Yuck

Please note:  If you have a weak stomach, stop reading now.  I'm only posting this for posterity.

I'm cold, I'm freezing, I'm tired, I'm exhausted.  But I'm grateful.  Make that blessed, grateful, and happy.  We have a roof over our heads, good health, and a sweet-three-year old to love and many family and friends.  And of course, the dogs and cat. But I wasn't so pleased with the latter yesterday morning.

We were dressed and ready to go to church (for a baptism that Craig was one of two Godfathers).  As I was finishing my own preparations for the big day, I asked Murray to put his boots and coat on.  He did so and a couple of minutes later, he came to me saying, "something stinks, mama.  Pee-Yew."  The smell hit me before I could look.  What I discovered was Murray covered in (for lack of a better word) poop.  Craig came running (well, not running, exactly, but moving as fast as a broken back will allow) after I began to gag, and together we realized that one of our animals had been sick and had an accident.  In Murray's coat.  And in his boot.  We stripped Murray down, but by this time Craig was late for baptism, so he called the other Godfather to pick him up.  In the mean time, I ran around begging our feces-covered little man not to touch anything, while looking for fresh clothes, coat, shoes, and washing my hands every 30 seconds or so.  I couldn't find one of his tennis shoes (Rudy hides shoes), so I was frantically shoving his feet into last years' way-too-small shoes.  That didn't work, so I was forced to clean the dirty boot, spray it with Febreeze and finally, we headed to church.

The baptism and Mass were absolutely beautiful and we made it in time.  I was afraid that our fellow parishioner's would smell the boot, but no one complained, and many giggled when Murray burst into song with the choir. 

Due to the weather, one of the Godmothers was unable to travel, so Murray filled in carrying the gifts; poopy boot and all.  He was really quite proud. 

Everything turned out in the end, and we had a beautiful day with family and friends celebrating Ava's baptism.

Moral of the story?  Don't forget to make sure that the cat has access to his litter box.  Oh, and always hang up your coat, even if you think it's in a safe place. 

"It's Nasty Weather Out There" (From the Mouths of Babes)

As I write this, we are in the midst of the worst blizzard that I've witnessed since the winter of 1997.  There's a one-hundred car pile-up on I94 and visibility in the city is approximately 50 yards. 

We are all home and safe, and I hope that all of you and yours are as well. 

I looked out the window this morning and thought that the local meteorologists were confused about the forecast.  I wasn't concerned about the weather, so I loaded up Murray, drove to daycare and arrived home with no trouble; despite the temps and wind.  I ran some errands, and only an hour later, I walked to my car to find that the conditions were worse than I expected.  I finished my stops and landed in a tired heap on the couch.  At one-thirty, I looked outside and realized that I had better pick up Murray before the worst hit. Thirty minutes, blowing snow, and icy roads later, we arrived at home safely (seven miles round trip).

Some things I think about blizzards and the people who live here:
1:  We are hearty people, and should be used to horrible conditions.  I beg you, SLOW DOWN AND STOP TEXTING!  If this is impossible, than please stay home.

2:  If you are an employer and haven't let your staff leave, I find that absurd.  Even the regional Law Enforcement is pleading for people to stay put; they can't respond to emergencies without risking their own lives.

3:  For those of you who don't have a choice but to travel:  Please, please drive with caution.  The conditions are horrible and I would hate to hear of another accident. 

As Murray said today, "It's nasty weather out there!"
Stay safe, warm, and alive,
M

I've Had it, and It's Only December

I can't help it.  I'm miserable.  I hate winter, I loathe snow, and I don't understand the "hearty Midwest attitude".  I would rather suffer through Chinese torture than have to put up with this weather.  If I hear one more comment about how beautiful the snow is, I might be sick.  I did not choose to live here, but I did choose my family (which is much more important than my misery) and so I will make an effort to be positive (after this post). 

That said, I ventured out today to take Murray to see Santa (thank goodness for Astro-Start).  It took all of fifteen minutes and we were back in the truck and on our way home.  The whole experience was worth it only because Murray loved sitting on Santa's lap.  A fuzzy picture and five dollars later we headed home to show Daddy.

Anyway, if we don't find jobs somewhere warm, I just might lose my mind.  For those of you who think I've already lost it, you're right; I live in Minnesota.  "Grumpy Old Men" makes this weather look fun.  But that's Hollywood for you.  Everything is perfect.  The only great part about our state is lake season, but I can find water anywhere.

