KateSpot: November 2002 Archives

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November 30, 2002

Oh, by the way...

Don't think I have forgotten about Trading Spaces tonight. Hildi and Gen in England - ai yi yi!

Posted by Cate at 11:30 PM | Comments (0)

Yesterday's pictures

Check 'em out!
It was so much fun. I hope Rich comes up again for Christmas. Then, he might be able to see the completed living room. :goofy:

Rich and Mary, attempting to assemble M's Crocodile Hunter board game
<img alt="PB290027.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB290027.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Beer! It was as good as it looks!
<img alt="PB290032.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB290032.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Group Shot! I look like a FREAK!
<img alt="PB290036.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB290036.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Welcome to Atlantic City.. if you can see it!
<img alt="PB290038.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB290038.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Trump Plaza
<img alt="PB290039.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB290039.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Caesars baby!
<img alt="PB290040.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB290040.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Mary, outside of Showboat. It was c-c-cold!
<img alt="PB290043.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB290043.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Me, inside Showboat. What's with the weird guy walking by?
<img alt="PB290044.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB290044.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
It's a WINNAH! $254!!!
<img alt="PB300045.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB300045.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 11:26 PM | Comments (5)

I'm here!

Hello everyone!
I survived the holiday, <a href="http://www.bookblog.net/">Mary D</a> and <a href="http://www.squeezings.blogspot.com/">Rich</a> came down for a visit/lunch/dinner yesterday. It was great to finally put a face to the blogger :cheerful: Rich is very tall - like 13 inches taller than me! The girls were thrilled to see Miss Mary again and they liked Mr Rich too, they gave him little notes and stickers. It was cute. We had a great time! I have a bunch of pics to post up. We tasted Rich's homebrewed beer and it was VERY good. I know if I had had another bottle, I would have had a major buzz! :crazy: I snagged an extra bottle for tonight while Trading Spaces is on! Mary and I hit Atlantic City around 10pm. Showboat - here we come! I won $254 at one of the slots! YAY! YAY! I was so excited! I had smuggled my camera into the casino and I took a picture of the winning display! All in all - I had $100 to play with and came home with that $100 and $365 more. I even found $10 on the floor!
Well - I have to run. P is painting and I need to help him move some furniture! I'll update more later!
:puckerup:
Bye!

Posted by Cate at 01:51 PM | Comments (3)

November 27, 2002

I am thankful for...

Ok Joanie - here ya go...

1. my children. They are truly the center of my universe.
2. P. My rock. Always there for me. :puckerup:
3. my parents. Without you, I wouldn't even be here.
4. my brother. He's awesome. Grew up so well.
5. good friends. I have made so many, off and online. I *heart* you guys.
6. my health. I am lucky.
7. my home. Again, I am lucky.
8. the ability to stay home and raise my children.
9. my inlaws. Without them, I wouldn't have P or his wonderful sisters.
10. life. Need I say more?
11. living in the USA. I am proud to be an American.
12. being able to vote.
13. the Internet.
14. authors. Nothing is better than curling up with a book!
15. musicians. For creating such variety in music.
16. art. I appreciate (and envy) those that are gifted.
17. choices... and the sense to choose wisely.
18. Nathaniel Briggs, inventor of the washing machine.
19. education.
20. farmers and truckers.

Posted by Cate at 10:04 PM | Comments (2)

Thanksgiving

To all my wonderful online friends, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families and friends. :hug:
 
<img alt="Turkey3xa1.gif" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/Turkey3xa1.gif" width="53" height="70" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 04:52 PM | Comments (9)

My Afternoon

O and I picked up M from the bus stop early today. She had a half day today. I popped some popcorn and threw in The Phantom Menace. M loved it. We are now watching Attack of the Clones - Woohoo!

Posted by Cate at 04:13 PM | Comments (0)

Great TS article

<a href="http://www.andydehnart.com/introspection/past/2002_11_24_index.shtml#85716177">Andy</a> has written a great article about Trading Spaces. Read it <a href="http://www.salon.com/ent/tv/feature/2002/11/26/trading_spaces/index.html">here</a> in Salon. He actually got to hang out with Doug :sigh: The lucky man.... I would be on Cloud Nine! :cloud9:

Posted by Cate at 12:00 PM | Comments (3)

Hair

I am doing my hair - again. I am shocked and dismayed at the amount of gray hairs I have been getting. My brother, who is 4 years younger, has more grays than I. So, L'oreal and I have been rather close partners for about 4 years now. Today I am <a href="http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/detail?prodid=116930&deptid=3&catid=31&subcatid=387&previousURI=/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/shelf?page=4^startpage=1^deptid=3^catid=31^subcatid=387^Brand=877">7R</a>.

Posted by Cate at 09:45 AM | Comments (4)

Thanksgiving Eve

Good morning!

I am pleased to report that there was NO snow last night. It rained. Good for my lawn since I had TruGreen apply winterizer on my lawn yesterday. Boy - I am glad we raked all those leaves.
The girls and I never made it to Wal-Mart last night. They were bring boogers and I decided I would go AFTER they were in bed. So, they played and had a good old time while I cleaned up and P sanded the wall. :sigh: Dust everywhere. The bitch is - I just dusted yesterday. Oh well, I will be dusting again in a little while. He got the first coat of primer on the wall and it looks SO nice! I can't wait until it is completely painted! Unfortunately, it won't be finished when Mary D. and Rich get here on Friday. Hmm - maybe I can put them to work... :mischievous:
I did take a couple pictures of the wall, if anyone is interested

Yes - I have popcorn ceilings - I hate them. The color of the paint is Reflecting Pool by Glidden. It's a really nice shade of green but it's hard to tell in the picture. This is the primer which we had tinted. We decided on a satin finish for the living room because it wold be easier to clean 
<img alt="PB270001.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB270001.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
The primer up against the icky white wall. 
<img alt="PB270002.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB270002.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 09:01 AM | Comments (2)

November 26, 2002

Tonight

Dinner tonight will be chicken noodle soup with sandwiches. Quick and easy. I am going out with the kidlets tonight while P does more work on the wall and puts in a new fan in the bathroom.
Seems like we might get a little snow tonight too. Well, the car is gassed up, kitchen is stocked and I will probably pick up a bag of rock salt tonight, just in case!

