Lisa DeFlamingos

Super Laundry Mom is Ready for Action!!

2012-03-17T06:25:00.000-04:00

My Drier is hooked up!!

There are a few things that excite me more than having my laundry station set up. When I'm having a bad day and feel like I've accomplished nothing, I can easily do a load of laundry! Its kind of like my composting bin, which I need to get still. See, no matter what is going on, no matter how badly I'm feeling, or how stressed out I am, with my compost bin I'm always busy. I have friends on Facebook who describe all the good things they are cooking their family. What wondrous things they are making for their family. How busy they are doing special things with their special children. Me? With my compost bin I'm always doing something. If I have a day where I cant seem to get my butt out of my chair, and someone asks me "Well, what are YOU doing?" I get to answer "Making dirt." But, until I get my compost bin I'll have to just carry my butt down stairs and do a load of laundry. There are only three of us here, you wouldn't think there would be THAT much laundry, but there is. And now I'm doing it in style!!! As I said yesterday, my Daddy hooked up my DRIER!!!!

Ok, so the first picture isn't of the drier my Dad hooked up. That is the clothesline that Pitman put up for me when he got home from work! I love hanging laundry on the line. Pitman and the kids don't feel the same. It is a sensory thing for Rob & Cassie. Something about crunchy clothes not being comfortable. But they deal 4 months out of the year because it makes me happy. It might be because of my upbringing. My Mom always hung out clothes, so its something I think good Mom's do. And I want to be a good mom. So, without further ado, here is my new washer and drier:

My New Washer and Drier

Aren't they beautiful? Let the "OOoos" and "AAAhhhhs" begin. Please note, that at 6am on a Saturday morning, there is a load in each appliance, and they are running!! See? They don't call me Super Laundry Mom for nothing!!!!

It Must Be Some Sort of Record.....

2012-03-16T08:48:00.000-04:00

The Cutest Cape Cod in the World!

One week ago, as I write this, I was finishing the packing up of the rental house in Liverpool. It seems like months, but it was only a week. Today my Dad, Fran, will be hooking up my new drier. I will be doing a bit of running around this morning and then working on organizing my basement. Organizing my basement? Shouldn't that be the LAST of my moving in duties? Why, yes, you are correct. First is the kitchen, second is the living areas, and lastly the bedroom. After all living quarters are done, then the secondary areas. I put Pitman in charge of the garage. AND, because I am DONE will all the living areas, I will be starting the basement today!!! If I know me, and I'm pretty sure I do, I will have it done today. So that will be me, completely moved in, in less than a weeks time!! See? It must be a record!!

I wont fool you, its not up to my specifications yet. I need to pick up a few shelving units and I still need to hang my pictures. But we must already be moved in if its time for Cassie to clean her room already. Yeah, it needs some attention. Speaking of Cassie, we finally got her into a school!!! Cassie will be attending Clary Middle School, where the boys and girls are completely separated and they wear uniforms!! So Cassie and I need to go shopping so she is ready for Monday. I can't wait for Monday. I love that girl, but I need a break! What am I going to do this summer?

My Cute Parents!

So I must cut this short so I can get my running around done and be home when my Mommy & Daddy come to help me out again. Aren't they the best? I think so!!! And they are cute, too. Oh, and if you don't see a blog tomorrow, call the National Guard..... the basement is a bit scary!!!

My Life is One Continuous Game Show

2012-03-15T06:44:00.000-04:00

First of all, I'd like to once again thank my family, friends and fraternity brothers for helping us move into the cutest Cape Cod in the world!! We couldn't have done it with out you all. You are truly the best!!!

So, I realized this morning that I am living a game show nightmare. Its kind of like the movie "Ground Hog's Day", except there is no Bill Murray.... and Bill finally got it right and got to move on. It is apparent I will not have the luxury of getting out of this hell. Just in the past week, I should have had enough correct answers to win the big money, but no. I'm still going. There are the Cassie questions like "Whats the difference between a washer and a drier?" (one washes and the other dries) and "Where are the scissors?" (on the counter. "Which one?" The one in the kitchen, where we keep our counters.) Then there are the Pitman questions like "Who is that actress, and where have I seen her before?" and "Who sings this song? The Beatles? No. It doesn't sound like the Beatles, are you sure?" Yes, Pitman, I'm certain that the Beatles sang "Come Together". After all these years,and correct answers to silly questions, the man still doubts me.

Moving has really increased the amount of questions I need to answer. I feel like I have entered the speed round. "Where are the curtain rods for the bedroom?" (in the bedroom) "What about the rods for the bathroom?" (in the bathroom). I handle most of these with the grace, dignity, and sarcasm that only a Mother can have. Until this morning. See, Pitman's alarm is set for 5:something a-freakin-m. I don't know the exact time, I don't want to know, and I really don't care. He shuts it off and proceeds to the shower. He wakes me up sometime after he's back in the bedroom and dressed, at which time I stagger towards the coffee. But not this morning. The Speed Round continued the moment the alarm went off.

"Where's Marley?", he asks, waking me up moments after I fell back to sleep after being rudely awakened by the alarm clock. I ignored him. I guess I missed answering that question, which is good. If I could have coherently spoken, the answer would have been "If he were up your ass, you'd know it." Yes, I'm a bit grumpy until coffee time. After much noise, he found the puppy and put him back in bed with me. I'm certain I was back to sleep before he got out of the shower. But then he comes back in the bedroom, more lost Marley talk, followed by a bunch of "get in here"'s. I'm certain that Cassie will be waking up in a moment. But I ignore him and pretend to sleep through it, seething on my pillow. Then the next question, "Where is the change jug?" I open my mouth to give the response above, about the puppy and Pitman's butt, but instead give the correct answer "Next to your freakin' bedside table, where its always been". I do my best to keep things the same, even though its a new house. His response? "Oh, cool!!", and I go back to feigning sleep. Then the final question, the one that I dread hearing, because it means he's dressed and ready to go downstairs. "So, you ready to make the bed?" No, actually, I'm not. The bed is fine just the way it is, with me in it. But, I get up, make the bed, potty, and stagger to my coffee. I really need to keep things on my bedside table to peg at people who talk to me while I'm pretending to sleep.

All in all, I'm certain I will not be permitted to leave my game show anytime in the near future. Maybe I hope I wont, because then I'll probably be dead. See, I think St. Peter's job isn't to screen entry applicants to Heaven, but to say "Thank you for playing!!! We have some lovely parting consolation gifts!!" as he opens the Pearly Gates.

K... so I lied.

2012-03-09T06:30:00.000-05:00

I wasn't going to blog today, but decided why not? I'm a fast blogger! Besides, my people demand updates!!! So, here's a news flash. Pitman has earned his yellow belt AND got his new black karate gee!!! Isn't he handsome? BUT, because he was so excited to get the black gee, he had to wear it right away. No, there is no flag, AND it wasn't previously washed. So, he had to come home and shower because his new gee turned his body black. And that bothered him, too. Is the man ever happy? hehehe So, first order of business when we move is to sew the flag onto his gee. I will be washing it before we move, as I'm not sure how long it will take to get my new washer and drier.

Robert & his Yellow Belt!

So, yesterday I packed up my bathroom, bedroom, office, kitchen & Living room. This morning I will do Cassie's bedroom and bathroom. I'm actually afraid of these two rooms. Why? Its Cassie. 'Nuff said. After that, I really dont know. Pitman is getting us phone & tv set up this morning, then goes to get the truck around 1. My Mommy is coming to hang with Cassie while we go to the closing at 3:30. Now, I know there are lots of people who might take advantage of a situation where they can get away from the kids for a while, but I'm not one of them. So, when my mother asked me if I was going to get Cassie before we head to the new house to put paper down (to save the floor from the movers), my sarcastic talents came out in full force. I replied, "no, see, I figured we go to the new house with a take out lobster dinner, roll out the paper, christen the house, take a nap, and then come back to the house and relieve you of Cassie duty. We should be back about 7. You dont mind, right?" Actually, I've had people do ridiculous things, extending the time I have to watch their kids. Most of the time I dont mind, I just want them to be up front about it. But I know my Mom, and I wouldn't do that to her!

