58: Can I leave you with some chocolate?

My girlfriend in Ohio sent me a delicious little link today and now, I pass it on to you: (Just click the yum.)

Yum.

So, that brings me to this: I have decided not to blog every day right now. There is so much going on in my life--I am negotiating a book deal with a publishing firm; my husband has just started training to become a fire fighter; I'm working full time; I am planning to launch a Web site in the near future; Oh, yes, and that other thing: I have four kids.

And then there's the blog--If I have to take one thing off of my plate right now, it is the blog. Although, I am not abandoning my blog. Oh no. Never that. I will still be blogging--though definitely not daily.

Either way, I have to go change my home page blurbs now ... no longer the 365-day journey. You guys understand, right?

57: Baby, don't go ...

Well, tomorrow is the big day--my hubby starts as a recruit firefighter tomorrow. We are thrilled. So, this evening, we are getting things ready for tomorrow: his social security card, clothes ... oh, and the two little ones have their first day of school tomorrow. So, there's a lot to do.

But, you wouldn't have known that by the way my hubby was acting.

"So, I need the paper work for the day care," I tell him. "I need to get all their stuff ready. I need their list of stuff to bring."

"Oh, you just bring them," he tells me.

Umm, you do realize that I have done this day care thing so, so many times, right? No, you don't just drop your kids off. They need items, diapers, food, changes of clothing, wipes, already prepared bottles, lunch, snacks, shot records...

"Well, they didn't give me a list, so I didn't think we needed to worry about it."

Oh, he is such a ... guy.

So, I can deal with that. But, what I am having a really hard time with tonight is the thought of leaving my little-bitty baby, Rock. He is so sweet, so nice, so loving and so innocent. And he's never been away from mommy and daddy. He's always been cared for by us.

I actually think my 2-year-old needs the experience. He screams when we take him out of Sunday School and the gym nursery. I think he is really craving some more interaction with children in his age group. That, and he's so rough. He just kind of takes care of himself.

But, the baby ... he's my little baby. My last. I am really having a hard time leaving him tomorrow. I might just have to shed a tear.

ALSO:
Please go visit my personal Web site. I just updated it. I wanted everyone to know that no matter where I go online, you can always, always find me at www.suzyrichardson.com. I have posted quite a few of my clips. Feel free to peruse.

56: A Freebie!

This is just an FYI: Disney is giving free admissions for birthdays ...
(You have to register before Dec. 31, 2008)

55: Pumpkin Day!

This is the pumpkin we picked up at the Seafood Festival last week. We finally got around to carving it.

7th Graders Debate Obama vs. McCain

Check out this video. It is a trip! (I'm digging the white dude!) Oh, and: this song WILL get stuck in your head!

54: Be more specific

I had a nice moment to myself earlier. I was sitting on my balcony, all alone. And, I started thinking about direction. That is the word that came to my mind: direction.

Direction, direction, direction.

Am I going in the right direction?
Am I spending my time wisely?
Should I keep doing the blog?
Should I streamline things a bit?
What about my Web site?
Should I keep negotiating with the publisher?

So much going on in my head. I just had to stop the noise and ask God what I should be focused on. So, there's that one word: direction. And there was His answer to me: focus.

I wish it were easier than that. Now, I have to figure out what to focus on. (God, could you be a little more specific, please?)

53: This is how my day went:

But, it's going to end with a good laugh. Thank God for The Office.

52: Waiting ...

So, I haven't heard anything back about the book contract, yet. It's cool--I need time to breathe. And at work, things are hectic. This is my company's busiest time of year. Which means that I am crazy busy right now at work. I actually love, love, love being busy. My days absolutely fly by.

But, hubby is also supposed to begin training with the Fire Department in less than a week. So, yeah, things are hectic. My prayer with the contract is that I get a deal that is good for my family and I. I mean, my time is spread so thinly these days that I really have to think about how I am getting paid for my time. And, so, if it's not a good deal, I will have to talk away--with my family in mind, of course.

51: Re-negotiating ...

a contract tonight. I actually have to go through this thing carefully and make some revisions. Oh, and be willing to walk away if it's not a good deal for me. Yeah, that might be the hard part. But, either way ... if God means it to be. Okay, so I'll keep you posted on the deal--I'll say what I am able to say. You know ...

50: Bats and boxing

This morning was cool, which made me realize that summer is now officially behind me ... always a bittersweet reality for me.

I walked through the brisk breeze and into the office before 9 a.m. this morning. Just moments later, I was happily sipping a mug of hot chocolate, in-between bites of home-made gingerbread cookies. Makes me long for the cool winds that wintertime blows through--though briefly--in Florida. So, this morning, Star Bucks was on the company and a co-worker brought some homemade treats.

Since this is our busy season, I think they're spoiling us a little. We had Happy Hour on them last Friday and this Friday, were having a cookout at the office.

Yummy days.

But, yummy days also mean forcing myself to work out and burn off those "yummy" days.

So, let me just tell you about my jog on Friday ... that ended with me dodging live, little flying bats! So, I was running about an hour late to J's house for our usual three-mile walk. But, I stopped by Happy Hour that evening for a drink with the co-workers.

By the time J and I actually started our walk, which was to be our fist "jog", the sun was setting and the sky's warm colors were quickly become chilly, darker ones. We jogged--walked--jogged--walked--ran!

It all started out smoothly. We had planned to jog--walk--jog--walk ... the entire three miles. It all began with a spider web--I stepped right into it and felt something on my arm. Egh! And this dog started barking at us and running right into our direction. He was in someone's yard with a wide-open gate.

So, we escaped the wrath of Fido and we started heading back. At that point, J and I saw these tiny little black things dive almost all the way to the ground and swoop back up. At first, we noticed two, maybe three. And then there were 20, maybe 30. "Run!" I said. And we did ... we ran until we got "through" the bats.

That was a bit much. "It's a whole different walk at night," J said. She was absolutely right.

So, that was my Friday evening scare. My Monday morning scare came in the form of an e-mail from L, a fellow editor, who is also a sports columnist. See, on Friday evening, my hubby had gone over to his house (although they had never met before then) so that he could watch a boxing match on TV.

I saw the subject line: "Odd question."

And then it started out somewhat like this: "So, your husband is a good man and his friend was cool, too. But, I have a weird question to ask you."

I was immediately thinking ... "Oh no, what did hubby do? What's this guy about to ask me ..."

"So, can you tell me how to spell his name."

