REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH - the rantings of a frustrated woman

I would like to try out some Obamanomics. Is that a word? If not, it's mine so give credit where it is due. Anyway, I think I would like to try out that redistribution of wealth thing. You see, I have this Ford Windstar that I'd really like to take a baseball bat to, then tell insurance it was vandalism, but that would be insurance fraud (and not honest). This car is driving me NUTS! The check engine light came on and we took it in for service. After $1200 they SAID it was fixed. Three days later the check engine light was on again. They said, "No problem, we have a two year guarantee on our work." Took it back in, it sat there for three days before they finally put in a $17 part. Three days later the check engine light was on again. Took it back, sat another three days, they said they cleaned something or other, I don't remember and it was "Free". Three days later...You get the idea. Now they say that they missed something the very first time and it is another $1,000 (and that was with a discount). Now come on, if you missed it the first time, shouldn't the labor be free? They already had the engine torn apart once. Lucky for me the car runs. We told them no and brought it home. I'm legal to drive it until registration comes due, then I lose my registration because we won't meet emmision standards. So, in honor of Obama's redistribution concept, I am taking donations to get my car up and running. Any takers? Didn't think so. This is what it looks like. Better yet, I'll leave the keys in the ignition. hint, hint (Okay, I really am just kidding. A girl has to rant).

Why I am 2busy

TYPICAL TUESDAY

Get up go to work Run errands for work Visit Grandma at Hospital Pick up daughter from school Take daughter to performing arts class Come home pick up #2 son for Basketball Tryouts Come home again, husband says "What's for dinner?" Run back out to pick up McDonalds for dinner. Husband and son #1 go Home Teaching. Me, I go Visiting Teaching Daughter needs to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Come home Son #2 needs to be picked up from Basketball Tryouts Wants to play more basketball at the Church Drop #2 son at the Church, then go home. Iron clothes for #1 Son's job interview Call for daughter to come home. #1 son picks up #2 son at Church Collapse into bed for the night. Crap! I forgot lunches. Oh, Well! Days like this make me truly grateful for when I don't have days like this. I am grateful for my kids, husband, church, family, work, etc. (just not all on the same day). How was your Tuesday? This is how I feel after a day like yesterday...

TWILIGHT

Okay, I saw this preview on TV on Monday. I can't wait for November 21! The Twilight series gave me insomina for weeks! Couldn't put them down. Stephanie Meyer is a genius! I feel a girls night coming on...(Don't think Kevin would appreciate the movie and I don't want to get the canned response "It's Okay". Ugh! Just for the record, KT, you are my Edward. You bit my neck along time ago and now I'm stuck with you forever!

Marjorie Parisi

My grandma sits in a hospital bed fully alert knowing that her body is shutting down. She knows that she has been given only weeks to months to live. She is laying in her bed thinking of a better place and a better time. She thinks about golfing in the sunny California weather. Playing on the beach and walking on the pier in Manhattan Beach. She remembers being strong and healthy enough to teach her girls how to do cartwheels across the lawn. She thinks of her husband and mother who await her on the other side. She remembers... God has his purposes, and this one we are still trying to figure out. I know that as her granddaughter there are things I can do for her. I can be there with her so that in her last few days, weeks or months she knows she is loved and can pass peacefully into the presence of our Heavenly Father. A quote comes to mind from the Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley, "Never lose faith in your opportunity to lift those who are in need, to give strength to those who are weak, to give encouragement to those who falter by the way."

SCHOOL PICTURES

Okay, so fall means back to school pictures. I always buy a big pack of pictures, but this year I went cheap. I ordered 1 8x10 of each child for my wall. The school pictures never turn out THAT great. This year I was very pleased. So, by posting on my blog, it is a way for me to share those back to school pictures with each and every one of you. They still wear the golden glow of summer on their cheeks....Ladybug (left), TJ (center), Miguel (right)

