AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: The singing wachine machine DATE: 7/14/2010 09:19:00 PM ----- BODY:

I'm sitting on a pile of laundry. Granted, it's clean, but I'm sitting on it. It's just that as soon as I open a page to compose a post, I remember that I have clothes to fold, diapers to assemble, dogs to feed, dishes to wash, or a baby starts to cry.

So, I'm sitting on the laundry. Quite literally.

Sometimes I still get extremely overwhelmed. I can't seem to help it. The house still isn't finished, the washing machine broke, the Jeep needs new tires, the front tire of my stroller burst, and the xBox broke. Every time we turn around, something else needs about $850 thrown at it. It's ridiculous.

The weekend found me stewing about our new washer and dryer. I mean, how stupid is that? My husband buys a fantastic new washer and dryer set, and I'm pissed off about it. Sometimes I'm a moron.

The washer is sick. It will wash 31 bath towels at once. Not that I own 31 bath towels or that I plan to, but whatever. It's very proud of the work it does. When it's done with a load, it plays a tune. A full out song - not a bell tone, but a virtual symphony. "AHHHH! Your clothes are CLEAN!!!" It's the most noise the thing makes ever.

But it doesn't fit in the existing laundry room. They are too deep, and the only solution was to move them out into the new part of the house. Into my office/sewing/crafting room. The room that I had all laid out with my sewing machine, serger, ironing board, storage, filing, and art supplies for the boys. It was going to be our create-space.

And now I'll have to do chores in it.

Oh my stars. I am SUCH a whiner. But I was sad. Granted, I'm over it, but I was sad.

Until tonight, when I happened to discover the musical talents of our new washer. Just when I was cursing having to find shoes to go out to the unfinished floor full of sawdust, wire cuttings, and random nails, that stupid washer began to sing a little song; telling me my clothes were CLEAN! LA LA LA!

And I had to smile. I keep saying, and it's true, "It's all going to be lovely."

Labels: General Bitching, House, Renovations, Stupid Me

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nita DATE:Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 10:22:00 PM EDT Yep - it's a beautiful thing. Much better than any old annoying buzzzzzz. I also like the dainty beeps mine makes as I am pushing buttons too.

Enjoy your clean laundry. I used to love jumping in to a pile of warm laundry when I was a kid. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kelly Jernigan DATE:Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 12:33:00 PM EDT Complain on, sister...I say until a washing machine can also dry clothes, sort them, fold them & put them away I can't get excited about it ;)

I will agree that the song sounds nicer than the buzz that they typically make! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

toddlerplanet DATE:Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 6:56:00 PM EDT It is all going to be lovely! Hooray!

And one day, it will even be DONE. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Let's just move on to Thursday, shall we? DATE: 6/16/2010 09:56:00 PM ----- BODY:

Don't ask me why I said it. I don't know. It's a dumb thing to say if you don't really want to leave somewhere.

"Christopher, if you don't start listening to me and calm down, we are going home."

Well, damn if we didn't leave five minutes after me saying that. And I didn't want to leave. Colin and I were enjoying music class - except for the part where Christopher was acting like a little hellion.

It's been that kind of day. Upon leaving music class, we didn't actually go home, we went to the grocery store where I proceeded to do all of my shopping and go to check out only to find that I had no wallet.

Great.

Meanwhile, I'm getting news that my momma has either had a heart attack or a stroke, and they aren't sure which one if either, but she's driven herself home from the store so she can go to the ER. I swear this woman is still alive not because of modern medicine, but because she is just too damn stubborn for cancer.

For crying out loud. I hate this day.

P.S. Momma just finished a hamburger and is enjoying a lovely blood thinner drip now. Doesn't that just somehow seem wrong? Just ribbing you, Momma.

Labels: Bird, Cancer, General Bitching, Momma

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Melissa (@adventuroo) DATE:Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:11:00 PM EDT oh sheesh I'm so sorry about your mom. Hope she's okay!

As for the kiddo, I'm always saying to myself: CRAP I wish I didn't make that threat! I do it all the time so I feel your pain! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Two Lines On a Stick DATE:Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 1:01:00 AM EDT Prayers for your mom! I miss chatting with you. I still can't reply to anything on the board :( ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 7:11:00 AM EDT I'm so sorry to hear about mom! I will be keeping her in my prayers.

You're kids don't act up!! You lie! You have the two most perfect boys ever! ;) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

toddlerplanet DATE:Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 11:31:00 AM EDT Any more news about Momma?

Praying and hoping for good news. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Patricia DATE:Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 5:44:00 PM EDT Marty, you & your family are in my thoughts. I, too, pray and hope for good news. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Drano DATE: 6/11/2010 03:09:00 PM ----- BODY:

I've lost it. I've lost my blogging mojo. There's too much Facebook. Too much just sitting and absorbing and not enough interacting. I'm thinking that regardless of the Zoloft, there is still an underlying problem. I'm thinking that the Zoloft helps me deal with day to day life and keep it together, but that there is still a sadness there that I'm not dealing with. And that it's drawing me inward.

Or, I'm just lazy and don't want to write lately.

Either way, I'm here now. And grumpy. Aren't you glad you stopped by? Seriously though. The construction on our house is still going on, and for whatever reason, people seem to suck.

If you underbid on a construction project, take four times longer than you quote, act like an asshole while I'm in LABOR, and then still don't finish the job? Most people won't pay you. Not my husband. He goes ahead and chalks it up as a loss and pays you what was promised because he feels sorry for you and also wants you gone. Then you bitch about how much time you spent on the job and how little money an hour that works out to, and you threaten to kill him and do some other ridiculously stupid things that we won't talk about here. Yet. Because we're not finished with them.

Seriously. The guy is four times slower and doesn't finish and we're supposed to pay him more? Right.

Then, today, D the drunken painter, who I have previously thought was awesome, proceeded to piss me off beyond belief. He asks for a third of his pay, which I happily provide him in the form of a check. Mind you, I had asked him yesterday if a check was still alright with him. He's worked for us twice before, and I've always written checks. So I give him a check and the bitching begins.

Our USAA account apparently is a problem for him. Translation, he doesn't have a bank account and needed to go to our bank (which doesn't have physical branch) in order to cash the check. I cannot tell you how much of my problem this is NOT.

Without the gory details, he was not pleased with the mere $300 the ATM would give me at one time and proceeded to bitch to me about us not having a local bank account. So I pointed out that he must not even have ANY bank account, and that pissed him off.

Seriously. I'm supposed to drive around town going to ATM's, collecting cash for Mr. Pisspants the drunken painter because he's not responsible enough to keep a checking account of his own?

What the hell is wrong with people? Are we not in a recession? Why is it we can't find decent, honest, sane, and hard working people to work for us when so many people are out of work?

Yeah. Maybe this is why my mojo seems to be gone. The whole house thing is not going well, and I haven't wanted to write about it in a public way. Because there is some seriously bad stuff that's gone down. Like changing locks and watching my rearview mirror bad. But you know what? I'm tired of hiding out and not talking. I'm tired of being scared. I'm sick of it all. I want my house done. I want my life back. I want my husband to quit having all of this work hanging over his head.

I'M SO DONE.

One thing I've learned from experience in blogging and having crazy people read it. How to get a restraining order. Kidding. No, actually, I'm not.

So I'll be back to talking about whatever the hell I want to talk about and fuck the crazies. They will do whatever they want to anyway, so I'm done tiptoeing around them.

And yes, I'm aware that not much of this made any sense, but it felt good, and I'm hoping that it's going to unclog whatever has been keeping me from writing.

Labels: Feelers, General Bitching, Renovations, Things I Should Keep to Myself

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Friday, June 11, 2010 at 5:00:00 PM EDT That would totally annoy me too. If he doesn't have a bank account, send him to a check cashing place. His problem, not yours. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

grandma sandy DATE:Friday, June 11, 2010 at 6:44:00 PM EDT I'm so glad you're back! But sorry there's been so much suckitude. On top of it all, becoming a mother to two when the oldest is only two is a huge adjustment.
I hope the house stuff gets worked out soon. We've only been living for a little over two months with our house turned upside down and it's about to put me over the edge. I don't know how you've managed it for so long.
I'm also glad you pissed off the drunk painter. He deserved it. ;-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amo DATE:Friday, June 11, 2010 at 9:16:00 PM EDT Sounds like you needed to do a little venting!! Good for you! I'm sorry you have had such a rough time. I would love to have the money to fix up our house. It is in desperate need of some fixing up! Maybe someday...You take care of yourself and try to practice some breathing techniques. Or meditation. Or just screaming! Whatever works for you and makes you feel better! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mem DATE:Friday, June 11, 2010 at 9:39:00 PM EDT ok on monday i have two appts. on tuesday TUESDAY we are going to hang out- and you can be cranky or messy or whatever and i will be too. i'm sorry we couldn't play today- either way i love you! and it will get easier- this too shall pass. say the serenity prayer A LOT. big hugs and big punches in the face to the schlubs you are dealing with. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 7:42:00 PM EDT You have every right to vent. If someone doesn't have a bank account, he probably doesn't have internet access either. But my point is, you must cut yourself some slack. Right now. You are a mother of two small children who also happens to be living in construction disarray. Never underestimate how much that can sap the energy and mood. And people do suck so when you have to deal with several suckers at one time - no amount of Zoloft will make them nicer and get the job done faster. And we need a playdate. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:52:00 AM EDT Good dump! And you are so right - can't argue with crazy! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Pampers Dry Max and other evils on the shelf DATE: 5/04/2010 11:39:00 AM ----- BODY:

Bird is at school and Squeak is sleeping in his bouncy seat. He slept on my chest for 90 minutes, but then want to move, so he's vibrating and snoozing, and I have two free hands. Two free hands which should be cleaning something, writing thank you notes, doing laundry, or organizing the boys' clothes for storage - but I'm actually trying to put writing back into my list of priorities, so here I sit.

