Thursday Thirteen #14: Anniversary Edition

Friday, March 7th is my 10th wedding anniversary.
Here is a list of 13 things I like about being married.

• Having a built-in date for functions.
  
• Having someone to kill the bugs.
  
• Having someone to mow the lawn.
  
• Having someone to sleep with.
  
• I tell my husband all the time this is why I stay married to him. I love having another person in my bed. Unfortunately, this one snores really, really loud...
• Designated driver!
• Someone to cook.
  
• I am not a cook. Fortunately, my husband is!
• Someone to set the clock on the electronics.
  
• Someone to keep me grounded.
  
• I am a spaz and a drama queen. I worry like crazy about stupid things. My husband is very easy going and keeps me sane.
  
• Someone to deal with the stuff I don't want to.
  
• Like contractors and repairmen; I hate calling these kinds of people and having to talk to them.
  
• Someone to laugh at my blog, even when it isn't funny.
  
• A shoulder to lean into and cry on.
  
• A hand to hold during good and bad times.
  
• Someone who loved me in a wedding dress and still loves me in my mismatched, threadbare pajamas, with morning breath and Medusa hair.
  

Of course, the silly ones are meant to be silly but the truth is I am blessed with a wonderful partner. Truly blessed.

Thursday Thirteen #13: You Know You're No Longer Young When...

1. The server calls you ma'am.
2. The band is way too loud at a wedding.
3. Two glasses of wine make you tipsy.
4. You're only up at midnight to pee.
   
5. You go to Wal-Mart or Target often. And for fun.
   
6. You haven't watched SNL in real time since the '90s.
7. Hot wings give you heartburn.
   
8. You realize mac 'n cheese and Ramen noodles aren't on the food pyramid.
9. You know all the words to the theme songs of Backyardigans and Little Einsteins.
   
10. Yoga pants aren't just for yoga.
11. Radio Disney is one of your saved stations on Sirius.
12. The last concert you tried to get tickets to was Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana.
13. You drive an SUV or *gasp* a minivan. By choice.
    

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Thursday Thirteen #12: Love In a Muffin Cup

1. 2 boxes Devil's Food Cake Mix
2. 1 pack Oreos
3. 1 cup oil
4. 2 2/2 cups water
5. 6 eggs
6. 1 oven, 360 degrees
7. 50 heart muffin cups
8. 1 mixing bowl
9. 2 containers pre-made vanilla frosting
10. red food coloring
11. 1- mom, who has time to spend
12. 1- 8 year old who just wants to help
13. Love

On Wednesday, Her Highness and I made cupcakes together. She got all of my time and attention, something that happens very infrequently since the birth of The Conqueror 13 1/2 months ago. Usually, she gets tired, frazzled, cranky mommy who is at her wit's end and needs a glass of wine. Not Wednesday. I let her help. And lick the bowl.

Now that is love.

And it is priceless.

Happy Valentine's Day, my friends.

Thursday Thirteen #11: I Love...

• Caller ID When your relationship with your in-laws is as acrimonious as mine, caller id is a lifesaver.
• DVR Can you say commercial-free Lost? Holla!
• Netflix No late fees? My family cannot go into most of the video stores in our town because of late fees....
• LCD TV (Please don't tell my husband as I pitched a terrible fit at the cost of it!) Have you seen Sunrise Earth? Bea-u-tiful!
• Roomba It works! It really does. It goes underneath furniture and can be programmed to vacuum on a set schedule. If only it picked up the toys before vacuuming....
• Disposable Diapers I know it isn't very green of me but I cannot fathom rinsing out crap-filled diapers in the toilet or an icky diaper pail. I will have to save the world another way....
• Babysitters I finally have a daytime and a nighttime sitter! While I do not take advantage, all moms need some time off, don't we?
• Starbucks I gladly pay $4 for a coffee that doubles as a dessert. I'm a spoiled brat.
  
• Crocs Yes, I know they're pretty ugly but they feel sooooo good and I only wear them in the yard. And to Wal-Mart. And to softball games.
  
• Dishwasher So, I am not a cook nor a very enthusiastic cleaner so this is a godsend. I cannot imagine not having one.
  
• Purell I'm a bit of a germaphob; admit it, though, it's in your diaper bag and purse, too.
• Blogs Yes, I am an addict. I put off dinner, homework, baths and chores all in an effort to keep up with your lives.
  
• Blogging So, I thought blogging would be easy when I signed up. I am a funny person in real life so it'd be a snap. Yeah. Not so much. Despite the fact that I am a mediocre blogger at best, I'm hooked. I love the comments! I love the community! I love the awards!
  

