Saturday, December 26, 2015

Boxing Day!

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Saturday 9: Happy Holidays! (from the archives)

1. As you can see, Sam loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?

I have a picture somewhere of me on Santa's lap with my siblings.  No clue where it is.  Having two older siblings I didn't believe as long as I would have otherwise.  LOL 


2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?

Depends on who you ask.  LOL  Actually, no.  I'm on the nice list.  I'm a nice person, dammit.  People like me.  When I'm not a nice person?  You've earned it.  Two things that will get me riled up?  Picking on other people that can't or won't defend themselves, and screwing with my kid.  I will Fuck.  You.  UP.


3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?


Massachusetts. 

4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year? 

Why yes, I did!  I'm using it to fill out this meme!  My computer died (RIP computer) and the iPad wasn't cutting it for "real" internet use, so I got a laptop.  Apparently *nobody* buys a PC any more.  Whatever... LOL


5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie?

It's a Wonderful Life


6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?


I used to go almost every year, but haven't in years. 

7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party? 

I don't think so? 


8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?

Mmmmmmmm coffee.... or hot chocolate.


9. Share a memory from last Christmas.

Hmmmm I think that I wasn't feeling it last year, and went to the casino with what I was going to spend on Christmas presents.  I ended up winning like $300. Best non-Christmas ever!  I ended up getting the boy some presents.. LOL  And this year I went on Christmas Eve and won $1570.  Lucky me!  :)



Thanks so much for joining us again at Saturday: 9. As always, feel free to come back, see who has participated and comment on their posts. In fact sometimes, if you want to read & comment on everyone's responses, you might want to check back again tomorrow. But it is not a rule. We haven’t any rules here. Join us next week for another version of Saturday: 9, "Just A Silly Meme on a Saturday!" Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Where else would we put the scratchies??

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. 
Let's go!!!

Christmas Questions Meme

From the archives!








1. Have you been naughty or nice this year? 
Depends on who you ask LOL

2. What do you want most for Christmas? 
I love it when people tell the truth.  I guess I'm on a bit of a kick with that.  I'd like for all to be right with the world, and people to own up to their shit.  Like Steve Harvey, only better.  It sucks when you have to force your hand, but sometimes that's the only way it will happen..

3. What is your favorite Christmas movie? 
It's a Wonderful Life.  Hands down. 

4. How many Christmas cards do you normally send out? 
Ummmmmmmm I forgot this year?  A few.  To my peeps. 

5. Do you still get a stocking? 
Well THAT is a silly question!  Where else are we supposed to put the scratch tickets?

6. What is your favorite Christmas song? 
I have a few.  I love Vonda Shepherd's Christmas album.  Did you know that Robert Downey, Jr. could sing?

7. What is your favorite Christmas tv special? 
I dunno.  I'm special, does that count?

8. What is your favorite way to wrap gifts? 
Neatly

9. What do you look forward to most at Christmas? 
Four.  Days.  OFF.

10. What did you do for Christmas this year? 
Considering that it's not until tomorrow, I'll hold off on that..

11. Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe? 


12. What kind of Christmas tree do you have? 
Real. 

13. Did you take part in a Secret Santa? 
Not at work.  I tried to get people to do it, but so many work mobile now it just doesn't make sense. 

14. Did you go to any Christmas parties? 
Yup.  And I'm going to more, too.  Jealous?  People like me, and in case you didn't know - I'm kind of a big deal.  LOL

15. How early do you wake up on Christmas morning? 
I don't set an alarm.  The boy is 19.  It's all good.....

Merry Christmas all!

Sunday, December 20, 2015

I'd like a winning scratch ticket, please!

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we also have our rules. First, we always credit the blog that we stole it from and we will “fess up” to the blog owner where we stole the meme. We also provide a link to the victim's post. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") We do sometimes edit the original meme, usually to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, sometimes to select that meme's best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from either this new meme or recently asked questions from a prior featured meme. 
Let's go!!!

Christmas Questions Meme

From the archives!








1. Have you been naughty or nice this year? Probably depends on who you ask.  LOL  But I guess for the most part, I've been nice.  Unless your name is Kevin.  Or Vinnie. 

2. What do you want most for Christmas? World peace?  For my son to be happy and healthy and live a long life?  Aren't these just daily wants though?  So for Christmas?  Hmm..  A winning lottery ticket!

3. What is your favorite Christmas movie? 
I love them all - but my all time favorite?  "It's a Wonderful Life".. ahhhhhhh ZuZu's petals...

