"This Is Our Time"

Well, folks, we lost. But only by three points! I was pretty nervous there for a bit. I think we were down by 15 at one point. But my girls rallied and by the 4th quarter we brought the score up to 23-26. And with two seconds left one of my players threw the ball from half court and. it. hit. the. rim. So close! Now that I've done it once, I feel a little more confident about the whole thing. The team we play this weekend is pretty phenomenal though. We'll see how it goes. I might have a little audience of my own, as if there wasn't enough pressure already!

My date was a success! There will be more (hopefully many more) in the future. Tomorrow we're meeting in the happenin' town of Stroud. Should be a fun little get together. Tons of sightseeing, I'm sure! And on Sunday we'll be seeing Cirque du Soliel here in T-town. Don't know the guy well enough yet to know if this is the kind of thing he likes to do, but it's sweet that he likes me enough to give it a whirl.

Have been waiting for months for our AMC Cinema Classics to show The Goonies. Last night I went to see it with my gal pal Val (aka Spud Bud). I did not know a bigger fan besides myself existed. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Val has the 20th Anniversary commemorative hoodie (and t-shirt!), knows all the good quotes, and has part of a scrapbook devoted to her Goonies tour in Oregon.

The countdown has begun for Christmas break. I have never wanted/needed a break so badly. I just hope it doesn't pass me by at warp speed.

Hoops and eDreams

So it's been a little while. Sorry about that. Just got home from my basketball team's third practice. First game's on Saturday morning. I'm a little on the scared side. I'd apparently bluffed my way through the first two practices fairly well but I think it's safe to say that tonight I freaked them all out with my stupendous ignorance on the subject of basketball. At least parents no longer sit in on the practices. At least there's that. But I don't suppose I can ask them to avoid coming to the game on Saturday. It will be a free for all. May the best team win. Chris, my eCrush, says I just need to yell a lot on the court and all will be well. I'm not so sure this will work...

Speaking of my little eCrush...tomorrow's the big night! Date numero uno. Super excited and nervous. Sure it will only get worse over the course of the next 24 hours. If your mind wanders and you happen to think of me, please send good thoughts and luck my way!

eCrush

My friend Carrie has warned me against this. She's a veteran eHarmonizer (?) and has developed some guidelines. Don't fall in love over emails and phone calls (let's call this "eLove") before you meet the guy. Meet him right away, so if there's no connection or chemistry or spark or whatnot, it's easier to move on to the next prospect. Sounds reasonable enough. eLove can only lead to eRelationships and there's no such thing as eMarriage or eBabies. But I'm eCrushin' kinda hard right now. I told myself I was going to do it all differently this time around. Play the field so to speak. So I'm "communicating" with like seven other people but this guy (Chris is his name. He's a self-proclaimed eFlirt.) is blowing them all out of the water so far...

Wish me eLuck that he'll ask for my phone number soon enough so that we can finally meet before my imagination takes me too much farther.

Two, two, shoot two!

I love the city's library system. Today I checked out Coaching Basketball for Dummies; Coaching Youth Basketball; Coaching Youth Basketball: The Guide for Coaches, Parents and Athletes; The Baffled Parent's Guide to Great Basketball Drills; The Basketball Pass Cut Catch Guide; Modern Memory Keeper; and a James Blunt CD.

"Why the sudden interest in basketball, Courtney?" you're probably asking yourself. Well, let me tell you why. For some reason that is still a mystery to me I agreed to coach one of our sixth grade girls basketball teams. Yep, you heard right. Me. Coaching. Basketball. Interesting indeed. I don't even like basketball. I was surprised I lasted the whole first half at OBU's homecoming game last weekend.

My pal Mel told me not to worry. In sixth grade you don't need to worry about teaching them actual plays and all. Just work on the basics. Dribbling, passing, shooting layups, etc. That's when I opened my mouth and asked, "Layups are the ones where you bounce it off the backboard, right?" That got a round of laughs from my friends. Followed shortly thereafter by a better definition of a layup and a promise to make a road trip of one of our games. Great. Don't worry, I'll keep you posted. Which, by the way, is apparently a basketball word too.

The scrapbooking book was to feel a little girlie. Even though it's been awhile, crafting is something I'm good at. No need to school me on any lingo there. And the CD was because I'd been on the waiting list for it for months! Man, I love our library!

