My Backyard Buddies (photos borrowed from the web)

Wild Turkeys
Indigo Bunting
Gray Catbird
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Rose-Breasted Grossbeak

I've seen every one of these in my yard at least a few times!

Hey, this is VERY true! Blogthings kicks Quizilla's ass!

You Are a Mai Tai

You aren't a big drinker, but you'll drink if the atmosphere is festive. And when you're drunk, watch out! You're easily carried away.

What Mixed Drink Are You?

I like this one, It's not accurate, but the picture is cool

Nemesis


?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

Halloween is coming!!

A Towhee

Saw a cool bird two days ago. Haven't seen one of these in months, but we've been slacking bigtime on the birdseed. It's expensive and the stupid red squirrels are eating most of it. Then at night the racoon raids the feeder. Anyway, I didn't take this but here's a picture of this little guy. I've lived in Ohio all my life and never saw one of these until I started feeding/watching the birds in our backyard at the new house. Okay well there was going to be a picture of one here, but I keep getting an error message when I try to upload! I'll have to wait until Luke: God of all things PC gets in!! He'll help me. Anyway, I'll also post some other pics of things I've seen in my backyard. If you're a city cat it will blow your mind :-)
Okay, Lukes here, and so is my towhee!
Now for breakfast.

Exhausted!

Well, it's been another crazy day. Work is a bit easier now, compared with the last 2 weeks anyway.
Left work, drove the 35 min to my mom's. Got the kids, went shopping. Home at 6:45. Made grilled cheeses and soup. Put away $125 of groceries. Put the kids to bed. At 8:00 I came down and started some laundry, tidying up the house, preparing tomorrows stew (which will cook in the crockpot whilst I slave at work. Unloaded and reloade the dishes. My back is aching. I've been feeling nausiated for about 5 hours and I think I am getting some pain in my ears/throat. Tomorrow, I am going to a 'room parent' meeting at my daughter's school. I need to be there by 6 which is why I made the stew. My mother in law will be here by 5:45 and I told her I would feed her, I didn't think she would be super keen on eating pizza... Anyway, that's also why I was tidying up on a Wednesday night. Usually the squalor grows from Monday-Friday and I spend the weekend digging out from under. My husband will be at the Indians game with a former girlfriend. Not sure why, but I've always been very comfortable with this one. No threat there. She's always been very normal and kind to me, not like someone who is trying to steal your guy. Anyway they dated in the late 80's which to me feels like 100 years ago. She has season tickets and usually takes him to at least one game/year. I don't mind. I do wonder sometimes how it is that all of his ex's like to stay friends, and I have no exes that still want to be my friend. I'm a nice person dammit, people like me.
Although, that's another interesting thing. I seem to offend people more readily when I am writing vs. speaking. I guess they can't hear my goofy tone and so something is lost there. Either that or I offend everyone and I just don't realize? Anyway, my back is breaking now (standing at kitchen counter using stupid laptop).
Guess that's as much whining as I feel like doing at the moment :-D

Ahhh that's more like it then!

My midlife crisis has backed off a bit. My red hair that is. It was getting lighter and lighter due to sun bleaching I suppose but the unwanted orangeness appreared. Orange isn't a good color on me :) So I colored it. It is now Dark Brow/Coffee by Revlon (high dimension). It is dark, darker than the picture on my blog, but I like it. I like it because my eyes/eyebrows are fairly dark and I think it makes my eyes more noticable? And I also think it makes me look more American Indian and that I love. I know it's only in my head maybe, but give me that will ya?
Work is hell and I wish I never had to go back there. Oh well. Wasted wishes. I don't have much of interest to report today. My wrist hurst from sitting in a very non-ergonomic position all day with the mouse. Poor Heather who has been an enormous help to me is losing feeling in hers. Sorry H. My brother is back on the blog scene, at least commenting here that is. Wish he would get his blog back! And rumor has it that Ryan may be starting a new blog. Perhaps he lost his in a similar manner to Glenn and my worries that he took it down are unfounded. Anyway, Ryan if you are listening... if you tell me to stay away I would certainly honor that. You seemed to be enjoying the blogging for a while there.
It's chilly today and my husband had to go to Sears with my dad and help him get a new hot water tank, then deliver it to my parents house and carry to the basement. He is such a sweetheart and really works hard all the time. He is also quick to drop everything for my parents as they do an awful lot for us everyday. Mom even sent me home with 2 big slices of home made apple pie! Does it get any better? My mom is a great cook, especially when it comes to pies. Okay, off to Kingshead to see what I've missed this afternoon.

