Holiday Traditions

Every family has their Christmas tradition. At one point, my in-laws were passing around a Chia-Pet as a gag gift (I wonder who ended up with that thing). And when we were little, my sister and I would ask our dad what we're getting for Christmas. His joke answer would always be the same: "a box of Jell-O". So for many years, I would gift-wrap a box of lime Jell-O and give it to him.
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And some families have no tradition at all...which really is a tradition, if you think about it.
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One of our holiday traditions is the post-Thanksgiving viewing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Watching the Clark Griswold debut his garish outdoor light display never gets old. And then there's the subtle humor. Like the when Clark and Eddie are shopping at Wal-Mart. If you watch closely, you'll notice that Eddie plunks a 30 pound bag of dog food in the cart right on top of Clark's light bulbs. One of my favorite movies, indeed.
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But perhaps our most loved holiday tradition is the wrapping paper fight that ensues right after all the Christmas gifts are opened. We've been doing this since the boys were small, and we all have a blast. Just as long as we're not using mylar wrapping paper. The fight was a bust the year I bought that stuff. It doesn't wad up as good as the thin wrapping paper from the dollar store. Also, the best throwing distance is achieved with tissue paper.
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This year, we're trying a new tradition. Everyone has been assigned a family member. And armed with a $20 budget, each one of us will buy, find, or make, all the stocking stuffers for our person.
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I brought this idea up last night at dinner. We even assigned names right there at the kitchen table: we will each fill the stocking of the person to our left. Very scientific, indeed.
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The ideas began flowing immediately. Kyle has already asked me to take him to the dollar store. Lucas and Q were having a very hush-hush conversation. And I spent a good part of the evening on eBay.
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There's only one rule to this project. Everybody has to do their own shopping. Nobody can ask for help in buying stuff for their person. The only exception is that rides to the store will be given to those who can't legally drive themselves. I will also allow for help in locating a specific item. But that's it. This is supposed to be an exercise in individual creativity.
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In the past, Santa Claus has done the stocking stuffing duty for our family. And for the most part, he's done a pretty good job. Every year, his goodies include those chocolate coins from Cost Plus World Market. When frozen, those things are downright addictive.
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Everyone seems excited about taking on this task. Santa may no longer have stocking detail--he has enough on his plate--but he may still bring coins. After all, they have become a tradition in their own right.

Super Mario Galaxy Review

Today's guest blogger is Kyle. He's writing a review of Super Mario Galaxy, as requested by new Wii owner, Christopher. Please give him the same courtesy you give me.

Let me tell you now, Mario Galaxy is worth the money. If you played the prior 2 games (mario sunshine, mario 64) it is the same type of gameplay. You try to collect 120 stars across many galaxys. Since Nintendo did whatever they wanted, you never know what to expect. You also get a handful of fun power-ups. The real fun part is trying everything out, there is so much to do. You will have fun playing it. Overall I give it a 10/10.

Super Mario Runaround

Today was the official release day of Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii. Kyle had been anxiously awaiting this game (he says) for two years. He'd been socking away his allowance, and he even put a $5 deposit on a reserved copy at Target.
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Since Kyle had school all day, I offered to stop by Target and pick up his game so he would have it when he got home. After all, it was roughly on the way to the college, and down the street from the Jamba Juice I always stop at on the way to class.

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When I got to Target, the guy at the electronics counter didn't seem to have a clue where anything was. He radioed his buddy to ask if he knew of where the Mario games were. The guy on the other end of the walkie-talkie said "those came in on Monday and we sold out."

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I just about blew my stack. I holding in my hand a Target-issued reservation card that plainly reads "Release Date 11/14-07". If I don't produce that video game, I'm going to have to bear the wrath of a 13 year old Mario fanatic.

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Then the first guy told me that the department manager would be coming on duty "in a few minutes" if I wanted to wait for a more concrete answer. No time. It was already 10, class starts at 10:30 and I have to stop for my smoothie first. I said I'd be back later.

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Around noon, I called the store and asked if the game had been located yet. The guy I talked to said they just got a shipment and "there might be some in there" and that they'll know "in a few hours". Great! I spent the rest of the class period seething.

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When class ended at 1, I called Target again. This time, they were able to confirm availablity of the game. FINALLY! I drove right there, bought the game, and everything was good in the world. Except that we probably won't be hearing from Kyle for three days...

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Also today, we filled out performance reviews on our CDT instructor. I think you, dear readers can guess what I wrote...or didn't write. :-)

Shameless Plug

After a bit of a dry spell, Lucas has resumed posting to his blog. He has posted videos of himself playing drums, and is writing a daily rant. Feel free to stop by Standard Stunt 99.

