Craziness

So I am sitting here trying to figure out how to explain the last couple of days around here.  I sorta feel like I am in an alternate universe of weirdness.

First of all to say that it has be unseasonably hot around here would be like saying that Lindsay Lohan has a few problems.  Seriously, it has been in the low 100's for the past few days.  People...need I remind you that we had the first day of fall a week or so ago.  I know that I live in California but it seems like at any moment Lucifer is going to stop me on the street and ask me where the nearest post office is so he can get a change of address card.

It is supposed to chill out a little this weekend, geez I hope so.

On another weather note we had thunderstorms and rainbows last night.  It was weird to be at soccer practice in California and feel like I was transported back to my middle school days of being drug to my brother's practices and having to figure out where we were going to take cover based on the dark clouds looming overhead.  We just don't get that kind of weather here.

On two occasions we have come home to the smell of smoke.  On Monday we come home to a packed freeway and a fire on a hill about a mile from our house.

Thankfully they got it put out shortly after I took this photo, but man it was a little scary.  No wind though so that was a blessing.

Then on Wednesday we got out of the car to this sight.

Firetrucks at the end of our street.  The laundromat down the street had caught on fire so they closed the main street and diverted all that traffic down our little street.  Now what confuses me is that it takes a GPS system and a bloodhound to get to any main street out of the back side of our neighborhood.  Good luck with that.

I'm telling you it was like the movie Groundhog Day.  We get home after dealing with unusual traffic, park the car, grab the camera and run through the park to see what was going on. 

Just so you know I am a lot less obviously curious without my two kids, but they seem to feel the need to find out what the heck is going on AND are willing to go figure it out.  Me I would have just wondered what was going on but would have been too embarrassed to go poking around. 

I am subtly nosy, they are the obnoxiously nosy....yeah that is it.

However, there was a good side to being in an alternate universe for the past week.

I found these shoes:

Now I know what you are thinking...you are thinking that you know me so well that finding a pair of shoes that I actually bought isn't SO alternate universe-y...but let me tell you this.

They are perfect dressy shoes for all of my concerts.

They fit perfectly.

They are OH SO CUTE!!

AND...

They are Maxx Studio shoes.

They cost $149.00...originally.

I got them for $16.00.

I know...right??

Now, would I deal with 100 degree temperatures, thunderstorms, and brush fires to stay in this alternate universe so I can continue to find good shoe deals??

Ab.so.lute.ly.


More Later

- A Ro

An Eventful Random Dozen

I did watch both episodes of The Event this week, and that seemed to leak into my responses this week.  I am only watching because I fear that, if I don't watch, it will be just like Lost, I won't be in the "in" crowd.  Lord knows that wouldn't be good.

Answer these questions on your blog and then click the button and link up with all of us over at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

Have fun!!

1. Do you believe, somewhere deep inside, that blondes do indeed have more fun? That they are "dumber" than brunettes or redheads? Be honest!
Nah

2. Which animal would you most like to observe in its wild habitat?
Gorillas, or apes of any kind.  They fascinate me.  If you watched The Event you know that our DNA differs from the gorillas by only 2%, maybe that is why I am so curious about them.

3. This week the U.N. announced that Dr. Mazlan Othman has been appointed the official "Alien Ambassador," should any extraterrestrials contact us. Have you, or has anyone you know, ever seen a UFO?
I have never seen one nor do I know of anyone who has.  The U.N. must have also watched The Event cause after that episode one might believe that we would need an ambassador.  I do have to admit that I think that extraterrestrials are in the realm of possibility, however, I am not sure we need an Ambassador, but at least someone will be probed before me.

4. Name your favorite Hitchcock film.
If you know me at all you will realize that I have never seen a Hitchcock film.  To keep my The Event thread going I know you are surprised that I even watch that show...huh?.

5. Would you rather spend time at the library, the mall, a craft store or home?
I would have to say home, however home doesn't contain a shoe store so the mall would run a close second.

6. Which Disney princess is your favorite? (Or Disney character, if you are a guy)
My favorite Disney princess would have to be Ariel based solely on the songs she gets to sing.


7. What kind of art is your favorite?
I am a performing artist so I would say performing art.  If you mean art in the sense of visual art I would say I love Impressionism the most.

8. How do you feel about viral videos, that is, videos made by amateurs that end up on Youtube receiving thousands of hits?
I love anything that isn't "corporate" especially things that are creative.  I think that most of the talented people out there are undiscovered, so the more that we discover the more we will gain.

