One of the challenges of a school Summer break in this house is trying to find a few spare minutes of "me time" to do things I want to do. Like...blogging, for instance. Or for crafts (after all, Christmas isn't as far away as we'd all like to think! ACK!). Sure, I am sitting here now, blogging away (and not really saying anything), but not without interruption from my 9-year old ball of energy. I do not play video games (okay, I do confess to a mild addiction to Angry Birds, but I play that on my phone, so it doesn't count, right?) but I know way more about them than I should! Well, maybe that isn't true, because I spend most of the time that he is chatting about games and weapons and strategies nodding and pretending to listen! I zone out and take a mental vacation to somewhere serene....ahhhh. As I finished that sentence, my son burst into the room to go on about some game he likes, and to urge me to try them. And, as I typed that sentence, came interruption #2.

It hasn't been all about video games, though, thankfully. Last night, we took him to a local baseball game. I am not a baseball fan, so for me it was boring, but the guys liked it and I like seeing them happy, so it wasn't too unbearable. It was a beautiful night, warm and breezy, and it was nice to just be out of the house for once!

Before the game, my son and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie, because I just couldn't wait to see it any longer!!! To say I loved it would be an understatement. I won't give any spoilers at all, but I will say that I found the film to be moving, exhilirating, witty....anything you could ask for in such a movie, really. I will also say that I was not the only one in the crowd who was sniffling or fumbling for a tissue at certain moments! The moment the credits began to roll, I wanted to see it again! Maybe I can talk the hubby into taking me to see it again.

I'm going to stop here. I am too distracted at the moment to form a complete thought, let alone write one. Just wanted to check in and say hello!

Random Things, thoughts, etc....

Hello!

It's a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and I hope everyone is enjoying it! I ran errands this morning then went out to lunch with my husband and son. After that, my son and I drenched each other with the hose in the backyard! Good times! So now, here I sit, the ipod is on "shuffle" (I like to put it on shuffle now and then--not knowing what will play next makes it feel like I am listening to the best radio station EVER! :) "Wow, how did they know that these are all the songs I love???") and I am staring at the computer screen. Not too much on my mind today, other than how the price of gas really inhibits alot of Summer plans. Grrrr! But, we are all feeling that "pain at the pump", so I won't go on a rant about that today. Instead, I will share with you some random things that have happened to me lately, things I have done, random thoughts I have had, whatever pops into my head as I type. Even I don't know where this little mental journey will take me (oh cool, "Like a Prayer" is starting. How did they know that I love this song?? Hee hee!) so it should be interesting....or not, we'll see.

A couple of nights ago, I was at the mall with my family, and had to make a trip to the ladies' room. I was in the stall, door locked, when all of a sudden, this women started blasting into my stall!! I don't mean that she politely knocked to see if it was occupied, as one might do if they saw a stall door closed, or that she took a quick peek under the door to see if there were feet in there....she forcefully pushed the door open while I was still in there! My cat-like reflexes then kicked in (who knew I had those?) and I lunged the upper half of my torso forward and shoved back on the door as hard as I could with both hands! I think I hit the woman with the door, but I was so annoyed that I only gave her my most sarcastic "excuse me". I think she got the point, though, because I heard her mumble a "sorry" before she took off! One more reason to not like public bathrooms! Geez. When I returned to the family and shared my "traumatic" story, my son laughed like he'd never heard anything funnier!

A couple of weeks ago, I had a "drop-in" visit (as in "surprise! I'm here!) from a relative. I'm not a fan of the dropping-in, unannounced, because I worry too much about what people think of my house or the way I look, etc, and here's a reason why: this relative came into the house, and immediately said "let's clean this place up!" and she proceeded to pick up things and throw things that I USE into the freaking trash!!! This annoyed me to no end, and I nicely tried to stop her from cleaning, but she took over, not caring that it was my house or that I might need some of the things she was tossing. When I would say "I need that", she'd say, "oh, you don't really need that". Let me point out that I am not a hoarder, nor is my house filthy. It isn't museum-quality clean, either, but nothing that I am ashamed of. Even though this bothered me alot, I didn't speak up, because this particular person is someone who easily gets pissed off with a person and holds a grudge for a long time. So, to keep the peace, I let her steamroll through MY house and do what she wanted and just vented to my husband about it later! What is wrong with me??? Even now, as I type this, I fear that she might read it (even though she doesn't have internet) or another relative might read it and tell her about it, and I will suffer her wrath! Pathetic, I know.

