Week round up...

It has been awhile for me with posts, I'd like to say it has been because I have been off to some amazing place miles away from any computer access and have tons of lovely pictures and stories to share, but the truth is, I have simply been busy with everyday life. I did have some adventures, but none that have been out of this world....A simple recap of my week....I worked a few hours at inpatient, I went to a in-service at Vera House on elder abuse, and spent all day Friday at a training on Counseling. I did get 7 hours of CASAC hours, so I can put those towards my re-credentialing next November. (I guess I am ahead of myself, which will certainly pay off when I am under the gun next year to get those hours in.)
Friday evening, I dropped my son off at a Goodbye party for two of the neighbor children, and was soon at Sandy's for her monthly Consultant Club. We made some beautiful pieces. I so love my team, and Sandy is the best.

Saturday morning I met up with Mary and her son Alex for the November Folksmarch. It was held at Beaver Lake. This folksmarch will mark my attendance and engagement with the monthly folksmarch as one full year. In the last year I have only missed one walk. I'm impressed with myself. I have a special scrapbooking album I have just for my walks. Mary needed to get her son to the Veterans Day Parade so we rush through, and Alex was not having the full three mile walk, so there was no meals after and no girl adventures as we have tried traditionally to do.  Once home, I did a little putzin around the house, made a big Saturday morning brunch, and then we went to the Hollywood for a movie. We ended up seeing Despicable Me 2. It was cute and Gavin enjoyed it. The minions are so stinken cute, even when they were dosed with monster juice. After the movie we stopped at the ASPCA for a quick look at the animals. I didn't take any pictures, most of the dogs were pit bull mixes. I wonder why that is? We did see a few little cuties and Gavin longed for a kitten. No more animals. I refuse. Hubby is allergic anyways.

Weekend round up.

I made it to my medical appointment on Friday and I was relieved that it went very well. My new Dr. is GREAT, she spent quite a bit of time with me and even asked about things I was not ready to deal with. I got a few prescriptions, need some blood work, and have been scheduled for a sleep study. I even got a print out of everything and a website to visit for follow up and any comments about my health and she wants to see me again in three months. Part of my health regime is to loose some weight and it will be nice to have some accountability. Although this weekend was full of food...I was doing well, guess I will have to get my arse in gear.

 After my appointment I made it to the store and purchased some healthier foods. Now I just have to actually eat them. Quick little side note about the store.....A what would you do question. I am standing in line at the check out, there is only one register open and there are tons of people. A little girl is inline ahead of me and I assume she is with the person checking out, so I proceed to place my items on the belt. She suddenly reports that she has to get her mom...oh ok....So I let her escape past me and my cart and she comes back with her mother..who was not in line, with a FULL cart of items. I graciously allow them to get by, which now means my stuff is way down the belt. I have to drag my stuff back, to allow this women and her tons of groceries to get in or my stuff will be ahead of hers. Really! Ok..so what ever, just get on with it. Now I am stuck waiting with my stuff and holding my items from rolling on down the belt into her things....quite annoying. The women never once said thank you or even offered a nod of her head in recognition that she really was cheating the unwritten law of good grocery manners. So I wait. Then to make it all the more rude, she decides then as she is placing her items on the belt that this would be an excellent time to talk on her phone. Thing is, it wasn't like she got a call...she actually made one. REALLY!!!! That's when I started to get angry. I didn't yell or anything, but I did verbalize to anyone who was listening that NOW WAS NOT THE TIME TO TALK ON THE PHONE. She didn't respond or even look my way. It came to my turn finally, but I am wondering is it really out of line to expect people to be more aware of those around you. Clearly she must have known what she was doing. Are you so self absorbed that you cannot see that you are cheating those of us who have been waiting patiently and if you have already given the grace of slipping into the line as you did (maybe I shouldn't have been so nice) then at least be thankful and aware that you NEED TO HURRY YOUR ASS UP!!! I'm not bitching I swear, I was not that upset when it happened, and had I been at the time, things might not have been as smooth; who knows where it might have gone if I was in my "mood", but WTF is wrong with people? Just wanted to know what you would do.
I actually took it well and the women behind me had a good laugh about it. Maybe that's what you get for shopping at Aldi's.