4. How many Christmas cards do you normally send out? 
Oh, did you get mine?  No?  Whoops!  That's because I didn't send them!  I usually send out 30 or so?  But haven't had the time to get my ass in gear about them this year.   Maybe I'll send out "Happy New Year" cards :)

5. Do you still get a stocking? 
I don't "get" one, I have one. 

6. What is your favorite Christmas song? 
I'll be Home for Christmas.... wish I was going to be

7. What is your favorite Christmas tv special? 
No clue.  Maybe I'll watch the Hallmark channel or the Lifetime Women's Network and bawl my eyes out for a few days.  LOL 

8. What is your favorite way to wrap gifts? 
Neatly.  What kind of question is that?

9. What do you look forward to most at Christmas? 
Sleeping in. LOL

10. What did you do for Christmas this year? 
It hasn't happened yet, dammit!

11. Who do you want to kiss under the mistletoe? 
What?  You have someone for me to meet??

12. What kind of Christmas tree do you have? 
Green.  Smells nice.  REAL. 

13. Did you take part in a Secret Santa? 
Not this year. 

14. Did you go to any Christmas parties? 
I went to one last night, as a fatter of mact!

15. How early do you wake up on Christmas morning? 
My "baby" is now 19.  He sleeps in longer than I do.  So I wake up when I wake up.  And it's going to be a busy Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday this week, so I think I might just sleep past 8:00!

Merry Christmas to all!

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Can you make bread pudding out of Fig Newtons?

Saturday 9: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (1979)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) According to a marketing research firm, this song is both one of the most played and most hated songs of the season. Do you like it?

I don't not like it.  I guess I'm a bit indifferent.  My favorite, though - is Dominick the Donkey.  Heard it?

2) In this song, Grandma's troubles start when she drinks too much eggnog. Do you like eggnog?

Mmmmmmmmmmm eggnog..... with a wee bit o' the Captain.  Yum.


3)  In the song, Grandpa recovers from losing Grandma by drinking beer and playing cards with Cousin Mel. Will you be celebrating the holidays with cousins?

No :(  I am missing the family Christmas this year.  Not enough time to take off, not enough money to drive or fly.  That makes me sad.  Great.  Now I'm sad.  

 4) When did you most recently drink a beer? Was it in a bottle, a can or a glass?

I may have to go drown my sorrows now that you've made me sad.  Thanks.  But I have some of the delightful Ben & Jerry's salted caramel brownie ale.  Now I'm happy.  I heart beer. 

5) The lyrics refer to "pudding of fig." In "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," the carolers demand figgy pudding. Yet despite its popularity in holiday songs, Sam has never tasted fig pudding. Have you?

Nope.  I like figs.  No, wait - I'm thinking of dates.  Oh, then again - there are Fig Newtons.  I like those.  Can you make pudding out of Fig Newtons?


6) Thinking of holiday sweets, would you prefer a gingerbread cookie or slice of pumpkin pie?

Why limit yourself to a slice?  Pumpkin, apple, pecan - hook a sister up, willya?


7) This song was recorded by a duo named Elmo & Patsy. It occurs to Sam that she has never met anyone named Elmo. How about you? Any Elmos in your life?

Tickle me Elmo.  That's about it 


8) Do you need snow to get "into the spirit?"

No.  I work at Home Depot.  We've been playing Christmas carols since the day after Thanksgiving.  I have caught myself singing along far too many times. 


 9) Random question: Are you going to get/have you gotten a flu shot this year?

I get one every year.  Don't get the flu.  Related?  You tell me....

I'm baaaaaaaaaaack!

The computer that I thought was dead, came back to life, and then died again.  It's either the hard drive or motherboard, and I said screw it.  My pictures are saved on Picasa.  I got a laptop.  Brand spankin' new.  Yay me. 

Happy Saturday!

Friday, December 18, 2015

Sad day..


Such a sad day today for so many.  My son's grandmother died, and her funeral is this morning.
She’d known about him (my son) since he was about 2 or 3.  I wrote her a letter and sent a picture.  Along with an explanation that I had a niece that I hadn’t seen since she was 2 and that I always worried about her, whether she was OK, healthy, loved, all that.  I didn’t want anyone to worry about that with him – or wonder where he was.  And each year I sent her a picture of him.  Told her if she didn’t want them to send them back.  I never got one back.   A couple of years ago I guess she went into a nursing home, and I stopped sending the pictures.  But I did send messages to her daughters (my son’s aunts) and let them know about my son – for the same reasons.  One blocked me on Facebook.  All three ignored the messages and have never reached out.  I also let his (half) siblings know about him.  Same reasons.  Same result.  Although one of them told me to fuck off and that it wasn't my story to tell.  It's not?  Then whose is it?  Your father's?  The pathological liar and cheater?  Yeah.  I don't think so.

Why did I feel it necessary to let all these people know about a child that they otherwise wouldn’t have known about?  Because his father is an asshole to the nth degree and would never have told them about him.  Do a search for Kevin – you’ll find the whole story. 