Posted by Cate at 04:46 PM | Comments (3)

Home again, home again jiggity jig

O and I zipped off to the bank, Fashion Bug (got some cute stuff) and then stopped at Brunos to pick up my deli and some sweet sausage. Yum! I might be cooking that for <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/001537.html#001537">Friday's company</a>!

Posted by Cate at 01:22 PM | Comments (0)

Damn squirrels

Clyde (aka <a href="http://www.barcodeking.blogspot.com/">BarCodeKing</a>) has been having some rather interesting <a href="http://www.barcodeking.blogspot.com/archives/2002_11_01_barcodeking_archive.html#84922455">squirrel problems</a>.

Check out my lazy junkyard squirrel

Ahhh - the life of a squirrel
 
<img alt="lazysquirrel.jpg" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/lazysquirrel.jpg" width="640" height="480" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 11:06 AM | Comments (2)

Bills bills bills

I just paid all my bills.. :ugh: :arg: :banghead:

Posted by Cate at 10:55 AM | Comments (3)

November 25, 2002

Which era?

(link snagged from <a href="http://lvjensen.blogspot.com/">Lisanne</a>)

<center><a href="http://www.trinitykiss.com/time"><img src="http://members.aol.com/trinitykiss/images/tnow.gif" border="0"></a></center>
<center><a href="http://www.trinitykiss.com/time">Which era in time are you?</a></center>

Posted by Cate at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)

So tired

I am home from Bonkos. I had a great time and even won a prize for high game. I won a beautiful metal lantern that I can put a votive candle inside. Next month is the Christmas exchange. Woohoo! Should be fun.

Husband is getting sick - poor guy. I think I will be checking out a few reads and hitting the sack.. I still need to finish up some laundry (chuck wet stuff into dryer) and I might jump into the shower tonight, before bed.

I will also be having Mary and Rich over the day after Thanksgiving! Be prepared to eat! I am looking forward to meeting Rich and I can't wait to see Mary again! I suppose I will have to wait until the girls are finished with her first! :laugh: I did rent Star Wars Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones for Friday. I know Eldest will be thrilled to watch them. She's seen the other 3 Star Wars and really likes them. I think Husband and I have geeked her out... poor thing!
G'night!

Posted by Cate at 10:40 PM | Comments (1)

More pics

Check out pics from the other day at Mom's place.

I know how to write - jeez!
 
<img alt="M and Tim" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB230001.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Wow - O is pretty flexible!
 
<img alt="Tim, O and M" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB230016.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 04:48 PM | Comments (5)

Thanks Hilary!

I received my ornament today! It is so pretty. Thank you SO much <a href="http://www.clutteredlife.com/main.html">Hilary</a>!

Posted by Cate at 04:41 PM | Comments (0)

Bonkos

I have Bonkos tonight. Should be loads of fun. I almost cancelled out but I have been feeling better. I still have a nagging cough which is driving me crazy!

I finally pulled out our flannel sheets and got them on the bed. MAN - so nice and soft and snuggly! This is the first time I have used flannel sheets - they are wonderful!!!
Winter is sure on it's way - this morning, my car was covered with some serious frost. I had to start the car about 10 minutes before heading to the bus stop! Yes - I drive when the weather is cold or rainy or if I am super late.

Well - I have a ton of laundry (again?!) to work on for today. Dinner tonight will be meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes and broccoli. Yum!

Posted by Cate at 11:35 AM | Comments (3)

Food Shopping

O and I headed over to ShopRite this morning right after M got on the bus. One hour, $166 poorer and a free 21lb turkey later, we made it back home before 10am. It took me half an hour just to put everything away. I had to re-arrange my freezer to stuff that big ole turkey in there. Since we are eating Thanksgiving dinner at my Dad and Step-Mom's place, I am saving the turkey for New Years Eve. This year, I am going to let M stay up, if she can make it! I don't want to go out - been there and done that. It's amateur night. I'll pick up some great wine and maybe even some beer and we'll have a great time. Well - I know *I* will, especially with the wine! LOL!

Posted by Cate at 11:17 AM | Comments (1)

November 24, 2002

Sopranos

Interesting show tonight. I can't believe he fired Melfi. And what's with AJ? He's such a ****! I felt so sorry for Bobby's kids. And Janice...ugh. She is a pig. I am really disliking her. The scene with Bobby and Janice, sitting at a candlelit kitchen table, eating his dead wife's ziti, was just repulsive. ::shudder::

Anyway - my arms are killing me. All that raking. :arg: I think I am going to sit back and watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and catch up on some blogs!
G'night!

Posted by Cate at 11:02 PM | Comments (3)

Mary Carmen's delicious sauce recipe

I got this recipe from <a href="http://www.indierocklibrarian.com/">Mary Carmen</a> - it is SO SO good!

Ingredients:
2 cans of whole tomatos
2 cans of crushed tomatos
1 small onion chopped
5 cloves garlic (I use crushed garlic in a jar - with no oil added to it)
1 bay leaf

Puree both cans of whole tomatos, 1 can at a time. (Remember to keep the empty can so you can pour the puree into it)
In a large pot, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom, like maybe a quarter to half an inch. Heat the oil and sautee the onion for a bit and then add the garlic, let it get brown but not really dark. (translation: DON'T BURN IT). Add the crushed and pureed tomatos

Add 1 bay leaf and as much oregano and parsley as you want. Stir it all in, lower the heat and let the sauce cook for about an hour and a half. Voila! It is done

**for extra flavor, before you sautee your onions and garlic, brown the meat (sausage, etc) then add the garlic and onion and continue.