School has been out for about 3 weeks now, and I am running out of ideas for entertaining my kid. We are on a small budget for "fun money", and there are only so many times we can run around the backyard with the hose or go for walks in the neighborhood or one of the local playgrounds before that gets old. The local beaches all charge admission as well. We've been going to the library weekly, since Devin is participating in the Summer reading program there--anything to get him away from the video games. (U2's "Electric Co" is now playing, how did they know??? ) We are taking him to a baseball game next weekend, so that's something, right? I am not a sports fan, but my husband took a second job at the ballpark for the summer, grilling burgers and stuff at one of the stands, and he really likes it there and wants us to all go to a game together as a family, so I will go and I will like it! Or, I will pretend to like it and not complain, since he took me to a U2 concert almost 2 years ago, despite the fact that he's not really a U2 fan, so I owe him one. Oh, and he has given himself the nickname "Burgermeister Meisterburger" due to the 2nd job, but I call him "the grillmaster" which he seems to like, too! Hey, I warned you that these would be random thoughts! My mind can be a scary place!!! LOL (U2's "One" is now playing. I won't say it this time!)

Oh, please don't tell my doctor, but I had a Cherry Coolatta today at Dunkin' donuts...and, to quote Katy Perry, "I liked it!". I got some exercise and took a little extra insulin, so that should balance it out. I really only drank 3/4 of it, also. Just don't tell on me, okay? :)

I'm getting really psyched for the new & last Harry Potter film. I loved the books so much, and the movies as well ( Oooh, "Rock n Roll Band" by Boston is on! woo hoo!). So far this Summer, I have seen the following movies at the cinema: "Bridesmaids" (by myself--LOVED it!), "Super 8" (loved that as well!), "Green Lantern" (Devin loved that one. Me? I just liked looking at Ryan Reynolds! YUM!) and "Transformers 3" (I actually enjoyed this one, lots of action). I might take Devin to see "Zookeeper" this week, so we can watch Kevin James fall down alot and see talking animals, we'll see. Dev and I go to matinee shows and don't visit the concession stands when we go (or I sneak in bags of Smartfood popcorn and bottles of water) to save big bucks! Of course, he is already talking about the "Captain America" movie, so I guess I will eventually have to sit through that as well. Makes my boy happy, though, so I am happy to do it. We are really looking forward to our annual week at my mom's house in CT. We go for a week each Summer and swim in her pool and visit. It is so fun and relaxing. (Now playing: "Something About You" by Level 42) Plus, they have Dinosaur state park, which Devin loves, and he has a few haunted places he wants to visit to see if he feels any "paranormal activity"! I love that kid!

So, that's a wrap for now. I will try to keep at this more often, but I can't promise!

Take care!

I'm Still Here!

I realize it has been over a month since I last posted. With end of the school year "stuff" and with me just plain feeling uninspired, I have ignored this blog. I'm not under the illusion that there have been hundreds of "fans" out there, clamouring for my return. I'm just amazed that I have neglected something I have been enjoying so much! Oh well, let's move on!

So, school's out, Summer is in full swing (yippee!), my tomato plant is growing like crazy (I might even get a few tomatoes off it this year, LOL), as are my strawberry & cucumber plants....things are pretty good. I spent most of last week @ my mother's house in CT--a little getaway by myself, to recharge my batteries a bit! I went swimming in the pool, slept in each morning, read the novel "Maine" by J. Courtney Sullivan (pretty good so far, not done yet), and returned home Sunday, quite refreshed. Thanks Mom for the invite! I had a great time, and I really needed the few days without hearing "Mom!" ten thousand times a day! As great a time as I had, though, I was very happy to see my little man when I got home!! He was outside, waiting for me, and as soon as the van stopped, he opened the door and hugged me before I even had a chance to get out! Yes, I loved the fact that I was missed! The cats were waiting for me inside, and couldn't wait to swirl around my ankles when I walked in!