9. Where do you buy your jeans?
Nordstrom Rack.  I actually found a pair of Calvin Klein jeans there that are my favorite.  My favorite in high school and my favorite now...go figure.

10. Tell me about your first automobile accident.
Believe it or not my first one is my only one...and I might add that I have only had one traffic ticket in my entire driving career.  Anyway, I was in my friends truck, just got married, and was moving some stuff to our new apartment.  A driver ran a red light and hit me in the intersection.  I remember that although my seat belt might have saved my life it left some major bruises and I bit my tongue.  The police said that it was my fault, but before the court date (as I was going to contest it) witnesses came forward to say that she ran the red.  Phew.


11. Have you ever been honest when you knew you would benefit more if you would be dishonest?
We all have gone back into the store when we realize that we didn't pay for the toilet paper or water bottles that were under the cart.  I think the word dishonest implies that by doing so you would benefit.  I mean can you think of a case where DISHONESTY wouldn't benefit you (not morally, but other ways)? Whether it be telling your significant other that "no those jeans don't make your butt look big", to keeping the toothbrush that got stuck in your cart so that you don't have to unbuckle your toddler to go back into the store...not that I would know anything about that!!


12. If you were appointed "Ambassador to Aliens," what would you show and tell first about life on Earth? What would be the most difficult thing to explain?
The second question is easier to answer than the first.  1) why it is 107 degrees in California in September 2) where all the people are going on the 101 at 4:00 on a Saturday afternoon 3) what Paris Hilton did to gain her celebrity status, just to name a few.

I would tell them not to judge the whole based on the actions of a few.

In Summary:  I did watch The Event and obviously it had an impact on my thinking this week. I am a good driver, but would never watch any Hitchcock movie unless Chevy Chase decided to redo them all...then I am in.  I have a hard time believing in stereotypes although I do believe they are a part of being human. I do think that we are foolish to think we are the only life forms in this galaxy, but to appoint an ambassador seems a little odd. Most important I am a very honest person and believe that telling the truth is always the best policy unless I ask if these new Calvin Klein jeans from Nordstrom Rack make my butt look big...then lie like a dog!!


More Later

- A Ro

Tell Me Why Tuesdays

No Weekend Purge this week due to my Michelle birthday blog and Project 365.  So my Tell Me Why Tuesday is weekend event themed.  If you look closely you can pretty much tell what I did this weekend and most of it was complaining about traffic and heat.  Phew...

Enjoy, if you can :) 

1.  Why is it September 27th and the temperature is 107 degrees? (I am serious it is 107 degrees) #ohyeahiliveincalifornia

2.  Why is it that it took me 3 hours to go about 40 miles on Saturday? #ohyeahiliveincalifornia

3.  Why was I so glad that Rich loves me enough to actually drive in the bumper to bumper traffic for 3 straight hours? #imayormaynothavealittlebitofroadrage

4.  Why is it that being around people who share the same problem and have the same heartache makes things just a little easier? #wearenotinthisboatalone

5.  Why did I not understand one word of the movie Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps? #maybeishouldhavenetflixedthefirstone OR #youmeanthefederalreserveboardisactuallyagroupofpeople???

6.  Why was I SO glad Andrew found a friend to go to the Muse concert with him? #ifitistooloudyouaretooold

7.  Why was I so happy to have had the first soccer game on Saturday? #earlymorningtempsonly80not107

8.  Why was I miserable at Andrew's 2:00 pm baseball game on Sunday? #afternoontemps107not80

9.  Why are my running shoes living on the back porch? #theyneededabathaftertubofyogurtincident

10. Why am I wishing that I was Samantha Stephens from Bewitched? #myabbyturnsonethissaturday...inarkansas

11.  Why am I looking forward to 8:00 pm tonight? #CHUCK

More Later

- A Ro 

Happy Birthday Michelle

 

Today is my sister-in-law Michelle's birthday.

She met our crazy family when Andrew was just a baby.

We loved Michelle.

We loved the way Greg loved Michelle.

He found someone who gave him purpose and direction.

We were so happy to have Michelle as a member of our family.  (Isn't my Andrew SO cute)

She fit in perfectly.

She is such an amazing "Titi" to all of her nieces and nephews.  She loves them all so very much

She loved my Bella.

And my Boo.

Sami

Tyler

And our newest niece...Abby.

Finally, her own little boy to love...Joseph

She is a great sister-in-law.

Very generous and kind, and an amazing photographer.

She really knows how to capture someone's good side, even mine.