Ok. So its time to get off and get busy. I honestly dont think I will be back until I get internet service at the new house..... but you never can tell. McDonalds has free WiFi, after all... and so do most libraries!! Until then, keep it sarcastic. People might be irritated, but its a lot of fun for us!!

STAND BY......

2012-03-08T07:18:00.000-05:00

I have found it necessary to put my blog on hiatus for a little bit. See.... WE ARE CLOSING ON THE HOUSE!!!! As of 3:30pm, Friday, March 9, 2012, we will be home owners once again!! So, I have to finish packing up the house and move it 11 miles south. With that comes the change of phone, internet and tv. I will be losing my FIOS, but I'm ok with that. I just dont know how long I'll be off line. Yeah, I know, I can blog via my SmartPhone, but I hate typing on my smart phone, so I don't see THAT happening!!!

The New Home of the Pitman Richards Family!

Don't worry, this isn't good bye...... I will be back. That's no threat, that's a promise!!!! So, until then, be strong!!

NT vs ASD - Marriage Wars

2012-03-07T06:45:00.000-05:00

So, as everyone should know by now, my Robert is Autistic. We found out about 6 months ago that he isn't the self-absorbed bastard I thought he was. This has been a wonderful boost to our marriage. Knowing that he has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) really clarify's WHY he's a self-absorbed bastard and makes it easier to deal with and implement some "Behavior Modification". So that is Cassie and Rob who are ASD, and I am what is considered NT, which is NeuroTypical. That means I am normal. hehehehehe Yeah, RIGHT! Cassie and Rob have their own little club and make sure I know I'm not in it. On occasion, they let me join in, though. I think its so my feelings wont be hurt. Most of the time, though, its literally a NT vs ASD war zone around here. It can be frustrating and overwhelming. But I don't like that part of it, so I just laugh it off most of the time. I used to win my battles with Robert by saying "Whatever" and walking away. I now say "Your Autism is showing".... and walk away.

You also should know we are buying a house and are waiting for the closing date, which they believe will be on Friday. This allows us to move into our new house on Saturday. This leaves me 2 1/2 days to go to Kingston to get the money to close and to finish packing up the house. Oh, and all the other things that comes with moving like getting electric, phone, tv, truck, etc. So we are on crunch time, baby!!!

You probably also must remember we all recently had the stomach crud. Yes, all of this is important to remind and explain to you before I get to the point. Just bear with me. So, when Pitman had the bug, he missed "testing for his yellow belt" in Karate. He was so mad and upset because he didn't want to be stuck with a white belt for another month. (Yes, this is my husband, not my 9 y/o son) So I called his Sensei and explained, and they said he could test this week. And since Robert has decided to continue, he has also earned a black gee to replace his white gee, that he got 6 months ago. OOPS!! I forgot to mention Jim. Jim is a guy in Rob's class that started about the same time and is about the same age. Jim got his black uniform first, and also earned his yellow belt while Pitman was home, in bed, whining and moaning about being all white. So, Robert is expecting to get his yellow belt and his black gee tomorrow at karate. I'm not sure, but somehow that slipped his mind while scheduling the week

So, we have everything scheduled out. Today (Wednesday) we will go to Kingston and get the funds, then I will pack all day on Thursday and finish up on Friday. We will close on Friday and move on Saturday. So then he hits me with it. One question that, a year ago, would have landed him in divorce court. But, since I now know his mind works differently, and I have a tool box of skills to handle every situation, we can remain married. "Honey? Can I ask you a question?" Ok. This tells me that he knows the answer will be no, but its important enough to him to at least try. So I say "yeah." He hesitates and goes on with "If I were to stop into the Dojo and pick up my new black uniform tomorrow (Wednesday), could you wash it and sew on the patches so I can wear it on Thursday night?" I just look at him, mainly because I can't believe he just asked that. So, he goes on, digging his hole deeper by adding "Or did you already pack all your needles and thread and thimble?" Ok, so he remembers it has to be hand sewed and its not easy work, and I'm still staring. I must not be shooting the daggers I'm feeling because he's still standing and waiting for a response.

"So, let me see if I understand what you are asking me. You want me to finish packing up the whole house, make all the calls, and take a few hours out to wash and sew patches on your new gee so you look good on Thursday night? " He agrees. "I am now walking away so I do not kick you in the shin." I decided to let him have the last word, ignoring him as he says "So is that a no?"

And another thought provoking Facebook Share....

2012-03-05T12:03:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting around waiting for a closing date. Well, you need to understand when I say I'm sitting around the house, I mean I'm SITTING AROUND the house!!! HAHAHAHAHA old joke, but not what I was going to say. I putter. I get up, go to the kitchen, pick something up and put it away, and while I'm putting that away, I find something there to do and end up in another part of the house doing something else. I guess its the housekeeping version of ADD. But that's how I roll!! (Ooops, I forgot I was never allowed to say that again. Sorry, Kids) Then I come back to the computer, check emails, Facebook, pop some bubbles (Bubble Witch Saga.... if you don't know what I'm talking about, don't look into it. If you know what I'm talking about, send me a life). I just finished cleaning the cat box, erased 2 emails, and went to Facebook. That's when I saw it. Today's Blog.

Very good question. Yes, this runs parallel to yesterday's blog. But its written and dated today, so its a new blog. With a new blog comes new insights. I had to ask myself if my excuses were more important than my dreams. That's a tricky question. See, I have LOTS of excuses. I'm actually very good at excuses. I'd never come up with something so lame as "My dog ate my dream". Lets be serious. I've had plenty of dogs. Some ate shoes, some ate CDs, some ate my sandwich. Roscoe has done all these things. When he was a puppy we had a strip of metal that we let him chew on... and he put dents in it. But never EVER has one ate a dream. Unless it was a dream of an Oreo, because Roscoe has eaten my cookies, too. My excuses are more along the lines of anxiety. gas (intestinal), child care, Rob's a jerk, and financial. But mostly all of those are lies. I lie to myself quite a bit, and only lie to my friends and family when I'm too scared to do something. So, excuses are plenty. But are they more important than my dreams?

Knee jerk reaction would be to say "NO!" But then I thought about the question and realized what the real problem was. I have no dreams. I'm not sure I ever really have had a "dream". I give my self goals, and meet them most times, but not really a dream. So, as soon as I move into my new home, my first "goal" will be to find a "dream" so I can answer the question I've posed today. I need to know, how ever good or lame my excuses are, are they more important than that dream?

I need to go pee in the woods.

2012-03-04T07:57:00.000-05:00

Hope & I at BOW in 2008.
see? not real photogenic.

Hi, my name is Lisa and I'm a Facebook addict. Oh, you knew that already? Great. So this morning I see one of those inspirational pictures, and I knew I had to blog about it. But first, let me tell you about BOW. BOW stands for "Becoming an Outdoors Woman". Its run by the DEC in NYS, and they are in most states. It is a program that takes women into the woods and teaches them stuff they want to learn, from hunting & fishing to hiking and kayaking. A few years ago, my sister and I went for the weekend and had a great time. We also had quite the bonding experience and a few life realizations. The one that sticks with me is the conversation we had about things that hold us back. See, people will go for a week long hike or kayak trip. It sounds like fun, but where do you potty? Well, you have to go in the woods. I have never pottied anywhere but a bathroom, and I wont use Porta-Potties (unless I'm really drunk and then I hold my breath and block out the experience). And that's when it happened. "You know, Big Sister", Hope says to me. "That's pretty much our problem. We are held back from so much because we wont pee in the woods." Damn. The airhead of the family has thoughts that run REAL deep. But she's right. And that's my problem and brings us to the picture I saw on Facebook this morning.

