Friday, August 26, 2005

The Chase

I had three girls screaming at me all at once. I yelled at my friends to shut up, buckle up and let me think. I was in fast forward mode and was squealing tires out of the parking lot. My goal was not to get trapped by the four cars that were pursuing us.

"T" was rational enough to make a few suggestions. "Just drive to your house, your mom will take care of it!" Oh yeah, like I am going to let these yahoos know where I live so that I may be tormented forever! "Ok, go to the police station, they won't follow us there!" Alright another brilliant idea! And what will we tell the police??!! Excuse us but we were just in a fight at another high school and now those bad kids are following us. I was not in the mood to get caught, suspended, volleyball career over, and the possible grounding that would come from my parents.

During this sarcasm laded conversation, I am flying through the backroads of small town Ohio just to get to the freeway unscathed. If I could just get someplace I knew, the idiots chasing us would not have a chance. So where does a novice teenage girl like myself decide is her turf? The mall. I know every inch of every street surrounding our local mall. If I was going to lose those turdwhackers I was going to have to drive to someplace I could get to quickly. By this point my speeding is raising the alarm in my two friends in the back seat and they are begging me to just stop or go home. No way, those two idiot girls started us on this path and I was not going to turn back. "T's" response "Alright Mario, but could you please slow down a little!"

During the small town Ohio chase I was able to lose two of the cars following us. I still had two cars hot on my tail and knew I was pushing the limits of how fast I had ever driven, let alone the speed at which I knew the Mustang could go. The mall exist was coming up fast and I had to make an on the spot decision. One of the cars was right behind me and I was in the far left lane, cruising at about 80. Checking my mirrors I decided I could beat the Semitruck in the right lane just in time to hit the exit. I gunned it and made a sweeping move across the lanes and made the off ramp just in time. The car behind me had no choice but to keep on going. That left one car, a Firebird, that was still giving chase. That boy could see what was happening and reacted by hitting the off ramp right behind me.

I was starting to panic thinking I am never going to lose this guy. I decided to turn into the mall parking lot knowing that the mall was closed. If I could get through the lot and hit the other side leading to some neighborhood we could park undetected. No such luck as the Firebird dude was hot on my ass.

I learned from my two cousins that when in a fight or flight situation sometimes turning around and going to the fight might work to your advantage. I had seen them do this while playing chicken on four wheelers. It only took about 5 seconds for me to decide to turn that steering wheel leading me into a 180 towards our pursuer. The Firebird dude never knew what hit him as he attempted to follow suit and crashed into a lamp post.

And that started my career as Mario aka Koko the international race car driver.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Pain

Geez you would think I have not gone through giving birth or had a bunch of surgeries in the past three years. I have been so whiney with this back stuff this week I almost can't stand myself!

I went to the Chiro yesterday afternoon and he did an adjust and gave me a treatment for the sciatic nerve problem. That helped a bit and I am going back again tomorrow. I am able to walk a little better but still feel and look crooked.

Tonight my friend and I are taking our daughters to the Hilary Duff concert. Oh boy....as if having this hurt back was making me feel old, now I am going to this concert with my 8 year old and goodness knows how many other young screaming fan girls. I think I should have gotten prescription drugs instead of an adjust. This coming from the woman who loved Green Day. You would think I could handle a little pain and Hilary Duff.

My princess is so excited though so being the best mommy I can I smiled this morning, helped her get her outfit together and took her to the sitter's where she immediately began talking about what to do with her hair. Um, is she still 8? Really, she is so cute about the whole thing and I had to explain at least three times that she would not really get to meet Hilary or maybe not even see her that well. We will be taking the binoculars so hopefully she will not be too disappointed.

Oh and GK, icey hot next to the bed!! LOL It ws all the walking and rollar coasters people...I am old!

Monday, August 22, 2005

Ouch Ouch Ouch

I threw out my back over the weekend! I am home from work today as I can hardly walk. I was in bed all day yesterday and even cried when I got stuck in the kitchen. I will resume my normal blogging routine once I feel better. I have tried to read a few this morning but it hurts too much to sit here.

And no jokes about how exactly I threw out my back since this was our "couple" weekend!

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Racing

Like my cousins and my parents before me, I had a bug. A bug that just cannot allow me to drive the speed limit, under most any circumstance. I was known to "drag" anyone, anywhere, at any time. Once upon a time my dream was to become a race car driver. As you can see that actually went no where, but I digress.

