3 Bedroom Bungalow to Let in Crazytown

Dear So and So...Still No Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Dear Jim The Boiler Man,

I know you had to order a part, but I am freezing. If we don't have this sorted out by tomorrow I am coming to your house to hang out. Please inform your wife of the following dietary restrictions.... No really, sort it out.

I Can't Feel The Tip Of My Nose, Kat

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Dear Weight Watchers,

I'm sorry but cake makes me feel better when I am cold. Plus, I need the blubber to retain heat.

Looking Forward To A Gain, Kat

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Dear Little Tiny Village that I Live Next To,

We're getting a sushi restaurant! Now don't go getting too big for your britches, remember we only have a Londis, tanning salon, kebab shop, seamstress, hair dresser, used car lot and dog groomers in town. We're not the big time yet.

Bubble Burster, Kat

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Dear Hubby,

Thank you for reenforcing the reasons I love you. When you came in the house today and declared that it was too cold inside to even eat and then declared that tomorrow we WILL eat at the pub my heart went pitter patter a bit.

Who Says Marriages Lose Their Spark, Kat

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Dear Children of Mine,

You guys have been amazingly cool about the fact that we have no heat in the house (other than space heaters in the bedrooms). I can't believe I haven't heard a million complaints, but you have been troopers. Thank you for not being divas.

Love, Mom

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Dear Readers,

I hope you have a great weekend. Don't run with scissors, don't drink and drive, don't pull your sisters hair, quit staring at your brother, sticks are not guns, don't make that face it will stick and I swear if you don't use your inside voice I am coming back there and everyone will regret it.

Don't forget to link up!

Love ya mean it, Kat

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The Earring That Wasn't

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:02:00 +0000

KiKi got her ears pierced yesterday. She didn't flinch. She didn't cry. She was an angel. I was completely impressed.

LaLa on the other hand is walking around with one earring today.

My friend came over last night. She is a qualified beautician who also does ear piercing. She has pierced all my friends children's ears. I knew, just knew, that she could work her magic on my two and put to rest all the begging for having pierced ears.

KiKi went first. Acted like getting her ears pierced was as mundane as getting her hair washed. LaLa sat in the chair, got her ears sanitized, had her ears marked and then backed out. No big deal. On the way up to the corner store to get my friend the money I owed her for the earrings, LaLa decided that she did want them pierced after all. I of course asked, "Are you sure?" The response being "Yep."

So, I told my friend and she said "Do you think we could just do it in the car?" Mind you the ear was already sanitized and it has literally been five minutes since we had left my house. I figured well, it's no less sanitary than my kitchen, hell why not. So I agreed. I went into the shop to use the cash point and by the time I got back one earring was in place. As my friend went to do the second earring LaLa did what LaLa does best and completely lost her stuff. Lost it everywhere. It went from a quick job to looking like we were doing some sort of back alley surgery right out front of the Londis. People were starting to stare.

So, I looked at my friend and said, do you think we can carry this on at your Mum's house around the corner. So we got into our respective cars and met up at her parents house. After 30 minutes of cajoling, bribery (we were up to 2 chocolates, ice cream, new earrings and $5 to spend on base), we still couldn't get her to calm down enough to get the second earring placed. So, she's walking around today with one earring and feeling quite sheepish because she admitted that it didn't really hurt but the noise of the earring gun had scared her.

Next attempt for the second earring is scheduled for tomorrow. Oy Vey.

No Heat Once Again..

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:05:00 +0000

You know you have been a really bad blogger when your Granny calls to ask why you haven't blogged in a week. That was the phone call I had on Friday, seriously people, I don't make these things up they just happen. I thought about writing Saturday since it was miserable outside, but went to an indoor soft playground with my kids and husband instead (obnoxiously loud, but the best chicken bacon sandwiches in town). Then Sunday, I was going to post a picture and realized I hadn't taken any photos all week. So much for 365 project, eh?

