it. Since he ate cake tonight, my guess he eats when he is hungry.
No Jeff. No suprise there. I felt the mood was pretty good--throw in Jeff and all bets are off. He never shows for anything, more interested in his own stuff than being a part of something. Oh well--his loss.
I think I'm going to go see "the Lovely Bones" tomorrow. I'm not sure if Jack is going with me or not. I would like him too. I am anxious to see how this movie will go, as the book is not at all one that can/could be easily be made in to a motion picture. However, not only did Jackson do the Lord of the Rings trilogy, but he also did a movie called "Heavenly Creatures" (Kate Winslett's introduction) which also used CGI to effect. I hope it's good.
--Granny Min
Monday, January 11, 2010
Dude, I do not saute` Steak...
I've pretty much been in charge of dinner since last Tuesday. Out-of-the-Box Pasta Bake, Pot Roast (Jack slow cooked it), Spaghetti-Meatball-Stroganoff and tonight was steak or chicken (depending on who is eating), baked potatoes and cranberry-orange salad.
Now, I firmly believe that 60+ years of harboring dislike for our poultry feathered ones is a bit much (and sometimes limits the creativity of dinner as a whole). So Dad, still nursing his knee (you know, the one broke last JULY), is basically telling me how to cook his steak.
"Turn it above medium--I want char...black on it!"
"Uhm, the new pans aren't supposed to go above medium."
"What?????"
(yelling)"THE NEW PANS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE TAKEN OVER MEDIUM TEMPERATURE!!!!"
"I don't want it sauteed."
At this point, I laughed. First, unless the said steak is cut up for some other purpose, I have never 'sauteed' his steak. I mean, if he wants char, I'm sure I can either throw it on the oven or stove heating elements...that perfect coil always amazes my dinner companions.
**
Working on the front yard. Two wheelbarrows full of dead decaying leaves removed from just in front of the parentals bedroom. It looks much nicer than it did. Found some amazingly huge earth worms too. At least they are doing their job.
I guess the idea is to get out there and do what I can while the weather is somewhat behaving itself. I learned a long time ago that you cannot wait for the weather in Western Washington: you just have to go for it. Unless it has to do with your hair..then, well, I'm on someone's list for that.
**
I just got some paper and supplies on sale for doing my wedding album. What is bad is that I have a bunch in storage. I figure I need to use what I have then go from there. Probably the best idea. However, being a good sister, I bought some double stuff for Susie since she wants to re-d0 her and Greg's wedding scrap book. I think it is wonderful.
**
Been reading again. Yeah, it may be for young adults, but I have three of four books of the Twilight Saga. I suppose in some way, I want to see what makes this stand out from other types of novels. What makes it so readable? Popular?
My one true observation so far is that Stephanie Meyer reminds me a lot of first 8 to 10 novels of V. C. Andrews back in the 1980's. You know...the one where the brother and sister are locked up in the attic with their twin siblings and sort of get it on? When I am able to pick up the first Twilight book, it reminds me of the first time I read Flowers in the Attic, with the "get shit done so I can find out what happens next." Probably what will save Stephanie Meyer is that V.C. died in 1986 and after the second series (known as the "Heaven" series), a ghost-writer took over the writing duties and still does them to this day. Probably one of the best demonstrations of 'formula' writing that I've seen.
However, while I was purusing a book on the last Tsar of Russia, I came across something I had never heard and was immediately inspired. I guess my muse came back a bit. She hits and misses anymore. I suppose as new life-habits begin, I will probably find the time to be a bit more put together. I swear, at 37, you'd think I'd some viable clue.
Nah....
So, for now, I have to go do my unemployment claim for the week, knock back my Monster Mega Energy that Jack bought me and see if I can turn into some strange semblence of myself.
Scrapbooking Min...
Now, I firmly believe that 60+ years of harboring dislike for our poultry feathered ones is a bit much (and sometimes limits the creativity of dinner as a whole). So Dad, still nursing his knee (you know, the one broke last JULY), is basically telling me how to cook his steak.
"Turn it above medium--I want char...black on it!"
