Piece of the Puzzle

What is the saying about fish & houseguests? After 3 days...something about the stench.

Last Wednesday, as I contemplated taking a road trip alone to the desert heat of Arizona, I received a call. My sister thought it silly for me to drive. She works for an airline. Michael thought I was nuts too. He figured out the cost of gas for my trip, added it to the extra 2 days travel time to drive and shook his head in amazement at my stubborness. People. I really LIKE driving my car.

My sister was convincing. Her phone call was placed at 11:00a.m. I was at the airport by 4:30p.m. While waiting to board the plane, I quickly phoned my other sister to inquire about her guest room. I can't remember the last time I stayed at Carolyn's home. Not only do my sisters, brother & parents live in Phoenix, but my son does too. (He happens to be living in the grandparent's spare bedroom.) A spare bedroom. Imagine that! With 5 children, an extra bedroom exists only in my dreams. (Ok, now that 2 kids live elsewhere, I do have a spare bedroom. It is decorated with Spiderman & Transformers, reserved for Ethan.)

I'm having Ethan withdrawals. (And would you look at that sky!?)

The DNC is in Denver. I am not. I escaped the madness.

Are you a person who loves to forward emails of anecdotal stories, political statements, feel-good poems, and the like? Can you enjoy the sentiment of a story without regards to whether or not it is accurate?

If that is the case, you are welcome to forward these to me. But I am not one of the aforementioned people. If a story is inaccurate or contains erroneous information, I will reply to your email with proper corrections. (Have you noticed the screen name I use for posting?) If the language or joke is crude or vulgar, I will inform you of its offensive nature. Or if I disagree with the intent of the email, I most likely will address that also.

If you do not appreciate correction, are offended by my response, and merely want to enjoy the feelings of satisfaction the forwarded email brings to you, then please do not send me forwarded emails. It will save me the time spent researching and writing a response & your hurt feelings will be spared.

Sincerely,
Truth

Lauren, in just 52 days, you will officially be joining the family. I'm so excited to welcome you as my one and only daughter-in-law. Love you, and have a very happy birthday!!!

(This is posted to Recipes4me also)
Every Monday Mylinda posts her menu. I'm finally joining her! It originates from I'm An Organizing Junkie

Saturday:
Chicken Taco Soup, Salad with Tomatoes & Avocado

Sunday:
Ham w/Scalloped Potatoes, Fresh Fruit, Bread Sticks

Monday:
Chicken Pasta w/Spinach & Sundried Tomatoes, French Bread

Tuesday:
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry, Rice, Pot Stickers

Wednesday:
Shredded Beef Tacos, Lettuce, Tomato, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Chips & Salsa, Refried Beans

Thursday: Honey Glazed Chicken, Potato Wedges, Salad, Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar

Saturday:
Grilled Pork, Grilled Pineapple Slices, Refried Beans, Corn on the Cob

My house is in a diastrous state. One of the bedrooms looks like this:

I've been waiting to update pics of my "new" kitchen. But it isn't finished. Here is a bit of an update:



I'm using my kitchen again, but there are no drawers. The cabinets are doorless, leaving their insides exposed. But the worst part isn't in these photos. It is the stuff that is all around me. The contents emptied from the bedroom and kitchen are stacked about the other rooms. Add to that the normal, everyday clutter and it is a wreck. I can't take it much longer. I want to run screaming from here.

It's funny. We moved into this new-to-us home nearly 16 years ago. At the time it was gently used, but lovely. Each wall was perfectly papered. But over time, the reality of paneled walls began exposing their true nature. Cracks, flaws, and weak areas began to appear.

This old house was built back in 1962. Hmm...same year as this here body of mine. It creaks and groans about the same as the wooden floors in my house. Nevertheless, this is my home. I live here. What I can't figure out is how did so much junk get in here?

Kellan has me as a guest blogger at On The Flipside today. I'm honored. In order to preserve some dignity for my son, and in case you all missed his comment, I'm including it here.

Christopher said...
Verbatim:
mom:"ok this is a little bit awkward but I just got the invite to Lauren's lingerie shower. Any requests?"

Son:"mom what the! I want you to go, and i want you to get her something, but I most certainly am not going to talk about my likes and dislikes of lingerie with you."

She didn't just ask preference, she asked for requests. Silly mom.

The funny thing is, when I spoke with Lauren, she had no problem talking lingerie with her future mother-in-law.

Anyway, Kellan asks the question "Do you think men care about what lingerie women wear or is it really only the woman that cares?" Go check it out and let her know what your opinion is. I'm surprised by the responses I've read so far.