During all this I was dealing with the hell of having no heat in my house. In fact, I still don't have any heat in my house. "Kat!", you say, "didn't your heat go out last year?" Why yes, it did young padawan. In fact, this is the third time that my heating has gone out. In fact, I am on a first name basis with my boiler repair man, Jim*. I had high hopes for Jim tonight as he took the front off my boiler. Probably just a small fix I thought. Then the next thing I knew, Jim had the guts of my entire boiler laid out in my laundry room. Cue my worried face. Jim grunted and made exasperated sighs for a good forty five minutes before he let me have the news. No heat tonight. No heat tomorrow. *IF* he could get the part, maybe heat the next day, but he thinks we should just put a whole new boiler in.

This is where I was swearing inside my head. A lot.

He left my house, still freezing, and went down to my landlady's house. About an hour later I got a call. The landlady has tomorrow off from work, so she is going to sort out having three quotes done on new boilers. So, MAYBE I will have heat by the end of the week. No, hurry folks I just have two children and a husband who is worse than a toddler when he is cold and miserable.

Well, at least I am getting a new boiler.

*Jim is pretty awesome. He is a man of very few words. He is all rough and grumbly looking and at first I half expected him to hit my kids with a stick when they buzzed about him like flies. But he didn't and in fact sat there and talked to LaLa for a bit when she showed interest in his tools. I suspect he has grandkids.

Silent Sunday/366

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Dear So and So...(I couldn't think of a title so I am leaving this bit blank-ish)

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Dear Cosmic Complaints Department of The World,

So, I sent out a question on the FaceBook asking where I could hire new house elves and apparently it is now impossible. Someone suggested asking Santa about his elves in the off season of the North Pole, but then someone else said it wasn't allowed because of 'elf and safety. Bureaucracy everywhere! Another suggested I look into pixies or faeries. I just want to know how to get my bloomin house clean with little to no effort on my part. Response needed quickly,

Thanks in Advance, Kat

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Dear Gingerbread Rogers,

When you look at me with those pleading kitten eyes I melt, but if you don't quit trying to eat my food while I am still eating it I might be forced to take drastic measures. Bad Kitteh!!!

Love, The Woman Who Would Like To Enjoy Her Cereal In Peace

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Dear KiKi,

I am so proud of you! Dry bed for two weeks! Keep it up!

Love, Mom

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Dear Song Stuck in My Head,

First of all, Moves like Jagger is getting really annoying at this point. I actually can't stand the dang song. I just keep singing MooooOOOOooooOOOOooves like Jagger over and over and over again like a broken recored. I don't even know any other part of the song in my head. Second of all, I am sure that NObody wants to hear me sing it. I sound a bit like a tone deaf whale. I assume.

Warbling Away, Kat

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Dear Winter,

I see that you have now arrived. Thank goodness, I was starting to think it was actually just November!

Seasonally Confused, Kat

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Dear Hubby,

I still think it is absolutely hysterical that when I have more than 3 female friends in the house at once that you go hide in the bedroom. They really don't bite. I promise.

Love Your Wife, Kat

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Dear Readers,

Sorry about last week if you wrote letters. I honestly just forgot what day it was. Not an excuse really but, hey ho, that how things go sometimes. If you have letters this week, please link up.

Love Ya Mean It, Kat

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The Moment I Realized I Wear Granny Panties- Sorry Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:47:00 +0000

A couple days ago I got dressed in the dark. It was in the morning and after a shower, my room however was dark because I have blackout curtains and my husband was still sleeping so I didn't want to wake him up. Leaving the room I was completely presentable; jeans, nice top...socks that match. I thought to myself, pretty good for literally getting dressed in the dark.

I went about my business for the day- a few errands, lots of shows of tv that I had recorded, ya know the usual things.

Then I went to the loo. I looked down and gasped. I wasn't wearing my own underpants. In fact, I didn't know who's underpants I was wearing.

Definitely female.