To read other TT, go here.

Thursday Thirteen: TV Shows

• The Office (I am a fairly recent convert to all things Dunder-Mifflin but this one makes me laugh until I pee my pants.)
• Friday Night Lights (Seriously, if you aren't watching this, you should be. A great show!)
• The Cosby Show (The ones when the kids were still kids. Those were great episodes. Remember when Cliff "rented" Theo a room to teach a lesson?)
• Grey's Anatomy (It's pretty contrived and there is a whole lot of adultery going on but McSteamy? Oh. So. Beautiful.)
• Project Runway (I am a reality show junkie, I am embarrassed to admit, and this one is at the top of my list right now. Isn't it funny, though, how these people can create such lovely stuff and dress like they stepped out of Goodwill boxes?)
• Antiques Roadshow (Being one generation removed from Poor White Trash, I long to be handed down some fabulous pottery or end table worth more than my home.)
• Jon & Kate Plus 8 (Kate Gosselin? Yeah, this woman should be sainted. 8 kids? 6 of whom are three? No way I could do it. None. )
• Brothers & Sisters (I am so glad Rob Lowe got a new job.)
• House (Do I even need to explain?)
• Little House on the Prairie (I watched it as a kid but now watch it with my daughter. It is fun to see them again and now I really appreciate the fact it is so G rated!)
  
• Lost (A magical island? A plane crash? I have to DVR this because it gets me too excited to go to sleep after watching!)
• Medium (I am really intrigued by ESP, psychics, and all things paranormal and this show is just cool!)
• Intervention (I find this difficult to watch but sort of like a car accident you just can't look away from.)

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Thursday Thirteen #8: Songs I Listen To Over And Over

1. "Devil Went Down To Georgia" by Charlie Daniels Band. My then best friend and I would listen to this song every day my senior year of high school to get pumped before class. It still gets my juices flowing (yeah, I have some redneck tendencies).
2. "Fancy" by Reba McEntire. I used to drink too much and sing this at karaoke when I was much younger. I still crank the radio when it comes on Sirius.
   
3. "Jack and Diane" by John (Cougar) Mellancamp. Loved it as a little kid and now it is my ringtone!
   
4. "Summer of 69" by Bryan Adams. I have always really liked Bryan Adams, even as a kid just getting into music. This album, Cuts Like A Knife, rocked then and now.
   
5. "MMM MMM MMM" by Crash Test Dummies. My little brother and I used to rock out to this song. We didn't see eye to eye on many things and this song makes me think of him.
   
6. "Mr. Jones" by Counting Crows. I am a child of the eighties and a late teen of the nineties. I love Counting Crows. Love them.
   
7. "If I Had A Million Dollars" by Barenaked Ladies. A chubby Canadian and some silly lyrics about a Plymouth Reliant? What's not to love?
   
8. "Me and You" by Kenny Chesney. First dance at my wedding song. 'Nuff said.
   
9. "When I Get Where I'm Going" by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton. It is a song about going to heaven and I just love listening to it.
   
10. "Travelin' Soldier" by Dixie Chicks. This song was on the album that came out right around 9/11 and it just touched me. Politics aside, these ladies rock. My daughter, my niece and I always play Dixie Chicks when we are driving around together.
    
11. "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley. I know, reggae mixed in with all that country? I said I had redneck tendencies, not that I am a redneck!
    
12. "Cowboy Take Me Away" by Dixie Chicks. A love song. Gotta throw one in and this is a great one!
13. "8th of November" by Big and Rich. These guys are a not usually my style but this is a true story about a battle during Vietnam and it is a fantastic song.
    

(This is a brief list and so many more could be added, what's one of yours?)

To find more Thursday Thirteens, go here.

Thursday Thirteen #7: My Favorite Christmas Sweet Treats

1. Snickerdoodles: Oh, these are heavenly. The recipe we use calls for cream of tartar and that just makes these cookies divine.
   
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies: The old stand-by but, hey, why mess with a classic?
   
3. Peanut Butter Cookies: Just like Grandma used to make; roll 'em in a ball and use a fork to make a criss-cross. Yummy!
   
4. Peanut Butter Blossoms: Same cookie as above but left in a ball, bake and then add a Hershey's kiss a minute before they are done. Oh, my word! The secret to these is you have to bake them with the kiss in, though, or else it isn't soft and just isn't as good.
   
