Blogger's Block

I wish I had something fun and witty to write but tuesday came and went, Wednesday was crazy hectic and today was a snow day and a waste for me. 

I'm trying to get everything picked up around here and ready for the weekend. One never knows what may transpire or who may stop by ........ 

Prepping for the soiree on Sat eve at Toast. Super excited for that! can't believe I'm 39 but whatever. It's just a number and I'm still as young as I feel....and act! 

I don't have Oliver right now, so he can't fill for me this time either. 

I have tons of ideas for future writings - I don't know if ANY OF THEM would or could ever beat the Manny Diaries! Wyatt was such a source of inspiration. How could I not write everyday? Everyday was a new experience. :-) 

Stay tuned. Lots of cool stuff just waiting to pop out of my brain! 

Thanks. 

Manny Diaries Day 10 (2/23) The end is near...

It's Monday already. I thought I'd be clamoring for this day to come and go. Instead, it came and went too fast and now the chapter ends tomorrow morning after I drop Wy at school and I head off to work. Not having to get home to get dinner out, run to study class, run to karate or check and double check that his homework is done and IN his backpack. To make sure that he HAS the purple gloves in there too, just in case it is that cold out :-) 

Wii is going to take on a whole new meaning....lonely. My house will seem tiny but at least I get to park inside again! I get my dog back AND I get full access to my closet and the clothing rations will be lifted!!!! Oh my god - this isn't as sad as I thought is was going to be! My glass is now HALF FULL instead of the other - Woohoo!!!!! I'm free to do whatever I want! I'm not responsible for anyone anymore!!!! 

Hmmmm, when you put it like that, it doesn't have the Umpff that I was building it up to have.

I can't believe that my "Manny" stint is over as of tomorrow :am after I drop Wy off at school. 

Yeh, we never bothered with the school bus. Why should we? He gets an extra twenty minutes to eat breakfast and watch the news and talk to ME! What could be better??? 

We've been busy this evening. I told him last night that I'm a huge list maker and I've been working on the "Last Day List" which is a list that we both have jobs to do before we can call it a night. 

Wyatt seemed a little indifferent about it until I called on my way home and asked him to start a few of the chores. 

1. Take out the kitchen garbage - which he was doing as I pulled into the driveway :-) Good kid! 

2. Poopy Duty - with three dogs, it being REALLY cold out ... after a little resistance, he did it and in his words: "it was easy! They were frozen and I could see all of them against the snow." 

3. No homework - I checked and double checked :-) Lucky!!!!!

After dinner he wanted to save the biggest job for last......

4. He Cleaned his room! 

I've been running around straightening the house. I'm the person that cleans before the cleaning lady comes! 

I don't want Julie to come home to a messy house. Wyatt has learned that already and is very good about hanging his coat over the back of the chair  and lines his shoes up under the credenza! Perfect little kid! You'd think we were related the way he takes to me and how I do things. Granted a little EXTRA effort and encouragement goes a long way! He's getting it. 

So, we played a little more Wii, I went out and got us some Dots (our favorites) and watched a little tv before he had to turn in. He asked if he could stay up til 10:00 because it was my last night and all and told him "nice try" but you don't like to get up in the :am as is and I can tell you're exhausted now. I'm not really going anywhere, just back to my house. 

It's been an amazing eleven days! 

I stay with Wyatt every time they go on vacation. Every time is different from the last though. I realized this time, it's because I can see that he's growing up. Conversations are different, interactions are different but the best part is, we're still the two 11 yr olds that talk, do homework together, have breakfast together, get excited to go to Target and I'm still that other 11 yr old that has the driver's license and the credit card. I hope that never changes and we'll be those two as long as he needs. 

Like I've said before, he's the closest person to an actual nephew for me as far as caring for him like family and being part of each other's families. On the flip side, I know and see he thinks the same of me. That's the greatest reward for doing all of this. This and the reality check that I'm not cut out for kids (of my own) on a full time basis - that's not a bad thing either - at least I know that and recognize it. And I like the return policy that comes with this one....I get to give him back but if I ever need him or he needs me, it's unconditional. 

Thanks Wyatt for the inspiration for the "Manny Diaries" and thanks for everything that you've taught ME over the last eleven days. You're the best and I'm forever grateful for having someone like you in my life. 

Don't forget - Spelling test on Friday!!!!! 

Manny Diaries Day 9 (2/22) Whew! Easy, peasy Sunday!

Ok, after getting to sleep in this morning, it was just Wyatt and me today. 

We had the yummiest junk breakfast. Wyatt had those cinnamon toast waffle things AND a bowl of cereal. 

I decided I wanted those cinnamon toast waffle things too AND some of the YUMMY banana bread that we (M, P and me) decided to make around 12:am because P found the bananas in the refrigerator. Like I had anything to do with that or knew why!! I tried to explain that I don't cook, therefor I don't shop...AT A GROCERY STORE!  :-) 

Turned out amazing! Thanks god Julie keeps a stocked pantry - whatever that means. 

Wyatt was already up running between the floors of the house...watching cartoons on one tv, playing Wii in the tv room and coming up every 15 minutes to inquire when I was getting up. It was 10:am after all. If he only knew that I could go til noon on Sundays!!!!!! 

We decided that we were going to run to Ikea but never made it. 

We went to Target and Best Buy instead. I'm totally addicted to Wii now and I had to find a couple games that I remembered my brother had. Another bowling game - yes, now I have three different bowling games BUT THEY'RE DIFFERENT!!! Wyatt even agrees with me! 

And "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?". Ran between a couple different ones. 

Saw a few different ones at Target but then I was told to check out Best Buy because they were cheaper. They were on the bowling game...$9.99 but $10 MORE on AYSTA5G? So I had to run back to Target. Running back into Target I saw Annie Lennox: Greatest Hits Collection so I thought I needed that too. (BTW - VERY GOOD!) It's nice to have all of those great songs on one cd. 

Came home, cleaned up the house (again! - does it ever end?) Took another late afternoon nap. Got up, threw together some food for dinner. Checked the back pack for everything and double checked that homework was on schedule. 

The spelling list was evidently a little difficult because they have the same list this week. But a new worksheet. No worries on our end. We've already covered all of it anyway. Spelling the word, knowing the definition of said words and using them in a sentence. I should've been a teacher!!!! 

So, Wyatt thought he was good to go. I didn't think the same way. 

K: "I don't think so kiddo. you haven't gone through these words since last week and I know how you are....out of sight, out of mind."

W: (scrunched up face, turning his head sideways and ... "But Ken, they're not due until Friday! Promise." 

K: "Great! Then we have all week to practice! I'm going to take this list to work and make copies for every night this week. We'll start tomorrow." 

W: "That's not fair. And besides, my mom is home on Tuesday! (Like he's just found the "get out of home work card" with that statement. 

K: "You're right. And do you think that she won't pick up where I leave off? She's going to think this a great idea for you! You know she and I think more alike than you know." 

W: "ahhhhh, Ken!" But I'll just tell her that I know them. 

K: "That's great! But I'm going to tell her to have you SHOW her that you know them :-)" 

W: "Want to play that new Wii game from today?" 

K:  "Nice try Kid! Yes, but not until we get you situated for tomorrow and we're done with everything for the day and tomorrow :am." 