"Uhm, the new pans aren't supposed to go above medium."
"What?????"
(yelling)"THE NEW PANS AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE TAKEN OVER MEDIUM TEMPERATURE!!!!"
"I don't want it sauteed."
At this point, I laughed. First, unless the said steak is cut up for some other purpose, I have never 'sauteed' his steak. I mean, if he wants char, I'm sure I can either throw it on the oven or stove heating elements...that perfect coil always amazes my dinner companions.
**
Working on the front yard. Two wheelbarrows full of dead decaying leaves removed from just in front of the parentals bedroom. It looks much nicer than it did. Found some amazingly huge earth worms too. At least they are doing their job.
I guess the idea is to get out there and do what I can while the weather is somewhat behaving itself. I learned a long time ago that you cannot wait for the weather in Western Washington: you just have to go for it. Unless it has to do with your hair..then, well, I'm on someone's list for that.
**
I just got some paper and supplies on sale for doing my wedding album. What is bad is that I have a bunch in storage. I figure I need to use what I have then go from there. Probably the best idea. However, being a good sister, I bought some double stuff for Susie since she wants to re-d0 her and Greg's wedding scrap book. I think it is wonderful.
**
Been reading again. Yeah, it may be for young adults, but I have three of four books of the Twilight Saga. I suppose in some way, I want to see what makes this stand out from other types of novels. What makes it so readable? Popular?
My one true observation so far is that Stephanie Meyer reminds me a lot of first 8 to 10 novels of V. C. Andrews back in the 1980's. You know...the one where the brother and sister are locked up in the attic with their twin siblings and sort of get it on? When I am able to pick up the first Twilight book, it reminds me of the first time I read Flowers in the Attic, with the "get shit done so I can find out what happens next." Probably what will save Stephanie Meyer is that V.C. died in 1986 and after the second series (known as the "Heaven" series), a ghost-writer took over the writing duties and still does them to this day. Probably one of the best demonstrations of 'formula' writing that I've seen.
However, while I was purusing a book on the last Tsar of Russia, I came across something I had never heard and was immediately inspired. I guess my muse came back a bit. She hits and misses anymore. I suppose as new life-habits begin, I will probably find the time to be a bit more put together. I swear, at 37, you'd think I'd some viable clue.
Nah....
So, for now, I have to go do my unemployment claim for the week, knock back my Monster Mega Energy that Jack bought me and see if I can turn into some strange semblence of myself.
Scrapbooking Min...
Monday, January 4, 2010
Need. To. Breathe.
Things are not starting as swimmingly as I wanted them to this new year. Not to be mean to mom or dad, but I now know why I moved out as quickly as I did five years ago. I'll leave it at that...I've already blogged in my one that would kill my reputation. But hey, it works.
I bought Jack and I a dry-erase calender we have to do every month. Uhm...actually, I know it will be me doing it every month. But desk calender were $20+ and the really nice onces were $40 at Staples. I used a 20% off coupon at Fred Meyer with colored markers & post its.
The table is slowly getting cleaned off. I just have visions of mom loading it up again with her stuff. Jack and I want out so badly. Call me selfish, but it would be nice to sleep with my husband, not on the floor of the sewing room. :/
One thing I am having difficulty locating is a display case for my bridal bouquet. I don't know how many know, but Susie made both mine & hers, just like she did when she got married. I want to put it in something so it doesn't get all goofed up and messed up, but i think $50 for something that some sports addict uses for some muddy football is a bit steep and i think it is too wide for a mere shadow box. I need to find something.
I also plan on going to storage and rearranging a bit. Jack and Greg (bro-in-law) managed to destroy my dresser, so it is in storage and has broken drawers and no stability. Lovely, eh?
Anyway, I am done for the time being.
Mrs Schmidt
I bought Jack and I a dry-erase calender we have to do every month. Uhm...actually, I know it will be me doing it every month. But desk calender were $20+ and the really nice onces were $40 at Staples. I used a 20% off coupon at Fred Meyer with colored markers & post its.
