Wardrobe Infusion

Take a look at what I found the other day at Value Village.

I've written about Value Village. I don't usually like to shop there or donate there because their prices are high. $6.99 for a four-year old Gap t-shirt? I don't think so. However, they do have the best sale day of any local thrift store. Once a week, all clothes with a specific color tag are only $.99 each. On that day, I'm more than willing to see if I can find something to liven up my wardrobe.

I found jeans and a cute denim jacket by Jones New York. An Ann Taylor Loft striped dress shirt. A sweater and shirt by Hennes (an H&M brand). A jacket by Van Heusen. And that bright red square is a pareo for either pool lounging or dress up.

All for less than $8.00.

Keratosis

I heard from the dermatologist today. The spot on my back is a keratosis, which is not a skin cancer. It can, however, turn into one. Current plan to have it checked in about six weeks. We'll see then if it's wiser to remove it or keep watching it.

Whew!

I'm geting sucked into the school fundraising machine. I am a big fan of passive fundraisers, and am working to activate more of them for our school. I hate asking folks for money and I don't like being asked, so I strongly prefer fundraisers that ask only that I click a link before shopping online or clip a box-top.

Another bag full of donations

I went through the kids clothes with them the other day. The little one is quite fickle, and frequently decides she doesn't like items of clothing. I pulled a huge armful of clothes out based on her vetos. I may keep them around for a week or so in case she changes her mind--some of them are really cute. Then, out the door, cuteness be darned.

The big girl didn't have as many things she didn't like, though she did pass most of her dresses to the little one. The big one hardly ever wears dresses, despite loving them a year or so ago. Her choice, though, so why keep what she won't wear?

It's Friday!

Today, I took the kids to school and then went to see the dermatologist. I've been due for one of the body checks where they see if you have any odd moles or whatnot. But what drove me to make the appointment was an odd scabby thing on my back. Yes, seriously yuck. But it worried me.

The doc thinks it's a basal cell carcinoma. That's the not-so-bad type of skin cancer. He did a biopsy today and when we get the results it'll either be "keep an eye on it" or "let's remove it". It's not going to spread, it's not the scary kind. But still. Still.

The kids had a good week in school. I drove them to and from every day, since the bus is just not good this year. I'm lucky that I can do that, that I work from home, and that my sweetie is supportive.

In decluttering news, I found a few more items to toss into a donation bag. Yay me.

Back to Clutter

I've got two bags of donations ready to go. Just need to toss them in the car and drop them off today or tomorrow when I'm out and about. I prefer to donate to Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul, so it'll depend on what my other errands are whether they go today or tomorrow. But go they will!

Less Suckage

The little one had a really hard time this morning. Apparently, last week was the honeymoon. She didn't want to take the bus, didn't want the lunch I'd fixed her. And on and on.

We'll see what her mood is this afternoon.

A sucky morning

The suckage this morning was serious. And I am not turning into a "mommy blogger" I promise!

First, the little one had an argument with DH, which culminated in her getting angry (for no discernable reason) and mouthing off at him. He left for work, in a crappy mood.

Then, after I got the kids fed and the little one calmed down, the little one had another fit, this time about underwear. OK, got that settled, whew.

Out to the bus. We went out a few minutes early, just to give us a cushion. And we wait. And wait. And wait. Yes, it's garbage day and that can slow traffic a little bit. But not 20 minutes. The bus shouldn't be 20 minutes late. I made the judgment call to drive the kids (even though this was going to be my first day putting the kids on the bus and no other committments until time to pick them up--I was looking forward to this day!!). So, we go back home, the kids get in the car and just as I'm locking up the house, the bus comes. I did try to flag it down, but no luck.

Profanity ensued.

Back to the car, more profanity (I hate swearing in front of the kids and rarely do it, but man was I pissed). An easy quick drive to school. The kids would have been late had they gotten on that late bus, so it was the right call.

The little one didn't settle in well. I had to reassure her more than usual. But I did connect with the mom of a little girl she likes and we've got a tentative playdate set up. So, again, a good thing.

Set up a time to talk with the big one's teacher about math. That's a whole other issue I won't go into. Way too far off topic.

So here we are, it's 10:16 a.m. and I'm finally feeling less frustrated. Not yet relaxed. Still annoyed.

Someone, quick, make me laugh.

It's still strange

I put the kids on the bus again. The substitute driver was driving so I still haven't yet met their regular driver.

The little one dropped a bottle of salad dressing and it stained my new jeans. I am royally pissed and hoping I can get the stain out. It's soaking with stain remover now...

And, one of my contact lenses cracked this morning. I'm wearing my glasses and have to keep moving my head up and down to see properly. I am very nearsighted and chose small lenses to keep them light. Well, that means a small area of clear vision. Still waiting for the eye doc to call me back.

Even Stranger

I just put both my children on the school bus.

What a strange week

Another school day tomorrow. I've been driving the kids there and back, since the buses are always crazy and late the first week while they work out the kinks in the schedule.

The kids have both settled in well and are having a good time so far. The little one is really enjoying kindergarten; the big one has complained about how different things are with her new teacher, but I like her teacher and I think it'll be fine.

Back to school tomorrow

Tomorrow, the kids start school. The little one is heading off to kindergarten, the big one to third grade.

Summer has slipped by so quickly. We had a relaxed summer, the kids attended a couple of day camps, and the little one got chicken pox.

Dump Run

I got a brilliant idea in the shower, where all good ideas descend upon one's wet brain. A dump run! Take away the old appliances and the pile-O-junk that's been ripening in the garage since the Spring.

We usually go to a city dump (aka "transfer station") but it's usually hell on a Saturday. So, after a little research, we learned that about another local dump, not closer but easier to get to, would take the appliances for recycling at a cost to us of $10 each. The whole family had to come along, since Sweetie needed my help to get that enormous range out of the truck. Took both of us, a ramp and levers to get it in! And the place was empty, so no waiting. Our new dump of choice!

After we got home, we loaded the truck again with the pile-O-junk, including the old kitchen sink and some 8' flourescent bulbs.

Sweetie is happy, since he can park in the garage again.