The blog in which we have get back to our Sunday Funday and a savings experiment.

 It has been a few weird weeks.  We have tried to keep up with our Friday Family Fun Nights, Super Saturdays, and Sunday Fundays, however, we have made feeble attempts, and the while going to the cabin was a really great departure from our norms, we had lost our spark, and this weekend, we re- found our groove.

Friday morning, Geoff suggested we head to the YMCA after he gets off work and swim with the fam. We invited our good friend, Lisa, to join us, and we swam, relaxed in the hot tub, then, headed home for pizza and dessert with Lisa.  Saturday we woke up knowing that we were headed to war, but if we conquered, the day would end well.  We got the trampoline together in record time- four hours, when the majority of people on the reviews put it together in only an hour and a half.   See, we win...  It took us the longest!  Glad we started early, as the migits played the rest of the day until dinner, and then some more after dinner.  

This morning was Mass, and then went to my folks to seal the wood I got and my dad has already sanded.  It will get painted one day this week.  Geoff has the week off, as do the kids, and we will head over there to paint the wood.  (The tutorial to come on these amazing projects that Grandpa is going to make for our budding gymnast ;o)  FYI, gymnastics went so well that the instructors suggested we find Charlie a new gym that can keep up with his abilities.  Sadly, the cost was way beyond our means, so, I suggested we set up a little gym here at our home that he can just play around on and get the therapeutic benefits from the movement.  Luckily, Geoff refused to allow us to spend the hunk of moolah on the equipment, so resourceful me decided to take action and it only took three days of research to come up with the do it yourself bar and beam.  So, hang tight, but the story on that to come.  

So, we are now finishing the night with a movie I grabbed on my way out of Kroger when I ran up to get the savings project of the day.  So, all four of us are all snugly watching "Big Miracle."  Highly recommend it!  So, ready for the savings experiment?  Great... get ready.  I'm serious.  It's amazing.

HOME MADE LAUNDRY DETERGENT

I found the directions on Pinterest.com, however, I found that there was only one of the multitudes that I thought I would really like.  I tweaked the "recipe" slightly.  I am including lots of pictures, and hope that the recipe makes sense.  Essentially, I ran to the Publix bakery and asked for a frosting tub, and they gave me one with a nice lid.  Free.  Then, I went to Kroger, and with tax, spent under $30 for a years' worth of laundry detergent.   The kids and I worked on it outside, in between their trampoline turn taking.  You use between one and two TABLESPOONS of the mixture, and the way I did it, the top of my container will measure it out for me.  Pictures will make sense on this.  

Here's where things get fun.  Tonight, I made something I haven't made in years.  I made fried wings.  I haven't friend anything in years for that fact.  However, I learned (on Pinterest- shocker, right?) that the way to get them to be crispy, is to leave the top off the pot and to dry the chicken completely before frying it.  We don't buy paper towels, so I opted to use a kitchen hand towel that I didn't mind throwing away if I had too.  However, I had half a load of laundry in the washer, and thought, well, I guess this would be as good a test as ever to see if it really works.  So, I threw this hand towel with some chicken blood and stank on it, and started the wash.  And yes, Rachel, there is no doubt.  It is clean.  (That was the question she had, and my thought was, how can I expect all those ingredients to do anything but clean?)  Geoff loves the smell, and the hardest part was grating the three bars of soap, taking about 15 minutes.  Then, I had to don the gloves and hand mix the batch since the mixing spoon was not doing a good enough job.  If I had layered the ingredients as the pinner suggested, it might have worked better.  I filled the Purex container with the mixture, then put a lid on the remainder in the tub I mixed it in.  (I see holiday time gifts in the near future with the printed directions.  Hint, hint.  Act surprised!)  

PS  The blog I read said it does great in high efficiency washers (HE) and note that it does not suds, but it cleans like yo' momma'!  But those darn push tabs nearly sent me off the cliff.  I swear, my eye started twitching and I prayed that I would maintain my gate keeper at my mouth so that I might not spit out a four letter word. My gate keeper is in rehab right now receiving shock therapy.  The pictures are way out of order.  It's late.  Sorry.

