KateSpot: May 2003 Archives

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May 31, 2003

Pink Panther

The girls and I are watching <a href="http://us.imdb.com/Title?0075066">The Pink Panther Strikes Again</a>. Holy ****. I have forgotten just how funny Peter Sellers can be. I am hysterical. M is cracking up - watching Peter Sellers trip or fall down a flight of stairs. I forgot there is one scene where Clouseau goes into a gay bar when he is shadowing a suspect. The suspect, as it turns out, is part of the stage show. He comes out in drag, singing some slow romantic song. I walked into the kitchen, laughing, and mentioned to P that I am a bad mom because I am allowing my children to watch a drag show! He says don't worry about it - they probably don't even know what the heck they are watching! LOL!

Great quotes:

[After Clouseau accidentally reduces a piano to a pile of splinters.]

Mrs. Leverlilly: You've ruined that piano!!
Clouseau: What is the price of one piano compared to the terrible crime that's been committed here.
Mrs. Leverlilly: But that's a priceless Steinway!
Clouseau: Not anymore!

and

Clouseau: Does your dog bite?
Hotel Clerk: No.
Clouseau: [bowing down to pet the dog] Nice doggie.
[Dog barks and bites Clouseau in the hand]
Clouseau: I thought you said your dog did not bite!
Hotel Clerk: That is not my dog.

and

Francois: Do you know what kind of a bomb it was?
Clouseau: The exploding kind.

HA!

Posted by Cate at 05:09 PM | Comments (4)

50 Reasons

(link snagged via <a href="http://www.gigglechick.com/erin/blog/002176.php#002176">gigglechick</a>)

50 Reasons Why You Might Be From the Jersey Shore... (with my commentary on these items)

(i think a benny who's a jersey shore local wannabe wrote this)

1. You don't understand why there aren't more 24-hour diners elsewhere in the country. (Where else can you order mozzarella sticks, fries with brown gravy or a full breakfast after the bars close?)

2. You know what a Wawa is, and know the location of at least 15 of them. (ton's of Wawa's down here but we usually hit 7-11 - the one by the beach)

3. You think a mountain is that big freakin' hill in Atlantic Highlands. (pretty much, with the exception of a great sleddign hill that was destroyed for a developement)

4. You know Asbury Park is no longer the Mecca of East Coast resort towns. (ugh! Now it's a dump. I never made it to any 102.7 WNEW concerts there)

5. Even though there's a new Walmart in your town, you still go to the Englishtown Auction for cheap stuff. (Anyone remember Peddlars Village in Wall? Best stuff ever)

6. You can name all the flavors of salt water taffy. (Yuck - hate the stuff)

7. Your car is covered with yellow-green dust in April and May. (NASTY! I hate pollen)

8. You buy Shop-Rite brand food at Shop-Rite. (Now I do but I used to do most of my shopping at FoodTown in the Sea Girt Plaza)

9. You can smell and know when it's low tide. (:::gag:: yep!)

10. The Jets/Giants game has started fights at your school and/or local bar. (deoending on the bar.. oh yeah)

11. There are no self serve gas stations and you like it that freaking' way... "yous gotta problem wit dat?" (self serve sucks.)

12. You've had sex on the beach, and I'm not talking about the beverage. (:::whistling::: Pass)

13. You know how to successfully handle a traffic circle. (Hehehe - it's fun tot watch the bennies freak out at the circle)

14. You know what skeeball is and you can get three 50's in a row. (yeah baby! Belmar Playland anyone?)

15. You think the Olive Garden is crap and should have never opened any restaurants in New Jersey. (Totally)

16. You've run out of money on the Parkway. (Yep)

17. You're Italian. (nope)

18. You know where to get the best bagel. (Of course!)

19. Donald Trump is mentioned at least daily in your local paper. (only if speaking about Atlantic City)

20. You say "water" weird. ("no i don't... everyone else says it strange" - I'll stick with Erin's answer on this)

21. Even your school made good Italian subs. (ew - no way)

22. You've lived through hurricanes, nor'easters and fires, but have never, seen a tornado, earthquake, tsunami or volcano. (give me hurricanes and nor'easters any day)

23. You can't believe MTV went to Seaside Heights. (I even have some pictures to prove it!)

24. You know that ACME is an actual store, not just a Warner Bros. creation. (LOL! In Manasquan)

25. You only go to New York City for day trips. (absolutely)

26. You know what a "jug handle" is. (another land trap for bennies)

27. You have mandatory recycling. Enforced by law. (Yeah - better watch it around here!)

28. You've eaten a pork roll and cheese on a hard roll...and like it. (Ugh - I hate them but I have cooked more than my fair share while working at the Allenwood General Store)

29. You go to at least one parade at the boardwalk each year. (no way)

30. You've pondered, "Maybe basketball would be more popular in New Jersey if the Nets didn't blow," (hate basketball anyway)

31. You can go bowling at 1:30 A.M. (with automatic scoring)! (Bradley Bowl baby!)

32. In high school, you worked at a Friendly's. (none by me - I always wanted to work at Circle Freeze)

33. Route 18 doesn't freak you out at night. (Nope - but 195 sure does)

34. Because your town was founded before 1776, all the restaurants, taverns, and shops have "ye," "olde," and "colonial" in their names. (haven't seen that)

35. You don't have to go to red lobster to get fresh seafood. (Oh man -pick any place in Manasquan, Avon, Belmar, Brielle, Point for fresh seafood)

36. You once said, "It smells like New York in here," (lol - never)

37. You've waited for the goddamn drawbridge for more than 20 damn minutes. (only if you didn't keep an eye on the time. God help you if you had to pee)

38. At least three people in your family still love Bruce Springsteen. (oh yeah)

39. There's a fruit and vegetable stand down the road. (I miss the old mom and pop places. They didn't even have to be at the stand - it was based on honor system)

40. "Anyone who makes bad pizza can go to hell" is your attitude. (Pete and Eldas is delicious. Squan Taven ain't so bad and Vics Taven is also yummy!)

41. You always use a minimum of 10 variations of the word "damn"while driving. (LOL - and them some)

42. You don't take any **** from anybody. Especially from someone from New York, because you live here for Christ's sake and just who the hell do they think they are anyway? Invading our damn beaches and bars, they're just here for the damn summer and they think they own the damn place (YEAH! I'll drink to that)

43. You've gone to the race track with twenty different daily double bets from twenty different people (::blushing:: I have never been to the track)

44. You've spent St. Patrick's Day in Belmar. (No - but the parade isn't ON St. Patrick's Day. It's held a couple weekends BEFORE)

45. You know that there are bakeries which are not part of a supermarket, but actual individual stores. (can't forget the Ritz Bakery or Freedmans)

46. You've ordered a "hard roll with butter" for breakfast. (I think it's a law)

47. One time, a sea gull **** on your head. (One time?)

48. You've eaten at a Windmill, drunk off your ass, at am at least a dozen times. (No but they have great hot dogs. You gotta eat, while drunk off your ass, at the diner)

49. You know what a "benny" is and can pick one out at the beach. (pretty much)

50. You've planned a local trip around ensuring you pass at least one dunkin' donuts. (well yeah. Gotta get me a cruller and a coffee)

Thanks Erin - these were a lot of fun!

Posted by Cate at 02:50 PM | Comments (19)

Memory Lane

Just got off the phone with <a href="http://www.dagoddess.com">Joanie</a>! Oh my GAWD - we laughed and laughed. SOmetopics of discussion:
Vegas/Atlantic City
lemon/avacado trees
kids
movies
Klick-Klacks
Romper Stompers
and, the kicker,
<a href="http://barbln.org/trixie/main.htm">Trixie Belden</a>.

I was in shock when Joanie told me that they are still quite popular. I checked on eBay and there are seven pages of Trixie Belden books! My dad has all of my Trixie books. I am going to have to go there and see what books I own!
It was great chatting with ya Joanie! ::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 12:12 PM | Comments (3)

Quiz

(link snagged from <a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">Jay Solo</a>)

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/B/blacklily42/1046468465_eamsmaycom.jpg" border="0" alt="What Dreams May Come"> You are... What Dreams May Come - "I would go to hell to find you."
Love, above all else, is important to you. When you love someone, you really love them, and you'd do anything for them. Sometimes that an get you into trouble, but to you that isn't important; what is important is is maintaining the levels of caring and trust in a healthy relationship. You little romantic, you.
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/blacklily42/quizzes/What%20movie%20quote%20are%20YOU%3F/"> What movie quote are YOU?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

<a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">Did</a> <a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">I</a> <a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">mention</a> <a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">that</a><a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">I</a> <a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">snagged</a><a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">this</a> <a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">link</a> <a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">from</a> <a href="http://jaysolo.blogspot.com/">Jay</a>?

