Time To ReName The Blog!

OK OK I know this is way overdue.  Probably somewhere I said something about "June 1."  HA  That was funny.

What have I been doing?  OHHHH changed jobs, gave the house a 2nd overhaul, picked my daughter up from Italy, went down to Ft. Lauderdale twice in a month, packing, organizing, LEFT MY JOB AT MY FIRM where I had been for 9 years.  That was my first true career job.  And it was soooo hard to leave.  My last week was epic.  I still can't believe I have left.

SO on to the naming thing.  There have been some funny/cute/thoughtful/off the wall suggestions (in no particular order):

• High Heels to Flip Flops (Suz)
• 1000 Miles from my Ex (Yogurt)
• Tin Cup Chalice (Cristy)
• Behind Door #2 (Hula Girl)
• As Far Away From the Ex as I can Get (Jenn)
• Moved Not Murdered (Shirley)
• Many States Away From My Ex (ChiTown Girl)
• Far Away From that Assbag (Chitown Girl)
• See Ya, Sucka! (Chitown Girl)
• Why Didn't I do This Sooner? (ChiTown Girl)
• Life with the Captain (ChiTown Girl)
• Finally Free In Florida (ChiTown Girl)

And I have thought of a few of my own:

• She Sailed Away
• SouthBound
• New Latitude, New Attitude
• Come Sail Away
• Legally Blonde in Flip Flops
• EX Next Door To My Ex
• Charting a New Course

As much as I love some of the blog titles "kissing off" the Ex, I think this next phase of my life is about me, not him.  So I will pass on those titles (although Moved Not Murdered might be a step away and therefore a possibility....)

I need to remember how to set up a poll on the side of the blog.  Considering my pathetic blogging of late (I picked up 24 new cases in my first two days on the new job - I'm a little busy!!!!!), I will wait until July to have the voting run.  For now, Please Drop a Comment and Vote for a New Blog Name! (Or leave your own thoughts).

Beautiful Blogger Award

Aw thanks BigCityDad!

Yes Props to me because "You've got to be kidding!' [living next door to ex]. Yes at first I thought it was a great idea. Now I can't wait to move. Not for any specific reason - more just a space issue in general. So thanks for coming by and noticing!

Of course in the bloggy world, getting means giving. But First, I'm supposed to tell you 7 things about me you don't know. That might be hard, because I'm pretty much an open book here (isn't that the point of blogging? Ok for my kind of blog anyway).

1. For a hard-ass lawyer, I cry about everything. I remember crying during the McDonald's commercial on the last episode of M*A*S*H - the one where the big brother gave the little sister his last french fry? Because I was in middle school and my Big Bro was in high school and I loved him like that and hoped he loved me like that, too. So Sentimental? Um yeah, that's me.

2. other people's blood makes me want to die (OK Captain so you knew this - maybe lots of people don't). When Son smashed his fingers in the neighbor's door at 3 years old and took the tips off his fingers, neighbor didn't know whether to tend to screaming child or passing-out mama.

3. I fantasize about having a gazillion kids. Philosopher Mom? She's my hero. 9 kids, phd, awesome person. I wanted 12 kids when I was a kid - after reading "Cheaper by the dozen." When I got married I wanted 6, Ex wanted 1. After many years of trying, I got a 2-for-1 special and we quit there. Many days I regret that - but it would have had to be many kids with a different Man.

4. I fantasize about singing like Kelly Clarkson or Barbara Streisand. I know I can't sing for crap and that it sometimes hurts people's ears to listen, but in my shower or a crowded bar full of drunk people? I AM the next American Idol! And no matter the song, I know ALL the words. It's a gift. Some call me the Human Radio (wait is that two things?)

5. I'm going to die when my kids go to college. OH don't give me that "freedom" and "they're growing" and "next stage" crap. I'm going to die. They are so awesome and I love it that when they are with me so are all their friends. My house is so crowded with overflowing shoes and food wrappers and soda cans and laughter and hugs, I love it. There I said it.

6. I love football and wish I had been a boy - a big boy - just so that I could've strapped on the pads and done some serious headknocking. Boys got all the fun sports. I played in the neighborhood until middle school when it became uncool for boys to be tackling me. Man I missed the many hours of playing "kill the man with the ball." Being a girl sucked then.

7. I love tonic water. OK sometimes with Gin or Rum, but I also love plain tonic water (diet even!). It's yummy. Add a splash of lime juice and it is awesome. Really.
So now bloggers I admire!

Wow that's hard - I love everyone. But I am going to choose the unusual - none of my commenters! They all know I love them to pieces and they are loyal fans. And win lots of awards. Here are my newbies:

1. My friend started a money advice blog at The Money Heifer. Now my friend is not a multi-million dollar salary earner.** She works for the government, is single, and is the most amazing, talented, dedicated saver I have ever met. She's an awesome friend, too. Check her out - she is wise on the money issues let me tell you! **edited to add: I mean this as the highest compliment - I think it's easy for "big money" people to tout advice that may or may not be "real." The Money Heifer, however, is someone we can relate to, someone who shows us that we can do this just as she has! I realized after writing this that this might have come out as less than a compliment!

