On the Wagon...

Yep, guys! I'm trying it again. I'm on the wagon for soda (or for those of you out there, pop). This is the first day that I've gone without it! Yesterday, I had 1 (one) 20 oz Dr. Pepper. Had to have it as I needed to be up until 12:30 am doing homework.

So, keep encouraging me. I know I'll "fall off the wagon" here and there. But, my goal is to drop soda like a bad habit!

And, I've lost another pound. Yeah for me!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

P.S. Tomorrow if my career fair. Wish me luck! Yes, Marie, I've got that good paper going into the printer tonight to print my resumes. It's off-white and will be 1 (one) page.

Major Changes to Blog

OK. Sorry guys! I had to do this. Got blog-spammed again today. This time, someone with a blog whose sending out viruses on their blog!

I had to enable the registered user only for comments and word security. I know this will be a pain, but as VP said, it took her 3 years for someone to stop trying to blog spam her. I will also be moderating the comments as this last comment was from a "blogger" account. It may take a day or so to have comments posted, but in the positive, it will force me to go to my blog more often (like daily)!

Sorry, but it was necessary! More to post soon!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

"Holey" Cassi

I've been asked by a few friends to show a current photo of Cassi. You may have to click on the photo to make it larger to see what I am speaking of. Last weekend and the week before, Cassi lost 2 teeth. On the second occasion, specifically, she lost the tooth while Aunt Marie was here, and it happened while they were out. Cassi, sadly, lost her fallen tooth. She was so distraught that I couldn't even cheer her up when we called, and I told her of my purchase of a new toothbrush and her new favorite toothpaste. She was so concerned that the Tooth Fairy wouldn't know that she lost her tooth to get her money. She had Aunt Marie write a letter to the Tooth Fairy, explaining the situation. Cassi was in good luck; she got her money. $2

But, the photo above was taken this past Thursday. She has 3 holes where teeth have been lost recently.

So, for those of you interested, this is "Holey."

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Lost Weight and Other Things

Well, I've lost weight not only because I got sick and didn't eat for 3 days straight, but also because I've been so busy with my school work, Rob's school work, and Cassi's school work.

As it stands, here's what I've done this week and will do next week:

1. 5-page research paper for Senior Survey on The Canterbury Tales. I wish I remembered more about the book. But, it was 1986 when I read it last. Most of the kids in my class were at least babies when I read it last. Done
2. Take Home Exam #1 for film class. As it stands, I've still got 3 essay questions left and it's due Monday. I'll be taking Cassi roller skating tomorrow and will complete the exam then. So far, the exam is 5 pages typed. I believe my exam will be 10 pages once it's done. Done
3. Rob's English Comp 2. He has a rough draft of an argumentative paper due Friday. (and a quiz that we're waiting to find out why it hasn't posted to the Web site.) Quiz cancelled but got full points for technical difficulties!
4. Rob's Intro to Sociology where he just finished his first exam, which was a couple typed pages. I checked his answers before he submitted the exam. He's also got his usually weekly reading and essay exercises that's due Monday. He will also have me read it to edit it and make sure it sounds ok. Done
5. Reading for Senior Survey for Thursday. Because of the Clinton/Obama debate happening at the college I attend (yes, I attend Cleveland State University), school is closed all day for students. As a matter of fact, downtown Cleveland will be HELL Tuesday. Anyway, I have one tale and the ending of The Canterbury Tales to read for Thursday. Not Going to Be Done. I've got 65 pages yet to read for TOMORROW morning!
6. I have to watch Hotel Rwanda for Wednesday's discussion time on Wednesday in Film class. Done
7. I have 2 chapters to read and exercises to complete for Thursday's Magazine Writing class. Exercises Done
8. I have to finalize my resume, print it, and go to the Career Fair Friday. Edited and Ready to Print!
9. I'm cooking Swedish Meatballs for Rob's Lodge Meeting on Tuesday. Done (EXCELLENT!)
10. Cassi will have homework Monday through Thursday night. She's been getting more independent doing her homework, but I have to review it and sign off everything for her teachers. Done Monday. She's been off the last 2 days! ACK!
11. Housework NEVER Done!
12. Scheduling for 3 people. Rob works Wed & Thurs night. Work in Progress!
13. Keeping the pellet stove stocked with feed and pellets to heat the house. Yes, we haven't had the furnace on now since Tuesday (that's 2/19) at 5pm. The gas company is going to hate us. Work in Progress!

