Apparently, I am "un-teachable"

Or at least according to Man-Child who told me last night that I am (and I quote!) "the most un-teachable person he's ever met!"

How did this statement come about you ask?  Well, let me tell you.  It all started as he was trying to teach me Algebra.

Yes, you read that right.

And why was he trying to teach me Algebra (the one who is known to go into a catatonic state whenever a math problem presents itself)?

It all began back before Christmas........

Remember when I asked for all your vibes and prayers because Hubby had applied for a new job?  Well, let me tell you - the road has been bumpy to say the least.  It's been at least 5 weeks.  He still hasn't heard anything tangible from them - but has been asked to submit an application twice - in two different formats. 

Then, last night we received an email around 8:00 pm inviting him to take a "New Candidate Assessment."

Fine.  We sat down to do so  - with me at the keyboard reading the questions and recording the answers that Hubby provided.  Man-Child joined in just to add to the hilarity.  Apparently, we know Hubby better than he knows himself.  It was actually very funny.  Hubby would answer one way; Man-Child's eyes and mine would meet across the table and then burst out laughing.

The first part of the "Assessment" seemed to be a personality test.  Hubby participated willingly.  We laughed, we joked.  A good time was had by all.  But after about 45 minutes; Hubby was done.  He left the table telling me "Since you know me so well; you finish it."

So there I am - happily answering all the questions as if I were Hubby (because by now he is snoring contentedly on the couch and because I desperately want to get him out of the toxic environment where he is currently employed) - when I come to the next part of the "Assessment."  Which turns out to be ALGEBRA (basic algebra according to Man-Child - looked like gibberish to me - but algebra nonetheless!).  Now I ask you (although you really don't know) how does this apply to the particular job that Hubby is applying for?  It doesn't!  In any way, shape or form.

So I call Man-Child in - because seriously?  Out of the three of us he is the math genius (I think it may have something to do with him being right-handed and us being left... hey! it's the only explanation I can come up with....).  Anyway, he figures that if he is having to do math during his down time - then he should explain it to me.  Immediately I get that glazed look.  He tries to explain it in even more dumbed-down terms. 

I begin to bang my head on the table.

Finally, in totally exasperation (and with total derision) as he is dismissing me; he informs me that I am the most "un-teachable" person he's ever met.  As I was gladly running walking away he then throws in - that if I can't even do multiplication tables then I should be hiding away somewhere writing novels (of course all this is said with love, as well as exasperation).  To which I responded, "this is what I've been saying for years!"  The little snot love; always the one to try and get the last word in responded: "PROCASTINATOR!"

Me, also being one to always try and get the last word (I guess he comes by it honestly) informed him that I haven't been procastinating but the I have been too busy raising him!

So the upshot of this is that it was a "family project" to get the Assessment done.  And that Man-Child of mine?  He will probably make a good lawyer some day. 

As for Hubby?  Still no response.  I'm beginning to think these people are just screwing with us.  Although in my opinion - if you finish the damn "Assessment" you should automatically be offered the job - because really?  3 hours!????


*****

By the way; for those who expressed interest - Under The Dome is still fascinating and holding my attention.  Almost half-way through!

It's gonna be a short week! And other ramble-y bits that you must wade through first....

These past few work days have been busy ones.  Yes, I know prior to Christmas (and waaaayyy before that too) I was complaining of being bored; but since I returned a huge (albeit majorly BORING) project was dropped on my lap.  While I was clever enough to figure out a way to make our processes and technology work for me (thus reducing the size of this huge, yet extraordinarily boring, project by about 3/4 of the time - yes I am proud of myself for that) it still necessitates that I spend most of my day on it.

What does this mean to you?  This means that I don't often get the opportunity to catch up with you during work hours (which *technically* I probably shouldn't be doing anyway....but still....).  Which means that when I get home from work I have to fight for my computer time with Man-Child crying homework (which totally means Facebook - do I look stupid?) and Hubby - who has recently discovered the Internet (which begets statements like "Oooooo - honey?  Did you know I could order crawfish to be delivered in dry ice from Louisiana???"  Ewwwww!  NO!  You cannot do that! is usually my response.). 

And this, in turn means, that I usually only have a small window of time in which to peruse your blogs, make comments (hmmmm - maybe this is why I'm such a bad commenter - lack of time?  Sounds good to me) and possibly even craft a posting of my own.

