Inspired

I watched much of the Democratic convention last night and the night before and I'm truly hoping that the momentum that Hillary and those others who gave such stirring speeches will continue on to November. I know that many don't see Hillary's character as likable and I really don't get that. People talk about trust but I completely trust her judgement and her experience. I trust her word about putting those in need first but most of all, I trust the democracy of the United States. I trust the checks and balances, the separation of powers that we've set up to ensure that no one person has too much power. And I believe there can be CONTINUED progress in this country. Continued because there HAS been progress under Obama and you can't deny that. You can't look at the economy and NOT see the progress in auto industry and housing industry and that the unemployment rate is the lowest it's been in 8 years. I can't look at a person like Hillary Clinton who has stated over and over what's important to her (kids and families) and then has SHOWN through her ACTIONS exactly that. I'm with her not because she's the lesser of two evils. I'm with her because I don't think she's evil. I think she stands for me and will fight for those things she says she will fight for. Just like she's done throughout her - not just career - but LIFE!   I think her intentions are good. I don't question them and to me that is everything. Her quote: “Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can," says it all. She didn't enter this fight on a whim. She's been in this fight since she was a teenager. She's in this fight to do all she can do to for as many of us as possible because that is her passion and her life's work. 

Favorite quotes: 

• "A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man you can trust with nuclear weapons."
• "When there are no ceilings, the sky's the limit."
• "Now Donald Trump says, and this is a quote, "I know more about ISIS than the generals do...."No, Donald, you don't."
• "I'm not here to repeal the 2nd Amendment. I'm not here to take away your guns. I just don't want you to be shot by someone who shouldn't have a gun in the first place."
• “Let our legacy be about planting seeds in a garden you never get to see. That’s why we’re here — not just in this hall, but on this earth.”

And now that I'm off my soapbox, I think Sami deserves some Mommy time. I'll be hanging out here at home and doing some school work...which means I'll be on the computer most of the day - yuck! 

TGIF (not that it matters to me)...later!

Still Steamy

Jim and I went for a bike ride at 8:30 yesterday and holy shiz it was crazy hot. Today is just as bad - already 80 degrees - and so steamy...I haven't decided yet if I'll bike but I better get moving after this post and get Sami her walk. UGH.

The weekend was spent hanging out...wait for it...OUTSIDE and playing cards or just chatting with the neighbors. Saturday we weren't too smart in how we hung out (sweating our asses off and getting eaten by bugs) but yesterday we brought out our industrial fans and sat in front of those for relief. Kept the bugs away and drowned out the screaming kids and locusts. We all went out to dinner together to El Picante (kids eat for 99 cents on Sundays) which was delicious and ended up throwing more cards before heading in around 9:00.

So obviously I'm not headed to Columbus today. I decided that the better days are Tuesday and Wednesday so I'll head up and out tomorrow morning, early. Can't wait to be in a pool during this stupid heat.

Not much is happening with me here. I'll be cleaning a bit today, doing laundry, packing and doing some more school prep work. I managed to get all my schedules tweaked and sent off to our guidance secretary. Hopefully she will not hate me and will make the changes that need to be made in a timely manner. I've also started getting my many "lists" complete for the beginning of school. It's a time-consuming task so with it be gloomy and (hopefully) rainy today, I'll tackle some of that.

And now I best get a move on. Happy Monday. I most likely won't post tomorrow since I'll be busy trying to get out the door early...I'll see you Thursday or Friday. K - later!

Power Crazy

We never lose power here at my house. Ever since Duke took over from CG&E, we've had great luck. So when the power went out twice this week we were boggled. Turns out - and this is weird - both outages were caused by telephone poles getting all busted up. The first outage happened because a car hit a pole up the street and last night - around 8:00 - a tree fell and hit a pole. We were actually hanging out outside with the neighbors (sweating our ASSES off) so we didn't realize the power had gone out until the kids ran out freaking out. Jim was seriously freaking out too because he was hot and grumpy and worried about sweating his ass off inside. I told him that it was fine - it wouldn't be sweltering for hours inside. Originally we were told it would be 11:00 before the power came on. Then they moved it up to 1:00. In the end, however, it was around 10:00...maybe a bit before. Phew!

