Impatiently waiting to read this!! I've been "next" on the library's hold list for 2 weeks now!!! Whoever is ahead of me better finish up or give up.

Out with the old, in with the new!!

I know the title is a little cliche but in this case its absolutely accurate, mostly.  I mean, I have the same old husband and comfy Gap sweats but pretty much everything else has changed. Except the kids. They are the same but different too.  Anyway...

Lots of big changes going on here.  New house, new pets, new computer -- with none of my passwords saved from the old so that's been fun-- Basically a whole new chapter in my life, and coincidentally in my novel but its only one so lets not run out to buy it just yet :)

There is a neighbor's house in there somewhere, I think. lol

Lets start with the house. We went from a big house with no land to a smaller house with some acres around it.  When I say no land, it literally took 5 minutes to mow the front yard and the back was barely big enough for a swing set. And the neighbors were so close that I could open a window and reach out to very nearly touch their houses. On both sides. Not fun. Now it takes hubby about 3 hours to mow, of course that's his problem since I play dumb when it comes to the mower, and I can't even see the neighbors. I know there are some because I hear their dogs' and one of the kids has an annoying airhorn he likes to get out and blow every now and then but..at least they aren't looking into my kids bedroom windows! (and that's all I can say about that - lawyers orders, lol)  As far as room for a swing set goes, who needs one? Now there's room for a trampoline, pool, and volleyball.  And these are all far enough away from the fire pit that I can relax and barely hear the kids screaming at each other.

Trees for the little monkeys to climb

Moving on, sadly all of our pets we had as a young family have moved into the big farm in the sky. So we have added some new pets to fill up our farm here.  Two dogs, just puppies really,who need almost as much attention as the kids. Three rabbits, one for each daughter for easter  - original I know, but not my idea. Thirty-six chickens, because there was already a barn so why not fill it, oh and with the egg shortage they just might prove useful. And if that isn't enough, 5 ducks.  Because there is a pond so we have to have ducks, right? Of course they won't go in the water but we're working on that.

The water-shy ducks

My favorite hen, a silver-lace wyandotte named Tom

We also put in a nice big garden full of good growing green stuff .And red, yellow, purple and white stuff too! There are also some fruit trees, apples and peaches, and flower gardens. Deer wander through my yard on a daily basis and there are frogs and turtles in the pond.  I din't anticipate that I would love being in the country this much. I grew up in a small village, walking distance to everything. Constant noise and people everywhere. But the peace and quiet out here is amazing. Till the kids get home from school anyway.

the garden

Waaaaay over there is the pond

Life sucks...then your dad dies

I'm pretty sure nobody reads this blog anymore but I need to vent anyway.  This has been a horrible year for me.  Maybe a few of you have noticed I haven't been tweeting much or blogging at all.  Life has just been sucky. Most recently I received horrible news regarding my father. About a month ago I was told he had a bad sinus infection.  Then it was that the antibiotics for the sinus infection did a number on his stomach. Now, all of a sudden, he has fast growing, small-cell cancer...everywhere. He was admitted to a local hospital earlier today. He was never accused of being father of the year, having cheated on my mother after 30 years of marriage and marrying the biggest cunt in the universe but he's still my dad. We're hoping for the best but waiting for the worst. This comes on the heels of trying to work out my own marriage after my husband cheated on me and losing my job last Friday after my employer decided we just weren't making enough money to stay afloat. Needless to say it has been a shitty couple of months. Sorry for the rant.

Just needed some pretty :)

Banned Book Week

In honor of banned book week, which is now upon us again, I want to know your thoughts about banned or challenged books.

Are there any books you think should be banned in schools? Or should parents be given the right to decide what is appropriate for their kids?

Have you read books from "the list" just to see what all the fuss is about? Did it seem warranted?

If you could remove just one book from the list permanently, what would it be and why?

Here

is a link to the ala website which has lists, yes plural, of banned or challenged books. Take a look. If you've never taken the time to see all the books that have been banned and challenged, you may very well be surprised.




Thoughts? Leave a comment.

Reetie

Good TV??