Posted by Cate at 05:42 PM | Comments (1)

Exhausted

Howdy hi!
P and I raked the whole damn yard - front and back. We filled at least 25 33 gallon lawn and leaf bags! He is passed out in the recliner right now - poor guy.

While we were raking, I was simmering a pot of sauce, baking bread and baking a roast chicken for tonight! I kept running in the house every 20-30 minutes to stir the sauce. I will post the recipe next!

Posted by Cate at 05:33 PM | Comments (1)

November 23, 2002

Home again

We had a great time at my Mom's place. Dinner was delicious. My pumpkin pie was a big hit as well as Mom's apple pie.
I am pooped - will post pics up tomorrow!

Right now I am watching Trading Spaces (Plano, Texas) and I am really disliking the one Angie. Talk about anal! Although - it is super funny to watch her annoy the **** out of Hildi, who is probably banging her head against the wall :banghead: Mwahahahahaha!
And - look at my gorgeous honey Doug - sporting the unshaven look. Rowr! :puckerup: He looks even more adorable than usual! Is it getting warm in here?

Posted by Cate at 11:44 PM | Comments (3)

Saturday Agenda

Good morning! :coffee:

Big plans today. We are headed to my Mom's place for Thanksgiving dinner. It should be fun since my brother will also be there and the girls just go nuts when they see him.
I'll update more when I get home. I am sure I will have a couple pictures!:wink:

Have a great day!

Posted by Cate at 10:46 AM | Comments (3)

November 22, 2002

Eww!

<img alt="lizadavid.jpg" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/lizadavid.jpg" width="172" height="233" border="0" />
 
(link via <a href="http://www.comcast.net/smedia/entertainment_anonymous_full.jsp">Comcast</a>)
LIZA Minnelli and hubby David Gest have blamed a 29-year-old VH1 producer named Rob Weiss for destroying their reality show, "Liza & David," before it even started.
Weiss, who had a blowout with Gest the night VH1 was filming a dinner party at Minnelli's uptown apartment, was fingered by the couple Wednesday night on "Larry King Live."

Ya know - the words "fingered, Liza, David" should never ever be in the same story.
::shiver::

Posted by Cate at 06:16 PM | Comments (5)

Smells

:cheerful:
My house smells super yummy... fresh bread and pumpkin pie...

:::inhaling:::
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Posted by Cate at 12:47 PM | Comments (1)

Show me the MONEY!!

We finally got our payoff checks from <a href="http://www.ditech.com/home/">Ditech</a>! YAY!
They are going out today, Priority Mail, with tracking numbers.

Thank Gawd.

Posted by Cate at 12:44 PM | Comments (0)

Errr--- oops

Sorry Er!

Here's one for you babe...

<a href="http://www.gigglechick.com/erin/blog/000110.html" target="_blank">erin needs to be more famous... and faster than mike.</a>

Posted by Cate at 12:40 PM | Comments (1)

November 21, 2002

Good Luck Mike!

<a href="http://blog.akacooties.com/archives/000844.shtml" target="_blank">Mike needs to be famous... and fast.</a>

Just remember us little people on your rise to the top!

Posted by Cate at 11:36 PM | Comments (2)

Kudos to Kevin Sorbo!

<a href="http://www.foodallergy.org/press_releases/sorbo.html">Hollywood Star to Help Promote Food Allergy Awareness
Actor Kevin Sorbo Kicks Off Food Allergy Prevention Ad Campaign </a>

FAIRFAX, Va., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Actor Kevin Sorbo, star and action
hero in the television series "Hercules: The Legendary Journey" and "Andromeda," is kicking off a new public service ad campaign to help prevent food allergies in at-risk infants. Sorbo, holding his young son, is featured in the ad being launched by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), to educate expectant and nursing mothers.

Thank goodness there will finally be some serious publicity about this. Perhaps I won't be seen as "over-protective" :banghead: People. just. don't. get. it. :banghead:

Posted by Cate at 11:31 PM | Comments (2)

Hair Cut - after

As requested by Erin, a picture of the haircut. It was just about waist length this morning..

Not too shabby, eh?

Posted by Cate at 10:00 PM | Comments (4)

Busy morning

It was pretty busy here this morning.

P overslept and I overslept - again. O woke up around 5am, coughing. I gave her some Triaminic but it didn't stop her coughing (at that time). She was wheezy sounding so I brought her into the bathroom and cranked the hot water all the way. We sat in the steamy bathroom for about 20 minutes. When I brought her back out, I put her back to bed and she conked out. Thank goodness.
Needless to say, I played the alarm game this morning.. and lost. I drove M to school - I htink I end up doing this at least once a week. It's a good thing we only live 4 minutes from the school :laugh:
I filled out the paperwork for O's preschool. They will be getting a nurse on staff as well as an aid (if needed). So far, her class size is pretty small and I purposfully picked days where there would be low attendance. The teachers would also be trained in using an Epi-Pen. I also explained that I would like to help out any way possible. We shall see what happens in the next month.
Oh - I cut my hair. Took off about 6 inches of hair.

Posted by Cate at 01:27 PM | Comments (2)

November 20, 2002

Burnin' out

I managed to get O a doctor's appointment today. I called at 10am and snagged a 430pm appointment. Ugh - I hate waiting all day to get to the doctor's office but I was just pretty damn happy I managed to get an appointment at all. The receptionist said they have been super busy. Some sort of nasty crap going around. Yeah - it's called school, a damn hotbed of disease.

