We are going to be making a semi-last-minute trip down to southwest MO this weekend. The reason is totally exciting, and if all goes well, I'll be able to share soon. But, that's beside the point. The point is, we're making a semi-last-minute trip this weekend. A four hour one way trip. Last. Minute. And what, you might be thinking, is noteworthy about that? Well, laundry that isn't done and needs to be. Then, of course, clothes that need to be packed. Getting 4* people packed for the weekend wouldn't seem to be such a big deal, you know, it's only 2 1/2 days, but when one still needs pull-ups for bedtime (and "emergency" undies & outfits), one will only wear a few choice shirts, one is still in diapers (thus wipes, ointment, extra thick nighttime diapers...) and was diagnosed yesterday with the most bizarre ear infection** I've ever heard of and has antibiotics that need to be refrigerated (plus the obligatory Motrin & Tylenol), and so on and so forth, well, last-minute is hard for me. And obviously I'm really on top of it, what with sitting here typing and all. But, it's cool. I'll drag out the suitcase in a few, throw some stuff in, and it will be fine!! (cuz that's how I am, duh. I don't take anything too seriously, and I certainly have no problem with not having a perfectly packed and organized suitcase. really.) Hey, maybe I'll be able to relieve the almost guaranteed stress-and-OCD-induced headache, shaking, hyperventilation, and PSYCHO with a little knitting in the van. Got lots of fast, easy, and portable things that I want to get done (you know, to avoid the crazy that I turned into trying to get all the Christmas knitting done, otherwise known as That Which Will NOT Be Mentioned), and I'm sure Hubs will want to drive. His driving may or may not contribute to the above symptoms, thus increasing the need for knitting. :)


*I pack for myself and the boys. All other persons are on their own. That includes anyone over the age of 10 (physically - some, who will remain unnamed, are still not emotionally or mentally over the age of 10).

**Sweet Baby J has bullous myringitis, a bacterial ear infection caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae, a little bugger that can cause atypical pneumonia, and that has produced a large, painful blister on the poor dude's ear drum. He's now on erythromicin, as no pharmacy in town had what was originally prescribed...

I'm sad that we will be in Bolivar but won't get to spend time with, or see, Miss M. She already had plans for this weekend, and obviously what she's going to be doing is way more fun/cool/exciting than being stuck with Mom, step-dad, and 3 little brothers. *huff* I'm probably gonna be done pouting about it by the time we leave here this afternoon...

Well, apparently those jeans aren't going to get themselves out of the dryer, or fold themselves. Which, I suppose means that they aren't going to get the stuff out of the washer and put it in the dryer, either. Or start another load. Man! I always have to do EVERYTHING around here!!

We'll be enjoying a whole weekend with no work, no real solid plans, no have-to's, no need-to's, just want-to's!! And, (fingers crossed!!) hopefully, no one will have to be offed, sold to the highest bidder, or left on the side of the road! It's good to have dreams and aspirations, I always say.
Have a great one, everybody =)

I Am Resolute? I Am Resolved? I Am Resolutionized?

The start of a new year always brings about a time of reflection and thoughts of the future for me. I reflect on the year that's passed; I ponder what is to come in the year ahead. In the past, I have made resolutions, but that never works out very well: the list gets lost, I change my mind, the list gets lost, circumstances require a new outlook, the list gets lost... So this year, I've decided that instead of "resolving" myself to certain, probably unattainable, actions, I would figure out some reasonable, and necessary, things to focus on, and ways to ensure that I do. So far, I have figured out what my objects of focus for this new year will be, but the actual act of focusing? Not quite there yet. hmmm. Obviously, I need to get that figured out, like, soon. But until I do, I think that to keep myself semi-accountable, I'm going to get the list down here. And maybe inspire some others to look inward at what they need to take the time to focus on in this fresh, blank year. And so...


*Focus on Health ~ Physical & Mental: encompassing better food choices, exercise, weight loss and maintenance, and daily "meditation" (to include knitting, blogging, and other me activities)...

*Focus on Health ~ Spiritual: encompassing prayer & time with God, and finding my church "home..."

*Focus on Health ~ Financial: encompassing The Hubs & I reading and working through The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, finding a system of organization that works for the entire family, finalizing Christmas budget before the 1st of November (and sticking to it), setting up estate, investment, and retirement plans, and figuring out a definitive working budget...

*Focus on Health ~ Relationships: encompassing marriage & kids, and communication...

So there you have it. What I will be doing in all my spare time these next 11 3/4 months. There may be profound failure in all or some places, but I am resolute in my resolve (yeah, how ya like that!) to at least give all areas effort. Now, this list does seem very detailed, but I realize that I am generally a great multi-tasker, and that several things will be combined as they are accomplished. I also need the details out in the open, or they will be overlooked. And it should be noted that I actually have a hand-written list that includes cross-references, but thought I would spare any and all readers that pain!! If you'd like to see my complete, nerdy diagram, just let me know... ;)

Happy, Blessed New Year to Everyone!

Killing Me Softly Slowly & Painfully...

So, the New Year is officially a week old.

Have I done anything fun? Nope.

Have I done anything exciting? Not even close.

Have I even gotten out of the bloody house? NO!!!

The weather outside is frightful, no doubt about it. I hear rumors that we should expect to be out of sub-zero and single digit temps next week, but still not warm (haha - warm, what a joke!) enough to get rid of all this blinking snow. I think by now, even people who have never met nor heard of me must know how much I, well, dislike winter. I don't do well in extreme temps, I seriously hate being wet AND cold, and I just wanna scream when it comes to the dressing to go outside - the layers, the snow pants, the coats, the hats, the gloves, the scarves, the boots, the blahblahblahblahblah. Go through all that to hear 5 minutes later, "I gotta pee!!" argh.

We went "back to school" this week, but missed Thursday & Friday due to the snow and freakish temperatures. Yeah. Snow days. The bain of my existence! Don't get me wrong, I truly love my kids, but I have come to the realization that I am just not one of those moms who can spend infinite amounts of time with the hooligans and remain sane, or still like them. And they couldn't go outside. You know, since global warming has turned NEMO into part of the Arctic Circle. And we couldn't go anywhere, since the van doesn't have 4-wheel drive, and probably isn't equipped to deal with the 3-foot snow drift on my side of the driveway. To add to the fun, The Hubs is on call this weekend, so there's just no telling if he'll be home at all or not. And even if he is home, I can't go anywhere without assistants, which at this point kind of defeats the purpose of getting the heck outta the house. Mother Nature is totally not going to be invited to my birthday party this year!!!

Soon I will get some pics posted here - general blog pics, recent photos of the heathens, that sorta thing. I'm not too quick with the tech stuff... :) And updates on the "weather is making everyone crazy with cabin fever" situation as necessary!!