Oh, whew. He wanted to get his name right because he was using him as a source in his column. Cool. A little while later, he had sent me a link, and then another and another. He writes a column that is picked up by multiple outlets. It was nice to read about someone other than me writing about him:-)

Here's the link if you want to read: Oh, it's about boxing because you'll be confused if you don't know it.

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/boxing/story/733700.html

49: Picture Sunday!

You know I love to pull a Picture Sunday when I have eventful pictures to post. And don't forget: I am working with a terrible camera that I despise these days. But anyway, here goes ... Picture Sunday:

The baby is getting so big! He has such a sweet disposition. We just all love him so much. We call him our "special baby" since he is the last. (The kids actually came up with that.)

When I take pictures like these, I cannot wait to get my new camera! But, anyway, this was at the Cedar Key Seafood Festival that my family and I attend every year. We went Saturday just after my daughter and I participated in the Heart Walk, a local walk for charity. It was so much fun doing something with my daughter.

We took the 50-something-mile drive to Cedar Key and guess what happened?! We got totally rained out. And then, we got kicked out of a restaurant. Well sort of--they said we couldn't bring the (honking-big) double stroller in. And so we had to leave? Where were we going to put the thing?

Yeah, Cedar Key was ... kind of wet and mopey this year. Just before we left, though, we picked up a perfect-looking pumpkin from a local church's 'pumpkin patch'. We also bought some of their homemade pumpkin cookies and pumpkin fudge! It was the best. I might go back just for that. But, other than that, we didn't even get to eat lunch there because of the terribly long lines--not to mention those "stroller" rules.

Although, on the way home, the kids told me over and over again that they had so much fun. "Why?" I asked. Because really ... we got rained out, no food, etc. "Because we spent time as a family," my son replied--as if I should totally know that already. (Like, duh, mom.) It was really sweet though.

Today, we celebrated Oktoberfest at my mother's church, the Catholic church down the street. Um, I still don't know what I was "celebrating," but it was a good one: free beer and wine (although, I don't drink either--can't stand the taste of most alcohol), all the free food you wanted, interesting entertainment. Sure, I could do a quick Google search, but I'd rather ask you. What exactly is Oktoberfest? Anyone?

But, what I loved about the atmosphere was that everyone seemingly wanted to simply eat, drink and be happy.

... so who was trying to rebel? Eat, drink and be happy it was!

My dear daughter even got to go rock climbing! And she made it to the top. Go, N!

48: "The meeting" becomes "the deal"

So, remember that I was uber nervous about the meeting with the book publisher--until I prayed my way out of that, realizing that God, ultimately, is in control? Oh yeah, and He is bigger than all of us so who is there to be nervous in front of? No one.

I told God a long time ago that the only way I wanted to write a book was if it found me. In other words, it couldn't be me doing my thing. I want to do His thing and I always have wanted that.

So, on the day of my meeting, I pulled into the Red Lobster parking lot and as soon as I made it to the front door, I was greeted by three people from the publishing firm. I was immediately comfortable--and I even sat on the inside. Any one who knows me knows that I am a bit claustrophobic, which always leaves me forcing myself to sit on the outside of any aisle or seating arrangement.

But, even on the inside, I was comfortable. (And that can be taken two ways.) So, long story short, they offered me a book deal, with a manuscript deadline of April 1, which means I would be--if I sign the contract--writing and completing my first book in just six months.

There is even an option to do a second book if this first one sells well.

Wow. I am trying to wrap my mind around this. I have just been offered a book deal--the very thing that I have been praying about for a few years now. I currently have my brother, the lawyer, who also doubles as my legal counsel, combing over the contract this weekend. As soon as I hear from him, I can move forward.

But ... yeah ... exciting times around the corner ... no, wait, not around the corner--in my face right now!

47: "Get over here, now, E-mail!"

Um, I just called my kid "E-mail".

So, I was sitting at my computer, checking me e-mail, as my 2-year-old, Eli, was running around making this high-pitch sound that should be banned in all 50 states.

I knew that I needed to get my message across to him loud and clear ... and immediatley. So, with a stern voice, I said "Get over here now, E-mail."

He stopped what he was doing and imitated me--but with a question in his voice. "E-mail?"

46: Meet my boss

How fitting that today was National Boss' Day. (You know, since today is Thursday and Thursdays are my Office days!) So, yesterday, my co-worker, R, and I, waited for our boss to leave the office. We snuck into his office and swiped his stapler so that we could give him the best Boss' Day gift ever -- what else? But, stapler in Jell-O, Office style.

And if you didn't know, I have my own version of The Office going on at work--I am not kidding you.

The Office's "Michael S."


My "Michael S."

So, Michael was so touched by our Jell-o gift that he kept that blue glob on his desk all day long. By the end of the day, the Jell-o had turned into a syrupy, soupy mess. He said he didn't want to move it because he liked the smell of the blue raspberry Jell-O. Sounds like something the other Michael S. might say. We all got a good laugh out of it.

45: Romantic dinner, tattoo parlor?

Today was special to me.

Just before noon, I stopped by Pizza Hut and picked up two mini-me pizzas--one: no sauce, with pineapples; the other: good old cheese and pepperoni. Think you know me. Guess which was mine? No, really, guess:-)

Just after noon, I was sitting at a lunch table packed with fourth graders. My niece, D, was thrilled to see me. She's always kind of quiet, but with me, a grown-up, sitting at the table, she was being extra shy ... and so were all of the other children. That lasted until I asked one question: "Who is the oldest kid in the class?" And they were off--chit-chatting about birthdays, whose was in the summer time and whose was ... not. It was totally cute and we spent the entire (brief) lunch break talking about everyone's birthdays.

Back at work--in front of a magazine--I remembered that I was in for a special treat tonight: my mother had volunteered to take the kids--ALL of the kids--to church with her. That meant...hubby and I would have a one-on-one date--something that rarely happens.

"What do you want to do for our hot date?" I e-mailed him.

As I typed those three, little letters, I envisioned ... romance over a candlelit dinner. And you want to know what he thought when I typed those three, little letters? Well, he was thinking about three other little (many-times annoying) letters.

Can you guess what they are?

I just laughed. I laughed because ... yeah right, I am going to stay home and have hot sex with you instead of going out on a kid-free date. Yeah. right. It was rather comical, and when I didn't respond, he knew what the deal was.

Which is why ... when I walked in the door from worked, he asked where we were going to do it. And by it, I mean dinner! (Too much sex-talk in this post!)