I have a copy of Healthy Child, Healthy World that I have been putting off reading because I'm scared of all the things I could be doing better for my children. That's so lame. After this week of recalls and dangerous products, I'm thinking it's time to dive into it.

Squeak had almost finished his trial size bottle of Infant's Tylenol that has been recalled. It could have tiny particles - of what, they didn't say - in it or it could contain too much of the active ingredient. Either way, it's not good for him.

Bird had on a Pamper with their new "Dry Max technology" the other day. When I went to change it, he started grabbing the inside of his thigh and telling me that it hurt. I lay him on the changing table, and he began to scream before I could even get his shorts off of him. The blisters on his legs and bottom were unbelievable. I immediately began trying to calculate when the last time I changed him was and starting cursing myself for letting him have a wet and dirty diaper - even though I hadn't done anything different that day than from any other day. I changed him right when I noticed, and it wasn't that long from the last change.

I was mortified and cried right along with him. I stopped trying to clean him up at the changing table and put him straight into the tub. I wanted to make sure he was 100% clean, and rubbing the blisters wasn't an option.

After I put him to bed that night, I noticed a buzz online about Pampers and their new Dry Max diapers. A friend from my LLL group had posted a news story, and after watching it, I started searching for more information. What I found was unbelievable.

Thousands of reports of chemical burns and unusually bad blistering and rashes have been reported with these diapers. I couldn't believe it. The pictures I saw of those poor babies look just like Bird. The bigger than a quarter raised blisters - they were on all of these babies.

No more Pampers for us. I don't care how much that box cost me. I'm not using another Pamper ever again.

So begins my foray into cloth diapering. I tried it with the gCloth inserts for our gDiapers and hated them. They were terrible. But I've got some friends who are willing to give me lessons in all of the other ways to cloth diaper, so we are getting ready to make the switch. And for the times we need a disposable one, I'll be using a Huggies natural or a Seventh Generation diaper.

I feel so strongly right now, that as a mama and a consumer, I have got to start making better choices for my family. Choices based on their well being instead of cost and convenience. I did that for Squeak's birth, and now I need to continue that throughout their lives. I owe it to them to keep them safe and healthy.

It's frustrating to not be able to trust as a consumer.

Labels: Bird, General Bitching, Just plain pissed, On parenthood, Squeak

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stimey DATE:Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 1:24:00 PM EDT Oh, that's so horrible. Your poor guy. It's kind of shocking that those Pampers are still on the shelf. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Renee DATE:Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 1:42:00 PM EDT We have had issues with both the tylenol recall and the dry max pampers as well. Little Max kept getting blister after blister with them, and he wasn't going too long between changings, either. I was chalking it up to "acid poo" from having been on antibiotics until I saw the Pampers warning. I am FURIOUS. This sort of thing should NOT be happening in this so-called "developed" country... it just feeds my continuing anti-capitalistic rant. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 1:44:00 PM EDT That totally sucks. Poor kid. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

workout mommy DATE:Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 2:53:00 PM EDT ugh, this is awful! poor little guy! Is this just the new version? I've always used pampers and never had problems---but I don't use the cruisers, which I think are the new ones?

i agree--the inability to trust these brands it just awful! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

themsrevolution DATE:Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 3:48:00 PM EDT being a smart consumer is even more difficult than usual when you have small children to care for, and often on very little sleep! it sounds like you are being a smart mama, despite these factors. thanks for the heads up about the diapers. i had not heard that but my little bird has had some blistering. so frustrating! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Two Lines On a Stick DATE:Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 3:56:00 PM EDT Yikes! That is awful about the Pampers. We use Huggies on Taylor (Target brand on Bailey) but I love the HUggies Naturals. They are sooo soft and they fit really well. I have done cloth diapering on and off. I go through phases where I love it and phases where I don't want to bother. I haven't wanted to bother since Taylor was born but I might get them out again one day. Try Bum Genius :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 8:11:00 PM EDT I was shocked when I heard the Pampers thing. As a cloth diaper mama, I'd always heard the chemicals are bad line but didn't really give it much thought. I can't believe he had blisters!!! I'd be pissed.

Anyway, I'm reading Healthy Child, Healthy World as well. We can chat about it. I just have to keep telling myself that I can't improve everything all at once, but I can do the little things like air out the house and get some houseplants along with the other things I'm already doing.

Can't wait to share our diapering experience with you. Have you read my post about it already? I don't want to repeat what you already know. http://tinyurl.com/573zzs

-Abby

(Is it bad form to a post on my blog in comments? I don't know this stuff. If so, sorry.) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anavar DATE:Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 5:49:00 AM EDT First, you couldn't know Pampers are bad. After all, they have so nice commercials! I can't believe one has the heart to still produce them! Nowdays it's so hard to trust the merchants. And it's even harder to find quality products! Poor little kid... I hope he'll never had to go through this again. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Lonely real life DATE: 4/28/2010 02:29:00 PM ----- BODY:

I didn't expect to make friends on the internet. Certainly not ones that I would travel to visit or that would take a weekend to come see me. I didn't expect to make friends that I would miss or that I would long to live closer to so that we could hang together in the flesh.

But I have.

Lately, and maybe it's the hormones to some extent, a lot of my in the flesh people have been letting me down. Granted, I've been told I hold people to unfair high expectations, but I can honestly say that the Zoloft has been helping that. Still, I just can't count on some of the friends I once could count on and that hurts.

But, in my new found quest not to be crazy these past months, I've found a way to still love my friends for who they are and not necessarily what they are to me at the current moment. It's hard, but I think it will be good in the long run.

Today though, I'm missing people that I only get to interact with online. All my mamas on the board especially - I wish that we could have a playdate, get some coffee, go shopping, or just take a walk. Liz L., who I wish I could learn to be a doula with - I think we would make a great team. Patricia, who I recently reconnected with on Facebook and just got to see for a moment in April. All these people make my life richer, and a little lonely at times too, because they are far away.

It's just one of those lonely days. Especially when compared with Monday. Pardon my pity party. It will be over soon, I promise. How can it not be when this is what I get to see everyday:

Happy babies make great SSRI's.

Labels: General Bitching, Things I Should Keep to Myself

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Daily Verses DATE:Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 2:57:00 PM EDT Oh, how I can relate. I really wish we lived closer. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amy DATE:Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 3:30:00 PM EDT I wish all the time that we could hang out in person. I think if we lived closer to each other, we'd be joined at the hip.

I'm sorry you're being disappointed over and over again. It's not fair. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becky DATE:Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 4:02:00 PM EDT I get it, I totally get it!! I'd love more than anything for me and my kiddos to come hang out with you and your crew. Maybe someday, maybe someday!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Patricia DATE:Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 5:37:00 PM EDT Oh Marty! You are so kind to say such a thing -- I've missed you so very much. And I was afraid I was one of those who had let you down. I could almost see the thread spinning out and snapping apart across the reception hall. I very much wish you and I had had longer to talk. I said that to Fran, who told me -- in her wise way -- that it was my father's day.

I understand, so much, about being lonely. I do. I am wistful by nature anyway, and the Internet makes it hard sometimes to feel anchored to the world. But you are a fine writer, and I find myself connected to you, even at a remove, because what you write is exact, is in the moment. I want to write like you do when I grow up.

There. Your novel for the day. Or something. Oh -- and the character-verification word required for this posting had "sing" in it. More than appropriate!

Thank you again, many times. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 8:05:00 PM EDT So glad you're coming over tomorrow (and Friday) -- thanks for calling! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mem DATE:Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 8:47:00 PM EDT im here, in the flesh....if you are interested ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 10:09:00 PM EDT Oh I know. I really worry about the state of my sanity when I have sent all my kids off to school. Who knows how many years the majority of my conversations, daily interactions, and general socializing will revolve around someone under 4 feet tall?!?

It's gotten so bad, I can't even keep up during the few times I do get to interact with grown-ups. I tend to feel myself being pulled toward the company of the kids in the room.

We should definitely hang-out more... Then at least more days could be like Monday!

-Abby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gail DATE:Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 8:07:00 AM EDT I completely disconnected from the internet and most of it's relationships, I hope you've not felt the crunch of that. I just can't "do it" anymore and I think you know what I mean.

