I don’t update very often. I rarely have time but maybe, just maybe, I will make a habit to try at least once a week. And I think if you add up this one, it’s been twice already. Holy old mother of milk cow, hold your socks on again. I don’t think I’ve ever updated twice in one week.

We had our TeamKid classes last night. We always have so much fun. The kids really enjoy it but I think I enjoy it more than they do. How crazy is that.

Halloween was fun. Lizzie went as a “gothic princess” and Sam was the scary dude from Scary movie. We went all over Troy, into a big subdivision and of course, had to go to Aunt Steffie’s house. They love Aunt Stef and Uncle Dan. This is the first year since we’ve lived in Troy that we haven’t gone trick or treating with them. But it was ok because we dragged Robbie along and made him drive. He doesn’t mind a bit. What a great guy. The city of Troy always has a few “drive thru” places on Halloween set up by the Kiwanis and the Ladies Auxiliary Club. All the stores on Main Street had their decorations out – some were even open late and handing out candy.

Baseball season is over. I heard on the radio that some people actually need psychotherapy after the adrenaline rush is over. I love my baseball and all, but I’m patient enough to know it starts again in the spring. I don’t think I need therapy to get through the winter months. But then again, I’m a huge fan, not a fanatic.

Anybody else watch House on TV? I LOVE that guy! I never (literally) watched TV before Robbie moved in. Maybe, on occasion, I would watch a movie, but that was about it. Since he’s moved in I am now addicted to House and ER. He’s even bought me the first 4 seasons of ER on DVD. Now I’m going to need House although I’ve watched it from the beginning. The TV directs my Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thank God for the DVR. With that, I can watch them in my spare time - like at 2am when I’m supposed to be catching up on the sleep I never get.

I finally went to the doctor for this cold I have had for the last 4½ weeks. Of course, my doctor explained it’s not a cold. A cold doesn’t last 4½ weeks. This is an infection, for which I need antibiotics. Respiratory infection, sinus infection and ear infections. Fun Fun Fun – I ‘m one big infected hair-ball coughing snot bag. Gross. I think my doctor just kind of mentally pats me on the head and tells me to steer clear of WebMD.com. Of course, I have this habit of self-diagnosing. I went in there about a year ago thinking I had lockjaw because I’d been floating and swimming in a river where cows had frequented. He kindly explained I didn’t have lockjaw otherwise I wouldn’t be talking by then. I don’t remember what I had now. All I know is that it wasn’t lockjaw.

OK so, we’ve established I don’t update very often, but I’m also bad about e-mailing back. I will, I promise. Most of the time I check at work and then don’t have time to get back to anyone for fear of “getting busted”. I’m not allowed to do anything personal at work. SO, I will check my e-mail because I can minimize that pretty quick, but actually replying takes some crafty slyness. Bear with me though…

So gotta run. More later. And try not to be too disappointed if it’s longer than a week until my next update. I’m trying, really I am.

So, there I was going about my daily routine when I noticed the hit counter on my blog was through the roof. My first reaction was that someone noticed the incredibly witty way in which I write and will contact me soon to become a featured columnist in his or her syndicated national newspaper. But it was not to be. The Auntie’s have posted a link to me on their popular family gazette. So now I may have more than 2 hits a month! How exciting. Guess I’ll have to update more often. Ha.



We had Dad’s 79th birthday party at the Valley (lot) Saturday. The Valley also had a haunted hayride for the kids and a spooky house and gave out candy and all kinds of stuff. What a great time! Chris and Rick came up with William and camped for the weekend, too. Of course, we told Dad this was just practice for next year’s big 80! We’ll do one in March for mom’s birthday, too. Then we’ll have their 50th anniversary. We’re just a party family. Actually, just any excuse to hang out with my family for me. Stef and Dan celebrated their 25th anniversary this year. And yep, it was an occasion to get together!

The cabin in the woods has four walls now. We’re building a barn style roof that will be the sleeping loft. Brett and Sam put the little tent in the unfinished cabin and slept in it. I think Brett loves it down there with us. He asked Robbie on the way home Sunday if we were absolutely sure we weren’t going again this weekend. I promised him anytime he wants to go and his mom says ok, he can go, even if we just go for the day.

Sam fell off his bike and we thought he broke his arm but turns out it was a growth plate injury. Which they cast anyway so he wore a cast for 3 weeks from his shoulder to his knuckles. Just call him Grace.

We had Parent Teacher conferences last week. They are both doing wonderful in school except for the fact that both of them seem to talk too much. Gee, I wonder where they got that. I remember my first grade teacher telling my mother that it’s not that I talk too much; it’s that I had a lot to say. We’re born yackers. That’s Lizzie’s word. She says she can’t help it if she’s a yacker. I think her Auntie Bebe called her that once and it stuck.

Robbie and I are having lots of fun with our Team Kid thing at church. I’m really enjoying being around all the kids.