I was hungry, but not famished. That greasy, cheesy mini-me pizza had me feeling yucky. We went for a small side dish of bang-bang shrimp and then we did something really romantic: we hit the tattoo parlor.

We walked in to a little joint called Anthem, just off of University Avenue. Hubby talked to a burly, tattoo-covered guy about getting a cross. "Hey, where's the um, Jesus book?" the guys asked his co-workers. I thought that was so cute.

"Yeah, let's see the Jesus book!"

We found a cross that hubby liked and I began looking through books for a dove, which I want to represent my sister and at the same time, the Holy Spirit, who keeps me in line on a daily basis. *I love you*

And the really cool thing is that these guys draw their tats; no off-the-wall flash tattoos. Mine is so special to my heart that no one else in the world can have it.

So, that's how I spent my day and night--with people I love dearly.

Now, tomorrow, I meet with the book publisher at 11:30 a.m. We are set to meet at Red Lobster. Why am I so nervous? It's mainly because I don't even really understand what this meeting is about. I know he wants to talk to me about Tebow. But, can I deliver Tebow? I don't really think so, because of legalities with UF.

Maybe I can deliver something else. You know what? No. No, I am not going to be nervous. He's just a guy; just like I'm just a girl. And God is bigger than the both of us.

44: Slipping ...

I was sitting on the couch just a few moments ago, thinking about getting a part-time job. I was envisioning that I'd be an editor during the day and a waitress during the night. My thoughts can be so dramatic some times. But, hubby and I were going back and forth, back and forth--about the Web site that I have a specific vision for; that I have been praying about; that I have been wanting so badly that I can taste it.

"It's just not going to happen," I finally said.

Moonlighting as a waitress is not going to make my dream come true, because oh--reality check--I can't even do that because of my four children.

I'm just really, really down tonight. I was so stressed that I went jogging today! That--and I barely touched my dinner. Hmmm ... maybe I need to stressed out a little more.

The original plan was to launch the *secret* Web site in January. And part of the original plan was to use my freelance check from the Tebow issue to pay the down payment--right around $1,600. Oh, that figure has left me lightheaded tonight.

Nothing is happening the way it should be; I had to walk away from a business partner; two different checks that were both set aside for the Web site had to go towards bills. And tonight, it feels like my dream, my vision is slipping through my fingers.

And, there is nothing more frustrating when it comes down to just money.

I have been faithful with the site; I walked away from my partner when I specifically heard God tell me to. I am doing everything I am supposed to be doing. But, ahhh, the money keeps slipping through my tired fingers.

I don't know ... does anyone have any money-raising tips? Has anyone ever needed to scramble for some money--and fast--to get something done?

You know, I feel like there is such a small window of opportunity here that if it doesn't happen by January, I will reluctantly throw in the towel.

So, I am just praying that what I read in the Bible tonight with my hubby will happen--that He will turn water into wine.

Tomorrow, I am going to have lunch with my niece (my sister's baby girl) for her birthday. Think of us as you're eating lunch!

*Thank you, God, for my visions; Thank you for it all. Thank you ... just, Thank you!*

43: Two messes, one day

My facebook status today makes me giggle like a little girl:

"My hubby is so sweet for painting my toenails. And, I am trying to be sweet back by not grabbing the nail-polish remover. My toes are a mess:-)"

***

But, moving onto other things. I dealt with something this morning that absolutely broke my heart, and I am hoping to get some advice from you guys.

This morning, just after 7:30 a.m., I was pulling up to the kids' school. My son hopped out of the car, followed by my daughter, who is in the 2nd grade. She hesitated as she stepped out and just started crying ... no, sobbing.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I left my homework on my desk. Me teacher's going to get mad at me!"

Her face was bright red and she was trying to catch her breath between words. "Why would she be mad?" I asked her.

"Because she always gets mad when kids forget their homework. She always gets mad."

"Why would she get mad? Does she get mad a lot?"

"Yes ... when kids don't do what they're supposed to."

"Well, I have to go to work. Tell her you'll bring it tomorrow."

I thought that would do the trick. But, she wouldn't stop. She was crying profusely ... incessantly.

"She's going to be ... mad ... at ... me," she said again, stammering her words.

"Well, I'll have daddy bring it, okay?"

I watched as she walked away, with her purple floral backpack draping over her shoulder. It broke my heart. And I remembered the first time I met her teacher. I mean, how could I forget? I was scared to leave her classroom (early) during our open house. I remember the looks I got from the others--we were all seemingly intimidated by her.

And then ... remember that newsletter that came home that started out this way: "Most of your children are a delight to teach"

And it bothered me at first, but then my daughter kind of became one of her favorite pupils, so I figured that all was well in the classroom. And I'd ask her every day: How was school? Is your teacher a nice lady?

You know ... things like that.

So, what do I do? My first inclination was to call the principal and demand to have my child moved to another class room. But, what lesson would that be teaching her? To run when things get tough. But, on the other hand, what if the environment is too stressful for learning? I want her to be comfortable in her class room.

Today, when she came home, she told me that her teacher was a little "disappointed" about the homework. Not upset; just disappointed.

Any advice? Do I do anything else? Do I let it go? Do I say anything to the teacher? What ... exactly ... do I do? I understand that kids can make things seem worse than they are; but I also understand that sometimes we, as parents, brush things off when we shouldn't.

... help?

42: Heavy, happy birthday.

Today, we celebrated my niece's 10th birthday.

I was feeling a little bittersweet because today should have been my sister's day with my daughter. I was feeling rather solemn--happy, peaceful and quietly reflecting.

Hubby and I started our day by visiting a church down the street. We had driven by it countless times, and today, we decided we'd visit. It was perfect. We were greeted warmly, with OJ, coffee and cookies. The children were whisked away to children's church and we were able to settle comfortably in the soft, plush seats--and in worship.

About half-way into service, the pastor invited a guest speaker to step onto the stage. She was a young mother--maybe in her late 20s. She was from a small town and her southern twang gave it away. She was--you could tell--a good-ole' country girl.

As she spoke about her life and how she was raised, she fought the tears back. Just above her, the overhead screen displayed pictures of her former life--before Christ. There she was, with bear bottle in hand, and boyfriend on her arm. She had a little girl when she was just 17. And the child's father was in prison shortly after she became pregnant.

Some time in 2006, she was in a severe car accident. The pictures--flashing on the screen--were brutal. The car was mangled and unrecognizable. She--not wearing a seatbelt--had been thrown from the back window. She doesn't remember that day, or the month that followed it. In fact, she was pronounced dead at one moment. But, paramedics were able to regain a pulse and she remained comatose for months following the accident.