Okay this one is lame!

Your Band Name is:

The Bald Sadists

Band Name Generator

Very scientific indeed. They got this band name with only my first name entered? Interesting.
So, much has been done today. I cleaned the dog kennel/laundry room. This time I out smarted the pet dander by taking two massive benedryl capsules BEFORE I started the task. Ha. Did I mention I think I am addicted to Benedryl Sinus/Headache meds? Oh they make you feel sooooooo good. Sadly you cannot drive/operate heavy machinery on them. Let see. I mopped the kitchen/laundry/dinette/small bath and foyer. I vacuumed my lower level. I folded 2 MORE loads of laundry. Made my yummiest of pancakes for the family this morning (okay this is not in order), and last but certainly not least I cleaned up the 'toy area'. This is a corner in our living room where all toy related crap goes. It's still a disaster, but I was able to vacuum more of the carpet than I have in the past 5 months. Major accomplishments I tell ya. I am hot, and tired (do I ever blog and not complain that I am tired?)but at least I've gotten something done today. Whew. Cooking steaks and broccolini tonight (don't ask me what the hell that is, but it is yummy, more tender and sweet than it's relative broccoli).
I may have to pull a Ryan if I keep encountering all these Religious genius types.
Hey for a change, I spell checked this entry. It didn't know (or like) the word blog. Weird.

I didn't know how to get the picture in my blog :( But this is fairly accurate

In the West, the Dog is man's best friend, but in Chinese Astrology this Sign is a little more unpredictable than that. Dogs are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their firm codes of ethics. However, this Sign has trouble trusting others. It's generally quite trustworthy itself -- except for the occasional "little white lies" the Dog tells in order to make things go more smoothly. The Dog makes a wonderful, discreet and loyal friend (despite any white lies) and is an excellent listener. This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog's mantra seems to be, Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.
Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, too. They don't go in for light social banter; instead, they go straight for home, expostulating on the topics that are most important to them. At these times the Dog's narrow-minded or stubborn side can become apparent; this Sign has trouble staying light and calm when an important issue is at stake. This Sign can also be very temperamental; mood swings characterize its emotional life and often the Dog needs to run off to be alone in order to recuperate. Part of the problem is the result of this Sign's load of irrational fears that turn into niggling anxieties that turn into hurt feelings and occasional grouchiness. This sensitive Sign needs to warm up to others over time and gradually learn to trust them. Without that trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.
The Dog's discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another's motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. They can be so anxious and overwrought in the romance dance that they'll stress their partner to the max! In any forum, this Sign is happiest when able to be quite physically active; at home or at work, the Dog will always be constructing something new or cleaning something up in order to make things better. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love.
The most compatible match for a Dog is the Tiger or the Horse.

I'm blogthinged out!

You're a Playful Kisser

Kissing is a huge game for you, a way to flirt and play You're the first one to suggest playing spin the bottle at a party Or you'll go for the wild kiss during a game of truth or dare And you're up for kissing any sexy stranger if the mood is right!

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

Ok, now I feel like a teenager with too much time on my hands,spin the bottle? Please, You'd be hard pressed to get two people in a game that I would want to kiss. I am typing with my right and have daughter on left him (standing because laptop on countertop not eronomic at all (specially when you are short))!