Soap Box

Did you know that if you get stopped by a cop all you have to do is give your name and birthdate? Or anyone's name and birthdate? Yep. I know this because my sister has given MY name and MY birthdate several times to get her out of a pickle. And me right into one. I was stopped for speeding a couple of years ago and the trooper almost didn't let me drive myself home. Nope. He was supposed to take me to jail and have someone else come pick me up. Because my license had been suspended. My what had been what?! He told me it was due to a traffic ticket earlier that year. Nope...not me.

I spent the next few days at the DPS in Jenks, the Tulsa County Courthouse, and the Tulsa Municipal Courts. My sister had been stopped for speeding, told them she didn't have her license, gave them my name and birthdate and I was issued two tickets...one for speeding and one for driving without a license. Which turned into a supsended license when "I" didn't pay it. So I had to request an ID hearing to have my record cleared. When I got there I found out I also had a petty larceny charge on my record. A what?! Yep. "I" had shoplifted at a grocery store. We added that to the docket and I got everything cleared. My sis wasn't really hanging with the fam much in those days but I got a hold of her and told her if it ever happened again I would absolutely press charges.

All that to say I recently found out that I have a seat belt violation on my driving record now. I immediately called my sister (recently in everyone's good graces) and asked her if she knew anything about it. "No way, sis, not this time. I haven't done that in years." Later that day I received a text. She fessed to it but said she had been drunk and didn't remember...her boyfriend reminded her of it. Upon further investigation, I learned that this ticket was actually paid a couple of weeks after the ticket was issued. So she didn't remember getting the ticket or paying it later. Hmmm....interesting. So it's back to the courts for another ID hearing. Unfortunately I cannot transfer any of these things to her record; they can only be dropped from mine. Because this one has been paid and the last ones were erased. Well crap. How is she supposed to learn she can't do stuff like this and get away with it when she does and can?!

Doesn't it seem wrong that all you have to do is know the name and birthdate of someone who has the same color hair and eyes as you? How is that acceptable? A lady I spoke with said that unfortunately this happens a lot with relatives. Grr...

Feeling a little restless this evening. Need to break out some crafting supplies and have at it. Or at least bust out my brand new journal and scrawl details of the past couple of weeks. Or paint my bathroom. Nah, I'll just sit here for a bit and then catch some TV.

Yesterday was pretty monotonous at work (that's actually a GREAT thing considering how Monday went. No principal. No assistant principal. That's right folks, the counselors are next in command! A fight at lunch. A suicide threat. A DHS referral. A catfight on the bus. A handcuffed student. Yes indeedy, a calm Tuesday was a blessing). It picked up quite a bit in the afternoon. I ran over to my voting location and was pleasantly surprised the line was only four deep. I was in and out in minutes. Headed home to change for "Bootcamp."

That's right, I worked out. For the first time in years. My mom and I used to go to the Y a few years ago and we took a class that a lady named Denise led. Lots of cardio and step and random torture devices like weights and bands and poles and balls. We went for months but eventually stopped going. Anyways, I finally gave into my stepdad and agreed to go to the Bootcamp his office provides for its employees and their families. He had said the instructor was named Denise but I thought it was absolutely impossible for her to be THE Denise. I was wrong. And I'm in some kind of pain today. My legs, my arms, my back, my neck, my "core" (apparently that fitness-ese for abs) are all screaming at me. But I was proud of myself for finally going and, for the most part, keeping up with the group. I was red-faced and stinky by the time it was over, but I did it!

Then I had to haul ass home and get ready for a date. Now, I wasn't so into this (second) date so I didn't shower or anything, just smeared on another layer of deodorant and caked on some more makeup. Threw my hair into my standard headband-pouffy-ponytail combo and headed back out. I tried the whole subtle hints thing all night long. He had offered to pick me up but I said I'd meet him at the restaurant. I had also told him I needed to be home by 9:00. I had previously told him that we could postpone this meeting until after he returned from a business trip. We wrapped up dinner pretty quickly and it was still fairly early so we headed to the movies. In separate vehicles. Yes, he offered to drive again. I declined, telling him it made more sense because we'd be right off the highway and he could just hop on and head back home. In the theater I kept my hands clasped in my lap. The only time he got any "action" was when I shielded my eyes from the gore and he was able to grab the hand nearest him and hold onto it for a few minutes. Afterwards I kept the goodbye as quick as possible but he was still able to sneak in a hug and a peck. I thought I was free and clear when he remembered that he had to take a picture of me for his friends. Apparently he has been telling them about me. And apparently my "subtle hints" tactics aren't working. He's really a pretty neat guy who sounds perfect on paper but there's just nothing there. And I feel bad but I can't help it. What to say to him? I'm apparently going to have to use some words. Because he plans on calling me often while he's on his business trip.