Any comments left may not show up right away. They must pass through Mom's prying eyes before I deem them post-worthy.

Sunday Dishes: Fall Color

A few weeks ago, I rearranged the kitchen cabinets to display only the Fall colored Fiesta. Colors represented here include Scarlet, Persimmon, Tangerine, Sunflower, Evergreen, Heather, Plum, and Cinnabar. Looking at this display makes me wish Homer Laughlin would come out with a dark brown.

The sunflower rectangular baker that Q got me for our anniversary is on the top shelf.

Mugging for the camera

Thanks For Stopping By

I use a site meter to keep track of blog visitors. Among other things, I'm able to see where readers come from, and which websites referred them here. I can also see what Google searches bring people here (there have been some pretty odd ones), and how many hits I get per day. Right now, I'm averaging about 20.

Below are a couple of maps indicating where readers of this blog come from. I had no idea so many people were interested in what I have to say! On the other hand, many of those dots could be representing people searching for fluffy pink office chairs, or purple dishes. But I'd like to think its the former.

In any case, thank you for taking in interest in my family, our house, school, dishes, lists, and the trivialities of life about which I often gripe.

So Long, Persimmon!

This afternoon, I got a call from friend and fellow Fiesta collector, Denise from New Mexico. When I answered the phone, she uttered those fateful words: "They're retiring persimmon".

Bad news, indeed. Aside from being my favorite Fiesta color, persimmon is one of those few colors that goes with everything. It works equally well with pastels, jewel tones, and brights. It can be used on both an Easter table and a fall-themed Thanksgiving table. And when mixed with sunflower, chartreuse, turquoise, persimmon creates a fun summertime motif.

I also find persimmon to be a suitable stand-in for pink when Rose isn't available. And it did a pretty good job of filling the red void before scarlet was introduced.

Denise also informed me that the flower pot, bulb candleholders, Monarch Vase, and--another personal favorite--the Royalty Vase will be discontinued as well.

On the bright side, the discontinuation of these items means clearance prices on remaining stock. I guess I'll be watching for sales at Dillard's and the Homer Laughlin China website. Maybe I'll pick up a persimmon Royalty Vase for my double retireds collection.

Yeah, DUH!

I was passing through Macy's the other night when I had to make a little detour. I found this sign hanging in every stall of the ladies' room:


Is this really necessary? Now, I do realize that this is one of the few multi-stall bathrooms around here that hasn't adopted that nifty motion sensor flusher technology. And I realize that much of the general populous has grown used to said sensors. But do we need a little paper sign reminding us that--in this particular public bathroom--we have to do the flushing ourselves?
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Besides, most of us still have manual flushers in our homes. So we don't exactly need to be reminded as to when and how to use them.
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This sign is akin to something one might find in a nursery school bathroom reminding children to wash their hands before returning to class. And when I'm shopping in a major department store, I don't care to be treated like a preschooler. I get enough of that from my color and design instructor.

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Earlier, I was doing some early Christmas shopping on Amazon.com. I was looking for Arizona reference books for a certain family member when I found this little oddity:

I'm quite perplexed as to how a publisher could see past such a glaring error--and on the cover, no less! This is more than a simple typo.

But then, I suppose not everyone is as big of a geography nerd as I am. Except for maybe my dad. I'm quite certain I got it from him. And now, I'm passing it on to Lucas.

Anyway, I'm thinking of buying this book for the comic relief. I can get a used copy for $.01, plus shipping, and I'm sure Luke will get a kick out of it. He might enjoy the subject matter, too.

Mark G. posted a similar goof on his blog about a week ago.

Happy Anniversary, Baby

Today, marks Q's and my 16th year of marriage (has it really been that long!?). The day has been pretty low key. That is, in contrast to last year's Palm Springs trip.

No, instead we spent the morning at home, where Q gifted me with Fiesta rectangular baker in the Sunflower color. I'm sure he'll got lots of use out of it. :-P I had bought him some baseball tickets to one of the Diamondbacks NLCS Finals games, which occurred about 2 weeks ago.

Anyway, we spent the day running errands, including a trip to the antique shops in downtown Glendale. After I left $18 in one of the store cash registers, this little vintage beauty followed me home:

Cell Phone Confessional?

Everybody gets the occasional wrong number. Most times, you're able to tell the caller that they misdialed, hang up, and continue with your day.

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But then, you sometimes get that errant caller who won't go away quietly. I once got such a call from a woman, who thought I was her son's ex-wife. She proceeded to lambaste me for refusing to let her see her grandchildren. She called her twice before I convinced her that she's got the wrong person.