It seems like every tv show I have enjoyed watching for the last few seasons is over. Whether over for good or simply till the next season is a distinction I don't care to make.

I'll start with Sunday.
True blood - who knows when Hbo will have the next season. Next summer?
Entourage - over :(
Falling skies - is there going to be another season next summer?

Monday
House - since when do fall premieres happen in October?
Rizzoli & isles - new epis in nov? What's that all about??

Tuesday
Nothing at all - no I DON'T watch Glee. And i don't plan to start so don't even suggest it.

Wednesday
Melissa & Joey - don't judge me. Joey Lawrence rules! - over for now
Rescue Me - gone for good :(
Law & Order SVU - not happening without Chris Meloni. The rest of the cast blows.

Thursday
Bones - Soon? Although the main characters screwing and adding a kid to the show is usually the kiss of death, no? we shall see.
Burn Notice - done for now

Friday
Blue Bloods - YAY! Season premiere this week. Sorry NKOTB fans but these days I like Donnie Wahlberg much better as an actor than as a 45 yr old member of a boy band. ;)

With all the odd seasons and shows ending, let me know what you miss the most? Until then, I think I'll use my new found free time for more reading, or blogging, or something else who knows?

1st Day of School

Well, tomorrow is finally the first day of School for my kids. Thanks to Irene it's a week later than scheduled. I'm not complaining. That would just be ignorant of me considering what others have had to endure from that bitch. All I can say is that if school hadn't started soon, my house would have been a disaster zone. My girls are soooo tired of each other.

I am excited for the two older ones to get back into a routine. However, I don't know if I'm quite ready for my
Littlest to go. She's only going to preschool but it is in the elem. School building. The BIG school. It's hard to believe it's already her turn to go. I'm going to be a mess tomorrow. It won't be pretty.

The Joys of Daycare, from a Teacher's Perspective

The Joys of Daycare, From a Teacher's Perspective

Some of you may know where I work, most of you don't. I work in a daycare. In the toddler room of a daycare to be specific. Otherwise know as the baby demon room. The daycare is in a sleepy little town in upstate NY. It's name isn't important. No matter where it is, all the children are the same. Children everywhere are the same. They hit, pinch, kick, slap, spit, throw, and my personal favorite, bite. This is especially prevalent with my kids, who are mostly preverbal because they are so young. Under 3 to be exact. Not a meal goes by without spills, coughing on each other's food, grabbing each other's food, knocking the kid next to you off their chair, kicking under the table, etc. You've all seen these kids, if not bred them yourselves. The word of the week seems to be "why?" although they don't care about the answer. I suppose it is a step above "No" but not really any better.
If you hadn't guessed it yet, the title was a bit sarcastic. There are no real joys. At least not until the kids get a little bit older. Our older kids are so much better behaved. Of course there's one or two kids who get out of control from time to time, but nothing like my little demons. I have one little darling in particular who really gets under my skin. And not just with her teeth and fingernails. She's a biter and a slapper. And she likes to throw her shoes at me. She's alot of fun. Potty training has been alot of fun with her. Every time I try to put a diaper on her she slaps my face and pulls whatever hair she can get her fat little fingers around. Like I said, demon. You know what makes it worse? Mom denies that she acts like that at home. Flat out denies it. HELLO!! I'VE SEEN IT OUTSIDE OF WORK!! YOU'RE NOT FOOLING ANYONE! I can understand her embarrassment though. If she was my kid, I'd be mortified with her behavior. She's very fake. Can't stand it.

Now on the other hand, I have a kid who told me his shoes were "fucking wet" the other day. His words not mine. His mother apologized(when she finished laughing) for being who she is and talking like that in front of him. Completely not fake. Please parents, if you are going to be a potty mouth in front of your kids (God knows I am) tell them not to repeat it outside the house!! My kids know better than to repeat anything I say, teach yours! lol

Oh well. I guess that's enough ranting for now. Suffice it to say that I hate my job, although I am grateful to have one at all in my tiny little town. and on a happier note... 70 DAYS TO GO!!! and maybe I can talk my sister into going at midnight this time. Except she's Team Jacob, so maybe I won't. ;0

Boredom...