Anyway.  Kevin and his “fiancĂ©e” (that's hysterical in it's own right) Jeanne have made up stories about how my son came to be – and none of them involve the truth.   As well as stories about me – and why they should ignore any attempts at contact from me, and not contact my son.   I won’t bother with the truth here (I think it’s been posted numerous times)..  But let’s just say that the truth and the stories?  Not even close to reality. 

RIP Queenie. 

 I’m hoping that there is an afterlife, and that you now realize what your son took away from you.   And from everyone else in your family.   Because he’s such an awesome kid, and young man.  And shame on you Kevin.  Shame on YOU.  And I’m sorry about your mother.




Friday, December 11, 2015

Lies and the Liars that tell them



So, I know that I've written here about Kevin and crazy Jeanne (do a search, you'll find it all). 


I happened to be shown a picture that was of their fireplace, and at the bottom was a wooden box with "EST 2005" on it. 


Wait.  What??


Apparently that's when they tell people that they got together?  You know - the whole twuuuuuu wuvvvvvvvvv thing?


Um.  Yeah.  Let's try that again.


How about 2003?  That's when I caught the two of them cheating again on their respective spouses.  And I know that HER ex knows, but does his?


And is this what they tell all the kids (who really aren't kids any more)?  What, we happened to run into each other and oh my goodness, look at this child she looks just like YOU! 


Here's the thing.  Lies?  ALWAYS have a way of sneaking up and biting you in the ass.  Hard.  I know.  I've told a few whoppers in my time.  But I owned up to them. 


It's a shame that there are 5 kids that don't have the opportunity to know each other, because that would be inconvenient to explain.  Oh wait - I'm sorry.  Four of them know each other.  It's #5 that's the issue.  Because the story of how he came to be would poke wholes in the whole "twuuuuuuuuu wuvvvvvvvvvv" story.


Don't worry.  It'll get out there.  One way or another.


Oh, and his response when I called him out on this bullshit?  Hysterical.  Refused to answer any questions, and nitpicked over $25.  Really?  That's all you got?  Oh wait.  Yep.  That IS all you've got.  Because I've told the truth.  I'm not the one that can't keep it straight.


Also - I'm not the one that would say to an 18 year old "I'm done with you" when it's found out she had contact with her brother.


And these people are licensed foster parents?  Seriously?  Isn't there a mental health evaluation in there somewhere?


Newsflash....  I know that a reasonable person would know this?  BUT... for those that don't.  If you have to lie to ANYONE about when you got together, the circumstances, etc.?  Not good.  When you have to lie to your KIDS about their siblings (half or whole) - Not good.


When you shit your pants and start to panic because someone threatens to tell the truth to people that don't know it?


You might be a liar. 


 Liar. 


Pants on fire. 







Sunday, November 29, 2015

He really should have seen that coming..

Consider Yourself Meme

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we try to credit the blog that we stole it from. We also provide a link to the victim's meme in our "Previous Victims" widget. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") Sometimes we edit the original meme, to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, to select the best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from this new meme or recently asked questions from a previously featured meme. 
Cheers to all of us thieves!!! 

Consider Yourself Meme

Stolen from: The Archives

1) Of the various cultures, ethnicities or nationalities you belong to, which most strongly do you consider yourself?
Irish and (recovering) Catholic. 
2) Is there a culture you cannot claim heritage from but which you feel quite close to?
Um, no?  My ex used to think he was Jewish and Canadian, though.  Not sure where he came up with all that - but then again, he's known to make shit up. Like some seriously whacked out shit.  I remember one time he told me he knew things before they happened.  But could never give me an example.  And really, he should have seen that coming if it were true.
3) What's one language you wish you knew fluently?
Sarcasm.  Oh, wait.  Boom, done. 
4) If you could move anywhere in the world and be guaranteed a job, etc., where would you go?
ooooh I'd say Europe, but right now isn't a good time for that - which really really sucks.  Stupid ISIS.  Maybe if I was guaranteed a job of kicking their asses?  Other than that?  Either Seattle or New England. 
5) If you had a time machine, and could witness any one event without altering or disturbing it, what would you want to see?
Hmmmm...  I'm not going to pick when someone dies - cuz that's just gross.  Maybe Woodstock?  That would be kind of cool.
6) Have problems sleeping?
No.  Do you?
7) Are you free with your feelings?
Free?  What, am I supposed to charge for them?
8) What is the one outfit/piece of clothing/accessory you own that makes you feel incredibly good whenever you wear it? Why?
My PJ's.  They're comfortable.
 9) What do you do to make yourself feel better when you're in a funk?
Music, music, music.
10) Has anyone ever surprised you in a way that let you know you were special? How?
My BFF Kim surprised me (which is no small feat, let me tell you) when I graduated from college.
11) When you are having a "good day," how do you spread the happiness to others?
I sing to them. 
12) What is one thing that puts you in a bad mood, no matter how good you were previously feeling?
Mean people.  They suck.
13) Would you rather live in a world with or without technology such as computers, cars, airplanes, bombs?
But then that would take away a lot of the medical advances, right?  Not sure.  That's worth a think or two.
14) If you had to live without either heating in your house or air conditioning, which one would you keep?
Now that's just a dumb question.  I live in Michigan.  It gets cold.  Really cold.  I can always turn a fan on in the summer, but take away my heat?  I'll move.
15) If you had to own five dogs, what kind would you get?
A dog sitter?  I'd love another Lhasa, or little dog like that.  But five?  I'd have a headache constantly.  