I am lazy. I sit around doing nothing far too often. I don't shop, I don't hobby, and I sure as hell do not pee in the woods. Since she has peed in the woods, my Baby Sister (who you can follow at http://seriouslyhope.blogspot.com/) has dropped a ton of weight, quit smoking, and has run in plenty of 5 & 10k runs. She's got HUGE goals and is making her way to each and every one of them. She's freakin' amazing!!! She is definitely my hero and inspiration. But what do I do? I sit at my computer and watch her. <sigh> Then I see that picture on Facebook this morning and realize I am the problem. I am the only one who can change anything. But where to start? Damn. I am going to have to go pee in the woods.

Pretty vs Photogenic

2012-03-03T10:06:00.000-05:00

Ok, I want to get something straight. I am pretty. No, really, I am!! If you see me on a day where I get nicely dressed and do something with my hair, maybe apply a little make up, sometimes I'm down-right beautiful!! Unfortunately there is no proof of this fact. See, I am what you call Un-Photogenic. There are many of us in the world. Its an often unspoken about phenomenon. Hell, taboo subjects like divorce, teen pregnancy, and mental illness in the 50's was open season for dinner talk compared to the hushness of the inability to look decent in a photograph. My poor mother!! How many times, when she was trying to find me a husband, did she have to say "Don't let the picture fool you, she's very pretty!!!" I'm certain she also have me the kiss of death of "And she's got a GREAT personality!!" Why am I so certain? Because I do have a killer personality. <grin>

So, why do I think I have a photo-deficit disorder? Well, lets look at the facts. People take pictures of themselves with their cell phones and they come out beautiful. I do and you get:

People take candid shots of people doing stupid things, and they look, well, beautiful. When people take shots of me doing something stupid you get a picture of me looking stupid, doing something stupid, like this:

And when people take pictures of themselves with their loved ones, they look like pretty people with their equally beautiful kids, except me. The proof is in the pudding, or rather in the pictures, like these.

So, there you have it. What it all boils down to is this is NOT what I see in the mirror in the morning. It is NOT what I feel when I'm doing any of the things pictured. So, I've decided I'm going to get some professional pictures done. I also know who's going to do it. After all the house hunting I've done, I've decided I'm getting a realtor to take my photos. I mean, really! Have you ever seen how they make the worst dumps look like the best houses every seen? THAT is who I want taking my picture!

And then there were three.....

2012-03-02T08:08:00.000-05:00

Its official. Everyone in the household has come down with the bug. After a whole hour of sleep, I got woken up to "MOOOOOOOoooooommmmmm!!!!!!!! Then I got yelled at because she hollered for me 3 times before I came. Oh, I'm sorry Cassie, but there are these things called SLEEP and MY BED which sometimes causes me not to jump at the first sound. Speaking of my bed, I hope Pitman enjoyed it while I was up with Cassie. Around 1am I took my pillow, my nap blanket and my dog and laid down on the couch. I got to stay that way until 4am for round 2. But she's cute. She keeps apologizing for waking me up. She doesn't need to, especially since she made it to the bathroom each and every time, and I had no disgusting messes to clean up!! That makes the lack of sleep 100% worth it!!!

Cassie, before 'The Crud", putting her faith in her mask and Lysol.
They were no match for the germs circulating in this house.

What I dont understand is how she has the energy to bop around this morning. She's running a fever of 99.8 and is still 100% Cassie. It took me 2 days to be able to walk around, and it'll probably take Pitman longer. Cassie? "Oh, my tummy still hurts, but I'm fine now!" I am so waiting to hear her start to complain that the Lysol didn't work. I'm expecting her to throw it away and tell me we have to write the company and complain.

So, now that the worst is over, and everyone is on the mend, there is just one thing going on in the minds of all of us. WHEN THE HELL DO WE GET TO MOVE?!?!?!!?

Ahhhh... the true meaning of luxury...

2012-03-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

I like to read. When given the opportunity, and a book of decent substance, I can sit all day and do nothing else. I've even been known to give up Facebook, stupid computer games, and chatting with my Mom all in the name of a good book. Yeah, I know. I sometimes come off superficial and kind of ditzy. As a matter of fact, when mentioning something about a Robin Cook book I just finished, a guy I was "seeing" looked at me in amazement and said "You READ?!?!?" <sigh> ANYWAYS.... many years ago I read this book, I think it was kind of like a weird mystery surrounding the death of the Lady of the House, with lots of flash backs. I wish I could remember the name, or even more details. The one thing that sticks out to me is that the maid (who hated the woman) had to hand wash the "lady's" sheets and hang them to dry outside, daily, and remake the bed with fresh, line dried sheets. Even in the middle of the winter when they actually did this freeze-dry thing. I always said that would be me if I was ever rich enough to be eccentric! There is nothing better in this world than clean, line-dried sheets. I'm so looking forward to my new house because I'll get a clothesline and the first thing I'll do is wash & hang my sheets.

Yes, there is a point. See, I was sick, so I washed my sheets yesterday. Pitman helped me make the bed with the clean sheets and I was so looking forward to getting into bed last night. "la la la Popping bubbles! Thinking about bed time!! Clean sheets!!" I was singing in my head like that all day!! And, OH!!! When I finally got in there. mmmmmmm so lovely. Then it happened. Robert got the bug. So he's in the bathroom, doing his thing, and I'm laying in bed, thinking that its not as wonderful as it was a few minutes ago. He decides to sleep in his chair (that there isn't room for in the living room) and I'm thinking if he's sick, Cassie wont be far behind. She was showing signs of it before bed. So, off I go to the couch.

Do you know how much noise this house makes? The battery operated analog clocks sing "tick-tick, tick-tock" for every second. The cats are very loud, and ever sound they make causes Marley to start. I know this because he is on the couch with me. Actually, ON me, as is Roscoe. And the only thing I could think of all night was my nice, freshly washed sheets laying on my bed that NOBODY is enjoying. Now THAT is just a sin against nature.

On the Mend Musings...

2012-02-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

Sven. <sigh>

So, first of all I'd like to thank everyone for their many get well wishes. I'm over run with warm fuzzies, flower, cards, etc. My favorite get well gift from someone who will remain anonymous would be Sven. When a woman is so sick she can't move and can only nap, dreaming Mr. Clean will come to her house to take care of her while her mommy makes her chicken soup, Sven is a nice addition. But it got me to thinking. Is it easier for someone like Sven, who has stomach muscles, to puke up his intestines than say, well, me, who THOUGHT she had a stomach muscle once but realized it was just a gas bubble? Robert says no. But then again, I'm not sure Pitman has any clue how a six pack works since he decided he isn't really a beer guy.

I did do something yesterday, besides take two naps that really confused Marley (who kept saying "But we DID this already!!! Are you SURE its not playtime instead?!?). Cassie and I packed up all her stuffed animals into 2 garbage bags for the move. I found out that she is NOT real good at holding open a garbage bag while I peg stuffed animals at her. I also found out that she things its a riot when Mom pegs stuffed animals at her. Since Cassie is in the pre-adolescent era of her life, and there will be times I need to get her into a good mood, I will file this information in the back of my mind for future use. I'm certain when she comes home from a typical day in High School, all sorts of pmsing and moody and upset because her crush just asked her best friend out for a sody-pop, all I will need to do is peg stuffed animals at her!! That will turn her frown upside down and give Mommy a great big smile, a hearty laugh, and a warm "I love you, Mom!!! You are the BEST!!!" (oh, and I'm sure you believe that, because you also bought the Sven story....)