Even Charlie got into the
process.

You know when they give you those
fake perforations and say, "push?"
Lies.  Push this motha'.  

The bottle is fantastic.
The cap even gives you the measure
for a large wash.  I only used one of the
two suggested bottles.  It's an optional
addition anyway.  But perfect for keeping
on the washer and measuring the amount
each wash.  Highly recommend
this ingredient.

Snack sized baggie. Two
tablespoons for a large
wash.  

There are three measuring lines
on the top.  The middle one is
the two tablespoon mark. 

Say's mostly natural.
I have never used
fabric softener until tonight.
It smells great!  And fairly
natural.  

Told you it was under $30!

Oh how I wish there was an easier way.
We don't own a food processor.  

My ingredients for the home
made laundry detergent
and fabric softener all in one.
 (I still use my small ball of
aluminum
foil in the dryer as an anti static.)

The blog in which my humor is wasted on the church.

I signed up to help the church make phone calls.  For some reason, I must have been on a Jesus high since I guess I didn't really think this through.  Well, this week, they emailed a list of 19 people I was to call and ask to commit to coming to a fundraiser at the church.  I did it tonight, at the table in the back as the migits took turns on the trampoline.  The weather was gorgeous, we had completed a huge project (the trampoline), and the migits were happy.  So, while I was exhausted, I was in a good frame of mind.  But it only took about leaving ten voice mails before I realized that all these people will have to call me back.  And generally- calling me is never a good time.  Then, I get a lady who says she will think it over and call me back.  Her conversation made me realize that I felt like a telemarketer, and I felt like I needed a drink because that was a horrible way to feel.  Then, came the mother ship.  This older lady who ripped into the priest like she was just waiting for my call.  She rambled for over 17 minutes.

I emailed this to the man who is in charge of me getting my volunteer work done.

Mike, That was about as much fun as bathing a cat.  With acid.  And fire.  And nursing a bull shark.  Okay, maybe not that much fun.  Grin.  I called and out of the 19, have two numbers that are wrong/disconnected, left all voice mails except two who answered.  One, gave me a run down as to what is wrong with the church and why she will not participate.  The other says she will call back with an answer, but she didn't sound very convincing.  I tried!  I have notes, and will email the final verdict on the 19th if you want. 

Mike responded- 

"Thanks."  

Okeedokie.  That went well.  I don't think my volunteer posts at the church are really working out.  I think I might do better grooming cats.  With acid.  And fire.  And nursing.... You get the idea.  

The blog in which we did it and I made her cry before bed.

I woke up at 7:30 AM, and by 8:30 AM, had my coffee, fed the migits, and was ready to conquer the day.  Except we figured out that my camera and video didn't work, and if you know me, my life is a photojournalistic approach and relies heavily on my phone.  Well, the day had to go on, so I suggested to Geoff that he head to the TMobile store, and that I would start bringing all the trampoline parts to the backyard, and begin on my own.  Ended up, he never went since I struggled with the first step in the directions.  After seeing my frustration, and I had only been working for about twenty minutes, he decided it might be wiser to stay and help.  

I started the process at 9:50 AM.  Cut to the chase, the motto for the day was, "If it's worth doing once, it's worth doing the 50% wrong way 100% of the time so that we could do everything twice."  To the online reviewer who said they could have done it in 45 minutes if they had a second person, but did it alone in an hour and a half- F- you, you bragging sack of donkey licked testicles.  Okay, I feel much better now.  Seriously, it was a major challenge.  I only yelled about 5 times.  Shay cried once.  Geoff said, "This isn't so bad" about 7 times, and we completed the project in about four hours.  AND- the tie downs that are supposed to be sewn into the mat so that we can attach the protective net is not even sewn on.  So, luckily, I am resourceful, and figured out a way to make it work- for now.  Call already placed with customer service for the trampoline company, and now to await the response.  