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!  I thought my computer was dead, and it has risen - tried it yesterday for shits & giggles and it started up!  Woohoo!!! 

Sunday, October 4, 2015

I can find. shit. OUT.

Q & A Meme

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we try to credit the blog that we stole it from. We also provide a link to the victim's meme in our "Previous Victims" widget. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") Sometimes we edit the original meme, to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, to select the best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from this new meme or recently asked questions from a previously featured meme. 
Cheers to all of us thieves!!! 

Q & A Meme

Stolen from: My Random Randomness


1. What would you pick as a major, if you could go back to college and do it again? Oh, shit I don't know.  I just graduated in 2011, so probably the same thing?  But if I'd had the opportunity to go to college after I graduated from HS, knowing what I do now, I'd do pre-law.  Or criminal justice.  I'd make a hell of a detective.  I can find.  shit.  OUT.  
 
2. Who is the one celebrity with whom you would most like to have an indepth conversation? 

The most obvious answer is Bruce.  Springsteen, of course.  :)
3. If you could make a living doing ANYthing, what would that be? 

I would rock the shit out of being a trust fund baby. 



4. What’s your all-time very favorite dessert? 

Either key lime pie, or pumpkin anything


5. How many pairs of jeans do you own?

I don't know.  How about asking how many I have that actually fit me?  LOL  Probably two.
6. What is your favorite flower, and why? 

Peonies.  They smell damn good.

7. What book has most changed your life? 

Really?  What kind of question is this?  There is no good answer.  I've read many books that have given me insight on many things - but to pick one?  No way.


8. What is your least favorite vegetable? Is there any way you can be persuaded to eat it? 

Beets.  Maybe for $1,000.  


9. If you could take a nonstop first class flight to any destination, where would you pick to land? 

Again, really?  I'm going to Vegas in 20 days.  How about there?


10. If your 15 minutes of fame included a stint on American Idol, what song would be your trademark solo? 

"She Bangs"..  I can't sing to save my life.

11. If you could pick one former friend (who has remained elusive in this wild Facebook world) to reunite with, who would you unearth? 

 I don't think there's anyone that I can't get in touch with - if I don't have contact with them now, there's a reason for that.  I'd love to be in touch with my nephews, but again - there's a reason for that.  I hate that people feel the need to lie and cover shit up.  Sigh..


12. You have been awarded the time off from work and an all-expenses paid week anywhere in the United States. The catch is that it must be somewhere you have not been before. Where do you choose to visit? 

 Oh that's easy, Nashville. 


13. Name three of your guilty pleasures. 

 The Walking Dead, Pumpkin beer, my time with the Indians


14. The best kind of cookie is: 

 Grandma Cadin cookies, otherwise now known as Harriet cookies.  I miss those cookies.  And Harriet. 

15. What do you value most in other people? 

 HONESTY.  I really don't get why people feel the need to hide things.  I get it if it's something small, you know - like a dish.   But the big stuff?  Always comes back to bite you in the ass. 

16. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise? 

Oh gosh, the glaringly obvious one would be my son's father.  I thought it was the end of the world when we broke up, but I realize now that it was such a good thing!  It forced me to grow up, accept responsibility for this person we created, and put someone other than myself first for once.  I can't even imagine what my life would be if he actually followed through on his promises.  Ew.  


17. What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited? 

 Alaska - only because it it so untouched.  Ireland is a tie..

 18. Are you more of a thinker or a feeler? 

 Oh, when I'm feeling something?  You'll be thinking about it.  Like right now I think (actually I know it) that my crazy neighbor Vinnie is at it again (he's actually named his wireless "FuckKathyW***".  Yes.  I'm serious.  Obsessed much?  He really creeps me out.  And he's going to feel my boot right up his ass by the time I'm done with him. 

19. Name three things you are thankful for right now. 

My kid that took me to the movies last night
Coffee

Avocados
 

20. Have you ever participated in a three-legged race? 

 Oh God, so many places to go with this.  Let's just say yes.  LOL

21. When you are at an event that plays the National Anthem, do you place your hand over your heart?

No.  That's for the Pledge of Allegiance.
 

