debutaunt.com

Snappy New Year

Thanks Collins!


My New Years Eve consists of:

Guacamole
3 Girls in a shower together*
Pizza (um .. gross)
Furniture moving
Dusting and vacuuming
NYE Live from the Lincoln Center
Karaoke
Pee Wee's Playhouse
More karaoke
Nintendo DS
High School Musical Everything
Girl talk
Goofy text messages
Spa night
Nail time!
Blockbuster run
Veggies
Jammies

*Ok... So the 3 girls are actually Zoe, her friend from school, and her cousin. Momo G is supervising the showerage.

I figured that since I was going to be in SA, and don't know many people, I'd just stay home and have some fun with Z. So we planned a par-tay!

We've got a karaoke machine and food and silliness going on. At 9pm, we are going to have sparkling grape juice.

{update}
Sparkling grape juice is disgusting. It also has 38g of sugar per serving. Never ever ever again.

Sis #2's 7-year daughter: "I like champagne. I've seen drunk people before. They are idiots."

She drank a big glass of the stuff and now says she's burping all night. And NO. It wasn't champagne, but I couldn't get them to stop saying that it was. The French would be completely aghast if this is what champagne tasted like.

I didn't get the girls to sleep, but between Zoe's whinese, and lots of "tooting" (it's funny doncha know), I did get them settled into a DVD of Over the Hedge.

It's now 10:40pm and I'm going to take a very long, very warm shower. Then I'm going to make it a Blockbuster night. I'm only a little bummed because they say what you are doing on NYE is what you do for the rest of the year. This is not a good sign for my 2008. I'm tired. Sore (and now yay --- a fever blister on my lip --- no kissing for me). Cranky. And in need of some peace and quiet. Maybe I'll meditate my way into 2008 (serenity now). At least my skin will be soft and I'll be squeaky clean. Well that and... I'm alive!!! How cool is that? I'm going into my 2nd year of my new life.

(and yes, I'm just glad to be with my parents and my daughter tonight... I'm lucky and blessed, but you all know this already)

I wish you all much peace, love, good health in 2008.

I can do this. Because it's a Happy New Year.

Your assignment today is to vow to never drink sparkling grape juice. Who's with me?

And tonight, I also prayed. Prayed for the many loved ones we lost this past year. I miss you all... every single day.

Spiderman is my Hero

turn your volume down if you're at work.

It Has Been A Merry Merry

for now... just pictures.

She Shoots She Scooooooooresssss!!

Out of 6 points, Zoe scored FOUR!!

They did lose 8-6, but the "Red Hots" are improving with each game. It is so much fun to watch them.

I was a little worried earlier as she seemed like she was feeling really punk. Chills, dragging, clingy and then she watched tv for a few hours all snugged up in my bed. She's got a huge bruise on her leg the size of a small grapefruit. She said she got it at the park the other day, but honestly ... seeing it scared the beejebs out of me as that is a sign of leukemia. I hate thinking that way. She's 7. They bruise.

So before the game, we gave her a taco, some orange juice and some motrin. Well we should do that before each game as she was on fire! Having the new goal has improved her shot 100%. I was so proud of her and her entire team. They are just adorable.

Getting ready for the holidays here. It's been awfully sweet. I am having some major pain in my hip. Mom is afraid that perhaps I have an infection in my bone from the last biopsy I had. Ug. Guess I get to see the doc when the holidays are over.

I can do this. I have a bird-talkin', basketball shootin', supa-star!

Your assignment today is to hug someone. I went out with a friend yesterday to see Sunny Sweeney (super great) and Roger Creager (awesome!) and had to stand on my tippy tippy toes to hug him. He's 6'7. It was kind of fun to be around someone so much taller than I am. I really had a great time. I love live music!

Holiday Time

That's the Zoester's wish list for those of you who have asked. I didn't get her a lot this year because she got a basketball goal (already put up) and a few months ago, she got a new bike (although the brake broke off!! damnit). Her big gift from me is this CD Player/Karaoke Machine that I got for $25 at Walmarthell. It seems it's sold out pretty much everywhere, but I think she will really have fun with it.

That's mine. But I really don't want/need anything except to stay healthy this year. So I'd much rather have prayers :)

I can do this. Prayers for my dad as he has this weird lump / bruise on his leg and he's going to the doc (mom INSISTED) today to get it checked out. I hope it's nothing serious!

Too much to do. Still working on cards and bummed I don't have more of y'all's addresses.

The Dating Game

I'm interested in dating again (although not in Houston, Mr. Lonelyman4utolurve.)

Yah. I had cancer. So what?

1. Yes. It's *whispers* cancer. But I'm almost 2 years in remission. Don't act like I'm on my deathbed. You too could be struck by a catastrophic illness at any time. Or just get hit by a bus or croak from a stroke. *sing it gospel* No one is promised a tomorrow. Life is short. That which does not kill you makes you want to kill the person that came up with that saying.

2. I didn't have aborted fetuses transplanted into me. They are stem cells. Yes. I'm Catholic. No. not related to the controversy. And definitely no, am I not going to debate you on it. I don't even want to fucking talk about it, much less hear your theories.