You would think that she is the luckiest gal around.

I mean she is married to a GQ model...

...and mother of the cutest kid on the block.

But really, we are the lucky ones!!  Thanks for putting up with us...we love you and having you in our family.

Happy Birthday!!


More Later

- A Ro

Project 365 Week 39

My project 365 is a day late because yesterday I did a post for my sister in law's birthday.  So here is my week in pictures.  

Sunday:

New Cooking Light Recipe

I tried a new Cooking Light recipe.  It was Mushroom and Onion Patty Melt.  I love rye bread and this sandwich was very tasty.  I hope to post the recipe this week.

Monday:

CHUCK!!!

I know this is cheating as I didn't take this picture, but it was the highlight of my day today.  It was the season premiere of our favorite show.  It was great to all sit and watch together.  I love Monday nights.

Tuesday:

Sicky Girly

Bella woke up with a fever, sore throat, and runny nose today.  Even though it was just a common cold she had fever so we stayed home.  This picture shows her pouty sick face, but in reality she is such a good sick kid.  She doesn't complain and is still her good natured self.

Wednesday:

Christmas Already

We were at the mall tonight and we saw these decorations.  I was aghast, until I saw a sign that said they were filming a movie at the mall so they had decorations up.  I wrote a post about it here.

Thursday:

A Bad Picture of the Farmer's Market

We went to the Farmers Market tonight.  Got some really yummy peaches and strawberries.  Also some avocado...I love avocado.  I forgot to take a picture so this is as we were leaving.  I know, better luck next time.

Friday:

Photographer Bella

Andrew was at a friends house tonight so Bella Rich and I went to get frozen yogurt after our errands and trip to the mall.  She was snapping pictures and got this good one of us.  I love my weekends with her.

Saturday:

LA Live

Andrew got tickets to the Muse concert for his birthday and he took his friend David.  It was at the Staples Center so Rich and I drove them down there and saw a movie and hung out at the area downtown called LA Live.  It was a very cook area.  We had lots of fun, but no Bella this time she was at her dads.

In Summary:

Not the best pictures this week.  My recipe pictures didn't really show how yummy it was, Bella had the red eye going and some of the pictures this week I didn't even take myself...Geesh...I'll try better next week.  I had a very busy weekend with lots of driving...have I mentioned how much I hate driving??  Thankfully all I had to do was ride...thanks Rich.  I took care of my sicky girly and didn't even get sick (she says knocking on wood) and the good news is I have a whole new week ahead of me.

More Later

- A Ro

Phew!!

It started as an innocent trip to the mall to go to The Gap.  You see, I have these 40% off one item coupons that are good each of the four Wednesdays in September, and I have had my eye on these pants since August:

They are Perfect Trouser Pants.  The reason I love them is they fit me perfectly and are the correct legnth.  I am not a unusally short person, but it seems every pair of pants I try on I would need to wear 6 inch stilettos to actually be tall enough for them not to drag on the floor.  That isn't a good idea for numerous reasons not the least being that sometimes people just call me...Grace.  SO...considering that it is the third Wednesday in the month and I have yet to use one of my coupons I talked Rich into going to the mall with me before dinner.  When I mean talking Rich into going I mean..."hey I'm going to the mall you wanna come?"...and he says sure.  I think he likes hanging out with me, but that is just a guess.

So we went to the mall to buy my Gap pants.  And I see the following things:

Do you see what I see??

A freaking wreath...not one of those festive fall wreaths a wreath with a RED BOW and CHRISTMAS COLORED BALLS!!!

AND A FREAKING CHRISTMAS TREE!!!

People it is September 22nd...the first day of fall.

C'MON!!!

As I was standing there with my mouth gaping open.  It is bad enough that society allows the commercialization of Christmas at all.  It is the birth of Jesus Christ not some holiday made for people to exploit and make money off of.  And now they are starting in September.  What kind of people run this mall?  What kind of people would even shop here? (besides me in my search for 40% off Gap pants) Who's brilliant idea was this? Who do I talk to to put a stop to this nonsense?!?!?!

Then I notice this sign:

So in the words of Emily Litela




More Later

- A Ro

You Ready for Some Random???

It is time for the Random Dozen...hosted by Linda.  Click on the above button and head over to Linda's and link up your own answers.  It is a lot of fun...for sure!!

Here is my go at it.