Well, that’s it for now. I figured if I was going to have a massive stream of traffic, I better at least update and give the latest. More later…

I’ve been feeling the need for change lately. Big change. To what, I’m not exactly sure. I just know I feel ... restless. That’s about the only way I can explain it. And I’ve felt that way for quite some time. My personal life is good - husband and the kids. I need to clean the basement and water my plants more often, but other than that I’m doing well and I’m content. My job still sucks though. Even though I get paid very well, I’m still so very unhappy there. I’ve been dreaming of getting a Class A CDL and becoming a dump truck driver. Or I could go up the street and become a bartender. That would be great fun. An assembly line worker. Opening a grocery store in Lyon, Missouri (there really is one for sale!) Anything, really. My insurance world is changing and I really don’t feel like embracing that change. I’m ready to turn in my briefcase for a backpack. Not necessarily a return to campus, but a proverbial backpack. Like changing in the Manolo Blahniks for Nike Shocks. The pantyhose for funny looking ankle socks. The skirt for a well worn pair of Levi’s. Is this a phase I’m going through? What if I trade the suit jacket for an AC/DC T-shirt and find I’m completely unhappy in a year? Or worse, what if I totally ruin everything I’ve worked so hard for financially? Or what if I’m too old? All I know is I want a change and I don’t mean insurance plan change because one insurance company is buying another and they’re redoing all of the benefits. We’re supposed to be learning and studying all these new plans and I can’t seem to make myself do it. I just don’t care. I’ve come to this complacency stage and it’s so unlike me in my job. What do I do? I’m not sure, I just know I can’t keep going like I am and stay sane. There’s only so much of insurance deductibles and coinsurance one can stand.

I DID IT! I traded in the Hyundai and got me a Monte Carlo! Well, Robbie and I both did. On the way to the airport yesterday the wheel fell off the Hyunda. Yes, off. While I was driving. Scary indeed. Anyway, to make a long story short, I got Lizzie to the airport, came back to the car, towed it to Dobbs, they fixed it and I traded it in. Here's the new baby! Ain't it a beauty!!!!!

MY DREAM CAR

So it's been a while, but not as long as usual. I am updating, although I don't think I have much to say today. Sam's in North Carolina, Lizzie will join him on Wednesday. Robbie, Lizzie and I are going on a float trip this weekend with Randy, should be a blast. Work is still work (Ed? Ed? Hurry soon before I implode!) My car is a piece of crap, I got new furniture, I've lost 10 pounds and that's about it. Not a long update today, but it's at least an update. Happy Birthday, Jess. I still miss you.

Lizzie
Me
William
Sam in the lake at the lot
Matthew in the lake
The "Lot"
Robbie, Sam and Liz in front of the New Busch
Matt, Sam and Liz in the lake The lot - and our tent.
Me & Drew on the beach

SO – there was no barrage of e-mails requesting updates and it’s been a few months since I put anything into words, so I guess it’s time. I will blog no whines before it’s time. That was pretty cute – I made that up myself. I made a joke up last week and my dad cracked up. Can’t remember exactly – something about mad cows disease and a cow running around the pasture saying ‘I’m a penguin’. I was actually quite funny – guess you had to be there.

What has happened since March – well, the boys have come and gone again. They only got to stay for two weeks this summer. Drew is working full time and trying to graduate early so he can go to his culinary specialty school. So he could only afford two weeks and Matthew can’t really stay here without him, since we work and he’s not enrolled in our daycare. I’m sure he could probably stay by himself but what fun is it to come here and hang by yourself. At least back home he’s got his homies.

We’ve been to the lot a few times already this season. Mom and Dad have signed over the lower one to us and we’re actually looking into buying the lot next to it. It’s very exciting. We’re going again tomorrow. I just love it there. I’ll try to post pictures – basically it’s just a hole in the woods but it’s ours and we have fun. Kids have a blast and they can roam. Not too far, but they can expand their little worlds more than at home.

Sam is going to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball clinic on the 27th. Some of the Cardinals Alumni put on a baseball clinic for kid’s ages 10-13 and he’s so very excited. Hopefully he’ll learn some good techniques, etc.

Remember my blog about a year ago when I was contemplating the Wednesday night children’s ministry at River Oaks Church and how Robbie and I could actually get this going? Well – through the direction of our youth minister’s wife, Robbie and I are “TeamKid” Coaches! It starts September 9th and it is for kids in grades 4 – 6 for them to prepare for the youth group. Kind of cool! We are official members of River Oaks and we’re becoming quite involved and I’m lovin’ it. This is the non-denominational Christian church that Randy goes to. The Catholic classes lasted exactly one week. I thought it was where I wanted to go, but I was wrong, I guess. We all live and learn.

I am also now on Myspace.com. Nathan said I needed to get on there so I did. It’s a pretty cool connection place where you keep up with friends and family and can find old buddies – if they’re on there too. Check it out.

OK – hold your socks on. I have quit drinking. I haven’t had a drink since March 25th. I just decided it wasn’t for me anymore. I may have one every now and again sometime later on down the road, but for now – I can honestly say I don’t drink. I know, quite amazing considering the amount of beer I can put away and still walk straight, but that’s quite a dubious honor indeed, anyway.

