Monday, November 27, 2006

Been a while, hasn't it??

Oh man, here we go again. Blogging during the wee hours of the morning when normal people are sleeping. But then again, I DID test at less than 50% normal........

My baby girl Kendall is on a mission to give me gray hair. Her favorite phrases have been "No thanks!!!" and "Not really!!". Now granted, at least the girl is showing manners, but she uses these phrases, usually with an emphatic waving of her hands, for everything. For instance, she has gone on a clothing strike, which, for a three year old, is not unusual and something I'm willing to run with as long as we don't have to be anywhere besides home. But for the past few school days I've had to drop Maggie off at Glenwood instead of walking her in for the simple reason that Kendall, clad in maybe the underwear I wrestled onto her, was not decent enough to leave the car. She'll let me dress her without a fight once we're at GSPS, the stinker. Again, I really wasn't that bothered by this other than the fact that Maggie was getting shortchanged in the mornings, as she loves me to walk her into her classroom. The main problem with Kendall's nakedness at home is that apparently, for her wearing clothing is a reminder that when she has to pee she needs to do it on the potty. If she doesn't have clothes on apparently she decided to adopt the 'squat and go wherever' philosophy, especially in her own room. As a result, I feel like I'm the owner of a LARGE puppy in need of being housebroken. What the heck am I supposed to do here?? Rub her nose in it and tell her 'Bad girl!! Bad girl!!'?? I'm telling you, the act of getting her in clothes, which seems to stop this behavior, can require a full-body wrestling match. I'm frustrated and feeling low on the scale of good mommyhood. I love this child more than life and yet she can push my buttons like an old pro. Frustrated because there are so many times I feel like I suck at balancing the work-housecare-childcare-spousecare demands on my time. And yet I know I should be thankful that I have these stresses, because it means I have a home, healthy children, and a hubby I love who accepts me for the weirdo I am. Just keep swimming..........right??

Shout out to Dawn, my increasingly skinny, less-lumpy-jawed friend. BTW, my text about the cookie eating was more of a confessional than an act of bragging. But it occurred to me that when I made the 'won't eat another cookie 'til we can share one' promise a week ago you may have been under the influence of Lortab. I texted you because I felt bad for inadvertantly breaking that promise and wanted to fess up, even if you'd never have known otherwise. Not to rub it in. Honest!!!

Got to get to bed, as I have, after stepping on the scale yesterday, a renewed vow to exercise and eat better. Don't even really care about the weight, just how my clothes aren't fitting as well as they did about 6 months ago. Gotta be all those powdered donuts Jeff & I get on our tailgating weekends in Norman. Or at least that was a part of it.......wish me luck!!

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Hey they're what made Krispy Kreme famous, so don't knock 'em!!!!

You Are a Glazed Donut

Okay, you know that you're plain - and you're cool with that.
You prefer not to let anything distract from your sweetness.
Your appeal is understated yet universal. Everyone dig you.
And in a pinch, you'll probably get eaten.

Insomniatic ramblings........

One: Potty trainer
Go Kendall Rae!!! My baby girl is firmly on the road to potty training. I haven't had her in a pull-up (except at night) in over a week. She is down to maybe one accident a day. Wooo hooo!!!!!

Two: Random kid-show observations
So this past Saturday morning, as Jeff & I were killing time in the 'ole RV, we ended up watching the Disney show "That's So Raven." (needless to say we hadn't figured out the Dish and were stuck with a very limited number of channels). Now I've come across this show while flipping channels but I've never really watched it. I have to say I was totally amazed, and not in a good way. Every single white character on this show played a person who was an absolute idiot/airhead/dumbass/you name it. I watched in amazement as it dawned on me that if the roles were switched between white & African American actors, the show never would have seen the light of day because it would have been classified as completely racist. Yet this show is a hit and seems to be well accepted by the public. Talk about a double-standard.