1. Have you, or has someone close to you, ever won an award for anything? (I just came from my dad's ceremony wherein he was given a medal of honor by the French government for service in France in WWII. Pictures to follow.)
Wow...anything I say pales in comparison.  Rich has won some awards when he was in the Navy for air traffic controlling.  My kids have won various awards in school, and I have won a singing competition or two, but nothing like your dad's...that is such an honor Linda!!

2. Who is the nearest relative to you who has served in the US Military?
My husband retired after 20 years in the Navy as an air traffic controller.  My Dad was a captain in the Air Force.  Both my Grandpas served in the US Military too.

I am very proud of them all.

3. Share something that stirs the patriotic spirit in you. 
The National Anthem gets me every time.  Whether singing it by myself, with a crowd, or watching someone else it always gives me those goose bumps.  

4. Where are you in the birth order in your family? Do you think your "placement" made a difference in your personality? 
I am the oldest.

Natural leader - check
Reliable - check
People pleaser - check
Needs approval - check
Perfectionist - and double check

Yep.

5. Name one trait you hope you carry that was evidenced in your parents or grandparents.
Rich wrote in his wedding vows to me how much I remind him of my Dad (who passed away 8 years ago).  He told me that I was kind, compassionate, and would do anything for anyone, always looking out for other people.  I hope I am doing my Dad justice.

6. If female, do you prefer wearing a skirt or pants? If male, shirt and tie or polo? 
I am a diva and a girly girl.  I like wearing skirts.  I like feeling feminine.

7. Approximately how many times do you wake during the night? What do you do to go back to sleep?
Once or twice.  I put my head back on the pillow.  Done.

8. Share a favorite movie quote.
"Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?"
"These toilets are GINORMOUS"
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear"
"Aunt Bethany, does your cat like jello?"
"Clark she can't see her eyes are frozen"

Love those movies.

9. What is your favorite Fall candle scent?
Gonna have to go with the old faithful...pumpkin.  Yum.

10. What is one Fall activity you're looking forward to?
Just getting out all of our fall decorations, and making Halloween cake pops and cookies.  I love the fall.

11. Tell us about a pleasant surprise that happened to you recently.
My student Scott brought me homemade cookies, just because.  It really made me smile.

(they were so yummy...thanks Scott)

12. What was it like when you first met your in-laws-to-be?
Sad to say that I never got to meet Rich's parents.  They died when Rich was young.  I met his aunt and uncle, who raised him, when we dated in high school.  His aunt Dolly always liked me and told me how she could tell how much Rich liked me too.  I wish I could thank her for bringing Rich to Iowa to live after his dad died.


In Summary:  Wow this random was easy.  I have been around military folks all my life and now I am married to one and I couldn't be more proud of him.  I am going to get my commissary card soon and could be happier.  I am the epitome of an oldest...a diva that needs constant stroking and attention, and thankfully I have a husband who doesn't mind that job.  I have not met a pillow, car seat, couch, floor that I can't lull me to sleep.  Love the fall and Halloween because just around the corner I can pull out my copies of Elf and Christmas Vacation!!

More Later

- A Ro

Tell Me Why Tuesdays

I know you were looking forward to it...you can admit it.  Not sure if I can live up to your expectations, probably not, but I'll try!!

That's me, always willing to give things my best shot.

1.  Why is it SO difficult to help Bella study for her Archeology vocabulary quiz? #whatexcactlyisaprimarysourceartifact

2.  Why is it SO hard to watch my boy pitch for his team? #nottooconfidentofwherehegotthatathleticgene

3.  Why does all the crazy nonsense not bother me so much anymore? #moreandmorePROOFofchildishanddecitfulbehavior

4.  Why have I not received my official drivers license in the mail yet? #evilwishesofdmvladyatwindowten

5.  Why am I not looking forward to changing my name on my car title? #potentialofgettingdmvladyatwindowten

6.  Why do people who hate blogs and hate me keep reading my blog and then are so gutless that they comment as other people? #beatstheheckoutofme

7.  Why during my 4 mile run tonight did I keep thinking about Doodle Jump? #doodlejumphasinfiltratedmyreality  OR  #iwasrunningonlandthatihadtojumpanddodgerocksandpotholes

8.  Why do I love making cake pops? #thelooksonmyfamilyandstudentsfaces

9.  Why do I need to stop blogging at only 9 right now? #GOTTAWATCHCHUCK!!!

More Later

- A Ro

Weekend Purge

I have some blogs that I read that have cute titles for their Monday posts.  CPQ uses Monday Musings and Linda over at 2nd cup uses Weekend Recap.

