(43-261) Fingers Crossed

Sometimes you don't know how much you like something, until it's gone; and that's exactly how I feel about my refrigerator.  That's right, I said my REFRIGERATOR.  We bought our fridge when we moved into our house, about 8 1/2 years ago.  It's nothin fancy; just a White, single door Kenmore, with an ice maker in the freezer and a water dispenser in the refrigerator and up until a few days ago, it has been an ideal appliance.

Early last week, I mentioned to Luis that when I got water out of the fridge; it was warm.  Luis made some kinda excuse and didn't seem to give much credence to what I was saying.  But then this past Sunday night, he told me that the ice cream that was in the freezer, seemed a little soft.  I told him that we'd keep an eye on it, and reminded him about the warm water.  When I woke up on Monday, I checked the freezer and I noticed that a package of steaks was defrosting.  YES, right in the freezer!

After Luis checked it out, he was convinced that we were going to have to replace our refrigerator.  He couldn't call out of work, so he went to the hotel with the hope of leaving early so that we could go shopping for a new fridge.

Luis was able to come home just after lunchtime, and we went to The Home Depot, Lowe's and Sears.  None of the stores had a refrigerator that was similar to ours, but we found a couple of models that could work for us.   Not having settled on one, we picked up four bags of ice and brought our coolers in from the garage, so that we could try to salvage the contents of our refrigerator and freezer.  I happened to speak with my friend Jenny in the meantime and after telling her about our fridge, she informed me that her mom had one that she was going to sell, if we were interested.

As it turned out, Jenny's mom's fridge was 13 years old; and she said that we could just have it.  Luis and I were grateful, for the offer; and we planned to take her up on it, but before I left to take the kids to the pool, I asked Luis if he just wanted to check and see if there was ANYTHING that could be done to fix the fridge.  I went on to say that if it turned out to be something that we could have fixed, we would feel very foolish for not even trying.  Luis agreed to see if there was anything that he could do; and by the time we returned from the pool, he was hard at work.   Luis said that he went online and researched the matter; and it could be a number of things.  Luis put the freezer back together; and now we've just got our fingers crossed that what he's done thus far will resolve the problem.  If not, he's now aware of a few other things that he might try.

I am so proud of Luis and thankful for his handiness.  Luis was not always a "handy" man, but over the past 17 years; he has risen to every repair challenge that we've faced.  He's taught himself enough to solve all of our breakdowns, and conductd all  of our necessary fix ups.  I have a REALLY good feeling about this; so I'll keep you posted.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-92) BOOBS

When I originally conceived the idea for this post; it was going to be called, Feel Your Boobies; in honor of the annual mammogram that I had today; AND Breast cancer awareness month.  However, the results are now in for the MIX 96.9 fridge art contest; so I chose THIS title as I believe it's applicable to both matters.

I'm sure that you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the sarcasm aimed towards MIX 96.9 means that Lyndzi didn't win the contest; and NO, I'm not a sore loser.  What I AM, as I've mentioned before; is the Queen of FAIRNESS; and as I like things to be fair; when you call something an art contest; I expect the art to really be a factor; and this time it wasn't even a consideration.  The truth of the matter is, that someone could have submitted a stick figure or even just wrote their name; but if their parents, family and friends voted for them enough; the prize could be theirs.  Yes, yes; I know that I've told you this before; and surely someone who didn't know me, might just think that this is sour grapes; but I promise you that this is not the case.  Shall I remind you of the year that Sanjaya was on "American Idol," and how I vehemently complained because the organizers of the "vote for the worst" website were sabotaging "American idol," by telling people to vote for Sanjaya.  This travesty had an adverse effect on "American idol" because it allowed a much less talented individual to remain in the competition longer than others who deserved to be there.  See, I'm always a champion of fairness and justice; this time it just so happens that it involves one of my children, so I'm even more fired up.

The bottom line is... it is what it is; and there is nothing that anyone can do about it; EXCEPT thank those of you who did vote for Lyndzi.  We truly appreciate your effort on her behalf; and so we say, thank you!!