But I also understand how you feel. Hugs. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Dear Asshole Who Just Stole My Purse DATE: 1/16/2010 06:16:00 PM ----- BODY:

Dear Asshole Who Just Stole My Purse,

Really? You take purses from the parking lot of a nice city park where families take their children to play? Did you happen to notice that I'm 39 weeks pregnant and toting around a 2 year old? Did it occur to you that carrying a purse too was just too much for me today?

I guess you did, since you stole it right out of my car.

All the cards and checks are canceled. The phone too. I don't carry cash. There is nothing for you there except my address. Which, if you had any decency about you, you would just drop off my favorite bag intact some time tonight. At which point I will forgive you and we'll call things even.

You took the pictures of my son that were on my phone. You took my day planner and all the information on my son's upcoming surgery. You took our evening. You've certainly tested my ability to hold it together.

I hope that you found my blogging business cards and come by for a peek. There was nothing for you to gain by taking my purse. If you happen to be the little shits who were throwing mulch all over the place where toddlers were trying to play, then yay for you. Maybe you feel some vindication because we asked you to stop.

More than likely, you're just some asshole who ruined our afternoon and took my most favorite Holly Aiken bag. Congratulations. I wish I had the pleasure of being around when karma comes back to you and gives it to you good.

Sincerely,
The sucker who forgot to lock her car today

Labels: General Bitching, Just plain pissed

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 7:52:00 PM EST That sucks royally. Seriously, WTF?

-Abby

Surgery for C? What's that about? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gail DATE:Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 8:11:00 PM EST Oh no M. I am so sorry! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 8:22:00 PM EST I feel totally responsible since you wouldn't have been there otherwise. Ugh. Am just sick for you about this. Have had mine stolen before and know the pain all too well. Please call if we can do anything. (This is CSO from PSO's computer) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

nikki DATE:Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 8:59:00 PM EST NO. I can't believe it, Marty. I'm just sickened for you -- so very sorry.

The thief will learn someday that karma's a bitch. I'm sure of it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 9:20:00 PM EST Bastard. If you are going to take a purse, please have the decency to take the money you can find and leave the rest because nothing sucks more than having to go to the DMV. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Brenda F. DATE:Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 3:33:00 PM EST Just be so careful because now they know when you are going to be home and when you have a appointment. I have a friend that just had their house broken into and the police think they had been watching the house.. Well now these assholes know when all of your appointments are.. It would be nice if the police could do a little extra watch on your home while you are away, you never know they might save your belongings or these assholes may have dumped your purse and thought nothing else about it. Just be careful, if these people are brave enough to take a purse out of a car in the day light you never know what else they will do.. Brenda from AZ ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 4:21:00 PM EST That sucks!

But Bird? Bird has surgery?

Am dialing you now. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

clifford DATE:Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:24:00 AM EST Hell hath no fury like Margaret pissed off... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Holly DATE:Friday, January 22, 2010 at 11:54:00 AM EST Hi Marty,

I read your blog about your purse being stolen. What a jerk! I know I can't get back all the time and memories you lost with your purse but I would love to remake the bag for you for FREE. Please email me or stop by Stitch in downtown Raleigh and we will hook you up.

-Holly Aiken
info@hollyaiken.com
919-833-8770 ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Марина DATE:Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 6:22:00 AM EST www.primaloans.com
Any questions about loans? You may ask me – I feel as an expert now! And all what I had to do was to read the information on primaloans.com. I am jut happy that I found this site! It helped me a lot –I made my choice within an hour and tomorrow I will be a happy loan owner. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: My 12 days of Christmas DATE: 12/24/2009 12:47:00 PM ----- BODY:

On the first day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
A broken washing machine.

On the second day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the third day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the fourth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the fifth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Thirty days of Zoloft
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the sixth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
More rain in the forecast
Thirty days of Zoloft
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the seventh day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
No energy for baking
More rain in the forecast
Thirty days of Zoloft
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the eighth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
A dirty dirty house
No energy for baking
More rain in the forecast
Thirty days of Zoloft
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the ninth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
A daddy in the hospital
A dirty dirty house
No energy for baking
More rain in the forecast
Thirty days of Zoloft
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the tenth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Braxton Hicks contractions
A daddy in the hospital
A dirty dirty house
No energy for baking
More rain in the forecast
Thirty days of Zoloft
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the eleventh day of Christmas
My true love gave to me
Dog poop on the floor
Braxton Hicks contractions
A daddy in the hospital
A dirty dirty house
No energy for baking
More rain in the forecast
Thirty days of Zoloft
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

On the twelfth day of Christmas
My true love gave to me.
A high of 65
Dog poop on the floor
Braxton Hicks contractions
A daddy in the hospital
A dirty dirty house
No energy for baking
More rain in the forecast
Thirty days of Zoloft
A sprained ankle on the right foot
A broken toe on the left foot
Bird's double ear infection
And a broken washing machine.

Ho, ho, freaking ho. Thank goodness for the fifth day of Christmas.

Here's to time with whatever part of your family you get to be with, whatever food you get to eat, and however full your stockings are. Christmas is coming tomorrow whether I like it or not. Might as well enjoy it as it is.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

Labels: General Bitching, Holidays

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Hampers DATE:Friday, December 25, 2009 at 10:32:00 AM EST Just gone through your 12 days of Christmas and found it to be interesting. It was nice going through your blog. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amo DATE:Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 9:34:00 PM EST That was funny! I'm so sorry it has been so rough for you guys! But, that sounds like my sentiments exactly this year. Bah humbug!! Glad it is over!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Saturday, December 26, 2009 at 11:41:00 PM EST Please, can you PM me and tell me few more thinks about this, I am really fan of your blog... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 8:42:00 PM EST Merry Christmas, Marty.

What a couple of weeks you've had! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Clifford DATE:Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 11:58:00 PM EST Share the freaking Zoloft. You better. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Clifford DATE:Monday, December 28, 2009 at 12:05:00 AM EST and does anyone else have the strange, urgent desire to tattoo random chinese letters on yourself? Weird. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kris DATE:Monday, December 28, 2009 at 1:56:00 AM EST I'm going to have to agree with that Chinese comment. ;)

Sorry you had a rough 12 days (or so) Hope everything is better soon. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marty, a.k.a. canape DATE:Monday, December 28, 2009 at 2:45:00 PM EST Dang spammers. I guess I'm going to have to put in the authenticate thing again. I really hate it.

Ever since I got splogged, I seem to have a huge non-English speaking "fan base." Yay. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Unfiltered DATE: 12/05/2009 10:39:00 PM ----- BODY:

The birth center called. My thyroid test came back normal. I'm thinking I'm supposed to be glad about that, and I am in regards to no drugs and baby is okay. However, the flip side to that is that if everything is normal, then I'm just a little bit crazy. Awesome.

I suppose if my dear family can hang with me until about June of next year, I'll be leveling out again by then. I'm pretty sure Kevin can hang that long. Poor Papa may not make it though. He is so lucky that I'm comfortable enough around him that I don't feel like I have to fake things. Yes, that was sarcasm.

If I could just get a filter, things would be better. Things that actually are annoying, I tend to just call as they are instead of filtering a socially acceptable response. As in, the neighbor who was talking to another neighbor and her two dogs IN my driveway AT naptime. True, it was annoying to have them choose my driveway to stand in with the dogs, thereby driving my dogs insane and waking up Little Bird. However, I wish I could have thought of something to say other than, "Hey, y'all. I'm trying to get my child to sleep and you are driving my dogs insane. Could you please move?" Something nicer. I can only think of meaner things, not nicer ones.

I'm harsh. I know it. No filters. It makes for the crazy to come across even crazier. Awesome.

Labels: Family, Feelers, General Bitching, Neighbors, Things I Should Keep to Myself, Try Try Again

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Sunday, December 6, 2009 at 4:54:00 PM EST Still love you ;) ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Etiquette questions DATE: 11/12/2009 05:43:00 PM ----- BODY:

I have etiquette questions. Not necessarily Emily Post questions, since I don't think she covered Twitter or what's the best way to tell someone to shut up. But questions nonetheless. Feel free to leave me all the assvice you can muster in the comments.

Is it rude to simply copy someone's Tweet and not retweet it properly? Like word for word?
Is it rude to DM someone on Twitter if you don't follow them? So you can't DM them back?
Is there a way to politely let someone know they are constantly spamming you with Facebook and Twitter DM's? I'm assuming I can't start off with, "Hey, stupid."
Non computer related, what do you do when someone constantly pummels your toddler with questions that he can't answer? Over and over and over? Like, "What did you do today? Huh? Huh? What did you do? Did you go to school? Did you play? Huh? Huh? What did you do today?" Not that said toddler would have had time to answer even if he could, but do you step in and answer for him?
On the dairy aisle, where you can't pass other people, what do you do when some dude is coming at you full on with his cart and doesn't cross over when he has the chance? Do you back up and let him through? Stare him down?
What do you say to the person who keeps referring to all the colds your child has had, even though he hasn't had colds, he's just been teething? And you've told him this numerous times?
Is it rude to tell the old man from up the street that if he is going to wander through the construction in your home, that you prefer him to knock first? Since sometimes you like to walk through the completely exposed kitchen in your freaking underwear?