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And about 3 years ago, some woman from Chicago called, claiming that Quinton owed her child support for their 11 year daughter. Apparently, Q has same first and last name as the guy she's looking for. I insisted that she has the wrong guy, but she wouldn't hear it. I believe said, "Oh, Honey, he's been lying to you!" She finally backed off when I vaguely told her that my Quinton is an "office worker". The guy she was looking for is a truck driver. Oops! Q thought the whole thing was funny, but that woman made me cry.

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But this most recent call really takes the cake. The other day, someone left the following message on my voice mail:

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"Hey, Valerie, I think I've got the wrong number. I was calling for Cindy*, my mother-in-law to thank her for last night and to let her know that she did things to me that her daughter cannot even think of. And... I don't know why I'm telling you this, but...yeah, I slept with my mother-in-law, and she ROCKED my world! Um...anyway, well, I got the wrong number so now I've got to call and tell her that. Alright, thanks. Bye."

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*The above name has been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

How about some cheese with that whine?

The following article appeared in the online edition of today's Arizona Republic:
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Local reality show exposes housing woes of the rich
Financial struggles know no boundaries, producers say
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Jimmy Magahern
Special for The Republic.
Oct. 14, 2007 07:18 PM
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A Phoenix couple are hoping to turn real-estate woes into reality-TV gold.
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Tentatively titled Real Estate Rescue, the show promises to focus on a class of overlooked victims of the current foreclosure boom: well-off folks with real estate they can no longer afford.
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The pilot's plot?
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An affluent man in his early 50s agrees to take the retirement offer from his company and moves with his wife to an elegant house in northeast Scottsdale. With golden-parachute pay and a healthy nest egg, they buy into a school for children with learning disabilities and eventually take over from the other partners.
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A few years later, they decide to build a new house closer to their daughter in Anthem, signing a contract in March 2006. The house is scheduled to be completed in December, but they are caught in the nasty real estate slowdown.
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The couple is forced to slash the asking price of their first home in Scottsdale five times — to a paltry $759,000.
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Now, the man's post-retirement job as a pharmacist at a neighborhood Safeway — a career he left long before joining the corporate world — pays that second mortgage rather than for extras at the school or for the couple. In broad strokes, this is the real-life story of one Scottsdale couple, Sandi and Terry Mahan, whose decidedly upscale travails currently are being filmed for Real Estate Rescue's pilot episode.
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Kim and John Landry, the co-creators of the show, admit their subjects are not hard-luck stories.
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Still, the Landrys, who also live in Anthem, believe American couch potatoes have heard enough stories from “the truly down-and-out,” as Kim calls them.
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When it comes to feeling the pain from today's softened real-estate market, even folks in the best ZIP codes get stung.“A lot of real-estate reality shows profile the people who are really destitute,” said Kim, a mother of two and a one-time struggling actress.
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She has been calling all her contacts within the entertainment industry to drum up interest in the new show. It is yet to be picked up by a cable network.
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“You know, the people displaced by Katrina or those living in poverty, of course, the public's hearts always go out to them,” she said.“But there are people in the middle- and upper classes who have been affected by this situation, too,” she added, “and it's not like they're all just having to sell their yachts!”
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The Landrys were drawn to the story of the Mahans because of the couple's involvement with the Totem Learning Center, which they own and where Sandi works as an adminstrator and language therapist for children with learning disabilities. “When I saw her working with those kids, I just knew, ‘This is the pilot!'.” Kim said. “Both of their hearts and souls are so into that school. It's clearly become their calling.”
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The Mahans themselves recognize that not everyone will feel sympathetic to their plight.“People like to see the lofty come down,” said Terry, who retired from a high-paying career with Eli Lilly. “Even in the Bible, there's the story of Job,” he said. “Someone who had so much and then lost it all, in essence, to remain true to his passion, his commitment.”
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The Landrys say they think viewers will warm up to their subjects for courageously airing their financial woes in public, something many in their social stratum consider the greatest taboo.
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“There are actually a lot of people at the Mahans' economic level who are facing those same foreclosure fears now, but they cover it up,” said John Landry, a retired architect who now works as a real-estate agent, “so nobody ever knows.”
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Terry said he believes that if the rich can't come up with their own solutions to the real-estate mess — something the Landrys' show intends to examine — things will only get worse for people who have even fewer resources to bail themselves out of the market's downward spiral.
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“It's kind of like the collapse of Wall Street back in the Great Depression,” he said. “There were very wealthy people jumping out of buildings and leaving others to clean up the mess.
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“We're saying those who have the capacity to get out of this need to lead the way,” Terry added. “I mean, if we can't do it, who's going to bear our burden?”
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I love real estate shows: flipping shows..."help me find a new home" shows..."tell me what my house is worth" shows... "stage my home for sale" shows... I watch them all. But now, someone is trying to pitch a "save my McMansion from foreclosure" show.
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I think the line has been drawn. For one thing, it's very difficult to feel sorry for these people. Although the shows producer seems to disagree. She thinks that the TV watching public has "heard enough stories from 'the truly down-and-out'.”
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Be that as it may, I think I'd rather hear about the mom who struggles to keep the bills paid, the kids fed, and the household running while her husband fights for his life in the ICU. Particularly because that could have been my story. But luckily, Q had excellent disability benefits that provided our family with full pay for the six months he was unable to work.
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No. I don't care to hear about the over-extended, over-privileged retiree who has to take a job (gasp!) to keep his plush life afloat. I should point out that this Mahan guy is luckier than most. He was able to find work as a pharmacist. Decent money there. Most people have to supplement their income by bagging groceries or cleaning bird cages at PetsMart.
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Life is full of choices. The Mahans chose to buy a second home before the first was sold. Nobody held a gun to their heads. They got themselves into this mess. Now, they must accept the consequences...just like anyone else. Nope, I don't feel sorry for them one iota.
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One more thing: $759K is NOT "paltry". Not even for a Scottsdale address.