Oh little Buttercup, you're a dream come true...

Ah, Buttercup. My sweet little scooter. That hates me. Now I know that it's been four months since I've spent any time with her. And that I had her for less than a month when I stopped spending time with her. But still...she should not be so tempermental yet. My pal Val and I got excited about spending time on our scooters during this abnormally gorgeous November weather. She hopped on White Lightning and headed over to my place. I had drilled new holes in my license plate so it could be displayed properly and had even grabbed a towel to wipe my baby down.

I pulled her out of the garage and tried to start her. Now, I admit that it has been four months to the day since I've ridden and I needed a quick tutorial on how to start her up. We sat there for minutes and she wouldn't turn over. Val made a quick call to scooter maven Sacha and we tried to kickstart her. Still nothing. Buttercup's battery is a little depressed from the lack of attention I guess. Drats! But at least we snapped a few photos (for my eHarmony profile - a whole other post topic) in between laughing our heads off and breaking a sweat trying to crank that kickstart.

Here's a brief visual timeline of my relationship with Buttercup...

Wednesday, June 11 - picking her up to take her home. I didn't know how to drive a scooter, so Valerie drove her back to my place.
Later that afternoon - Valerie gave me a lesson and I was on my way. A natural indeed!
Thursday, June 12 - I found myself thrown off of the scooter and onto the roadside as she careened into a ditch. Maybe not such a natural after all...The scars are still really bad!

I continued to ride for a couple more weeks until I was shaken up by a young kid who was riding his scooter in my neighborhood in early July. He ran a stop sign and hit a moving vehicle. He died on my street corner. My house was the backdrop for the live newsfeed that evening.

November 2 - Well, at least she still looks cute.

Rally!

I have been dealing with a particulary ugly situation involving a boy. And my gal pals have been a fantastic support to me. Each of them has offered great advice with a different perspective. They all, however, agree that I should not give in and talk to the jerk again. This is an excerpt from an email my spud bud Valerie wrote me today:

"DO NOT CAVE AT ALL. Think of him as long gone. No more communication. He does not have good motives. He does not have your best interests at heart. He lies. He cheats. He does not want a commitment. Period."

Yep, that about sums it up. I cut and pasted it into a word document, shrunk it, and taped it to the back of my phone. Just in case I feel the urge to give in and text the loser.

Little Miss M turns three.

My former foster baby turned three years old last Saturday. I was invited to her party and took my nephew and sister along. It was a Hannah Montana/Transformers party theme. Go figure. Complete with Pin the Tail on the Donkey, a balloon pit, and a pinata. Little Miss M was shy at first but then warmed up to me again. She seems pretty happy and healthy. I felt a little weird to be there with her family but I'm grateful they're okay with me coming around. I love this little girl so much!

"I three!"

Too much fun (and sugar) for one day!

I heart Halloween

I don't know what it is about this holiday but I love it! Each year I get more and more into it. I'm not over the top with tombstones in my yard or creepy candy bowls and reach out and grab you or anything like that. I just like the idea that kiddos (and adults) can get dressed up and be someone else for a day. Like this...

And I love to decorate for Halloween. I only pull out my Christmas tree once every two or three years (because who really wants to put it all back up again?) but I can do Halloween every year. Here are a few shots from around my house:

A Long Time Coming

Over a month has lapsed...impressive, I know. Well, it's certainly been a full month. Some highlights: traveled to England, babysat my former foster baby, invited my little sister to move in with me, went to a biker rally, and took in a stray cat.

September 5-9: London, England.

Saturday - Jason and I hit the ground running. Hopped on the double-decker tour bus and learned the skinny on the city. Toured St. Paul's Cathedral and climbed the hundreds of stairs to get the Whispering Gallery and hundreds more to the observation deck around the dome. Travel tip for those of you considering the cathedral...save it for one of your last days abroad. My legs were so sore for the rest of the trip, most of which was on foot! Hit the Tate Modern museum. Warhol, Mondrian, Picasso, Leichenstein, you get the gist. Dinner in Picadilly Circus.

