Boy Do They Know How to Push Your Buttons Sibling Award goes to A. Nonnie Moose. QWP's sibling, on the other hand, gets a round of applause for practical and compassionate assistance to her sister.
QWP gets a Scary Neighbor Award, for her saga involving downstairs neighbors, disrupted sleep, absent husbands, and the police. Eeek.
QWP was going to get a Nosy Friend Award, but we are glad to rescind that award after she (the friend) acted like a grownup and discussed the matter further.
Parenting Awards, presented by teachers for all ages, for Mamas and Daddies and other parenting figures who use this little word judiciously: "no"
Sue gets the Non-Psychic Award, because however handy it might be for your pastor to read your mind...erm...clearly it's not a good idea *all* the time. If you or your loved one are hospitalized and would like a visit, it would be good to use a phone, letter, email, text, f@cebook message, or carrier pigeon to let people know. Ahem.
Neighbor Lady gets hugs for being a great teacher and in commiseration about the relative with teh fireplacing cancer.
Buddy the dog gets some extra ear rubs, and kathy a's beloved an extra hug, for that terrible decision about when The Time has come.
Hugs for everyone with too much work, too little work, malfunctioning cars, headaches, puking children, insufficient sleep, and other assorted whines I might have missed.
Special Kudos to Liz this week, for assistance resolving wardrobe issues, sibling issues, and political issues.
Kathy a gets the Elevated Risk of Mullet Award for this beauty: "I've been dating bad underwear for a while, and finally found undies that do not fail some of the categories." Bonus points for not using the word "panties," which gives me the willies for some reason.
Thanks to Miranda for the brownies. Hope you are ok.
ETA: This is our 666th post. Just saying.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Monday, October 7, 2013
Seamstress Whines (other kinds welcome, too)
In a fit of creativity, I went to the fabric store last week. I seemed to forget momentarily that I have other responsibilities. On the stack of things to sew:
* pillowcase dress (super easy) for Baboos' school silent auction
* pillowcase for the same auction. Did I mention the deadline is October 17?
* pillowcase for Baboos' friend's birthday. Her party is the 13th.
* dresses for Baboos for holiday season. (Not super fancy. I want them to be able to wear them more than once).
* (edited to add) flannel pajama bottoms for myself. If these are done while it is still flannel weather, I'll be surprised.
So then, I look in my closet and realize I have no long sleeve dresses. I have no idea what I wore to church last fall and winter. I think to myself, in a moment of sanity, "I don't have time to sew myself something." So I look online. At several different sites. Pixies, I hate to be the one to tell you, but (a) it's hard to find a dress with long sleeves, (b) they are ugly, (c) I remembered I don't like shopping, and (d) I am sometimes too frugal for my own good.
I still don't have time to sew myself something, and dresses are hard to sew anyway. What's a person to do?
(There are more substantial whines in my life right now, but this one has gotten my goat this morning).
Whine on, Pixies, whine on.
AW: The weather is gorgeous. Finally.
* dresses for Baboos for holiday season. (Not super fancy. I want them to be able to wear them more than once).
* (edited to add) flannel pajama bottoms for myself. If these are done while it is still flannel weather, I'll be surprised.
So then, I look in my closet and realize I have no long sleeve dresses. I have no idea what I wore to church last fall and winter. I think to myself, in a moment of sanity, "I don't have time to sew myself something." So I look online. At several different sites. Pixies, I hate to be the one to tell you, but (a) it's hard to find a dress with long sleeves, (b) they are ugly, (c) I remembered I don't like shopping, and (d) I am sometimes too frugal for my own good.
I still don't have time to sew myself something, and dresses are hard to sew anyway. What's a person to do?
(There are more substantial whines in my life right now, but this one has gotten my goat this morning).
Whine on, Pixies, whine on.
AW: The weather is gorgeous. Finally.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Solidarity Edition
What a fireplacing week, eh? The shutdown left us all stunned, and some of us unemployed. As always, it is a thing of beauty to see the Pixies unite and support one another.
Queen of West Procrastination wins the Elevated Risk of Mullet Award, for her interpretation of LWOP: I first read it as "Lady West of Procrastination." And then realized what it really meant.
The Saved by Reassignment Award goes to Liz, whose original furlough meant she was going to burn vacation days and then sick days. But kudos to her employer, which found another assignment, yay!
Miranda wins the Report from the Trenches Award, with an unpaid furlough and this news:
The only thing worse than being on furlough is not being on furlough, from what I hear from those few still working.
Although the real objective of the small group of instigators is somewhat murky at the moment, they started the shutdown saying they had a "noble" purpose, dismantling the Affordable Care Act -- something they already tried to do legislatively, 42 times. By coincidence, enrollment for uninsured persons began this very week, and the citizenry was so "unhappy" about getting health coverage that many state enrollment sites were overrun. Yay! As members of our Northern Contingent (the evil Canadians) have explained from time to time, it's kinda nice, handy, humane, and sensible to have decent health coverage.
