KateSpot: Friends Archives

November 21, 2008

Girls Night Out!

It's Bunco night tonight. Thank goodness! I am always happiest when we have Buncos. It's a great excuse to goof off with other stressed out moms and drink and eat and drink and drink... well.. you get the idea. I need to behave tonight since I am driving. Luckily, the house is close to mine so if I get too tanked I can stagger my tipsy ass down the road without getting run over... I hope!

Have a great night everyone, Drinks on me! Woo!

Posted by Cate at 05:52 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

May 01, 2008

Fun and Friends

The charming and most lovely Liz and I planned to get our families together over a month ago. With six childrens' schedules varying from school, sports, civic, and all other assorted activities, things must be planned in advance. There are no spur of the moment events happening. That is almost unthinkable.

Liz and her family arrived at my home around noon. Turns out that The Boy stayed home with her husband Garth (not his real name) to work on manly sort of things. Can't say I blame him as he would have been surrounded by seven females. Heck, some days I don't want to be around my own two girls!

We chatted for almost an hour while our girls all disappeared to the beedrooms to play. It was an absolutely gorgeous day - clear and sunny. Liz and I decided to visit Long Beach Island (LBI), picnic on the beach, and collect shells. I dug out three kites to play with too. We loaded up Liz's van and we were off. Can you say road trip?

I live about 15 minutes from the beach. We were lucky - we parked right in Ship Bottom and dragged all of our stuff, including the five girls, and hauled all the crap to the beach.

It was beautiful. See for yourself.

The girls immediately headed for the jetty. There were a lot of shells. I mean - LOTS - of shells.

We even found sand dollars - quite a few of them. I have never found sand dollars on the Jersey shoreline.

We chatted for almost an hour while our girls all disappeared to various bedrooms to play. It was an absolutely gorgeous day - clear and sunny. Liz and I had planned to visit Long Beach Island aka LBI and have a picnic on the beach, and collect shells. I dug out three kites to play with too. We loaded up Liz's van and we were off. Can you say road trip?

We spent about two hours on the beach, trying not to get wet as the ocean water was about 45-40 degrees. It was so cold it burned! The girls didn't seems to have as much as a problem as Liz and I. We had to head back to the mainland once Mini-Me got soaked by a rouge wave.

mini_o_towel.jps.jpg

Liz stopped for gas and I introduced her to the yummy deliciousness of Wawa's Vanilla Lattes. Once we got back to my house, the girls cleaned off and once again, disappeared off to play. Liz and I settled down to talk. Things were nice and relaxed until we heard the dulcet tones of "Turkey In The Straw". Mini-Me and Youngest immediately appeared out of thin air with Eldest and Thing 2 right behind them. As soon as Liz and I agreed to a treat, they flew out of my house and headed right to the road to start frantically waving down the ice cream ~~man~~ woman. They chose their treats and ran off the the back yard.

Once it was time to leave, we all said our goodbyes, hugged, and waved to the gang of This Full House as they drove down our street. We always have such fun together - I can't wait for our next visit!

Original New Jersey Moms Blog post and crossposted to Katespot

Posted by Cate at 05:34 AM | Comments (1)

March 16, 2008

Are YOU going?

You know you want to meet me and the Husband... c'mon out for a great time, good food, and lots of fun!

Posted by Cate at 11:24 PM | Comments (4)

August 09, 2007

More sorrow

I was very sorry to read that Angie's father passed away the other day after a long battle with cancer. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Cate at 11:03 PM | Comments (1)

Today Is An Away Day

The girls and I will be hitting the road to spend the day at This Full House. I hope the weather behaves today so we can all just hang poolside. Youngestis quite excited to visit Mini-Me and Little Man. Eldest and Thing Two are thisclose in age and they always just seem to click just right. I'll take a zillion pictures and, once Liz clears them, I'll post 'em.

Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 10:06 AM | Comments (1)

August 06, 2007

Terrible News

One of the girls who used to be in Eldest's troop had an older brother who was in the Army. He was fighting overseas. This morning, they got word that he was killed in action. I got a phone call from one of my neighbors who knew that I knew the family. Her brother was only 20-21 years old. It broke my heart.

Please keep this family in your prayers. They sure need them right now.

Posted by Cate at 11:07 PM | Comments (5)

June 27, 2007

Help a girl out

My buddy Christine is in a contest to win a soda maker. She needs your vote. So, all I am asking my wonderful blogger friends to do is simply click here to place your vote today.

Thank you!

Posted by Cate at 09:18 PM | Comments (0)

January 30, 2007

Chit-Chat

I had a lovely and long chat with Mary - Queen of BookBlog. I haven't seen her since the summer and I can't even remember the last time we spoke on the phone. We are now all caught up and I'm not quite sure if I have anything left to say to her after our two hour phone call. Hey, I was being productive - doing housework, laundry, cleaning my bathrooms, making bread...

Thank God for cordless phones.

Posted by Cate at 07:23 PM | Comments (5)

August 01, 2006

And we had fun fun fun

The fantastic and totally blogalicious Liz and her crew came down to my place for a visit on Thursday. I gave Liz the ten cent (and ten second!) tour of the house while the six kids all disappeared into one of the girls' bedrooms.

We decided to head right over to Long Beach Island and, well, I'll let the photos speak for themselves...

We all had a wonderful time. We were sorry to see them leave but Liz had an hour long ride home with four "slightly" sandy and sleepy children. I am looking forward to our next ~~Mommy playdate~~ get together!

Posted by Cate at 01:35 PM | Comments (4)

July 27, 2006

Beach Day

I'm lucky enough to have Liz and her awesome family come down to visit with me and the girls today. Anyway, our plans are simple.

1.Beach
2.Swimming and BBQ at my house

Are you jealous yet? LOL.

In Mom news, she's doing MUCH better. The doc switched her meds from morphine to percosets and she was quite happy with that! Today, she's getting moved from the 4th floor in the hosptial to the 2nd floor rehab center. I'm betting they will be tossing her out by Saturday. Thank you for all the nice emails and phone calls about her.

Ok - off to get the kiddies up and moving!

Posted by Cate at 08:15 AM | Comments (2)

July 19, 2006

A success!

The previously mentioned playdate was awesome. All the girls had a great time and all of us moms had several cups of wine. ::hic::

I've got to go cook dinner... time to sober up!

Posted by Cate at 06:43 PM | Comments (3)

Sun and Fun

I've got two of my friends coming over this afternoon. They will be bringing their daughters along as well. So, I'll have six girls here between the ages of six and ten. Ooof.

I've officially named this day as "Moms Who Playdate". We watch the children swin and have fun while we relax in the shade, eating little snackies and ~~chugging~~ sipping wine.

Boooyah!

Posted by Cate at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)

July 12, 2006

Always Nice

I spoke with Miz Christina yesterday. It's always nice to catch up with a friend. I have been quite concerned with what happened last week and I wanted to speak with her.

Christina's sense of humor did not disappear one bit. She referred to herself with her new nickname - Sparky. I told her that I'd had enough blog drama going on and she needn't burn her next house down for some attention.

She's such a show-off!

We had a lovely chat and I was even able to speak with Sweet One for a few moments. She sounds just like Christina, bless her heart (as Christina would say). I heard all about the new place and what the plans were going to be for the new (and improved) Casa de Feisty. Again. I told her I was quite happy that everyone was safe and she's never allowed to run into a burning building again.

In other news, my lovely friend Mary from BookBlog will be down for a visit today. I haven't seen her in for about six or seven months. Boy, the house looks just a little different since her last visit! But, the wall she sheetrocked is still here.

I'm off to get the kids fed and out the door. Eldest has camp. Wheeee!

Posted by Cate at 09:33 PM | Comments (3)

July 05, 2006

More terrible news

My very dear friend Christina and her family are safe. Thank God. They lost their home and just about everything else when their home was struck by lightening and burned down. If you can, please send out many, many prayers and well wishes to her and her family. I'm just sick that I can't be there for her.

Posted by Cate at 08:45 PM | Comments (3)

June 30, 2006

Happy Happy!

To my dear friend Ms Christina, I hope you have a wonderful birthday. I hope to visit with you soon my friend. {{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 09:40 AM | Comments (1)

June 27, 2006

Posted by Cate at 05:19 PM | Comments (0)

June 26, 2006

Good-bye

Just now, I read some news that just stopped me cold. Rob, from Gut Rumbles, passed away this morning. I remember when I first started blogging, I was invited to participate in a group blog featuring a little known Rob, Joanie as well as a few others. The rest, well, is history. Rob was such a tortured soul. At times, I wished I lived nearby in order to check on him or cook him a meal. Other times, I was horrified at his apparent behavior to people I considered close to me. Then, he would write a post with what he called "Random Linkage" and I'd find this written about me:

*This woman has been on my blogroll since I first had one. She is so got-dam sweet that she makes my belly hurt sometimes, but I've got a theory about "sweet" wimmen like that. Get 'em alone. In the dark. All by themselves, except for YOU. Those kind of sweetnesses have an inner slut tigress in them that is AWESOME!!!

Now, he's gone.

I wrote a comment in the last entry of his blog, the one his daughter wrote, expressing my sympathy. Then, I cried.

I will miss you Rob.

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

May 16, 2006

Start Spreadin' The News

I'm leaving tomorrow...

I'm meeting my friend Kathy in New York City tomorrow morning. She's already on the plane and also bringing with her husband and nine year old daughter too. I've known Kathy over nine years and we met WAYYYYYYYYYY back on those AOL message boards. Anyone remember how awesome those boards used to be?

Anywho, we belonged to a rather large email loop that has slowly whithered down, one by one, to the small core group we are today. Now, there's only six of us that are active. The Loopies with blogs: Wendi, Island Queen (she wants to be anonymous, Chris, and Shel. We also have our own message board too but I have to admit that I am pretty crappy about keeping up on the boards lately - lazy Loopie.

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to meet up with Shel and Kathy in NYC. That was the first time I had ever met them. Now, Kathy and her family are on their way to NYC THIS MOMENT! I am so excited! I decided to bring Eldest with me so she gets to ~~play hooky~~ stay home sick tomorrow.

Tomorrow's schedule is pretty basic. Meet outside Grand Central Station and then we're headed all the way across town to Battery Park for a Circle Line ride to Ellis Island and the Statue of Libery. The Statue wasn't open the last time Kathy was here so it's going to be pretty exciting to visit. I am pretty sure I will take a million pictures. LOL.

Ok - so I'm off to do some more laundry, get Youngeston the bus, then head over to Goodyear to get the screw removed from my tire. Bah.

Posted by Cate at 07:06 AM | Comments (2)

May 03, 2006

Shopping Trip

I just had a shopping spree at Target but I didn't spend a dime nor did I have to drive to get there. Confused?

Virtual shopping with Christina is always a great time. Thanks for calling darlin'!

Posted by Cate at 12:55 PM | Comments (1)

March 28, 2006

Good morning!

I've missed you guys! What's new?

Posted by Cate at 07:03 AM | Comments (4)

March 06, 2006

Support is Needed

I spoke with my friend Lauren this morning and she informed me of a very sad news story. A 21 year old soldier from Kokomo Indiana was killed February 22 when an IED (improvised explosive device) detonated near his Humvee during patrol operations in Hawijah, Iraq.

The horrible part of the story is this -

The family of the soldier has had their home vandalized and they've also received very disturbing telephone calls where the caller said "I’m glad your son is dead." The full story is here. This particular group is headed by the Westboro Baptist Church and that disgustig excuse of a human being - Fred Phelps. I really find it hard to believe that "God Hates Fags". The Bible can be twisted to support nearly any belief. I am horrified and sickened by these actions. Losing one's child is hard enough - having to listen to insults and read signs like "God Made IEDs" would make the funeral unbearable beyond belief.