I dreaded having to tell Lyndzi that she didn't win; but sometimes a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.  When she got home from school, I broke the news to her; and even though she's typically not a crier; she cried.  She cried a lot.  And when I asked why she was crying; she said "I really wanted to win."  I pointed out that she was a winner because lots of people had seen her art work, and were very impressed with her; and I reminded her of how many people supported her; and after a while, she stopped crying.
Lyndzi bounced back and asked if we could find some more art contests for her to enter; and I said that we could definitely look into it; but that she could only enter legitimate contests that judge the submission.  Lyndzi agreed; and picked up her pencils and started drawing again.  And to quote Forrest Gump "That's all I got to say about that."

Now before dealing with these boobs today; I had to deal with my own.  I don't even remember how old I was the first time that I had a mammogram; (see, there's that memory thing again....) For some reason I think that I had the first one when I was living in Orlando, which would put me at about 27 or 28 years old; which certainly is young for a mammogram, but given my Mom's history with cancer; it was recommended that I start early.  My mammogram had been normal; thank God, and I continued to have one done annually with equally successful results.
I don't remember my Mom ever going for a mammogram before she was diagnosed with Cancer; and I don't think that this is just my memory going.  Although it's true that I might not have known about every Doctor's appointment that my Mom attended; but my point is; perhaps if she did have a mammogram; they could have detected her cancer earlier.  And so I say to you, FEEL YOUR BOOBIES!  Take care of yourselves.  Don't let fear rule your lives.  Make your regularly scheduled appointments.  Have your physicals, your pap smears (sorry fellas; but tell your wives...) Have your mammograms if you are at the age where you should be doing so and if you have a history of Cancer in your family; start younger.  FEEL YOUR BOOBIES!  Conduct your monthly self breast exams; and make sure that everything feels right.  Remember breast cancer cannot be detected by pain, because usually a cancerous lump doesn't hurt.  So the only way that you'll be able to detect something abnormal is by knowing yourself.
If you've never had a mammogram before; don't be afraid.  It's a fairly quick procedure and trust me, if you've ever had an gynecologist appointment ladies (and you'd better have;) that is far worse.  You'll have to remove your shirt and bra and they'll give you a cover up.    Then they'll take films, one breast at a time.  Typically 4 pictures total.  They'll have to compress your breast so that the tissue spreads out and they can get a clear image; but it only takes a few seconds; just like an x-ray; and if you cooperate, it will be over before you know it.  Helpful hint: in case you've never had a mammogram before; you can't wear deodorant or powder, because it causes shadows on the films. 

OK, so now that I've just run through Mammo 101; let me say that I'm completely relieved to have gotten the dentist, my physical (and all that it entailed;) and my mammogram over and done with.  I got my Physical results yesterday; and I'm delighted to say that all is well.  The mammogram tech said that my films looked good and of course, the radiologist will have to read them ; but I have a feeling that the girls and I are just fine. 

I've always been very good about scheduling and attending my annual check-ups.  Maybe because I'm a rule follower; or perhaps because I learned first hand, how abruptly illness can strike.  With all of the medical advances that have been made since my Mom was first diagnosed and given all of the technology that we have now; there should be no reason that YOUR children should have to lose YOU unexpectedly.
Don't be a BOOB; FEEL YOUR BOOBIES!!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-77) Just Another Day...

I began my day at 445AM.  I got up a little earlier than usual because I wanted to shower before starting work, since I had promised to help in Kelsie's class at 8am.  By 5, I was ready to start work and enjoy my first morning cup of coffee; but as I went to pour a cup, I found that the pot had been off  kilter and so the coffee had not brewed all the way; but instead seeped out across the counter and deposited an excess amount of grinds in the pot.  I'm good for this happening once every couple of months; so I wasn't phased by it.  I dumped out the coffee catastrophe and brewed a fresh pot.

