Tuesday, August 31, 2004

Liberal? Why yes I am!

A Day in the Life of Joe Middle-Class Republican
by Donna L. Lavins and Sheldon Cotler

Joe gets up at 6:00 AM to prepare his morning coffee. He fills his pot with good, clean drinking water because some liberal fought for minimum water quality standards. He takes his daily medication with his first swallow of coffee. His medications are safe to take because some liberal fought to insure their safety and that they work as advertised.

All but $10.00 of his medications are paid for by his employer's medical plan. Because some liberal union workers fought their employers for paid medical insurance, now Joe gets it too. He prepares his morning breakfast -- bacon and eggs this day. Joe's bacon is safe to eat because some liberal fought for laws to regulate the meat packing industry.

Joe takes his morning shower, reaching for his shampoo. His bottle is properly labeled with every ingredient and the amount that is contains because some liberal fought for his right to know what he was putting on his body and the breakdown of its contents. Joe dresses, walks outside and takes a deep breath. The air he breathes is clean because some tree-hugging liberal fought for laws to stop industries from polluting our air. He walks to the subway station for his government-subsidized ride to work; it saves him considerable money in parking and transportation fees. You see, some liberal fought for affordable public transportation, which gives everyone the opportunity to be a contributor.

Joe begins his work day; he has a good job with excellent pay, medicals benefits, retirement, paid holidays and vacation because some liberal union members fought and died for these working standards. Joe's employer meets these standards because Joe's employer doesn't want his employees to call the union. If Joe is hurt on the job or becomes unemployed he'll get worker's compensation or an unemployment check because some liberal didn't think he should loose his home to temporary misfortune.

It's noon time. Joe needs to make a bank deposit so he can pay some bills. Joe's deposit is federally insured by the FSLIC because some liberal wanted to protect Joe's money from unscrupulous bankers who ruined the banking system before the depression.

Joe has to pay his Fannie Mae underwritten mortgage and his below market federal student loan because some stupid liberal decided that Joe and the government would be better off if he was educated and earned more money over his lifetime.

Joe is home from work. He plans to visit his father this evening at his farm home in the country. He gets in his car for the drive to dads; his car is among the safest in the world because some liberal fought for car safety standards. He arrives at his boyhood home. He was the third generation to live in the house financed by Farmers Home Administration because bankers didn't want to make rural loans. The house didn't have electric until some big government liberal stuck his nose where it didn't belong and demanded rural electrification (those rural Republican's would still be sitting in the dark).

Joe is happy to see his dad, who is now retired. Joe's dad lives on Social Security and his union pension because some liberal made sure he could take care of himself so Joe wouldn't have to. After his visit with dad, Joe gets back in his car for the ride home. He turns on a radio talk show. The host keeps saying that liberals are bad and conservatives are good. He doesn't tell Joe that his beloved Republicans have fought against every protection and benefit Joe enjoys throughout his day. Joe agrees, "We don't need those big government liberals ruining our lives. After all, I'm a self-made man who believes everyone should take care of themselves, just like I have."

In the years to come, Joe's life will change dramatically. The U.S. dollar will be devalued as a result of our huge deficit, our living standards demolished, our standing with the world diminished and our social security gone...all because some conservative republican made sure he could take care of himself and his buddies.

Aghast, i remain...

eBay

If you have never gone to the eBay site, don't! It is dangerous. If you are looking for something, or nothing at all, you can spend HOURS on there. Eric and I used to sit up late at night looking up things on our own computers, sending the links via ichat, and before you know it, it had been a couple of hours.

You can put all your stuff that you no longer want, need or have room for and for sure, someone else is looking for just that thing. Whenver I hear of someone looking for something, I say "try eBay". They always ask "do you think it would be there", I say "Everything is on eBay!", and it is true.

You can find anything. I love the song by Weird Al, here are the lyrics:

A used ... pink bathrobe
A rare ... mint snowglobe
A Smurf ... TV tray
I bought on eBay

My house ... is filled with this crap
Shows up in bubble wrap
Most every day
What I bought on eBay

Tell me why (I need another pet rock)
Tell me why (I got that Alf alarm clock)
Tell me why (I bid on Shatner's old toupee)
They had it on eBay

I'll buy ... your knick-knack
Just check ... my feedback
"A++!" they all say
They love me on eBay

Gonna buy (a slightly-damaged golf bag)
Gonna buy (some Beanie Babies, new with tag)
(From some guy) I've never met in Norway
Found him on eBay

I am the type who is liable to snipe you
With two seconds left to go, whoa
Got Paypal or Visa, what ever'll please
As long as I've got the dough

I'll buy ... your tchotchkes
Sell me ... your watch, please
I'll buy (I'll buy, I'll buy, I'll buy ...)
I'm highest bidder now

(Junk keeps arriving in the mail)
(From that worldwide garage sale) (Dukes Of Hazzard ashtray)
(Hey! A Dukes Of Hazzard ashtray)
Oh yeah ... (I bought it on eBay)

Wanna buy (a PacMan Fever lunchbox)
Wanna buy (a case off vintage tube socks)
Wanna buy (a Kleenex used by Dr. Dre, Dr. Dre)
(Found it on eBay)

Wanna buy (that Farrah Fawcett poster)
(Pez dispensers and a toaster)
(Don't know why ... the kind of stuff you'd throw away)
(I'll buy on eBay)

What I bought on eBay-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-y

I mean if Weird Al sings about it, come on...
oh, the joy, that no one but another parent would understand. We are well on our way to having Siobhan using the potty full time. Dry all day yesterday, she has done wonderfully today, even #2. Woo Hoo. Although, to be honest, it will be sad to see those Princess Pull-Ups go bye-bye. She looks so cute in them and LOVES wearing them. I will not be sad to say bye-bye to the 10-13 dollars for a package of Princess Pull-Ups.

