Musings from The Tundra

Back after a LOOOONG abscence!!!

2010-11-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! It has been a VERY long time since my last post and there have been quite a few changes here on the Tundra. SOOOOO........here goes!

My darling husband Ed has retired from the USAF . That's right, after 29 years, he is a civilian. His retirement ceremony was nice, and I got 2 dozen long stemmed yellow roses, and a very nice letter in a leather binder. He now works for DCMA. That's Defense Contract Management Agency...yup the guvment.

Rattchuk is now a US Marine. She has gone thru boot camp and is now at her MOS school in Ft. Lee, VA. She is due home on Dec. 9, and is still afraid of squirrels..more on that later

Princess Shell has moved to Vancouver,WA to follow a career opportunity. She has been given a job in the anamaie (spelling?) industry. But for now, while she gets the schooling/training necessary, she is working at....wait for it.......Shell! That's right! She is working at a station a few blocks from her apartment! Life is strange! Oh, and she went there without Sassafras...they are currently "working on it" whatever the hell THAT means....

Anthostein has moved back into the Tundra. He is living with some friends and sharing living expenses, so he is currently doing any and all orders the Army can give him. He has 2 sets of 10 day orders coming up and then hopefully after that 90 day orders...school is on the back burner for now due to transportation issues.....AND he is now dating a wonderful little girl (really, she is small) named Lizard. I like her. She has spunk....

The lebanese are still together. Bug is currently unemployed and Nitoe is currently pregnant with twins again. She is doing the surrogacy thing again. And making cakes.

Twitch lives with the lebanese and works at Del Taco.

Freakin and his bride, Pufferfish and little Mia are all in Goose Creek, SC. They are there cuz Freakin is a seaman..or sea warrior...or sea biscuit....whatever. He's in the Navy. Anyway, he is in training there and they have all gone. It makes me sad, so we won't talk of it right now. They are all good .

As for me...well...Hilton closed it's doors and I am unemployed...sorta. Blackstone decided that a bunch of Phillipinos could do our jobs better than us, and they sent our jobs there. So, I have been making cakes, and cupcakes for a living. Well, sorta...I mean, I'm not really making a LOT of money at it and it isn't exactly steady, but I'm trying. I have made a couple of pretty nice cakes though...and the last order I did for Veteran's Day has the potential to turn into something big....so we shall see....In the meantime, I am waiting to hear about school opportunities thru TRA and also Ed is gonna look into a VA grant or loan for a commercial kitchen for me...More to come as that develops....

Shila the wonder dog is still.....wonderous!

That is all

Beckatang

Me Again!

2010-01-31T21:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody! I was just dinkin around on the old interwebs and decided to post as little blog. So here goes:

Bug wrecked her Montero and now has a Chevy Silverado to take it's place. (No one was hurt). Nitoe has started college classes and soon we will call her Dr. Nitoe,PHD. Lu is growing like crazy and Twitch is now employed at Del Taco in San Jaghetto

Rattchuk is still at Valle Vista Home Center and still likes her job. Princess Shell and Brand Muffin are still here and I actually see them once in a while. Dave and I are still on opposite schedules, and are still trying to work THAT out...but there is a possibility that soon it will all work out cuz he MIGHT be switching jobs (cross your fingers and toes) My work is ...welll....interesting as of late. A LOT of rumors regarding a possible shut down by Hilton but my thought is"whatever is gonna happen will happen" and getting all worked up over a possibility is pretty dumb. So, I shall wait and see.

Nitoe and I have been taking cake decorating classes together once a week for the past 3 months. I have discovered that not only do I ENJOY making and decorating the cakes, I am pretty good at it. Perhaps I will make a side business out of it....

Freakin and Pufferfish are doing good. They are real happy and I am glad for them. They really do make a great couple.

Anthostein is still at school and is doing well, I suppose. I really don't hear from him that often, but when I do, he seems ok.

That is all.

(Beckatang)

HEY EVERYONE!!

2009-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Hi there....it has been a LONG time since I last blogged (at least according to Freakin') so here goes...

A few changes have happened in the past few months, one of which is that Anthostein has moved out. He decided he wants to be a chef and is now a student at The International Culinary School at the Art Institute of The Inland Empire (WOW that's a mouthful!). Anyway, he lives at the college housing. He will be there for 3 years and will have a masters degree when he finishes.

Another change is that Princess Shell and her girlfriend Sassafras have moved in. They ran into some financial difficulty and lost their apartment, and so of course we told them to come home. Couldn't have them out on the streets, after all.

My friend Freakin' is no longer single. That's right ladies...you missed out, now stop your crying! Anyway, his girlfriend has been renamed Pufferfish(yeah I changed it again...deal with it Freakin') and she has the most adorable baby girl codenamed Panda.

As of this Monday,RattChuk will be gainfully employed at Valle Vista Hardware. YAY! It's her first job and she's excited. That will pass soon enough....

Ed and I are doing ok. He is still on nights and I'm on days, so we do have THAT going for us...We have managed to take a couple of weekend trips and do try to spend as much time together as possible during the week......

That's about all I can think of for now...so good night....

ZION

2009-08-15T11:57:00.001-07:00

As I am typing this little blog, I am sitting in a cabin in Zion, Utah. It is SO beautiful here! A little background on how I came to this place is needed, so here goes.....

My OLDER sister Sue (did I mention she was older than me? ) and 2 of her friends were going to come up here and do some hiking for like a week and then Sue decided that it would be a blast to get as many members of our family here as possible. SO..Myself, Ed, Rattchuk, Freakin, my sister Melissa, her 4 kids, my sister Beckatang, my brother John, my sister Mary and her husband and grand daughter all converged on this wonderous spot.

It has been amazing. Family fun, hiking, good food, good times, beautiful scenery (pics to come later) . But the best part for me was the chance to spend time with the brother and sisters. We don't seem to see each other as much as we would like, so it was pretty awesome!

I think everyone will agree that this was a great time, especially when John emptied his ice chest on Sue, and then spent the rest of the day/evening trying to convince her it was all Beckatanag's idea!

4th of July at the Park

2009-07-19T22:13:00.000-07:00

The side of a very cool cake that we got for the 4th.

A watermelon cake...complete with ants for the 4th!

Ed at the park on the 4th.

Rattchuk's "tattoo"

The elusive Princess Shell at the park

Rattchuk

Freakin. He really hates having his picture taken.

Anthostein at the park

Little Bit at the park.

Conversations with Lucius

2009-07-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I believe that my 4 year old grandson Lucius is quite possibly one of the funniest people that I have met in a long time. Let me recount a couple of recent conversations with him.....

On the way to the zoo Lu and I were in the back seat and I had been irritating Bug (can't help it..it's fun for me) and she had told me that I was being dumb and then I turn to Lu and say:

Me: Man. She sure is grumpy, isn't she?

Lu: Yup.

Me: I wonder why she's so grumpy , Lu?