I woke Lyndzi at 630, (because she likes to have extra time to get ready;) and Nicky and Kelsie at 7.  Clocked out of work, and prepared breakfast (OK, toasted breakfast;) and made the kid's lunches.  By 745, we were out the door.  I signed in at school and helped in Kelsie's classroom until 930.  I then went home and clocked back in to work.
By 1230 I was ready for a lunch break.  I made myself a turkey sandwich; and created a flyer for Luis to give out to his soccer team.  I then checked my Facebook account and proceeded to vote for Lyndzi in the MIX 96.9 Fridge Art contest.  I clicked on Lyndzi's link, as I do every day; but this time it went to another girl's artwork and not Lyndzi's.  I perused through the pictures, and found that Lyndzi was now # 17 instead of # 22.  I emailed the radio station as earlier that day they had sent an email advising that there had been a problem with the website / voting; but it was now resolved.  Um; I guess not!  I tired to explain precisely what had happened; but didn't have faith that my explanation would make sense to them; so I welcomed them to call me with any questions.  I received an  informal email, confirming that in fact Lyndzi's link had changed; and shortly thereafter, I received a phone call.  I was informed that something had gone wrong with the coding; but it wouldn't effect the outcome of the contest as none of the votes from the other phases of the competition were going to count.  I asked if the winner was going to be determined solely by Internet votes; and this was affirmed.  To say that I wasn't happy about this situation, would be an understatement.  For just as I wrote in "For The Love of Art;" I don't think it's fair to have an "art" contest where the winner is determined solely, by how many votes their parents can facilitate.  Nonetheless; we are all very proud of Lyndzi and her artwork, so once again I had to hit the campaign trail, and implore my friends via Facebook, email and "The Bumpy Ride," to vote for Lyndzi.  So please excuse me this one last plea to vote for Lyndzi.  You may vote once a day PER email address, until 8 am on October 25th; and the winner will receive $1,000.00!!!
Lyndi's new link is http://www.mix969.com/pages/fridge-art/vote-entrants.php?ag=8#17 and we would GREATLY appreciate your support and assistance in this endeavor.

At 1:00 I clocked back in to work, and then out at 3 to pick up the kids from school.  By 315 I was back to work; until I finished for the day at 345.  I was supposed to go to Kelsie's soccer practice so that I could give out some information to Luis' team; but my friend that was supposed to take Nicky to practice today, had to cancel; so basically, I needed to be in 3 places at once.  Luckily 2 of those places were the same place; but the 3rd was about 10 minutes away.  I drove Nicky to his practice, and then went back to Kelsie's / Lyndzi's.  I gave out the flyers that Luis had printed out for me; and circulated our snack sign up-sheet.  It was at this point that the mom of one of Luis' players, told me that they thought their son should have been playing with the older kids, in U-10 and that she had been thinking of switching divisions.  I felt badly; even though there was no way that this was my fault.  I'm not sure why I felt responsible; when there was no way that I was; but that's just how I am.  I didn't want this mom to be unhappy with our team, or Luis; and I encouraged her to make a decision promptl; before a switch wouldn't be possible.
I excused myself and walked over to see Michelle M; who was at Max (Michelle's son) and  Lyndzi's practice.  I expressed my frustration about the possible team change that I'd just discussed; said "Hi" to a couple of other friends; and headed for the parking lot, because it was time to pick up Nicky.
I bid ado to the rest of the parents, and left to get my son.  Nicky was still practicing as the sun set; and I waited patiently, for him to finish up.

We drove home and pulled into the garage about 15 seconds after Luis.  The kids got out of their soccer gear; and we went to Chick-fil-A for dinner; because our school was having a fundraiser there tonight.  Now I like Chick-fil-A as much, if not more than the next girl; but boy oh boy; for a family of 5 at dinner time; it's EXPENSIVE; and I'm usually really good at ordering in a cost effective manner.   Good thing we didn't go to Red Robin the other night, when I was dying for a burger; or I wouldn't have had the bankroll for Chick-fil-A. 