I am so incredibly bored I don't even know what to do with myself. My kids are with their grandmother for a couple of days. So I get home from work, hubby is sleeping on the couch and the kids are gone. Great! I try to settle in for a little tweeting and glue checking-in only to find out that none of my gadgets are picking up any internet or wifi signals...from anywhere. It's like someone dropped a signal blocker on my roof last night. I got nothing. So I proceed to pack up my laptop and ipod and head to the library. Where there is absolutely nothing going on. And there is more noise than at my house. WTF?? Does nobody know the meaning of the word library anymore? Here's a clue...it's italian for SHUT THE F*CK UP!! Not really but you get my meaning. And I think I hear the creepy janitor from my job here. EEEEEWWW!!!! and by creepy, I mean stay the f*ck away from me you dirty (literally and figuratively) old man. Anyway, the upside to my noisy library visit is that I got an email that Passion by Lauren Kate is waiting for me on the hold shelf. Soo excited to start reading it. Sadly, I will make myself wait until I finish what I'm already reading. And I planned on cleaning up little girlies messy rooms while they are gone and there is nothing on tv tonight. Unless there is a Twilight movie on a Showtime channel, and there usually is. So no reading will get done. :( Hmm.



Just because I love to look at him ;0

Apologies

I am a horrible blogger! I hadn't realized that it has been over 6 months since my last post, and that itself was simply a cut and paste job, I have to admit. Then, looking at the date, I realized that about 2 weeks after that last post, I started a new job. Instant excuse! But now that I've had 7 months to come up with something exciting/funny/witty or just plain interesting to blog about, I've got nothing. Absolutely nothing. But I'll complain about everything anyway!

The job sucks. It's in daycare so I really wouldn't expect it to be fabulous. 5 years in college to get a masters degree...and being grossly underpaid to play with a room full of toddlers. Sucks, like I said.

My kids are getting big. I can tell this by the way they completely ignore me. At least they go back to school in a month. Their teachers they usually listen to. They are good kids though. When they leave the house. Everyone says that's what matters, but it would be nice if they were little angels at home too!

My only saving grace has been my new iPod touch. I suppose that is another reason I've "ignored" my blog. I can check all my favorite sites ("There's an app for that!") without ever opening my laptop and seeing the little orange "B" in my toolbar to remind me that it exists. Although I'm sure that if I look hard enough, I can find an app for Blogger too. I've just been too busy listening to David Cook to even look for it.

I guess that's enough ranting for now. None of you care anyway :) Gonna watch The Town tonight. Was it good?

Laters! Catch ya on Twitter and GetGlue!

Brighten a Soldier's Day

When filling out your Christmas cards this year, take a card & send to this address:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20307-5001

Feel free to post this on your pages and statuses. If we pass this on & everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

Back to the Blog!

As you can see, those of you who have visited before, I decided to change my header. It's a little big but imo you can't get too much David Cook. So a new pic for a new year. And yes, I realize it isn't quite a new year yet, but it has been over a year since I posted a new blog. *hanging head in shame*

I forgot my password and got a new computer and couldn't get in. Since it took me a couple of weeks to set up my page and gadgets the way I wanted them, I didn't feel like starting over. So A Little Bit of Everything sat in the land of unused, unread, unvisited blogs. I'm sure I'm not the only one to do it.

So that's what I've been up to. Not much. How about you? Drop me a comment, chat with me on Twitter, or friend me on Goodreads or GetGlue. See ya!

Halloween

So, Halloween wasn't so fun this year. We waited and waited for the rain to stop and left the house as soon as it did. It was pouring again by the end of the block. I tried to persuade a trip home to try it again in a little while but by that point, the 2yr old had it all figured out already. "Lauren, why don't we go home for a little bit and come back out when the rain stops?"
"I need to say twick or tweet and get more tandy. No home."

So we were out for 2 hours in the rain, which never really stopped. They had umbrellas but couldn't manage to hold the umbrella and the candy. You can guess what won. They were all wet but the candy bags were full!

At least hubby went out and got pizza while we were gone.






