Country Mouse City Mouse

Kitchen Floor December 2008

2009-01-01T14:53:00.009-05:00

Started on Christmas Eve, finishing touches done on New Year's Eve...project complete.

My husband Don, can do just about anything when it comes to house repairs and remodeling. He rarely reads directions, just figures it out. The only negative thing is that because he does this work for a living, he doesn't get extremely excited about doing it some more at home. For example, we bought all the supplies for the kitchen floor in June of 2008. It was completed on December 31, 2008. But, better late than never. It looks fo fantastic. Enjoy the pictures of the process from beginning to end...

Yuck

2008-12-29T20:49:00.002-05:00

Some leftover ham, some ingredients sought after earlier today.....Broccoli Ham Stroganoff. Smelled great, tasted gross. Don't make it. It was yucky.

Glazed Sausage Bits (My Way)

2008-11-30T16:59:00.002-05:00

I took the book "Jacques Pepin More Fast Food My Way" from the Cary Library recently. Some good recipes, but not a book I will buy to add to my collection. However, one recipe, which I made last night will follow. I've done it "my way", just like he did. My way is healthier. This is a FANTASTIC dish to make and bring to your friends holiday gatherings.

Slice up 1 pckg (16 oz) of turkey kielbasa. You can remove the skin if you want to. I did not. Set this to the side.

1 cup of pomegranate/cherry juice
2 tlbs ketchup
1 Tsp (or less if you are a pansy) of Hot Pepper Sauce
Put all the above in a medium skillet. Bring to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes.

Add the slices to the sauce. Cook over high heat, turning the slices occasionally, until the mixture reduces almost completely and coats the sausage slices (5-7 minutes). Serve with toothpicks or on top of Ritz crackers.

I should have taken a picture of it, but last night I did not realize I was going to write about this recipe in my blog.

Very yummy and easy, enjoy!

Rosie Live

2008-11-27T21:52:00.002-05:00

So, I DVR'd this show because I was curious. I liked Rosie when she did her daytime talk show. It was funny and had great guests. I just LOVED the whole Barbara Streisand thing. I LOVE Barbara too! It was great to watch until she totally dissed Tom Selleck. I was excited for her when she was on The View. I thought that was her opportunity to shine again. Not long after she was on The View I found her to be totally annoying, arrogant, a bully, and a loud-mouth. But, she was generous with the audience; except for that generosity was not "hers", but ABC's. Anyway, Rosie Live...same same same.

The show felt like a desperate attempt for Rosie to redeem herself in the publics' eye. She had great guest stars on. I love Harry Connick, Jr. (whom she kept referreing to as Harry Connick), and Alanis Morisette. I also think Kathy Griffin is a crazy ass and unbelievably bold comedienne. The cameo's were just odd. The other entertainment, I felt like, was something that only she felt was worthy and I felt like she pushed them on us. If Rosie is anything, she is pushy. But, what she isn't is Sonny and Cher; Donnie and Marie, Hee-Haw, Laugh-In or the Mandrell Sisters. Sorry. Yea, but NO.

I set the DVR to record this series and I will be fair and watch it one more time; BUT, I'm not feelin' it people.

Gloria Estefan singing about eating tomorrow? Really?!

...It's just my opinion. And, just so we're clear, it has nothing to do with her sexuality...just with her obnoxious-icity.

Oh Happy Holiday

2008-11-25T18:06:00.013-05:00

it's the most wonderful time of the year....

I've never ever started my decorating before Thanksgiving, but since Don and Spencer are away in NY and I'm off from work, I decided to get a start on it. Maybe I'm just bored. Seriously, I pair cleaning and decorating. You have to dust off what you will decorate...right?

Tomorrow I venture to the attic (it's a little intimidating..I've never actually been "up" there) to gather the rest of the goods and hopefully be done by Saturday.

Well, here are some pictures of the entrance way to my house. I bought this cute little primitive tree at The Rusty Bucket in Apex as well as the big footed Santa, Stocking and Santa from Sara print.

Merry Christmas!

The Fat Lady has Sung

2008-11-23T14:12:00.004-05:00

It's not over until the fat lady sings. Well, I'm still considered fat, and I have sung. Actually, I didn't sing, I cried.

Austin moved back in about a month ago. Don and I told him when he left in September that we would give him one opportunity to come home. We had two rules he had to follow. He could not tell lies and he could not do any drugs. We also asked him to pay us $150 in rent. I did his laundry, we provided him food, bottled water, toiletries; he used our computer, our phones; he has cable in his bedroom and a DVR. He had a warm bed to sleep in. Today I received $40 towards the $150 and I'm sure I will never see the other $110. But, as a wise woman told me recently, don't ever lend more than you are ready to lose.

Imagine my surprise...uh, surprise isn't really the word...my 'disappointment' and 'anger' are words that work better. I went outside to move Austin's car into our driveway. Don and Spencer are in NY seeing Don's 91 year old father who is very ill. I could smell that nasty smell (well, it's nasty to me) and looked down in the door storage and there it "all" was. In living color and scent. I put it all in a "bigger" plastic bag and just waited. Austin gets home late from "whatever he does after work", so I let him sleep until just before 11am. I went to his room and told him I had bad news and handed him the bag. I told him he had to move out. I was calm, but hurt. I also said to him, as I started to cry, "I'm sorry things didn't work out differently". He said he was too, but I don't believe he was. To Don and I, what we expected was simple, but to Austin...not so much.

Don tried to get Austin a job at the Town of Cary making $12 per hour collecting leaves. The Town of Cary drug tests, so Austin couldn't even apply for a $12 per hour job collecting leaves. THIS is the reality of it all! Drugs are drugs are drugs and there are reasons why they are illegal. Period. Responsibility is what is expected of us as adults, and "law" says that Austin is an adult.

Don and I both feel that this won't go well for Austin. He works two jobs, but doesn't make enough money to even rent a room and still pay car insurance, pay for gas, and pay for his most necessary cell phone.

Does this sound harsh and unloving? Probably to some of you it does. If it does, you have not walked in our shoes. We've tried and tried and tried. We are still paying bills from our "trying". And, then there are the many ruined holidays, extreme stress on our marriage, sleepness nights, damages to our home, just a terrible strain on our family. We feel confident that as parents, we've done all we can. Now, this situation is in the hands of God. We cannot control it, we cannot save him from himself and his choices. Sadly, he doesn't believe in God.

In a way, I feel a tad bit relieved. I will not be a witness to the train wreck. We wish him well and we pray that he will be OK and will find the right path. Heck, I guess we'll even save money this year on Christmas gifts! Now, for those of you reading this who think it's harsh and unloving...I guess you are really sure of that now.