Lauren decided to head up a letter campaign to send to the grieving family. So far, she's received over 350 emails in response. I know she can count on me and my family. I'd be honored to have a few of you guys also help out. If you are interested, just leave me a comment and I will forward your request to her right away.

Thanks.

tags: sgt rickey jones + fallen soldier + support our troops + patriot guard riders

Posted by Cate at 10:58 AM | Comments (16)

February 18, 2006

Blogging from NW Jersey

Have you missed me? I know you have.

I've just been so busy the past two days - I haven't had time to blog! Today, me and the family are visiting Mary. Husband is helping her fix her heating ducts and furnace. It's messy work and we've left her a nice pile of dust and crap all over her house. I told her that when we all visit, we have the ability to generate quite a nice pile of trash!

Gee, doesn't that make you want to have us visit you too?

Mary lives roughly 2 hours from us so we won't be getting home until at least 1am. Oy! Well, the kids are loving hanging around Miss Mary's house, eating cookies and chips for snacks. LOL - it's good to be a kid!

I'm signing off. I am SO sleeping in tomorrow!

Posted by Cate at 10:21 PM | Comments (1)

February 08, 2006

Good luck

Kat - You're in my thoughts babe.

Posted by Cate at 11:18 PM | Comments (0)

December 10, 2005

Spud Passing

Wanna pass a potato? Sure you do. Click here so we can send it to all 50 states. It will make Garrett's day.

Posted by Cate at 01:07 PM | Comments (2)

November 15, 2005

Cloudy Tuesday

Going out with two lovely ladies ths morning. We are going out for breakfast (keeping my goal in mind) then some errands and perhaps even some ::GASP:: Christmas shopping! :::insert Psycho theme here:::

Have a great day!

Posted by Cate at 09:35 AM | Comments (6)

September 27, 2005

Sending out a package

I ran a few errands this morning and then stopped at Wally-Mart to grab a few thing. Heh, a few things indeed. While shopping, I was wondering what I could send in a package to my soldier. I called my friend Lauren (hi!) and asked her what kind of foods could be shipped overseas. Thanks to all her help, my soldier will be eating some very yummy snacks - Little Debbie, granola bars, Pringles, peanut butter, a box of crackers, single plastic containers of Chef Boyardee, Tootsie Rolls, Milk Duds... all kinds of stuff. Youngestis drawing him a picture so I can add that to the box. I will have Eldest draw something for him too.

Gotta run.. catch ya later.

Posted by Cate at 11:10 AM | Comments (1)

August 22, 2005

Better late than never

I had a fantastic time on Saturday.

I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with my friends - Mary and her non-blogging friend (who has now converted into a blogger), Zonker, Jim and Mr. Surly. We spent of most the afternoon haning around one place - Desmond's Tavern. We emerged, only so we could eat. We wandered, nomad-like, for about 20 minutes before ~~finally ending up at~~ choosing the Lemongrass Grill. I had never eaten Thai food but Mary assured me that there were several dishes I would like. She was right. The food was delicious and the company was incredible. We sat and laughed some more before deciding to go back to Desmond's for post-dinner drinks. Still, there was no shortage of conversation (or drinks) and fun was had by all. Stories flew and laughs abounded.

I was sad to have to break up the party but, like all good things, it was time for it to end. Hugs were exchanged and we left. I made it home by 1030pm just in time to see the girls right before they headed into bed. I can't wait for the next event.

So, who's hosting the spring blogmeet?

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

August 07, 2005

Off to a BBQ

We have a great family on our street that is moving in a few days. So, they are having a party at their house this afternoon. It's gonna be fun.

Catch you later poppets!

Posted by Cate at 02:48 PM | Comments (0)

July 22, 2005

Good times

Tonight, I was graced with a phone call from this lovely lady who is at a fantabulous blog meet in New Orleans. She passed the phone around and I spoke with Sam, Denny, Kelley, Kim, Dash, Zonker and then passed back to Christina. They are having a great time and I wish I could have been there with them, sipping margaritas in Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.

Have one for me guys!

Posted by Cate at 11:43 PM | Comments (6)

July 14, 2005

Miss Mary

Mary is in my backyard spending time with the girls and enjoying an afternoon of swimming and jumping on the trampoline.

And - I've got pictures too.

Posted by Cate at 06:09 PM | Comments (2)

July 01, 2005

Company

I've got company a-comin' today!

No time to write.

Have a great day!

Posted by Cate at 09:28 AM | Comments (2)

June 30, 2005

Happy Birthday!

Today is a special day! It's Ms Feisty's birthday today. So, go on over and wish her a very happy birthday!

Posted by Cate at 09:20 AM | Comments (1)

June 21, 2005

Happy Birthday

Please go visit Susan and Erin and wish them a very happy birthday!

Posted by Cate at 07:23 AM | Comments (0)

June 15, 2005

Spam in my head!

You must read this great post from Zonker. He has a very funny story to tell about shopping for hearing aids.

Posted by Cate at 07:31 AM | Comments (2)

June 06, 2005

THANK YOU!

I recieved a package from Amazon this weekend. I opened it up and found this from Adelle!

I was SO surprised! She's busy moving and fixing her awesome new house and takes the time to send me a birthday gift! Thank you Adelle! {{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 08:11 AM | Comments (7)

May 15, 2005

So

What's happening, hot stuff?

Posted by Cate at 05:19 PM | Comments (3)

April 24, 2005

Lots of fun

I had a great time last night. We had appetizers and drinks all night long! I just love strawberry margaritas - yummy!

Posted by Cate at 11:16 AM | Comments (3)

April 03, 2005

Pictures Up!

I will write later - here's the pics!

Pictures!

All the recaps (sans mine!):
Twisty
Sluggo
Roberto
Erin
Jaynee
Suzette
Shamrock
Patrick
Liz
Riss
Jim
Gregor

Posted by Cate at 10:04 PM | Comments (7)

It's a GIRL!

Dara, a fellow Jersey blogger, was unable to attend last night's blogmeet because it fell on her due date. She had her baby on Friday instead! Congratulations Dara and Dave!

Posted by Cate at 08:41 PM | Comments (1)

I'm alive

Blargh

I'm awake. I've been awake since 915am. One of Mary's adorable kittens was making a little extra noise this morning by galloping around the apartment. Mary staggered out around 1030am when her telephone rang.

We're heading out in a little while. I'm buying breakfast, which is the least I could do since she drove us to "Da Event" and most graciously hosted me at her place.

I'm going to be heading home around 1230-1pm. I miss the family. I will upload pictures sometime today. In the meantime, check out some recaps:
Twisty
Sluggo
Roberto
Erin
Jaynee
Suzette

Posted by Cate at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)

March 29, 2005

Interview

That charming gentleman, Zonker, sent me some questions about a week ago!. Of course, I've been uber busy but know I have finally gotten a chance to sit and answer them.
All the dirt will be dished below!

1.) Holy cow....your archives on KateSpot go back to October 2002. Obviously I never noticed that before. Plus, some of your earlier posts mention cross-posting and hint that there might be an earlier incarnation of KateSpot somewhere...how did you get started and how have you managed to KEEP regularly blogging for at least 2.5 years without burnout?

My first post was in December of 2001. I had been reading a friend's blog for a while and she inspired me to start my own. I started with Blogger and, well, here I am, over three years later and on my third (and final I hope) domain. I don't know how or why I am able to blog almost every day. I enjoy it. If it ever became an issue, I suppose I would stop. But then, you all would miss me so much!

2.) You've got some adorably cute children, Kate, and they're the subject of quite a few posts. How do you manage to spend so much time with your kids and still blog?

Aww, thank you! I am quite partial to them as well. ::grin:: I blog whenever I get the chance. I usually blog in the morning, after Eldest leaves for school. I start the day with some coffee and reading emails and blogs. I am very involved with their activities - Girl Scouts, cheer dance, gymnastics so I think blogging is my own little piece of sanity. I need to blog! It's therapy!

3.) I'm still wandering through the archives and really...it's great. You've got everything covered. It's a complete family journal and yet you've got current events covered, too. I'm reading about Michael Jackson holding his kid over the balcony, Uday & Qsay Hussein's deaths, the Kobe Bryant trial...it's fantastic, Kate. Apart from foul language (which I've not found yet), is there any stuff you will NOT post about and why (or why not)?

I don't write about extremely personal details between me and Husband. Oh sure, I might bitch that we've had a fight but never anything that would go deeper than that. Now that I know that my family reads the blog ::waving::, I had thought that I might cut back a little more... but I doubt it! I also don't discuss politics on my blog. Occasionally, I might write about a law or an article I read somewhere but I have very particular views and deep beliefs about many issues.

4.) In an earlier interview, you mention that you met your husband on a sort of blind date. You also mention that you and your husband "have been together since October 1988." What's your secret?

Space. Lots and lots of space. Oh, and I love him to pieces too!

5.) You're one of the organizers for the upcoming Jersey Blogfest...what are your expectations for the event? Nervous? Anxious? Spill it, Kate!!!

I am a little nervous but I am really looking forward to meeting everyone. I've already met a few lovely ladies and even one or two fine gentlemen during the NYC "Blog Girls Gone Wild" weekend in May of 2004. It was wonderful to meet everyone there. I've been so fortunate to have made such incredible friends through blogging.

6.) What question did I not ask but you wish HAD asked?...Put your response below it!
Gee - I think you just about covered it. Thanks for the questions.

Posted by Cate at 11:05 PM | Comments (3)

March 16, 2005

Questions

Daisy sent me these questions the other day. I forgot to answer them until now. Sorry Daisy! Forgive me?

1.Youngesthas severe food allergies..when did this become known to you and how do you deal with the problems that brings?
2.Tell me the background of the love story between you and Husband. How did you meet? How did he propose?
3.Apparently you love to knit.what other crafty things can you do?
4.Naming no names (unless you really want to) have you come across someone online that made you want to reach thru the computer screen and hit them over the head?
5.Aside from family what is the most important thing in your life? Why?

1. After Youngestwas born, she seemed fussy. A few months of constant crying, eczema, vomiting, Husband and I were very concerned. Nothign we did seemed to be working. She could only sleep upright. The baby swing became our friend. God, we loved that swing. She was diagnosed with reflux and we were given medication for that. It worked - for a little while. Husband and I were going crazy. We knew something was wrong.. but what? Finally, one of the pediatricians suggested switching to a formula called Alimentum. It worked. Thank you God. It was also $7.99 per can. Ouch. But, we didn't care. This stuff was liquid gold to us. Youngestfinally started to thrive. We had her allergy tested before she was one year old and that's when we dicsovered all her allergies. Dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, and legumes. It is so incredibly daunting. Some days I am overwhelmed by it. I worry about when she goes to school, will she be able to eat at a restaurant some day? What about traveling and peanuts in airplanes? I try to cater all recipes to her needs. Thank God she loves meat. The other day, while food shopping, she started to cry. I hugged her and asked her what was wrong. She said, in between sniffles "I don't want to be allergic anymore." Broke my heart. I am in tears just typing this out. I know we will have more problems to deal with in the future but we will be strong and do out best to deal with what was given to us.