The rest of the day went pretty smooth. It was a Ben weekend, so once he got here the boys and I took the dogs to the Good Dog Park, while Mark paced around the tv watching the Breeders Cup races. Apparently a BIG weekend in HORSE racing, he was all obsessed with the horses he had bet and ready for a big win. He actually did win several races this weekend. He has not told me the grand total, but his demeanor means it went well.
We had a good time at the Dog Park. The weather was unusual. Very warm for November. I think we were up to 66 degree's which was nice, but it was very windy. The dogs seemed to have fun. No old friends, but Riley made new ones.

Peanut did as well.

I got a few pictures of the geese flying above as they head to warmer weather down south. A sure sign that winter is just around the corner.

The rest of the evening was spent enjoying some reading while the boys played video games and Mark watched his horse racing.
Saturday we were off to Ben's soccer game. He is playing at an indoor arena in Baldwinsville. It is actually a really nice set up. Unfortunately shortly after he began playing he had an accident and sprained his wrist. He seemed to be okay now, but he had to sit out the rest of the game.

I only got a few pictures in before he was injured. Poor guy.
After some medical clearance and some parental decisions that he doesn't need an emergency medical appointment we headed off to a late lunch at B'ville diner.

I had a chicken sand, and fries. Not so healthy, but the chicken was a breast, and I took it off the roll. I didn't finish my fries either and NO ranch dressing. Small steps.
The rest of the afternoon I worked on scrapping projects and finished two layouts before my daughter asked about some shopping. We went shopping and I found some fun Holiday items. Christmas already...I know it's CRAZY.
We all spent the rest of the evening enjoying down time. Later watching The Black Delhia Hauntings. I hate to say it, but it was not that good. Oh well, I only paid 54 cents. Now I can say I say it anyways.
Sunday after some time reading the paper, as well as a quick run to the local craft store. (I was out of adhesive). We were all prepared to hit Destiny Mall for some fun at the new restaurant added to the vast number of new places entering this soon to be more popular place. My hubby says it's all relative, but the mall seems SOOOO EXPENSIVE. Gavin did land himself some new shoes, I so wish he would retire the sweatshirt. Maybe some day he will decide that he needs to "look good" and wearing the same things will not cut it.

I thought they were a little large, but he wants them that way. I refuse to hear any complaints in the future. After scoring some new shoes we were off to Dave and Busters.

Dave and Busters is this restaurant/sports bar/arcade. We have been seeing advertisements for the place for years, but they never had one in our area until just recently. When we arrived there was a line out the door. Oh my...we found out soon that it was a line to visit, get pictures and autographs with Syracuse University Basketball coach Jim Beohime (I butchered his last name). We skipped the line because we were there for lunch and game playing. We were able to see him from our seats between the glass door anyways, and none of us was that interested in getting an autograph. I did steal a shot of the big cookie that came to visit him however.

The "famous" coach is right behind those doors. Sorry not interested. But thanks.

The restaurant is like nothing I have can really explain. It's sort of like Vegas for kids with all the video games. It's kind of CRAZY! We ordered some appetizers, our game cards and the kids were off to play.

  

See you both soon. 

Gavin wanted so badly for the food to be the best ever and I hate to say it, but it was pretty much your average chain food. Mark ordered some rice and kabob meal, and I got a chicken Ceaser salad. It was good, but nothing to report. I am thinking the food is not what the experience is all about. Although the final bill nearly choked me into cheapskate coma .

The boys seem to enjoy their dinners. There are several tv's with sports everywhere, and alot of people were enjoying an alcoholic beverage, watching the game and playing games themselves. 

If you want a beer, how about this as your cup! WOW

Fill "er" up. Mark was irritated at the wait we had just to get drinks, and maybe this would have calmed us all down. The boys were back and fourth at the games. The game area was rather impressive. 

Lights, noises, fast paced fun, and the boys were all about that. You can win tickets too, and although they did not rake in as many as they might have at the Lake George arcade (by the way Lake George arcade's has nothin on this place..it is high tech AMAZING), they sure had fun.

Interestingly enough there seemed to be more adults then kids at this place. Mark and I commented on the beer totting,  sports t-shirt wearing dudes who were having more fun at these games then the kids. I guess you have to be an adult and have a job to spend to much time in these places...cauz it got pretty costly. Some of the games could cost up to $5- per play. Gavin played four hands of one game (with intent to win a big ticket payout) and lost all four times only to collect four tickets. BUMMER! 

The ticket room was pretty impressive, much more exciting stuff then most arcade ticket payoffs. They had things like ipods, clothing, music players and other electronics. I would have enjoyed shopping there myself. The boys pondered over items, and finally concluded that they just didn't have enough points to get what they wanted and decided to leave the points on the card for a return visit. Guess we will be back someday. I am not in a big hurry, but the boys really enjoyed themselves. I thought they should each get one of these glasses and call it a day. 

   No luck. I really do not like the mall. Yes it's exciting and there a tons of things to do, but I am such a cheepy that I spend more time thinking about how much money is being wasted then enjoying myself. Thank God the boys have their father for fun things like this. Even in five below I found myself thinking...really who would pay that much? I guess I will stick to my coupon carrying motto, huge % off sales, thrifty stores, garage sales, and discounted racks. I seem to do just fine with that.   

The evening was spent relaxing and enjoying a few more movies. 54 cents for The Hangover III. I will be watching Perfect Pitch tonight with Gavin. Topping off the evening was The Walking Dead, an 11pm daughter pick up and finally SLEEP. Now I am off to work.....til next time. TTFN 

Halloween!

My favorite holiday has came and went....Boo! What an amazing busy Halloween month it has been. In celebrating the Spirits, I made my way to Gavin's school for his Halloween parade. It was raining (in fact it rained all day yesterday), which makes for a more difficult Halloween, but the school accommodated all of us parents in the gym. It was not to pretty and there were tons of adults ready and eager to see their little people all dressed up. I was ready too, and by total luck...I was standing in the right place in line and landed myself front row access. LUCKY ME. UnLUCKY me in that I decided to video record the entire 5th grade and after they had come and went, THEN I realized I never pushed record. I missed documenting every bit of my son's class. I didn't even get pictures. On most years the kids parade around the front entrance circle so you can get pictures tons of times, this year they went through the gym in one quick rush...and it was over. I never got one single shot of my kid in the parade. Bummer. Sadly I only have a few of some of the minion teachers coming through and one of my son as we were heading home for the day.

 Smile....okay forget about it.

Since he had a 1/2 day, we were up for a little afternoon excitement. First order of business, we had to head to the library to pick up our WINNINGS! Yep...Gavin won the Zombie Survival Kit from the library. Yeah for us!!!!

 Look at all those goodies. We should be set for sure, should Zombies or anything else tragic happen.
I offered a treat out to lunch. Gavin choose Wendy's. I stepped on the scales that morning and found I lost 4 pounds and it was a special (you know we are all gonna eat some kind of junk) day. So we were off. I ordered a burger and FRIES. He did as well. I WAS SHOCKED when my FAST FOOD bill was $19- Just when did two meals from a fast food place cost as much or more then a reasonably priced sit down place? I have vowed to stay away from Wendy's. Not that I should be eating there anymore with my new healthy meal plans anyways...but WOW. Gavin thought I was over reacting....but isn't that outrageous? Next stop took us to K-Mart to find a sword for his costume and trick or treat candy for any visitor that might ring our bell before we make our own way out into the streets.
Once we had meet with our afternoon demands and a few additional things to take care of it was soon time to head to our friend Carol's home to keep up the trick or treat tradition. (At least it has been the tradition since we moved to Liverpool about 6 years ago...) It is usually the only time a year I get to see my High School friend Brenda and her son, who is Gavin's age. (I'm not sure why we don't see them other times during the year. We just don't seem to hook up. ) She was not here this year however...maybe next.
Off to Carol's where we met up with Carol; her two boys. Stacey and Eddy; their three son's, Serena and two of her three children.  In addition this year was one of Carol's neighbors whose son is actually in Gavin's class at school. Evan. I cannot remember his parents names (sorry). A few pictures of all the kids (we missed getting Serena's two)...and we were off to the streets.