Whether we are 18, 26, 54, 76...we have to live with our choices. We have always said to the kids "If it's worth the consequences, then go ahead and do it". Apparently, it was worth the consequences for Austin, even if it means he lives out of his car. It's all very sad, but as Karen says..."It is what it is".

la, la, la, la

Social Butterfly

2008-11-13T15:51:00.005-05:00

All of the ways we can keep connected...even someone nearer to 50 than 40. Imagine.

It started out that my kids wanted a MySpace. OK. Then, of course, as a moderator, I had to have one. It actually was fun, I connected with people I have not talked to in years. Well, except for Lisa Lonis. She got mad because I called her out on her having her age listed as 38. I know exactly how old she is, we were in the same grades together throughout school! So, she deleted me as a "friend". That MML (makes me laugh). I created my MySpace in early 2005, while at work in North Raleigh. I have always tried to have a cool song on my profile, the pictures I have show a lot of change in a short amount of time and even the surveys are fun and pass the time if you're bored. I added all the same family that my kids had and even found some, as I said, friends of mine I have not seen or spoken to in years.

About 3 months ago, I got on board The Facebook. I like Facebook MUCH better than MySpace. As Spencer says, MySpace isn't cool anymore. The only thing about Facebook that is weird to me is the poking. What is on-line poking? I'm not too crazy about the applications that you get passed either...frankly, I don't understand them. But, I do love a piece of flair! I also love that you can communicate with others on-line really easily. Facebook has more adults and my employer (organization) even has a Facebook. So, needless to say, I try to be careful about what I say. Nothing on the internet is a secret.

Well, one even more for adults, http://www.linkedin.com/. This is a place for business professionals to connect, search jobs, exchange ideas, recommend others...pretty simple. This has been especially fun for me to find people I used to work with in NY and find out what they are up to these days.

And, of course, I am a blogger...not a frequent one, but I try. I cannot take the credit for most of these sights I now belong to, because, seriously, I would not have even known about them if it wasn't for the young'uns around me...including those I work with. I try really hard to not be afraid of technology and these social groups make it fun.

What's next for me Twitter? Chatting on FaceBook with CNN? Friendster? A blackberry? Who knows. I just keep trying to keep up and have Mel-B keep telling me "Tina, you are the coolest".

I think I'll go sign on to Facebook right now and see who wants to chat.

Older Than Dirt

2008-10-23T13:03:00.002-04:00

OLDER THAN DIRT

LightningBugs / Older 'n Dirt

'Someone asked the other day, 'What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?'

'We didn't have fast food when I was growing up,' I informed him. 'All the food was slow.'

'C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?'

"It was a place called 'at home,'' I explained. "Mom cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it." I remember this so well....sitting until my butt was sore. Using quarts of ketchup on the liver and downing glass after glass of milk. Asking for extra napkins to spit the peas into. Always getting caught.

By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table. But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I figured his system could have handled it:

Some parents NEVER owned their own house, wore Levis , set foot on a golf course, traveled out of the country or had a credit card. In their later years they had something called a revolving charge card. The card was good only at Sears Roebuck. Or maybe it was Sears & Roebuck. Either way, there is no Roebuck anymore. Maybe he died.

My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was mostly because we never had heard of soccer. Actually, I did play soccer, but the bus brought you home after practice and I believe I was a freshman in high school. I had a bicycle that weighed probably 50 pounds, and only had one speed, (slow). We didn't have a television in our house until I was 5. It was, of course, black and white. I remember a color TV, but we only could get three channels and the rabbit ears with crumpled tin foil on the ends would need to get adjusted. On Sunday you watched bowling, bowling or more bowling. And, we saw The Wizard of Oz every year from the time I was 8 until my own kids were 13. Classic.

I was 13 before I tasted my first pizza, it was called 'pizza pie.' When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had.

We didn't have a car until I was 4. It was an old black Dodge. We had a car, but my old mind isn't sharp enough to remember what is was.

I never had a telephone in my room. The only phone in the house was in the living room and it was on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line. Ah yes, the party line and one neighbor always monopolized it! Jeannie Youker. Mom would get excited to see her car go down the road so she could use the phone! And cell phones?! Forget that!!!

Pizzas were not delivered to our home. But milk was. Neither was delivered to my house which was so far in the sticks, the only milk delivery would have been the cow coming into your yard.

All newspapers were delivered by boys and all boys delivered newspapers my brother delivered a newspaper, six days a week. I had a paper route, but again, not until I was in high school. For a job, it sucked. It did. It cost 7 cents a paper, of which he got to keep 2 cents. He had to get up at 6AM every morning. On Saturday, he had to collect the 42 cents from his customers. His favorite customers were the ones who gave him 50 cents and told him to keep the change. His least favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day.

Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. Touching someone else's tongue with yours was called French kissing and they didn't do that in movies. I don't know what they did in French movies. French movies were dirty and we weren't allowed to see them.

If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your children or grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing.

Growing up isn't what it used to be, is it?

MEMORIES from a friend:

My Dad is cleaning out my grandmother's house (she died in December) and he brought me an old Royal Crown Cola bottle. In the bottle top was a stopper with a bunch of holes in it. I knew immediately what it was, but my daughter had no idea. She thought they had tried to make it a salt shaker or something. I knew it as the bottle that sat on the end of the ironing board to 'sprinkle' clothes with because we didn't have steam irons. Man, I am old.

How many do you remember? Head lights dimmer switches on the floor. YUP. Ignition switches on the dashboard. Heaters mounted on the inside of the fire wall. Real ice boxes. Pant leg clips for bicycles without chain guards. We were advanced and used rubber-bands. Soldering irons you heat on a gas burner. Using hand signals for cars without turn signals.

Older Than Dirt Quiz:

Count all the ones that you remember not the ones you were told about:

Ratings at the bottom.
Blackjack chewing gum
Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water and I would even chew the wax for fun!
Candy cigarettes Yup, now that was a smart invention, ha?
Soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles yup, and they were just the right size
Coffee shops or diners with tableside juke boxes LOVED these
Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers
Party lines We've come a long way baby
Newsreels before the movie
P.F. Flyers
Butch wax No idea what this is, but I'm thinking it has something to do with hair?
TV test patterns that came on at night after the last show and the noise!
Peashooters
Howdy Doody
45 RPM records My first one was Michael Jackson, "Beat It". How embarrassing.
S & H greenstamps and we had to LICK 'em. imagine?!
Hi-fi's In particular, a Close-N-Play. Wow!
Metal ice trays with lever These things were dangerous!
Mimeograph paper
Blue flashbulb
Packards now THAT was a car!
Roller skate keys
Cork popguns
Drive-ins These were GREAT and why, as kids, were we so infatuated with the bathroom?
Studebakers
Wash tub wringers

If you remembered 0-5 = You're still young
If you remembered 6-10 = You are getting older
If you remembered 11-15 = Don't tell your age
If you remembered 16-25 = You're older than dirt!

I scored 17.

I might be older than dirt but those memories are the best part of my life.