Yesterday Jim and I went biking around the neighborhood. I told him I was going to lead the way and asked if he would keep up. He assured me he would. Within 1 mile - I lost Jim. I don't know why he's so lame but it sort of irritated me. I mean, I'm not one to talk and chit chat while biking with someone but come on! He can't even keep up with me in the first mile? I wasn't going fast. LAME! Today when we bike I'll be sure to make him stick with me.

Lets see...what else? This heat is ridiculous. It hasn't gotten this hot here in several years and I'm not a fan. I ended up taking a cold shower before bed last night which really helped but this heat and humidity can't go away fast enough. Unfortunately, I think we'll be pretty hot for the next couple days still. Oh well.

In terms of heading to Columbus - I think Tuesday and Wednesday look like my best bet weather-wise. We'll see.

Not sure what today has in store other than a bike ride. It's just too hot to hang outside so maybe we'll take a trip to Shooters. We'll see. That would certainly make Jimmy happy.

K - I'm out. Happy Sunday. Later!

Long Day Ahead

I've got a long day ahead of me working out schedules today. UGH! I started looking at my kids' schedules yesterday and just got so frustrated that I couldn't stand it. Not knowing if they were still tweaking things I didn't want to waste my time. However, texting with Lisa, seems the guidance secretary would appreciate any changes that need to be made. I've certainly got my work cut out for me to ensure schedules for kids on my caseload are correct. My butt and hips are going to be pissed!

My neighbors house is finally "pending". They had the inspection yesterday and the closing is September 8th. Apparently he (the husband) is from this area (Blue Ash) so they aren't just getting transferred here with the possibility of moving again in a few years. He works from home for a bank. Excited to get to know them.

I made kabobs last night for dinner and they were deeeelicious! Steak and chicken with zucchini and mushrooms. I also had "Yum Yum" sauce for dipping...Jimmy loved it. Can't remember what I've got going for tonight - I'll have to check my menu.

And that's it. I need to get a move on before the real heat hits if I want to get a bike ride in.  Hopefully I won't get lost in my own neighborhood again.

Happy - YAY - Friday! Later!

Early Errands

I have a few errands to do today and want to beat the heat but not sure that will even be possible especially since Costco doesn't open until 10:00 during the week. I will fore go a bike ride, however, to give my ass and hip a break. I went much farther than I had planned yesterday because I got lost for a little while (in my own neighborhood). Oops and hee hee.

Last night Jim and I had a delicious dinner (homemade pizza and a salad) and after wards headed to the neighbors sun room where we played a few games of Euchre. Fun.

Schedules for teachers and students are out but I'm sure they're still being tweaked. My schedule still has an empty slot so it will be interesting to see what they do with me. I think they should just leave it as is...I certainly wouldn't complain. Of course they messed up some things (as they do every year) but I'm not going to bring anything up. I'll just be checking they students on my caseload to ensure they've got what they need. I'll probably do that today and get a head start on things.

Speaking of school we got an email yesterday saying that the school calendar had a small change. They added an inservice in the middle of September. Weird. Not sure what they've got planned but I can say that most inservices are a waste of time. We'll see.

And that's all I've got. Time to get Sami girl walked and this girl fed. Later!

Scorcher

It's meant to be a scorcher today which means the only relief is either A/C or a pool. So...I'll be hanging in the A/C for a bit today and then heading over to Raeburn for a cool down in the pool. My neighbors are going to go with me with kids in tow. We probably won't head over until after noon since Doug took a half day and will be home around then. Looking forward to that.

This morning I'll do my normal (walk Sami) and then take a nice bike ride around the neighborhood. I went yesterday and it was quite lovely but steamy.

Jim and I have had a bit of a fight lately with insurance. For some reason, on a procedure from October last year, Anthem changed Jim's member number. Not sure why or how that happened but it caused a snafu and so we've been fighting with them about $5,000. Since my insurance changed from a PPO to an HSA in January, this has caused a bigger issue. Additionally, insurance thought for some reason that Jim had secondary insurance with his job. Once he corrected them on that thought it seemed to be ironed out and we've been told (I'll believe it when it happens) that things will be righted on Friday when the re-process.

And...that's all I've got. Time to get Sami walked. Happy Wednesday. Later!

