Have I told you all about last year's New Years Eve celebration? I didn't think so. I can't imagine why I haven't because, I swear, this one is priceless!
Every year we walk downtown and watch the New Years Eve parade with the boys. It's a short parade with lots of noise and lots of fun. As the parade passes you join in and walk down to the town docks to watch the fireworks. It is always cold and busy and CRAZY down there but we love it.
Last year we were standing in about 5 feet of snow (now, now, I am not know for my exaggerations)...it was especially crowded and it was dark (or course). At the time, A had a bit of an obsession with Barack Obama (nothing like his mother). He also has a bit of a hard time keeping his attention on any one thing...
He turns to talk to the people behind us (we do NOT know these people). It's dark...there is a Hispanic man standing behind us...A screams:
"OH MY GOD.....MOMMY, IT'S BARACK OBAMA!!"
I want to melt. I want to fall to the ground and die. Right there. Of course, I don't because those times that you really wish death on yourself due to humiliation it never comes.
I turn and apologize to the man who is laughing hysterically behind us.
HU-MILL-EEE-ATION! Seriously.
So, we are hoping for a repeat this year :)
Happy New Year to you all! I am sorry I have been a bit MIA but I promise I will be back as soon as I have my house back (the boys and Kirby are all enjoying an extended Christmas break and won't go back until Monday - have I ever told you how much I LOVE Mondays).
12/30/08
12/19/08
Superficial much?
In these "tough economic times" I am doing everything I can to get more bang for my buck. We have always set a budget for Christmas; this year I have just worked a little harder to be sure that the money we spend gets stretched a little further.
Every day I pick the boys up from school. Every day I sit at the same table I have sat at for the past 4 years (god forbid I change the routine). Every day I sit with the same women (the majority of which I like). A couple of weeks ago, however, a comment was made that irritated me...
A woman was talking about having already finished up her daughter's Christmas shopping, how she was so proud that the list was so short and the items on it were so inexpensive. I'm not sure how she got on the subject of her mother-in-law (MIL) but she started talking about how her MIL buys her daughter things from the thrift store for Christmas. I commented on how I thought that was great, that my father's wife does the same thing. She said that it was fine to give her things from the thrift store but "to wrap them up for Christmas, ugh" - like she wanted her to just give her gifts randomly throughout the year.
The next day I walked my butt down to our local consignment shop and looked for some good deals. I walked out of there with a pair of pajama bottoms and 4 shirts for Kirby and a shirt for Z. All for $24. They were in perfect condition. They barely look worn. I was psyched!
I called Kirby to rave about my finds. I tell him I am going to wrap them up and put them under the tree. He says "yeah, that's fine, it's not like they would even know". I promptly informed him that "I don't give a rat's ass if they know, oh and BTW (yeah, that's what I said), the things I got for you are getting wrapped up too". Of course, he changed his tune, "I didn't mean anything, I mean, yeah, that's okay".
So I wonder, what IS wrong with this? I am not giving my kids things that are ripped or torn or even look worn. These are NAME BRAND clothes that MAY have been worn a few times but LOOK brand new. Even if they DID notice, my kids are not going to care (in fact, one of Z's favorite things to do is to go through the tables upon tables of clothes at our local "street fair" on the last night when everything goes for free - he also loves to get bags of "hand-me-downs" from my cousin's son). So why do people make such a big deal about it?
I truly don't understand...
Every day I pick the boys up from school. Every day I sit at the same table I have sat at for the past 4 years (god forbid I change the routine). Every day I sit with the same women (the majority of which I like). A couple of weeks ago, however, a comment was made that irritated me...
A woman was talking about having already finished up her daughter's Christmas shopping, how she was so proud that the list was so short and the items on it were so inexpensive. I'm not sure how she got on the subject of her mother-in-law (MIL) but she started talking about how her MIL buys her daughter things from the thrift store for Christmas. I commented on how I thought that was great, that my father's wife does the same thing. She said that it was fine to give her things from the thrift store but "to wrap them up for Christmas, ugh" - like she wanted her to just give her gifts randomly throughout the year.
The next day I walked my butt down to our local consignment shop and looked for some good deals. I walked out of there with a pair of pajama bottoms and 4 shirts for Kirby and a shirt for Z. All for $24. They were in perfect condition. They barely look worn. I was psyched!
I called Kirby to rave about my finds. I tell him I am going to wrap them up and put them under the tree. He says "yeah, that's fine, it's not like they would even know". I promptly informed him that "I don't give a rat's ass if they know, oh and BTW (yeah, that's what I said), the things I got for you are getting wrapped up too". Of course, he changed his tune, "I didn't mean anything, I mean, yeah, that's okay".
So I wonder, what IS wrong with this? I am not giving my kids things that are ripped or torn or even look worn. These are NAME BRAND clothes that MAY have been worn a few times but LOOK brand new. Even if they DID notice, my kids are not going to care (in fact, one of Z's favorite things to do is to go through the tables upon tables of clothes at our local "street fair" on the last night when everything goes for free - he also loves to get bags of "hand-me-downs" from my cousin's son). So why do people make such a big deal about it?
I truly don't understand...
12/18/08
Blogger stinks tonight
My blog roll isn't working. That really grinds my nerves.
So if I have missed any of your wonderful posts I will be by tomorrow to check them out.
I think I depend too much on the blog roll...maybe I am just lazy...
So if I have missed any of your wonderful posts I will be by tomorrow to check them out.
I think I depend too much on the blog roll...maybe I am just lazy...
Thursday's Thankful Thirteen
Here we go again, another Thursday, another Thankful Thirteen. If you want to play, leave a comment here and link your blog back here.
1. I am thankful for our MIRACLE of numbing ear drops.
2. I am thankful that the boys' holiday play was such a success and that Z was able to have a speaking roll in his last year.
3. I am thankful that my mother, sister and father's wife were able to make it up for the show.
4. I am thankful that A has so many wonderful friends in our town and that his Dunkin Donuts friend (Mrs. Roberts) was able to come to the show. Also thankful that she is beyond wonderful to him - he loves his yearly Hess truck Christmas present.
5. I am grateful to all the power crews that took care of our state during the recent ice storms. My mother was without power for 5 days and she is one of the luckier ones - many are still without.