They jumped all afternoon and evening.  It was beautiful.  I am so happy they love it.  Charlie is wearing the Mickey shirt we bought him a year ago this week for our last Fall Break, our trip to Disney World!  He turned six last year on the day we came home from Disney.  Wow.  How time flies! 

Here's the cut that caused the tears.

  

This was the last known photo of Shayna with a smile on her face and her long locks.

So, after playing, it was time to shower and for Geoff and Shay to get a hair cut.  Shay has asked for short hair for about 3 cuts now, and I have refused.  Tonight, when she asked, I did it.  And she cried.  And wanted to cry with her.  It will grow.  And she will never again let me cut it.  And I like that.  I love a little girl with long hair.  And honestly- it's still past her shoulders.  Still goes into a bun and braids.  I can do most everything I ever did before.  Maybe not pokey mohawks right now, but that's not too bad ;o)  

The blog in which I try to look pretty. Disclaimer- graphic pictures

I was so excited when I woke up on Sunday morning and read the local online newspaper that they were accepting local bloggers to submit for online publication.  Wow.  This might be my big break in getting my little blog out there!  I nervously decided to share a recent post, and two days later, I was accepted and told that it would be running the following morning!  Wow.  That was amazing.  However, there was a catch.  The editor wanted me to send a head shot to include in my bio.  Grrr.. I didn't have one.  I have very carefully stayed on the other side of the camera for years.  So, I ended up sending along a picture I took of myself a month ago.  It was a picture I texted Geoff with the "I love you" sign.  I wasn't thrilled with it, but yesterday, I had about an hour, and thought, if I shower and straighten my hair, I could put some make up on and take some head shots.  Well, in theory, it worked out great.  In real life... Well, that's a different story.  

First, it takes about 25 minutes to straighten my hair.  By the time I am halfway though, I am sweating, and that creates more curls.  It's really a self defeating task.  The make up--- I don't ever use it, and don't really know how to apply it.  All I know it, I spent $9 for a complete set of make up last spring, and my friend pointed out that most quality items cost more than $9, alone.  Then, when she asked if I had set it with powder, I told her the only powder I had was called "Anti Lady Monkey Butt," and that was used to help my thighs from chaffing.  She suggesting that I might not want to apply anything to my face that has the name "butt" in it.  Okay, I agreed.  That might be a life long lesson to follow.   Once I completed the process, I thought I looked pretty good.  Then, I took a picture.  Not the best, but I am taking them myself, and need to play with the angle.  And finally, I realized, I'm not the most attractive, and all the work int he world can't help me.  I looked back at the pictures of Geoff and I before we got married.  I thought I looked great.  Guess I didn't pull off that tanorexic look as well as I remembered.  But didn't my teeth look pearly white?  

In all honesty, I am pretty happy with the flawed person I am.  I love that my husband thinks I am beautiful, and that when I put makeup on, he doesn't like it.  I love that Charlie just recently told me that he loved my curly hair.  I love that Shay gets excited when I put on a pair of character (Tinkerbell) pajamas.  I love how being comfortable and being me makes my family happy.  I'm a lucky girl, even if I can't put a model face to my blog.  I hope that my blog is written well enough that it doesn't need a face to be remembered.  

They asked for a "head shot."  Get it?  Forget it.  

This was a real picture. 

Let's try that duck face phenomenon.  Nah.  I don't look any better than the rest of them.  

This was a real picture.  Real bad.

Look at me!  Don't I look happy?  I was SERIOUSLY trying here.  

Is this really what I look like?  I don't want to point out the obvious, but if I look just as bad after applying make up and spending that much time to straighten my hair, why bother?

At least my mom loves me.  A face only a mother could....

I'm ready for my close up-said not me.  

Don't mess with me.  I tried.  Really.  This is all I got peeps.  

Fish

Angry Fish

The blog in which I agonize over the task at hand.