I was captivated, listening to her. And then, another picture. I gasped. I audibly gasped and had to run out of the sanctuary. I hit the door and the tears were already pouring down my cheeks. "What the hell, Suzy?!" I was saying to myself in the back corner of a bathroom. I found a little chair and sat there quietly and just cried.

I was so mad at myself. What can't I control my emotions?! I should be okay by now. It's been 4 years!

Well, the picture I had just seen was one of the girl laying in a hospital bed. She was comatose and the tubes, they were proof that her breath was not her own, but that of a machine.

The last time I had seen anything like that--I was standing beside my sister as a machine pumped the last few breaths of life through her failing lungs. I was not ready to see what my mind had pushed so far to the back. I was not ready.

But, sheesh, shouldn't I be?!

After I dried my eyes, I came out of the bathroom to find my hubby waiting for me. "Are you okay?" he asked.

And, I was honest. "No. Not really."

After church, we were headed to our favorite Sunday spot for lunch (Texas Roadhouse because kids eat for .99 cents on Sunday!) when I asked my husband this:

"Why does God let some people live and not others?" My voice was shaky.

"We don't know. Our minds can't understand His ways," he replied.

"I know, but it seems--and it feels--so unfair," I said.

***

(Birthday pictures tomorrow. I am not a fan of crammed posts. Hubby is going to paint my toenails for me in a minute, so I must leave you all. I think he's feeling a little sad for me or else I'd be on my own with my nail polish!)

41: Fireproof

Today was the perfect Saturday. I was on the phone with my mother when she mentioned that my brother had gone to see the movie Fireproof. "We need to go see that," I said. And that little comment lead to a picture-perfect Saturday afternoon date with just me and the hubby.

Grandma came to the house and agreed to watch the kids for a little over three hours. Hubby and I went to see the matinee of Fireproof--I had heard a little bit about this movie, but I had no idea what I was in store for. IF YOU ARE MARRIED, YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE--WITH YOUR HONEY. It will make you re-evaluate your relationship with your honey--and with God.

My favorite line of the movie is this: "Never leave your partner in a fire." And though Kirk Cameron says this line to one of his fire fighters in the beginning of the movie, by the middle of the movie ... that line applies to he and his spouse.

And here's an FYI: In the movie, there was a kissing scene between Kirk Cameron's character, Caleb and his wife, Catherine. Did you know that Kirk Cameron did that scene with his real-life wife? He said that if there was a kissing scene, his wife would have to be the double because he would not kiss another woman.

The other really cool thing was that this movie was about a fireman. And since my hubby has just signed on with the fire department, it made it that much more interesting.

So, since hubby and I had just sat through Fireproof--clearly a movie that will make you think about how much your spouse means to you--we were being extra sweet to each other. We decided we'd stop at this new little, colorful Mexican joint down the street ...





So, I think I just found my favorite new Mexican spot. It was sparkling clean, colorful, delicious and reasonably priced. If you are in Gainesville, you must visit Mexico Lindo. And if any of you are up for a Moms' Night Out, let me know. We should start doing them! This would definitely have to be a venue.

A few hours after me and hubby's Saturday afternoon date, I was taking the kids to the mall to pick up my niece's birthday gift. We headed to Limited 2, every little girl's favorite spot. I found the perfect gift, on sale and as I was headed out, I saw a little furry paw sticking out of the stroller.

You will NOT believe what was hiding in my stroller. (Okay, okay, it's not what you're thinking.) It was actually a little stuffed animal. Apparently, my toddler decided that he wanted to take it home with him. And so I pulled it out of the stroller and then another and another and another. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I pulled exactly 19 stuffed animals out of the bottom of the stroller.

19!

As in, he managed to take every single one of these furry little creatures off of their sparkly little shelves. I guess he thought that he had struck gold, huh?

Oh, and tomorrow, I have a juicy Sunday confession to make. It will be in the form of a photo, so don't miss it.

40: With 9 minutes to go ...

So, I just walked in the house, ready to hit the bed, and realized that ... I hadn't blogged yet. And so here I am, with just 9 minutes to go of today. "I have to do my blog!" I told my hubby. "I have like 9 minutes before today is tomorrow. I can't miss a day, remember?"

Yes, he remembers. How could he not? Although, I am the one who has committed to blog every day for 365 days, he is the one who gets to hear about it every day. Oh, and he gets to hear all of the comments I read to him every day. He just loves it, I'm sure.

So, this is how I spent my Friday evening. I'm trying to type fast, with five minutes now to go! Woo hoo! I am going to make it. So, my boss let me leave early because my computer crashed. I almost crashed my car driving home when a huge stink bug flew in my window and began randomly flying around my face. I met my walking buddy for our 3-mile Friday walk.

Oh, and I stopped drinking soda. So, today, I was so proud of myself--I had a ice cold drink in my hand, filled with ice cubes and water. I had just finished walking and was headed home. I set my drink down and as I reached over to grab my purse, ice-cold, freezing water poured all over me. The entire cup of water was in my lap!

And, I had no choice. With soaking wet pants, I had to stop and get gas because I was running on fumes only and knew I would not make it home. But, I only had cash. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to stop and get gas and have to walk into the gas station in my soaking wet grey sweat pants. And you know, it bothered me for about 2.5 seconds until I thought "You know ... this is better than being soaking wet and stuck on the side of the road. So, I'll take it."

See everyone tomorrow. Any fun weekend plans?

(Oh, and p.s. to Seyi: I ran into your mom at Moe's today!)

39: Read me:-)

Oh, I am too tired to even sit up right now. The couch is calling--along with Jim, Dwight, Pam and Michael. I have to go. But, before I do, I wanted to leave you with this. Happy reading:

(P.S. I tried to post this as one PDF, but blogger does not have the capability--from what they told me. So, it's in pieces as jpegs.)

38: Celebrate Good Times ...

I spent a peaceful day at work; with no serious deadlines this week, I spent much of my day organizing many of my projects. I was in such a groove that I took a late lunch--I stepped out around 1:30. I came home and ate a modest turkey-and-cheese sandwich.

Back at work, I was happily sailing through a smooth day, and before I knew it, I was headed out.

I figured we'd do something quick and easy for dinner. Usually when hubby cooks, he tells me ahead of time. I stepped in the house and was--as usual--tackled by my children. Hubby greeted me with a warm and happy hug. "Guess what?" he asked me.