Lucky Lunch

2008-10-21T13:26:00.002-04:00

A four mile trip from work to home is such a life saver. I particularly feel so lucky to be able to escape work every day to drive home at lunch. Imagine the money saved...a cheap lunch, and probably an unhealthy one would be $4. Four dollars per day x an average of 20 days is $80 per month. And, seriously, would you buy the same $4 lunch per day? So, I'm probably saving more like $100 per month. For me, that's an entire new outfit or two at the consignment shop. Plus, I don't bring a lunch to work and nibble on it while still working.

The dogs love it too....they get to go outside and bask in the sun. I get to eat healthy leftovers or make a sandwich in which I know the ingredients. I catch up on TV shows I've DVR'd, I unload the dishwasher, throw in a load of laundry...just chill-ax (as my kids say). I particularly love the 1-2pm lunch...makes the afternoon go by a lot quicker.

So, here's to lunch!

What a difference 40 pounds makes

2008-10-14T19:40:00.002-04:00

Weight Loss

I've been down this weight loss road more times than I care to mention. But at the end of June it was, as they say "shit or get off the pot". I decided to get off the pot.

I've lost 40 pounds. I was a fat fat girl. And, believe me, I'm still not a "skinny" girl. I didn't feel good about myself, I didn't dress in high fashion at all. I have not worn or even purchased a pair of jeans in 10+ years. I certainly did not purchase or wear any heels. My idea of heels was a 1 1/2" high heel the size of a pirates wooden leg. Not high fashion. No, no, no.

Today, I'm off the blood pressure medication. I'm wearing a new pair of jeans. I'm wearing real heels. I am getting compliments on how I look. Many. I've had to buy new clothes including new underwear, pants, shirts, bras, you name it. I know, TMI...but I am thrilled about it. Sadly, I don't have a bathing suit that fits me and I can't buy one for a few months because bathing suits are seasonal...even in the south. But still, so cool. I don't drink beer, I don't drink soda, I don't eat fast foods.

Being healthy, losing weight, is NOT easy, but the results make you feel so awesome. I'm happy to speak with you, e-mail you, etc about what I've done to make this happen. But, if you never contact me, that's fine too....I didn't do this for you, or for my family, or for my employer. I did this for me and I (ba, dah, ba, ba), I'm loving it.

Paying it Forward

2008-10-11T08:57:00.003-04:00

Welcome! The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,616 groups with 5,918,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer (them's good people). Membership is free.

A very intelligent woman I work with told me about a Website that encourages offering, for free your gently used items. I had no idea how many people absolutely cannot be bothered to seek any alternatives to their "junk" than to take it to a local landfill. You know the old saying, "one man's junk is another man's gold"? Very true, but not only that, your junk could be something that someone else cannot even afford! And, is it really junk?

I've been losing weight and thankfully my fatter girl clothes have been piling up in a large trash bag. Yesterday I decided to post my FREE bag of clothes on the Wake County freecycle.org. SO many responses, but as I stated, the first person to respond to the posting via e-mail would get them. The people who visit this web-site are people in need of your gently used stuff. I've given things to Goodwill, sold things on CraigList, but this made me feel really good.

There are postings for moving boxes, aluminum cooking trays, baby clothes, diapers, furniture, used lumber, etc. Just too many things to mention. There are two major categories...OFFER and WANTED. This isn't where you SELL things, it's where you offer, for free, something that you no longer need or want...something you may consider junk.

You have to join this website and then join a Yahoo group for your area...but if I can do it, anyone can do it. We all have stuff and this organization really can help to keep us from making "dump-runs".

Paying it forward. It makes sense and it makes you feel good.

http://www.freecycle.org/

October 8, 1993

2008-10-08T07:05:00.004-04:00

15 years ago today, at ~4:13pm Spencer John Hughes was born in Utica, NY. He was 8 lbs., 2 oz. He had beautiful blond hair and looked just like his brother.

Spencer enjoys life, always has. He played soccer when he was younger, Pop Warner Football and Middle School Football. He has acted in local plays and is really good! He has loads of friends and is a loyal person.

These days he's busy with high school, church and his part in the Hope Student Ministries band, Cary Young Life, 9th grade student council and most recently in-line Hockey! Whew, that is a costly sport, but Spencer helped keep the costs more reasonable with his searches on CraigList for his hockey gear. He's going to play goalie and boy oh boy, I just hope and pray he doesn't get hurt. He has very nice teeth and I'd like him to keep them all.

So, after band practice we'll have birthday dinner and he requested Chicken Parmessan. Then a calorie overload of Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake...purchased at Sam's (3 slices of 3 different flavors) for $18.00. A deal! We'll sing our special Happy Birthday song just like Grandma Angie did about looking like a monkey...simple, but very nice. At the end of the month we're going to have a "teen-ager" pizza/skate party for him. Just too busy over the next 3 weeks.

I am so proud of Spencer...I constantly get compliments about him...well, except from his math teacher. He's very polite, he's honest, he's caring, he's good looking, he's funny...he's a great kid.

Happy Birthday Spencer! Mom and dad love you!

An Exercise in Faith

2008-10-02T19:15:00.003-04:00

So, as you know, Austin moved out over two weeks ago. He recently celebrated his 18th birthday on 9/28. Well, since my father took ill, on Austin's birthday we went to see my dad. Austin went with us, hopefully because he understands that family is very important. It wasn't a great visit with my dad, he was REALLY sick. But that's another blog. (don't get me wrong, he's in the hospital, and I'm grateful for that...he will get better).

We stayed at my parents house for like, an hour, and that really was long enough because my dad was just not talkative or in the mood for company. We were home by 5pm to get ready for Austin's birthday dinner and Jessica coming over.

We had all the presents bought, the dinner planned and the Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake purchased because that is what he wanted. It was going well until after the presents. We told Austin he would not be able to get his gifts and his laundry back to his friend's house, where he is "living" on his scooter and we'd be happy to follow him and drop off the stuff. He said that we couldn't. Well, I, personally, was so hurt. Why can't we know where he is living? The realization I came to was that, as parents, we are an embarrassment to him. I couldn't help but cry, I just felt so hurt. Well, I let him know I was hurt and the evening went downhill from there.

The truth is, we wanted for Austin's 18th birthday to be so wonderful that we all walked around on egg shells and inevitably, those egg shells were crushed. Austin let us know that he does not approve of the way we handle ourselves. We are passionate people, and we tend to anger quickly or react quickly and that makes him uncomfortable and apparently embarrassed. We are products of our environment...Don from an Italian family and me from a family where loud is just normal! But in my husband and my family there is intense love, support and most of all fun.

You know, we are not perfect, by any means, and never claimed to be. But I will say this...for all the things Austin complains about that we do wrong, there are plenty of things we do right. Unfortunately, he won't realize this for a few years. He also doesn't see that some of the "wrong" is from him. For now, we feel that we've done the best we can...there is no "parent" manual, no "perfect family" manual and if Austin decides to write one, we will certainly read it...request a signed copy.