Posted by Cate at 10:01 AM | Comments (2)

June

June is a busy month for us. On June 6th, P and I will be celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. The traditional gift is tin or aluminum. Hmmm..... what to buy?
Also, it's my (and Mom's) birthday on the 13th. P's birthday is the 16th! How weird is that? LOL!
In other news, Debbie and I had cancelled a troop trip due to rain. Well, as I Am typing, the sun is brightly shining in the sky. According to the weather channel, we are due for strong storms. I guess we will see about that.
Off for coffee.

Posted by Cate at 09:20 AM | Comments (3)

May 30, 2003

Did I happen to mention...

that my birthday is in two weeks? In fact, it falls on a Friday. Friday the 13th. How cool is THAT? Did I also mention that I was born on my Mom's 22nd birthday? Just another nifty fact about me.
Dinner tonight was grilled steak, salad, fries, and broccoli. Yum. Too bad it has just started to rain and thunder. Ick. Now I am trapped inside with these people. HELP!

Posted by Cate at 07:22 PM | Comments (5)

Planting

Well - I got the rest of my plants in the gardens and containers. They look so much nicer now. I also picked up batteries for my digital camera so I was able to take a bunch of pictures. I'll download them later.
Debbie (troop leader) and I postponed the troop trip that was scheduled for tomorrow. The forecast shows rain. All freakin weekend. Damn.

Posted by Cate at 02:57 PM | Comments (1)

It's FRIDAY! YAY!

May 29, 2003

Home again, home again jiggity jig

I just got back from visiting my stepmom at the hospital. She was pretty happy to see me. I brought her some ginseng hand and body lotion, tic tacs, lollipops, some magazines, a legal pad and pen and a few other miscellaneous things. You would have thought it was Christmas judging by her reaction. I am glad I was able to visit. P will be stopping to visit on his way home tomorrow.
Some asshat was dogging me the entire ride home on Rt 539. Jerk. Thanks for driving too close to me with your freakin' Ford Enormous. Oh, by the way, your headlights work just. Putz.

Gonna surf for a little while then turn the controls over to Husband so he can blog. Go stop by and say hello!

Posted by Cate at 10:14 PM | Comments (2)

G'day!

Well - I had my nap. Feeling a little better. I returned movies back to the library. I decided to pick up a DVD for me - <a href="http://us.imdb.com/Title?0240890">Serendipity</a>. I love <a href="http://us.imdb.com/Name?Cusack,%20John">John Cusak </a>::drool::

I talked to my Dad. My step-mom is in the hospital. She has kidney stones. Jeez, the poor woman. Like she hasn't had enough stress with my dad and now she gets those damn stones. I tried to call her room at the hospital but no one answered. I don't like letting the phone ring, in case someone else is also in the room, in the other bed.

Posted by Cate at 12:29 PM | Comments (6)

Tired

:::yawn:::
I am tired. I stayed up too late last night watching a really<a href="http://us.imdb.com/Title?0191074">bad movie</a> on HBO. I am gonna take a nap. I have 2 1/2 hours before I have to pick up O.
G'night!

Posted by Cate at 08:58 AM | Comments (1)

May 28, 2003

Hooray

The kids are in bed! A little late but they are in bed.

I had a great day today. My mom came down for a few hours. She, O and I went shopping at Wal-Mart (yeah, I know but beggars can't be choosers LOL!) and then we stopped at McD's to bring home lunch. Mom let O "decide" where we would have lunch. Ick. Burp.
Mom brought down some more plants for me, cucumbers, grape tomato and pepper! Yummy! I have to finish planting them (and some of my flowers) and pick up some tomato cages to contain them. I grow them in big pots since I don't have a good spot for a garden. Wait, I take it back. I do have a great spot for a garden but it's in the middle of my back yard. Hmm - not willing to give up the nice new grass. Not yet. Maybe next year....
After Mom left, I had planned on planting the veggies. Mother Nature, however, had a different agenda. Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, rain poured down - O was a bit freaked. She needed to watch the Wiggles (again) to "feel better Mommy" How can I say no?
P had the day off and was up at his parents' house, working on my father in law's boat. In fact, you can read about it <a href="http://mrPtoyou.blogspot.com"target=_blank>here</a>. We tinkered with blogger today and got his template straightened out. Heck - you can even leave him a comment if you are so inclined ::grin::
So much to say.. but so much more to do! I am going to surf for a bit and catch up on my very neglected emails. Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 09:28 PM | Comments (1)

Well

It's nice to know that it certainly takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. Back to my "very boring central jersey life". Last time I checked, it's MY blog. Sheesh. Frickin mo-rons. Get your own blog if you have that much to say.

Hmm - I guess last night's evening was kinda boring. ::grin:: Husband was racing against the weather and our too tall lawn in an attempt to mow. He won the race but was pretty beat at speed-mowing the lawn. Possible catagory for the future homeowner Olympics.
I am still crocheting a blanket. It is made up of strips (9 total) that can be whipstitched together when completed. I started the second strip last night. Gee - maybe I will be done by Christmas.

Off to the bus stop for the second day in a row! (woohoo) Then, it's Curves baby!

Posted by Cate at 07:59 AM | Comments (1)

May 27, 2003

Pulease

Apparently, my blog has now become the debate site to whether the 3 ~~men~~ idiots who beat animals to death are right or wrong.
Look people - let me spell it out for you S L O W L Y
They broke into a zoo.
They beat birds to death.
They should be punished.
Get it?
AND - I am not even bringing up the OTHER crap they are accused of doing that night.
Do not attempt to compare it to anything else. Do not attempt to convince me otherwise. I don't CARE if they are kind, phenomenal and loving men. What they did was disgusting and frankly, quite disturbing.

Posted by Cate at 02:37 PM | Comments (16)

Back home

The hoedown was a lot of fun. Tons of food that O just could not eat. Thank goodness for fresh fruit and veggies. Poor kid. Luckily, she was pretty good about it. I am making her a hot dog right now LOL.

Posted by Cate at 02:18 PM | Comments (0)

Good Morning

Well, we actually made the bus this morning!! ::insert whistles and cheering here:: O has a class party today. I am just about finished baking 5 dozen chocolate chip cookies. This way, I know she will be able to eat something at the party. I think there will be fresh veggies and fruits there as well.
I cannot believe that the sun is actually out today. Unfortunately, it won't last too long as it is supposed to rain, again, later today. My grass is really green and my plants are looking great! I haven't seen my hostas this big ever.
Well - off to blog surf. Later!

Posted by Cate at 09:56 AM | Comments (4)

May 26, 2003

Busy Monday

Well- the carpet is all out. Gross!!

See - all I wanted to do was paint my kitchen. The carpet is out, the popcorn ceiling will be coming down (YAY!YAY!) and we will be moving the appliances around. Gee - and I just wanted to paint my kitchen.
I am trying to set up P's blog and I jut want to say, for the record, I am hating blogger!! Anyone want to host my man? LOL!

Posted by Cate at 10:10 PM | Comments (8)

Response

I found this comment in response to the post I had written about the animals being beaten to death at the local zoo.

(exact quote)

i think that all of you should take time and think about what you are saying.. i kno m*atthew R*onneberg on a personal level and he is a good person.. yeah he killed birds. he will be punished for that but there is no need to say that you are goin to kill him.. he is 18, but take one look at him and you will see that he is still a little boy. he is pollite, kind, and an amazing person i love him with all of my heart, if you peopel got a chance to kno him you would feel the same.. i think that you guys are hippocrites for sayin you wanted to kill him. besides do two wrongs make a right? no i dont think so.. use your brains guys and your hearts n you will find some compassion for Matthew and these (men)God Bless Them.
Patti

Since Patti didn't leave an email address for me, I will post my response here:

Patti -
I cannot even believe you expect to find any sympathy for M*atthew (or his moronic friends) here. What he participated in is unexcusable. What a pathetic and cowardly thing to do - picking on and killing defenseless animals. Animals that were removed from abusive situations and brought to the Popcorn Park Zoo so they could be safe. I am sorry that you know him on a personal level. How embarrassing for you. Ask yourself this: Did he stop and think, at any time what he was doing was wrong? Did he stop his friends? Did you even read the charges against them? They brutally attacked those birds, beating them with a rake, shovel and a PVC pipe. Most of the birds were BEATEN to death. Two birds had to be euthanized for God's sake.
I learned not to hit people and animals when I was 3 or 4 years old. He is a grown man and he must pay for his crimes. Not only is he accused of killing these birds at the zoo, he also has charges against him for:
setting fire to a wood shed and golf cart
spray painting swastikas on a paint ball business
shattering windows at a Roman Catholic church
AND
the killing of a domestic goose at Wells Mills Park in Waretown.
This is more than 2 wrongs, don't you think?
I don't see when, at any time. he was being polite, kind or amazing. Maybe you could explain it to me. I wouldn't want to know him. As far as you calling me a hippocrite (which, by the way, is spelled HYPOCRITE**), I never suggested he or his friends should be killed. If you knew Christine, you would understand what she meant.