2. OK This is how pathetic I am lately - I am going to name EVERYONE ELSE to Beautiful Blogger. Because truthfully? Although I always give the award to the same people (I am such a non-reacher-outer) I love my bloggy buddies. I Love Cheri (who I wish would write more b/c she's amazing), I love my cousin JO for too many reasons to list, I love Suzy who has such energy and ORGANIZATION and lives in a warm climate, I love Jenn who is truly Juggling life, Katydidnot makes me laugh out loud and spit things out my nose, ChiTown girl makes me think twice about hating the cold Chicago weather, Bumpkin stops by and cheers me up, Debbie at Etc Etc Etc cracks me up but makes me feel badly for being a wimp about life when she's living 1/2 way around the world from her peeps and thriving!, Loving Jason and his unique family because his courage sometimes make me cry and often makes me laugh, I love my cousin DF for his wisdom and telling me the hard things sometimes, I love and am amazed at my cousin at DuckFeet who keeps it all together in her uber-brilliant way, (My cousins taught me to blog by the way!), I love HulaGirl for her Buffet-ways and her awesome photos. I know I forgot some (add Philosopher Mom Here).... You can all claim the button (or not) and play along (or not). No worries.

Thanks again BigCityDad. So Nice to make new friends in the BlogOSphere.

And Then BANG IT was 2010

I had all good intentions of posting our family christmas poem (yes I send one of those as a Christmas Card) and then I had all kinds of cool stories to tell about Christmas eve and Christmas morning, but first I had to jump on a plane to go to warm, sunny, beautiful Florida to be with the Captain. So blogging Had to Wait.

And then we went to the Captain's Mom's for the weekend - I had only met her once before - and we enjoyed an awesome weekend of cooking, shopping, and playing Dominoes (the lady is a rum-sipping Card Shark I tell you!). So Blogging Had to Wait.

Then I was just hanging out thinking about beaches and sunshine and thinking about Blogging. Foolishly I thought I had time to Blog. So Blogging Had to Wait.

Then BAM one of my dormant cases explodes. Fortunately or unfortunately, the client was just 20 miles from the Captain's house, so I was able to spend my vacation days at the client's preparing for a hearing and drove home each night to the Captain, a glass of wine, and dinner. So Blogging Had to Wait.

New Year's Eve in Miami? Well let's just say it doesn't suck. 80 degrees, shorts, sailing to Bayshore to watch fireworks, too much champagne, lots of good friends and good food. So Blogging Had to Wait.

I spent New Year's Day .... Not blogging. Drafting a brief for this case. So Blogging had to wait.

And every day since, I have worked my butt off on the case. Yep, you got it. So Blogging Has to Wait.

I am back to work full time now. Meaning I actually get paid full time for the work I've been doing for 5 years but being paid part time. The switch is now I have the pressure of having to bill 1900+ hours and then there are 300 + hours of required non-billables (you know, marketing, professional development, pro bono). I have a feel? Blogging Will Have to Wait.

Happy New Year to All my Blogging buddies. Blogging will likely be somewhat scarce in 2010. Or maybe it won't be - as this is THE YEAR THE KIDS GRADUATE. There have already been many exciting moments as the kids received their acceptances (and a rejection sadly) to the Universities. We're still waiting for more info, but I think Daughter is off to the College of Charleston! Woot! Son is very undecided, but going North to Snowboard and play Rugby somewhere. Maybe he'll even attend classes! There will be the Prom, a band trip to Canada, Graduation (GASP!) and lots of fun times I hope. We are blessed indeed.

Back to work for me! Yes it is 4 a.m. Sleep is apparently optional in 2010.

Wireless Isn't Always a Good Thing

Sometimes I'm slow on the uptake. Really. Like having wireless in my house when Verizon brought the new FIos router. Except it took 16 months and a visit from my engineer/nephew to tell me, "Hey Aunt Mellie, you know you have wireless right? You don't need to plug in your laptop. The code's right here on the side of this box."

After swallowing my shame and embarrassment, I embraced the wireless. Imagine, working at the kitchen table! Working in the basement! Working in my bed!

Huh? Did I just say working in my bed? Yeah. I did. Because I don't have enough billable hours in my life so now I work everywhere.

Except it's not all as sinister as it sounds. Take today for example. It's mid-morning. I am "working" from home. In My Bed. In my pink Wal-mart Eeyore faded pj's, with Stinky Butt curled up next to me, Queen Bee snoring at my feet, and Son moaning from his room every 45 minutes or so about his stomach ache.

Oh did I say I was working? Perhaps I'm blogging.

Back to work now. Really.

Treading Water

Many of you may be wondering if this Blog is still active - that's a good question.

Last week some things rocked my world - tragic accidents, loss of people who shaped much of my childhood, a friend losing her husband in a car accident, big changes at work.