Since he left, on his 18th birthday, and Jessica was the person he chose to take his gifts to his new home...we decided that we need, more than ever, to exercise our faith. Three days after his birthday, we found out he had been dropped from college due to excessive absence. Thankfully, that was his dime...or his $800. Whatever happens happens, it's in God's hands, what is to be will be, there's a reason for everything, etc., etc. Austin knows that we are there for him, he knows we love him and we are worried about him. He doesn't seem happy to us at all, but these are his decisions.

An exercise in faith, letting go. It's not easy, but it's not impossible.

Bluer Skies

2008-09-26T12:46:00.002-04:00

My last post was a little dismal, but things are looking up. I've learned a lot from this experience. I've learned how to communicate better as not to alienate. I've learned to just listen, but still be helpful. I've learned to watch the tone.

Austin turns 18 this Sunday, and he is doing well. I'm just grateful to hear from him every day and know that he is safe. He's realized some things about himself too and actually, that's great.

I have less laundry, I don't have to buy Cheeze-Its and I can now cook more than just chicken...we still miss him though. Harley misses him too.

Plus, I was sent a text message by Austin last night which just made my day...

"you guys really are good parents. Thanks for everything"

If you love something, set it free

2008-09-22T20:08:00.003-04:00

The past seven days have been so difficult. I've had to keep plugging along, pretending to be OK. That's because I'm an adult. I realize my priorities. I see the big picture.

A week ago today, there was yet another disagreement in the house with Austin. Without disclosing many details, let's just say Austin likes to travel down a different road than we recommend. It's been a struggle for years. When we suggest something to Austin, or recommend something to Austin, he does the exact opposite just out of spite. That's what it feels like. His anger causes damage to our home. A week ago today, he left our house, his home. He does not wish to follow our rules, most of which just revolve around him being safe, following laws and being successful. He will be 18 in 5 days and he is (so he says) very well prepared to live on his own. Don and I, of course, are so worried about him, with good reason, but he can't see that. He doesn't care. He wants to be on his own, doing what he wants. Austin does not like authority of any kind. That seems very unrealistic to me, but perhaps I'm wrong. Austin is the epitome of indifferent. But, Austin is also a very great kid and I love him. That is the biggest reason this is all so difficult.

How do I let go? How do I stop calling, stop texting, stop worrying, stop caring. How do I let the chips fall where they may? How do I not feel ashamed or embarrassed? I certainly have failed as a parent. Why do we let him get the best of us when he tries to blame us for the bad choices he made? Why can't he be accountable for his actions?

This week has just been unbearable, trying to put on the happy face, trying not to cry. It has been so difficult to sleep; try to stop worrying about the policeman knocking on our door in the wee hours of the morning with that news that every parent dreads.

I feel like I'm babbling, and I'm sure I am. I can't think straight. I can't bear to watch this train wreck. I can't keep from trying to stop it but the truth is...I can't control the world, I can't control my family, I can't control the choices Austin makes. I just HAVE to let go. Really, I just need to turn this over to God. He is the only one who knows the outcome, he is the only one who can control this. I sincerely pray that Austin doesn't realize his "God Appointed Tragedy" because of his choices.

If you're reading this blog, I appreciate it and I'd appreciate your prayers. I have to respectfully ask that you not talk with me about this...even if you think it might help. I really need to deal with this is my own way for now and silence and solitude is the way I choose.

But I LOVE CraigList

2008-09-14T18:58:00.010-04:00

I know Mel -B had a blog posted about her dislike of CraigList and it was funny but sadly, she didn't have a good experience. I've always had good experiences with CraigList, either buying or selling and have some nice pieces that I know were "bargains"...but today beats all! Check out these pictures and then read on.

So, I was just browsing CraigList this morning, the furniture section, as I always do...I do a search for "antique" first, then look at other stuff. I look in Household too as we are in the market for all new appliances (or gently used). I also look in "materials" for things like decking supplies, brick, doors or windows and then ask my husband what he thinks. Sometimes, just sometimes I look at Motorcycles for Don.

Anyway, I saw this furniture posting this morning "Reduced, Living Room Suite, must sell TODAY" in Cary, so I checked it out. Hmmm, very nice, but white furniture? But it did look SO nice. This was the "suite"...Sofa, Love Seat, Arm Chair, Coffee Table, End Tables (2). All for $500. We made the arrangements to go see it. We immediately loved the set. But, they were also throwing in light yellow Pottery Barn throw covers that fit perfectly. Holy Crap (as Melissa would say)...how lucky are we? Then, to just make all of this a little better, there were guys there, with a Budget rental truck. They loaded and took the furniture to our house, then unloaded it, took our crappy old sofa out to the garage...all for $35. What a deal! Don did a lot of work, rearranged the living room, placed the new furniture and what an amazing room it is! It looks so fantastic. We are absolutely pleased.

Yeah, so the "it's-got-to-go" Hughes family furniture....which was just wore out and sadly, a little stinky from our little dog...given away for "FREE" and gone by 4:00 today. Hallelujah.

Today was a great day. You know the old saying..."Be it ever so humble, there is no place like home" and it was a pleasure to make our home a little nicer today with a fantastic deal!

Nothing Tastes as Good As Thin Feels

2008-09-13T21:20:00.002-04:00

This is a statement that I repeat to myself on a daily basis since I've really decided to become serious about getting healthy. Well, yesterday, it all felt so good. Two people that I haven't seen in a while told me I looked great. I LOOKED GREAT. Do you have any idea how many years I've gone without hearing that? It's sad. I have lost 33 pounds so far, but have gained (no pun intended) so much more.

I can cross my legs without having to pick the leg up.
I sit in my big comfy blue chair and there is now room for one more.
I can walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like I'm going to die.
I am 4 sizes smaller as far as my clothes.
I am the lowest weight I've been since before Spencer was born...15 years.
I've discovered how good vegetables are.
I can shop in regular stores...not only Lane Bryant and the "plus size" section of Wal-Mart.
I've made tremendous donations to the Dorcas Thrift Store.
I work out a minimum of 4 days per week at Fitness 19.
My whole family is getting healthier...my husband has lost 40+ pounds
I don't get "flack" from co-workers or friends about my food choices and portion sizes.
I feel comfortable wearing panty hose.
I bought two pair of high heel shoes (well, 3")
I feel better about having my picture taken.
My confidence is back. My self-esteem is on the rise.
I say "thank you" at the compliments because I've earned them.
I use http://www.thedailyplate.com to record everything I eat and my exercise and it helps so much!
I sleep better.
I'm saving money on groceries.
I gave up beer, soda, regular potato chips, fried foods, bread (quite a bit) and I drink much more water.
and much much more...