At this point, he turns to me and says:
"Look, I'm a pretty nice guy...I have NO idea why SHE'S so grumpy."

#2
After the Zoo, we went to the Gaslamp Quarter for lunch. While we were waiting for the food, the following conversation takes place:

Me: So, Lu, what was your favorite animal at the Zoo?

Lu: Well, Grandma, I like the Zebras. OH, but we didn't go see them, now did we?

Just a bit of background...he never once mentioned wanting to see Zebras or even that he liked zebras all day at the Zoo.

#3

While in the pool with Bug, Lu had asked about playing with various pool toys, only to be told by Bug that they had either been chewed by the dogs, or were dirty and had to be cleaned first. So apparently my darling Grandson sighed and walked away from Bug and said:

"What IS this crap?"

I Love that boy!!!!

Beckatang!

Zoo Time w/The Girls

2009-07-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

Bug on the "Sky Buckets"

Nitoe and Lucius in a moment of love.....

Lucius and a friend

On the way to the zoo

Nitoe, Bug and Lucius at the zoo....what a great day we had!

Tundra Summer

2009-07-19T19:07:00.001-07:00

Ok, so summer is here on the Tundra and that means HEAT. We have been spending a fair amount of time at Bug's in her pool...but the heat is still pretty oppressive.

Not a whole lot going on here...as you can see by the photos..my flooring is DONE!!! YAY!! Anthostein and Ed did an AMAZING job and it looks FAB-U -LOUS!!! I really really really really loves it!

Been working a lot (even doing OT..I know, right!) and trying to help out here..so not a whole lot of fun..we did manage a quick trip to SD, and I took a trip to the SD Zoo with my favorite lebanese couple and grandson(That will be in a blog on it's own..my grandson is HILARIOUS!)..pictures to come later(saved em to the lap top and I'm too hot and lazy to mess with that now)

Freakin cut his hair and shaved his beard and now looks 12, and Shila the Wonderdog had to get 14 staples and wear a cone for 12 days cuz some rude dog decided to bite her. She's all better now, but she was unhappy for a while...and I learned that if I wrap her pills up in sandwich meat, she'll eat them just fine!

That's all for now...what's up with YOU?

Beckatang!

Pool time!

2009-07-19T18:59:00.001-07:00

Bug at rest...

Happy Rattchuk!

Bug attacking me...not sure why...

Anthostein and Lucious

Bug and Anthostein...

FLOOR!!!!!

2009-07-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

My floor...isn't it beautiful?

Putting in the last piece!

LAST PIECE!!!

The floor with the wall color....I loves it!

Anthostein working on my flooring...what a good son!

Hey Everybody!!!!!!

2009-06-13T08:29:00.001-07:00

So Hello again from the Tundra! I haven't posted in awhile because, like my friend Himbo, I have been too busy! Let's see...first there was Prom, then Pass and Review(it's an ROTC thing) , then ROTC Senior Picnic, then more dress and shoe shopping (YAY), then Senior Awards night, then Graduation, then Grad Nite.....I am worn out. Good thing I took extra days off from work.

Also somewhere in there, I had a birthday, got an iPhone(Thanks Ed!) and a pair of Versace sunglasses (thanks Bug and Nitoe!) , and took our youngest(Rattchuk herself) to sign up for the Air Force Reserves. We also pretty much finished the painting and the fireplace is 95% tiled. What a busy busy girl I've been!

I will be posting pictures shortly......oh yeah...I almost forgot! I will be getting a memorial tattoo for my Mom on calf on Monday. It will be my first....

Graduation Pics

2009-06-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

Rattchuk in her Graduation dress.

Little Bit Graduating

Rattchuk Graduating (and dancing)

Having fun before Senior Awards

Rattchuk's Prom part 2

2009-05-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Self portrait......aka "myspace shot"

Rattchuk and her date

Figuring out the corsage

Being silly!

Rattchuk's Prom

2009-05-26T15:34:00.001-07:00

So, following are some of the pictures of Rattchuk's Senior Prom.

The Hair

Looking Beautiful
She had a good time, and really that's all that matters. I will be posting more pictures on part two!

Prom Pics Part 1

2009-05-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

Anthostein and Little Bit

My favorite picture cuz they are both smiling!

Little Bit and Katie
Katie

Little Bit (notice the jewelery)

Isn't she pretty?

THE DRESS!!!!

Prom Drama

2009-05-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

So today was/is Prom. We did finally find the shoes ( I TOLD you I would be victorious) only to have them stolen, yes STOLEN, by some heinous cow at the High School. Bree had worn them to school to get them broken in and so forth, and when she took them off in Theater for her dress rehearsal, some sorry excuse for a human stole her prom shoes. So, it was back to the Shops at Dos Lagos for Ed and I to get the absolute LAST pair in that color and size. (We actually bought the display shoe!)

After that, there were still some last minute drama involving Marge (who is back on the road again!) and weather she would be able to make it there and back ok. Also a couple of last minute items to fix/aquire for her.

And then, when all THAT was done, we still had to (and by we I of course mean ME) coordinate the nail and hair appointments. Now, you would think this would be a simple matter of making 2 appointments for each thing...wrong. See, RattChuk was able to get her nails done on Friday, but Little Bit could not because she had a play thing to do. SO...RattChuk had her nails done on Friday, and Little Bit had to get hers done on Saturday (prom day)

Now I know that does not seem to be such a big deal, but they BOTH also had to get their hair done that morning at a Salon about an hour away. This really put us in a time crunch. See, RattChuk's date decided that he wanted to pick her up at 330 PM. The hair was to be done at 10 and 1115 respectively. Since beauty takes time, this not only caused a time crunch (factoring in drive time) but Little Bit had a 2PM nail appointment in Hemet. So, you see my dilemma.

ANYWAY...we got their hair done, and they both looked truly beautiful, (Amber rocks!) and left the Salon at 1205 pm, putting us back into Hemet at a little before 1 pm. Little Bit needed to go to her Mom's house to get some tanning stuff on her back to even out her tan line (I don't know...) and to check on the last minute alterations of her and Katie's dresses.(As if we needed more stress...right?) We got to the Nail Salon at 145 and Anh (my FAVORITE nail tech EVER!) got us in early. Little Bit got her nails done, and we got home in time for RattChuk to get ready and get picked up by 4. Whew...one down...one to go......

Now, did I mention that Anthostein had to work today? Well...he did. He went to work with Ed as they both work on the same base and didnt even get home until 430-445..anyway I digress...SO, because the dresses were still being altered, and Little Bit informed me that she and Anthostein still had to pick up Katie and her date, all this after he got home and got ready and that they had to take Katies dress to her and she had to get ready, I suggested that Katie come over here and get dressed, as Little Bit's mom was bringing BOTH dresses here. Well, of course that meant that I had to go pick up Katie. Which I did. The girls were doing make up and Katies hair when the guys got home. (Ed and the boy that is) So when Anthostein got home, he went straight into the shower and took all of his stuff into the bathroom to get ready. He was to wear his Class A uniform, which Ed got dry cleaned for him on base.

