Bread, Milk and TP -- it's started already

I have documented that I live and work in the wild suburbs of (as Forrest Gump put it) our Nation's Capital* we are not, by any means the snow capital of anything -- except freaking out when the weatherman/woman/person/chicken/whatever... decides to use the "S" word in a forecast.

Like tomorrow, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving -- the HEAVIEST TRAVEL DAY OF THE YEAR... it's going to (whisper) snow!  (Insert Kermit the Frog waving his arm in panic --- here)

People around here are from every where, so you get a lot of  people who have 1) never seen snow 2) have no clue how to drive in it and 3) completely lose their minds when seeing and/or driving in this mess... AND unlike my hometown area of Western PA - there are not extra good ol' boys with pick up trucks with plows to tend to those pesky back roads and neighborhoods... we have the County Government for that... yeah.

I told Bubba last night we should pack up tonight and head North.  Yes, I will be up basically 19-20 hours depending upon when Bubba decides he can finally leave work the place won't collapse without him there -- anyone checked on the Discovery Channel lately -- are they still around?  ;-)

ANY...way, Aunt Ing's plan for today is coffee, lots and lots of coffee.  Upside its Gingerbread Latte season and there is a buy 5 get one free offer going 'round right now... I have a feeling I will get my free-bee this weekend.  :-D  Tonight if things really start to hit the fan.

I must also document my busy, busy weekend.... Friday was quiet in the fact I got to go home from work early, but no carpool so I "popped" into HQ and got my Dad the mug he requested, and a little something extra - just in case it wasn't the right mug.  They had one on the shelf, he got what they had.   So, after tending to that, I drove home, got a coffee, the line at HQ was too long... plus it was a good thing I didn't wait.. I apparently parked in a "medical tag only" space - so good thing I was in and out in under 20 minutes.  No Mr. Scary HQ police man... I didn't see that bright orange sign why do you ask?  So, headed home, got coffee, enjoyed... walked the dog, got pizza for dinner with an ice cream chaser, read two pages and fell asleep, then woke up, and fell asleep -- it was not a good night.  SO -- up early put turkey in the oven - all prepared the night before - and enjoyed the smells of cooking turkey with my cup of morning tea and cinnamon toast, just a little confusing to me and the dog.

Just as I was about to have an argument with the Bubba/ race out the door for my oil change appointment, the turkey gods smiled upon me and the timer popped and life was good.  Took old Tom T out of the oven, wrapped him up and pushed him ALL the back on the stove and raced out the door.  Arrived a bit late for my appointment but they were so nice, and it was done quickly, I headed home, did laundry, loved the dog, carved the turkey, cleaned up the entire kitchen, and even had some me time.  In between all that .. Bubba too was out running "errands" which as near as I can figure included 1) a massage 2) shopping for a new motorcycle (after picking up  the $5 part he went there for) and 3) tending to too much oil in his car - which caused an issue of a message on his magical mystery screen stating, "oil overfull, please remove excess oil".  At least it was polite.  OH yeah and chatting up the service manager on what new features the 2016 models have...

Then we get home, change, and head out to meet friends for dinner, first stopping off at the local (to where we were going) mall to get some fancy coffee for my office mate.  Apparently he found this place on his overseas trip and wanted to give some out as gifts... he's a great office mate - happy to oblige.  Bummer part was we left WAY too early then had a lot of time to kill walking around the mall, normally not an issue, but I was in girl shoes so my toes weren't happy by the time we headed back to the car... enjoyed a good dinner, walked around happening Bethesda, MD for a bit then headed home.. and really died.

Sunday morning dawned, I slept through it, Bubba got bagels for breakfast, then we raked leaves -- heavens was he grumpy, we got that done, showered and I headed to the lodge, to help get things ready for the big dinner, he arrived, my friend from work, we ate, I cleaned up, made sure we had some left overs and gave some to my buddy, and finally got all cleaned up, and went home and -- yes plopped on the couch and ate cinnamon pecans... hummmm it had been 3 hours since dinner.

Monday dawned - after i got to work - after sleeping in 30 minutes!  Yes, it was a quick shower why do you ask?

I got my nails done Monday night, because the nice lady I pay to clean my house asked to switch days - I have no problem with that one.  And also I know she lets the dog out -- so I had some time to play with.  So, nails done, home, walked Shelby dog, fed her dinner, fed me dinner, talked to Bubba about the above weather situation and then went to a meeting... Tuesday morning was not pretty.  But we are here, ready to deal with Captain Crankypants on the way to PA and remember boys and girls -- these are the days made for flavored coffee and are thankful it's on every corner... at this rate I'll be up until Saturday.  Stay warm, stay dry and stay out of Bubba's way -- who wants to hear him? 