Austin took a picture of me tonight using Don's phone. He had taken a picture of me last September and the difference is amazing as far as the weight loss. So cool.

Health(y) Food

2008-09-09T21:41:00.003-04:00

Sea Choice Wild Alaskan Salmon Burgers

Very healthy, low in calories and fat. Great source of protein. But,

they are yucky...even with tartar sauce. Well, to me anyway.

Yuck.

Enough said.

A New Adventure

2008-09-07T20:50:00.002-04:00

Starting tomorrow my husband and I will embark on a new adventure. It's called "The Responsibility of Parents". As we understand it, by state and federal laws, it is our responsibility to provide our children with three things...Food, Clothing and Shelter. This will be our new mantra...providing them with the three things we, by law, are responsible for. What this won't include is the following:

Cell phone
House phone use
Cable TV; or TV at all, for that matter
Clothes that have labels, like Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Nike, Quicksilver...you get the picture
Meals as a family
Computer
Skateboard
Extra-curricular activities, like a high school football game
Guitars
Electricity for Video Games
Batteries for CD players
Ipod Docking Stations; Or Ipods at all, for that matter
GPS Navigation Systems...Try a fold-up map. Since you can't use a computer for Mapquest. That'll work!
A healthy and inviting brown-bag lunch
Folded clothes, from the dryer.
Fabric softener in your clothes during the dryer cycle
Water bottles or Pur pitchers - Drink out of the hose outside.
Axe body wash...use Ivory soap.
Deodarant/Anti-persparant. Period. Just stink!
A membership to a gym
Gum
Vitamin Water
Music--CD's, Radio, CD Player
Combs/brushes
Contact Lenses...glasses worked for Benjamin Franklin!
Pillows
Ability to be in a band
Rides to band practice
Friends over for dinner
Jewelry
A Watch
More than one pair of shoes
Cologne/Body Spray...again, just stink!
Cool/fancy Boxers...just wear Whitie-Tighties...they are cheap!
Car Insurance
Pizza delivery
Birthday parties
Sleepovers
Braces
Snacks, chicken tenders, visits to McDonalds, candy, Cheeze-its, Bagels w/ cream cheese (eat toast), V-8 fusion juice, chocolate milk, sweetened cereal, Hot Pockets, Burger King, Goodberry's, Breyer's Ice Cream, Totinos Pizza Rolls, provolone cheese...you get the picture
No-show socks...tube socks worked for my brothers!
Pets
Transporation to jobs
Anti-Acne medication
Swimming pool membership
Whitening systems for your teeth
AIM
e-mail
Itunes
Haircuts at Sports Clips
Backpacks purchased ANYWHERE but Wal-Mart
Trapper-Keepers
Kleenex for runny noses...I used toilet paper...and it wasn't Charmin.
Lockers (which now cost money at the high school)
School spirit-wear

Well, as you can see, I could go on forever. I'd appreciate your input and I'll happily add to this list, but I'm getting tired. It's been a difficult "parent" day...as most are. I know I'm being harsh, but those who say the "empty nest syndrome" is the most awful thing ever...well, what can I say? I'll believe it when I see it. Right now, it sounds like pure heaven!

Now, here's some news for ya!

2008-09-04T20:08:00.003-04:00

Amidst the RNC, the DNC, Gustav, Hanna, Ike and Britney not performing at the MTV awards...do I have news for you!

http://http//www.usmagazine.com/news/mom-matthew-mcconaugheys-dad-died-having-sex

Matthew McConaughey's Dad Died Having Sex, Says Mom. Wow, this the epitome of TMI. You betcha. My son gets grossed out if I fold a bra in front of him. Imagine telling him that...uhm and the details...yeah.

I cannot really do this story justice because I can't stop shaking my head. But, read the story for yourself and you'll have a very hearty laugh and realize how normal you are.

~Enjoy.

Short and Sweet

2008-09-03T21:54:00.002-04:00

My political opinions are as private as what I do behind my closed bedroom door (I know, TMI)...but with all that is going on, that is so evident and IN YOUR FACE, I just need to say one thing.

"We all live in glass houses".

Home Improvement

2008-09-01T16:52:00.003-04:00

Today we shopped at Lowes Home Improvement and bought a new handle for the boys shower, a new storm door, a cheap little rug/floor sweeper and scoped out new appliances. What fun!

The new door has a screen that rolls right up into the door. I didn't even know there WAS such a thing! What a perfect time to get a door that has a screen so some breeze can come into the house, so you can see who is at the door...so we can clean 'Harley' spit off the window every single day from his barking!

We picked out all matching color/brand appliances. We'll be spending about $2,500 to get all new appliances for our kitchen (stove [smooth top electric burners], dishwasher, side by side refrigerator and over the stove microwave). We chose the Whirlpool brand, and went with your basic, but easy to keep clean, white. I really do not get excited about the stainless steel and do not want a dark colored appliance. If I could get red, well, that would be a different story...but no red available. We haven't purchased the appliances yet, as we need to get the ceramic tile floor down...but soon. It is my goal to have the new appliances and floor done before Thanksgiving. Yipee. Now, Don....

An easy dinner recipe for you

2008-08-30T23:39:00.003-04:00

This recipe was originally from Carroll Herndon...whom I work with. He told me about this, and I've modified it time and time again.

Here's what you buy:
1 lb of macaroni/pasta (whatever you want [mini penne, elbow, bow ties], except for spaghetti...that won't work)
Your favorite frozen or canned vegetables. Frozen works better (~10 oz)
1 jar of Ragu Fettucini Alfredo sauce (or classico, but Ragu is usually cheaper!) Add 1/4 cup of water
1 regular package of shredded 3-cheese italian blend, or mozarella cheese (shredded)
optional: Diced ham, diced salami, bite size chicken pieces

Cook up the macaroni as directed. In a 9x13 pan (sprayed with Pam [or something equivalent]) add the cooked macaroni, fettucini sauce and shredded cheese. Then add protein (meat) of your choice. Sprinkle some paprika and parlsey on top (optional), cover with foil and Bake for 15-20 minutes on 350 degrees.

Good stuff, and very easy. Enjoy and when you cook it, let me know what you think!

Really?! I mean, REALLY?!

2008-08-29T09:34:00.003-04:00

Fake grass owner losing turf war.

People, I can't make this stuff up. http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/3450998/

In this (immediate) area we have four unsolved murders, a problem with gangs, overcrowded schools, major traffic issues and in general there is high unemployment, a shaky economy, rampant drug use, child molestation, domestic violence and more! With that said, there is some bone-head with way too much time on his/her hands raising a stink about a guy having a nice looking yard using artificial turf, that HE paid for.

Just when you think you've heard it all...

Might not be true, but it is funny

2008-08-28T21:08:00.001-04:00

Some quotes from this year's Olympics you may have missed...