The table is slowly getting cleaned off. I just have visions of mom loading it up again with her stuff. Jack and I want out so badly. Call me selfish, but it would be nice to sleep with my husband, not on the floor of the sewing room. :/
One thing I am having difficulty locating is a display case for my bridal bouquet. I don't know how many know, but Susie made both mine & hers, just like she did when she got married. I want to put it in something so it doesn't get all goofed up and messed up, but i think $50 for something that some sports addict uses for some muddy football is a bit steep and i think it is too wide for a mere shadow box. I need to find something.
I also plan on going to storage and rearranging a bit. Jack and Greg (bro-in-law) managed to destroy my dresser, so it is in storage and has broken drawers and no stability. Lovely, eh?
Anyway, I am done for the time being.
Mrs Schmidt
Friday, January 1, 2010
Not the great start envisioned
I had planned on being up at a decent time. I didn't think that time would be 11am. Oh well, so much for the early start. The goal is to get to bed at a decent time and up around 8am or before until I am employed. I can't stand the sit up until 3am and up by 2pm (mom, are you listening?)
Though I did get my new flash drive. I just have to take the modem off and transfer from my other two drives to this one so all my work related materials are in one place and I don't have to search frantically for it.
Monday I am going to pick up extra job search logs. Yeah, I could print the darlings up, but that would entail invoking mom's Dell computer from hell. So I can just drop by the office and pick up a handful; unless I can find the handful I got last time.
I am going to be looking beyond the Puget Sound area. As much as I want to be close to both families, the reality is I may have to inhabit the Eastern half of the state. I wouldn't mind that. I may keep my keister out of Yakima. Funny, but I thought getting something in Okanagon County would be just full of shits & giggles.
Oh God!!! The Yount's are back in town!!!
Well, how about Yount via Schmidt.
That is another thing. I am still not used to this whole name thing. Especially when the Yount University shirt is slipped on. I've only had to sign my name legally a few times. Meh...
What else?
I need to update mom's calender with birthdays & anniverseries. I know our immediate family, Sue's, Rick's Jack's. I also know a few others in the extended. I know probably more months than actual dates. I remember both Annie & Paul's, Annie & James anniversery, Maggie & Dave's, a few others. If I dont' keep track, mom would forget her birthday.
Still haven't cut off my hair. I threatened to after the wedding, but haven't done it yet. I kind of enjoy it and haven't found any style I like. Jack likes it long, so it may just get trimmed occasionally. Sue does the bangs when I start resembling a sheep dog.
Well, I need to finish a few things. I have to move the computer before dad had to get up in the morning for dialysis. Hey, it's probably the only time the table is utilized for eating. It's that "stuff" collecting again.
Share time:
Dinner for one:
Egg noodles
Sour cream
Garden Vegetable cream cheese
Shrimp or Chicken or Steak (already cooked)
garlic powder
Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
While cooking, sprinkle some garlic powder in bottom of skillet. Warm up the meat for a few minutes, being careful not to overcook. Add spoonful of cream cheese and stir until melted with meat. Add sour cream at the last or it may get a soupy texture.
Drain noodles in collander and place in bowl.
Pour meat/cream mixture over noodles and stir.
enjoy
I had to do this last night because our late lunch at Family Pancake House was horrible. Scorched split pea soup and over fried chicken. Not nummy in the least!
--Top Chef Mindy
Though I did get my new flash drive. I just have to take the modem off and transfer from my other two drives to this one so all my work related materials are in one place and I don't have to search frantically for it.
Monday I am going to pick up extra job search logs. Yeah, I could print the darlings up, but that would entail invoking mom's Dell computer from hell. So I can just drop by the office and pick up a handful; unless I can find the handful I got last time.
I am going to be looking beyond the Puget Sound area. As much as I want to be close to both families, the reality is I may have to inhabit the Eastern half of the state. I wouldn't mind that. I may keep my keister out of Yakima. Funny, but I thought getting something in Okanagon County would be just full of shits & giggles.
Oh God!!! The Yount's are back in town!!!
Well, how about Yount via Schmidt.
