February 28

Wednesday, looking at life differently

Today Jeff completely redid the Dojo's website and it looks great!
I picked the kids up, starting with Alex and taking him back to Game Stop to get the games he decided on. I hit the 99¢ store while he was shopping and then I went back and got him and continued on to get the other two.
When we got home I spent the rest of the afternoon adding pictures to the website, then cooked some dinner.
Tonight we watched another episode of Zero Hour and am now off to bed.

February 27

My Mickey watch

Happy Birthday EMILY!!!!

Today I took Alex to Game Stop for him to pick out some PS3 games because he had a coupon.
But he couldn't make up his mind so we just continued on and picked the kids up from Karate.
On the way home we stopped at the Goodwill for 50% off night and got Alex some jeans, a jacket and a shirt for $6 total. I also got a Mickey Mouse watch for $2 and he found a cool guys necklace (thick silver with interesting decoration) also for $2.
That's it!

February 26

One end of the bushes where they play.

Not a lot going on today.
Packing for eBay, picking kids up etc.
The kids have discovered playing in the yard and have created a clubhouse in the giant bushes along the back wall. Jeff and I went out to see what we need to do to start working on our garden for this year and the kids raked up the giant spiky seed pods from the neighbors tree that fell all over one end of the yard.
Jeff went off to Karate and I cleaned the kitchen.
Tonight we watched NCIS and now off to bed.

February 25

Shinzen Shrine hanging above mirror in Dojo

Ah, Monday again!
Today we went to the Dojo and Jeff got the little shrine he got from San Diego up on the wall.
We stopped at the fish store because I want a goldfish for my aquarium but there weren't any in the right size.
We did however save a goldfish from certain death after it had been sucked up in drain and the stare staff didn't notice.
The kids went to Karate and I picked them up and stopped at the dollar store on the way home.
I made casserole and tonight we watched Continuum.
Night all!

February 24

Peanut & Pudge in their outdoor hutch

Today was supposed to be a relaxing Sunday but alas there was too much to do.
This afternoon we went and picked up 2 guinea pigs that I was offered for free that came with a huge cage AND an outdoor hutch.
Then we had to drive out to Simi Valley and pick up Alex from his retreat, stop at a feed store for bedding and then pick up Katherine from the Sunset Hills Country Club where she was with Gabby.
When we got home Katherine and I cleaned out both pig cages so everyone is nice and not smelly!In the evening Jeff and I watched the Academy Awards then Sarah came out after the kids went to bed and we watched the Walking Dead.
Now off to bed!

February 23

My 3rd orchid bloomed

Today Jeff went down to San Diego to be on the Black Belt grading board at another Dojo.
I spent the day mostly relaxing, watching TV and trying to get my projector to work.
I got the bulb to finally go in but then it wouldn't turn on. ***SIGH**
Jeff says he will look at it..
I also took Jeffrey and went to the new 99¢ Store, stopped at the market then came home.
Jeff got home around 7.
Tonight the 3 of us (me, J and Sarah) watched a funny Sy-Fy movie called End of the World with the actor who plays Fargo in Eureka. We watched the whole movie and even though it was pretty silly, it was better than a lot of other B movies we record.

February 22

My projector

This morning Alex left for a 2 night camp with the string orchestra he plays with at school.
Jeffrey is thrilled because he can play on Alex's computer while he's gone.
Today we listed some on eBay then did some errands.
We went by the Goodwill where I finally bought the 8mm projector I've had my eye on and they only charged me $9 (instead of the $40 it was originally marked).
We picked up Jeffrey, came home and I fooled around with my new toy trying to get it to work.
It looks like it will work, but needs to have the bulb tightened down so it doesn't rattle.
Jeff wasn't feeling well today so he took a nap this afternoon, woke up for dinner then went back to bed.
Sarah and I watched an old episode of Walking Dead. She is watching through the first season that she missed.
Now it's off to bed for me!

February 21

The sign all fixed and cleaned too!

Today the sign guy finally made it to the Dojo to fix the sign.
It turned out to be cheaper than we thought (excellent!) and now the sign looks and works great!
When we were done there we drove out to the valley, grabbed some lunch at our favorite lunch spot, took a time out to wander around Toys R Us then drove back to our end of town where we stopped at Costco before picking up the kids.
We helped them with homework, Jeff went to teach and then after the kids went to bed the usual 3 watched Hawaii 5-0.
Night all!

February 20

My new mug!

Today we went to the Dojo again and worked on some projects.
Then we went to Costco and got a new kitchen scale (that we use for eBay) and a new set of hair clippers.
Jeff took the kids to Karate and I took Alex back school so he could do some volunteer work for extra credit. I ran a few errands, picked the kids up and went to Goodwill to kill some time.
We went to get Alex and went back to the Goodwill to look at an 8mm projector they have for sale there that I was hoping to get for half price. It didn't work out but I may go back and take another look.
I did find a great jacket for Jeffrey, some shoes for Katherine and the BEST thing was two Mickey coffee mugs from Disney World. One was just like the one I already have and LOVE and the other is the companion mug with Minnie on it. Both were $3 (they are $15 the parks) an neither look like they have been used!
Tonight we all watched NCIS-LA and now off to bed!