3. Don't ask about the personal details of my hair loss. Have some finesse. I'll tell you if I want to.

4. Um. It wasn't my fault.

5. Yes, I know I'm a) unemployed b) on disability c) 40 d) a single mom e) living at home with my folks f) charming. Thanks for the reminder, jackhole. I'd trade all of it to go back to my old, boring job reading about mercury and PCB contamination in about .0000002 milliseconds. No, I don't want or need you to "take care" of my womanly desires. And no, I'm not going to talk about it to YOU!

6. No. The long hair pictures are old. Because I see myself like that. I refuse to acknowledge that I'm different because I remember who I was. (I actually was someone who loved/lived/laughed before leukemia slowed my roll). I have curly hair now. Yes. No. Don't ask. No more pictures for you, soup nazi.

7. Forgive me if I'm tired of talking about it to you. I'm tired of telling my "story" over and over to the random dudes of the internets that love me and want me.

Because [whinese] it's like going on a job interview that you know you aren't going to get but really want. And sometimes, just sometimes, you wish you could just not tell them. But you need to. It's kind of a big issue and splains why I am in situation a, b, e above.

Tonight was a perfect example of that. He found me witty and cute and sexy and kind (yeah, fuckers, I can be all of those), and I really wanted to just skip the whole... cancer thing. I wanted to be me again. The girl with the straight, long hair with a little sass; a little snark and a whole lot of deb_u_taunt. The mom's night out ass-shaker.

So we talked for almost an hour and a half on the phone (after about an hour online). And I could tell he really was digging me. He's a respectful person and a total sweetheart. Simpatico, yanno?

And then.. and then... I had to tell him because he asked one of the invariable questions that lead to this answer.

And I couldn't believe it, but I had tears in my eyes. I didn't want to tell him. I didn't want to ruin the connectedness I was feeling with him. But I knew I had to. It hurt to even say it.

And I felt terrible for dropping this giant relationship-killing bombo on him. But as I say, "it is what it is."

That. Is. Exactly. What. He said.

He said he will call me. Not to worry about it. But I could hear the familiar disappointment in his voice. After all, online, I'm peaches. Not so much in person anymore.

I miss the old me. I'm sick of cancer. I know you all are sick of me talking about it. But damn, I'm not getting past it when it comes to finding someone who can realize that it's not the end of me. That it's not how I define myself. I still have a Bit o' the Taunt in me.

[/whinese] Because there's no crying in cancer ass kicking.

He called. He's the one that's peaches!

I think maybe even Jesus would laugh...

I actually sent 2 of these out as my cards one year.

Just When You Think You've Seen It All

Zoe's team got beaten about 22-0 yesterday, but they are starting to show some spunk as scrappers. We've all said that if they are too timid to shoot, the least they can do is get in there and steal the ball or mess up the other team's dribbling or shots. I still am the loudest mom out there. I feel kind of embarrassed, but it is so much fun to watch them. Zoe's really had a great time.

I have no idea why, but my hip still hurts from where I had my last bone marrow biopsy. It's either that or my bones ache in the cold? I had to take some Darvon yesterday, but I don't think it is the right type of painkiller for that type of pain. I'm not diggin this. I think it's time to see the doc.

Anyway, so I couldn't sleep last night. And I'm flipping channels. I couldn't believe it, but I saw an infomercial for of all things... (sorry Dad)... erotic toys. Seriously, these two women were discussing all the different "toys," and their features just like they were talking about Susan Somer's jewelry or a food chopper dicer slicer. They had them turned on and pointed out how *gulp* they exactly work. I was infinitely glad that even though they demonstrated them, they didn't have a test model!!! Infomercials!!! Lots of exclamation points even!!!

I can do this. I'm starting to realize there are so many more things in life for me to see. I may not want to, but it keeps life interesting to say the least.

Your assignment today is to slow down and enjoy the season. I have seen a lot of people talk about how stressful it all is. Stop just enjoy yourselves and stop to remember what is important. Quit with the road rage. Skip the mall and shop online. Don't fret when you have to wait. Send gift cards. Eat a little something yummy and don't worry about your waistline for once. Go for a nice walk. Spend time with someone who you know will appreciate the company. You know what I mean. Appreciate your loved ones and stop stressing about everything.

And just an fyi, some of you cuties are going to get your Christmas cards a little late this year (maybe). I've been having a hard time sitting, so it's kind of difficult to get them all written out. Also, I know I am still missing some addresses. I'm working on it :)

Love to y'all!!

Merry Elfmas

Zoe and I are watching Scrooged. I'm trying to introduce her to movies that aren't new Disney crap or High School Musical. So we've watched Home Alone, Beatlejuice, and Pee Wee's Big Adventure. I forgot how awesome those movies were. I also want her to see The Christmas Story.

What were some of yours??

Ok. Back to the movie. Here's my little elf. Dressed for outside.

(this cold is still kickin' my butt!)