6. I am thankful that our town has their OWN power crew and we do not need to depend on PSNH (the crew that most of NH does depend on). We only lost power for a few hours in the middle of the night and our crew got right on it!
7. I am thankful that my neighbor has friends that check in on him and were able to get him the help he needed before his mental health became a more immediate/serious problem.
8. I am thankful that we have friends and family we can depend on, people that I know will always be there and people that my children can turn to.
9. I am thankful to have a job. During these "tough economic times" I am blessed.
10. I am grateful that my children do not expect a lot of us this time of year. Of course, on each of their lists there is something extravagant, but they do not go overboard. I guess, honestly, I am thankful that they are so easy to please :)
11. I am thankful that even though my father is a complete mental case, who drove to camp the day after the ice storm came through, he and his wife made it to and from safely, bringing back two Christmas trees and the old refrigerator (that they replaced with one that actually makes ice cubes).
12. I am thankful that A is feeling better and that, aside from the nose running, he seems all but over his cold.
13. I am thankful that a week from today will be Christmas. That all the shopping will be done. And that my kids will be sitting in the living room watching their new movies, playing with their new toys and enjoying our family.
1. I am thankful for our MIRACLE of numbing ear drops.
2. I am thankful that the boys' holiday play was such a success and that Z was able to have a speaking roll in his last year.
3. I am thankful that my mother, sister and father's wife were able to make it up for the show.
4. I am thankful that A has so many wonderful friends in our town and that his Dunkin Donuts friend (Mrs. Roberts) was able to come to the show. Also thankful that she is beyond wonderful to him - he loves his yearly Hess truck Christmas present.
5. I am grateful to all the power crews that took care of our state during the recent ice storms. My mother was without power for 5 days and she is one of the luckier ones - many are still without.
6. I am thankful that our town has their OWN power crew and we do not need to depend on PSNH (the crew that most of NH does depend on). We only lost power for a few hours in the middle of the night and our crew got right on it!
7. I am thankful that my neighbor has friends that check in on him and were able to get him the help he needed before his mental health became a more immediate/serious problem.
8. I am thankful that we have friends and family we can depend on, people that I know will always be there and people that my children can turn to.
9. I am thankful to have a job. During these "tough economic times" I am blessed.
10. I am grateful that my children do not expect a lot of us this time of year. Of course, on each of their lists there is something extravagant, but they do not go overboard. I guess, honestly, I am thankful that they are so easy to please :)
11. I am thankful that even though my father is a complete mental case, who drove to camp the day after the ice storm came through, he and his wife made it to and from safely, bringing back two Christmas trees and the old refrigerator (that they replaced with one that actually makes ice cubes).
12. I am thankful that A is feeling better and that, aside from the nose running, he seems all but over his cold.
13. I am thankful that a week from today will be Christmas. That all the shopping will be done. And that my kids will be sitting in the living room watching their new movies, playing with their new toys and enjoying our family.
12/17/08
IT'S A MIRACLE
Yes, I made it through the majority of my to do list yesterday. I did not get to the playroom, however, and that comes today...god help me. I do not exaggerate when I tell you it looks like a bomb exploded in there. No matter how many times I try to organize that room it is to no avail. A is not a organized kid. He likes his toys all around him in a heap. He throws them from the toy box, the drawers and the boxes that I use to keep it organized. I promise he will do that before the end of the day today, but only AFTER I have worked my butt off to clean it up.
Last night was the boys' holiday show. And I will blog more about that later. It is my favorite time of the year. And, honestly, just sitting here thinking about it, I am getting teary again...
But right now I want to talk about the miracle that we found yesterday. Something that took 10 LONG years to find me:
NUMBING EAR DROPS
Why has it taken 10 years to find these? Why has no doctor informed me of this miracle before now?
All 3 of the boys (including my stepson) have had tubes. A is on his third set and, without a doubt in my mind, will need a fourth.
This poor kid has been sick since the day he was born. Both my kids have immune systems that seem to grab hold of anything within a few feet from them and it doesn't let go until it has been sure to wreak havoc through their entire bodies and pass it along to anyone unfortunate enough to come in contact with them (my poor sister can probably blame her children's last 10 sicknesses on my kids). But, poor A has a constant runny nose, a cough that starts in October and ends in June and ear infections upon ear infections upon ear infections (unless his tubes are working properly and then they just drain this stinky, sticky fluid - gross, believe you me).
I am not big on antibiotics (and I think I have shared this in the past). Antibiotics are used for BACTERIA and most ear infections are caused by VIRUSES (like the common cold). Therefore, giving a kid (or anyone) an antibiotic to "cure" a virus is not only ineffective but almost as havoc wreaking as the virus itself. Antibiotics kill most all bacteria in its path (including the good stuff that lives in your small intestine - which is what leads to "the runs" when you take antibiotics). The bacteria that it DOESN'T kill then starts to become resistant to antibiotics (this also happens if you don't take the antibiotics correctly) and we end up with the super bacterias like MRSA. Having said all that, when kids get ear infections if they do not clear up quickly enough it is possible that the fluid sitting in the Eustachian tubes will grow bacteria and they DO need antibiotics - but there is no way for a doctor to know by looking at it. Of course, antibiotics are AMAZING as well, just way over prescribed and thought of as a necessity by too many people (including doctors).*
Okay, off my soapbox and back to my story...
I don't often bring him to the doctor if he has an ear infection because I know that, most of the time, they clear up on their own. His pediatrician has been great about working with me on this and agrees that, more often than not, antibiotics are unnecessary when treating ear infections.
This one was bad, however. A had been sick for over a week, had a strange rash all over his body (that the medical assistant tried to tell me was a heat rash - I asked her to step outside to remind herself of the temperatures) and, most importantly, he had his holiday show that night and he NEEDED to get to it. No way was I going to keep him from it. But he was MISERABLE and I knew we needed to take action.
So off to the doctor we went. Well, actually, off to the nurse practitioner since all the doctors were booked. We spent about 5 minutes in the office (she informed me that the "rash" was just his eczema acting up and it appeared to be inflamed because of his virus) and left with two prescriptions, an antibiotic and THE MIRACLE: numbing ear drops. I am okay with the antibiotics this time since the stuff coming out of him is colors that only show up in nightclubs lit with black lights. In other words, it was neon green. But the miracle, oh the miracle of all miracles (makes me think of Fiddler on the Roof* - I told you I was a geek) were the numbing ear drops.