I haven't stepped on the scale yet, but yesterday morning I had lost 7 pounds. Not too bad, if you ask me. I'm just glad there is an upside to being deathly ill. So, I'm pushing fluids, eating lightly, and don't think I've gotten rehydrated yet. I'm not sure that is possible. See, at my age you enter Menopause. Yeah, I know... poor Pitman, boo-freakin'-hoo. He has one just entering PMS stage and another entering Menopause. Trust me. He deserves this. But I digress. About menopause. You get to do this really cool thing where you don't have to work out, but you manage to work up a sweat while you sleep that rivals any pro-sports player I've ever seen. So I'm certain last night alone I lost another 15 pounds of water weight. And I'll lose another 5 pounds from the activity of stripping, washing, and remaking the bed with clean sheets. Oh yeah, good times.

So, I'm not 100%, but I'm good enough to get some work done. I need to be ready when they finally call and give us a closing date. I'm certain they'll call today and we'll be closing on Friday and moving in on Saturday!!!!! I'm sure Sven will come help with the move, too!!!!

Fear and Loathing in Liverpool

2012-02-28T07:32:00.000-05:00

Some things just don't happen in our household. One of those things is Mom getting sick. Yes, I get sinus problems, I have irritable bowel, and a few other things. But I do not get fevers and I sure as hell do not vomit. Why? I dont know. The first is my being a freak of nature, and the second one is choice. I do not like it, there fore I do not do it. Until yesterday when I did both. There is a nasty stomach bug going around, and it landed right on me. I really don't remember a lot about yesterday, so a lot of the stuff I will be telling is second hand knowledge, given to me by my favorite ASDers, Rob & Cassie.

This is NOT Cassie..... she wouldn't be
caught dead being that close to me!!

We moved the Wii into Cassie's room on Sunday so she could watch her stuff and Rob could have the TV for sports. Thank God we didn't move it back down, so Cassie was safely enclosed in her room all day. Safely, because apparently our little girl is a germophobe when it comes to stomach bugs. I do remember Rob coming home, and I saw Cassie at the top of the stairs, looking at me with wide eyes, which I could see over her white doctor's mask. She was wearing her coat. This confused me until Rob told me she was waiting on the step for him to come home. She handed him a tissue and said "You better put this over your face so you don't get it, too."

Cassie called Rob 3 times yesterday. One in the morning to tell him I was sick and he needed to come home. Rob said he'd be happier staying away from me right now, because he didn't want to get it. He told me that when I texted him I was sick. I dont know if he told Cassie that. Cassie then calls him later and asks him to pick up some Febreeze, because the downstairs STUNK!!! Rob said he'd do one better and get some Lysol to kill the germs. Then she called him again and asked if he was coming home yet, and he said he just pulled into RiteAid to get the Lysol. Upon his entry into the house (I'm not sure if he was wearing his tissue or not) Robert proceeded to spray the house, especially the downstairs, with Lysol. I'm not sure, but I think he sprayed me, too, but I was too weak to protest. Then he got me some ice water, and Cassie got a hold of the Lysol and proceeded to get everything Daddy missed, like my computer, my glasses, my nap blanket, the sofa, etc. She wanted Daddy to get my pillow cases, but he wouldn't. She wouldn't, because then she'd have to go downstairs into the den of germs!

Rob then did something that fully amazed me. He made Cassie and himself dinner!! He even attempted to boil eggs for Cassie's salad, found out the egg is supposed to boil in the water for 10 minutes, and he only wasted one egg finding that out!! He also cooked up some bacon for the salad, and that was the only time Roscoe left me the whole day. I guess bacon trumps sick Mommy.

So, it was touch and go there for a while, but I'm now certain I will live. Cassie has been scarred for life. And Rob has a new cooking talent. When I'm completely back on my feet, I will have to do something nice for Rob and Cassie. They were a couple of real troopers, and I'm so proud of them for dealing with this with absolutely no help from me!!! I just hope the Lysol and masks worked, because I'm far too weak to deal with them getting it right now!!

Amy's Slumber Party!

2012-02-26T15:35:00.000-05:00

My evening away from home was a success on all accounts. I got away for an Autism-free 18 hours, and nobody died! Yes, there was a stressful moment when Pitman dropped me off at the hotel, when Cassie started crying and Rob looked as though he'd never see me again. I tried to explain I was NOT going to Europe for a month.... I was staying in this hotel for 18 hours. Robert was nice enough to holler out the window "Try to have fun!!" A woman was standing there started to laugh saying "Yeah, like THAT will be a problem!!!" Some people just do NOT understand what I go through. But I did manage to have a blast! There were a few times I became annoyed, I wont lie. I knew I had to call home between 8 & 9 o'clock to say good night to Cassie. I figured closer to 9 (bedtime) would be best, but I guess I was wrong. At 8:10 I received a text asking if I was going to call my daughter. <sigh> So I did. Then there was a time around 10ish when Pitman decided to remind me I wasn't home and he really missed me in a marriage kind of way. I ignored it. I think he expected that.

What did I do for 18 hours away from home? I drank. Please don't think I'm an alcoholic party animal. I usually only do that a few times a year. But I do enjoy a good margarita, or 20.... and its not everyday you can participate in jello shots! Especially when you are the mom of Cassie, who feels mom's shouldn't drink alcohol and get a little silly. I also laughed. Yes, I laugh at home, but its nice to laugh at your friends humping each other instead of laughing at your dogs humping each other. Oh, and I found out its funnier when you friends hump YOU than when your dog humps your leg.

I also got my hair cut and my eye brows waxed. Yes, I can do that anytime, but there is something quite cool about getting your eye brows waxed at 11pm, after a margarita, or 20. Do you know it hurts less that way? Oh, and you really don't know what you look like until morning? (I have less eye brows now than at anytime in my life.) I also did something I never thought I would do..... I got fake eyelashes!!! I didn't realize how much I missed my eyelashes until I saw the fake ones. Screw Botox, eye lashes take YEARS off your face!!!

So, it was a completely successful evening for all involved. But they were ready for Mom to come home. How do I know this? Because I called Rob and told him to pick me up at 10am. He showed at 9:25. And Cassie has informed me that it was ok, it wasn't so bad, it was successful, and I can do it again.... as long as its another hotel 5 minutes from the house. And its winter so they can drop me off. She doesn't trust me not to go farther away if I'm in my own car! <sigh> Yep, they lived, but I guess we still haven't cured Separation Anxiety.

Its gonna be a LONG day!!

2012-02-25T05:34:00.000-05:00

Good morning, my people!

I would like to go on record as saying I hate all domestic animals, except Roscoe, who feel I need to be up at 4:00 A-freakin'-M on a Saturday morning. Especially on a day like today. What is today, you ask? Well, I will tell you. Today I am going to a hotel to spend an evening of fun with a bunch of women. It is called "Amy's Slumber Party". (for more information, here is the link: http://www.93q.com/Article.asp?id=1042253) I have never done this, but I am going with high expectations.

I know that I will be going with two of my friends, Jenn & Jess. These are two of the sexiest women I've ever met. And sweet. So totally sweet that every time I leave their presence I have 2 new cavities. They are also known for their hard-partying, but Jenn is with child, so it will be a little calmer than normal. These are also the girls who, along with My Mo, who cannot attend due to a recent surgery, who introduced me to mani-pedis. They are truly a bad influence on Pitman's checkbook. I also know that I will be meeting a bunch of their friends, and we all know how much I like meeting new people. To say I'm nervous is an understatement. Besides, I'm 44 years old and the last time I had a "sleepover" with a girlfriend was my 19th birthday party. I remember this because I drank a 5th of peppermint schnaps, made a speech from the hood of my car, and passed out at my friend CJ's house about 10pm. That was also the last time I got "completely shit faced".

