Friday ...

I just realized it's been ages since I've done a Friday Five. Add another day of not doing 'em. Just too much on my plate to list my five fave songs and why I like 'em. Great topic, though.

Another weekend of doing nothing but homework. And tons of it.

Alien is still at her father's house. She was supposed to come over this weekend, but decided to stay at his house since I have so much homework to do. Better to hang out there than just see the back of Mom's head bend over some project or the other.

Classes are going good. Well, three of them anyway. I still hate that one class with a passion and can't wait for it to end. I'm still pulling a B in it, a low B, but imagine what my grade would be if I actually *liked* the damned class or that idiot prof. And once the class ends I've got a *nice* (insert sarcasm here) little entry for ratemyprofessor.com ... that's for sure.

My other classes are all high B's or A's. So I guess my GPA of 3.42 will be safe for another term, LOL!

Not a whole lot else going on around here, I'm afraid. But then, boring is good!! Very good!!

Hey ... ya'll stop by Penguin Girl's page today, please, and wish her a *Happy Birthday*.

Got my piece of birthday cake ... now back to homework!

Happy Birthday Pengy!!
Love ya!!

Ten Thoughts Tuesday ...

1) This week has been a real testimony as to why some species eat their young. But it's also been a reminder to me that good or bad we'll survive it as a family. Reminded me, too, of when Married Son was her age and all the trouble I had with him. We not only survived that stage, but grew so much closer because of it.

2) Because Alien refused to come back home I told her that I would be adopting out the cats that she "owns". Thursday morning Married Son and I will be taking them to the shelter. Yes, I need help! Four cats in a car just isn't my idea of a safe drive. It's a no-destroy shelter. I just refuse to keep them (or put up with the havoc and expense they create) for someone who isn't living here. I am *not* a rescue shelter, dammit. She knows and is actually fine with it.

3) I've got to break this procrastination cycle I've developed lately. I have to force myself to sit down and do homework. It's mostly in that Pro Comm class that I'm really putting things off. Grrrrrr ... I so can't wait for that class to end.

4) I got my hair cut before I went to Chicago. I don't know if I mentioned this (probably not), but when I got home I dyed my hair. Dark Auburn. I was too chicken to dye it that color before Chicago ... for fear I'd hate it. But that never happened. I love it!! A lot of my classmates have commented on it ... between the new cut and the hair color there's been a lot of great compliments. The one I love the most is from a gal who is absolutely beautiful - the sort of gal you want to choke because she's so beautiful and has such a great figure (but not the ego that usually goes with that) ... she called it "sassy". Told me it took ten years off me! Thanks, KP! I needed to hear that!

5) We had our first real snow two nights ago. With all that was going on that day I just wasn't excited about the season's first snow. Not the way I usually am.

6) Watching the news yesterday they said that traffic was a real mess because of "black ice" on the roadways. Figures. Morons don't adjust their driving to fit the conditions - like snow, ice, rain and even bright sunshine. I mean, dammit, we live in the freaking snow belt. You *should* know how to drive in this stuff by now! Yes, it's a pet peeve of mine, a BIG one!!

7) Then again a lot aggravated me yesterday. I was at the gas station and the cashier was having a personal conversation with the guy at the register. She was the only cashier at the time. It was holding up the line. Usually I'd be patient, but I just about lost it. "You have a line waiting. Let's get moving here".

8) So not like me to be bitchy like that. I've been a cashier pretty much all of my life and know how important it is to build a relationship with your customers. That extra attention is what keeps the majority of your customers coming back. Oh, and that was after I sounded off to some jerk in the parking lot who almost hit me as he was backing out of the spot next to me.

9) I just showered before starting this entry and am just waiting for my hair to dry so I can go out and do some needed shopping today (I hate when my support checks are late and I have to put off the grocery shopping) ... I just hope I'm not as bitchy today. I'll have to remind myself to take a deep breath if it happens.

10) Yes, he has to still pay child support. Since he's already in contempt of court by keeping her against my wishes, he can't petition the court to stop payments. Besides, he underpaid all these years. To bring it to their attention now will only get his payments increased by 50% and retro-actively at that. See ... I told you he made such a negative impact on the court that they'll never rule anything in his favor. Then again, by going to FOC yesterday he may have automatically started a re-examination of our case. We'll see.

On that I'm outta here. Wish me luck out in public today. LOL!

MEMORY TEST! I got all 20 right!

