Lottery Comes To Town

Yesterday, the lottery started in Arkansas, with scratch off tickets. And Power Ball will roll around October 31.

Yes, I am excited, and I did play on the very first day, buying five $1 tickets.

I know exactly what I'll purchase with my winnings, when I hit it big! There's a piece of land, 50 acres, just off the interstate, in city limits, near baby girl's school, two exits from Wal-Mart, with a pond, for just $2 million.

Sounds great right?

I know you're wondering, what makes me think I'll win MORE than $2 million. Simple, the lottery is a game of chance. As long as I'm not putting all my eggs in that one basket, and playing for fun, every once and a while... I have as much of a chance, as the next person.

No, winning the lottery to purchase this property was not my first option. I asked a few friends and family members for $2 million. Surprisingly, no one has that type of money laying around. My rich uncle has not come out of the poor house, and I thought against going to the bank. Actually, I only need $200,000 down. My best friend laughed at me, as if I wasn't serious. I am. Yes, I am very serious. I have plans.

Whew, No Need For Alarm!

I took the 'How Obsessed Are You Quiz.' After yesterday's post, I was starting to wonder if I am a little over the top. This quiz proves I'm okay.

You Are 12% Obsessive

You're less prone to obsessive thoughts than the rest of the world. While you do get hung up from time to time, you're excellent at clearing your mind.

http://www.blogthings.com/howobsessiveareyouquiz/">How Obsessive Are You?

http://www.blogthings.com">Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

I'm Becoming a Germ-A-Phob

As a college instructor, I come in contact with more than a few students, directly and indirectly. Each year I give my students the 'cold and flu' season speech, around January, or a shortly thereafter. This year I gave it early, and it went a little something like this... Wash your hands, cough and sneeze into your elbow, if you have fever, DO NOT come to class! I also had to add, avoid touching door knobs, no shaking hands, and don't touch your face!

In my neck of the woods 'cold and flu' season never ended. People have had, shared and passed along the flu all summer, and it's picking up momentum. Four of my children have been sick, two with the flu. Generally, when one gets a virus of some sort, it goes through the house, skipping Mr. husband, and attacking me last. I always get it THE WORST!

With the CDC's warning, and the flu picking up steam, I'm NOT taking things for granite. Because I come in contact with college students, who live in dormitories, and have four children in public schools, I am waaaay nervous.

Just like having sex with someone, you're also sleeping with their previous partners. Using that principle... If my children, along with my students are coming in contact with others who are infected and coughing and sneezing into their hands, touching door knobs, stair rails and who knows what else... what are they bringing to me?! NASTY.germs.that's.what!

It almost makes me want to wear a mask, latex gloves, and before entering a class, give each student a few drops of hand sanitizer.

Going into stores, baby girl and I wipe down the shopping cart handles, with the wipes provided. We hope to kill all viruses waiting for us. As soon as I pump gas, I'm using my hand sanitizer. And at my cousin's funeral, he was Catholic, I almost puked when the priest, and three other people drank out of the same goblet. I know it's their customs and traditions, but just the thought of passing germs, made me nauseous!

A week ago, waiting patiently at the deli meat counter, I nervously watched as two gloved women touched counters, and frozen or raw chicken with the gloves. Thoughts of germ transfers danced in my head. Finally, gloved lady number two removed hers, washed her hands, and put on a new pair all in my field of view. Whew, I didn't have to ask her to do it. But I will!

I know this all seems very OCD. Like I said, I'm usually the last one to get sick and I get it worse than everyone else. No one takes care of me, like I take care of them. So, it's up to me to stay as healthy as I can. If you see me wearing a mask, and no one else is, I haven't lost my mind. I'm just being cautious!

Flying Alone

Last weekend was my fifth time ever flying, and I did it alone.

I drove myself 40 minutes to the airport. Making it past the check point without being strip searched, relaxed me a little, breathing was easier. Although I was in compliance, I was ready just in case. You know clean and matching underwear, and lotioned from head to toe! Your parents tell you to wear clean underwear in case of emergency. What they fail to tell is make sure you're not ashy!

I felt like a big girl. That was until I realized my seat "A," was A.Window.Seat! The up side was being right behind first class. The leg room was awesome!

Note to self: Don't fly first class. It's a total waist of money! We were separated by only a curtain, that no one closed. There's NO party going on up there. And who wants a germ infested pillow, someone else has had. Ewww!

On the first leg of the trip, I was in seat "A," and a very stoic older gentleman sat in "C." Relief, "B" was empty. There was no awkward closeness.

Take off felt like a roller coaster ride, how it gets your stomach. I hate roller coasters, for that reason. I'm praying, praying, praying. I look over at Mr. Stoic, and he appears to be praying too. That's a good thing!

Finally, leveling off, I was raised the window, a few inches at a time. The clouds were absolutely beautiful! It looked like a sea of white. As far as the eye could see, mountains of clouds.

Then we descend, a roller coaster, again!

Boarding the second plane, we walked down stairs and through a door leading to... outside. What?!? In the four times I've previously flown, I never walked outside! Waiting through door ONLY ONE was a toy plane. Again, I'm by the window. Shade Down!

For the second time, first class was a rip-off. There was not even a curtain. The only perk was they got to board first. Big Deal!

This time, I'm uncomfortably close the woman sitting in "B." I smell her perfume. She's way too close!

The plane was so small, there was not even a flight attendant. The co-pilot walked the floor making seat checks. I'm so not kidding!

As the plane started to taxi toward the runway, there was a weird burning smell coming through the vents. S-l-o-w-ing down, STOP! An announcement from the cockpit followed, we would be returning to the terminal, for maintenance to check the plane. Actually, we changed plans, Thank God.