You see, my hormones are out of control and I'm a little sensitive lately. So go ahead, coach me.

Labels: General Bitching, Random Thoughts, Things I Should Keep to Myself

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mem DATE:Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 9:08:00 PM EST you sound like me when you are pregnant- if you want real answers i'm happy to oblige... however usually chocolate chips straight from the bag, hot tea, and walt telling me how fabulous i am (after i tell him exactly what to say) usually helps. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Red DATE:Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 9:33:00 PM EST hehe, I also have trouble with people asking Champ questions he can't answer. I still don't know what to do when that happens. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Convertible Girl DATE:Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 10:14:00 PM EST Questions 1-3 I can't help with because I don't tweet and don't know what DM means (I'm so old-school).

4. You could try jumping in and say, "Bird, do you have any idea what this person is asking you?" Okay, maybe rude, but could be funny.

5. Totally stare him down. Especially when you're pregnant and pushing the toddler.

6. Ask the person if he/she has been vaccinated for SARS.

7. No. Although I wouldn't tell him about the underwear because he might actually be into that. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Friday, November 13, 2009 at 12:10:00 AM EST 1. Yes. It should give the author credit.
2. I think so esp when it's crap about the $423.64 they made today.
3. You might ask them if there having any virus problems b/c... Unless it's me then you should just suck it up. ;)
4. Just nod.
5. Act distracted by your toddler, purse, or phone and stand your ground. Don't make eye contact. Of course, I tend to be passive-aggressive so you might not want to listen to me.
6. Give them a huge exaggerated sigh and then cough right in their face. That'd be awesome.
7. Next time he's there, send Kevin in wearing only underwear. That should do it.

Hope that helps.

-Abby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jen DATE:Friday, November 13, 2009 at 8:29:00 AM EST Please get out of my head! Apparently we're hormonal at the same time. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Ellivia DATE:Friday, November 13, 2009 at 3:19:00 PM EST I'm not sure about the Twitter stuff...I am not much of a user myself!

if someone asks my kid questions he can't anser, I start talking for the child. the person should get the hint

i would look dude in the face and smile. when/if he does not move, ask him if his mother forgot to teach him manners, especially since he has no care int he world for a pregnant woman. jerk.

Tell them its swine flu and they better get a vaccine, quick

i would tell him that there are rabid raccons living int he rafters and you dont want him to get hurt. if that fails, tell him it's your property. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Issas Crazy World DATE:Friday, November 13, 2009 at 3:44:00 PM EST Okay, so I have been reading here for months and feel weird that this is my first comment. Or maybe it's my second. Anyway, I hope you don't mind me answering. I'm working on commenting more. :)

1. I think on this one no. Only because when you add the RT and then the persons name, you run out of room sometimes. So on occasion, I will remove a word or two at the end.
2. Personally, I think yes. I have someone who does that to me. If I @ her, she DM's me her response. I always wonder why she can't just @ me back. Then again, I do have her email if I truly want to say something back to her. It is weird though.
3. I'd unfollow. But I'm kind of like that. Ha.
4. I take my kid and walk away. There is a woman in my daughter's school who does this to my son. Then again, she still does it 2 months later.
5. Trip him?
6. Tell him he's got the plague and he'd better watch out, because it's coming his way? Hmm, I am maybe too snarky to answer these questions.
7. Nope. I think that on this one, just tell him that he needs to knock. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Don't take that tone with me DATE: 11/04/2009 07:00:00 AM ----- BODY:

It was a look and tone I was used to getting at the OB's office. It was what initially turned me off on their idea of care in the first place. I was surprised to get it from a midwife yesterday.

It has occurred to me that it might be me. I know, big fat duh. I don't mean though, that it is all me. Just that I might be a little overly sensitive at times (insert the raucous laughter of my husband here). Even so, that look and tone irk me.

The head cocks to one side. The eyebrows raise. The back of the pallette raises and they start their next sentence with "You knoooooooow, you are going to have to . . ."

Dude. I really really hate that.

Yesterday it was in regards to tandem nursing and making sure that Little Bird knows that when the baby comes, Mama's milk is for him.

Fine. Valid point. But my issue is that I've ALREADY BEEN THINKING ABOUT THAT. I don't need the cock and eyebrow. I don't need the tone of "I'm sure you are a moron who hasn't done any of your own preparation." I don't need the assumption that because you are my healthcare provider, you are a deity and need to preach to me.

Sensitive? I suppose so. It just bugs me.

There could be a much better approach. The question could be posed, "Have you thought about how you will help Bird understand what the baby needs when he gets here?" or "Do you think you will have any issues with Bird's nursing once the baby is here?" Something along those lines would start the same conversation, and would also validate the fact that I'm not a dumb ass.

Did I say any of that though? No. I'm such a weakling in an exam room. I should have said something. Instead I just reminded her that Bird is not even two yet, but that yes, we were reading books about new babies and talking about how he will have to share the na-na's because the baby will need them.

It felt like this midwife was telling me not to tandem nurse though, and that really surprised me. Last month, the midwife I saw practically gave me a bear hug when she asked how long I had nursed Bird and I said, "You mean this morning? About 10 minutes." She was really supportive of tandem nursing.

In the end, I guess I just have to stop being so damn sensitive and stop caring what anyone else thinks. It's not that I mean to care - I get a few hours away from it and realize that I've been wasting a bunch of time caring. It's stupid.

I'm going to make decisions that my OB wouldn't have liked. I'm going to make decisions that the midwives won't like. I'm a middle of the road mama, what can I say?

But the head cocking, eyebrow raising, here comes a lecture? I can totally do without that from anyone.

Labels: Bird, Breastfeeding, Butterbean, Feelers, General Bitching, Stupid Me

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

slouchy DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:23:00 AM EST keep after exactly what you want. don't let them get you down. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Red DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 4:04:00 PM EST It is brilliant that you have kept nursing for this long, even more so that you plan on tandem nursing.

You are not the first to tandem with a toddler, so I don't really see the point of the lecture. Women's bodies are designed to provide for two (or more if necessary) children nursing. We rock! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:13:00 PM EST Delurking to send you some support.

I have a 23 month old and a 6 day old and the tandem nursing is going great. My 23 month old is only nursed before bed but he has no issues with the newborn nursing all day long :) I've explained to him that his milk comes at night and that the baby only drinks milk. I was worried how it would all work out but the first night I was home with the baby I was putting my toddler to bed and he said 'my turn for milk'. They are so much smarter than people give them credit for. We have had no issues with jealousy at all, he loves his new brother so much. There is more than enough milk for the both of them, people nurse triplets and more! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mem DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:51:00 PM EST if you want to talk about tandem nursing let me know i nursed stella until she was 2 1/2 and at that point henry was 1. henry nurses here and there- i assume he will nurse more when the milk is back and his lil brother is here. infact i anticipate stella questioning why she is the only one not nursing...
and you must tell me which midwife said that! i am appalled! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Marty, a.k.a. canape DATE:Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:51:00 PM EST And today's comments? Remind me of why I love blogging. Thank you all so much. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Friday, November 6, 2009 at 10:02:00 AM EST I know plenty of folks who have done the tandem nursing thing and it has worked. Usually my friends who have done it have just let the newborn nurse first and the toddler waits. There WILL be enough milk. And besides, even if you were not planning on tandem nursing - this is not the time to wean and make such a big transition. You do what works for you - your OB and your midwife do not live in your house or nurse your children. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Friday, November 6, 2009 at 8:09:00 PM EST Agreed. I like that you know what you want, and you know what your children need. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Hump day, dump day DATE: 10/14/2009 09:56:00 PM ----- BODY:

This was first thing this morning. The City of Raleigh said on our last bill, which was e-freaking-normous, that we were using 625 gallons of water a day. No way.

Kevin checked the meter while all the water was shut off in the house, and it wasn't spinning. There were no signs of water in our front yard. We assumed our meter was whacked and asked them to come check it.

They declared our meter to be working fine and then slapped us with a "leak notice" that came with 48 hours to fix it. Today, in the cold and rain, Kevin and Mr. Rob rented a backhoe and went at it. They replaced the main water line to the house, so there is no more leak. However, in the meantime, they also cut right through the AT&T trunk line for the street.

The "no cuts" people didn't mark that one. Oops.

Our yard, which had such lovely lovely grass, is now a mudhole. Our DIY plumbers are finished and the AT&T crew are finished. We have phone, internet, and water again. It's a trade off for the grass, but what are you going to do?

But wait, there's more.

Here's how happy Little Bird was all day. If it weren't for his big sister being here to play with him, this look would have permanently frozen on his face. His teeth are torturing him. He has top molars that have been coming in for MONTHS. Now, his bottom canines have stalled out in a position where they are close enough to be able to be seen right below the gum, but the gum hasn't broken yet. Add on some awful seasonal allergies that he inherited from both his daddy and his mama, and you have one miserable little boy this week.

Mama ain't happy either.

To top the whole day off, it turns out that the SPCA here is not a no-kill shelter after all. I talked the the adoption center today because a sweet old chihuahua has taken up residence in our kitchen, but he can't stay. If we can't find his family, we are going to have to take him somewhere.