A few more days of doing well and we will trek to the store for Princess panties. Why is it that when your child accomplishes something you are so thrilled for them, then you think about it, and suddenly you are sad? When Siobhan rolled over, I screamed with joy and cried at the same. So happy, so sad. Odd, I don't know that I ever felt that way before I had children (although that was SO long ago, who knows).

Soon we will be rushing to find the restroom in every store we go to. Running to make it in time. Making sure we have extra clothes just in case. Good job Siobhan!

tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow

I never thought I would be one of those mom's who looked forward to school starting. Although I love that comerical for Office Depot that has the song "It's the most wonderful time of the year" and the day is flying by on the cart getting back to school supplies. haha

Tomorrow Bradley starts school. It is only half day for the rest of the week but it is a beginning. Then one week and one day later, Krystal will be gone as well.

I know it will not be all chocolates and roses, no sleeping in, no yelling "get your brother", etc. But, on the flip side, no teenagers for a few weeks before I go back to work. No fighting about who has what CD, who didn't put the DVD back, who did or didn't do what last. Peaceful bliss. That is all I am looking for. Is that too much to ask?

I know that Siobhan and Diego will still be here and there will still be crying and complaining, but it will be so different. I swear that Krystal and Bradley TRY to get on my nerves. At least with the wee one's, they are only doing what they are suppost to be doing. (Although some may argue that teenagers are suppost to be pains in the ---es, doesn't make it any less annoying).

So, tomorrow, one down and one to go!

Monday, August 30, 2004

jobs not needed

I am always telling Eric and decided to let everyone else know as well. I have decided that in California, especially Orange County, there are quite a few jobs being held that we no longer need. Weather men, women, people, whatever. I mean really! How much does our weather change? Do we really need someone to let us know that it might (or might not) be a degree warmer tomorrow? Oh, cloudy skys in the morning, like each and every other day.

Even when they try, i.e. it we might have showers early next week, they are always wrong. They NEVER know. I can predict the weather as well as Dallas Raines or Johnny Mountain (who came up with these names?). Does Dallas really think we buy that tan, by the way?

Whenever the weather is on, I tell Eric "oh, look it will be sunny tomorrow", "oh, it will be the same as today", well of course it is the same as today. It is ALWAYS the same. So I say we get rid of those guys and use the money for...hhhmmmm...rain dancers. Yes, then there would be weather to talk about.

What do Californian's talk about anyway? How's the weather? No, you will not hear that one. You might hear, "This is earthquake weather". We have all said it and we know we don't know what we are talking about. I mean if Johnny Mountain doesn't think the weather is bringing an earthquake what could you or I possibly know? I mean, the Doppler 7000+ is not a toy you know. It isn't called Accu-weather just for fun.

Sunday, August 29, 2004

COPS in Anaheim

On our way home, we saw that the on-ramp from Ball to the 57 was closed with cop cars. A cop helicopter had it's light on overhead. There were cops coming with their sirens on from the back, towards us, cutting us off to cross the divider. Eric looks out his window and sees the alleged man running toward the onramp on the other side of the street. Eric yells "He's over there!", and cops are running all over, driving all over, speeding around the corner, traffic is stopped. We smell burned rubber. I told Eric that I did not know Anaheim had that many police cars. I wanted to hang around especially once I saw a K-9 unit go by (my favorite on COPS). It was crazy. We race home so we can turn on the news and see what is going on. I told Eric, "I guess I can speed huh, since there are no cops around here", hee hee and we both laugh. I pull into the driveway, race into the house, turn on the tv,..NOTHING. Three hours later, nothing! What the heck. I wanted to see what was going on. Why was ALL of Anaheim PD on Ball? I said it was probably only a traffic stop, ha ha.

So if you see it on the news, we were there! It seriously was scary and exciting at the same time. Eric wanted to get out and jump the guy. He said he could take him. I have never seen anything like that before!

A night without Siobhan

Siobhan is spending the night at her Nana's house tonight. We went to dinner and then dropped her off. Eric did NOT want to let her go. We drove back around so we could say good-bye again. We are at home, it is so quiet! And I do not mean that in a good way. Where is my angel asking to put her pj's on so she can be a princess. Telling me she wants MORE orange juice. Seeing her go to Diego, using that high pitch that adults use with babies and say, "oh he's so cute, what a cutie-patootie, oh he loves me, etc, etc". Her playing with all her toys, getting in the way, making all kinds of noise. Giving us kisses and going to bed and then remembering "oh, I need to give hugs".