2. Husband and I met on a blind date in October 1988. We had a lovely time with the other couple we were out with. The next day, I called our mutual friend, got Husband's phone number and I called HIM. We set up another date. We saw "They Live" - the world's worst movie. We had dinner at Friendlys. The night was great. We moved in together April 1, 1989. Husband proposed to me in June. We were shopping at the mall. I was in the bookstore when he told me he had to go out for something. Ok with me. I love hanging out in bookstores! I didn't even realize how long he was gone. He came back and was quite insistent that we leave. He rushed me out of the mall, right outside JC Penneys and then he knelt down on one knee. I was just standing there, stunned. He pulled out the most beautiful ring and asked me to marry him. 12 years later, here we are!

3. I can't knit but I do want to learn. I can crochet pretty well. I prefer the "easy stuff" but I know I could probably do the harder, more intricate patterns. My time is limited so I like to have things finished quickly. I am pretty good at craft kits. I am challenged to come up with new things/ideas due to the Girl Scout troop.

4. There are a few bloggers that make me want to shake them. I think everyone has a few soap opera blogs that they read. I look at them and think about how lucky I really am.

5. Being happy. Not dopey but to be happy with what you have. Appreciate it, love it because one day it could be gone.

Posted by Cate at 09:37 AM | Comments (1)

March 14, 2005

Friends

I had the very good fortune to speak with two of my fellow bloggers today - the ever so charming Jim and the lovely Ms Christina and, on Friday night, I had the opportunity to speak with Jaynee as well.

Maybe I'll just work my way down my blogroll. Who's next?

Posted by Cate at 04:02 PM | Comments (4)

March 09, 2005

Need good thoughts

::440pm update::
She's home and doing much better. Thanks gang!

My friend (see previous post)just got rushed to the hospital about an hour ago. I had spoken to her on the phone and she mentioned that she wasn't feeling right. I told her to call her doc asap. She called me back and said she got an appointment for 1:15pm. We chatted for a moment then we hung up. Ten minutes later, the phone rings. It was my friend - and I barely recognized her voice. It was all shaky and it didn't even sound like her. She wanted me to come and get her little one (Youngest's buddy). I grabbed Youngestand hauled ass to her house.
There was a police officer already there when I arrived. I sent the girls upstairs to play while I got things organized for her and called her husband. The first aid sqaud arrived with two rigs and they brought her out on a stretcher. I an so freaked out for her right now. Any and all good thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by Cate at 02:02 PM | Comments (12)

March 08, 2005

So charming!

I had an absolutely lovely chat with Miss Christina today. Of course, she beat me at posting about it - the stinker ::grin:: We had so much fun ~~dishing the dirt~~ discussing bloggers we have in common, our children, the differences between Texas and Jersey... and she just has the most adorable accent ya'll!
Thanks Christina. I can't wait for our next chat!

Posted by Cate at 04:41 PM | Comments (1)

March 01, 2005

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Kat! You rock girl and I loves you bunches! I hope you had a great day.

Posted by Cate at 04:57 PM | Comments (1)

December 27, 2004

Sad news

I got some sad news from a friend of mine. Her husband left her and their two children. I told her I would help her with anything she needed and to call us anytime. I feel so damn bad for her.

Posted by Cate at 08:49 PM | Comments (6)

Sad news

I got some sad news from a friend of mine. Her husband left her and their two children. I told her I would help her with anything she needed and to call us anytime. I feel so damn bad for her.

Posted by Cate at 08:49 PM | Comments (1)

November 29, 2004

NYC Adventure

I made it into the city Saturday morning by 815am. I met up with Susan at the Grand Central Hyatt. She is SUPER SUPER nice. Charming, chatty and sassy. I wish she could stay in NJ with me! We hit it off right away and just started chatting and chatting.. and chatting.. The hotel was gorgeous. We went upstairs to the room where I met her mom, who was just awesome. I gave Susan two scarves that I crocheted for her. Hey - NYC in November is notoriously chilly. Well, except for this weekend. It was in the 50's!
We left the hotel and walked around the corner for breakfast and I met another friend of Susan's as well as her two very nice daughters. We wandered down into the subway and then we split up at that point. Susan, her mom and I took the 6 train down to the Brooklyn Bridge. We walked out a little on the pedestain part of the bridge, took a few photos then wandered towards Broadway and walked through ChinaTown/Canal Street (PU!), SoHo and the East Village. Susan and her mom bought several purses while walking on Canal Street. We stopped for lunch at a cute looking place. But, looks can be deceiving as the food wasn't that great. The scampering roaches also made for a slightly "oogy" feeling. Another one of Susan's friends met up with us right as we were getting ready to leave the restaurant. Elizabeth is super nice. I mean - really nice.
In our travels, Elizabeth saw a pair of boots in a shoe store window and just had to have them. The name of the store is Varda. Very nice boots.. and very expensive. She snagged two pairs. Rest assured they were *really* awesome boots.
We got turned around while walking through the Village and decided to get a cab to Union Square Park to meet up with some other people and then took the subway back to the hotel. I was lucky enough to be able to share a room with Susan and her mom. So, we rested and got cleaned up for dinner.
All eight of us met up in the lobby and walked over to an AWESOME place on 45th called Sam's. The food was yummy! Around 730pm, we walked over to see The Lion King at the Amsterdam Theater on 42nd Street. Oh my gosh, the show was incredible. And the costumes... wow. Don't even get me started on the cast. They were fabulous! The only downside - TINY TINY seats very close together. I am 5'2" and my knees were smushed into the seat in front of me. The guy sitting next to me had to be at least 6'2 so he must have been horribly cramped. He looked like a pretzel! He and the two other people he was with got up during the intermission and left! I hope they got seats somewhere else.
On Sunday, we took the #6 subway to the upper east side and managed to overshoot our stop at 96th street, ending up at 125th street. Harlem. Umm - whoops. We caught the correct subway back to 96th pretty fast. Heehee. Of course, the rain started early that morning. Ewww. So, we ate breakfast (at 9am) at a yummy place on the upper East Side (92nd and Madison) called SaraBeths. If you ever get a chance to eat there, do it. Oh my GAWD, it was delish! The girls had to leave for the airport at 1130am and I caught a cab to take me to the Port Authority.. or so I thought. The idiot drove me almost a full block PAST the PA. So, I had to walk back, in the rain and seriously flooded sidewalks. What a dick. He was trying to tell me that the PA was another building. Puh-lease! What self-respecting NYC cabbie does NOT know where the PA is located? Anyway, I caught the 1230pm bus and was home by 230pm. I have to say that traveling by bus has been pretty nice. Beats driving up and paying obscene parking rates.
So - that was my weekend adventure! I am just so thrilled I was able to meet Susan and her mom as well as being able to just hang out with her group of friends. I was made to feel so very welcome and it was quite easy to just hang out and relax and gab with the girls. Susan - thank you thank you THANK YOU! ::kisses and hugs:::

::edited to add::
Oh - I totally stole this picture from Susan's site. Here we are in the lobby of the hotel.

Posted by Cate at 09:10 PM | Comments (5)

November 28, 2004

Back home

I had a GREAT time in NYC! Good food, great friends and lots of fun. I am beat - I will update later.

Bye!

Posted by Cate at 03:09 PM | Comments (5)

November 26, 2004

NYC - here I come!

I will be leaving tomorrow morning at 615am to catch the 7am bus into the city to meet Sooz.

I can't wait!

Posted by Cate at 07:02 PM | Comments (7)

November 23, 2004

Another NYC trip

I am going into NYC Saturday morning to meet Sooz. I am *so* excited to get a chance to finally meet her! I think I've been reading her blog for quite a while now and we have become good friends. Sooz, her mom and several close friends will be flying into NYC today and flying out Sunday morning. They have planned out quite an itinerary. I will be meeting them Saturday morning after I come in on the bus to the Port Authority. Not only are we spending the entire day together (along with her mom and other friends), we are also going out to dinner AND Sooz even offered me an extra ticket to see The Lion King with them!!!
:::wooohoo:::

Safe flight Sooz and I will be seeing you soon!

Posted by Cate at 01:48 PM | Comments (4)

October 13, 2004

A Surprise!

I got a phone call from Sooz! She is just so lovely and has this adorable lil ole Texas accent. I hope I didn't freak her out or scare her with my "Jersey-ness" Seriously, it was awesome to finally get a chance to talk to you. I hope we do it again soon.
Love you!

Posted by Cate at 11:50 PM | Comments (0)

October 10, 2004

Heading home

Chris and I had a good time last night. Our friend Stacey cancelled out on us at the last minute ::sigh:: but whatever... we still had fun. We had a nice dinner, went out shopping and just hung out and bs'ed for a while. We didn't get to bed until 1am.
I will be heading back home in about an hour. I spoke to P and everyone is doing fine. I also spoke to Millie and Dad seems to be doing fine as well. I know my brother was visiting yesterday.
It's a gorgeous day today - sunny, clear and 66 degrees. Just beautiful!

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

October 09, 2004

Hi everyone!

I am in southern NJ at Christine's house. Her husband and son are at the races in Reading, PA so it's a girls night out. Woohoo. We are waiting for another friend to show up .. and I hope she does!

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Posted by Cate at 03:45 PM | Comments (1)

September 26, 2004

Reminder

Don't forget to help out Sooz. <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/2004/09/kind-people.html"target=_blank>She is asking for people to send birthday cards to her mom for her 80th birthday</a>. What a wonderful surprise for her mom. C'mon, won't you help her out?

Posted by Cate at 08:01 PM | Comments (1)

September 23, 2004

Aww

You guys are sweet. Thanks so much for the sweet comments and emails.

I am hoping this day gets better!

Posted by Cate at 02:31 PM | Comments (0)

September 07, 2004

Party time

Happy Birthday <a href="http://www.bookblog.net/">Mary</a>!
<img alt="Stars" src="http://www.katespot.com/archives/cupcakes.bmp" width="300" height="217" border="0" />

Posted by Cate at 11:15 AM | Comments (1)

August 30, 2004

Light the candles

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Biiiirrrrthday <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/2004/08/birthday-39.html">dear Sooooooze</a>
Happy Birthday to you!

Love you girl! {{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 10:11 AM | Comments (1)

August 29, 2004

All Good

We had a fun day yesterday. Mom and Dan came down for a little while for a small birthday BBQ. My friend and her 3 kidlets also came over. So did the littly boy from up the street. It was a lot of fun in the pool. LOL. A little hectic but fun nonetheless. Grilled up some burgers and weenies, ate some pasta salad, chips and veggies and generally snacked for the afternoon. The kids attacked the food, scarfed up the cake then ran off to play the afternoon away.
Mom and Dan left around 415ish. I realized, abotu 30 minutes after they left, that I had forgotten to give Dan his presents! DUH!!! Poor Dan. He didn't mind. P will be dropping them off at their place on Monday. Liz and her crew stayed. I invited her to stay as long as she wanted. Her youngest and O are best buddies. Her eldest and M are good friends. Her son played with the little boy up the street. They all had a great afternoon! I had to send N (little boy) home at 530pm as his mother called and wondered if he was driving me crazy yet. Nah - he had a blast. Drank plenty of Coke and ate lots of junk. She laughed and said I guess he won't be eating much dinner tonight. I paused for a moment then said I guess not. We both laughed and I chased N home. I fired up the grill and cooked up the rest of the burgers and dogs. The kids ate it all up then ran off to play some more. Us grownups kicked back, had some coffee and talked. It was all good. Anyone who has children and has had successful playdates would understand why it was all good. No fighting at all. Just fun. Of course, the girls' rooms got trashed when they played inside. Whatever. They got somewhat cleaned back and put back in random order. It was worth is because the entire day was all good.
I hope today is all good too.

Posted by Cate at 10:35 AM | Comments (1)

August 04, 2004

Swimming

Spent the afternoon at my friend's house, having wine poolside. The kids all played nicely, as usual. I can seriously get used to relaxing by the pool.