W: "Well, are we done then? Come on." 

So, we put AYSTA5G? in and had a blast! I was really surprised because it wasn't a game game to him. It was like a learning session to hi, After all he's 11 so he's in the prime of all of it! I didn't think we were going to be on that as long as we were and remembered that the Oscars were on!!!!! DOH!!!! 

Wii time was now over. Sorry Wyatt. 

We both sat and watched them. We both thought it was sheer robbery that "The Dark Knight" did not win for makeup and a few others. We were super excited the Heath won for Supporting Actor.

Then it was bedtime for Bonzo - I mean Wyatt - and he had no qualms going up tonight. He knew that is had been a long weekend and was tired. 

OH!!!!! I forgot!!!!! He lost a tooth last night!!!!!! What's the protocol for out of town mom's? Can I stand in? What's The whole believability  tooth fairy thing for an 11 yt old? What's the going rate for a tooth? Do I just hand it to him at this point? 

I'm finally heading to bed. 

Sweet Dreams 

Manny Diaries Day 8 (2/21) Best Day EVER!

WOW! What a weekend!!!!! 

The kids were only up until 2:am. Jumping around, playing swords (Nerf), Wii and "Bakugan". 

Up again at 8:am!!!! 

Wii, Wii, Wii and MORE Wii!!!! 

It's really quite humorous to watch though. As these two are armed with chucks and wands "dancing" and shaking at the tv, even acting out their karate kicks, punches and jumps. Spastic and unpredictable - simply amusing!!! 

Coming downstairs Sat :am, of course being awakened to their "Naruto" shouts and kicks, I was leery as to what I would walk into ..... only every piece of Wii accessories they own, every game they own, a few strewn soda & Gatorade bottles, and every pillow from the sofa on the floor. 

Hmmm, project into the future 7 yrs!!!! 

This is exactly what their dorm room is going to look like! 

Keep in mind, I still have not seen the bedroom - only heard the thuds, the dinning rm hutch dishes shaking and the intermittent breaks requesting snacks and libations. The energy that these two had! And were up BEFORE me!!!! 

Thank god for that energy. I pondered having them pick everything up before we got ready to leave but I had a BRILLIANT idea....

K: "Guys, how about if I clean up the kitchen and the tv room?" 

W: "Cool! We'll just keep playing then?" 

K: "Actually, I was thinking of something else. How'd you two like to make some cash?" (Like I really had to ask????) 

W & E: "SURE!!! YES!!!" "How?" 

K: "While I clean up in here, why don't you two go shovel the back yard, driveway, and do the front porch, stairs and main sidewalk"? 

W: "Nah, I think we'll just stay here and play Wii." 

K: (Thinking of me Favorite Meryl Streep line -"No, no, That wasn't a question" ) "uhhh, I don't think I'm not really proposing it as an offer. But I letting you know that I AM PAYING you to do so. K?" 

E: "Cool! I'll do it!" (Don't you just love eager friends?! They're the ones that were always the parent brown nosers! I should know, I was one! )

W: "But E, we're not done." 

E: "Yeah, but we get $5 bucks EACH!" 

W: "Ken, are you going to help us?"

K: "I don't think so. That's why I said I would clean up in her FOR YOU and that's why I'm PAYING you. 

(You gotta love the power of cash with kids!) 

Chop! Chop! We gotta get going!!! 

For the life of me, I don't get what it is about Wyatt (or most of his friends) but it takes FOREVER to get him moving. It's like talking a suicide victim off of the ledge when I ask him to shut the tv/Wii off. Really, it's still going to be there when we come back. 

Getting him to get showered, dressed (and deodorized) and downstairs is hair splitting - unless the word Target is in the sentence. 

So, I'm running around, trying to gather everyone and everything up. Dogs out, dogs in. All food remnants or anything edible OFF of the counters - Radar (the labor-doodle) is amazing at reaching new heights when there's something edible out! 

E can't find this, Wyatt can't find this and are getting frantic, so I run upstairs to inquire what the hold up is and I walk into Wy's room and NO WONDER THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING!!!! OMG!!!! I don't even know where to look first. I hear the tv on so I look over there....there are MORE games all over the room, more Wii controls (where'd those come from?) there are MORE soda and Gaterade bottles ( I can't believe one of them didn't pee their sleeping bags during the night!) Nerf guns (everything from small to gargantuan!) Nerf darts everywhere, Nerf swords, clothes, trading cards and I think every tow that Wyatt had in his room was out!!!! 

I'm stunned! I had Wyatt clean his room specifically because he was having company and he did! Perfectly! I saw it! I'm sure I did! 

But this was ...... I just said: "Make a list of what you're missing and Wyatt will have to find when we get back and HE CLEANS HIS ROOM! Let's go!" 

Turns out, Wyatt found seven trading cards, a Bakugan thingy, his sleeping bag, the $5 that I had aid him, AND his real SWORD!!!! Which I would not allow to be swung in the house or played with behind closed doors. That's all I'd need. Accidental impalement of one of them! That's the only thing I didn't care for. E's dad came in with him when he  dropped him off and was just as proud of it when he showed it me - As if it was a relic from "The Lord of The Rings Trilogy" (LOFTR , in their tongues) or something. I just looked at it, looked at them and smiled uh-huh.......... I always wondered if those Renaissance groupies reproduced - now have my confirmation! Yikes!  

I didn't realize I had so much to report, just for Saturday! Please bare with me, it's good! 

So we finally get out of the house. An hour and a half later than I though! 

Dropped E at home...what is the average age for KIDS that they SHOULD KNOW THEIR RIGHT FROM THEIR LEFT???? 

I am so glad that we purchased tickets on Monday for Saturday's events at The Science Museum! 

Note: If you have kids and don't have a  membership there, you should seriously look into it! 

Julie, if you're reading this....Wyatt and I really want to join. You can come too :-) 

So anyway, I have to tell you that this was the best four hours of my life with Wyatt! 

The Grand Canyon movie was amazing! 

* Suggestion though: Get in line early, the best seats are in the upper sections, center!

We both left thinking about how we could learn more about water conservation in our homes. 

Wyatt is such a deep thinker too. When we got out of the movie, it conveniently empties out in the cafeteria, so we sat and ate lunch - you'd have thought we were at a RESTUARANT vs the Science Museum Cafeteria! Holy $$$$$ for BURGERS!!!!! 

We talked about the movie and the future of the Colorado River and it's water resources and the severity of the possibility of it drying up! Wyatt actually told me he was scared for the future. Get this!!!!!

W:  "Because we're not paying attention now and it's really going to be too late, sooner than later." How insightful is that???? 

Then we went through the Water Exhibit, Dinosaur Exhibit, and a few others. We ended by going through the Goose Bumps Exhibit. TOTALLY COOL! I think we spent an hour just in this one! I don't want to give it away...just go! 

Being that we were having such a diverse day, I decided to take Wyatt to the World Market Midtown. 

He thought that was pretty cool. He liked all of the diversity of shops and eats in there. I picked up a few things but hey, I'm only trying to support our local economy :-)  

We'd had a pretty full day but it wasn't over yet.....

Got back home around 5:30 ish. Totally exhausted!!! We agreed that we each needed a nap before our friends (yup, adults included in this one!) came over to play Wii. Five of us! Three adults, an 11 yr and a 6 yr old! 