I am not going to explain myself any further. This is my blog. My space. MY opinions. Period. Don't like what I am saying? Well, move the **** along and don't look back.

**hypocrite
\Hyp"o*crite\, n. [F., fr. L. hypocrita, Gr. ? one who plays a part on the stage, a dissembler, feigner. See Hypocrisy.] One who plays a part; especially, one who, for the purpose of winning approbation of favor, puts on a fair outside seeming; one who feigns to be other and better than he is; a false pretender to virtue or piety; one who simulates virtue or piety.
The hypocrite's hope shall perish. --Job viii. 13.
I dare swear he is no hypocrite, but prays from his heart. --Shak.
Syn: Deceiver; pretender; cheat. See Dissembler.

Posted by Cate at 12:03 PM | Comments (27)

May 25, 2003

Finally home!

We got home from my sis in law's about an hour ago. I am exhausted. A good time was had by all. My niece is so freakin beautiful and my 9 month old nephew is just a gorgeous chunky bruiser!
Gonna surf for a while then go to bed!

Posted by Cate at 11:11 PM | Comments (1)

May 24, 2003

My very own Gothic Poem

(link snagged from <a href="http://www.electricvenom.com/oldvenom/002033.php">Venomous Kate</a>)

Pulled Apart

the night falls with a silent sigh, lost are we.
the emotion for which you sacrifice yourself
flares once, then dies,
swept away by your obsession.
all hope must not endure.

your heart beats no more.
how could you abandon me?
lost souls surround us, crying,
we have lost our way.

Create your own poem <a href="http://www.deadlounge.com/poetry/poem2.html">here</a>.

Posted by Cate at 11:09 PM | Comments (18)

Hullo

Howdy!

I hope everyone had a nice day today. I cleaned. AND cleaned. AND cleaned some more. For 3 hours, I cleaned O's room. Dusted, vacuumed, organized and reorganized her toys, clothes and desk. I managed to clear up a lot more floor space for her so she can actually play in there. After I did all that, I went to work in M's room. That took about 4 hours. She has way more stuff. We didn't eat dinner until 630pm. I sorta lost track of time while cleaning M's room. I didn't even do laundry today! ::gasp::
While I was doing this, P pulled up most of the carpet in the dining room. Man - I hate carpeting. It was so disgusting underneath by the subfloor. Gag. He got most of it up, with exception of the carpeting under the hutch and cabinets. After that, he had to pull all the staples. TONS of staples. THEN, he had to pound in all the loose nails in the subfloor. Let me tell ya, the previous owners of our house were morons. The next project is to pull up the disgusting linoleum in the kitchen.
Tomorrow, we are going to a BBQ at my sis in law's place. I hope the weather cooperates. It was rainy and chilly today.

I am going to try to catch up on some blogs. See ya!

Posted by Cate at 11:01 PM | Comments (2)

May 23, 2003

Big Plans?

Nope. Nothing big planned with the exception of a BBQ at my sis in law's on Sunday. No <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives/002695.php#002695">camping</a>, <a href="http://www.asmallvictory.net/archives/003579.html#003579">no going out drinking</a>, <a href="http://www.gigglechick.com/erin/blog/002168.php#002168">not going to the shore</a> or a <a href="http://www.ailurophile.com/oldstuph/002372.php#002372">baseball game</a>. I just want everyone to have a safe holiday weekend.

I do recommend checking out <a href="http://www.usmemorialday.org/">this site</a> in honor of all our veterans.

Posted by Cate at 08:21 PM | Comments (4)

Looks funny

I really want to see this movie.. even just for this scene:

Posted by Cate at 02:39 PM | Comments (5)

Losers

A picture of the 3 losers that think bludgeoning helpless animals is loads of fun:

The horrific part - these animals were formerly being abused and were rescued from awful situations. The park was a safe haven for them. ::sigh::

Posted by Cate at 01:11 PM | Comments (9)

Rain

Lots and lots of RAIN!!! Arrgghh! It's a steady rain.. not quite drizzling yet not a downpour. My grass and flowers are getting a great watering. I am going to have a kick-ass lawn this year! Go Mother Nature!! Heh
I kept the eldest beast child home today, just in case. She is, literally, at the top of her class in reading and math. She and P were doing multiplication at the dinner table the other night. Now, she comes up to me and asks "Mom, what's 873 times 2964?" Gee - let me use my brain calculator honey! (2,587,572 if anyone wants to know)
While O was at school, M and I went to the library and picked out more books. I picked out a few of the Father Dowling mysteries by Ralph McInerny. They look interesting. I also picked up some books about homeschooling - just for some information. I really plan on doing a lot of stuff with the girls this summer. O is doing great in preschool. She knows her alphabet (of course), can count to 23, knows her phone number, her address and is really quick to pick things up. She has 2 more years before she starts kindergarten. I guess she just has to work on handwriting and reading.
M and I also stopped at a local thrift shop but didn't see anything good. People were leaving with tons of stuff! I think I have bad luck with thrift shops. LOL.
Needless to say, we are all at home. M is in her room, counting all her loose change and O is watching the Wiggles Safari. Time to feed 'em some lunch!

Posted by Cate at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)

Follow-up on Zoo Massacre

LACEY -- Three area 18-year-olds, accused of killing eight large exotic birds at Popcorn Park Zoo, were arrested Wednesday night and are being held in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail apiece

Charged with cruelty to animals and other offenses are M*atthew R*onneberg and T*homas C*avanaugh of the Forked River section of Lacey and M*atthew M*ercuro of Waretown. They are each charged with eight counts of cruelty to animals and single counts of burglary, criminal trespass of a research facility and a criminal mischief/disorderly persons offense. The arrests were announced by township police at a news conference at the zoo yesterday morning.

The suspects also are charged in neighboring Manchester with setting fire to a woodshed and a golf cart, spray-painting swastikas on a paint-ball business and shattering the windows at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Roman Catholic Church. The crimes all occurred Sunday night, the same night as the bird killings.

The three also are considered suspects in the killing of a domestic goose at Wells Mills County Park in Waretown that night, police said.

No motive for such a violent spree has been established, other than "a morbid sense of entertainment," Nally said.

Gee - such fine upstanding youths /sarcasm

Posted by Cate at 12:34 AM | Comments (3)

May 22, 2003

New hair color

Well - got my color ::ahem:: adjusted tonight. Click below to see after shots.

I should check back into contacts. Or - new glasses. I always look at people over my glasses. Even for pictures.

Posted by Cate at 10:10 PM | Comments (8)

Blog Survivor

That charming <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives/002672.php#002672">Acidman</a> has set up a clever way to delink blogs from his blogroll. Blog Survivor!

I knew something was amiss since I suddenly have a lot of referrals from his blog. <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives/002685.php#002685">I am afraid I have already been one of three blogs nominated to be voted off the island!</a>

Be kind, people. Please? : - )

Posted by Cate at 09:52 PM | Comments (2)

Arrests being made

LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) Three teenagers with what a police officer termed a "morbid sense of entertainment" have been charged with killing eight exotic birds at a zoo for abused animals.
M*atthew R*onneberg, 18, Thomas Ca*vanaugh, 18, both of Forked River, and M*atthew M*ercuro, 18, of Waretown, were arrested Wednesday night and charged in the bludgeoning death of three emus, three ducks and two rheas at the Popcorn Park Zoo early Monday. Authorities say the three, who were out joyriding in M*ercuro's family car, jumped the fence at the zoo and attacked the animals with a rake and a length of plastic plumbing pipe.Authorities said they were led to the three by a series of tips, some from as far away as New York state and Pennsylvania, although Capt. William Nally of the Lacey Township Police Department would not disclose the nature of the tips.
(click the following link to read full story) 3 teens arrested in killings of exotic birds

From the Popcorn Park Zoo's website:
The Popcorn Park Zoo, a federally licensed rescue zoo established in 1977 for the sole purpose of providing a refuge for sick, handicapped, injured, abused and abandoned animals that can not be returned to their natural habitat. As time went on we expanded to accept both exotic and domesticated animals who faced the same circumstances as well as illegal ownership and shameless exploitation.
Among the many attractions to Popcorn Park are African lions, American black bears, Australian wallabies, monkeys of all kinds, cougars, bobcats, foxes, emus, both fallow and white-tailed deer, peacocks, caimen, cows and sheep, and so many more. All are housed in comfortable areas with plenty of room to stretch out and relax. The diversity of residents is testimony to the extent of animals in need, and who have at last found refuge with us.