We got the girls in my room/bathroom getting ready, the dresses arriving, and Anthostein getting dressed in the bathroom. Now, Anthostein was not allowed to see the dress until it was on her and she was completely ready (her rules, not mine) When Anthostein put the pants on for his uniform, he realized they were not his. Yep. the dry cleaner had given us a pair that were 2 sizes too small. I have never seen my son so close to abject despair in all my life. I told him "I can fix this" and proceeded to have him get dressed and we went Suit Jacket shopping.

We found one, and on the way back to the house, I picked up Katie's date and brought him here. Ed and Anthostein happen to be about he same size, so Anthostein wore the suit jacket, Ed's slacks, Ed's shirt (PERFECT color match for Little Bit's dress btw..) and Ed's dress shoes. He did wear his own tie...and underwear....

And then after pictures (which I will post) they were finally off to prom.....

I just hope they have an AMAZING night.....I'm tired.....

Renovation Update!!!

2009-05-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

Following are updated pictures of the work we did today in my dining room area. I really like the color. It's called "worn path" and I think it looks wonderful! The ceiling is done in a off white. The trim will be a darker color. There is an end in sight! Yay!!!!!!!!

Looking into the dining room from the living room: Dining room wall:

The wall and ceiling together. We will be putting crown molding in a darker color.

More pics when that goes up!:

(Beckatang!)

From my sister

2009-05-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

The following was taken from my family web site. It was a posting from my sister. She is the Director of the Animal Shelter. (No counties mentioned) Here is the post:

I have the story behind the worlds dumbest person. Are you ready?A women comes to the front counter with a 2 week old kitten and tells staff she has been biten by this cat, they ask how and proceed to do an offical bite report. She tells them how she is a new mother, little baby in stroller. She was in her back yard, heard this kitten crying and went over to it, it looked like it was hungry, since she is breast feeding her own child she thought " I can feed this one too". Ok, so maybe no one has ever told her kittens have teeth when humans don't, not sure. I did have a few guys volunteering to do the skin break verification, but with a story like that, none needed. I have heard many many stories that have instilled in me the fact that humanes are STUPID, but this is the winner.

Enjoy!

Weekend Happenings

2009-05-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ok. So, We went Prom dress shopping this past weekend. By we I mean, Me, Ed, Anthostein, Little Bit, Rattchuk and Freakin. Yes, all of us went. I was glad that I was able to persuade Freakin to go. We all stayed at one of our Hotels in the area and good times was had by all.

We found the perfect dress, the necklace and earrings. All that is left is the shoes. Still having a bit of trouble finding them. But never fear...I will be victorious!

While at the Ontario Mills Mall, we had dinner at The Rainforest Cafe. I have to say that the waitress was espically wonderous. She kept up with all 6 of us and didn't even bat an eye when Little Bit spilled a drink into the appetizer plate.(BTW...that was the second time that day she knocked over liquid in the direction of Ed...hmmmm....suspicious...) Just brought us napkins and a new platter and a new drink. This made us all happy and renewed our faith in waitresses cuz that morning on the way to Ontario, we had the opposite type of waitress. She even had the nerve to argue with me. Stupid cow.

On Sunday evening we went over to Bug and Nitoe's for dinner. Bug prepared a birthday feast extravaganza for me. She made some of the best ribs I have had in a while, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. They also got me a Birthday cake that was pretty and decorated on the outside and fudgy goodness on the inside. After dinner, we played Uno and were reminded just how competeitive we all are. Wow! Good times.

Anyway...the search for the shoes begins....

Construction Update

2009-04-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this weekend we got back on track with the luxurification process at the house. Thanks to help from Freakin, Rattchuk,Anthostein and Ed, we got a LOT done. I now have a living room that is all drywalled, mudded , taped, sanded and primer painted. AMAZING diffrerence....

After all of our hard work...one of the windows in the living room and the wall.....

Another finished corner.....

My two guys hard at work...Ed and Freakin...

Freakin sanding his little fingers off!!!

Ed amongst the dust

All in all...a very productive and busy weekend. But now all that is left to do is a second primer coat, then the color, then the flooring and the fireplce. There is an end in sight!!!! Whoo Hoooo!!!

Texts

2009-04-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

The following are texts between myself and Freakin:
(I had asked him what he was doin)

F: Math class break time.

Me: Badass

F: heh. You said ass. Why is math class badass?

Me: Breaktime is badass

F: I guess .

F: There is a mexican kid sharpening his pencil with nothing less than a razor on a stick. I feel like I'm in a prison movie.

Me: RUN FREAKIN RUN!!!!

F: Can't run. Must stay, Must learn.

Me: STAY AWAY FROM RAZOR BOY!!!

F: I can only imagine you yelling that while I'm whispering that to you and your getting us both killed.

At that point I realized he really DOES know me! Then I became concerned that he didn't text anymore and I figure if he does not show up at work tomorrow morning, I will have to drive around looking in ditches for him....

(beckatang)

Shopping trip!

2009-04-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, so today I went shopping. Now usually it's like..big deal...who cares...whatever. But today I took Little Bit with me and we had an AMAZING time. I finally found someone who shops like I do! I do not shop like the normal person and I have found that the "normal shopper" tends to get frustrated and angry with me halfway into the trip. Not so today! I was in my own heaven!

I found SO much that I had been wanting to locate. I found the perfect curtains and sheers for the living room , dining room, and my bedroom. Also the cutest blouse (on sale, thank you very much) and was able to get Ed his annivesary present in the color I wanted. (I got him a DS) I also found a new shirt and tie in the most amazing color for him to wear when he takes me out tonight. (I KNOW!!)

Added to the wonderfullness of the day was the fact that I have discovered that I have quite a lot in common with Little Bit. Even more than before. AWESOME!!

We also had a bit of an adventure at KMart. We were in line and I was looking around and noticed a woman in front of us in line had on a kinda cute sundress. Then when she turned away, I noticed that the KMart price tag was sticking out the back. SERIOUSLY! So I pointed it out to Little Bit and she was like"Wow" and I just laughed. About that time, another cashier came over and said she would help us, and on the way over, I commented to Little Bit that I didn't know you could just buy something and wear it out the store. The Cashier overheard me and said "What?" I then told her about the woman and that I was sure she was gonna pay for it cuz the tag was sticking out and she said "I'll be right back". When she came back she was like "o, she wasn't going to pay for it. She was just going to wear it out the store." I was floored! I mean, really! How you gonna go in, try on something, leave it on, have the tag sticking out and then walk out the door?!?!?!? SERIOUSLY!! In KMART???? REALLY? Oh, and did I mention she was with like 4-5 family members and they seemed ok with it?

Now I gotta know...where were the clothes she wore in?

