Happy New Year my friends!

Yes, the new year is upon us in approximately 4 hours. 

I've been perusing all your blogs and you guys are amazing.  I've read reflections of the past year.  I've read resolutions for the year to come.

And then you came here....no reflections.  No resolutions.

I could go that route.  But it might be a tad big boring.  The look back?  Ehh.  The only big news - we moved into this house .... but upon further reflection I realize - that's not true.  We moved in 2008.....  Hmmmm; not much else.  Oh wait!  I started blogging and have met you all! 

Resolutions?  Oh my stars - I've pretty much given up on those; because as we all know; once I start a list it goes on forever and tends to be overly ambitious (quit snickering!) ......which pretty much guarantees failure in resolutions because you can only realistically hope to accomplish one or two.

BUT I have realized why I've been so grouchy of late (I know you are cheering - thinking optimistically that this means I won't be so whiny).  

I've realized that none of the projects I wanted to accomplish are making any headway - whether due to a lack of cash or lack of Hubby's assistance (though not his fault as he's been working!) and the prospect of going back to work looms (wherein I won't have the time to worry about my projects!).

I'm the kind of girl who wants it done and wants it done NOW!  Yeah - patience?  Not my forte.

So today I ventured out to our local Home Depot; bought some paint and proceeded to paint that wall in the closet.  So now, whenever it happens - the shelves can go directly up.  And in the meantime I get to enjoy the splash of color every morning.

I have always liked the look of painted stripes; so this is what I attempted.  And can I tell you that this was probably the first and only of my paint projects that did not end up with me totally covered in paint?  I didn't even get any in my hair!  A New Year's Miracle, I tell you!  It also ended up looking almost exactly like I envisioned - bonus!  I'd show you pictures; but first I have to go find the camera's software - download it - transfer the pictures, etc.  (ehhh, the downside to having a new computer?  You  can't just plug in your camera and expect it to do what it's always done!) so you'll just have to wait.

I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year's Eve.  Tomorrow we begin the journey that is 2010.  I'm so glad to be heading into the New Year with you all!  I have high expectations (I know, I know - quit laughing - I can't help it!) for the New Year!!!  It'll be great!

and hopefully some of my projects will get accomplished ......

Okay folks - a reason not to whine!

UPDATE:  I noticed this morning that I left out four small but important words out of the title.  It should have read: Okay folks - a reason for me not to whine!

Because otherwise, it reads like I am saying You are whiners.  You are not.  But I seem to have been whining a lot lately.  Sorry for the confusion this may have caused.  Thank you.

Note to self: okay dummy; when you proof-read - it would help if you proofed the title as well..... 


Dear, dear Melissa must have read between the lines and realized that I needed some love today.

Bless her, she has awarded me this very lovely award - which is sooooo totally me right now (one big Haute Mess.).

This vacation (and kicking the meds - which Wilderness Chic's post reminded me of the after effects) must be getting to me.  That and; being home with Man-Child daily and my over-achieving to-do list (yes, folks - I know I'm crazy - I truly don't need reminding!).

I'm thinking I need to go back to work SOON!

As much as I love being off - I like being off on my own terms.  Back when M-C was still able to go to day-care....those days off were great!  I followed my own agenda without anyone else's needs or wants.  I need to re-adjust my mind set I suppose. 

Today, I got the rest of the decorations taken down - all by myself.  Except for the house lights.  And I won't even go into where my disposition went after that realization (except for the fact that maybe we won't EVEN HAVE CHRISTMAS next year.  Just sayin'....but check back next year - 'cause yeah...I know how I am....)

So, anyway without further ado, let's award this thing (all of you are worthy - if you want it claim it - please do so.  I love you all but am only supposed to mention a few) but I'm thinking some of these ladies need some love:

Bare Naked Mummy (can I say?  I love her!!!)

Chic Mama (too awesome for words - really  I've known her almost from the beginning!)

Brighton Mum - Teenage Angst (we are sooooo  in the same place right now!!)

Enjoy ladies!!!

By the way, stole Man-Child's old iPod since he got a new one.  Oh. My. Hell!!!  It's almost like being a teenager again (remember - with the Walkman?)!!!!  I've been "jammin" all afternoon!  Have I dated myself????  But do you know how nice it is too zone out completely?  Being able to block out whatever "they" are doing while you do your own thing?  This may be my saving grace (and I've only got 32 songs on it so far....)!