It was a hoot! I thought I was going to pee myself on several different occasions due to laughing so hard. The kids actually taught us more about the games and totally kicked all of our butts! 

After they went to bed or fell asleep, "Wii" the adults, (Sorry, that's just never going to get old for me!) bowled and tried to play the Redneck Game that I bought. Another attempt for that one later. 

It went well into the "Wii" hours of the early morning! 

Again, the bestest day ever!!!!!!!!  Thanks Wyatt!  (P, M and Little E too!) 

;-) 

Manny Diaries Day 7 (2/20) TGIF!!!!!

Woohoo! I woke up with a smile on my face this morning!!! 

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!! Why does that matter so much? 

*I'm only half way through my stint here with Wyatt.

*I have an additional kid coming over to stay the night (my first supervised sleepover)

*I'm on limited clothing rations - do you know how hard it is to PACK for something like this? 

Thanks god my condo is on the way TO work incase I have a clothing mishap or more common - change of mind OR the wrong glasses! 

*And I haven't seen my Oliver  in TWO whole days!!!!! I've talked to him on the phone and Anne assures me he needed the time away from the nut house. I think it's like taking him out of a Frat House and putting him in a retirement home. We both need to get back on track! 

Tuesday, oh Tuesday, wherefore art thou? 

"Why dwell on the have nots when we should be grateful for the HAVES!? " (another great momism - Thanks mom!) 

So, it was a little easier getting up today - knowing that it was Friday and all. Wyatt had even gotten up around the same time so it must be a Friday vibe thing. 

We met in the kitchen. Since we found his FAVORITE waffles last night at the grocery store - that's what he went for. Being that the roof of my mouth is now accustomed to the ripping and tearing that Apple Jack's does, I of course went for those. 

A little surprised that Wyatt was DRESSED and all PRIOR to breakfast, I just had to inquire.

K: "Did you shower?"

W: "Yup."

K: "Why isn't your hair wet?" 

W: "I don't like to wash it." 

*Didn't want to pursue this any further because I knew I was not going to win with the 11yr old's reasoning. 

K; "Ok. Did you put deodorant on?"  (Puberty is coming and he has the b.o. of a barn IF he doesn't put it on)

W: "No."

K: "Why not?" 

W: "I forgot." 

K: "Well the kids in your class aren't going to forget after a couple of hours!" 

W: "They don't care. Besides, it's going to come off during swimming" 

K; (The logic behind this kid is killing me!) "I'm sure they do and just don't tell you.You DON'T want to be known as the B.O. kid. Your friends will drop like flies!"

W: Oh, ok. 

(Do I really think he went up and put deodorant on? I don't know FOR SURE - but at least I got him to think about it -another one for KEN! :-) 

Finished up breakfast. Wyatt is doing a VERY good job on learning new things while I'm here. 

1. I'll set the counter, I'll get the food ready and serve it but....

2. he knows that if he gets up and leaves his dishes and stuff.....uh,uh! I don't think so little man. You can just bring your skinny little self back here, pick up those dishes with the two functioning hands that god gave you and bring them to the sink. You might as well rinse them since you're there too. (My mother is with me at all times) 

3. If you take Wii anything out, you put everything back. If you don't and I have to pick it up, you will be guessing for a LONG time as to where I put it.  That only took once.

3. Before his friend could come over, I laid down some basic house rules in prep for the friend to come over. 

Take out the garbages

Breakdown the food boxes and recycling and take that out. 

Make sure that the TV room looks as good as it did two days ago when Gloria was here, she only comes 2x a month so I personally want to enjoy the house the way she leaves it as long as possible. (Gloria is the cleaning lady that I

JUST ADORE!)  

He's like: "That's a lot for me to remember. You should write it down so I don't forget. Well I didn't write it down as we got wrapped up with what we needed to double check and triple check for before we leave for school. 

*He had everything done before I got home. No note, just a give and take scenario. Win/Win if you will. 

He's such a good kid!!!!!!!

Back to getting out of the house this morning..........

I ask if he's all set. Does he have everything? 

He says he does  - NEVER TRUST an 11yr old -they NEVER do. 

He actually asked me if "I" packed up his homework!! I was like, "Why would I pack it up for you? It's not MY homework!" (I'm getting the hang of this 11yr old logic. I'm no dummy!) 

So, I take the backpack, open it and can plainly see that he has NO CLUE as what today is! I read the notes every morning when I come down so I make it appear to HIM that I know all and I'm on top of everything (if he only knew) 

K: Wyatt, what day is it? 

W: Friday.

K: What do we do on Fridays? 

W: Have sleep overs! 

K: (dang he got another one in!) Ok, but what else? It's FRIDAY........

W: (looks at me like WTH, I'm not getting this. Just tell me!) I duh-know....

K: Swimming? At School???? 

W: (Like the light bulb just went on!) Oh yeah. Did you grab my stuff? 

K: Uh, no. That'd be your RESPONSIBILITY. Go up and get your suit and a FRESH towel. 

W: (comes down with them balled up in his hands and reaches for his backpack)

K: What are you doing? 

W: Putting them in my backpack. 

K: Not like that we're not. Here, fold the towel in thirds, take your suit and put it at the top of the towel like this and roll it up nice and tight. It takes up less room and it looks neater. 

W: Ken, I'm just going to unroll it anyway. Oh, I need a bag to put it in too.

(This is where HE GETS ME!)

K: Why? 

W: So it doesn't get my backpack and homework when after class. 

K: Good point! 

I had to go start my car because I have to "rough" it while I'm here. I have to park OUTSIDE! 

Not accustomed to that. I park inside at my house and I park inside for work. My car isn't used to this. 

Oh, did I forget to mention that we made arrangements for a friend to sleep over? That was like the Great Inquisition. 

I get it but it was like going through a whole job interview process. Not only did Wyatt have ME call to initiate the plans, I had to go through the mom first, wait three minutes and then see what the dad had to say. 

I get the whole we don't know who you are and the everything like that but really, I've known Wyatt since he was conceived. I know all of his friends and their parents. Wyatt wanted to take ME for show and tell one time. Even his teachers know who I am. Anyway, I guess I passed because he's here and they're both playing Wii and 12:00!!!!! 

I've been bored out of my mind. We're on a "time share" rotation with the family room tonight. The new 52" flat screen is a hot commodity. The Wii looks better and plays better too. I'm a fair guy, I'm a nice guy and I don't want to come off as a jerk with Wyatt and his friend. So I make the pizzas, get the sodas out and head upstairs. Parents are such a buzz kill. 

The VCR/tv combo in their room is a fraction of the size, at least 15' away from me and no "menu" on the remote so I have to surf EVERY channel to find out which is which. Technology - who woulda thought that I would be such a junky? Anyway, I also don't get the wireless all the way up there. No one's fault, just a bummer is all. 

Ok, it's 12:15 in the morning. These two are so riled up and into Wii. I'm actually going to head to bed now. 

Nice thing is, I get all three dogs tonight. 

I'm going to LOVE getting him up tomorrow morning. I told him that he can have the sleepover, stay up as late as he wants but he better not forget that we purchased tickets on Monday to go back to the Science Museum for the exhibits in the morning and the Grand Canyon Movie at 12:00. I'm sure hell be napping by 2! I LOVE PLANNING AHEAD! 