But tonight?  So far I've had the house to myself for an entire hour (but I expect them to come barreling in any minute now)!  So I've been able to check you all out (still at a break-neck pace; habit I suppose) and actually sit down to begin a post (that may or may not end up with point.  But really?  Does any of my posts ever have a point?  Emmmm, I'm gonna go with "no" on that one) but I can't get my mind focused.

I had one all started and ready to go - typed a good portion of it.  Re-read it and went "ehh-who cares?" and hit delete.  I'm still in kind of a dry spell  - I guess between the frozen toes and the actual use of the old brain at work I've depleted any kind of cognitive thought.  But I figure, if I just keep at it; and keep typing eventually something good will come out of it (either that or you'll all wander off in total disgust...).

And it has just dawned on me (and the fact that I haven't even mentioned this to you before) that this will be a short week for me.  A very good friend of mine and I are headed out for a girl's weekend in Charleston, SC!  I'm so excited.  I've known Ms. C for about 19 years now (how the hell is that possible?) and in that time we've never done anything like this (for the past several years she's been a homebody by choice and then because she had no choice).  I think she is finally realizing that she needs to get out and spend some time with her friends (actually delving into this further might make a decent post....somebody remind me of that tomorrow.....) so she suggested the trip and I jumped on it.  It will be so much fun.  I've never been to Charleston but have always wanted to go especially as it is only 4 (maybe 5? Depends on whose driving I suppose - which it will be me; so definitely 4!) hours from here. (just hope it warms up significantly before we get there.....)  

So I will mostly be incommunicado from Friday till Sunday evening as I will only have my Blackberry (hence no posts and limited ability to comment - why can I not comment on some of your blogs from this device but others it's not a problem?)  Hopefully once I get back I will have lots and lots of pictures and stories to share.  Luckily this friend is a lot more stable and mature than my other friend Ms. S who came to see me over the summer and brings out the wild child in me.....did I not tell you that story?  Hmmmm, maybe it's a story best left untold......

UPDATE:  Holy hell y'all!  It's been almost two hours by myself with the computer.  I'm going crazy over here!!!!  And it's a good thing I came back to tell you this pointless information since I forgot to title my post again!!!!!

Still not feeling it - but here goes anyway

I've decided to just blog - something is bound to come out if I just keep typing .... right? 

Anyway, today I'm going to tell you that I bought this with a gift card from Christmas:

Can I tell you?  I haven't been this excited about a book in a while.  I love to read.  But lately?  Haven't come across anything that made me look forward to finding a few minutes (or God willing! a few hours!) to sit and read.

I am a loooooong time Stephen King fan.  And this one?  So far is not disappointing. But it's HUGE.  A whopping 1074 pages long (that includes the author's note).  The problem with a book this big?  Too many characters (I keep getting them confused).  Luckily, dear Stephen is killing off characters right and left - so maybe by the end I'll only have a few to keep straight.

Also (as Man-Child has pointed out on many occasions) I read too fast and don't savor the books (yes, that is a quote from my child - how many teens do you know that would put it that way?  Hmmmm; maybe he is my child after all.....).  This is true; which leads to me missing out on some key things.   It also ensures that (usually) after I've moved on to another book - I kind of completely forget about what I've just read.  Hmmmm; pretty much means I don't have a future in a book-club....because, seriously?  There would be no way I could possibly discuss what I've read (particularly if I've read something else after reading the appointed book - which I totally would - I know me too well.).

There have been many discussions that have gone kinda like this: 

Friend:  "have you read xyz?"

Me:  "no, what's it about?"

Friend: "It's about this man who everyone thinks killed his wife; but then it turns out that she went undercover to save her marriage, the nation and the world."

Me:  "WOW!  That sounds great!  Can I borrow it?"  and then I get home and open the book excitedly, only to realize after reading the first page - that I read this book last month!!!

But usually, I will forge ahead and read it anyway; mainly because I have to have something to read and because I've forgotten the ending (which is understandable since I've read approximately 6-10 books in the interim).

But this book may have the ability to stick with me for a while (kinda like Precious did - which totally, totally killed me; almost no way I can see the movie now - too devastating).  I've only just begun (am only on page 287) but so far I can heartily recommend it; if you've the fortitude to face 1074 pages and many, many characters.

Have got to give Stephen kudos - I can kinda get how he gets is ideas.  But to put them into some kind of order; create characters, a plot, sub-plots and come up with a gigantic book?  And to make it into the kind of book that I can't wait to get back to?  That rocks.  Big time.