I think its a good thing to note that because of my impending evening away from home, the Autism Monster is reigning high here at the Pitman house. But we are fighting through it. Robert really surprised me the other night when he said he was "scared" about tonight, but no matter what, he was going to make sure I went. So, there you have it. I will let you all know how it went, including the calls and texts from home I'm sure I'll get. After all, separation anxiety is something they will be dealing with..... until 9pm when Cassie goes to bed and the SU game comes on.

Times are a changin'

2012-02-24T06:23:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry, dearest blog, that I have ignored you for 2 months. In that time we found a house, applied for a mortgage, told we had it, then told we didn't, then applied to someone else who said it was a slim chance, but then told yes. Then told the assessment came out good, but then told they needed another, and today is the day we were supposed to close, but aren't. When are we closing? No clue. So, on the top of the list of things I am NOT doing today, is closing on my new house.

What else am I not doing today? I'm not munching. My mom, her bestie Gert (actually Marilyn, long story) have joined Weight Watchers, and I'm supporting them by joining online. I'm certain I've lost 29 lbs already. OK. That's probably an exaggeration, but I'm good at that. But, once again, I'm happy to announce that I have neither gained nor lost any weight since May of last year.

Lets see, something else I'm not doing today? I'm not vegging by myself, resting up for the weekend. Cassie is on "Mid-Winter" break. She is supposed to return to school on Monday, but I took her out of her school thinking we were closing today. See paragraph one.

What I am doing today is cleaning my fridge, packing up another box, and waiting by my computer like some love sick teenager pining to see their crushes name on their Caller ID. Come on, Greg Baby!!! Email me, call me, text me, just ask me for that date. I'll bring lots of money, and maybe even a Weight Watchers muffin!!!! Just PLEASE give me a date!!!!!

Goodbye and good riddance, 2011!!!

2011-12-31T20:19:00.000-05:00


The Lake Store Counter

Yes, its New Years Eve. I spent the day with my in-laws, celebrating the last of Christmas. We went to "The Lake House", which my mother in law inherited from her parents last year. Recently, though, she bought out her brother's interest in the property, so it is 100% hers. She's very happy about this and the fact that one day it will be Rob's and then Cassie's. They keep telling me I am a welcome guest. We will leave it at that. The most interesting part of the day was the trip home. You see, I had to pee moments after we left "The Lake Store" where we stopped because the locals wanted to meet their son, and I had a cup of coffee. "The Lake Store" has rabbit pelts for sale, maple sugar candy, authentic Native American jewelry made in China, Adirondack clothing, books, & souvenirs, hunting & fishing supplies, and food stuffs. They have good coffee and you can get breakfast & lunch sandwiches and Schwan's Pizza. But what they DON'T have is a bathroom. I found out this is very common in the Adirondacks.


Holland Patent Stewarts Shop

We had to travel 2 1/2 hours back from Indian Lake (which may or may NOT be made with water from China) on dark, lightly traveled roads where we saw some very interesting ways of living. Mansions, many houses with "Potential", and even one trailer which had a roof built over it. We saw lots of lakes, lots of cabins, and about 437 billion snowmobile route signs. We saw towns named Morehead, Russia, Ohio, Speculator, and many others. We saw churches, a couple bars, and a ton of "Manly Toy Stores". You know what we didn't find during our trip through the Adirondacks? They have NO cell phone service or BATHROOMS!!!!! We were on the road for an hour an a half before we hit heaven... or Holland Patent, where there was a Stewarts. Not just ANY Stewarts, but the Stewarts with the CLEANEST BATHROOM I've ever seen!!! As Cassie ran into the store, knocking down a little old lady and 2 young guys with snowmobile suits buying beer, and straight into the bathroom, with me close behind, I looked at the cashier and said "Do you know there are no bathrooms or cell service in the Adirondacks?" She informed me, with a nice country smile "Yes, I know. Its part of the Adirondack Experience." Suddenly I have come up with the only excuse I will ever need not to take many trips to "The Lake House". I have experienced the Adirondacks, and I think mountain life may not be for me.


Stephen & Me

Well, I was going to take this evening to run you through my 2011. I've decided not to, because then I'll start crying. Needless to say, this past year sucked really, REALLY bad. 2011 was definitely a vacuum kind of year. But, there is never a time in our life where all you have is bad. There is always a silver lining, whether you want one or not. I've had a few. My marriage is stronger than ever. That is a HUGE one!!! But I think the best thing about 2011 is that my baby boy, Stephen Allen Richards, achieved one of his dreams, and really kicked ass in doing so!!! I'm proud of all my kids for different reasons. But I am super proud of the obstacles he had to overcome to get to where he is!! So, I will end 2011 with one of my favorite pictures!!!

Christmas songs still rotating in my mind....

2011-12-28T22:35:00.000-05:00

They are no longer on the radio, but I have the lyrics of quite a few Christmas songs still running around my head. "Good Kind Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen, when the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even! Brightly shown the moon that night, though the frost was cruel. When a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fu-oo-welllll!!!!" My Steve always loved that song because they sing his name. I didn't hear it once on the radio this year. I guess they didn't have time because they had to play Justin Beiber so many times.

But the one lyric that is sticking in my mind more than all the others today is the one that goes "And Mom and Dad can't wait for school to start again!" Isn't it the truth? See, I really enjoy my "me" time. That is the time of day when I'm alone except for sleeping people. When people are sleeping, it forces me to do nothing. When Cassie goes to school and Rob goes to work, I must then DO something. I usually putter a lot. That's when I start doing something, get distracted by something shiny and start something else, but I'm busy and by the end of the day I can indignantly rattle off a ton of things I did to anyone who asks to prove I'm worth my Stay at Home Mom salary. On weekdays, that time is usually between 7 and 7:30. After Rob leaves for work and before I have to pull Cassie out of bed, kicking and screaming, because only an unfit mother such as myself would make their daughter go to school. I say usually, because for some reason she has been up at 6am. This is bad because Rob really enjoys our "Us" time between 6 & 7 and when he sees/hears Cassie first thing in the morning it puts him into "Grumpy Gus" persona.

What does she do all day that she's in such a hurry for? Well, today she had a party. At first it was supposed to start at 9, but then they changed it to 8:30. She put on the princess dress I made her, popped a bag of popcorn, got some cookies and orange soda and was ready in time to greet her (imaginary) guests at the door, complete with air kisses to both cheeks. I know, 8:30am, but it was a party after all, AND we already have been over the fact I'm not winning Mother of the Year. Hell, I didn't care what she had, I was still working on getting my dose of coffee!! When I realized it was 10:30, I was completely appalled. Why? Not because I wasted some good "Me" time by cleaning my kitchen and doing laundry, but because the party was STILL going on, and I just realized I wasn't even invited!!!! Then after her friends left, she informed me she was getting married. So, she got married, had a kid, and then the arguments started. Not only between her and her husband, but also between my 2 dogs, Roscoe and Marley. I'm not sure who was worse, but I let her work our her marriage problems on her own, just like any good mother should, and I concentrated on the puppies. It seemed that Roscoe stole Marley's toy and wouldn't play nice. So I took the toy away from them both. At that moment, Marley was either ticked or was thinking I wanted to play too and jumped at the sock I took, landing on Roscoe's back. Roscoe doesn't like this, so he immediately put Marley on the ground. At which point Mommy lost all control, scaring both puppies and causing them to cuddle with each other on the couch. At this time, I declared it nap time. It was obvious that SOMEBODY was grumpy and needed a nap. The puppies can always use one too, so I got in a short one and I'm glad I did.