So I wrote nothing.

And I went sailing.

I spent the weekend lazing about in the Bay, talking about life, getting a little too much sun, and drinking champagne. It was so perfect.

And now I am contemplating lots of things, not the least of which is, "Do I have time for this blog?"

My Blog friends have been an amazing source of support, entertainment, comfort and encouragement over the last 14 months. At the moment I am overwhelmed with work, life, and contemplations to put it out there in the blog. Plus, knowing Ken reads this, sometimes I am not ready to share my personal thoughts with him. He insists on trespassing in my life. I could make this blog private, but choose not to do that either.

So my faithful bloggy buddies, for the moment I am not sure where this is going. And I miss reading all your blogs, too. Truth be told, I just haven't had time.

Thanks to all for your concern, your emails, your support. I hope to post some this coming weekend when I am looking forward to a little "ME" time.

Goin' Where the Weather Suits my Clothes

once again I haven't fallen to some evil plot - just having a hell of a time here with the Captain, Friends, Family.

And tomorrow? Headed out to SAN DIEGO! Yes I am going to a conference, going to do a little moving and shaking and when that is done? Going to Hang with my Bitches!! Yep lunch with Cheri and Kate. And then Friday? Jenn is going to put up with me for Two WHOLE Days and is treating me to some awesome meeting of elephants at the Zoo. I am so ridiculously excited. She's going to wonder why she ever agreed to meet anyone in real life she's only met through blogging. Me? I have to go look through my shoes for the best pair to meet the Bitches! I should probably just go shopping....

Someone's Working Long Hours....

[The photo above is blurry but I like that you can see my view of DC! And yes those are my bocce trophies from the firm tournament...]





That's my windowledge where I collect diet cokes until I take the long 20 foot walk down the corridor to the pantry where the recycle bin is. So how many days - or hours - of diet cokes do you think that represents? Hmmm? And for those of you who know me - those are only the ones consumed in my office . The 5.a.m. and 7:30a.m. on my way to work ones aren't there, nor the on-my-way-home ones....



Go ahead. Guess. The answer will scare you....



what - a prize? you want a prize??? ok ok winner gets my book I'm reading that I won from Mama Milton...Angry Conversations With God

This book totally rocks my socks.

So drop a comment and a guess and please oh jeez leave me an email so I know where to contact the winner.

Contest closes.....ummmm....Saturday April 25 9 a.m. EDT.....

Best Google Search Ever to Land Here

"married lady next door got nice big titties" That just cracked me up. His/her search landed some doozys. But he/she chose my blog to read from the results. Funny!

Most people just google "next door 2 my ex." [really Ken just bookmark the site - or even Better, become a follower! It's so much easier!] every once in a while there will be some random google search. But this one, for some reason, just totally cracked me up. Who googles like that??!! did he think he'd find a photo of his neighbor on the website?

How in the Hell?

.....is my daughter posting to facebook from the road? From her "iphone" (according to Facebook)? And how much is this costing me??? She doesn't have an iphone....


Or she didn't when she left.


Maybe they're using my iTouch with wireless apps from various hotels?

---------------------------------------------------------

am I supposed to take care of life (or even want to) when I'm knee deep in Work? For example, the following items are on my home "to do" list:

-change oil in both cars

- major car checkup on little car (warning lights flashing crazily)

- grocery shop - I am down to critical and out of diet coke. nothing else matters

- get dog food. Almost as critical as diet coke. but dogs can eat cereal. they don't care

- get dress or find something to wear to friend wedding in 2 weeks. naked probably not an option.

- pay bills - electricity and heat aren't optional

- clean? ah hell, put in the "optional" column....

- plan trip to spain - buy tickets, rent car, pick hotels, contact friends

- plant spring flowers

- prune trees been on to do list for 11 years, time to do it...

- 6 weeks overdue on followup for surgery appointment....

- take son for MRI

- finish daughter's lab work

- order prescriptions

- eye appointment

etc etc etc.......

But blogging? Clearly a necessity. Don't ask....

I've Become a Lazy-Assed Follower

My mom always knew Ex and I wouldn't work out: we were both leaders. Headstrong, opinionated Leaders. She and my MIL both fretted about the union. And probably both were shocked we lasted as long as we did.

And now that I'm single? Hells bells have you seen my profile page? I've become the queen of frickin' followers. It all started innocently enough - went to someone's page and saw this new blogger gadget "follow me." So I started selectively following the blogs I really did want to read every day. And I made snide remarks in my head when I would come to someone else's profile and see them following 367 other blogs. "As if" I'd tell myself. "Get a life."

I had added a bunch of people to my "google reader" but quickly forgot how that worked. I'm pretty sure there are over 1 million articles to be read in my Google reader. if I could remember how to access it. So that was a bust.

well then life got in my way and blogging got harder. I wasn't reading as much as I wanted to. And then sometimes in the middle of the night I'd start clicking on commenters and finding cool blogs and then couldn't remember how to find my way back. I tried adding "favorites" but I have so many damned "favorite" websites it takes 3 years to get to the bottom of the list.

