Is this the same dog?

Geez, I'm just wondering.....

Happy Monday!

What people do at highway rest areas?

As I mentioned in yesterday's post..... I made the trek back to Boston on Friday. The 'lil man was outstanding..... both on the ride and in the restaurant we met Aunt P for lunch at.

Saturday was a very busy day too..... I got up and went for a pedicure with Aunt P.... Granny babysat, which was a nice treat. Next, Aunt P and I took the 'lil man to visit his other grandparents, the Big Dubya's parents. He was a doll..... charmed the pants right off them. After that visit, we picked up Granny and went out for lunch --- pureed peaches weren't on the menu, so the 'lil man decided to just sit in his seat and snooze. After lunch, we went wedding-gown shopping for Aunt P (she still claims that she's gonna marry Mr Tall Guy, but we still have no firm date).

The 'lil Dubya could not have been better..... he woke up and just started yammering away to all the ladies in the shop. One woman couldn't take her eyes off of him and kept promising (threatening) to "put him on a cracker!". Someone's gonna have to explain to me why people think I want to hear how they are going to eat my child, but I digress.

Okay, all of this goodness had to end, right? YUP..... and of course, it happened on the Mass Pike on the way back last night. At that point in the trip, there isn't a whole lot I can do.... we are still a good hour and a half from home.... and an hour into the trip.... turning back was not an option either. We stopped at a service area, had half a bottle and that seemed to calm him down.... so, we got back on the road. Of course, after about 5 minutes he started to scream again..... what can I do? I pulled into a "picnic area".....these places are so sketchy. There was a pick-up truck, two 18-wheelers and a limo..... a limo? you take a limo to a highway rest area?

Focus, I must focus on the child..... I locked the doors and climbed into the backseat. Once I flipped on the interior light the 'lil man calmed down again..... hmmmmm..... interesting...... could it be? .......does he just not want to be in the dark? Hmmmmmm I can't exactly drive down interstate 84 with my interior light on, or could I? Well, maybe if I could dim it a little..... if only I had some tape........ so yes, I used a diaper.... I used the tabs on the diaper to tape it over the light. The 'lil Dubya seemed a bit amused to see his Pamper dangling from the ceiling of the car and we got back on the road. 10 minute s later, he was screeching again..... we pulled into a rest stop yet again..... more random cars..... all of these people can't have screaming babies.... are they really having secret rendez-vous? Oh dear..... focus Mrs Big Dubya, F-O-C-U-S.... after the second half of that bottle and some good old-fashioned cuddling (yeah, new fangled cuddling was probably happening in those other cars) I was finally able to get the 'lil Dubya back to sleep and he stayed that way for the rest of the trip.

Family Restrooms

Being that we made the all-too-frequent jaunt from our humble home in CT to our hometown just south of Boston this weekend.... we had yet another opportunity to take advantage of what is known as a "Family Restroom" at a rest stop on the Mass Pike. Anyone whose had the opportunity to travel (or even just to go out in public) with a child knows how great these restrooms can be..... enables parents to use the bathroom while keeping an eye on their little ones..... change a diaper.... help a toddler "go potty" -- I do however, have a bit of a complaint. I'm thinking that these facilities must have been designed by men..... I don't say this as a slag at men, but...... because the changing tables (similar to those pictured above) are never located anywhere near a sink..... How are you supposed to wash your hands after you've changed a baby's diaper? You certainly can't leave the baby lying on that flip down table while you dash across the bathroom to wash up..... and trying to wash your hands while holding your baby is a pain in the butt. If the Big Dubya's with me, I end up bringing the babe out handing him off and going back in for a hand-washing..... when I'm on my own, I do what I can..... but wouldn't it make more sense to just design these facilities a bit better? The Westfarms Mall has a changing station with a sink built in (must have been a mother that designed it!)

Just a thought....