Much love and Happy Thanksgiving - if I don't post before Thursday...


*Admit it you said that line just like Forrest did in the movie -- didn't you???

Well - this weekend is one for the books...

As previously documented we had a visitors this week into the weekend... Bubba was busy all day Saturday.  It was good for me.  :-)

I was up early Saturday for some unknown reason, but I got up and got moving figuring our guest also had to get moving, as did Bubba so me up early, showered, I headed to the grocery store. I needed a cheap turkey for the Ladies' group dinner, and in order to get the cheap turkey you had to spend $25.  So in a "nice" albeit self-serving gesture I loaded the kid up with some basic groceries and got my turkey.

It has been in the fridge since Saturday morning, it's frozen, it should be defrosted by this coming weekend... Bubba today, Sunday, just noticed that 22 pound turkey in the fridge.  I can't make this crap up.  Captain Oblivious is he -- and thank goodness some days no?!?

ANY way - got that done, came home, the boys got moving, headed out, I putzed around, and then Dad came back, I entertained him for a bit, Bubba and the son came home, they then decided that they needed to take my car... into DC, loaded with stuff.  It was peaceful... good things.

I ran some errands, got color tiles for the Girl's group so we can paint chairs -- I got 2 of the 8 I ordered.  I looked up the site, they have one box delivered, 2 more en route and one somewhere... in the wind.  Frankly - that is one detail I am not going to deal with.

Saturday night proved a BIG surprise!  My neighbors planned a surprise anniversary dinner!  At my favorite Italian restaurant.  Friends and family surprised us all - we had a great dinner, then a better dessert, because the liquor was free flowing and Aunt Ing enjoyed.

So to bed, then Sunday up too early - first time at 5:30 to work off the charlie horse that came to visit my left leg, then after walking that one off I popped a little, headache-go-away and laid in bed for oh- 15 minutes then went back to the land of the dead... until the alarm went off.  We met the in-laws for breakfast.

Now - let me put on my big B hat here... my in-laws brought one of A's brood.  I'm sorry but these children are not as cute as my mother in law thinks they are.  Now I will say this kid (the only daughter) did manage to sit through dinner, she nearly pushed her bowl of meat sauce off her spaghetti onto the table - paused that, had to move the salt and pepper shaker, after she went after it for a second time, and we moved flowers out of her way... the kid ate bread and salad for dinner.  OH yeah and a Shirley Temple.

OK so pumped full of sugar we go to my neighbors for cake and goodies, darling great niece is now chasing the dogs around her house.  I was terrified for the china.  But to my neighbor's credit she told her those where her extra special plates (her good china) so she had to be extra careful.  She was...

They left a bit early as the sugar wore off --- I am again an awful person.  I would in no way bring a kid to a party where they weren't expected.... But my darling mother-in-law thinks those darling children are the cat's meow... breakfast Sunday morning was interesting.  This kid ate 1/4 of a pancake none of the egg or bacon my mother-in-law ordered... and then darling great niece got cranky when she was told to stop playing with the rest of pancake she wasn't eating... but all children get cranky when they are told they can't do something they want to do.

I just don't understand why she would bring this kid with her?  That is a special trip for just one?  I frankly would have been less than thrilled if she had brought them all with her... but we now know she only does one at the time... it makes my head hurt to think about it...

ANY way - rant over... GREAT night, great dinner.

Today - today I am a woman possessed... we went to breakfast with the in-laws.  Walked them around our super-duper grocery store.  They headed home.  So did we.

I stripped 3 beds, remade all three, cleaned out the towels and brought that all to the laundry room, I made a favor prototype for my ladies' group that supports the children hospital.  That meeting lasted 30 minutes... the inventory and fridge clean out - another hour.  I went grocery shopping, didn't need much.  I cooked hard boiled eggs for my breakfast at work this week, packed that all up.  I have right now all the laundry done, last load of undies in the dryer.

I did the Ladies' Group deposit, and cut checks. I have a request from Paperback swap - found that book, got it all wrapped and ready for a post office run tomorrow.  I finished some paperwork for the groups, balanced the Ladies' group checkbook, made a list for stuff to remember this week and now here I sit ready to drop dead.  Oh look at the time... Aunt Ing needs to go to bed.

I don't know where this burst of productivity came from - but I like it.  I need at least one per week - maybe two.  I'll let you know.