"What?"

"Your story came," he said.



I was thrilled. I had been waiting for a few weeks to see it. My favorite part of writing is seeing the final product--not necessarily seeing my words in print; but seeing what production has done with the layout. It's always a nice surprise. What's funny is that I was more excited about the font they used for the deck (in the title) than I was about anything else. I guess this editor stuff is really rubbing off on me:-)

He handed me the magazine and I quickly flipped through the pages until I reached my story. "This looks SO GOOD!" I said to hubby. "They did such a great job!"

I was pleased. So--the first thing I always do is look at the overall package of my pieces. And the other thing I do--or don't do--is I never read my stories. Isn't that funny? I usually read the final copy before it goes to press. But, I never read the actual story in print.

"The check was $300 more than we expected, though. What's up with that?"

I flipped through a few more pages and figured out what had happened: "They ran that other story ... that one they had to hold (almost a full year ago). Yes!" This meant that we could have that "celebration" dinner we had promised we would have if hubby got "the call."

We called grandma and she was available to watch the three oldest kids. (Not the baby because there was no nursery at her church.)

So, tonight, instead of eating a can of soup (my original dinner plans), hubby and I went to Bonefish, where we celebrated "the call", my Tebow piece in print, a fat check ... and each other.

Hubby and I split a dish of shrimp fettuccine ...

Baby R. was such a good boy! Quiet the whole time.

Good times ... celebrating ... together.

Oh, and the cell phones are back on. Woo-hoo for freelance checks!

37: The answer is:

Congratulations to my honey! I am so proud of you! (A man in uniform--God has certainly answered a prayer!)

Also: A special thank you to everyone for your prayers. Seyi: thank you for thinking of and praying for us!

36: The Call!

The call came today!

My hubby got the call ... they offered him the position! Yippee. I am so, so happy and excited for him. Today, we told the kids that daddy is going to be a __________! They were thrilled--although I think my daughter had already figured it out.

So, I was sitting at my desk just after 10 a.m. when I got an e-mail from hubby. "I got it. Call me."

Well, we had been talking about "it" for so long. "It" was always "the call." So, when he said "it," I was going crazy ... "It what?! The job?! The call?! The offer call or the rejection call?!" I couldn't stand it anymore and I called.

"What happened?!"

"They offered me the position!" I could hear him smiling. "I start in three weeks. October 27."

"Yay! That is so great! I am so happy for you ... We'll talk on my lunch break."

I rushed home on my lunch break, where he gave me all of the details ... when the call came, how it came, what he said, what she said. We celebrated, hi-fived each other, hugged. We were sooooo happy. And then, that other thing hit us:

"Oh yeah ... day care," he said to me.

We spent my lunch break together in front of the computer and on the phone. We called our local Child Care Resources agency to see if they could help--because that's what they are there for ... to help struggling families with child care options.

But, we had quickly discovered again what I had already known--that they are there for single moms ... and they foster an environment of settling for less ... they encourage people to cheat the system through an all-or-nothing mentality. I know quite a few women who have done that -- and, for years.

Okay, so we weren't going to get any help from them. I got in my car to drive back to work and I was doing the math in my head. For two children to go to child care and for the two older ones to go to after care, this is what it looks like:

• $700 for the baby
• $600 for the toddler
• $300 in "Aftercare" fees for my oldest son.
• $300 in "Aftercare" fees for N, my daughter.

Grand total=$1,900 per month.

My husband, as a recruit, is going to bring in a little over minimum wage. They are going to send him to school and only after he graduates and gets a position will he start getting paid for real with a decent salary.

Okay, so let's do the math: I will be paying just under 50 percent of our entire income towards day care. I just do not know how we are going to manage. I just know that somehow we will.

But, I refuse to stress over the seemingly impossible day care bill. I simply refuse. Instead, I will finish the night out ... celebrating the good news of today.

And since I always say it out loud: "Thank you, God. We are so grateful for who you are and everything you give us."

So, any guesses on the job title?

35: Picture Sunday!

So, here are some random pictures from my weekend ... very random!!!

This afternoon, I helped my son with a school project about dogs and their "professions." We glued this picture to a white poster board for his presentation tomorrow. I wanted to share this just because I loved it so much.


Baby boy and dear daughter:-) 7 months; and 7 years old.


In my last post, I talked about driving by my old campus apartment. My old bedroom was where that top window (with the window air conditioner) is. We had plenty of birthday parties, lazy, quiet Saturdays and barbecues in this little place. Our neighbors were from Iceland, and we were always having "building" potlucks. It was so much fun. Any way, I when I hear anything Dixie Chicks, I think of the summer of 2002 when I would leave my windows open and blast my Dixie Chicks. Simple times and ... lots of studying, too.


So, on the way to our old place, the kids and I drove by one of our favorite all-time picnic spots, which is on the lawn of the famous-for-its-architecture Baughman Center--also a favorite wedding spot for countless couples. On this day, we didn't stop because of a wedding ceremony. We drove by slowly and saw the bride in her beautiful, crisp, white gown; and we saw a horse-led carriage. It is always a beautiful spot, no matter what time of year you visit. I have been to a few weddings there as well-- all of them breathtaking.


More big boy smiles! So, who here knows his name? I've gotten SO much crap about his name. It's annoying! But, I love it! Oh, and if you know it, do not give it away ... please. I may or may not do that.


Saturday afternoon at the local (free) dog park. It sits right beside a firestation and the kids love seeing the trucks each time we drive by. Oh, and that is my dog--I promise. No, I do not bring my 2-year-old here for exercise. (Okay, in a sense, I do.) Although, he does have one of those kiddie leashes. That could have been funny, huh?

34: Worth it

Hubby and I told my son, C, that he could not go to a Star Wars Costume birthday party that was this afternoon. It all came down to two things:

1: This was a costume party (and we didn't have a costume)
2: We didn't have any extra money for a gifts

Okay, so I guess it really just came down to one thing: Money.

I had about $10 of "me money" in my pocket to last about two weeks. This is for lunch with co-workers and etc. Not much, but that's what I had. So, last night, I saw my son peering at the Star Wars Costume Party invitation, and the mommy in me just sort of took over. I was determined to make this happen--and I had about $10 to do so. Yippee! I had money. Who cares what it is supposed to be for, right? The fact is, I needed it and I had it.