But, right now, I'm watching a little TV. And, Dina (my LARGE kitty) is sitting next to me, sleeping, and getting some "mommy" time. It's Wednesday night and Dina's still with me!

So, I'll close this for now.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

P.S. I've also got to finish Marie's aprons that were for Xmas and mail them to her and VP's gifts. Yes I've remembered, but haven't had the money!

76 Days til Graduation Day!

GREAT News!

I've lost 6 pounds since I was sick on Jan 25!

Whoo! Hoo!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

P.S. Can't talk much. Have a take home test, journaling, reading, and an English paper over the next week.

If you gotta be warm...

...here's a good place to do it!

This little one knows how to live the "warm" life!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Hog Dogs for Lunch...

Last night, with the MASSIVE, nasty storm that came to us, I decided to cook up some hot dogs for dinner. At the time, Cassi's friend, Alexis, was over. I had to run to the store to pick up hot dog buns to go with as I had none.

Anyway, there were leftovers. Rob got some today as he's home and I brought some to work. (Rob believes my internship isn't work because I'm not getting paid. He says it's school. I say work because I don't get homework here. But, that's another story.)

I'm sitting here eating the hot dogs. I am reminded of when I was a kid and mom went to the farmer's market, where she would grocery shop. She had a friendly relationship with the meat man. He always let us come behind the meat counter and get samples of bologna, etc. My favorite was getting the hot dogs. They were "home made" hot dogs. And, in case you're wondering, they were cold, uncooked. But, if you think about it, bologna is just a LARGE hot dog.

So, as I am sitting here eating, I am reminded by the smell and taste of my hot dog back to when I was a kid.

Cool how something so small brings back such good memories.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

My Decision...

OK. I've made my decision. After a MONSTER text fest back and forth with Marie, I decided I'm going to write my magazine article/news feature about alternative heating options.

I started so far with the email to Marie. Sorry, can't divulge my information just yet. All I can say is that it deals with heating a home with something other than natural gas (or propane or electric). That's why it's called alternative.

We'll leave it at that for now. I know in the next few weeks, I've got to have my first draft (entire story) done.

Lots of love for now,
Cathy
8^ )

P.S. Got lots of reading to do for tomorrow.

AND, I LOVE my internship boss. I wasn't able to get to work today because Cassi was home from school and I didn't have anyone for her till the afternoon. No problem. It happens. I'll see you Wednesday.

AWESOME! Wish all jobs were this understanding.

Cassi Cried...

Rob called me about 10 pm. He told me to put on Channel 5 (that's our ABC Affiliate). Look at the scroll at the bottom. Whether I wanted to know it or not, Cassi is off school tomorrow.

Well, just before he called, Cassi got up, said she had had a nightmare and couldn't sleep. "Can I watch some TV?"

"No, go back to bed."

After he called, I looked it up on their Web site. Lo and behold, she's off. Should have realized this was going to happen when the outside temp (before the wind chill) was below 7 degrees. For some reason, and I think this is a state requirement, when the air temp reaches 7 degrees or lower, they close the schools.

So, she got up and cried. She couldn't understand why she can't go to school.

Then, she stopped.

And asked if she could watch TV. OK. She's still up now but watching TV in bed.

So sad. But, for me, I don't get to go to my internship. On the bright side, I get to finish some homework for class tomorrow.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Pray for me to have patience.

Video Share...

For all you moms out there (or those counciled by moms). My best sister by proxy posted this to her site and I'm posting it to mine:

The Mom Song

This song was done to the William Tell Overture. Excellent! If you're a mom, you've probably said this to your child(ren). If you are not a mom, you've probably heard all of this FROM your mom (and those who are moms heard these famous lines from their moms).