All Work and No Play...

...makes Ms. Val one pi$$ed off bitch!!!!! I have FIVE sketches due on Monday...one of which is comprehensive. It must include ALL the principals and elements of design that we have been covering this semester. I have been laboring over that one all day.

I worked on the other four yesterday--one of which took me all afternoon--but only two are completely done. The other two are most of the way there.

In addition, we have a mid-term test on Monday. I don't know when I'm going to have time to study for that one! Oh, and we have to have our supplies for the "color" portion of the course on Monday. Good thing I found the time to go buy that stuff back on Thursday.

This is the current state of our dining room:

For the last three days, my family has had to eat all meals in the kitchen, living room, or wherever they can find a flat surface to set a plate.

All this effort, energy, and resentment is directed at ONE CLASS! Or more aptly, the instructor. The spring schedule was released online this week. And this harpy little woman is slated to teach both the classes I need to complete my degree. I'm seriously considering completing my coursework in Scottsdale. I'll have one hell of a commute, but it just might be worth it.

Also, due to the endless workload, the above photo will serve double duty as tomorrow's edition of "Sunday Dishes". Sorry.

Thursday 13: The Last

1. The last person I talked to on the phone: Kyle's friend, GK. He called here looking for Kyle, and I happened to answer the phone.
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2. The last article of clothing I bought: 2 trapese tops from the Old Navy clearance rack. One pink, one ivory and black. I Paid $10 for both.
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3. The last restaurant I ate at: Tuesday afternoon, Q and I ate lunch at a place called Under Wraps.
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4. The last place I spent money: The vending machine at school
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5. The last acquaintence I ran into in the grocery store: Sheryl, a lady I know from the school PTA.
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6. The last flavor of ice cream I ate: Mint Chocolate Chip
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7. The last book I read: A coffee table book about art deco design and architecture. It had Harlequin featured in it.
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8. The last time I had to use my car horn: Tuesday morning, a woman in a Crown Victoria (or was it a Grand Marquis?) wasn't paying attention and veered into my lane.
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9. The last DVD I bought: The boys and I bought Q the Mission: Impossible Season 2 DVD set for Father's Day.
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10. The last time I moved: 8 years ago.
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11. The last time I ordered a pizza: Sunday night. Q and the boys spent the entire day washing the cars and doing yard work, while I did laundry and worked on sketches for my CDT class. I felt we deserved it.
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12. The last person who made me angry: My CDT instructor. That woman is getting on my last nerve. I find myself biting my tongue a lot in the class. Now, I just need to learn to keep my angry sneers in check.
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13. The last time I had a laugh attack: In textiles class last week, we watched a video about cotton production, and they interviewed a monotone farmer who sounded exactly like Hank from King of the Hill.

Day Trip

On Saturday, we loaded up the Mustang and took a day trip up to Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Bell Rock

We took a hike on the Soldier's Pass Trail in western Sedona. Early in the hike, we encountered the Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole.

"Now, let's all smile and pretend that we like each other."

The Seven Sacred Pools. It's impossible to get all seven pools in one picture without the aid of a helicopter.

No trip to the mountains would be complete without a brush with wildlife.

Lucas, King of the Mountain.

Coffee Pot Rock. There's another rock formation in town that looks like Snoopy lying on his doghouse, but I couldn't find it.

After lunch we decided to do more hiking. This time, took a scenic drive up highway 89A. Just north of town, we found a trail that took us down the canyon to Oak Creek.

Lucas found a bunch of miniature pine cones.

Our car is parked up there somewhere.

Don't fall, Kyle!