Dinner tonight - pancakes/waffles with bacon. Mmmmm. I think I am going to have a huge salad with *real* bacon bits. Yummmmmmy!

Posted by Cate at 05:14 PM | Comments (0)

July 28, 2004

Reality

<a href="http://twelveone.org/blog/archives/2004/07/mixed_emotions.html"target=_blank>Ro is a single mom to 3 beautiful children</a>. She is having some <a href="http://twelveone.org/blog/archives/2004/07/a_moms_plea_for.html#trackbacks"target=_blank>serious financial issues</a> and needs help. Please. even if it's a dollar or an Amazon gift certificate, help her out.
Please.

Posted by Cate at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)

More NYC trip details

July 27, 2004

NYC trip Part I

It's in the extended entry - grab a drink and a snack. You'll be here for a while.

Friday:

Took 630am bus to Port Authority and I got into NYC by 8am. I called Kathy to see where she and Shel were in NYC. They were still at the airport and were waiting for a shuttle to take them to the hotel. I decided to kill some time and walk from the PA to the hotel. The PA is on West 42nd Street and 9th Avenue. The New York Helmsley is located on East 42nd Street? between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Ok - so I will walk. And walk? AND walk. I dragged my pull along bag 7 blocks - 7 crosstown blocks. For those of you who don't know, New York City is essentially laid out like a grid. I found this information here. Aside from the health benefits and the low cost, there is no better way to experience New York than as a pedestrian. You will get the unique chance to experience the city as New Yorkers experience it. You'll also see how entertaining we can be. Whether it is the bike messenger yelling "no brakes, no brakes!" or the executive screaming into his cell phone, the streets are more theater than anything else.
The crowded streets here in New York City make obvious what you may not have already known, New Yorker?s love to walk. They also love walking fast and with a purpose! And though this may seem intimidating at first don?t worry, like the tide you will soon find yourself moving along at a New York pace.
In Manhattan, where most of the neighborhoods exist in the grid system, it's hard to lose your way. The grid's consistency also means you can easily tell how far you've walked. Simply use this simple formula: one mile equals 10 crosstown blocks or 20 uptown/downtown blocks.
While walking, I saw a bunch of lights and heard a lot of noise in Bryant Park, which is located on 42nd Street and 6th Avenue. Turns out Good Morning America was filming Lionel Ritchie performing in the park. I hung out for a bit and waited to see if he was coming out shortly. After waiting about 5 minutes, I left. I passed Grand Central and the MetLife building. I finally get to the hotel and I am all hot and sweaty. Ew. I try to check in but it is too early. I checked my luggage with the bellhop and found the restroom. I cleaned myself up, washed my hands and sat down to wait for Kathy and Shel. I read the paper and looked through all my papers and NYC tour book. They showed up around 9am. I recognized Kathy right away and saw Shel right behind her. I ran over and gave them each a huge hug. I hope I didn?t frighten them! We checked their luggage and discussed what we wanted to do first. We ended up at the Empire State Building first. We bought tickets for the observatory and the SkyRide. The New York SKYRIDE is a super large flight simulator! It takes you and 50 other guests on an incredible flight around New York with James Doohan (Star Trek's "Scotty") as your spaceship's captain! Kevin Bacon narrated the tour. It was a lot of fun! After the SkyRide, we found out that there was 0 visibility at the observatory. Kathy questioned one of the ESB employees and found out that the tickets did not expire and that we can come back at another time. So, we headed downstairs and discovered that it was pouring outside. I mean like POURING!!! We wandered around the outside of the EBS then made an executive decision to eat lunch at Jack Dempseys - which just happened to be located across the street! So, we braved the rain and ran like hell across the street. We got soaked! We got seated right away as it was only 1130am. We relaxed, ate some good food and chatted and tried to decide where to visit next. After much giggling, we decided to visit the Museum of Sex. We left the restaurant and hailed a cab since it was still raining and we didn?t have our umbrellas with us.
We walked up to the museum and saw this sign (and thought of Eros!) and got into even more giggles over that. When walking in, we found that it was $14.50 to walk through. We decided not to pay that and we hit the gift shop instead. Kathy picked up a couple things but Shel and I just browsed. After we all used the restroom, we left and grabbed another cab back to the hotel so we could check in and get some rest!

At 120pm, we are in line at the hotel, waiting to check in. We finally get the room keys and head up to the 36th floor. As soon as I swiped my key and opened the door, I knew there were going to be problems. Instead of 2 double beds, there was only 1 king sized bed. ****! There was also a 25" plasma TV hanging on the wall. Not bad.. Not bad at all! I called the front desk and spoke to the same woman who checked us in. She was very apologetic and started to search for another room. I told her that we would take a suite if she didn?t have any other rooms available and she just let out a great big laugh. She did find us another room down on the 28th floor. So, we dragged our stuff back down to the lobby, exchanged keys, she apologized and we headed back up to the new room. This time, there were 2 double beds but no plasma tv, no fridge and no coffee pot. ::sigh:: Oh well.

We kicked back and relaxed. Kathy conked right out and Shel fell asleep right after Kathy. At one point, someone actually opened our door and then closed it again. I jumped off the bed, ran to the door and pulled it open. A man was walking away and I called out to him, asking what he needed. He was one of the employees and he asked if we were going to check out soon. ?Check out? We just checked IN!? He apologized for disturbing us and I closed the door. Housekeeping also tried to come in to clean the room, not realizing that it was already done and we were in the room. She was apologetic as well. Then, P called on my cell phone and I brought the phone out into the hallway so I wouldn't disturb the girls. After I hung up with him, I went back into the room and relaxed on the bed, reading the paper and looking at more NYC tour stuff. I woke the girls up at 4pm so we could start getting ready for the show.

I will add more info tomorrow.

Posted by Cate at 01:00 AM | Comments (2)

July 25, 2004

HOME!!!

I'm home! Hooray!

Did you miss me?

Posted by Cate at 04:26 PM | Comments (5)

July 23, 2004

Bye!

I am heading to NYC. Ya'll play nice and have a great weekend!

Posted by Cate at 05:19 AM | Comments (3)

July 22, 2004

Excited!

I am going to NYC tomorrow!!! Woohooo! I am SO looking forward to meeting two of my email buddies. I have "known" them for over 7 years and I can't believe we are finally going to meet face to face. Of course, I am over-packing my suitcase, you know, just in case. Do any of you pack for just in case? I think it might be programmed into my brain - some sort of recessive gene from my mother. She is practically obsessive with, well, everything. For instance, let's discuss a labelmaker. My mom bought a Brother P-Touch and went label crazy. She labeled all her crafts supplies (which fills up an 8x20 foot section of the basement. It's her work room too.) She labeled suitcases, boxes, kitchen cabinets, medicines... anything you can think of got labeled. She labeled the box that houses the labelmaker. Yep. She really did.
Anyway, I adore my Mom. I wish I was half as organized as she. Soeaking of Mom, she has such a good time seeing the girls yesterday. She has an appointment on 8/3 with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She has a growth on her adrenal gland and they need to biopsy it. ::sigh:: Dad is also doing well. He is taking Erbitux and I hope he is responding to it. Some of the side effects are brutal. Oy.

I must get dressed and head out the door but O wants to play a game of Old Maid. Can't turn down Old Maid! After the game, we will go to the bus station and get my bus ticket for tomorrow, stop at Fashion Bug then stop and get our deli order so the children can eat this weekend. LOL.

Bye!

Posted by Cate at 10:04 AM | Comments (6)

July 15, 2004

Company

<a href="http://www.bookblog.net"target=_blank>Mary</a> is coming down for a visit today. I haven't seen her in quite a while so I am sure today's visit will be a total gabfest. Plus. she can pick up her Girl Scout cookies - from MARCH! Argh - get them out of my house!

Since I have company coming, I have to clean my house. It is pretty scary looking with toys, magazines and boks all over the place. I have a small ranch house so you can imagine how this stuff oozes from the bedrooms into the living room and kitchen. I feel like I am drowning in stuff!

Help!

Posted by Cate at 09:45 AM | Comments (2)

July 10, 2004

PARTY TIME!

M's pool party is today at 2pm. I already have two dozen chocolate cupcakes in the oven and I will be making frosting (chocolate and vanilla) for them later. P has vacuumed the pool and he will set up the tent for me. The kids will be doing a craft under there between swimming and the water balloon toss. I have package of 250 balloons and well that pumps out very cold water.
Heh.
Wish me luck!

Oh - I have to put together 18 craft kits too - lots of foamie pieces.. Joy.

Posted by Cate at 09:35 AM | Comments (1)

July 09, 2004

Home for a minute

We just got back from my friend's house. Lots of fun, warm pool and drinks...
Life is good.

Posted by Cate at 05:51 PM | Comments (2)

Yippie

Woohoo - I'm going poolside!

Yes, I know I have a pool. But, I am going poolside at a friend's house. She has 3 munchins, 2 of which are good friends with MY 2 munchkins. That makes life easy for a few hours. P will be staying home and trying to catch up on sleep. Why?
Because Darla, our 14 year old barf machine of a feline, decided to wake us both by yowling, gagging, more yowling anfd finally producing a 9 inch stream of vomit juice in my hallway. At 335AM.
Ewwww.
I need a carpet cleaner.

Posted by Cate at 11:23 AM | Comments (2)

June 30, 2004

Returned Mail

<a href="http://www.imdierocklibrarian.com"target=_blank>Mary C</a>!!!

I cannot get any mail to your work email address. It keeps getting sent back.

Posted by Cate at 01:06 PM | Comments (1)

June 24, 2004

:hic:

Had a ton of fun with Liz and her crew. I had picked up a bottle of Arbor Mist Sangria Zinfandel and we managed to polish off the whole bottle.
Yum.
Luckily, her husband was working the grill and we fed all 5 munchkins and us 4 adults. O was in the pool for a looong time. She had SO much fun playing with her buddy and her brother. Liz's children are 7 (a girl, M's buddy), just turned 6 (a boy) and 3 (girl, O's buddy). All the kids had a great time as well as us adults.

::yawn:: I am so sleepy... I wonder why.. lol... catch ya later!

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

June 23, 2004

Wheee!

We were invited to my friends' house for a "Last Day of School" party.

I have to get the girls ready, make a quick stop at Pathmark and the liquor store (hic!) and then we will be on our way!

Bye!

Posted by Cate at 01:49 PM | Comments (1)

June 21, 2004

Birthday!!

I hope Erin and Susan are having wonderful birthdays today!

Posted by Cate at 02:28 PM | Comments (2)

June 20, 2004

Itinerary

I had mentioned some time ago that I would be <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/005181.php"target=_blank>meeting friends in NYC</a> next month. I have been workng on planning our activities while in NYC. Three of my friends are flying in from California so I have to make sure they see all the good stuff! I actually put together a notebook full of computer printouts, maps and information about various ferries and sightseeing tours. I am trying to keep the cost as low as possible so we can get the best bang for our buck, so to speak. I have the usual - Empire State Building, St Pat's, Rockerfeller Center, Macys, Tiffanys, Madame Tussauds, Times Square, Hayden Planetarium, Ground Zero, the Circle Line Ferry, Little Italy.... we have a lot of walking to do!
Any other good and inexpensive ideas for NYC?