Sunday - National Gallery and Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Gardens, Houses of Parliament (Big Ben!), Tower of London (crown jewels!), Jack the Ripper walking tour. Scrumptious dinner at Wagamama and two different pubs. Monday - British Museum (Rosetta Stone), Notting Hill and Portabello Road Market, the Tate Britain (Ophelia is currently on display in Japan. Of course!), Union Station, Harrold's (shopping heaven) and Harvey Nick's. Spent the evening in Beaconsfield (pronounced "Beckinsfield") with Jason's work colleagues (could have listened to the Brits talk for hours!) at the most delicious Chinese restaurant ever. Could have done without the teeny tiny hotel room and lone twin bed. "Cosy" it was not.

September 12-14: 48 solid hours of toddlerhood. Wowza. I was so glad to see Little Miss M. that Friday evening. By Saturday morning I was ready to turn her over again! She was sweet and she was ornery and she was awful...everything a two-year-old should be. She seems to be doing just fine. Of that I am truly glad.

September 26-28: Bikes, Blues, and Barbecue in Fayetteville, AR. The rally was actually Thursday through Saturday, but I was in the area Friday through Sunday. If anyone would have told me a year ago that I'd soon be on the back of a Harley and attending bike rallies I'm pretty sure I would have laughed out loud. But I think it's so much fun! Maybe because it's so much of a shift from my "real life." I tell you, if my butt didn't hurt so badly after long rides and I hadn't experienced that pesky little scooter "incident" this summer, I might consider having a bike of my own sometime down the road.

September 29: I brought home a cat. A coworker's son found this little kitty in a QT parking lot and didn't have the heart to take off without her. Having considered the possibility of cat ownership for the better part of a year, I decided to give it a whirl. She's sweet and cute and is now named Olive.

Furthermore, my little sister is making some big decisions and we're going to try the whole roommate thing for a while. Hopefully it will give her the financial boost she needs to make her goals a reality. I think it will be okay but I can't shake the memories of chasing after her in Casa Bonita when she used MY quarter on a skeeball machine that went berserk and spat out the longest trail of tickets. I still believe I was the rightful owner of at least half of those tickets!

And no, I still haven't found that snake!

Boo...hissssss!

This morning I woke up, walked into the bathroom, and found a ssssnake curled up on the floor. I promptly cussed, pondered the situation, and went to my bedroom to put on some flip flops. Apparently flip flops are a must before waging war on unwanted house guests. It may come as no surprise that when I returned to the bathroom the snake was nowhere to be found. Twelve hours later I still have no idea where it ended up. Which is pretty freaky. Can it crawl into bed with me? So long as that isn't a possibility, I'll be okay. I am, after all, still wearing my flip flops!

In other news, I attended the BOK Center ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning with my mom and nephew. Apparently Hanson and Garth Brooks were there as well. It's a pretty spectacular facility and I'm looking forward to attending some great concerts there. The best part of today's visit was that all concessions were a dollar each. A dollar! We ended up with hot dogs, cokes, dippin' dots (it's the ice cream of the future, you know), funnel cake, and kettle corn. Yum-O!

My brother headed northeast this morning. He'll be attending seminary in a small town north of Boston for the next couple of years. He's a pretty incredible guy. I know I'm completely biased, but he's incredible nonetheless. I can't wait to see how his life unfolds.

I'll be on my way to London by week's end and I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself! I've checked out tons of books from the library, downloaded a couple of Rick Steve's podcasts, and researched a fair amount online. More importantly, I've shopped my little heart out in hopes of having the perfect British wardrobe. I'm trying to nail down a day-by-day itinerary at this point. My sugar daddy (ha!) says he's okay with anything I want to do and see. His only request has been that we swing by Buckingham Palace. Well, of course! I hope he know's what he's getting himself into! Our three days will be pretty full of art, architecture, history, and pubs!

What a Week!

Rewinding a bit...

