Is This How Traditions Begin?
By Marisa | June 25, 2008
On the one hand, I love when school is out because I really really do love having the kids home all summer. I think I hate school more than they do. I had kids because I like kids so yeah, I want them home.
On the other hand, when school is out I end up with stacks and stacks of papers and books, piles of backpacks and boxes of crayons, cheap pens and pencils, rulers and all sorts of other supplies. I always put them in a safe place so we’ll have them for next year. And then I forget where that safe place is. So we have to buy new stuff in August.
Someday when my husband and I both die, our kids will have to clean out our house to sell it. In the process, someone will discover a treasure trove of school supplies. If my kids are like me at all, they’ll take those school supplies home to put them someplace safe until they need them. And then they’ll forget where that safe place is.
Thus begins another family tradition.
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Still Wondering
By Marisa | June 25, 2008
The last time I mentioned that I’d like to know which OTC diet pill really works, I got some responses that all diet pills are dangerous. Perhaps, but I’d still like to know if any of them are safe and effective.
I’ve tried a handful of these remedies but haven’t been happy enough with any of them to buy a second bottle. So, do any of them work? Has anyone ever had any luck with them? I know plenty of people who didn’t see results with them so I really want to hear from someone who did see results. Anyone?
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I Need A Boost
By Marisa | June 19, 2008
I don’t know why but I just can’t seem to get all my “tech chores” done. I’m feeling terribly overwhelmed right now.
First, I now have cable internet. It’s fast. So far, it’s reliable. This is good. I’ve been able to get the wireless network up and running with a new Linksys router. Problem is, I can’t get the signal booster to work. That’s odd since it worked fine with the old Westell DSL modem/router but won’t work with a Linksys router. Did I mention the signal booster is from Linksys, too? UGH!
So now my laptop doesn’t get a good signal if I’m in my bedroom. I was thinking of upgrading my laptop’s computer memory but now I’m thinking that I should just wait a while and save for a new laptop. Maggie’s laptop has no connection issues which makes me think it’s the wireless card in this one.
Until I decide, I’ll try the range booster one more time. If I break my network again, I give up.
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Coming Home
By Marisa | June 19, 2008
When I don’t want to work and my mind needs to escape, I usually get online and surf. Sometimes I look for homes for sale, either in my area or in a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Sometimes I check out vacation mountain rentals, Caribbean villa rentals or cruise lines. Other times I check out the lastest in plastic surgery or the newest Prada bags.
Right now, I can’t seem to get my mind to stop thinking about next Thursday. My husband and my son will be coming home from Hawaii. My son has lived there since 2005; my husband goes there every year, for anywhere from eight months to 3 months. This time, he’s beent there since March. We’re not sure if he’s going back or not.
The biggest difference about this trip to Hawaii was that I didn’t go over for a visit. With fuel prices so high, airfare was just to expensive. I’m not sure why but it didn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. Maybe it’s because I would have had to be away from Kendyll for that long.
And won’t she be excited to see her Pappy and Uncle Spank?
Topics: Travel, Family | Comments Off
It’s Download Day For FireFox 3!
By Marisa | June 17, 2008
First, please don’t tell me that you’re still using Microsoft Internet Explorer. Maybe you like Flock or Safari, but please, not IE!
Most likely, you’re using Firefox, right? Yes, of course you are. And it’s version 2.something. But did you know that today is the day that everyone is supposed to be downloading the newest version 3? That’s right. The Firefox folks are trying to set a record with the most downloads in one day.
I’ve downloaded Firefox3 to all my computers and have installed it to one so far. I’m going to test it a little to make sure I like it before installing to the others. So far, everything is good. The site claims Firefox3 is 3x faster than the last version. We’ll see.
Whether you install or not, do download Firefox3 today. Let’s help to set a Guinness World Record!
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Kendyll’s Father’s Day
By Marisa | June 15, 2008
Last year (and the year before) Nick and Brit were still together for Father’s Day so she took care of buying a gift from Kendyll. This year Brit isn’t here so it was up to me to get gifts for Kendyll to give to Nick.