I decided that mine needs to accurate describe MY Monday post.  CPQ's is definitely musings, she is very clever in her weekend summary, and the Linda's Recap is so neat and tidy.

Mine is just a purge.

But I'll number things so that we all feel a little more organized.

1.  It was a no kid weekend.  This means I spend most of it calling and missing the kidlets.  They appease me and answer the phone and tell me how much they love me.  It's all good.

2.  This also means Rich and I get to do fun and exciting stuff, just the two of us.  For us this meant eating dinner at Mama Ritas. grocery shopping, and laying in bed playing Doodle Jump...the i-touch game...just making sure you understood that.


3.  Saturday morning was spent purchasing my new toy...

 A Euro Shark Steam Mop

I know that the word toy and mop should not be in the same sentence because toys are supposed to be fun, and mops are not.

But just hear me out. 

I like doing things that make me a little bit more "green" and I love a clean house and being efficient.  See for me super cool mop = toy.  It works like a charm with no bucket, cleaner, and yucky old mop.

4.  Last week I told my Upper School Chorus that if we could get through a rotation (week) of warm ups with total focus and no talking I would make cake pops for them.  I also decided to make them for Rich's work as a thank you for the group wedding gift. 

The ones for my students had "Ssh..." written on them and Rich's had "thank you".  Many of you three of you wanted to know how to do it, so here is my original post on making cake pops.  A couple of tips if you choose to make them: 1) Only use about half of the tub of frosting...too much makes them too mushy.  2) Make sure that the chocolate is melted completely it needs to be nice and runny...a little Crisco helps this out.  1T for each bag of Wilson's Candy Melts. 3) Bakerella has a mini video up at Amazon to promote her new book Cake Pops.  Check out the video for even more tips.  I'll be making them again for Halloween so I'll post new pics then.













5.  I miss these snuggle bugs, but thanks for the pics Stacia!!

6.  My Iowa Hawkeyes lost to my Arizona Wildcats.  You see I did my undergrad at University of Iowa "Go Hawkeyes" and I got my Master's Degree from the University of Arizona "Go Wildcats".  However, I am a Hawkeye through and through...and they lost miserably.  I am sure that my constant bragging Facebook posts each time Iowa did something good caused the tide to immediately turn for them. 

For that I apologize. 

You can blame the blocked punt for a touchdown, the 5 sacks in a row, and the interceptions on my hubris enthusiaism.  What you cannot blame on me is the horrendous outfit that the announcer chose to wear.  Short sleeve white shirt with a black tie.  I realize Mr. Announcer that it was hot, but c'mon a Speedo with a hairy chest would have been a better look. He must not have been married, 'cause no woman would have let him out of the house like that...he might as well had on white shoes and black nylons in December.  Geez!!

7.  Sunday started with a wonderful walk with Rich and Maggie, followed by Andrew's baseball game and ended with reading some blogs and writing my own.  A really wonderful day.

If you are still reading this last sentence after the title and the incessant rambling...I thank you, and I'm sorry.

More Later

- A Ro

Project 365 Week 38

Project 365 sneaks up on me again!! It was a very "normal" week, but great none-the-less.  Click the above button and head over to Sara's and see all the other Projects.  They are truly a great way to spy on the "Jonses"...

Here is my week.

Sunday:

Tired Girl

We walked about 2 miles to our favorite breakfast place, The Corner Bakery, and Bella scootered with us.  She was very surprised at how tired she was after scootering for that long.  This was her face when we reminded her that she had to scooter all the way back home.  However, she did get a very yummy cinnamon roll for breakfast.

Monday:

Soccer Chick

Yes ANOTHER soccer picture, but the look on her face at practice was so cute she was looking at me taking her picture as if to tell me to stop it.  Not another kid who doesn't like to have their picture taken.

Tuesday:

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String

The boxes my Mom from our trip to Iowa and the wedding came today.  I did not open them until Saturday, sad to say.  I love remembering all the things I packed up to ship.  Some wedding pictures were in there too.  Fun!!

Wednesday:

My New Obsession

Don't get me wrong I still have my Words With Friends obsession and, of course, my obsession with shoes, but this one fills so many needs that those other two can't.  Easily accessible without internet connection and free.  Those two things spell trouble.  Here is the other problem.  Andrew used my i-touch and got a really high score, so my high score is really HIS...see the problem??  Love my Doodle!!

Thursday:

Creative Girl

At after school care she made dogs out of legos but the coolest part, according to her, were the color duplicates.  She has always loved color and I thought they turnded out pretty good!!