Back to the SPCA though. The adoption center told me that they were no-kill, but that I would have to take the little guy to the lost and found pet center where he might get cleared to go to the adoption center. I feel really deceived, but perhaps I had just been misunderstanding all along. Either way, I can't take him there. He is so old; he will never get cleared for the adoption center.

Poor little dude. He's sleeping soundly on Kevin's lap right now. He can't stay here though. Bird has already tried to sit on him and pet him WAY too enthusiastically. Plus, Aja and Gibson are about 100 times bigger than him and are not excited about the possibility of a new pack member. Plus, plus, the little chihuahua has been growling at the big dogs as though he could take them on at the same time, when in reality, Gibson could eat him in one bite. We are not a good home for this little guy.

Besides, he has a home. It's pretty obvious. He wants to be with people. His fur is evident of long time collar wear. He doesn't stink. He isn't thin. And I don't know how to describe it, but you can tell that he really really wants to go home. It's breaking my heart.

Tomorrow doesn't have to be much better to beat out today. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Labels: Bird, General Bitching, House, Pups

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 1:46:00 PM EDT Bummer about your yard, not to mention the expense.

Have you put up LOST DOG signs? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mamma Pie DATE:Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 7:56:00 PM EDT Maybe Tyler Hansbrough can help you. Just kidding....maybe. But seriously, I will keep my ears open as we know a fair amount of people in Raleigh...also- that whole water business is crummy. Hope it only gets better! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Erika Jean DATE:Friday, October 16, 2009 at 3:34:00 PM EDT sounds like a crappy day! Hope things get better for ya! So you are keeping the dog then??

You son looks miserable, but cute at the same time ;-) ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Letters DATE: 8/31/2009 02:31:00 PM ----- BODY:

Dear Blue Cross Blue Shield,

Thank you for having not one, but two very nice ladies available to help me over the phone today. I now understand better why I had to shell out a large chunk of money for my one routine ultrasound that is supposed to be included in my global maternity plan.

While your customer service people were nice and helpful, it doesn't change the fact that I'm getting screwed here. Having switched from an OB to a midwife will save you a huge amounts of money. The three days that I won't spend in the hospital this time? Will save you a huge amount of money. All of the decisions that I am making in this pregnancy happen to save you huge amounts of money.

So why is it that it's costing me so much more?

Sincerely,
Just another American frustrated with health care and insurance companies

Dear Jardin people,

You make a lovely crib. I did not mean to break it when I was so pissed off earlier today. I now know that I can't yank the rail up that hard. At least not without breaking the little plastic parts on the bottom.

The fact that you are sending me the new parts free of charge and so quickly is very nice, and it makes me wonder if you realize that it's my own damn fault the thing broke in the first place.

Sincerely,
A mommy who seriously needs a break

Dear Glenn,

I'm guessing that working at Babies'R'Us in the furniture department is not your dream job. Maybe you had your sights set on something white collar, 8-5, that came with a company car. I don't know. Maybe, you are really good at retail.

However, I for one, am grateful that you work there. You probably just thought you were doing your job, but unless your job description includes dealing with insanely hormonal pregnant women who cry on the phone to you while their toddlers scream and throw things in the background? Unless it includes that, you went way above and beyond today.

I didn't know the brand, the model number, or where it was made. You knew your cribs so well, that you helped me identify it over the phone by describing a couple of specific parts on it. When you realized that I still had one child using the crib, you asked if you could call me back so you could see if there were parts you could take off a crib in stock so I could have them today.

When you couldn't actually get the parts for me today, you instead gave me the part numbers and phone number and everything else I needed to order them myself so they would get to me faster. You did pretty much everything but come to my house and dial the phone for me.

My day sucked. You not only helped my fix Bird's crib, you helped fix my day. I should probably tell your boss.

Sincerely,
That same mommy who seriously needs a break

Labels: General Bitching, Things I Should Keep to Myself

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa DATE:Monday, August 31, 2009 at 4:20:00 PM EDT Definitely tell Glenn's boss. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Monday, August 31, 2009 at 5:23:00 PM EDT Oh yes, please tell Glenn's boss. Glenn is obviously customer service oriented, although I am willing to bet that a retail job at a place called BabiesRUs means that hormonal pregnant women and tantruming toddlers ARE part of the territory. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amo DATE:Monday, August 31, 2009 at 9:30:00 PM EDT I love the letters idea! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beril DATE:Monday, August 31, 2009 at 11:50:00 PM EDT Uhh as a retail associate.. please tell Glenn's boss. It will make his life better at work. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 7:56:00 AM EDT I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one that has a tendency to break things when I'm angry. Someday when I get a chance to really write again, I'll have to share the story of how I got a new kitchen faucet. ;)

-Abby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jessica DATE:Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 10:41:00 AM EDT I'm so sorry that you totally need a break... I've SO been there :)
Also, what an awesome dude Glenn is. It sounds like regardless of what his dream job is, he's taking this one to heart. I love people like that. They make me super happy :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mamma Pie DATE:Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 6:23:00 PM EDT Have you switched to a birthing center? Specifically...WBAWC? I had my little berry there last August specifically 'cause I didn't want to stay in the hospital when I could be in my own space. Just curious 'cause you're mentioning midwives and I know you've blogged about the place before. They are so, so, SO wonderful. Good luck to you!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mrs. Chicken DATE:Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 8:32:00 AM EDT I hope your day is better today.

xoxoxo ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jenn DATE:Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 9:12:00 AM EDT Your letter to Blue Cross was so much kinder than mine.

And Karma dictates that you must tell Glenn's boss.

And I hope you get that break; I hope that most of all. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Chelsea + Jonathan DATE:Monday, September 7, 2009 at 1:56:00 PM EDT Hey, I'm Abby's sister-in-law and found your blog through hers. I'm getting prenatal care at WBWC and also have BCBS and now wondering... will they not cover the ultrasound because it's not done by the WBWC people but by UNC? Or is it something else? Do I need to do something special to get it covered? Aaah so many questions :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Al_Pal DATE:Friday, October 9, 2009 at 9:37:00 AM EDT Awww, gosh. I hope you got a chance to tell Glenn's boss. ;p ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Nemesis DATE: 8/17/2009 09:53:00 PM ----- BODY:

He's taunting me. I leave the front door open to let in the sunlight through the storm door. When I walk by, he doesn't budge. He dares me to come running out the door, cursing and waving my fists at him.

Sometimes I chase him all the way to the dogwood tree, shaking it until he runs up into the neighboring pine.

Sometimes I just sigh in defeat and kick the storm door. Those times, he sits still on the railing, staring me down, never missing a beat in the rhythmic devouring of the leaf he has stripped from my hibiscus.

I hate that damn squirrel.

"Squirrel" is the newest word in Little Bird's vocabulary. He has learned to go to the front door and yell it out to me, just to see me come running to save another branch of my soon to be naked topiaries. He steps aside and chants, "Squirrel, squirrel, squirrel," rolling the r's in that odd little baby way that he does. He likes it when I make it all the way to the tree shaking.

Gibson stands next to him, drooling. I should let him take care of that squirrel.

It was only the one on the right for awhile. However, today, when I opened the front door for the first time, there he was, hiding behind the planter on the left. He peeped around it, and I swear on my grandmother's box of handwritten recipes, he waved.

I really hate that damn squirrel.

Two weeks ago, my front stoop was flanked by two beautiful hibiscus topiaries full of lovely deep pink blossoms. Today, I didn't even bother to sweep it off or pull the weeds before taking pictures. It wouldn't have mattered. My flowers have been ravaged.

The biggest surprised is that the squirrel didn't stop and pose as I snapped photos of the devastation he has wrought.

He had better watch out. I'm planning my revenge at this very moment, and he just might find himself making a lovely rug for some Barbie's Dream House living room.

Damn squirrel.

Labels: General Bitching, House

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Monday, August 17, 2009 at 11:25:00 PM EDT You should let Gibson at him. That would teach him.

That's just awful that a squirrel has destroyed your flowers when he has so many trees to play in.

That's it. I'll bet he's seeking revenge for the trees that Cyndi cut down. Maybe his home was removed and he's taking his anger out on the neighbors. ;)

-Abby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 9:00:00 AM EDT Sounds like he's got a little too much personality! We need video of C rolling his Rs and saying squirrel :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather DATE:Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 11:14:00 AM EDT We have a chipmunk who does the same! He knocks on our sliding glass door and yells at us. It's unbelievable! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mem DATE:Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 1:29:00 PM EDT my in laws feed the birds- which also means the squirrels and the chipmunks and the racoons and the fox. all of which can be seen from their back porch. when they are away it is our job to fill the feeders...and sometimes we are a little slack. and let me tell you those animals get aggressive. banging on the glass, yelling. they have even destroyed a plant or two to let us know that they mean business.
i'd let me dogs out after them. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 1:57:00 PM EDT Let the dog have at him. He won't come back. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Candygirlflies DATE:Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 8:54:00 AM EDT Oh, you and I are now waging the same battle! The backyard bandit at MY house ate my precious stargazer lilies before they even had a chance to bloom... stole all my tulip bulbs... has shattered my bird feeders...