Since Nick just bought his first car, Kendyll and I went with a car theme. Nick got a key chain with Kendyll’s picture on it, sunglasses, air fresheners, an emergency halogen spotlight, binoculars, and an emergency roadside tool kit.
Keep in mind that Nick is my kid who hates Christmas and birthdays because he can’t stand the let down afterwards. So when Nick was actually excited to see his gifts, and kept kissing Kendyll and thanking her, I was even happier than he was!
I know Nick had some auto parts picked out for his car, things like new rims and things like that. I’m pretty sure Nick knows he has to buy those things himself, though. After he pays his insurance. And buys gas.
In other words, he probably won’t get those things. That may be why he was so happy with the things he did get.
Topics: Kids | 2 Comments »
Next Up: Nick
By Marisa | June 13, 2008
I’m still not sure what Nick will want for his birthday next month. He loves the outdoors, especially fishing. He’s actually gone camping when night temps were below 40, and to me that’s just insane!
I have no idea what kind of fishing or camping equipment is good so I wouldn’t be brave enough to spend money on that stuff. I do know he’s been looking at waterproof footwear and he likes some Merrell shoes that claim to be waterproof. I may just order those for him since I already know that he likes them.
I’m sure he’s expecting something motorized but then Nick always expects a little more than what he knows he’ll get. He likes to make things interesting.
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June Birthday Boy
By Marisa | June 12, 2008
Summer time is busy for so many reasons. Besides the kids being home from school and all the swimming, picnics and outdoor activities, I also have a birthday kid in every single summer month.
Actually, we loved the fact that we have a kid in June, one in July and another in August. My husband and I are both November babies and we’ve had our share of snowy birthdays. Outdoor parties in the sun are so much better than cramming into the house for cake and ice cream.
This month is Levi’s day. My baby boy is turning 12 - almost a teenager! It’s hard to believe he’s that old already. He and I have been through his wish list of presents which is much more affordable than my July boy, that’s for sure! Levi has picked out lots of clothes and a new PS3 game; Nick keeps pointing out “really cheap” used Harleys while Boomer likes to show me great deals on Honda Civics. Uh, yeah, like I’m even considering that.
Anyway, happy birthday to my boy. I love you Levi. 
Topics: Kids | 1 Comment »
Itchy Itchy Baby
By Marisa | June 6, 2008
We were planning to do a little window shopping this weekend at various furniture stores, but now our plans have changed. For one thing, it’s going to be in the 90s this weekend. That’s the highest the temperature’s been this summer.
Also, we need to keep Kendyll either in the air conditioning or in the pool. Sweating is the worst thing for her right now. The poor dear has poison ivy and it’s spreading everywhere. It’s all over her hands, between her fingers, and that’s causing it to spread even more.
She’s just miserable, even with the oatmeal baths and daily dose of Loratidine. This is one of those times when it’s best to stay cool. I do know that the chlorine in the pool always helped to dry up the rash when Chris or Brian got infected so we may let her swim a little.
Keep my grandbaby in your prayers. We want this misery to end soon!
Topics: Shopping | 1 Comment »
Inspirational Reading
By Marisa | June 5, 2008
I’ve been a reading fool since my husband has been in Hawaii. It seems that I’m always in the middle of a book. I do hope to continue this trend after he gets back, but for some reason I never read when he’s around. I wonder why that is?
Anyway, right now I’m listening to A New Earth on CDs. Usually, I prefer reading books to listening but this is an exception. The author’s voice is soothing and hearing the words the way he intended them really brings every point home. Thanks to Amy and Deb for talking about the book and how much better the audio is than simply reading. A New Earth has had such an impact on my life that even my kids are noticing it. That’s amazing.
Next on my list: Zen Miracles. I’ll have to search the library for that one or order it online because none of the bookstores I’ve been to around here carries it. I’ll just be sure to read it before Brian gets home. Just in case.
Topics: Books | Comments Off