That is another thing. I am still not used to this whole name thing. Especially when the Yount University shirt is slipped on. I've only had to sign my name legally a few times. Meh...
What else?
I need to update mom's calender with birthdays & anniverseries. I know our immediate family, Sue's, Rick's Jack's. I also know a few others in the extended. I know probably more months than actual dates. I remember both Annie & Paul's, Annie & James anniversery, Maggie & Dave's, a few others. If I dont' keep track, mom would forget her birthday.
Still haven't cut off my hair. I threatened to after the wedding, but haven't done it yet. I kind of enjoy it and haven't found any style I like. Jack likes it long, so it may just get trimmed occasionally. Sue does the bangs when I start resembling a sheep dog.
Well, I need to finish a few things. I have to move the computer before dad had to get up in the morning for dialysis. Hey, it's probably the only time the table is utilized for eating. It's that "stuff" collecting again.
Share time:
Dinner for one:
Egg noodles
Sour cream
Garden Vegetable cream cheese
Shrimp or Chicken or Steak (already cooked)
garlic powder
Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
While cooking, sprinkle some garlic powder in bottom of skillet. Warm up the meat for a few minutes, being careful not to overcook. Add spoonful of cream cheese and stir until melted with meat. Add sour cream at the last or it may get a soupy texture.
Drain noodles in collander and place in bowl.
Pour meat/cream mixture over noodles and stir.
enjoy
I had to do this last night because our late lunch at Family Pancake House was horrible. Scorched split pea soup and over fried chicken. Not nummy in the least!
--Top Chef Mindy
Happy New Years
Didn't do much to celebrater, other than tell dad the obvious.
"Dad, Dick Clark has been ringing in the New Year every year on ABC since I was born. That would be in New York City (New York City? Get a rope!). The celebration at the Needle is on Channel 5."
"They said it would be on."
"You would be wrong."
Score:
Mindy 1
Dad 0
Never argue with a Scorpio--we always win :D !!!
Anyway, got Jack up long enough to bring in the New Year. I then gave up and headed to bed, since I'd been unable to keep my eyes open.
In other news:
Squatch cat is not a siamese, or any variation. He is, indeed, a Ragdoll. More specifically, a seal skin (something like that) type. My boy is finally putting on some weight and his color has gotten darker. Again, he made hamburger out of my hand last night, but cracked up mom by jumping in her Snuggie box. Squatch in a Box!!!
Though disturbing, I have to make a trip to PAWS tomorrow. Seems that Squatch has been harboring fleas and Emmi is allergic. At first I thought he was smacking her again, but her sores are just like Rusty's used to be. Damnit! The dog also needs a treatment, but that isn't my job. She's had them for about a year now, which sucks (13 years without).
Today, I need to get some tea, see if I can find a thumb drive for specific purposes. Cleaning off the kitchen table and around it are also on the agenda.
--Not Hung Over Mindy
"Dad, Dick Clark has been ringing in the New Year every year on ABC since I was born. That would be in New York City (New York City? Get a rope!). The celebration at the Needle is on Channel 5."
"They said it would be on."
"You would be wrong."
Score:
Mindy 1
Dad 0
Never argue with a Scorpio--we always win :D !!!
Anyway, got Jack up long enough to bring in the New Year. I then gave up and headed to bed, since I'd been unable to keep my eyes open.
In other news:
Squatch cat is not a siamese, or any variation. He is, indeed, a Ragdoll. More specifically, a seal skin (something like that) type. My boy is finally putting on some weight and his color has gotten darker. Again, he made hamburger out of my hand last night, but cracked up mom by jumping in her Snuggie box. Squatch in a Box!!!
Though disturbing, I have to make a trip to PAWS tomorrow. Seems that Squatch has been harboring fleas and Emmi is allergic. At first I thought he was smacking her again, but her sores are just like Rusty's used to be. Damnit! The dog also needs a treatment, but that isn't my job. She's had them for about a year now, which sucks (13 years without).
Today, I need to get some tea, see if I can find a thumb drive for specific purposes. Cleaning off the kitchen table and around it are also on the agenda.
--Not Hung Over Mindy
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