(Beckatang)

Tomorrow

2009-04-17T21:40:00.000-07:00

So, tomorrow promises to be slightly busy, but fun and educational too. I have drop off Little Bit at 9 at the High School, then pick her up at Noon. Now, my friend Freakin' (Troy) is going to come over and we will go pick up the little one together where we will all then proceed to March Air Reserve Base.

Now, you might be asking yourself "why in the world are they going to a military installation?" Well, children, I need to get my military dependant ID renewed, as it has apparently expired. I was not aware of this until it was pointed out to me by the lady at the bank. While there we will also be taking a tour of a C-17. Ed happens to be the Section Supervisor and can get us on the planes. For some of us....well....we've seen it. However, Freakin and Little Bit have not. (thus the educational portion of our day)

You may also be asking about Freakin. He is my work buddy who has become a regular buddy. I mean like outside of work....you know....anyway. I do believe that he will become the Himbo to my Bon Don! I don't know....can we ever reach the level of coolness and luxuriosity of the dynamic duo? I can only hope!

Busy day

2009-04-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

I had a rather busy day today. After working until 145, I left work and went to the High School and picked up Little Bit (Anthostein's girlfriend) and RattChuk then went home, picked up Anthostein , and headed to the Tundra's version of a mall. (Rather sad, but it's close)

There we went to and got Anthostein's hair cut , went shopping at JC Penney where I got some AMAZING deals ( buy one, get one for 88 cents on ALL kinds of stuff ) , left there, met Ed at Sizzler for dinner, went back to the Mall (got the wrong socks for Ed...grounds for divorce in some states) and then went to Little Bit's Mom's house, then to Bugs house, and finally back to mi casa!

WHEW!!!

Then, after getting home, I went online and paid bills, and checked my emails (seriously, 52 in one day! But apparently I can increase the size of my penis naturally...so I guess it's ok?....wait...what?)

I think I'm tired.......

A Realization

2009-04-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

So, it has taken me a while to realize that my blogs really don't have to be "about" anything. I was stressing trying to think up stuff to write about and so I went back through Himbo and Bon Don's postings (as they are both brillant, sexy and funny) I realized that really, I can blog about any damn thing I please!

So I am.

So there.

(Beckatang)

A brilliant idea....from ME!

2009-04-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I was texting with my friend Freakin (more about him later) and I told him I wanted ice cream and he said he did too. Then I told him I basically wanted a sundae with chocolate ice cream and his exact words were "Numm nummers nummy"...ANYWAY...then he said that what I needed was someone to deliver ice cream to me...and it hit me!!

What the world needs now is an ice cream delivery service!!!! How badass would THAT be??? I mean seriously! Ice cream delivered right to your door!! That is my idea of a happy world!!

Mmmmmm....ice cream.........

(Beckatang)

A Conversation with Bug

2009-04-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

Me:Hello. Whatcha doin?

Bug: Drivin home.

Me: Oh. So what's new with you?

Bug: Not much. So I came up with a brilliant idea that's sure to make us a lot of money.....

Me: Oh crap. What now?

Bug: Ok, lady, there's no reason to use that tone with me....ANYWAY....I have decided that we should buy a horse and run it in the Kentucky Derby.

Me: No. I am not buying a horse and putting it in the Derby.

Bug: Why the hell not? We could make a LOT of money when it wins...

Me: Ok, First of all, neither one of us has the kind of money it takes to buy a racehorse and train it, and then there's the matter of a jockey.

Bug: You can buy a horse for like 5 grand and we can always hire a midget. They are always looking for work since Willie Wonka wrapped up production. And that's only 2500 each. And like 500 bucks for the midget.......

Me: Ummm....no. Midgets are not jockeys and even if you could find a horse for 5 grand, how would you get it trained?

Bug: Well, I have noticed that Jack (her dog) really hates it when I play "Got yer Butt" (this involves Bug pinching his butt and yelling "Got yer Butt" at him....yeah I know) So I figure if we teach the horse "got yer butt" then all the midget would have to do is get on it and then yell "Got Yer Butt!!!!" and the horse would take off and WIN! Also, midgets can do anything we can do...bigot.

Me: Wow. You really need to be busier during the workday.

Bug: Your tax dollars hard at work!

Me: And I never said midgets couldn't BE jockeys, I was simply saying they aren't the same thing... Besides, where would we keep this horse?

Bug: We would take turns. One week at your house and one week at mine....you know sharing. We would also have to share the midget....but they don't take up much room....

Me: Ummmmm......no.

Bug: I even came up with a name for the horse....BrenJa!

Me: Hey, I kinda like that........a midget you say??????

(Beckatang!)

I'm Back! (part 2)

2009-03-29T18:16:00.003-07:00

Hellooooo everyone! I'm finally back from my trip across the world. Ok, really only like 3 states, but it felt MUCH longer.

For those of you that don't know, my Mom passed away on March 26,2008. On March 26,2009, 4 of my sisters, myself and Ed were at her grave site and we unveiled her headstone. Usually this isn't a big deal, but did I mention that Ed pretty much made the ENTIRE thing? He made the form, mixed and poured the concrete and laser etched the front and back plaques for it. Then, after we hauled it there in his truck, he unloaded it (I helped a bit) and placed it (this involved him actually tying a strap around his waist and PULLING this 500 pound stone down a hill), and then assembling the entire thing there in the wind and cold and partially in the dark. Here is a pic of it.

Back:

Front:

He did and AMAZING job. My Mom loved birds, and her favorite were the hummingbirds she fed, so he put a hummingbird and a rose (her fav flower) on the front. Also on the front, he etched all of our names in the corners. On the back he etched the poem that is on her rememberence card with another rose and a candle and heart. I don't think I can ever tell him how much this meant to me and my family. A potentially crappy day was made better by the stone and the fact that we were there together.

The other thing that made this trip "memorable" was the fact that my sister Melissa who lives in Colorado had NO idea that me, Mary,Susan,Ed, Beckatang and Ray (Beckatang's guy,now renamed Earl by the sisters) were going to be there. AND only one sister (Susan) knew about the stone. So, it was a real "interesting" trip for a lot of reasons.

I hope I wasn't too much of a downer, but that's where I was and I feel a bit better. Perhaps some closure? I still miss my Mom every day, but it's a bit easier to pick myself up and go on.....

I love you, Mom.

I'm Back!

2009-03-29T18:16:00.001-07:00

The basic stupidity of people

2009-03-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

Here is the conversation I had with Bug. She is an MP at Camp Pendleton.

Me: Hey. What ya doin?

Bug: Driving home from work. So I wrote some tickets today.

Me: Oh really? For what?

Bug: Diffrent things. This one guy was parked in a red zone. He had been there for about an hour, and was starting to impede traffic, so I went over to his truck and was writing him up when he came out. He says to me that I shouldn't be writing him up because he had his hazard lights on, so it was ok.

Me: WHAT? Seriously? He said that?

