Hump Day Haiku

i hope your wednesday

is a seamless day of bliss

and a happy ride

out my front window this past Sunday

Pensive

Today's Horoscope for Aquarius

Contemplation is the word for today. At some point, you might receive a call from a friend wanting advice on a serious decision. Don't be surprised if you spend more time listening than advising, Aquarius. Goals of your own might need some thought and possibly reevaluation, as changes in your immediate environment could present new and exciting possibilities to you. Think about it.

You?

Blogcation?

cannot focus i

am easily distracted

oh look it's fleet week

This is Good. Right?

Apr 9, 2012

Today's Horoscope for Aquarius

Some big upheaval in your career could take you by surprise, Aquarius, but it's apt to make a very positive difference to you. Your public standing and income could both skyrocket. Legal papers might be involved in some way. This could happen so suddenly that it has you in a daze, but try to remain focused and go with the flow. You won't want this opportunity to pass you by.


Upheaval, legal papers and daze are not words that I would normally call positive.  But this is a good one.  I think.  Right?


How's yours look?

This-n-That Thursday

Things I am blaming on hormones. Or lack thereof....

• My third cowlick.
• My enlarged ankles.
• My flaking fingernails.
• Everybody else's annoying habits.
• My third buttock.
• My daughter's inane observations on my life.
• Her brother's lack of observations on my life.
• My own rambling observations on my life.
• My five deodorant sticks.
• Wanderlust.
• Moisturizer fixation.
• Intolerance of bad table manners.
• Earlobe wrinkles.
• I know there's more, but I cannot remember.

Any others?

Getting all Halloweeny

Morning light at Schenck's Island.

I have been greeted by this sight every morning for weeks.

And every day, I think: "Build it, and they will come."

It is very peaceful here.

A beautiful way to start the day.

And then, Dora completes her business and we go back home.

My Mommy at the Mall

She thinks we don't know about this.

But, hello?

Lagging

Last weekend, I was sitting under this tree.

In Toledo, Spain.

This weekend, I am back home.

In Connecticut.

And I don't know whether it's the time difference,

or if it's just me being, well, me.

But I feel blah-ish.

I have nothing interesting to say.

I have no energy.

I have plenty to do...

I just don't want to do any of it.

Nada.

help

Who's the Boss?

When our cat got sick in July,

giving her her medicine became my daily cardio event.

Now we can put it in her food.

It's a win-win.

Noelle gets her medicine...

And mama gets to keep her blood in her own body.

And another thing that has happened?

Noelle has taken her power back.

She's in charge again.

My sister in law, the Winetipper, came over yesterday.

And I served her a nice glass of Malbec...

Complete with one of Noelle's beautiful white hairs.

One of her medications is a diuretic...

that would be the cat's, not Winetipper's...

and the litterbox is our new battlefield.

The clumping litter has some sort of reaction with the meds.

And the result is cement-like rocks.

So yesterday, after a glass of our Malbec?

Winetipper and I set about putting a liner in the litterbox.

The genius behind that was that the whole shebang

could simply be lifted up and tossed.

No jackhammering of the dreaded litter rocks would ever be necessary again...

A happiness fell across the land.

And this morning?

Litterbox liner FAIL.

Noelle managed to shred her liner thoroughly.

No litter was soiled at all.

And under the liner?

Yup.

Oh, and the litter she managed to get all over the floor?

Yup.

Help me.

Doldrums...

...I have them bad.

This pig grill might make me happy.

But I think it's a bit too expensive.

So I'll let you cheer me up.

Say something funny.

Please?

The Backbone

AP photo/Alice Keeney

In the days following Michael Jackson's death, I have joked about how happy South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford must be to have the spotlight off the mess he has made of his personal life.  But the reality is that the sad story remains:  a married father of four sons has very publicly betrayed his family, and he seemingly wants things to continue as before.  Not so fast.  

How many times do philandering politicians get to make their tearful mea culpas with their beautifully turned out, albeit humiliated, wives standing by their side?  It's become a national joke.  Really, how stupid are these people?  When you become a public official in this nation, you should understand the ramifications.  And hold yourself to some basic decent standards of conduct.  I know we're all human, but still.... You are charged with the public trust, and you cannot even manage your little urges? Give me a break.

This is where my new hero comes in:  Jenny Sanford, the supposed spurned wife and First Lady of South Carolina.  From what I've read about her, this Illinois-bred lady is no shrinking violet.  In fact, it appears that she is the driving force in all of her husband's political success.  Imagine that?  When she found out about her husband's mistress, she understandably asked him to end it.  When he stupidly asked to go visit his little girlfriend, she told him that she couldn't condone his continuing his affair.  Are you kidding me?  So he goes anyway.  Because, hey, he's got needs.  What family?  What gubernatorial responsibility?  

And when asked this past weekend about the future she sees, Jenny's response was beautiful:  "His career is not a concern of mine, he's going to have to worry about that.  I'm worried about my family and the character of my children."

Touché, Jenny.  There are a lot of us out here who've got your back.

True Happiness

My Guru, Mari.

Is there anything better than a color 'n cut?