Mother Nature Must Be Mad

I have a bad cold now. I've been sleeping as much as I can. I probably got it when I took Zoe and a friend to the Riverwalk and the Rivercenter Mall on Saturday. It was kind of crowded, but we really had such a great time.

The girls were trying out toys, trying on lotion and lipgloss (huh... Lancome - $17.99 for a LIPGLOSS). They also spent at least an hour in Brookstone trying out the massage chairs. It was sweet and kind of like having twins. Exhausting, but kind of makes me wish Zoe had a sister her age.

I hope this cold doesn't turn into something worse.

Anyway, I am going to go have some soup.

I can do this. I ain't gonna die from some damn cold.

Miss you internets. No assignment today except to STAY WARM!

P.S. One of my favorite sites Shoebuy.com has $15 off if you purchase $50 or more. Free shipping and they don't charge tax.

WWMGD

What Would Momo G Do?

The other day we were in the car talking about my mom, Momo G.

"Zoe, what would we do without our Momo? She's so good to us. She makes us food, and helps with homework, and plays fun games, she's funny and smart, and teaches you to cook, and cleans up and does laundry. I'd be really really sad without our Momo here. We need to make sure that we try to help her a lot because she isn't feeling very well and has a bad cold. Zoe, what would we do without our Momo?"

"We'd get a puppy!!!!" she said excitedly.

Momo is feeling better. Me, I'm suffering effects of steroid taper I believe. Today was the first time in ages that I am doping myself up with some Darvon and Ativan. I'm sore all over. But guess what? I'm high as Lindsey Lohen and Brittney Spears' love child.

I can do this. I have Momo G!

Team Zoe... made me proud

Zoe and I attended the Team Captain Awards Ceremony for the Light the Night San Antonio walk. Our city raised over $580,000. How amazing is that??

Zoe did some artwork for the awards and they did a big presentation slide of it. I'll have to get a scan of it. It was very very cute. I was so proud of her. She stood up there with her award and got her picture taken in one of her "fancy" dresses. Afterwards I took her to our favorite Chinese food restaurant. She took some pictures of me too.

I couldn't believe how long my hair is compared to last year.

Don't you dig the light saber growing out of my head?

See the shortie-do?

Rib eating monster!

Zoe's team played again today. She did much better as she seems to sort of get it a little better now. It probably helped that her team didn't play ghetto fabulous city champ boy wanna bes. The team she played yesterday is just way too good. The girl that handles the ball plays just like a little boy. She can dribble without looking and fake-pass. She also can drive the lane and rebound. They played our other team today and beat them 18-2. I'm glad I'm not competitive and I'm trying to teach Zoe just to have fun and try her best. I think she just likes playing with her other little friends.

After the game Zoe and I went to Chilis where she polished off a basket of ribs. It was pretty awesome to watch. I had to take a video. It just really doesn't compare to the real thing though.

I got some funny cards for Christmas, but realized that many of my addresses are in my Outlook. Well, when I got my new laptop, Laplink didn't transfer that program over (my new one has Vista... pffffttt). So I'm not sure if I have many of y'all's addresses. My old laptop battery is kaput so I'm going to take it to the shop to see if it's just the battery. It works well, but the battery is just out. It's either that or the power cord. Who knows.

Anyway, long story...short. I'd love to send my friends cards this year. Please email me your addresses to debsterc(at)earthlink(dot)net.

Glad to have ya back, Kami K. Hope all of y'all are doing well.

I can do this. I'm hanging out with the bird-talking, rib-eating monster.

Your assignment today, Send a girl your address. (esp Annie and Katie H... I can't believe we were so rude and didn't didn't mail back!) We love Christmas/Hanukkah cards.

Spanked!!

Zoe's CYO team got beat like 46-4. We forfeited (like it mattered at that point) because one of our sweet little girls got sick and couldn't play any more. They won't let you play with less than 7 kids or something like that. She's got another game tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes..

I did notice that I'm the loudest mom there. Would you expect any less?

It's called a WEEKEND!!

Zoe had a friend spend the night last night. They two are officially now named "The Crazy Rib-eating monsters." I took them to a place called Tom's ribs and they chowed down. I think they ate a rack of baby back ribs between them. Even the waiter was impressed.

I woke up early, but was just online reading when I hear stirrings in the other room. IT'S 7 IN THE MORNING!!!

Why do kids do this. It's like pulling teeth to get them out of bed during the school week, but on the weekends, they are gung ho!!

GO BACK TO BED. I am!

First Zoe basketball game is today. Will have a report later on. This should be fun! I think Santa may bring Zoe a basketball goal. Anyone have one they want to get rid of? Any experience with buying a good one?

I can do this. I'm hiding in the dark from the Crazy Rib-eating Monsters!

Your assignment today is to tell me what foods you or your kids go nuts for. Zoe had never eaten ribs, but it is her friend's favorite food. Now it is Zoe's as well.

I can't believe it's December already. I really can't!

P.S. Great movie. Highly recommend Freedom Writers. I really had no desire to see this movie, but it was incredible. It really was. On DVD now.