:-) 

g'night! 

Manny Diaries Day 6 (2/19) Half way there!

When did Thursday get here? 

It IS the HALF WAY mark to Julie's RETURN!!!!

I thought today was Wednesday. Damn Monday holidays. As much as I like them for the beginning of the week, I never know what day I'm on by Thursday! 

Woke up REALLY early today, thought I'd let the dogs out and lay back down....DUMB! I should know better. I'm like, "what's ten more minutes?" Yeah, but those ten minutes turned into an HOUR! I shot up, adrenaline pumping, freaking out that we REALLY over slept - the whole time not realizing that I'm not THAT far behind.....rush to get Wyatt up. He goes down to get breakfast, turns on the tv (of course) is eating here and there, when he can tear himself away from the tv that is, and I'm flinging dog food into bowls and trying to remain calm that we're on a TIGHT time frame this morning! Chop, Chop Pork chop!!!!! 

Today IS Thursday so I'm frantically trying to go through all of the notes from Julie to see what I need to do or know. Ok, it's gym day...I get that. What does that mean though? 

I'm like, "Wyatt, what do you need for Gym Day?" 

He's like, "Tennis shoes"

And I'm like, "Where are they?" 

and he says, "On my feet!" 

And I ask: "You can wear street shoes for gym shoes?"

 He answers: "Yeh, they're tennis shoes aren't they?" No time to argue - works for me. 

I'm starting to REASON with 11 yr old logic!!!!!! 

Run down the list:

Do you have your home work? Y

Do you have your keys? Y

Do you have gloves? 

W: "Why?"  

K:" Ummmm, because it's 23º outside!" 

W: "yeh, so? We wont be going out for recess." 

I ponder this, as if there is SOME LOGIC to it and finally realize,  NOT! 

K: "You need gloves."  

W: "I don't have any."  

K: "Well take these purple ones." (They're regular androgynous ski gloves!!!!)  

W: "They're my moms!"  

K: "Too Bad, they'll keep your hands warm! " 

Wyatt begrudgingly took them and put them in his backpack. 

1 for Ken! 

Why the debate? It's friggin cold out there! Why try to create a case for NOT  wearing the damn gloves? 

OMG! I'm sounding like MY mother. Mom, I'm sorry for all of those times. I get it! 

No, he's not my kid but I'm learning everything in bits and pieces and dang, if you weren't RIGHT! 

There I said it! All of you should say it too! If you haven't already realized it....MOTHER'S KNOW BEST! Even when we don't think we're absorbing their invaluable lessons and tid bits as children, they're THERE! 

Albeit subconcieously, she's made her mark and SHE is EVERY mother out there. Daughters or sons - they've INGRAINED themselves  in our psyches! 

Thank you mom.  After all that, at least I'm a good babysitter :-) 

So, back to Wyatt and me... 

There's that dang ADD again. If I could just stick to one thought without digressing - that wouldn't be much fun now would it? I'd never be able to share how I got to the MAIN point of my ramblings without all of the little side stories. Much like my commute to work...it takes a lot of side streets to get you to the highway (of life) and to work! :-) 

I actually MADE dinner tonight. 

Not just opening the freezer and putting something in the microwave or going somewhere to buy PREPARED foods...I made ORANGE CHICKEN. 

Granted, all I had to do was take the box out  (of the freezer), open it, put the sauce (without opening it) in a bowl of warm water to defrost - done. 

Take a "skillet" - what the h is a skillet? Why not just say "frying pan"? 

Anyway, threw some oil in there...which I could not find. Looked high and low and in every cupboard in the kitchen....I found a new bottle in the pantry and thought, Oh well, I guess I'm the first to open the new bottle. 

By the way, when I went into the pan cupboard again, what did I find? not one but THREE different bottles and types of OIL!!!!!!  DOH!!!!

Turned on the burner, waited for that to warm up and it said to put the chicken pieces in when warm.

Ok, oil doesn't bubble like water or change or give you a "sign" when it's warm.........so, when I put the chicken in....splishhhhhhhh sploooshhhhhh, crackle.....crishhhhhhhhhhh, SPRAY all over....The dogs ran for cover, I'm thinking that the oil overspray is going to ruin my sweater and jeans AND now I have to RE-CLEAN the entire kitchen because there is so much oil overspray! The cleaning lady was just here YESTERDAY! Dang it! 

Anyway, I get the chicken pieces in, cover and let them cook for a few minutes.....come back to stir it up and they're all stuck to the "skillet" - which I'm going to call a damn frying pan! Argghhhhh, and people wonder why I don't cook anything but pizzas? Stir 'em up and they looked just fine :-)

God GIFTED me with the ability to decorate, accessorize and throw great parties...not dinner parties by any means - appetizer parties! Did y'all see Mermaids? W/ Cher! Well that's me, but up it a couple notches. 

I'm rambling, I know. 

So dinner actually turned out pretty good. Nothing burnt and Wyatt was content with it. He even complimented me that it tasted like "chicken"  - so, to Target's Market Pantry,  good job in the R&D dept and fooling the 11yr old! 

It looked like chicken, it "tasted" like chicken but was it REALLY chicken????? 

Homework went well too. Wy has a spelling test tomorrow and we've been studying for TWO nights - and studying my way. He doesn't like that. It's too hard. We'll see. I'm hoping for 90% or better, or he better not come home! Kidding! 

O! O! I forgot to mention....We're having a sleep over tomorrow night! I have no idea what that entails but we went to the grocery store tonight to stock up on munchies and bevies... AND I bought a new Wii game...... 

"Calvin Tucker's Redneck Jamboree - 12 Redneck Inspired Events!"  Now THAT sounds like fun!!!!!!! 

We're Urban, I know. Maybe even a little "Inner City" if you will. "Bring it" is on the movie docket too! I'll explain everything the only way "Ken" can........ Rural  doesn't necessarily mean "redneck" ........  and Edina doesn't count rural Suburban? Hell yeah! Watertown on the other hand..... need I say more? 

Woohoo! Tomorrow's FRIDAY! 

Manny Diaries Day 5 (2/18) Rough start

So today.....I guess I should start with how last night ended AFTER posting. 

Started with a lot of hyper play, four dogs, one toy and Wyatt. 

Culminated with Radar biting Oliver. 

Ended with me a nervous wreck and upset (go figure - no drama there!), Wyatt crying, Oliver scared poopless and all of us not talking until snacks before bed. 

After talking about it, we realized that we probably shouldn't get all four dogs so riled up with one toy, we shouldn't act in haste and we should probably try to act calmly and rationally, after all, ONE of us is actually an adult! 

We both learned a lot from this incident. Oliver will most likely not be coming back anytime soon. We have all decided that it's in the dogs' best interests that if they can't play together nicely, they're not going to play together at all. 

Oliver will be staying at Anne's for the rest of the Manny Days. It's all good, we feel good about the mutual decision. 

So, this morning was a still a little rough. 

Oliver and Elmo slept with me. I made Wyatt shut his door with Vampire VonRadar and Arlo (who still doesn't have a clue to what's going on) IN his room. 

At 6:20 this morning, Oliver, Elmo and I were all snuggled down in our bed, sleeping soundly when we heard the back door open. Good for Wyatt, he got up (had to - those two are relentless in the :am) and let them out. At 6:45 we heard the door again....he didn't realize that they didn't need to go out again but they wanted breakfast. Oh well, it was time to get up anyway. 

The first thing Wyatt said to me was how early he had to get up...I turned to him and said: "welcome to being a responsible pet owner. They're probably really hungry right about now too." He gave me a look like - "yeah, I'm sure they are", went and sat on his stool and said: "Me too. What's for breakfast?" 

I couldn't do anything but laugh at that one. I knew we were back on! 

He cant watch cartoons in the morning so what did we get sucked into? The moving story of the woman in NJ who's chimp ripped the face off of her best friend and had to stab "her only child" to try to help her friend....if THAT didn't open a floodgate of questions!!!! Wyatt did a pretty good job answering all of them too - kidding. But we googled about "exotic pet laws" which I had to break down into something we could both understand, then the video footage sealed the deal with the emotional part of our brains and her plea...aren't you glad there's nothing more important going on in the world???? 

So that got us behind a smidge, missed the bus, drove him to school again - because I forgot about the bus yesterday and I like seeing that he makes it to school on MY clock and I get to say "Have a good day!" - and sped off to Wayzata. 

Ok, there's NO speeding to Wayzata because there are NO fast routes from Wyatt's school to Wayzata. It's side streets upon side streets to Hiawatha - which is the "busy" street to the nearest freeway(s) AND has stop lights every four blocks AND runs along side - the equivalent of the TGV, NOT! - Mpls's very own Light Rail. There's money well spent! Especially If you work half days. 

So, I had to get on one freeway to a second freeway split to the main freeway to work. Had to drop Oliver off at Day Care without explaining boo about what happened the night before and why he was still a nervous wreck. 

Got to work a little late, a little frustrated and a little anxious. Thank god for the existing prescription! 

Why? Because I don't get how parents manage all of this stuff on a daily basis and I'm left feeling simply overwhelmed. I know I can do this! I'm just grateful that I'm doing it on short term. I adore Wyatt but I can't wait to be a free adult, have a glass of wine with friends at Toast, talk on the phone and SWEAR! 

Did I mention that it COSTS ME 50¢ each time he catches me! I'm only at $2 THIS TIME! 

Also, can anyone explain: Why are boys so fascinated with the bodily function of farting and announcing it with such Pride??? 

Manny Diaries Day 4 (2/17) REALITY CHECK!

Reality check! 

OMG - NOT the same as days when I don't have to get up, get Wyatt up, get the dogs OUT, get the dogs in, feed the dogs, make sure Wyatt is on track, make sure Wyatt eats, News only in the :am (that's boring even for me) but rules are rules. Get Wyatt rounded up - back pack, homework, keys, gym&swim attire, gloves.....don't forget, I have to grab my computer, my phone, my Itouch, my keys (all of them) and my dog....THAT is overwhelming for anyone,  I can't imagine doing it on a regular basis. I was exhausted just getting him to school in time so he could report for his Crossing Guard shift - which after ALL of this confirming and reconfirming, he didn't bring his gloves - he left them on the table by the door while putting his shoes on. 

Luckily, I informed my boss that I'd be in later this week due to my new responsibilities - how do parents do it on a daily basis? What if there was only one to do it? I'd go crazy! Hats off to you parent people and WANTING to do it! 

This afternoon: called to make sure he got home. He did. He was watching tv (cartoons - I could here it in the background). I asked him if he'd taken care of any of his chores - especially since it was still day light - nope, he hadn't. I asked him if he would..he said it was too wet and mushy outside to pick up dog poop. I get that. I'd gag all around the yard and he'd have to follow with saw dust :-O .... so I thought that was fare, best wait til it freezes. Well, it's snowing now and I don't think it's going to get picked up before J&G get home - but at least I have it documented HERE that I asked him on Tuesday :-) 

Dinner: What can I say? All I had to do was ask what he wanted and I had it in the pan already :-) OUR favorite dinner is Mac & Cheese with chopped up hot dog bites....does it get any better than that? So, he's kind of new at cleaning up after himself because when I ask, he looks at me like I'm speaking a foreign language! Now I get why my mom gave me the "You better figure out what language I'm speaking, translate it and get those dishes in the damn dishwasher before I have to ask you again" look. TOTALLY! I just explained that he's 11 yrs old, I'm not his mom and I'm not his maid. He knows where they go and how. We're working TOGETHER on this I'm happy to report. He also knows how to feed two of the three dogs and mine. I get that too. I'm responsible for my own and I told him I'd take care of Elmo - the food is enough to make anyone gag and he opted for the two dry food dogs, I HAVE to take Elmo....he's 15, almost blind, almost totally deaf and trips on the door threshold every time coming in from the outside. It's so sad. I just hope he makes it through the rest of the week .... I don't know how I'd begin to deal with that one...... 

Homework: OMG!!!!!! I haven't done home work in.....let's just say a LONG time. 

The last time I stayed with him, I had to GOOGLE  WHAT his homework WAS so I could help him with it. DOH!!!!! 

So tonight, we had math - which he sails through (thank god!) and then we had to write a story. Wy picked "My best day ever" - turned out to be a really cute story! He didn't like writing so I thought we'd write it on the computer....that's where the BLIND LEADING THE BLIND COMES IN....... I couldn't pull anything up on Julie's computer except email...DOH! So I had him type it there and print it out for him. 

We'll see what teacher thinks.....

Until tomorrow.

Manny Diaries day 3 (2/16)

Ahhhh, what a way to start the week - with a day off and that day is Monday! 

Wyatt and I both slept in. I was until 9:00 and Wyatt was until 9:30. 

Breakfast - which I never do but how can I turn Apple Jacks down? Wyatt had mini waffles so it was a good morning all around. 

Fed the dogs, got dressed and we headed out. 

We were going to go to the Science Museum but the movie part didn't run until 3:00 so we decided we'd go to "Hotel For Dogs" - actually a very cute movie. I think there were a total of seven of us in the whole theater :-) 

After that, we thought we'd head over to St Paul to the Science Museum. Ummmm, yeah, when there is no school and/or it's a "Day Off" holiday - where do you think all the parents go? DUH! So we waited in line, discussed the pros and cons of staying and just doing the exhibits and not the movie but we decided that we'd do everything on Saturday! Thinking ahead, I stayed in line and bought the tickets for everything AHEAD of time :-) I'm catching on, slowly but surely. 

What to do now? Well, we went home, let the dogs out and picked up where we left off with the "Wii Off". That didn't last long before I suggested going to Target....I needed to buy something that I could play....Bowling!!!!!! 

Plus, Wyatt loves Target as much as I do. 

Picked up bowling and then another one with multiple games like horseshoes, yard darts, skill ball and so on. Had a blast! BUT it was a school night and we had to prepare for Tuesday. At 9:00, we called it a day, Wyatt got ready for bed and I got on the computer/facebook. 

The week is off to a good start. Hope yours is too.

Manny Diaries Day 1 (2/14) & Day 2 (2/15)

Pretty easy start today. J &G didn't leave until this evening so I went to Anne's for Paninis with Lola & Pedro and their dog Carlos. Totally impromptu but definitely a fun time! 

Wyatt was staying at a friend's house so not a hard start at all. 