So harmlessly enough I started adding myself, little by little, as a follower. One here. One there. And I am in follower hell. Now I want to follow everyone I read, b/c I can click on my dashboard and click click click my way to the newest bloggy articles by all my favorites. Too many favorites. And now that's I've written this I'm going to feel guilty if you're reading this and I'm not following YOU. Not only have I become the follower my mother never thought I could be, I'm also guilt plagued (been practicing that my whole catholic life, though).

So I'm sorry if I'm not following you...yet. Trust me, I will be soon!

So What My Mom Reads My Blog

Blogging can be liberating, fun, mental exercise, a way to keep up with family, a way to hide out from family, a way to procrastinate drafting that settlement agreement (not that I'd know anything about that...)

Some people feel liberated because their family doesn't know about their blog and they've done all they can to keep it anonymous.

Me, the first person I told that I started a blog? Before I ever dropped a comment or figured out how to get my url "out there"? It was My Mom.

Some folks avoid posting certain topics or comments because their family reads the blog. Me, I am inspired to tell it like it is because, well, my Mom reads my blog!

She's not a commenter. She's a Class A Lurker. In fact, she recently admitted to me that she is lurking on some of your blogs, too. She's a Hip Gram: has an iTouch, contemplated a Facebook, IM'd before I knew what that was, knows how to text message. But she is a cautiously Hip Gram - she doesn't have a Facebook b/c she didn't want to share some of the info they asked for. (I told her she could make stuff up but she thought that might be like lying. Because yeah, nobody lies on the Internet ) And she doesn't comment because she thinks maybe sometimes her comments are better kept to herself.

She's that kind of totally awesome Mom. She is, without a doubt, my Best Friend and has been since I was in school. Yep, even in those awkward "hate you parents" years I totally Loved My Mom (I think she'd agree...) But sometimes? I wish she would just drop the ol' bomb on my blog. Because she is witty and well-spoken and a great writer. And I know she has some choice words for some of the situations I've posted about. [and she didn't even give me too much grief over the whole 25 year old secret in the Boy Who Haunts Me and my confession of staying over his house that night...] But I also respect that she doesn't want to comment. Besides, it just gives her a chance to tell me personally...

So yeah, my Mom reads my blog and I'm damned proud she does!

What a Wicked Week

Resorting to Random Posting that isn't even very funny or entertaining....but I'm way behind and leaving town again...

• Ex drops an email bomb that gee, he might move to Florida like, next week and how would I feel about that and I'd just handle the kids and all right ? Which led to an actual telephone conversation (we only communicate by email) in which he decided that maybe he'd think about moving a little more. Oh but first he asked the kids if they might like to move to Florida with him. And then my head exploded....fortunately, they laughed at him so I didn't really have to do much about that except say, "Interesting that you would've asked THEM before discussing the idea with ME. But then I should expect as much." Nuf Said

• Put on my big girl suit again (twice in a month!) and got to argue in Court again! That might sound weird, but in my legal field we don't get to court much and when we do, usually the Partners get the fun. And it's always great when the Judge starts the hearing by saying to the other side, "Now they [me] don't have a real high bar here. And I think they pretty much meet their burden. So what do you have to say about that?" Yeah it was a good day. Winning is fun.

• Had all THREE dogs to myself Wednesday night - the night before the big hearing (above) - kids were on a school retreat, Ex out of town. Queen Bee always sleeps in my bed and, well, Stinky does if she's around. So I couldn't very well leave Dumb Runaway Dog (DRD) out now, could I? So 3 dogs in bed. With me. And a bone that DRD smuggled in. And at 2 a.m. they apparently got the call to go DANCING b/c DRD and Stinky started bouncing and dancing in the bed. Just for the hell of it. 2 a.m. Queen Bee? Slept through it all....

• Spent 2 hours trying to log on to my work computer this morning. TWO HOURS WITH the help of Tech Support (katydidnot - I think I need to borrow your BF!) The problem? A problem with my "Network profile" which should have been discovered in the first 15 seconds of my first call.....I even said, "Have you checked my profile?" (Yeah I have profile issues. Imagine that). Grrrrr.

• So now that I've lost all the time I should've been working, I'm blogging. Yep. Life is like that.

• Getting on a plane to go SOUTH to see the Captain tonight. Didn't hide the luggage from the kids like I usually do (they go back to Dad's tonight).

Son said, "Where you going?"

me "Florida."

SON: "Captain?"

Me: "YEP"

Son: "That's weird. you're too old to date. [snort]"

while Daughter's conversation went like this: "Where you going?" Me: Florida .......

Daughter? Anything? Anything at all? Oh pretending I don't exist. Ok. Thanks.