Much love to y'all!  Tomorrow will be AWESOME!

Venting, venting, a little bit more venting and then the good stuff?

Okay, I get it.  In this house I am the "tech support" - even when I don't know what I'm doing.

Usually, I'm fine with it.

But sometimes?  I get tired of hearing, "Mooooommmmmm - the computer, my iPod, the dvd player, etc. is doing xyz!"  Or, "Honey?  How do you do this in email, Word, fix the clocks, etc."

Usually, I enjoy the challenge of figuring out the problem. 

But today?  It seems like all I have done is deal with electronics.  (Logically, I know I haven't - but it sure feels that way).  This is the normal feeling after Christmas I suppose - since Santa (read ME) always feels the need to buy electronics for the guys.  New iPod?  Mom'll set it up.  New camcorder? Gigi'll set it up.  Robot?  Mom'll take care of it (okay - this one was a while back-but still!).

Seriously?  Am I the only person who knows how to read directions in this house?  I'm truly beginning to think so.

If there is something that must be put together (whether it's my project or not) I get pulled into it to make sure that a certain someone (read: HUBBY) follows the proper steps to complete the project/object - otherwise?  We've had to take stuff apart and start all over; seriously.

Okay - done venting.

Today my mission has been the closet (because yes, I'm obsessive about certain things - and as hubby so eloquently pointed out on more than one occasion - once I set my sights on something...I'm like a pit bull - which may explain why I usually enjoy the challenge that their tech questions pose).  After much analysis (which involved a rather lot of math - so be proud-because we all know that I suck at math!  So much so that dear Hubby actually bought me a calculator for Christmas!!!  Yeah - I'd be upset but he more than made up for it with his other presents) I've determined that my best bet may be wire shelving.  Not the prettiest stuff - but it's fairly cheap, it holds more shoes than a standard shelf and once I remove, cut and repurpose some shelving that I already have (which brings to mind - builders?  Really??  You need to have women on your team to tell you when you are doing something dumb design-wise!  Because some of the stuff you do?  Really?  It makes no sense.  And then the wife has to come behind you and fix stuff.....) - cuts the total cost more than half.  So with that issue settled...I can now begin the actual project - it may actually get accomplished before I go back to work (hmmmmm-that kinda sounds like wishful thinking!  Okay maybe a portion of it can be accomplished).

I did get a good portion of Christmas decorations down this morning - but you know what?  A naked Christmas tree is very sad.  So tomorrow morning - it comes down.  Because that sad, bare tree?  I can't look at it anymore.  But I will miss the lights along the mantels and bannister.  I think I may keep them in the ficus tree for a while though - just a touch of magic.  Of course, I had to call Hubby at work and ask where he hid the stockings (because as usual, while picking up - he hid them - but, bless him, he was picking up - so no big complaint) so that I could put them away properly in order to find them again next year - because we have been known to lose things because they weren't put away properly - not that I'm assigning blame (okay - yes I am!  Because he - nor Man-Child for that matter! - ever put stuff where it belongs!).

Hmmmm - maybe there was more venting in this post than I first thought.....

Let's end it on a good note then! 

It was a good day!  The sun was shining and I've figured out the closet issue!  The stockings were found, most of the electronics figured out and the majority of the decorations are down!  Yay!

All in a day in the life of Gigi.....

Update on computer and other ramble-y stuff

Thank you all for your comments - I knew you would get just how traumatic it was - and you did!


And thank you Kathryn, for checking in to see how my new relationship is going (and, btw - what is a Cloudy?  I must have missed the exlanation).
As for the new relationship - it's slow going.  It sure is shiny and pretty though.

The keyboard is completely different.  I was going to post last night - but after somehow deleting my post twice, I gave up.  It may have had something to do with the extra glass (or two) of wine . . . but I don't think so, since I just accidently deleted the previous sentence - and have not consumed more than my fair share of wine (which may change if it keeps deleting stuff!).  If I recall - it was going to be AWESOME.  It's gone now though - so you are stuck with this one.

When we upgraded the computer - we also upgraded to Windows 7.  Yeah - it's all shiny and pretty too - but am still figuring some of it out.  You know how normally you have that special "undo" button for when you do something stupid - like deleting your entire post?  Well, apparently Microsoft decided that it would be hilarious to hide that button.  Yeah - very funny Microsoft.  I have just found it though - so maybe we won't have those issues anymore.