"Oh, you're so cute! Are you Dorothy?"
"No. I'm Lauren"
Everytime.


Her wings were droopy by the time we got home but she was adorable when we left


I'm not sure why SuperGirl is "Fighting the power" but that's what she did anytime someone said SuperGirl.

Oh Beautiful Day!

So yesterday was a beautiful day outside. The sun was shining, the rain stopped, there was a chill in the air but it wasn't cold. It may very well have been the last nice day we have. So I took the little girlie and her best friend bear that goes everywhere out to show them the colors of fall in NY. Of course all she wanted to do was play in the wet leaves but that's allowed, she's 2. I took some photos to share with you of some trees and stuff around my neighborhood. I hope they brighten up your gloomy, dark, yucky NY day today! :)









This is a duck that lives in a pond up the road. There used to be a pair but we haven't seen the male all summer. :(



These are the last 2 flowers blooming in my garden. also :(



So that's what fall looks like in my neighboorhood. Pretty in the sun, sucky in the rain.

"Daddy"

So I finally went to Walmart in search of my People New Moon special edition--you know the one everybody else in the world bought 2 weeks ago? Hubby thought he was being funny by telling me he didn't see one anywhere, not that he would have even known what he was looking for.

Of course I made him wait while I hunted through the magazine aisle. I finally found one behind some other teen-targeted mags. Is that the one copy you hid? sorry--bring your money with you next time! Then I made him walk around the store with me hugging it like it was a child. He kept mumbling about putting it down, but no thanks! Why, so you can throw some frozen food on top of it? He knows me well enough to know that would have led to a trip to another store to find a copy. So he dealt with it.

And when he got mad, all I had to do was open to a pic of Rob and ask our 2yrold, "who's that?' to which she replied "Daddy!" every time. unprompted. she's da bomb! The cashier especially thought it was funny. he deserved it after handing it to her and saying "here. My wife is making me buy her this. There is something wrong with her, I guess"

In the end he did try to redeem himself. When we got to the door to leave, it had started to rain so he tucked it in his jacket to keep it safe for me - or to hug Kristen. Either way it got home safe and dry. Now I must hide it from little miss cheeto fingers or "daddy" will have orange spots all over him!

Real Life Sucks

So my modem died so I have no internet. My phone co. is sending a new one-in 7-10 days. WTF are they sending it by Pony Express?? so I am online at my local library - for now - 30 min limit and the hours suck-they close at 5 most days. Damn small town. So I will check back when I can. If there is any amazing news in RobTown or re New Moon, pleas send me the link in an @ reply on twitter or post the link as a comment on this page and I will check it when I can. I miss you already! See ya in 7-10 days --unless Real Life kills me first!--RandomReetie

My thoughts on the New Moon Soundtrack

I'd like to start by telling you stright up that I was not really a big fan of any of the bands on the CD, apart from Alexandre Desplat. But being a good fan and with all the hype, I thought I should give it a listen. I'm not usually a big fan of soundtracks unless I've seen the movie first. I admit, I saw Twilight before I heard the soundtrack and actually like most of it. Even though I can't say I was a fan of any of the bands beforehand.


Some of them I had heard before and heard of before and others were completely new to me. Which is fine. I love to find great new music. I went into listening the first time with no expectations other than "OOOhhhh, the soundtrack will be awesome. These bands are great." and blah blah blah. We all read the bits and pieces about who would be included and that it was going to be "amazing." And I have the iTunes version so you'll get my thoughts on the bonus tracks as well.



I was sadly disappointed. There is one song I love, a couple I like, and a couple I have already removed from my ipod because I just can't listen to them again. I realize I am probably in the minority here and that's why I waited and gave it a couple extra listens before writing this post. I didn't want to be hasty and have an angry mob on my hands! lol And I should tell you, the lyrics may be the most beautiful ever written, but if doesn't have a good track behind them, I will fast forward. I do not pretend to know where these songs will be in the finished product. Scene placement my help. Or not. We will have to wait and see. Please don't hurt me, its just my opinion :)


The link after each song will take you to that band's Yahoo! Music page.