• Daughter broke up with the BF - after almost 11 months. He is also Son's best Friend. And she didn't tell me until days later when I asked if she were still mad at him. It bothered me when she wouldn't tell me why she was mad at him - gone is the child who tells me everything. Now it takes 2 days to tell me he's history? Sigh. I guess she really is 16 isn't she? I guess I should be thankful for the 15 years of unending conversation and stop being a DQ.
• And last BUT MOST CERTAINLY NOT LEAST THANK YOU BLOGGY (and bloggy/real-world) FRIENDS The response to this post below was amazing. I was feeling pretty stupid and now, well, I feel normal. Just the other day, I took a survey at 5 minutes for mom and they asked, "Why do you blog?" and my instant response, "Sanity and finding out that how I feel just might be 'normal.'" Once again, you all have come through. Thanks!!!!

The Fatal Flaw - being a Melter

Imagine this

Here

Yep that's pretty much it.

I have a fatal flaw (just one you ask? Oh I'm sure there are more)

My most annoying (personally i.e. to me) fatal flaw: I'm a melter.

Now you might think I'm a strong girl. I live alone. I have 2 fab 16 YO twins, I am climbing the partner ladder in a big firm, I teach Sunday School and volunteer in the kids' school, I do pro bono legal work. Yep, all around strong chick.

HAHAHAHAHAHA

And then today happens.

The medical appointment I've waited 4 weeks for and called about every week to see if there's a cancellation so that I can slide in earlier? CANCELED

And when rescheduling I find out that the test I am so eagerly awaiting? Well that will happen on the SECOND appointment, not the first. Yep a follow-up.

My insurance is changing with the life change and I have no idea of any of this medical stuff is covered b/c I can't understand our benefits write up. (and I'm supposed to be a lawyer).

A GIANT zit is growing on my chin. Wait not giant. GINORMOUS. Did I mention I'm (maybe)seeing BF this weekend?

The trip to see BF in Fla? BF is now on call and I might have to cover SOCCER.

SIS inLaw calls in for backups over the weekend. When I don't have the kids. Either I get a driver for Daughter to soccer tournament or cancel trip to take her myself so that Sis In Law can have a weekend off (a much deserved weekend)

Female parts go haywire - (any more is TMI trust me)

Brief that should be filed by noon is still being played with by partners at 6pm....

FIL calls for ride to get car and you can't say no b/c he always helps you out.

Pretty much all of the above hit within 15 minutes today.

And what did I do? Attack with a plan? NO

focus and organize the things I can change? NO

Sit at my desk and melt? YES PICK ME PICK ME

I totally folded. It's like life is hanging on by a thread. And when any one of the pieces doesn't fall into place, the whole damned thing comes crashing down. I closed my door and cried. I mentally broke up with BF. I canceled all trips for the next 40 years of my life. I mentally quit my job and then remembered the mortgage payments.

Time lapsed 30 seconds.

Text BF and plead emotional breakdown. And admit my silly meltdown and he just said he understood. Sigh.

Apologize to secretary for biting her head off.

Give up on partner filing brief and leave office to help Dad with car.

Call Dr.s and figure out where to go from here, minimizing more waiting time.

But on ride home remember that my first reaction? TOTAL MELTDOWN.

And I am ashamed. And I wonder, do other people react like this? Or am I just a

New Hair, New Life

Yes Yes people you were all right - and Carol P, you were the closest with Pink Hair (and I'm seriously considering your PINK HOUSE idea....just kidding).

Dennis talked me into THIS: (Yes I am aware the photos are blurry - self timing camera issues)

Yes after 42 years of blonde (give or take a few years of misguided natural brown), I am now a REDHEAD. It's a little bit too red, but it should tone down in time. Or I'll get it adjusted. The cut is adorable (not the greatest photos, but I do love the cut). It's not real short. I am not a short haired girl, but shorter than it was.

And why now? Why yes, THE DIVORCE WAS FINAL TODAY - WHY YES WE DID HAVE A HEARING THIS MORNING AND WE ARE FREEEEEEEE OF EACH OTHER!

I say free of each other because I think he was as ready as I was to move on. The saddest part of the whole hearing was having his Dad on the witness stand (crazy state law that you have to have a witness corroborate that you've lived apart and haven't had sex with each other for the last 12 months. LIKE HE WOULD KNOW?!). Anyway, the question, "Do you think there's any chance for reconciliation?" (A required question). And Dad looked at me and looked at him and sadly said, "Unfortunately, no." I have no regrets in the decision to end this except to the extent it breaks certain family member's hearts. BUT Daughter has told me that her relationship with her father is much better since the divorce. I tried to tell him 16 months ago that the reason we needed to do this and not wait any longer was the kids were turning nasty toward the opposite-sex parent, but he denied it and said I was wrong. Gee, VINDICATED again. Daughter will never tell him this, but at least I know it was the right thing to do not only for me but also for the kids.

So tonight the GIRLS are coming over. My sissie is on a train coming down to see me as I type this. We are going to crank up the Margarator and have a kick ass time. Girls Night Out Indeed. The only thing that could make it perfect would be to have all my bloggy friends/bitches with me!

Memory Monday Halloween Sweet 16

Another "recent" memory for Memory Monday...