Well in other news - the closet switch has been made.  Poor Hubby.  He just walked into his closet; looked around; shook his head and said, "I just don't understand...."  He looked like a little kid whose candy cane had just fell into the dirt.  It was actually funny.  The man cannot stand change (hmmm - then maybe marrying me wasn't the best idea.....)

I would post pictures - but it's not "finished" yet.  I want to put up shelves for my pretties (read: shoes).  So until I can come up with the extra cash (because hello? I just spent a bunch on a new 'puter and Christmas) it will have to wait.  BUT, in the meantime I think I'd like to pick a color and paint the area that will be behind the shelves.....maybe a red - or a shocking pink.  I'll have to think about it.

But in the switch I discovered that apparently, I have my own hoarding tendencies (and no! My shoes do NOT qualify as hoarding - they are very necessary!).  Apparently, I own 6 white tank tops - five of which are not only exactly alike - but are also the same brand.  Ditto with the 5 black tank tops.  Admittedly, I do adore tank tops for the summer and under jackets and sweaters in the winter - but seriously?  And since I'm confessing - I might as well admit that I also tend to stockpile papertowels and toilet paper.  But seriously?  That does not compare in the least to Hubby's hoarding tendencies - which would go way beyond pasta and tomatoes, if I let him!

I spent the day with a very good friend today.  I took her to a movie and lunch for her birthday.  I think she was just excited to get out of the house without kids (she has two tiny ones).  We saw "It's Complicated."  Do you know - this is probably the first "girl" movie I've seen in over a year (yeah - that's what happens when you live with boys and all your girlfriends have small children)!!!  I loved it.  It is very funny!  We have determined that we must do that more often.

Anyhow - from all your posts it looks as if you all had a great Christmas!  And here we are - staring 2010 down.  I think (hope) that it will be a very good year!!!  Hopefully one without any computer mishaps.....

Today could easily be summed up with "Are you F*#%ing Kidding Me?"

Yep - you read that right.  It has been a rough day.

It started out innocuous enough.  I was even plotting a post in my head.  I had finally begun the process of switching closets with Hubby.  The look on his face when he realized I was serious was priceless.  Wish I had a picture.  He and Man-Child are one in the same as they both hate change with a passion - so this seemingly minor blip in our household has caused a lot of trauma already.

So there I was happily moving stuff between the closets and picturing how happy I'd be in my new little kingdom.  Then Man-Child came to me and informed me the he broke the computer.

At first, I was sure he was joking.  Because surely, surely after the incident just one month ago(!!!!) there couldn't have been another; right?

No.  It was serious.  He'd dropped the damn thing AGAIN!  Well, to be more accurate, he tripped over the cord and it fell to the floor.  Where it died immediately upon impact.

I realize that accidents happen - it's almost happened to me on a couple of occasions, so I didn't get too terribly upset.  I figured that a quick trip to the computer doctor and all would be well.

After my last experience with a certain computer doctor, I decided to hit Best Buy.  Ummmmm, not the best idea on the day after Christmas.  The place was packed beyond belief.  I stood in line for about 15 minutes - not too bad - I really felt sorry for those that were in the return line - I'm convinced that line was hours long.

Upon reaching the head of the line and explaining my predicament the cute, young kid behind the counter (who is really far to young to be making these kinds of diagnosis) informed me that it was gone.  I almost cried.

Then I thought - what the hell does he know?  He's just a child!!  So I took my beloved in for a second opinion.  Alas....the second opinion concurred.  I seriously cried.  Because really????  How can I survive without my laptop?  How can I google stuff?  How can I do my banking?  What about shopping?  What about CONNECTING WITH YOU GUYS?????  It was seriously, seriously traumatic.

When I arrived home, Hubby (fabulous man that he is) just told me to go get a new one.  Damn the expense (right on top of Christmas, thank you very much).  I love that man, he is utterly amazing.

So back to Best Buy I went.  Which was when the bad day took a turn for the worse.  Apparently, they only had four people working in the computer department.  There were approximately 100 people milling around the department looking for help.  I finally started a line for help.  Yes, I'm nothing if not organized - that and (mainly) I was not about to let someone who just walked in get help before me; after I'd been there for over an hour!