It makes me wonder why I was never given these before. I do not joke when I say that my kids have had more ear infections than I can count on both my fingers and toes. And everyone that I have spoken with about them since says, "oh, I have about 3 of those bottles in my medicine cabinet, I would have given you one" or "you've never heard of those".
After bombarding the nurse practitioner about the safety of them I have decided (with her help) that from now on, we will be using those ear drops at the slightest sign of an ear infection. Since they also loosen wax (which tends to build up around A's tube) it will help keep his ear clear so they can drain on their own.
And, I fully intend on bombarding his regular pediatrician with questions next time I see him (which will, more than likely be sooner rather than later) as to WHY he has never prescribed these before - because, as you parents know, ear infections only seem to bother them in the middle of the night when nothing in the world you do can console them!
And, most importantly, A made it to his show last night and performed perfectly! More to come on that in a later post...
*I am not a doctor, I do not play one on TV and I do not pretend to be one. If you have concerns about antibiotics speak with your doctor. Google it, do some of your own research and don't diagnose your kids yourself (like I tend to do).
*
Last night was the boys' holiday show. And I will blog more about that later. It is my favorite time of the year. And, honestly, just sitting here thinking about it, I am getting teary again...
But right now I want to talk about the miracle that we found yesterday. Something that took 10 LONG years to find me:
NUMBING EAR DROPS
Why has it taken 10 years to find these? Why has no doctor informed me of this miracle before now?
All 3 of the boys (including my stepson) have had tubes. A is on his third set and, without a doubt in my mind, will need a fourth.
This poor kid has been sick since the day he was born. Both my kids have immune systems that seem to grab hold of anything within a few feet from them and it doesn't let go until it has been sure to wreak havoc through their entire bodies and pass it along to anyone unfortunate enough to come in contact with them (my poor sister can probably blame her children's last 10 sicknesses on my kids). But, poor A has a constant runny nose, a cough that starts in October and ends in June and ear infections upon ear infections upon ear infections (unless his tubes are working properly and then they just drain this stinky, sticky fluid - gross, believe you me).
I am not big on antibiotics (and I think I have shared this in the past). Antibiotics are used for BACTERIA and most ear infections are caused by VIRUSES (like the common cold). Therefore, giving a kid (or anyone) an antibiotic to "cure" a virus is not only ineffective but almost as havoc wreaking as the virus itself. Antibiotics kill most all bacteria in its path (including the good stuff that lives in your small intestine - which is what leads to "the runs" when you take antibiotics). The bacteria that it DOESN'T kill then starts to become resistant to antibiotics (this also happens if you don't take the antibiotics correctly) and we end up with the super bacterias like MRSA. Having said all that, when kids get ear infections if they do not clear up quickly enough it is possible that the fluid sitting in the Eustachian tubes will grow bacteria and they DO need antibiotics - but there is no way for a doctor to know by looking at it. Of course, antibiotics are AMAZING as well, just way over prescribed and thought of as a necessity by too many people (including doctors).*
Okay, off my soapbox and back to my story...
I don't often bring him to the doctor if he has an ear infection because I know that, most of the time, they clear up on their own. His pediatrician has been great about working with me on this and agrees that, more often than not, antibiotics are unnecessary when treating ear infections.
This one was bad, however. A had been sick for over a week, had a strange rash all over his body (that the medical assistant tried to tell me was a heat rash - I asked her to step outside to remind herself of the temperatures) and, most importantly, he had his holiday show that night and he NEEDED to get to it. No way was I going to keep him from it. But he was MISERABLE and I knew we needed to take action.
So off to the doctor we went. Well, actually, off to the nurse practitioner since all the doctors were booked. We spent about 5 minutes in the office (she informed me that the "rash" was just his eczema acting up and it appeared to be inflamed because of his virus) and left with two prescriptions, an antibiotic and THE MIRACLE: numbing ear drops. I am okay with the antibiotics this time since the stuff coming out of him is colors that only show up in nightclubs lit with black lights. In other words, it was neon green. But the miracle, oh the miracle of all miracles (makes me think of Fiddler on the Roof* - I told you I was a geek) were the numbing ear drops.
It makes me wonder why I was never given these before. I do not joke when I say that my kids have had more ear infections than I can count on both my fingers and toes. And everyone that I have spoken with about them since says, "oh, I have about 3 of those bottles in my medicine cabinet, I would have given you one" or "you've never heard of those".
After bombarding the nurse practitioner about the safety of them I have decided (with her help) that from now on, we will be using those ear drops at the slightest sign of an ear infection. Since they also loosen wax (which tends to build up around A's tube) it will help keep his ear clear so they can drain on their own.
And, I fully intend on bombarding his regular pediatrician with questions next time I see him (which will, more than likely be sooner rather than later) as to WHY he has never prescribed these before - because, as you parents know, ear infections only seem to bother them in the middle of the night when nothing in the world you do can console them!
And, most importantly, A made it to his show last night and performed perfectly! More to come on that in a later post...
*I am not a doctor, I do not play one on TV and I do not pretend to be one. If you have concerns about antibiotics speak with your doctor. Google it, do some of your own research and don't diagnose your kids yourself (like I tend to do).
*
12/15/08
TO DO:
Every day I have a list of things to do. More often than not I forget or put it off or get involved in something else until 5pm comes along and I think "WTF have I been doing all day?". Then at bed time I lie awake thinking of all the things I need to do the next day. It is not uncommon for me to grab my cell phone and start making up lists of things I NEED to remember to do. Sometimes it helps. Other times I ignore it long enough that I forget about it. I am such a procrastinator.
We have had some type of cold bug in our house for over a week. Needless to say, my house is trashed. TRASHED! From top to bottom. But today I have the day off and today is the day it HAS to be taken care of. Before I lose my mind...
So today I have a list. I am giving myself permission to hop on the computer after I finish each thing and check it off (and maybe check my Facebook too 'cause I am busy whopping Nicki's butt at Scrabble and can't let it go too long between turns).
We have had some type of cold bug in our house for over a week. Needless to say, my house is trashed. TRASHED! From top to bottom. But today I have the day off and today is the day it HAS to be taken care of. Before I lose my mind...