Date: October 31, 2008

PLACE: Casa De Girl Next Door

Present: Girl, Daughter, Son, Grandparents and about 30+ Friends

Occasion: Sweet 16 Halloween Party
After over a month of buying out every dollar store in creation, creating homemade decorations and giveaways from this House of Hell (scroll down to rant on Michael's....), kissing the feet of my Mother the Angel who baked the two cakes so that I could decorate them, allowing sleepovers on school nights so that the decorating could commence a day early. It Finally Arrived. The Birthday Party.

(The cakes my Mommy made and I decorated....)

Stinky the baby puppy dog (renamed for anonymity from here-to-forward - her real name is not stinky but trust me, she is a stinker!) took to growling at everyone including her own Owner Daughter b/c I wouldn't let her be put down. Oh no. Too much food and balloons and things to Eat and Die From:

Stinky is a Punkin!

Stinky Biting on Queen Bee's Angel Wings. Because Queen Bee Truly is the Angel Among Us...

Kids came and went under the watchful Eye of the Mom Who Knows all but sometimes chooses to pretend not to.

They ate food as fast as I could bring it out (no not Pizza but Tailgate rolls and lasagna!), played games, watched movies, and generally made me laugh.

Nice take on the Joker Character...

They greeted my parents with a firm handshake and a How Do You Do. These kids raised right and knowing that Mama GND would kick their butts if they forgot their manners.....

Grandpa gets into the Decorating.

The parents came and hang with me off and on through the night, lamenting and enjoying at the same time the passing of 16 years.

About 10 sweet kids slept over, so it was pancakes and strawberries (and coffee!!!) for 12 the next morning before soccer practice.


My Daughter, and her BFF's, both my "other daughters." Great kids....sigh.and my secret Boyfriend on the calendar in the back (a gift from Daughter....)

And Daughter and Son had it all cleaned up before my Brother and sis-in-law arrived at 2pm for the Next Night's events.

Yep For Real - I do love my kids. Happy Birthday Kids.


Daughter and the BFF as Batman and Batgirl. Too Cute for Words....



Sadly the only photo I got of Son being "Austin Powers." He was truly hilarious. Only a video would've done him justice anyway. He's one of those "voice dudes" who can impersonate anyone. He cracks me up every day, never mind Halloween!!

I didn't get Gram and her cake, just the cakes.

And the basement with the cauldrons and lights and spiders on the walls and spooky things everywhere? Nope didn't get a photo of those...sorry..... (OH I really am a Bad Photo Mom) But if you look in the background of Son's photo you do see some of the skeleton garland and such...

But TT did get the witches brooms lighting up the front walk (there were 4 in total)

She's BAAAAACCCCK Oh Yes She Is

Well, as many of my bloggy faithfuls, from the Bitches to the moms to my Florida Gang know, Ex found the blog. I knew it was only a matter of time, but I honestly never knew what I'd do when he did. So, I put it on invite only and shut it down.

But determined man that he is to hang on to me and my life, despite his protestations and his "get out of my life and you don't exist" attitude towards me, seems he very much is interested in what I have to say and who I have to say it to. Not content with one night of 2 1/2 hours of reading, he has resorted to cache versions. And then Ex found all my bloggy friends and all the places I've posted from Mrs. G to We Make Three to Suzy. And More.

And you know what I realized? LET HIM. I've said it before and I'll say it again: This is my Bloggy and I'll Blog if I want to.

Many of my supporters and virtual friends and not-so-virtual friends have pointed out, "Maybe he'll finally figure out a little something about you." You know what? I. Don't. Care if he does. It's not about him.

It's all about ME. My Life. I've said it since my very first post, before I went public, that this is about ME and MY journey. It's not a place to bash him, although that sometimes happens when I feel He Deserves it. And it's also a place where I say good things about him.

But I digress.

It's about ME. So The Girl Next Door is BACK and HERE TO STAY. And boy, does she have a lot to say now. I have been quiet for a whole week while I traveled and worked and then dealt with HIM.

If he wants to stay the voyeur and look into my life? Go ahead. Kind of like when he moved out but left the cybernanny on MY home computer and continued to read MY emails and track MY life. He doesn't seem to get it that this is MY life. Not his. And I don't answer to him anymore.

Just another reason why I am vindicated. And know that I am exactly where I should be.

So to all my readers, expect a post every day this week, because I am waaaaaaay behind!

But for now I have to unpack and unwind and get ready for KIDS! My favorite time of the week ;-)

This is My Day

As this day almost ends, I sometimes wonder how I survived it at all. And the fact that I feel this way and that I did survive it makes it a "typical" day here in Casa De Next Door (um maybe that's Casa Al Lado?) Anyway. Here's what Mrs. G and her Day In the Life have Inspired

Being a Monday we should've been up and out of bed early....

BUT because my kids go to Catholic school, they have this federal holiday off. (What's that you say? Separation of church and state? Um. We forgot. )

So I caught a little bit of shut-eye - after getting up at 6am to let out this little dog who somehow ended up sleeping in my bed instead of Daughter's.....