Siobhan called and I asked her if she wanted to come home and she said "not yet". The house seems empty without her. How is that? We still have five people in this house along with two dogs, and yet it feels not right. That little girl can fill anyone's heart with love. She is a doll. She demands your attention. That girl can make me smile even as I am putting her in time out. She always manages to say something too funny.

Tonight we will be without her, but she will be showering all her Nana's friends with her little smile and her giggle. Tomorrow and everyday after we will feel our hearts grow with love for her. For those of you who know her, you know what I mean.

Sleep tight my little beautiful love. I can't wait until you say "I love you too mama".

Saturday, August 28, 2004

oh happy day

Today as I was enjoying myself, relaxing on the couch, Eric hands me the mail. What is there?! A postcard from KOCE (a PBS station) letting me, personally, know that Eastenders will be back to primetime. They will be showing Eastenders on Friday's at 7pm and 7:30pm. Currently it is only on Sunday at 5:30am and 6am. Now, I am a huge fan of the show and have been for years, but I like my sleep more. As it is we are already behind England about 4-5 years I think. They have a show per day and we have two per week, we will never catch up, yet I love it. I have to be sure not to visit the website too often because it will give away something, but more often then not it talks about people I haven't even gotten to yet.

It is like a soap opera, about these people who live in the East End. At first (about 7 years ago), I had THE hardest time figuring out what they were saying half of the time, but now, no problem.

So I am happy that it is going to be on, check your local listings, maybe you will enjoy it and become hooked like me!

not like mexico

I am at home drinking a pina colada and we had chicken fajitas for dinner. Mexican like, but not Mexico! There is no dry ice or flowers in my drink. There is no pool, no taco stand by the pool and no beach. Tonight when I go to sleep I will dream that the sound of the fountain is the ocean. I will not eat my weight in lobster, but will enjoy my family just the same.

BikerBoy


BikerBoy
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Other people just THINK that their babies are advanced! Diego trying out his big sisters bike.

PoserGirl


PoserGirl
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Could she be any cuter?

SweetBikerGal


SweetBikerGal
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Here is Siobhan enjoying her bike on a very nice day!

so...

hey everyone, not doing too much today. We watched a movie (Annie Hall) and went shopping (REI) and Eric went to the market and will pick up a lottery ticket. Wow the phone JUST rang! Can I tell you, I love this thing we have on our compuer called Phlink. It is super.

It works as an answering machine, but on your computer. Now, I know people have those, but it does all these other cool things as well. I can make it answer only at certain times if I want. I can make a seperate message for every phone number I have if I want to. (for example, when my mom calls she hears Siobhan say "Hi Grandma Sue, I miss you" and when Eric's mom calls she hears Siobhan say "Hi Nana Carol, I love you). I COULD do it for each and everyone of you. So my favorite thing though, is when the phone rings, my computer talks and says "Incoming call from...(for example, Eric's cell, or Nana Carol, or Di's mom) whatever they are listed as in my address book. So if I am in watching tv, I hear who is calling. I don't even have to move to know if I want to talk to you or not. HA! How cool is that. Of course it does lots of amazing things, can e-mail your voice messages in text or as a file you can hear. You can make links so when people call they could find out the weather, directions, whatever!

Modern technology huh? I love my Phlink, it's cool!

Anyway, we are going to be watching more of the Olympics, I hope they have something other then swimming or diving on. I have seen no boxing, hardly any track and field, you know come to think about it, the only things I have really seen are swimming, diving, gymnastics, track and field, volleyball (please no more), bits and pieces of wrestling and trampoline. What is that about. I have seen almost no one get an award. I mean since when did getting a gold medal become so common place that you don't want to see it put around someone's neck. Yeah, so and so won, they interview and then if you are lucky you hear their national anthem, but they skipped the most important part. aauuuggghh Frustration. I am not happy at all with channel 4's coverage. In the middle of the night they show the same stuff that was on during the day. Like there is nothing else going on at the Olympics for 3 weeks? come on!

Friday, August 27, 2004

thank you netflix

I just want to say "thank you netflix." Eric and I decided not to get cable because we do not watch much tv and what we do watch is usually is PBS. But thanks to the great minds at Netflix, I am able to watch tv shows that are on cable. Two of the one's I have been enjoying are Six Feet Under and Sex in the City. I have seen the first two seasons of Six Feet Under and have really enjoyed them. Although thanks to the ad on a OCTA bus, I know that Nate will marry Lisa. GREAT! Thanks a lot! The 3rd season isn't on dvd yet, so I have no idea what is going on. auuuggghhh

Sex in the city, I heard about because it was up and I think won award after award. So, I thought, what the heck, I will rent it and see. I watched the first six episodes and thought this is okay. I am currently about half way through season 3. I plan to see all of them before I return to work. I usually watch all 6 episodes in one day and wait for Mark, the mailman, to bring me another. I am so into that show. It isn't that it is just about women, it is about single women. And I think that any woman could identify with one of those women on that show. My mom watched the show and I had to know, "Did Carrie marry Mr. Big?" and I really wanted to know and she told me. I did not feel like I was cheated, like with Six Feet Under, I was just glad to know the outcome. I love Mr. Big. He is not young and in perfect shape. He is rich but is not too sweet or good, but he is not a bad man either. I am so caught up in Carrie and his relationship, or lack of. Now don't get me wrong, I am not one of those girls who watches soaps, or reads romance novels, somehow that show found the right fit. They knew how to get me interested, thinking and coming back for more. I want more, more, more. I want to put all 5 netflix movies as Sex in the City so I can see them all. But.... then I will be done. What then? It will be over.