Olympic Comments

Here are the top nine comments made by NBC sports commentators during the Summer Olympics that they would like to take back:

1. Weightlifting commentator: "This is Gregoriava from Bulgaria. I saw her snatch this morning during her warm up and it was amazing."

2. Dressage commentator: "This is really a lovely horse and I speak from personal experience since I once mounted her mother."

3. Paul Hamm, Gymnast: "I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and father."

4. Boxing Analyst: "Sure there have been injuries, and even some deaths in boxing, but none of them really that serious."

5. Softball announcer: "If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again."

6. Basketball analyst: "He dribbles a lot and the opposition doesn't like it. In fact you can see it all over their faces."

7. At the rowing medal ceremony: "Ah, isn't that nice, the wife of the IOC president is hugging the cox of the British crew."

8. Soccer commentator: "Julian Dicks is everywhere. It's like they've got eleven Dicks on the field."

9. Tennis commentator: "One of the reasons Andy is playing so well is that, before the final round, his wife takes out his balls and kisses them... Oh my God, what have I just said?"

As Larry says, "I don't care who you are, that's funny right there".

My Living Will

2008-08-28T20:48:00.002-04:00

I work with Elder Law attorneys...I think this will count if 'that' day ever happens...

I, Tina Hughes, being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means. Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn't pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it, or lawyers/ doctors interested in simply running up the bills. If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:

Glass of wine
Chocolate
Margarita
Glass of wine
Martini
Pizza
Martini
Fried Chicken
Sausage Gravy -n- Biscuits
Glass of wine
veal parmessan
Sex
Chicken wings
French fries
Glass of wine
Horseradish Cheese (River Rat)
Lays Potato Chips
Ice Cream
Martini
a week off from work
Sex
Glass of wine

It should be presumed that I won't ever get better. When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes, let the fat lady sing and call it a day.

Facebook

2008-08-26T22:47:00.000-04:00

I are one. Look me up. Tina M. Hughes

Fitness 19

2008-08-26T21:00:00.003-04:00

In order to speed up the weight loss and get rid of the flaps that my arms have become, I've joined a gym. It's very inexpensive and has lots of equipment. We actually signed up the entire family for $40 per month. Forget about YOU O2. I don't need a sauna, I don't need a public shower, I don't need young girls dressed in tight skirts and push up bras to snub their nose at the fat girl. I just need a place to work out, sweat, feel good and leave. Fitness 19 gives me that. O2 Fitness wanted to charge me $74 per month just for my husband and I, and parking there was a nightmare.

So, thank you "talks too fast" Bobby for setting up my entire family for some physical fitness at a great price.

The First Day of School, High School

2008-08-25T18:11:00.003-04:00

Spencer started HIGH SCHOOL today. He is officially a Cary Imp.

He was so excited and nervous about starting high school. He's taking some honors classes, and the school can be intimidating...the campus is bigger than my college campus (was). He seemed pretty happy when he got home; a little tired.

The best news of all....he thanked Austin "for this morning"...I asked what that was about and he told me Austin, when on his way to college, stopped at the bus stop and gave Spencer a ride to school. I was so thrilled that Austin was thoughtful and did this. Miracles do happen.

The Bucket List

2008-08-24T20:57:00.003-04:00

A fantastic movie. Rent it, watch it...find out for yourself. Over the next few days, maybe weeks, I'm going to be thinking about my Bucket List.

2008-08-24T15:50:00.002-04:00

The shopping cart. What a great tool to have while in the grocery store or department store. I used one today at the grocery store and when I was done with it I waited near the cart return for FOUR people to walk 8-10 steps further than I was to get their very own cart to borrow while they shopped. I guess the cart I was attempting to put back was just not up to par. It seemed it would have been so much easier to just take the one I was going to return. I guess I have cooties.

Things I enjoy

2008-08-24T09:11:00.003-04:00

Reading People magazine
The smell of a new baby
Veal Parmessan made by my mom
Laughter
The Food Network
A cup of coffee, on the weekend, all alone, first thing in the a.m.
Bargains and a clearance rack!
Hearing from my best friend Karen (sadly, that doesn't happen often...she won't even answer an e-mail!)
The first day of school
Spending time with my husband
A day off from work
Soap operas (yup, I still watch them...)
Recipe books/magazines
Tranquility
Walks on the beach
Country music
Spontaneity
Total honesty
NFL Football. The Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants.
The Ellen show
Fall and Spring
People who are genuine and kind
Learning
Fireworks
Sheets dried on the clothesline
Yahtzee
Practical jokes
Christmas

Noise, noise, noise

2008-08-23T14:32:00.004-04:00

Grocery shopping, thrift store shopping, flea market shopping, department store shopping, the mall and garage sales. Now, I must preface this blog with....I have kids, I love kids. But, here's my question...why do adults insist on bringing their small children to these places on a Saturday when there are 400 cartoons to choose from? They don't want to go, they won't behave if you make them!

I was in Harris Teeter on Thursday night and there was a toddler in there, in a cart, being pushed by his mom as she was shopping. He wasn't mad, he was, perhaps, giddy. He kept letting out this "happy" screech that made the hair stand up on my back (not even sure I have hair on my back!). I could hear him as clearly as if he were right next to me, but he was actually 4 aisles away! I could not WAIT to get out of that store.

Friday night, while I was waiting for Spencer to call me from the football game, I went to the mall to just walk around and see if there were any bargains. It was 8pm. Granted, it was a Friday, and the mall is the place for all the young'uns, but I'd consider those kids to be 11 and above. But, the babies and toddlers...screaming, crying...Oh My God! It was 8:00...they wanted to be home in a bath-tub with their plastic friends. I could not even visit two wings of our small Cary Towne Center. I had a headache. Left.

Today, this morning, I was looking forward to going to my favorite thrift stores, TJ Maxx, Classic Clothiers...Again, 400 cartoons vs. shopping in confined spaces. Kids, running away from their parents...hearing the mom say 4 times "I'm not going to tell you again to come over here"...REALLY? I bet you do! Or, better than that..."If you don't stop screaming, we're going to leave"...they don't stop screaming, and she didn't leave. But I did.

When my kids were little, they too, would get one warning, then...and I didn't care if the cart was full of frozen food...we went out to the car. Once they settled down, we'd try again and there was my cart, waiting for me. I would praise the kids like crazy once we got back in the store and they behaved well...I did not buy them a plastic toy that would end up getting flushed down the toilet within 3 days. If they didn't settle down...we went home. That happened less than 5 times with both my kids in their young lives, and though it is inconvenient...it works!!

I do have another solution to this problem...one adult in the store needs to throw a tantrum and all the little kids will surround that person with such amazement that all the other adults will shop in peace. Seriously, that would be a hoot.

38 more days...

