The Kid Club, I Know it Exists (ThTh)

There IS a club. I KNEW it.

I've seen two mentions of individuals welcoming new mothers to 'The Club.' [Please note that your facebook and twitter comments do not pass unnoticed.] I have something to say about this club. Here goes.

The majority of my friends have kids and (it's weird but) as soon as they have those little rascals, I see them less and less. I knew there had to be a reason: they're at their club meetings most of the time. That's IT isn't it? THAT's the reason I don't get invited to parties, THAT's the reason I never see them on Saturdays, or late nights, or hardly ever. It's not ME at all. Apparently, if you are a card-carrying member of the mommy club, parent club, able to reproduce club (or whatever it's called) your interactions with those NOT in the club is restricted. Damn clubs! Now I understand why LOML never was a 'joiner'

I am, however, doing what I can to join. Yet, I'm afraid that by the time I get accepted into the club, all our friends will be tenuring out with the development of teenagers. (I think they'll actually have to join the I'm-going-so-crazy-I-can't-see straight-Club) I'll still be left out!! I make feeble attempt to join with use of my nieces, but they're just loaners and I only get them on a limited time basis. Blah.

You can all stop pretending now. The secret is out. There is a club, I get it. You parents who've been brainwashed into joining can come out from hiding and call your barren, childless friends to come over. We really aren't afraid of your ankle-biters. We really just want to see you. Our weekends are fairly lonely without you (and your kids.)

**Disclaimer: I am not pointing this at ANY of my friends in particular. I am only letting all of you know that those of us without children miss you and feel a little lost without you. Just because you have kids does not mean that we want to see you any less. In fact, it just makes us feel like less of a person to not be included. The torture of NOT having kids is enough, why tease us with not having friends either?**

Okay? Rant over!!

Moving on to less controversial topics, how about some "Thrifty Thursday"?

• Make your brown bag lunch more interesting.
  
• We all use it, but it's so harsh and chemically that we don't really want it in our houses around our pets (oh yeah- or kids.) Now you can have handmade draino without harsh chemicals.
  
• How to shop at thrift stores. If you're an old hand at it like me, you'll still see a few little tricks and tips. Let me know if you have any suggestions of your own on your method for thrift store shopping. Really! Leave me a comment with your thrift store techniques and tips. Mine- when looking at a long clothes aisle and in a hurry, scan the make of the fabrics only. If you know good quality fabric, you can more likely find good quality pieces of clothing.
  
• I'm not sure if this constitutes thrifty or not, but the main ingredient is ramen noodles, so there has to be SOME sort of thrift to these ramen noodle recipes.

So that's it. I'm gonna sit back and enjoy my quiet, childless house and try not to torture myself by wondering when and if that will ever change. Because, I know the nieces are spending the night Friday, and it won't be quiet for long!!

Weekend Run-Down & Mother's Day (MMSM)

The weekend started with a BANG. Dinner at our favorite restaurant with our favorite beer. And, then a great show by 311.

Saturday, we played mini golf with my Mardi Gras society. One of my best friends and her family (husband and daughter) teamed up with LOML and I. We had a really nice time, except for the heat. Then, I took the nieces out shopping for Mother's Day gifts. That was an adventure! I didn't get all my shopping done though. I headed home, for some time at the bookstore and then to see Wolverine.

Of course, Sunday was Mother's Day. I got to visit both with LOML's family and mine. I was not too crafty with the gifts this year. Being ill all week kept me down. So, I made a couple of cards for my mom and grandmother and gave them store-bought gifts. What's funnier is LOML's gift to his mom was craftier than mine. He framed a picture he took in the area for her. I think she really liked it. I, on the other hand, was a crafty FAIL.

How was Mother's Day for you? I've already seen two other friends' blog who lamented the fact they they, as well, do not have children at an age that they feel they should. It comforts me some to know that there are others going through some of the same emotions I am about the day.

And then, I didn't want to wake up this morning because I was dreaming I was pregnant. I'm sad, I know!!

In other news, LOML and I bought a wok yesterday. I'm itching to cook something in it and can't seem to find a decent, easy, and concise recipe. Anybody got something I can try? I'm tempted to just do it my own way. That could be disastrous. Let me know if you've got any great Wok recipes.

Now for some Monday fun - "Made Me Smile Monday"

• Who made the fries?
  
• Walk on the wild side (animals with voice-overs)
  
• Matrix puppies attack a Neo-cat. Just go watch it - too funny!!

No pictures again today, I apologize. I hope your Monday is treating you nicely!!

Friday Surprises (FGF)

If you read my post yesterday, I'll just say that the alternative reared it's very ugly head this morning. I know that last month I bought a box of supplies and for the life of me I CANNOT find them. [If you saw 'My Name is Earl" last night you'll understand this part.] LOML says that Randy stole them. Yeah, that helps.

What does help is knowing that he still has some spontaneity in him. Just yesterday he decided to buy us some tickets to go see 311 tonight. I've seen them once, YEARS ago; but he never has. I can bet he's a bigger fan than I am too. In any case, it looks as though Margarita Friday is off for tonight in place of bigger plans. Unless, the Amphitheater at The Wharf has margarita concessions. I doubt it!