I do plan to get back to my song of the day picks, but today I'm not sure what to choose. For the past few weeks, I have been listening to Lady Gaga's new CD alot, and loving it more with each listen. It is upbeat and fun, which helps lift my mood. I like many types of music, but in the Summer I really lean more toward the more uptempo, for the summer fun aspect, you know?

If anyone reading this has, like me, been watching "The Killing"on AMC, what was up with that ending??? Talk about a cliffhanger!! I heard that AMC has renewed the show for season 2, so my questions, and yours will be answered then. In the meantime, I can console myself with the knowledge that season 4 of "True Blood" premieres this Sunday night!! That show is my Summertime addiction!

So, that is briefly what I have been up to the past month. Now that the lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer are upon us, I hope to devote a little more time to my ramblings!

Curse you Squirrels!!!!

Phew, that feels better! Yes, the squirrels are at it again, eating all my birdseed. No matter how much I think I am "squirrel-proofing" the feeders, those sneaky little devils still find a way to get at the food! Today, my family and I went out for the afternoon, and when we returned home, I discovered that a bell-shaped cake of birdseed had disappeared. This birdseed cake was encased in some plastic netting, so the birds could peck at it, and it was hanging from a thin wire hanger on a very thick post. I could just picture the squirrels laughing and giving me "the finger" as they ripped open that netting and made off with the birdseed. We don't live in a heavily wooded area, so I am choosing to believe that no bears were involved in the food-napping!

Had a pretty good day, despite the cloudiness. Ran some errands with my husband and son, went out to lunch (some would say that I am "out to lunch" all the time, but that is another story!) and then went to a locally-owned record store because I had heard that the cast of the local production of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" would be appearing there at 2:00 to perform a couple of songs to promote the show. I LOVED that movie, but never got to see the stage show, so I was looking forward to this performance. I was not disappointed at all. The band and singers were great, though I don't think Devin knew what to think of it all. For those that are not familiar with "Hedwig", it is about a transgender singer from Berlin, touring the U.S. with her band, The Angry Inch. You can use your imagination as to what the other meaning of the angry inch is. It is described as "an anatomically incorrect glam rock musical", with fantastic music! So, basically, Hedwig is played by a man, wearing a blond flip wig, a dress and tons of make-up, and she is quite lovely. Devin watched them perform the 2 songs, and I was so proud of his reaction. Even though I could tell he didn't totally "get it" at times, he was very respectful during the performance--no giggling, unlike some adults in the store at the time. We got to talk to the guy who played Hedwig afterward, and he complimented Devin on how great he was during the performance, and told me that he hoped he hadn't traumatized Devin! We then talked briefly about how important it is to let kids know about transgendered and gay and lesbian people, so that they aren't shocked by it, and so they can learn tolerance. Tom and I are hoping to go to the show next weekend, but we won't be taking Devin (although he wants to go) because there is some adult content (that does not mean pornographic!) that he doesn't need to be exposed to quite yet.

Okay, since I haven't posted a song of the day pick in a while, I am going to pick an album of the day to make up for some of the days I missed. I have chosen the new album by the fabulous Stevie Nicks: It is called "In Your Dreams" and it is really lovely. I haven't had the CD long, so I can't tell you what my favorite song is yet, but there are several candidates! So nice to have you back, Stevie!

Good night, everyone!

They call it a "brain fart"

Wow, it is Thursday already. Where did the week go? I don't know where it went, but I am sure glad it is almost OVER! I realize I haven't posted anything since Sunday, but it has been an overwhelmingly stressful week and I just forgot about my blog altogether. Though, if I had posted during this week, it wouldn't have been too enjoyable to read. I am happy to report that the "crisis" of which I speak is over, and I can now relax and get back to normal. I promise I will return to "song of the day" and my usual wacky hi-jinks very soon! I know I don't have alot of readers, but I do know that there are one or two of my friends that worry if I don't post, and I adore them for that! It is almost time to meet my son's bus, but I will sit and tap out a real post as soon as I can!

Happy Mother's Day!