Friday:

My Big Girl Sami

My sister-in-law sent me some pictures of Tyler and Sami's first days of school.  This one really made me smile.  Look how beautiful she is, and that smile just melts my heart. 


Saturday:

Thank You

I made thank you cake pops for Rich's work.  They gave us some money for our wedding with the instructions to go out to a nice romantic dinner.  I decided to make cake pops as an appropriate thank you for a group gift.  I also made them for my students...just cause I love 'em.


In Summary:  A very normal week...finally.  It was the first full week of school and we made it with flying colors.  I, obviously, am taking full advantage that Bella will still let me take her picture...thank goodness.

Next week on the blog:  I will post a new recipe, post a new Tell Me Why Tuesdays, I'll let you know how my weekend went (and if it continues to go the way it is it will be a real exciting post...not) and of course the Random Dozen.  I am also thinking of doing some posts about PAS (Parental Alienation Syndrome).  I have been doing ALOT of research about this subject and really feel like this subject is not talked about enough.  Rich and I are looking into doing some advocacy work with this cause, and I am starting to feel like my blog can become a small part of getting the word out on this horrible subject and hopefully getting some things to change.  Don't worry it won't be a big part, just a part.  It is something very near and dear to who I am as Mrs. A Ro.

More Later

- A Ro

A Friday Funny

As it is Friday and I love my JoJo I thought I would share a picture that my sister-in-law sent to me.

I love this picture for the following reasons:

• It is my nephew JoJo
• It is something that my daughter would have done and did.
• Even though I love my sister-in-law dearly I am glad that another mother has to deal with a overactive creative smart child just like I did. (I could show you pictures of Isabella when she decided to cut her hair so that her self portrait could have "real" hair on it) (I could show you many many other pictures of my daughter and her overactive creative and smart ideas.)
• I can totally hear what was going through JoJo's mind when he decided to do that: "Wow this pen is really cool, I think it makes very pretty marks on this paper...hmmm...if it makes this paper look pretty I wonder if it would make me pretty too...Yes I think that it would...OK...where's mom, oh good she is in the bathroom..."
• It obviously made him very very happy!!!

Have a great weekend and I hope it is filled with things that make you happy....even if it is a little crazy and you don't want your mom to see!!

More Later

- A Ro

Dialog at the DMV

My dilemma with telling my DMV story is three fold 1) I really have worked hard at putting it behind me 2) it really puts a negative spin on getting married, the most wonderful day of my life and 3) I don't want to have a bitch session post. 

However, the story is almost surreal so I feel obligated as a blogger to tell it.  So I thought I'd give you some background info and then share some dialog that occurred that day.


Background:

We got married in Camden County Missouri.  After going to get our marriage license at the County Recorder's Office I wanted to put all the ladies there on our Christmas card list.  They were so sweet.  After we got married and returned home I sent in my $9.00 to get my certified copy of my Marriage License.  This was in accordance with the instructions gave to me by the recorder so, as she said " you can have an "official" copy so you can get all your documents changed".

I went to the social security office and changed my name with the federal government,  BTW the lady at the social security office is also now on our Christmas card list.  She told me "in a few days you will be in the DMV database so you can go get your drivers license before you actually get your card." 

To be on the "safe" side I waited to get my card.

Went to the DMV on a very busy day.  Due to budget cutbacks they are now only open from 8:00 - 5:00 Monday through Friday so I needed to go on a day that I didn't have school.  Little did I know that it was a day that no one had school.

I waited 45 minutes just to get in the door to check in and another 45 minutes to get to the counter.

Dialog with DMV lady at window number 10:

After a bit of small talk with the lady at the counter

Her:  Can I have your marriage certificate and your driver's license?
Me:  Here
Her: We can't accept this document as it doesn't say "marriage certificate".
Me:  It is the only thing Camden County issues.  It has the official raised seal and it is signed by the recorder.
Her: Just a minute
she goes back to talk to another lady and shows her my document
Her:  I am sorry we can't accept this because it is a marriage license not a marriage certificate.
Me:  The social security office accepted it and I have my new card with my new name on it.
Her:  It isn't my fault that the social security office has lower standards than we do.

What??  The federal government has lower standards than the Thousand Oaks local DMV??  Are you kidding me??  So I can pay taxes under my new name, but I can't write a check??? Seriously???