Mario Andretti and his team were very popular during my rein as international racing star Koko. Guys would actually put money on me to take out whatever dude thought their "Z" or Camero could out race the chick in the "Stang". Standard is the only way to go and on a straight stretch with a couple of curves, easy money. But it did take a little time for me to earn this reputation.

On the night I was dubbed "Mario" my friends and I went to a basketball game, at an opposing school whom our high school was not playing. My Mother thought it would be harmless for me to have the Mustang on a Tuesday night to drive to a basketball game. Little did my Mom know we were going to this game to scope out what a friend's boyfriend was doing on the sly.

We arrive at the game just before halftime, pay our way in and are standing out in the lobby of the gym. It was extremely crowded and loud as this game was important to both schools. Two of my friends had wandered away from "T" and I while we were jabbering away about typical teenage girl stuff. Next thing I know "T" makes me turn around to see our two friends are having a bit of a shouting match with some girls from the home school. Being the good friends "T" and I were we skip on over to the action and are listening intently. My usual reaction in these situations is to giggle as all the arguing over a boy was intensely stupid. During my gigglefest I am tapped on the shoulder and as I turn around I was immediately assaulted by a punch in the stomach. I think there is something about my giggle that must be irritating. The night just got plain ugly from there, especially since we were not at OUR own high school, I had my varsity jacket on, and some teachers were making their way towards us. "T" was all about dragging me out of there (had a Volleyball game on Thursday) and all four of us proceeded to run to the car.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that those girls, with their own boyfriends in tow, would follow us! And chase us they did.

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Nicknames and Driving

Over the years I have had many nicknames. There are always the pet names your parents give you and there are the embarrassing ones that childhood friends attach to you for various reasons. There are three nicknames that have stuck with me into adulthood. Jenny, Koko and Mario.

I started out this life as "Jenny" and have always despised this name. Not sure why, I was just never a "Jenny" in my mind. The only people to call me this are my closest relatives and when I hear that name I turn into my 10 year old self. That is never a good sign, is it? It is mainly my seven (7) cousins, whom I grew up with and remain fairly close to, that call me by this nickname. Two (2) of these cousins showed me how to drive, operate a tractor, maneuver a three wheeler and mini-bike (motorcycle). Both of these boys happened to be four to five years older than me making my first driving experience at roughly the age of 7. That to, is never a good sign is it?

My parents always loved their cars. They still do. I remember looking at pictures of them from college in their very cool "convertibles". I can remember one of our cars as a small child. It was a 1969 Camero, gray with a black stripe running up the hood. We used to go to the Drive-ins in that car and my Mom used to love to scare my dad at night, on the back roads to her parents farm, by turning off the lights. My Dad would say at, certain appropriate moments "hold on Jenny, Mommy is driving".

At various points in my life my parents owned a Camero, Mustang, Thunderbird, Spider and Corvette. Imagine my horror when I was 11 or 12 and they decided it was time to purchase a pea green Volarie Station Wagon. Mind you, we always had a slick other car that my Mom would drive, not as hot or grand as those previously mentioned, but cool none the less. The green bomb was certainly not cool but lasted until I went away to college.

When I finally obtained the sacred laminated card that said I could legally drive, I had that feeling of freedom. I was no longer going to be repressed for I could let my spirit roam. I could not wait to get into my Mom's Mustang and cruise onto the school parking lot. What I failed to realize is that Koko was going to be cruising onto the parking lot in the green bomb with all her friends ducking down so they could not be seen with her. Alas, I was still able to maintain my coolness as I had the only vehicle that could hold 3 girls, 5 boys, several coolers of beer and several sleds. Koko is a derivative of my last name, upon which most could and cannot pronounce. Hence the shortened version to Koko. This nickname I do not mind as much and it holds a bit of nostalgia for me. If I hear someone refer to me as this I know it is an old friend. Koko could be counted on as well as the green bomb she drove.

If you were a very close and personal friend you were trusted and hence were allowed to go out with me on the nights I was allowed to drive one of the cool vehicles. The first time I was allowed to drive the Mustang I was dubbed Mario and the nic never went away, to this day. Or actually last night.

Hi CFB!!!

I know you are reading! *winks*

Friday, August 12, 2005

Couple Time

It is official. Next week we will only have our children for Thursday and Thursday night!! My MIL will be taking the kids on Monday and returning them on Thursday. My dad will then take the kids on Friday morning and return them sometime Saturday!!