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Mmmmmm beeeeer

Straight Up

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Saturday 9: Straight Up (1988)

1) In this song, Paula sings about being in a dream. Did you dream last night?I'm sure I did.  I dream every night.  Don't you?
2) When Paula enrolled at California State University, she planned on studying broadcasting and becoming a reporter.  Think about your career aspirations when you were 19. Did you follow through and stay on track or, like Paula, did you veer off and find success elsewhere?
I wanted to be a teacher, I think.  And ahhh, yeah.  Not a teacher.  LOL

3) For a while she was a "Laker Girl" and performed at L.A. Laker games. Do you have a favorite NBA team?
Basketball is my least favorite sport - but when I root for a team, I root for the Celtics.
4) Paula was once married to Brad Beckerman of Stillhouse Spirits, a company that specializes in whiskey. What's your favorite alcoholic beverage?mmmmmmm beeeeeeeeer...  Pumpkin beer.  Or ale.  Or stout.  Yum.
5) Paula has been dancing since age 8 and, as you can see from the video, Paula moves very well in heels. Tell us about your most comfy shoes.
The ones that don't make my feet hurt
6) Paula admits it was her passion for jewelry and that inspired her to design her own line for QVC and Avon. What is your favorite thing to go shopping for?
Stuff.  I love stuff.  All sorts of stuff.  House stuff.  Clothes stuff.   
7) She advises young girls to "keep the faith and don't lose your gut instinct." How about you? Are you more logical or instinctive?
Usually my instincts are spot on.  Walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it's usually a duck.  Or a car salesman.  LOL
8) In May, Paula traveled to Austria for The Life Ball, a fundraiser to help those afflicted with HIV/AIDS. When is the last time you left the country?
It's been a while.  I think I drove through Canada a few times going back to the East Coast.  But now my passport is expired.  I need to travel more.
9) Paula Abdul is a spokeswoman for Avon's "Go Check Yourself" campaign for breast health awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do you know anyone who has been touched by this disease?
Doesn't everyone?  Go check yours.  Right now.  I'm going to check mine right now. All good!  
 
Happy Saturday! 


Sunday, June 21, 2015

Ahhhh Father's Day....

Father's Day.  Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there - that deserve it - I felt this deserved a repost.  There is so much of a huge difference between a *Dad* and a *Father*.  So for my son's father - this one's for you...  And anyone in MA that sees a trooper working - not sure if he's working - he's on the Turnpike these days - not sure if he's in the tunnels or on the bikes - but I do know that he's a detail whore, so chances are he'll be out there.... if his nametag says something that rhymes with "Day" but starts with an F?  That'd be him - you wish him a Happy Father's Day from his son that he "wants to make clear he wants nothing to do with"...... 
**My 2013 Addition  to this - the boy saw one of his sisters just after Christmas - after she texted me to ask if he was her brother.  Great way for an almost 18 year old to find out, huh?  But because of her age, I felt it appropriate to answer with the truth - something she hadn't gotten from either of her parents. 
**My 2015 addition?  He's out of work with an injured knee, I think..  He (or Jeanne the crazy one) have made sure that nobody on his side of the family will have anything to do with him (including the above-mentioned sister).  It is what it is.  I'm really on the fence these days.  Yes, he's a POS.  But also without him I wouldn't have my son.  And while, yes, he is a POS - 20 years ago I chose to get into a relationship with him.  Me = young, naive, not looking for anything serious.  Him = an opportunist that lied lied lied and I believed it all.  I still poke.  I probably, in some capacity, always will.  I think that it's a shame that so many people choose to miss out on such a great kid (actually, young man now).  Their loss.  Shame on them.  But now that he's 18?  Not my circus, not my monkeys.  Maybe this will be the last time you see this post..  Then again, maybe not.  LOL I think this year, I may actually share this with him as well.  And include the comment below from my (brilliant) friend Tricia....

**also edited to add that he and Jeanne?  Tell people they got together in 2005. Um, really?  Cuz it was 2003 when they started cheating on their respective spouses again.  Funny how that seems to have been left out....


Oy.  Father's Day.  This one is a toughie for me, always has been.

While I wish my father a wonderful father's day - it's a tough one on my son (or for me, not so much him).

We were walking by cards last week in Walmart, and he started laughing when he saw one that said "hey Dad, thanks for everything".. he asked if that would be appropriate to send to his Dad - with a sarcastic twist (wow, he really is my kid LOL).  And he always refers to him as "my Dad"..  I always refer to him as "your father".  Big difference there. 