Remember how I said we need to find a place to move? Well, its not going well. I'm taking my Mom & Dad to see a place on Friday. I had hoped to have a few places lined up, but it doesn't look good. I really hope Fran approves of this place, and I hope the owner approves of our offer!! Until then, I'm stressed to my limit. Put with that Cassie and her 2,439 imaginary friends, the puppies, and Rob, and I no longer wonder I'm having problems sleeping!!! Its the "Revenge of the Frazzled Mom" coming to a theater near you... as soon as I run the screenplay. I hope they get Julia Roberts to play me, but I guess Rosanne Barr is probably a better candidate for the part....

Another Oops!!

2011-12-27T06:55:00.000-05:00

I forgot to blog again last night. I was tired, exhausted if you will. But that is no excuse, and I apologize to my fans. I know how much my people demand of me, but I missed both yesterday's nap and my blogging.

So, yesterday my Mom, Dad, baby sister Hope, and her husband Kevin came over to visit. We ate sandwiches. I made my mother macaroni salad, and Fran made me his macaroni and cheese and potato salad. Wait, its possible for you to read that as macaroni, cheese, & potato salad, but it was two separate dishes. And both were very nummy!!! My mommy finally brought me biscotti. I think its an even trade for the macaroni salad. If she gave me biscotti more often, I'd make her macaroni salad more often, too. Actually, since it IS morning now, and I have a cup of coffee, I think I'll grab myself a piece before I continue on with my blog.

mmmm... nom nom nom..... crunch crunch.......mmmmm.... chocolately goodness....nom nom nom CRUNCH mmmmmmmmmmm........

You see, I want to throw parties. I've always dreamed of having a house full of people laughing and having fun. But I'm afraid of having a bunch of people over that I need to entertain. How do you make people have fun? So I tend to be a bit stressed out before everyone comes over. Yesterday, I saw my mom had signed out of Yahoo Chat and they were on their way. Panic set in. "Oh CRAP!!! They are on their way!!! EVERYONE GET UP AND DO SOMETHING!!!!" Cassie laughed about that all day. She thought it was a riot. But it went well. I had the wondrous opportunity to watch everyone laugh until they peed their pants. How, you ask? Well, it came out that Kevin did not know who Jeff Dunham was, so Rob had the honor of taking Kevin's "Jeff Dunham Virginity". I don't think he'll ever be the same again. And I know I've never seen my Dad laugh so much, or so hard!!! It was a priceless day.

So yesterday morning, I received a picture from my beautiful Dani (Steve's girl). I love it when they send me pictures. But this was the BEST!!!! It was a Christmas Eve Jammy Picture!!!! They look so cute and so happy!!! I love these two kids!! A Mom couldn't ask for a better couple!

So, I'm taking Cassie to a therapist today. Its been a while, and I think she needs to discuss some of her issues. I'm certain that eventhough we are doing the library and "a Paul appointment" I'll have plenty to blog about later. If, however, you can't go 8 hours without hearing about my day, you can always catch my constant Facebook Status Updates throughout the day!!!! I know what my people demand, and I do try to keep them happy. Thats me. I'm a people pleaser.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

Well, most of us have made it through the Holiday Season... but in all honesty, there is still another week ago. We call it the Christmas Season, but it starts with Thanksgiving (or after Halloween, who are we kidding) and continues through New Years Day. For instance, I am hosting Christmas with my mother and Sister tomorrow, and I'm scheduled to do Christmas with my in-laws on New Years Eve.

This year was the first one that my hubby and I didn't argue and I wasn't miserable. I owe this all to his Autism diagnosis, the fact that there really are things he doesn't know or understand, and that we can actually talk about them and figure things out. Our therapist, Cynthia, has helped us out tremendously in this area. She says she loves us, loves watching us together working at this, and loves that we are working so hard. Well, it seems like everyone around me is breaking up, and I really dont want that to happen to Pitman and I. We've been through so much, and I truly believe the Lord wants us together until death do us part. I wont like, sometimes I feel like speeding that deadline up a bit, but all in all, its a lot of fun.

Not fighting is not the only change in us this year. See, if you remember, we just moved here, 4 hours away from where we were living, and so many traditions are having to be tweaked. Today, for instance, instead of opening our presents and rushing out to Rob's Aunt Thelma's house, we stayed home and relaxed. I even got in a Christmas Nap!!! But Cassie wasn't so happy. She missed the holiday atmosphere with extended family that she got with Aunt Thelma. So, I guess next year I will need to have a larger Christmas Dinner and troll around the streets of Syracuse to find people to spend it with us. We just wont warn the poor souls of my lack of cooking ability before we toss the burlap bags over their heads and shove them in the back of the truck....

But, as gifts are an important part of the day, I would like to tell you about the best gifts I got. Rob got me a new winter coat!!!! I wouldn't buy one, because I dont like spending that kind of money on myself. BUT, I did need one. Did I mention I'm living in Syracuse, New York, now? Yes. Cold + snow equals the need for a winter coat. And its PERFECT!!! Warm & not bulky!!!! Its a "Nordic Track" and that even SOUNDS like it would be good in the snow!!! I also got a wonderfully tacky light up Christmas Flamingo that I've had my eye on for a few years now!!! She's beautiful!!! And she was a gift from my beautiful daughter, LeeAnne, who knows her mommy so well!!!! So I will continue to blog through the remainder of my Holiday Season, because now we also get to add in keeping my Cassie occupied during her winter break!! Oh, THAT will be fun, especially since Santa Clause brought her a "Cats Cradle" string, and you need 2 people to play that!!!

There's only one more sleep til Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T00:19:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve, my friends!! It will be Christmas in 5 minutes. As I'm typing this I have my girls (both of them!!! LeeAnne came home for Christmas!!) all snuggled in their beds, in their new jammies (that I made them). Its a tradition around out house that ever Christmas eve the kids get new jammies. This year I made all the pants, in fleece, complete with pockets and a pink drawstring. I chose each material to match the child. I had to special order Steve's Philadelphia Phillies material, but I stumbled onto Dani's musical notes and Cassie's Peace & Love motif on purple back ground. It took me a few stops to JoAnns to see what to make Miss LaneyLane, until I saw it. Sitting there, being all perfect and such. I got her a giraffe print!!! It was magical. As I didn't get to spend Christmas Eve with Steve and Dani, I don't have pictures of them. But I'm happy to share my LeeAnne & Cassie with you!!! Oh, and tomorrow when she's opening presents, Cassie will have a blanket that she loved, but got ruined by fingernail polish, all refurbished and sporting "appliques" of the jammie pants from her siblings. I plan on explaining that I know how much she misses them, and this is a way to wrap herself up in thoughts of them. She will either love it or be totally ticked I changed her favorite blanket. I'm holding my breath on this one!!!!! Oh, and why do they have pink drawstrings? Well, pink is my favorite and signature color. I figured that if they were missing me, they could see the pink drawstring on their warm fuzzies and remember that their Mommy loves them.

So, I spend the better part of my evening at my brothers. Over Thanksgiving, my niece complained that there was no butter sculpture. So I made her one for Christmas. It came out very sweet!!! I found out my sister, Hope, is not only beautiful, talented, and is looking fantastic, but she's also a freak when it comes to food. See, she ended up getting a special plate to keep her food from touching. I actually understand that and am strangely ok with it. BUT, she actually got peeved when she licked the frosting from around a cookie and then tried to get me to take a bite, and I forcefully declined. When she tried to argue that it was ok, we share the same spit, I threatened to make her food touch each other. THAT shut her up!!! But, no. I do NOT do saliva well at all. I dont like it. It is gross. Not just gross, but ewie gross!!