Eventually, two hours later I walked out with a new laptop.  It's pretty.  It's cool.  But I miss my baby.  Yes, eventually this laptop and I will have a close relationship; but at the moment - my heart aches for the one that I knew so well.

As for Man-Child, you ask?  Yes, he is still alive - just barely.  I'm thinking that he may need to contribute to the cost of this new one though; maybe - just maybe - that may rehabilitate him.

Christmas is officially over!! :-(

Everyone is all snug in their beds (except possibly Man-Child - who is making movements ahead!).  What does that mean - that the excitement is over.  The gifts have been opened; the food has been eaten.  It's time now for that quiet reflection - what will 2010 possibly bring (only fabulous things - of this I am positive!)?

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!  Ours was great; if rather quiet (which was fine by me!).

Man-Child actually rose before 10:00 am!  A Christmas miracle in itself! 

We opened gifts.  We oooohed and aaaahed!  Everyone was pleased.

We went to church (well, most of us - Hubby is feeling ill so we let him stay home) - enjoyed a wonderful service.  Came home to the wonderful feast that Hubby had prepared (despite his feeling ill).  Shared it with friends.  Enjoyed the glee that only a toddler can have over a cartoon. ('cause really? The sound of a small one cackling over a cartoon is probably the funniest thing I've heard in a long time!)  And now?

It's over.  That special feeling that only Christmas can evoke.  We can only try to replicate it throughout the year.  But ..... despite our greatest efforts ..... it's just not the same - although our hearts might be in the right place.

At any rate, I hope you've all enjoyed your Christmas!  And (as I do, am) looking forward to a very bright new year!!!  It will be great!  And sharing it with you all - well, that means even more than I can possibly say!

It's Christmas!!! (almost....why doesn't somebody remind me to put a title on my posts??....)

We are this close to Christmas!  Can you feel the excitement??

Although, I don't have a little one anymore - it's still fun.  I keep telling him to go to bed so that Santa can visit - he keeps snorting at me (wth?).  He needs to go to bed so that Santa can visit and I can go to bed!

What can I say?  It's been a long day! 

So far, I've spackled a wall (first time - whooo-hooo!  Did a pretty  good job if I say so myself!), baked two cakes (which both can be difficult - but it was a Christmas miracle, they both turned out great!), been pooped on by a very little guy (thank you very much - had totally forgotten that little joy!), tried to explain to an over-excited 7-8 year old that he must calm down and be a good role model to the two year old that was following him around (that wasn't so successful), scanned the computer for potential issues as it's been very slow and making me cranky; fixed the vacuum cleaner and otherwise been a very good mom trying to finish all those last minute items.  :Whew: 

I have a feeling I will be ready to go back to work before long .....

Tonight we spent with friends - tomorrow we will spend more time with friends - it will be lovely.  As we are relatively family-less here - we try to spend the holidays with other family-less folks.  It usually works out very well.  And is, no surprise, less stressful than dealing with actual family (come on - admit it!  Even if your family isn't as insane as mine; they can still be stressful!  The expectations are endless and God-forbid if you don't conform!).  So, I'll take our family-less holidays and enjoy every minute.

But before I forget - I wanted to take a moment to thank you all.  I've only been blogging for about 4 months now - but I have made some unbelievable friends!  You guys are truly awesome and I am truly blessed for having met each and every one of you.  I wish you all a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and I am so looking forward to spending the new year getting to know you all a little better!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Finally!  It's Christmas Eve!  The day that we've all been waiting for is here!

So enjoy your family, your friends, the food & the drink - be merry (but safe!)

Take time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and look forward to the coming year!

Merry Christmas, y'all!!

Gigi's tiiiiiiiirrrrrreeeeddddddd......

Paraphrased from the words of my very favorite toddler, "Gigi's tiiiiiiirrrrrredddd!."  (he actually said, Jjjjjooooooe!  Cccccrrrrrrrying!!!) (Tooo funny - he couldn't tell me why he was crying; only that he was!).

Not counting the past weekend; I've only been off work for four days.  In those four days I have crammed far too much stuff and am now wiped out!