We saw a new doctor at the group today. She is super nice - O took to her right away. Dr. F is this tiny little woman and she is just so cute that I wanted to put her in my pocket! :laugh: Anyway, she looks in O's ear and said, "This is the worst ear infection I have seen all day!" Woohoo! So - what do we win? A 10 day supply of Augmentin! She was also having difficulty breathing (<a href="http://my.webmd.com/encyclopedia/article/1660.52664#hw161689">retracting</a> - which is using abdominal muscles to help to breathe. Not good) and coughing constantly. She was also prescribed a 5 day course of oral steroids (Prednisone) and breathing treatments (via nebulizer) with albuterol for the next week. Poor damn kid.
I gave her all her meds before I left for my meeting with the Sunday School teachers. P called me an hour later to tell me that O was TOTALLY hyped! Running around and yelling, completely out of her mind. Thank you Prednisone! She didn't get to bed until 930 and I think she just basically collapsed! So far, I haven't heard any coughing or sniffling. Seems like the meds are already working. She should be loads of fun tomorrow!
I got a call from the preschool today. I had placed O on a waiting list to join. It's a preschool run by the township and it is an extremely successfully run program. M learned a lot from when she attended. I spoke to the assistant to the director and explained about O's food allergies, how she is anaphylatic to nuts/dairy and what could I do to help, etc. I will be going down to the school administrative building tomorrow and I will discuss things in further details. I want the teachers to have Epi-Pen training and I want O's pens with her in school. I will do anything needed to get her into this program. The assistant was super helpful. It seems her son also has an Epi-Pen. Small world. I can't wait to go there tomorrow!
Still feeling pretty crappy. I have been chugging Robitussin but I think it's not really doing it for me. I think Sudafed is my best bet.
Well - I am exhausted. Off to bed!
:puckerup: G'night!

Posted by Cate at 11:22 PM | Comments (2)

Joanie

Wooohoo!
20K hits! You go girl.. err..goddess..
:razz:

Posted by Cate at 12:08 PM | Comments (1)

As Promised

"Our school building is located within a 10 mile emergency-planning zone of the nuclear generating station. In January 2001, the Federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission amended its policy on the availability and usage of the over-the-counter drug, potassim iodide (KI), during a radiological emergency. As a result, the state of NJ revised its policy regarding the administration of KI to the general population within 10 miles of a nuclear station. Part of the revised plan allows for the storage and use of KI at schools located in the 10-mile emergency planning zone.
<a href="http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/piodide.htm">KI</a> is an over-the-counter drug that protects the thyroid from exposure to radioactive iodine and can reduce the risk of thyroid cancer after a severe nuclear emergency resulting in a release of radiation. It is a supplement to evacuation or sheltering. Evacuation and sheltering remain NJ's primary public protective actions in the event of an accident at any nuclear generating station. Students attending school in the **** Township School District will be evacuated to Richard Stockton State College in Pomona.
Please read the attached KI information sheets and mark the appropriate box of the attached KI permission slip. This will reflect your choice to have your child receive or not receive KI in the event of a radiological release. This form will remain in effect as long as your child attends this school district, unless you notify us in writing that you have changed your choice."

This is what M brings home to me from school.
The letter ends with "If you have any questions about the school's program, please contact your school nurse." NURSE? Hell - if I had questions, I will be contacting YOUR ass Ronald, not bugging the school nurse over school policies. Last time I checked, YOU are the damn superintendent.
Needless to say, my answer will be NO. There is NO way in hell that some "designated individual" (which is how the information sheet phrased it) will be dosing my child with ANYTHING. I live approximately 5 minutes from the school. In case of any emergency, *I* will pick up my child from school. I will drive up on the goddamn lawn (if necessary) and get her. Just try stop me. No way are they putting her on a school bus (and possibly exposing her to radiation) and driving her OUT of town. 45 MINUTES out of town. There will be 4 schools evacuated, in case of emergency. I do not believe that we have enough buses to transport all of the children. M's school alone is K-2. There are 10 kindergarten classes with about 24 kids per class. Combine that with 20 1st and 2nd grades. That is just her school. What school gets "priority"? Also, if there is an accident with the nuclear plant, I can only imagine how jam packed all the major roads will become - and I sure as hell do not want my poor daughter stuck on a school bus, waiting to be poisoned. Go only knows when I would be able to physically retrieve her from the college.
It's nice that KI will prevent thyroid disease and reduce the risk of thyroid cancer (only if taken at the right time). I will purchase my own pills and give them to my child as needed. God forbid - IF there is such an emergency, I do not want my daughter's last moments spent with some room mom trying to shove drugs down her throat.
All the parents I have spoken to regarding this form agree with me. I certainly do not think that the school board has any realistic ideas about a possible emergency like this. I can't say for sure it is all on the school board but it is completely ridiculous.

Posted by Cate at 10:37 AM | Comments (5)

Good Luck!

<a href="http://www.hooptymike.com/joanie/archives/001988.html#001988"target=_blank>Joan</a> has her interview today!
Knock 'em dead! :hug:

Posted by Cate at 09:01 AM | Comments (1)

Morning

O was up and down all night. I don't know if I got more than an hour and a half between coughing fits, steam, cough medicine and nebulizer. P got up with her (poor guy) for an hour - he was so beat this morning :sleep:

But - one the upswing, I bought a new microwave at K-Mart last night. Stainless steel White-Westinghouse for $59.99!! :crazy: What a bargain!
I also picked up the "Spirit - Stallion of the Cimmeron" for the girls. That too was on sale for $14.99 - on DVD! I found some <a href="http://www.lisafrank.com/index.asp">Lisa Frank</a> stuff for one of M's buddies (birthday gift). I guess this is one of the "cool" gifts this year - but I like them. Heck - I think they have some cute things. I loved all the little funky pencil stuff when I was a kid. Lord - that feels like it was 100 years ago!
Well - now I have to WAKE up O :sigh: so we can take M to the bus stop.
BUH-bye.

Posted by Cate at 07:42 AM | Comments (1)

Jacko the freakin' Wacko

Ya know, Michael Jackson is just a scumbag. Who the **** dangles a baby (with it's face covered no less) over a balcony. Where the hell is CPS? Jeez - just <a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/021120/170/2pzrd.html">LOOK at him</a> people! He's insane. He looks like he is goddamn laughing.
I gotta go to bed.