1. Meet Me on the Equinox - Death Cab for Cutie
This is the only track I heard before the release. I tried to really like it. For me, it's okay but not my favorite. It's got a pretty good beat so it's still on the ipod.
----------------
Now playing: Death Cab For Cutie - Meet Me On The Equinox
via FoxyTunes


2. Friends - Band of Skulls
Never heard of these guys but this song I really like. It's got a catchy little beat.
----------------
Now playing: Band Of Skulls - Friends
via FoxyTunes


3. Hearing Damage - Thom Yorke
This was a song I was looking forward to after all the hype. Again, I was not impressed. It's alright but nothing great.
----------------
Now playing: Thom Yorke - Hearing Damage
via FoxyTunes


4. Possibility - Lykke Li
This reminds me of a song by Jewel. Make that a CD by Jewel. It's alright. I could see it growing on me since I already like it more than I did on first listen.
----------------
Now playing: Lykke Li - Possibility
via FoxyTunes


5. White Demon Love Song - The Killers
This is another song that I really like. I don't know a lot of songs by the Killers but I'm glad this one is included.
----------------
Now playing: The Killers - A White Demon Love Song
via FoxyTunes


6.Satellite Heart - Anya Marina
This song is alright, but it also reminds me of Jewel. I don't see it growing on me. It really kind of annoys me.
----------------
Now playing: Anya Marina - Satellite Heart
via FoxyTunes


7. I Belong to You - Muse
Again, another song we were supposed to fall in love with. Sorry. I definitely hear the potential of it growing on me but right now, it's just alright for me.
----------------
Now playing: Muse - I Belong to You
via FoxyTunes


8. Roslyn - Bon Iver & St. Vincent
This is one of the songs I had to remove from the ipod already. Something about it just makes me really not like it.
----------------
Now playing: Bon Iver & St. Vincent - Roslyn
via FoxyTunes


9. Done All Wrong - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Never heard of these guys but I kinda like this song. Are you seeing a pattern? I am.
----------------
Now playing: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Done All Wrong
via FoxyTunes


10. Monsters - Hurricane Bells
It's a pretty good song. Pretty upbeat track for all the gloominess of the story, but like I said, I don't presume to know how these will be used so..
----------------
Now playing: Hurricane Bells - Monsters
via FoxyTunes


11. The Violet Hour - Sea Wolf
This is one of my favorites, again by someone unknown to me. A fun song that doesn't put me to sleep like some of the others.
----------------
Now playing: Sea Wolf - The Violet Hour
via FoxyTunes


12. Shooting the Moon - OK Go
It's a pretty good song. I like it a little more each time I hear it.
----------------
Now playing: OK Go - Shooting The Moon
via FoxyTunes


13. Slow Life - Grizzly Bear
Just doesn't do it for me. At all. Really kind of annoys me. May have to get booted from the ipod.
----------------
Now playing: Grizzly Bear - Slow Life
via FoxyTunes


14. No Sound but the Wind - Editors
I really hate this guys voice. It may be a beautiful song if someone else was singing but I can't get past the first 2 lines. GONE.
----------------
Now playing: Editors - No Sound But The Wind
via FoxyTunes


15. The Meadow - Alexandre Desplat
What can I say? Beautiful. I am sooo looking forward to the score, which I will be buying on hard copy, not iTunes. I love what he did on The Painted Veil and The Girl with the Pearl Earring scores and so I expect this to be amazing and beautiful music.
----------------
Now playing: Alexandre Desplat - New Moon (The Meadow)
via FoxyTunes


Bonus Tracks
16. Solar Midnite - Lupe Fiasco
I'm not usually a fan of Lupe Fiasco, and this song isn't going to change that. It's just not a favorite.
----------------
Now playing: Lupe Fiasco - Solar Midnite
via FoxyTunes


17. All I Believe In - The Magic Numbers & Amadou & Mariam
I can see where this guys voice would annoy, but I really kinda like this song. Nice and mellow.
----------------
Now playing: The Magic Numbers & Amadou & Mariam - All I Believe In
via FoxyTunes