Let's take Sue, for example, whose hubby had a bad week and had to go to the ER more than once, thus earning her the Miracles of Modern Medicine Award. Short waits, appropriate tests done, health equipment set up at home, on the road to recovery. "Exceptional medical care." That's what we like to hear! Hugs and crossed fingers for Sue's beloved; may things be better soon.
The Cluestick Posse has enthusiastically saddled up to visit Miranda's mom, who keeps sending screeds about antidepressant medication -- which medication has done wonders for her own granddaughter. As Sue explains: Ugh. The old "If you just have a positive attitude" against anti-depressants makes my head spin. That's like telling diabetics to forget the insulin, they can just think their way out of diabetes.
It goes without saying that Certain Members of Congress have also earned extended cluesticking. Next stop, the book of friends opinionaters who believe [a] no children are being harmed by the shutdown, and [b] all those furloughed employees are just enjoying a vacation. Harrumph.
The Making the Best of It Award goes to Miranda and her Army buddies: Some of you may have noticed that I and two friends (who were old Army buddies back when we were thin and had all of hair) have declared it Cat Week and are posting cat stuff on the Book of Faces. If you knew us 20 years ago, this would not be conceivable. Life is cool/weird sometimes.
Kudos to Esperanza, who is really sure that they made the right school decision for Sweet! And congratulations on Sweet catching up to the growth chart!
More kudos to Miranda's kids: My three children are amazing, empathetic, caring people. The older two have learned a lot about resilience this past year. My heart just bursts when I see them. And also to Mini Baboo: I just about cried this week when Mini said to Sweet, "Don't worry, Sweet, I'll be right there with you."
Congratulations to QWP for improved sleep in the realm!
Liz wins the Thespian Award, for her year in the theater!
Much love to Esperanza, whose grandmother's decline suggests she does not have long. xoxoxo
Thanks for playing! See y'all next time.
Queen of West Procrastination wins the Elevated Risk of Mullet Award, for her interpretation of LWOP: I first read it as "Lady West of Procrastination." And then realized what it really meant.
The Saved by Reassignment Award goes to Liz, whose original furlough meant she was going to burn vacation days and then sick days. But kudos to her employer, which found another assignment, yay!
Miranda wins the Report from the Trenches Award, with an unpaid furlough and this news:
The only thing worse than being on furlough is not being on furlough, from what I hear from those few still working.
Although the real objective of the small group of instigators is somewhat murky at the moment, they started the shutdown saying they had a "noble" purpose, dismantling the Affordable Care Act -- something they already tried to do legislatively, 42 times. By coincidence, enrollment for uninsured persons began this very week, and the citizenry was so "unhappy" about getting health coverage that many state enrollment sites were overrun. Yay! As members of our Northern Contingent (the evil Canadians) have explained from time to time, it's kinda nice, handy, humane, and sensible to have decent health coverage.
Let's take Sue, for example, whose hubby had a bad week and had to go to the ER more than once, thus earning her the Miracles of Modern Medicine Award. Short waits, appropriate tests done, health equipment set up at home, on the road to recovery. "Exceptional medical care." That's what we like to hear! Hugs and crossed fingers for Sue's beloved; may things be better soon.
The Cluestick Posse has enthusiastically saddled up to visit Miranda's mom, who keeps sending screeds about antidepressant medication -- which medication has done wonders for her own granddaughter. As Sue explains: Ugh. The old "If you just have a positive attitude" against anti-depressants makes my head spin. That's like telling diabetics to forget the insulin, they can just think their way out of diabetes.
It goes without saying that Certain Members of Congress have also earned extended cluesticking. Next stop, the book of friends opinionaters who believe [a] no children are being harmed by the shutdown, and [b] all those furloughed employees are just enjoying a vacation. Harrumph.
The Making the Best of It Award goes to Miranda and her Army buddies: Some of you may have noticed that I and two friends (who were old Army buddies back when we were thin and had all of hair) have declared it Cat Week and are posting cat stuff on the Book of Faces. If you knew us 20 years ago, this would not be conceivable. Life is cool/weird sometimes.
Kudos to Esperanza, who is really sure that they made the right school decision for Sweet! And congratulations on Sweet catching up to the growth chart!
More kudos to Miranda's kids: My three children are amazing, empathetic, caring people. The older two have learned a lot about resilience this past year. My heart just bursts when I see them. And also to Mini Baboo: I just about cried this week when Mini said to Sweet, "Don't worry, Sweet, I'll be right there with you."
Congratulations to QWP for improved sleep in the realm!
Liz wins the Thespian Award, for her year in the theater!