He was around for the first year.  Kind of.  When Josh had surgery at 13 weeks, he showed up in the hospital on his way to work.  After the surgery was over, said and done.  I was the one that was there at 5:30 am to hand him over to the anesthesiologist, not knowing if I'd ever see him again.  Thank God my stepmother came with me for support, otherwise I'd have been on my own.   We'd meet every once in a while and take a walk, or he would use wanting to see him as an excuse to see me.  Guess I hadn't learned yet.   Josh was just starting to say "DaDa" when he saw him when the shit hit the fan.  On his first birthday, Kevin stopped in (of course on his way to work) and spent 10 minutes with him.  I'd sat around all day, waiting for him to come and spend time with his child.  I postponed a birthday party so he could see him.  Because, really, what kind of person would I be if I didn't do everything I could to make sure that my son knew his father?  I snapped.  I told him that he was more than welcome to see his child any time he wanted - but he had to be consistent and not sneak around to do it.  Not asking much, right?  I decided that what had been good enough for me was definitely not good enough for my son.  He never made an effort to see him again.  We'd run into each other and Josh would say hello to the nice policeman, but I wouldn't tell him that was "Dad".  He didn't deserve it at that point. And because we lived near each other, one question I brought up was "what happens if we run into each other in the store and he sees you?  Calls you Dad?  what are you going to do - run away"...  His response "of course not".. Thank goodness it never happened, because I think that's what he would have done.

When I found out I was pregnant, I gave him the option of walking away - said "now is your chance to leave, if you want nothing to do with this baby - walk away now, no strings attached".  His response "what do you think I am, an asshole"?  Um. YES?  But at that point I was still in love, trying to regain my dignity and self-respect and getting pregnant by a married man wasn't where I wanted my life to go.  Oh, hadn't heard that story?  I thought I'd posted about it before, but can't find it to link to it.  Suffice it to say it wasn't one of the smartest decisions in my life.   Anyway, I digress...  He chose not to walk away.  And then got mad at me when I took him to court for child support.   Really?  Really?   Anyway - we came to a truce of sorts, and would run into each other and say hello, and he'd spend a couple of minutes with Josh and then be all sad because he wasn't a part of his life.  Whatever - your choice, dude.

He had another child with another girlfriend (Jeanne) a couple of years before me.  She and I became great friends and our kids knew each other (but not that they were siblings).  That ended when I caught her sleeping with Kevin again - him cheating on his wife (yet again) and her cheating on her husband.  Her daughter didn't know him as her father, thought that Jeanne's husband was her father.  There's more to the story, but I'm trying to make this short and sweet.  Right?  LOL

Josh wrote him a letter when he was 7 or 8.  He ignored it.  He's had his attorney come to me in court and say "he just wants to make it clear he wants nothing to do with this child" - and my response was that he'd made that crystal clear for years.  She indicated with her tone and manner that she thought he was a piece of shit.  Really?  Tell me something I don't know.   I told him that he'd had the opportunity to walk away when I was pregnant and he chose not to do that. I flat out told him that since he decided that this child is going to grow up without a father, I decided that he would lack for nothing else - and that Kevin would pay for it.  So every time I can - I take him back for an increase in child support.  And make it clear that if he'd #1 - walked away when he had the chance, we wouldn't be there.  And #2 - if he were a decent human being, we wouldn't be there.

He and his wife have since divorced, he and Jeanne now live together and he plays father of the year to their daughter (who has been introduced and accepted into the family - not quite sure how that was handled...) and the 3 kids he had with his ex-wife.   And who knows about their youngest half-sibling, Josh?  None of them (**they all now know).  Because that would make him look like an asshole.  Really? 

So yeah.  Happy fucking father's day Kevin.  You're a piece of shit and I think deep down, you know that.  I can only hope that some day karma bites you in the ass...

Another 2015 Addition - from someone I've known way before Kevin was around...
"The next time you see that POS Statie, you THANK HIM. You thank him for pushing you down a path you never knew existed until he came into your life and set up some huge road blocks. You thank him for forcing you to grow up, become a truly AMAZING single parent, raising a GREAT kid. Then you thank him for doing a bang-up job of fucking up his own miserable life, because from where you're sitting, it looks like you can put a turd in a uniform but he'll still smell like shit. His choices, his consequences. And you got the better deal, a clean conscience, a better nights sleep and a son any parent would be proud of.. Carry on head high...because YOU ROCK!" 

Saturday, June 13, 2015

I feel so stifled....

American Pie

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!


Saturday 9: American Pie (1971)

... because Country Dew suggested it

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In the lyrics, Don McLean refers to having once been a paper boy. When you were a kid, what job or household chores did you do for spending money?My jobs were to trim the hedges and vacuum the stairs. To this day, I still hate both.  LOL

2) Them good old boys were drinking whiskey and rye. What's the last drink you ordered? I didn't order it, I bought it.  It's just available in Michigan - it's called "Not your Father's Rootbeer" and Oh.  My.  GOD.  It's gooooooooood......