BUT - I am done shopping!!!! (wait, did I just put exclamation points after that sentence?  ME?  The one who loves to shop?)  I am done wrapping (except for that one last gift.....which will be done in the morning).  Cooking?  Not my gig - so I don't have to worry about it.  Although I do need to come up with two desserts.....I'll think about it tomorrow (a'la Scarlett!).  House - fairly clean since I've been home since last Thursday (which brings me to this point - why the hell am I busting my butt to have a clean home when "they" come in and destroy it right behind me!?  And it's not like they are little ones either!!!)  (I'm beginning to think I would be better off living alone....)  Laundry - was caught up until Hubby came home and put clothes into that empty basket (does he not realize what satisfaction I receive from looking at that empty basket?  Again - must totally re-think that living alone option.....)

But with all that being done - my list continues to grow! How is that?  I cross three items off the list and five more appear!  Apparently completing one item leads to doing something else (removing that lower shelf from hubby's closet [which will soon be mine?]  Means that it should probably be placed in the pantry for more storage for his damn pasta .... and that the wall now needs to be patched.....see how it multiplies?  It never ends.....)

It's only 8:00 pm and Gigi's tired and ready for bed!  But before I can head off - I have to check that list and make sure it's ready for tomorrow....::sigh::

(although I complain - I actually love it!  Why?  Because I am actually getting things accomplished - which gives me much satisfaction!  Crossing those items (and even adding the others) gives me a sense of order - yes, I'm weird....I know; I really don't need you to point it out - I have two guys who do that without compunction; thank you!).

Now I simply must introduce our newest "friends" (yes, I've been lax - but hey!!!  I've been busy!! ).  These are the folks that have seen fit to join in on this random journey - go and say hi! when you have a moment or two.  I have and they are fabulous!

Gayle
Auntie Gwen
Make Do Mum
Kelly

Welcome! Welcome!  I'm only a little bit crazy - promise (ignore what the peanut gallery has to say - they aren't that trustworthy!)  (Okay - they really are - but love me anyway??? )

I've got a list (or two, or three, or more - don't judge!).....

Okay, before we get to the actual post - I simply must get this off my chest.  PEOPLE - IT IS ILLEGAL TO BLOCK INTERSECTIONS!  It causes gridlock and angry people (most notably, ME!).  This has become my biggest pet peeve.  And yes, I have become that crazed lady who will yell at you if you make this infraction.  So STOP IT!!!!!  ::breathe in; breathe out; breathe in; breathe out - and relax::

Ahem.... so anyway.....

So I'm a list maker - as you might recall.  I have made a list of things (okay projects) that I want to complete before I head back to ::shudder:: work on the 4th.

Today - I tackled the pantry.  I realize that the kitchen is Hubby's baliwick and try to stay out BUT he is a complete pack-rat and such a closet slob (that means he hides his slobbiness - rather than reveling in it out loud) that I can't help it.  When I walk into the pantry and I start to get hives from the mess I know it is time for me to intervene (or read: my OCD kicked in to overdrive!).  (it also didn't help that when we moved in things just kinda got thrown in everywhere with no rhyme or reason).

So I waded in this morning.  It took me most of the morning - but I think I have created a semblence of calm out of the chaos.

But seriously???  The things I found?  Particularly in the pasta family?  I will re-count for you (because yes, after a bit I began to make notes!) - but keep in mind - we are a family of THREE!

8 boxes of Rigatoni
4 boxes of Penne
2 boxes of Jumbo Shells
1 box of Ziti
1 box of Manicotti
1 box of Lasagna
2 bags of tortellini
2 boxes of Gemilli
1 box of elbow macaroni
1 box of Risotto
9 boxes of thin spaghetti (and this is after I consolidated at least three open boxes!)
1 box of Angel Hair
3 bags of rice (open - all the same type)
2 EMPTY pickle jars (WTH?)

Don't believe me?  I have proof!!!  At least regarding the pasta - see?

That's a LOT of pasta people!!!!

When Hubby was questioned about the absurd amount of pasta that is in our pantry (because - remember - there is only three of us!!!) - he informed me that he buys it when it's on sale and that it doesn't go bad. 

Hmmmmmm.  Really?  Cause I can use the same argument when it comes to shoes.........

He also informed me that we are basically ready for any natural disaster (like we'll be wanting to chow down on pasta in the midst of a disaster!).

So that's one item knocked off a list....what to conquer next??

UPDATE:  I just found two more boxes of Penne in the garage!!!  Is there a support group for men who are addicted to buying pasta??