I plan to move on to Dead Like Me. I thank HBO for creating shows like these and a big kiss to netflix for letting them come into my home!

3beauties


3beauties
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Lourdes, Danielle and Siobhan. Which one is cuter? It is really hard to say!

ellen


ellen
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Siobhan is crazy about Ellen. She always wants to play and wants Ellen to take her back to the park.

beth


beth
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Beth and Diego hanging out

irma


irma
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Mommy to be holding little Diego

cheryl


cheryl
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

friends....

A friend from work had her baby shower and what a great time it was. It was so wonderful to see my friends from work who I have not gotten to visit with in a long time. It almost made me miss work, okay not really, but it did make me miss all my friends.

It is amazing how people you spend so many hours with at work can become your best friends. So much in common and so much time spent together. I pity those people who only have co-workers at work. That is not to say that I like everyone at work, oh far from it! In fact, there are quite a few people I don't like at all, but lucky for me, none of those people were there.

So everyone got to see how beautiful my children are. Maybe I am a bit biased, but that IS what everyone said. I was so happy to see a good friend get a ton of gifts (she is honestly one of the sweetest people I have ever known!) and to see lots of other friends. I will be posting a few photos later on of some of those friends.

Remember your friends, they will be there for you through good and bad times. Through boyfriends, sometimes even marriages. They will love you even with your bad faults and help you develop the good ones. Friends are special in so many ways. Even though life sometimes lets too much time go by, a true friendship will feel like no time has passed at all.

where or where has the Indian food gone?

Today we ran some errands, and since deciding that we would NOT go to Baja this weekend, that frees up my WW flex points. We decided to go to our favorite Indian resturant, The Maharaja in Orange (on Tustin). So as we pulled in our spot, what was on the door?! A sign to transfer ownership. We are so sad. They said they will be selling in about a month or two. Oh, we will have to get our fill before then. It will not be the same without the owners there, and Ram, he is the best.

So, I think we might be trying to plan a day when everyone can go and enjoy this "wonderful taste of India", before the ownership changes. If you might like to go, (if you have never tried Indian food, this would be the place to do it) check back and I will write with more info as we figure out what we will do.

Maharaja, no curry will ever compare to yours!

Thursday, August 26, 2004

what to eat?

Okay, Weight Watchers, (which will from now on be refered to as WW) states I should not allow myself to get too hungry. Well, I have been thinking for at least the past hour, "What should I have for lunch?". I mean, I want to stay under my points, I actually try and end the day with a few left, but what to eat? I look and look and look. Frankly I would rather go without in order to have something I really enjoy later on, but that is supposted to be a no-no. What the heck?!

So I look in the fridge, I look on the shelf, I look in the freezer. A Lean Pocket, heck no, that is 5 points and probably doesn't even taste good. A BRC burrito from El Pollo Loco, NOPE, 11 points! A chicken hot dog with bread, 5 points and filling, but I had that the day before yesterday. Sandwhich, yesterday!

Didn't I just go to the market and gets lots of food? Nothing I want. Maybe I should have a piece of fruit and see if that will tide me over until dinner.

I so envy those who can have whatever they want to eat. They eat their share, your share and someone else's share, and thin, thin, thin. I am not even looking to be thin, just thinner. But, they will never know the accomplishment I will feel once I have shed more and more weight. The actually joy of clothes shopping! Finally letting my husband spend all that money on clothes that he is always trying to buy me, but that I don't want yet. I will feel stronger, more in control, I know that.

But right now, I am hungry for something that does not seem to present itself to me. Here I go, looking in the fridge, shelf and freezer, for SOMETHING, ANYTHING!

Wednesday, August 25, 2004

comments please

a lot of you tell me you read my blog, please feel free to leave comments. I would love it, thanks!

woooo hooooo

Weight watchers update, as of tonight, my first week with Weight Watchers, I lost 5.4 pounds. Woo hoo! Let's see what happens next week after Mexico. haha

I feel good!

and they say it's me

Okay, the kids and I had an okay kind of day, shopping and eating lunch. On the way home, here was my playlist in the car. "I wanna dance with somebody", "Only in my dreams", and "Lookout weekend". So the kids giggle and tell me that we are no longer in the 80's.

What is that about? When I was thier age I knew every song on the oldies station because that was what my folks listened to. Did I say "Hey Mom and Dad, we are no longer in the 50's?", no. I had some respect.

So they laugh and laugh and laugh. Krystal starts doing some funky dance she THINKS was 80's. We get home, Bradley goes into his room and turns on The Who, Krystal is always asking to hear "Freebird", and I am the one stuck back in time?