3) He drove to the levee but it was dry. When is the last time it rained where you are? 

Yesterday, last night, this morning, and a 70% chance all day.  Sigh.  I probably should put the windows back into Lucy 2.0.  I hate that though.  I feel so stifled.  

4) When McLean was working on the song, he wrote the lyrics out in long hand. It took him 16 pages of lined notebook paper. Today it's a laptop/smartphone/tablet world, and Sam can't remember the last time she hand wrote anything longer than a sign on her front door that read, "Bell broken. Plz knock." What about you? What's the last thing you wrote with pen or pencil?

My wireless password for the baseball player that is staying with us and arrived last night.

5) McLean's most recent CD is called "Addicted to Black," in reference to Olivia in The Twelfth Night. Quick! Without looking it up, name another character from Shakespeare.

Othello.  Romeo & Juliet.  Should I go on?  

6) Don was born in New Rochelle, New York, which was named one of The Best Walking Cities in America by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). What about your neighborhood? Is it easily walkable?

I had a home built in my neighborhood because they advertised 5 miles of walking trails.  Yeah.  That hasn't happened.  There's about a mile or so.  Apparently the 5 miles is when they are completed with all phases.  They're still in Phase I.  

7) In 1971, the year this song was popular, Walt Disney World officially opened. Have you ever been to DisneyLand or Disney World?

Both!  I was actually in Disney World I think the first or second year it opened.  I was 7, I think?  So it'd be the 2nd year.  They used tickets for rides.  Lots and lots of tickets.  LOL

8) Also in 1971, Mattel introduced Malibu Barbie. This doll was a "sun-loving California girl" and had a distinct tan. Have you ever used a tanning bed? 

Once or twice - not a huge fan of tan in the box.

9) American Pie is also the name of a 1999 movie. Have you seen it?

Hasn't just about everyone?


Been MIA for a while.  Working 60+ hours a week will do that to a person!  Got some interesting comments on one of my posts from someone that dubbed themselves "Another Kathy hater" (which would be the crazy Vinnie from the neighborhood).  It was pretty amusing, but now comments on older posts are moderated.  If we're all lucky - maybe he'll come back and spew forth some more drivel for us to laugh at.  And now it's baseball season, so I'm doing my full time job, my part time job, and my host family coordinator job for the baseball team.  Talk about busier than a one-armed paper hanger!   Oh, and in the middle of all this - the boy graduated and was celebrated.  :)  He did it, yay!  Now off to community college for the fall, and he gets to figure out what he wants to be when he grows up :)

Hope all is well with everyone!

Kathy  

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Nobody knows the car like the driver..

The One Thing Meme

Welcome back to Sunday Stealing which originated on WTIT: The Blog authored by Bud Weiser. Here we will steal all types of memes from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent memes. You may have heard of the expression, “honor amongst thieves”. In that age-old tradition, we try to credit the blog that we stole it from. We also provide a link to the victim's meme in our "Previous Victims" widget. (It's our way of saying "Thanks!") Sometimes we edit the original meme, to make it more relevant to our global players, to challenge our players, to select the best questions, or simply to make it less repetitive from this new meme or recently asked questions from a previously featured meme. 
Cheers to all of us thieves!!! 

The One Thing Meme
Stolen from: Survey Haven
One Thing ..... 

 that makes you smile: 

My kid.  He seriously keeps me in stitches. 
that makes you cry: 



Lassie coming over that hill,  gets me every time. 

that you love to do on the weekends: 
Sleep in. 

that you do for only yourself: 

Isn't that a little personal?  Really?  Who comes up with these?  Or wait - is it just my dirty mind. 

that you have in your underwear drawer that's NOT underwear: I'm realizing now the path that this could take, but that I am certainly not going to let it.  LMAO.  To that end - there is nothing in my underwear drawer that isn't underwear.  Maybe a rogue thong that I haven't thrown out yet (not a fan of the butt floss) lol

that you do before going to sleep: Really??  Read.  Play a game of candy crush.  Then the last thing?  I close my eyes..,

that you do within the first 15 minutes after waking: 



check the time.  Get up.
 
that's in your purse: I see what happened here.  A couple of questions were all squished together.

So.  In my purse?  My wallet.  Not much right now, actually..
that you actually LIKE to clean: 

My kitchen.  I love it when it's all clean and everything is in it's place.

that you DETEST cleaning: 
When I was a kid, vacuuming the stairs was my job.  I hated it then, I hate it now.  So for anyone that comes over?  Sorry about the stairs - I meant to get to them.  Next time.  LOL

that other people would find odd about you: 

I dunno.  Maybe if you tried to figure out what WASN'T odd about me you'd have better odds?  LOL

that you would buy if I handed you a $100 bill: 

Right now?  It'd go toward the casino trip I'm going on Tuesday.  With a bunch of old people.  Who, apparently want to teach us how to play craps.  LOL

that you feel you HAVE to do before you die: 

LIVE

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Beer is food..