5. Cut-Out Cookies: Frosting on a star-shaped cookie? Oh, yeah!
   
6. Sugar Cookies: Soft, chewy, sweet and just out of the oven. Another classic.
   
7. Dirt Pudding (aka Mud Pudding): Oreos, chocolate and vanilla pudding, cream cheese, powdered sugar and cool-whip. I am talking serious sugar coma here, folks. Almost better than sex.
   
8. Pumpkin Roll: While not really a big fan of most pumpkin foods, I think this thing rocks. Could be the cream cheese and powdered sugar frosting that is shoveled on and rolled into the log. I don't know but this is good. stuff.
   
9. Buckeyes: This candy, which are peanut butter balls dipped in melted chocolate, takes on the appearance of our favorite nut around these parts. These are as good as sex. Trust me. An Ohio favorite.
   
10. M&M Cookies: A cookie with candy in it? Oh. My. Gah!
    
11. Kettle Corn: This is the stuff you find at outdoor bazaars and craft fairs but turns up at our local mall around Christmas time. Sugar on popcorn? My teeth are aching just thinking about it.
    
12. Peanut Butter Pie: Oh, Lord, please forgive me for coveting after food! Peanut butter on an Oreo crust? Covered with cool whip? sigh.
    
13. Fudge: Peanut butter, chocolate? I don't care. Just please don't add nuts, thank you very much!

Wishing you and yours the sweetest of holidays! For more Thursday Thirteens, go here!

Thursday Thirteen #6: Things I Hate About Christmas

1. Buying gifts out of obligation. Like for my in-laws. Ugh. We don't see them with even the slightest of regularity and they don't like me. It sucks to buy gifts for someone with whom you share a mutual dislike. Sucks.
   
2. The hustle and bustle. I thought this was supposed to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus, not a shop-a-thon and go-into-debt-a-thon?
   
3. Cards. Okay, so maybe I don't hate Christmas cards but I hate having to reciprocate them. I send them to the 30-40 people I like and then have to continue mailing them back to Great Aunt PainInTheAss so I don't hurt her feelings or cause family nuclear war.
   
4. Keeping up with the Joneses. In my neighborhood, if one house does lights than the whole neighborhood has to and then it is a race after the 25th to remove them the fastest.
   
5. Wrapping. 'Nuff said? I used to approach gift wrapping with zeal and lots and lots of ribbon and loveliness. Now that I have children and have to wrap 4 bazillion gifts in secret? I'll wrap the little buggers in toilet paper and use duct tape; for some embellishment I might fish the TP out of the garbage.
   
6. Lying to my kid. Santa started out as a magical way to create excitement. Now? She is seven and questioning me all over the place about the big fat red guy. I keep lying. And hate. every. second. of. it.
   
7. The "perfect" gift. Is there one? And if you hit it once, can you ever achieve that again? I am exhausted at trying to find just the gift for each person. What happened to the thought behind it counting??
8. The "are they going to show up with a gift?" fretting. Don't you hate this? Worrying that your sort of good friend Ann who you rarely see will pop in on the 24th at 7pm with a gift for you and you won't have one in return. No wonder there are more suicides at this time of year!
   
9. Parties. All right, I am all for a little booze and a reason to take off the sweats but, seriously, folks, let's spread them out a little, 'kay? I have nothing to do from January through October, how's about we get together one of those months?
   
10. The baking. Admittedly, I don't bake. My husband does it. I help but he does most of the work. The problem, however, is I can't keep the stuff out of my mouth! Snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, peanut blossoms, oh, my!
    
11. Family crap. Okay, so trying to make everyone happy at this time of year is impossible. My mother expects our family to get together for dinner and gift opening on the 24th. Fine. But, then we have to get together again on the 25th for visiting and lunch. What?! This is because my husband's parents are virtually out of the picture and my sister-in-law doesn't have parents, so my mom thinks she can monopolize the entire two days. I have tried to put my foot down but it doesn't work. I want to spend time with my husband and kids. Visiting her shouldn't be expected; I should do it because I want to!
    
12. Excess. I love to buy stuff for my daughter and, now, my son. I do. But, at what point is it too much? I don't want them to be spoiled little brats who expect these extravagant gifts but, yet, I still do it. I worry I am going to raise kids who won't be appreciative.
    
13. The let down. Inevitably, it happens. Whether it is because you disappointed someone by not getting him/her the right gift or just the build-up to it didn't really match the thrill of the day. When Christmas is over, I always feel a little down. A little disappointed that it is over and that I didn't nail something or other.
    