Then again, I suppose I should be grateful for the number of places that have such changing tables..... I mean, the ideal situation is the family restroom -- either a mother or a father can attend to the little one's plumbing needs. In second place is the mens/ladies room that has the changing station inside.... granted, not quite as convenient -- but fine nonetheless -- enables you to change a diaper with relative ease. However, I met Aunt P at a restaurant for lunch on my way back to Boston yesterday -- we went to the cutest little Italian place, Il Forno. At first I was a little concerned.... not everywhere is baby-friendly, but honestly -- the people there couldn't have been nicer. The waitresses and the hostess went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed for the 'lil guy. Our very adorable waiter even went so far as to offer to hold/occupy him so that I could eat my meal..... granted, we didn't take advantage of this very kind offer -- but the gesture was certainly appreciated. The food was amazing by the way, and very reasonable.... but, there was no changing station in the restroom! I had to change the 'lil man's diaper in the car! Now, granted -- we change his diaper in the car all the time, but.... it's January, in New England..... it's cold out and after sitting in a restaurant for an hour.... the car had gotten chilly!

How old is Mrs Big Dubya?

So..... in general, I've been a bit less than open with my coworkers about my age. I know that I'm younger than most, older than some, but..... I don't know.... the older I get, the less I like people knowing.

In the past couple of days, I've been discussing a new job opportunity with a big cheese at work. In the course of the conversation, I asked him if he'd like a copy of my resume.... to help get familiar with the work I did prior to joining the firm I'm with now. At first he said no, and then he said yes..... so, I scampered home and dusted off the old resume and added some of the stuff I've done lately. The Big Dubya was a champ and did his best proof-reading work..... but I was suddenly struck by the fact that all of the positions I've held since graduating college were all there in black & white..... including the dates!

The jig is up..... they are all going to know how old I am!!

Now, I know that when I interview somebody, I usually do some quick math to see how old/young the person is..... why would I expect anything less from anyone else?

I considered omitting my first job or two out of college.... they aren't that important anyway, right? Then I thought about it some more and realized that they might take my years of work experience into account when they calculate my new salary...... hmmmmm money..... I suppose it's not a big deal, but.... Ugh, I hate getting old.

I'm such a joiner

I just couldn't help myself.... the Big Dubya, Cape Buffalo.... all the kids are doin' it

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Mrs Big Dubya!
1. Mrs Big Dubya is only six percent water (feels more like sixty percent).
2. Mrs Big Dubya can usually be found in nests built in the webs of large spiders (The Big Dubya slays spiders on my behalf).
3. A rhinoceros horn is made from compacted Mrs Big Dubya (ooohhh, strong like bull).
4. The liquid inside Mrs Big Dubya can be used as a substitute for blood plasma! (I guess I am pretty good in a crisis, huh)
5. Mrs Big Dubya can pollinate up to six times more efficiently than the honeybee (Just call me fertile myrtle -- Hubby, I'll be home at 6:30!).
6. All the moons of the Solar System are named after characters from Greek and Roman mythology, except the moons of Uranus, which are named after Mrs Big Dubya (Awesome... it had to be Uranus!)
7. Only one child in twenty will be born on the day predicted by Mrs Big Dubya. (Just as accurate as an ultrasound!)
8. Mrs Big Dubya has often been found swimming miles from shore in the Indian Ocean (all this and atheltic too!).
9. In Japan it is considered rude to talk with Mrs Big Dubya in your mouth (Not touchin' it!).
10. Mrs Big Dubya is born white; her pink feathers are caused by pigments in her typical diet of shrimp! (make mine with cocktail sauce... the spicy kind!)

Tax Time

Yes friends.... it's that time of year yet again.... it's time for me to get all pissed off and foul-mouthed over the obscene amount of taxes the Dubyas have to pay each year.

Our friends all told us that "once you buy a house, you'll have some deductions....you guys pay a lot of taxes because you are married and you don't own anything yet". Then it was, "once you have kids.... you'll have some more deductions.... you pay a lot of taxes because you have no dependents."

Well dear readers..... we bought a house..... he had a baby..... and you know what? that is a load of bona fide bull-shit! Yes, you heard me.... I said bull-shit!