This is *NOT* a pushover test. There are 20 questions. Average score is 12. It will help if you are over 50! This one will be difficult for the younger set. Have fun, but no peeking! When you forward this to your friends/family, put your score in the subject line & let them know your score. Good luck, youngsters!

1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways?
      A. Flintstones vitamins
      B. The Buttmaster
      C. Spaghetti
      D. Wonder Bread
      E. Orange Juice
      F. Milk
      G. Cod Liver Oil

2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was...
      A. Sugar Ray Robinson
      B. Roy Orbison
      C. Gene Autry
      D. Rudolph Valentino
      E. Fabian
      F. Mickey Mantle
      G. Cassius Clay

3. Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and...
      A. It's you
      B. He is us
      C. It's the Grinch
      D. He wasn't home
      E. He's really mean
      F. We quit
      G. He surrendered

4. Good night David.
      A. Good night Chet
      B. Sleep well
      C. Good night Irene
      D. Good night Gracie
      E. See you later alligator
      F. Until tomorrow
      G. Good night Steve

5. You'll wonder where the yellow went...
      A. When you use Tide
      B. When you lose your crayons
      C. When you clean your tub
      D. If you paint the room blue
      E. If you buy a soft water tank
      F. When you use Lady Clairol
      G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent

6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's friend...
      A. Stuart Whitman
      B. Randolph Scott
      C. Steve Reeves
      D. Maynard G. Krebbs
      E. Corky B. Dork
      F. Dave the Whale
      G. Zippy Zoo

7. Liar, liar...
      A. You're a liar
      B. Your nose is growing
      C. Pants on fire
      D. Join the choir
      E. Jump up higher
      F. On the wire
      G. I'm telling Mom

8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights a never ending battle for truth, justice and...
      A. Wheaties
      B. Lois Lane
      C. TV ratings
      D. World peace
      E. Red tights
      F. The American way
      G. News headlines

9. Hey kids! What time is it?
      A. It's time for Yogi Bear
      B. It's time to do your homework
      C. It's Howdy Doody Time
      D. It's Time for Romper Room
      E. It's bedtime
      F. The Mighty Mouse Hour
      G. Scoopy Doo Time

10. Lions and tigers and bears...
      A. Yikes
      B. Oh no
      C. Gee whiz
      D. I'm scared
      E. Oh my
      F. Help! Help!
      G. Let's run

11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone...
      A. Over 40
      B. Wearing a uniform
      C. Carrying a briefcase
      D. Over 30
      E. You don't know
      F. Who says, 'Trust me'
      G. Who eats tofu

12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's stockings...
      A. Troy Aikman
      B. Kenny Stabler
      C. Joe Namath
      D. Roger Stauback
      E. Joe Montana
      F. Steve Young
      G. John Elway

13. Brylcream...
      A. Smear it on
      B. You'll smell great
      C. Tame that cowlick
      D. Grease ball heaven
      E. It's a dream
      F. We're your team
      G. A little dab'll do ya

14. I found my thrill...
      A. In Blueberry muffins
      B. With my man, Bill
      C. Down at the mill
      D. Over the windowsill
      E. With thyme and dill
      F. Too late to enjoy
      G. On Blueberry Hill

15. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by...
      A. Clark Gable
      B. Mary Martin
      C. Doris Day
      D. Errol Flynn
      E. Sally Fields
      F. Jim Carey
      G. Jay Leno

16. Name the Beatles...
      A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
      B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
      C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
      D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
      E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
      F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
      G. John, Paul, George, Ringo

17. I wonder, wonder, who..
      A. Who ate the leftovers?
      B. Who did the laundry?
      C. Was it you?
      D. Who wrote the book of love?
      E. Who I am?
      F. Passed the test?
      G. Knocked on the door?

18. I'm strong to the finish...
      A. Cause I eats my broccoli
      B. Cause I eats me spinach
      C. Cause I lift weights
      D. Cause I'm the hero
      E. And don't you forget it
      F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me
      G. To outlast Bruto

19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today...
      A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera
      B. Smile, you're on Star Search
      C. Smile, you won the lottery
      D. Smile, we're watching you
      E. Smile, the world sees you
      F. Smile, you're a hit
      G. Smile, you're on TV

20. What do M & M's do?
      A. Make your tummy happy
      B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket
      C. Make you fat
      D. Melt your heart
      E. Make you popular
      F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand
      G. Come in colors




      Below are the right answers:

      1. D - Wonder Bread
      2. G - Cassius Clay
      3. B - He Is Us
      4. A - Good night, Chet
      5. G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
      6. D - Maynard G. Krebbs
      7. C - Pants On Fire
      8. F - The American Way
      9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time
      10. E - Oh My
      11. D - Over 30
      12. C - Joe Namath
      13. G - A little dab'll do ya
      14. G - On Blueberry Hill
      15. B - Mary Martin
      16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo
      17. D - Who wrote the book of Love
      18. B - Cause I eats me spinach
      19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera
      20. F - Melt In Your Mouth Not In Your Hand

Don't forget to put your score in the subject line when you forward this on.