Hubby and I are taking next Friday off work for a long weekend. Our plans are to visit either Put-N-Bay or Kelly's Island. I am so excited at the prospect of going out of town with just my hubby. In all honesty we have not had this type of situation come up in a long time. We have been in one of our marriage "down periods" and really need some time to be with each other, alone. Reconnecting and getting the communication going again will be a goal of mine. I will have his undivided attention and I am craving his attention.

It goes without saying that I love my children and miss them tremendously when they are away from me. I worry constantly about them while they are out of town without one of us. But I sincerely need this little break. To be able to get up in the morning and only worry about dressing myself and taking a leisurely shower. To have an uninterrupted conversation with my husband or even a walk around the block without 1-8 children going with us will feel like bliss.

I think taking a bath with candles and a bottle of wine just might be on my agenda too!

WOO HOO!

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Okay another Meme

I like this one, thought it was pretty funny and hacked it from some guy known as http://drunklaw.blogspot.com/

1. What's your favorite cheese? Colby Jack or Pepper Jack. Everyone needs a little spice.

2. Cheesy movie: If you were in Top Gun, what would your call sign be? Koko Butter

3. Big cheese: Tell us a boss story -- best boss, worst boss, a time when you were the boss, etc.

My first paralegal job was when I was 23. I was so nervous and was hired by the son of the attorney who owned the firm. Little did I know I would be working a lot more for his father and the other (whom I will call "Vince"). This man was 63 at the time I started working for him and was "old school". My second week on the job they sent me to get an important Motion filed in a divorce case. Said Motion had to be signed by the Judge prior to the filing. This all occurred at 4:20 p.m. on a Friday. HELLO...

So I am in the Judge's office with his secretary and he is getting ready to leave for the weekend. Imagine that, the judge was actually IN! He was not going to sign it. All that was going through my head was "shit shit shit". So I called "Vince" (the attorney who sent me on this foolish errand not "Old School") and explained what the Secretary had told me. "Vince" pulls his irate attorney act, which I had no clue at the time was an act, and wants to talk to the Secretary.

A little back story here. "Old School" and "Judge" go way back, "Old School" is a huge political supporter of "Judge" and Secretary has been with "Judge" for 30 years. Secretary knows "Vince" and he gets her to stamp my Motion.

Whew, I now have 20 minutes to get downstairs and get the motion filed with the Domestic Relations Court. HA! Murphy's Law was definitly playing havoc on my Friday afternoon. I cannot remember why the clerks would not take the Motion but they refused. I called "Vince", who proceeds into his tyrannicle attorney rant. All the while I am thinking "I am fired, I am done, my career is over!" Next thing I know Vince says we will pick you up met me at the back of the Courthouse.

So down I trot to face my destiny and sure firing. I get down to the street and see "Old School's" Mercedes being driven by son who hired me but no "Vince". Who steps out of the car but "Old School" himself. OH SHIT!!

"Old School" gets out of the Mercedes and says "lets go little girl" all rough and tough. Now I am totally bewildered and quite frankly, scared. It is now 4:55 p.m. and I am thinking what the hell is going to happen next. We arrive at correct floor, get off the elevator and see the doors to the Filing Office closed. What does "Old School" do...he bashes in the double doors and startes yelling "where is goddamn 'Head Admin', I want to talk to him NOW!" I jumped at least a foot in the air and I was trembling in my navy shoes just knowing I was dead meat after this all was said and done.

"Old School" bullies 'Head Admin', we get our Motion time stamped for 4:59 p.m. and as "Old School" and I are walking out of the Office and closing the doors behind us, he puts his arm around me and says "You did good little girl, ain't this fun?!!"

4. Say cheese: Are you a photobug? Are you photogenic? Or, in 1000 words or less, tell us about your best picture. Yikes...not sure if I have a best picture...lots of really bad ones. I like to take pics and my children are photogenic, but then again, whose child is not photgenic!!

5. Just cheesy: What's the worst pick-up line you've ever used, or had used on you? Did it work? I don't need to use pick-up lines, I have oobies!!

Monday, August 08, 2005

Party like rock stars

I am very tired today but all in all it was a really fun weekend. My SIL and her family came into town Friday night at about 8:00 p.m. We had also invited SIL's in-laws who arrived at 9:00 p.m.

I will refer to my SIL's in-laws as the "rock stars". SIL's father-in-law used to own a bar. He and his wife had five (5) children. All of which have sampled the beer life. They are true connoisseurs, all seven. Not only were we invaded by our own family, we were invaded by BIL's family along with spouses or spouses to be. Hubby and I had 2 cases of beer already but as the Rock Stars walked in they also carried several cases of beer. I was thinking we should have bought a keg or at least raided our neighbors.