I've discovered that the Dubyas made a big mistake early on in their young adult lives.... they went and got educated! That, my friends, was mistake #1. Mistake #2 was that they chose to work hard.... hard enough to move up in their organizations.... increase their level of responsibility and in some cases enjoy a certainl level of success in their chosen careers. Because, usually (if you are doing it right) along with hard work and success comes a reward..... CASH. I'm not going to pretend that I get up every morning and leave my precious little man because I want the fulfillment --Ummmm NO! -- I'm not afraid to admit it.... I go to work for one reason, and one reason only....BECAUSE THEY PAY ME!!! And let's take it one step further, my theory is that if we can't afford for me to stay home.... (and, we can't) and I have to go to work.... then I'm going to work my tail off and get them to pay me as much as possible....for working as little as possible. I'm not leaving my little man for anything less than the most I can get out of them. So many women won't say that they work for the money.... but I'll say it.... I work for the money. I went to college, I went to graduate school -- and sure, getting smarter was nice, but I did it because it meant I could earn more money.... I could live more comfortably.... shallow? sure, but it's the truth -- it's my truth.

Now, if you told me 5 years ago that I'd be getting paid what I get paid now and yet, I'd still spend the majority of my time flat broke..... I would have laughed in your face. But it's true.... and you know why it's true??? Because, after paying Uncle Sam and then for our health insurance, our dental insurance, our life insurance..... putting a modest amount into my 401K.... I get to take home somewhere in the neighborhood of 54% of my paycheck..... AND, that's before I pay the nice women who watch my 'lil guy every day! That's also before I pay property tax or excise tax.

I'm not entirely sure I couldn't do better collecting cans

Mending Fences

So, a few weeks ago I was reading one of my new favorite blogs where the writer shared five confessions -- this is probably what spurred me onto my guilty pleasures post. Anyway, I couldn't help it..... I was dying to know what the hell Beth did to this Hillary woman that it was still gnawing at her 14 years later..... oh, and for the record, I recognize that it's none of my business, but I still want to know.

Anyway, it got me to thinking about my own life.... my own friendships..... and any fences that I should have mended down through the years, but.... for one reason or another never did.

One came to mind..... it's been bothering me for years and years..... but what should I do about it?

It was about 10 years ago, I was fresh out of college. I had a very close girlfriend... ladies, you all know this friend. She's the one you used to cut class to go to the mall with.... the one that was shaped nothing like you but somehow managed to wear the exact same size in just about everything. She was the one you shared all your clothes with.... your wing-woman, your partner in crime.... she picked up the pieces when you had a fight with your boyfriend.... and kept her mouth shut about what a jerk he was when you went back to him anyway.

She and I were inseparable my junior year in college -- she was a senior and our boyfriends were roommates..... even after the boyfriends were no more..... we still had each other. We did everything together and when she graduated, I couldn't imagine having to go back to school without her. Of course I did, and she came to visit often.

After graduation, she got really serious about a guy.... and forgot rule #1.... never blow off your friends for a guy. She called one day to break plans with us to go out with him, yet again. I snapped and was terrible to her..... I totally let her have it and we never spoke again.

Over the years I've thought about tracking her down many, many times..... I've even told our other friends (who'd also lost track of her) that I was going to do it..... but I didn't.

I was sorry we fought, sorry we lost touch, sorry we never fixed it. I heard through the grapevine that she married the guy.... but still, I couldn't get up the courage to look her up.

Well, after reading Beth's post and her regret over this Hillary person (c'mon Beth, what did ya do, huh? I won't tell anyone -- promise!) I decided that it was time to bite the bullet. So, I looked up my friend..... it took some creative internet research (what did people do before the internet???), but I found her work email address and then I deliberated.... hemmed and hawed for days and days..... then I decided to pull the trigger..... On Tuesday morning I sent her an email. Email is safe..... a phone call would be awkward..... email is perfect for a giant chicken like me. I basically told her that I was sorry for that argument, sorry we lost touch and that although I don't expect us to go back to being friends -- I wished her well.

The second I hit "send" I felt like my karma had been through some sort of deep cleansing ritual.... It was like, now at least I can say that I tried.... now, the ball is in her court.

At the same time there was a weird sense of anticipation...... would she receive my note well? would she respond at all? would she appreciate the effort? would she think I had become one of those pathetic people we used to make fun of? or worse, would she think that I was some sort of nut-job stalker?