My breaking heart ...

Been crying on and off since my last blog earlier today. That gut wretching wail that sends your heart rate into overdrive.

Alien and I are at odds big time. She's got it up her butt that the grass is greener over at Bubba's house and refuses to come home. Period. Nor will she discuss with me in an adult manner what it is that is bugging her. I have an idea - she's hated this house since the day we moved into it 14 years ago. Other than that what we've talked about in the past I *thought* was resolved.

I tried to talk reasonably to her and her father over the phone to no avail. I went to the cop shop, but that was a waste of time. They say as a 17 year old she can pretty much do what she wants, regardless of the court papers saying she's in my custody until she reaches the age of 18.

I'm an emotional basket case right now.

I asked that she come tomorrow after school so we can talk this out. No luck. She only wants to come get her stuff.

I'm devastated.

This is the daughter that I *thought* we could talk about anything with each other. I guess I was wrong.

I don't know what to do here. I'm numb. Do I just let her go to live there, and probably only see her only on the weekends? Or do I fight this in court? He's not a good parent, but I've blogged about that in the past. The courts long ago determined it's in her best interest to stay with me, that's why they awarded me sole physical custody.

Married Son took me to the cop shop, I am in no condition to drive right now. Talking to him afterward, he says I should just let her go live with Bubba and pray for the best. He says she'll realize eventually what a mistake she made. I'm inclined to agree with him.

But it still hurts like hell.

Ummm, It's Sunday today, riiiight?

Still on the *I don't know what day it is* thing.

Had a meeting with my Pro Comm group today. Pro Comm, that class I'm having so much trouble in. Not because I don't know how to communicate - I do. It's the teacher that's the problem. Anyway, meeting went well, we have a better idea what our final project is about, and our parts in it now. LOL.

Have I said how much I hate group projects??

And all four of my classes have group things going on. Figures, eh? LOL.

I have five classes next term. I wonder how many of those will feature group activities. ::groan::

Let's see ... what else?

Things have gotten pretty desperate around here lately. Financially that is. I've cut expenses down past the bare bones, I can't cut anything else out. Yeah, internet I suppose ... no not really. It's my only luxury. Besides ... Single Son needs it for his work (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). Soooooo ... I decided to push ahead MY business by about a year and open it in February 2009 instead of Summer of 2010 after I have my degree in Business Management. My one Prof, the one who teaches Small Business and Entrepreneurship class has been a godsend to me. Consulting with me, guiding me and generally helping me with the things that I've not yet had classes for (business accounting, retail theory, marketing, web design, web security, etc). Now you see why I wanted to wait until I had my degree to even "announce" my business venture. Let alone actually persue it. Mr. P, like I said, has been a godsend to me lately. The only thing he wants in return is that after I get my degree and have the business up and running I come and give a 30 minute guest speech on starting and owning a small business to his class. Hell ya!! It's a deal!

So, why wait until February to start this? I need start up money. My anticipated tuition refund will cover what I still need for my start up costs, but that's not in my hands until February. So ... that's my plan.

And what will the business be? I've spoken of *Elsie's Attic* before ... I will be offering gifts and decor for the home and office. Included will be a gift line for men and children, and possibly for the pampered pet, too. This will be an e-commerce business.

There will also be special sales and discounts for my Multiply friends. I've even set up a Multiply blog under the name *Elsies Attic* where I'll offer those discounts, special sales, highlighted merchandise and more. I'll be joining Multiply's "Market" as soon as Elsie's Attic is officially open for business.

Stay tuned for information about the store and webpage.

I'm actually getting very excited about this!!

I'm not sure how it'll effect working with Married Son and his pilot driving company yet. I'm trying to work out those details. He seems okay with the fact that Mom may not be able to help him on the road as a driver - but I will still do the managerial work for him.

