I am fortunate enough to have four nephews and one niece, all of whom are special and awesome in their own ways.  This story is regarding the second eldest, my sister's son, Eli and it must be noted that Eli is an exceptionally bright, witty and compassionate kid.   Although I don't play favorites within my own family, had I had a kid like this in ( Read more... )

My entire life seems to have been put on hold.  A loved one has been in the hospital for almost three weeks now and each day I wake up anxious, because each day there is no telling how she'll be doing.  Her blood test results are going up and down, as are her pain levels and liver function and everything else.  I've been doing all that I can to ( Read more... )

I've been doing nothing but writing this past week.  I've managed about 22 pages in five days, which is really not that bad for someone who has a toddler and takes care of two households.  However, it appears that my daughter has inherited my insomia, because last night she stayed up until eleven o'clock - when her bedtime is usually 8:30 or 9:00 ( Read more... )

Generally and perhaps ethically speaking, I despise shows such as America's Got Talent.  However, several months ago I was bored and browsing youtube and I watched many clips of last year's episodes.  I think that the reactions of the judges (which are, I admit, very amusing) caused me to decide to watch this season of America's Got Talent.  ( Read more... )

Liselle is really beginning to be a bit of a drag.  Although Mona and Cal maintain that, because Liselle founded the book club, she ought to be allowed to remain in it.  However, it has become painfully clear to me that she possesses no leadership skills whatsoever, even for a podunk little book club.  Tonight Mona and I were in the ladies room, ( Read more... )

Too much has gone on the past week or two.  I'm completely wasted.  I mean figuratively, and referring to emotions.  I almost wish I were literally wasted, referring to substances, but I've left those sorts of things alone for so long now that I don't think it would really be a great idea to reunite with them ( Read more... )

Today I learned that a girl I used to hang out with in high school passed away from cancer ( Read more... )

I guess I just had one of those days.  I woke up after only three hours of sleep, not really expecting to get up with the baby because it wasn't my day.  I was nice, though, and allowed my husband to be the one to sleep in.  I felt okay, even though I was tired.  I was relatively cheerful.  But the moment I attempted to take my shower this morning ( Read more... )

Today I ran all around creation to find a kazoo.
Late last night, while fiddling around with the mandolin (which is not to be confused with mandoling around with the fiddle) I realized that what I really needed, to complement the instrument, was a kazoo.  It was mandatory.  Mandolintory, that is.  I went first to Guitar Center and bought a capo for ( Read more... )

Today I learned how to play the mandolin ( Read more... )