I waited..... it was like when I was single.... wondering if "that guy" would call..... hoping he would, but not knowing what to say if he did

The wait was tough..... but it was short...... I got a response within a couple of hours..... and it was positive. Turns out, she felt bad too.... missed me..... had thought of getting in touch many times..... but also, never did. She didn't think I was nuts.... it almost seemed like she appreciated the gesture.

Over the past few days we've been catching up via email..... and I feel so good about it. Again, I don't expect us to go back to being inseparable.... we're grown ups now (well, sort of) and grown ups generally don't share each other's clothes and take turns putting dinner on an already-over-extended credit card. But it's a wonderful feeling that this unfinished business is no longer dangling out there.

I do have to say, it is extremely odd when someone asks you what you've been up to and you have to attempt to summarize the past 10 years of your life in a few sentences for an email.... Hmmmm, changed jobs a couple times, got married, went to and graduated from Grad School, bought a house, moved out of state, had a baby...... I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm glad we are getting to know each other again -- and that we can resolve any hurt feelings that have lingered for all these years.

So, thanks Beth..... and honestly, if any of my 5 readers have a fence to mend.... I strongly recommend doing it.... it's hard..... it requires more courage than I usually have (email helps with this) but, it really feels great -- and I'm guessing that the person on the receiving end will probably feel pretty good to.

Farewell Christmas

Not sure why, but this year.... I'm having a hard time letting go of Christmas.

Maybe it's because it was the 'lil guy's first.... but putting all the stuff away is just bringing me down. Don't get me wrong -- I hate Christmas shopping....and all the stress and family-nonsense associated with the holiday itself..... I keep swearing to the Big Dubya that next year we are just staying home. But it seems like this year... Christmas was that much more special..... and now, it's all over......

The house has lost that pine scent..... the mantle just has a few pictures, now. There is no more excitement when we go to the mailbox.... we know there aren't anymore photos of friends' children coming.... just bills from holiday over-spending. The neighborhood is a bit dark now.... as the holiday lights are slowly but surely coming down.

There is no holiday quite like Christmas...... and it's only 341 days away

Guilty Pleasures

Isn't it funny?..... Everyone has guilty pleasures. You know, those really stupid things that you enjoy -- but are totally and utterly embarrassed that you do.... and are oh so mortified at the possibility that people might find out..... For some people it's TV shows.... I remember guys in college who refused to go out until after Melrose Place (the Big Dubya still claims he used to tape it for his brother.... uh-huh, sure you did)..... they wouldn't admit that this was the reason, but it was..... we all knew it was. I find it now with reality shows.... sure, in the beginning a guy who watched Survivor was cool -- but, what man isn't a little ashamed to admit he watches American Idol or Dancing with the Stars? I mean c'mon?

In the spirit of openness.... I thought I'd share some of my personal guilty pleasures....sharing isn't easy for me, but..... it's a new year, I ought to try some new things -- who knows, maybe some of you will be overcome by your desire to share your own guilty pleasures..... and you'll be inspired to de-lurk.... anyway, here they are..... in no particular order

1. General Hospital -- have been watching on-and-off since I was 7 years old. I had totally kicked the habit.... and then we got Dish Network.... which offers SoapNet.... now I can watch GH several times a day.... I can even watch a marathon of the previous week's episodes on weekends -- it's a sickness people! Oh, and Aunt P called today to say Robert Scorpio is coming back!

2. SoapNet..... yeah, well.... see #1

3. Taco Bell. Yes, I know -- everyone has a weakness for fastfood once in a while.... But, I love it all -- McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's..... but Taco Bell is like the very bottom of the fast food chain. I mean, does anybody know what kind of "meat" they use in those Meximelts??? Well, you know what?..... I dunno and I don't care -- they are yummy dammit!! oh, and while you are at it -- make mine with Fire Sauce

4. Tabloids -- they are like train wrecks.... I can't help myself. Now, in fairness -- I don't buy them.... but while standing in the check-out line, I can't help but wonder.... what kind of drugs did Tom Cruise start taking? and is that really his baby? will her family stage an intervention and stop all this couch-jumping-madness?