Well, its after midnight, so I must now say Merry Christmas!!! It should be safe for Santa to come, and then I can go to bed. I'm already looking forward to some coffee!!! So, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year,... but I'm sure we'll meet again before that date! See, my Christmas wont be over this year until after New Years Eve, when I spend the day at our "Christmas Celebration" with my in-laws. THAT blog may be a bit adult for young eyes.....

I never get the freakin' days right.... 2 more Sleeps til' Christmas.

2011-12-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

So, I started on December 1st stating that there is 24 Days until Christmas... but I just realized that if I continued, I'd be posting on Christmas that there was one day left. I stink at count downs. So next year I'm going to come up with a different way of doing it. There has to be an easier way to keep track and end up correct. Remember that year when the New Year's Ball dropped, spewing out "Happy New Year" and people were still counting down and Dick Clark wet himself? Yeah, I feel like Dick Clark at the moment. But I'm able to adjust it now. Poor Dick could do nothing more than wet himself on live, national TV. I'm just simply blogging for my enjoyment. Oh, and according to my blog "stats", I'm also blogging for the enjoyment of those in the US, Russia, and Germany. So, let me officially welcome everyone, many I obviously do not know!!

Добро пожаловать, Россия, к моей жизни! Я надеюсь, что вы наслаждаетесь нас глупые американцы! Пожалуйста, знайте, что не все мы, как я. Некоторые люди здесь живут захватывающей жизнью. hehehehe.

Willkommen, Deutschland, um mein Leben! Ich hoffe, Sie genießen uns dumme Amerikaner! Bitte beachten Sie, wir sind nicht alle so wie ich. Einige Leute hier leben ein aufregendes Leben. hehehehe.

Let me also say if I have offended anyone in my earnest desire to bid you welcome, or I stated that my husband looks like a monkey, please blame Google Translate. I live for Google Translate, but I'm certain sometimes that they take what I say and put in absurd words like "ivy" or "pelican" or even "trousers" just to make me look like an idiot. Thank you, Google Translate, but I do NOT need your help. I make myself look like an idiot very well on my own; no assistance ever needed.

So, as we enter into Christmas Eve tomorrow, followed by Christmas Day and the annual Boxing Day celebrations that the Dunlap/Pitman/Richards family routinely celebrate (but this year take out the Richards and throw in Childress), I wish you all a very merry Christmas!!!! Please remember tomorrow's blog will be later than normal, as I will be visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Utica for the Eve's celebrations!!! I just hope I get the blog done before the Fat Man shows up!!

4 Days until Christmas!

2011-12-22T18:04:00.000-05:00

As you may remember, we are in the process of becoming homeless. But today we went to see a house that we can rent until we can get a stinkin' mortgage. Now, you may think that is not a bad thing. However, its very overwhelming. See, the house is still full of everything that the owner had in it when he moved his mother to his house. She even left some clothes, family pictures, mugs, plates, and sausage in the freezer. The living room is tiny, the dining room to die for, and the kitchen is an open canvas. Its interesting to get to the huge family room in the basement (and the laundry room) but there is a fireplace and 2 pianos. So I'm trying to decide if I want to take on what could be a lucrative challenge. But that isn't stressful enough. I still have to deal with my family and Christmas being 4 days away.

So, on our way to see the house, Pitman and I stopped by the Onondaga Smoke Shop. I know, nasty habit, gonna kill me, but if I stop smoking I may start drinking heavily. So he comes out and gets in the car and said "I'm so frustrated". Whats wrong, Honey? "Well, I didn't know if I should wish them a Merry Christmas or not. Do Indians celebrate Christmas? I didn't think they were Jewish and all, but, I mean, are they anarchists?" Anarchists Dear? "Wait... no.. I think I mean Atheists. What is an anarchist, anyway?" Umm.. someone who doesn't celebrate government and causes a lot of trouble. "Well, they are that, too." HAHAHAHAHAH I love my Pitman conversations!! They are usually as equally as entertaining as my Cassie conversations.

For instance, she had karate tonight. She wanted to do karate. We signed her up at school for a trial, and she decided she wanted to sign up for real. Now she swears she wanted nothing to do with it, she hates karate, its boring, and a waste of her time when she could be doing other things like watching tv and singing and dancing all over my house. Go to karate, Cassie.... Mommy could stand 45 minutes of playing "Angry Birds". So, in the car on the way to karate she informs me that she's not going back to karate for 2 weeks. When school starts back up she's taking another week off. I told her no, because thats what I do. Then she starts arguing and I ask if we can argue about this next week. She said no, that she wanted to argue it now. I told her fine, but I will not be participating. That kind of ticked her off. I mean what fun is arguing alone? So, she matter of fact tells me "That is because you are a poopy-head." I cant really yell at her... I call everyone poopy-heads. "Poopy-head, Poopy-head. I'm talking poop...and pee....on... your... HEAD!" Well, I'm not made of steal and I start to giggle. But I did apologize. "Sorry I laughed, Cass, but that was quite funny!" She looked very indignant at my confession. I'm really starting to think she may be an anarchist.

5 Days to Go

2011-12-21T18:51:00.000-05:00

So, we realized that here we are, only a few days until Christmas, and we have no Christmas cookies. I have failed as a mother. Actually, I HAD made some cookies, but we ate and gave them all away. So today I made more. I ended up with 2 batches of NoBake cookies, that Rob doesn't like because there is too much oatmeal in them. I also made 13 dozen Snickerdoodles. I've taught Cassie that 12 x 12 equals 144, and that unit is called a "Gross". So, what do you call 13 dozen? A freakin' TON of SNICKERDOODLES!!!! But Rob is happy. He likes them. No oatmeal, you know. I also made a new recipe called "Tea Cakes". They are also quite good. They are basically a very buttery sugar cookie. On Friday we are going to do the cut out cookies and then Cassie and I can spend Christmas Eve, while Daddy is at work, decorating them. That'll help keep her occupied!

This morning, on Facebook, I saw the cutest thing. Its "Deck the Halls" with stupid looking elves. The best part is that you put in your own pictures on the elves, and it looks like your family is singing. So I did it. It came out perfect, and if you want a good laugh, you can check it out here: http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/1UgeSvF9wvep6xZZ?cmpid=jj_fb_self_holidays

While I was baking my cookies, I was also finishing up my wrapping. Put cookies in the oven, set timer, run down to the basement, wrap a present. Run back up stair, get the next cookie sheet ready, take out the baked ones, put in the raw ones, set the timer, run down the stairs, get the paper ready, look for the scissors, find them, run back up stairs to check the time on the cookies, run back down to wrap the present, look for the tape, give up, run back upstairs. Switch out the cookies sheets and run back down, tripping on the puppy who thinks this is a fun game, find the tape, tape up the present, run back up, trip over the other dog who can't be left out of the game, back down stairs, forgot to check the time, run back up.......

I think you get the idea. Needless to say, here at quarter to 7pm, I have to very tired puppies. So, only a few days left. Tomorrow I have one last present I want to make in my craft room while Pitman wraps presents, and I need to stuff some dates. But I think the most important goal I have for myself is to eat something other than Christmas Cookies the whole day. Yeah, Christmas Cookies, not just for breakfast & lunch any more.

6 Days to Go

2011-12-21T06:51:00.000-05:00

oops. I forgot to do my blog last night. To my avid readers I would like to give you my sincere apologies. To make up for it, I will give you a snippet of the conversation I had with my Mom online this morning. I wont do this often, but its a good filler. I love you, Mommy!!!!