Hot & Steamy

This weather makes me crazy. I hate humidity but it is mid-July so what are you going to do?

I have to say, poor Savannah Guthrie must be exhausted. Poor thing has been going non-stop (so has Matt...sort of but she's pregnant so that throws a little something into the pic) and that's not changing for a while (Dem Convention next week).

I did NOT watch the speech by Melania Trump last night but why are those in his circle so stupid? On the one hand it makes me happy that they continue to sabotage themselves but why do it to a sort of "innocent". And for a speech writer on Trump's payroll to deny the plagiarism? Ass. As Nicole Wallace said, they basically threw her to the wolves. Rather than admit the mistake and moving on, they've ensured that this stays in the spotlight for a bit. But...mistakes and contradictions don't seem to matter to the Trump campaign.

My neighbor who is selling her house will have her divorce finalized today which is MAJOR. Her husband has been very unwilling to end their marriage until recently so we will be celebrating tonight with some beers and Thai food. YUM!

Today I'm hoping to get a bike ride in around the neighborhood and doing some cleaning. The bike ride will happen after breakfast and Sami's walk, after rush hour but early enough that I don't collapse from the heat and humidity. UGH!

Still not sure about my travels to Columbus and if it will happen on Monday or Tuesday. They are now saying Monday morning storms are possible and I HATE driving up there in rain...too many trucks. I'll keep an eye out and make a decision a little closer to the day.

And that's all I've got. Oh, except: So my neighbor Jordan (Cari's husband) bought 1/8 of a cow a couple of weeks ago and gave us some of the ground beef. I made hamburgers with it yesterday and HOLY SHITBALLS!!! So good! We could absolutely tell the difference. So good and lean. Makes me want to think seriously about doing this as well...see if someone wants to split a quarter cow with me (because that would be WAY too much).

Okay, I'm out. Gotta get together and get Sami walked before it's too hot for her. Happy Tuesday. Later!

Oh and Chris Christie's an ass. He's so egotistical, crass and the fact that he reminds me so much of a certain someone, I can't stand to look at his ugly mug.

Another Monday

And we're here on another Monday. It hit me last night how fast this summer is going. We're more than half way through July and I don't even want to think about what happens when August hits. UGH! I'll try and put that thought out of my mind so I can enjoy the time I have left.

My neighbor's house sold or rather the sale is pending. Less than a week...that's pretty good. It also sold for the amount I said it should ($235,000). We actually met the woman who put an offer in. She is a teacher and her family is moving up from Savannah Georgia, I'm assuming because her husband got transferred. I don't know what he does. They have two little girls - ages 4 and 2. She seemed really nice and excited about the house and neighborhood. They close at the end of August. I'm excited for some new neighbors, that's for sure.

This past weekend was relaxing. Jim and I had dinner at home on Friday and then we played Cards Against Humanity with the neighbors (until 11:30!). It was so much fun. That game is SO inappropriate. If you havne't played, it's like Apples 2 Apples but for "horrible people" (that's what the description says...hee hee). For example, here are some of the cards you can play: "Dick fingers" (that was a favorite from Friday), "Anuses for eyes", "Not giving a shit about the Third World", "Harry Potter erotica" (I liked that one!). Good times. Saturday Jim and I went to Iron Chef for hibachi and it was so yummy. We took a lovely bike ride yesterday around the neighborhood. Jim was able to go for 5.5 miles and I went for 7. That's pretty good. I'd like to bike again today but it's going to start raining here in a bit. Oh well.

Not much planned for this week. Today I'll make my menu for the week and then grocery shop. Other than that, I'll just be hanging out. My plans are to go back to Columbus next week...most likely Monday but I'll keep my eye on the weather so I get sunny days there.

And that's all I've got. Time for breakfast and I'll try to get Sami walked before the rain begins. Happy Monday. Later!

Jobs

Today my morning will be jam packed with jobs. First I'll dust and vacuum and then I'll be steam cleaning my carpets. My Rug Doctor (Jim calls it the Rug Physician) came later yesterday so I wasn't able to use it but I'll break that bad boy in today! I can't wait! After those are complete (and of course I'll walk Sami first), I need to spray my back yard for weeds, bugs and moles (mother f*&^kers!!!). Hopefully my jobs will be complete by 11:00 and then I can relax for the rest of the day.