The girls and I have visited this zoo many times. It is heartbreaking to read the stories behind each animal and the circumstances in which they were brought to the zoo. There is one monkey (I think a white faced capuchin) that was burned so badly by it's forner trainer (via a hose and hot water) that she is missing most of the fur on her body. All you see is patches of skin and very little fur. It makes you want to cry. Sure she is kept in a caged area but there is plenty of room for her to move around and she is not being tortured anymore. I hope they catch the rest of those bastards. How the HELL can you smash an animal to death? What kind of FREAK are you? A veterinarian who did the necropsies on the animals said the emus had their windpipes ruptured and their jugulars lacerated, in addition to suffering head trauma, and one of ducks had an eye gouged out.

Posted by Cate at 12:34 PM | Comments (6)

People are just sick

We go to this zoo all the time. I am horrified about this.
LACEY -- Eight large exotic birds at the Popcorn Park Zoo were bludgeoned to death overnight Sunday.

Two emus and two rheas were found dead inside their pens yesterday morning, and four white Peking ducks were also slain. One of the ducks had survived the attack but was later euthanized. A third emu is being treated at the zoo.

The birds' pens are in different parts of the park.

Posted by Cate at 12:15 PM | Comments (0)

Twelve o'Clock and

not all is well.
M is feeling worse. She seems to have a flair for the dramatic. She has been moaning "Why me?" and "It's not fair" and ""Why am I the ONLY one who is sick?" Heh. If she wasn't feeling so bad I would be giggling. Well, I am. Sorta. Quietly anyway.
O wants to help M. I told her that M needs her to be quiet and make sure to whisper. So, O has been tip-toeing around and whispering. Cute. Way cute.

Posted by Cate at 12:06 PM | Comments (1)

Ew

P got home last night around 930pm - not too late, thank goodness. We chatted and surfed the web, checking out childrens beds. M woke up around 1130pm and went to the bathroom. She kept saying she was cold. I checked her forehead and she wasn't overly warm. I tucked her back into bed and gave her an extra blanket. I grabbed my pjs and went into the bathroom to do the night-time "routine". Suddenly, I hear this weird cough. I stopped, halfway undressed, trying to figure out which kid made the noise. I heard running feet, a door opening and M banging on the bathroom door. She opened it and started crying. She had thrown up. Poor kid. P got up and he cleaned up the barf, thank gawd. Luckily, it was mostly on the floor (pergo not carpeting) and a little bit on her bedding. I cleaned up M and her bunny, which caught a bit o'barf. We put her in our bed while we remade her bed. She was still hiccuping and burping so we knew there would be a round two. And, 25 minutes later, it arrived.
Needless to say, she is out of school for today and quite possibly tomorrow. She has no fever but doesn't really want to eat. She is sipping some warm coke and nibbling on dry Kix while reclining in front of the television. O is at school. M and I had to stop at Pathmark for a few things like bananas, bagels, rye bread, a bottle of coke, toilet paper.. that kind of stuff. We will go out again to pick up O from school and that's it. We are housebound.
See ya later!

Posted by Cate at 10:07 AM | Comments (6)

May 21, 2003

Damn

P had to work late today. Then, he got stuck in traffic. He didn't get home until 645pm. He's usually home by 5pm. He eats his dinner and chats with the girls. The phone rings at 710pm. It's work. He has to go back in right away. I hate when he's on call. But, I think he would have been called in anyway.
The bonus - overtime
The downside - I get stuck give the girls a bath and getting the nighttime routine done. Alone.
Man - I need a drink. LOL

Posted by Cate at 07:38 PM | Comments (2)

Back from Ikea

O and I got back home around 230pm. It was rainy and cold so I had to keep my wipers and defroster going. The car got warm so O passed out halfway home. I was ready to doze off behind the wheel too!

My mom bought some stuff for us -
napkins - they have such cool patterns on them!
candles - really nice smelling votives and small jars. Nothing like <a href="http://www.cinnamuffin.com/"target=_blank>Liz's candles </a>but nice just the same!
Kassett storage boxes - these are for the girls.
cards - for me.
stuffed horse and cat - for the girls.
rubber balls - for the girls.

She also wants to buy <a href="http://www.ikea-usa.com/product_presentation/show.asp?productnumber=00005620&type=III&id=413">this bed</a> for M:
<img alt="LoBed.jpg" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/LoBed.jpg" width="250" height="250" border="0" />
It would be great for her birthday - she really likes the bed!

Off to finish making dinner.. will chat more later!

Posted by Cate at 05:04 PM | Comments (4)

Hi!

Just a quickie hello before we all hit the road!

Have a great day peoples!

Posted by Cate at 08:03 AM | Comments (1)

May 20, 2003

Wednesday Plans

O and I will be meeting my Mom and her friend at Ikea tomorrow. Yippie! Shopping therapy! I am going to check out the loft beds. We would like to get one for M.. hopefully for her birthday.
I will be going to bed after I catch up on a few blogs. G'night everyone!

Posted by Cate at 10:59 PM | Comments (0)

Thank you

Wow - thanks for all the kind comments and emails about Nana. I miss her so much but I know she is with my Pop-Pop. He passed away before her and she missed him terribly.

I love all you guys!

Posted by Cate at 07:44 PM | Comments (0)

My Nana

My Nana died on May 19, 2001.

I got the call from my Mom while I was driving on the GSP to go visit Nana at the hospital. I just KNEW when I saw my Mom's number come up on my phone.. All she said, at first, was not to go to the hospital, go to her place. I kept saying why why... I knew why. Then she told me, crying, that Nana just died. I had to pull my car over and I bawled. God - I miss her so damn
much it hurts. I can't even talk about her without crying. She was such a fighter..she didn't deserve to die - not this way... Thank GOD the drs said she didn't suffer, at least not at that moment. I had just seen her the night before - She was so cranky! I was trying to show her the proofs of M and O's portraits. She didn't want to see them at first... But, she needed to use the bedpan and I got the nurse for her. She was trying to send me hone but I didn't leave - I remember calling my Mom and telling her that Nana was being cranky. I went back to chat with her some more.. She suddenly asked to see the proofs of the girls. So, I pulled them out, got her glasses and she picked the 1 picture of the girls that me and Mom had agreed upon as the best picture. I remember chatting with her for a few more minutes and she kept telling me to go home. I gave her a kiss, told her that I loved her and I would be back tomorrow to visit. And..that, my friends, was the last time I saw my Nana....
Christ - this hurts so damn much - I ****ing miss her. She was only 78.

I love you Nana.

Posted by Cate at 08:54 AM | Comments (14)

May 19, 2003

Reporter?

I emailed my local newspaper about the helicopter and informed them that I also had some (just a couple - LOL!) photographs, if they were interested. I got an email back within 20 minutes! They are interested in looking at the photographs and writing a story. Cool - photo credits! Maybe even some money? What fun - I would love to be a photographer. I wish I had a *good* camera but my 2 year old 1.3mp Olympus did pretty good today.

Posted by Cate at 10:14 PM | Comments (5)

Totally cool!

I decided to take O to the park after school today. The park she likes to go to is at the school that M attends. The playground is separate from the school with it's own parking lot. The playground is entirely fenced in with only one way in/out.
ANYWAY - we get there and a US Army chopper had JUST landed on the school grounds!! At first, everyone was a little nervous about it. Turns out it was approved by the school. One of the pilot's had a child at the school and they arranged to bring the chopper to the school to let the first and second graders check it out!! We met one of the pilots - he was very nice. He even took a picture of me, O, Mary and Liz. What a nioe guy! Thank goodness I brought my camera! I even got to go over and say hello to M when her class came outside. I took her picture with one of her buddies while they were outside. It was pretty cool when the chopper lifted off. The kids were cheering and everyone was clapping.
(click to see images listed below)

Posted by Cate at 02:34 PM | Comments (11)

Monday

GOOD morning!! ::smooches:: Back from the gym, feeling rather good! Time for blogging before laundry.

Sunday Recap
Yesterday was lovely - M had a mini-golf birthday party at 130pm. P was able to drop her off since the birthday boy's family said they would drive M back home. How cool is that?? My Mom came down for a quick visit and dropped off some plants/containers that she already potted for me. Thanks Mom! After she left, I planted some more flowers in the beds and finished up my rock garden area. I need to add some more rocks but it looks great! The birthday boy's Mom called me, letting me know the party was over and asked if M could go to Pizza Hut with them for dinner. I said "SURE!" I had made sauce, sausage and meatballs and it was cooking in the crockpot. P replaced the spigot by the front of the house. Poor guy - that crawlspace is so gross. ICK! The three of us ate early and got all cleaned up. M got home around 630pm, extremely happy she had pizza for dinner. P got paged into work at 730pm (OT bayyyyyybeeeeee!) so he booked out the door. I got the girls in bed by 830pm and was all comfy by the time Six Feet Under came on HBO. I can't believe I have to wait **2 weeks** until the final episode. ARRGGHH!!

Posted by Cate at 09:43 AM | Comments (1)

May 18, 2003

Happy Birthday

Hey <a href="http://www.dagoddess.com"target=_blank>Joanie</a> -

Happy Birthday!
::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 12:09 AM | Comments (1)

May 17, 2003

It's another Saturday night..

I am the only one awake. That's Entertainment (1974) is on the local PBS station and I am watching the main dance scene from "Singin' in the Rain".

Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Ann Miller, June Alyson, Debbie Reynold, Jimmy Stewart, Kathryn Greyson, Howard Keel, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Kate Hepburn - all movie legends. Too many to list. REAL movie stars. Today's screen favorites are practically talentless compared to them. I would watch musicals and old movies all the time, if I could. ::sigh:: My goal is to own as many as possible on DVD.

Anyway, O thoroughly enjoyed her Icee, as you can see below:

Mary called me around 430 to let me know that she was heading to Atlantic City with her sister. Last minute plans. Of course, I suggested that she stop by on the way down. They got here a little after 6pm and stayed for roughly 30-45 minutes. Joanne (Mary's sister) and O hit it off very well. O dragged her through the house while Mary and I chatted. After they left, O and I worked out in the yard. I mowed the front yard. While I was doing that, P and M got back home. All in all, the girls didn't get into bed until 10pm!

So - that's my night. How was yours?

Posted by Cate at 11:46 PM | Comments (2)

What type of music are you?

(link snagged via <a href="http://journeyinsidemymind.blogspot.com/"target=_blank>Dan</a>)

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/T/thelumbymon/1045345772_uiznothing.jpg" border="0" alt="I am not a type of music"> You're nothing, really. But you're nice.
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/thelumbymon/quizzes/What%20type%20of%20music%20are%20you%3F/"> What type of music are you?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Posted by Cate at 08:58 PM | Comments (1)

It's Saturday!

Howdy hi!
Well - I have essentially pissed away most of my Saturday. I hate when that happens. I feel like I should be more productive. Nahhhhh. I will blog and yell at the kids for making too much noise ::grin::
My Dad and Step-Mom stopped by this morning on their way to Atlantic City (lucky!). I know they need a break. I hope they win big - I could use some extra cash. My inlaws came down for lunch. The girls were thrilled to see them. It was a nice time - they stayed until 2-ish. M was invited to a birthday party at the local bowling alley. The party is from 530pm-730pm. P is taking her. I hate bowling alleys - they smell like sweaty feet. Gag.
I made tomato sauce and sausage for tomorrow night's dinner. All I have left to make it the meatballs. I can whip them up tonight. O and I will probably stop at McD's for dinner and she wants a Slurpee for dessert. How can I say no?

Posted by Cate at 03:52 PM | Comments (3)

HairCut

Well - you asked for it... open at your own risk.. the cut looks ok but I look disgusting.

I go back on Thursday to get the color ::ahem:: adjusted back to a more natural color.

Posted by Cate at 03:12 PM | Comments (10)

It's cut

Well - it's cut... and it's shorter than it's been in a looong time. I will post a pic tomorrow...

: - )

Posted by Cate at 12:52 AM | Comments (2)

May 16, 2003

A lot of fun

I brought O back with me and all of M's little girl friends went all goofy. "Ohhhhhhhhh! It's O!" It was cute - they were very helpful. Well - except when they tried to give O goldfish to eat! YIKES! M's teacher looked exhausted by the time we left at 1pm. Poor woman. I think I should buy her a bottle of wine for her gift at the end of the year - LOL.
It's been raining here..yuck. It's cold and windy too. Casual dinner tonight, open faced sandwiches with mashed potatoes or fries. I have a hair appointment at 6pm. I'm nervous - not sure what I want done. I know it has to be cut. Lord, it looks like **** right now. I am going to make another appointment to have my hair colored. The box stuff isn't cutting it for me anymore. I am going to have it colored back to my natural color (a **** brown) Ugh. I hate the color but I want to get it back to normal before I do anything else to it.
Well - off to the bus stop and then Brunos. Ta-ta!

Posted by Cate at 03:20 PM | Comments (4)

ACK!

Well - I got the kids at school, picked up a bagel for myself and came back home by 910am. I called M's teacher to find out what time she needed me to be in the classroom. Turns out she needs me NOW! ACK ACK!! I totally changed my clothes, threw on my make-up (which turned out pretty nicely LOL!) and ran out the door. I got there 20 minutes later. LOL!
I am home while the class is at lunch (at 1040am ::eyeroll::), eating my bagel. I will be picking up O and then bringing her back to school with me.
Gotta go!

Posted by Cate at 10:57 AM | Comments (1)

May 15, 2003

Quiet evening

Not doing too much of anything... I started another crochet project and I am watching Insomniac.
I have a busy day tomorrow. O and I will be going to M's classroom to help decorate t-shirts. They will be wearing them on an upcoming class trip. Should be fun!

Posted by Cate at 10:53 PM | Comments (1)

Qui

Posted by Cate at 10:48 PM | Comments (0)

SpiderMan

P and I stayed up too late last night watching SpiderMan on HBO. Wow - I was surprised that I liked it. Some scenes really cracked me up. I like Tobey Maguire. He's cute in a puppy-dog kind of way. Willem DaFoe is one creepy muther ::shudder:: He does great bad guy. Ok - now this will sound weird but when he was dressed in those business suits and overcoat - hubba hubba! He was looking pretty damn sexy! What is it with me and older men?? I also want to say, for the record, that I pegged the wrestler BoneSaw as Randy "MachoMan" Savage right away. I don't think I have watched wrestling in years but he has a pretty distintive voice.
Oh well - time to get things together for tae kwon do - later gang!

Posted by Cate at 02:42 PM | Comments (2)

YEAH baby!

O and I will be going to Ikea on Wednesday!! I just *love* Ikea!! We will be meeting my mom and her friend there. Yippie! I will be checking out loft beds for M's room. We really need to make better use of her space.

Posted by Cate at 01:32 PM | Comments (2)

Thursday

Hello hello!
After the usual morning chaos, I finally made it to the gym today. It's been too long. Between O being sick and my being too lazy to get up early on the weekend.. I have neglected the gym. Of course, now I feel all "Pumped Up!" LOL!
I did a few errands and stopped at Sleepy's to get some pricing on twin size mattresses. I need to get a new one for M. All she needs is a mattress. No box spring as her bed has a wood frame. I got quoted for 2 mattresses - 189 and 209 PLUS a $49 delivery charge AND a $7.99 mattress removal fee. Just for 1 twin mattress! Am I crazy or does that seem like a lot of money? Especially since I am pretty sure it will get wrecked within 5 years. I will be shopping that price around. Heck - I think I can get one at BJ's for a lot cheaper than that. The only problem would be bringing it home.
O is begging for lunch - guess I had better feed her ::grin::

Posted by Cate at 11:59 AM | Comments (1)

May 14, 2003

Quiz

(snagged from <a href="http://amethyst85.blogspot.com/">Karen</a>)

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/G/ghettokitty/1047299558_izdominant.jpg" border="0" alt="dominant"> You have a dominant kiss- you take charge and make sure your partner can feel it! Done artfully, it can be very satisfactory if he/she is into you playing the dominant role MEORW!
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/ghettokitty/quizzes/What%20kind%20of%20kiss%20are%20you%3F/"> What kind of kiss are you?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Heheheh! No comment!

Posted by Cate at 11:23 PM | Comments (1)

Extending a olive branch

After more than seven years of not speaking, I finally attempted contact with a former friend. I read about her grandfather's death in the newspaper several weeks ago. I mailed a sympathy card to her attention at the funeral home. I wrote her a note inside the card and included my phone number and email address. I almost chickened out and didn't send it. I had P run it out to the mailbox before I could change my mind.
She emailed me Sunday. She was surprised to hear from me, to say the least. I just replied to her email. Without getting into details (because I am too lazy to write them all out), the "falling out" was all my fault. I shouldn't even call is a falling out - I just stopped speaking to her. Period. A total blowoff. Something I am not proud about doing. ::sigh::
The weird thing about all of this - I have been thinking of her for the past year, wondering how she was doing, how her two sons were doing. Then, I read about her grandfather. Very strange indeed.

Posted by Cate at 10:56 PM | Comments (9)

Nice day

I had a pretty nice day today. P ending up calling out sick (::cough cough::) and I took a 2 hour nap!
We are discussing our next home improvement project which will be pulling up and replacing the kitchen floor, which is ****ty nasty looking linoleom and the carpeted part of the dining area. We found nice looking vinyl tiles (12"x12") at Home Depot (where else?) for $35 per box/30 tiles. Of course, we need somewhere around 8-10 boxes. The beadboard was around $14 per sheet. I think we would need somewhere around 6-8 sheets. Plus, we need to buy the paint and primer too. Ugh - so much for inexpensive home improvements!
On a lighter note, I got a lovely postcard from <a href="http://www.ailurophile.com">Christine</a> (thanks!) and these super delicious smelling candles from <a href="http://www.offtheblog.com">Liz</a>. She even tossed in a gingerbread tart! The girls loved the candles!
P is sleeping - poor guy. He has been busy on the computer, trying to get everything working properly. Of course, he has been staying up too late the past two nights, working on it. Man - I wish I could just win the freakin' lottery. I want a laptop ::drool::
I made an appointment to (finally) get my hair cut. It looks like ****. I snagged an appointment for Friday. I also buzzed off P's hair with the clippers. He doesn't look like a mountain man anymore. LOL! His hair gets SO curly and gets all poofy when it's not cut on a regular basis.
Well - I gotta get the kidlets ready for bed. I'll chat more later!
::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 08:04 PM | Comments (1)

More computer woes

Well - we are up and running. Again. Hopefully, for good!

I just wanted to let ya'll know I was still alive and kicking!

Posted by Cate at 03:44 PM | Comments (3)

May 13, 2003

ENT visit

Well - the doctor seemed to agree that tubes would probably be the way to go for Olivia. He did suggest we wait until fall to get them in place. This way, she would be able to go swimming without having to worry about the tubes. He wants us to bring her in if/when she gets another ear infection.
After the appointment, we stopped at WalMart to pick up some Claritin for Eldest. I suspect her eye irratation is actually allergies. I think this will stop some of the eye rubbing. I also picked up more yarn ( I know I know) but it's the same weight as the burgandy yarn I bought 2 weeks ago. I am going to make another blanket. Christmas is coming!
Gotta get the gang ready for tae kwon do today. Later!

Posted by Cate at 02:17 PM | Comments (4)

Good Morning

Hmmm - P and O are still asleep!! I got M off to school with no problems, which was certainly nice. She has been complaining about her eye so I think I will need to make a pedi appointment for her if it is still problematic this afternoon.
I had Bonkos last nice. BOY - that is a nice way to spend the evening. I had a couple glasses of wine and had a blast. I didn't win any prizes this time (bummers) but there's always a chance next month. I didn't get home until 1045 last night. Imagine my surprise when I walk in and see O sitting at the kitchen table, the computer desk is a mess, cds and floppys all over the floor and P is sitting at the computer, working away.
Turns out O just was unable to stay in bed and go to sleep. She did have a powernap yesterday afternoon, which, looking back now, was probably a contributing factor to her being awake. P had her sitting at the kitchen table for almost an hour. He was trying to get her to go back to bed and she wouldn't budge. Of course, as soon as I walked in, she started to cry and I just picked her up and snuggled her. I brought her back to her room, changed her pjs and tucked her into bed. She fell asleep within minutes. Heh.
P was up until at least 330-4am fixing the computer. I have no idea what happened. He said we were unable to get online. Problems with TCP/IP. What frickin' joy. As you can obviously see, he was able to fix everything (I think) and I am, once again, able to be online.
I think I will be waking the family as we have an appointment at 1115am. I promise I will update later! Bye!

Posted by Cate at 09:41 AM | Comments (2)

A mess

The computer took a goddamn nosedive last night. P was up until all hours of the morning fixing it.
O has her appointment with the ENT this morning. Wish us luck!

Posted by Cate at 08:04 AM | Comments (0)

May 12, 2003

Where did the morning go?

Oy - I have been zipping around all morning. I wanted to get some more planting done but I wasn't able to get to it. I did manage to run a couple loads of laundry and hang them on the clothesline, made the bed, did the dishes, folded and put away 2 loads of laundry, vacuum and go through a bunch of papers. I managed to throw out a lot of them! YAY!
The girls got to school on time (for once! LOL!). I have Bonkos tonight so dinner will be hot dogs and french fries. P and the girls are thrilled! Geez - they are easy to please.
I have to run - friends of mine will be stopping by for a visit any minute now! Bye!

Posted by Cate at 12:55 PM | Comments (1)

May 11, 2003

&%#$@^^#^**!!

****ING computers!! I just wrote out a long email and then I got a pop-up box - illegal operation - and poof! Gone! **** **** **** ****!

Posted by Cate at 10:53 PM | Comments (3)

Long weekend

I want to start out by saying thank you SO much for all the wonderful Mother's Day emails and comments! I am sorry I didn't leave any comments today - I have just been able to sit down and blog.
I had a great weekend. We went to Home Depot and then stopped at a great garden center. P bought me some really pretty flowers, some small flowering shrubs and a gorgeous hanging basket. We were planting flowers and setting up a rock garden for most of the afternoon. I think we did a damn fine job. I am not quite finished so I will work on that tomorrow.
While P and I were planting, the girls played in the sandbox. At one point, we were in the backyard getting more stone when I looked up and watch O run. She looked, literally, like Pig Pen from Peanuts. She had so much sand and dust on her that she created her own dust cloud when she was running. P and I laughed so hard. I wish I had my camera outside.
We finally called it quits around 430pm. All four of us were filthy. I mean, dirt everywhere! I got the first shower. O came trotting in right after I got in my robe. She had sand in her hair, between her toes, down her shirt, in her ears.. all over. When I put her in the tub, the water turned black!! I had to wash her hair twice and I am still not sure I got out all the sand. M got the next shower and thank goodness she wasn't as bad. P had to wait for more hot water as he takes super long hot showers.
When he was showering, I prepped dinner - steak, garden salad, rice, gravy and broccoli. P stuffed himself. He was actually moaning because he was full. Heh. The kids got to bed by 9pm. I missed Six Feet Under (ACK!) so I will have to catch it this week.
Well - that's about all for today.. I didn't even blog about Saturday.. oh well! I am going to try to catch up on some of you guys! See you later!

Posted by Cate at 10:34 PM | Comments (1)

Special Sunday

To all of my bloggin' Moms -

Happy Mother's Day!

I love you guys.

Posted by Cate at 10:35 AM | Comments (12)

May 09, 2003

Quiet evening

Once again, everyone is in bed. I am getting to like this quiet time! I have been shopping Wiggles merchandise on eBay. Good Lord - there are hundreds of listings! I was thinking about getting O a wall mounted Wiggles clock for her bedroom. I would also like to get her a t-shirt as well. Now - I just have to make a choice about shirt color... hmmmm...

Posted by Cate at 11:07 PM | Comments (4)

All prepped

Well - I think I am all set for the meeting today. I have all the necessary permisson slips for upcoming trips, rub on transfers for the flower pots, a can of poly spray, markers, stencils, crayons and a bunch of miscellaneous STUFF!! Plus - I was able to update my PDA and schedule.

Debbie, the other leader, is hosting a Home Interiors party tonight. I was going to go but I have too much to do tonight to get ready for tomorrow. I did find a couple things in the catalog! I found some stuff for my Mom's birthday. Did I mention that Mom and I have the same birthday? I was born on her 22nd birthday, obviously the best gift ever. LOL!
Well - gotta run! ::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 02:32 PM | Comments (0)

Good Morning!