Posted by Cate at 04:07 PM | Comments (6)

June 11, 2004

Huge Surprise

The girls and I had to pick up a few things at WalMart - birthday stuff for P and my Mom. Imagine my total surprise at seeing an Amazon package in between my storm and front door. I opened it and found *4* DVDs! Grosse Pointe Blank, Better Off Dead, High Fidelity, and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil!! Can anyone guess the common theme within these movies? The awesomest <a href="http://www.bookblog.net">Mary</a>, thank you so very very much! I don't even know what to say. This was totally unexpected. {{{hugs}}}
Thank you my friend. You brightened up my day.

Posted by Cate at 10:39 PM | Comments (3)

June 04, 2004

NYC AGAIN!!

I belong to an email loop. I have been in this loop since M was about 5 months old. This loop used to be very large - 20+ members. All moms - some were SAHM and some were working moms. There was a *lot* of emails. The group slowly decreased in number and it now has only 8 members. 2 members in New Jersey, 1 in Pennsylvania, 1 in Texas, 1 in Arkansas and 3 in California. We have always talked about meeting one day and it looks like that day is finally arriving! It will be the weekend of July 23rd and I cannot wait. These women are like my sisters. Like family. We have celebrated births and deaths, weddings and divorces, plenty of good and too much bad. <a href="http://www.cumberlandblues.blogspot.com"target=_blank>Christine</a> lives about 90 minutes from me and her mom only 30 minutes away from me. I have met my friend and her wonderful family who live in PA. All of my other "loopies" I have yet to meet in person. Not that it matters - they are wonderful friends and I adore them all.
They are coming in to NYC in July and I am besides myself trying to plan what to do, where to eat, what to see.... I had SO much fun when <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/005110.php"target=_blank>I was in NYC</a> for <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=4321818&uid=446796&members=1"target=_blank>BlogGirlsGoneWild</a>.
Now it's LoopieGirlsGoneWild! Look out NYC!

Posted by Cate at 05:14 PM | Comments (2)

June 01, 2004

Life Gem

When our friend called us the other day, we discussed many things, including his will. He asked if P and I would be executors of his will (we accepted). He said that if anything happens to him, he would want to be cremated. I do hate discussing stuff like this but I understand the necessity. He also said that he wanted his ashes turned into a diamond. This is where he lost me. I said "Excuse me? A diamond?"

Yes folks, a diamond.

LifeGem is a company that creates a certified, high-quality diamond from the carbon of your loved one as a memorial to their unique life (emphasis mine)

P and I literally howled with laughter while reading the site, which, I have to say, is quite comprehensive and extremely detailed. Here is the FAQ sections of their site.

The company can create a LifeGem from previously existing remains from many, many years ago. Carbon has a half-life of 5400 years, so the carbon that exists in your loved ones remains will be accessible for a very long time. If you have just lost a loved one, your loved one will be cremated at one of our certified facilities across the nation. If there is not one conveniently located near you, please contact us and we will contact the location of your choice. We can train the funeral home and cremation operators quickly, so your family will not experience any additional stress or concern. You do NOT need to send the deceased to our location in Chicago.; (it's actually underlined on their webpage. Can you imagine a UPS delivery of a body? Sign here please ma'am - OY!)

Could you wear a LifeGem ring? At first I was put off by the pricing but really, how much does a funeral cost? Probably quite a bit more than one of these rings. But, would you wear it? Could you wear Grandma or Uncle Joe?

Posted by Cate at 09:44 AM | Comments (15)

May 18, 2004

NYC trip

All in the extended entry

Saturday:
Woke up at 615am. Got ready, finished packing, grabbed a bagel and coffee at Wawa and hit the road by 705am. Made it to the bus station by 730am. Hung around. 8am - got on the express bus to the After a few minutes of getting everything collected, we headed back to the elevator where we waited forEVER for an elevator. Finally, we get outside and headed over to <a href="http://www2.lush.com/cgi-bin/lushdb/index.html?lang=en_US">Lush</a> right on Broadway. We all went inside to browse. Immediately, I was overwhelmed with very pungent scents and as I was heading for the door, I noticed that Dana was one step ahead of me. So, while Ash, Adelle and Mac shopped, Dana and I chatted.
Next stop, some tshirt/hat store that had TONS of shirts and Adelle bought <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/mary.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.katespot.com/archives/mary.php','popup','width=250,height=300,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">this one</a> while Mac and I liked <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/nysite.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.katespot.com/archives/nysite.php','popup','width=533,height=400,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">this one</a>. I was told, after I took a picture of the shirt, that I was not permitted to photograph a shirt. Whatever.
We walked and walked and finally made it to a wonderful yarn shop. I cannot remember the name of the place but it was full of all kinds of gorgeous stuff - wool, cashmere.. incredible colors and blends. Dana, Ash and I relaxed in the air conditioning while Nicole and Mac drooled over all the yarns.
Now, it's around 1pm. We decided to find a place to eat lunch as we were all starving. I have no idea the name of the restaurant where we ended up eating lunch. It was ok. Adelle and I ordered panni sandwiches that came out a little more charred than we would have liked but we just ate them anyway. Mac and Ash got delicious looking salads and Dana got a very tasty pizza. More wandering and browsing in stores. One store was called <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=4321818&uid=446796">Cosy</a> (4th picture down) and it was filled with the most beautiful crystal jewelry and hair accessories as well as handbags, picture frames and many other things. We mad eit back to the hotel to relax for a while before the <a href="www.blueman.com">Blue Man</a>show. It rocked! I loved it! <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/blueman.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.katespot.com/archives/blueman.php','popup','width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">Here</a> we are with one of the guys after the show.
After that, we wandered some more, hit Washington Square Park and watched some performers there. We split up into two cabs and met over at <a href="http://www.LeZie.com"target=_blank>LeZie</a>. We arrived around 645pm and decided to go in for drinks. Once everyone showed up, we had a total of 11 people eating and drinking. The waiter earned his money but we left a decent tip for him. Adelle and Ash were asking the waiter, who happened to be from Lithuania, a million questions including how old he was (28), what was he doing later, what was a good club for after dinner and is he coming back to Houston anytime soon? LOL.
After a very delicious dinner and dessert, we made it outside. It was decided that we would be heading over to Bourbon Street for more drinks. Mac wanted to go back to the hotel and change due to a wine spill on her nice white shirt. Dana and I decided to go with her. Well, as soon as we tried to hail a cab, the heavens opened up and it poured. Hard. Like, we could have grabbed a bottle of shampoo and washed out hair. Poor Mac was soaked. Completely drenched. Dana tried hailing a cab and she was soaking wet too. We ended up tag teaming, trying to hail a damn cab! Finally, Mac was able to snag one and the three of us piled into the cab, laughing and dripping wet. I remember water dripping off my nose. Once we were in the cab, we decided to go back to the hotel and just stay in for the rest of the night. The cab pulled up in front of the hotel and we pile out. As we walk into the hotel, I could hear us squishing when we walked inside. People were laughing at us... hell, I think we were laughing too hard to even care. By the time we got to our room, we were freezing! It felt SO nice to jump into warm pjs and just relax. We packed up a lot of our stuff in order to get things prepared for us leaving on Sunday.
Adelle and Ash wandered in around 1230am and I don't think they were feeling too much pain. We all finally conked out around 130am.
Hearing that alarm at 630am really sucked. Mac was the first one out.. leaving around 7am. The rest of us staggered out the door for coffee and breakfast. We found a cute little place a block away from the hotel and had a nice little giggle/chat over Saturday's events. We headed back to the hotel and got all checked out around 830am. Adelle, Ash and Dana left for the airport by 9am and I was on my own.
I walked around and took some pictures of the Empire State Building before catching a cab to bring me over to Union Square Park, which happens to be a couple blocks away from my brother's apartment. I sat in the park for a while, people watching, taking pictures and chatting on my cell phone. Got to his place around 10am. We hung around for a bit then went out for brunch at a cute little restaurant. Chatted some more then wandered back to the apartment, where I hung around until 1245-ish. Snagged another cab to bring me back to the Port Authority since I had a 130pm bus to catch. The cab kept getting stuck in traffic and I was watching the time. At one point, we were 1/2 a block away from the PA when I noticed it was 125pm! I just threw a $10 bill at the cabbie, told him to keep it and ran for the gate. I *just* made it with about 2 minutes to spare. WHEW! Tried to sleep on the bus but it just never happened. I was happy I was able to make it home by 330pm. Incredible.
So, all in all, I had a wonderful time meeting everyone. I wish I was able to have hung out and chatted with everyone. Hopefully, if we have another meetup, I would like to come to that too!

MAN! My fingers hurt! No more typing for me.

Posted by Cate at 01:52 PM | Comments (9)

May 17, 2004

What the hell...

Ok... I uploaded a bunch of the BlogGirlsGoneWild 2004 pictures <a href="http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=4321818&uid=446796&members=1"target=_blank>here</a>.
Enjoy!

Posted by Cate at 12:48 AM | Comments (7)

May 16, 2004

Feeling relaxed

I just got out of the shower and I feel SO much better. Oh <a href="http://www.thegofish.com/archives/004216.php">Mac</a>, I have your shoes and <a href="http://www.prettypurpleprincess.net">-d</a> has your masks from Lush.
I was able to (barely) catch the 130pm bus to NJ. If I was 2 minutes later, I would have totally missed it and would have had to wait for another hour. So, because of my very good luck, I was home by 320pm. Not bad at all.
The girls tackled me when I walked out into the backyard. I did miss them so very much. My sis in law was just awesome. She really helped out P and I kept thanking her for all her help. She rocks!
I downloaded my pics off my camera but have yet to upload them to my PictureTrail account. I will try to do some of that later.

Posted by Cate at 05:28 PM | Comments (2)

I survived!

Just a quick post from my brother's apartment.

I had SO much fun. Everyone was just so cool. We all had a great time shopping, seeing Blue Man (awesome awesome show), dinner at Le Zie was delicious, our Lithuanian waiter was adorable... we got stuck in a wicked crazy thunderstorm.... just so much fun. My face is sore from laughing...
I'll post more later. Now I am off to have a lovely brunch with Tim and Maryellen.
Bye!

Posted by Cate at 10:33 AM | Comments (3)

May 15, 2004

Leavin' town

Bye!

Posted by Cate at 06:50 AM | Comments (2)

May 14, 2004

Down to the wire

I am plannign and packing...then unpacking and repacking...

I hate the very thought of not having what I need. I haven't made a list either. Why.. I don't know... ack... I've downloaded a couple maps and directions onto my PDA. I know we will be pretty close to where my brother lives so I am hoping I will be able to see him and maybe his girlfriend on Sunday before I head back home.
Anyway - in case I don't get a chance to blog any more tonight, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Posted by Cate at 08:46 PM | Comments (1)

May 12, 2004

Lots of fun!

I had a great chat tonight with Theresa from <a href="http://whenpigsfly.typepad.com/flying_piggies/"target=_blank>Flying Piggies</a>. Let me just say that she is just awesome! We talked and talked... and talked some more. We covered SO many topics but, oddly enough, we didn't really talk much about other bloggers. I had so much fun - I can't wait to do it again! {{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 12:22 AM | Comments (2)

May 11, 2004

Last call!

<a href="http://www.adelle.net/archives/002176.php#002176"target=_blank>Blog Girls Gone Wild</a>
If you aren't busy this weekend and live near NYC, swing over to Adelle's blog and sign up ASAP!

Posted by Cate at 05:36 PM | Comments (3)

Gettin' ready!

I just bought my round trip bus tickets for Bloggerfest 2004 NYC. Woohoo!

Posted by Cate at 11:26 AM | Comments (3)

April 30, 2004

Answers IV

from <a href="http;//jimnshelle.net/rainbow">Deb</a>:

1. Like you, I live in NJ. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Well - I think I would love to live in Tenessee, Pennsylvania, North Carolina or some place where I can own property and have a big old farmhouse. With central air of course! LOL!