Now this is pretty much the truth

You are a Self-Discoverer

You're not religious, but you've created your own kind of spirituality. Introspective and thoughtful, you tend to look inward for the divine. You are distrusting of all forms of organized religion. You especially dislike religious gurus and leaders, who you feel are charlatans.

What's Your Religious Philosophy?

Hmm but the questions are not open ended. Weird test if it just asks you what you think and then regurgitates it!

Hmmm I'm not so sure...

Your Birthdate: February 13

Being born on the 13th day of the month should help make you a better manager and organizer, but it may also give you a tendency to dominate people a bit. You may be more responsible and self-disciplined than you realize. Sincere and honest, you are a serious, hard working individual. Your feeling are likely to seem somewhat repressed at times. You are apt to be much more practical, rational, and conscious of details. Your intolerance and insistence on complete accuracy can be irritating to some.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Those who know me, what do you think? This sounded somewhat negative and I think I prefer to ignore my negative traits. Do you think Ryan sent that religious psuodo-spammer over?

Ahhhhh

It's quiet in the house, even the dogs are behaving. My deep sinus pressure/pain seems to be lifting finally after taking two giant Benedryl Sinus pills. Hopefully sound sleep will follow and I will stop being such a cranky bitch. Weird, but I am totally aware of it on those very rare occasions where I am being horrible, but it seems to be out of my control.
Went to a company (group actually) picinic in the metroparks today. It was nice, the weather was gorgeous. I have a few close friends in the group so the company was good and there were lots of kids for mine to play with although sadly sometimes they seem much happier to play with me and it makes me wonder if I'm getting them enough time around other kids.
Made the season's first crock pot full of chilli today. I think it was good, but even I could have handled it a bit spicier. My boy dog has his head in my lap, I think he needs to go outside so I guess I'll have to keep it short.
My back is aching from doing dishes/laundry and kid chasing. But otherwise I am feeling better than I have in days. It's pretty quiet in blog land the last few days. I say this because I haven't posted much or heard much here, and the commenting has slowed over at the kingshead as well.
I suppose I should do the proper thing and apologize to poor Ryan. I was enjoying his visits and having found the anti-Mary that I always knew was out there somewhere. But I am guessing I came on too strong with the polotics or something. If you are still reading Ryan, sorry. I thought you wanted my thoughts, and I tried to give them without criticizing your beliefs. But on the other hand I called you uptight which wasn't very kind. Someone comment. Break the silence...

A quick entry, as if you care...

Sorry for the long break. Work has become insane and home possibly more so. Boy was my mom wonderful for all she did to get 4 kids through the public schools... Whew!
Anyway, Ryan has been commenting with me on this blog and his. He's a very political chap and therefore I think I should just turn Glenn loose over there (HA). You see Glenn enjoys the debate/argue/defend thing, and of course any mention of politics and his ears stand up and rotate to find the source of the conversation. So Glenn, feel free, Ryan is waiting and he is definitely marching to a different drummer. My brother is naturally a tad further left than myself, but we don't talk politics much, no more than I can avoid that is. Ryan says he wants to learn about other people and viewpoints. So I am assuming until he tells me otherwise, that our comments are very welcome over there.
I'm very tired and stressed and should possibly rename this page to Mary Whines. Sorry, but I really think this blog is just a venting place. Too late to call people (my friends all have wee ones that they are putting to bed about now). And the hubby is running an errand, and I do talk to myself A LOT, but still blogging my thoughts out seems to help me sort them and that can be helpful. Possibly it will keep the Bakers Square nightmares at bay, at least for tonight. That's my stress dream, and by acknowledging it just now I have surely welcomed it into my head! Doh!!
Well all, be sure to visit Ryan, not so much Hernesto... Visit Scratch and Novy, visit Tom, and of course Miss Emma, goddess of all things blog!

What's your Boginality?

My Bloginality is ENFP!!!

Thanks November, I took a test like this in college in a Salesmanship class and it came out the same way!

Blowing off Steam

I had the worst/scariest road-rage situation happen on my way home yesterday! I was driving down a main road, to turn to a side street to get on the freeway. In front of me, a typical, middle aged, slightly balding, inconsiderate, narrcissist. He's driving a SAAB and had the body english going on which tips me off immediately that he is (you know where this is going) on his cell phone. The posted speed is 35. He's going (not joking here) 10 m/hr. So I roll my eyes and say over and over "hang up and drive, get off the phone". Well this dude is worse than the typical clueless phone talker/driver. Most have no idea there are other people trying to drive on the very same road. This one however is glancing around occasionally in hopes that someone is getting annoyed with him. Well he spotted me in the rearview, and this must've given him an enormous 'chubbby'. Know what he did? Slowed down! He next turned onto the same side road I was trying to get to and 1/2way around the corner, he STOPPED! I can just imagine his delight," I'll show you to roll your eyes at me when I am having a very important conversation here." So then he starts backing up. My reaction to this punishment was of course to lay on the horn. I continuous honk which only fueled his fire. So I'm honking he's backing up. Then, he finally begins to move forward at about 3 m/hr. So as soon as the traffic going North was clear, I floored it to go around. Now I know you can predict SAABboy's reaction. He floors it. But guess what McSAABster, my Buick hauls ass too. Avoiding a head-on collision I cut him off and was finally travelling at a higher rate of speed. I glance in the rearview. He is laughing (like Jack Nicholson in the Shining) and pointing at me alternately with both index fingers. So I ignored him and drove like a sane woman again. He was quite a ways back, still on the phone, and apparently travelling at a somewhat normal rate. My adrenalline was coursing through me and I was quite unnerved. Obviously also, I was quite dissapointed in myself for letting him affect my good driving/judgement. You should never let any other driver affect the way you drive. Those words kept going through my head. The street I passed him on was a 25m/hr road, residential. What if a kid would've gotten in the way of my hot-headed reaction, or a dog? What if the police were clocking speeders in that stretch? Although I am guessing that Mr. Saab would've also been stopped and that it is slightly possible that his bad attitude and contempt would've gotten the police over to my side. But at any rate, I fed into it and gave this balding adolescent the thrills and power he was looking for.... until I walked him!
Bad Mary
Also, I went to see the travelling exhibit Body Worlds yesterday. Plasticised cadavers. It was quite interesting, and somewhat gruesome. Every once in awhile it hit you again, these are real people, corpses. And the babies made me well up with tears. I also found the cancers etc... to be fascinating. I cried when I told my husband about the coal miner's lungs I saw. They looked just like lung-shaped coal. That is why my grandpa died young. All those years in the mines in Ky. to put food on the table so that we may someday exist. Thank you grandpa. I feel so bad thinking about the huge green oxygen tank he kept in his room, and his failing health.

Doh!!! You know if it tastes good it's horribly bad for you!

My burrito has 63g of fat, and
1095 calories. How about yours?

I'm a bad Blogger

I've been blogging, but more along the lines of reading everyone else's blogs. I am curious as to why Miss Emma doesn't comment back on the comments too much these days. Anyway, I've enjoyed the blogthings, tried many of them. But I feel guilty, like those aren't real posts and if I don't get with it I'm going to let my blog wither and die.
Class pictures at Kindergarten today. My kid said she was NOT getting her picture taken. When I offered to use the curling iron on her hair though, everything changed : )
Also I am very relieved that I was able to convince her that buying a hot lunch at school (she despareately wanted the chicken nuggets they are serving today, but has packed lunch until now and is terrified to change her routine) was something she could do and that no, mommy does not need to leave work and drive 35 min. to your school and buy your lunch! She's so cute.
Also, we sent a really delicious looking apple to school in her back pack for her to give to her teacher. Do people still do that? I hope it is received well. I made sure C knew it was a Braeburn apple in case her teacher asked. Her poor teacher has 29 5 year olds to deal with until 3:30 today :-( too bad I couldn't send her a valium!!
Thanks to Emma (Goddess of all things blog) I found another very cool blog at angryhamsterface.blogspot.com. Worth reading if you like reading journals.