Posted by Cate at 12:41 AM | Comments (6)

November 19, 2002

Upcoming Rant

I have a rant building up inside me... I will try to write about it tomorrow.

Posted by Cate at 11:33 PM | Comments (2)

Long Night

Still feeling crappy but poor O has really gotten the worst of it.

The poor kid has just been coughing and sniffling all day and night. P just brought her out of her room. She has been coughing for the past 20 minutes. Now - her ear hurts. I'll be calling the doctor's office in the morning and getting an appointment.
I have a meeting tomorrow evening with the coordinator and teachers from Sunday School. Hopefully, it won't last too long. :cheerful:

Posted by Cate at 11:22 PM | Comments (0)

&@#$@^!!!!

:banghead:
I think my microwave just decided to *%#$@^&! break.
Piece of ****.

Posted by Cate at 12:10 PM | Comments (2)

Still sick

Oh man - I am sick. O is a mess. I hate giving her OTC medications but her nose... :yuck: trust me, it's not pretty.
I hope we are better by Saturday since we are having an early Thankgsgiving dinner at Mom's place. She is getting chemo today. {{{Mommy}}}

Posted by Cate at 11:41 AM | Comments (3)

November 18, 2002

Ornament Exchange

Oooh - gotta mail that off tomorrow! I hope she likes it!
(I can't say whom - yet!)

Posted by Cate at 10:37 PM | Comments (2)

Monday

I have been sucky about posting lately..

O kept up up late last night. Poor kid - she still has a wicked cold. Runny nose, stuffy nose, runny nose, stuffy nose... you get the idea?
I still have a cold too - I have been sneezing and blowing my nose for most of the afternoon and evening. Gee - I can't imagine howI caught this cold? Oh yeah - O sneezed all over me, several times. Gross. She fell asleep in my arms around 545pm. I decided to let her sleep through. Of course, she woke up around 930pm, with one helluva runny nose and coughing. She got some nighttime cough meds (to dry up that poor little nose) and is now using her nebulizer. She had something to eat a little while ago so I am hoping that she will be going back to bed within the next hour ::crossing fingers::
I am now the proud owner of a <a href="http://www.dirtdevil.com/products/uprights/M091200.asp">Dirt Devil Platinum Force </a> vacuum. I picked up it from K-Mart. I was going to purchase it from Wal-Mart but the box was all battered looking.. like the receiving guys were kicking it.. No freakin way I am gonna spend $179 on that!

Posted by Cate at 10:34 PM | Comments (1)

State Swap

<a href="http://progoddess.blogspot.com/">Rachel</a> had a great idea, about a month ago, for a group of people to swap items. The catch, the items had to somehow relate to the state in which you live.
I just received my package from <a href="http://newsouth.blogspot.com/">Shannon</a>. Holy cow - it was CHOCK full of cool things.

<img alt="StateSwapStuff.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB180008.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Check out the Krispy Kremes (already opened! Hehe!). What about those pork skins? YIKES - people eat those things? :boggled: I also got corn bread, some AWESOME magnets, (how on earth did she know I liked those? :wink:), a magnet, postcard, trivia book about NC, 2 cans of Cheerwine soda (pop?) and a jar of BBQ sauce called "Lip Lickin'"!
Thanks Shannon - you rock!

Posted by Cate at 09:58 PM | Comments (2)

November 17, 2002

The Sopranos

He SAT on the frickin' dog!!!
Bahahahahahahahahahahaa!

Posted by Cate at 09:57 PM | Comments (5)

November 16, 2002

Doug

Did I mention just how happy I am that Doug is on TS again tonight? He is just so darn adorable! ::drool:: I love his room.. A Pretty Room.. by Doug..in italics.Heehee!
Did anyone else see that the British version of this show, Changing Rooms, will be on TLC Thanksgiving Day? Wooohooo! 5pm - 2am! I will be up watching them all! I am an addict!
I can't wait for next Saturday show.. here's the write up for it directly from TLC:

<a href="http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/tradingspaces/episode/season3/episode20/episode20.html">Indiana: River Valley Drive
Mum's the word in Doug Wilson's room on this episode. Our ever-creative designer takes inspiration from his recent visit to Brazil in creating sarong-covered pillows and flower-stenciled walls for a couple's living room. Meantime, Genevieve Gorder tries to tame a rainbow explosion to create a family room that's colorful and tasteful. Carpenter Amy Wynn keeps busy building a fireplace extension for Doug and a new hip-to-be-square entertainment center for Gen. Oh ... and there's something about a foot fetish ? you'll have to tune in to find out.</a>

AND - November 30th, TS will be in jolly old England, using the carpentry skills of Handy Andy. Hildi and Gen will be unleashed on those poor unsuspecting saps. Run you bloody fools - Run!

Posted by Cate at 11:20 PM | Comments (6)

It's another Saturday night..

which means it's Trading Spaces time! Woohoo!

Posted by Cate at 09:43 PM | Comments (2)

November 15, 2002

Retro Gal

(link snagged from <a href="http://www.ailurophile.com/">Christine</a>)
 
<a href="http://quizilla.com/users/karaisma4all/quizzes/What%20Type%20Of%20Retro%20Gal%20Are%20You%3F/"><img src="http://images.quizilla.com/K/karaisma4all/1036949202_respinup22.jpg" border="0" alt="patriotic"> What Type Of Retro Gal Are You?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Posted by Cate at 12:29 AM | Comments (1)

November 14, 2002

Script

I picked up a new script for collapsing entries and comments from <a href="http://www.scriptygoddess.com/archives/001140.php#001140">ScriptyGoddess</a>. Thanks <a href="http://www.theworkingmom.net/">Jenn</a> (and MaryD for suggesting it!)

Posted by Cate at 10:33 PM | Comments (0)

I'm Alive

Thank you so much for all of your kind emails and comments! They were greatly appreciated!