2. If you could teach your children JUST ONE THING, what would it be?
How to be self sufficient.

3. Ketchup or Mustard?
Guldens all the way baby!

Posted by Cate at 11:29 AM | Comments (0)

Answers III

I am posting this again because I have questions and answers in the extended entry

Only 'cuz <a href="http://www.therapyfailed.com/archives/000466.html">all</a> the <a href="http://www.prettypurpleprincess.net/archives/001140.html#001140">cool</a> <a href="http://www.adelle.net/archives/002128.php#002128">kids</a> are doing it...

I want everyone who reads this to ask me 3 questions, no more no less. You may ask me anything.

Then to go to your journal or weblog, and copy and paste this allowing others (including myself) to ask you anything. Please do a trackback ping so I'll know that you copied it.

Answers will be given in a follow-up post.

from <a href="http://www.therapyfailed.com">Kristin</a> -

1. When are you coming to Pennsylvania? (Seems only fair I ask too).
Sometime in the next few months, most likely to visit my sis in law who lives in Malvern

2. How did you pick the names for your kids?
Both names were a struggle... we both wanted simple names for the girls. Classic names. After many arguments, we decided on trying to find a name that was in keeping with P's family from Ireland. That's how we found the name M (pronounced MOR-a not MOY-ra). Her middle name is Catharine - my first name. P said he always liked that name and wanted to keep it in the family, especially since I was named after my great-grandmother. We decided on O's name much faster. I always thought it was such a beautiful name... and so did a ton of other people. I didn't know that it was one of the most popular baby names of 1999! Poor kid. Choosiing on a middle name was difficult - there didn't seem to be a lot of names that "flowed" with O. We chose Grace as her middle name. And we use it all the time "O GRACE!" LOL!

3. If you could change one thing in your life (past or present) would you?What would it be? Well, the only thing I would want to change is me finishing college, as long as it didn't change anything else.. like meeting P or having the girls...

Posted by Cate at 10:58 AM | Comments (1)

April 29, 2004

Answers II

Check out the extended entry...

from <a href="http://purpleglitter.net/wordpress">Dyane</a>:

1.How did you & P meet?
It was a blind date. In fact, I didn't even realize it was a set-up. Long story short - We had a mutual friend, Dave, who brought me down to P's parents' house. P was living with his parents at the time and he and his dad were doing major work on the house. The day I met P, he was covered with dirt and sweat. Totally gross. He had on these awful brown plastic glasses which were horrible. Very geeky. He was literally on the roof when Dave and I pulled into the driveway. P was horrified that I was there - no chance to clean up or anything. After Dave introduced me to P, he brought me inside to meet P's parents. After he made the introductions, he went back outside, leaving me with two people that I knew nothing about and a very friendly leg-humping dog. I lasted about 5 minutes in the house, attempting to make small talk while trying to keep the dog from humping my leg. P asked Dave where I was and when Dave replied "Inside", P's response was "WITH MY PARENTS?" LOL! Dave and I left shortly thereafter. A few days later, I asked Dave for P's phone number and called him. P said he was just sitting down and getting ready to call me! We set up a "date" and within the course of one week, P got new glasses, new clothes and a haircut. We have been together since October 1988. Whew - so much for a short story!

2. Is being a mom everything you thought it would be?
Yes and a lot more that I didn't know about. It's a dirty job but the perks ROCK! I am so glad I am able to do it. I love it.

3. What did you always dream you'd do with your life, while you were growing up?
I just assumed I would do something. I think teaching has always been a goal of mine. I would love to work with kids between 5-8 years old.

From <a href="http://www.jimnshelle.net/charis/">Sandra</a>

1. What historical person would you most like to meet and talk to?
Susan B. Anthony. I would love to pick her brain

2. What do you see/want your children doing when they grow up?
M - I am thinking something in science or the medical field. She is so analytical. O - She is so caring. I am thinking education or some sort of human/social services. As long as they are happy, that's all I want for them.

3. Do you have any pets?<b?
A 15 year old black cat, Darla and a tank full of tropical fish.

from <a href="http://www.adelle.net">Adelle</a>:

1. What one thing drives you insane more than anything else?
Leaving all the lights on or cabinet doors open. Arrgghh! I am always shutting off lights or closing doors.

2. What are you most excited about on your trip to NYC for Blog Girls Gone Wild?
Meeting some great people, having a wonderful time... and I don't have to wipe any butts... I hope... lol

3. What is your worst habit?
Biting my nails and picking at my cuticles. I hate it.

Posted by Cate at 12:27 PM | Comments (2)

Answers

<a href="http://www.prettypurpleprincess.net">-d's </a>questions:

1. Where do you see yourself once both children are in high school/college?
Hopefully, I will be able to have completed my college degree. I see myself working in a school, hopefully teaching.
2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Oooh boy, that's a tough one. I think I would have to stick with the US, preferrably Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Tennessee - somewhere I can have some land and a decent sized house. I don't want to be thisclose to my neighbors anymore.
3. What is your all-time favorite book?
That's another tough question. I have so many favorites. "Little Women" and "Gone With the Wind", just to name a few.

Thanks -d! This was fun!

-d

Posted by Cate at 12:03 PM | Comments (2)

Ok ok...

I want everyone who reads this to ask me 3 questions, no more no less. You may ask me anything.

Then to go to your journal or weblog, and copy and paste this allowing others (including myself) to ask you anything. Please do a trackback ping so I'll know that you copied it.

Answers will be given in a follow-up post.

Posted by Cate at 10:56 AM | Comments (7)

March 12, 2004

WOW

I received a HUGE surprise in the mail today! Kristin, from <a href="http://www.therapyfailed.com">Therapy Failed</a>, sent me an item off my wish list! I always wanted <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/P3120233.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.katespot.com/archives/P3120233.php','popup','width=512,height=384,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">this cd</a>. I am stunned. I just don't know what to say other than thank you so much my friend. {{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 03:50 PM | Comments (3)

March 01, 2004

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday <a href="http://www.mysinglemomlife.com/blog/index.php">Kat</a>! Have a wonderful day {{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 11:01 AM | Comments (1)

January 30, 2004

Happy Birthday!

Can ya'll give a big shout-out to <a href="http://www.adelle.net/">Adelle</a>?? Go wish her a Happy Birthday!

Posted by Cate at 12:16 AM | Comments (2)

January 28, 2004

Thanks!

Had a great chat with <a href="http://www.adelle.net/">Adelle</a> tonight. I am very much looking forward to the <a href="http://www.adelle.net/discovery/">NYC meeting in May</a>. It's going to be SO much fun!

Posted by Cate at 11:04 PM | Comments (0)

January 03, 2004

You guys rock

Thanks so much for all the wonderful emails regarding my MIL. {{{hugs}}}

I think she will be discharged tomorrow with her having to follow up with her own cardiologist. She had the angioplasty done today - no blockages. One sis in law (still) has bronchitis, another sis in law is having gall bladder problems and my FIL is also having some health issues. Arrggh! All these sickies... it's unreal.
We, as in the girls and I, had a nice day here today. They played with their Polly Pockets, Care Bears and other assorted toys for almost the entire afternoon. They hardly fought either. Yeah - weird, I know. I also ripped through M's closet and pulled out more clothes that didn't fit. She's doing that thing.. you know.. growing. Ugh. I can't believe how much of a personality she is developing. Becoming more like a ::gasp:: preteen.
P is exhausted. Poor guy. My brother is coming down tomorrow for a quick visit. He and his girlfriend are going to Costa Rica for a vacation. Nice. Very nice indeed.
Well - I think I am going to get some sleep. I will try to post up some of my hat pictures tomorrow. Bye!

Posted by Cate at 12:02 AM | Comments (1)

December 26, 2003

New baby

Best of luck to <a href="http://www.moodymama.com/">Angie</a>. We are all waiting and waiting for this baby to be born. I guess no one is waiting more than Angie. {{{hugs}}} Good luck Angie.

Posted by Cate at 08:30 PM | Comments (1)

December 22, 2003

Monday

I think <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> is having one helluva Monday
(because Blogger is a booger and won't let me link directly to a post, I just put her post below. Italics are mine)

I am definitely certain it's Monday now. I got in the car this morning and realized I put my lunch bag in the trash and brought the trash bag with me to the car.

Heh.

Posted by Cate at 11:08 AM | Comments (3)

November 26, 2003

THANK YOU!!

The super, awesome and lovely <a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/">Daisy</a> sent me <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/PB260003.html" onclick="window.open('http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/PB260003.html','popup','width=318,height=262,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false">this beautiful ornament</a> as part of a "<a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/archives/000596.php#000596">Pay</a> <a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/archives/000603.php#000603">it</a> <a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/archives/000646.php#000646">Forward</a>" moment.
Thank you so much Daisy. It is just gorgeous. ::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 12:16 AM | Comments (3)

November 25, 2003

Props

A big shout out of THANK YOU to my wonderful and lovely hostess <a href="http://www.javamama.net/">Allison </a>for fixing my sidebar.

Posted by Cate at 02:43 PM | Comments (2)

November 21, 2003

Swap Group

If anyone wants the swap group info, leave me a comment and I will send you the link. It's a lot of fun!

Posted by Cate at 09:02 AM | Comments (7)

November 17, 2003

Fear Not

<a href="http://mylifeasafischer.com/cgi-bin/tb/tb.cgi?__mode=list&tb_id=240">Be patient - she will be back.</a> I will keep checking back for updates - thanks <a href="http://www.mylifeasafischer.com/">Greg</a>!

Posted by Cate at 12:07 AM | Comments (1)

November 07, 2003

Trolls

I hate trolls. They have managed to torment many of my friends to the point of either having password protected blogs or shutting down completely. Trolls suck. They are cowardly bastards. Here's a friggin' news flash - have the balls to post your real name and legitimate email address. ****ing jerks.
[/rant]

Posted by Cate at 12:20 PM | Comments (11)

October 29, 2003

Did I mention

that <a href="http://www.buddhasden.com/">Buddha</a> is awesome? I am blasting the cd right now and I **love** it!

Posted by Cate at 12:27 PM | Comments (1)

October 21, 2003

Thanks!

Thanks for the very nice emails and comments. I am feeling a little better this morning. I guess I just got a little down and out.
And now for something completely different...
M is selling nuts and chocolate covered raisins and pretzels for her troop. If anyone wants to purchase some, let me know. No pressure - honest! Besides, girl scout cookies are coming this winter. Mmmmm!
Well - I have to go to Staples and make a ton of copies for the troop. We have a meeting on Friday. Then, I have to go to the bank and get <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/004136.html#004136">another ATM card</a>.

Posted by Cate at 09:06 AM | Comments (3)

October 17, 2003

Goin' to a Party

M and I are going to a Partylite party tonight. Wheeee!

Posted by Cate at 06:34 PM | Comments (1)

Email

<a href="http://www.mysinglemomlife.com/">Kat</a> - I am trying to email you and I am having problems with MSN. Grrr!

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

October 15, 2003

You say it's your birthday

To one of the nicest bloggers around:
<a href="http://daisy.sovereignmagic.com/archives/000557.php#000557">Happy Birthday Daisy</a>! Go over to Daisy's Petals and wish her a happy birthday. She's DA BOMB!

Posted by Cate at 09:18 AM | Comments (1)

October 07, 2003

You say it's your birthday

<a href="http://www.buddhasden.com/archives/000655.php">Go on over and wish Budda a happy birthday!</a>

Posted by Cate at 08:49 AM | Comments (1)

October 01, 2003

Wanna chat?

