Neener, Neener Neener!

Yesterday as I was getting ready to leave for the wedding, my phone rings. It was the manager where I work telling me she had been informed by the "tech nazi" I was supposed to be working. I knew damn well I was scheduled off yesterday and I explained to her I had a family obligation and was not working. Now I received this phone call at 1:30pm. Apparently, I was supposed to be at work by 9am. So, the TN waited four and a half hours to tell someone I was a no show? What is she up to?

At this point I am fuming and also worried about my job. I left a message with the lead tech, who is awesome by the way, and explained what was going on. There was no way I was going to let TN ruin my night. Luckily, I received a text message and apparently the second coming was reading the wrong schedule!!! Ha! I know she was hoping to get me in trouble and it backfired! Also, she will be away for the next few weeks so I don't have to deal with her.

Lesson of the day....Try reading the correct schedule before attempting to be a bitch!

Dear Screaming Child,

Do I need to remind you that mommy is on the verge of a breakdown. If you would simply tell me what you want instead of having a fit, we could get on with our day. I understand you're upset over not having your favorite cereal for breakfast and I have already apologized to you for not dropping everything and running to the store to buy you more. I was really hoping we could have a nice day today before I have to leave to go to a wedding.

Maybe we could start the day over? I thought I had explained to you that mommy is on the verge of a breakdown and doesn't quite know what is going to finally push her over the edge. I think we should go back in our room and come out and start fresh. Deal?

The Tech Nazi

Before I say anything, I hope the title of this post does not offend anyone (other than who it is about). However, there is no other way to describe this woman.

I recently started a new job about 2 months ago. I'm a pharmacy technician. Not a bad job at all. I have had more jobs since graduating college almost twelve years ago than most people will have in their life. Ironically, none of them had anything to do with either of my Bachelors degrees. Anyway, there is a woman who I work with who has been doing this job for ten years. That is a long time and she really knows her stuff. I have been doing this for about two months. Before I started, I never realized just how much I had to learn. Let me give you the run down:

-Learn the equivalent generic drug to all brand names(it helps)
-How to navigate the computer system. This is also includes refills, new scripts, returning scripts to stock and a whole mess of other fun stuff.
-How to put scripts through the insurance
-How to read a doctor's handwriting and punch in the script exactly how it is written. Yes, doctors do have the worst handwriting!
-Actually pulling the drugs and filling the prescriptions.
-Fighting on the phone with insurance companies.

Thee is much more but I think I may have already bored a few of you. So, I have been trying really hard to learn all this. Everyone I work with is telling me what a great job I am doing which is so nice to hear because I feel like a screw up. In comes the tech nazi. She always has something to say. Constantly putting me down and making me feel like a jerk. She has even put me down in front of customers. Luckily, I only have to deal with her about twice a week, but its still too much.

I really don't know what to do about this woman. I actually loathe her. I've put her in my "thin mint" file. One day I'll tell you who that is. Ugh! I don't know what to do. I know the next time she does something I am going to pull her aside and call her on it. I just hope it doesn't blow up in my face. Any suggestions?

Bad Parenting 101

I am a bad parent. I allow my son to eat goldfish crackers in the supermarket while we are grocery shopping. You want to know the worst part *gasp* they aren't even paid for yet.
I know, I am damning him to a life of selfish behavior by giving in to his every want but that's how I roll.
Alright, I'm off to see how else I can ruin big boy's future....

I love the Rain

It is supposed to rain for the next three days. I guess it is weird that I am excited. I feel justified staying in my pajamas all day and doing nothing. Unfortunatly, I have to work tonight, tomorrow morning and go to a wedding Saturday. Bummer. The day seems so much less chaotic when it rains. Big boy understands that we stay home and play instead of running around to parks all day. I don't feel guilty for not going anywhere either.
I wish I could just crawl up in bed for the next few days and not face the world. I have a feeling things are going to get rough.

Coolest Monkey Ever

Seriously, it is the little things in life that make me smile.

Burnin' Jalapeno Fingers Fajitas

This recipe is for my friend The Virtual Voyeur. It's a really easy recipe and simply adjust the ingredients for how ever many you are feeding. Be warned though, it is extremely hot. If you are not a fan of spicy food, I don't recommend this dish. All you need is:

Bell peppers...I tend to use one of each: yellow, red, orange & green. Cleaned & sliced.

Onions....whatever kind you like. Peeled and sliced.

Jalapeno peppers....as many as you can handle. Sliced and use the seeds for extra heat. I strongly recommend using gloves while cutting the hot peppers.