Bug: Yep. I told him that unfortunatly for him, his hazard light force field didn't work for me, and gave him his ticket.

That's why I love her so...she takes NO crap from anyone, for any reason, and isn't afraid to say what she thinks.

Beckatang!

Bloggity, bloggity , blog

2009-03-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a few weeks since I last posted. (Thanks for yelling at me Beckatang) I wish I could say that I just haven't had anything to post, but the truth is that I have just been very tired and more than a little busy lately.

The renovations are moving along....sorta. We kinda lost a bit of steam for a few days, but we are back on track. I will have pics soon...the luxurification process is a long and arduous one, to be sure. However, Ed assures me that there is an end in sight.....

We did manage to take a couple of days off and we took RattChuk, Anthostein and Little Bit (Anthostein's Girlfriend) to Universal Studios. It was a lot of fun. I saw all kinds of interesting characters, and some of them even worked there. We stayed at the Glendale Hilton. It was nice. I will post pictures.

I had to finally break down and do two things I HATE to do. I went to the Dr. and the Dentist. I know, right!!! After having a migrane non stop for 3 days, I really had no choice but to go. The only problem was that my Dr. was unavailable and I had to see a PA. I belive that it stands for Pain in the Ass. This idiot spent the first 15 minutes of the visit telling me what I should have done. " You should have gone to the urgent care", "you shouldn't have waited so long" , Urgent care is available in Glendale"...blah blah blah...I finally told him that he needed to stop telling me what he thinks I should have done cuz I ain't no time traveler and it isn't going to change anything, and instead he should just shut up and help me NOW. I am here NOW...FIX IT!!!! He then started to tell me about HIS headaches and I stopped him and said "I don't really care about you, FIX IT NOW!!!" After I mentioned I had an appointment with my actual Dr. on the 20th and I was going to let her know how my visit with him went, he changed his tune. I got a shot (in the butt! ) and a prescription and was on my merry way!

As for the Dntist...well....I haven't gone to a dentist in a LONG ass time and it turns out I need a deep cleaning ($360), a root canal and crown ($700), a second crown ($600) and 6 fillings ($700). Also, RattChuk went and has to have both of her bottom wisdoms taken out ($450). RattChuk has an appointment Apr 6 for her stuff andI go in for the first half of my cleaning on Apr 7. The rest will take place in June or July. Lucky me.

Work has been VERY busy. Now I'm not talking late for my break cuz I'm on a call busy, I mean 187 calls in que, admin red alert busy. I guess I shouldn't complain too much, at least I have a job. And these days that's saying a lot! Also, I will be working 14 hours OT next week. THAT will help the bank account!

We found (or actually he found us) someone that has a Monte Carlo that is for sale for $300 that has the parts Anthostein needs for Marge. Ed is going to go check it out tomorrow.

I guess that's it for now...

I'm just sayin........

2009-03-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

An Open Letter to James Thatcher, Brand Manager, Proctor and Gamble

Dear Mr. Thatcher, I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core™ or Dri-Weave™ absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic. I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? Ever suffered from "the curse"? I'm guessing you haven't. Well, my "time of the month" is starting right now. As I type, I can already feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call "an inbred hillbilly with knife skills." Isn't the human body amazing? As brand manager in the feminine-hygiene division, you've no doubt seen quite a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customers' monthly visits from Aunt Flo. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior. You surely realize it's a tough time for most women. In fact, only last week, my friend Jennifer fought the violent urge to shove her boyfriend's testicles into a George Foreman Grill just because he told her he thought Grey's Anatomy was written by drunken chimps. Crazy!

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling with homicidal maniacs in capri pants. Which brings me to the reason for my letter. Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi pad, and there, printed on the adhesive backing, were these words: "Have a Happy Period." Are you fucking kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager brain really think happiness—actual smiling, laughing happiness—is possible during a menstrual period? Did anything mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI, unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak girl, there will never be anything "happy" about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlúa and lock yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreens armed with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man. If you just have to slap a moronic message on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent, like "Put Down the Hammer" or "Vehicular Manslaughter Is Wrong"? Or are you just picking on us? Sir, please inform your accounting department that, effective immediately, there will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flexi-Wings, I will not for one minute miss your brand of condescending bullshit.

And that's a promise I will keep. Always.

Tundra Happenings

2009-02-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

So, today I call Ed from work at my break (as per usual) and here's what happened:

Me: Hey Big Sexy, whatcha doin?

Ed: Working on Marge.(Anthostein's car)

Me; What's wrong with Marge?

Ed: The radiator shim (I THINK that's what he called it...who cares...) has to be replaced.

Me: Oh. Well where is the car now?

Ed:Here at the corner of Fairview and Florida. I called AAA and am gonna have them tow it home.

Me: It's that bad? When did it break on him?

Ed: Shortly after the brakes failed and the engine died. Right about the time he hit the telephone pole.

Me: WHAT??? Is he ok? IS anyone hurt? How bad is it?

Ed: He's fine. No one got hurt, and the pole is even ok.

Me: Wow. Are you sure he's ok?

Ed: Yeah. He was only going like 20 when he hit. Once the brakes failed, then the engine died, the steering locked up and he hit the pole cuz the car pulls to the right. It's fixable, but the boy is bummed.

Me: Yeah I bet, but he's ok?

Ed: Yes, now I need to go. Call you later. Love you. Bye.

A few minutes later, Anthostein called me (his Dad made him) and informed me he was ok. What a start to the weekend!

IT"S BECKATANG!!!!!!

2009-02-23T21:46:00.000-08:00

I believe this was Christmas Morning and she had received this elephant as a gift....she has been collecting them ever since.....

WOW!! Look at HER!! Isn't she just ADORABLE!!!!!!

Hanging on a rope swing in a tree.....how very un-ladylike.....lol

Love ya sis! I will get a disc of these to you soon...or perhaps when you are here in June, You can just take it home.....might be faster as we both know how "mail challenged" I have become....

This is why I call him BIG SEXY!!!!!!

2009-02-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

Dragon

2009-02-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Built completly out of Legos....someone had a LOT of time on their hands.....

Rattchuk looking like a girl.....who knew?

2009-02-23T21:34:00.000-08:00

The dress, the shoes (CUTE), the hair...Rattchuk on her way to the Military Ball 2009. (that's the JROTC prom...kind of a big deal around here....)

Fair warning

2009-02-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

Since my life is such a HUGE bore....I have decided that I will just post random pictures from time to time until SOMETHING...ANYthing happens that's worth writing about....so look out! You never know WHO I have pictures of........

Beckatang!!!

Just a couple of pics of the construction....

2009-02-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

BEFORE-Notice the wall and closet at the entry way? Really felt closed in when you first walked in.....that would be Miss Nitoe....

AFTER---Notice all the room now as you first walk in.....LUXURIOUS!!!!