Last Wednesday I went to see Dave Matthews in The City with my pal Leslie. It was amazing! The best concert I've been to. Ever. Before it began we listed the songs we wanted to hear. Crash Into Me is a given, of course, and I also mentioned Say Goodbye, Dancing Nancies, and Satellite. They did Dancing Nancies and Crash and threw in a couple of songs from his solo album Some Devil. Which I love. They also did a couple of cover songs. The best renditions of Talking Heads "Burning Down the House" and Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer." It was late and I dreaded the ride home but I didn't want him to stop. Finally got to my car at 11:30 and started the trek home. Again, the best concert. Ever.

Friday night I dropped Little Miss M. off at her mom's for the last time. It was bittersweet. She was so excited to hang out with her mom that she didn't give me quite the good bye I was hoping for. I got a little choked up. Then I hung out with friends and drank some alcohol.

On Saturday I found myself back in The City for another concert. Sheryl Crow. James Blunt opened and he was quite the crowd pleaser. Sheryl put on a great show, but I think I enjoyed the people watching even more. Sometimes I wish I were liberated enough to let loose and dance my heart out. The rest of the time I'm glad I'm laughing at those people instead of the other way around.

Today the kiddos were unleashed on the school. The morning was complete chaos but it all smoothed out by the afternoon and we've already found our groove. One day down, 179 to go...

Aloha-ha

Spent a week in Maui a couple of weeks ago and haven't posted about it yet...

I had the opportunity to visit my cousin who recently moved to Hawaii. She and three of her friends decided to pack up, head out to paradise, and see how things turn out for them before joining the "real world." So I left my version of the real world behind and sought one filled with sun, beaches, luaus, and fire dancers. What I got was an MTV version of the Real World. Can those of you who know me even imagine thirty-something me surrounded by twenty-something sorority girls. Having attended a private, faith-based college myself, an apartment full of underwear and/or bikini-clad females was a bit disorienting. I got used to it, but my body image is still recuperating. Here's the blow by blow...

Thursday ~ You know it's going to be a good trip when your luggage is the FIRST one off the carousel. Picked up a rental car, plugged in Ginger (my stepdad's GPS) and headed to Lahaina, temporary home of my beloved cousin Sarah. Ate at Maui Taco and wandered around Front Street. Crashed early because...

Friday ~ Woke up at 2:15 to hop in the car and head to Haleakala to watch the sunrise atop the dormant volcano. It was a two-hour drive. We got there while it was still dark and it was soooo cold that we decided to stay in the car and sleep for just 30 minutes. When we woke up I thought we had missed it because the sky was turning red. But don't worry, we waited (along with hundreds of other tourists -- including one very loud group of Japanese travelers) for another 50 minutes for the blessed sun to rise. This is probably an inappropriate comment to make, but I was so cold my nipples were in severe pain! The sun finally broke from behind the clouds and it was a truly breathtaking experience...until some man standing on a rock broke out into a Hawaiian song. I wonder if he sings to the sun every day or if we were just lucky (said with sarcasm). He ended his serenade with a strong "Aloha!" We ran back to the car (first ones out!) and made the two-hour trek back. We were hungry and tried to find a quaint local diner but wouldn't you know we had to settle for a Denny's. Yep. I don't even eat at Denny's here on the mainland. Back to Sarah's apartment and then a nap.

Grabbed some snorkel gear (compliments of Snorkel Bob and Sarah's roommate Alex) and ended up snorkeling in Napili. I was hoping to see at least one sea turtle during my trip and was pleased to spot TWO in my first full day! Walked to the harbor to watch the sunset with the girls and had a glass (okay, a plastic cup) of wine. Dinner with the girls at Cool Cat's and early to bed for...

Saturday ~ Wake up call at 6:30. Headed for a camping trip in Hana. Went to the store to pick up hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and 120 cans of beer. Nice. Guess it comes with the territory when you're surrounded by college students. Loaded Rob's truck and headed to Hana. The Road to Hana was amazing. Something like 300 twists and turns against the side of the mountain. Beautiful if not a little nauseating. Scenic turnouts and waterfalls to stop along the way. Didn't stop at any of the fruit stands but really wish I had. We did stop at a gorgeous waterfall and were guided to the trail that led to it where we hopped in the pool beneath it. It was amazing! Loved swimming through the waterfall and looking up at the sky from underneath it. Finally found the campgrounds at Haleakala National Park and pitched our tents on a cliff underneath a big tree. Pretty freakin' fantastic! Found our way to the O'heo Gulch (also called the Seven Sacred Pools) and swam some more. Jumped off a couple of small cliff thingies. Talked and played cards (okay, played drinking games -- college students, remember?) underneath the most beautiful sky of stars and fell asleep listening to waves crash beneath us.