Some of us will get yelled out.  Some of us will have to be pushed to our limits.  Some of us will wonder if the instructions are written in English.  Some of us will be frustrated enough to reconsider the gift in the first place.  Some of us will wonder why we insist on doing this do ourselves.  Some of us will wonder if the pain will ever stop. There will be insult slinging.  There will be snide remarks.  There will be physical limitations.  Mostly, I feel bad for Geoff.  I, on the other hand, can handle it.  I'm tough like that.

Then, there will be two children who will be stuffed in the house to hopefully safe themselves from the elements.  They will come and ask if it's done, and we will have to tell them "No."  They will ask for breakfast, and we will tell them to grab a banana and a Nutrigrain bar.  The, they will want a snack. This will be a time to ask for a snack, but also to ask if we are done yet.  We will suggest an apple, cheese stick, or goldfish.  We will also get frustrated and suggest they don't ask that question again if they want to enjoy it.  Then, they will want lunch.  If we are smart, will send one of us inside at that time to make it.  However, I don't know that we are that smart.  Then, they will ask how much longer. Either we will suggest they grab some yogurt and some deli meat with a fruit and pretzels, or tell them to grab one of those pb&j frozen numbers out of the freezer and sit and watch it thaw, as that seems to be as much fun as Daddy and I will be having on the outside.  I won't bore you with the rest of the day, but I think another snack, a dinner, and a bedtime will come in here somewhere as well.

At some point, my blood sugar will drop, and I will turn into something straight out of a page of the terrible two's and Geoff will know that my levels are low, and say that to me as I berate him some more.  At which point, he normally suggests I leave the area and if it's really bad, he will set an iPod or my phone to Tuneinradio with Christmas music playing and run from the said location.  He is such a wise man.   I'm referring to the "running" part.  If I am in a mood-get.out.of.my.way.  And do it with swiftness.  And if that is not a word, don't correct me.  I have Christmas music playing right now.  Here's your sign.

I am already worried about it.  To the point that I am sad that we have to do it.  This decision was really well thought out.  However, the execution of this event is actually concerning me.  We have done everything from eloping to buying a house and having children.  We have gotten as far as hanging one set of blinds.  And that was a cluster.

Here's the truth.  We are not handy.  Geoff has all of next week off with us on the migits' Fall Break.  We just might need that entire nine days to complete the project.  Yes, it is early, but, we thought that since the weather looks good, the migits might really enjoy Charlie's trampoline, a few days before his birthday. Please pray for us.  (If you hear the yelling, don't worry.  There shouldn't be any bloodshed.)

*A little side note here... My husband is hearing impaired, and even with both hearing aides, our communication is not perfect.  However, at this time, one of the two aides is being repaired, and I don't know when they will be back.   Therefore, we will have an additional level of frustration to contend with.

*Another side note... I am not proud of my behavior that I am about to have while doing this project, however, I am incredibly honest, and now you have a heads' up that you don't want to volunteer to do anything beyond a three step process, seeing as I lose my mind and turn into a bratty child.  

PS  I had one of my blog entries run in the local online paper, The Canton Patch!  That was super exciting for me.  I am working on increasing my viewers, and appreciate your help in getting my little blog out there.  However, another blog to come on my headshot they requested.   Stay tuned!    

The blog in which we smile again.

Today is September 11th.  And while we are years beyond that tragic day, we have not forgotten.  But today, while we pray for those who lost their lives, the families, friends, and the hero's of those days, let's try to remember that we are to enjoy each day.  I'm here to help you today.  You're welcome. (Sadly, I am not very good with technology, so it is a lot of cut and paste work for you, but it be worth it, I promise.)  It's like kindergarten- without nap time.  Sorry.   

http://www.amazon.com/Victorio-Kitchen-Products-Banana-Slicer/dp/B001F5STWU/?ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Please read the reviews on this item.  It will help you understand.  And, for the record, I don't need one.  My birthday is coming up, and I think I have found another item I need.  Please purchase the bonus bottle of estrogen and at least one ovary.  I think mine left when I threatened to enlarge my nonexistent penis.  They have their standards.  

http://www.amazon.com/BIC-Cristal-1-0mm-Black-MSLP16-Blk/product-reviews/B004F9QBE6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Again, if you don't read the reviews, you miss why I need this item.  And I prefer the sparkly ones.  

galifianakis-swimsuit.jpg

My legs look just like Zack's!  But hairier and fatter.  Geoff is a lucky man.  