Motor Memories

2009-02-18T14:10:00.000-08:00

This s the same year make model and color of Anthostein's "new" car.....his is still a work in progress....

So, today Anthostein and yours truly went to AAA to sign over the car to him. He got his insurance and, as promised, Ed and I signed the title to a 1973 Chevy Monte Carlo over to him. I have named the car Marge (as in Marge the large barge). I actually drove it for a short time before we got the Pacifica, and I must say that it brought back memories.....my first car was a 1972 Ford Gran Torino 2 door. It was baby blue with power everything and a big block 400 ford engine under the hood. That car could MOVE!!!! I loved my car. I also have a 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme in the driveway. Currently it is non op, as we are restoring it, but that is one of the most dependable cars I have ever owned. As a matter of fact, I went out last week and it started right up for me.... When I met Ed, he had a 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe. I fell in love with ...I mean IN that car.....ok both....SO what was your first car?

No news really

2009-02-11T21:26:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I haven't been on in a while , and really the main reason is that there really isn't much going on here except the never ending renovations and work.

Ed and I did manage a weekend getaway with Rattchuk to S.D. We went to Legoland and The Wild Animal Park. It didn't suck. Legoland was interesting. Seeing so many things built out of legos kinda scared me, but it was ok. The Wild Animal Park was fun. Rattchuk was sure that the giraffes were gonna eat her brains, but it all turned out ok. I explained to her that they only wanted healthy brains, and that she had nothing to worry about. I do have pictures I suppose I could post.

I'm feeling a bit.......blah I guess. Perhaps I'm just tired. Work has been busy lately and it seems to sap all my energy and my will to live. After a full day fielding calls from people that just don't seem to get it, I am rather worn out mentally. Also this thing where I work days and Ed works nights is really starting to get to me. I miss seeing him.

Enough of me feeling sorry for myself! I need an adventure to renew my spirit and get the old "spark" back. Any suggestions?

Oh yeah...beckatang!

Late Night Happenings on the Tundra

2009-01-31T11:21:00.000-08:00

In an effort to streamline and un-clutter my life, I decided to go through my closet and get rid of all the clothes that
a) don't fit
b) are out of style
c) make me say "what was I thinking?!?"
d) all of the above
Ok, perhaps the fact that I had spent like 2 hours watching "What Not To Wear" had a little influence as well. Some of those people SERIOUSLY needed help!

ANYWAY........While I did manage to come up with quite a few items to take to the Salvation Army, and I was even able to go from 38 pairs of shoes to 19 (I KNOW!!AMAZING for me to do that! ) , I didn't even start this endevour until after 830 Pm, so that meant I was still up (actually finishing up) when Ed got home from work at like 1130PM. (He works nights, I work days and if we are lucky, we see other for like 2 minutes during the week...damn Government! )

While Ed was changing out of his uniform, he says that on his way home he was thnking that we hadn't gone out for breakfast at midnight in a LONG time (actually it has been like 5 years) and so I reminded him it's probably because I get up at 4 am to go to work and that might be why. So we decided that we were going to go to breakfast.

Now I was surprised by the number of people out at that hour here in the old people capital of the universe, and by the fact that there were people that were walking about at that hour. Kinda scary people, but people none the less.

We had decided to go to the "new" IHOP. Actually they just moved into a new building across town, which is good cuz the old one was ghetto. So we drive to IHOP to find that they had just closed. With heavy hearts, and empty bellies, we then proceeded to Denny's (not Belltower, the OTHER one, Himbo) On our way there, we were passed by a woman who was in a BIG hurry to get somewhere and so was driving like a bat out of hell (where did that expression start...I must research that later....hmmm...) When suddenly I heard a very loud noise and about 100 yards in front of us, the woman had come to an abrupt stop. It was then that one of Hemet's finest was coming up from the other direction, flipped a bitch and lighted up the scene with his pretty red and blues. I thought that the woman had hit the curb, but when we got closer, we saw the other car. Also we saw the woman stumble out of her car in her halter top and heels (cute shoes, btw) and start arguing with the other driver. Ed said he thinks the woman saw the cop, and panicked and overcorrected while changing lanes (cuz she had just passed us and was changing lanes again) and hit the other car. Good thing for the other driver that their witness is a cop, cuz drunk crazy lady was sure trying to make it the other person's fault....

Then we went to Denny's, had eggs, pancakes and coffe, went home and passed out. And how was YOUR night?

Beckatang!

Blah blah blah

2009-01-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

Ok, So I really don't have much going on these days. Just renovating the casa and going to work. Except of course for the 2 days I took off cuz I was "indisposed" (as my grandma would say) .

I am learning to tape and "mud" drywall however,It is a messy job (at least when I do it) but it's kinda ok.

I have decided that I am going to change Big Sexy's name to Ed. It's just that I feel kinda werd having OTHER people call my hubby "Big Sexy".....As for Ed...well there is a story behind that as well.....

Me: Hey bitch...whatcha doin?

Beckatang: What?

Me: I SAID "Hey bitch, whatcha doin?"

BT: Oh...nada,,you?

Me: Just chiilin talkin to Dave and...

BT: Did you just say you were talking to Ed? Who the hell is Ed?

Me: Ummmm...no. I said "Dave".

BT: OH..well I think that from now on I shall call him Ed.

And friends and neighbors, from that day forward, she did indeed call him Ed. And apparently she told my sisters and they also call him Ed and I hate to admit it, but I find myself calling him Ed quite often as well....the power of suggestion is strong....

So now he is Ed. Unless Beckatang is angry at him for some imagined transgression, then he becomes Mr. Edward Sir, but if she's happy with him because he has either done something for her, or said something nice about her, or took her stupid side in an argument with me, then he is Eddie-pie. She's so weird. But I love her (I have to it's a rule)

2009-01-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I have been tagged by Himrico! I feel so honored...just keep in mind that my ipod has not been updated in awhile..so here goes!

Las Reglas:
1. Put your iPod/iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 3 people to complete this!

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?"Tom Sawyer" Rush(ummm...what?)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?"Edge of Seventeen" Stevie Nicks (hmmmmm)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?"Opposites Attract" Paula Abdul w/MC Kat(omg! I forgot I even had this one...it was a phase....)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?"Down On My Knees" Trisha Yearwood(Ok, you sickos, I KNOW what you are thinking, but it's ACTUALLY a very touching love song...ie down on my knees begging you to stay,,etc)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?"Straight Up" Paula Freakin Abdul ( Ok, again a PHASE..don't judge me!)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?“Celluoid Heroes" Joan Jett (NICE!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?"Survivor" Destiny's Child

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?"Knocked Out" Paula Abdul (Now I know how Himrico felt w/ Sarah Brightman!! Fuck!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE"In Terms of Love" SHeDAISY

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?"Kisses In The Wind" Paula Abdul (Fuck ME!)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?"Complicated"Carolyn Dawn Johnson

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?"Black Cat" Janet Jackson

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?Im skipping this one. Both of them are gone. Still not over it yet...sorry

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?"Total Eclipse of the Heart" Bonnie Tyler-(HOLY CRAP that's funny!)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?"Sweet Child O Mine" Guns and Roses( How totally appropriate is THAT?)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?"What Hurts the Most" Rascall Flatts(Wow)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS"Why Haven't I Heard From You?" Reba-(Perfect!)