Three: Premature senility???
I'm a bit worried about me. I'm only 33 and I cannot keep up with what should be important things to keep up with. Example: Jeff needed the title to the Vette. Oh sure, you think, that's an easy one because like a responsible person you keep documents like that in a special place, like a safety deposit box, right?? Well, I used to do that but somewhere along the way I guess I got distracted and the title didn't make it there. I checked my usual places and found nada. Zilch. And we're not talking about just the Vette title, but ALL of them (Excursion, BMW, Vette, RV, F-250). What the heck happened that I didn't take care of something like that, huh??? After tearing the house apart, I did manage to come up with three of the five, but the other two, including the Vette, are in that mysterious place in my life that random things get sucked into and disappear, kind of like my own personal black hole. This worries me. I mean, if I'm like this now, what does the future hold??? Am I going to have to have one of those little electronic tags attached to all my stuff that beeps when I press the master receiver button (think "Along Came Polly" here)?? At the rate I'm going I'll probably loose the stupid receiver. Then what'll I do??? Luckily getting a replacement title isn't a huge deal, and I've vowed that when the two new titles come into my possession they're going straight into the safe with the other three, but it's the point. Arrrrrggggghhhhhh. Not good!!!!

Four: ''Hearts" to Dawn from your paranoid friend!!! Maggie would LOVE to have another friend's little brother/sister to play with, and it'll keep me from explaining to her that, come Friday, her daddy will be fixed and it just ain't happenin' again in this family!!!!

So it's nearly three a.m. now and I'm going back to bed. See ya later.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

You Never Know With Me.........

You Are 50% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too damn weird to do anything about it!

Monday, September 11, 2006

Reflections on 9-11.......

Like most people, today my thoughts have been about that sad, sad day five years ago. I woke up early and decided to lounge in bed while I watched GMA; Maggie was only 8 months old and usually slept until at least 9:00 am so I could get away with it. Suddenly they broke into an interview to say there'd been an explosion at the World Trade Center, but at that point they didn't know what caused it. They went live to the scene, discussing possible scenarios, when you see a plane come into view. Just as you're thinking "That's strange....." yet still assuming it'll appear on the other side of the towers, you see the explosion. I sat there in shock while my thoughts raced in my head. I called my mom and got her voice mail. My message surely sounded frantic and she called me back as soon as she'd come in from watering her outside plants. Shock. Dismay. Fear. Unsettled. Uncertain of anything anymore. I remember I decided to take a shower before Maggie woke up and came out just in time to see the first tower collapse. I cursed the people who deliberately caused this. Angrier and angrier I got. How dare they!! Then I heard my sweet baby girl babbling in her crib. As I went to get her she gave me one of those gummy smiles only babies can look cute with, and suddenly I broke down crying. As I fed her breakfast, I watched the second tower fall and thought 'Oh Lord, what is happening??!! This kind of stuff doesn't happen here!!!". I placed a call to Mercy Heart Hospital, where Jeff's aunt was scheduled for surgery that morning, to make sure she wasn't near a television. Luckily the nurses were on the ball and managed to isolate the patients from the relentless coverage of the disaster. I got to speak with Jeff when I went to give him something he needed at work and had to explain to him that the towers were gone. "What do you mean 'gone'??" he said with disbelief. "They both collapsed, honey. They're gone.". Shock on his face, but after a hug he had to compose himself for another case. Rumors were rampant that there were still planes that were unaccounted for and where they might attack next. Then it was home for me & Maggie, to sit in our house and wonder what came next as I guiltily searched the TV for a channel displaying anything but that day's news. That night I was scared of the dark and had to have every light on in the house. Over the next few days, as the news replayed the disaster as well as the personal stories of heroes, survivors and of those left behind to grieve, I found myself wondering how life could ever be the same as 'before' and how life would be in this new era the terrorists had forced on us. We'd always talked of having two kids, but would we want to bring another child into this world when we were so uncertain what it was going to be like?? Did we have to worry, with several bases in the same state, would we be targeted next?? Should we trust anything we received in the mail?? Why do they hate us so much?? What drives them to be so willing to die?? So many questions; so much uncertainty; so many fears.