Up in the air, and over the wild blue yonder, second attempt at lift off was successful! Once again, I was mesmerized by the clouds. Once over St. Louis, I peered out the window, at lines, grids, and plots along the ground. Tree tops looked like broccoli florets, where cars look like ants marching.

My first time flying by myself, wasn't so bad. Although, I'd rather travel with someone I know, whose fragrance I'm familiar with.

I Almost Have No Words - Wednesday

I can't belive it! This is the second time my neighbor's mailbox has jumped out and hit my mirror! We must have a conversation about this behavior. That mailbox can not continue to get away with it!

I'm A Mom Fan

That's Mr. Husband to the right

Earlier in the summer I came up with a great idea. I'll paint my face for my son's first home football game. Technically, it wasn't the first "home game," but the first game in our city. And this was the big "Rival Game."

No one thought I would go through with it. Are you kidding me, WHAT'S.MY.NAME???

Three of my girls said I would embarrass them. My son on the other hand, thought it was cool, and told his friends about my plans. Of course I got a few stares, and giggles, but I didn't care. There were also hi-fives, and positive comments. I was supporting my son!

Since I've gotten older, I have more guts, or balls than I've ever had! Just wait till the next game, I'm changing it up! And don't let me see any copy cats!

Oprah's Flash Mob Dance

Oprah's kick off block party was a hit! The Black Eyed Peas got the party rocking with "I Gotta Feeling," and to Oprah's surprise, a flash mob broke out in dance. With more than 21,000 people, it was the largest flash mob on record!

Only the coolest thing ever! I love Oprah, and would love more than anything to be a part of her 'Favorite Things' show. Her staff pulling this off, without her knowledge, was the absolute best.

I've heard only bits and pieces of the song before, and that was my first time hearing it in its entirety. It's now my favorite. I'm going to load in on my mp3 player, as part of my new walking play list, and download it as a ring tone. And yes, I must learn the dance!

Check it out for your self.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvt3chGuU8I

Bloggyversery/WARNING!!!

It's my Blogaversary! Today, marks one year of being a "BLOGGER!" In this year, I've learned a great deal, and have had a ball writing, as well as reading others blogs. I've also made a few friends, and set a few goals for the future!

I wanted to write a very witty, moving, or thought provoking piece. Heck, I'll just keep doing me, and give you a WARNING instead.

WARNING

Another 16 year old male, armed with a drivers license, having access to a vehicle, was spotted leaving his local DMV. Take cover!

With his 17th birthday just weeks away, my son is a late bloomer when it comes to driving. He was unconcerned, and perfectly content with being chauffeured around. He's had a copy of the drivers manual since last summer. I waited for him to ask me to drive. It didn't happen. Finally... I just had to say, "Get in the drivers seat".

This summer Son took a drivers education course. After completing the class, he passed the written test, the very first time, with 100%.

We arrived at the testing center yesterday morning at 7:20, for the road test. We were third in line, that's good. The doors opened at 7:30, the kids were registered, and instructed to wait in their cars. Testing wouldn't begin until 8 o'clock.

That was a 20 minute wait. Did they realize the torture? Waiting for 20 minutes by themselves, thinking about all the things they've learned. What to do... What not to do. I was nervous for them all. My son especially!

Finally the team of officers headed outside to administer road tests. I tried to stay in my seat, but just couldn't! I stood outside and watched him go through the preliminaries. Lights, windshield wipers, breaks, horn... finally, the officer got in the car with him. I held my breath, and said a prayer.

The first young man returned, and parked in the parking lot across the street to the left. The officer wasn't getting out. She talked to him for a long time. Not a good sign. He didn't pass.

The young lady, who actually left first, returned to the parking lot they all left from. The officer got out right away. That's a good sign. She got out, and gave her mom a thumbs up. She passed.

Finally, what seemed like forever, my son returned to the parking lot he left from. Yes, that's a good sign. But... the officer was slow to get out. She was talking a lot, and and he never took his seat belt off. Not a good sign. She got out of the car, signaled for a parent to meet her at the stairs. Oh, so not a good sign.

"He passed," she said, along with some other stuff I heard later.

To him, a drivers license is a rite of passage, and a little freedom. To me, his drivers license means he can pick up his sisters, go to the grocery store, and run other errands. But most of all he can drive himself the 10 miles to school. January 14, 2010 when he's legally allowed to drive by himself, it's on! And he doesn't even have a clue!

Help! Dining Room In Need Of Redecorating!

This month we will be in our house seven years. During this time, I've promised myself, over and over again that I would redecorate the dining room. There are other rooms I'd like to redecorate as well, but the dining is in desperate need of attention.

Exhibit A: This chandelier is absolutely AWFUL! Don't you agree? It's waaaay outdated, the candle imitating a flame, the leafy what ever, along with the crystals. Absolutely awful! I would like to just snatch it down.


Exhibit B: The oh-so-terrible wall paper, on only one wall, and the rest of the room is painted what I would call robin egg blue. That blue is also in my library (gagging sound).

No one really eats in the dining room unless we have company. The over flow, usually the kids end up in there. It has also become a catch all room. The kids leave their books in there, and the extra school supplies are boxed up in a corner.

I have big plans for this room, but no ideas to get started with! I don't know what I want, I just know that ugly chandelier, hideous wall paper, and blue carpet have to go!

And did I mention, I'd like it to be a DIY project? Of course, Mr. Husband, handyman extraordinaire, will be the foreman. I'll keep you updated, when ever we get started!