Dead on Blogthings!!

You Are Likely a Third Born

At your darkest moments, you feel vulnerable. At work and school, you do best when you're comparing things. When you love someone, you tend to like to please them. In friendship, you are loyal to one person. Your ideal careers are: sales, police officer, newspaper reporter, inventor, poet, and animal trainer. You will leave your mark on the world with inventions, poetry, and inspiration.

The Birth Order Predictor

It's a 'Blog' Thing... Thanks Tom, cool stuff.

Your Personality Profile

You are dependable, popular, and observant. Deep and thoughtful, you are prone to moodiness. In fact, your emotions tend to influence everything you do. You are unique, creative, and expressive. You don't mind waving your freak flag every once and a while. And lucky for you, most people find your weird ways charming!

http://www.blogthings.com/worldsshortestpersonalitytest

I tried out a bunch of stuff at this blog stuff site, this one came the closest. I scored uncharacteristically low on the IQ test :( On the bright side it said I was a verbal Genius!!

Happy Anniversary to us!

Today we will have been married for 9 years. I believe we were married shortly after 6 pm. We are also celebrating the husband's birthday!!
So, on Monday night I went to see Rick Springfield at a food festival downtown (so sad, he used to sell out real venues).
Long story short is that I mobbed him and gave him a huge hug (around his knees, he was standing on a folding chair, and is kinda tall). He put his hands around my shoulders, back, whatever and returned the hug!! Is that cool or what? I've been a fan since 1982. The weird thing though is that unlike Glenn's love of Loretta Lynn, I have no real respect for Rick. He's kinda creepy/pervy, with an enormous ego. Guess that can happen when you are born beautiful... Anyway, despite my distaste of his appartent personality, I really enjoyed seeing him in concert, and I guess I lost myself in the moment. I need to check his official website to see if by any chance, a picture of that moment has been, or will be posted. I know someone out there has a picture of it, it was the point at which he had made his way to the back of the good seats and so was the best photo op for anyone in the cheap seats (or the free seats which were only 4 rows behind the cheap seats...)

Time for... THE GROSSEST POOP STORY TO DATE!

Sorry, not sure how my Blog became nothing but dogshit, but here's a new twist on an old theme, enjoy!
I'm cheating by cutting and pasting a comment I made at www.bad-wolf.blogspot.com because typing on this laptop is for the birds (whom I really should feed again someday):
Lousy spammers. (sorry, Tom has a lot of spam starting on his blog and hasn't turned word authentication on yet) My two dogs got into some human feces tonight. I spent my evening bathing them which disgustingly involves actually touching them. The yellow dog had it stuck in fur. I think they both ate some. This relates to your blog only in that Fucking Cat peed at the vet's. How did they get into the human poop? It's a long story involving some Amish contractors that were putting the roof on the barn. They used the 'outdoor facilities' aka: the woods, and I only hope that the offender got his balls into the poison ivy out there!!! Dogs will eat poop that contains undigested nutrients. People poo does, because we are overinduldged. They eat horse poo if they get the chance, all dogs will.
So now that I am not merely commenting on someone's blog, as I often do these days, but actually blogging for myself, I'll tell you more. My kids are tired. I am tired and have yet to sleep through the night once in the past 8 or 9 days. Starting to get cranky? Doesn't even begin to describe it. The good news? Me and hubby are going out on the Harley tomorrow night. (for those of you who don't know me, we used to bike a lot 'back in the day' and I also have a motorcycle, but haven't ridden it in over two years!!!) Alone, a date, with a very trustworthy sitter and it's all good! Then on Monday, I'm going to see my teen idol Rick Springfield with a very fun girlfriend. Can't wait for either. Usually I have no plans going into the weekend, so this is big!! Also, we'll be visiting the Fair, which is a bit of Americanna I truly love!!!