So, it is Mother's Day, and I hope that all my Mom friends are having a great one! I hope your families are lavishing you with attention, affection and whatever else your heart may desire! I am having a really nice day thus far. I mentioned that my son wrote a poem for me at school, and this morning, he gave me a bouquet of flowers. Actually, his Dad picked them out, but Devin handed them to me, so they are from him! My hubby gave me a cool piece of artwork that I love, and now I am trying to find the perfect place to hang it. But wait, folks, there's more! We just returned home from meeting my in-laws for a Chinese lunch, and all I have to say is: thank God for stretch denim!!!! Whew! Instead of "All-You-Can-Eat", they ought to say "All-You-SHOULD-Eat"! Of course, that wouldn't really deter us, now, would it? We had a really nice time with everyone, I am lucky to have really wonderful in-laws that welcomed me into the family from the very start, and always let me know how much they love me. I love you, too, Carol and Jerry!! Devin had a great time as well, but for a different reason. In the lobby of this restaurant, there were several "gum machines" with various toys and sugary confections. Dev zeroed in on one that sold these tiny ninja figures for 25 cents each, and proceeded to clean out all the quarters we had, until he had amassed an army of 9 little ninja guys. He was so happy with his little "treasures"! Then, when the fortune cookies came, he proceeded to gleefully collect everyone's fortunes! Cheap ninja toys and paper fortunes: a great haul for a 9-year old boy! I was glad that those little things could make him so happy!

Now, I am getting the gift of a little peace and quiet. Tom is outside, repairing things on his car for the upcoming state inspection, and my little monkey is outside as well, running around with a Nerf rifle and playing in his treehouse. I can see him out the window of my craft room, and I love to watch him playing so happily! Plus, when he is out there, the damn squirrels stay out of my bird feeders for a change!!!! I think that as soon as I finish this, I will grab one of the novels I have been meaning to read and head outside to read in the sun. Sounds nice and relaxing to me! Devin has been asking me if I will make him some Rice Krispies treats, but I think I will tell him that it is illegal for Moms to cook for anyone or make treats on Mother's Day. Do you think he will buy that one? No, I don't, either, but that doesn't mean I won't try it!

Again, have a wonderful day everyone, whether you're a mom, a mom to pets or not a mom at all, enjoy this beautiful day!

It's 4:12 p.m. and I am so ready for a nap! This morning, we took Devin to Newbury Comics because it is Free Comic Book Day. We made sure to get there by 10:00, when they opened, and there was already a crowd. Still, a happy Devin left there with several free comics, a couple of comic book grab bags (they were only $1 apiece) and two new release comics that were 15% off. And, since we spent $10, they gave us a free "Comic Book Day" pint glass. After lunch, we hung out in our backyard and enjoyed the nice weather, but only for a little while. At about 1:40, Devin and I drove over to our local Border's store for another book release party. They were celebrating the latest Rick Riordan book, the second in his Kane Chronicles, and each kid at the party was given a free Lego Pharoah's Quest set. We were there for over an hour and a half, because some of Devin's friends from school were at the party also, and they played with their Legos on the floor in the kid's section well after the party ended. They had a really great time at the party, and alot of kids showed up. Of course, free Legos were involved! While the event was going on, one of the Border's employees handed out coupons for the parents for 40% off one book, good for today only. So, while Devin and his pals played, I treated myself to the new Jodi Picoult novel. I haven't read any of her books, but this one looked pretty good. I'll let you know what I think of it when I get around to reading it. I still haven't started my new Sookie Stackhouse novel yet, and I am thinking the next book on my list will be "The Help", since a movie version of that novel is coming out in August. I kind of want to read the book first, as I am afraid the movie will spoil it for me. If anyone has any suggestions of some good novels, please let me know, as I am always looking for good books to read!

So, I am back at home now, obviously, waiting for Devin to finish his one hour of video game time so I can crash on the couch with my remote! Okay, I will make dinner first, but at 9:00 tonight, my ass will become well acquainted with the sofa cushions, as HBO is airing a Lady Gaga concert. Since I can't see her live, this is the next best thing.

I think I will go now, as I see it is time to kick Devin off the PS3 (yippee!!)!