Eh, in any case it's still "Feel Good Friday"

• kids choir singing eye of the tiger
  Watch Eye of the Tiger Kids on CollegeHumor
  
  
• 27 healthy breakfast ideas
  
• The police in Denmark were giving out hugs and helmets. So nice! Yet, why were they only stopping men, not women w/o helmets? My only answer is maybe the helmets they had were only men sizes or something. Let's hope.
  

I think I just remembered where my 'supplies' are - in the kitchen. He he. . .come on over to my house for dinner. When I offer you tuna surprise, don't be surprised. J/K

Anyways - I'm in a weird mood. I apologize.
Go on and finish up your Friday then have a great weekend.

Personal and Printer Illness (ThTh)

Prepare yourself - this will be a long one since I've been absent a few days.
It's been a rough week for me. I've felt crappy. I've been moody. As such, I thought that maybe I was pregnant. Initial tests have produced a negative result. But the alternative has yet to show its face. Instead, I just feel awful and am moody. In other words, I'm probably just sick. Oh well! The attempts to become pregnant right now are not whole-hearted. If I become 'in the family way' within the next five months or so, it produces problems for me at my Mardi Gras Ball. It's just one of those things. I won't be disappointed either way right now. After the ball - I'll be back to daily crying fits. FUN!!

Moving on, I'm having printer issues. We're out of yellow [or banana or whatever that C-word is the printer companies use for it (not cLEMON), WAIT that's the blue one - yellow is just yellow - I apologize] toner at work. So, I decided to print some stuff I needed for work at home. Of course, the printer here hates me too. It will start to print a document, then it stops, yawns, turns in a circle a few times, and proceeds to nap. When it eventually wakes, it spews out whatever was there when it went to sleep (i.e. NOT the full document.) LOML says he can help me when he gets done working today, but he's not even exactly sure why it's acting that way either. I tried getting closer to it (it's wireless), but that didn't help ANY. It's really upsetting, because it's a new printer that LOML JUST got because I wanted a wireless one with a scanner. This SUX!!

Before I share some Thrifty Thursday links, I want to share my thrifting finds from Saturday's yard sale venture.

Now for the "Thrifty Thursday" links you've been waiting for:

• Check out this repourposed trophy birthday cake topper. I've never thought of re-painting a trophy, but this really seems to work and be just cool/cheesy enough.
  
• I'm always saving glass jars. Here's one way to re-use them: turn glass jars into photo frames. It really does make a neat display.
  
• Here are two really cool organization/storage ideas that incorporate recycling - LOVE it. From Better homes and Gardens no less. - (1) - use old tins - (2) use paint or soup cans. Cool huh?
  
• This yard sale treasure map (awesome!!) is now a part of my weekly online activity. It incorporates yard sale listings from Craigslist with GoogleMaps to map out your yard sale route. I've found a few quirks in it, but overall it's pretty cool.
  
• As well, I even found this other garage sale lister today.

So, that's if for now. Tune in tomorrow to hear me complain some more. OR, I might surprise you with something positive. You never know!!

SORRY!!!

Just quickly want to say that I'm sorry if I offended anyone with the post earlier today. I was a bit moody and emotional. That has passed some. Now, I'm ready to get on with the evening and get LOML picked up from the airport. I hate that he is flying in so late. It's excruciating to wait like this.

Have a great weekend.

So Frustrated (FGF)

On days like this, it's best if I not say too much.
Instead, here's my to do list for the day:
- try to make it through the work day
- avoid my co-workers
- deposit money in bank
- get an oil change
- avoid all persons who have children, especially those who have had the opportunity to bear children (double especially for those parents who complain about their kids)
- get my paycheck and get out of the office
- clean the house (OR wallow in self-pity - whatever)
- try to stomach some food
- pick up LOML from the airport (hurray)

Busy, busy me!!

Maybe I'll get to feeling better later. After all, it is "Feel Good Friday." It's not much, but it is what it is.

• 

• the hampster did it
  

If you are a parent or are expecting: (no hard feelings) but PLEASE don't talk to me today. My emotions are a bit fragile at the moment and I can't be responsible for my actions. Thanks so much! Enjoy your day.

Martha Stewart and Me

OMG! Martha Stewart is doing a thing on bloggers and will be linking to several blogs from hers. In order to be considered you must leave her a comment and then link to her blog from your own. I'm so IN!!!

In other news:
1. My laptop is finally fixed but I probably will not resume regular posting until tomorrow. I'm sorry it took so long but I apparently royally messed it up. The tech at work says it's not my fault, but I'm sure it is.
2. I'm still not preg and therefore in a bad mood today. Hopefully, a little birthday party for my grandmother tonight will make me feel better. For now, I'm just down in the dumps. Blah!!
3. I have been rather crafty for the past several days: sealing and backing shrink plastic charms, helping the nieces make cards for my grandmother, making my own cards, and creating a few necklaces. See. . . CRAFTY Hope (that's me)I even did all this before work, in the morning (shudder.) Those that know me well know that for me to accomplish ANYTHING in the morning is an accomplishment indeed. Be proud, be very proud.

