KateSpot: November 2003 Archives

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November 30, 2003

Home from the Big Apple

We got back home around 930pm. The kids made it to bed by 1015pm. P and I were exhausted from the day. We just sat with coffee and read the paper and relaxed.
We had a lot of fun in NYC. We didn't get to Rockerfeller Center or to the tree. We did get to FAO Schwartz (which was PACKED!), walked in Central Park and visited the Central Park Zoo. I took a lot of pictures. I will try to post them up tomorrow.
G'night!

Posted by Cate at 12:02 AM | Comments (5)

November 29, 2003

Just a quick note

We are in NYC at my brother's place. We are gonna go out in a little while and have some fun.
See ya later!

Posted by Cate at 12:28 PM | Comments (1)

November 28, 2003

What kind of cookie

(snagged from the charming <a href="http://www.elhide.com/solo/comments.php?id=P1581_0_1_0">Jay Solo</a>)

<a href="http://quizilla.com/users/whymzycal/quizzes/What%20Kind%20of%20Cookie%20Are%20You%3F/"><img src="http://images.quizilla.com/W/whymzycal/1067909067_zpicslemon.gif" border="0" alt="You are a lemon cookie."> What Kind of Cookie Are You?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Posted by Cate at 09:43 PM | Comments (2)

Howdy

Pictures from Thanksgiving are up <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=3197456&uid=446796">here</a>. There are quite a few kitchen photographs there as well. Go on over - check 'em out!

Posted by Cate at 08:39 PM | Comments (5)

The day after

I hope everyone had a wonderdful Thanksgiving. We certainly did. P and I managed to take a few photographs of the kitchen. I will try to post them up later.
Today, the girls and I are going to Mom's place to visit with her boyfriend's family. We are not staying long - just a few hours. I want the girls home and in bed at a decent hour. The four of us are going to NYC tomorrow! YAY! I love going to NYC. I am hoping to get to FAO Schwartz, the Plaza hotel (to see the Eloise portrait), Rockerfeller Center to see the tree and ice skaters, the Macys window displays and wherever else we wander.
I've got some things to organize for Mom. I'll catch ya later.

Posted by Cate at 09:17 AM | Comments (9)

November 26, 2003

Special Meaning

There are not many songs that can truly capture one's emotions so perfectly. This song is an exception.

Love to eat turkey
Love to eat turkey
Love to eat turkey
'Cause it's good
Love to eat turkey
Like a good boy should
'Cause it's turkey to eat
So good

Turkey for me
Turkey for you
Let's eat the turkey
in my big brown shoe
Love to eat the turkey
At the table
I once saw a movie
With Betty Grable
Eat that turkey
All night long
Fifty million Elvis fans
Can't be wrong
Turkey turkey doo and
Turkey turkeydap
I eat that turkey Then I take a nap

Thanksgiving is a special night
Jimmy Walker used to say Dynomite
That's right
Turkey with gravy and cranberry
Can't believe the Mets
traded Darryl Strawberry
Turkey for you and
Turkey for me
Can't believe Tyson
Gave that girl V.D.

White meat, dark meat
You just can't lose
I fell off my moped
And I got a bruise
Turkey in the oven
And the buns in the toaster
I'll never take down
My Cheryl Tiegs poster
Wrap the turkey up
In aluminum foil
My brother like to masturbate
With baby oil
Turkey and sweet potato pie
Sammy Davis Jr.
Only had one eye

Turkey for the girls and
Turkey for the boys
My favorite kind of pant
Are corduriys
Gobble gobble goo and
Gobble gobble gickel
I wish turkey
Only cost a nickel
Oh I love turkey on Thanksgiving

Posted by Cate at 09:51 PM | Comments (6)

Enough already

Man - they have got to get to bed asap. Why is it that *I* am ready for bed and they are bouncing off the walls?

Posted by Cate at 07:58 PM | Comments (3)

Mmmm - pie

Well - my two pumpkin pies are in the oven. The girls are drooling already. They want to eat them tonight.
I caved in and put on Christmas music. The girls love "Dominic the Donkey". Umm - ok.

Posted by Cate at 03:26 PM | Comments (5)

Cute

Awww - I love Cookie Monster! <img alt="cookiemonster.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/cookiemonster.bmp" width="32" height="32" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 12:13 PM | Comments (2)

Tomorrow

It occured to me today that I have reached a milestone in my life.. a passing of the torch. I am making Thanksgiving dinner.

When I was a child, we would start the day with a big breakfast - eggs, bacon, pancakes - the works. My brother and I would shovel down our food so we could turn on the television. We would eagerly watch the Macys Day parade, looking for Underdog and Yogi Bear. Who can forget Mighty Mouse? Tim and I would watch the marching bands and I remember looking for all the ones from New Jersey. I loved seeing Santa at the end of the parade and getting so excited that Christmas was only a very short time away.
Usually around noon, we would get all dressed up and then drive to my grandparents' house. They didn't live too far, perhaps about 20 minutes. I remember walking in to their house and taking a deep breath. There was almost an overwheleming array of smells - turkey, stuffing, pie - just a house full of delicious aromas. Nana didn't need any vanilla candles - her house always smelled like a bakery no matter when we visited.
Her tables were full of appetizers - pickles, olives, chips and dip, cheese and crackers, pepperoni or some kind of sausage and stuffed celery. I have NO idea who in the world came up with the idea of stuffed celery but he must be a culinary genius. It is delicious. A stalk of celery with cream cheese spread over it. Yum.
Then, my Mom took over making Thanksgiving dinner. I think by the very early 80's was when she started. Nana and Pop would come over with a carload of food. She made the best pies. I always loved her pumpkin pie. A few years before she passed away, I told her that I wanted the recipe for her pumpkin pie. Was it a family recipe handed down from her mother? She leaned over and said to me "I just use the recipe on the back of the Libby's can." Well - I almost fell out of my chair! Nana thought that was pretty funny.
We always had a wonderful dinner. Sometimes, we would have friends of my parents' over for dinner. We had a cousin from Iran, who lived with us for several years, who adored Nana. He was so skinny. She would practically stuff him full of food. Remember, fat=healthy. He loved it.
Then, my parents spilt up, making the holidays a little difficult. It's hard to eat Thanksgiving dinner knowing your dad is in a one bedroom apartment, all alone. We ended up moving to a smaller house. Mom would still cook Thanksgiving dinner every year. One year, Dad brought Tim and I to NYC to see the Macys parade. It was SO crowded, blocks of people just stuffed together. It wasn't very enjoyable and it was very very cold.
I met Husband in October of 1989. We moved in together April 1, 1990. The following Thanksgiving, we ate at both sets of houses - my Mom's and his parent's houses. My Dad remarried a few years later. Now, a huge dilemma. Where the hell do we eat dinner? We ended up eating at his parents' house and having dessert at my Mom's house. We did this for quite a few years.
This is the first year I have cooked Thanksgiving dinner for MY family. We will have a big breakfast. We will watch the parade. I'll even make stuffed celery. I miss my grandparents terribly. It is important for me to keep up our family traditions and maybe even toss in some new ones. I know my grandparents would have approved. I am thankful for all the wonderful things in my life - my beautiful girls, a kind and loving husband, parents who love me, an uber-cool brother, so many wonderful friends, a home, my health...

I hope everyone has a wonderful and beautiful Thanksgiving.

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

Scheduled

Got to get M to school, stop at Pathmark, get gas, come home, clean and bake....ugh ugh ugh. Well, I can't complain. I am a very lucky woman. I am thankful.

Posted by Cate at 07:57 AM | Comments (2)

THANK YOU!!

The super, awesome and lovely <a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/">Daisy</a> sent me <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/PB260003.html" onclick="window.open('http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/PB260003.html','popup','width=318,height=262,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">this beautiful ornament</a> as part of a "<a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/archives/000596.php#000596">Pay</a> <a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/archives/000603.php#000603">it</a> <a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/archives/000646.php#000646">Forward</a>" moment.
Thank you so much Daisy. It is just gorgeous. ::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 12:16 AM | Comments (3)

November 25, 2003

::yawn::

Hmm - maybe I will go to bed now.. I have a long day tomorrow. Pies to make, rooms to clean...

Posted by Cate at 11:47 PM | Comments (1)

Food

Mmmm - I just pulled out a batch of chocolate chip cookies. I also made my tomato sauce and it's simmering on the stove now. My house smells yummy!

Posted by Cate at 02:52 PM | Comments (8)

Props

A big shout out of THANK YOU to my wonderful and lovely hostess <a href="http://www.javamama.net/">Allison </a>for fixing my sidebar.

Posted by Cate at 02:43 PM | Comments (2)

Crap

Where the hell is my sidebar and links?!?!?!

Posted by Cate at 10:59 AM | Comments (4)

Shhhh

I heard this great song on the radio the other day and I really got into it. I was channel surfing the other day and I saw the video for it. I couldn't figure out who the guy was - I had never seen him before. I waited until the end of the video so I could see who the hell it was.
It was

Clay Aiken. I admit it - I like Clay Aiken. Am I the only person in America who had no frickin' clue who he was? I mean - I had heard his name but had never heard him sing. I don't watch reality tv. Heck - I don't watch prime time television unless the POTUS is on that night. We usually watch cable - HGTV, FoodTV, TLC, History, Animal Planet, Discovery, AMC or Turner Movie Classics.
I guess I live under a rock. LOL. I like it under here.

Posted by Cate at 09:12 AM | Comments (4)

November 24, 2003

Bonkos

I just got home about 20 minutes ago. I had a lot of fun tonight and finally managed to win a prize after a five month dry spell.
I am gonna read a few blogs then head in to bed.

Posted by Cate at 11:30 PM | Comments (1)

WTF?

I swear, I feel like I *just* got out of bed - this day has flown past.

I dropped O at school and then hustled over to my allergist appointment. Everything is hunky dory and I got more refills on my drugs. Woohoo - I can breathe easily (literally) for three more months. I can't complain. He's always given me refills on stuff like that.
On the way home, I decided to pay a surprise visit to my friend. I called her, to make sure she was home, then dropped in with a big ole cuppa cawfee and cookies for a mid morning fix. She was so surprised! LOL! I love doing stuff like that. We hung out and chatted until we needed to pick up our girls from school.
After school, O and I headed to Pier One to pick up a couple inexpensive gifts for the holidays. She sniffed every candle in the store! LOL Then, we headed to Atlantic Books where I found a couple more inexpensive gifts.
We made it back home and ate lunch. I zoned out in front of the 'puter and surfed for a while. Then, a trip to the bathroom to "do the hair" a nice medium to dark brown to hide those nasty grey hairs. While waiting for that, I had the miserable experience of having to "Wax on." ::scream:: "Wax Off". Oy - some days it sucks being a girl!
Off to get the eldest child from the bus stop and then heading to tae kwon do by 5pm. I have <a href="http://www.buncogame.com/">Bonkos</a> tonight - hooray! See you later!

Posted by Cate at 03:08 PM | Comments (0)

November 23, 2003

House Work

Oh my GAWD! Where do I begin??

Husband was basically in the kitchen for the past two days, working his fingers to the bone. He has been taking down and cleaning the cabinet doors, drilling holes for new brushed nickel knobs, priming, sanding, painting.. it goes on and on.
Eldest had a roller skating party and was also invited to sleep over at the birthday girl's house. I got back home last night and kept Youngestbusy while Husband was working. She didn't get to bed until 10pm. She kept me company while we waytched Trading Spaces. Husband and I didn't get to sleep until almost 2am.

As I opened my eyes this morning, Olivia, while standing right in front of me, said "I'm hungry". She scared me half to death. I managed to convince her to climb into bed with me so we could snuggle for a little while. We got up, ate breakfast and I took off to the stores. Alone! : - )
First stop - Kmart. I picked up some pj's for Youngestas well as a new bathmat and bottled water. A few other little things for Christmas for the girls. Next stop - ShopRite. OhMyGAWD. PACKED. At 1015am on a Sunday morning. Completely packed. You should have seen the people gathered around the free turkey case. They were like animals. I just grabbed the first turkey I could get my hands on and bolted. I managed to pick up the rest of the items I needed for Thanksgiving dinner as well as the usual stuff. I stood in line for 20 minutes to be checked out - all the lanes were open too. I was happy to make it out of there alive! LOL! Last stop - Brunos. I picked up the breakfast sausage (they make it for me) as well as the deli items I needed for the rest of the week.
When I got home, I unloaded the car and got everything put away. Youngestand I went back out to pick up Eldest. When we got back home, Husband and I worked in the kitchen while the girls essentially tore up the house. I finally put in a DVD so they would just stay STILL for a little while.
Dinner was just burgers and fries with carrot sticks. My kitchen was still slightly trashed at that point and a big Sunday dinner just wasn't gonna happen today. After dinner, Husband worked in the kitchen while I got the girls bathed and ready for bed. They were in bed by 830pm and not a peep out of them either.
Husband and I did some more work, finally calling it quits by 930pm. He had to rewire the range hood light and fan and he got that all put back together and working just fine. I am making my second loaf of bread for my Mom. She is going to make stuffing out of it. Ummmmm - stuffing. ::drool::
Whew! My fingers are tired! I am going to try to catch up on some of my reads but please forgive me if I didn't stop by and say hello. I hope you all had great weekends. ::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 11:04 PM | Comments (1)

Day of rest?

I don't think so! I am still around - just had an extremely busy weekend. I'll be back in a few hours.

Posted by Cate at 07:16 PM | Comments (0)

November 22, 2003

Gorgeous Day

It's a lovely day today. I have a ton of errands, M has a party tonight and P is still working in the kitchen. He is feeling somewhat better.
I'll chat later - I hope you all have a great day!

Posted by Cate at 11:25 AM | Comments (1)

Holidaze

I got this from my brother tonight. Check it out - <a href="http://www.holidazerock.com/">HolidazeRock</a>. Make sure those speakers are on.
<center>
<img alt="holidaze.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/holidaze.JPG" width="363" height="473" border="0" />
</center>

Posted by Cate at 12:16 AM | Comments (1)

November 21, 2003

Founding Father

(snagged from <a href="http://scott.littlemeanfish.com/blog/archives/000642.html">Scott</a>)
<div align=center>
<img src="http://www.io.com/~janis/quiz/quiz1/AH.jpg">
 

<A HREF="http://www.io.com/~janis/quiz/quiz1.html">Which Founding Father Are You?
</A>

</div

Posted by Cate at 10:53 PM | Comments (0)

More medical messes

P has his visit with the ENT this afternoon. Guess who needs his tonsils removed as soon as possible? Yeah - lovely. Oy.

Posted by Cate at 07:21 PM | Comments (8)

Cutting and cutting

I am still cutting out construction paper "feathers" for our craft projects. They are making a turkey and then a headdess. Should be fun!

Posted by Cate at 12:19 PM | Comments (2)

Swap Group

If anyone wants the swap group info, leave me a comment and I will send you the link. It's a lot of fun!

Posted by Cate at 09:02 AM | Comments (7)

Radio Contest

Well - they are announcing the winner of the <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/004288.html">appliance makeover</a>.. and it's not me.... CRAP! Oh well - the winner's appliances must be pretty damn disgusting. Yeah yeah... so I am sour graping...

Posted by Cate at 08:53 AM | Comments (0)

November 20, 2003

BK Holiday

I totally snagged this from another blogger. I laughed my ass off. I think I used to work with this guy when I used to work at Burger King.

::edited on 12/5/06 to update link::

Posted by Cate at 10:17 PM | Comments (4)

Evening recap

The kids are in bed and P and I are recovering from the day. O crashed out once she got home from school. She napped for about an hour. When she woke up, she practically bounced off the couch. She ate some soup, bread and butter, an ice pop and then mooched some potato chips from P. She ran around all day. We made it to the doc appointment a little early but we got right in the room. Very cool. The nurse came in, checked her out and then quickly swabbed her throat. Not cool. O flipped out. She managed to calm herself down upon receipt of a lollipop and a sticker. The doctor gave us amoxicillan and wanted us to start her on it right away. They were pretty sure she had strep. But, she is still pretty damn perky and upbeat. I am still keeping her out of school tomorrow - just in case.
I had a parent-teacher conference with M's teacher. She is doing very well, reading at a third grade level. Her teacher wants her to attend a Young Writers Conference this spring. Mrs. S is very impressed with the amount of detail M adds to anything that she writes. She thinks that M would benefit from the conference. I was thrilled! Mrs. S can only choose a few children - and she picked M! YAY! ::happy dance::
P seems to be feeling better and I am feeling ok ::knocking wood:: M is back to a full day tomorrow and she has a class trip. Gee - tough life. LOL. I am gonna blog-surf and visit ya'll. Have a great night! ::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 09:49 PM | Comments (1)

Swap Gift

I belong to a swap group. Every few months, there is a theme and the members purchase items related to the them within a particular price range. We usually have three or four weeks to purchase items for their "swapee". I had a lot of fun picking out cute and fun things. I received my package today and it was full of all kinds of neat things! Check it out in the extended entry!

I got tea, state quarters - all Denver mint too! Very hard to find in New Jersey. Stamps, a snowflake ornament, a wooden soldier, a snowman bath bomb, a great set of cookie cutters, cookie mix, two balls of awesome wool, beautiful tiny pill box, cookie decorating sprinkles, Christmas confetti and a few other lovely things. Elizabeth also sent included a lovely card. I am amazed at all the time and effort she put forth to send me all these wonderful things. Thank you! {{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 02:18 PM | Comments (9)

Two down

Well - looks like O has picked up strep. She lasted about 30 minutes at school today. She spiked a fever AT school (not at home) and was crying. Her throat hurt. Did she say anything to me about that this morning? Noooooooo. I got a 315pm appointment for her. She is already passed out on the couch. I got some Motrin into her and had her take a few sips of ice water. Man - this weekend is gonna suck.

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

ALL THE EX-PRESIDENT'S SCANDALS

Monica Lewinsky:
<a href="http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35714">I can't get a man.'I want to shake them and say, C'mon, just like me!'</a>

Monica Lewinsky, the former White House intern whose sexual relationship with ex-President Bill Clinton led to his impeachment, is now bellowing the fact that she has man trouble.
<img alt="Please like me!" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/monica.bmp" width="150" height="180" border="0" />
In an interview in the December issue of Gentleman's Quarterly magazine, the 30-year-old laments the difficulty she's had in dating men.

While she says she's gone out with a number of people, she admits it's a hefty task for gents to get over her troubled past.

"If I were a guy and I'd heard all those things about a girl, I don't know that I'd want to take her out," Lewinsky told GQ.

And Monica admits she gets frustrated when men are not as responsive to her romantically as she'd like.

"The one thing I don't do well with, with a guy, is ambivalence," she said. "I want to shake them and say, 'C'mon, just like me! Do what I say!"'

According to at least one counselor, Lewinsky's troubles may not be fleeting.

"She became famous because of a scandalous act," Fox affiliate relationship expert Dr. Sally St. John tells WorldNetDaily. "To expect men to unassociate her with that is highly unrealistic. Granted, nobody's perfect and we all make mistakes, but for a man to overlook this kind of past without a sustained track record of subsequent healthy behavior would put him at high risk."

St. John says anytime you date a high-profile person, there's extra pressure on the relationship.

"Just being with Monica is going to put him under the worldwide media microscope," she said.

Former President Clinton nearly lost his presidency in the wake of his "inappropriate" relationship with Lewinsky, after first claiming he did not have "sexual relations with that woman." He was impeached by the U.S. House, but subsequently acquitted by the Senate.

Lewinsky urged the federal government in May to protect parents' rights not to testify against their own children, as WorldNetDaily reported.

In a Mother's Day opinion piece published in the Los Angeles Times, Monica recounted her reaction to her mother's call to testify in connection with the probe into her relationship with the president.

"I was horrified and sickened," she wrote. "Not unlike many young women, I had confided in my mom ? to a certain extent ? and expected our conversations to remain between us. In a million years I could never have fathomed a situation where we would find our bond ? a deep, important and inviolate one ? tested to the extent and in the manner that it was."

Since the scandal, Lewinsky has hawked handbags and hosted "Mr. Personality," a reality TV show on the Fox network. Ironically, the show features women trying to choose the best man for them based solely on personality, as the men's faces were covered with masks.

Monica is now trying to dispel gossip the scandal with Clinton has been a cash cow for her.

"One of the huge misconceptions about me in the past few years is that I have made a fortune from this," Lewinsky told GQ. "People who have this idea that I have millions of dollars or even a million, or close to a million, are off their rocker."

Posted by Cate at 07:59 AM | Comments (2)

What Rose?

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/D/donarepa/1066803228_yellowquiz.JPG" border="0" alt="yellow"> Your soul is bound to the Yellow Rose: The Gentle.

"I've travelled through the land of surrender and seen it all. I throw my heart out and keep my head up, and now I travel through the land of peace."

The Yellow Rose is associated with friendship, intuition, and fun. It is governed by the goddess Hestia and its sign is The Intertwined Rings, or True Friendship.

As a Yellow Rose, you always look out for your friends. You would much rather have strong ties with friends than a single tie with a lover and your devotion to your friends is clear. You may have great intuition and be able to read emotions clearly, but sometimes you can seem distant yourself.
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/donarepa/quizzes/What%20Rose%20Is%20Your%20Soul%20Bound%20To%3F/"> What Rose Is Your Soul Bound To?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Posted by Cate at 07:49 AM | Comments (0)

November 19, 2003

He's home

I was right. He has an abscess and an ear infection to add to his strep throat. They still didn't do a throat culture but it's pretty obvious he has strep. I looked down his throat - ugh. The poor guy. He got a different antibiotic as well as ear drops for the ear pain. I will be trying to get him in to see the ENT doctor tomorrow or Friday.
Thankfully, I am feeling fine. I am still nervous about getting sick. I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner next week. I can't afford to be sick!

Posted by Cate at 10:16 PM | Comments (6)

Back to the ER

P is on his way back to the Emergency Room. He has taken three doses of the antibiotic, Motrin every 6 hours as well as Tylenol for the pain. He is still running a 101 fever. Now his neck hurts, it hurts him to open and close his jaw and his tongue is still swollen. I think he has an abscess. I hope he sees a doctor who speaks freaking English. I hope that the doctor runs a throat culture on him too. Oy - I am worried about him.

Posted by Cate at 07:36 PM | Comments (5)

Busted

<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,103517,00.html">SANTA BARBARA, Calif. ? Pop superstar Michael Jackson (search) is facing multiple counts of child molestation, Santa Barbara County authorities said Wednesday.</a>
Good. He is disgusting.

Posted by Cate at 03:27 PM | Comments (4)

Nerves?

I have had a headache all morning.. please God, don't let me get sick.

Posted by Cate at 12:31 PM | Comments (3)

Sick - Day 3

P is still feeling like crap - I am hoping the amoxicillan kicks in soon. Poor guy.

Posted by Cate at 10:08 AM | Comments (3)

November 18, 2003

Funny movie

P and I are watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0297181/">I Spy</a> with Owen Wilson and Eddie Murphy. We have been cracking up! I love Eddie and Owen - he is adorable!
<img alt="owen.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/owen.bmp" width="100" height="126" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 10:32 PM | Comments (7)

Still home sick

P woke me up this morning. He was going to the hospital because of the pain in his throat

Yesterday, he had called his primary care doctor (Dr.G) yesterday only to be told that our doctor was unavailable due to a back injury. He got the phone number for the covering doctor. When he called that doctor (Dr.M), the receptionist sounded surprised. She probably had no clue that Dr. M was covering for Dr.G. Alas, there were no available appointments to be had for P. He called Dr. G's office back and they didn't really have any other options for him.

So, he was off to the hospital. He would not go unless he was in an incredible amount of pain. P gets back home at 830am with a diagnosis of <a href="http://my.webmd.com/content/healthwise/56/14030.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}">Acute Pharyngitis</a>. Fricking strep throat! Of course, the dumbass doc didn't take a throat culture, nothing. In fact, he never even TOLD P he had strep. He read the diagnosis (pharyngitis, acute) on his goddamn discharge papers. He said he could barely understand the doctor. No one ever told P he was strep. It was only when he came home and looked up his diagnosis on WebMD when he figured out he had strep.
This pisses me off to no end. I have NO problem if someone has an accent. Hell - I don't care if he/she is from another country. My dad came from Iran when he was 18 or 19 and has an accent. He learned to speak English. You can certainly understand him. I admire people who legitimately want to come to America and work for an education. But - COME ON! You have to be able to be understood by your patients for God's sake.

Posted by Cate at 12:40 PM | Comments (10)

Half Days

M has half days for the next three days. It's Conference Time! P and I will be going to M's conference. It's scheduled for Thursday at 715pm. I even managed to get a sitter for a couple hours. Of course, I also have a Girl Scout at the same time the same night. Ack.
I am going to enter a radio contest for all new kitchen appliances. Stainless steel appliances. ROWR! I have to explain why I should win them and I think I can send a photograph. Heh. WHICH one?? My kitchen has been an ongoing work in progress since June. I'd LOVE new appliances. Did I mention that they would be installed before Thanksgiving too??
Off to register. See you later!

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

Boo-frickin-hoo

<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/ap20031117_1169.html">from ABC news</a> -
Paris Hilton says she never thought the sex video she made with her ex-boyfriend ever would become public.
"I feel embarrassed and humiliated, especially because my parents and the people who love me have been hurt," the socialite and reality TV actress said Monday in a statement to The Associated Press.
"I was in an intimate relationship and never, ever thought that these things would become public."
waahhhhhhhh
The heiress to the Hilton hotel fortune made a homemade video with then-boyfriend Richard Salomon three years ago. Snippets have been sent to various media outlets and have been making the rounds on the Internet.

Salomon contends that the tape was stolen and that copies were made and circulated by an acquaintance without his permission or knowledge.

Last week, Salomon filed a $10 million slander suit against Hilton, her parents and publicist. The suit maintains that Hilton was an "active participant" in making the video but she and her family have waged a "cold, calculated and malicious campaign to portray Salomon as a rapist" to protect her image.

He also filed a $10 million suit against an Internet porn company, claiming that Seattle-based Marvad Corp. distributed footage from the video without obtaining the legal rights.

The company, in turn, filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Salomon's former roommate for more than $10 million. It alleges that Donald Thrasher of Los Angeles misled the company into believing he owned the rights to the video.

His former roommate stole the video? Nice guy. I hope he has an extra $10 mil laying around..

Posted by Cate at 12:27 AM | Comments (8)

November 17, 2003

Drowning

I am drowning in laundry. Thank GAWD P was able to fix the problem with my dryer. Now I only have five or six loads to complete. Gah.

Posted by Cate at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)

About time

Yes - I know.. I really should update more in the mornings.. I need to manage my time a lot better. I totally missed the HUGE blogrolling bruhaha this morning. Talk about a whoospie.
P is home sick today. Poor guy. He came with me this morning to pick up O from school. She was so excited when we both walked in - she couldn't figure out which one of us to run to first. <img alt="laugh.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/laugh.bmp" width="15" height="15" border="0" /> It was cute.
Then, we stopped at the Depot to buy moulding, Pathmark for food then back home. We had lunch and P ended up dozing off at the kitchen table. He jerked awake and almost fell out of the chair! I shooed him into the bedroom where he is currently napping. I feel bad that I have to wake him up before we leave for tae kwon do. The dryer is all wonky. Apparently, the vent hose has condensation in it and it's not drying my clothes. I think it is also leaking. Argh.
Well - that's all the news that's fit to print as of right now. Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)

Sneak Peek

<a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&id=1808404334&cf=info">Watch the Harry Potter trailer here</a> - I can't wait until June 4th!

Posted by Cate at 08:26 AM | Comments (2)

Fear Not

<a href="http://mylifeasafischer.com/cgi-bin/tb/tb.cgi?__mode=list&tb_id=240">Be patient - she will be back.</a> I will keep checking back for updates - thanks <a href="http://www.mylifeasafischer.com/">Greg</a>!

Posted by Cate at 12:07 AM | Comments (1)

November 16, 2003

My kitchen

Yeah yeah - I know you are all sick and tired of hearing all about my kitchen. But, I just love the way it has been turning out. SO much work has been put into it - it's incredible. P just replaced another kitchen wall cabinet. I am getting so much storage space that I am freaking out! Now I have too many options. Gee - my life is so difficult!