Sunday, again not a hard day. Woke up to a FOUR dog blanket - the biggest, Radar - (a HUGE labor-doodle) thinking it was his bed. What a way to wake up :-) Once they realized I was up, there was NO sleeping in. Breakfast for four, timed just so, so all eat and then run them out for potty duty.  

Wyatt's play date ended at 7:00. BTW -when a play date ends at a certain time, show up AT THAT time. I was a little anxious being that 35W was closed at Hwy 62...so I just thought....better early than late.....ummmm, that's not how play dates end....so I have learned.  Once a time is determined, the play date timer is set. How was I to know? I lost a cool factor point :-( Working on getting that back! 

So we ran around getting this and that. Stopped at Subway for dinner - who knew Subway was SO expensive???? Or is it the appetite of a growing 11 yr old? Regardless, it was worth it, he ate all of it. 

Being that we didn't have school or work today, we thought we'd have a Wii Off. The only thing was....the Wii fit board wasn't working for me like it was for Wyatt. Evidentially, that's because I'VE GAINED a pound or two since I was played last! So, Wyatt had to redo my Wii Fit Test - I should've known not to. Not only did "I" gain a pound or two...but after it was complete, MY character got pudgier too! NICE! Wyatt couldn't stop laughing! To comfort me, he did remind me that he made my glasses orange 8-) 

That was it! The Wii Off was ON! That wasn't the best idea I've ever had....Wyatt kicked my butt at everything! I told him we weren't quitting until I beat him at something....he "offered" to ski jump for me just to get me on the board. What a kid! :-) 

So....... 

Humbled, embarrassed and knowing that I had the "Wii" age of  45, the balance of a senior citizen and now overweight according to Wii - I conceded and we retired at 1:00 :am. Wyatt the winner! 

After all, we didn't have to get up for anything so it was a lot like a second Saturday :-) 

Just wait! We're going to Target tomorrow and I'm picking out a couple Wii games that I can play! There's got to be a LITTLE kid's section, no? 

Sunday, lovely Sunday!

Ok, I'm in RARE form today! I don't know what it is either. I'm jonsing on this Facebook stuff like crazy! I haven't even thought ....I take that back - I went yesterday....to Target. 

So anyway, I am finding out so much on Facebook.

 I've found friends in Duluth that I haven't seen since I left Duluth twenty years ago....ouch that one hurt....where does time go? I thought I was fine with turning 39......I am. 

I am improving my typing skills and proficiency! 

I think I learn something new everyday. I'm still looking for the thumb thingies that I see on people's postings. Shouldn't be that hard to find....then again, I've been on there a week and still takes me a day to go from wall to wall to photos to postings to friends....it's exhausting. And to think I could be spending the time at a gym or something REALLY productive. I'm conserving my energies - yeah, that's what I'm doing. 

I have actually "logged out" of Facebook for the afternoon. I'm going out to the Good LIfe to help load up everyone's vehicles of all of the fixtures and furnitures that they've purchased. It's going t be EMPTY in there. I'm going to do the manual labor for Anne as well as keep her spirits up - the store is coming to an end and it's a reality that I don't think has hit us until after today when a lot of stuff is picked up and moved out :-( 

Then I get Wyatt! You guys are going to have stay tuned for this one! Me...Ken....who got a dog to practice responsibility -  is getting my best friend's 11 yr old for TEN DAYS! Do you know what that is going to be like? Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

ALL THE TIME! Actually, we get a long like best friends - two eleven yr olds - I just happen to have a driver's license and a credit card!!!!! Should be fun! Wyatt, his three dogs (Elmo, Arlo, and Radar - also pictured in Oliver's posting), Oliver and ME! The whole house! All the macaroni and cheese we can eat - 

Julie asked me what I wanted her to stock for groceries...I told to ask Wyatt. We're on the same diet :-) 

Happy Sunday! Don't forget to smile today.....at least I am. I don't have to work!!!!!!!! 

It's addicting!

I thought blogging was addicting. I thought Wii was addicting and I have always thought shopping was therapy! 

OMG! Facebook is now all consuming! I love it. I don't know jack about it and if any of my "friends" are reading this, if you accidentally get something or I post something on the "wall" vs a message - I'm asking for forgiveness in advance! 

I can't get over it. It's like one finger typing but I'm surely learning something. I have FORTY THREE FRIENDS!!!! And more in limbo right now - like an adoption, I'm waiting "approval" :-) This just kills me. 

It's worse than high school! 

Who you're friends with, who you're waiting to be friends with, HOW MANY friends you have, Oiy! Worse yet - who you're dating, who you've dated - it's all out there and so easy to post, read or write about! Who needs reunions NOW? We've got Facebook! Wooohoooo! LOVE IT!!!!! (as I did high school!) 

Im sitting here just stirring up a list of people I've got to "search" for. The thing is, THAT'S just like being in High School too - there's some anxiety but no more than if I were to walk into my favorite restaurant - Toast and seeing a BLAST from my HIGH SCHOOL PAST! It's really cool! Now I see him on a regular basis - because I'm there on a regular basis and we just shoot the crap like we back in HS. We talk mostly about the old times and who we're still in contact with and who is where and so forth. Oh yeah, I was supposed to invite him to be friends on Facebook! duh! 

So, with that, not that blogging isn't one of my favorite things to do NOW - that I've been turned onto it but so is Facebook! There aren't enough hours in a day to get my writing in, keep up all of the correspondences on my wall, work, socialize, AND clean the condo...where'd dating go? Oh yeah - not as much fun I guess. Maybe I'll meet "that" person through my blog or my facebook or even my google page.....sure beats wasting all that cash on Match, or 

e-harmony - o, wait, not that one...I didn't qualify....they don't "match" same sexes! Or the icky other ones that aren't about finding a "partner" for the long term...just the hook up! No thanks! 

Now - back to Facebook. I have to see what my friend count is up to! 

Almost 39....would you think it?! (Don't really answer that anyone!) 

:-) 

Is anyone out there? Hello?

Helllllooooooooooo..................

Is ANYONE out there? Aside from Max and Mandy? 

I know I like blogging because I get to "barf write" all the time but I feel like I'm "Blogging In Space" 

No one ever writes back or posts to anything and so many of you are targets of my blogs.....did I say Targets? I didn't mean that but speaking of Target, I need to go there tomorrow. I was there today but I had a specific timed mission and couldn't deviate....it was painful.....talk about a recovering going into a liquor store, seeing and not touching a damn thing! PAINFUL I tell ya. 

Anywho, So Hump Day is now almost over and tomorrow is THURSDAY! Woohooo! 

What is it about Thursday that we think of it as equal to Xmas eve? Like Fridays are Xmas! The end of the week, the weekend (albeit WAY too short) follows??????

 

We live our lives looking forward to getting through the week. 

Monday - Really? Are they always as bad as we make or prepare them to be? WHy? We work because we have to! We work TODAY because we can and WE HAVE JOBS! Lucky us. 

Tuesday - like I said yesterday - I think Tuesday gets a bum wrap - it's a good solid day! Monday is OVER, we have a new day and the next day Is Hump Day - the mid mark to our work weeks. 

Wednesday, aka "Hump Day" - Midpoint of the week, is your glass half full or half empty - meaning, is your work week half over or half started? Who cares, at Wednesday, we ALL start counting the hours to Thursday which leads into Friday. 