Sam goes to North Carolina on August 5th and the Lizzie will join him on August 16th. They’ll both be home August 20th. So – she won’t be there without Sam, that seems to work out best and he loves it there so it’s cool. Although I found out Michael lives there now, less than ½ mile from them. Sam is not digging the idea of seeing him at all and I don’t blame him. Suddenly after 2 years he gets an e-mail – Hi – it’s me ‘dad’ and I love and miss you??? Come on, let’s confuse the poor guy even more!! I will not get started on this one, I don’t have enough room and besides, this isn’t Jerry Springer. Let’s just say, neither I nor Robbie are happy and quite honestly, Sam isn’t either.

Robbie and I looked at display homes last weekend. I’m hoping we’ll get to move sometime next summer. Closer in - probably in the Wentzville area. Gas prices being what they are and are expected to go up to, every little bit helps.

Work is work. Without going into major detail and just in case anyone I work with happens upon this blog, I won’t say much, but sometimes you just feel the need to move on, ya know? I felt a major betrayal a few weeks ago by someone I considered a good friend and have not quite recovered. Of course, that isn’t the only factor but it was a major player in my feeling the need for a ‘til then sendoff (again). And of course, I’ve been feeling that need for a LONG time now so it was kind of a clincher. Just really sucks when you put trust in someone and it backfires right in your face. I would NEVER betray the confidence of a friend so it was shocking to me – even though I’d been warned about parleying any confidences to this person, it was still hurtful. And I’m just sick of the crap here. There is ALWAYS office drama - This person’s mad at this one, don’t say anything to this one, mother hen likes it her way or no way, and then this one is just a B*****. I’m just tired of it. And I’m trying to be more forgiving and have more of a Christian attitude, especially toward these people I work with (and of course those who cut me off in traffic and then flip me the bird!), but man, it can be hard. I really only have two people here I even get along with. I thought there was a third but apparently private/confidential information can just not be kept. Although outwardly it appear as if there is a modicum of comradeship among all of us, underneath lies a tension that knows if we didn’t work together or have to get along for the sake of the office, we’d never be friends in any world but this little bubble. And of course, as usual, I dream every day that my ol’ buddy Ed will come along and relieve me of being required to keep a 9 to 5. (McMahon, just in case you didn’t know who Ed was).

Ok – that sounded like I’m depressed and I’m really not, honest. I’m quite happy at the moment but do have the realization that I could be happier elsewhere. And I’m trying not to put all my need for happiness into things or jobs or houses. I’m right where God wants me to be at this particular moment, and I’m content with that.

So – on that note, I think I’ll sign out. Duty calls and life awaits…

Okay mom, I am updating.

She replied to this e-mail I sent - 4 things - where you had to answer certain questions about yourself – “4 Things You May Not Know About Me”. One question was “4 Websites You Visit Daily”. Of course, the queen travel agent for guilt trips puts my blog on her list with the tag line “She never updates it.” I know, I know. I’m terrible. I even promised Uncle Walter I’d update more often, because he visits, too. Just start sending me e-mails requesting an update. Maybe I’ll get sick enough of getting a bunch of e-mails telling me to update more often that I’ll actually do it.

My momma was in the hospital last week with some heart issues. Hopefully, they’ll fix it with medication. Part of one of her stents was blocked but they think they can control it without inserting another stent. Which is good, but she also needs to see a neurologist. Her many head traumas may be causing problems in there.

We had a trivia night Saturday. We had a blast and I think we came in 5th out of 30 tables. Not too bad, but I might have done better myself in helping out me fellow teammates if I hadn’t been partaking in the free beer quite so liberally. Plus it was draft, which makes it worse. We didn’t do too badly, though.

Sam’s baseball team had the first practice Saturday. Robbie, again, seems excited about his group of kids. Our veterinarian’s son is on our team and I’m happy about that. I just love our vet and he is as encouraging with all the kids as he with Norman (my dog, not my dad) when we take him.

Tomorrow is my mom’s birthday and also my baby nephew is turning 21 tomorrow. I cannot believe it. I’m feeling so very old these days. Sam saw a telephone with an actual rotary dial on it and said, “What the heck is that thing?” Lizzie wanted to know what an 8-track was. Then asked me if they had cars back in the old time days – you know, mom – back in the eighties. Then wanted to know if we had shoes back then. OH LORD HELP ME.

Work is work. Still the same, I am counting the days until Ed McMahon shows up at my door with a $10 million dollar check. Of course, that probably will never ever happen so I’m now selling candles to bring in some extra cash. The good kind - PartyLite. Anybody who wants to have a party or knows anyone who wants to have a party or whomever just wants to order some candles, let me now. I’m your candle girl. You know the song “Foxy Lady” by Jimi Hendrix? Well – I am “Waxy Lady”. Ha – that’s a good one. Funny too.

I’m coordinating a big b-b-q for our church. They have put me in charge of something. I don’t know which is more scary – being in charge of it or them thinking I can do it? I’m sure it will come of without a hitch – let us hope.

Not much else is going on here. This is my uninteresting life. I think maybe that is why I don’t update often. Just the goings on of a regular ordinary life, quite boring usually. Except for the rare dramas that pop up occasionally, which seem to be fewer and farther between these days. AMEN!

Ok – so let the e-mail bombardment begin. I will try to update more often, please e-mail me to remind me to do so.