Multi-colored.

Now...who could have had an opportunity to leave their pants at my house....

HOLY CRAP! I was wearing my Mom's underpants.

And this was the moment I realized that my underwear is in fact equatable to granny panties, because until the moment I saw them, I had no idea they weren't my pants.

I guess it is a good thing my husband isn't looking at my pants as much as he tries to get in them.

Silent Sunday/366

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:19:00 +0000

Living in The Fens

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Right now the wind is whipping at about 45 mph outside my house and there is nothing to stop it. My curtains are blowing in the breeze and my windows are shut. I don't know if that says more about the quality of the windows in this house or the force of the wind! There aren't many trees where I live because the land used to be covered with water. So there isn't anything to naturally block the wind when it decides to whip up. And it does. Frequently.

You see, up until the 1600's the whole area was a swampland. Then some Duke decided that he would rather have the swampland turned into farmland and brought in the Dutch. The Dutch, being the master of all that is water related control, somehow managed to drain the swamps and with a system of ditches and pump (from what I can gather). The ditches I know about because I drive next to them daily. They are about 10-15 feet deep and usually filled about a quarter of the way up with water. Kinda scary when they are about 10 feet off to the side of a 60mph road. You don't want to wreck around here.

However, aside from the wind and the scary ditches there are so many cool things about living around here. There are farms everywhere with fresh produce. I have even gotten free potatoes once because a tractor dropped about half a load and the farmer decided that it would be too much trouble to pick them up. They just put out a sign that said "courtesy of the Sedge Fen farmers". Best potatoes I have ever had in my life. There is also fact that we are only 15 min away from Ely, a town full of history and a convenient train station to London; and only 30 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, which has great shopping. It is also really quiet. I know most of my neighbors.

I guess it just really fits my style of living....I just wish my curtains weren't blowing when my windows are closed.

Post Holidays Hangover

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:47:00 +0000

So, I am sitting here this morning trying to write a post about how excited I am about my kids going back to school, but I couldn't. It was utter crap. I mean, it was really really truly and honestly one of the most boring and mundane things I think I have ever written. It was so bad that I highlighted the whole thing and hit delete. Honestly, I won't torture you like that. Mostly it was crap because as much as I like having my kids in school and I hate the mess that they create when they are home, I was actually a little reluctant to make them go back to school today.

I will wait while you pick your jaws up off the ground.

I know! Me, the person who insists that their children NEED to be in school for their own good and well-being as well as my own, felt a bit sad sending her children back to school. This holiday season was just so...perfect. My parents and brother were in town, my husband was in town, my kids didn't fight any more than well a few times a day-ish, and the weather up until a couple of days ago was completely gorgeous. I was truly sad to see this holiday season end. My kids going back to school was just the nail in the holiday coffin.

So, today, I will pack up the last of the Christmas cheer and slide it all back up into the loft. I will with gusto embrace the New Year. I will do all of this, right after I get rid of this Post Holiday Emotional Hangover...

My brother, Andy, post present unwrapping on Christmas Day.

(cause I feel a bit like this!)

New Year, New Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

The holidays are now done and dusted. The Christmas tree has been disassembled, dragged though my house (dropping nearly every needle on the floor on the way out the door) and chopped up for firewood; nearly all the wrapping paper and toy boxes (my GOD getting into a Barbie is like breaking into Fort Knox) have been taken to the recycling center; and things are getting slowly back to normal.

I really enjoyed my Christmas season this year. My parents and brother came to England to spend time with us. It was the first Christmas in three years that we were all together as a family and it was really special. We spent Christmas Eve at Ely Cathedral which was magical. The singing was phenomenal and the pomp and circumstance could only probably be rivaled by High Mass at the Vatican. This was followed by the flurry of endless amounts of paper being ripped off of presents on Christmas morning by the girls (95% of what was under the tree was for them)(yes, they are THAT spoiled).