Other than that - it's still cold (yes, I know that some of you are much, much, much colder - but come on - cut me some slack!  Here in the South we aren't used to this kind of weather on a daily, much less weekly!, basis!) but good news!  The weatherman (if he can be believed) informed me that on Wednesday we could be looking at highs in the 50's!!  Whoo-hooo!  Maybe I'll be able to feel my toes again.....

Wrap up for the week.....(kinda)

Yes, I've been fairly quiet this week.

Why (you all ask with bated breath)?

I've truly had nothing to say (shocker .... I know!)

Not too terribly much to complain about (which is my forte`....) except for the cold (the freaking COLD which will NOT go away!!! As I type this I am sitting here in long johns with sweats over them and wrapped in a blanket and this is INSIDE the house - this is because I live with men who are constantly hot and do not understand how I could possibly be so cold!) and who wants to hear about that (especially those that are in much colder climates; as it seems many of you are?)

Not too terribly much to brag about (except for that fabulous pair of purple suede boots that I totally scored on......sorry, no picture - simply because I'm feeling lazy!)

Can't tell you how much I've accomplished in the area of projects - because absolutely nothing has been accomplished (except for adding more to the damn list.....).

So what else is there?  Hmmmm, not to much else to chat about.

I could talk about the friend whose child needs to come live with me for a few weeks (to straighten his little "entitled" butt out).  Or about another friend and her marriage (I love her and her husband - BUT he should fall to his knees every night and thank GOD that he's not married to someone like me....).  Or about the office politics ('cause really?  Grow up folks!).  But really?  Am just not feeling it.  Every night about this time I come up with a subject that could be slightly interesting to you; but I just can't get it to work (and believe me - I've tried!).

I so don't want you to say to yourself - "ehh, she has nothing to say - I think I'll move on."  Cause really?  I have plenty to say.  Just not right now.

But in the meantime; I have been reading your blogs though (what an industrious group you are!!) (and yes, I know I am not good at comments - am working on that!!!  Promise!) and have noticed that some of you seem to having a hard time right now (know that I'm thinking of you all daily!!!), some of you are just going through the daily grind (thinking of you too) and for some of you things are going well (you too are in my thoughts).

I think maybe all this cold has frozen my brain.  Really!  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Technology either really, really sucks or....it's really, really awesome! But never at the same time!

As you all know from my ranting yesterday - I couldn't get my printer to "like" my new computer.  I spent at least two hours on it before I finally gave up in total frustration (i.e. - this means I had to walk away - because I couldn't afford to throw this new computer out the window.....)

So - after work - with renewed determination I sat down to wrestle with it again.

Again.  It didn't work.  I mean honestly?!?  Hooking up a computer and a printer (in the normal world) is so easy a technologically-inept Hubby could do it!  I was completely baffled.  Yes, I realize that Windows 7 is a bit "picky" - but still!  This is not rocket science!

So finally, I visited Lexmark's support website.  Have any of you ever participated in a Live Chat session?  Very cool.  Especially when the tech support actually seems to know what she is talking about...

But you know what was even cooler?

After asking my permission - my tech support person "took over" my computer remotely.  Do you have any idea how awesome (yet freaky) it is to watch your cursor do things while you aren't touching the computer?  To watch windows open, options being selected, etc.?  It was totally wild (and a little disturbing....I figure Stephen King could use this as an idea for his next book....think he'll give me the credit and maybe some royalties?)

I watched everything she did.  Guess what?  I had done the exact same things (at least 7 times already!) - but, of course, for her it worked perfectly (making me look like a total dummy....)  But whatever - at least the printer is working now.  YAY!  That means more blog-time for me!

It's the little things in life people. 

First day back to work.....is it Friday yet??

It's been odd.  We all went back to our regular routines - except we were all a little late because we had gotten used to being ..... shall we say, for lack of a better term ..... lazy! 
Yes, getting out of the house was a small problem this morning.  and if the truth be told....Man-Child wasn't the hold up.  It was ME!  Sssh!  Don't tell!!

The first day back was pretty much what I expected.  The catching up.  The emails! (oh my hell!  The emails!!!)  The paperwork that piled up. 

It was fairly busy.  I barely even had time to check in on you guys!  Didn't even have time to comment (but since I'm already a bad commenter -  you probably didn't even notice... but if - by some miracle you did....I'm sorry!!)

I mentioned to a few co-workers that I had seriously contemplated calling in sick today.  This comment was met with (and I quote!) "That would have necessitated a drive out to your house - to assess the situation and make sure you were really sick."  Oh, thanks guys!  I'm sure that would have been done out of love (and not jealousy that I had the nerve to do so...).