Now don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining about any of these things.  Not the coffee grinds in my java; or the mix up with MIX; or having to be the soccer taxi, or the pricey fare.  Nope; this is ALL just in a day's work for me.  I certainly could have used a perfect cuppa Joe as I started the day; ready to champion any cause that involved my family.  But alas; the first pot went the way of the trash.  so, in situations like these; I think it best to resort back to the advice of my favorite college professor; Jack Kenneally; as I wrote in "The Rules." #1.  Don't sweat the small stuff.  #2.  It's all small stuff and #3. If you can't flee and you can't fight; FLOW.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-48) For the Love of Art

When I wrote "Art Imitates Life" on August 29, 2010 I shared a drawing that my 8 year old daughter, Lyndzi had done and entered in the MIX 96.9 Fridge Art contest.  At first I shared the link to the contest because I thought that you could vote; but I had jumped the gun a bit, because this was not the case.
I edited the blog before you'd even had a chance to see it; so that you wouldn't know that I had NO IDEA what I was talking about.  No offense to MIX 96.9 but the rules of the contest weren't very clear.  The only information that the website provided was:  Round 1 Voting runs from 9/13 - 9/27 @ 8:00am
Top 50 Voting runs from 9/27 - 10/11 @ 8:00am and Top 25 Voting runs from 10/11-10/25 @ 8:00am

There are 3 age categories and in 8-10, where Lyndzi is entered, there are actually ONLY 25 contestants; so really they're already in the top 25 and where exactly they go from there, I have no clue. 
So today we got an email from the radio station and they explained that each child had a link that we could share in social networks and blogs to encourage people to vote.  This process leads me to believe that sadly the contest really isn't about talent but about which child's parent can facilitate the most votes.  OY!!  I'm not really sure what to make of this.  I'm not going to say that Lyndzi's drawing is the best of the bunch; but I would certainly think that she was in the top 5; and yet, unless I can persuade people to vote for her on a daily basis, she might not do well in this contest at all.

Lyndzi is an artist down to her core, and she deserves to win this contest because, just like I know in my soul that I HAVE to write; at the tender age of 8, she KNOWS that that she HAS to create art.  Art is her passion and she takes great pride in her work.  I don't think that Lyndzi should win because her mom was able to solicit the most votes; but then again, if I don't try to secure DAILY votes, then she doesn't stand a chance; so, I HAVE to ask for your help.  Please take a moment to vote for Lyndzi; and then, even though it's difficult for me to ask this; could you PLEASE do so just once EVERY day until September 27th?  Now as if I haven't asked enough already, I'm gonna show some real chutzpah (fearlessness, balls, boldness) and request that you share the link with as many people as possible.  You might send a quick email to friends and ask them to vote for Lyndzi; even if they do so just once.) If you felt so inclined, you could also post the link in your Facebook or Twitter account.  I'm sure that sounds like a lot to do for a little girl that you might not know; but if you KNOW me; then you know that I would do it for you, and also that when it comes to my child I'll stop at nothing to encourage their dreams.

At this point in time, I'm still not sure if the decision making gets turned over to the radio station or to a panel on October 25th or what exactly what will happen at that juncture; but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.  For now I just want to get Lyndzi as far along as possible and I feel really confident that with YOUR help she'll have a great chance.  Our world will be a very dull place without new generations of all kinds of artists; so we owe it to the world to foster creativity in our children.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-33) Art Imitates Life

My Beautiful, friend Dawn celebrated her birthday this past Wednesday when she was in Las Vegas; and because she is so beloved, she was the recipient of 2 GORGEOUS floral arrangements.  Since Dawn couldn't take the flowers on the plane with her, she offered the flowers to me.  Well who could turn down such a generous offer?  We gratefully accepted the flowers and Luis MacGyvered a setup for the vases using our minivan seat belts; and the arrangements made it to our home unscathed. 

While we were away, my friend Lori sent me a text to let me know that our local radio station MIX 96.9 is having a kid's fridge art contest and the prize is $1000.  When I got home I told Lyndzi and she immediately got to work.  Lyndzi made several drawings last night; but today she decided to try something different.

I'm very thankful that Dawn shared her splendid flowers with me and that I can now share them with you.  I'm also extremely gratified that Dawn's lovely, flowers served as such an inspiration for Lyndzi; and that I'm able to display her work of art here for you as well as in the Mix 96.9 contest; in the 8-10 year old category.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING