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October 31, 2005
Halfway through
So far, I survived Youngest's class party. All the kids were SO good and they had cute costumes too. Now we are home, working on some homework before we go out trick or treating.
Time for a beer!
Posted by Cate at 03:02 PM | Comments (1)
Perfect Scary Movie
The Birds is on AMC right now and it's scaring the crap out of me. Right now is the scene when Tippi Hedren goes upstairs to investigate the strange wing flapping noises she hears.
Oh jeez - I can barely watch! I hate birds.
Ok - so what's YOUR idea of a scary movie? Vote for your favorite scary movie in comments.
Posted by Cate at 12:18 AM | Comments (8)
October 30, 2005
I'm here!
WHEW!
It's nice to be able to sit down and relax for a little while! As you can tell by my pathetic attemos at blogging lately, I've been a wee bit busy. The first PTA event - the Family Fun Night is over. That's a huge weight off my shoulders and a huge load off my mind. I've been very worried about how that event would turn out and, according to several people I've spoken to, it was good. I've got another one coming up in November but it's going to be a Bingo type event. MUCH easier for me!
On Saturday, Husband and I did some yard work and made some drastic plans regarding the addition. Eldest slept over a friend's house and the three of us had a nice dinner together. I made popcorn and we we all hung out, watching television. Today, before we picked up Eldest, we headed to Home Depot to pick up a few things. We discovered that there was an antique car show in the parking lot. Some of those cars were gorgeous. We wandered around and really enjoyed looking at these magnificent classic cars. We had to leave to pick up Eldest. We stopped back at the house, ate a quick lunch and then went BACK to Home Depot to show Eldest the cars. She enjoyed them and decided that she wanted to own a monster truck. LOL.
I am woefully behind on my emails and phone calls so please forgive me for not responding back. Today, I was busy making Halloween goody bags (23 for each girl) and baking mini cupcakes. I can't imagine how many Weight Watchers points each one could be but they are awfully cute, and quite tasty too. Since I am room mom - err- Classroom Coordinator - I'm going in for Youngest's class party tomorrow around 1130am. I've got 3 other moms coming in and, between the 4 of us, I think we can set up and run a little party for 23 kindergartners. I've got a little craft, a few games for them to play and there will be plenty of snacks. Oooooh boy, will there be snacks! In kindergarten, there are parties almost every month. Ahh, good times. They are also having a school parade and I can't wait to see that. Unfortunately, Eldest's school is also having a parade and I won't be able to see it ::sigh:: She was a little bummed about it but she got over it rather quickly when I promised her goody bags for her class.
Halloween isn't my favorite holiday. It's so difficult for Olivia. With her food allergies (all dairy, nuts, peanuts, eggs and fish), it makes finding safe candy very difficult. She can eat Starbursts, Twizzlers, Dots, Smarties and Pez. Eldest, on the other hand, doesn't like anything with nuts. Besides that, she can eat any candy she collects. I've already made a deal with Youngest- she will trade in her candy and I will buy her a toy, up to $20. Yeah, guilt goes a long way but it made her happy. I hate for her to be left out so I over compensate, but just a little bit.
Ok - now I am pooped and I am off to bed. Have a great (and safe) Halloween my lovies!
Posted by Cate at 11:55 PM | Comments (1)
Thanksgiving Spoof
Posted by Cate at 12:20 PM | Comments (3)
Heeeeeeeeeere's Roberto!
Click on over to read this week's Carnival of The New Jersey Bloggers XXIV over at Roberto's place - DynamoBuzz
Posted by Cate at 10:41 AM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2005
Polish Eye Exam
(Mom sent me this one - and yes, we are Polish!)
A Polish immigrant goes to the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles
in St. Husband to apply for a driver's license and is told he has to take
an eye test. The examiner shows him a card with the letters:
C Z J W I X N O S T A C Z
"Can you read this?" the examiner asks. "Read it?" the Polish guy replies, "We grew up together!"
Posted by Cate at 09:53 AM | Comments (1)
October 28, 2005
Time's a wastin'
Arrgghh!
Posted by Cate at 09:11 AM | Comments (6)
October 27, 2005
I Love The 80's - 3D
I am SO hooked on this show! They are up to 1986 right now.
Posted by Cate at 09:17 PM | Comments (2)
My eyes!
I still think they are cute.
images snagged from Curly Pumpkin GIF animations)
Posted by Cate at 04:21 PM | Comments (0)
FUNNY!
Make sure your speakers are on.
Posted by Cate at 12:51 PM | Comments (4)
Check it out!
Posted by Cate at 09:20 AM | Comments (4)
No blogs for you!
Worth the suspension?
NEWARK, N.J. — A Roman Catholic high school has ordered its students to remove their online diaries from the Internet, citing a threat from cyberpredators. Students at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta appear to be heeding a directive from the principal, the Rev. Kieran McHugh.McHugh told them in an assembly earlier this month to remove any personal journals they might have or risk suspension. Websites popular with teens include myspace.com and xanga.com.
Officials with the Diocese of Paterson say the directive is a matter of safety, not censorship. No one has been disciplined yet, said Marianna Thompson, a diocesan spokeswoman.
Looks like the rule has been on the books for a few years but they are just now getting around to enforcing the rules.
She said the ban has been on the books for five years but is only now being strictly enforced. Thompson said students aren't being silenced but rather told that they cannot post online writings about school or their personal lives. (emphasis mine)
Nice - I bet all the parents would love to have the teachers and administration spending their time surfing the net, looking for those renegade blogs.
A search of both myspace.com and xanga.com Wednesday by The Associated Press found no postings by users who mentioned the school. Profiles posted by other users include photos and detailed personal information on topics such as musical tastes, body measurements and sexual history.Kurt Opsahl of the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, which champions the rights of bloggers, said there have been several attempts by private institutions elsewhere to restrict or censor students' Internet postings.
"But this is the first time we've heard of such an overreaction," he said. "It would be better if they taught students what they should and shouldn't do online rather than take away the primary communication tool of their generation."
Thompson said parents of students who enroll in the schools sign contracts governing student behavior, including responsible Internet use.
That could dilute the students' free speech claims somewhat, acknowledged Ed Barocas, legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey.
"The rights of students at private schools are far different than those of public schools because administrators at public schools are agents of government," he said. "That's not the case here."
Posted by Cate at 07:17 AM | Comments (2)
October 26, 2005
Some pictures to tide you over
Posted by Cate at 11:04 AM | Comments (5)
Poof!
Just poofing online for a few minutes!
The girls have a half day of school today - dang teacher workshops. So, after I pick up Youngestfrom the bus stop, we are goin' shopping! Woohoo! It's getting really chilly and I don't have their winter coats purchased yet. I also have to grab a coat for Husband and, if the girls are lucky, a trip to McD's too. Boooyah!
Catch ya'll later!
PS - I've got some really high stats lately so if you are a lurker, please take a moment and post a comment. C'mon, say hi already!
Posted by Cate at 10:57 AM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2005
Blown Away
Watch Al Roker get blown over while covering Hurricane Wilma.
Posted by Cate at 01:38 PM | Comments (5)
October 24, 2005
STOP THE PRESSES
I totally screwed up when I did the Carnival and forgot to add Bob's link for the Carnival of the New Jersey Bloggers. I have corrected my post and Bob is now placed at the top of the list. Please go visit him and read his post about Corzine.
Again, my apologies Bob.
Update - Apparently, I did not receive Mr. Bingley's post either so I will do a direct link to him. I'm sorry.
Posted by Cate at 12:11 PM | Comments (2)
Deja vu all over again
Lordy - I hate cold and dark Mondays.
I'm doing well - just super super busy. I'm in the process of dragging Miss Youngestout of bed and boy, is she being stubborn!
(stage whiper - just like her dad::wink wink::)
I'm going to the gym today. It's been a week (or so) and I'm certainly feeling like I *need* to get back there. I've also got a package to mail out to my adopted soldier, papers to drop off at Youngest's classroom, Daisy Scouts for Olivia, Eldest meets with her after-school gifted and talented program today too. Plus, we've got homework to do too.
Give me strength!
Posted by Cate at 07:35 AM | Comments (4)
October 23, 2005
The Carnival Is In Town!
I love this! Thank you Enlighten.
Here you go my lovies. I had a lot of fun putting this together. I listed the links in the order I received them. Enjoy!
Carnival XXIII
Bob from eCache shows us that Corzine doesn't care what you think.
The Idiom starts off this week’s Carnival with his entry titled No ID to vote. Makes me a little nervous, especially with the NJ elections rapidly approaching.
Xpatriated Texan states that Christian Liberals [are] ignored.
Hudson Tammany wants to know who is for the Jersey City Rail? Apparently, none so far.
It’s always time for soup. Also, a big congrats to Suzette for being named website of the day on 10/20/2005!
Janet from The Art of Getting By says enough already! Stop the insanity forwards!
Tata reminds us that it’s never too soon or too late to help whether it be stocking up a local food bank, donating to a family in need or helping injured soldiers. What about your old baseball mitts or bats? I bet most people haven’t considered donating gently used sports equipment. Do it - the kids will thank you.
The Contrarian hits up this hostess for a triple post entry –
1. What do Harriet Miers and Caddyshack have in common?
2. He also discussed last week's Notre Dame-USC football game and good sportsmanship.
3. Cannibalistic Catholics?
MyManMisterC is also submitting double posts this week -
1. Lack of manners.
2. Tuesday night poker story at Fume on Bloomfield Ave.
You gotta fish? Down The Shore’s gotta recipe!
A lively discussion going on in Tami’s comments regarding the upcoming gubernatorial election.
I had to snag this from Bridget Unnel because I just cracked up when I read it. Curious about Camel Toads?
Gigglechick is having a rough week with her blog and then, she gets a ticket! I hope next week is better for her.
Philly2Hoboken comments on Man Suits and other fashion don’ts for Men.
Karl’s Corner certainly has Sumpin’ to Ponder when discussing General Motors and their decision to cut back on health benefits for retirees.
Fractals of Change proclaims that “it’s time for a blook tour”. Never heard of a blook? Read all about it here.
Check out the latest chapter of the historic murder mystery set in the internet bubble and rubble.
Countertop Chronicles has a beautifully written post about his day spent in New Jersey.
Steve of The Opinion Mill reminisces when there were five campuses of Rutgers University.
Gil from Virtual Memories is back from his trip to NoLa. Here’s his post and he has pictures to share.
Forrester swiftboating Corzine - Read about it at BlueJersey.
Sluggo Needs a Nap admires the writings of Tina Brown.
Jim from Parkway Reststop has a pretty funny story about his washing machine and I just had to include his hypothetical conversation using BlogSpeak.
Do you have a nice case of the clap? Well, she does and is happy about it!
Sharon wonders about priorities - television or heat?
NJ Conservative weighs in with his observation of a passionless governors race.
Andrew from Drewthrat notices that "It's almost like they don't care about justice and are only interested in staying in power”.
Ken Adams praises his wife for her quick yet sufficient response to a political choice.
Maureen sent me this piece that left me thinking about just how lucky I am in life.
Fred from The Eternal Golden Braid writes about Toyenbee (think 2001:A Space Odyssey) in here and here.
Professor Kim has a detailed explanation about why she’s voting for Corzine.
Fausta shares a very touching letter from a soldier in Iraq.
I found this very funny entry over at Coffeegrounds: How To Run For Public Office. I really like the candidate featured.
Jaynee and Denis have a plan for their future.
Nordette researches about “men on the down low” and why some men are angry about it.
The Pink Panther has had a rough past couple of weeks.
Roberto of Dynamo Buzz discusses Corzine’s and Bob “The Torch” Torricelli’s relationship. Voters, pay attention.
Posted by Cate at 12:43 AM | Comments (9)
October 22, 2005
Ideal Career
(totally snagged from the handsome and fascinating Jim)
By the way - this is SO me. No, really, it is.
| Your Career Type: Social |
 Your talents lie in teaching, nursing, giving information, and solving social problems. You would make an excellent: Counselor - Dental Hygienist - Librarian Nurse - Parole Officer - Personal Trainer Physical Therapist - Social Worker - Teacher The worst career options for your are realistic careers, like truck driver or farmer. |
Posted by Cate at 09:15 PM | Comments (1)
Send me those entries!
I'm hosting this weeks Carnival of the New Jersey Bloggers. If you haven't send me your link yet, time is ticking away. Let's hustle people!
Posted by Cate at 03:11 PM | Comments (2)
October 20, 2005
Biggest Loser?
Who me?
I've been a terrible blogger. Neglecting to post, not replying to emails.....oy... what can I do but apologize?
As you might be able to assume, yes, I am really *that* busy. Who would have thought, with both girls in school, that I couldn't do it all. Heh. I've seriously bitten off more than I could chew this year. I will fulfill my committments but I will have to make sure that I do not overcommit next year. Husband will make damn sure I won't overcommit.
I am sure of that.
Posted by Cate at 02:57 PM | Comments (7)
October 18, 2005
Random Tidbits of my Life
I've had so much going on but not much available time to write about it. So, here's the short short version of my life.
1. The roofers will be here tomorrow. 8am. Thank goodness.
2. My stepmom came down on Sunday and we had a great visit. I don't see her too much so I'm glad we spent some time together. She had never been to Long Beach Island so I drove her down to check it out.
3. Cement backerboard is really heavy and a pain in the ass to carry. One of the guys in Home Depot helped Husband load the cart. We also lucked out when another guy in the parking lot helped Husband load the backerboard in the back of the truck.
4. The PTA family fun night is fast approaching. I am somewhat organized and I am lucky enough to have a few people helping me out. I can definitely point out things that will be done differently for the next event.
5. I've also been in Youngest's class, helping the kindergarteners with their writing. It was a lot of fun. Five year olds are a lot of fun.
6. This Friday, I will be spending my evening at the local community center for a Girl Scout Halloween dance. I'll be there from 530pm until 930pm. The Daisy troop will be there during the 6pm-730pm session and the Junior troop has the later session from 745pm-915pm. Oy.
7. Also, this Friday will be the first anniversary of my father's death. I miss him so very much. I figured he would appreciate me spending the evening out with his grandaughters and the other Girl Scouts instead of being home and crying. So, I'll do my best at keeping my chin up and having fun with the girls.
Well, I'm off to bed. I'm pooped.
Posted by Cate at 11:26 PM | Comments (8)
Carnival
Guess what?!
I'm hosting this week's Carnival of the New Jersey Bloggers!
Posted by Cate at 09:46 PM | Comments (1)
Sideways
Husband and I just finished watching Sideways and I thought it was fantastic. I love Husband Giamatti, who is definitely an underrated actor and Thomas Hayden Church was so freaking funny. I think that Virginia Madsen should have won the nomination for best supporting actress. She was brilliant.
Now - I'm off to bed!
Posted by Cate at 12:40 AM | Comments (4)
October 17, 2005
She should just move in with us
We're going back to the pedi this morning for Olivia. She was up a few times last night, coughing and barking. Ten bucks says that it's another ear infection.
Wheee.
Posted by Cate at 09:09 AM | Comments (4)
October 15, 2005
As promised
The girls and I watched Grease II tonight. Youngestfell asleep on the couch - she was so tired from all our activities today.
Here's yer photos - Check 'em out below...
Eldest at horseback riding lessons:
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A true Miss O smile:
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My new over-the-range microwave (guess where Husband is?):
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We planted Dune Grass this morning on Long Beach Island. It is a Girl Scout event that we participate in every year. Thank goodness it was a gorgeous day! Eldest's done this 3-4 times but this was Youngest's first time planting dune grass. My Junior troop helped out my Daisy troop and all the girls had a great time!
View image
Youngestand her buddy:
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Eldest and her buddy:
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I think I shot one pretty damn nice picture!
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This is a shot with some of my girls and their parents:
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One of the beach signs:
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Posted by Cate at 10:04 PM | Comments (10)
Fun Filled Day
The rain stopped and the shine was shining.
It was a beautiful day.
Watch for pictures!
Posted by Cate at 06:31 PM | Comments (1)
October 14, 2005
Raging
One of the contractor's flunkies job supervisor is on his way down to look at the roof and possibly tarp it. He had better do something because this is totally unacceptable. OMG - I am so out of my mind right now that I can barely see straight.
GAH!
Posted by Cate at 08:49 AM | Comments (8)
October 13, 2005
A leak
There is a leak.. no, make that MANY leaks in my new addition, mainly where the new roof connects with with old roof. I am apoplectic, to say the least. I had one of the guys here today and, while he tried to fix it, he seemed to make it worse. I now have leaks IN MY KITCHEN ceiling and walls due to the framing and roofing fuck-ups.
He had best be here tomorrow am or I am going to pop a vein.
Posted by Cate at 10:19 PM | Comments (5)
October 11, 2005
Wha' happened?
My day - POOF!
Husband had two doctor appointments today. He's doing better but the ENT placed him on steroids and antibiotics. He is also scheduled for a hearing and an electronystagmography test (ENG).
I kept Eldest home but she is SO going to school tomorrow. She was checked by the school nurse and was given the green light, to her dismay. Thank goodness she was given the vaccine when she was a baby. It could have been a lot worse. Husband isn't going to be driving for the next few days. I will be driving him to work tomorrow and my FIL will bring him home.
I am also working on a PTA event - Family Fun Nights. I'm doing a Halloween themed night View image. I'm trying to organize this event and I'm going crazy with it. I am lucky enough to have people helping me (Hi Lauren!) but it's just frustrating. I screwed the form and didn't put a place to specify how many adults and how many children were attending. SO, I've had to call back roughly 70 people today. Oy - I'm tired of talking to people. God, I never thought I'd write that!
I did watch my television boyfriend - Mike Rowe - tonight on Dirty Jobs. Oh man - he was practically nekkid! Hey Liz, didja catch the show tonight? Hubba Hubba! I've got to find more pictures of this guy!
tags: mike rowe + dirty jobs + mike rowe dirty jobs
Posted by Cate at 10:49 PM | Comments (4)
October 10, 2005
One of those days
We're all alive and kicking... just trying to get some work done around the house. Husband managed to install the over the range microwave and it was such a huge pain in the butt. Man, that thing was HEAVY.
I'm off to do some laundry and cook.. have fun!
Posted by Cate at 12:52 PM | Comments (2)
October 08, 2005
We're home
Husband is much better - thank you so very much for all of your kind thoughts and prayers. They must have worked wonders because he is fine. After all the tests and results came back, he has fluid in his inner ear which caused vertigo.
Phew.
Now I'm off to feed the monsters.. I'll write more later..
Posted by Cate at 05:21 PM | Comments (10)
Positive Thoughts
I'm bringing Husband to the ER as soon as my FIL gets here. Husband's dizzy and feels nauseous.
Good thoughts, 'k?
Posted by Cate at 09:17 AM | Comments (9)
October 07, 2005
Here a pox, there a pox
Everywhere a pox, pox.
Chicken pox that it. Poor Eldest.
It's going to be a loooooooooong weekend.
Posted by Cate at 12:04 PM | Comments (8)
October 06, 2005
You know you are a mom when you...
...arrive at the supermarket as it starts to rain. Hard. No problem, just look in the hatch for the trusty big red Mom umbrella.
It's not there.
Suddenly, you spy an umbrella. With a triumphant "HA!", you pull it out and realize that it's a small child-sized umbrella. Not only is it small, it's also light pink with a lovely ruffle around the edge. AS the rain pours down, you only have a moment to make that split second decision of:
A. Run through the parking lot and get soaked
or
B. Suck it up.
Hey, at least I was dry.
Posted by Cate at 02:22 PM | Comments (7)
October 05, 2005
A word from our sponsor
I am sure all of my lovely readers are aware that the girls and I are involved in Girl Scouts. I'd like to mention that our service unit has started our annual nut sale and it helps our girls raise money for trips and badges. If you'd like to purchase anything, just shoot me an email with the items you choose and we can arrange for payment either through paypal, check or cash.
All the info is below - c'mon and check it out!
Posted by Cate at 04:34 PM | Comments (0)
Another toy!
I'm getting one of these too!
Plus - it's coming with a free MP3 kit AND a 128mb expansion card. Booooooyah!
Posted by Cate at 03:56 PM | Comments (1)
Busy!
Crazy stuff going on here!
Will blog more details later...
Posted by Cate at 03:51 PM | Comments (0)
October 04, 2005
A quick break
The girls made it to school and I made it to the gym. Woohoo! Now, I'm back home for a few minutes before I head to my friend Lauren's house to work on crafts for the PTA's holiday shop.
See ya!
Posted by Cate at 09:46 AM | Comments (1)
October 03, 2005
Cryin'
Husband and I just finished watching Dodgeball on HBO. Holy crap - that was so damn funny! The uniforms, Vince Vaugn, Ben Stiller - man, we were both cracking up. It rolled back ALL of those elementary school memory tapes for me. God, I hated dodgeball then and now, well, now I sometimes watch it on cable. Yeah, it was my deep dark secret.
Posted by Cate at 11:45 PM | Comments (4)
Happy Monday!
Yeah - Mondays suck... I know...
In surprising news, Eldest managed to leave on time for the bus this morning! Yes, that is a major miracle. Husband and I were up very late last night, working in the kitchen. Truth be told, he was doing most of the work and I was there for moral support. We've got an electrical inspection coming up on Wednesday and it's crunch time here. He has school tonight too so he will be exhausted when he finally gets home tonight - somewhere between 1030-11pm.
I'm going to try to get to the gym even though I could probably use about 3-4 extra hours of sleep and I've got a wicked headache. As I type, I am thinking more and more about staying home.
Other happy news, I met up with my brother and his fiancee (it feels so weird to write fiancee!) at Mom's house. Her ring is gorgeous so it's quite apparent that my brother has a very good eye for jewelry. Of course, I was very excited to congratulate them. The girls and I were asked to be part of the wedding and I was thrilled to be included as an attendant. Mom is so jazzed up with the notion of shopping for dresses for the girls. I offered to help Maryellen with whatever she needed. The've got a lot of planning to do as they are looking towards a wedding sometime between April and June! Party!
After Tim and Maryellen left, Mom's friends stopped by for a visit and we all got to hang out, chat and have a great time. The girls and I didn't even make it back home until 945pm! I was lucky enough to chat with Zonker, Kelly and Eric on my ride home. They were some of many at a Georgia blogmeet. In fact, Eric chastisted me for not meeting up with him several weeks ago when he was up visiting Jim. After some serious discussion, we decided to completely blame everything on Jim. Heh. Love ya Jim.
I've got to get the lil miss off to school. Then, I"ll hit Staples, Pathmark and I'm coming back home. My head is killing me. Ugh.
Posted by Cate at 07:25 AM | Comments (6)
October 02, 2005
Carnival XX is Up!
Sharon has the twentieth edition of the Carnival of the New Jersey Bloggers posted. Another fantastic job!
Posted by Cate at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)