So today I have a list. I am giving myself permission to hop on the computer after I finish each thing and check it off (and maybe check my Facebook too 'cause I am busy whopping Nicki's butt at Scrabble and can't let it go too long between turns).
Make beef stew and bread for tonight's dinner- Clean out A's playroom
LAUNDRY (and NO this does not mean washing and drying it all to leave it on the couch - you have to fold it too)Wash sheetsWash, dry and put away dishesSweep the kitchen floorVacuum living roomandsweep stairsFill Andrew's prescription (for the stinky ear infection)Make bed with clean sheetsFind A's costume for holiday playBathe both boysDinner done and eaten by 5- **Edited to add** Don't beat yourself up if you don't finish everything
Call Sarah and check in on her (preferably while you are doing one of the other chores)
I have 3 hours to complete it all before the kids make it home from school. We have their holiday play tonight so there won't be much time to do anything after they get home...
So if you try and call and I don't answer its because Newsies and Les Mis are turned up full blast and I can't hear anything...wish me luck!
**Edited** Confessions:
I did not make the beef stew because, apparently, beef left in the fridge for a week is no longer good (at least it didn't smell or look good when I opened it).
I did not actually TALK to Sarah. She was at work when I called but I told her I was thinking of her and to give me a call when she could.
The playroom will have to wait for another day...although it NEEDS to be done before Santa comes. He will not leaves presents at a house where the kids moms haven't cleaned up the messes.
The stories of apartment life
The background:
We moved into our apartment about a year and a half ago to escape my crazy mother in law. God love her...I do not exaggerate. She is certifiably crazy. We tried to make it work, honestly but it got to be too much.
We love our new home. It is close to the kids school. It is close to downtown (and the streets roll up at 9pm around here so noise isn't an issue either). There are parks and stores and, most importantly, a Dunkin Donuts all within walking distance. Lately I have even been walking to work.
The apartment we live in is in a building with 5 other apartments. There are only two on our side of the building, we rarely see the other residents. In the past year and a half we have had 4 different tenants in our side of the building. We have been relatively happy with them all and whenever we have gotten frustrated just reminded ourselves that we live in an apartment building. We can only expect so much. We are sharing space with these people.
This summer a single, older gentleman moved in downstairs. He seems nice enough. He has never once complained about the noises "from above" (us) and I know for a fact that my children are rarely, if ever, light footed when walking. He chain smokes on the front porch and, often, fall asleep there (which only totally freaked me out the first few times when I thought he was dead). He plays his music VERY loudly (because he is deaf as a doorknob, but again, that works in our favor) and, usually, turns it down by 8pm when we put the kids to bed - so I never complain. He has his son over every weekend and even he seems like a nice enough pre-teen (and we all know how rare it is to find a nice pre-teen).
I know he has mental problems. He has been candid sharing his issues with us. He doesn't work because he collects disability. And lately I have noticed that he has been acting more "manic" than usual....
The story:
About a week ago he informs me that he is looking for a job. Something part time to help make ends meet. I tried not to discourage him but reminded him that, in our small town and with the economy, there wasn't much out there.
After an afternoon of looking he decided that he couldn't find anything and instead was going to write a book. "A book about what", I ask. "My life, my mental illness". Again, trying not to discourage I tell him it sounds like a great idea, that I am sure there are many people out there that can relate.
The next day he informs me that he has about 16 or 17 books he can write with everything that has happened in his life. He tells me that he has hundreds of pages from the state mental hospital that his PCP is getting for him...I stifle a laugh and encourage him again. I even went as far as telling him to start a blog of his own, that if he got enough advertisers that he could make money that way (knowing that he is more likely to make money with a blog then by publishing an actual book). He tells me what he is planning on doing with his first million...I start to wonder how stable he is.
Please know that I do not make fun of people with mental disabilities. You have to admit, however, his behavior is humorous. There are funny things that happen. It is not like Kirby and I blatantly make fun of him...although we have enjoyed a few laughs at his expense in the comfort of our home, behind closed doors.
The next evening I go out to the front porch and he is sleeping. He wakes up as soon as the door closes and starts talking. He tells me that his PCP got his medical records from the state mental hospital, asks me if I want to read them. I (have a really hard time saying no to people) tell him sure, I would love to read them. He runs inside and grabs a stack of 20 or so.
And then I get scared. Not scared for my life, but nervous about what I am reading and, again, nervous about how stable he is. He has been diagnosed with both bi-polar and schizophrenia. The most recent document was from June of this year. I do the math. He was released in June and came right here...I tell Kirby to lock the door every time he comes through it from now on.
He recently had a friend move in. The music has gotten louder. There is fighting all hours of the day. The music plays well into the night. I have contemplated calling the police but I don't. Again, I rationalize that we live in an apartment building. You can't expect to have peace and quiet all the time. He has never complained about us - I don't want to complain about him.
Last night, as we are sitting down for dinner, there is a knock on the door. "Merry Christmas" he says handing me a bag. I open it and find two lobsters inside. "Where did you get these", I asked, knowing that he is tight for money but more in shock that he is giving me lobster when all I planned to give him was a $5 gift certificate to the local convenience store to buy a pack of smokes. "I bought them," he said, "what did you think...I STOLE them." I gave him a hug, thanked him and brought them upstairs where the kids enjoyed playing with them while we boiled water. I DID NOT tell him that his stealing them was the EXACT thought that had crossed my mind.
At 11pm I can still feel the pulsing of the bass from his music under my feet. I ask Kirby if it is "bad form" to call the police on the neighbor that just gave you lobster. He says it probably is and we should let it go for a little while. Eventually, about the time Kirby and I head to bed (around 11:30pm) the music has quieted down. But as I am lying in the bed (willing the sleep to come) I hear lots of banging, a few slamming doors, a bit of arguing (and we are on the third floor- he is on the first). I ignore it and eventually fall asleep only to be rudely awoken again at 3:30am.
At first I couldn't figure out what woke me up. I thought it was because I had to pee and made my way down to the bathroom...where I feel the pulsing of the music, again, beneath my feet. I can clearly hear what he is listening to (Nickleback for anyone interested). I am beyond annoyed. Again, I contemplate calling the police. I decide that if I am unable to fall asleep because of the music that I will - but I do, peacefully.