Now that we are back nearly into the swing of a normal schedule I am starting to look forward to the new (and some not so new) challenges that I have set for myself. These aren't resolutions per se, but things that I have set out to accomplish this year. I have once again decided to focus on my health and will be attending my weekly WeightWatchers meetings again starting tomorrow. I have also taken a keen interest in learning how to better use my camera. I have had my DSLR since before I moved to England, but have rarely taken it out of the auto setting. To help me with this, I am doing the 365 project. One photo a day for 365 days. Simples. I am also determined to finish my book. Slowly and steady wins the race, eh? In between this I also have PTA, bible study and I have started a home based jewelry business. If you want something done, ask a busy person right?

I guess I better get cracking on this year! Happy New Year everyone!

Energy Responsibility and Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Sponsored Post

I am constantly having to go behind my children and turn off the lights. They don't know where energy comes from or even have a vague idea of it's cost. They just know that I am constantly complaining about them leaving the lights on when they leave a room. I have tried to explain that when we use our lights, computers, television or anything else that requires electricity, that mommy and daddy have to pay money. This of course baffles them, especially KiKi, because as a very "wired" family we are constantly using energy it seems with little care.

We are however very conscious when the bill appears in the post. Of course the children never see that bit.

My oldest daughter, LaLa, however has become a bit more conscious about the effects of energy use now that she is a bit older. They have an eco-team at their school and the team is constantly sharing new ways to be a little more green with the school. LaLa has taken on board many of the lessons that she has learned through the eco-team and brought them home to share with the family. We are now very good at recycling and reusing items. She has also learned that energy is not just a infinite resource and has started inquiring more and more about ways to save energy as a way to be more environmentally friendly.

There is a new way to monitor energy consumption in the home that British Gas is now offering their customers called Smart Meters. In case you have never heard of a Smart Meter, they are meters that are inside the home that actually show you your energy consumption in real time. They also show you how much you are spending for your energy. I think the concept of these meters are fabulous. No more guessing about what your bill will be; how awesome is that? Also, you can show your children by looking at the Smart Meter how much energy you are using when certain appliances. I love the idea of having a visual aid to teach a child about the importance of energy conservation, not only for the good of the Earth, but for the good of my pocketbook.

I think my kids would find a Smart Meter as a learning tool fascinating. LaLa especially would love it because she is very into science and how things work. I could see her doing experiments to see what the energy consumption levels would be with certain appliances turned off and on. I would love it because my constant complaints about how much energy they are wasting would be then visually enforced. That is being a Smart Mum.

Kinda like Roto-rooter (or Dyno Rod)

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I rarely go to the doctor. Mostly because I don't have time to be sick. So when it comes to "wellness checks" and such, those usually get forgotten about for years. However, this year I was forced to go to get my wellness checks due to my overwhelming desire not to have any more children. This baby factory is closed. I have been on the Mirena coil for the last 5 years and it has been wonderful (no this isn't a sponsored post or a review..well I guess it is a bit of a review if you count the fact that YAY no babies while I was on it!) However, it had reached the end of it's shelf life and I had to go to the doctor to discuss my birth control options. Joy of joy I just love taking about my girlie bits with strangers /sarcasm (and yet I don't mind writing about it...).

I am not actually writing this because of my decision of what to do about my birth control situation but because I actually had fun at my doctors appointments. You see, my regular doctor was out of town (aka. probably deployed) so I got pawned off to a civilian woman doctor and her gorgeous sidekick (her enlisted tech).