So the first day back is over.  Yay!  That means tomorrow should be easier.....right???? (Damn well better be.  This returning to work needs to be EASED into.....)

In other news....

Thank you so much for all for your comments on yesterday's post.  Sometimes I need to be reminded that I'm not alone on the "teenage train." (especially as most of my "real-life" friends (read "not my blog-buds!) only have small ones (and have no IDEA of what they are in for!:: insert wicked laugh here::  They have no idea!)).

Man-Child and I have "kissed and made up" but I think he is more aware of just how fragile his mom can be....(yeah, that mom - the one who can be a real hard-ass....she still has feelings you know....)  he's been extra sweet these past couple of days.....

New computer and I are bonding.  But there are issues.  I have spent approximately 2 hours this evening trying to connect the printer.  NOT HAPPENING!!!  At this point, I'm seriously ready to chuck this completely fine printer and buy a new one - just to avoid the aggravation.

This cold weather we are having?  Ummmm - it needs to go!  I'm tired of being cold!  Period.  Mother-Nature?  Get with the program here!  I live in the South!  That means I should not be constantly cold for any length of time!!  Do something about it already!! 

Other than that - not too much to say (lol - who am I kidding?  I have plenty to say - even if it's just a bunch of nothing.....).  Hope your week is great!!!

Is it Friday yet???


P.S. - Gayle (and others...)?  I've responded to a few of your comments via email - I need to know ('cause I'm nosy that way)...are you receiving them?  If not, I need to know so I can figure that out.....

It's definitely time!

Maybe we've just had too much time in each other's company.  Maybe we are totally sick of spending every, single hour of the day together.  Maybe it's time to go back to work/school.

Last night Man-Child said something extremely ugly to me.  (I wrote about it - but deleted it.  I wrote in the heat of the moment....those of you on Twitter - kinda know about it as I vented long and loud)  I know he didn't mean for me to hear it.  But I did. 

And I reacted; immediately.  Let him know in no uncertain terms how unacceptable it was and that I would not tolerate being spoken to in such a manner; EVER!  By anyone!

Then, immediately went somewhere private (so I thought) and proceeded to cry my eyeballs out.

Why did I cry??

I assume it was a medley of things.  But the main thing was that it just astounded me that he could say something so nasty.  About ME!  His mother!!  The one who gave birth to him.  The one who loved him even when he wouldn't sleep as a baby!  The one who would gladly lay down her life for him!  How dare he?!

Yes, I realize he's a teen.  I remember exactly what it was like to be a teen (despite what he thinks; I really do!).  'Cause seriously? As teens - how many of us said ugly things to/about our parents as teens - in a whisper?  But honestly?  He's lucky he walked away with all his teeth intact - it's a miracle that I didn't completely go crazy on him.

I really didn't want him to see me cry.  Truly. 

But he did.  He found me sobbing uncontrollably.

And, if the truth be told, I think that - more than anything else (including the conversation he had with his father!!) made him realize just how much power he has to wound me with just words. 

Hubby informed me today of the conversation they'd had - and informed me that it would never happen again.

But I know, deep in my heart - after seeing his face when he found me crying - that it will never happen again - even without the "chat." 

Luckily, my boy is one with a conscience.  He has empathy (always has - even as a little guy).  And to find me sobbing (so soon after going off on him) crushed him. 

For that I'm sorry.  Of course, I don't want him crushed.

BUT - if it makes him realize that words can truly wound - so be it.

Life - it's a continual lesson isn't it?  For him - that words can hurt someone - deeply and that he needs to respect others; particularly his mother.  For me - maybe I shouldn't take his disdain so personally - 'cause he is just a teen and he's supposed to rebel?  But really - that will be a hard lesson for me.  Because how can I not take it personally??

Yup, it's time.  We need to go back to our routines.  But.....are you sure I can't call in sick tomorrow...... 

Just a couple of things I've realized (okay - remembered or learned)

In the past two weeks that I've been off - I've remembered/realized and/or learned a few things.

1.  A lot of the time - I like to be alone to do my own thing.  I have really become accustomed to not having someone else take up my time (a direct result of living with two boys!  If you have guys - they bond and you are kinda left to your own; until the younger one needs you so that he can legally drive.....)