My Sneaks

These are my running shoes. I've had them a long time. They are probably too old to still be running in. We've seen many miles together. They are comfortable, worn and fit me perfectly. Newer isn't always better! Wait, I really am talking about my shoes and not my sweet husband, KT. Okay, I love running. I'm not really a runner but a plodder because I'm not very fast. I'm not a marathon runner. I can squeak out 10-15 miles a week. I love running because I don't have to compete with anyone (unless I run a race). I am only out to better myself. I love the feeling of my feet hitting the pavement or the treadmill. I love the sweat dripping because I know I am exerting myself. I love how refreshed and awesome I feel when its done. I love the feeling of strength that comes from your core as you push yourself beyond that brick wall. Did I mention that I LOVE running? Three reasons why I don't have a runner's body: Cheez-its, chocolate, coke Here are some songs currently on my playlist that have a really motivating beat: Miss Independent - Kelly Clarkson Last Name - Carry Underwood Sweet Home Alabama - Lynrd Skynrd Beat of My Heart - Hilary Duff All Summer Long - Kid Rock Falt on the Floor - Carrie Underwood Our Song - Taylor Swift Red High Heels - Kellie Pickler Put a Girl In It - Brooks & Dunn You get the idea, what's on your playlist?

I AM COMPLETELY INEPT

I am a complete MORON! when it comes to electronics. Oh, let me explain the ways. 1. I don't know how to set the alarm clock 2. I don't know how to run our DVR 3. I don't know how to use a remote control If you put a remote control in my hand it is so foreign that I can stare at it for 20 minutes before I figure out how to change a channel. By then, I've lost interest and have gone on to do something else. It's not that I'm not capable of learning how to do these things, it's that I don't have to. I'm blessed with a very technically minded husband. He takes care of me. He sets my alarm so I'm not late for work. He changes the channels in a very manly manner and he will record my shows so I don't miss THE OFFICE or HEROES. I am a very lucky girl! Maybe I should invest in this....

Kids Will Always Surprise You

My handsome 16 year old son, TJ, has been giving us power struggles lately. The result of which are arguments and stress. But, sometimes, they surprise you and sit down talk to you in a VERY adult manner and just open up. The lines of communication just flowed. I love that kid!

BOLD & ITALICS

TJ's girlfriend, Alex, wondered why I don't type anything in BOLD or ITALICS. So, For Alex, I am writing a special post in bold and the lovely italic print. In the future I will try to use more of a variety. Love, 2busy °Ü°

THE GRIM REAPER HAS PASSED US BY!

Today KT found out that he has survived this round of layoffs. We are much relieved! It is still hard to spend your day at work and watch as people are escorted out of the building by security carrying only a brown cardboard box filled with personal effects. He is struggling as he watches people he knows leave and knowing that they have families depending on them is hard to take. These are tough times. But, for the now, we s are okay. No reason not to feel grateful for that and we definitely are!

Don't you just love fall? I try to find something to love about every season. Fall is so beautiful with the rich oranges, reds, yellows, browns and just a hint of green. The smells are incredible, too. Farmers are burning their nearby fields and the smell reminds me of Halloween jack-o-lanterns. When the weather starts to change and those leaves begin to fall like rain, I want to curl up by the fireplace with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. Alas, today is 75°! I can't complain about that! But, I will look out at my tree and think of a hot chocolate day soon to come.

Soccer

Ladybug had a soccer game today and lost. So sad. But here is a picture of her after the game. She looks like she is living despite the loss. What a nice Orange uniform, Ladybug! At least she is appropriate for the season. TJ had his PSAT's today. Talk about feeling old! KT is enjoying a nice round of golf at Eagle Hills. Miguel spent the morning playing basketball at the church with some buddies. Me? Loads of laundry!

Lay Offs

Here is the latest for us. Micron is laying off again. We have until Sunday to choose a voluntary lay off. The incentive is 6 extra weeks of pay on top of the severance package. But we've decided to hang on as long as possible. We will find out next week what our future holds. I have a feeling KT will be fine, but he's not sure. He has become so specialized in his field, it would be hard to find something new, much less sell a house!

Starting a Blog

It seems the popular thing now to keep in touch is blogging. So, I thought I would try my hand. I'm not sure how long I'll keep this up. I never stick with anything for too long. I think I must have ADHD (jk). Nicole and I are on break from school, so it seems like a great time to start something new.