2008-08-21T13:27:00.002-04:00

There are 38 more days until Austin turns 18. He keeps telling us he's going to move out. He's going rent part of a 4-bedroom home for $300 per month. That includes EVERYTHING.

Everything...Car insurance (on his own is going to cost $400 per month [AT LEAST]; and he'll be lucky to be able to pay per month and not all up front) Food...well, he knows about Aldi, so...maybe $100 per month. Then there is gas...seems he's moving approximately 8 miles away from where he works...so let's figure that at $75 per month. More if he stays in college. A cell phone...a MUST HAVE, of course. Let's say he can get one for $40 per month...but I bet there won't be unlimited texting and 2,500 minutes per month! Yeah, because he won't be on the family plan we have now when he moves. I assume that the generous soul who is offering this house at $300 per month is paying for water, cable and electric...because why not...those things are cheap!

We're up to over $900 per month. Of course he hasn't bought anything for his new digs...like a bed, sheets, towels, toilet paper, water bottles (he will not drink tap water) or a dresser for his clothes. He does own a TV, entertainment center and Xbox. That will go. Geesh, I didn't even consider laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Maybe he's going to give up hygiene to save money.

Now, the best part...at a forty-hour week, he will gross $1,048 per month at his minimum wage job. Let's see, the government will take...40% of that for taxes, medicare, social security...so, he'll bring home around $630 per month. And you adults reading this, you know that's an over-estimate.

We wish him luck. When he figures out how to pay $900+ worth of bills with $600, I will be sure to post another blog letting y'all know how to do it!

The great people that come into your life

2008-08-20T19:26:00.003-04:00

Thankfully, we have people come into our lives that make them better. It may only be for a moment, for a day, for a week, and hopefully for a lifetime.

In third grade I had a wonderful teacher, who liked me for who I was...an ADHD loaded red-head that asked too many questions. I had major difficulty sitting in my chair, and she always handled it; but was never insulting or humiliating. She was a sweet teacher. Her name was Mrs. Bauer.

My (great) Aunt Josie. She would sit and listen to this "pre-teen" talk for hours. She was such a pretty lady and I loved to have her brush my hair and let me wear a little lip color. She died young, from cancer, but I'll never forget her.

My great grandmother...Gertrude Marlowe. What a fantastic woman she was. She had 15 children, worked really hard, was the best cook and had a sense of humor that makes me laugh even today. She hated to see me with make-up on when I was a teenager, and if she caught me with it on...off to the bathroom we'd go. She'd turn a lovely soft cotton washcloth into a pumice stone without batting an eyelash! She was able to meet her great-great grandson, Austin, which made 5 generations. She died before he turned two, in the early 90's. She was in her early 90's.

My father's parents. My father is "technically" my step-father, though I don't think of him that way at all...he's my dad. His parents, Ruth and LeRoy, one day were blessed (?) with three grandchildren. I loved to have long conversations with my grandmother on the phone, loved to write them letters and especially to receive a letter back from them. They never made us feel like we weren't their "real" grandchildren. They were wonderful people. God rest their souls.

Mrs. Covey. So much to say about this very special person. When things got tough for me at home, at eighteen years of age, she offered her home. She was my chorus teacher in high school and she was the coolest teacher/person there. My first night staying in her home, I noticed she had a lot of coffee...she loved to drink coffee and loved to have someone drink coffee with her and just chat. She offered me a piece of blood sausage, which I had never heard of, and couldn't bring myself to try. She wasn't the best for housekeeping, but she was very busy...she was a mom, a teacher, a coach and a wife. I loved having the house clean for her when she'd come home. She'd be so happy. She encouraged me to stay close with my mom, she allowed me to learn things the hard way, she was a great support system. I was not the only "orphan" she helped...she is absolutely so special.

My husband. I've known him since I was 17 years old. I worked for him (and his family) at JB's Drive-In in Hinckley, NY. It was a small ice-cream, burgers/hot-dogs and some groceries. I feel like my husband loves me just as much today, if not more, as he did back then. When I started working at the store and saw him (though he was with someone else), it was love at first sight. Very corny, I know. But, absolutely true. He drove up Stormy Hill Road in Grant, NY to attend my graduation party and my heart just stopped. I wasn't working at the store (yet) that summer and learned that the "someone else" was out of the picture and he asked ME out. Wow, I felt like I was being asked out by Brad Pitt! He's a stand-up guy...not afraid of anything...an incredible work ethic and a great dad. Though our marriage has certainly had it's ups and downs, I am very glad we're still in it together.

Kathryn from ERC. She and her husband Andy are by and large the most genuine "southerners" we've met yet. Even though they are from the Dakota's! They are thoughtful and kind. Austin's first car...a beauty of a car, very well taken care of was because of Kathryn and Andy. They sold him their first NC car. I never did get into the Jazzercise that Kathryn always begged me to go to, but I am so proud to call them our friends.

Though I am sure there are more special people in my life, the most special is my dad. They say you marry someone like your dad and I am positive that I did. My dad is an honest man, a hard worker, smart, proud, funny and an incredible role model. I waited until I was 22 years old to tell my dad that I loved him and I still tear up with regret over this today. I hope he is 1/2 as proud of me as I am of him. My mom and my brothers were so lucky to have that big brown oldsmobile and that guy with the "engineer" eye-glasses come into our lives. He is a huge part of our success as adults.

I hope you have special people in your life and I hope you take many moments to be thankful for them.

Nothing Tastes as Good As Thin Feels

2008-08-19T20:07:00.003-04:00

Some know, but not all that I've been trying pretty hard to lose weight. I started late June, very seriously, to get healthy! I started by visiting a dietician. That was an eye-opener! These were some of the recommendations and I have taken her advice on every one of them:

Don't drink any liquids 1/2 hour before or after your meals. DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING WITH A MEAL. When you do this, it washes out the food from your stomach before it has a chance to tell your brain that you are full and it "flushes" it out too soon. For me, this was a hard habit to break. But, it can be done.
Give up soda. Even if you drink diet soda, even if you don't drink much soda...it keeps an additional 10 pounds on you per year. Water is your best bet.
Pick out two things (food-wise) that you know are your biggest downfalls and quit them...cold turkey. For me, that was potato chips and beer. I've done it! I now get my "salt" fix from healthy peanuts/almonds/walnuts, etc. I measure them out and count them towards protein.
I log in every morsel that I eat on http://www.thedailyplate.com. It is amazing what you learn about yourself at first. This website figures out everything for you...even exercise. I swear by it!
I need to get in 50-60 grams of protein per day and I can track my progress on the web-site listed above. I also have to watch the carbs...the limit is 50 grams per day. That is a little harder. Some days are better than others.
Water....64 oz per day. A MUST. Again, http://www.thedailyplate.com tracks this for me.
Wear a pedometer. It's amazing how many steps you take in a day...again, some better than others. But, the more water you drink, the more steps you take-To the Bathroom!
Stay OFF the scale. It's the non-scale victories that matter. I've gone down 3 sizes since I've started and that is absolutely wonderful to me.
Excercise...just walk. If you have a fat dog, you are not getting enough exercise.
Keep one thing in mind...this decision is all about YOU. Don't worry about what anyone says, about what anyone thinks....it's lunacy to let it get to you. Your worse enemy will be an overweight friend who lacks discipline. They will sabotage your every move. This is difficult too. But, I try hardest with this...I do not have to explain myself or my choices for a healthy lifestyle to anyone.