This afternoon Kirby is talking with a few of our neighbors friends and realizes that he has been taken back to the state hospital. He had become so manic that he was ordering thousands of dollars of electronics, furniture, wine and, ummmm, lobster.
Ah, crap. Now I feel like a jerk. I accepted lobster from a man that I know is not living within his means. I took lobster from a man who will probably never be able to pay off the credit cards that he used to buy the lobster. I took lobster from a man who was taken to the state mental hospital the very next day...
We moved into our apartment about a year and a half ago to escape my crazy mother in law. God love her...I do not exaggerate. She is certifiably crazy. We tried to make it work, honestly but it got to be too much.
We love our new home. It is close to the kids school. It is close to downtown (and the streets roll up at 9pm around here so noise isn't an issue either). There are parks and stores and, most importantly, a Dunkin Donuts all within walking distance. Lately I have even been walking to work.
The apartment we live in is in a building with 5 other apartments. There are only two on our side of the building, we rarely see the other residents. In the past year and a half we have had 4 different tenants in our side of the building. We have been relatively happy with them all and whenever we have gotten frustrated just reminded ourselves that we live in an apartment building. We can only expect so much. We are sharing space with these people.
This summer a single, older gentleman moved in downstairs. He seems nice enough. He has never once complained about the noises "from above" (us) and I know for a fact that my children are rarely, if ever, light footed when walking. He chain smokes on the front porch and, often, fall asleep there (which only totally freaked me out the first few times when I thought he was dead). He plays his music VERY loudly (because he is deaf as a doorknob, but again, that works in our favor) and, usually, turns it down by 8pm when we put the kids to bed - so I never complain. He has his son over every weekend and even he seems like a nice enough pre-teen (and we all know how rare it is to find a nice pre-teen).
I know he has mental problems. He has been candid sharing his issues with us. He doesn't work because he collects disability. And lately I have noticed that he has been acting more "manic" than usual....
The story:
About a week ago he informs me that he is looking for a job. Something part time to help make ends meet. I tried not to discourage him but reminded him that, in our small town and with the economy, there wasn't much out there.
After an afternoon of looking he decided that he couldn't find anything and instead was going to write a book. "A book about what", I ask. "My life, my mental illness". Again, trying not to discourage I tell him it sounds like a great idea, that I am sure there are many people out there that can relate.
The next day he informs me that he has about 16 or 17 books he can write with everything that has happened in his life. He tells me that he has hundreds of pages from the state mental hospital that his PCP is getting for him...I stifle a laugh and encourage him again. I even went as far as telling him to start a blog of his own, that if he got enough advertisers that he could make money that way (knowing that he is more likely to make money with a blog then by publishing an actual book). He tells me what he is planning on doing with his first million...I start to wonder how stable he is.
Please know that I do not make fun of people with mental disabilities. You have to admit, however, his behavior is humorous. There are funny things that happen. It is not like Kirby and I blatantly make fun of him...although we have enjoyed a few laughs at his expense in the comfort of our home, behind closed doors.
The next evening I go out to the front porch and he is sleeping. He wakes up as soon as the door closes and starts talking. He tells me that his PCP got his medical records from the state mental hospital, asks me if I want to read them. I (have a really hard time saying no to people) tell him sure, I would love to read them. He runs inside and grabs a stack of 20 or so.
And then I get scared. Not scared for my life, but nervous about what I am reading and, again, nervous about how stable he is. He has been diagnosed with both bi-polar and schizophrenia. The most recent document was from June of this year. I do the math. He was released in June and came right here...I tell Kirby to lock the door every time he comes through it from now on.
He recently had a friend move in. The music has gotten louder. There is fighting all hours of the day. The music plays well into the night. I have contemplated calling the police but I don't. Again, I rationalize that we live in an apartment building. You can't expect to have peace and quiet all the time. He has never complained about us - I don't want to complain about him.
Last night, as we are sitting down for dinner, there is a knock on the door. "Merry Christmas" he says handing me a bag. I open it and find two lobsters inside. "Where did you get these", I asked, knowing that he is tight for money but more in shock that he is giving me lobster when all I planned to give him was a $5 gift certificate to the local convenience store to buy a pack of smokes. "I bought them," he said, "what did you think...I STOLE them." I gave him a hug, thanked him and brought them upstairs where the kids enjoyed playing with them while we boiled water. I DID NOT tell him that his stealing them was the EXACT thought that had crossed my mind.
At 11pm I can still feel the pulsing of the bass from his music under my feet. I ask Kirby if it is "bad form" to call the police on the neighbor that just gave you lobster. He says it probably is and we should let it go for a little while. Eventually, about the time Kirby and I head to bed (around 11:30pm) the music has quieted down. But as I am lying in the bed (willing the sleep to come) I hear lots of banging, a few slamming doors, a bit of arguing (and we are on the third floor- he is on the first). I ignore it and eventually fall asleep only to be rudely awoken again at 3:30am.
At first I couldn't figure out what woke me up. I thought it was because I had to pee and made my way down to the bathroom...where I feel the pulsing of the music, again, beneath my feet. I can clearly hear what he is listening to (Nickleback for anyone interested). I am beyond annoyed. Again, I contemplate calling the police. I decide that if I am unable to fall asleep because of the music that I will - but I do, peacefully.
This afternoon Kirby is talking with a few of our neighbors friends and realizes that he has been taken back to the state hospital. He had become so manic that he was ordering thousands of dollars of electronics, furniture, wine and, ummmm, lobster.
Ah, crap. Now I feel like a jerk. I accepted lobster from a man that I know is not living within his means. I took lobster from a man who will probably never be able to pay off the credit cards that he used to buy the lobster. I took lobster from a man who was taken to the state mental hospital the very next day...
12/12/08
What's for dinner?
In our house tonight we are having an easy peasy casserole with chicken, rice and cream of mushroom soup with sliced pears and raw baby carrots. Easy, delicious, relatively low fat...
So what is the problem you may ask (because dinner time in our house is ALWAYS a problem).
The problem is that one of my kids always doesn't like something.
Z loves the rice - A does not.
A loves the mushrooms - Z does not.
They will both eat the fruit and vegetable (which is why it is all RAW and not even steamed).