Sunday ~ My car packed up and headed back, stopping at another park to take in the black sand beach and interesting caves. Also trekked to the Twin Falls. Had we known from the onset that it was going to be at least a mile uphill to get to the less-than-amazing waterfall we probably would have skipped it. But there was a rope swing. And I attempted it. And failed. At least there was a drink stand on the way out. Out of the pure sugar can juice I had read about but they had a fantastic pineapple smoothie. Back to Lahaina. Sarah and I ventured south to "Little Beach" for the fire dancing that occurs on Sunday evenings. It was incredible. Not exactly what I expected (big Polynesian men with leis on) but incredible nonetheless. Except for the naked people. Yep. "Little Beach" is for nudies. And one of the fire dancers fit right in. Not quite sure how she managed to lay down in the sand, writhe around a bit, and still feel comfortable to keep on twirlin' her flaming hula hoop.
Monday ~ A fairly lazy day. Sarah and I went to Ka'anapali and jumped off Black Rock. Then we snorkeled...after finally making it back into the ocean. The tide was coming in and/or the surf was breaking hard and we got stuck in the rolling waves and sand and she crashed into me and I ended up having to roll myself out to sea when the waves ebbed back. Shoulda put the flippers on last. Oh well. Hindsight, right? Did get to see more turtles! Lunch at Hula Grill. Needless to say, there was much sand in my bathing suit, my hair, and various crevices of my body. After I showered I took to Front Street in Lahaina and window shopped up a storm. Dinner at BJs with the girls.

Tuesday ~ Sarah had to work so I stayed local. Walked to Baby Beach and enjoyed a much calmer day near the water. Found Kahuna Kebabs tucked into a courtyard (the girls swore it was no longer there) and had lunch. Then took a walking tour of Lahaina. Interesting history. So diverse. After Sarah got home from work we headed to the "Free Hula Show" I'd spotted on a sign outside a mall. It turned out to be a dancing school's weekly recital. Ah well, it was free after all. We went around the corner and ate at Aloha Mixed Plate where I ordered the aloha mixed plate. It was de-lish and my favorite meal thus far. Out on the town for drinks with the girlies. Our last hurrah.

Wednesday ~ Last day in paradise. Finally ate breakfast at the quaint local diner we searched for my first day. Walked around town for a bit (finally mailed out my postcards) and then headed to Airport Beach for more snorkeling. By far the best place to snorkel...lots of different kinds of fish and more sea turtles! A little bummed I never saw a stingray, but the turtles were enough! A little more solo shopping, packing, and revving up for the trip home. Baylee convinced me to leave earlier than I planned because of rush hour. Good thing I listened to her...took me almost an hour to drive five miles or so. Last stop before the airport was Mama's Fish House. Without a doubt, the best meal I have ever eaten. Ever. In my life. The atmosphere was cozy and romantic without making me (dining solo) feel like throwing up. I ordered Monchong (a fish I've never even heard of ) that was pan seared in macadamia nuts with roasted veggies and something else. It was all so good. I dropped $75 for my meal, but I'd do it all over again (and I'm pretty stingy!). It was that good. What a great way to end my week in paradise!

Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back...

I knew it was just a matter of time before I'd start having long stretches between posts. This has been a crazy week. Muy loco! I started back to work and it's been nothing but crankin' out schedules nonstop. We had to have everything done by today so the first set could be printed out.

Also, my car (his name is Geronimo) has been on the fritz as of late. Today was the end of him I think. He's been having trouble turning over and today, after a loud pop and a weird smell, he just gave up. He's sitting in a parking lot 20 miles from my house. We orchestrated a rescue mission of poor stranded me and I made it to the daycare and my foster baby with two minutes to spare!

Speaking of my foster baby, I heard official word today that she's outta here next week. Simply put, I am stunned. For over a year I've been anticipating the day they'd tell me she was being reunified with her mother. They kept telling me it'd be "any week now." When I talked to her caseworker earlier this week and asked if she thought any progress would be made soon it was the FIRST time she ever said, "probably not for another month or two." So of course it makes perfect sense that when I called today to find out how the court date went she informed me that she'd be sending me my five-days notice soon. WTF?! I've been looking forward to my (complete) freedom for months now but now that it's really here, I'm sad and angry. I wish you well, Little Miss M. I hope for all the best in your life.