Kids today are all messed up!

Tuesday, August 24, 2004

BeachKids


BeachKids
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Some really cute kids at the beach! Who says Monday can't be fun?

kind thoughts please

for my niece Holly and two of her friends who were in a car accident Saturday night. They are all still in the hospital. Holly had surgery on her foot/ankle yesterday and was supposted to go home today. She will be using a walker and hopefully will be heading home tomorrow. Her friends injuries, as far as I know, are still pending.

I sure wouldn't mind any extra prayers and thoughts at this point, for both Holly and her friends. I will keep you updated. thanks

4 more days to go...

...then I will be in Baja. Saturday morning, enjoying the sound of the ocean, watching the kids swim in the pool, and enjoying the company of good friends. We have not yet heard anything on the property that we put a bid on, so Eric and I decided in the meantime we should look elsewhere. We want a house down there, no I mean we WANT a house down there. Somewhere where we can go on the weekends, in the summer, and invite friends. Want to come?
So Saturday we will go in the am, with Natalie and Adrien, to share what is bound to be a wonderful weekend. A weekend full of music, drink, lobster, tacos, nachos, swimming (the wee ones) and fun. (Thank goodness for those weight watcher flex points, I am saving those bad boys all week for those two days).

Somehow only two days down there relaxes me for days to come. I can't wait, only four more days!

what a great day

yesterday we dropped Diego off at his Nana Carol's house so she could have a Diego fix, and the rest of us headed to the beach. It was a BEAUTIFUL day, one of those days where you are thankful for southern california. Krystal and Bradley took thier new surfboard out and attempted to ride the waves. Attempted! I am sure they will do much better next time.

Siobhan had great fun playing in the sand and getting wet. She was so excited when her name got washed away by the water.
Then we headed out for linner (lunch/dinner) at the Gyspy Den (yum yum) and we headed home. We got home about 5pm and I was thinking "great, it is going to be so hot inside the house", but it wasn't. It was perfect, we actually had a breeze in the afternoon.

After getting Siobhan bathed and most of the sand removed, Eric and I had a nap. Siobhan was quiet, I didn't hear Krystal and Bradley argue. It was the best nap I have had in a very long time. Went to the market, Eric and Bradley to Home Depot (should we buy stock?) and we picked up little Diego. Eric swore he gained four pounds while we were away.

Home to feed the little man, Krystal made desert, watched the Olympics, and headed to bed.

What a wonderful day. Soon Diego will be able to handle the sun and maybe eat some sand. Yesterday was one of those days that will stick in my mind for a long time to come. Who said Monday's suck?

Sunday, August 22, 2004

Dora & Nan


Dora & Nan
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Nanless

Well, it has been almost 2 months since Nan left. Eric and I finally stopped wondering if she was going to come walking down the hall. We've stopped wondering if she is in her room drawing. We are still missing her like crazy. Yesterday Siobhan asked "Where is Krystal?", I said she is at Nana's house. Siobhan asked "Where is Nan?" I said "Remember she went home to Thailand to be with her family", she said "She is sad there?". I wonder?!

I know Nan misses us too, but somehow I think it is easier for her. She is back at home, with her family. She is back to school and working real hard at it. We are here, same house, same life, without Nan. We are Nanless.

We really enjoyed having her here while she was here. Showing her new things, and getting to know the wonderful person that she is. Seeing her play with Siobhan and teaching her how to draw. (Nan is an amazing artist!). Watching her hold little Diego and actually change a few diapers! Something she had never done before. Eric and I still think Diego misses Nan, we sure could use her here to hold him once in a while. But somehow once she left, that changed everything. It was so very hard to say goodbye. I had been in denial for days, thinking of it as one of her little trips and she will be back a few days later. Once we were at the hotel where we needed to leave her, no one wanted her to go. Of course there were tears, but I wanted to scream "Stay here with us, you don't need to go home!" Instead I told her I loved her, gave her a lot of hugs and kisses, something I did not give enough of while she was here. All of us had a hard time with her leaving. The house seemed so empty without her. Krystal's room suddenly felt too big being in there by herself. Siobhan, well she missed her the most.

So, now it has been a couple of months since she has gone, and I don't think a day goes by that Eric and I don't talk about her, think about her, or wonder how she is doing. It is amazing how someone can come into your life for such a short time and change it forever. We will forever remember her in our home, our other daughter. She will always be welcome here and we really hope that she will return. I told her we would love to have her move back in and we meant every word of it.

We may be Nanless in our home, but we will NEVER be Nanless in our hearts. We love you Nan and we miss you so much!

Friday, August 20, 2004

weighting to lose

Well, I started Weight Watchers on Wednesday. I have a great person (what are they called, teachers? leaders?, what?). She is the same one two of my friends have, both who have lost A LOT of weight. I am hoping they will be a wonderful influence on me. I am going to give it my all. I decided that I will stick with it come what may. I know there will be times I will gain a few ounces, maybe even pounds. Times when I stay the same for weeks at a time, but I am going to stick with it. Sure, it is 9.95 a week, but really, what is that, two lunches. Two lunches I should be bringing from home anyway. 5 gallons of gas, 4 gallons of milk, one package of diapers, I could go on and on.