Much love to Esperanza, whose grandmother's decline suggests she does not have long. xoxoxo
Thanks for playing! See y'all next time.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Let's do the time warp, again
Hi! Once upon a time, I used to go do important things and look more or less professional every day, but now I mostly work at home and can wear jammies if I want. This unbloggable thing, though, requires not only big prep but a professional presentation. (I'm pretty sure the persons in charge would specify "no jammies" if they thought of it, but don't want to test my theory.)
The internet is my bestest most fabulous friend right now! I'm brainstorming, and planning, and working out details, and lining up people to help prepare, etc.; and so far I've ordered 2 dresses, a jacket, a smoothing undergarment, jewelry, nosepads to fix my glasses, organizational supplies, and 5 light books plus an interesting one for later. Etc. (The 6th book is about scarcity, and how not having enough of what you need eats your brain's bandwidth, which I'm taking as justification for getting the stuff lined up that will help me climb the mountain, sail the uncharted sea. LALA LA LA, I don't hear you about light reading or proper undergarmentage being unnecessary to the task...)
In my real life, of course, the dish fairy didn't come yet, my son spent another 6 hours working on his dying car yesterday, and the shyest cat has taken to hiding under the bed all the darned time.
What's new with you?
The internet is my bestest most fabulous friend right now! I'm brainstorming, and planning, and working out details, and lining up people to help prepare, etc.; and so far I've ordered 2 dresses, a jacket, a smoothing undergarment, jewelry, nosepads to fix my glasses, organizational supplies, and 5 light books plus an interesting one for later. Etc. (The 6th book is about scarcity, and how not having enough of what you need eats your brain's bandwidth, which I'm taking as justification for getting the stuff lined up that will help me climb the mountain, sail the uncharted sea. LALA LA LA, I don't hear you about light reading or proper undergarmentage being unnecessary to the task...)
In my real life, of course, the dish fairy didn't come yet, my son spent another 6 hours working on his dying car yesterday, and the shyest cat has taken to hiding under the bed all the darned time.
What's new with you?
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Prizes
Liz has a plateful with her candidate duties and Doorbell Queen reputation -- go, Liz! -- so, I'm filling in.
Good walking shoes for everyone!
Esperanza gets the Fabulous Weather Award, for her report of a blessed cold front moving in, bringing the temperature down to 97F! The report startled residents of Middle Earth Canada, where a cold front means something more along the lines of finding the snow shovel and boots. (Hat tip to Sue, for "Middle Earth Canada.")
QWP wins the Thanks But No Thanks Award for all those tiny little freakishly-sized trendy girly jeans that were passed down in perfect condition, and are now on their way to the donation station. Stretchy pants for everyone!
Neighbor Lady gets the Fond Memories Award, for being reminded of Blue's Clues and Bear in the Big Blue House. Thanks for the recommendation! And Liz also recalls The Best Potty Training Video, amongst the Bear collection.
The Happy Eyes Award goes to Sue, who has the nicest optometrist in the entire universe, as well as good eyes.
Mommy Duty Respite Awards to Esperanza, whose baboos spent a whole glorious 4 days in school this week, and QWP, whose parents were able to step in.
The Household Superwoman Award goes to Esperanza, who complained of oil-based paint on extremities, but that's because she was busy using her free time to paint a bookcase. Kudos!
I'm not supposed to give Liz a prize, so let it be noted that a Famous Author reposted something she wrote!
Good walking shoes for everyone!
Esperanza gets the Fabulous Weather Award, for her report of a blessed cold front moving in, bringing the temperature down to 97F! The report startled residents of Middle Earth Canada, where a cold front means something more along the lines of finding the snow shovel and boots. (Hat tip to Sue, for "Middle Earth Canada.")
QWP wins the Thanks But No Thanks Award for all those tiny little freakishly-sized trendy girly jeans that were passed down in perfect condition, and are now on their way to the donation station. Stretchy pants for everyone!
Neighbor Lady gets the Fond Memories Award, for being reminded of Blue's Clues and Bear in the Big Blue House. Thanks for the recommendation! And Liz also recalls The Best Potty Training Video, amongst the Bear collection.
The Happy Eyes Award goes to Sue, who has the nicest optometrist in the entire universe, as well as good eyes.
Mommy Duty Respite Awards to Esperanza, whose baboos spent a whole glorious 4 days in school this week, and QWP, whose parents were able to step in.
The Household Superwoman Award goes to Esperanza, who complained of oil-based paint on extremities, but that's because she was busy using her free time to paint a bookcase. Kudos!
I'm not supposed to give Liz a prize, so let it be noted that a Famous Author reposted something she wrote!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
The "I'm opening a whining thread but I don't guarantee I can do the awards" Edition
Whine: I've got a headache because
Whine: The code won't compile because
Whine: The code is being written simultaneously by 5 different developers and
Whine: It's all part of an interconnected web
Anti-whine: But now I'm thinking about the minister at my UU Church who likes talking about the interconnected web of life.