Mysterious Ways

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!


Saturday 9: Mysterious Ways (1991)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) In honor of St. Patrick's Day (this coming Tuesday), we're featuring one of Ireland's most successful exports, U2. What else is Ireland famous for?Leprechauns, padadas, Waterford crystal, Beleek china and of course, da Guinness!  :)
2) The Dublin studio where U2 recorded this song (and all of Achtung, Baby) is now a music store called Claddagh Records. U2 pilgrims from all over the world travel to the spot (Celia Street, Dublin 2). If we were to visit your neighborhood, are there any landmarks you could direct us to?LOL funny thing.  I'm the only one in the neighborhood with a rock out front. 
3) Lead singer Bono is rarely seen without his trademark sunglasses because he suffers from glaucoma. How is your vision? 20/20?
Awwww helllllls no!  I'm blind as a bat without my glasses.. 

4) Bono and wife Alison were married in 1982 and are still together today. Who is the longest-married couple you know?
 Country Dew and her hubby :)
5) When Bono inducted Frank Sinatra into the Grammy Hall of Fame, he applauded the older man's "swagger." Do you think you have swagger?Do I have swagger?  Silly munchkin.  Of COURSE I have swagger!
6) Bono has been honored by world leaders, including President Obama and Nelson Mandela and the Pope, for his philanthropy. Here's your turn to brag: tell us something you have received praise for recently.My swagger..
7) Clearly Bono is the most famous member of U2. Who else is in the band?
The Edge.  Something that I live on every day. LOL

8) On St. Patrick's Day, will you wear green?
I'm Irish.  And Catholic.  Does a bear shit in the woods?
9) Will you enjoy a glass of green beer or maybe a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's?
Shamrock shakes are delightful.  Delicious.  Delovely.  But oh my goodness they are full of bad stuff.  Unlike beer.  Beer is way better for you.  It's got hops.  Barley.  Water.  Wheat.  Beer is food...

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Don't ever use the words "leather" and "slacks" in the same sentence.

Here I Go Again

Welcome to Saturday: 9. What we've committed to our readers is that we will post 9 questions every Saturday. Sometimes the post will have a theme, and at other times the questions will be totally unrelated. Those weeks we do "random questions," so-to-speak. We encourage you to visit other participants posts and leave a comment. Because we don't have any rules, it is your choice. We hate rules. We love memes, however, and here is today's meme!


Saturday 9: Here I Go Again (1982)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song originally appeared on Whitesnake's Saints and Sinners album. Are you feeling more saintly or sinful this morning?Neither.  I'm not above anyone so much to ever be considered saintly, and my sins are out there for all to see.  LOL  I feel like me. 

2) Whitesnake was formed by Brit David Coverdale, who now lives in Lake Tahoe, NV. Have you ever wanted to relocate to another country?In high school, I had the opportunity to apply to the Goethe Institute in Germany.  I kept putting it off and putting it off, because I just had a feeling that if I ever moved there - I'd never come home.  

But now?  Meh...  

3) In the song, Coverdale says he "was born to walk alone." Do you enjoy time on your own? Or do you quickly get bored or lonely?I really enjoy my "alone time".  In fact, I'm having some right now!  I love getting up early in the morning and having my coffee and having it just be me and the world..

4) During the band's 1980s heyday, Coverdale was known for his skintight leather pants. Do you own leather pants or slacks?

NO.  And just an FYI?  Don't ever use the words "leather" and "slacks" in the same sentence.  

5) What about snakeskin?

Double no.  Ew. 

6) It's estimated that 20,000 people die of snake bite every year. Approximately 1,000 suffer fatal spider bites. Less than 50 are killed each year by sharks. Considering sharks, spiders and snakes, which do you find scariest?

Spiders freak me the eff out.  I know - KNOW I tell you - that if there is one in my bedroom and I go to sleep, it's going to drop down from the ceiling, lay eggs on my face and when I wake up I'm going to scratch my face and thousands of baby spiders are going to scatter.  All.  Over.  My... BED.  

7) In 1982, when this song was popular, the world lost Princess Grace of Monaco. Before she became a royal, she was film star Grace Kelly. Have you ever seen a Grace Kelly movie?

I'm sure, I just never kept track.  Should I have?

8) Speaking of movies, the top-grossing film of 1982 was ET: The Extra Terrestrial. Have you seen it?

Pshhhhhhhhh... of course.  AND I've been on the ride.  

9) Random question: How many timepieces will you have to reset when we spring ahead this weekend?

4, I think?  I don't wear a watch.  So stove, microwave, clock on the wall, and my radio.  I think that's it.