So, I have begun counting. I have not done so much counting since 6th grade math. I am heading to the store shortly where I will take my little chart with me and pick some low points food. I want some good snacks around here for when I feel like I am not eating enough. Oh, I know I am not hungry, I have come to terms with that, but sometimes you know you just need something more, and more, and more, and more. YIKES!

Those flex points will be saved for Mexico, because I can tell you, I might rather go without eating to have a pina colada in la pina. The problem is I don't have just one, try four or five. Well, it is vacation. It is hot down there (okay not really) but it is vacation and I have FOUR KIDS! I need not say more.

So check back every Wednesday night, I will have an update after my meeting. I am hoping that having to post my losings and gains here just might help a little bit every time I choose something to eat.
Maybe, just maybe, the next time you see me, you will see less of me.

Thursday, August 19, 2004

baja update

Still waiting on the "yes" or "no" for the property we bid on in Baja. We are heading down next weekend to take a look at something else just in case this one (which is our dream) doesn't work out for some reason. Anyone want to go with us?

Wednesday, August 18, 2004

park play


park play
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Siobhan and Tori (her cousin) playing at the park. Aren't those two of the cutest girls you have ever seen?

growing up too fast

Today we enrolled Siobhan in preschool. She will be starting the week I return to work. I am filled with mixed emotions. I am so happy because I know it is what she needs, friends to play with, learning with someone other then family, lots of different activities, and of course, snack time. But why does she have to be so big? She is two and a half now, and I wonder where the time has gone. Wasn't she just born? Didn't we have her first birthday only a few months ago?

I know she will do wonderfully. For the few moments we were there, she was already playing. She is ready to let go a little. She will do find without mom and dad for the day, but will we? I know there will come a day when she will not want to come home because she is having too much fun. Isn't that what we want? NO! We want her to have fun, fun, fun, but never so much she doesn't yell "Mommy", "Daddy". Yikes! I know who this whole preschool thing is going to be hard on, us! Siobhan will do great!

Monday, August 16, 2004

trouble w/ tissue


trouble w/ tissue
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

what next?

Do I even need to say anything, or does the picture say it all? I can tell you, I will think twice before I ask her to get me some tissue.

galaxy guys


galaxy guys
Originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Sunday, August 15, 2004

LA Galaxy kicks grass

Yes, that is us, the Jasso's with two players of the LA Galaxy! Chris Aloisi, #28. Alejandro Moreno, #15, is holding Siobhan. When he went to pick her up I told him to be careful that she is heavy. He told us he needed the practice. There sitting on the couch in the luxury suite, was Moreno's very pregnant wife. She was really sweet when Siobhan went over and started talking to her.

Now, of course we are fans of the LA Galaxy! This is our second season having season tickets. Last night we attended a game that we did not orginally have tickets for. What a bargin. These seats for $52.00 included four general admission seats, four hot dogs and four cokes. What a deal! Where else can you have fun with the whole family for that kind of price. The seats were pretty good too, behind the goal, and four sections to chose from.

Next season the Chivas USA will be playing at the Home Depot Center as well. We hope that this might add to the fans not take away. If you ever want to attend a game with us, let us know. We are always happy to include someone else in the fun we have there. Besides nothing is cuter then hearing Siobhan yell "Gal-x-ee, Gal-x-ee", "Cobi!"

Saturday, August 14, 2004

Diegito


Diegito, originally uploaded by cucsmom.

a 2 month cutie!

Friday, August 13, 2004

red light, green light

While driving in the car with her daddy, Siobhan told Eric, "green means go". He, of course, agreed with her. Then he asked her what does red mean, she said "stop". (Wow) Then he said what does yellow mean, she didn't know. Eric told her it means slow down. He said "you are a good driver", she said "I'm not driving, I'm good at the lights".

Today she remembered what yellow was for. She always asks which direction we are turning, and every now and then gets it right. (left, right, she has a 50/50 chance, really). Now it makes me wonder, is she really incredible, or just aware of EVERYTHING around her? She is 2 years old, 6 months, and 13 days. She can carry on a conversation about anything. She understands everything we say, repeats everything (even things she shouldn't), even when you think she isn't paying attention, out of her mouth will come the last thing we talked about.

I guess Eric was the same way when he was a kid, so maybe it isn't so amazing. It could be that she has four adults talking to her all the time, not to mention her grandma. Whatever it is, I am amazed everyday with what she knows. Sometimes forgetting that she is only 2.

We are currently working on potty training, I would like to have day time done before she goes to preschool late next month. She is doing just fine. She loves her new Dora pull-ups, but the princess one's make her happy too. I told her I will not buy her anymore diapers.

missing the Disco

Have you ever had a car that felt like an extention of yourself? As though the minute you sat in it, you were sitting inside yourself? I had that feeling for a short time. And to be perfectly honest, I never knew that I could feel that way about a car. A machine, something to get me from one place to another. I miss that car. A 1994 Land Rover Discovery. Red. Jump Seats. Moon roof. Sun roof. Leather. I loved that car. If one can love a car, I loved that car. I had never even heard of Land Rover until Eric said I should look into one so we could off-road. The minute I drove it, that was that. I didn't mind driving anywhere. I liked to look out the window and see it there in the drive, waiting to go on an outting. Begging to be driven. After work, it was as if a loved one was waiting there for me. I love the way it handled. The feel of it on the road. I felt safe. (Go ahead and hit me, I probably won't even feel it). An amazing car.