Today, after I drove Eldest to school, Youngestand I went to the mall. Hell - that's one way to feel better, right? I had to return a couple dresses to the Disney Store. We wandered around and checked out the toy store. Youngestran right for the Groovy Tunes: Electronic Sing-A-Long Keyboard with Bench. She asked if I could buy it for her today. Uhh - I don't think so. Perhaps she will get it for her birthday, which is 5 days after Christmas.
We also stopped in Gap Kids and Childrens Place. I found a bunch of things for the girls at CP, including their holiday dresses. This one is Eldest's dress and this is Youngest's jumper, which will be worn with this underneath. Very cute - and pretty reasonably priced! I also picked up socks, clearance rack hair stuff and bracelets (stocking stuffers!) and long sleeved onesie/bodysuits for Olivia. With her scratching all the time (eczema), this will help keep her belly covered.
After all that, I promised Youngestthat she could throw pennies into the fountain, inside the mall. She tossed 10 pennies, laughing and yelling "Look at me!" It was pretty cute!
Then, it was off to McD's for an Youngestfriendly lunch before we hit Target. They had some gorgeous ornaments on display. I picked a few up for me. I also found a couple Hello Kitty shirts for Eldest. Bonus - they were on clearance! Yay!
Youngestcrashed out on the ride home. The sun was shining right in the car - hell, I was getting sleepy! We made it back home, killed a half hour and then picked up Eldest from the bus stop.
I made dinner while Eldest did her homework. She is doing SO well in school. Her teacher is supposed to be moving her up to the next reading level very soon. She also gets her school picture taken tomorrow! We picked out her outfit and I am going to put her hair into 2 ponytails. She also has gym AND Brownies.
The girl across the street is done with field hockey! YAY YAY YAY! My babysitter is back! She will be coming over tomorrow to watch Youngestwhile I go to Brownies. ::phew:: It's tough when Youngestis there.
I picked up Eldest's nut order tonight from Debbie's (troop leader) house. We will be delivering them sometime this week. On Saturday, we are all heading into Brooklyn to visit my brother - the girls are so excited about that. I've never been there so I am looking forward to checking out the area. Turns out that he lives very close to where my step-mom grew up. How cool is that?
Anywho - I am pooped. I will be catching up on my reads. I hope you are all well! ::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 09:56 PM | Comments (0)

November 13, 2002

Still Icky

Yuck -
Still feeling icky. P and I are going to watch "Joe Somebody" and I will probably go to bed.
:yawn:
G'night!

Posted by Cate at 08:32 PM | Comments (8)

Cold and Dreary Day

Ugh - still feeling cruddy. I am on Robitussin Cough and Cold Liqui-caps.

We also signed the new mortgage today ! Wooho! 5.375% Thankyouverymuch. We get a slight grace period and start the payments January 1st. M's nut order came in so we need to pick them up tonight. P is putting up the corner bead on the wall - YAY!
I'll try to write more later... if I am conscious!

Posted by Cate at 02:26 PM | Comments (2)

November 12, 2002

HOLY CRAP!

I don't think Ralphie torched the stables! Oh man - and Tony killed him anyway!!
Ugh - watching the show and just knowing that Ralphie was gonna get offed.. it was torturous! I had a very hard time watching the final fight scenes with my face uncovered.
RIP(ieces) Ralphie.

Posted by Cate at 11:48 PM | Comments (3)

The Sopranos - again!

OK - it **will** be on at 11pm EST. I **will** be watching!!!

Posted by Cate at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)

Dinner

Dinner tonight!
(also cross posted over at <a href="http://mealtime.blogspot.com/">What's For Dinner?</a>)

Spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce, sausage and meatballs and pumpkin pie for dessert!
YUMMY!

Posted by Cate at 03:52 PM | Comments (3)

Rainy Tuesday

I had a great chat with Mary D. She just RAWKS! I am also cooking a yummy sauce, thanks to <a href="http://www.indierocklibrarian.com/">Mary C</a>. It smells SO good in my house right now. I think that this will make a delicious dinner for a cold and rainy day like today. I will post the recipe, if she says it's ok to share it! :wink:

Posted by Cate at 12:23 PM | Comments (3)

Happy Birthday Tim

To my "little" 6ft brother -
Happy 28th Birthday!
I love you!
:thumb:

Posted by Cate at 09:59 AM | Comments (1)

And about the Sopranos

It wasn't ON HBO last night!! I was ALL over that damn channel and it wasn't on!! :cry: ARRGGHHH!
Maybe it's on again tonight ::looking hopeful::

Posted by Cate at 09:52 AM | Comments (2)

November 11, 2002

Back to normal... I hope!

M is going back to school tomorrow! Hooray! In fact, both kids were in bed by 8pm. I caught the new Monk episode with Willie Nelson and it was a scream! I love Tony Shalhoub! I have to.. no..I MUST.. watch the Sopranos tonight!! P and I are both dying (hehe) to know what happened!

Posted by Cate at 09:56 PM | Comments (1)

Whatta mighty mighty good man!

Walls are up and spackled. Corner bead, taping and painting will commence Tuesday and Wednesday.
P has worked so darn hard these past couple days. I just adore him! :kiss:
Check out the pics!

The doorway, as you walk into the kitchen/dining room. See P peeking at me!
 
<img alt="PB110001.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB110001.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Looking towards the front door
 
<img alt="PB110003.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB110003.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Spackle Man!
 
<img alt="PB110004.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/PB110004.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 09:52 PM | Comments (1)

We have Walls!

I know - MORE damn pictures!
:biggrin:
Oh - please don't think my house looks like this all the time!

Posted by Cate at 02:52 PM | Comments (3)

Sick

Ugh -
I have laryngitis!

I get it every damn year. Of course, today I was supposed to go up to my Mom's place to help her with some stuff. I can't go up there now that I have this cold.
CRAP CRAP CRAP!

Posted by Cate at 10:42 AM | Comments (2)

Another Doug Fan

Posted by Cate at 12:02 AM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2002

The Sopranos!