So, that brings us to Thursday - What is so big about Thursdays? To me, it's just a let down day that there's STILL one more day to the work week which is Friday. What doe people find so pre-emptive about Thursdays that everyone goes out for Happy Hour, lives it up a little (sometimes too much) and for what? You still have to get up and go to work the next day and LIVE through it - just to do the same thing all over again on FRIDAY night!!!!! 

Now that brings us to......FRIDAY!!!!!!! Wooohoooooy! It's Friday!!!!!! Where does TGIF come from? Why do ALL of us subscribe to this way of thinking? Yeah, so what!? It's the end of the work week....I get that but if you knew what I had to do every weekend - which I'm looking for a new part time job anyone...... does it ever stop? 

When does one day of the week mean anything different from the next? 

Ok, were at the weekend, so what? If you're like me, this is the time to exercise the "free time" to do "freelance" work and or a side job - especially in today's economy. Mama needs some discretionary income to do and buy and fulfill my needs and wants and there's not much there to do so! I'm tired! I'm spent - physically not literally. 

Where did Saturday go? Who cares? I never remember that day anyway. It's gone in a blink before I even know it. 

That closes the week with Sunday.....OMG!!!!! Get out the prescription drugs. Just like when I was in school (all of those years) Sunday is "DREAD DAY"! I get the blues, I get anxious, I start thinking of everything that I SHOULD HAVE done and there is NOTHING that curbs the fact that I need ONE MORE DAY to my weekend to get even MORE done and I don't have it! Frick! TOMORROW IS MONDAY! and the cycle starts all over again. 

No wonder the pharmaceutical industry is doing so well with anti-anxiety meds and depression pills - we build ourselves up all week long and let ourselves down over the weekend and DREAD the following week. What if the days of the week didn't exist? Where'd we be then? Any happier? Would we know when to work and not work? Would we have the same anxieties? Maybe I just need to plan all of my PTO time for Mondays and face the work week starting on Tuesday....nah, then I'd be really f'd up! Now I have a new perspective on Mondays....if I can past those, the rest of the week should be a breeze! 

Slumber awaits and tomorrow is Thursday...one day closer to Friday. Nope, my thought patterns still haven't changed. 

Can't wait for Friday! (the day AFTER tomorrow) 

Tuesday? Really?

What is about the days of the week that determine how YOUR day is going to go? 

Tuesday gets such a bum wrap - why? It's the day AFTER Monday so that HAS to be something but it's also the day before Wednesday, which everyone knows as Hump Day. 

Today was painful - I think because I took yesterday off to do everything that I didn't do over the weekend - THANK GOD! I can't even begin to tell you how valuable that was to me - but why? It was JUST a Monday. 

I didn't miss much at the office, even though I was on email a large portion of the day with co-workers.

 I still accomplished a mile stone as far as the condo goes. Whew, what a relief! Laundry, bills, a full day with Oliver - even though he was out of sorts being that he didn't understand what the hell was going on from the time I got up - 

I didn't get crap done this evening. I DID go to Toast to confirm plans for the soiree de 39!!!!!! Everyone there is SO excited for that. And I guess I am as well, finally. 

At least I don't have to worry what the condo looks like - but, as usual, I will - the "after party" is always something never to be anticipated. 

In fact, that reminds me, I have to cut this short so I can go do evite and get those out. I'm so far behind. 

Where's Ben when I need him? Ben!!!!! I need you! 

Julie is leaving me the ENTIRE week previous but that means I'll have Wyatt. That should be an entertaining blog - Me and the 11 yr old for ten days!!!! No worries, I have it all planned out... museums, Wii, Homework, Wii, School, Wii, work, Wii, Movies, Dogs (4!) More Wii ...so yeah, it should be a good week for us and with my birthday party to wrap everything up!!!! Woooowiiiiiiiii!!!!! No Pun intended. 

So. Tuesday is now over. It's not such a bad day of the week. At least it's the day AFTER Monday and the day BEFORE Hump Day, knowing that your week is ALMOST over, right? 

So, here's to Tuesdays! Not such a bad day of the week after all.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Why is it?

I have been pondering this all day today. 

I called in and took a PTO day today. Personal Day Off. 

Why? Because I was so overwhelmed at what I didn't get done this weekend that I felt that I needed a week day to get everything accomplished. 

I was up, I even had a really cool outfit picked out for work today (of course I did!) I'll just wear it tomorrow. 

So, I looked around at the piles of laundry, the mound of mail/bills, the unfinished tidying that I still haven't gotten to.

That's when I decided, it's Monday, there's nothing pressing going on at work on my calendar so I'm going to tackle all of this. 

So today, I have accomplished rearranging my hall to accommodate THE cabinet that my bestest friend ever picked up for me at the Great Estate Sale on Saturday. LOVE IT!!!!! 

That in turn meant taking down all of my family photos but I redid them on the hall wall and they look even BETTER - if I must say :-) 

Organized the linen and over flow jeans closet, 

sorted and am still in the middle of EIGHT loads of laundry, have the mail separated and will go through that shortly AND I finally got all of my christmas decs down and boxed up! 

Yup, you read correctly - it's not like they were your traditional christmas decorations anyway, I just told everyone they were and it was time that they came down. I don't normally decorate for the holidays. Once I get the office (Baker Associates) done, do the Good Life's window and front section I'm pretty much over the whole season anyway. Then I pack up and head to AZ for the actual holiday. What's the sense in putting anything up? 

My dad normally goes above and beyond. I guess that's where I get that from :-) 

So, I left them up for a little while. Oh well. 

That just means that I need to go out and find something to put in their places until next holiday season. 

So, my overall question today is:

Why is it that you get so much more done when you take a PTO day vs getting it all done in a weekend? 

As well as: Why do I let myself fall so far behind that I need to? 

I dunno, I'm just that way. Plus it jazzes me when I have that much to do in a set time frame that I start to rearrange and redecorate altogether - that's not all bad now is it? Like a house cleaner AND decorator on speed! 

There's also no laundry line - that's nice too. 

Just thought I'd share the usefulness of actually taking today as a PTO Monday. Back to reality (work) tomorrow. 

Let me know when you take one and what you do with it. 

Until tomorrow.....

Where o where has Ken gone?

Sorry everyone - that is IF there is anyone reading this....my dad has bloggers block so he put me in charge for a day or two. Now it's doggy blog!!!!!

Hi everyone, I'm Oliver - God's gift to earth, My papa and everyone else. I'm the best dog ever! 

I know how to sit, lay and Jackson Five....that's the cutest - you should see me do that one. I stand on my hind legs, twirl around and  am the cutest thing ever. I also wipe my feet when I come in from outside. I only do it for dad though. It's funny when he tries to get me to it for people and I just look up at him and look like "what are you asking me to do?" 

He can be so dense sometimes, but that's between us. 

A little about me....

I'm the cutest, snuggliest dog around. I love to sleep in and when my dad gets up, I just lay on his pillow because it's so nice and warm - aside from when he drools - that's gross then I just snuggle down into the covers. 

I go to doggy day care every day at my auntie Anne's and cousin Shelby - he's the bestest big cousin ever - but he doesn't play that much as he's a senior citizen and I'm kinda hyper for him. 