The next part is up to you. You can use chicken (cut in strips), beef (cut in strips) or shrimp. All at the same time or whatever combo strikes your fancy.

In a large skillet or saucepan saute your onions, jalapenos and bell peppers. Cover and stir occasionally to prevent burning. In a separate sautee pan cook off your chicken or whatever you are using. When chicken /meat/shrimp is finished, add it to the onions & peppers. Now add the fajitas seasoning. It doesn't matter what kind you use. I recommend either Ortega or McCormick. Allow the mixture a few more minutes over the heat to absorb the seasoning.

Serve in warm soft tortillas. I always use the large ones. The small ones are wimpy and you end up with a mess. Add sour cream, hot sauce and cheese to taste. These go great with black beans & rice. Goya is a great pick. Enjoy!

Damn....Tagged Again

Let it be known, I will no longer play the tag game. This is the final one. Nothing personal. I've been tagged by Tales from the Beehive. I love her blog, and the recipes are unbelievable!
So here are seven obscure things you probably never wanted to know about me...

1. I never wanted to get married and have kids. I really enjoyed the peter pan syndrome life I was leading. One morning I woke up and I was married and had a kid. I couldn't be happier! My favorite thing to do is lay around in my pajamas on a rainy day and just relax with my boys!

2. I needed a hysterectomy at 33. I was blessed with severe endometriosis and PCOS. My doctor still can't believe I was able to conceive my son. Miracle.

3. I was a cheerleader in high school. I still cringe thinking about that.

4. I have defects in my knees. Long story short, some tendons attached in the wrong place and three knee surgeries later, they still bother me.

5. I have five older brothers. My mother says if she would have had me first, she would have stopped having kids.

6. I can play the clarinet. I can actually play beautifully. I should have went to college for music. Who knows where I would be right now. However, I would not have my husband and son so I am happy with my choice.

7. I married an amazingly talented man. He is an unbelievable carpenter and he also knows how to shape and glass surf boards. Really cool if you ask me.

There you have it. A few things about me you never asked and didn't want to know.

I've got the Jalapeno fingers!

No really, I'm not joking! They burn so bad. I was making fajitas for dinner and as usual I chopped up some jalapeno peppers. About fifteen minutes later both my middle and pointer fingers on my right hand began burning. I have never had this kind of reaction to hot peppers before. The pain was unbelievable. It was even worse when I ran them under cold water. Poor big boy had the fastest bath of his life because I just couldn't handle the pain.

Thank heavens for google! I actually googled "jalapeno fingers" and came up with a few quick remedies. None of them actually worked. I tried soaking my fingers in cold milk, sour cream, vegetable oil and white vinegar. Not at the same time of course. Fail. One person even said to soak my fingers in bleach. I skipped this suggestion. Either, this person knew me and was hoping to inflict more pain on my poor fingers ( it is possible) or they have tried it them self. Either way, I chose to pass on that. I kept a cold compress on them and they seem fine now except after I was my hands, it brings the pain right back.

Ironically, a girl I work with had this happen to her last week. Of course, for the life of me I couldn't remember what she did for it and she didn't answer her phone. Such is life. Hubby found this entire fiasco to be rather amusing.

Today's lesson...always where gloves when cutting jalapenos. The fajitas were delicious by the way!

I'm sorry

Really I am. I have so much to say and no time to say it. Big boy is really sick AGAIN. I have been working, hubby is logging massive overtime and I just can't seem to get five minutes to myself.
Hopefully, when hubby falls asleep tonight I will be able to sneak out here and grab a few minutes to myself.

Ugh! Still Working On it

Not happy with the layout at all.

Eh, Not So Sure?

I've been messing around with the layout a bit and I'm not sure if I like it. I really liked the way it looked before but I forgot what settings I used and can't get it back....damn!

What do you think.....Any suggestions?

Real Clothes!!!

Finally! I know I am in the minority here but it is so nice to have on a pair of jeans and a light sweater. I am so sick of summer clothes. I'm just ready for the change of season wardrobe swap.
Even though I should be in bed resting, I guess I'll go clean out some drawers in big boy's room since I don't have to pick him up for a few hours. Or I could take a nap.
Decisions, decisions.

Not Again!

How on earth did I get bronchitis again. I knew I was getting sick. Big boy just got over a bug, hubby has been under the weather and know its my turn. Just one problem...who takes care of mom when she is sick?