My favourite methods to thwart him?

A product called "critter ridder" sprinkled along the top of the fence that he bounces along, and BEST METHOD OF ALL? A recording of the call of the Great Horned Owl, played loudly from our back window the minute he sets foot on our property!! Works like a charm, and is damned funny to watch.

Good luck!! Don't let the little fecker win.

xo CGF ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Not permitted DATE: 4/15/2009 04:40:00 PM ----- BODY:

We have permits now for the work about to be done on our house. It took two trips to the office; one to get the paperwork and another to return it. The first trip that Little Bird and I took to the office took a long time because the permits lady was being incredibly helpful. And I don't say that sarcastically. She really was helpful.

The whole time she was meticulously gathering every scrap of paperwork I needed to obtain a permit from the city to even pee in my own yard, I was chasing Bird around the empty waiting room. He was intently interested in the goldfish and the telephone. He refused to be held, and I didn't have the stroller. He also enjoyed the water bottle they had on the floor by the front window - I guess to water their plants.

I kept retrieving him and trying to give him something else to be interested in, but he just kept going back to that damn phone. After every apology I issued to the lady helping me, she would say, "That's alright. He's not hurting anything." Still, I kept him under a tight thumb, because it was a place of business.

Today, I returned with moola and all the paperwork filled in. I also had my Babyhawk in tow. Before we went in the office, I strapped Bird onto my back and handed him his most favorite toy as of Sunday, the wand for the bubbles. He was so much easier to contain while strapped onto my back in his baby straightjacket.

It took forever because of the new lady at the office and because they stop to do whatever else in the middle of what they were already doing. Which is inefficient and annoying. It bugs me when I'm standing right there and yet three phone calls that came in after me get their attention away from what they were doing for me. That's what the hold button is for, people.

After everything was finally completed and we were about to leave, the woman who helped us on the first visit begins to tell me how much cuter my child was today. I honestly thought maybe his hair was brushed or she liked his shirt better or something. I wasn't sure, but then she said,

"Yes Sir, you are much cuter today than you were when you were tearing up my waiting room. I'm glad I don't have to spend all that time cleaning up after you today."

Um, WHAT? Did you seriously just say that to me and my baby? First of all, he didn't tear anything up in the waiting room. I wouldn't allow that. Second of all, I moved the telephone and the water bottle so that he couldn't reach them anymore, and I put them back just like I found them before we left. I even took a once around the room before leaving to make sure that everything was in it's place.

I replied to her, "I'm sure that I put everything back before we left, but I'm sorry that he bothered you."

Then she just said how much cuter he was again.

I guess I really am too sensitive, but she pissed me off. He's a baby for crying out loud. Babies get into things. He's curious and loves to explore. He was just being a baby. And I was just being a mama - balancing letting him be a baby with making sure that we were respectful to their workplace.

There is only one thing I know for sure, and it is that THAT woman? Doesn't have children. And I just deleted the nasty reason why I could have written. I'll keep that to myself.

Labels: Bird, General Bitching, Just plain pissed, Renovations

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 7:42:00 PM EDT You are NOT overly sensitive! That is beyond rude for her to say to you or to Bird!!
I'm sorry but what a B*tCH!
I am very much the same...my kids stay under a tight thumb and watch when we go anywhere that is not familiar or is in public! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

toddlerplanet DATE:Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 8:34:00 PM EDT Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.

It is NORMAL to have children, and children who act like children. Well-behaved children at least. :-)

Sigh.

Think she's passive agressive much? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 11:07:00 AM EDT That was plain ole rude. I dont have kids and I know that... She was out of line. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Margaret DATE:Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 7:58:00 PM EDT I hear ya loud and clear. I recently took my 5 year old to a pediatric allergist appointment where I also brought my 18 month old. It is clearly a children's office with toys in the exam rooms etc. My 18 month old was acting like an 18 month old and, like you, I was careful to leave things the way they were when we got there. As I was making a follow up appt. the nurse suggested that maybe I should leave my youngest home next time. Are you kidding me?!! I could only look at her with my mouth and eyes wide open. Whatever. There seems to be a huge problem with intolerant people these days. I'm glad you said something. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

@sweetbabboo DATE:Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 8:48:00 PM EDT What a bitch. How did you ever keep from throwing something at her? Seriously. Kids are kids and there's nothing a mother can do to change that so they're gonna leave a mess in their wake. Deal with it, lady.

-Abby ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nicki DATE:Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 9:14:00 PM EDT Well, that was rude of her! How much damage could a little kid do in a waiting room, anyway? Unless he was armed with a permanent marker or something! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Magpie DATE:Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 11:44:00 PM EDT I think the word for her begins with B and rhymes with itch. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stimey DATE:Friday, April 17, 2009 at 12:53:00 PM EDT I would have been irritated too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Clifford DATE:Saturday, April 18, 2009 at 1:07:00 AM EDT Love ya Mar-tay, but yep. You are too sensitive. The lady was just trying to find something somewhat dryly witty and cute to say to you. Feet tend to contact moufs when that happens. Relax dude.

Speaking of which.

It's Super Bulldog Weekend. Where the heck doth you be at? I am eating your hotdogs as we speak. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sarah, Goon Squad Sarah DATE:Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 8:59:00 AM EDT I agree. She does not have children. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 12:22:00 PM EDT Oh my, this is very fitting with a post I am working on regarding a recent trip to Duke Gardens. You are not being over-sensitive (she was) and if you are, you are in good company! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Keeping Up DATE: 1/27/2009 09:51:00 PM ----- BODY:

I've been able to keep up with Marty and know that she had a baby. Her ex-husband realized that everything was for the best when he heard about it.

I can't quote that. It's a second hand conversation that a former friend had with a current friend of mine, and I don't even remember exactly what she told me. But that line keeps playing through my head in one form or another.

This person, a person who violently ejected himself from my life, is able to keep up with me. I don't know how. I don't know why. I do wish that he wouldn't. I do wish that he cared as little about me and what is going on in my life as I do about him and what is going on in his life. When you rip apart a relationship the way he did, you move on.

At least I do.

He is friends with my ex. Hence the information that the birth of my child gave my ex some sort of cosmic peace about our divorce. I'm so thrilled. Good for him.

This is, of course, the same man who announced to me after years of dicking around with no career but plenty of school loans - and I can quote this one, because I will never forget it - "Someone should just give me a job."

His lack of follow through, his inability to live up to promises made, his stagnant lifestyle, all of these things were things he could control. Things he could have changed. Things he could have grown out of. Instead, he is choosing to find peace in our divorce because he is sterile and now I have a child.

Whatever helps him sleep at night.

However, I am in no mood to sit back and just let him be the victim anymore. He got a bum lot in life, not being able to have kids. I signed on for that bum lot with eyes open. We agreed that we wanted a family. Adoption is hard and costly and impossible when one of you quits their job and "goes back to school" right when you finish the application.

His choices, made long before I left him, should give him peace about the divorce. Not having to live with me anymore, as I had become a very unhappy, very mean person, should give him peace about the divorce. Being given a "get out of jail free" card to officially renig on every promise he made and couldn't keep should give him peace.

I will never understand why people wallow in the past the way they do. I guess I do it too in some ways. I mourn friendships that have played out. I get disappointed when people I trusted let me down.

But I don't seek out the people who have hurt me. I don't Google them. I don't continue following their lives. I have a switch that I can turn, and I simply don't care anymore. I'm not sure that's a good thing. It's most certainly a survival tactic. For someone whose feelings get hurt as easily as mine do, it's a must. Mend the wound and prevent it from being reopened.

Besides, how smart is it to continue to immerse yourself in the life of someone who you know doesn't care about you? It's not smart at all. It's stupid to continue to watch from the sidelines, whether you are watching to see them fail, watching wistfully, or watching out of some sick curiosity. It's only hurting yourself.

Someone, more than one person actually, sent me the link to my ex-husband's blog. It's easy to find if you know the name of the band we had back in Mississippi. I don't go there though. It's his space, and I made a very clear legal decision that I don't wish to share space with him anymore. In theory, I wish him well and hope he's alright. In reality, I barely remember him.

And the people who used to be friends? Those wounds have lost their scabs and earned their scars. I don't wonder about them. I don't ask about them. It's done. I consider myself cleansed of some nasty toxic relationships.

Yet they still "keep up." Amazing. I am so not that interesting. Really.

Labels: Divorce, General Bitching, Things I Should Keep to Myself

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beautifully Unique DATE:Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 6:01:00 PM EST What is it with exes keeping up? My ex sil called a few months ago out of the blue and mentioned that she had heard about me having a baby. We don't even share friends, why ya snoopin?

I nominated you for an award on my blog. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Spacemom DATE:Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 12:42:00 PM EST First, I am sorry about your loss... I've been unable to keep up with my blogs lately.

Second, some people still cling to what they have lost (your ex is that person). They fail to be able to move forward. Why? I don't know. Maybe there was something there that he is afraid of moving from.