I've been on quite the roll with books of late. I've read two really good books and just started another that's proving to be enthralling. The first was November 9 by Colleen Hoover. I then read The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin and now I'm reading The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry. I won't go through a synopsis for them (go on my Goodreads  if you want to see my "read" books) but will say they are ALL fast reads and terrific. 

I made some cod last night with a lemon butter sauce that was delicious! Jim gobbled it up. He doesn't mind fish (he likes it really) but doesn't always seem as excited when I make it compared with other meals.  Tonight's dinner will most likely be something on the grill. Maybe kabobs or chicken. We'll see...something simple.

No news on the neighbors house being sold. There was a bit of ridiculous speculation yesterday in a group text that those of us in the circle are in...freaked me out for several hours...taught me not to listen to stupid shit my neighbors speculate about. Here's what happened: Someone sent a text saying that the car that was viewing the house in the AM had returned for another look. I sent a text saying it was weird that there was just one car. Someone then mentioned a neighbor seeing the car and sending the kids out to play. Then this came through, "buying to rent". I then said, "WAIT! What does that mean?!" And I got a reply that said, "They are planning to buy so they can rent it out." I replied and said, "Who heard that? Did someone talk to the couple and they said that?" No answer. UGH! So of course I'm pissed and can't believe someone would buy a house like that to rent. The the texts start up again and I finally sent a text asking for clarification about the "buying to rent" thing and I finally get a reply saying "speculation". Wait, what!? You're telling me I had a heart attack for speculation!? JAYSUS! So I sent a text to the group and said, "NO MORE SPECULATING!!! FACTS ONLY!!!" (Dumb asses!) 

Okay - time to get going. Happy FRIDAY!!! Later!

Home...For Now

I arrived home from C-bus yesterday around 12:30 and MAN was it steamy. I tried to walk Sami but we only made it about halfway. Sami was lagging behind me nearly the whole way (she normally walks slightly ahead of me) so I finally convinced her to give it up.

Thankfully we've gotten some (barely) relief from storms that came through last night. We had no damage here, however, Cincinnati had lots. Jim woke up this morning to missed texts and phone calls from his brother and brother's neighbor (in Clifton). Apparently the massive oak in the front yard (not sure it if was all or part) came down last night due to the storm. Some came down into the neighbors yard (hopefully NOT the house) so Fritz just needed a tree guys number.

Anyway - my time in Columbus was relaxing and way too short (I'll be heading back week after next). We basically laid around for two days which was just perfect for me. I meant to take lots of pictures but Eva didn't want to wear a suit while swimming so sorry...can't post those on FB. As I said, I'll head back during the week of the 25th (just have to figure out best weather days).

Plans for today/tomorrow: I just ordered a carpet cleaner which should be delivered today so depending on what time that delivery comes, I'll do the carpets. If it comes late, I'll do them tomorrow. So excited to own my own cleaner and my goal is to clean the carpets every 4-6 months. This will help to keep my carpets in good condition. Other than that, I'll walk Sami and who knows what else...maybe clean. We still have possibilities of storms so the bike ride I was going to take will have to be put on hold. I may just ride around the neighborhood though.

No news on the neighbors house selling. It's up at a price to sell and I expect it to go in a week but we'll see. There have been 5 showings so far and a TON of drive-bys. I just hope we get a family that works well for our circle. I know I'm biased but we have a great little haven here and any family would be lucky to bring their kids up here.

K - time for breakfast and Sami time. Happy Thursday. Later!

No Time To Talk

I'm on a tight schedule here so this will be quick. I'm headed to Columbus today to hang with my girls. Woot! It's supposed to be nice and hot too so we'll have perfect pool weather. I'm leaving around 8 which means I need to shower, walk Sami and eat breakfast lickity split. I'm pretty much packed - what more do I need besides baby suits, shorts and tanks.

The weekend was lovely. Jim and I took a couple of nice bike rides around the neighborhood both Saturday and Sunday. Jim's still getting used to the exercise so we only went about 5 miles both days but we'll keep it up and hopefully he'll be limber and ready for the trail. Other than that, we enjoyed time with the neighbors (cookout Saturday) and a humid-less couple of days (A/C off and eating outside).