In other news, I accepted an invitation to travel to London with a friend. Yes, an ex-boyfriend to be precise. But how could I say no to London, baby?! It's the #1 place on my list to visit. And he's going to give me a free ticket?! And provide a place to stay?! Who could pass that up? Not sure of the exact dates, but I'm super excited. Been working on a cram-packed itineray for 48 hours of London living. CAN'T WAIT!!!

Git 'er done!

Talk about a productive weekend! I painted Little Miss M's room and hung a light fixture (well, okay, I rigged a lampshade to dangle from the existing light) in there, too. I finally bought and attached covers to four light switches around the house. I ordered the most fabulous herringbone wallpaper for my bathroom (I'll paint the upper half black...can't wait!). And then I finally tackled the project I've always wanted to do but wasn't sure how it'd turn out. Decided it was time to bite the bullet and see what would happen. I freehanded the zebra stripes in my hallway and then began painting them chocolate brown yesterday. Whaddya think?

I think I should break up with boys who think I lack initiative to finish projects more often! Talk about a kick in the pants!

"Here ya go, Coco"

On our way back home late last night my two-year-old foster daughter called out to me, "Here ya go, Coco." Not wanting to turn around while my eyes were on the road, I extended my hand back to her to receive whatever gift she had for me. "What is it?" I asked. Expecting a hair tie or a cheerio or even a dead bug, I was a bit confused when she responded with, "It my owie." What?! Sure enough, she had handed me her scab from a blister on her foot. Eeewww!

One door closes...

At first glance this looks like merely a closed door. But it is oh-so-much more than that. Well, not really. But the fact that I can now close this door is what is so spectacular. Let me back up...I own a darling 90-year-old bungalow. Her name is Loraine and I love her. Like any 90-year-old woman, her exterior is a little weathered and in need of a makeover, but on the inside she is full of warmth and character.

Well, the first two years I owned this house the bathroom door opened and closed as it should. My mom loves this house even more than I do. So when I took a job that forced me to move to another town my mom decided that she would renovate sweet little Loraine and I could sell the new and improved version. Part of her overhaul was to replace the flooring in the bathroom. Which required the removal of the toilet. And the addition of subflooring (which wasn't lined up perfectly with all the pipes and holes). After much frustration trying to get the toilet reinstalled, the best they could do was place it and inch or so further from the wall than it had been. They discovered afterwards that they couldn't shut the door. But by then they'd had enough and really couldn't care less. At point in time we knew I was returning to town and didn't plan on selling Loraine after all. The door wasn't that big of an issue with me because at the time I lived alone and, in the event of company, the nearby hallway door could be closed for privacy. Which worked out perfectly, save one incident involving my sweet nephew, my good friend Mindy, and a small Christmas get together. I'll let her share the details.

But after three years of dealing with it I decided it was finally time to do the deed. My mom came over this week and we tackled the project together. Phase one: turn off water supply. Not as easy as I would have thought. Had to borrow a neighbor man to do that. Phase two: remove toilet. Easy-peasy! Except for the water left in the bowl (splish splash!) and what was left of that nasty wax ring. So gross! Thought we'd have to stuff a rag in the opening but not necessary. Phase three: remove tiling and chisel away at the subflooring near the main pipe (or hole or whatever). No hay problema. Rock on, Rosie! Phase four: purchase new wax ring and anchoring screws (one had slipped down beneath the floor and into the crawl space below the house). Here's where things got a little tricky...we were nasty sweaty and had wax goo and lord knows what else from the bottom of the toilet all over our hands. And the water was off! I had already soaped up my hands at this point. What was one to do? Remember the splish splash still in the toilet bowl? Yeah, I'm not proud, but I did what I had to do! Phase five: reinstall toilet. We practiced I don't know how many times to make sure we placed it just right. Every time we had the screws perfectly placed. So mom stuck the wax ring on the bottom of the toilet and we hoisted it up once more and then lost one of the screws. In the depths of my crawl space below the flooring. Took my mom forever to find it. Back up she came and we tried again. Took like four or five times! And lots of sweat. And cursing. But now it's done and my bathroom door finally closes! And maybe sometime soon my friend Mindy will visit me again.