Ok - I've got my AIM on - it's CateNJ if you wanna chat!

:::update:::
Thanks <a href="http://lifeattheinn.blogspot.com/">D</a> and <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/">Susan</a>! I had a great time chatting tonight!!! I have shut down AIM for tonight.

Posted by Cate at 09:27 PM | Comments (4)

September 22, 2003

Sad news

My neighbors' nephew died yesterday. He was only 15 years old. The story is <a href="http://www.app.com/app2001/story/0,21133,814625,00.html">here</a>. He was riding on his ATV and attempted to cross the Garden State Parkway. He didn't make it. I've met this young man. I am so sad for my neighbors and their families. I know they must be in so much pain right now.

Posted by Cate at 09:40 AM | Comments (8)

September 14, 2003

Five Questions

<a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> posted five questions for me to answer. I'll put them in the extended entry for anyone who is curious about my answers.

1. You have just won an all-expense paid trip for two nights and three days for you and P (no girls!). Where do you go? And what do you do there (besides the obvious, that is)?

I think I would like to visit a major city - probably somewhere down south. Atlanta has always sounded like a lovely place. As for what I would do, probably rest! But, I would love to check out art galleries, musuems, craft shops, book stores and of course restaurants!

2. What is your favorite BNL song and why?

I love most of their songs! I have found that a few of my favorites are the more mellow songs. I think I would have to choose "Lovers in a Dangerous Time". It's a remake. The original artist is <a href="http://cockburnproject.net/frames.html">Bruce Cockburn</a>. The main reason I love this song is for this line:
"Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight
Got to kick at the darkness ?til it bleeds daylight"

3. You are the new owner of a small business. What is it?
A form of a go-getters type service for people who can't do for themselves (food shopping, pharmacy, shopping). I guess I would cater to mostly the infirm and elderly. Or being a personal shopper. I have always wanted to do that.

4. You have the power to pre-determine careers for M and O. What would you choose for them?

M - journalist/author
O - doctor/nurse

5. Hilda Santo-Tomas or Kia Steave-Dickerson?
Kia. Hilda destroys things and seems to enjoy doing so!

Posted by Cate at 07:53 PM | Comments (1)

September 08, 2003

How could I forget?

Big loser that I am - I forgot <a href="http://www.bookblog.net">Mary's birthday</a>! Ugh - I am such a loser.

I hope you had a great day! **smooches**

Posted by Cate at 11:51 PM | Comments (3)

September 01, 2003

Funny pics

I just downloaded some funny pictures from last night's party. I also spoke to my friend, the hostess of the party, and she told me that most people left by 11pm. There was some sloppy drunken behavior - and I missed it! Damn! LOL

Posted by Cate at 01:54 PM | Comments (1)

What a party

I had so much fun at the BBQ yesterday.. I had a little too much to drink. I cannot believe I didn't fall into the pool. I didn't get all sloppy either. The party was just starting to move to an entirely new different level by the time we left around 9pm. Of course, we left before I did something totally stupid - like have more shots. Heh. They were good, whatever they were. Kind of like a <a href="http://www.webtender.com/db/drink/4346">Red Deaths</a>. No hangover either. The two aspirin and a quart of water really did the trick.

Posted by Cate at 09:43 AM | Comments (1)

August 31, 2003

Baby Eva

<a href="http://www.libradivas.com/rach/blog/index.php?m=200308#280">Big congratulations to Rachael and Adam on the birth of their daughter Eva Blasa</a>
{{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 11:03 PM | Comments (1)

Happy (belated) Birthday

to <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/">Susan</a>!
She is the sweetest person ever! Go over and wish her a happy birthday!!

I thought her birthday was the 31st. Oy - I messed this one up big time! I am sorry sweetie! :::smooches::: Have fun in Boston!

Posted by Cate at 12:14 PM | Comments (1)

August 25, 2003

Good thoughts

Healthy and happy thoughts going out to <a href="http://www.libradivas.com/rach/blog/index.php?m=200308#279">Rachael and the baby</a>. She is in the hospital in Phoenix, on total bedrest, due to extremely high blood pressure. Hugs to you sweetie.

Posted by Cate at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)

August 17, 2003

Welcome Carisa

Pamela just had her baby - read about it <a href="http://pamela.blog-city.com/read/182737.htm">here</a>. Congratulations!

Posted by Cate at 12:43 AM | Comments (1)

August 15, 2003

Happy Birthday

A belated birthday wish to <a href="http://www.itsallirreverent.net/kim/archives/002596.html#002596">Kim</a> and you know ya'll will want to wish <a href="http://phillipcoons.com/comments.php?id=P3300_0_1_0">Philip</a> a happy birthday

Posted by Cate at 10:28 AM | Comments (0)

August 13, 2003

Happy Birthday!

Have a great birthday <a href="http://www.javamama.net/mt/archives/000671.php#000671">Allison</a>! Love you sweetie!! ::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 09:41 AM | Comments (1)

August 12, 2003

I did it

Had a great time last night. Almost all the food was finished off and I had two people ask me for the recipe of the chocolate chip bundt cake I had made. The girls had so much fun. My group really spoiled them to death, letting them roll the dice. Heck,O rolled 10 points in a row! The girls didn't get to bed until 1130pm. They were totally hyped up - sugar, excitement, soda.. it all adds up.
Thank goodness I don't have to do this again until next year!

I had a few too many beers last night so I am moving a little s l o w. I think my coffee is done brewing so I am off to get a cup a'joe and surf some blogs...

Posted by Cate at 09:54 AM | Comments (4)

August 07, 2003

Friend

One of my friends hooked herself up with a blog. <a href="http://www.cumberlandblues.blogspot.com/">Go on over and say hello! </a>

Posted by Cate at 11:59 PM | Comments (1)

July 23, 2003

Mom

I want to send a big hello to <a href="http://www.gigglechick.com/erin/blog/002301.php#002301">Erin's Mom</a>, if she finds her way over here. :::waving::: Hiya Mrs. B!

Posted by Cate at 09:43 AM | Comments (1)

July 18, 2003

Nice day

Mary just left. We had a nice time today. She and the girls had a great time (as usual). She played <a href="http://www.popcap.com/gamepopup.php?theGame=insaniquarium"target=_blank>Insaniquarium</a> with the girls. The girls were cracking up. This game is REALLY addicting! After Mary finally took a break from the game, we all went out to McD's for dinner. Mary graciously treated the girls and I to dinner. Then, I brought her to the new Michaels and we all wandered around. Then, we walked over to Staples. They had a great sale on back to school items. I picked up some supplies that M needed for school. Ack - back to school already?? We got back home around 8pm. I got the girls in their pjs and got them some graham crackers for dessert.
P is at his parents house, helping out. I think they were cutting down some trees and branches. What fun!
Well - off to spend quality time with the kids!

Posted by Cate at 08:45 PM | Comments (3)

July 10, 2003

Feel Better

I hope <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com">Rob</a> (aka Acidman) is feeling better after <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives/002978.php#002978">his surgery</a>. Ouch.

Posted by Cate at 11:41 AM | Comments (1)

July 02, 2003

Miss Mary

YAY! <a href="http://www.bookblog.net">Mary</a> is on her way down. She's going to do a reading/observation thing with M today.
Later today, we are going up to my Mom's house. P and I are meeting there. We are leaving the girls' with her while we go buy a loft bed for M. It's part of Mom's birthday gift to her. Nice, huh? We go to Ikea, pick it out and she pays for it. Of course, we are going to IKEA. <a href="http://www.ikea-usa.com/product_presentation/show.asp?productnumber=00005620&type=III&id=413"target=_blank>This </a>bed is a possibility. There is another but it is not featureed online. I just LOVE Ikea.

Posted by Cate at 10:35 AM | Comments (4)

July 01, 2003

Happy Birthday!

Sending lots of Happy Birthday wishes to <a href="http://www.veryblack.org/">Rhonda</a>!!! Have a Rhondalicious day sweetie!

Posted by Cate at 10:42 AM | Comments (1)

June 14, 2003

Party's Over

Well - the BBQ is over. Thank goodness there was no rain. I am so stuffed right now ::groan:: I cooked burgers and hot dogs on the grill. We also had veggie platter, chips, tortilla chips and salsa, potato salad (which was REALLY good AND dairy free) and pasta salad. For dessert, apple and pumpkin pie, zuchini cake and watermelon. ::burp:: Everything was delicious!
I have a ton of leftovers. Anyone hungry?

Posted by Cate at 05:21 PM | Comments (3)

June 06, 2003

Happy Birthday!

Please go visit <a href="http://www.indierocklibrarian.com">Mary C</a> and wish her a happy happy birthday! She is one grooooovy chick!
**mwah** Have a great day sweetie!

Posted by Cate at 10:20 AM | Comments (2)

June 05, 2003

Please help

Guys - <a href="http://www.mysinglemomlife.com/">Kat</a> still needs your help. Click <a href="http://helpkat.netfirms.com/blogger.html">here</a> to read her story. Anything you can give would be appreciated. <strike>Heck - she's even tax deductible folks.</strike> Oops - Kat is NOT tax deductible! Still, please help her out. Skip your latte and bagel today and donate.

Posted by Cate at 11:07 AM | Comments (2)

June 04, 2003

Surprise Delivery

Oh my GAWD!!! UPS delivered this awesome book for me from the fantabulous and lovely <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com">Susan</a>. I was totally surprised. Thank you thank you thank you! ::smooches:: <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com">You</a> are wonderful!

Posted by Cate at 12:31 PM | Comments (7)

Happy Birthday

I was lucky enough to find <a href="http://michelle.inmybook.net/archives/001784.php">Michelle</a> and her <a href="http://michelle.inmybook.net/">blog</a> this past week. Just in time to wish her a very happy birthday! {{{Michelle}}} Have a great day!

Posted by Cate at 10:00 AM | Comments (1)

May 31, 2003

Memory Lane

Just got off the phone with <a href="http://www.dagoddess.com">Joanie</a>! Oh my GAWD - we laughed and laughed. SOmetopics of discussion:
Vegas/Atlantic City
lemon/avacado trees
kids
movies
Klick-Klacks
Romper Stompers
and, the kicker,
<a href="http://barbln.org/trixie/main.htm">Trixie Belden</a>.

I was in shock when Joanie told me that they are still quite popular. I checked on eBay and there are seven pages of Trixie Belden books! My dad has all of my Trixie books. I am going to have to go there and see what books I own!
It was great chatting with ya Joanie! ::smooches::

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

May 22, 2003

Blog Survivor

That charming <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives/002672.php#002672">Acidman</a> has set up a clever way to delink blogs from his blogroll. Blog Survivor!

I knew something was amiss since I suddenly have a lot of referrals from his blog. <a href="http://www.gutrumbles.com/archives/002685.php#002685">I am afraid I have already been one of three blogs nominated to be voted off the island!</a>

Be kind, people. Please? : - )

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

May 20, 2003

Thank you

Wow - thanks for all the kind comments and emails about Nana. I miss her so much but I know she is with my Pop-Pop. He passed away before her and she missed him terribly.

I love all you guys!