Now, don't get me wrong, I loved that car. But I saw it for what it was, a piece of shit. That car was in and out of the shop so many times. It never left me stranded anywhere (thankfully), the think leaked oil (so much George Bush would be proud), it got, if I was lucky, 10 miles to the gallon. It would overheat, so I never got to use the air. The jump seat were only good in a pinch because there really isn't a lot of leg room back there. Nothing was cheap to fix, no one had parts, it had to be someones speciality to work on that car. Still, I think about that car.

It has been gone 9 months now, and sometimes, just sometimes, I forget I no longer have it. I knew I had to get rid of it. We were expecting another baby and needed more room and more reliablity. Now I am driving a VW Eurovan,and I have no complaints. That van is great, especially for a van. It fills all the needs that my family has, but it is not my Disco.

Eric and I know so much more now. If we were going to buy another we would be able to make a wiser choice. I dream of having another, maybe when Krystal and Bradley are older and no longer go anywhere with us. I have to thank the Rover Dr. in Irvine for always taking care of me and my Disco.

Little red Disco, where ever you are, I miss you. I think about you. I love the way I felt when I was driving you. Thank you for letting me know that someone can actually love a car. I wouldn't have thought it was possible before you. No one will ever be able to fill your leather seats like me!

Netflixers Unite

I love Netflix. We have been members since December of 2000. It has been wonderful to rent DVD's online, pay no shipping or late fees and have them sent directly to your home. We wait for those lovely red envelopes to come, watch as soon as humanly possible so we can send it out and get another. We started with the 3 out at a time plan and we are now on the 5 out at a time. If you have never heard of Netflix, or would like to know more, check it out. http://www.netflix.com/

Now, Blockbuster started there mail program. Like Blockbuster doesn't already suck. They stick you every which way. They had that 2 day rental, then opened Hollywood Video which allowed 5 day rentals, what does Blockbuster do, change policy. Netflix opened (years ago) now Blockbuster wants part of that too. Hey Blockbuster, do something orginal would you? They have already closed most of the little video places on the corner, ya know, the one's where the guy would hold a movie for you because he knew you were coming in. Wal-Mart (don't EVEN get me started) wants a piece too. I guess it is easy to steal people's ideas. (Wal-mart seems to have "borrowed" something from iTunes too!). I don't get it. Leave the little guy alone. Isn't that what this country is all about, the American Dream. You can make it here. You can be and do anything you want if you work hard enough. Well, only if Wal-Mart or Blockbuster or some other monsterishly huge company doesn't want a piece of that action.

I can only hope that Netflix has built up enough devoted customers that don't mind paying a mere few dollars more for EXCELLENT service. Isn't that what a return customer is all about? Remember all the wonderful Mom and Pop stores? Me neither! We need to bring them back. Check it out, http://www.netflix.com/, and maybe you can see why we are so happy with it.

Thursday, August 12, 2004

This heat...

Anaheim, California, 10:39pm. It is currently 70 degrees. My gosh! There is no wind blowing. It is hot! I had to turn the air on! All day I went with the windows open. How is it that it is now hotter then when the sun was shinning?! If I were in Baja right now, it is only 66 degrees. Of course even if it weren't cooler because of the ocean, I would still be in Baja. I could be here hot, or be in Baja hot. Hmmm, you decide which is better!!!

Day in, day out

What do people who are home all day, do all day? How many loads of laundry can one do before going nuts? Each day is no different then the next. I often have to check to find out what day it is. Now don't get me wrong, I love laying in bed every morning with Siobhan (who found her way there sometime in the night), laughing and talking, I treasure that time. I like being lazy in the morning, eating a real breakfast sometimes, cleaning a little before I dress. But really, have I come to be one of those people who values themselves because of the job they do? Am I only worth something when I go to work? I have no income so I am dependant on Eric for money. I actually had to ask for money to go shopping. (well not ask, but you know what I mean). And he is wonderful. He loves that I am home for an extended maturnity leave to be with all the kids this summer. He has not said anything about staying home all day and save money. So I know it is me. I think I blame the lack of complete happiness on my personality. I am not the type of person who enjoys being by herself. I need people. I need to talk. I need to laugh. I need contact. I need...adults. I am enjoying my time home because it is limited, but frankly if I was a stay at home mom, what would I do? Once the kids go back to school, what will that be like? What does one do with one's self all day at home? Are most stay at home moms expected to have dinner on the table when the husband comes home? (sorry Eric, you know that won't happen). I often don't even think of dinner until Eric is home. Should the house be spotless, Lord help us if we are waiting for me to do it. I realize my faults, I know I should do more. Thank goodness I usually have the excuse of work. I know that I am loved and accepted no matter my faults, by those around me. But what about me? Do I think it is okay that I, not only don't wish to stay at home full time, but don't become the best wife/mother that I can while I am here?