Lucas totally wants to scale that rock and claim it as his own little island.

The only downside to the trip--if there has to be one--was that we didn't get to see any fall color. But we'll be going to Overgaard in a few weeks, and there should be lots of yellow and orange leaves by then.

Thank Goodness for Beamed Ceilings...

I knew it all along. Last season, Desperate Housewives ended with Edie having apparently commit suicide by hanging. As the the credits ran, I rolled my eyes and said "she didn't do it". Sure there was shock value, but knowing Edie, I predicted that it was all a well orchestrated ruse. She had no intention of dying. Or perhaps, it wasn't Edie at all. I was actually hoping it was Lynette's hateful mother.

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I actually thought the wispy-thin scarf would break, Edie would fall to the floor, and would walk away with little more than a few bumps and bruises. I wasn't prepared to see her clinging to the beams in the ceiling. Now, I wonder how long she had to hold herself up there before Carlos came home.

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In any case, I'm glad Edie lived. Nicollette Sheridan needs to be featured more. She's been relegated to B-character status for too long.

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Other random thoughts on last night's show:

--For a fake pregnancy, Bree sure has the cutest maternity outfits.

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--Does Mike own any clothes other than grey t-shirts?

--Barfing in someone's purse is the best revenge.

--I've been pregnant before, but have never been approached by pushy women (or men) who insist on touching my stomach. I know many pregnant ladies don't like having their bellies patted, but I really couldn't imagine someone being so forceful about it that security has to intervene!

--Retractable barbecue fork? Puh-leez!!!!!!

--I'm not liking the new neighbor woman already. I especially didn't like the saccharin way she informed Bree that she was going to have to cut down the shade tree in her back yard.

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--Susan should have put her foot down (pun intended), and rescheduled her doctor's appointment.

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--If Carlos has $10M in a Cayman Islands bank account, what's he doing living in the suburbs? Wisteria Lane is a very nice neighborhood, but it's still the suburbs!

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--Doug Savant definitely has a knack for noticing crooked wigs.

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--Gabby is getting on my nerves. She has been since the second season. If that situation ever changes, and I need more Gabby, I'll just tune in to a marathon of The Real Housewives of Orange County.

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--Who has a barbecue that spills out into the rest of the neighborhood? Most of these suburban soirees are confined to the host's backyard.

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--I know it was just a plot device, but the idea of a table full of old ladies saving a seat just for Susan seemed really far-fetched. Especially since they didn't save a place for her new husband.

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--Short-shorts and a low-cut top. Interesting coming-home-from-the-hospital outfit, Edie. I wear more clothes in the swimming pool.

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--Mrs. McClusky showed some cajones when she got in Carlos' face about the trash cans being left out. In this situation, I find that a passive-aggressive approach works much better. In our old house, we has a neighbor who habitually left her can out for 2-3 days after it was emptied. In those days, I had a baby who still used a stroller, and an errant dumpster blocking the sidewalk was quite an annoyance. Whenever I approached this situation, I simply moved the can to the dead center of her driveway. So when the neighbor came home, she would have to get out of her car, and move the dumpster in order to get into her driveway.

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Being a bitch can be fun!

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Thursday 13

1. It's been a very busy couple of weeks...as I'm sure you've surmised by my lack of posting. My Color and Design Theory instructor is always heaping on the homework. We have no fewer than 5 sketches due every Monday. One sketch takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an entire afternoon. Ironically, I receive my best grades on the ones that get hastily cranked out.

2. In other news, Lucas was tested for, and accepted into the SAGE (honors) reading program at school. We're so proud of him. Problem is, his daily SAGE class time conflicts with band practice. Luckily, I was able to work out an alternate schedule with all his teachers, and he is able to participate in both programs.

3. I had to get my laptop repaired this week. A few weeks ago, the screen started flickering, then everything would turn purple and fade out altogether. Luckily, I still have 2 months left in a 2 year warranty, so my screen was replaced for no charge. The repairman scored high marks when he took a shining to Jango.

4. Kyle once again has approached us about getting him a cell phone. Aside from the convenience of being able to keep in contact with us, we simply couldn't justify the expense. Besides, he doesn't make or receive too many phone calls on our house phone. We compromised by getting him a regular phone for his room.

5. I've been so busy lately that I haven't made time to get my hair trimmed. My bangs are now so long that I keep having to rake them back with my fingers. I am currently sporting the same hairstyle as Kyle MacLachlan.

6. Speaking of haircuts, Kyle got my hopes up last week when he informed me that he wanted to get a haircut. No sooner had I grabbed my purse and keys than he told me he didn't want to go just now. He has since changed his mind altogether. Meanwhile, I continue to call him "Shaggy".