Posted by Cate at 11:18 PM | Comments (3)

Sunday Surprise

Boy - was I surprised to see a ton of hits today. Especially since I have not posted since early this morning. Come to find out that Acidman linked to me for my <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives/005325.php#005325"> photograph of marbles</a>.

Posted by Cate at 07:30 PM | Comments (2)

I hate you Wal-Mart?

<a href="http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=35633">Wal-Mart covering up 'I hate you' baby toy?
Mystery remains over 'subliminal message' heard by parents</a>

Wal-Mart has yanked a baby-crib accessory from its shelves after parents all across the country complained it disseminates a subliminal message of hate, but you wouldn't know it unless you called the major retailer.

"We felt it was an item that wasn't up to our quality of standards," Wal-Mart spokesperson Karen Burk told WorldNetDaily in explanation of why the toys were removed from stores' shelves nationwide earlier this year.

The toy has not been recalled, however, and no mention of its removal from shelves or concerns raised about it have been posted on the <a href="http://www.walmart.com">company's website</a>.

(click to read full article)

"It seems like they are trying to avoid something," parent Emily Smathers Ratliff of Oxford, Miss., told WorldNetDaily.

"It was downplayed," echoed Shannon Leslie in the New Orleans area. "I wish it had some more publicity."

WorldNetDaily reported a Vancouver, Wash., family discovered the toy they unsuspectingly attached to their 6-month-old son's crib utters the words "I hate you" amid the rhythmic ocean sounds designed to lull the baby asleep.

"The voice has a softness to it. It sounds hypnotizing. ... I think it's creepy," Blanche Skelton told WorldNetDaily. "My husband thought I was crazy until he heard it." Skelton's in-laws and everyone who has visited the house since have heard it.

Wal-Mart's Kid Connection crib toy (Photo: WDSU-TV, New Orleans)

The unnamed toy is tugboat-shaped with four small cartoon-like figures on the front ? a fish, starfish, crab and an octopus. It is blue and white with a red anchor on the side where you push a button to make it play either music or the ocean sounds.

The toy appears to be a Wal-Mart version of a similar "Ocean Wonders Aquarium" toy made by Fisher-Price and sold by Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart's website ranked the Fisher-Price toy as its third best-selling product among toys for infants age 0 to 6 months.

The toy's box bears the Wal-Mart brand label Kid Connection, with a tiny set of footprints and "Step Ahead" logo. The box also indicates the toy was made in China.

"You know China is not friends with us," Skelton said, speculating about the explanation for what she fears is a subliminal message hidden in the toy. "They're trying to get back at us. What's the best way? Teach kids when they're young to hate. It's scary."

Skelton's story sparked endless discussion and mocking on several online discussion forums.

Since WorldNetDaily's initial report, a half-dozen other parents across the country ? from Washington state and California to Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, West Virginia and Maryland ? have come forward to say they have the Wal-Mart toy and are horrified to find it spewing hate at their babies.

"I consider this an assault on my infant. He's been listening to this message his whole life," Sean Bento of Murrieta, Calif., told WorldNetDaily. "This is something someone did on purpose. Their intent is pernicious. There's nothing funny about an infant being exposed to something like that."

"I think it is some sick person that wants to put thoughts into our children's minds. Kind of like a pedophile preys on children? This is no different. I work in a prison and I deal with these type of sick people everyday and who knows exactly why they do what they do?" said parent Hollie Konek from Princess Anne, Md.

An equally upset Lynne Glaze from Washington state estimates that before she discovered what the message was, her 5-month-old had listened to it over hundreds of hours.

"I used to play it every night as he went to sleep. He even had learned how to turn it on himself," Glaze said.

"I would love to get to the bottom of it," she continued, adding that she "would like to make sure the manufacturer does not get away with this hateful 'crime' against babies."

Wal-Mart's Burk said the matter was investigated and officials working with the supplier concluded there were faint "beeps" in the background of the ambient ocean sounds.

"We weren't able to determine what the beeps were," she said, "but because of customer concern, we removed the product off of our shelves."

After this author explained she heard the toy first-hand and concurs with parents that the sound appears to be a voice speaking the words, "I hate you," Burk dismissed it as the "power of suggestion."

"A lot of times the power of suggestion is there," she told WND. "If someone says they hear the toy say, 'I love you' then that's what you think you hear. Or if someone thinks it says 'I hate you,' that's what you're going to hear."

Burk could not say what investigators learned from the supplier about how the "beeps" got on the toy and why. She also would not divulge any information as to who the Chinese supplier is and whether it is continuing to make the toys.

"We don't discuss supplier information," she said.

Burk stressed that any customer who is unsatisfied with the toy can return it for a full refund. She said even though there is no recall, all Wal-Mart stores have been advised to give refunds for the toy.

"Our policy is customer satisfaction," Burk said. "All stores are aware the toy was pulled from the shelves."

Parents told WND they had a difficult time getting refunds and found local stores unaware of the situation.

"We just kept hitting brick walls so we gave up," Glaze said.

Burk urges parents who have problems to call Wal-Mart's customer service hotline at 1-800-Wal-Mart.

"A refund, I feel, is not good enough. More parents need to be made aware of this," argues parent Ellen Rogers of Martinsburg, W.V.

Bento agrees and is considering suing the retailer. He filed a formal complaint, but says he has not heard back from anyone.

"I want to make myself heard," he said. "They're responsible for the safety of products they sell. It's not physical harm, it's psychological harm."

WND checked with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and learned officials there don't deal with these kind of issues.

"As far as subliminal messages are concerned, that wouldn't be the jurisdiction of the commission," explained CPSC spokesperson Kim Dulic, "unless it was thought that the message could somehow cause physical injury or harm to the child."

Dulic could not recommend any other agency that would handle the matter.

Posted by Cate at 10:27 AM | Comments (5)

LOTR

Ok - P and I just finished watching Lord of the Rings. I have to say I was terribly disappointed. I didn't remember EVERY detail from when I had last read the book. Frodo and Sam - well - I don't recall them being quite so, well, gay. Is that a terrible thing to say? At one point, I thought they were going to kiss or something. I *did* think that Aragorn was pretty cute and Legolas was not hard on the eyes either. I guess I preferred the book. I always loved that series and had read it many times when I was younger. In fact, the books were all busted up and had tobe thrown away. I never did replace the set. I know I am going to buy the series as soon as I can and reread it.

Posted by Cate at 12:41 AM | Comments (4)

November 15, 2003

Oy

Well - the day got off on a good start. I didn't get too much accomplished after lunch. The girls played with stuff all afternoon, dragging it out in the living room and spreading it all over the floor. ::sigh:: P has been working in the kitchen, finishing the back of the counter. Now, it's got planks of beadboard installed on the back. He also did the exposed side of the dishwasher. I like it a lot. It looks finished.
I'm off to watch Lord of the Rings. Ciao.

Posted by Cate at 09:19 PM | Comments (0)

Why not?

I snagged this quiz from the mighty <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives/005312.php#005312">Acidman</a>. Psst - don't tell anyone but he is a nice guy - sometimes.