I'll be the first to admit I never want to experience that kind of uncertainty again; I doubt any sane person would. I think I still feel guilt for the distance, physically & emotionally, that is between me and those who experienced it firsthand, but I'm also greatful for the isolation it seems to give us. I pray for those who lost so much that day, for the loss of innocence & trust, and for the future of our country. I also pray that those who have such hatred in their hearts somehow discover the God I believe in and love, that they may see He is not vengeful and that vengeful acts don't secure you a higher place in Heaven. I pray for those putting their lives on the line on the other side of the world in the belief that freedom is good, not evil.

Hopefully we've all learned from that terrible day, that mistakes were probably made, and that we can use them for preventing anything similar in the future. I'm proud of my country and hope you are, too.

Never forget.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Honest, I just really like snow............

Your Hidden Talent

You're super sensitive and easily able to understand situations.
You tend to solve complex problems in a flash, without needing a lot of facts.
Decision making is easy for you. You have killer intuition.
The right path is always clear, and you're a bit of a visionary.

Yet again, go figure........

You Should Get a PhD in Science (like chemistry, math, or engineering)

You're both smart and innovative when it comes to ideas.
Maybe you'll find a cure for cancer - or develop the latest underground drug.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

GSPS Starts in 5 days. Can I get an AMEN!!!!????

Yes I'm still alive and yes we've all survived the summer. Maggie is almost finished with her second week of big-girl-kindergarten and seems to like her class and teacher. She's not very open with the details of her day, but all I can do is keep trying, and as long as she seems happy I'm not going to worry. The biggest surprise so far has been having to sign an emergancy transfer for her because apparently our address is considered part of the Byng school district. Who knew??

Kendall, on the other hand, has been an absolute pill since she lost her built-in playmate to Glenwood. She fights me at wake up, dressing, drop-off, lunchtime, playtime, worktime, pick-up, bedtime, etc. The fourth day of school, last Wednesday, the principal had to take Maggie to her class because Kendall was in the middle of a you-can-make-me-do-it-when-I-don't-want-to-but-I-sure-as-hell-won't-be-happy-about-it fit and I'm pretty sure her screams reached every nook and cranny of the school. She's not a bad kid, I think she's jealous of this strange place that takes her sister away from her 5 days a week while she's left at home. Patience, I keep telling myself, patience.

I seem to be in the midst of a subconcious masochistic vandetta aimed at the left side of my body. Last Wednesday, the day of Kendall's mega-loud tantrum, I was messing with my hair as I headed through a door. Sadly enough for my elbow, I didnt' account for the extra width and knocked into the corner of the door frame with enough force to see stars and be nauseaus enough that I was sweating like a dog. I had to lay down for 10 minutes before it passed. No fracture, just a busted bursa. Just as the arm is feeling better, I'm going to pick up Maggie from school on Monday and my left ankle rolls outward and pops, knocking me & Kendall to the ground. Kendall was fine once I fixed the cover on her Leapster, and I was just shaking my head at myself thinking 'you have GOT to be kidding me!!!!'. What kind of clutz am I?? I'm happy to report that the swelling is almost gone and the bruising is not bad at all, so I should be running again by next Tuesday. Have I mentioned that's the first day of GSPS??!!!

We're headed to Norman tomorrow for a weekend of tailgating and Sooner Football. Wish them (and us) luck!!!!

Friday, July 28, 2006

Confirmation of my nerdiness......

You Passed 8th Grade Science
Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!
Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

I'll never go hungry in OK and Weems: watch out!!!

Your Monster Profile

Brutal Demon

You Feast On: Armadillos

You Lurk Around In: Sewers

You Especially Like to Torment: Dentists

Thursday, July 20, 2006

OK, OK, OK; I'll do a non-Blogthing blog for once!!!

First of all a big shout out to my friend Kim D. who, no matter where the heck we were, always managed to see somebody from Muskogee. Congrats on the engagement, girl!!!! I can't wait to see you again!!!