Me:   I don't know what to do that is the only thing that Missouri issues.
Her:  That is not my problem


Dialog with Camden County Recorder's office (after calling in tears to Rich who calmed me down enough to call Missouri):
Me: I got married in Missouri and I am having trouble with the DMV in getting a new driver's license.
Her:  I am so sorry, let me look up your information.  It seems as if you have done everything that you need to do and we have sent you the most official document that we issue.  Are you in Missouri?
Me:  No I am in California.
Her:  Oh dear, I am so sorry.
Me:  Yeah me too.
Her:  Is there anyone I can talk to to help you out?
Me:  Not at the moment thank you.
Her:  I am so sorry that you are having trouble.
Me:  Thank you...Good-Bye

I march back in right up to window number 10

Dialog with original DMV lady at window number 10:
Me:  I called Camden County and they can't issue me anything else.  I need to speak to a supervisor.
Her:  nothing...she said nothing but heaved a big sigh and walked away

Dialog with new DMV lady (whom I thought to be a supervisor):
Her:  From what I understand I believe that we have already told you numerous times that we aren't going to accept your document. (subtext: what part of no did you not understand)
Me:  now in tears  I called Camden County Missouri and this is the only document that they will issue me so now I am stuck.  According to the federal government I am one person, but I can't be that person on my identification.  How am I supposed to live like that?  So no one who gets married in Missouri can have a driver's license in California???
Her:  Let me see the document.
Me: Here
Her:  Well it does have the official seal, and it does have the recorder's signature, but it doesn't say the word certificate only license.

Are you kidding me...we are arguing over the word certificate vs. license???  But it was her next sentence that about sent me over the edge.
 
Her:  If you would have come to my window I would have accepted it, but I don't have the authority to accept it now since our supervisor already denied it.
Me:  sobbing in total frustration
Her:  I'll be right back. 
Her:  We are going to accept it.

And Scene.

Just writing that post has caused my heart to palpitate and my stomach to churn.

I am now officially one person.




Luckily I still get to be A Ro.  Believe it or not.



More Later

- A Ro

It Might as Well Be the Millionth Random Dozen

Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee has graciously racked her brain for another week to give us 12 random questions for us to answer and link up.  Thank you Linda, my blog sanity thanks you.

1. Do you do garage sales? If so, tell me about one great find. If not, tell me why not.
Well I did a Top Ten reasons why I hate garage sales post here.  In a nutshell 1) other peoples junk 2)  organizing my junk 3) those crazy garage salers who show up an hour before 4) haggling over $.25...doesn't make me a happy person.

2. Name the last thing you fixed.
Seriously, I fixed the key chain that holds my house key onto my main key chain.   It is one of those springy thingys and the spring popped out so it wasn't springy any more.  A pair of scissors and gash out of my thumb later and it is as good as new!!  I am, however, a very handy gal with tools.  I brought the tool set to my first marriage.  I also owned my own drill. Really.

3. Name your A) Favorite item of makeup OR B) Favorite tool
Well after that last question I don't want you to think I am some sort of Tim Allen so I'll go with the girly makeup option.  I love my Bare Essencials foundation.  Really I like all of their mineral based products.

4. Which room in your home needs organizing more than any other?
I am a very anal organized person, so people tell me AND since we just moved AND downsized most of my house is VERY organized.  I would have to say my 15 year old son's room could use a little organizing, (she says while sticking her fingers in her ears and singing "la, la, la, la".)

5. Which room could use re-decorating?
hmmm maybe the living room, although I really love my whole house.

6. Share something unique about your town.
The only thing I can think of is that this town has no billboards.  They are not allowed.  Now I know that many towns probably have that rule, but it is one of the things I love about this town.  The billboards I drive by in other areas of Los Angeles make me cringe.

7. If you could send a one-sentence message to your great-grandchild, what would it be?
Please as you go through life make sure the people you come in contact with are happier after they leave you then before they got there.  (Thank you dad!!)

8. Do you Facebook?
Yes, but not fanatically.  I'll glance at most updates everyday, but rarely post.  I love keeping up to date on all the people I barely remember from high school...ha ha.

9. Describe your favorite shoes.
Ask me about my most embarrassing moment, ask me about burial or cremation, ask me which kid is my favorite, but make me pick my favorite shoes, now that is going just a bit too far.  I have so many but the ones that give me the most joy and make me really feel good are my running shoes.  Even though I curse them daily.

10. Do you listen to more talk radio or more music radio? What kind of station is it?
Music radio.  I am a slave to my kids in the car so it is KROQ which is a rock station.  I don't mind it so much, as I am a closet rocker you know.