I should say that I really love Christmas. I do. These are just a few of the things that tarnish the excitement and wonder of this time of year. Think about it, we all have a few things associated with this time of year that we hate. Admit it. I did. That's why we blog, isn't it? To commiserate with others; sharing the good, bad and ugly of life?

Here are some more Thursday Thirteen lists you may enjoy!

Thursday Thirteen #5: The Christmas Gifts That Got Away

1. A waterbed. I'm a child of the eighties, what can I say?
2. The Barbie Dream House. Always wanted it, never got it. Mom said it was too expensive; she bought it for my daughter, though. What should I read into that?
   
3. BMW. This started showing up on my list at about age 14 and stayed there until I was 20 or so. On the bright side, I got a 1981 'vette. A chevette, that is.
4. The Michael Jackson glove and Thriller Jacket. I didn't get the clothes but I did get the curly perm.
   
5. Guess Jeans. Mom said they were too expensive and when I got the money to pay for them myself I discovered they looked really bad on me. Bummer.
   
6. Braces. Yeah, I was stupid. All my friends had 'em and I thought they were tres chic.
   
7. British Knight tennis shoes. These were all the rage at my high school and I thought I would die without them. Surprisingly, I lived.
   
8. Pound Puppy. My cousin had one and I used to hide it from her when I visited.
   
9. Swatch Watch. I actually received this one but it was stolen out of the gym teacher's desk the first day back after winter break when the jerk made me take it off for class. Still makes me sad 'cause I really wanted to have that plastic watch with the Swatch guard. sigh.
   
10. Biker Shorts. My mom wouldn't let me have these; she said I was too young but, oh, neon spandex and an oversized t-shirt! Now that was fashion...
11. Madonna's Like A Virgin. I was in 4th grade when it came out; I now get why my mom didn't buy this one. I didn't know what a virgin was then but, obviously, she did.
    
12. Parachute Pants. You know you wanted them, too! Just something about pants that made noise when you walked. Seriously.
    
13. Sweatpants with my last name on the butt. Always wanted these and my mom thought they made your butt look bigger. She assured me mine was big enough without the writing.
    

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Thursday Thirteen # 4: Worst Gifts I Have Ever Received

1. A Tree.
I was 21. Lived in apartment. Not really practical.
2. A Hyacinth.
Given for my 16th birthday at my uncle's funeral calling hours. Classy, huh?
3. Clothing saying stuff about dieting.
Just. Not. Funny.
4. A Book On How To Improve Your Troubled Marriage.
Given by my aunt and we weren't having trouble.
5. A Used Sweetshirt Bearing My High School's Logo
Another aunt who was a yard sale junkie and proudly told me she got it at a yard sale after I opened it.
6. Tweety Bird Chia Pet
My Mother In Law gave this to me the second Christmas I was married to my husband.
7. Tweety Bird Slippers
MIL gave to me the first Christmas I was married to my husband. I loathe all cartoon character clothing.
8. Satin Hummingbird PJs from National Wildlife Federation
Given by, guess who?, MIL for my birthday about 4 years ago; they were made for the 80 year old in your life.
9. Rotten Hillbilly Teeth Pacifiers
Given for son's birth by MIL.
10. Maternity PJs
When I wasn't pregnant; given by MIL.
11. Rooster Deviled Egg Plate
Given as wedding shower gift by MIL.
12. Necklace with S pendant
Given for birthday by MIL; my name is Toni!
13. Red Boy Outfit
Received at my shower for my daughter (&, yes, we knew it was a girl)! Giver? MIL!

My in-laws do. not. like. me. Did you catch that?

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Thursday Thirteen: Things I Am Thankful For...