I just want to crawl in bed with a hot cup of tea and a good movie. Is that to much to ask?

Blah

Not much going on. I have the sadz. I'll try to post when I get home from work.

Goodnight Pool

I feel so guilty right now. Big boy is asleep and we are closing the pool. He is going to be so sad when he realizes there is no more swimming this summer for him. He is not feeling well right now so he wouldn't be able to swim until at least Wednesday and the temperature is supposed to drop into the fifties the next few nights. The water will be way to cold for him....right?

I am trying to justify this anyway I can. I feel so bad.

So True.

The election is less than two months away and wow! I find it sad so many liberals in this country are so hell bent on Obama being this great miracle our country is in such desperate need of. I agree, this country does need a miracle to get out of the economic crisis however, with that, I would think we would need a president with, gee I don't know....EXPERIENCE!

Stress Overload

I have it. I don't remember the last time I had so much going on in my life. I am still trying to get adjusted to being back to work full time. The transition was not that difficult but is definetly taking some getting used to. Big boy had been alright with it but he also has his moments.

Big boy has so many appointments these days that I really don't know whether I am coming or going anymore. It is one thing after another. He hasn't exactly been prince charming lately either. I am just about on my last nerve with that. If he touches the tv one more time after I have told him no (and this is no exaggeration) fifty times in one day I may just get into my truck and keep driving.. He doesn't listen to me and I am at my wits end. I am still pissed at the hospital for not sending me home with an owners manual. I could really use the "troubleshooting" section right now.

My poor hubby has been working tons of overtime and I barely see him anymore. I remember there was a time when I could not wait to be all grown up. What I wouldn't give to be able to go back to my youth (or at least college) for one day.

Well, I guess I need to put my happy face back on and confront the reality that things are going to be hectic for a bit. I think I need to invent an alarm clock that dispenses a valium when the morning alarm goes off. I guarantee it would be the "hot ticket" item this Christmas.

Not a Care in the World

If only life could be so simple. Big boy loves the beach and who can blame him. We all had a great afternoon. I wonder what he is thinking when he is staring out into the ocean?

I don't know what possessed us to bring him up to the beach AFTER his bath though.

Yahoo!!!

Tuesday night at 8pm! The Biggest Loser is back!!! Finally!

The Symbol of Hope

During a time when our county was overcome by grief, fear and anger, a symbol was found in the rubble of the World Trade Center. A cross.

The cross has brought peace and comfort to many who have visited ground zero, many who were never able to bury the remains of the loved one they lost. I may be in the minority in this but I think about that day often. For months after Sept. 11, I was like a scared puppy. I hated coming home from work late because I didn't want to be alone in case something else happened. However, when I read the story of the cross, I felt comforted, not just for me but everyone.

I hope to visit Ground Zero when the cross is brought back and placed within the memorial permanently.

I found this poem earlier, written about that day and it is so overwhelming because now that I am a Mother, I feel so terrible for all the children who lost a parent on that morning.


SPECIAL GARDEN (A Child cry to his Daddy)

In my garden, I will plant some of Daddy's things

The hat he wears for his favorite baseball team.

His special notes he wrote to me.

His favorite songs he likes to sing.

His special collect cars he bought last spring.

His favorite tie that has grease stains.

His favorite fishing pole, even though he has never caught anything.

And I'm going to plant some of my tears, these come from me.

Every night before I go to sleep,

will go out to my special garden and pray over Daddy's things.

(c)copyright Natasha Flowers 2002

I guess what I am trying to say is, though I didn't lose anyone that day, I hope the Cross will give those who did comfort, in knowing their loved one is with God.

A Solemn Day

A day our country will never forget. As I was watching the replay of the morning of September 11th on MSNBC , a range of emotions flooded me and my mind did not know which to process first. I looked at big boy eating his breakfast as happy as can be and thanked God for giving him to me and then felt guilt for all the children who lost a parent on that morning of hell.

Every year, I watch and it is as if I am seeing the footage for the first time. Honestly, on the anniversary of this day, I don't think anything else should be on the television except memorial services. Unfortunately, we do live in an ADD nation and I am afraid one day people will forget.

Cool Weather Ahead

Alright, I have had enough of summer and the warm weather. I am ready to close the pool and break out the jeans and sweaters. I don't want to cringe in fear at the sight of my electric bill much longer either. I just love the fall. In a few weeks we will take big boy to this great pumpkin patch we found last year. I think we'll actually try the hay ride this time. I think he would get a kick out of it.