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?"Little Liar" Joan Jett(Again a GREAT match to the question as all liars should be publically flogged and covered in feathers)

HOW WILL YOU DIE."Hollaback Girl" Pink (uh oh)

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU REGRET?"Seven Year Ache" Trisha Yearwood

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?"Survivor" Destiny's Child

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?"The Way That You Love Me" Paula Abdul (here we go again...stop judging me!)

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?"I Hate Myself For Loving You" Joan Jett(so apparently not?)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?"My Give A Damn's Busted" Jodee Messina ( And that's how I really feel! )

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?"Rush, Rush" Paula Abdul(So perhaps I would have slowed down and possibly not had so much Paula on my Ipod? )

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?"Walkin On" Faith Hill

Remember, NO CHEATING
I tag Beckatang, Uncle Dan, and Pork Chop- Good Luck!

Catching Up

2009-01-20T20:12:00.001-08:00

Ok, So I haven't been blogging much. I could say it's cuz I'm way busy with the various "phases" of the renovations (which is true,sort of), or I could say I'm tired, or I could say I forgot, or I could say I'm drunk.....But the honest truth is that after reading some of the luxiourious adventures of my fellow bloggers my life seems...well....dull.

Although a recent conversation with Beckatang might apply in this instance:

Me: Hi. Whatcha doin?

BT:Why you gotta know? The real question is what are YOU doing? (again, suspicious of others activities)

Me: What's up your butt? I was just asking what you were doing to be polite. I really don't give a rat's ass.

BT: Sorry. I am upset about my candy dish....AGAIN

Me: Ummmmmmm....what?

BT: Ok, so I got this candy dish and I put candy in it. Then some friends came over and ate the candy. This means I have to go buy MORE candy. Now, here's the problem with that...do I get the SAME kind of candy in the hopes that the same people will eat it, do I get what I like and hope no one else eats it or do I go cheap and get what's on sale? Now, if I go the buy the same stuff route, they are liable to think I bought it for them and keep coming back to mooch more which means I'll have to take on a second job to support their candy habit. If I go and get something only I like, I could offend someone, or worse yet they will see my choice in candies and think I am weird for liking that kind. If I go cheap. well....let's just say it will end with yelling and tears.

Me: Wow.

BT: yes, having a candy dish is a heavy responsibility.

Me: So, throw it out.

Bt: But I paid 4 dollars for it.

ME: ok, then put it in your closet or somethin.

BT: and then when they come back and see it gone they will think I got upset they ate the candy and that I took the dish away when they knocked on the door...hurt feelings!

Me: Well, I got nothin.

BT: Who knew a candy dish would be so damn stressful?

Me: UMMM...yeah...listen I gotta go, Talk to you later!

At that point I hung up the phone, made myself a drink and realized that this blog is becoming my own personal candy dish....I don't want to be boring, but yet my life has a lot of boredom in it...Hopefully Ican put together enough interesting tidbits to keep everyone interested......I'm tired ...good night.

Just Stuff.....

2009-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody! Sorry I haven't posted recently, but with the construction on the casa, working full time (ok maybe not FULL time....can you say LCV?) and trying to keep up with the circus, I have been either a) too busy , b) too tired or c) all of the above. Feel free to choose any answer you would like......

So, last night I took a few hours off from my construction job and went to my stylist for a cut and color. Now, for those of you that know me, the fact that I have a stylist is probably surprising, but I have learned that NOTHING grows out slower than a bad hair cut and I REFUSE to live through THAT again! ANYWAY...Amber (my stylist)did another amazing job and I am truly luxurious! She took my hair a bit darker brown and added some blonde (gasp!!) highlights that look fabulous. (If I do say so myself).

As for the renovations.....well they are moving along. I have discovered my real role throughout this is driver/color chooser/lunch getter/cleaner upper. Now the one part of my role that seems to frustrate Big Sexy is the cleaning one. (can you say OCD?)

BS: What are you doing?
Me Vaccumming...duh!
BS: Why?
Me: because the carpet is dirty...why else does one vaccuum?
BS: Well, I was just wonderin, cuz I will be ripping that carpet out in like an hour, so I was just thinking that you really didn't need to vaccumm......
Me: Shut up. Don't you judge me!!
BS: Ok.

1 Hour Later:
BS: What are you doing?
ME: I'm sweeping up this dirt and crap from the fireplace. Why do you keep asking me that?
BS: Because I don't understand why you are cleaning up something that I'm just gonna get dirty again.
Me: Well, you left and I thought you were done...so.....
BS: Ok, now. I was in the next room getting a drink of water and you saw me. I think you are trying to use me as an excuse to feed your cleaning habit. You need help.
Me: No I don't!
BS: Admitting the problem is part of the cure. Say it with me: My Name is Brenda and I have a cleaning disorder. I have to clean things even if they don't need it. Say it and you will feel better.
Me: shut up. I don't have a problem...
BS:Then why are you dusting my hammer?
Me: I hate you!

So that's it for now kids! Stay safe and remember: There is no such thing as too many shoes!!!

Smooches!!

ps. Beckatang!

Apparently, I was mistaken

2009-01-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody! After reading Bon Don and Himbo's blogs, I must say that MY weekend was nowhere near as fun, exciting and luxurious as theirs. While my buddies were spending the weekend doing what weekends were made for (ie. gettin stupid drunk and then regretting it the next day) I was busy beginning the deconstuction on Casa De Rowe.(is that right, Himrico?) I am jealous of all of you!

Yep, I now live in a construction zone. There are rooms with no carpet, rooms missing walls and just general chaos, but rest assured, dear friends, it wil be FABULOUS when complete. I just hafta get past the construction phase and into the put it all back together phase. Ah, well.......

The reason I titled this entry the way I did has to do with Beckatang. Here is a snippet of our conversation on my way home from work today ( I pretty much call her everyday on the drive home, as sometimes she amuses me)

Me: Hey Beckatang! Whatcha doin?

Beckatang:Just sittin here on the couch. What the hell are YOU doing? (She is a bit suspicious of other's activities)

Me: Drivin home from work. I'm Tired.

Beckatang: Whatever. So I've been reading your little blog thingy (yep that's what she said) and I have noticed that you don't write about me. What's up with THAT?

Me: Well, I was under the impression that MY blog would be about, well... me.

Beckatang: WHAT?!?! Ugh! I can't beleive you. First you only mention me ONCE so far and then it's near the end and I'm ACTUALLY right before "and other assorted people". I must say, I am shocked, offended and a bit hurt.