At my first visit I got called back to the exam room by Airman Gorgeous (that's what we're calling him now in our head) and he checked my personal information to make sure that I was the right patient. We kinda were joking and then he said "you would be surprised at the number of times we have called last names and then realized that we had the wrong person with the same last name" which is probably inappropriate to tell your patient as you're heading back to the exam room, but hey-ho. So when we get there he asks why I am there. Birth control. Yadda yadda. And then he proceeds to tell me all about his wife's birth control. At this point in my head I am dying laughing because I am pretty sure his wife would KILL him for divulging this kind of information to a stranger/patient. Then my doctor arrives. I was expecting a British doctor because most of the civilian doctors I have ran across on base have been British, but she was American. As we began talking I also realized that she must have been on of the authors of The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook as well. As we discussed my options she would name off all the side effects and complications. In my head I was wondering if she just wanted me to go with the au naturel method of conception, but then she just said "well, if it's not broke, don't fix it". So, she decided to replace the coil I had.

Fast forward a week. She told me I have a gorgeous cervix (why thank you!). And surprised me with a smear test (bugger!). Mind you I have absolutely no dignity now that I have had two children, so her feeling up my boobs for a cancer screen and being spread eagle for the work that needed to be done "down there" didn't bother me a bit. However I found it hysterical that she and I managed to have a half hour long conversation about my kids and some of the funny things that they have done, all whilst she would occasionally tell me to prepare myself for something to hurt. Best smear test I have ever had. At the end of the visit I didn't know if I should shake her hand, hug her or ask her to buy me dinner first next time.

Awkward.

My Blogger Resumé (we don't say CV around here)

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

This has taken me FOREVER to get around too. You see, I have too many pictures. I however really wanted a Blogger Calendar from Cybermummy, so I have complied.

My blogging inspiration is obviously my children and our relocation to England. This picture was taken the spring after we moved here. I just love the way they are holding hands and actually for once getting along. *sigh*

This blog was actually conceived in my living room while I was living in Missouri in July of 2008. I had just found out that we were moving to England for my husband's job (US Air Force) and I was completely excited. The name comes from when I was searching for houses. I loved the fact that one story houses were called bungalows. It was something that was completely different from the USA.

My blog has morphed so much through the years. At first it was about the anticipation of the move, then it was the classic fish out of water story, now it is about my life here where I am comfortable. I love living here and I think that shows in my blog. I have had the most amazing experience living and blogging in the UK. I have made some of the most amazing blogging pals here (and non blogging friends as well) and I can't imagine my life had this whole experience not happened. Quite dull I assume.

As a blogger here in the UK I have had some amazing experiences. I have worked with some amazing brands including Nokia and Argos. I have been to two CyberMummy conferences, which were so much fun that it should be NEARLY illegal. I have met some of my closest blogging friends including Jay, Tara, Michelle, NFAH, Nickie and Amy. I have made a gazillion other friends that I haven't met YET. I have also walked out of a blogging conference session...which we won't name but we will...cause she totally deserved it *cough*.

Overall it has been a barrel of laughs and I wouldn't change a thing. OK, so maybe I might have made the effort to go to a few more events, but overall, it has been a blast. Most of all it has been real. Real fun. Real friends. Real experiences.

Dear So and So...In a Hurry

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:40:00 +0000

Dear Snow,

You are not allowed to fall until after the 22nd. If Heathrow is closed on the 22nd I am going to be really really angry! Just keep the white stuff on hold until after then. I don't care if my parents get stuck here, but I would care if they didn't get here, understand?

Pleading, Kat

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Dear Gingerbread Rogers,

I don't know why you stink for a full 15 minutes after you use your cat tray, but oh my goodness, you're killin me. New rule, no cuddling after poops.

Your Human Mom, Kat

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Dear Newly Hired Christmas House Elves,

Get to work!!

*shakes fist*, Kat

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Dear Spawn of Mine,

This Christmas season we are going to have FUN. We will not ARGUE. We will not kick, hit, call names, exclude, make fun of, or taunt one another. You will follow the rules and you will LIKE it dangit!

Love, Mom

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Dear Readers,

If you have your own letters please feel free to link up. This will be the last Dear So and So of the year. I am taking next week off because my parents will (no snow willing) be in town. See you in January!!