So hear I am, complaining about the weather, when most people that I know and love have many tragedies happening at the moment.  I'm blessed with the health of my family and friends and for that, I'm grateful.  Spring will come eventually and until then, you won't recognize me because I will be completely covered in blankets, hats, mittens, and scarves in triple layers with Astrro-Start at the ready.

Seasons Greetings!

Crash!

It's been so long since my last post - I'm not sure where to begin.



Last Saturday, Murray and I were driving home from Story Time at Barnes and Noble when we were in a car accident. Thankfully, all parties involved are fine. It happened right on our street with a neighbor (who was driving the other car).The streets were a slick layer of snow and ice, and the snow banks were so high that we didn't see each other. Anyway, the Grand Am is totaled but the insurance company has been wonderful. We'll pick up our rental today, and then plan to take our time looking for a new or used car. We have the Durango, and since I'm unemployed, we're not in too much of a hurry to find a second vehicle. We have grown accustomed to not having a car payment, so we'll take advantage of that as long as we can. I want an Accord or another Grand Am, but Craig refuses to buy foreign, so I'm guessing we'll find a Chevy or Pontiac that will suit us.



In the mean time, I've picked up a temporary position at a local radio group. I will be filling in for the sales assistant while she is on maternity leave. The gig should last about eleven weeks, and I start on Monday. I'm thrilled to be working with so many friends that I've worked with in the past; it will be a fun way to pass the rest of this miserable winter.

Murray went back to daycare this week, and I thought he would be sad, but I thought wrong. As soon as we walked in, he whipped off his winter clothes, ran up the stairs to hug Lyn, kissed baby Caitlen, and ran off with a quick "bye mama". Turned out I was the one who was sad. He's growing up before our very eyes. Everyday, it's something new. Yesterday, Craig had to volunteer at SAL after work, so we told Murray that daddy had to go back to work. Murray tearfully replied, "No work, Daddy, no work". We all felt terrible, but Murray and I painted to cheer him up. This morning when his sunshine night light came on, we heard a hearty "MORNING!" Honestly, where does he come up with these new words? I just love that he's beginning to put short sentences together. Watching him transform is one of the most amazing, joyous and bittersweet things I've ever witnessed.

I think that's the update; we are just trying to get through winter without going crazy. I've been so forgetful lately - I'm chalking it up to winter dementia. For example, I stocked up on books on Saturday during the Barnes and Noble outing, put them away when I got home and now I have no idea where they are. Our house is tiny, so I just can't figure out where the heck I stashed them! Anyway, I'm off to do some housework, so with a prayer to St. Francis, maybe they'll turn up.

Back at it, at Least, Temporarily

I received a call yesterday from my mother-in-law (she is the the textbook manager at a local college). If you aren't familiar with this time of year, for universities everywhere, it's book rush. Book rush equates to extreme craziness for campus bookstores. Some colleges tend to hire extra help during these periods because students have classes and there just isn't enough full-time staff to cover the chaos. So, at the last minute, the temp that was previously hired backed out and Mary needed help. I worked the fall book rush in 2002 and had a blast, so of course when Mary offered me a two-week gig in the bookstore I was thrilled. Today was my first day. The students are much friendlier than I remember, especially the student workers who are training me in. They don't treat me like a dumb old lady newbie and their knowledge of all things related to the bookstore is amazing! I just love being surrounded by stacks and stacks of books; the colors, the smells, the sound of brand new book spines cracking. Hmmm. . .maybe I should study library science? Anyway, it was very short notice, but it's nice to be out of the house and contributing to the family income again.



The other good news I have is that I must have passed the phone interview because I was called today for an on-site interview. I'm thrilled. They are interviewing four candidates, including myself. If it doesn't work out, I'll know that God has other plans, but I'm still praying.



If you have travel plans this weekend, please make sure you have emergency kits in your cars. When DH traveled a few weeks ago, I asked if I should put together some safety items for his trip. Here's how the conversation went:
Me: Do you want me to pack some candles, matches, a flash light and batteries etc?

Craig: No thanks, I have a blanket in the car and I always stop and get a candy bar when I get gas.

Me: Hysterical laughter.



Does he really think that a blanket and a Hershey bar will save his life? Sheesh. Anyway, on my to-do list this weekend is to assemble a real emergency kit, candy bars and all.



I'm off to start the weekend. More tomorrow. Tomorrow or Sunday we plan to take Murray to open skate (indoor arena), so I will post some pictures. As for the moment, snuggle in; it's only going to get colder!

Blessings,
M