Interesting crew wouldn't you say?
In walking the kids hit up houses, while the adults mingle along slowly catching up and discussing our own trick or treating days. Stacey and I both agreed that our kids were so far from the trick or treating MASTERS we were as children. She and I discussed our personal strategies...My main goal was to score the most treats possible in the time allotted (I was always told til 9pm) and my bestie friend Lynne and I would run from house to house like we were in a race with the devil himself. Our treat bags (ALWAYS a Pillowcase so it would not break) would weigh so much by the end of the night we would have to slow down just to lug the extra poundage. Stacey was in agreement with my strategy, she recalled she did the same.

I commented to Stacey and Eddy how by the time I was about 7...my parents stopped walking with me and we were on our own, Eddy remarked what a different age it is and there are creepers out there. So true.
We can not just let our kids just run the streets, like when we were young.

Our kids have their parents walking with them, and for some strange reason, they don't have the same NEED as I did as a kid. They really could care less about filling those bags. We started out at about 6:45 and were on our way back skipping houses on our return by 7:30. Gavin usually poops out sooner then most and last year we left well before the rest of the families did. This year, although he stopped visiting houses we all made it back to Carol's around the same time. Maybe our kids get enough treats through out the year, that a few extra houses is not as critical as when I was young.

A few pictures of "our" gang walking the streets.

 Mark walking Riley.

In past years mother nature has predicted how we manage our trick or treating ventures. This year it was raining, so there were a lot of wet feet and soaked costumes. This was one of the deterrents for continuing and we were soon calling it quits. At least it wasn't snowing. Carol's neighbors used to have a haunted house along the way as well, and they no longer do it. There was also another house along her route that was decked to the hill, and they didn't so that this year either. Oh well, the fun was in the company. As we were heading back I nudged Gavin to hit up a few more houses. He declined noting he had his favorites back home. Yes, we did still have the candy I had bought earlier and only had handed out about five pieces, so he fortunately has three bags full of his favorite candy bars.
All wet, tired and despite the lack (in my opinion) of houses hit, although his bag (pillow case) was mighty full, we headed home the car reeking of wet dog. Once we made it home I forgot we had movies to return so Gavin and I were back out the door. As I entered the Family video I was greeted with a Halloween special. ALL video rental for the night was $1- including new releases. What? Maybe we could rent one, so I ask....because I have been waiting for this one. Do you happen to have The Black Delhia Haunting in stock? Yes as a matter of fact they did. I rush over to the B section ready to grab and go. CAN YOU BELIEVE the couple right next to me, had just taken it. I even said to the guy...."You did NOT just take that video did you......" Bummer!!! Instead Gavin and I rented The Internship and he found some movie about his favorite video game characters The Assassin's Creed. Bummed about the missed movie, but excited to watch what we did get I was even MORE excited that my rental fee cost me 54 cents. It doesn't totally make up for the $19- Wendy's lunch, but hey we scored a bag of trick or treat candy (for FREE) and enjoyed a recent released movie plus one for Gavin for 54 cents. Cant go wrong there.
Gavin and I did stay up and watched The Internship and laughed our fool heads off. We didn't even turn on the porch light for those late night trick or treater's to come and interrupt us either.
Next year I am going to make sure we get to a REAL haunted house, reserve a Halloween camp site early  and I am going to commit to a Zombie run. I might even start on a costume this week. Okay maybe not the costume.....but perhaps. I have scored some of my best costumes at the CLEARANCE racks the days after Halloween in the past.
Hope your Halloween was as ENJOYABLE as ours.