I missed the first 35 minutes of the show - but the last 25 minutes..
::spoiler inside::

Holy ****!
:eek:
I can't believe that TONY whacked Ralphie! I don't know WHY he did it tho - something about the horse?? I tuned in right at the beginning of the fight! Arrghh! Now I have to wait until tomorrow to find out what the hell happened!

Posted by Cate at 11:25 PM | Comments (3)

Happy Birthday

<a href="http://rain-angel.net/">Dara</a> -

I hope you had a wonderful birthday!
::smooches::
:thumb:
You go girl!

Posted by Cate at 10:52 PM | Comments (1)

Home Improvements

Pictures!
:coffee:
Lordy - I am tired.. and I didn't do all the interior work!

Posted by Cate at 10:41 PM | Comments (2)

November 09, 2002

Crying Pam

I just love Crying Pam! I crack up every time this episode is aired!
Oh, for great reviews for most shows (like TS and The Sopranos), check out <a href="http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/">Television Without Pity</a>. Some of the recaps had me laughing so hard I cried! :rofl:

Posted by Cate at 10:12 PM | Comments (2)

Home Improvements

Well - construction has begun. Actually - he started last night, scoring and removing sheetrock. Did I ever mention how much we both HATE popcorn ceilings? ICK!

We decided to build a wall - dividing the large space that is my living room and dining area..

Original layout (which I never liked anyway)
 
<img alt="P9190020.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/P9190020.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />
 
Where the wall will be placed - with a 4' space as the doorway
 
<img alt="PB090001.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/PB090001.JPG" width="640" height="480" border="0" />

Where the ladder is leaning is where the wall will start. P is at Home Depot now, buying studs to frame out the wall. Whee! My computer desk will be on one side of the new wall (in the living room area) and the hutch will be on the opposite side. I will lose some natural lighting but that gives me the excuse to buy some wall sconces for lighting.
::crazy::
My house is a mess!

Posted by Cate at 01:52 PM | Comments (7)

November 08, 2002

Ikea - follow-up

Well -

5.5 hours, 165 miles and 55 million 18-wheelers later, we are home.

I got such cool stuff for the girls.. a ladybug umbrella, a tent, moppe box (for Youngest's desk) and some pretty neat candles too.

I gotta finish getting dinner ready.. I'll chat more later!
TA!

Posted by Cate at 04:15 PM | Comments (1)

Ikea!

Well- we are up and getting ready to go. I am going to pack a lunch for them to eat in the car. This way, I don't have to worry about what I can feed Miss O. Especially since there is really nothing she can eat there. The kids are excited about seeing the airplanes Ikea is right across the turnpike from Newark International Airport. I browsed the catalog yesterday and put Post-It notes all over the pages!
Also, this weekend, Husband will be building a full height wall between out dining area and living room. Woohoo!
Well- gotta run!
Catch ya later!

Posted by Cate at 09:42 AM | Comments (4)

Friday Five

Answers below

1. Did you vote in your last elections? Abso-freakin-lutely!

2. Do you know who your elected representatives are? ::snort:: Yes - damn crooks.

3. Have you ever contacted an elected representative? Yes - a long time ago.
If so, what was it about? There was an issue concerning my Girl Scout troop. Let's just say it was rectified rather quickly!

4. Have you ever participated in a demonstration? Nope.

5. Have you ever volunteered in an election? No - but I might in the next presidential election. What was the result?

Posted by Cate at 12:39 AM | Comments (0)

November 07, 2002

Grandpa

The girls and I visited my Dad at the college today. We had a nice lunch and he showed us around the campus. It looks a LOT different from the last time I was there. It was also some kind of Open House so there was a lot of free stuff - soda, snacks, etc. Dad snagged some cotton candy for the girls :eek: but they were thrilled. I don't like cotton candy - it looks like insulation. Ick.
Of course, I took some pictures, like always. I know, I am a photo junkie. I feel bad for the kids - I am ALWAYS taking their pictures. They are just so darn cute though - I can't help it!
The kids had a great time seeing my Dad. And - being the proud Grandpa, he showed them off to everyone.

Going to visit Grandpa

Grandpa and his girls

O and her cotton candy

My Dad - being a goof!

Enough with the camera Mom

Posted by Cate at 11:19 PM | Comments (5)

Home Interiors

I was at a Home Interiors party tonight.

It was fun. I bought a couple things. I hope Debbie made some money off the show!

Tomorrow, the girls and I are heading up to IKEA! WOOHOO! Shopping! It will be SO hard not to spend a lot of money - they have such cool stuff!

Posted by Cate at 10:56 PM | Comments (0)

It's Me!

Nice to see ya!

Posted by Cate at 03:04 PM | Comments (3)

Unhappy Homeowners

Everyone - meet Crying Pam. Boo-freakin'-hoo

3 episodes of unhappy homeowners! I can't wait for Saturday.

Posted by Cate at 12:15 AM | Comments (2)

November 06, 2002

And I - I will survive..

The night ended rather well for the 4 young ladies. There was the usual bickering, crying and foot stomping.. oh.. and the girls were a little wound up too.

Dinner tonight was the grand feast of hot dogs, tater tots and veggies. They ate ok. Too interested in other stuff. After I finally let them leave the table, all 4 of them ran down the hallway to have a "dance party" in Eldest's room! A DANCE PARTY?? Oh my gosh - I feel faint! Eldest has a cd that my brother burned for her.. BackStreet Boys, N*SYNC, Twittney, Christina, the Baja Men.. she loves it. They pulled out all of the dress up clothes to look for the dress up shoes... little high heels. I was hysterical. They had SO much fun.
The dance party ended around 715pm so the young ladies could get their real shoes and socks on the correct feet. By 845, my 2 munchkins were in bed.
I managed to catch the Sopranos episode. All I can say is - watching Tony have sex is pretty repulsive! GAG!

Posted by Cate at 11:05 PM | Comments (2)

Back again.. plus one more!

We're back from the magic show...