Love, Kat

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The Circus, Acrobats and Musings

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

This is a guest post written by my friend, Jo, otherwise known as Slummy Single Mummy. I met Jo two years ago at CyberMummy and immediately developed a blog crush on her. Also, she's not slummy, at all. She does however have the ability (with the help of other mums released from their child rearing cages) to make a 19 year old boy turn as red as a beet in front of his mother and girlfriend. That was a good time... So make Jo feel welcome at the Bungalow and go check out her blog when you have the chance!

This week we went to watch some circus cabaret. It was fairly low key – no elephants juggling chainsaws or anything – but very enjoyable nonetheless.

It got me thinking though.

As I watched a beautifully graceful young girl dangling 30 feet in the air from a piece of silk, my first emotion was jealousy. ‘It’s not fair,’ I thought to myself, ‘why don’t I look like that? Why can’t I even do the monkey bars in the park and yet she can hang upside down from a piece of cloth by one foot?’

I had to stop myself then, and switch out of my ‘bitter, chubby, 30-something’ mode. She wasn’t born able to do it after all. She has practiced and practiced, determined to succeed. I could do it too if I wanted it badly enough and wasn’t so easily led astray by Jaffa Cakes. It’s true that most people probably wouldn’t want to see me in a leotard, but that’s not the point. Potentially, I could be an acrobat. Fact.

Potentially, we could be an awful lot of things couldn’t we?

The idea of all of this potential is something I find hugely uplifting, and it’s normally a good indicator for me of my underlying mood. Being able to see the potential in things, in an individual opportunity or in life generally, is what positivity and happiness is all about for me. When I'm finding it hard to be inspired and struggling to imagine the future, I know I need to take some time out to recharge my batteries. When I feel my mind wandering though, thinking up ideas, spotting new avenues to explore, it gives me a particular kind of energy and excitement that makes me feel really alive. It’s that sense of freedom, of ‘I can do anything I want!’

Of course most of the time I don’t actually know what it is that I do want, but that doesn’t matter, because that’s part of the fun isn't it?

Children's Christmas Party- Air Force Style

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:07:00 +0000

"All the fun starts at 2pm- don't be late!" is what the invitation to the squadron children's Christmas party said. So my husband and I made threats and barked orders, somehow managing to get the girls to the hanger where the party was starting with five minutes to spare. We were then ushered outside onto the flight line. You could see the confusion on even the parents faces. All I could think was, "Damn it's cold outside, this better be good!"

We were standing out on the stark runway for a few minutes before the thumping of helicopter rotors could be heard approaching. Of course I then in my headheard Arnold Schwarzenegger in my head yell "Get to the choppa!!" like in The Predator.

My mind work in a weird way people.

When the helicopter swung around we saw this...

What the what? Is that? Noooooo.

It was.

I guess his sleigh was in for repairs......

My kids of course at this point were going completely insanely bonkers. "DID YOU SEE THAT?!?!?!" LaLa screamed at me over the beating of the chopper blades.

"I sure did, kiddo!"

I sure did.

Silent Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 10:45:00 +0000

Dear So and So...I Really Should Expect This By Now

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Dear Alarm Clock Mobile Phone,

Your snooze button and dismiss button are entirely too close together. Needless to say I over slept by a good 45 min.

Once Again Running Late, Kat

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Dear Children,

Getting ready in 20 minutes was wonderful. We weren't even late to school!

Love, Mom/Mum (whichever you feel like calling me at this point)

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Dear School Secretary,

Thanks for just letting the children go to their classrooms without making me sign them in tardy. We *just* missed their lines going to the classrooms by a fraction of a minute. Technically not late!

Thank, Kat (The crazy disheveled PTA mom)

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Dear Slowest Driver in Suffolk,

You didn't exactly help my cause of getting the children to school on time now did you?

Just Pointing Out the Obvious, Kat

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Dear Readers,

If you have your own letters this week, please link up. Have a wonderful cheery weekend.