Me: Ummmmmmm....what?

Beckatang: Well. all I know, lady, is that i had better see my name in every blog you post from now on.

Me: OK, whatever.

So now, friends, every blog will have Beckatang's name in it somewhere.

That's all for now...I need to cook dinner....later!

How much the rooms is?

2009-01-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

Just to give all my blog-friends a peek into my work day, the following is an ACTUAL call I had on Thursday:

Me: Thank you for calling (insert hotel name here). This is Brenda. What city and state can I help you with today?

Her: Yeah, how much your rooms is? (I SWEAR!)

Me: What city and state is the Hotel in that you would like rates for?

Her: I don't wanna make no reservation, I jus wanna know how much the rooms is

Me: I would be glad to help you with the information you want, but I need a bit more information from you to do so. We have Hotels all over the world and they are all at diffrent rates. If you can just tell me WHERE you would like to stay, I will be glad to tell you how much the room would be.

Her: I tol you, I don't want no reservation, jus tell me how much the rooms is.

Me: I would be glad to, but I need more information from you. Where is the Hotel you would like rates for?

Her :Look, I jus wanna know how much the rooms is. Why won't you tell me? Its your job, ain't it?

Me: Yes, and I would be glad to help you, but you haven't given me enough information to help you.

Her: Bitch!
And with that, she hung up.

Now keep in mind the people sitting around me can hear my side of the conversation and pretty much can tell what's being said. When I turn to my "friends" for some emotional support and I tell them some of the conversation, they are trying hard to not fall out of their chairs from laughing so hard. Now I ask you, is it any surprise that I took a personal break, logged off, called them all dirty names and went to the break room for some chocolate therapy?

Upon returning from my break, I found my "friends" (and I use that term VERY loosely, I can assure you) still giggling and Pork Chop ( not what her mama named her) turns to me and with a serious face says to me

PC:Brenda, can you help me with something? I have a guest on hold and I need help answering his question."

Me: Sure, what's up?

PC: Well, he needs to know HOW MUCH THE ROOMS IS!!!!!

Upon which she falls off her chair in gales of laughter, so I kick her in the side and go to my seat.
OK, not really, I actually couldn't help laughing and then managed to get thru the rest of the day without hurting anyone. Sometimes the people I work with manage to help me keep my sanity.......and if you have ever met them,(and Himbo, you have) you would be as scared as I am by that statement........

The cast of characters

2009-01-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I was thinking that if I am going to be blogging about life here on the Tundra, then perhaps I should explain who all the people who might just show up in a musing are:

First there's Big Sexy. He is my hubby (duh!)and I call him Big Sexy cuz he's big (6'2") and he's sexy! At first he resisted his name, but then once he realized that resistance was futile, and frustrating, he became resigned to it. As a matter of fact, he has somewhat embraced it as of late, as a couple of his texts and emails to me have been signed "Big Sexy"....I wonder what would happen at work if he accidently sent that signature out to the global adress list for March ARB? How FAB U LOUS would that be?? I'm just glad and grateful that he tolerates my own unique brand of humor and lunacy!

Then there's Bug. Bug is my oldest offspring. She too lives in the Tundra. She has a fabulous family of her own that includes Nitoe (more on HER later!) and Spike (the grandson). Bug is a member of the USMC. She did her 4 years and then went back and signed up for the reserves. This is important to remember as she has the ability to kill you 7 different ways without using a gun or breaking a sweat, that is if she can put down the chicken leg long enough!

Ah Nitoe......she has brought us such joy and happiness. Actually we spend a fair amount of time wondering just what is was she said. There have been a few "Nitoe-isms" that have become a part of our everyday life. Things like Nitoe at Wal Mart (aka redneck heaven)standing in front of a display of like 30 diffrent gums and exclaiming (very loudly) "Mama! I can't find the gum!"...when actually she just couldn't find her brand......gotsa love Nitoe!

From a previous doomed relationship, Nitoe begat Spike. He is 4 going on 35. I LOVE him!!! He ALWAYS makes me laugh....except when he's being a little butt-head. Spike wants to be big and strong like his "Poppa"" (Big Sexy) so he always eats his veggies....usually...sometimes.....

Occasionally, my younger daughter , Princess Shell may show up. She lives in Murietta, and works at...are you ready for it?......Shell gas station. She's a good kid. She really doesn't call me a lot, (hence limeted irritations) and visits when she can. She does has a bit of drama in her life from time to time...so stay posted!

The boys are Twitch and Anthostein. Twitch lives with Bug and Nitoe and Anthostein(Like Frankenstein....) lives with us. At least sometimes. He's not really home a lot lately, so I'll have to catch up with him later to find out what kind of fabulous adventures he has had. He is in the US Army Reserves. Twitch very rarely is seen, and SOME of us even began to question his very exsistence......highly suspicious........

The youngest member of this circus I call my life is Ratt-Chuk. (rat chuck) She is 17 and full of typical teen age angst. She isn't QUITE as dramatic as the lesbians (or is it lebanese? I'm never sure...) but not TOO far from it. She has made a couple of pretty big, stupid mistakes, and I hope she learns from them.......cuz I would hate to have to have her taken out......I have "friends".....

I also talk to my sister Beckatang on a pretty much daily basis. She is my youngest sister (I have 4 other sisters and 3 brothers) and she lives in Colorado. We have sort of created our own language, and most often we are the only ones that think we are funny......ANYHOW....she does have some pretty hi-lar- i -ous adventures and I will regale you with them as I see fit.

For the most part, that is the main cast. There will be others making guest apperances (like Susie-Q, R, and Uncle Dan) but you will learn of them and their connection to me on an as needed basis.......

Welcome to my Blog!!!

2009-01-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

Hey! It's ME and I'm blogging! Unbeleiveable, isn't it!

First things first...I have to thank my buddy Himbo for giving me the courge to start this little venture, as well as part of the name( he coined "the tundra" to describe Hemet, and I must say, it is fitting) So, Mucho gracias, Himbolito!!!! Smmooocchheessssss!!!

For those of you who know me, you are probably not sure what to expect on this page, but rest assured, neither do I! For those of you that don't know me, I am an Air Force wife, mother of 5 and I work for a major hotel chain as a reservations sales specialist. Pretty title for a rather frustrating job dealing with the basic stupidity of people on a daily basis. Some days I like my job and other days.....well.....not so much.

I have 1 dog , Shila, she is an all white husky with ice blue eyes, 9 cats , Tigger, Booger, Vanessa, Batman, BJ, Half Pint, Moose, Gizmo, and Dez, (yeah, I know) a 6 ft long columbian red tail boa constrictor named Ethel and a 3 ft long okatee creamsicle corn snake named Juan Veldez.

Most of my musings will probably be about life in general here on The Tundra. But there may be the occasional musing about world events, celebrity stupidity, and just STUFF!

So hold on folks, "It's going to be a bumpy ride...." Enjoy!!!!