8^ )

OOOH, AWESOME Thought!

Just commented on a comment from my sister in my last post. Just

3 (three)

Months

From this Sunday

is my graduation day!

Whoo! Hoo!

8^ )

My Magazine Writing Class...

Magazine Writing class is going VERY well. I had to write four news articles this past week, two were make-ups from when I was sick, one was from Tuesday, and one as a quiz on Thursday.

So, yesterday, he gave us this exercise in class. The first thing it reminded me of was a meme that gets shot around on the blogs. As he explained, because we are working on where we find ideas, as a writer, you can find ideas just about anywhere. So, here it is:

Full Name: Cathy (leaving out) - Cathryn A. (leaving out)
Birthday: June 19, 1971
Birthplace: Mt. Holly, NJ
Current Location: Elyria, OH - Home
Heritage: Heinz 57 mix, Hispanic, French, Irish, Dutch, English, German
Eye Color/Hair Color: brown/brown
Right or Left Handed: Right
Major Strength: Writing - about anything
Major Weakness: Can't say no when someone asks for help
Fears: My husband will get tired of me, I don't get a job when I'm done school.
Life Goal: To go back to work
Dream Profession: Technical Writer, Grant/Proposal Writer, Editor
Actual Profession: Full-Time Student; Mother; Wife
Favorite Meal: Anything Mexican
Coffee Drinker: When I'm in the Mood
Favorite (non)Alcoholic Drink: Root Beer
Has Character Been in Love: Yes - Married 11 Years
Healthy Habits: Love fresh veggies
Unhealthy Habits: Don't exercise enough
Favorite Movie: ALL Star Wars
Vices: Very controlling
Tattoo(s) / Piercing(s): ears pierced
Number One Regret: I didn't finish my college degree sooner.

Then, we talked about how, even with this information, how we could come up with ideas for magazine stories. For me, my first name is Cathryn. Now for a story, I could come up with stuff about why this isn't a normal spelling for the name, why I was named that way, how people get named the way they do, etc. Then, the professor suggested getting a book about the history of the year I was born. There are TONS of ideas for stories in these kind of books.

Then, before we left, we had to write for 10 minutes. We couldn't put the pen down for any length of time. First, he wanted us to write about something that was in the room. If we didn't want to do that, whatever we wanted to write about. I started to write about what happened Wednesday night, then ended up talking about heating alternatives for the house. Never did talk about why Thursday was crazy because I started talking about Wednesday night, but really about alternative heating options.

So, for next week, here's what I've got going on. By Thursday, I have to have my idea pinned down for my magazine article (or newspaper feature). This will be the project for the rest of the semester. The goal is to write an article good enough to be published.

Here are the items needed:

1. Query Letter
2. Writing guidelines from 12 publications - at least 2500 word articles accepted
3. 400 word description of your article, beginning with: "I propose..."

So, what topics do I have an interest in?

1. I am Step-Mom
2. Non-Traditional Students (actually written before but I'm taking a different path this time)
3. Cell Phones Schools (don't want to get further specific on this topic as others may want to try to use it)
4. Alternative Heating Options (wanted to write this as a blog, but I'll defer to my magazine article) - this is alternate ways of heating your home versus just natural gas
5. Maintenance of roads

Definitely #3 and #5 would work well as a local news feature article for the local newspapers. But, I need to decide which one to do and get 12 publications writing guidelines for freelancers.

So, think I'm busy? This isn't the half of what I've got to do this weekend.

Imaging Africa: watch 3 movies a second time and write up their journal entries, watch 1 movie for the first time and write up its journal entry, then read 2 chapters and 1 handout.

Senior Survey: Read the General Prologue for The Wife of Bath (piece of story from The Canterbury Tales) and start researching and writing my 5-page paper on The Canterbury Tales that's due on 2/21.