But she does understand that she belongs to a teenager, so after a quick trip out, she quickly went back to bed and to sleep until 730 a.m. I am in heaven having slept so long...

730 both dogs (who spent the night crammed in a corner of my king sized bed on top of me -what is that all about?!) got fed and went out again.

And I must get up why (other than feeding hungry dogs)? To take Son to this evil house of pain...




Evil you ask? Oh yes, evil in my mind. So many cool things to make unless you are craft-challenged and then it's just a giant box of temptation and even if you can get the lid off, you know you can never partake because anything you attempt will come out looking like a boathouse in New Orleans post-Katrina.



But Son and Daughter have been assigned a totally cool project for scholars' class to make a "flag" for a classmate - something they can "raise" when they want to say something, besides raising their hand. And it has to be a personal thing. Son has been assigned one of the least-liked and least-popular kids in class. And I am proud of him for rising to the occasion and planning a kick-butt project. But the project scares me b/c I have NO IDEA how to do what he envisions - a stage (because she's into theater) with a curtain (purple or blue b/c they are her favorite colors) on a string and when you open it, her initials/name appears. Hmmm. $50 and 1 hour later, I drop him off at a friend's house with a bag of wood and supplies where he will trade his hard yard labor in exchange for the sewing gifts of the mom and the carpentry gifts of the dad.

Then I go back home to google directions to the game Daughter has today - school game on her day off. Go Figure. But Lorelai wants to help...




I get the whole directions thingy figured out, load up the car leaving doggy behind and we are off, 75 miles due south, to the game.

We stop about 3/4 of the way there for a really mediocre lunch that we wait over 30 minutes for...my crabcakes were good, but the girls didn't think much of their sandwiches which bites b/c they have to play a soccer game and I just have to watch. Oh well.



Finally 3 hours after takeoff, we land at the field...
Where Daughter, as one of the co-Captains, gathers for the coin toss. (girl on the far right #5)



Let the games begin...



Oh and we score so many goals they take out the "regular" goalie (my "other" Daughter, V) and put in this new goalie, the one they put in when they want the other team to score (not kidding)
Hey wait, that's Daughter! Yes it is, but only for 5 minutes, so no goal.

We run off the field, tell coachie no Bear Bryant speeches today, we must get back to home in time for the Flute Lesson! Hurry Hurry Hurry...

Oh but we MUST stop on our way home at Rita's for Ice Cream...so we do BUT THEY ARE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON HOW DARE THEY!.

So we find a gas station with ice cream bars, and that will have to do. The girls get ice cream. I get water. (My Ass Project is ON people!).
I drive home at 80...get stuck on the off ramp behind two "gentlemen" who decide to get out of their cars for a little road rage adventure. I pick up the phone to dial 911, but decide to go around them over the curb when it appears it will end quickly without pain or destruction....

The stop on the ramp pushes us for time. We skid to a stop in the driveway, Daughter grabs flute and music, I grab dogs for a "ride" b/c they have been alone for 6 hours.

Bolt out of driveway to flute. On way to flute (10 minutes) Friend V asks, "Does Lorelai still get carsick? Because she's acting funny"

QUICK roll down the windows! Yuck. too late. Good thing she's little....and only hit Daughter's flip flop. Pour remaining soccer water over flip flop and towel off, run into flute, drop dogs back home, drop V back home, go pick up Son and check on project. ....





Are you for real? Holy cow. It Works. And it's beautiful. I am very proud of him for sucking it up. Drop Son at home, tell him to go Next Door and get Dumb Runaway Dog (DRD) who we are keeping for the week while Ex is out of town. Yes and then there were THREE.... (DRD is the one in front with the fur shaved off her front left side....)

Run back to flute to get Daughter. Read for 2 minutes until Daughter comes out...go back home. Feed dogs. Sister calls while I try to throw together some Paninis for dinner b/c it's now 830 pm and the kids haven't eaten. And they have projects to finish, and other stuff to do...

Make dinner. Get called to fix printer that will only print in black and white. Spend 45 minutes trouble shooting and decide it is over my head. Plan B - color paper with crayons like the olden days. Spend 45 minutes uploading photos from the day to send to Soccer Team ...corral dogs and keep happy in the meantime, trying to make sure DRD and Lorelai do not pee in the house or chew things or take food off counters...

Finally finally finally have 30 minutes to myself to blog about MY DAY.

Whew, need to go to bed - oops after I wash Soccer Uniform b/c they have ANOTHER game tomorrow...away...but this time she's taking the BUS....

Welcome to Chaos Central. And I only have 2 kids. I will never understand some of the folks out there with 6 and 9 kids!!!! how do they do it?!

Missed the Darned Debates - and Lots of other things this week...