7. Speaking of Kyle MacLachlan, I am really looking forward to the season premier of Desperate Housewives. If you attempt to call or stop by on Sunday night, I will hang up on you or send you away. Then, after the show is over, I do to you what Orson did to Mike at the end of the 2nd season!

8. That last sentence also applies to the boys. Unless you are vomiting, bleeding, or vomiting blood, I don't want to be disturbed for that whole hour. Asking me to help find your homework paper is NOT an emergency.

9. It is finally starting to cool off in Phoenix. On Tuesday, I needed to take a jacket to school.

10. Tuesday nights are the hardest time for our family. I have to leave by 5:00 for a class that starts at 6. While commuter traffic is heading north toward the suburbs, I'm driving south toward the city. Even still, rush hour is rush hour, and I need every bit of time to get to the college.

11. And since I have to leave by 5:00, I have to throw together a quickie dinner so we can eat by 4:30. Before too long, my family is going to hate tuna casserole.

12. Also on Tuesday nights, Lucas has to be taken to his drum lessons. I thank Q for taking on this task.

13. Kyle just asked an interesting question; "Why are our household animals refered to as 'pets'?" I could only guess it had something to do with the way we physically pet them. But then he pointed out that we don't pet fish. I had no reply.

When You Need a Good Laugh....

...just open a newspaper. The following article appeared in the online version of the Arizona Republic today:

'Bra Bandit' strikes Flagstaff Mall
Brandon Kline
12 News
Sept. 25, 2007 06:19 PM

Flagstaff police are looking for someone who stole bras, lots of bras.

According to police, about $15,000 worth of underwear from Victoria's Secret was taken Saturday without tipping off employees.

Those responsible were able to haul about 350 bras out the main entrance during business hours.

Officers are not sure why the anti-theft tags didn't activate the alarm. Police say there is no surveillance footage of the crime. The culprits attempted to haul out so many bras, police say they had to leave some behind.

Investigators say they believe the culprits may be trying to sell the bras and plan on monitoring Internet auction sites to see if anything appears to be connected to the Flagstaff heist.

What's funny--other than the fact that the Republic published this story--are the reader comments that followed it. I checked in throughout the day whenever I needed a laugh. In all, there were 10 pages of hilarious comments. My favorites are below:

"It's hard to believe that isn't an inside job. That store has boobietraps all over the place!"

"I hope these criminals get BUSTed"

"Glad azcentral is keeping us abreast of the situation."

"I hope when they catch these bandits they are able to find a support group to help them."

"I hope the criminals get busted, and the court system milks them for all they are worth."

"I found this story to be very titillating. I'm not sure how the police will solve it with all the cases they have to Juggle."

"It should be implanted firmly in the theives minds that they are in double trouble."

"I hope Flagstaff's economy doesn't get saggy from the loss of support from Victoria Secret Sales."

"It has definitely been stimulating material. I think AZ should consider giving this article the boobie prize."

"Thanks AZCentral for 'full coverage' on this story"

"It's an embarrasing situation for Victoria Secrets, I sure hope they keep it Underwire"

"They should augment their investigation by implanting undercover cops up front."

"I must say I am totally "uplifted" by this article"

"Did they get areola photographs?"

"The VS employees need our 18-hour support."

"Tata for now everyone!"

Cushing's on TV

While Quinton is mostly cured of Cushing's Syndrome, this rare ailment will never be too far from our minds.

This week, the National Geographic Channel will be airing a documentary called Science of Obesity. From what I understand, the show will be discussing Cushing's Syndrome.

For those who are interested, Science of Obesity will air Tuesday the 18th at 9PM, Wednesday the 19th at 12AM, and Sunday the 23rd at 4PM (all times are Eastern).

In Phoenix, it will be on Tuesday night at 6PM and again at 9PM. That's according to my onscreen cable guide.

Everyone else, check your local listings.

Working Hard and Hardly Blogging

I realize I haven't posted anything new all week. That's because I've been working on sketches, drawings, notebooks, and lab assignments for two of my three classes. All of these assignments will be coming due within the next few weeks, and I don't want to find myself doing the last minute scramble as Flight of the Bumblebee plays in the background.

Also, I can't stand that nagging feeling I get when I should be doing homework instead of lunching with Quinton or shopping for new jeans at Nordstrom Rack. BTW, the jeans are a necessary purchase. My very favorite pair has a growing hole along the zipper seam. They will be going away soon.

Aside from all that, the housework and food shopping have been neglected. Yesterday, we had breakfast without milk. Not easy to do in a house full of cereal eaters.

The boys have agreed to take on more of these domestic tasks. Sort of. Whenever I ask someone to take out the trash or scoop out the litterbox, I get one of two responses: "hold on" or "just a minute".