I think that if he had whined and complained about it, I wouldn't have been moved. But, he quietly accepted our decision with such a good attitude that it sort of broke my heart. When I told him that we were going to make it work, he was simply delighted.

So, this morning--just after 10 a.m.--I loaded the car with my daughter, oldest son and the 2-year-old. (The baby stayed home, napping, with hubby.) "Look, we don't have very much money," I told my son. "But, it's going to be perfect!"

We had to have a talk about money being tight right now...about daddy not working and about being really careful how we spend, especially right now. That was hard (for me.) Not for the kids, though. They don't really care as long as we're all just living life together.

We hit some yard sales--and found nothing, except for a few plastic dinosaurs we picked up for E. Then, I decided we'd hit GoodWill--my go-to store when I need something fast and cheap. I was delighted to find a cape for $3. And, the lovely thing about boys: That was it. He was thrilled. And we were done.

We went to Target to buy a gift and with less than $5 to spend on the gift, we picked this up and filled it with a bag of candy. The total was just over $4. Again, my son was thrilled.



Just after 3 p.m., I was unloading the kids at the party. My kids had a blast and when we were done at the party, we drove around Gainesville for a little while--stopped at one of our favorite parks and walked a mile (with baby in arms and toddler in hand) around the park.

Later, we drove by our old apartment on campus--where I lived when I was a student at the University of Florida. Ahhh--the memories. The kids have the best memories of that place. We used to have so much fun, going on walks, going to the museum, seeing the alligators sunning themselves just across the street from us at Lake Alice.

We have really great memories of that time in our lives. "I wish I could go back in time and do it again," my son said.

Well, I hope he'll think the same thing in a few years about our life now. I think he will. We had so much fun today. Not much money, but lots of fun. I ended up spending my "me money" on my kids. But, I do that every time I get money. I always spend it on them.

I can't help myself. I'd rather see my kid go to a birthday party that he had been thinking about for weeks than ... have lunch with my grown-up friends. And I say grown-up friends, because if I am not spending money eating out with my grown-up friends, then I am picking up the tab for every (little) one--at Chic-Fil-A.

You know, I truly love motherhood. You can never give too much. There is always more to give.

Oh ... and I have some pictures for you. But, it will have to be tomorrow since Blogger is misbehaving tonight!

33: Laugh with me

"Most of your children are delightful and fun to teach ..."

I was reading a newsletter from my child's teacher, and this stood out to me. It made me laugh. I was like, "Wow, she really did just write that."

Okay, so it's Friday night! Woo hoo! Instead of doing my usual post, I want to hear a recent quote that made you laugh. Any takers?

32: The reality

So, ugh, the reality is that ... I have four children--two still in diapers--and I am the only one working. It is simply frustrating ... frustrating for everyone in the household.

At the end of the month, we have enough money to pay our bills and keep the lights on and keep food on the table. But, we really have nothing else after that, so if something comes up, that's not a good thing. In fact, it's a very bad thing.

Recently, we had to get the mom van fixed, and that was almost $300. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch ... especially when you have just enough money to pay the bills. That $300 meant that a few of the bills went unpaid and guess which was the first to go? Ummm, the cell phone.

I knew it was going to be turned off today, and it happened just before 6 p.m. and just after I hung up with my son. "Bye," I said. "I love you." I then dialed a friend's number, and I got that evil, little message--the 'services have been interrupted' one.

So, that was super frustrating, but to top it all off, hubby has not received THE CALL yet. (The Call is the one from a possible employer; he had the interview last Thursday.) We both thought that--for sure--he would hear something by now. But, not a peep. And with our phones being turned off, and the stressed being turned on--we are stressed out.

We need this job more than ever. And, it's something that will bring in decent money. Yep. We definitely need that second income. So, I am just hoping and praying that this works out. But, you know what they say ... waiting is the hardest part. It really is.

Now, I am going to finish watching the VP Debate. Any thoughts?

31: The lonely picture

So, this is going to sound crazy, but ... I know that pictures are just pictures. They are not people. They do not live and breathe and love ... and feel lonely.

Which is why I could not understand my own feelings yesterday when I left work. It was weird--I was wrapping up a few things to get ready to go home. The office was really quiet. I don't come in until 9, so I am usually one of the last ones to leave. It is around that time when lights begin to be turned off, the cleaning crew shows up and the parking lot begins to empty.

I was shutting down my computer when my eye caught the picture sitting on my desk--all alone. It was that picture I put up of my sister--she, holding my newly born son in my first, ghetto apartment during the summer of 1998. She looked so happy and so young, so full of life.

I went to grab my purse, but stopped and just stared into that picture. I closed my eyes for a brief moment and could practically hear her voice, smell her perfume. I opened my eyes and noticed a small, but sweet detail--she was wearing one of my favorite-at-the-time shirts.

It was really weird, because I felt like I couldn't leave her. The dim, people-less halls were sad to me. And, I didn't want to leave her. I knew that thought made no sense at all. I know she's not the picture, I told myself.

But, it was still sad. And, I was feeling it.

And so instead of being absolutely crazy and sticking her in my purse, I opened a drawer and pulled out a photo that I had been meaning to put up. It was a picture of my daughter. I put the picture right in front of my sister's, so that one was leaning on the other.

When I left, I cried and cried all the way to my girlfriend's house--the one I walked with yesterday. She helped me through it. I cried for the first half of the walk and laughed for the second part. I love girls for that!

This morning, I was walked into a bright, busy, buzzing office and as turned on my computer, I looked at the pictures and smiled. My sister looked surrounded. My son was on her right side, and now, my daughter was on her left. And a tiny, little silver angel stood in front.

There, that looks much better. She was surrounded by loved ones and an angel. And yes, I know it's just a picture. But, for whatever reason, that little arrangement made more sense to my heart. It just felt better.

30: Chocolate sky.

Before I begin, I just want to thank all of you guys for your kind responses to my post. I know you could feel the pain, frustration and fatigue with the situation. Thank you for your uplifting words and positive points-of-view. I really appreciate that!

Today, I spent my lunch break laughing with friends and co-workers at this little Mexican joint that us Gainesvillians love, called La Fiesta. All I know is that it has been here forever, and the food is slamming.

Back at work, I met a very, very tight deadline and ... waited for the call.

I told my hubby not to text me; but, to call me when he gets "the call." If you don't know, well, now you do. My hubby had an interview on Thursday for the job he has wanted forever. They told him that they would let him know something within the week, so you know how jumpy he is. I hate waiting for those calls.