Magazine Class: what's above plus read chapter 4

Internship: (not really homework but can be done at the office) finish up newsletter to give to Tina by Wednesday for final review so it can be published on 2/19. Almost done, just a few more topics to add.

Plus, Cassi goes to Pa's on Monday and Tuesday this week, along with making sure her homework is done. Oh, and by the way, I've also got a Valentine's party to prepare for on Thursday with school. I'll probably be the one going out and buying the goodies for the school on Wednesday night and bringing them in Thursday. And, I've got my share of the goods to buy for her class. Sunday night, we'll be getting the cards together. Thursday, I'll pick up candy so she can hand them out to her class.

Plus, I'm helping Rob this weekend with his English quiz and Sociology assignment. AND, tomorrow night, we're going to a dinner with one of his lodges (he's in 2).

So, when people talk to me, understand I'm tired for a reason. But, good thing is, last week I got my HAIR CUT! All the curl is gone (well 99% of it anyway). I'll be working to get the rest cut out as my hair grows again. One of the parents from PTO who works at the school during lunch says Cassi and I look like twins. We'll have to get a picture of us together now that both of us have short hair.

Gotta go. I'm reading some sociology on deviants tonight to help Rob come up with his answers for tomorrow. Gotta love that web-based class!

Lots of love for now,
Cathy
8^ )

291 Miles....

That's how many miles my car went from the last fill up until yesterday.

I try to track my mileage on my car. I like to know how efficient the gas is by how many miles I get before having to fill it because I live a half hour from downtown Cleveland, and the drive can be from a half hour to 40 minutes to get to school (or work when I'm done school).

Over the past couple months, Rob mentioned how he thought someone was siphoning the gas out of his tank. Well, about three weeks ago, I finally noticed it on my car. The door to my gas opening, the outside door, not the gas cap, was just slightly open. If you weren't looking, you wouldn't realize the tank door was actually open, not closed. Well, I'm anal about seeing things when they are out of place.

About two weeks ago, not this past week, the week before, we had to get gas for my car. I drive a 2004 Ford Focus. It was due for a refill. When I filled it, the gas cap was VERY difficult to open. This was because it was almost on empty. Just 2 days later, yep, 2 days after Rob drove the car to work, I drove it to school 3 times, I needed to fill it again on Thursday. It was in about the same position as Tuesday as far as where the gas gauge was. However, two things were different than when I got it Tuesday night. First, I was almost 40-50 miles short on the amount of gas I used on the tank, and second, the gas cap came right off. For that many miles, the amount of gas taken would have been about 2 gallons. So, I told this to Rob. He agreed that all of a sudden his gas mileage went back to normal.

Now, we both know that when it's time for an oil change, the gas mileage goes south, but this was even worse because my car is in need for an oil change but the weather has been too bad to do it. Rob does it himself.

Friday, we went and purchased 2 locking gas caps. I filled up my tank this past Sunday. It was at half a tank, but I had bonus money from a local grocery store. When you purchase from the grocery store, you get money off to purchase their gas. The regular price was $2.97, but I had 60 cents off a gallon. So, it behooved me to filler up. This was Sunday afternoon. I drove 5 round trips to Cleveland this week.

The total miles before filling up? 291. But, I also knew I could have gotten 20-30 miles more on that tank had I REALLY pushed it. But, I was satisfied that my gas cap is working to keep the area criminals out of my gas tank.

KMA (Kiss My Ass!)

Ok. Just wanted to share. With the economy the way it is, it's REALLY worth looking at, if the outer door of your gas tank doesn't lock. We'll definitely look at that for our next car.

Lots of love for now,
Cathy
8^ )

National Pancake Day

Happy National Pancake Day!

Make sure you go out and eat a pancake today!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Fun Weekend...

Cassi is definitely enjoying herself this weekend. Not because she's at Pa's like usual. She's with me.

Yesterday, I took her to the roll arena. I have LOTS of reading to finish this weekend for next week that I got a good chunk done. I read most of my magazine writing textbook. Today, on Sunday, as I write this, I am working on the written portions of my homework for Tuesday.