Bonus anti-whine: I wouldn't have any of the above whines if I weren't employed. I'm happy to be employed.
Whine: The code won't compile because
Whine: The code is being written simultaneously by 5 different developers and
Whine: It's all part of an interconnected web
Anti-whine: But now I'm thinking about the minister at my UU Church who likes talking about the interconnected web of life.
Bonus anti-whine: I wouldn't have any of the above whines if I weren't employed. I'm happy to be employed.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Sunday is the New Thursday
This week's refreshments are complimentary bag lunches by the fabulous Esperanza, a variety of chocolate, and some refreshing beverages of choice.
Esperana, complaining of not morning people, small division, wins the Truer Words Never Spoken Award for: teh nagging, it is wearying. But on the up side, Sweet wins the Melting from the Sweetness Award for "Thanks, Mommy. Thanks for helping me grow up."
The Practical Fashionable Mama Award goes to JenR, who suggests a solution to the problem of kids who aren't morning people: I have had some luck occasionally putting mine to bed in their school clothes. Then you only have to have the breakfast fight in the morning. Clearly the wrinkles don't bother me much at this age - but most of their clothes don't wrinkle much anyway. :-)
Neighbor Lady wins the Best W/AW Combo Award, for: (w) mouth full of canker sores. (w) work=stress right now. (aw) some moments have been awesome! We're so happy you're teaching, and glad there are good moments even if it's a little stressy.
Liz wins our Enthusiastic Support in her election! The Posse requests a few words with the state party personnel, who clearly do not have their priorities straight. Go, Liz, go!
The Consignment Score Award goes to QWP, whose friend located The Best Diaper Bag for only $4, and this one won't fall apart! Pixies are fans of consignment and other reuse options, especially when they work out so well.
QWP also wins the Consumer Warning Award, for her image of spouse and baby fleeing the department store because of excessive perfumage. This prize comes with a complimentary cluesticking and lecture. Shame, you silly department store! Do you really wonder why people shop online and other places so much?
The Adventures in Ministry, Building Maintenance Division Award goes to Sue, whose building sprung leaks so active that she had to raid the childrens' crayon buckets to contain the flood. In a related vein, Esperanza wins the Ministering to the Clueless Award for her story of convincing a parishioner that yes, it was actually OK to put buckets in the sanctuary.
Hugs to everybody affected by yet another fireplacing mass shooting, directly and indirectly. Cluesticks to the fireplacingjackasses professional media types who think "stay tuned for more gripping coverage" is an appropriate message at such a time.
Well, here's to the upcoming week! And hoping that everyone sleeps at appropriate times, everyone's blood pressure is good, none of the rain comes inside, mail ends up where you want it, and additional happiness abounds.
Esperana, complaining of not morning people, small division, wins the Truer Words Never Spoken Award for: teh nagging, it is wearying. But on the up side, Sweet wins the Melting from the Sweetness Award for "Thanks, Mommy. Thanks for helping me grow up."
The Practical Fashionable Mama Award goes to JenR, who suggests a solution to the problem of kids who aren't morning people: I have had some luck occasionally putting mine to bed in their school clothes. Then you only have to have the breakfast fight in the morning. Clearly the wrinkles don't bother me much at this age - but most of their clothes don't wrinkle much anyway. :-)
Neighbor Lady wins the Best W/AW Combo Award, for: (w) mouth full of canker sores. (w) work=stress right now. (aw) some moments have been awesome! We're so happy you're teaching, and glad there are good moments even if it's a little stressy.
Liz wins our Enthusiastic Support in her election! The Posse requests a few words with the state party personnel, who clearly do not have their priorities straight. Go, Liz, go!
The Consignment Score Award goes to QWP, whose friend located The Best Diaper Bag for only $4, and this one won't fall apart! Pixies are fans of consignment and other reuse options, especially when they work out so well.
QWP also wins the Consumer Warning Award, for her image of spouse and baby fleeing the department store because of excessive perfumage. This prize comes with a complimentary cluesticking and lecture. Shame, you silly department store! Do you really wonder why people shop online and other places so much?
The Adventures in Ministry, Building Maintenance Division Award goes to Sue, whose building sprung leaks so active that she had to raid the childrens' crayon buckets to contain the flood. In a related vein, Esperanza wins the Ministering to the Clueless Award for her story of convincing a parishioner that yes, it was actually OK to put buckets in the sanctuary.
Hugs to everybody affected by yet another fireplacing mass shooting, directly and indirectly. Cluesticks to the fireplacing
Well, here's to the upcoming week! And hoping that everyone sleeps at appropriate times, everyone's blood pressure is good, none of the rain comes inside, mail ends up where you want it, and additional happiness abounds.
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