5. YooHoo! Yes, I know.... the whole concept is just gross -- it's not really milk, but it does include "milk product" -- I don't care.... it's luscious chocolaty heaven in a gorgeous yellow bottle -- and for years, I just couldn't get enough of it.....the Big Dubya used to have to go fetch it for me at all hours..... But I did it -- I quit..... I got that big delicious chocolaty monkey off my back -- but every day's a struggle.

6. Rolling Rock..... (Rolling Rock Lite too) -- something about this premium beer from the glass-lined tanks of Old Latrobe..... add a slice of lime.... so refreshing -- 33 people, 33

7. Chicken patties..... you know the ones I mean.... those round chicken patties that are served in every grade school, high school and college in America. When I was in college they were known as "chicken pucks" as they resembled hockey pucks.... I've also heard them called "cluck pucks".... and "door stops". They aren't at all nutritional, but with a hamburger roll they totally versatile.... add some marinara & cheese.... chicken parm sandwich.... add some buffalo sauce.... buffalo chicken sandwich.... the possibilities are endless with these beauties!

8. Speaking of chicken..... that chicken they have at the Japanese place on the food court. I know it's loaded up with fat.... and whatever that stuff they squirt all over it is, but man is it goooood. I can't go to the mall without passing through the food court to see if they are giving out the chicken samples.

9. Keeping on the sample track..... I love when they give out samples at the market..... you know when they set up at the end of an aisle and let you try the "featured product". I never intend on buying it -- it's usually food that simply would not eat -- but trying a tiny taste often satisfies a curiosity..... BJs has these samples on a regular basis.

I was hoping to round this out to make an even 10..... but, I'm kind of struggling here for 1 more..... well, the last couple have been a stretch -- I'm sure they exist.... I just can't seem to get my little brain to cough 'em up and I'm a bit too impatient to delay the post -- so..... here they are.... I'll update if I'm struck with some more.... please feel free to share your own guilty pleasures

PS Happy Friday!

Girl Scout Cookies

So, here I am.... at work.... and, like so many people in the big-bad-business world, lately I've been inundated with parents selling Girl Scout Cookies for their daughter, niece, cousin.....

Now, I am a product of Catholic Schools.... 12 years of Catholic School to be specific.... so I know what it's like to have to pedal this kind of stuff. Chocolates, calendars, gift-wrap..... we were constantly being asked to sell stuff to supplement our exorbitant tuition. My parents hated the idea of asking friends & neighbors to buy stuff -- my Mom stayed at home and my Dad was in construction.... so it wasn't like he was going to ask the fellows on his crew if they'd like to buy a nifty scented candle. As a result, it wasn't unusual for me to be among the lowest-sellers in the class.... a humiliating position to hold..... but character building nonetheless. That is, of course, unless we were selling these..... Dad was good for buying a couple of cases of those on his own.

Anyway, it's hard to buy from one co-worker and not from another -- so I end up buying a box from just about everybody on our floor..... what does this add up to.... a bunch of damn cookies that I don't even like that much. I suppose it's not really that I don't like them... these ones are quite good with a mug o' tea -- but for what you get.... they are expensive! I mean really -- $4 for 16 cookies? Based on my math..... the Girl Scouts should hook up with Nabisco. You can get a pack of 34 Oreos for $1.88 on sale at Stop & Shop this week.

In other news -- although I haven't been writing about it, I have been fairly good on my diet. Sadly, I gained back some of the fluid weight I lost from being sick earlier in the week, but I'm still down about 7lbs from Christmas -- not too shabby. I'd be happy with 6-8 more..... hmmmm, I'd be ecstatic with 10 more, hell.... 14 more, I'd be damn close to orgasmic -- But..... we should probably stay in the real world -- if I could get down 6 more I think I could be pretty damn giddy.

My featured diet product for today are Kashi Bars.

Now, I can be honest..... the first time I had them -- I thought they tasted like wood. But, I hate to waste food and decided I'd finish the box..... I'm hooked. They are expensive -- but you can either get them on sale at the supermarket or you can get a variety pack at BJs.

The Numbers:
Calories 130
Fat 5 grams
Carbs 20 grams
Fiber 4 grams
WW points 2

Please note..... this is still delurking week.... and I'd love to learn I have more than 5 readers :)

I felt yucky!