But, while we were at the rink, Cassi spent some time practicing skating backwards. And, they have lessons on Saturdays. She wants to try some lessons. We'll see. She does a wonderful job now. I know the lessons would be good for the harder stuff. She got to see 2 girls who were skate-dancing, like an ice skater would do.

Before skating, we went to Grandpa Dave's to look at his anti-virus. Turns out he really doesn't have an anti-virus program on his computer. He's been using the one that comes with AOL. I loaded an older one that I'll have to go back to remove because the definitions subscription expired. I'll remove it and see what happens. I'll do that Tuesday because Cassi is going to Pa's while I go to class.

Anyway, we went grocery shopping before skating. We REALLY needed meat for the next week or so. Plus, I needed something to cook for din din. Rob asked for flank steak. A really good, cheaper piece of meat. I bought a whole one and had it cut in half. Turns out I got two good size steaks for the three of us. But, I also picked up some fish, another steak, and sausage (for spaghetti).

Then, she skated and I read. It was hilarious. I took a photo of her and sent it to Marie. A little hard to pick out because she was so far away, but you can tell it's her by her white t-shirt.

In the evening, I cooked din din and we all ate. She ate eight pieces of steak and a whole baked potato. She's eating more of the foods we eat now, but in portions. In the evening, we watched one of the movies Marie sent Cassi, "Meet the Robinsons." Since we went to Pa's, we picked up the movies, iPod money, and Christmas ornament Marie sent. Luck dog that Cassi is, Aunt Marie sends her money for being good at school. For December, she got $10. This money is being saved by Pa for her to get Christmas gifts at the end of the year. Very good idea.

So, we watched the movie twice. The second time, she fell asleep. I let her sleep with me again as Rob is working this weekend.

Today, we planned on bowling. Cassi only bowled one game. The lanes Rob and I use send us coupons in the mail. Today, for the super bowl, the coupon was for 42 cents a game a person. To rent shoes for her, it was $2.75. Since she only wanted to play one game cause I offered her a better option, bowling was only a buck. I've got my own shoes and ball. Rob and I played more before I had Cassi.

Now, we're at McDonald's. She's playing with the kids. This McD's is pretty good in that they have wi-fi access. I've got my laptop and am working on homework (when not writing this post). She's having a good time. I'm keeping her out of the house so Rob can sleep. He's got to work again tonight.

In a while, we'll go to the grocery store. They're having a pot luck at his work tonight. He asked if I could pick up lunch meat and goodies for his offering. So, a small lunch meat tray it is, with lettuce, tomatoes, maybe some pickles, and toppings (small containers) and a loaf of bread.

OK. Gotta get some more work done.

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

School = Ideas

I can't believe the amount of "stuff" that's coming out of my brain. I think it's because of the fact that I'm back in school. But it's also because of the fact that I've got to come up with ideas for topics for my two major projects. I've got a group paper for my Imaging Africa class. The paper is to be 25 pages long. Plus, we have to put together a presentation. No sweat. Last semester, I put together a 20-page paper by myself.

Now, I've also got a 15-page paper and presentation for my Senior Survey. For those of you who know education, this class is called a CAPSTONE class, meaning that you are doing profession-level stuff. Again, ok. Good for me. I can handle it!

But, it was like the floodgates have opened to overall ideas. When I drive, I think of topics to write here. The downside is that if I don't get them down on paper, I'll forget them because when I start thinking about a topic, I immediately mentally start writing it. So, satire and wit are "out the window" so to say as this happens mostly when I'm driving my car.

My brain is all aflutter!

Lots of love,
Cathy
8^ )

Feeling Sorry...

I almost felt sorry.

Then reality set in.

I don't feel sorry anymore, just very upset. This person is getting away with far too much CRAP and putting my husband in the middle. I don't want him to get into trouble because of this person.

That's all I can say right now. There's bad feelings floating around right now. Saying more will just make it worse.

Feel for me!

Cathy
8^ (