February 19

Sarah was not pleased I wanted to take a picture of her in PJs, jacket and dog slippers!


Today we went to the Dojo to do some work Jeff wanted to get done.
He removed some picture hangers from the wall and moved some other pictures over and patched the leftover holes.
He also gave me a beginning work out routine so I can at least get started in the right direction.
We picked up the kids (minus Katherine) and came home.
I went back to pick up Katherine from her chorus practice at 4.
I cooked some chicken for dinner (Katherine accused me of trying to poison her) and we watched the rest of Once Upon a Time.
Tonight the regulars (Me, Jeff and Sarah) watched a new NCIS and now it's off to bed.

February 18

My vintage mixer I picked up over the weekend.

Jeffrey is all better today and was able to to interact with our little piggy (name pending) without another episode.
I woke up feeling cruddy, not sure exactly why so I got nothing done except eating meals and working on my Vintage Facebook page (almost 500 likes).
I had high hopes of working out today too.
I picked the kids up from Karate after going to the market to pick up dinner ingredients.
At home I made casserole, talked to Sally on the phone and watched half a "Once Upon a Time" episode with Katherine.
Other than that, I still feel a little yucky and am off to bed.
Hopefully I will get over what's "bugging" me.

February 17

Jeffrey's allergic reaction to the guinea pig.

This morning we picked the kids up from their perspective friends houses.
They were very excited to see the guinea pig.
Jeffrey held it and cuddled it, touched his eyes and had a huge allergic reaction.
Poor kid! But Benedryl took care of it. Now we have to see if he can handle it, wash his hands and be OK.
I spent the day with Katherine cleaning out their room. UGH! Still have more to do tomorrow to get all the stuff we pulled out of the closet cleaned up. I took a few breaks to watch some NCIS with Jeff.
I also cleaned the laundry room and fought with the floor steamer which decided it didn't want to work anymore.
We went to the market in the evening and picked up a frozen pizza since I didn't want to cook.
We watched The Walking Dead and now I'm ready for bed!

February 16

Piggy-pie (until a real name is figured out)

This morning I went out garage sale-ing.
Not a lot of stuff out there but I did find a cool old vintage stand mixer for cheap.
After Jeff got home from Karate we went out to Costco to get a new microwave.
We stopped at Taco Bell for some lunch first.
We came home and relaxed for awhile before heading out and picking up a free guinea pig and cage I found on Craig's List.
We stopped at the market for dinner and then headed home to watch the last episode of Revolution that we have recorded. Now we've got to wait until next month for it to start up again.

February 15

Ally all tucked in.


Today there was no school for the 4 day presidents weekend.
YAY! I slept in!
Jeff and I spent a little more time at the Dojo working out how we are going to change things when it officially turns over to him.
We returned the fluorescent bulbs we bought yesterday and also went into Target and checked out their microwaves and it looks like Costco will be our best bet.
We dropped Jeffrey off at Mason's house (Katherine is at Gabby's probably til Sunday) and then we hit the dollar store for hand soap then went to the market.
At home I made fajitas with homemade spices (yum) and some oatmeal cookies.
These have to be the last batch I make because I have to get on a good eating/exercise program before I don't fit in any of my clothes.
Had my tea and freshly  baked cookies while we watched Revolution tonight.
Sensei's son finally turned up on the show... We've been watching for him.
Looks like he may have a regular role.

February 14

Katherine and Jeffrey made up a game that requires these homemade flags and a ball.
They spend a lot of time running around the yard yelling but at least they are outside!

Our microwave died.
Can't go too long without having to spend money to fix or replace something!
So Jeff and I went microwave shopping today.
And then we tried to get fluorescent bulbs to fix the Dojo sign but turns out its not the bulbs its the ballast. AND Home Depot doesn't carry the stuff we need so we will have to pay the sign guy to come out and fix it. Of course.

February 13

My vintage planter I got today from the Goodwill.


Did some packing and shipping for eBay this morning.
Then we headed out to do some errands.
Got some oil for the van, went back to Costco to get the cat food and kitty litter we didn't get yesterday then stopped at the Tikka Grill for lunch.
The kids went to Karate and after I picked them up we went to the Goodwill to get Alex some dress slacks for his concert tonight. The ones he has currently are literally 3 inches above his ankles.
We found him a very nice pair that fit perfect and also got him a jacket.
Katherine found a pair of brand new sandals from Old Navy, several little items like a photo frame and Hello Kitty wipe off board (for her friend)  and a pair of $40+ jeans from Justice (where all her girlfriends shop) for only $2.
I found a wonderful vintage planter (as shown above) for $1.50.
I LOVE the thrift shop!
Tonight we're back to Revolution and I am sticking with English muffins with my tea.

February 12

Sunset after the rain.

Another slow day.
Jeff and I went to Costco to pick up a few things before getting the kids.
Jeff is working on trying to figure out how much money he needs per month to take over the dojo so it can be ours.
He definitely needs something like this.
Off to watch Continuum. I have no cookies so it's tea and a English muffin for me!

February 11

Not a lot happened today.
With the exception of Madison falling asleep on some socks.

February 10

Katherine's portrait of Zeus for her Roman God report.

Today we relaxed.
After we went and picked Jeffrey up we had an NCIS marathon followed by an original 1962 Dr Who episode of the Aztecs.
I worked on photo albums while Jeff napped.
I made casserole for dinner then we all (us, Sarah and Alex) watched the The Walking Dead. First episode in 2 months. I love it even though it's creepy!

February 9

My second orchid opened up today.


This morning Jeff went to Karate and I cleaned his side of the closet in our bedroom, mostly refiling DVDs that the kids had taken out and not put back.
In the evening we drove Jeffrey over to Sawyer's, spent some time talking to Barbara then got gas and stopped at the market on the way home.
We've got another night of frost warnings, so we pulled all our more sensitive plants back towards the door so they don't get damaged.
We watched another Revolution and we're both glad we get to sleep in tomorrow.

February 8

Madison, WATCH OUT... Stitch is sneaking up on you!


Today Jeff spent quite a bit of time making arrangements with a guy who bought most of the Star Trek autograph plaques we are selling.
It brought in a lot of money but I feel sad that Jeff had to sell them.
Katherine went to Gabby's after school and Jeffrey came home and played Minecraft (big surprise).
We went out in the evening to Target to see if we could get Eureka Season 4.0 but no luck.
We even tried at the "store closing" Blockbuster across from the market. Nope.
I may have to buy it online.
We've got a freeze warning tonight but it's not as bad as the east coast which is having a blizzard they are calling "Nemo". There is a no-drive policy for the entire state of Massachusetts. 2-3 feet of snow was falling in the hardest hit areas.
We got back to watching Revolution tonight. I'm enjoying it.

February 7

Sarah enjoying some couch time!


Today was cold and gloomy and translated into not getting a lot done except the basics.
I made spaghetti with meat sauce for dinner and some oatmeal cookies for dessert.
Watched Hawaii 5-0 and now off to bed!

February 6

Katherine's story : "Beaver does the crime and pays the time."
Yep, that's what it says! It's a school project.

Today was productive.
We went out to the Valley and had a yummy lunch at Todai.
Then headed back towards home and got the car smogged and then went to AAA and paid the registration.
I did the pick up run and then the Karate pick up at 6 PM.
Off to relax.

February 5

Jeffrey the Ham.

More packing for eBay today.
I guess if things weren't selling Jeff wouldn't be packing so it's a good thing.
Laundry and litter boxes took up a good part of my day.
I took a nap this afternoon and hopefully that is helping to refuel me.
I've gotten up twice in a row to drive the kids and haven't felt well rested.
Jeff will drive the rest of the week so I am guessing that will help.
NCIS tonight then off to bed!

February 4

Pretty day on the way home.


Spent most of the day cleaning the house while Jeff packed for eBay.
Still not as up to speed as I would like.
SOON I hope!
Made dinner and replenished the homemade oatmeal cookie supply since that's everyone's first choice for dessert.
Watch another Continuum which is turning out to be a pretty good show.

February 3

Jeff helps Jeffrey with some math.
(I took the picture from across the room in low light, hence the terrible quality)


Still slow with this dang cold.
Went and picked Jeffrey up around 10 from Mason's house then ran by Costco and picked up the digital prints I had done. Free coupon!
Not long after we got back we turned around and took Katherine and Jeffrey to Jacob and Olivia's house.
Jeff spent the afternoon preparing taxes and I sorted through the pictures I brought home.
We got the kids around 5 and Jeff filed the taxes when we got home.
CHA-CHING! We can REALLY use the refund!
We watched the season 3 finale of Eureka and now I need to get Season 4.
I'm beat and tired of feeling yucky.... off to bed.

February 2

My zen rock garden.


Happy Groundhog Day!
Felt a little better than yesterday but still not up to doing much.
I spent a lot of time working through pictures in photoshop so they could be printed out without red eye and lightening some of them up so you could actually see what was in them.
Jeff went and talked to Sensei today and it looks like Sensei might finally want to turn the dojo over to him. That would be so great because Jeff could start running it like it needs to be run.
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Hopefully by Monday I will be up to getting back into the swing of things.

February 1

The first orchid of the season opened today. This one was a gift from Sarah.


Yep, major head cold.
And Jeffrey and Katherine both didn't feel well enough to go to school today so we all kind of laid around and tried to feel better.
I went with Jeff to pick up Alex and also to get some Sudafed to help unstuff my nose.
I picked up some photos I sent to Costco to be developed (I had a coupon for 50 free prints) then we came home and I laid around some more sniffling.
That about sums up the day.
Off to watch Eureka.