And I've got to go. I'll probably not post until Wednesday or Thursday but I'll most likely post on FB with pics of my girl! Happy Monday. Later!

Ugh...This World

I said to Jim the other day that I would like to move...to another time period. A time period where things were "simpler" and all these different shooting and terrorist attacks and political attacks didn't exist. (That place probably doesn't exist either.)  It's a sad world where certain people of all races, religions, political beliefs etc. have some sort of idea that they have the right to take a life for whatever reason (God, God complex, fear).  There is no justification. There is no argument. This country was built on differences and those of us who live here are so lucky. But, we're obviously still growing and this country has a problem and it isn't one sided. It isn't just the cops. It isn't just race or religion. I'm so sick of turning on the TV and seeing another shooting. Put your guns down people. Put your hate away. Realize that just because someone looks different than you, doesn't mean you are better and have greater rights than that person. We are all simply people who bleed the same color.

I don't have anything else to talk about. So disheartened by the actions of people. TGIF. I think I'll drink a mimosa. Later!

Almost Forgot

I was all ready to go upstairs to get ready to walk Sami and start my day when I realized I hadn't posted yet. Whoopsie daisy. Thankfully for me, I remembered. I don't want to get hate texts.

Today's plans: I'll be taking Sami for her walk and then heading out for a bike ride. It isn't supposed to storm until later today or tonight but it's going to be HUUUUUUMID! When I mowed the lawn yesterday I finished and looked like I had just stepped out of the shower. I was literally dripping. The trail is nice and shady but I still expect to sweat my tookus off. Once I get home I'll clean house and then the rest of the day is mine. Maybe I'll lay out...if I can stand it. Can't wait for Monday when I have the Egbert pool at my disposal.

Dinner tonight: Jim and I are going to The Schoolhouse Restaurant for some fried chicken. We've never been but have heard it's a must and it's so close to home! I can't believe we've never been. All meals come with: Tossed salad, cole slaw, two daily vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy as well as cornbread all served family style. All sides are refillable when dining in. DAMN! I'm guessing we'll be bringing some leftovers home. I might have to fore go lunch to prepare for dinner.

And that's all I've got. I best get on my way so I don't run out of gumption for my bike ride. Can't believe it's already Thursday! Later!

Whoopie

I had a dream that Whoopi Goldberg died. In my dream it was obviously unexpected and no one knew yet what had happened. She was 61 in my dream. So I just looked up her age and she's actually 60 (though she'll turn 61 in November). No why would I dream this? Hmm.

Yesterday I did my menu planning and grocery shop along with a stop at Costco. I made slow cooker fajitas for dinner and they were really yummy. I bought a bunch of pork tenderloins at Costco and got those marinated and so we'll have one of those tonight.

Today's plans were originally for me to bike and then come home and mow the lawn but I think I'll just mow the lawn. I mean that's a lot, front and back, and as muggy as it's going to be, I'll probably blow through two sets of clothing without biking. I'll try to bike tomorrow but we've got the possibility for rain/storms over the next three days so we'll see.

I got my "schedule" for school in the mail. I put it in quotes because I still have an open period since they don't know where they're going to put me. Originally I was supposed to have three GIs (guided interventions which are sped study halls) but apparently that was going to be impossible (according to our fearful leader). Now I'll either be co-teaching Biology (F&%K!!! I hate Biology), history (waste of time) or I was given the option of monitoring a study hall. I originally told them no on the study hall but I feel like I should reconsider that. I mean, what better place to put me where I can sit on my ass and do nothing! We'll see what kind of bullshit I get handed.

Got a text from Trip yesterday to say that Maggie and I wouldn't be welcome at PIB during his week there as it would be "too crowded" since his friends will be coming up. Hmm...6 people is too crowded? Hmm...I had friends up there during my week, we had 7 people including Maggie and Eva AND I told Anne she could come up too. See, I get that this is a FAMILY vacation home and I would NEVER tell my family they couldn't come up. I may say, "Hey, I have friends coming up and they have preference on where they sleep but the loft is free!" My response to Trip's text was, "Yeah, that's what I figured." Because we all knew when I originally sent him a text that he would be a douche bag and wouldn't welcome his sisters. I've always told him he could come up during my time but that has changed now. Sorry...tit for tat.