Signing off... all this accomplishment has just caught up with me... zzzzz

I need forgiveness...

Or to quote my favorite movie... I am awful, hateful people!  I just read on Facebook that an adult who also works with the same girls' group as me got another award.  My reaction was *sigh*.

I'm a bad person, I'm sure she's worked very hard for that... I'm sure she's worked very hard to keep her nose firmly implanted into the nether regions of the chief-who-its-in-charge... and now we see why I am such an awful person.

Other side, I don't have to deal with chief-who-its-in-charge in charge, I don't have to deal with 6000 pounds of paper work I'm sure she deals with because I sure as heck don't want to do it.  Not to mention I have a full time job -- she doesn't. 

Just once I'd like a little, "hey Aunt Ing, good job".  Instead I get, you wear the wrong color shirt, and I get that and all my news 3rd hand.

I will admit, I was asked to put the newsletter on line, via email.  I sent a 5 page proposal how to do that, set up a schedule. theme for each edition, how to track who paid, email versus regular mail... yeah I over achieved.  6000 percent chance she will see all this and sent it off to one of her minions and it will go no where -- again.   Or I could regret every word I am typing here, and she shocks the hell out of me and gives me the darn job....  we shall see....

Whatever...

Big goings-on here at Casa 'de Bubba and Ing... Bubba has a friend from work, that friend has a son who is moving to our area for a job.  The original plan was Dad and son were an overnight, they move into his apartment and away we go - I get dinner out of the deal.  Well... apartment with buddies fell through, one night turned into three, which turned into a shopping trip, in which Bubba and I dropped $100 for the poor kid, he didn't own a pot, a plate or a drinking glass he now has all that and more.  Bubba didn't blink an eye.  This morning when I was up early, I got showered and went to the grocery store, I needed a turkey for the Ladies' group dinner, so I went to the store spent $40 bucks on stuff for us, and for the kid, and got my turkey for the cheap price, and after I tell Bubba I get the grumpy face.  I don't get it... But nor do I care.  :-)  Here you go kiddo - frozen pizza and chips and fruits he won't starve this week.  After that -- its up to him. 

And yet another reason I'm going to fry in hell. 

So, they are all down getting the kid all settled in, I am home, enjoying the peace and quiet - but I need to go and get a birthday gift and card for the neighbor - we're heading to our favorite Italian place for dinner... life right now - not bad.  Except I have to take Bubba's car to go out and get things done... I will be parking away from everyone - just because.

All right - off to go get things done while I have the house to myself...

maybe drop a prayer for me -- I am an awful person. ;-)

Via - Las Overload...

Yes, I'm home.  Yes, we survived.  Yes, we over did it.

Basically it was a sprint from 4 AM Saturday morning until our return at 7 AM Tuesday morning.  I can say it was a good trip, Bubba wasn't Bubba until we were home, and tired, and didn't cranky pants come out in full form - and since I had less that 4 hours of sleep on an airplane with a crying baby no less Aunt Ing was in NO mood to put up with Captain PITA (pain in the a..) in case you forgot.

Let's start at the beginning, it was better.  Up moving and way too early.  I can say the greyhound of the skies frankly wasn't as bad as I expected.  Honestly in Baltimore they were friendly and helpful and very nice - Vegas, maybe because in Vegas it was 10 PM they weren't as perky.

Flight out was uneventful, for which Aunt Ing is always grateful.  We arrived, got to the hotel and was able to check in.  AH.  Yes, we stayed at the Belliago.  It was very nice.  They turned down our bed at night, left chocolates on the night stand and generally took wonderful care of us.  It was a nice change of pace. :-)

We met up with Bubba's friend from high school, and his wife.  Now the friend JM nice guy, funny, in the same industry as me, we can talk.  His wife MN, home maker, grown kids, no apparent outside interests.  And the women takes HOURS to get ready in the morning.  She has that kind of time, me, I'd rather sleep in until 5 than get up at 4 to do my face and clothes.  I'm lazy that way.  Not to mention what is the big deal when you're home??  Half the time when I was home I didn't bother with a face, and clothes weren't a big decision either.  But then again, I don't know her neighborhood, maybe there is a big to do each morning and you have to look your best -- it is California after all. 

I digress -- we met up, had lunch, chatted, wandered, found a comedy show Saturday night, and then Aunt Ing died. 

Saturday night we came back to our hotel room, to a lovely bouquet of flowers chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne!  From Bubba's friends!! OMG.  They made a bigger deal out of our anniversary than we did.   The hotel kicked in a box of chocolate truffles as well - so that made up for that chocolate abomination covered fruit.  We drank the champagne Sunday night.