And Single Son has asked that I help him with his business dreams of opening an e-commerce business that sells security and self defense products.

My degree in Business Management/Entrepreneurship is gonna go a long way, eh?

So that's been my week. Working hard at homework and working overtime at getting Elsie's Attic all nice and legal to open in February. And of course, helping my sons with their business dreams.

What day is it?

It's so I've forgotten what day it is anymore! If it's Professional Communications class tonight than it must be ... ummmmmm ... Thursday!! That's it, it's Thursday.

Haven't had a ten thoughts tuesday in a while. Don't have ten thoughts left in me. And the gross grub, well, I ended that on Halloween weekend. Not for lack of recipes, but honestly, I got tired of it. I needed a break.

And I need a break from homework, too. Riiiiight, that won't happen. Not for a while. Five or six weeks. I lost track.

I registered for next semester yesterday. Grrrrrrr. FIVE classes. I had to take that many to get the minimum credits that I need per semester to keep my full Pell Grant. Not even a nice mixture of hard and easy classes. They're all hard classes. Lots of homework, I'm betting. Well, besides my PE class - stress management. It was either that or "bowling". I'm not getting into the more conventional PE classes. I just can't see my arse doing them, can you? Helen, stop laughing ... I know, I should have seen if they had some sort of walking class. Gawd knows I could stand to build up those leg muscles again. And Chicago just proved to me how out of shape I really am!! But I'm proud to say (with a few breaks along the way to rest) I did it!! I walked all over Chicago! Hehe ...

Not a while lot else going on. I hear Grandson downstairs, they must have come back. They've been hanging around here a lot lately. Not sure why, other than I have internet and Married Son doesn't have internet at his house right now. Don't get me wrong, I love when they come over, but not when it gets in the way of the mounds of homework I need to get done!! And it's suffered this week terribly. Rough draft due today, and I'm not done with it. I'll just have to see if the prof. will let me email it to him by the end of the weekend. Depends on his mood - he's the one I've blogged about. The rude jerk. Disorganized. His mood will decide whether he marks me half off points or allows me to email it back to him. I'm figuring if I *forget* my USB drive (with the assignment on it) then he'll hopefully be nice. Shhhhhh ... don't tell him I intentionally forgot the drive. LOL!

Well, guess I need to head on outta here.

Monday ...

Sorry, no catchy title for this blog!!

Going to Chicago and meeting Helen was awesome!! Got to meet a friend of hers, Mike, too. Talk about a character - but in a good way, I assure you.

The train ride out was alright. I'd never been on a train before, so it was a novelty for sure. Had a seat to myself, so I was able to sleep part of the way. The ride back was a different story - crowded. Shared a seat with some really anti-social witch (but that's a story for later, LOL).

OMG!! Did we have fun. Walked everywhere. Well, minus one bus that they agreed to take because I was definitely feeling all that walking. And what an experience that bus was. Some dude had blocked the road so the bus driver got out to find the driver so he could move his vehicle. As soon as we were back under way a taxi cut off the bus causing the bus driver to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. So much excitement and ONLY two dollars for the ride of our lives. LOL!

We went to Navy Pier ... saw The Bean ... followed the road to lights that had attracted Helen's attention (turns out it was a two story McDonald's) ... went shopping at a bunch of different store ... and got to see Chicago up close and personal. Photos in my photo album.

And up close was right. Man, I've never played in so much traffic before. Drivers there are nuts!! Makes Detroiters almost look *normal* ... better watch your arse crossing the street. Very few drivers gave heed to the "walk" signs ... taxi drivers especially.

The weather was great - well in my book. Walked around with no jacket on ... or tied around my waste. Poor Helen on the other hand was chilled to the bone the whole time. And that's why we walked soooooo much ... keep moving so you didn't feel the chilly Chicago winds. I just wish it had snowed for Helen's sake. Let her experience a bit of good ol' snow. But it wasn't meant to be.

Left Helen and Mike on Thursday evening to head back to Michigan. Had a test on Friday there was just no getting out of (drats). I would have loved an extra day with them!!

I'm still feeling all the walking in my lower legs. Had to break down on Friday and get me a tube of BenGay. Shhhhhhhhhhhh ... don't say it. I know I'm getting OLD!

Well ... two big PowerPoint projects due this week and I'm not done yet. Along with a rough draft for a 8 to 12 page paper and it's going to be a long next few days in front of the computer getting this stuff all done.

I uploaded photos to my photo album. I'll title them all when I can.