2.  I'm impatient.  Very, very impatient.

3.  I am loving the whole iPod thing.

4.  Am not so much loving Apple as they make things complicated.  but bite me Apple - I think I've figured you out!  You haven't met me - I will NOT take your challenge lying down!  I WILL conquer you (and I think I have - can you see my sly smile from there?)

5.  I really don't care for the "ear bud" things.  They make my ears itch and the ones provided with the iPod are apparently made for people with really large "ear holes."

6.  The ear buds that actually fit?  They cost a lot more and are not made by Apple - so you have to wonder....are you getting the same sound quality....

7.  But....with the iPod actually stuck inside your ears - you are hearing things that you normally wouldn't hear - Man-Child?  Watch out - that means Mom will be a bit stricter about what you are listening to....

8.  Retailers really, really pulled back this year.  Have been searching for a car-dock (for said iPod and a few other things) and have discovered that there is NOTHING left on the shelves.

9. Have realized that even as much as I like my job (and love my boss) - am not ready to go back to work.  I need more time to finish my projects.....and some alone time.....

10.  Am looking forward to having a routine again (yes, totally contradicts #9 - what can I say?  That's me.  Full of contradictions!) - it makes me feel semi-sane.

11.  Laundry.  Still hate it.  Still have several loads to complete. 

::sigh::  nothing changes.

Semi-finished closet pictures and Apple irritates me beyond belief!

UPDATE:  Okay really??  What is it with me and titles?  This time I totally forgot to even put one up!!  :sigh::  And really?  Why am I admiting it?  You probably haven't even figured that out yet.  Oh - and the pictures don't do justice to the reality!  And - by the way - apparently, I'm not done whining yet.

Okay - finally!  Pictures of the closet (that is sooooo not finished!)

The new paint job (imagine once the shelves are up!)

How I am currently storing my pretties.

Definitely need a better system....

The new closet (and definitely need to sort out the clothes....)

From a different angle (still needing to sort the clothes)

Am definitely loving the new closet!  Once those shelves are up - I'll be very, very happy.  And now that the stripes are in?  Hubby definitely won't be trying to re-take the closet.

****************

On another note - (APPLE??? ARE YOU LISTENING?) I'm NOT happy with Apple.

Man-Child received a new iPod from Santa.  As a result, I received his old iPod.  I was able to separate the libraries (so I don't have to listen to the "crap" he listens to and vice versa).  BUT, am having an extremely hard time keeping the libraries separate.  Have been able to find (and back up!) his library.  But mine has disappeared!  Apple?  You are supposed to be a "computer giant" and the "god" of MP3's.  So what the hell is up here?  2 iPod's; one computer....why is it sooooo complicated?  I will deal with you tomorrow!

So this is what 2010 looks like

Good morning all and Happy New Year.

The festivities of the past month are over - it's time to get back to routines.  I'm a sucker for routines; they make my life easier - a bit predictable; but easier (kinda like all those lists...).

So what can you expect from me in 2010?

To my friends on Twitter - I'm a disappointment; I know.  I don't tweet much.  I just don't "get" it.  Usually when I have something to say - it involves a lot more than 149 characters.  So don't expect a change in that department; sorry.  I'd much rather fire off an email so that I can get everything said in one round.  I do read what you tweet though - if that's any consolation.

To my friends on Facebook (who don't read this so why am I bothering?) - I'm a huge disappointment in this area as well.  It's another thing I just don't get.  Constant status updates, playing games and exchanging "gifts"?  Not gonna happen - another thing that won't be changing in the new year.

And you know how I said I don't do resolutions?  I don't.  I refuse to "resolve" to do anything - but the beginning of a new year always fills me with excitement of a clean slate.  And I will do a bit of pondering to attempt to figure out what I want out of this year.  I can't write them down - we all know why.  As I am ::ahem:: maturing I am realizing that there are things I want to do and I need to begin to realize some of those dreams - no matter how big or small.

This month will bring my 19th wedding anniversary - this fact amazes me in so many ways.  How has it been 19 years already?

This year will bring Man-Child's official driver's license. (He is getting better (he has yet to actually run into anything and we are both still alive!) - he just gets tense about traffic - must get that from his dad - who really gets tense when there is any kind of traffic).

This year will also usher in Man-Child's junior year in high school; which means that there is only two more years until he's off to college!  Again - how has this happened?  It was only yesterday that he began kindergarten....

I expect that this year will have plenty of highs and lows (hopefully more highs), lots of love, some sorrows and surely a lot of laughter. 

And I expect that I will be sharing all that comes along with you!  It's gonna be AWESOME!

Happy New Year my friends!