Sunday we were up and moving - me a whole lot earlier than I wanted to be but I laid in bed and read.

We walked and ate, and gambled a bit and wandered, then changed clothes and went to "old Vegas" aka Fremont Street, and enjoyed a lovely steak dinner.  We got a special dessert plate for our anniversary.  It was really nice. 

Monday was a bit busier as Bubba wanted to go see Counts Kustom Cars.  It's on the History Channel, it make him happy, it really wasn't that big of a deal, I got Bubba a shirt.  Happy Anniversary Honey!  We had to check out :-(  stow our luggage, I even brought my lovely anniversary bouquet home!  Monday we ate dinner at a celebrity chef's place - it was great!

No I have to go off on a bit of a grumble here... Bubba's friend's wife MN, frankly is a serious princess.  Sunday and Monday she met us for lunch!  I quit feeling bad that we made dinner decisions, she grumped over menus, and this, that, and the other perhaps wasn't to her liking... her big lunch decision was the Cheesecake Factor.  Now as much as I love my Cheesecake Factor -- I get get that crap at home.  I want something I can't do at home -- like celebrity Italian Chef I watch every day on the TV... yeah that pasta was serious good eating... OMG. 

ANY way... this was my anniversary, this was my time off - she doesn't work, her kids are grown - you ain't going to ruin my time, because I've stopped worrying about it.  Mostly.  I mean you want her to have a nice time too... but give a little pumpkin.  I also get the impression that she doesn't have to do a lot of that at home... Mama rules that roost. 

But again, I didn't let her rain on my parade.  Her husband is great and frankly MN has gotten a bit better over the years... so why let them ruin my good time??

We took the red eye home Monday night, thankfully I was pooped enough and full of really good wine that sleeping wasn't too much of an issue.  Too much.  I figure I got about 3 hours of sleep on that plane.  I was smart, put in my night guard and took out my contacts.  We got home without issue, got Bubba's car, came home and collected the dog, loved the dog, and promptly laid around like the veggie I felt like.  Cleaning lady came and went, we went out to dinner because I wasn't cooking, and got things ready for our house guests. 

And no they aren't family... go figure.  Bubba has a co-worker whose son is moving to the area, they needed an overnight stop to get things organized so he can move into his new apartment.  When the arrived Wednesday night after I was dead to the world in bed, we found out the shared living space had fallen through so now they were on a scramble to find living quarters for the young man.  They did that all day yesterday.  Apparently I'm going to have a young gentlemen house guest into next week.  BFD.  I'm up at o-dark early -- Bubba may get drafted into one or two days of driving him to the metro or bus station until he gets the routes figured out.  No big deal. 

I took time today to make several to-do lists... yep life is back to that.  It helps keep the crazy at bay - that and Bubba medicated but they won't let me do that.

All righty - I better pretend to be busy and get things in order.  I'm leaving a bit early today because I can, then a massage that I can't wait for, the promise of dinner out, and then the sprint through the weekend to get stuff done, then the sprint through the week, then god help me we're facing Thanksgiving and Christmas... I need a list...

And liquor.

Week 2 back - I made it.

Sweet Mary and the saints above me... another long week.  I documented Monday... Tuesday and Wednesday were the same day, and then Thursday - a meeting in DC... dear God in heaven above what was I thinking agreeing to do this????

Let me 'splain... 1) it rained 2) in DC when anything falls from the sky people lose VAST amounts of IQ points -- all the ones that involve driving.  3) There was an accident on the beltway - headed the way I needed to go to the meeting 4)  Rush hour starts at 3 PM and ends about 8-9 ish depending upon how much and what flavor of crap is falling from the sky...

To sum up - traffic sucked.

I decided to go a different way to avoid said accident and subsequent 4 mile plus back up -- I stopped at every blessed red light from my house to down town DC - oh and did I mention the mile long moguls  course of non-paved (to repave) roads?  Oh yeah baby, between the divots to China and the Mt. Fuji of raised manhole covers.. Aunt Ing had herself one heck of a good time trying to to die or kill those around her...      And she's got no one to blame but herself.

When they announced that the meeting night was the same one as the National Christmas Tree lighting -- Aunt Ing said there was no way on any planet she was making that meeting.  Oh heck no!! Traffic X 30 with people walking everywhere... no no no... just because they say it's tourist season doesn't mean I would get away with mowing down a few who can't figure out that bright red hand means get off the road so I can go -- you know with my bright GREEN light...

Road Rage?  Whatever do mean?  Decaf -- people please.