But you don't have to let him bother you.

Hugs.... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Clifford DATE:Monday, February 2, 2009 at 9:50:00 PM EST Whoa. Hell hath no fury like...M@rty. :D ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Shut up and file DATE: 7/10/2008 10:29:00 PM ----- BODY:

Seriously. Just because I cannot for the life of me understand what you are trying to say to me in English doesn't mean that I don't know that you are ridiculing me to your fellow nail techs in Vietnamese.

And yet I tipped you anyway.

It wasn't even a fabulous pedicure. And the chair? Had a cue ball sized massage thing going on in my butt crack.

Next time? You had better offer me wine like the woman sitting next to me had. I don't care if it comes in a plastic cup or not.

I can certainly understand you when you say "white" or "red."

Labels: General Bitching

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

pastormargaret DATE:Friday, July 11, 2008 at 7:26:00 PM EDT Until I met Stacy, I endured the foreign language and all the laughing that I was sure was at my expense. Now with Stacy who speaks West Tennessee English I am pampered and enjoy good conversation all the while--surely one of life's luxuries. Find a spa where English is spoken. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Stella DATE:Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 9:24:00 AM EDT I've been on a hunt to find a place where the techs speak English. The last time I got my nails done I was the only one in the place and I could tell they were talking about me and getting me out as quickly as possible so they could close early!
SO UNCOMFORTABLE! I don't think I'm going back!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 7:56:00 AM EDT Well! I won't suggest that salon while I'm there for a peddie!

I used to make the techs teach me Vietnamese, but all they would teach me is dirty words.. it was fun. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 9:43:00 PM EDT I hate those places!! Although the last nail lady I liked worked in one. But they didn't talk over my head...she wasn't like the rest of em, at least when I was there... ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Blue DATE: 6/16/2008 02:12:00 PM ----- BODY:

Do you ever have one of those days when you have a dozen things to write about swirling around in your head, but you are just too blue to get any of them out well?

I miss my mom who left this morning.

Nothing else seems worth saying.

Labels: General Bitching, Momma

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lisa DATE:Monday, June 16, 2008 at 2:30:00 PM EDT Am sorry to hear you're blue. Can completely see why tho.

Am catching up on what I've missed lately. Love the meme you created. Very cool. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Andria and Co. DATE:Monday, June 16, 2008 at 3:36:00 PM EDT (((Hugs))) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Susie DATE:Monday, June 16, 2008 at 6:14:00 PM EDT I always feel the same way when my parents leave. I'm so excited to have them arrive. It's mostly really easy having them here. Then we might get on each other's nerves and it is time for them to go. And then as they are packing up the car, I get so sad and start to miss them already. Sigh... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at 6:28:00 AM EDT Well, that explains it. Makes me sad too. Love & Hugs ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Stupid rotten weekend end DATE: 5/26/2008 09:16:00 PM ----- BODY:

Mastitis is mean.

Now that Bird and I are finally nursing like a team, we've switched our nighttime feedings to the side lying position. I was getting more sleep at night, he was enjoying sleeping right up next to me, and all seemed to be good.

Unfortunately, the side lying position leaves me with clogged ducts by the morning. Twice now, these clogged ducts have developed into mastitis before I can get them unclogged.

It hurts. I get a fever. It feels like the flu, and it feels like someone kicked me in the boob really hard. I don't like it.

That was the first half of the weekend. The second half of the weekend consisted of Guy getting a ticket in my Jeep because I totally forgot to renew the registration. It was due in January. I was a little preoccupied and never got around to it. It couldn't be me that got the ticket though, it had to be him. Fair.

Topping it all off? I got one of my high school students to come take care of the dogs while we were away a few nights. I was paying him to come over four times a day. He was to let them out, feed them, play with them, and clean up any messes that poor old Pupstar might have made. She's older and has a bladder issue. It's mostly controlled with medication, but she still has the occasional accident.

I don't know what he did, but it wasn't what we agreed on. We came home to a total disaster. The dining room floors are ruined because dog pee soaked into them. There were days of dog mess all over the floors. We could tell by how much food was left that he hadn't been feeding them. How we knew he had been there at all was because the door to the music studio was open when we had left it closed, thereby allowing the dogs to pee and poop in that room as well.

When I called him, he said that he had been here that morning and there was no mess.

I don't know what to do about that. He isn't being honest. I've taught him for almost 10 years, and I love him dearly, and now he isn't being honest with me. There were days of mess in the house. Days.

It's so very disappointing.

And Guy's floor? Ruined.

I will have to talk to the boy more about this. I haven't paid him yet, and I'm waiting for him to tell me how many times he came over until I do. I think I'm going to pay him based on his word even though I'm pretty sure he is going to lie to me again.

I expected so much more from him. I've always gotten so much more from him. It could just be a stupid teenager mistake.

But Guy's floors. And my poor dogs who missed I don't know how many meals, missed their medication, and were relegated to pee and poop where they knew they shouldn't. They tried. It was all up next to the back wall of the house - as close to the backyard as they could get without being able to be there.

So disappointing.

In a way, I'm really glad this weekend is over. Another post is due about the wonderful parts of the weekend. There were many wonderful parts. But tonight is just for the whining.

Labels: General Bitching, Just plain pissed, Pups

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gail DATE:Monday, May 26, 2008 at 11:08:00 PM EDT Bummer.. I am sorry there was anything to whine about but am anxious to hear the good. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Two Lines On a Stick DATE:Monday, May 26, 2008 at 11:49:00 PM EDT Dude, I wouldn't freaking pay him for that. That's just cruel to the dogs, and shows a lack of respect for you. He doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt on this one :( ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jenn DATE:Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 3:51:00 AM EDT I don't think I'd pay him the full agreed upon amount. He didn't do the full job, so he should be paid accordingly. I'd make it a point to talk to him with his parent there though. So that they know WHY you aren't paying him the full fee. I'd bet that they will realize that your right, especially when you show them the ruined floors, etc. Poor pups and poor you. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

katy DATE:Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 7:02:00 AM EDT I have a friend who paid someone to take care of her lab and her labs puppies while they were on vacation. The puppies were starved half to death (one actually died) when they got home because he didn't bother to take care of them either. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 8:02:00 AM EDT I am so sory that he did that! I wouldn't pay him the full amount. I hope he fesses up. Those poor puppies! Damn him!

Glad there was some fun in there though! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Patience DATE:Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 8:35:00 AM EDT Don't pay him! He didn't do the job, he knows he didn't do the job! He should be over cleaning up the mess!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

the new girl DATE:Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 8:36:00 PM EDT Oh Canape,
That's so terrible. I don't think I'd pay him either, really.

Horrible. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 4:47:00 PM EDT Oh, NO! I feel so horribly guilty for taking you away from the dogs this weekend. Poor babies. It must have been just awful to come home to that.

Are they recovered?

(I think you should come back here immediately to recuperate. Oh, wait. That won't help. Maybe we should all get away WITH the dogs and kids. Ahhh, I'm dreaming of that already.)

Miss you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Clifford DATE:Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 6:35:00 PM EDT Kick him squarely in the jimmies. SQUARELY. Dog poop and pee in hardwood floors. Ugh. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

annie DATE:Sunday, June 1, 2008 at 5:47:00 PM EDT I feel for your pain (mastitis). It's always been a barometer for me. Clogged ducts. They're a sign I've reached a bit too far and need to spend some time in bed with the baby. My husband has learned to take them as a form of marital communication. ;) ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Here's the can and there are worms everywhere DATE: 4/24/2008 10:43:00 AM ----- BODY:

I have always read mommyblogs. The first two that I started reading were Kristen and Zoot. From there, I just followed links and made my way through the mommyblogosphere finding other blogs that I liked as well.

I wasn't a mommy then. I wasn't even pregnant.

After several months of blogging for me, my friend Bach, and Susan, I did get pregnant. Somewhere along the lines, other people started reading here, and when I had my miscarriage, out came the comments of support from people I didn't even know were there. I soon discovered sitemeter and technorati and the fact that there is a whole community of bloggers who can become your friends.

Now that I am a mommy, I find myself at a loss for words in this space. I've talked extensively about breastfeeding, and it was extremely helpful to have everyone supporting me through that. I wouldn't still be nursing today without it.

But really, I don't know what else to say anymore. I'm not sure I can find my voice as a blogger who has become a mommy. I'm not sure that my voice as just me can speak freely either.

There is a problem. Lovely's mother reads these words and then plays Spanish Inquisition with her about the bits and pieces she learns here. That is completely unfair to Lovely. I try to not let the knowledge that Guy's Ex comes here factor into my writing, but of course I do put a censor on some things because of it. Now that a simple post about house hunting caused Lovely pain upon returning to her mom's house, I question whether or not even having the blog is worth it.

Of course, the Ex claims not to read it. She claims not to be here. So I'm banking on the fact that if she really wants for her daughter to believe that, she won't hold this post against Lovely and be angry for her telling us that she is tired of getting yelled at and having questions about us fired at her. Because if she does, then Lovely will know that she is lying when she tells her she doesn't read my words.

It's hard to know what to do.