I can do nothing right when it comes to dinner. Unless we are making macaroni and cheese every night of the week I am screwed.
Kirby and I are trying to lose some weight (TRYING is the operative word). This means the meals need to be a little healthier around here. I'm not saying we need to cut out anything or even mac and cheese completely - but we do need to make an effort.
I am taking any and all ideas you have for a healthy, easy, kid friendly meal.
**Edited to add: A asked, as I was dishing the casserole onto his plate, "EEEWWW, WHAT IS THAT?" Neither even took two bites of their casserole (even though Z said "I KNOW I am going to like this) but they did finish their pear and carrots. Z even had a few bites of the lobster that we got as a Christmas present (more on that later).
And, after having a discussion with Kirby last night about trying to lose weight, he brought out the cookies as soon as he was finished his dinner. I swear, it is a losing battle in this house.**
So what is the problem you may ask (because dinner time in our house is ALWAYS a problem).
The problem is that one of my kids always doesn't like something.
Z loves the rice - A does not.
A loves the mushrooms - Z does not.
They will both eat the fruit and vegetable (which is why it is all RAW and not even steamed).
I can do nothing right when it comes to dinner. Unless we are making macaroni and cheese every night of the week I am screwed.
Kirby and I are trying to lose some weight (TRYING is the operative word). This means the meals need to be a little healthier around here. I'm not saying we need to cut out anything or even mac and cheese completely - but we do need to make an effort.
I am taking any and all ideas you have for a healthy, easy, kid friendly meal.
**Edited to add: A asked, as I was dishing the casserole onto his plate, "EEEWWW, WHAT IS THAT?" Neither even took two bites of their casserole (even though Z said "I KNOW I am going to like this) but they did finish their pear and carrots. Z even had a few bites of the lobster that we got as a Christmas present (more on that later).
And, after having a discussion with Kirby last night about trying to lose weight, he brought out the cookies as soon as he was finished his dinner. I swear, it is a losing battle in this house.**
WE HAVE A WINNER!
I want to send a huge congratulations to Marcy at The Glamorous Life the winner of the $25 Home Depot Gift Card. Now she can get her husband something for Christmas!
Be sure to stop on over her way and leave your congratulations!
Thank you all for playing and sending your friends and following the blog! This was a ton of fun!
Be sure to stop on over her way and leave your congratulations!
Thank you all for playing and sending your friends and following the blog! This was a ton of fun!
12/11/08
Kids think up the darndest things and try to manipulate you every step of the way
If you are here for the contest please click HERE. The contest will end on Thursday December 11th (today) and the prize will be mailed out Monday. I hope to post this winner this evening! You can earn multiple entries so go forth and spread the word.
The grocery store in town is collecting toys for the needy. While I was there last week with the boys A was enthralled by the large box filled with toys. Of course, he saw something that he wanted...
If you don't know my kid then you probably aren't aware that this incident is prime meltdown material.
I take his hand and say, "I know, honey, those are really cool toys."
He throws himself to the ground.
"A..., those toys aren't for us, we need to go now."
"BUT, I WAAAAAAANT IT", dragging his feet the whole time...
I get him out of the store, he is still screaming.
"I understand, A, but those toys are for children whose parents don't have a lot of money to buy them things."
His eyes widen, his face perks up....he is putting it together.
"Do YOU have A LOT of money, Mommy."
I smile, I know where he is going with this...
"Well, no, not A LOT of money, sweetie."
"Then those toys are for ME!"'
Ah, crap. How do you explain this to a kid who is so black and white? He's too smart for my good and just doesn't get that gray area enough for me to explain to him the difference...
What a monster.
The grocery store in town is collecting toys for the needy. While I was there last week with the boys A was enthralled by the large box filled with toys. Of course, he saw something that he wanted...
If you don't know my kid then you probably aren't aware that this incident is prime meltdown material.
I take his hand and say, "I know, honey, those are really cool toys."
He throws himself to the ground.
"A..., those toys aren't for us, we need to go now."
"BUT, I WAAAAAAANT IT", dragging his feet the whole time...
I get him out of the store, he is still screaming.
"I understand, A, but those toys are for children whose parents don't have a lot of money to buy them things."
His eyes widen, his face perks up....he is putting it together.
"Do YOU have A LOT of money, Mommy."
I smile, I know where he is going with this...
"Well, no, not A LOT of money, sweetie."
"Then those toys are for ME!"'
Ah, crap. How do you explain this to a kid who is so black and white? He's too smart for my good and just doesn't get that gray area enough for me to explain to him the difference...
What a monster.
Pepper and Milk
Can someone please tell me which one of those monsters poured pepper in the milk jug? And can you tell me why I found it AFTER I had already poured it on my cereal? And why now I have this HUGE craving for a nice bowl of cereal but we don't have ANY milk? And why it is snowing like crazy and the weather reports are telling us to stay indoors and off the roads so I can't even get a jug of milk?
Seriously! This is how my day begins...
I'm just thankful it didn't take a big spoonful for me to figure that one out.
Oh yeah, if you are here about the contest scroll down. I am too P.O.ed right now to bother with putting it all up there.
Seriously! This is how my day begins...
I'm just thankful it didn't take a big spoonful for me to figure that one out.
Oh yeah, if you are here about the contest scroll down. I am too P.O.ed right now to bother with putting it all up there.
12/10/08
I am either old or a total geek...
If you are here for the contest click HERE. The contest will end on Thursday December 11th and the prize will be mailed out on Monday. You can earn multiple entries so go forth and spread the word!
We take a break from our regularly scheduled cleaning to let you all know what a dork I am.
Can I tell you what got me motivated to do the housecleaning today (even though I am stuffy and cranky and just feel, overall, crappy)? Newsies. Don't know what Newsies is? Go here. (Christian Bale may die a little inside every time someone brings this up...after all he went from singing newsboy to Batman...a bit of a change - honestly this is when I first fell in love with him.)
Want a better idea? Watch these:
So I recently acquired an IPod (more on that in a later blog) and last night I uploaded a bunch of my old CDs including The Newsies Soundtrack and today I was a cleaning fool. Working up a sweat, singing at the top of my lungs...hope the neighbors couldn't hear me...crying at parts, dancing...I swear I could have been on stage (okay, maybe not, but my bathroom sure felt like a stage). And before I was singing from The Newsies I was singing from Les Miserables...it's my "Showtunes" playlist (although neither are REALLY showtunes...).