So what happened to "Prompt Tuesday" and maybe an Ass Wednesday and somethin'somethin' Thursday and how the hell did I miss the Debate I really wanted to Watch? LIFE happened, something like this:

• Monday night received unexpected response from opposing party in litigation, dialing up the pressure by a week. All the crazy hours I thought I'd be working NEXT week? All the Experts I lined up for Next week? HA add them to this week
• Remember that you're the only associate paying attention to another case that has a filing (or three) due ....OOPS this week. Friday. Tuesday morning get help immediately on that
• Kids in tow this week
• Attend Daughter's Soccer Game Tuesday way the hell over in another state. Take Daughter to dinner, lose it with coach who makes the mommies and daddies walk over to the field to individually claim child after the game. This means walking around the gravel track in my heels and dodging warm-up soccer balls in the next game in my heels to claim a daughter who is old enough to drive and who leaves other games and practices when dismissed. No, he wouldn't allow them to point us out (he knows us all) in the stands across the field as we all waved at him and said, "Let My People Go." Nope, we had to go over individually. What are they, 5? Oh but Coach let the girls who were not leaving with parents (who would be taking the bus home after the Varsity game) walk across the 6 lane highway to go to Panera for dinner. I know because they came in behind us about 10 minutes later. Let Daughter drive home - around the famed "beltway" into a hail storm with swirling clouds approaching. Cannot see white lines. Daughter declares it "cool." I wonder if I am not insane letting her drive until I realize her eyesight is tons better than mine so probably better she's driving in the dark, driving hailstorm than blind momma.
• Wednesday, driving frantically late to get Son from Cross Country practice, get unbelievably calm yet urgent call from Daughter reporting that Ex's Dog has been hit by a car while Ex is out of town, no one is around, she's going to get in the car with a stranger to go to the Doggy Hospital and can I meet her there please? then CLICK hang up. Can't get her to answer her phone. Call every neighbor, no one is home. Call a couple friends and tell story and they agree: Call 911 and report abducted Daughter. 911 puts me on hold. Then 911 tells me to pull over and wait "somewhere" for a police officer to come take my statement. "UH CAN YOU MEET ME at the doggy hospital in the event she shows up there?!" "NO we have to meet you now." OK thanks but no thanks I'm going to go find my Daughter. FINALLY Daughter calls me - didn't have her phone, left it in house when she ran out chasing runaway dog as 2 other dogs followed suit. Ex's dog going to live, but likely needs surgery on broken leg. Call Ex after diagnosis, volunteer to stay home next day from frantic job to watch Dumb Runaway Dog. Ex. not particularly thankful or communicative. DRD must go to vet next day anyway to stay. So much of a story here.
• Spend 14 hours Thursday frantically writing motions, doing research, making calls, while watching Dogs and juggling Life. Realize haven't posted or read blogs in days. Realize it is nearly 2 a.m. I have missed debates and I should go to bed....but first I have one more project to finish before morning.

sigh....

At least I have a job in this "economy" so I am not really complaining!!!!!!!

She's a Milf and She's Mine...and other random stuff

OH yeah there are a lot of topics for posting after a 1/2 week of debauchery - um I mean conferences - in Vegas. But this one is just too funny.


one of my clients writes songs on the side. So at one of the receptions, he hands me his iPhone and this plays:



And it just slays me. Totally. Maybe I'm supposed to be offended. But I can't be because I find this hilarious. So I have to put it on my blog (he gave me permission).

He gives equal time to the dads. Calls them "Filtfy" (Father's i'd like to freak -y'all) Pronounced "Filthy" . Somehow. Anyway yeah it was that kind of week again. I don't see that song on his web page, but some of the other songs there are good, too. Check him out www.wemix.com/crgruve

And in the "other random stuff" part:
My article I wrote (professional) got picked up on the web by the Association of General Counsel and one of my clients emailed it back to me, which was shocking. We published it in our firm newsletter and someone actually read it and passed it on. Or something. Wow, I hope I was right about the law and all that!

OK well it's 1030 pm and I'm at work for no real reason. Silly girl. I think I'm still on Vegas time.

Thanks Craig for the tunes! And someone send Vegas some Malibu rum, would you? Because I'm pretty sure I drank it all while I was there.... why yes i did get work done - taught a class, drafted some motions that we filed, met some new clients, took out some old ones. Amazing what you can do when you cut out sleep...

Vegas Baby!

I am going to be soooooo sick of hearing that phrase - what movie is that from anyway? Actually I'm already sick of hearing it.

I'm headed to a conference in Vegas. 3000 people. I'm teaching a class (no not on blogging but keywords, metatags and internet advertising and the trademark implications thereof - I'm actually excited in a lawgeek kind of way....)

And there will be lots of "client development" aka parties. Lots of parties. No I will not gamble b/c I hate gambling. But I will be smoozing, and "glad handling" and "grin & greet"-ing. Some of it is fun. Most of it exhausting. oh and I have to fit in my billable time, too and get my pretrial motions filed by Monday afternoon.

Sooooo I won't be blogging for a while. And when I get back on Wednesday for my Ass Update you can bet I won't have made much progress on slimming down....