So sorry for the lack of posts as of late..... Mrs Big Dubya got a nasty dose of some sort of stomach flu. It started off on Saturday night when the Patriots trounced the Jags..... Mr Big Dubya enjoyed a couple of adult beverages, while Mrs Big Dubya decided to polish off a bottle of wine. So, on Sunday when Mrs Big Dubya woke up feeling less than 100%, Mr Big Dubya replied with a whitty..... are you sure you aren't just hung-over? I couldn't argue.... it certainly was a possibility, but I didn't feel hung-over.... I felt sick. Around noontime the 'lil guy needed a nap, so I decided the two of us would lie down together.... and it was all down hill from there. I don't want to be too graphic, but let's just say this was not a hang-over!

The Big Dubya was a champ..... he went above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to taking care of the 'lil man who has a miserable cold, he waited on me hand-and-foot and tackled the unpleasant load of laundry that resulted after the 'lil man puked all over himself, me & our bed.

Fortunately, I am back to normal today -- and, on the bright side -- this has done wonders for my diet.

I'm so bad at these things

I'm really terrible at these things.... mostly because I'm not witty or clever.... I come up with the same old bland answers that everyone else comes up with.... then I read somebody else's answers and wish I had thought of those, but I didn't..... and so then I feel lame. But I want you people to like me.... I mean REALLY like me... not just read my blog to be polite or because I'm this guy's wife..... So, here it goes:

Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot.
ChildsplayX2
the Weirdgirl
Cynical Dad
Cape Buffalo
Mrs Big Dubya

Select five people to play (but only if they want to).
Consider you, you, you, yep you and you there in the back (didn't think I could see you, did ya?). I'd call you by name, but the few readers that I know by name have already been tagged and the rest of you choose to remain anonymous, so..... there ya go.

What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was just getting back from an adventure in Florida/the Bahamas with my closest girl friend Jill. We got drunk and bought a timeshare.... which we still use to take vacations we couldn't otherwise afford. She was hoping her man was going to propose soon.... I was hoping to find a man who could keep up with me -- but I had rules. I wouldn't accept a weekend date.... dates were for weeknights.... otherwise it would interfere with my weekend-binge-drinking lifestyle (Wow, 10 years ago, I was really, really young!) I was broke, had an apartment and a car I couldn't afford.... but had a lot of fun.

What were you doing one year ago?
We were just getting back from Disney.... I was about 15 weeks pregnant and constantly nauseous/vomiting/exhausted. It was a really wonderful time in our lives..... Dubya had just gotten a job that he loved and we were finally expecting a baby.... no baby was ever more loved or wanted than this one..... it was a wonderful, magical time.... we didn't think it could get any better, but then it did.

Five snacks you enjoy:
Pizza
French fries (bonus if they are the good, thick, hand-cut ones and covered in curry!)
Anything that involves being deep-fried or covered, no slathered in cheese
Ice Cream
Fancy coffee drinks (hey, put 'nuf stuff in 'em.... they can be quite filling)

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
In fairness, I'm terrible w/ music.... not sure how I'm so bad, but I am..... I don't know who sings anything or the words or the names of bands or albums..... I like music, but..... I just have no head for it -- but to be a sport:
Copacabana
The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA (which Dubya knows now too, he didn't wanna, but...)
Rubber Ducky
Forever in Blue Jeans
Cecelia

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
Stop worrying about our bills -- pay off everything!
Financially take care of our families
Set up college funds for the children of our friends
Take all our pals on an obnoxious vacation
Quit my job

Five bad habits:
Procrastination
Trying to please everybody
Convincing myself we "need" things we can't really afford
Impatience
Ordering Take-Out

Five things you like doing:
Loafing at home w/ the Dubyas
Traveling
Cooking (and having the experiments turn out to be more than just edible)
Shopping (when I'm having a skinny day and stuff actually fits)
Laughing

Five things you would never wear or buy again:
Skidz (the most unflattering pants ever manufactured)
Two-tone jeans (yes, I had 'em.... I even had a pair in purple!)
Miracle Bra (the thing was bullet-proof, it could stand alone)
A perm (they called it a "body-wave")
Gosh, remember those Dynasty-era shoulder pads? it was like wearing pillows on your shoulders!