I feel a little cheesy and even a little more old (as if living through Sunday wasn't bad enough). Reminds me of my high school days - sitting on my boyfriend's couch, singing along (how did I not know he was gay???). We actually performed a Newsies song in chorus (yes, he was in chorus with me too...how did I not know....seriously!).
What gets you motivated? Is it something you might be embarrassed to admit to anyone? (I tell you, Kirby will NEVER see my doing that and my kids - ugh, I would never live it down.) I want to hear all about it!
We take a break from our regularly scheduled cleaning to let you all know what a dork I am.
Can I tell you what got me motivated to do the housecleaning today (even though I am stuffy and cranky and just feel, overall, crappy)? Newsies. Don't know what Newsies is? Go here. (Christian Bale may die a little inside every time someone brings this up...after all he went from singing newsboy to Batman...a bit of a change - honestly this is when I first fell in love with him.)
Want a better idea? Watch these:
So I recently acquired an IPod (more on that in a later blog) and last night I uploaded a bunch of my old CDs including The Newsies Soundtrack and today I was a cleaning fool. Working up a sweat, singing at the top of my lungs...hope the neighbors couldn't hear me...crying at parts, dancing...I swear I could have been on stage (okay, maybe not, but my bathroom sure felt like a stage). And before I was singing from The Newsies I was singing from Les Miserables...it's my "Showtunes" playlist (although neither are REALLY showtunes...).
I feel a little cheesy and even a little more old (as if living through Sunday wasn't bad enough). Reminds me of my high school days - sitting on my boyfriend's couch, singing along (how did I not know he was gay???). We actually performed a Newsies song in chorus (yes, he was in chorus with me too...how did I not know....seriously!).
What gets you motivated? Is it something you might be embarrassed to admit to anyone? (I tell you, Kirby will NEVER see my doing that and my kids - ugh, I would never live it down.) I want to hear all about it!
12/9/08
A night out with....zzzzzzz....I'm sorry - what were you saying?
If you are here for the contest click HERE. The contest will end on Thursday December 11th and the prize will be mailed out on Monday. You can earn multiple entries so go forth and spread the word!
I have discovered just how old I really am. Remember when I turned 30? Remember how I told you all that 30 was NOT old? Well, this weekend I discovered that it is.
We had a relative busy weekend. Really we only had a busy Saturday but it felt like it lasted all weekend. That is how old I really am.
My nephew's celebrated their birthdays on Saturday and had a joint/open house birthday party. I, of course, had not picked up their presents. So after working for a bit that morning we went off to buy their gifts. I wrapped in the car (or really just threw them into gift bags) and off we went to celebrate.
Z was staying with my sister for the night and A had his very first sleepover and Grampie and Nana Sue's. Kirby and I were headed out for a night with old friends.
We were all nervous about the sleepover and were grateful to hear that Nana Sue would be sleeping in the spare bedroom with A. He is an awful sleeper and often gets up a half dozen times a night. He was also very nervous about the sleepover. Being autistic he loves his routine and this was way off course for him.
After dropping the boys Kirby and I headed out for dinner before we met our friends. The plan was to meet at a bar around 8pm.
7:30pm: I was ready to get on with it. I wanted the night to be started already. And I wanted it to be over shortly after.
8pm: We meet at the bar that is EMPTY because nobody really starts going out until 10 or so. I have already had one drink (because we got there a little early) and am ready to start working on my second (or fall asleep on the comfy leather couches that we were sitting on).
Chris, Josiah (the Birthday Boy) and me
9: Josiah is in the middle of a very interesting story. We are sitting side by side on those comfy leather couches. He's talking away and I yawn. Right in his face. Horrifying. Embarrassing. He looked at me, rolled his eyes and turned away. One of my oldest, dearest friends. I haven't seen him in a few months. It is his birthday and I can't stop yawning.
In my defense, aside from Chris, Kirby and I are the only ones with kids. And Chris only has his kids part time. We are the only ones that go out once every 6 months. Still, it is only 9 and I am so exhausted I can't even suppress a yawn in someone's face?! O-L-D!
Me and Kirby laughing at something hysterical Will is sharing
Me, Will and Leah - the last bar
11: We decide that the first bar has gotten a bit to "yuppy" for the rest of us. It is time to find another bar. ANOTHER BAR? This bar, although less yuppy, is PACKED. Standing room only...I refuse to stand all night in a bar...I am too old for this. Eventually we get a table for the 5 of us, we sit, we drink a bit more, we visit...
Thankfully, I am not the only one that is exhausted:
Chris the DD...
Kirby and I made it home a bit after 1am. The house was quiet, there are no kids...nobody to wake us in the middle of the night. Nobody to interrupt our quiet time together.
I FELL ASLEEP.
Let's be honest here, I am sure you parents can relate, time without the children is so infrequent that we do our best to enjoy every moment of it. To take advantage of every second alone with our significant others. Not me...I sleep.
Seriously...can't even enjoy a night without the children. I fell asleep probably before my head even hit the pillow.
8am: Alarm rings for us to get up and go pick up the kids from their sleepovers. I scream at it to shut the hell up - I am trying to sleep.
9am: After hitting the snooze button 6 times I scream at the alarm again...but roll out of bed and hop in the shower...
And all day Sunday all I wanted to do was sleep.
It was a wonderful night. I love to see Josiah and Leah. We were the best of friends in high school - we were inseparable. We don't get together nearly enough. This time was to celebrate Josiah's birthday. In fact, the last time the three of us were together was to celebrate Josiah's birthday...we need to get together more often.
Maybe next time we can do a nice game night...maybe Bridge or Cribbage or Canasta...aren't those the games that old people play?
Oh, and for anyone interested, A had a great sleepover with Grampie and Nana Sue. Although, I am not sure how often his old parents will be enlisting them for help anymore...
12/8/08
It's all about the contest!
One year ago I started this blog because Z's class had started one. I thought it would be something fun that the kids and I could do together. Little did I know that this would become a place of free therapy for me and that I would make so many good friends.