Where was I?

Oh yeah today is Friday, normally that would be cause for happiness, and in this case is should be as I'm off Monday and Tuesday - but as usual in Aunt Ing's world there is a wrinkle.  Of course its name is Bubba.  We are going to Vegas for the weekend, I am telling everyone of course this is for our 25th wedding anniversary.  Not real sure if Bubba thinks so -- but it's working for me so we'll go with that.  And D-Nile is a river is Egypt.

So... of course it somehow falls to me to get all things done before we go.  And of course my darling husband tosses every roadblock into my to-do list possible.  My goals for today are get nails done, pack, get Shelby's stuff packed and letter printed for neighbors.   Bubba has graciously added go to bank and get cash, and pick up his Lilly white fanny from the car dealership the Bubba uber-mobile needs to go in for something, I'm sure its as mundane as an oil change but with that car I'm sure there is some chanting or incense that must go along with gently stroking of its bumper and soothing words being said over the engine in German.   Or Not.

So - three days in Vegas with Bubba and his high school buddy, and his wife.  Cold be worse. It could be just us.  ;-)   I'll document when I get back....

All right off to go make a list - and another... ans say a small prayer we manage to get through tonight-- with out killing each other.  Happy 25th Anniversary honey-bun!

Yeah I ain't buying that either... where is the bar?

Opps I did it again...

And no I didn't do it in a micro-mini and knee socks - a-la Brittney Spears (Google that one Nana).

This story will require a bit of background... I am the adult advisor to my local girl's group.  You've heard me lament about this group before... I am here for the kids - the adults in the State wide part of this organization can frankly go pound sand.

They have similar feelings about me.

Generally I keep my head down, do my job and since my girls continue to grow, win most prizes in the annual memorization contests and generally follow the rules and get things done... they don't say much.  Basically we keep out of each other's way and it works...

Now flash back to July, where I wore my PA Girls Group "relocated" shirt to the National convention - it wore it to Alumni night!  I am a Pennsylvania Alum!  Apparently MONTHS later they are still talking about it... get over yourselves.

It gets mentioned again and I'm never wearing the yellow Maryland version again...PA Blue all the way baby!! 

ANY way... in that span of time we were granted a chunk of money from the men group of MD.  We were told to submit proposals on how we would spend our allotted cash.  I sent in three proposals - one for an on-line professional media campaign, two for a car service to help get kids from point A to point B around the DC Suburb traffic nightmares and 3 for new chairs that make up part of our meeting room... guess which one we were granted?   Yep - we get new chairs!  It's fine. 

So when we were handed the check, the MD Chick leader told everyone that thank you notes were a MUST!  So since I was home on the last leg of medical leave I banged out a thank you note, took it to the girls at one of our meetings, had them sign it as well and mailed it off.  And didn't I email a copy to our MD Chick leader as well!  She actually replied thanking me for getting that done.   color me amazed in the fact she NEVER replies to me!

OK so fast forward, Head Guy of Men group has his secretary call me, asks all kinds of questions like, where we meet, when we meet, what time do we meet, how long are the meetings... oh crap.

I warn the girls - possible high and mighty visitor at our next meeting, we must be in skirts!  Yikes!

Fast forward to yesterday -- call on cell phone -- need to confirm that we are meeting tonight.  Gulp.  Yep - we are, yes same place and time.  And darn-it didn't Mr. Head Guy of MD Men group show up to our meeting last night.  And he couldn't have been nicer!!  The girls did a great job - I brought cake and milk, and we had ourselves one heck of a regular meeting last night!! 

Now to the part where I poked the bear a bit... (insert evil grin here)... I made sure pictures were taken with Mr. Big Shot - with the girls and of course I posted them on Facebook... yes I did.  Tee, hee hee...

And in a moment to toot my own horn -- Mr. Big Shot said the reason he made the effort to come down and see the girls is because of the thank you we sent.  So if I get flack about it -- that will be my response -- I did what you told me to do, thank the big man for the money.  So there.

Did I mention I wore PA Blue last night???  Yeah I did.  But I didn't get in the picture -- that would have been self serving just a bit too much.  They give me more flack about crap-ola... Ace in the hole is PA Blue.  LOL

Now off to find unpainted chairs within the budgeted amount ... and get them on order that way the promised pics to the Mr. Big Shot will be sent.  Poke, Poke Poke to the bear...

It's wrong to giggle like a teenager like that right?  Yeah I thought so... snort, ahem.  Nope not giggling.. not me... hee hee, ahem...

I'm so bad...