Except maybe a nice new pair of tweezers?

Or waking up with a flat belly?

Or...

Sick Mama

Stupid stomach virus.

gah

My World Monday

Today		Hi: 33° Lo: 17°
PM Snow
9 AM		28°
Cloudy
Noon		31°
Flurries
6 PM		30°
Flurries

Meanwhile, in Central America, the Mental P Rugrats struggle to send me an email every once in a while.  They're so busy, don't you know?

And I will not be speaking about my diet today.  Nope. Not a word.

Saturday Plans

Okay, I know everyone is sick of all the whining, weeping and gnashing of teeth about the cold weather.  But I need you to know that I slept in a turtleneck and a sweatshirt last night.  It was -1 this morning, but has warmed to a sweltering 6 right now.  However, I am not going to dwell on that.  I have my battles to do.  My day will be filled with dealing with the wildlife here.

Just look at that %$#&%@*&% squirrel.  And he has lots of friends.  They actually ate another feeder.  Ate. The. Feeder.  Gah.

Meanwhile, in Costa Rica, the Mental P Rugrats report an oversized bathroom and a forecast high of 87 today.  Augie sent some pictures to me.  I am guessing their day will be slightly different.  I hope they don't strain themselves deciding which chair to settle in for the day.

Did I mention that I had to sleep in a turtleneck and a sweatshirt?

Confession Time

1.  I had wine last night.  There, I said it. But it was Day Ten.  Splish splash.

2. I chose the winner of the flip flop naming contest because I was so busy with my wine that I forgot to ask The Bird.  Oh, Flea won with "Feet-al Chardonnay."  Be on the lookout for your super duper prize, Ms. Flea.

3.  I did not do any cardio yesterday.

4.  I really am living vicariously through my children.  It is a sad state of affairs.

5.  I may not leave the house again until my hair appointment next Wednesday.

6.  I think I may be in love with Kate Winslet.

There.  I feel so much better now.  Anybody else have things to fess up to?

Sad Mama

We bid farewell to our favorite web-pups this weekend.  They are going to their forever homes.  What on earth will I do without them?

Below are some excerpts from their hoomins:

Also, a few people have been asking about when the pups will start leaving our home. Sorry to say that the first couple pups will likely start going to their new homes next weekend. 

Do note that my wife and I *have* decided to keep one of the litter (yay!) so we'll likely have the webcam positioned in different rooms so you can tune in and watch the pup grow. =)

And finally, regarding Ustream... the founders have generously offered to give each of the pups new owners a webcam. While we'd like to thank John and Brad for their offer we would like to point out that acceptance will be up to the decision of each individual owner. There are privacy and other concerns that each owner needs to think about before embarking on such a decision.

The dreaded warning... this coming weekend (Dec 6-7th) will be when the first couple of pups will be heading off to their new homes. Yes, it has been and will continue to be really hard for us to let each pup go but we're confident that they are going to extremely loving and caring homes. 

We'll be arranging at keast a yearly meet-up (if not more) with the pups that will be going to homes in California. We'll have to post a link to where everyone can go to get updates, progress and pictures on the litter as they grow.

The Mental P Calendar for 2009

Due to overwhelming requests, I give you my version of the blogger calendar. 

Those lesser bloggers with the dog, chicken and cow pictures have nothing on me.

JANUARY

Idiot.

FEBRUARY

Remember your Valentine.

MARCH

May the luck of the Irish be with you.

APRIL

Fool

MAY

Hug your Mama.

JUNE

Time to get ready for the beach.

Oh, and Happy Father's Day.

JULY

Time to take that bod to the beach.

AUGUST

Doing everything right.

SEPTEMBER

What else?

OCTOBER

Fest.

NOVEMBER

Finally cool.

DECEMBER

Cheers!

Eat!

Order yours today while supplies last!

Priceless.

   MentalPMama(at)aol.com

My Favorite Email

Every woman knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other!

DANGEROUS	SAFER	SAFEST	ULTRA  SAFE
What's for dinner?	Can I help you with dinner?	Where would you like to go for dinner?	Here, have some wine.
Are you wearing that?	Wow, you sure look good in brown!	WOW! Look at you!	Here, have some wine
What are you so worked up about?	Could we be overreacting?	Here's my paycheck.	Here, have some wine.
Should you be eating that?	You know, there are a lot of apples left.	Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?	Here, have some wine.
What did you DO all day?	I hope you didn't over-do it today.	I've always loved you in that robe!	Here, have some wine.

I am working on answering all your wonderful questions, and will have some answers later.

In the meantime, have some wine.

Life's Little Distractions

It's been almost a week since I returned from my little junket to Miami. 

 And I am going to reveal a dirty little secret. 

 I haven't unpacked yet.  

Well, I did do some.  

Just not all of it.

I've been busy. 

Sort of busy.

 See those little green suede loafers? 

 They have been through the wringer.

And that grocery bag?  Full of baby pictures.

My babies are 17.

I may or may not finish unpacking today.

In the meantime, let's look at some pictures I took while I was driving down the Merritt Parkway and in Greenwich on Monday.

Aren't they festive?

Happy Halloween everybody!