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/1034277815_tioncuddle.jpg" border="0" alt="cuddle and a kiss"> cuddle and a kiss on the forehead - you like to be close to your special someone and feel warm, comfortable, and needed
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/theandrea/quizzes/What%20Sign%20of%20Affection%20Are%20You%3F/"> What Sign of Affection Are You?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Posted by Cate at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)

Photographs

I had finally gotten the <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/003538.html">girls photographs</a> put on a cd. Check out some of the pictures.

Posted by Cate at 02:46 PM | Comments (10)

Mornin'

Howdy hello!
P went to Home Depot - our home away from home - and bought another cabinet for the kitchen. Yay! More work - booooo.
The girls and I have some errands to run - the butcher, pharmacy, supermarket, library... I have to get breakfastt for the girls. See you all later. Have a wonderful day!

Posted by Cate at 09:43 AM | Comments (3)

November 14, 2003

Good evening!

I just got back home from Mom's place about 30 minutes ago. Man - I am tired! But, I had a nice day. The Scout meeting went smoothly (which is always a bonus) and I had a nice time visiting Mom and Dan.
I am going to check email, visit a couple blogs then off to bed!

Posted by Cate at 11:19 PM | Comments (1)

November 13, 2003

Cute!

O looked really cute for her school pics. So did M. I can't wait for them to come in.

Posted by Cate at 05:03 PM | Comments (1)

Windy!

from <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/detail/08050">the weather channel</a>:

... A HIGH WIND WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THURSDAY INTO THURSDAY EVENING FOR EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA... NEW JERSEY... EXTREME NORTHWESTERN MARYLAND... AND NORTHERN DELAWARE.

SOUTHWEST WINDS WILL BECOME WEST... THEN NORTHWEST... AS A COLD FRONT MOVES EASTWARD ACROSS THE REGION THIS MORNING. SUSTAINED WINDS OF 25 TO 35 MPH WILL INCREASE TO 30 TO 40 MPH LATER THIS MORNING. GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH ARE POSSIBLE FROM MID MORNING INTO THURSDAY EVENING. A STORM WARNING IS ALSO IN EFFECT FOR THE NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS FROM SANDY HOOK SOUTH TO CAPE MAY.

I just got back home and it was crazy trying to drive on the parkway. Big SUVs were blowing all over the road. Ugh.

Posted by Cate at 10:34 AM | Comments (3)

So much to do

The girls get their school pictures taken today. FINALLY!!! M doesn't get hers done until 145pm. Oy - I hope she manages to stay cleaned up. LOL. O's class is meeting at 215pm for their pictures. There are 45 kids that attend the preschool program (not ALL at once! LOL) so they needed to have a large block of time available *just* for the munchkins. I am so excited - O's first school pictures!
Of course, O has school this morning so after I drop the girls at school, I need to run to the Girl Scout council and finish up some paperwork. Nothing like the very last minute, eh?
Anyways - off to hurry the girls along! Bye!

Posted by Cate at 08:10 AM | Comments (1)

November 12, 2003

Scary

Ok - so Paris Hilton is a tart. Whatever. But, for GOD'S sake dude, wear a freaking CONDOM! OY.

Posted by Cate at 11:27 PM | Comments (8)

Stiffy

I needed a product to stiffen a crochet project I am making. So, I head off to Michaels to buy this:
<img alt="stiffy.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/stiffy.bmp" width="310" height="227" border="0" />
I swear - I can't stop giggling...

Posted by Cate at 11:23 PM | Comments (8)

Parts

The parts for my dishwasher showed up today. Oh - happy day. P is putting that back together and it will look so much nicer now. Yay!

Have you noticed that it doesn't tale much to make me happy? LOL. I guess I am easy..

Posted by Cate at 10:39 PM | Comments (2)

My house

This is what it used to look when you walked in my front door one year ago:

I will post more pics later.

Posted by Cate at 02:55 PM | Comments (3)

Hello!

We had a playdate this morning for O. Liz, the other mom, and I get along really well. She's a freakin pisser. She and her hubby have three kids - 2 girls (7 and 3) and 1 (6) boy. The older daughter is in our troop and the little girl is in O's preschool class. The little boy is just adorable - HUGE baby blue eyes. I just want to squeeze him whenever I see him. He calls me Miss Kate ::grin:: How cute is that??
My house is pretty disorganized and we have a few more things to finish up in here. I am hoping I can get to those projects this weekend. Both girls are getting their pictures done tomorrow. Finally! I usually have them back by now. I hope I have them back in time for Christmas cards. AND - speaking of cards, I'd love to exchange cards with YOU. Drop me an email with your info if you are interested!

Posted by Cate at 01:19 PM | Comments (5)

November 11, 2003

Kitchen

Ok - some pics in the extended entry!

This thing was a bitch to put together. Add that with a kitchen floor that is not level and it makes for an exciting day with a lot of work for poor P. I want to publically thank him for a job very well done ::smooches:: We still have some minor things to finish up - the wainscotting for the back of the counter, base moulding around the counter, rearrange the kitchen, replace parts on the dishwasher and a few other odds and ends.
I will try to take more pictures of the floor tomorrow.

Posted by Cate at 11:53 PM | Comments (10)

RIP

Art - it's been awesome. <a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031111/ap_on_en_tv/obit_carney_5">Rest in peace buddy</a>.

<img alt="art.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/art.bmp" width="92" height="130" border="0" />
Art Carney - 1918-2003

Posted by Cate at 07:32 PM | Comments (4)

Hi there

I'm still here - just been busy helping P in the kitchen. Plus - O has been the Queen of Needy today. Oy, she's been sticking to me like a sock to a sweater. I wonder if <a href="http://www.mystaticguard.com/products.cfm">Static Guard</a> makes a child resistant spray?
<img alt="staticguard.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/staticguard.bmp" width="220" height="270" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 07:30 PM | Comments (1)

YAY!

P is home today. He is putting together a new counter for me. MORE storage - praise the LORD! I know I need to post pictures of my kitchen. Soon, very soon. I promise!

Posted by Cate at 09:03 AM | Comments (4)

November 10, 2003

Feeling better

Thanks for the kind comments and emails. I am feeling better thanks to several ibuprofen tablets, a huge glass of water and 30 minutes of dozing on the couch. Luckily, P had come home early and he brought M to tae kwon do for me. Tonight, he will be setting up my island/counter in the kitchen. YAY!

Posted by Cate at 08:40 PM | Comments (4)

Out of commission

Bad headache. My brain hurts.

I'll be back later.

Posted by Cate at 03:39 PM | Comments (3)

Arrrrrgggghhhhh!

Spammed again! Ugh - I just deleted 34 comments from my archives. What an incredible pain in the ass. In case anyone wants it - 213.206.5.5 is the IP. Jerk.

Posted by Cate at 12:52 PM | Comments (6)

Too early

I truly hate getting up in the morning. For some INSANE reason, I made a 9am doctor's appointment for O. I think I had thought they were in school today and not off. Oh well. I can get finished up early and hit a couple stores with them too.
Gotta run and feed the beasties! Bye!

Posted by Cate at 07:51 AM | Comments (2)

November 09, 2003

Yaaaawn

I think P and I raked/mowed/blowed/bagged <strike>a million</strike> billions of leaves. I have had enough fresh air and now I just want to take a nap. Too bad I have to cook dinner for a starving husband and children.
I might be back later - if I manage to stay awake. LOL.

Posted by Cate at 05:13 PM | Comments (3)

The best remote ever

Posted by Cate at 02:12 PM | Comments (3)

Sunday

I am teaching Sunday School this morning. I *should* be at the 830am service but I just could not get up and get there t his morning. Oh well - I have to hustle my butt this morning and get ready. I stayed up too late watching Trading Spaces last night.
Catch ya later.

Posted by Cate at 08:29 AM | Comments (4)

November 08, 2003

Just popping on

Wow - busy busy day! Like that's a big surprise for you guys to read. LOL

P was out at Home Depot, buying a replacement kitchen cabinet. One of my cabinets was all screwed up and we finally replaced it today. We are also going to put in a 60" island in the kitchen. Woohoo! The floor looks awesome. The kickplates are in place under the cabinets too. I am just so psyched!
My dad and stepmom came down this morning. They really liked what we have done to the kitchen ::proud smile:: P did most of the work, thank goodness he is extremely handy.
M worked on her math today. She is finishing up her vacation homework and has until Monday night to complete it all. Just reading and math. The girls and I played around today - puzzles, memory games, tickle fights.. all that fun stuff. Then, a boy up the street came over to see if M wanted to play. They took off and O and I goofed arounf for a little while. She wanted to watch a dvd we borrowed from the library. I "cooked" chicken nuggets and fries.
After dinner, we watched the eclipse take place. The kids loved it. But, it was pretty damn cold tonight! Brrrr!! I was just starting to get used to the 70 degree weather we were having last week.
Well- off to toss the kidlets in bed. Bye for now!

Posted by Cate at 09:58 PM | Comments (7)

Insane

My Mom wants a new computer. P and I have been shopping around for her, looking for a good deal. We checked on Dell's site as we have purchased several computers from them before. There were some awesome deals for a computer like double the memory, free cd/rw drives, free all-in-one printer.. all that fun stuff. The bonus - we did not need a monitor. She already has an LCD monitor. Sweet. We can save some bucks here. We configured a decent system and updated everything. The price came to under $600. Not bad at all. The shipping was $110 dollars!! WTF is THAT all about?? I dial their 800 number listed ever so obviously on the website. I play the touchtone game. I was on hold, waiting for a "representative" to help me when I get a recording telling me that the department I am trying to reach is closed!!! Dell is CLOSED on a Friday night?? I thought "No way!" and redialed the phone, listened carefully (again!) to all the telephone options and got transferred. I get the recording again! Well - BUH-bye Dell. You lose!
I ended up at HP's site and I managed to customize a sweet system PLUS there is free shipping and free hard drive upgrades as well. I have to call Mom in the morning and see what she wants to spend.

Heading off to bed. See you in the morning! ::hugs and kisses:: G'night!

Posted by Cate at 01:25 AM | Comments (10)

November 07, 2003

Trolls

I hate trolls. They have managed to torment many of my friends to the point of either having password protected blogs or shutting down completely. Trolls suck. They are cowardly bastards. Here's a friggin' news flash - have the balls to post your real name and legitimate email address. ****ing jerks.
[/rant]

Posted by Cate at 12:20 PM | Comments (11)

::insert your own damn title here::

It's hard to think up titles every day!

The kids were not very happy about the change in plans. So, today, like every other day around here), we are going to do things the girls want to do. But, it will have to include a trip to the supermarket since I am running out of food.
I sent up a small tent in the living room yesterday. The girls were thrilled and promptly dragged out pillows, blankets and stuffed animals to shove in the tent. They are playing in it again right now. Geez - a house FULL of toys and they love this damn tent!
Well - I guess I had better feed the little buggers. I keep hearing "I'm hungry" and "I'm thirsty" and "The closet is dark. Let me out Mommy."
Heh.

Posted by Cate at 09:50 AM | Comments (1)

November 06, 2003

Flashback

We gave the girls poprocks tonight. M flipped - didn't like them at all. O, on the other hand, LOVED them. LOL! I had some too. I was thinking about washing them down with a Coke but I didn't <a href="http://www.poprockscandy.com/history.html">want to explode.</a>
Heh.

Posted by Cate at 08:37 PM | Comments (6)

Disappointment

Just found out some of my plans for tomorrow night got ****canned. ::sigh:: Damn.

Posted by Cate at 03:59 PM | Comments (1)

Remember Casper?

I found a "Casper the Friendly Ghost" DVD with 10 cartoons on it!! The kids are watching it now. God - I miss the old cartoons.

Posted by Cate at 01:45 PM | Comments (1)

Howdy hi!

I set up a Girl Scout event today since all my girls are off from school. We had a GREAT time. We went to a store down on Long Beach Island called Just Bead it! For $6.00/girl, they got to make a bracelet and necklace using memory wire. The girls were incredibly well behaved and they made some beautiful jewelry too.
Well - off to feed MY girls and catch up on some mail. Bye!

Posted by Cate at 12:59 PM | Comments (3)

Blog it Forward

I am going to follow <a href="http://www.buzzstuff.net/archives/002399.php">Buzz's suggestion</a> and play along today. My blog pick is <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> of .::says me::. I have been reading her since I started on Blogger back in December of 2001. I had seen her comments on another blog and I just followed her over to her own blog and I was immediately hooked. We shared a lot of things in common, including the fact that each of our mothers had cancer. I can say that she is one SUPER and genuinely nice person. She has gone through quite a bit this past year with some personal challenges and I am amazed at her strength. She is funny and smart and I am proud to call her friend. I wish she lived closer to me but she lives in Texas! Hopefully, one day we will meet.
So - go check her out already!

Posted by Cate at 08:48 AM | Comments (3)

Ok - LAST one

(link snagged from <a href="http://www.kazoofus.com/archives/2003_11_01_index.php#106809560303660924">Kathy Howe</a>)

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/K/karaisma4all/1036948987_elvgren134.jpg" border="0" alt="playful"> You are the playful pin-up! Do you know how to be serious?
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/karaisma4all/quizzes/What%20Type%20Of%20Retro%20Gal%20Are%20You%3F/"> What Type Of Retro Gal Are You?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Good night!

Posted by Cate at 12:35 AM | Comments (2)

Beer

Guinness. My goodness my guinness. You are dark and mysterious. There is something people just can't describe about you, besides that you love head. You are a good one, but can only be handled by a small percentage of the population (unless you're in Ireland).
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/beermakesmefeelgood/quizzes/Which%20Beer%20are%20you%3F/">Which Beer are you?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Posted by Cate at 12:18 AM | Comments (1)

November 05, 2003

Outpost commercial

Does anyone remember that Outpost.com commercial featuring someone shooting a gerbil out of a canon? I thought I would wet my pants from laughing so hard. Well, last night on VH-1, they aired a show "<a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/67954/episode.jhtml">25 Greatest Commercials</a>" and the Outpost.com commercial was one of them. That commercial still cracks me up. I'd love to meet the person who thought that up. Pure marketing genius.
If you are looking to watch or download the movie - check out this <a href="http://killermookie.org/index.php?pid=video">link</a>. There are a lot of other funny commercials there as well.

Posted by Cate at 11:07 PM | Comments (0)

Tra-la-la

I'm bored.
Well - I *do* have things to do but I don't want to do them. Feh.

Posted by Cate at 10:49 PM | Comments (1)

Funny

Found <a href="http://home.mn.rr.com/t1camp1/Focus.swf">this </a> on <a href="http://www.wickedwoman.net/mt/archives/000064.html">Stacey's blog</a>.
(not work safe or suitable for children)

Posted by Cate at 10:21 PM | Comments (2)

Predictable

(link snagged from <a href="http://whimsicalchaos.blogspot.com/">Whimsical Chaos</a>)

<img src="http://images.quizilla.com/G/gslickfan/1045122460_gsrockwell.jpg" border="0" alt="Norman Rockwell"> Golly Gee!! You are NORMAN ROCKWELL.
You are a painter of simple, everyday happenings. You tend to avoid the outrageous and stay well within the guidelines of society. Your friends count on you for your loyalty and level- headedness.
 <a href="http://quizilla.com/users/gslickfan/quizzes/Which%20famous%20artist%20most%20reflects%20your%20personality%3F/"> Which famous artist most reflects your personality?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Posted by Cate at 10:12 PM | Comments (0)

We're finally out of here

We've been in the house all day. Now, we're off to tae kwon do. Dinner tonight is going to be burgers, steak fries and a salad. I am going to have the girls help me make cookies tonight. Yummy.
See ya later!

Posted by Cate at 04:27 PM | Comments (3)

::sigh::

So far, my day has consisted of laundry, dishes and cutting the girls' toenails.

Shoot me. Please.

Posted by Cate at 02:01 PM | Comments (2)

Trip Recap

We had so much fun yesterday.

We left at 830am. We needed to get gas and we had to stop a couple times for pee breaks but we managed to get to Easton by 11am. P and I didn't tell the kids where we were going so it was a HUGE surprise when we arrived.
The <a href="http://www.crayola.com/factory/index.cfm?action=plan.about">Crayola Factory</a>, which really isn't a working factory, was so much fun. There was just so much to do and see!
Outside the factory, there were several mule statues. <a href="http://www.milesofmules.org/about.html">Miles of Mules</a> is a public art project, very similar to the <a href="http://www.cowparade.org/">Cow Parade</a>.

I took a bunch of photographs and I <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=3053802&uid=446796">uploaded them last night.</a>
<a href="http://www.eastonmuseumofpez.com">The Pez museum</a> was so cool. O was in heaven - Pez is one of the few candies O can eat. Needless to say, we bought a bunch of Pez dispensers. They also had the <a href="http://www.slinkystore.com/?OVRAW=original%20slinky&OVKEY=original%20slinky&OVMTC=standard">original Slinkys</a> for sale. Did you know there is a 14k gold Slinky? I think I want one!

Posted by Cate at 11:21 AM | Comments (5)

November 04, 2003

More pictures

I am too pooped to write tonight. <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=3053802&uid=446796">Check out the pics from today</a>

bad link fixed

Posted by Cate at 11:10 PM | Comments (5)

Associate

Ok - I am sure you guys have noticed that I am now signed up as an Amazon associate. **smile**

Posted by Cate at 10:35 PM | Comments (2)

We're HOME!

Did you all miss me??

We had a **great** time. I took a lot of pictures and I am in the process of uploading them now. I'll be back later with a recap of the day.

Posted by Cate at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)

November 03, 2003

I see the light

at the end of the tunnel. I have managed to wash/dry/put away three loads of laundry, ran the dishwasher, prepped dinner and tossed it in the crockpot and called five of my girls from the Brownie troop about an outing this Thursday. The girls were playing out back and they came in FILTHY! LOL. I cleaned them off anf they are eating lunch now. I still need to jump into the shower and finish up more laundry. There goes the microwave - my lunch is ready! Bye!

Posted by Cate at 01:07 PM | Comments (7)

Monday Monday

Well - it's Monday. The girls are off this week through the following Tuesday. ACK! Right now, I am working on cleaning up this wreck that was once my house. All the work we did on the kitchen this weekend was awesome but all the other tasks got seriously neglected. That's bad. REALLY bad. I am still catching up on dishes - how sad is that? Don't even get me started on laundry..
I found a great <a href="http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=786484&ssPageName=L2">yarn seller on ebay</a>. I checked out a few of her auctions and other items she has listed in her ebay store. Turns out she lives in the next town from me! So, I emailed her and asked if we could meet in order to save on shipping charges. After emailing once or twice, I discovered that I **knew** her. LOL! How funny is that??!! I am going to pick up a bunch of cotton yarn today! YAY! So, all you knitters/crocheters, check out her auctions. She is a super nice lady and could use all the business she can get.
Well - off to actually DO some (more) work. Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 09:58 AM | Comments (2)

Gettin' Laid

My floor tiles - that it! I was helping P and we managed to bust out quite a bit tonight. I will post more pics tomorrow. I am tired and I know P has got to be hurting. He's been on his knees all day and night.

Posted by Cate at 12:35 AM | Comments (1)

November 02, 2003

Picture Night

More floor!

(click below)

The subfloor:

P priming the floor:

My tiles:

Posted by Cate at 10:09 PM | Comments (7)

YAY!!!!

I LOVE MY TILES!!! They look AWESOME!!

Posted by Cate at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)

Eeeeek!

Check out this I found this picture and <a href="http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_833857.html">story</a> while visiting <a href="http://parkwayreststop.blogspot.com/">ParkwayRestStop</a>.

Posted by Cate at 08:56 PM | Comments (1)

Better late than never

Well - here are the Halloween pics. Enjoy!

View image

Posted by Cate at 08:34 PM | Comments (4)

Attack of the Clones

The kids wanted to watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. When I flipped on the tv, we found Attack of the Clones just starting on HBO. The girls were so excited they were just about jumping up and down in excitement. The funny thing is that they have seen this movie about five or six times! Silly girls. I love this movie because I think Ewan McGregor is one seriously good-looking Obi-Wan. Rowr!
(pics borrowed from <a href="http://www.ewanspotting.com">EwanSpotting</a>)
<img alt="ewan.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/ewan.bmp" width="246" height="324" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 07:30 PM | Comments (0)

Still kickin'

I promise - I'm still alive! Things are just topsy turvey around here. I was going to post pics last night but the computer decided to misbehave so I said the hell with it and went to bed!
I should be around later tonight! Bye!

Posted by Cate at 04:51 PM | Comments (0)

November 01, 2003

80's lyrics

Posted by Cate at 09:55 PM | Comments (3)

Hello!

We made back home a little while ago - I am pooped. A nice day was had by all, epsecially my inlaws. They were so happy to see the girls.
Will update later.

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

It's over

Halloween is done - thank gawd! I have pictures to upload but I will do it later.
Everyone had fun - the girls were adorable. The class parties were just too funny. M's teacher is awesome. The (adult) party last night kinda sucked but it was a night out.
The kids didn't get to bed until 11pm. We were all sitting on the couch, watching a show on the Discovery channel about pumpkin chunking. Talk about awesome! These people were making all kinds of contraptions from cataPts to trebuchets to centrifugal force to air guns. Eldest and I really enjoyed the show. Husband was asleep in a chair and Youngestpassed out in my lap.
The girls and I are going to my inlaws house today while Husband works on the floor. I have to feed the kids and get ready. See you later!

Posted by Cate at 08:46 AM | Comments (2)