I've been able to get rid of my blood pressure medication; I've lost 22 pounds; I've gone down 3 sizes and I can walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like I'm going to keel over. It's not easy...but it's worth it! I have a long way to go...like 60 pounds, but I'm going to do it! My sister-in-law Lori gave me some beautiful clothes that are size 10. I will get into them. Sooner than later.

Antiques, wonderful finds and generous family

2008-08-19T00:18:00.000-04:00

What wonderful finds!

On Friday, I went to some shops in downtown Apex. I found great country craft items, some antique kitchen items (spices, old pudding box, a box of rice from 1939, etc). I bought a new lamp at a wonderful primitive/antique store http://www.therustybucket.biz/store/. I also bought from there some americana items, a wonderful candle, a fantastic tea stained needlepoint piece in a frame and candle top light bulbs. I also, went to a wonderful shop called Out of the Kiln http://www.outofthekiln.com/ which had so many items. I found decorative sprays, apple decorations, an antique silver heart (it probably isn't really an antique, but it looked it, and HEY, it was my anniversary weekend!). The glass art in that store was gorgeous! If you want really neat Halloween decorations...visit them!

The antique store was great too...I bought a large wooden sign there that was used for shreddeed wheat, out of Niagara Falls, NY. The gentleman talked me into buying a bunch of old spices, food boxes, and even old straws made from paper. Such neat stuff! He said he'd make me a great deal, and he did. I look forward to a trip back to the main street in Apex http://www.apexnc.org/!

Then, there was the flea market on Sunday. A few drops of rain made some of the vendors nervous, but they were making deals and DON was doing a lot of negotiating! It was a wonderful afternoon. Here are some of our treasures (but not all).

A #2 Crock. I LOVE crocks, but what I look for is 'no chips, no cracks and there has to be some kind of engraving at the bottom of the crock'. This one, I just wanted to hold my millions of cooking utensils and wooden spoons. It's perfect!

An old scrub board that will go in my laundry room....this with an old square box piece of treenware...Don talked the guy into $25 for both. He's awesome.

This was THE find of the day! The box, AKA Treenware, is dovetail, square and on the front of it is engraved 1/4 Peck. This is OLD! The price (originally) on it was $90... The guy asked us for $30...then we added the scrub board, Don asked if they would consider $25 for all and he said Yes! Woo-hoo. Don is THE MAN! We bought the tin scoop from a different vendor and then I just filled it with a rose-hip and cinammon stick potpourri. This box is my absolute favorite.

I know y'all are getting bored, so this is the last picture. I love to decorate with groupings. This one is a regular shelf with old kitchen-ware hanging...an old colander, the old egg beaters, an old sifter (who uses a sifter anyway?), and an old potato masher. Also on here is just some decorative stuff, but the old spices (chili powder, small bottle [still in the box] and a large bottle), a bottle, in the box of butter dye. I never knew butter was dyed! Some old miniature cookie cutters that my mom found for me. They are so cool! The straws I told you about, an old pastic-type creamer container, a ricer, a box of 1939 rice, an old box of Royal pudding and an old box of Knox gelatine. There is an old mason jar there filled with small old kitchen utensils. The shelf on the top was from my sister-in-law Lori's garage sale, as was the mason jar filled with utensils. She gave me the BEST stuff., including an old wooden rake. So sweet! She's a fantastic decorator and should be featured in a magazine. Seriously.

Well, yesterday was really fun! I'm very grateful.

p.s. - Disregard the date on my photos...I know it's wrong and I can't figure out how to correct it.

The Bane of My Existence

2008-08-17T11:07:00.000-04:00

Teenagers. It is sad that more often than not, when I'm asked if I could do anything over what would it be; my answer is "I would not have had children". My husband and I have a responsibility to our children...keep them safe, teach them responsibility, teach them to have good character, manners, to be thoughtful, to be appreciative, to have a good work ethic, to have values, to take advantage of education and always do your very best, to honor your family. It's difficult. It's exhausting. It's taxing on a relationship. It's never over.

We've learned a lot along the way from books, counselors, experience, friends, family, James Lehman's program http://www.thetotaltransformation.com/ and more. If given the chance we would have done things differently. We would improve upon what we thought was right.

Spencer John, our youngest (14). Our very talented musician.

We would have been much tougher on dishonesty. We would have been more consistent with expectations and follow-through. We would have spent more time in church. We would never had allowed sleep-overs. We would have had our children volunteer more for the elderly, the less fortunate, children's hospitals, soup kitchens, etc. We would have spent more time in the living room taking turns reading a book and left the TV off.

I remember when our children were babies, toddlers, starting school...people would see how happy we were...these people had teenagers and they would say (what we thought was cruel) things to us like "oh, enjoy them now", "little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems", "oh, wait until they are teenagers" and on and on and on. Back then, we didn't like it and we were sure those comments would never be made by us. It was different with our kids. Yeah, right!!

Austin Dennis, our oldest (17). Our college student.

Sneaking out, drugs, alcohol, lies, bad grades, bad choices in friends, laziness, know-it-alls, playing parents against each other, talking back, name-calling, judgemental, rudeness...these are the things we live with. We did not teach our children to do these things, but apparently, we didn't work hard enough, or do enough of the right things to keep our kids from learning these things, and learning them well. Or maybe we just haven't seen it yet...that we have taught them well.

It's not always bad, it's not always exhausting, it's not always taxing. But it is always. They are always our children, we will always love them and we will always keep trying to teach them to do the right thing.

On another note...to end this rant in a positive way...today is our 24th Wedding Anniversary. We plan to spend the afternoon together doing things we never get to do...like going to the Flea Market to scout out antiques. That really will be wonderful!

Thank you MelB

2008-08-15T12:06:00.000-04:00

My first day as an official blogger. Though I do not believe I can live up to the standards set by my friend and co-worker MelB http://acoffeetogo.blogspot.com/, I am going to try.

In my blog I plan to offer unsolicited advice (or my opinion), because that is what I do. I plan to listen to advice. I plan to post funny stories because we all need a lift, often, and humor does that. I plan to offer my opinions about current events. I plan to vent about parenthood, marriage and extended family. I plan to offer random thoughts, recommend products, pass along simple recipes, talk about my favorite TV shows and just share (mostly) all things positive.

Stay tuned, I am a work in progress.

~Tina