Love, Kat

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Have A Little Patience

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:41:00 +0000

I know that we live in an instant gratification culture where everything has to be done NOW and we want everything to happen FASTER, but does it have to happen at the expense of manners? Lately, I have noticed a gigantic lack of manners in the pursuit of expedience. I know that when you are in a hurry sometimes one can forget a please or thank you, but it has gone past these minor oversights lately in my dealings with the general public.

One of my biggest complaints is when you call to an office and the person who is answering the phone tries to immediately pawn you off to another department, cutting off what you are saying before you have finished explaining the situation. This happened to me the other day when I called to make a doctors appointment. I needed a referral from my GP. The lady at the front desk of the Family Practice Clinic immediately tried to transfer me to another office even though I knew that I needed to speak to her first (I did my research). Immediately I had to stop her before she hit the button to transfer me. "Wait, wait, wait I need a referral from *MY* doctor before that clinic will even see me." Of course, then she was very terse with me. You know, because I made her do her job correctly. Yes, I am the one with no manners. Right.

Then, today on the way home from church I stopped at the store to pick up some milk so I wouldn't have to have a tea-less afternoon, and witnessed the most egregious impatient and thoughtless behavior that I have been privy to lately. In fact this behavior was not only impatient but dangerous, all in the name of expedience. I had circled the small car park outside the store a couple of times, and because it was lunch time there were no spaces, so I kept circling hoping one would open up. I spotted a man walking to his car and stopped mine and put on my indicator so that everyone behind me would know that I intended to take his spot. I sat and waited for him to start his car and back out. Instead of waiting behind me, the impatient person in the car behind me pulled around me to go past and was nearly hit by the guy backing out of the parking space. What an idiot. Obviously waiting a minute for this car to back up and for me to pull into the parking space was going to take ENTIRELY too much of his ever important time. Of course, I then threw up my hands in disgust and gave him the evil eye- as one does.

I don't know if it is the stress of the holidays making people act like they were raised in a barn or if it is just a sign of the times, but I really don't like it at all. So, when you are doing your job, or out in public, take a minute and think about the consequences of your actions or lack thereof. In short, don't be an asshole.

Night Crazies

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:17:00 +0000

I am by nature a night owl. I can easily stay up until 1 or 2 in in the morning without even thinking about it. However, lately I have been absolutely drained by about 10pm. Last night I was in bed by 10.30, which if you ever asked any of my friends is completely out of character. It's just not something I do. Now I know why. The night crazies.

Normally I use the term night crazies to refer to the time of the night when my cats go completely insane and have bursts of energy at completely inappropriate times; like at 3am when everyone else in the house is trying to sleep. Now, however, I have realized that I get the night crazies as well, only mine only involves bursts of energy to my brain.

It goes a bit like this: Did I lock the door? Yes. *snuggle into bed* Why is he breathing so loud? It's like he has an air compressor in his body...I guess that would be his lungs. We should probably get two more tires but on the car soon (this ties into the air compressor) so we don't have to worry about the MOT next year. I need to call the financial guy tomorrow after church. Did I have homework for Bible study? No, it's just a video this week. Crap I forgot to return the films back to the rental place. I can do that and check the mail after church THEN call financial guy. Dang he is snoring loudly- The Man, not financial guy. Well if I am going to be on base I should probably go get a few things for dinner tomorrow. What should we have...chicken? Just had chicken yesterday. Spaghetti tonight....hmmmm....I really want chicken though. Ok, so need chicken and veggies. And milk. And coffee. Boy I am glad I didn't drink any coffee this evening or I would never get to sleep. Not that I am sleeping now. I wonder what the kitten is doing. "Ginger..where are you" *Ginger jumps on the bed* *Ginger attacks feet under the covers* "OK go away Ginge" *puts Ginger back on the floor* *Ginger hops back on the bed and attacks feet again* "I said Go away" *puts cat back on the floor* *Lays back down* Why I ever thought a kitten was a good idea I will never know... Because they are lovely and fun and want to play all the time. *Kitten jumps back on the bed attacks feet* *Puts the cat back on the floor* I should have never called her. She was probably sleeping which is what I need to be doing. What time is it? 11? Eh, it's early.