Okay I'm done bitching. Happy Wednesday. Hope my neighbors are all up and about in about an hour because I'll be start mowing. Later!

Spell check is down. Sorry...too sleepy to double check.

Rainy Day Relaxation

I slept until 8:00 yesterday! Can you believe it!?  Must have been a preface to they lazy day it was going to be because it rained pretty much all day. So...Jim and I hung around and had fun. We had breakfast and then played some Wii. After that I took a bath and Jim watched TV. Afterward we watched The Big Chill (love that movie) and then I made dinner. We had ribs, corn on the cob and hash brown casserole. I was going to do the ribs today but with the weather being crap, I figured I'd have a better, rain free chance of grilling last night.

Today the weather is going to be much like yesterday except we have a chance of storms this evening (dinner time). We were originally going to hang in the circle but that doesn't look promising so we'll go over to the neighbors for dinner and fun. I'll bring brats and metts and maybe make something else (broccoli salad?).

Sami is NOT liking the fireworks. She never used to be bothered by them but as she's gotten older things like that freak her out. Come evening and the massive booms the neighbors behind us let off, Sami spends much of her time in the bathroom (hiding). Poor baby girl.

And that's all I've got. I'm hoping the rain will move out after today so I can mow the lawn but who knows...looks like chances for rain for the rest of the week.

Oh, just saw that a Montgomery firefighter was injured in a fire last night. It was NOT my neighbor, however. He was off last night and hanging in the circle with us.

Happy Fourth of July!!!  Hope all have a great and safe day. Later!

Request

So I got a friend request on Facebook yesterday from my principal. Ugh! I used to have pretty much everyone from my school blocked but eventually I decided to stop being so paranoid and stupid and unblocked most. I'm now "friends" with a lot of teachers but this is a first with the administration. I never post anything about school so it's not an issue there but I'll certainly have to be extra careful when I'm posting on days I'm "sick".

It's going to be a BEAUTIFUL day today! Jim and I are going to head down to the Party Source to restock vodka, champs and the kegs. Jim wants to go to Shooters for lunch and then I'll be laying out and enjoying this lovely weather. Other than that, we've got no real plans for the weekend. We are going to try and hang with the neighbors on Monday but we are expecting a lot of rain so who knows if we'll get to set off any fireworks.

And because it's Saturday and I usually don't blog and I have nothing of note to say, I'll go pour a mimosa, make some avocado toast for breakfast and get my lazy hubby up so we can get to Newport. Happy Saturday. Later!

Raccoons

Mom had a rant yesterday about squirrels (poor little squirrels! I mean, in their eyes, your feeders are "take out" in their neighborhood. Why wouldn't they take part? How big are their brains? Acorn sized?) but my beef is with raccoons. I don't have an issue with them at my house but yesterday on the trail while biking, I had to turn around slightly sooner than I wanted because there was a baby raccoon on the path trying to hitch a ride. Seriously, this raccoon just kept running in front of the family riding in front of me and then when they would slow down to avoid smushing the damn thing, it would try and jump up and latch onto their legs. I observed this for about 15 seconds and decided, "I'm out! I don't want rabies!" I've noticed these little critters on the trail before and they literally sit in the middle and glare at you. I've never had them try and latch onto my leg though. I might have to drop kick one if I did. Stupid raccoons.

I'd like to go riding again today...we'll see if that happens. I also want to give Sami a nice long walk but I'm not sure if she's up for it. Other than that, I've got no real plans. Oh, except I need to go to the post office and return a package. I got a quilt from Groupon and I don't like the colors. Oh well...

No real plans this weekend for the 4th. My neighbor is getting fireworks for Monday but I'm thinking the weather may not want to cooperate. It's looking like we're going to have some major rain Sunday/Monday. I'm fine with that though because it's DRY as shit out there and I'm for anything that will keep the fools behind me from setting off massive boomers. They set them off in the middle of the day too. I mean, what's the point of that?

Okay well, looks like we have passing rain showers coming through so it looks like I won't be going riding. Oh well...my butt needs a break anyway.

K - that's all I've got. Time for some breakfast and then laundry. Happy Friday and long weekend. Later!