Well - it isn't the nicest day outside but it's still FRIDAY!! <a href="http://www.astarradesigns.com/blog/archives/2003_05_09.html#001842">Go on over to Maria's place and wish her a Happy Birthday!</a>

Posted by Cate at 08:08 AM | Comments (2)

May 08, 2003

The Night

Everyone is in bed, sleeping. Only the fish and I are awake. I have some candles burning in the living room and it smells heavenly. I have more candles on order from <a href="http://www.cinnamuffin.com/"target=_blank>Liz</a>. She makes the yummiest smelling candles!!
I have a bunch of things I need to finish up for (and by) tomorrow. I have to stock up on deli. My brother and his girlfriend are coming down Saturday for lunch. I need to get all the Girl Scout stuff ready for tomorrow's meeting and Saturday's park cleanup. Pray for nice weather Saturday morning!! I need to clean the house and do laundry. The bathroom could use a bit of cleaning and I need to vacuum. What I really need are professional organizers to come to my house and HELP ME!! We cannot have any surface uncovered. Papers everywhere. We save everything. I hate filing.
P and the girls will be taking me out Saturday afternoon to buy flowers for the house/yard. I am looking forward to making up my containers for the front porch and walkway.

Posted by Cate at 10:43 PM | Comments (2)

Umm

I totally forgot what I wanted to say.
::sigh::

Posted by Cate at 03:29 PM | Comments (1)

Hopeless

I have come to the conclusion that attempting to nap with a 3 year old who is not sleepy is just plain stupid. I had the insane thought that she would relax and doze off while laying in bed with me. BAHAHAHHAHAHA!!

Posted by Cate at 12:12 PM | Comments (3)

YAWN

Guess who didn't go to school today? If you said "O", you guessed correctly! You win a year's supply of Turtle Wax!
Heee - just a little silly today folks... lack of sleep can do that to a person... Oh boy - it's the Wiggles!

Posted by Cate at 08:54 AM | Comments (1)

May 07, 2003

So tired

Long day today. I went food shopping at 730pm and got back by 9pm. Don't even ask how much I spent ::ack:: We were out of fruit, fresh veggies, chop meat, bread... I hate when I have to really restock the basics. Fresh produce ain't cheap.
I was going to write a big long post but I think I am going to end it here. Gonna read a few of you and then go to bed.
::smooches::
Thanks for the compliments about my "blog-lift" (Get it? Like face-lift?) LOL!

Posted by Cate at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)

Dinner

Burgers on the grill, broccoli, rice pilaf and fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Yummy. I wish I had more corn on the cob for tonight. I think I am going to have to buy 15-20 ears at a time!

Posted by Cate at 04:58 PM | Comments (1)

Trip to the depot

Home Depot.

I met the other troop leader, Debbie, at Home Depot. We needed to pick out flowers for the flowerpots the girls decorated on Friday. We decided on impatiens and a 40lb bag of potting soil. I also picked up 2 cans of clear sealer. The girls will be adding rub on transfers to the pots and I will bring them home Friday, after the meeting. I'll have to spray them right away as we will need them for Saturday morning. The girls will be cleaning a local playground for their community service requirement. 8am. Ugh!

Posted by Cate at 02:42 PM | Comments (0)

What City?

Not bad but I was really hoping I'd be NYC
(link snagged from <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/elizabeth"target=_blank>Elizabeth</a>)

<center><img src="http://www.rampantgecko.com/paradox/wdc.jpg"> Congratulations, you're Washington, DC., the capitol of the United States. What US city are you? <a href="http://www.rampantgecko.com/paradox/quiz2.html">Take the quiz</a> by <a href="http://www.livejournal.com/users/girlwithagun">Girlwithagun</a></center>.

Posted by Cate at 12:34 PM | Comments (0)

Back home

Yep - it's an ear infection. I have a referral for an ENT. YAY!! Her appointment is Tuesday at 1115am.

Posted by Cate at 11:57 AM | Comments (1)

Trip to the doctor

We have an 11am appointment to see the doctor. O is still hacking and complaining of ear pain.

Posted by Cate at 09:54 AM | Comments (5)

May 06, 2003

Not again

O is now sleeping on the couch.

She woke up about 15 minutes ago, crying that her ear was hurting. Since she has been sniffling and coughing, I am going to assume that one ear infection is brewing. Poor kid. It must be pretty bad - she usually doesn't fuss too much over her ears. I did give her a teaspoon of Motrin for the pain and fever. She wanted to come out and "rest" on the couch. I set her up with a pillow and blanket and she fell asleep within three minutes. Gosh - she looks so cute when she sleeps ::sigh:: I just want to snuggle her right up in my arms and hold her all night long.

Posted by Cate at 11:08 PM | Comments (1)

Almost a great night

Well - the night ended somewhat badly in this house. Especially if you were aged 6 or under.
P was sitting at the kitchen table while I was on the phone, in our bedroom, with Mary. Suddenly, I hear O start crying, loudly. I yelled to P to check it out. All of a sudden, I can hear him BOOMING at M. Mary paused and then asked if everything was ok. LOL. I figured someone did something to someone else. I ask her more questions about my crochet project. While we are chatting, P opens the bedroom door and says he may need my help. Uh-oh. I just about hung up on Mary (sorry!) and walked out into the kitchen. P is tossing back some ibuprofen and Rolaids.
Apparently, O hit M, who was laying on the couch, in the mouth with a book. M's response? Shove O off the edge of the couch, causing her to fall face first on the floor between the couch and wooden IKEA chair.
They are both punished. No TV tomorrow and no dessert. You would think we were beating them within an inch of their lives by their reactions.
I need a vacation! Anyone want two kids?? LOL!

Posted by Cate at 09:16 PM | Comments (4)

Well?

So.. whaddya think about the updated look?

Posted by Cate at 12:34 PM | Comments (16)

Play Date Tuesday

O's weekly playdate just ended. They come over around 9am and leave by 1115am. The mom (Liz) and I get along really well so we have a nice chat while the girls play. We alternate houses so next week we will be at their place.

I watched the rest of The Chamber of Secrets last night. MAN - it was GOOD!! There was a lot from the book that wasn't in the movie but they did a pretty good job. The spider scene alone freaked me out!! Kenneth Branagh was very well cast as Gilderoy Lockhart! So handsome :::swoon:: LOL!

Well - off to clean, as usual. O is really sounding crappy again. I think it's her allergies or a cold. The weather is certainly not helping matters either. It's cold, dreary AND rainy today. Yuck. I think she might be skipping tae kwon do class today.

Posted by Cate at 11:30 AM | Comments (2)

May 05, 2003

End of Day

The girls are in bed! ::happy dance::

I am still doing laundry. BUT - I am looking forward to catching the second half of HP and the Chamber of Secrets. I had to stop it when I left to get O from school. I have been wanting to watch it all day!! P is cleaning the fish tank. Woohoo. Boy - can we party or WHAT?

Posted by Cate at 09:07 PM | Comments (2)

Cats

Ok - WHY do people think it's ok for cats (and other pets) to roam freely around the neighborhood. I walked out to my front porch this morning and there was CAT PUKE on it. On MY front porch. RIGHT in front of the door. DAMMIT! That is just so ****ing disgusting. I love cats but if I catch this cat, it's going to the shelter. Don't even get me started about what I find in my garden. Grrr!

Posted by Cate at 03:33 PM | Comments (5)

Home Early

P took a half day today. I think he is tired and not feeling too well. It's cold and dreary outside - yuck.

Posted by Cate at 01:32 PM | Comments (0)

Monday

Well - the kiddos got to school - late - but they got to school! I am trying to do some house cleaning while Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is playing. As you can imagine, not too much is getting done. I am also waiting for a call from M's teacher. I want to talk to her about how M handles issues in class. She gets SO angry so easily. Then, she can't seem to calm down and bursts into tears. ::sigh:: Poor kid. Plus - there are 2 girls in her class that I don't care for - they seem to, well, slow M down. Hold her back, in a matter of speaking. God - that seems so smarmy once I type it out but it's true. M is one helluva smart kid and I just don't want her dumbed down by these dopey kids. When I say dopey, I don't mean silly - I really mean DOPEY. Not very bright. Horrific manners - bordering on just plain rude. Just obnoxous kids. Grrr.

Posted by Cate at 11:20 AM | Comments (1)

May 04, 2003

Pics!

From Saturday's jaunt into NYC with <a href="http://www.bookblog.net">Mary</a>

Mary - giving me a tour of Harrison

Pizza anyone?

Thirsty? It's the coldest beer in town, according to the sign.

<a href="http://www.macys.com">Macys</a> - the best store in the world!