As I said, I like finding great new music. Unfortunately, for me, most of this soundtrack just isn't that. Breaking it down like this it seems like the only songs I did like were by bands that I had not ever heard of. I had no expectations. The "big name" acts did nothing for me. Too much hype? maybe. Let me know if anybody agrees -or if you think I should maybe give YOUR favorite song another listen (Except Editors--I just can't listen to him again :) )

My Freebie 5

For those of you who don't know me yet, I figure letting you in on my Freebie 5 list is a pretty good icebreaker :)

For anybody who doesn't know what a "Freebie 5" list is, it is the 5 "approved" people that you can break your relationship/wedding vows to get with, without repercussions. Of course to say they are "approved" well...my hubby doesn't approve but let me just tell you, if any of these guys came knocking on my door--he's just have to deal with it. (as I send him out the back door with the kids). And of course he does not get to have his own list. He knows the rules~ "Feel free to sleep around-just don't bother coming home when you're done" I know that seems like a mean double standard but thats just too bad for him. So, on with the hottness...

1. David Cook

I love David Cook. I think he has the most amazing voice. (Maybe afterward you could sing me to sleep, just like you do on my ipod?) My sister just doesn't see it. She voted for Archie. TRAITOR!! There is just something about him that makes me want to be a crazy stalker. As much as I hate to admit it, in his presence I would probably just turn into one of those screaming fangirls we all hate. Sorry. There are just no words. Yum is all I got :) I know this is an old pic but it is still my favorite. I could stare into those eyes forever...and ever...and ever...you get the point.

2. Jason Statham

Handsome Rob. That's where it started for me. The accent, the body. I don't even know what to say. Except, I saw Crank 2 the other nite. Dude, please make better movies in the future! Handsome Rob, Frank the Transporter, the guy in Death Race (sorry didn't catch your name). But Please no more Chev Chelios!!

3. Mark Wahlberg

I've been hooked since he called himself "Marky Mark" and modeled for CK. He was hot then and he's hot now. I know, I know, happily married, blah blah blah...don't care. My sister and I actually agree on this. Maybe she's not adopted after all, just weird!

Seriously, look at those arms. mmm

Now I'm torn. Only 2 spaces left and at least 4 more guys cum to mind (well, 2 actually came to mind, the other 2 never really leave..) hmmm

4. David Boreanaz

I can't say that I'm a fan from way back because I never watched Buffy or Angel. I hated the Buffy movie so I never gave the show a fair chance. All I knew was that he was "that hot vampire" but didn't pay much attention. If the internet had been around that might be a different story but anyway.. Sure, I'd love a beer, thanks!

I dare you to find another guy that can pull off that color shirt :)


I realize there are some of you out there who are sweating bullets that a certain young Englishman has yet to be named. Have no fear! Rob is here!



5. Rob Pattinson

He may be the last on the list but he's certainly not the least (c'mon, you know you looked at those pics like a million times) I have to admit though, not just any Rob will do. Robeard is not acceptable. There. I said it. Hate me if you will. That's not to say that he has to be all clean-shaven Robward. Scruffy is fine. Scruffy is acceptable. Grizzly Adams is not. And lets just say that the sister must be adopted because I have yet been unable to convert her.




So there you have it. A little glimpse into the random. Let me know what you think and who is on yours!



I would love to source all these pics, but I plucked them all off my harddrive and honestly cannot remember where each one is from. Most can probably be found on photobucket.

staytuned: next time I'll tell you the 5 guys I wouldn't let in my front door, let alone touch them. Till then ~~RR :)

My 1st New Post

Just me, Random Reetie. As some of you know (very few of you :( ) this isn't my first blog. I was using wordpress but they really started to annoy me so I stopped writing anything for awhile. Then I decided to jump ship. And here is where I landed! Any of you that know me from Twitter know of my obsession with this british guy with funny hair. haha. But this won't be a blog dedicated to any one person or thing. just me. I have added some links already and certainly plan to add more. I'm still trying to get the layout and gadgets right so be patient with me! (pretty please, with Rob on top) Any tips or suggestions are welcome and may or may not be considered (hehe). I won't promise daily updates on anything but check back from time to time and see what's up, okay?