Bring on the cold weather and the foliage!

Take em all, you'll be fine

Seriously, I can't even explain to you how many pills I process everyday. No wonder our health care is through the roof. Doctors just keep on prescribing them and people fill them, and don't end up using them.

I thought I was going to snap today. "I need my Coumadin RIGHT NOW." You know what lady, pull up some wood, zip your mouth shut and wait until I call your name!

K? Thxbai.

Happy Birthday Kenny

Even though you left us just over a year and a half ago, not a day goes by that we don't think about you. You were the greatest big brother I could have ever asked for and I miss you terribly with each passing day.

I find solace in knowing you are with God and the angels in heaven and no longer feel pain. I pray someone, anyone finds a cure to the horrible disease which forced you from this earth. I have always said cancer is the only thing on this planet that does not discriminate.

Please stop by the American Cancer Society to see what you can do to help put an end to such a horrible disease.

We all miss you Kenny

9/8/1962-5/3/2007

I've Been Tagged

Thanks to Confessions of a Dr. Pepper Addict... ! Now I am supposed to answer all these questions with a one word answer.
1. Where is your cell phone? Counter
2. Where is your significant other? Klee's
3. Your hair color? Brownish
4. Your mother? Unique
5. Your father? Opinionated
6. Your favorite thing? Son
7. Your dream last night? Forgot
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. The room you’re in? Kitchen
10. Your hobby? Photography
11. Your fear? Fire
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you’re not? Dirty
15. One of your wish-list items? Computer
16. Where you grew up? Beach
17. The last thing you did? Laundry
18. What are you wearing? pj's
19. Your TV? Off
20. Your pet? None
21. Your computer? On
22. Your mood? loopy
23. Missing someone? Yes
24. Your car? SUV
25. Something you’re not wearing? Hat
26. Favorite store? J Crew
27. Your summer? Long
28. Love someone? Hubby
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When is the last time you laughed? Dinner
31. Last time you cried? ?

Now I believe I am supposed to tag 7 other blogs. Alright, but I think they have all been tagged already.

The Driftwood Collector....I just love her blog!
J and C and Me...I always find her blog to be both entertaining and inspirational.
Crumbs in my Cleavage...She is dear to me and I admire her.
Top (or bottom) of the World!...because she is a wise ass and I love it!

Honestly, I think everyone else has been tagged! If you haven't yet and would like to be, by all means go for it!!!

Peace in the Madness

I don't know what is is about this picture but I just adore it. Considering all the hell that is happening overseas, this picture, in some strange way puts the entire situation on pause.
I don't know. Maybe I'm finally losing it.

6:47am Saturday

It's Saturday morning. There is no reason anyone should have to be up this early getting ready for work. Damn, TS Hanna will be here by noon and I just want to stay home with big boy and hubby and have a fun rain day. Of course, the road I take to and from work floods terribly, and I know I am going to have the worst time getting home.

Rant over. I'm just tired and cranky.

Here she comes...

So, Hanna is making her way up the east coast. Ugh. I know by the time she gets here tomorrow she will only be a tropical storm but again, ugh. Seriously, everything floods here if we get a twenty minute down pour so I can't image what is will be like after the 4-6 inches of rain which is forecasted.

Alright, I am done venting. I am off to spread my cheer and share my wisdom with others!

Beach Life Prints

Be sure to check out Beach Life Prints. Just a little something hubby and I have been working on. Check back often because new pictures will be added weekly.

The Finished Product....

Hubby really out did himself! I can't get over how great my bike turned out!

Again, Thank you hubby! I love my new bike!

I Love My Bike!

Hubby has done it again. He is the king of dumpster diving. Seriously, I have been amazed over the years at some of his "finds." Then there were times where I wished he had left a few of his treasures right where he found them. Well today Hubby struck gold. I have been wanting a bike for so long but we always put it off for one reason or another.

Now don't let her fool you. She may look like she has seen better days but by this time next week, look out! I am thinking metallic orange. I also have to get a bell and a baby seat for big boy. Scratch that, hubby can haul big boy around.

Anyway, Thank you hubby for my "new" bike. I love it!

Tres Maples

It was such a good feeling today to plant a tree. Hubby named named it Tres Maples since there are three of us. I think the name is pretty darn cute. It is an autumn blaze maple tree and it is supposed to be beautiful in the fall. I'm excited to watch the tree grow with big boy. Before long, I'm sure he will be climbing it! Anyway, just wanted to share a picture of our new tree with everyone!