<a href="http://www.chevys.com/new_flash_frame.html">Chevy's </a>
I just loved the look of the building. It's right near Reuter's headquarters.

Outside a Trump building - I think the <a href="http://www.skyscrapers.com/re/en/im/df/137716/">World Tower?</a>

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - I borrowed their image. It looked a lot nicer than the ones I took with my camera. Obviously, the banners hanging down are for previous events.

<strike>Da</strike> Goddess

A beautiful cross from the Medieval Art collection

Cool! Knights! From the Arms and Armour Collection. They also had an amazing amount of guns - flintlocks and pistols - that were so intricately designed. They were beautiful!

<a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/special/american/ap1989.19.R.htm"target=_blank>Group of Bears</a>

An Eagle located in the American Wing - the picture just cracked me up. Looks like the eagle has elephantitis of the nuts! LOL!

<a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/Tiffany/st_index.html"target=_blank>The Tiffany Collection</a> - the link will show much better images than the photos I show - check them out. I adore the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/explore/Tiffany/st_04.html"target=_blank>View of Oyster Bay</a>

Mary in front of Tiffany's mosaic Garden Landscape and Fountain

This quilt was made by an 11 year old girl in 1851. Her name was Susan Reed. It is one of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen.

Mary in front of <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/view1.asp?dep=10&full=0&item=68%2E154"target=_blank>The Temple of Dendur</a>

<a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/vr_html/vr/temp_v_wright.htm"target=_blank>Click here</a> for a virtual tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright room. It was HUGE and awesome.

Posted by Cate at 11:07 PM | Comments (5)

My weekend

I had a **great** time with Mary on Saturday.
I got to her place around 1045am. She gave me an abbreviated tour of Harrison, which included some places featured in The Sopranos - La Pizza and Harrison High School and seaports featured in various shots.
We took the PATH train into NYC - right near Herald Square. I hate taking PATH trains/subways. I don't like going underground too much. Plus, I am freaked out that some homeless maniac would push me off the platform onto the third rail. Zap! I know - silly.. but it happens in the subways a few times a year. I just don't want to be a statistic!

Anyway, once we got above ground into the (fresh?) air, we walked for a few blocks and grabbed a cab. We had to get up to 88th street - over 45 blocks away. <a href="http://www.yarnco.com/">The Yarn Company</a> was open from 12pm-5pm on Saturdays. We made it there by 1215pm. It was in a pretty cool looking apartment building and we had to be let in via buzzer. After climbing up about 30 really narrow steps, we walked into the shop. I think the entire shop would have fit within my living room, dining room/kitchen and hallway. I was starting to feel claustrophobic but luckily Mary found some suitable yarn, for around $50 (YIKES!) and we were able to leave. I didn't buy anything - too rich for my blood!
We wandered around, trying to find the restuarant my brother had recommended. Of course, we walked completely the wrong way and ended up walking to the edge of Central Park (duh). We hailed another cabbie who told us we were definitely going the wrong way. LOL.
After we left the cab, we found the place rather easily and notcied it was realy crowded. My brother called me on my cell, trying to figure out where we were. He realized, while speaking to me, that I was about 30 yards ahead of him. Heh. We decided to cross the street and eat ant another place (Martells Grill) that wasn't so crowded. Bad decision - the service was pretty bad. They were really understaffed and I think the waiter forgot about us a couple times. The food was pretty good - hell, I was excited I was eating eggs!! Yummy!
After lunch, my brother left to do some stuff and Mary and I headed to the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/home.asp"target=_blank>Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>. It was SO cool!! I hadn't been there since my Mom took me when I was two or three years old! There were some great exibits featured, including Roy Lichtenstein, Manet/Velằuez: The French Taste for Spanish Painting and one called <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/special/se_event.asp?OccurrenceId={9B8FB8DB-AE97-11D6-945F-00902786BF44}"target=_blank>Goddess</a> (<a href="http://www.dagoddess.com"target=_blank>Psssst!! Joanie!! Are you reading this??)</a>. Unfortunately, Mary and I didn't have a lot of time to explore anything but the first floor. Hopefully, next time, we will have more time to really dive into it.
Once we left the Metropolitan, we chilled out on the steps. Initially, we must have sat in the wrong spot because a guard immediately asked us to move. Turns out we were sitting on the part of the stairs that other people were actually using. Oops. My bad. So, we moved over 3 feet and sat down. It was really fun to people watch. It was such a nice day too - we were able to just hang out and chat. We decided to head back to Harrison so Mary could show me some stuff I needed to know so I could finish my blanket. The ride back was pretty crowded but we were able to sit for most of it.
I was pretty happy to get back to Mary's place. It was nice to sit and not be innundated with constant noise!! We discussed dinner and decided on Chinese food! YAY!! Joanne, Mary's sister came over. It was nice to meet her. She's a sweetie! She got dinner for us and we all chilled out and pigged out! Mary popped <a href="http://us.imdb.com/Title?0120032">Romy and Michele's High School Reunion</a> in the DVD player. OMG - what a goofy movie. I was cracking up. Jeanne Garofalo was in this movie and her character reminded me so much of Mary! LOL! I hit the road around 745pm and made it home by 915pm. I was in bed, asleep, by midnight. It was all I could do to stay awake through What Not to Wear.
Ok - I am officially pooped. I am going to post this and go to bed. I'll write more tomorrow! ::kisses and hugs:: G'night!

Posted by Cate at 10:53 PM | Comments (2)

May 02, 2003

Hello

The GS project was a ton of fun today. The girls really liked painting the flower pots and making cards. Of course, I got latex paint all over my hands and 1 shoe. But - a good time was had by all.
I am so excited about my <strike>escape</strike> day out tomorrow. Grown up time!! Mary and I are going to meet my brother for lunch, unless the weather is really sucky. I hope it's not pouring rain.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! I'll update tomorrow night. Bye!

Posted by Cate at 10:24 PM | Comments (4)

What color?

Ok - this was cool! I snagged it from <a href="http://www.majikmarcer.com/index.htm">Marc</a> who snagged it from Quizilla.

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/B/blackcat000/1044164590_ral_result.jpg" border="0" alt="You see the world in Neutral"> Neutral:
Harmony and balance is key. You don't look at the world in a negative or positive way and you'll never judge or assume a situation- you just look at the facts. People like you are peaceful and accepting.
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/blackcat000/quizzes/What%20color%20do%20you%20see%20the%20world%20in%3F/"> What color do you see the world in?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Posted by Cate at 10:51 AM | Comments (5)

TGIF

It's Brownie meeting day today. I am packing stuff for today's meeting - OMG, we have tons of stuff. Of course, I have to drag it all to the school and lug it all to the library. A bonus - the library has an exit door which faces out to the parking lot. Still, the 20 clay pots, snack, and all the papers that I normally carry will be quite a bit of stuff. Oh well - at least I will get a workout from it!
It's gorgeous weather - perhaps the girls can paint outside. The pots will dry faster. It should be fun getting them back to my car. Lordy - I hope they all dry!
I already made the meatballs and I will be tossing them into the crockpot very soon. The sitter will be here by 245pm and I have so much stuff to clean up! I don't want her to think we are PIGS!
Tomorrow - I am headed up to north Jersey to visit <a href="http://www.bookblog.net"target=_blank>Mary</a>. We are going to <a href="http://www.yarnco.com/"target=_blank>The Yarn Company</a> in NYC and, hopefully, meeting my brother for lunch. Did I mention that I was going ALONE??? Wheee! Grown-up time!
Well - I have a bazillion things to finish up around here. Bye!

Posted by Cate at 10:35 AM | Comments (1)

May 01, 2003

My Dad

My stepmom called me this evening. Dad was officially diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. ::sigh:: I had really hoped things were going to be ok. Poor Dad. He will be seeing an oncologist very soon and will definitely be having chemotherapy.

Posted by Cate at 10:14 PM | Comments (14)

Better pic of my project

Posted by Cate at 12:15 PM | Comments (4)

Fresh new site

Check out <a href=" http://meta.popdex.com/"target=_blank>MetaPop</a> for some fresh new reads. Go now!!

Posted by Cate at 12:38 AM | Comments (1)

My project

While P was researching stuff for work, I was hauling ass on this blanket. I think I am going to leave it at 25 rounds and just add the border trim. Good thing Mary is pretty handy with the crochet hook! The picture really sucks - my tablecloth really screws up the look. I will take another photograph tomorrow.
I am off to bed - well, after I read some blogs of course! ::smooches::
G'night!

Posted by Cate at 12:04 AM | Comments (5)