This is a video that made my day.  I hope you did your kegels this morning.   It is six minutes long, and I am still smiling, six minutes later.  I feel like I got a BOGO free deal on my time.  And time is all we really have to share with those around us.  Remember to share yourself with those around you.  Give of yourself because it makes you happy to serve, and to see that you can make a difference.  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0-7EfR37Dg&feature=player_embedded

Thank you hero's.  EA

The blog in which I don't enlarge my penis.

No, I don't want to enlarge it.  It seems fine the way it is.  Is there something wrong with it?  I thought size didn't matter?  No one has ever complained about it.  I mean, if it was supposed to be bigger, wouldn't G-d have made it larger?  Oh, wait.  I don't have a penis.  I guess those spammers were confused.

As for the emails that are requesting me to forward those chains of prayers, and if I don't...  I know, I won't inherit all the money that the email world had planned, nor will I enter the kingdom of "email," or  will those with illness be healed because I refuse to open them, or recite them.

As for the Facebook posts that make you go, "Who are you mad as heck with?"  Love those random one liners?  You know you post them to get us to ask you what that was all about?  Yeah, I'm guilty of it on occasion, but not intentionally.  I have sort of learned to filter my thoughts.  It took me a while, however, I am probably the most direct person you will ever meet, and generally, Facebook is not the place that I will address issues.  So, if you want to know if we are reading you, yes, we are, but we don't care for the vagueness.  Nor do we care for the game requests.  I am so glad that you have all the time in the world to bake for a fake bakery, AND raise fish, AND run a farm, however, you should do that alone.  I am too busy making real meals, brushing my Collie, and taking care of my house to play with you.  Let's just leave Facebook to over posting pictures of our families, okay?  (I love seeing pictures, for real.)

As for school fundraisers... wouldn't it be nice if they just said, "Hey parents... we need more money.  Just write the check out to .... and you won't have to pimp your kid out into the neighborhood of families that are hocking the same junk."

As for Sarah and her pet adoption commercials... They were part of the reason I canceled television two years ago.  The other part?  NOBODY NEEDS TELEVISION.  Simple.

As for Chick Fil A- That's a toughie.  Great chicken, though, right?

As for political debating...  I am confused.  I was taught that you keep that private.  That is why there are special voting booths.  Guess that decision is a personal one, until you share it and allow the mud slinging to enter into your friendships.  I am not political, however, I have my beliefs.  They are just that.  Mine.  I am not going to change the world.  Heck, I can't even deter Facebook friends from inviting me to more games I will not play with them.  How am I going to change there viewpoint on stupidity?   Meaning, it's all or nothing.... not racial or religiously motivated.  And that is why I can't agree to disagree with you on this stuff.  Let's just keep the politics out of it.

As for BOGO sales- I can still buy just one, and get it half off.  I'm not that dumb.  (However, my husband will never make the mistake again by purchasing enough Reese's Peanut Butter Cups to feed most of Long Island.)

As for drivers who don't use their turn signal and have a handicap sticker or tag....  Every time I see a person who has a handicapped sticker or tag NOT use a blinker when turning, I automatically think, "They must have gotten that way because they are terrible drivers."

As for people who sit at a desk and greet people entering your place of business-- freakin' smile!  I go to a place a few times a week and see the same sour puss lady at the desk each time I show up.  I have made a hugely obnoxious point to smile so big that you see my pubes and greet her like I freakin' idolize her.  I hope she gets the picture.  When someone else is sitting at her desk- it could even be Hitler's child, that person always appears to be sweeter than syrup compared to the regular.

Wow.  Don't know where that came from.  I feel better.