So that's what I'm asking you, dear readers. Please hold on. The semi-witty repartee will continue after the rest of my life is caught up.

He Does All His Own Stunts, Part 7

Will this child not run out of ways to frighten his mama???? Here, he's perched atop the basketball pole while Kyle and his friends throw balls at it. Also, I don't think he's wearing shoes here. Lucas never wears shoes if he doesn't have to.

Sunday Dishes: Double Retired

Today, I am featuring Fiesta pieces that are retired both in color and shape.

Millennium 3 vases and handled cake plates, both in Rose and Chartreuse.

Pedestal mugs in Seamist, Rose, Periwinkle, and Chartreuse. These mugs are great if you like your hot cocoa prepared Ned Flanders' style.

My lone tripod bowl. These are so little and cute. I'd like to try to find more.

Seeing Red

I'm not in a particularly good mood today so I'm going to regale the group with a list of people and situations that make me angry.

--Supposedly educated people who misuse words like "there" and "their", "your" and "you're" or "wear" and "ware". On the other hand, I have gotten some great eBay deals on Fiesta wear. And no, I wasn't buying clothes.

--Adult women who talk and sing (Britney) with baby voice. Somehow, I think this can be controlled. If it can't be, I apologize to all the naturally baby voiced women out there. Except for Britney. She grates on my nerves no matter what she sounds like.

--People who are openly rude to cashiers, store clerks, waiters, and other service workers.

--Certain members of my family who leave open cereal boxes out on the kitchen counter. It doesn't bother me that the cereal gets left out, but CLOSE the %@*& boxes, people!!!! That's how food goes stale!!!!

--People who finish their drinks and leave the empty cup on a store shelf. While I often see abandoned cups from places like McDonald's, Circle K, and In-N-Out Burger, I find that Starbucks drinkers are the worst offenders. (The photo below was not staged in any way. I took it as I found it.)

--Road racers. I was almost run off the road by a couple of punk @$$es the other night. I was kind of hoping they'd crash their trucks into each other.

--Anyone who operates with a misguided sense of personal entitlement.

--Able-bodied people who help themselves to handicapped parking.

--Anyone who parks their one car in the middle of my 2-car driveway. I don't know why this bothers me so much, but it really, REALLY does. You can park to the side--ONE side. You can even park behind my car. If I have to leave while you're still here, I'll just take Quinton's car. Or vice-versa. It's never been a problem. We swap all the time, anyway. Just don't park in the middle!!!!!

Recently, I came home and found the refrigerator maintenance worker had parked his van high-centered in the driveway. I had to park in the street. That left such a bad taste in my mouth that I just let Q deal with him. Meanwhile, I hid out in a distant room and stewed in my own juices until he left.

--The guy who spits on the ground. Repeatedly. Outside a restaurant window. While Q and I are trying to enjoy our lunch!!!!!! EWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!

--People who park their shopping cart transverse across the aisle. Then they act put out and offended when you kindly ask them to scoot it over. Nothing would diffuse my temper faster than a simple apology as they reel in their cart.

--Going to a sandwich shop or other fast food-type establishment, and finding dispensers for the straws, condiments, ketchup cups, napkins, etc. all empty, or close to it. Yet, there's a tip jar prominently displayed on the counter! In these situations, I try to convince myself that all the dollar bills are merely "seed" money, planted by the manager at the beginning of the shift.

--The dumb broad in the SUV who almost ran over Lucas as we were crossing the Target parking lot this afternoon. This was a middle age woman with a bouffant hairdo, driving a gold Chevy Tahoe, Arizona license plate number..... just kidding. But I did yell at loudly at her: "Hey, watch youself!!!!! You almost ran over my kid!!!!!" Stupid bitch.

Dark Sarcasm?

Today, Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall" popped up on my iPod. During the chorus, the childlike singers make an impassioned plea for "no dark sarcasm in the classroom".

I found this to be an odd lyric. What is dark sarcasm, anyway? How does it differ from any other kind of sarcasm? Are there really different types of sarcasm? And if so, what are they?

Perhaps dark sarcasm can only be understood by those who are drunk or stoned. After all, it is Pink Floyd...

Thursday 13

1. I am the only member of the household that doesn't have blue eyes. Even the cat's eyes are blue.

2. I've been looking for clearance patio furniture for the back yard, but the stores had cleared that stuff out over a month ago. Apparently, they figure that anyone who's in the market for lounge chairs had already bought them by mid-July.

3. My Fiesta/Harlequin collection includes 7 creamers...and we don't even drink coffee here.

4. Speaking of Fiesta, it is my opinion that one can never have too many sugar bowls.

5. Q took Tuesday off work. During an afternoon of errand running, we went to Tokyo Lobby for lunch. Just don't tell the boys. They'd be angry if they learned we went there without them.