Dec 21 6:23 AM

Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:23 AM):‎ good morning.....had to refresh....what did i miss?
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:24 AM):‎ you missed nothing but me scratchin' my foot.
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:25 AM):‎ did you get the itch?
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:25 AM):‎ do you have a pampered chef ice cream scoop?
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:26 AM):‎ I slept!
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:27 AM):‎ no, it keeps coming back..... No, I don't have a pampered chef ice cream scoop. and I'm so glad you slept!!!!
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:28 AM):‎ ok. i just heard on the news that the scoops have been recalled
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:29 AM):‎ the scoops, not your foot
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:31 AM):‎ recalled? How dangerous can scoops be?
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:31 AM):‎ they blow apart when they are put in warm water.....kitchen damage and personal injuries
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:31 AM):‎ no blog yesterday?
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:32 AM):‎ ouch.
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:32 AM):‎ CRAP!!! I forgot!!!!
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:33 AM):‎ yeh ouch. I love that blog!
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:34 AM):‎ what's on your plate for today?
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:35 AM):‎ apparantly an apology blog, review and send my transcription, finish up wrapping, and I'm sure a ton of other stuff. Christmas is a few days away and I have no cookies!!!
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:35 AM):‎ uh oh
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:35 AM):‎ how many do you need?
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:37 AM):‎ I thought you made cookies. Snickerdoodles?
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:37 AM):‎ I dont know... I'm having a group of people the day after.....
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:37 AM):‎ Did Cassie go to school yesterday
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:37 AM):‎ they are gone. some to steve, some saved for phyllis....
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:37 AM):‎ ahhhhh
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:37 AM):‎ yes, with no problem!!!
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:37 AM):‎ is amanda and jesse coming? brb
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:37 AM):‎ don't know yet. I told them to bring sue too
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:42 AM):‎ That would be great!!!
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:43 AM):‎ yes it would
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:45 AM):‎ I'm trying to figure out how much and what kind of beer I need..... the only alcohol we have in the house is some chocolate vodka.....
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:45 AM):‎ I get my new propane tanks today
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:45 AM):‎ WOHOO!!!!!
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:45 AM):‎ ewwwww
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:47 AM):‎ ewwww?
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:47 AM):‎ chocolate vodka
Helen Dunlap (Dec 21 6:48 AM):‎ I would only get a 12 pack of some type of light beer
elpinkaminco (Dec 21 6:48 AM):‎ oh, no. so yummy!!! especially in coffee!!!!!

So that should hold you until tonight when I have something to write about!!!

7 Days to Go

2011-12-19T22:02:00.000-05:00

Remember how I was all sorts of "I have Christmas under control!" and "I'm having a stress free Christmas" and stuff? See, we had a wind storm the night before we left for Philly. Mr. Snowman the Snowman tried running away from home. We ended up deflating him and held him hostage in the garage until our return. Rob put him back up when he got home from work tonight. I also put up 7 reindeer with a sleigh... I could only find enough reindeer pieces parts to put together 7 of them.... I have a few parts left over and in the sleigh. Oh, and one of the 7 is Rudolph, I can tell because of the red nose and I'm smart like that.

Sidebar! I started writing this at 7:30. Its now 10 minutes until 10pm, and Rob asks me if I wrote my blog today. Darn you, stupid Facebook games!! Back to the task at hand....

Anyways, while I'm doing all this "I'm not stressed" stuff, and really enjoying it, I get an email from my Landlady. She wants her house back and has asked if we wouldn't mind moving in February, as close to the first of the month as possible. <sigh> After I got this email, I watched the stupidest movie, where when stressed, this single mom would keep saying "Peace, and good will toward man". I think that will be my new mantra. I have only a few more days to survive, and then I'll be all about the needing to find a new place to live. I'm certain the Lord is ready for me to move out of purgatory and into the rest of my life!! But, especially when it comes to an Autistic Household, there is no such thing as a "good change". Change is change and I have to keep up my strength and calm for "them". Not to mention, I'm finding life a lot easier when I dont sweat the petty things, but instead, pet the sweaty things. <hehehe>

8 Days to Go

2011-12-18T20:53:00.000-05:00

We are at the point where Christmas is just a spit a way. After the long ride home, and the decompression of a very successful weekend, I am at a loss. This is one of the side effects of Autism. Cassie really held it together well. All the changes to the routines we have in place, which would turn many ASD kids into a bubbling pile of goo, she put aside into a special compartment in her brain. I have found out that yes, we can take weekend vacations a lot easier than longer ones. Because that compartment can only hold so much. And then, when she gets home, I found out she needs to empty that compartment. Its not an easy or pretty thing, but its a thing that needs to be done.

As I write this, I really just want to go to bed. I know what I have to look forward to tomorrow. Cassie has already informed me. She will NOT get out of bed, she will NOT get in the shower, and she will NOT go to school for the one and only reason that she is never leaving this house again. So, tomorrow will be fun as I prove that she WILL be doing all that she has vowed not to do.

But the best part of the weekend was watching my baby boy, Steve, achieve his dream. I've been telling everyone how talented he is, and now the fact that he's been voted best in his class proves that I'm not totally biased! But now I'm home and need to plan the last week before Christmas. I have lots of baking, grocery shopping, menu planning and one file to transcribe. And a Battle of the Wills with an 11 year old. I'm thinking about stopping by the liquor store thinking all this will be easier with my buddy Jose Cuervo.

9 Days to Go

2011-12-17T19:34:00.000-05:00

I'm blogging to you, once again, from Philadelphia, PA!! Yes, PA. Not NY. Sometimes in my family we debate the oddest things. But this time the truth won out and Philly is, indeed, in PA. We toured all morning long. We ended up stopping for lunch at 5 Guys Burgers and Fries, because we needed a sense of normalcy for the little autistic one, and we needed to sit for a while because Rob's back was hurting him. But we saw Betsy Ross's house, the Liberty Bell, a few small protest groups, Independence Hall and 2 souvenir shops. My favorite was probably Betsy's house where I learned a lot. First of all, she was NOT a seamstress. She explained that she was an upholsterer, and actually, using modern terms, she was an Interior Designer. She was also a very shrewd business woman, and had a very difficult life. I think I need to do more research on her. She also explained to us how to cut a 5-point star with only one snip of a pair of scissors. She demonstrated for us, and gave the star to our Cassie!!! She completely lost me, but I found the directions online!! http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagstar.html This will explain it all to you. Straight from the horses mouth, so to speak. I however, felt an immediate loss. Moments after she explained her life to us, and she gave Cassie the star, we left her humble home, only to walk across her yard where we found out she had died and was buried right there. It was so sad. She looked so good as we laughed together about how men could be, what seemed like seconds before. And now she's gone.

But after we had lunch, we met up with Steve again, and we got to exchange Christmas presents. He gave us these really cute "Do It Yourself" toys!! He said he figured we could do it as a family during a craft time. It looks like so much fun!!! Steve also stressed that there is to be planning involved. Therefore, I will also have to do some research to see what fun stuff we can do to these poor guys. It seems like so much fun!! We got a monkey, a hippo, and a cat-looking thing. Pictured here is the monkey. So, if you have any suggestions, or web pages I should check out, please let me know! I'm sure I'll post pictures of our new little friends when we have them all done!!!

Well, tomorrow we head back to Central New York. I've been told there is snow. I'm sure it will stop by the time we get home, and be all gone. See, I have a theory. There is no snow in Syracuse because I moved there. I leave for the weekend, and it snows. So, when I return home, it will be gone. I really dont care about it, but I know Pitman is really looking forward to a white Christmas. I'm sure if he had to choose between me and a white Christmas, he'd choose me. Besides, I'm the one who knows where all his presents are hidden.