I guess that's all for now. I hope you all are doing great!!

What Fairies Have Visited You on this Thrifty Thursday?

The pregnancy fairy STILL has not visited me. Instead, the emotional, bloating, painful, bleeding, hateful demon of menstruation is visiting for a few days. Am I am lucky or what? Perhaps the sarcasm fairy is visiting as well. Gimmie a minute and that one will flit away as the trio of self-loathing, doubt, and crying-fit fairies land with a thud on my windowsill. They're so graceful, and pretty too!! Eh - I guess sarcasm's staying for a while.

On a happier note, I was able to get something done from my crafts-to-do box last night. This was accomplished while watching Project Runway and staying out of the way as LOML* installed the new flat screen TV in the bedroom. We then proceeded to start up a movie, snuggle in bed, and promptly fall asleep. That TV is AWESOME!

For "Thrifty Thursday," I promised I'd share my weekend haul with you. I was able to hit up an estate sale and three garage sales. The bulk of my purchases came from the estate sale.

These are what I'm calling the 'household goods' - they're basically decorative elements (forks and vintage pillowcase included!)

This box of sewing notions was all together. It included lots of buttons, some old embroidery hoops and thread, lots of sewing machine needles, embroidery needles, seam rippers, and misc. notions.
These were my favorites in the box - button cards and some kind of old-fashioned needle threader.
I also scored on the craft supplies with a box of old photos, broken jewelry, greeting cards, some plastic easter figures, playing cards, and a stack of scrapbooking paper.
There were TONS of craft books at the estate sale. I also found some neat kids books.
This alphabet one was my favorite. Elves rock (esp when they look like Orlando Bloom)
Here is one of the pages in the Elf book. In addition to the caption, there are dominoes, a dalmatian, a duck, daisies, and a dragonfly in the picture. Too cute!!

All of that for just $18 total! Talk about thrifty!!
In addition, here are some links for you to make your life more thrifty too:

• Things you can use before tossing in the trash.
  
• Check out these frugal date ideas.
  
• Here are the 20 healthiest foods for under $1
  

Here's hoping the Happy Fairy lands on your doorstep with lots of luggage!!

*LOML= Love of My Life

Cheering Myself Up and WWWW

I'm having a really BLAH day.
This getting pregnant thing is much harder than all my 'accidental pregnancy' friends and family make it out to be. I'm trying to find things that make me feel better liiiiike -
1. the thought of going to the new Thai restaurant tonight for dinner
2. remembering the good, tight hug LOML* gave me this morning when I was so upset
3. a chocolate milkshake with lunch
4. these pictures I took all by my lonesome
They're not much, but I like them. I'm still playing with the settings on my camera to get the effect I want.

Those make me feel better AND guess what?!! It's "Wild Wild Web Wednesday" and I want to share some things with you because you coming to read my blog makes me feel better too. (5.)Here we go:

• Domain names can be misleading, so before you buy one - think about all the ways it can be interpreted.
  
• Wanna be a ninja? Who doesn't? Check out this ninja recruitment ad. AWESOME.
• I made you this monk-e-mail message. It was fun.
• These sheets could be fun.
• I haven't gotten my stimulus check yet, but have had some fun checking out how others have spent theirs.

Happy hump day. I'm feeling a bit better now that I've shared with you. Thanks!

*LOML=Love of My Life

Feelin' Betta

Sorry about that rant yesterday. I'm just a little down. I almost didn't go to dinner with my Mardi Gras Room. However, I reasoned that I needed to eat, and there would be wine of course. So, I went. It was a great decision. I forget how much I enjoy the group of people in my Room. We ended up talking about games for the Wii for almost all of dinner. Of course, the two ladies who were discussing it with me have pre-teen sons. But, what the hay - I like my geek entertainment.

When I left dinner, I had a message from my pregnant, single friend. I met her at another restaurant to chat while she ate. She helped me feel even better and recommended a magazine she had seen at her doctor's office.

Overall, I had a nice evening with my lady friends, and I'm ready to get back up on the horse (in a manner or speaking.)

Caution - Woman Venting (may not make sense)

I'm having a moody, moody day today. If my last post yesterday wasn't any indication. . . I hate PMS, I hate my period - GAH! Nine months without either would be fabulous. I know, I know - morning sickness, hemorrhoids, weight gain, stretch marks, etc. But it's worth it right? Right? Oh whatever, I just want a baby.

I've got to stop obsessing over this. Sorry! Needed to vent for a minute.

'Trying' to Get Pregnant

At what point do you stop trying to let it “happen naturally” and begin to actually “try” to get pregnant? Is it better to stop stressing about it so it just happens, or should you start scheduling intimacy and checking temperatures and such?

In fact, ‘TRYING to get pregnant’ is such an ugly term. It just lets people know that you have sex with your husband. Who needs to know that? Sorry, I guess I just revealed that information to all of you. I just hate the term ‘trying to get pregnant.’ I tell people “we’ve decided we’re ready to have children.” Isn’t that enough? Now, if it would just happen already, I’m getting OLD over here.