And my brain keeps going like this for HOURS.

Favorite Christmas Song

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

I was sorta tagged by Tara for this one but I asked for it and loved every minute of it!

I guess it all started when I was a kid but to me it isn't Christmas until I hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing Joy To the World. It was on a CD that my Mom had when I was growing up. We used to decorate the our Chirstmas tree each year and this song was the first one on the CD. So, I give you the song that makes it feel like Chistmas to me....

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

I tag everyone who sees this!!! (am evil)

Silent Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Dear So and So...Oh shhh....ugar

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:40:00 +0000

Dear Kid on the Bus,

The next time my child even speaks your name about something mean you have done I am going to call your mother and tell her exactly what I think. Quit being a bully. Understand?

Momma Bear, Kat

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Dear Christmas Fayre at School,

I hope you are exciting and fun for the children. We have really worked our butts off this year getting ready for you and it has been time consuming and exhausting. No offense, but I can't wait until you are over this afternoon!

Regards, Kat

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Dear Cupcakes,

Can you bake yourselves? I have 50 million things to do today before the fayre and you being the most time consuming...*sigh*

Exhausted, Kat

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Dear Cars,

Alright, I have spent ridiculous amounts of money this year to get you MOT'd. Next year could you please just pass the dang inspection so I don't have to be broke at Christmastime again?

*Shakes empty purse*, Kat

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Dear Gingerbread Rogers,

Next time when the dog barks and I am holding you, the correct response is to ignore it, not freak out and run with your claws out. My hands just might have lasting scars because of this.

Love Your Understanding New Human Mom, Kat

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Dear Readers,

I hope you all have wonderful weekends. If you have a letter, please link up!

Love, Kat

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Gingerbread Rogers

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:59:00 +0000

My husband should know better than to try to resist the cute. Fact is, if LaLa wants something and it isn't too much of a big deal, LaLa is pretty much going to get it. In fact, if The Man hadn't given in on her first try, I bet he would have given in the next day. Well, LaLa wanted a kitten for her birthday so guess what LaLa got yesterday?

Meet the newest member of the bungalow family, Gingerbread Rogers. Ginger for short. We don't want to be pretentious. She is an orange little ball of fluff and looks remarkably similar to Sam Ninja Kitty. *matching kitties squeeeee!!!!* The difference is Sam Ninja Kitty is about 10 pounds heavier than Ginger.

Sam Ninja Kitty is NOT amused

Also, Sam Kitty is completely not happy about her infringing on his cuddles. He spent the better part of yesterday moaning at her and avoiding her at all costs. He also gave me the cold shoulder because I am the one who brought the interloper into the house. She on the other hand spent the day roaming around the house, discovering Nemo's fish bowl, avoiding the curious dog, hiding from the overly enthusiastic children and trying to be Sam Kitty's best friend. I think she is a fan of immersion therapy. I am sure it will work. Eventually.

It's Official

noreply@blogger.com (Kat) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:46:00 +0000

The official email has landed in The Man's inbox. We are staying in the UK until 2015. Ok- don't get all excited at once now! Please hold your applause. OK, never mind, applaud away! I am so completely excited. Firstly, I get to stay near my crew. And by crew I don't mean some sort of middle aged street gang, I mean my local girls who have become like family. Secondly, I don't have to uproot my kids. This is such a bonus. My kids have thrived in their small village school. I really can not tell you how much this school means to me. (A bit sappy?) Thirdly? Thrice? Yeah, number three, we get to stay abroad! Exploring. Learning. Experiencing. How cool is that?

Also? LaLa just sweet talked her dad into a new kitten. (I think I am almost as excited about that as I am about staying here in the UK!)