So today is about paying it forward. In the past couple months I have won two WONDERFUL prizes and now I am offering you the chance to win too!
Now, I don't have hundreds of sponsors, I don't have businesses knocking on my door begging me to endorse their product and I don't have hundreds of dollars to give away...
But I do have this:
So today is about paying it forward. In the past couple months I have won two WONDERFUL prizes and now I am offering you the chance to win too!
Now, I don't have hundreds of sponsors, I don't have businesses knocking on my door begging me to endorse their product and I don't have hundreds of dollars to give away...
But I do have this:
Tell me your hubbies wouldn't LOVE this stocking stuffer? Maybe your Dad or even your Mom? Maybe you want to spend this all on yourself?
Whatever way you choose to use this card it could be all yours by following the next few steps:
1) You MUST comment here - that will automatically get you ONE entry
2) If you are interested in a second entry become a follower of my blog (there is a link to the right to become a follower - if you are already a follower you will get an extra entry as soon as you comment)
3) You will receive another entry if you refer someone to the contest - be sure that they leave your name when they comment
4) Browse through my archive and leave a comment on an older post (some of my favorites are to the right) - this will get you another entry
5) And lastly, if you blog about this contest and link it here you will receive 5 additional entries (be sure that you let me know you have blogged so I can give you the entry)
You have the opportunity to win, at least, 9 entries if you play your cards right...so easy!
This contest will end Thursday December 11th and the prize will be sent by Monday December 15th as long as the winner gets back to me in time with their mailing address (this should allow plenty of time to arrive before Christmas).
There it is. The first official bloggy contest of Crazy Town, USA. Go forth, spread the word and ENJOY!
12/5/08
My very first contest!
The contest to celebrate my Bloggiversary is set to begin on Monday, December 8th. Check back and be ready to become AMAZED...
Okay, I may be playing it up just a bit...but just a bit...I think :)
Look forward to seeing you all here on Monday, Monday, MONDAY!
Okay, I may be playing it up just a bit...but just a bit...I think :)
Look forward to seeing you all here on Monday, Monday, MONDAY!
12/3/08
I totally won!!
As I am sure most of you know, SITS had an AMAZING day yesterday! We all celebrated Christmas early with a day full of prizes.
The MOST exciting news is that I WON!! I won the prize that I knew I was going to win. I don't know how I knew, just had a feeling. And my new baby niece is going to LOVE her personalized snap suits and monogrammed blanket from Two Tinas!
I have not been a very good blogger lately. Things have calmed down in our home, but just in time for the holiday rush. So apologies to anyone that I have been neglecting (and just a note to those of you that use the new comment form that appears at the bottom of the blog and allows you to switch from a google ID to Live Journal, etc...I cannot comment on your page. I don't know if this is a ME issue or if others are having that problem as well...).
A huge thank you to SITS for hosting the contest and Two Tinas for donating. Do me a favor and check them both out. Two Tinas has some of THE CUTEST monogrammed and personalized items and SITS, well, you all know how much I LOVE SITS and Tiffany and Heather worked their fingers to the bone yesterday putting this on.
**Edited to add:**
I will be hosting a contest of my own next week to celebrate my bloggiversary (is that how you spell it??). Keep your eyes peeled on Monday!!
The MOST exciting news is that I WON!! I won the prize that I knew I was going to win. I don't know how I knew, just had a feeling. And my new baby niece is going to LOVE her personalized snap suits and monogrammed blanket from Two Tinas!
I have not been a very good blogger lately. Things have calmed down in our home, but just in time for the holiday rush. So apologies to anyone that I have been neglecting (and just a note to those of you that use the new comment form that appears at the bottom of the blog and allows you to switch from a google ID to Live Journal, etc...I cannot comment on your page. I don't know if this is a ME issue or if others are having that problem as well...).
A huge thank you to SITS for hosting the contest and Two Tinas for donating. Do me a favor and check them both out. Two Tinas has some of THE CUTEST monogrammed and personalized items and SITS, well, you all know how much I LOVE SITS and Tiffany and Heather worked their fingers to the bone yesterday putting this on.
**Edited to add:**
I will be hosting a contest of my own next week to celebrate my bloggiversary (is that how you spell it??). Keep your eyes peeled on Monday!!
12/2/08
SITSmas II
So, I am a moron. Well, not entirely. But when I am excited I don't read well...WTF is up with that?
So, the SITSmas prize giveaway is happening ALL DAY today. Every hour on the hour they are putting up another FANTABULOUS prize.
The GREATEST prize? The one that I want more than ANYTHING (even more than the IPod I swore I NEEDED and the vacuum that I wanted to replace my SUCKY one)...the GRAND PRIZE is a $200 Gift Card for Target!!
Can I just tell you that my children would have the BESTEST Christmas EVER if I won that card!! We are BIG budgeters around here. We plan and plan and budget and budget and this card would nearly DOUBLE what we spend every year. Seriously!
So, back to me being a moron, I was suppose to mention this in my last post...so silly of me. I just got overwhelmed with all the excitement and forgot to read the ENTIRE post about it.
Readers, go check it out! Entire yourself (or not, cause really, I WANT TO WIN).
So, the SITSmas prize giveaway is happening ALL DAY today. Every hour on the hour they are putting up another FANTABULOUS prize.
The GREATEST prize? The one that I want more than ANYTHING (even more than the IPod I swore I NEEDED and the vacuum that I wanted to replace my SUCKY one)...the GRAND PRIZE is a $200 Gift Card for Target!!
Can I just tell you that my children would have the BESTEST Christmas EVER if I won that card!! We are BIG budgeters around here. We plan and plan and budget and budget and this card would nearly DOUBLE what we spend every year. Seriously!
So, back to me being a moron, I was suppose to mention this in my last post...so silly of me. I just got overwhelmed with all the excitement and forgot to read the ENTIRE post about it.
Readers, go check it out! Entire yourself (or not, cause really, I WANT TO WIN).
SITSmas
To all our dearest friends and family,
We hope you are celebrating merrily.
Our lives would never have been complete,
If we somehow didn't all of you meet.
So during this time of holiday cheer,
Be sure to join us all for a beer.
Best wishes everyone,
From out Crazy Family.
The rhyming is done :)
Want to join in on the fun? Go to SITS the are having some amazing giveaways all day!
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