Well, the call didn't come today. In fact, I think hubby purposely avoided calling me--he sent me about six random text messages throughout the day--just because he didn't want me to get my hopes up.

In other exciting news--and the only reason I am sharing this, is because I honestly don't think anything will come of this--I got an e-mail from a VP of publishing, who asked me if I had ever written a book. He wants to meet with me. We have been sending e-mails back-and-forth and we are going to set something up for me to come to the office. (Hubby at side, ofcourse.) I mean, you never know whose really who these days, right?

Besides, my hubby really is my partner. So, he needs to be there.

So, last night, I stayed up until midnight working on a freelance piece and because I was so tired, I didn't want to do my regular walking after work today, but I did. And I am so glad I did. I got to vent to a good girlfriend; and laugh with her as we walked our now-routine three miles.

And on my way home, I caught the most breathtaking scene above me. And that's why I had to snap this. (Yeah, my camera kind of sucks right now. I'll be making my case for a new one real soon, like when I launch my site.)

Oh, that and look what my hubby just brought me: Yum.
I'd say that today was a good day.

P.S.- I couldn't help myself with the title of this post. How could I not put those two words together?

29: Relationships

Well, I recently lost a very good friend of mine. I had to make a decision that hurt me and hurt her, and it ended the friendship. Although, the decision was a right one. It was a hard one, but it was the right one. I didn't want to, but I had to.

And the reason I cannot blog about it is because she reads (maybe not anymore) my blog, and I have to respect her enough not to talk about it, even in anonymity. I wanted to thank you all for your kind words. Relationships can be hard, and sometimes they end too soon.

28: I guess I'm just ...

frustrated that I cannot write about it right now, and that makes me want to *not* blog. It's like, because blogging has to be a real slice of my life as I am living it, I can hardly type these words. It's because there is so much more going on.

These are the days I wish blogger had private posts. And these are the days I wish life was a bit less complex when it comes to relationships. *Sigh.* I'm sure that as the days go by this week, I'll feel better about the situation. But, not tonight.

(I'm off to write an article for the magazine, due tomorrow. Goodnight.)

27: Good night!

I'm just annoyed and drained tonight. I'll post more tomorrow. Good night!

26: "Are you expecting?"

So, it all started yesterday after work. I was excited to be watching my Office return after a long, long summer without. But, first I needed to get my walk on. I walked my three miles and rushed home to see my show. I wanted to have time for a nice, hot shower before the show.

I was feeling good, too. "My jeans are looser," I told my walking buddy, J. "I'm so glad we're keeping up with it!"

I had finished walking and had just left J's house, where we usually meet up to walk. My phone rang, and it was my hubby, asking me to pick up a few things from the store. I was, after all, passing right by it. I reluctantly stopped.

"I am not even dressed right. I'm wearing this little tank top and I just don't feel like seeing anyone ..." I was telling my hubby this, all while walking in the store. It was too late. I was in ... there was no turning back from the grocery store.

It was fine, but a little bit cold. Man, I was wishing I had my favorite green sweatshirt. I got the things I needed all while chatting quietly with my step-sister Jessica, who lives in Ohio. We hung up when I had to get in line. All was good. The cashier was an older woman -- maybe in her 60s -- with dark hair and painted-on eyebrows.

"How much can I write the check over here?"

And I was trying to do the math in my head, when she said "Are you expecting?"

I stopped in my tracks. And I looked at her and said -- with a straight face -- "Don't you know the rule? ... You don't ask a woman if she's "expecting" unless she's, like, on the way to the hospital to GIVE BIRTH."

The bag boy, a young, 20-something college kid, hung his head and just shook it slowly from right to left, as if to say ... "You did not just say that!"

I don't even know if she apologized. I really don't remember, probably because all I could hear was the sound of blood rushing to my head. But, she started talking about her kids and how she thought that ...

"well, when I had my kids, I would get confused a lot and when you talked about the math with the check ..."

Imagine the surprise when I really had nothing to say back.

The bag boy, who wore the name tag "Dylan" on his green shirt, looked so embarrassed. A red head, his cheeks turned bright red. I was waiting for my receipt when Dylan asked me "Can I help you out, please?"

"That's cool," I told him.

And as soon as we stepped out into the cool, crisp evening air, he said "You do not look pregnant! I am so sorry. I just can't believe she even said that!"

"I know, right?" I said. "I can see that you know better than to say things like that! Well, you know, I had two kids in like two years ... and I am trying to lose weight, just came from walking ..."

He was shaking his head profusely in agreement. "I could totally tell that you just came from working out ... I could totally tell."

I was so upset until the bag boy just amused me so. He was so funny, so concerned that my feelings were hurt. Plus, he says that I do not look like I am expecting! Woo hoo! Well, I guess the bag boy has more sense than the cashier.

Man, the last time I ventured away from "my" Publix and went to a Publix in another neighborhood, the bagger said something just as crazy, although less crazy in my book. The bagger said something about a "vaginal probe" sonogram. I am serious.

I'm thinking that I want to stick very close to my own Publix ... from now on.

25: Thursday -- the good and the bad

Don't you just love packages?!

Well, I came home on my lunch break and about 10 minutes after I had been home, my door bell rang. It was Fed Ex with a package. "My magazine!" I said to my hubby. I flung open the door, ready to sign.

"Suzy Richardson?"
"Yes."
"Sign here, please."

He handed me a big, brown box. "What could this be?" I asked my hubby. Well, it wasn't my magazine that I was waiting for. I have a piece published this month in Charisma, and I have been waiting for my copies and the check. Oh, here's the link, if you are interested:

Tim Tebow article

I grabbed a pair of scissors and began anxiously cutting my way through the tape. I saw my friend from Ohio, Melissa's, address on it. "The swim diapers!"

We had just talked about swim diapers and how I didn't feel like spending $10 on a pack of swim diapers because it was almost October. So, she hooked me up! But, there was more.

There was a note attached to another smaller box within the box. "Since we can't have our Office party together ..." it began.

Here is the note that was attached to my little box within a big box. (I know, my camera sucks. When I get my new one, this one goes to the kids. That says a lot, doesn't it?)

OMG! My friend from South Carolina, who now lives in Ohio, just sent me a goodie package. How freaking sweet! It was stuffed with all kinds of "Office" goodies for our favorite show's season return, which came on at 9 p.m. tonight.