The din of conversation in my home was at an all time high and we had gotten out the bean bag game, or as some call it "corn hole", and were playing that on my deck as well as numerous Texas Hold'em games in the kitchen. I was having such a good time Ms. Grumpy Pants did not make an appearence once! Although I earned a new nickname of "gravy" which story I will reserve for another time. At some point "bad influence neighbor" (please see other vacation posts) let her dog out at about 2:30 a.m., and informed us on Saturday morning that we were partying like "Rock Stars" and why were they not invited to the Mouse house??!! I think she was a bit shocked that we were actually having a party!

After all was said and done (and children slept soundlessly through all) the rock stars left my house at 4:00 a.m. I was still in my jammies at 12:00 noon the next day when my adorable nephew asked "Aunt Jen are you EVEN going to get dressed today?" So with an outburst of laughter from all children and adults I said ok ok and went to get a shower. I don't think I can be a rock star anymore.

Saturday afternoon was the day of the wedding. Hubby and I babysat for SIL's three (3) children and had a really great day. I will leave the story at this point and just state for the record that the rock stars and my SIL did not get done partying until 4:00 a.m. again! I was just praying, as I went to bed Saturday night at 10:00 p.m., that the rock stars did not make an appearance at my home for the after hours.

P.S. Please note that there was a designated driver for each night. We are not without morals or common sense! Also, the beer drinking did not commence until all children were quietly tucked away to bed. This is my public disclaimer!!! lol

Friday, August 05, 2005

Grumpy, snarky, emotional

What a day I am having and it is still morning! It is Friday! I should be happy the weekend is here, not Ms. Grumpy pants! I am backed up at work, the house needs cleaned, I need to go to the grocery and once again, we are spending the weekend with family.

Really, I love family, especially my hubby's family (most of the time). His younger sister has a wedding to go to in our town so their family is coming tonight. I love my niece and nephews, they are fun and adorable and love my children. Everyone gets along great. We are babysitting so my SIL and BIL can go to the wedding, party hard and not worry about kiddies. Actually, I am becoming closer and closer to my SILs and BILs the more time goes by. It is kind of special for me since I do not have brothers or sisters. Both BILs tease me like I am their sister and are such great uncles. My hubby's sisters put up with my snarky crap and are so laid back and fun it is hard not to love them. I am lucky on the in-law front.

So what exactly is my problem today? Jen needs time for herself, alone, without hubby or children. Without having some obligation to tend to. This summer has been non-stop and I am starting to feel the effects. What is that old saying...I always mess up old sayings but here goes "I can sleep when I am dead." is that right?

Oh well....have a great weekend everyone and if you feel so inclined today....humor me...or leave treats and *smooches*!

Thursday, August 04, 2005

My heart is filled with sorrow for Ohio families

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-ohio-marines-killed,0,3124414.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines

24 have been lost this week...24...It is a bit staggering and to know that some came from my hometown and my State. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to the families that lost a solider.

Camping

Another mouse family outing, this time camping.

Camping with my mother is like going on a spiritual trek through the Himalayas in search of divine understanding. Well at least in my mother's eyes. My mother loves to camp, spends half the year searching the internet for the perfect campgrounds and knows every detail of each place before hubby or I can blink an eye. Granted, my mom does pick the best spots and has a canny knack of knowing that if she does not, I will bitch and moan. Yes I am a bit whiney about the whole camping thing because it does not bring me any divine notions. Plus I get dirty.

Did I mention that we camp in tents and up until two years ago we cooked only on the fire. I forced my mom to purchase a two burner hot plate. Yet the only time she will actually use that hot plate is to make the eggs, and sometimes she will just do that on the fire too. It could be 120 degrees out and my mother would build a fire to make lunch! Oh, I am bitching and moaning again, sorry for the interruption.

Back to divine understanding. My children were thrilled about camping with Granny. That is all little prince could talk about. He would count down on his fingers how many days until he got to sleep in a tent with his Granny. Little Princess felt the same way and for a girlie girl, loves to camp in a tent, eat s'mores and play in the dirt and mud. Actually, I did find a little spiritual place of my own. Watching my children help my mom with everything around the campgrounds. Watching my mom's face when I told her that she did good and found the perfect place. Seeing my mom smile when the kids jumped out of the van and screamed "GRANNY". That is why I camp every year. That is why, every year, my bitching and moaning decrease a little bit. Someday, we won't have the camping trips with Granny. But I will have been more spiritually enlightened because of my mom's trek to find the love that comes with camping with her family.