I have great friends - 

Elmo, Arlo and Radar.

Elmo actually started crying when my dad introduced us and said that i was now his new puppy in his life. Sorry Mo, didn't mean take your spot but I'm glad that I got my dad for my dad :-) 

We love to play together. Elmo is a little old, deaf and blind but we still manage to get him going :-) Friends until the end! 

But when Arlo and I get together - watch out! Just because I'm small doesn't mean I'm not tough! Right Arlo? 

Then there's this girl I've been seeing about a year and a half. She's pretty special to me. 

Me and Bella on our first date at Chiang Mai Thai  - They allow dogs in the summer time on their patio. My dad and I go there a lot in the summer. 

Her name is Bella and she's my main squeeze. She's pretty tight with my dad too. He thinks he's the dog whisperer II and that's fine if HE wants to think that but we all know differently :-) 

The other chica that I can't live without is my litter mate/sister Lucy. She's the reason that I even came about with my Papa. Had Nancy not gotten Lucy first and had my dad come over and meet her...well, I'm here and that's a whole other story for another time. 

Also, more close friends and my party "animals" are:

Lucy, Emmy, Carlos and Bo. When we get together - watch out. It's a doggy blast! 

This is Lucy's Birthday party! Me, Carlos, Shelby, Bo and Lucy. Emmy hadn't arrived yet.   

This is Shelby and Bo in full birthday party attire. We even got down and nasty with frosty paws that day. What a hoot.

Oh, the list of friends doesn't stop there either. 

I have to tell you about my Yorkie Peeps, Welsley and William (brother and sister) and totally cool. They taught me how to swim. There's a video and we'll have to post that too. Later, when my dad figures more of this blog stuff out :-) 

They're super cool too. They've been to Chiang too. It's nice when there are great places like that where "we're" allowed. 

This is My cousin Beau, from AZ

Statues that Papa bought grammy and grampa to remind them of me & Beau - great likenesses huh? 

Ok, so that's just a little about me. I'm sure there will be more. After all, I am the only child :-) 

Later alligators

Oliver

Got Wii?

Do I even dare ask? Am I last person to purchase this addiction? 

At least I've known what Wii is and I'n not a total dork. 

I'm addicted to bowling - If I do it on wood floors, I have a tendency to clean them for you too - literally. My bowling arm gets the best of me and I end up sliding across the floor up to the Wii, don't I Lili? 

Whether in AZ or MN, as "bonding" time with brother, cardiac rehab for Dad (and the rest of us) and laughter for all across the states, ages and relationships - I cannot believe how this has impacted the people that I know and myself. Nothing like Wii to bring a family, strangers or friends together. 

I had to get this now (better late than never) because I'm going to Julie's next Sat to start taking care of Wyatt and the dogs for ten days! OMG - I can't go over there blindly  or at least being aware of the different Wii stuff or Wyatt - my favorite 11 yr old - will kick my butt and laugh all week long at me, not with me! 

We're very competitive and oddly, the age difference doesn't seem get in the way - I guess we're both like two 11 yr olds - I just happen to have the drivers license and a credit card - So- Wii, wands, nunchuks, fit board, guitar....I have a lot a cramming to do in very little time. I'm looking forward to it though because in the end, regardless of who can do what - or can't - it'll be the laughs and good times that makes everything worth it, don't you agree? Isn't the Wii Way? 

And to that, we owe Wii so much more. 

Wii on peeps! 

P.S.

I think there should be Wii parties too. Like Tupperware or Avon ...... 

What about Wii offs too? Move over Super Bowl, it's Wii time! 

I'll start them as soon as I figure a few more things out.  Anyone GAME? 

Vultures circling?

What is it about death, despair and closing a business that brings out that "vulture" in us? 

I can only speak for myself, but I'm TERRIBLE..... I have no idea where it comes from, my parents are not like this, my brother is not like this - it must come from further down the lines or from youngest child syndrome or something but I'm a vulture, plain and simple and it's terrible! 

I've joked for years with my family that I have masking tape with my name on it on the bottom of things that I "want" from my mom and dad's if and when that time comes. 

The same goes for me helping Anne at The Good Life. Preparing her store for closing and getting the fixtures and merchandise priced for SALE - I'm running around the store like it's burning down and my arms FULL! Of what? WHY? I've helped buy everything in that store and merchandise it so why is it that all of this stuff has a new importance/value to to me? 

I mean, I took a jewelry display apart because we were using a really cool tray and I had to have it.....Did I ever stop to think that  Anne may want it? Nope. I just thought - he who gets his hands on it first, wins! It's inherent - it has to be - because it is so "Incredible Hulk" mind snap that I have no idea where it comes from but I defer to Oliver as well - he's all about "mine, mine, mine". He can be contently playing with ONE toy - that's all he needs anyway - and if Shelby or Carlos even want to go for a completely different toy, Oliver intercepts them, cuts them off and literally seizes ALL of his toys, gathers them up and guards them because no one can have any of his stuff. So, have I instilled this in my own dog? Where did I get it? Does it matter?  You should see the mother load I got from the Good Life :-) and I didn't even need a roll of masking tape and a marker. 

If you get a chance, this vulture has turned back into Ken and am just coping with everyone else leaving The Good Life with bags full of everything else I didn't get. Stop in, there are still plenty of treasures to be had. 

Anne has taken the tape and the marker away from me and it's all for you. My "entitlement" has been checked. 

What's the big deal?

So, didn't blog yesterday - I was honestly at a Super Bowl Party! For real! 

I even sat on the couch AND WATCHED it. 

The 100 yd running thing that that guy did in the beginning - maybe first quarter....I guess that was really something - everyone was standing and shouting - so I did too. 

What is it about the "Super Bowl" that is cause for such elaborate commercials not only during but leading up to? Elaborate celebrations/parties for it? What is it about the Super Bowl that makes an entire living room of adults stand, jump, cheer, shout and even swear at a television? 

The sheer consumption of food - I thought Thanksgiving was a gorging "holiday". I have a new take on Super Bowl Sunday. I was barely able to walk away after half time - chicken wings, Kentucky fried chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese, dips, breads, mini burgers and PIZZAS. 

I'm not a cook but I sure play a mean one in my head. 

What did I make? Get this.....

I LOVE pizza! It's one of my favorite foods. I bought a couple of plain Jack's cheese pizzas and created three different flavors. 

Pizza 1: Added chopped artichoke hearts, cappers, feta and prosciutto. YUM! 

Pizza 2: Added mushrooms, black olives and Brie

Pizza 3: Added smoked gouda, havarti, a few chili peppers flakes and lots of Tobasco. 

Who knew a Jack's pizza could be so good? And so simple?! 

So, Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone. It was quite the experience. The 3-d commercials were pretty good and The Boss, well, I was more amazed that they can let that many people down onto the field, bring out a stage, put on a pyrotechnics show and have it cleared and over with in 30 mins! 

Oh, and the betting thing? I fell for it and I didn't win any of them for the four quarters. Laura, Anne, Rebecca and Izzy did. That's the last time I let Anne pick numbers for me. Isn't it weird that all women won too??? I thought I was the "handicap" - I still don't know what I bet on but, what the hell - it was a great time! 

Until next year - woohoo - can hardly wait!