There were notepads, packs of Office pencils, sticky notes, a coffee mug ... all kinds of stuff, even a pack of popcorn and some other snacks. The fun part was that I got to open my little package on my way back to work and so I handed out some of my little goodies -- you know, just some sticky notes and two pencils. I couldn't part with much more, especially since it was from a good friend -- to some of my office mates who love the Office.

This is my cabinet space above my desk. Don't you just love what I've done with the place?!


At my desk:-) That is my bobble head Dwight, that Melissa sent me when I first got my job. That was a-whole-nother special package day. And there is my sister's picture. The angel beanie baby, I found at that yard sale my daughter and I went to this past weekend. I couldn't put it at the grave, because it would get ruined. Any way, I knew I had the perfect place for it.)

So, that was the good of my day. Thank you, Melissa. You just ... rock as a girlfriend!

So, the bad of my day happened as I was in line at Publix. You WILL NOT BELIEVE what the Publix cashier said to me. No, you will not even believe it. My draw dropped and I had to "school" this woman about the things people should never, ever say to other people.

But since I have to keep you coming back, tomorrow's post will begin with those three little words that HAPPENED TO ME in a Pubilx grocery store line.

24: Getting ready!

So, the reason that I cannot do a full blog post tonight is because I am helping my hubby prepare for a job interview tomorrow for the career that he has been wanting for so long! I am so excited for him. This has been about a 3-month long process, and here he is -- at the end.

I am going to go over the questions he should ask, and you know -- all that interview stuff. The interview is at 9 a.m. all the way on the other side of town. So, does anyone have any advice for him? (If you read this tonight, that is.)

Okay, so I'll be back tomorrow with the update!

23: I don't want a bra. I want a sandwich!

So, hubby and I met for a lunch-time appointment. I walked in the office and glanced at the clock on the wall -- I had just about 40 minutes before I would have to leave for work. "Hey, honey!" I said and hugged him.

He smiled. Gave me a nice hug. "I'm starving!" I said to him.

At that moment, I was so glad that we had that conversation -- the one about him bringing me lunch from home to the appointment so I'd be able to eat before heading back to the office. After 40 minutes, it was time for me to go, and he stopped me on the way out. "I brought that thing you wanted," he said. "It's in the van."

"Oh, thank you!" I said to him. With a rumbling tummy, I was so grateful. See -- I knew that I had a deadline to meet at work,and if I didn't eat now, eating was not going to happen. I knew I'd be working up until the last minute on this project, which was due by 5 p.m. SHARP.

And so, I stopped by the mom van, which he now frequently drives (although, I think he secretly loves it!) And I peeked my head in. "Where is my sandwich? ... where, oh, where?"

Well, the only thing that was sitting in the back seat was a bundled-up bra. I grabbed it and stuck it in my purse. He didn't even have a bag, I guess, since I have become the plastic-bag nazi around this house. So, I throw the bra in my purse and head back to work -- no lunch to fill me. And then I remembered that other conversation that my hubby and I had earlier -- the one about him needing to wash a specific bra for me because my back was really hurting and I needed it.

As I walked away, I was saying "I don't want a bra. I want a sandwich!" I quickly realized how silly I sounded, and was grateful that no one had been in ear shot.

So, he got it half right, right?

Back at my desk, I called him. "When you said you had it, I thought you were talking about the sandwich, honey. Not a bra!"

"What sandwich? he asked me.

"Oh ... never mind. Can you bring me some lunch. I can't leave ... on a tight deadline."

"I just got in line to pick the kids up (from school)."

Great. Just perfect, I was thinking. I'll just starve, whatever. And that's the moment an e-mail popped up.

"LEFTOVER PIZZA IN THE CAFETERIA. COME AND GET IT."

Are you serious?! Nice. Downstairs, and just a few moments later, I walked into a room with about 10 boxes of pizza sitting on a table. I grabbed a slice of the Supreme ... and later met my deadline at 4:55 p.m. sharp.

22: Boo!

Baby R, 6 months old.

21: Pee on my feet! Ewwww.

Today, my hubby and I visited a church. We were both turned off when they talked about the $1,000 seed planting to become a partner. "We are about to have to pay for two children to be in day care. That's my seed offering, okay?"

I was actually watching the clock the entire time -- I know, I am so bad. But, I was gone after the second minute. At 12:30 sharp, we have to leave I told my hubby. I had a meeting with R, my cohort for the soon-to-launch mom site.

I was envisioning R and I, talking and laughing over hot, buttery rolls. I was envisioning Texas Roadhouse, and I was determined to make it happen.

Around 1, I scooped up R in the mom van, and we were off. With the windows rolled down and some good ole Alan Jackson on, we were off. And so, over hot, buttery rolls, we did indeed chat about the upcoming launch date and the launch party and the Web site contract.

It was all exciting stuff -- ideas shared over a huge Chicken Critter salad (with Ranch on the side) and an ice-cold frozen Strawberry Margarita. The afternoon was absolutely perfect.

My favorite Texas Roadhouse entree -- the Chicken Critter salad. You must try it, if you haven't already!

Frozen margarita at Texas Roadhouse.

With stuffed bellies, we headed to the mall to pick up a few things, and we found a little table in front of the water fountain by the food court. There we sat -- with my three-ring binder open -- and chatted about the site's themes, colors, needs, direction, etc.

"Wow. We're like two totally normal moms, making our dreams come true -- right here in the middle of the Oaks Mall. That's pretty cool," she said to me.

I couldn't have agreed more.

It's all very exciting. But, to be honest, I have never been in business before and I pray that everything goes smoothly and that this site will be all that I have envisioned it to be in my head. I guess it can be scary to just put yourself out there and try, knowing that you could easily fail.

But, for me, I think it would be more scary to just do nothing.

So, moving on from the site stuff, I came home from my meeting and took a luxurious, two-hour nap. Then, my hubby and I hung out with the kids all evening, reading and cooking chicken stir-fry. After the kids were all tucked in for the night, hubby and I headed outside together to take our dog, Gator, to the bathroom.

(Hubby always comes out with me because there are no street lights and it's so dark -- I love how protective he is over me. I just love it.)

So, I am talking to my hubby about the meeting and my day when I feel a warm sensation on my feet -- both of them. My dufus of a dog was spraying my feet. Ewww! I jumped back, but he got me good. I ran upstairs and took a shower. I was totally disgusted. Ugh. I still am.

Great. I have become the pee post.

Yep, that means it's time for me to call it a night. (Hope this post wasn't too random for you, Staci. But, come on, I live a totally and randomly crazy, silly life:-))