6. My current online addiction is the Scrabble Blast game on MSN.

7. Like most cats, Jango sleeps an average of 17 hours per day. Why can't 8 of those hours be between 10 PM and 6 AM?

8. Kyle brought home a progress report yesterday. He's on his way to making honor roll for the first quarter. I'm so proud!

9. I was recently in the market for a piece of furniture to use as a kitchen island. Most of the islands I found were either too big, too short, or too expensive, or too boring. So I bought an piece that wasn't being marketed as an island, but could be used as such. I wish I could have seen the look on my mom's face when I called and told her that I had bought a baby changing table.

10. Today is picture day for Lucas' class (Kyle's is next week). Every year, I buy the boys colorful striped polo shirts for the occasion. That's as dressed up as they get all year.

11. I hate misplacing stuff. I have a bad habit of losing an item, going to the store to replace it, then finding the original shortly after I get home.

12. I hope it rains today. There's supposed to be some hurricane remnants coming up here from Baja, Mexico, and a little rain would be a big treat.

13. I'm always on the lookout for blog post ideas. I feel like I'm going dry.

When a Bargain is Not a Bargain

I love bargain shopping. The idea of getting something for almost nothing is always a real coup--even if this means buying that item used. I have bought used furniture, used cars, LOTS of used dishes (we call those 'antiques'), and gently-used clothes. Whenever I can, I buy used books, DVDs, and CDs.

I also try to encourage the boys to buy used video games. LOTS of big savings there...especially on Amazon Marketplace. At times, I can find the titles they want for less than half of retail. The only trick is convincing them that the $20+ savings is worth the week or so it will take for the game to arrive in our mailbox.

But there are times when buying new items is the better--almost necessary--way to go. MSN Money recently had an article listing the 10 things you should never buy used. Taboo items included electronics, mattresses, car seats, and shoes.

While the writer cited mostly higher-dollar items, I feel that there are a few lower priced, everyday items that were left out. Below is my list of items that shouldn't be bought used. I am not making this stuff up. I have seen each and every one of these items for sale at garage sales and thrift stores. And while these are among the best places to find rock bottom prices, they should be approached with the caveat that people will sell anything.

WARNING: the following may be deemed gross to some. If you have a weak stomach or are easily offeneded, stop reading here.

Don't buy used:

Tupperware-like storage containers. Think about what we use these for--storing food, mostly. Specifically leftovers that may or may not get eaten. Unless the meal was really good, leftovers will sit for months in the refrigerator. The food languishes in the plastic Petrie dish we know as Tupperware (or Rubbermaid, or whichever brand you use). Months later, when the refrigerator is cleaned out, so much mold will have engulfed the food that it is now unrecognizeable. When this happens around here, I throw the entire dish away.

But not all people do that. They will endure the sights and smells of rotted food, and risk damage to their psyche just to get more use out of a plastic food container. And then that container--along with others just like it--will be in their yard sale a month later.

Bedding. Sheets, blankets, pillows, all of it. Buying used bedding is worse than buying a used mattress. In fact, it's almost as bad as buying used underwear! The bedding may be freshly laundered, there's still the stigma of knowing that other people slept on those sheets before you. Sick people, potty training people, smoking people, sweaty people, and yes, horny people.

Anyway, if you're trying to save money by buying used pillowcases, it's time to loosen the purse strings a bit. I think the same sentiment was echoed on an episode of Friends. The cheapest blankets in a TJ Maxx clearance bin are way better than anything used.

Crayons and Markers. Used markers usually mean dried-out, USELESS markers. As for crayons used ones are usually missing their labels. But even if they're not, they could be harboring germs. When Kyle was in first grade, his teacher had to discard all the crayons in the classroom due to exposure of hand-foot-mouth disease. That's what she got for insisting that the children "pool" their supplies.

Anyway, children's art supplies aren't that expensive. You probably have enough change in your sofa cushions to buy Junior a box of colors at Big Lots. That will change, however when he takes art classes in college.

Cleaning supplies. Mops, feather dusters, brooms, and the like. I don't even want my own dirt in the house. Why would I want someone elses?

Towels. See "bedding" The only exception is towels used for washing the car.

Hair accessories and styling implements. Combs, brushes, curling irons, rollers, scrunchies, barrettes, etc. Two words: head lice.

Sunday Dishes: Bluer Than Blue

Here, I have most of my blue Fiesta is on display. There just wasn't enough room for all of it. Colors include Cobalt, Periwinkle, Turquoise, Sapphire, and Peacock.

The Sapphire carafe is one of my favorite pieces.

Blue Plate Special