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Monthly Archives: February 2014


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March Mission – Sell This House

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Okay, I know this is pretty much a repeat of “February Focus – Sell This House” but it’s not the same. For one thing, the focus has turned to March. For another thing, now it’s a mission. See the difference?

It took a good chunk of February just to get the house ready to show, but it’s show-worthy now. It was only listed one week ago, so the fact that it hasn’t sold yet isn’t a giant shock, especially since that damn damn construction site across the street is in full swing. Even so, it will be the perfect house for someone, and that someone may step through the door tomorrow.

I like having the house clutter free. I like having the blinds open (my sweetheart does not, so I usually indulge him, but it looks better with them open, even the realtor said so). I like the calm feeling I have walking through a house that isn’t scattered with mail and magazines and dog toys and laundry waiting to be put away.

As much as I like it, I’m ready for it to be over. My morning routine is long enough without adding in a few more chores and a once over to make sure everything is clean and in place. I’m ready for our buyer to find the house. This is the weekend. It’s time for them to come home.


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Throwback Thursday – Toys I Wish I Had

I wasn’t a deprived child, but there were plenty of toys that I envied growing up. My parents were more of the books, crafts, and random objects kind of gift givers. I don’t believe either of them ever set foot in a Toys-R-Us store. Ever.

1. Light Brite. Pictures made of light? Who wouldn’t want to spend hours putting those tiny plastic pegs in those tiny holes?

2. Dapper Dan Doll. I just loved all the fasteners he had on his outfit. Very 70’s chic.

3. Easy Bake Oven. I don’t think this one needs an explanation.

4. Skateboard. Sure I’m uncoordinated. Sure the kid down the street broke her wrist falling off one. But they were SO cool! And yes, I’m talking about the plastic kind.

5. Big Wheel. I had the traditional tricycle, which was awesome in its own way, but not quite the same as the big wheel.

6. Sit-n-spin. This thing was too much fun. Good thing my friends had one or I would have really missed out on childhood.

7. Creepy Crawlers. My brother had this, and it was uber cool. Of course he never let me touch it, so I had faux bug envy.

8. Etch A Sketch. I always played with the one at the dentist’s office.

9. Mr. Potato Head. I bought myself one of these as an adult.


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Oh Shingles

iStock_000005623222_MediumI was ready for a quiet dinner out with my sweetheart. It was to be a simple little Tuesday night date night, precipitated by the request of a realtor to show our home over the typical dinner hour. No problem.

A quick tidy up involving a swiffer and a vacuum was all that was required, and we were ready to head out the door.

That’s when the phone rang. It was my son’s father. My first thought was that we had somehow mixed up schedules and my son was stranded somewhere without a ride. I quickly answered, only to be told that he probably has shingles. Again.

This boy is nearly 16 years old. Last year he was nearly 15 years old. That’s when he got it for the first time. I was stunned. I didn’t think young people, let alone teens, could get it. I thought it was an old person’s disease. I was wrong.

Shingles is ugly. Do not google it. Trust me. His case isn’t nearly as bad as the horror show you’ll see on the internet (thank goodness). That being said, it’s not attractive, and it’s uncomfortable. The good news is, it isn’t contagious. Still, it looks pretty nasty, and people will want to avoid you if they notice it. His outbreak is on his neck, so it’s hard to hide.

Off to urgent care we went, since his dad had to get to work at job number two. Don’t ask. I filled out all the paperwork as we (my ever patient sweetheart and I) waited for them to arrive. After a few wrong turns, they finally showed up, and we did the switch. He was taken right away (since I had already done all the paperwork) and sure enough, the doctor declared it shingles.

They checked his records. Last year he was seen on February 24. Today is February 25. Is this going to be a thing?

The doctor asked if he was taking his state tests in school this week. He finished today. Apparently stress triggers shingles. Although I’m not sure that these tests exactly stress him out. He’s pretty good at tests. At least the standardized type.

Anyway, one dinner and one $97 (with insurance) prescription later, he is back at his dad’s and working on his homework. At least I hope he is. I don’t want to nag him though, it might aggravate his stress.