Five favorite toys:
Tivo
Laptop
Caller ID (thanks Kara!)
Sonicare toothbrush
Update: Roomba (thanks for the help Aunt P)
But I still think Dubya could go buy me a PDA :)

Riding in the lap of luxury

My mother (Granny) is turning the big four-oh this year (well, actually the big six-oh, but we are humoring her). In celebration of this momentous milestone, Aunt P and I are surprising her with a surprise long-weekend in Las Vegas. My mother is a cute Irish lady who loves Bingo and slot machines.... to her, Las Vegas is a slice of heaven.... the only thing that makes it sweeter for her is that it's a surprise and she doesn't have to pay!

Aunt P and I have been conspiring for months.... and the plans have really started to take shape in the past few days.... to the point where we have a weekend selected, we've booked flights, we've booked a hotel and we've concocted a story that Granny has bought -- hook, like and sinker!

In the course of making the final arrangements -- I thought, hey -- wouldn't it be icing on the cake if we got a limo to take us to the airport? As it turns out, it only costs slightly more than three tickets on the Logan Express (shuttle bus from our hometown to the airport) and it's quite a bit more impressive. So, I started to poke around the internet..... trying to find a good deal that I could use to coerce Aunt P with (she's far more sensible about this stuff than I am) and I found and ad for this place and thought it must be a joke -- people actually get limos for "Baby's First Ride"? and for this place. Are you kidding me? There are parents out there that get limos for Kid's birthday parties???? "Bring your child and his/her friends out for a birthday celebration! Go to Fun World, Pizza, Ice Cream or anywhere in the local area."

My mother, the woman who has given us the world is turning 60 and I'm wondering if a limo to the airport is a wee bit too extravagant -- and there are nutjobs out there who are renting limos for children's outings????

UGHHH!

Just an update.....
A kind reader sent a comment via the Big Dubya.... I didn't realize I wasn't accepting comments from everyone.... OOPS..... all fixed now.
Thanks!

Mariah Carey and Charo..... Separated at Birth?

Does anybody else see it?I mean, over the weekend I saw several interviews with Mariah Carey.... who was busting out of her outfit (just like Charo) and speaking very poor English (at least Charo has an excuse)..... and all I kept wondering was..... hmmmmm, if they ever decide to make Love Boat the Movie, she'd be a terrific Charo



Coochi, Coochi

Farewell 2005, Welcome 2006

As I sat on the couch cuddling my teething baby and waiting for the clock to strike 12, I couldn't imagine a year better than 2005. I know how selfish that is.... so much sadness and tragedy this year.... Katrina, Rita, war, earthquakes...... but the Dubyas were blessed beyond our wildest dreams.... and to hope for anything more in '06 would be ludicrous!

Resolutions..... I've never been one for resolutions.... sure, stick to the diet.... but this year, I'll try to make a few more meaningful ones -- and they are as follows:

I will try to remember to take more pictures.... I've been better this year, but even still I remember to bring the camera places, but manage to forget to use it!

I will try to remind the Big Dubya (he's more skilled than I) to take more video.... last year we used our Christmas money to buy a nice video camera because we knew the 'lil guy was coming.... we need to use it more!

I will try to work less.... I spend too much time at work and not enough time at home.... my goal is to work just enough to do a good job and get paid.....

I will try to eat healthier.... lose a few pounds.... not because of the vain reasons (and the skinny jeans that miss the light of day) but because I'll have more energy for my 'lil man

I will try to keep on top of the housework..... 'cause I'm less grumpy when the house is clean

None of them are profound or difficult (I could have resolved to be a better person or something unattainable like that!) ..... but they are doable.

Today's featured diet product: Fresca!



I remember my mother drinking it in the '70s, but it's still yummy! They have some nifty new flavors (peach?, black cherry?) which I think are unnecessary (I tried the peach, but prefer the original) but.... to each his own.
The Numbers:
Calories o
Fat 0 grams
Carbs 0 grams
Fiber 0 grams