11. How far would you travel for a really good (favorite) meal?
I live in a city that takes an hour to go anywhere so traveling far for a good meal is no big deal.  Now if I am going to have to be stuck in traffic to get there...no thank you.

12. If you were totally honest with yourself (and us) what should you probably be doing right now instead of blogging?
Getting my act together for tomorrow.  But thankfully Rich is in the kitchen making lunches...he is such a good guy.

In Summary:  I am an organized, Ms.fix-it, shoe lovin', closet rocker chick. I learned a lot from my dad and will be forever grateful.  I would rather drive for an hour and go 60 miles than sit for an hour in traffic and go 10 miles, even for good food.  I HATE TRAFFIC!!  I am currently fighting the urge to go organize my son's room, but am also glad that I am almost done blogging for the evening so I can give my hubby a big hug and kiss!!

More Later

- A Ro

Let's Get Ready to Rumble

For once in my blogging life I have so many things to talk about.  Usually I sit and stare at the computer and lament on how boring my life it.  However this last week my life seems to scream "WOW THIS WOULD BE A GREAT BLOG POST!!!"

Not sure that is a good thing, but I am going to run with it. Yeah.

There was my out of body DMV experience, my cute nephew, and my soccer kids, just to name a few. 

However, today you will be subjected treated to my latest experience with another great rival.

In fact this one might just be bigger than...

... The Hatfields and the McCoys...

...the Red Sox and the Yankees...

...the Jets and the Sharks...

...and maybe even Edward and Jacob.

I am talking about the Zumba-ees

VS the Yogees.

You can clearly see by the pictures alone that these two groups couldn't be more opposite.  Big Speakers, pop and lock against the sunset and stillness.

Well last week these two groups collided...and I was almost caught in the pelvic thrust sun salutation crossfire.  All I can say is that if it came to a showdown outside the juice bar at the fitness center after class I would have had to put my money on those bell jingling, hip swirling, primal noise yelling Zumba-ees. 

Come on.  You know I'm right.

Here is how it went down:

At the end of Yoga class the nice, calm, and quiet Yoga instructer has us lie on our backs completely relaxed and find our center.  This totally works for me.  Her voice could put Attilla the Hun's chakra into order.  I mean the way she convinces us to find our peace, use our cleansing breaths, and get in touch with our inner self as we are playing Twister on our Yoga mat is incredible.  I mean she totally has me.

Last week, however, I saw a side of her that shocked the heck out of me.  It was almost time for class to end and we were totally prone and I was a relaxed big blob of drooling matter.  In the distance I could hear the Zumba-ees lining up in the stairwell ready for their class, and to say they were a little loud would be a vast understatement.  You know...those people who talk on their cell phones so loud that you feel the need to chime in on the state of their portfolios, the market value of gold, or how to get their kids to stop picking on their siblings and finish their homework. 

Our leader very passive agressively says over the microphone loud enough for the Zumba-ees to hear:

"I know that it is getting very loud in the stairwell, but please try to find your center and hopefully they will be kind enough to give us a few more mintues of quiet time"

Well that didn't work...so the next words were:

"I know that you are trying very hard to be patient waiting for us to be finished, but could you please give us a few more minutes of quiet reflection"

Seriously, that hint didn't work either...they just got louder.  So finally she went over to the stairwell covered the microphone and said.

"I asked you nicely the first few times, but now I MUST insist that you stop being rude and interrupting our class with your loud conversations...PLEASE"

Wow.  It was like the voice of a possessed Linda Blair.  I would have totally zipped it.

You would think that that would have shut them up. I mean she did say please, albeit while her head was spinning, but please none-the-less.

I was totally feeling her pain.  I mean I know how hard it is to get chatty middle schoolers people to keep their yaps shut.

She, however, came back to class and said to us very calmly.

"Some people just don't know to be comfortable in silence"

Amen, sister!!

After class people the Yoga-ees were saying very loud things as the Zumba-ees were coming in.  Things like:

"Geez some people are just so rude"
"Can't you all see that we were trying to find a little bit of PEACE"
"Boy, boy crazy boy.  Stay loose boy. Breeze it, buzz it, easy does it. Turn off the juice boy."

OK I made the last one up, but I was feeling like a little Jerome Robbins choreography was about to be let loose. 

Because if it came to a rumble that would be the only way these two groups would be able to solve their differences.

Sadly, I'm still putting my money on the Zumba-ees...they seem to know how to bring it.

More Later

- A Ro