I don't want to keep up a boring blog just to have it simply exist.

I don't want to give Guy's ex-wife information to hold against her daughter.

I don't want to quit writing though.

By the way, while I'm outing the Ex, I should mention that she prefers to go by "Wife #1" which is okay with me. I would much rather be Guy's second and last wife than the first wife anyway. Out of respect to her wishes, I'll stop calling her the Ex and make the polite switch to Wife #1. That should make her somewhat happy.

Edited to add:
Please don't leave disparaging comments about Wife #1 since this isn't her space and she can't really defend herself here except through leaving a comment. I don't want it to turn into a comment war. Besides, I know what you cats are capable of with your words. Hissssss.

Labels: Blogging Innards, General Bitching, Things I Should Keep to Myself

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

twithhoney DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 11:50:00 AM EDT I have seen a few other bloggers in the same or a similar predicament. Some quit blogging - the child/family was too important to them. Others started a new blog, one they kept anonymous. If readers wanted to know the new blog's URL they could request it by email.

The new anonymous blog allowed them to write about whatever they wanted to. By having readers request the new URL by email they could keep trusted readers and maintain their secret. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 11:50:00 AM EDT Hope things get better, for Lovely's sake :)

{{hugs}} ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Andria and Co. DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 12:09:00 PM EDT Hmm. The problem with a new blog, is that certain PEOPLE know who your friends are. They click out, and visit those blogs. I am predicting, that if you abandoned this blog, a certain PERSON would stalk all of your friends, and go through their comments, trying to find you. KWIM?

I hope things improve. That poor little girl... That's all I'm going to say. Just, that poor girl. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mamma DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 12:13:00 PM EDT You cannot stop blogging. Nope. Sorry.

Pull and Ivy Brown. Change your URL and email your readers the new link. We'll follow. I promise.

But you're not allowed to stop. If it weren't for blogging, I'd never have you for a friend and that is NOT okay.

And give Lovely a squeeze for me. Hope things are better for her--especially at this tough age. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Sarah and Shannon DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 12:29:00 PM EDT Oh, these blogs, they do cause trouble. I know what you mean, though. I gave up Mommy, Ph.D. even though I loved it. I hope things get better--I'd hate to lose your voice. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 1:32:00 PM EDT I know that is a super difficult place to be. I have another friend in a similar situation. She went to an anonymous blog with an email invite only link.

What about making this an invite only blog? I know other people that do that.

I would hate to have you not blog. Because then I'd have to acutally use a phone and call you once a week to check in and find out how cute Christopher has gotten. And well, I'm not a phone person. But if that is the path you choose, I would understand and suck it up and use the damn phone.

I'm sorry you're stuck. I hope you get unstuck soon.

(ps. talked husband into coming to see you all in late summer.. I will HAVE to talk to you soon about the trip and dates! Hope there's golf near you, otherwise I lied! I'm very excited - and was going to wait to make that announcement but blah - here it is!) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

k DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 3:12:00 PM EDT I could say alot here but I'm not. What I will say is I'm sorry your in this position, and I hope it all works out...I love your blog :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

K DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 8:35:00 PM EDT I'd miss you also. Hope things improve. Sometimes talking about things helps? I'm not a mom but I do enjoy reading! :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Steph DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 8:47:00 PM EDT (((HUGS))) I hope things get better for Lovely's sake too. I enjoy reading your blog, but understand that feel like you cant write freely! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

useless_rambler DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 9:40:00 PM EDT Poor Lovely :( That's just sad.

I know what you mean, tho. I censor, for different reasons, but I do. My blog is so vanilla compared to what I'd really like to say. I've often thought of going completely anon, not even telling the hubs. Maybe someday...

I'm just glad my ex is computer illiterate... otherwise, I'd probably never have started!!

Hugs to you & Lovely!
xoxox ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Candygirlflies DATE:Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 9:51:00 PM EDT Poor Lovely. Blessings to you for making it so clear that HER feelings are so important. You are a good woman, Canape, and a great mom.

If you need to make this blog "invite-only", we, your friends, will understand! Just be sure to add me to your list, okay? As long as you're writing, I'll be out here reading.

Love to you-- xo CGF ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

DC DATE:Friday, April 25, 2008 at 12:53:00 AM EDT Unfortunately, rectal cranial impaction happens sometimes.

Don't let it stifle your voice. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

pastormargaret DATE:Friday, April 25, 2008 at 9:31:00 PM EDT My "mother tiger" instinct threatens to say a thing or two myself. How dare anyone use a child in such a way? Grrrrrr. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

labugga DATE:Friday, April 25, 2008 at 9:53:00 PM EDT I have no words. I don't understand, and I'm sorry. But if it wasn't a blog post, would it be something else? I would hate for you to give up your outlet only to find something else opens the can again.

Hugs to you and your Lovely. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Space Mom DATE:Friday, April 25, 2008 at 10:42:00 PM EDT Poor Lovely. She doesn't deserve that. Can she make her feelings known? That she doesn't want to be a go between?

You should not hide your voice. Say what you need. Obviously, you should not violate Lovely's privacy, but you should certainly feel comfortable writing about your life. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Jenn DATE:Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 12:32:00 PM EDT I can't imagine what possesses some people. Your outlet is exactly that YOUR outlet. Hopefully you can find a level of sharing vs. censorship that is perfect for your needs.

Lovely knows how much you love her as a person in her own right and as Guy's daughter. She's so lucky to have you. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 3:52:00 PM EDT Yowsers. I'd hate to see you leave, but understand your concern for Lovely.

Poor babe. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather L. DATE:Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 5:46:00 PM EDT I hope things get better. :) I am also always worried that someone i know will find my blog, which is probably why i haven't written on mine in a while. I would be sad if you stopped blogging. :( I would understand but i would be sad. You helped me in my darkest hour. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Kathy's Surprise Party DATE:Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:51:00 PM EDT In the last 7 months I have felt the same way about blogging - well mostly. I haven't had time, feel stupid and can't think straight from lack of sleep - so blogging is tough. Please stick it out. It will get easier to juggle, and all those other bloggers out there really help you when you need it most. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Anonymous DATE:Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 5:55:00 AM EDT Protect and clean your PC.
When searching for an antispyware scanner that will protect and clean your PC it can get a little confusing. There are so many available it’s hard to know which one will work the best. If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried a variety of them all and found they basically all find the same types of bugs. Through my experimenting I’ve found that the antispyware solution from Search-and-destroy at (http://www.Search-and-destroy.com) works the best. Search-and-destroy Antispyware cleans and protects my computer just as good as any scanner, it gets rid of those nasty bugs and it does it all for less than many of the others available. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: Monday Monday DATE: 4/07/2008 06:34:00 PM ----- BODY:

What a very typical Monday.

I put my husband on a plane to fly to the other side of the world and be gone for a week.

When I get home, I get to clean up dog pee from my geriatric pooch.

Right now? I should be working on the symphony scores that needed to be completed some time last week. I should be starting the second one that is simply an empty score right now. I should be being productive.

Instead, I accidentally plugged the headphones into a video jack. Freaked my little Viao right out. The screen looks like it gained 80 pounds. Everything is fat and wide now. And there is no sound.

In case you were wondering, having NO SOUND on your computer doesn't make it a good tool for music composition.

And my computer man, my main IT hot babe, my pc hottie? Is somewhere over the Pacific Ocean right about now. Dammit.

To top it all off, his ex-wife is calling the house leaving screaming voice mails. Someone really should tell her that screaming at people doesn't make them want to return the phone call. Especially from another country. Hey wait, I just did. Excellent.

I'm ready for some warmer weather full of sunshine. Bird and I have some more walking to do. The baby weight is gone. That's not a lot to celebrate though. I would like to put these size 14 jeans away for good. So walk we must. Plus, Bird digs it, and so do I. We like a good long walk.

Tuesday, I have higher hopes for you. An early morning visit from a friend, and later we'll have lunch with Bach. It will certainly be a better day.

Labels: General Bitching

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Mamma DATE:Monday, April 7, 2008 at 8:04:00 PM EDT I can't believe what a cuckoo she is. And who knew putting the headphones in the wrong outlet would do that??

Definitely hoping tomorrow is better. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Andria DATE:Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 12:14:00 AM EDT Ok, the ex needs to get her over insane jealousy. Seriously, can you be any more passive aggressive, or petty? Thank goodness Lovely has you. That woman is going to drive her daughter away with her constant state of ill behaviors. Argh. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 6:24:00 AM EDT Is Mama right - did you put them in the wrong jack? Can I laugh at you hysterically?

See.. you're doing fine! No worries! Hope the week goes super fast. With wonderful days before it's gone.

Today is one day in a thousand. Live this ONE day. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Becki DATE:Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 3:19:00 PM EDT Yikes!
Hope the computer thing gets straightened out quick for you! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 4:06:00 PM EDT And was Tuesday better? Hmmmmm?

Hope so! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

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regards
www.hyperwebenable.com ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 10:26:00 AM EDT Am missing you . . . will call again today . . . hope all is well with you and Bird. I know you miss Guy. He'll be home soon. . . . ----- --------