Second, I am very proud to say that as of late this afternoon my office only has one computer and thus one billing system running. For anybody who didn't know (must live on another planet) I switched billing software late last year in an attempt to find a more cost effective and user-friendly system. But because the old system wasn't friendly enough to share it's info with the new one I've been running both of them concurrently, with two separate computers, hoping I'd be able to last long enough to clear all the claims I'd already sent out on the old system. Seven and a half months into this and I finally managed to clear out about 98% of the old stuff; the other 2% is stuff I can deal with in the new system. Can I get a whoop whoop!!!!!

I realized that this summer has gone by so fast that I haven't even kept a countdown to the first day of school like I did last year. I think that's due to the billing stuff and the fact that my kids take maybe a nap each per week and we've been involved in swimming lessons, VBS, and lots of pool time at the club. Maggie, the girl who wouldn't even get her face in the water a few months ago is now jumping in, touching the bottom, and actually swimming. Yes it's all happening in the shallow end, but it's a huge improvement for her and I'm a proud mama just watching her!!! Kendall, who still prefers being towed around by anybody who will take her in the water, is actually getting a stroke that resembles a doggy paddle but she still has to be reminded to kick her feet. My babies are growing up so fast it kills me!!!

We all survived our first real vacation as a family, and we can honestly say we had a great time in Branson, MO. So many firsts for the girls: fishing, water parks, Silver Dollar City, Butterfly Palace, wildlife museums, Titanic museum, LOTS of time with their Mommy & Daddy. The RV worked out great, although it was nice to come home to all this space!!! An RV is not the best place to be when you have a bout of insomnia; I usually get up and do something until I'm sleepy again but in an RV there's nowhere to go!!! Luckily that only happened on 2 nights. I am firmly convinced, however, that after an 8 day trip with the fam in contstant company I could really use some alone time, or at least some adult time!!! Something to ease me back into the daily grind, because I've been dragging this week. My stamina has been down on my morning runs and I don't know if it's the 10 day layoff, the heat, the humidity, the asthma & allergies, or a combination of them all. I hope it goes away soon!!!

Speaking of heat: all I have to say about it is WTF???!!! I can't remember a string of days like this, especially in July. The temp gauge on my truck has read as high as 106, and that was coming straight out of my garage and watching it climb, not even sitting in the sun! Seriously guys, this is crazy. So take care, drink lots of water, and stay cool. You know the K Hoo will!!!

Who, me???

You're Totally Sarcastic

You sarcastic? Never! You're as sweet as a baby bunny.
Seriously, though, you have a sharp tongue - and you aren't afraid to use it.
And if people are too wimpy to deal with your attitutde, then too bad. So sad.

Friday, June 30, 2006

With a socialite name like that, who wouldn't want me at their party?? As the live music??

Kimberly Jo Hood's Aliases

Your movie star name: Chips Jacob

Your fashion designer name is Kimberly Venice

Your socialite name is Duck Dallas

Your fly girl / guy name is K Hoo

Your detective name is Dog Piedmont

Your barfly name is Fruit Beer

Your soap opera name is Jo Sharon Lane

Your rock star name is Chocolate Car

Your Star Wars name is Kimcoo Hoojef

Your punk rock band name is The Tired Furbies

Smokin'!!!!!!!

Your Outrageous Name is:

Mary Wanna

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Thursday, June 15, 2006

I'm not THAT bad. Really........

You Should Drive a Ford Shelby Mustang Cobra

You have an extreme need for speed, even when you're not in a hurry.
And while your flying by, you don't want to look like every other car on the road!

Figures; I have this recipie memorized.........

You Are a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Traditional and conservative, most people find you comforting.
You're friendly and easy to get to know. This makes you very popular - without even trying!

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Hey I thought he was HOT in the 80's...........





Your Famous Blogger Twin is Wil Wheaton





You're a friendly, funny guy (or girl) next door
With more than a touch of geekiness


Shocker!!!!!!

Your Life is Like

Better Off Dead...

Boy this makes me sound good!!!!!

Your Birthdate: February 6

You tend to be a the rock in relationships - people depend on you.
Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first.
You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world.
An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be.

Your strength: Your intuition

Your weakness: You put yourself last

Your power color: Rose

Your power symbol: Cloud

Your power month: June