Posted by Cate at 07:44 PM | Comments (0)

May 18, 2003

Happy Birthday

Hey <a href="http://www.dagoddess.com"target=_blank>Joanie</a> -

Happy Birthday!
::smooches::

Posted by Cate at 12:09 AM | Comments (1)

May 14, 2003

Extending a olive branch

After more than seven years of not speaking, I finally attempted contact with a former friend. I read about her grandfather's death in the newspaper several weeks ago. I mailed a sympathy card to her attention at the funeral home. I wrote her a note inside the card and included my phone number and email address. I almost chickened out and didn't send it. I had P run it out to the mailbox before I could change my mind.
She emailed me Sunday. She was surprised to hear from me, to say the least. I just replied to her email. Without getting into details (because I am too lazy to write them all out), the "falling out" was all my fault. I shouldn't even call is a falling out - I just stopped speaking to her. Period. A total blowoff. Something I am not proud about doing. ::sigh::
The weird thing about all of this - I have been thinking of her for the past year, wondering how she was doing, how her two sons were doing. Then, I read about her grandfather. Very strange indeed.

Posted by Cate at 10:56 PM | Comments (9)

April 25, 2003

Missing a friend

Partly due to some nasty trolls online, <a href="http://www.astarradesigns.com/blog/archives/001804.html#001804">Maria</a> will be on hiatus. ::sniffle:: I'll miss your entries sweetie. Make sure you keep hangin' 'round the net, ya hear?

Posted by Cate at 12:51 AM | Comments (4)

April 22, 2003

Mary Mary

<a href="http://www.bookblog.net"target=_blank>Mary</a> called me six minutes after I posted my plea to chat with someone. Talk about a quick response time!

Posted by Cate at 10:06 PM | Comments (1)

A GIFT!

The lovely Mary from <a href="http://www.bookblog.net"target=_blank> BookBlog </a>just gave me 50 shares of <a href="http://www.bnlblog.com/"target=_blank>BNLBlog</a>! Woohoo! Thanks Mary! :::smooches::: How did you ever know they are my favorite band? LOL!

Posted by Cate at 03:01 PM | Comments (1)

Help a Friend

I know a lot of people know Kat - <a href="http://blogland.com/mysinglemomlife/blog/index.php">My Single Mom Life</a>. She needs your help. <a href="http://www.helpkat.netfirms.com/"target=_blank> She is not looking to buy herself some boobs or pay off credit card debts. She has scoliosis and needs surgery. Please check out her page here and do what you can for her</a>. If you need any convincing, <a href="http://www.helpkat.netfirms.com/helpkat_page_2.html"target=_blank>check out her journal pages.</a>
{{{Kat}}}

Posted by Cate at 10:55 AM | Comments (2)

April 17, 2003

Thank You

I want to say thank you to all the kind emails and prayers. I love you guys! :puckerup: :hug:

Posted by Cate at 10:38 AM | Comments (2)

April 14, 2003

Back from Bonkos

Had a GREAT time at Bonkos tonight! For anyone who is not familiar with Bonkos, check out this link --->> <a href="http://www.buncogame.com/bname.shtml"target=_blank>Bonkos</a>. It's a lot of fun to play and it's a great excuse to get out of the house every month.

Posted by Cate at 11:24 PM | Comments (0)

April 10, 2003

Weird news

I just got an email from a friend of mine that I haven't talked to in 6-8 months. She got married. :boggled:

Posted by Cate at 12:18 PM | Comments (1)

April 08, 2003

Awesome ailurophile!

I received <a href="http://www.ailurophile.com/"target=_blank>Christine's</a> package today. Not only did she send a copy of a cat pillow, she copied the book for me! She also included an absolutely adorable postcard depicting the ducks from Robert McCloskey's story "Make Way for Ducklings". The girls love his stories. M was so excited to see the card! As soon as she read the names of the ducklings (Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack), she knew what they were! :cheerful: {{{Christine}}} Thank you SO much! :hug:

Posted by Cate at 09:18 PM | Comments (2)

Poem

I received the following email today from a friend.

"We got a letter from Josh [her nephew] today, if you could call it that, written 3/9.
They are hearing about the anti-war protests and he was upset. That' s all
the letter talked about.

He enclosed a poem he and his buddies wrote.

He wants us to get it out, let people see how they feel.
Any ideas?"

"Wish You Were Here"

For all the free people that still protest.
You're welcome. We protect you and you are protected by the best.
Your voice is strong and loud,
but who will fight for you? No one standing in your crowd.
We are your fathers, brothers, and sons,
wearing the boots and carrying guns.
We are the ones that leave all we own,
to make sure your future is carved in stone.
We are the ones who fight and die,
We might not be able to save the world, Well, at least we try.
We walked the paths to where we are at
and we want no choice other than that.
so when you rally your group to complain,
take a look in the back of your brain.
In order for that flag you love to fly
wars must be fought and young men must die.
We came here to fight for the ones we hold dear.
If that's not respected, we would rather stay here.
So please stop yelling, put down your signs,
and pray for those behind enemy lines.
When the conflict is over and all is well,
be thankful that we chose to go through hell.

Corporal Joshua Miles and all the boys from 3rd Batallion 2nd Marines,
Kuwait

Posted by Cate at 06:52 PM | Comments (4)

April 04, 2003

Happy Birthday

<a href="http://www.ailurophile.com/"target=_blank>Christine</a>!
I hope your birthday weekend goes well!! :hug: :wave:

Posted by Cate at 11:25 PM | Comments (0)

April 03, 2003

ALMOST forgot!

<a href="http://www.dagoddess.com"target=_blank>Joanie</a> sent me the BEST card in the mail! I :heartbeat: it! It was a Trading Spaces card and I cracked up when I read it. :rotfl: Thanks babe! :puckerup: :puckerup: :puckerup:

Posted by Cate at 12:02 AM | Comments (3)

February 14, 2003

New link for Joanie

Lookin' for Da Goddess? Click <a href="http://64.191.62.135/~dagod/"target=_blank>here</a> to find her.

Posted by Cate at 03:00 PM | Comments (1)

February 11, 2003

Back from Bonkos

I had a lot of fun tonight at Bonkos. I didn't win any prizes but it's a good time and a night away from these people in my house! OH - I went to Weight Watchers before Bonkos :::drum roll please:: I lost 1.2 pounds! YAY me! :laugh:

P has tomorrow off (thank you state government!) so I will be able to hit the gym tomorrow morning. Yeeeha!

Posted by Cate at 11:42 PM | Comments (1)

February 10, 2003

Good Luck!

I will be thinking good thoughts for you <a href="http://maxx_the_bird.blogspot.com/2003_02_01_maxx_the_bird_archive.html#88762463">Shelley</a>! I hope your back is feeling better. :hug: I'll try to call you this weekend!

Posted by Cate at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)

February 07, 2003

Kat Chat!!

WOW! I had a 2 hour phone chat with <a href="http://blogland.com/mysinglemomlife/blog/index.php"target=_blank>Kat.</a> I had a blast. I bet we could have talked for at least 1-2 more hours easily! :hug: :hug: I forgot to get your address - duh!! Email it to me when you can!

It's starting to snow now. My area is predicted to get anywhere from 4-8 inches! :boggled: Ick!

Posted by Cate at 12:25 AM | Comments (2)

February 04, 2003

More Birthday Lovin'

Happy Birthday <a href="http://www.onegirlslife.com/"target=_blank>Robin</a>!
:hug:

Posted by Cate at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)

February 03, 2003

ANOTHER Happy Birthday

<a href="http://sugarmama.blogspot.com/"target=_blank>SugarMama!</a> 28 and holding.
:cheerful:

Posted by Cate at 12:38 AM | Comments (0)

Happy Birthday

<a href="http://amethyst85.blogspot.com/"target=_blank>Karen</a> - I hope you had a GREAT day! Love you babe!
:puckerup:

Posted by Cate at 12:08 AM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2003

Chat!

I just had a really great chat with <a href="http://amethyst85.blogspot.com/"tarhet=_blank>Karen</a>! We had so much fun :laugh::laugh: she just cracks me up!
Nice to talk to you sweetie! I hope you are feeling better.

Posted by Cate at 11:43 PM | Comments (3)

January 05, 2003

Taking a break??

<a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/2003_01_01_sessex_archive.html#90139715">Susan</a>, I will miss you sweetie. I hope you stop by occasionally!
:hug::hug::hug:

Posted by Cate at 01:29 AM | Comments (2)

Oh MarrrryD.

I have an Legolas link for you! Click <a href="http://orlando.glisten.net/"target=_blank>here</a>!

Posted by Cate at 12:52 AM | Comments (1)

January 01, 2003

Happy New Year!

I love all you guys!

We are headed to Toys R Us today so the kids can spend some of their Christmas money. Then, off to Target to return the dutch oven Husband got me (it's too small) and I need to get another 10-12" fry pan. The one I had BROKE last night. Dammit. Hopefully, Target has some good sales running now.
Dinner last night was yummy. Of course, I have half a turkey left over. Ick. The only downside to making turkey is the next day. My house still smells like turkey!! I fired up a couple heavy duty candles - I hope that works! If not, then I will have a house that smells like turkey AND apples! LOL!
Bye for now!

Posted by Cate at 09:31 AM | Comments (6)

December 27, 2002

Shelley and Scott

I haven't heard from them and it's 1045pm. I hope they call me soon so we can plan for tomorrow. Guys - IM or call me!! You can call until midnight!

Posted by Cate at 10:47 PM | Comments (2)

December 24, 2002

Holidays

For all the wonderful people I have met, both online and off line, have a wonderful holiday and a very Merry Christmas.

Posted by Cate at 12:29 AM | Comments (6)

December 19, 2002

Hero

Go Now. Read <a href="http://mysinglemomlife.rain-cloud.com/">Kat's blog</a>. Especially <a href="http://mysinglemomlife.rain-cloud.com/archives/2002_12.html#001956">this</a>, <a href="http://mysinglemomlife.rain-cloud.com/archives/2002_12.html#001957">this</a> and <a href="http://mysinglemomlife.rain-cloud.com/archives/2002_12.html#001958">this</a>.
Those children were blessed to have you right there.
{{{{Kat}}}}
You are a hero.

Posted by Cate at 04:52 PM | Comments (4)

Christmas Story Quiz

(link snagged from <a href="http://www.dagoddess.com/">Joanie</a>!)

<a href="http://quizilla.com/users/kundavega/quizzes/Which%20A%20Christmas%20Story%20Character%20Are%20You%3F/"><img src="http://images.quizilla.com/K/kundavega/1039331010_Somniumdad.jpg" border="0" alt="Mr.%20Parker"> Which A Christmas Story Character Are You?</a> brought to you by <a href="http://quizilla.com">Quizilla</a>

Hahahha! I can sure cuss like him too!

Posted by Cate at 09:31 AM | Comments (1)

December 17, 2002

Holiday Eating Tips

You must read <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/2002_12_01_sessex_archive.html#90058000">these tips</a> from <a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com"target=_blank>Susan</a>. :rotfl:

Posted by Cate at 11:07 PM | Comments (1)

December 12, 2002

Birthday Wishes

<a href="http://kdblog.com/">Happy birthday kd</a>
You are the coolest!

Posted by Cate at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)

December 03, 2002

Fun chat!

I had a great telephone chat tonight with <a href="http://www.hooptymike.com/joanie/">Joanie</a>! We laughed and laughed about all kinds of things! We were SO bad! :devil: Joan, if you need help or have questions about any of the planes, give us a call!

Posted by Cate at 12:25 AM | Comments (1)

December 02, 2002

London

<a href="http://sessex.blogspot.com/">Susan</a> is visiting <a href="http://www.randomoddness.com/">Lee</a> in England. Lucky her!

Posted by Cate at 02:48 PM | Comments (2)

November 30, 2002

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)

November 27, 2002

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)

November 26, 2002

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)

November 25, 2002

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)

November 22, 2002

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)

November 20, 2002

Joanie

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

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

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)

November 10, 2002

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)