1.My husband.
Without RxMan I wouldn't have my two children. He is my best friend, my rock and my soft place to fall. I thank God each and every day for sending him to me.
2. My daughter.
I love this nearly eight year old for her intellect and rabid curiosity, as well as for having the sweetest of dispositions. She has endured so much and is an example to me of resilience and courage.
3. My son.
No one has ever loved me as much as this child does. Ever. Because of breastfeeding, he and I are bonded in a way that I never was with my little girl. I love his adventurous spirit and his stubbornness.
4. My home.
It is easy for me to take this for granted because I have never not had a warm, safe place to sleep at night.
5. Food.
Again, I have never not had food. In college, there were days when it consisted of mac and cheese or noodles but, still, food.
6. My family.
As irritating as they can be, I love my parents, brother and family and the extended group. I am blessed immensely to have a great group of people who come at a moment's notice if I need them.
7. Poopy Diapers.
Regular readers may recall the drama that surrounded my son's bowel movements. Thankfully, the troubles seem to have remedied themselves.
8. Sleep.
I am thankful for each and every hour of sleep I get. I have never been a good sleeper but I had forgotten how fleeting rest can be with a little one in the house.
9. Vick's VapoRub.
Magic, I say. Magic! For some reason, this odiferous ointment calms my son's asthmatic coughing and, for that, I am thankful.
10. Babysitters/Latchkey.
I'm that mom: the one who sends her kids to the sitter and latchkey for some peace. I don't do it often but I do do it. Thank God I have the means to do this!
11. Jack's Big Music Show.
A variety-type show on Noggin that can soothe my son when nothing else can. It also is a distraction when doing nebulizer treatments.
12. Blogging.
I am hooked, I admit it. I like to blog but I love reading the blogs of others. I get to live vicariously through your lives, get a chuckle or at least not feel so alone in this world of being a SAHM.
13. Friends.
Last but, of course, certainly not least I am thankful for my real life and bloggy friends!

Hoping you and yours have a blessed Thanksgiving! (Here's more Thursday Thirteen!)

Thursday Thirteen: Things Grown-Up Toni Would Tell Teenage Toni

1. Resist getting bangs!
They are so hard to grow out and once you get them, you'll never get rid of them. Resist!!

2. Don't drive so fast.
You're not a great driver; slow down. You're going to have a couple really, really bad accidents and if you go too fast, you could get badly hurt.

3. Don't be so quick to burn bridges.
I know that being a teenager is all about being impulsive but friends are hard to make as you get older and there is really something special about friends made in childhood (Holla, Suz!).

4. Don't be such a slacker.
Use high school as a time to learn how to study- or at least take notes and manage time. College will be much easier with these skills. It is hard to believe that you won't always be one of the smartest in a room, but it happens and college is all about studying and time management.

5. Take Home Ec.
You don't really get pregnant from the water in this classroom. This course will come in handy as you grow up to be a mediocre cook at best so you need all the help you can get!

6. Don't worry about not having boyfriends.
They don't get your wit and opinions but, just wait, in a few years, you will meet a MAN who will appreciate all of your quirks!

7. Treat Russ better.
This guy will be your first boyfriend. Don't treat him badly by making fun of him saying "I love you" and for being sweet to you. Besides the fact it makes you look terrible to your friends and classmates, it comes back to bite you in the, er, arse. See #8.

8. Don't get drunk and watch Tombstone with Russ.
This would be the biting in the arse mentioned in #7. Beer + alone + horny teens + revenge = broken heart for 19-year old Toni. Resist the urge to just get it over with; it is a special thing and should at least be remember without a Bud Light-induced fog around it.

9. Try and get along better with Grandma Dixie.
When she gets sick, you will be devastated and realize how important she really was. This one is hard because you are both so hotheaded but give it a shot. She won't be around forever.

10. Run for student council, try out for volleyball; think outside of your box!
Don't worry about losing so much; it seems like this is such an embarrassment but just trying is so much more rewarding than always wondering 'what if'.

11. Don't peg those pants.
It looks so bad and stupid. It is just not a good fashion decision; trust me.

12. Hairspray is not a fashion accessory.
I know in the late '80s and early '90s, big hair was still in at PHS but, seriously, it ain't pretty. Really. Not. Cool.

13. High school is only a blip on the radar once you leave.
It is hard to imagine but, once you graduate, all of the drama that defines high school seems so trivial and juvenile. Enjoy this carefree time because it is the end of childhood and the beginning of a pretty great life to come.

This tongue-in-cheek list was inspired by Brad Paisley's song "Letter to me", in which a letter is written to the younger version of the speaker's self. Want to join in on Thursday Thirteen?

So, what would you tell your teenage self?

Thursday Thirteen: Dear Santa, Part Deux

Her Highness has requested these thirteen items for Christmas (and many more!):

1. Barbie Gril
2. Barbie Fashion Fever Trend Freinds
3. Rescue Pets E-Pup
4. LiTTlest Pet Shops
5. High School Musical the Sownd Chrack
6. Apple iPod
7. Hannah Montana stage Playset
8. Bratz be Bratz.come mini ceyboard
9. Bratz the movie Funky fashion Mackover
10. a girl skaterborad
11. Ditigal vidoe camera with preveiw screen
12. hungry hungry hipos
13. Bratz big kids music stars boll

What is your Thursday Thirteen???