Let me tell ya, Michael was really pretty GOOD! I love slight of hand tricks and he did very well with his tricks. The kids loved the show. I found another one of Eldest's friend's at the show with her Mom and little sister. So, I invited her friend back to the house after the show. Right now, they (Eldest, Olivia, EJ and L) are sitting at my kitchen table, making books. I got a bunch of construction paper, used the 3-ring hole puncher and gave them crayons and stickers. I'll tie the books up with string when they are finished. Plus, they are also snacking on popcorn and apple juice. They are SO funny - I am listening to them chatter while I am on the computer. It's all I can do NOT to crack up laughing!
Man - life is good! Plus - now their respective moms owe me.. big time! Mwahahahahahahahahaha!

Posted by Cate at 04:04 PM | Comments (1)

We're off!

The girls and I are going to a magic show. It's going to be held at the library. I hope this guy is good!
Check in with ya later.. if the girls don't make me crazy!

Posted by Cate at 01:23 PM | Comments (1)

November 05, 2002

Pictures!

Check 'em out!

Posted by Cate at 10:58 PM | Comments (7)

Once a day blogging?

Say it ain't so!

Husband and I moved furniture today....

Really. We rearranged the living room furniture. Such fun lives we lead. I will be posting pictures in a little while...
Stay tuned!

Posted by Cate at 10:34 PM | Comments (2)

November 04, 2002

I'm still here!

Hey everyone! I just know you all missed me so much!
I spent most of today on my knees....

Cleaning! (Sheesh! You people with the dirty minds!)

Yesterday, my nephew was getting christened at 12pm. Husband and I hustled the girls around in the morning. They ate a good breakfast, did the morning routine and got dressed. They had matching outfits which were WAY too cute. Anyway, the christening was taking place in a church over an hour away from us. We leave at 1045am, get gas and haul ass up to St. Rose of Lima in Freehold. The 11am mass was just finishing up. There were NO parking spots ::grr:: so Husband dropped us off at the church and went off to park the car. Mass finally lets out and we are now standing in the church, looking for my inlaws and other friends. No one. Husband asks me "Are you sure it was today?", which totally freaked me out! I called my sis in law, the mother of my nephew and asked her what time the baptism take place. It was at 2pm! Duh.
So, we took the girls to McD's for lunch and they ate quite neatly. We head back to the church and found my inlaws. We sat right behind my sis in law, her hubby, my niece and nephew. He's getting SO big - 2 1/2 months already!
Husband had already spoken to my sis in law and said that we wouldn't be attending the party afterwards. Husband and I made this decision based on the fact that there would be a ton of food that Youngestcan't eat and that my sis and brother in law also have 2 cats and a dog. That's a lot of animal hair, which also gives Youngest hives and she starts wheezing. I felt bad about it but I didn't want to cause any undo stress for my sis in law and Olivia. Besides, I really didn't want to take away from my nephew - it's his day. My sis in law cornered me before we left the church and made me promise to let her know what she can do for the girls, that she would buy anything, just to let her know. She wants to see her nieces. I felt SO bad after that. I promised I would - next time.
We had made plans to visit my Mom after the baptism. She was SO thrilled to see the girls - she hadn't seen them in over a month! She really missed them. Of course, the girls were all over her too! We stayed for dinner and didn't even get home until 930. We tossed the girls into bed and by 1015pm, I had passed out in the recliner! I staggered into bed and was asleep by 11!
We woke up around 830am when Youngestcame in to visit us ::grin:: By 10am, Husband was outside, using the blower. Our lawn was covered with leaves. The girls were also outside, jumping in the leaf pile, playing with the yard toys.. basically having a grand old time! I cleaned.. and cleaned... and cleaned. Washed the sheets, cleaned the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room. I got a garbage bag full of junk out of Eldest's room. It's so much cleaner in there now. Oy - it was a mess.
We let the kids watch Toy Story tonight. I made popcorn and they scarfed a ton of it down! They got to bed by 930 and P is now watching the "X-Files" movie. Ew.

WOW! I have written a book here. I hope everyone has a great night! I am off to read some blogs - g'night!

Posted by Cate at 10:34 PM | Comments (5)

November 02, 2002

My day

We had a very nice day today.. got a lot of things done today before heading out
Hit the bank, pharmacy, Blockbuster, Hallmark store, Fashion Bug and the library. It was pretty nice - we all had such a nice time.
After we got back home and finished lunch, the kids watched their DVD's - Blues Big Musical Movie (Youngest's pick) and The Prince of Egypy (Eldest's pick). Both were quite good. P and I rented "Death to Smoochy", "The X-Files Movies" and "Joe Somebody". We didn't watch them tonight - it's Trading Spaces night! Blockbuster has some sort of pass where, for $24.99, you can rent 3 movies at a time, for as long as you want, for no additional charges. Coooool. Considering I spent over $20.00 to actually rent 5 DVD's - Oy.

Posted by Cate at 10:40 PM | Comments (3)

Trading Spaces

Doug looked pretty yummy tonight!

I liked the room he designed too.

Posted by Cate at 10:03 PM | Comments (6)

November 01, 2002

Feeling better

Well - the kids got to bed right on time, thank goodness! I thought I was going to lose it tonight!

I folded a few loads of laundry and watched the American Bandstand 50th anniversary show. Man - some of those people look pretty bad. But Dick, well, he looks pretty damn good for 152 years old ::snicker::

I caught Monk tonight. It was really good! Adam Arkin co-starred. I've liked him since he played "Adam" in "Northern Exposure". I've decided that Tony Shalhoub is just adorable. He's just so.. so.. squeezable!

No big plans (for once!) this weekend except for my nephew's christening on Sunday. Tomorrow, we will do a couple errands and head over to the library. Hopefully, it will be a nice and easy day.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Posted by Cate at 11:12 PM | Comments (5)

Last Halloween pic!

I have one last Halloween picture of both girls in their cat costumes.

View image

Posted by Cate at 08:42 AM | Comments (4)

KateSpot