Maybe I am simply being. Auughhh, I feel as though I go on and on and don't get anywhere. I love my husband, I love my kids, and I love my dogs. I love my life, I know I have it a lot easier then most. I think, though, that I also love my job. I don't mean the job I do, I know I love that. I didn't spend all those years of college to do something I don't love, but I think I love who my job makes me. I love the person I am at work as well as at home. I would like more time at home, but I don't think I could ever give up my job. Does that make me a worse mom? A bad wife? Aren't I supposted to WANT to be home with them all the time? Isn't that what society tells us? That working mothers only work because they have to? Maybe I don't have to, but I sure like to most of the time.

Well, I think Diego might have fallen back asleep. I think I will go climb in bed and hold Siobhan very close to me, smell her, and give her a million kisses.

Wednesday, August 11, 2004

Little Day-go...

..as Siobhan likes to call him. He is now 2 months old. He went to the Dr. today, he weighs 13 pounds and 5 oz. He is 24.5 inches long. The Dr. was quite surprised when I told her he was sleeping 5.5 to 7 hours at a time, eating and then heading back for at least another 3-5 hours. My kids like to sleep! He is as cute as can be, cooing at everything. Smiling when he sees something he likes, and we have even heard a laugh or two. Of course, three shots later, he is snoozing away. What a little joy that boy is!

Sunday, August 08, 2004

click me to see some family photos


Link

chivies in her hat


chivies, originally uploaded by cucsmom.

Is this kid cute or what?

looky looky

whitehousewest.com

no guess which way I am voting!

Isn't it amazing..

... instant messenger? It is almost like being little again, back in Jackson, Tenn. When you knew what everyone was doing at just about any time of the day, like instant messenger. Because even when people are not there, they often leave a message so that I can know what they are up to at any time of the day. Michelle is at the beach (that's four days now, Michelle update that thing will ya?). It looks like Candace is going to the mall. My mom is available, so it says, but I know if I send her an IM, I will be waiting forever. And I can tell that my husband, who is only a few feet behind me at his computer, is not currently listening to any music. I am letting everyone know that Krystal turns 15 today! I mean, geez, how cool is that. The minute Natalie signs on I will swoop on her and tell her about my dream. No more bothering to call people, no letters and less e-mails. Some might say that all this is causing a down fall to relationships, I say no sir.

First off, in order to talk on the phone with any ONE person, I have to have time. First off, do I have 20 minutes to spend doing nothing else but chit chat? AND is that person going to be available at the same time? Assuming that both of us have the time, sometimes conversations drift and you forget what you called for anyway. Not to mention long distance fees as well as figuring out what time it is in Thailand. With e-mail (IM), I send what I want when I want and it sits until my e-mail has time to be read. At that point they write back when they have time, saying just what they want to say and send it along. How cool is that? No more being bothered while eating dinner, while watching a movie, or giving the kids a bath. Hell, I know it might sound weird to some but my husband and I send IM's to each other all the time, and we are in the same room!

We can send links back and forth, talk about the kids without them hearing, and just send an "I love you". Okay, so you might think we don't talk anymore, but I can tell you, Eric is happy for the quiet once in a while. I can talk like nobody's business.

I am waiting for my mother in law to get IM, we need to get her DSL first. I tell Eric that she would LOVE it. She will be able to keep in touch with everyone, especially the kids. Now, we are a Mac family, so I can easily voice or video chat. I can also send photos over my IM with ease. I mean, wow!

Well, Krystal is trying to figure out where she wants to eat for her birthday dinner (what is it a special day or something?) she has changed her mind at least eight times already. We will watch the LA Galaxy on tv and then head to dinner, because frankly nothing comes before the Galaxy.

Saturday, August 07, 2004

Waiting with baited breath

We are waiting! Six days ago we put in a bid for ocean view property in Baja and still we wait. This is our dream. We NEED this property. It is where we will spend endless days on the beach, hosting parties, relaxing, and our retirement. Great, have I jinxed it now, does this mean they will say no? More money, okay okay okay, anything! Of course Eric and I kick ourselves for not getting in years ago when we first thought of it and it was MUCH cheaper. Well, hindsight right? So, we wait. Everyday we hope for an e-mail, a phone call, something. Nada! I feel as though life is on hold. Not quite as bad as when we bought our home, but close. Well, I am going to go wait some more. Wish us luck!

Friday, August 06, 2004

whaaa

Sometimes I feel as if I am going to go out of my head being at home with four kids. I count the hours until my husband is home, an adult, someone to help spread the madness. How can they be so dang cute and so annoying all at the same time? So, as I think, wow I need to run away, I think a I only have 55 days until I go back to work. Yikes! I love my job, don't get me wrong, I love my kids too. But too much of a good thing.....
I try and remember that I probably (although I don't see how) get on their nerves as well. If we decide to go to the park, everyone is excited. If we go to the dog beach, woo hoo. If we go shopping, all right! But somewhere between the going and the being there, the outing loses some of its appeal and someone is complaining. So, easy enough to fix, hey you don't like it stay home and do chores. Ha! I showed them.