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Sear’s Repairmen and Golfish

After the week that I'd had, I decided to rise to the occasion on Saturday and make it a great one. I was hoping the repairman would come early so that I could accomplish my mounds of laundry. I was ready for my day! I'd made an omelet for the bowler, a waffle sandwich for the karate boy and was working on turkey bacon for the others.

We managed to get them where they needed to be in the morning and came back to tackle the house. The three little ones and I would clean, clean, clean and have fun doing it We dusted, we vacuumed, we straightened shoes, we mopped.

And of course, there was drama. Chicken Noodle Butt has been on a roll of tantrums whenever he's asked to do something. Not hard things, just normal things; like taking a shower, picking up your toys, putting your plate in the sink…you know, normal things. And while this was going on, Mr. Goldfish had been found floating around on his side. Then upside down. With his little mouth trying to suck up air. The Drama Queen was sobbing uncontrollably because *this was the first pet that she'd ever had that she didn't have to share that was dying." Now understand that we've had hamsters, rats, fish, frogs, lizards, snakes, birds and dogs. The only thing that is remaining today is the snake and the dogs! (Ok, we had to give the birds away because the dog wanted to eat them, but still! And no, they didn't all die, some we shared with others, but still!) And we were crying over a goldfish??? I was nice and I held her and told her how sorry I was. I asked hubby to take her out of the house with him when he left so I could flush it down the toilet give it a proper burial. Meanwhile, little Goldie was still trying to decide whether he wanted to float or swim.

And then, the repairman calls to let me know he's on his way. I ask if he's got the rubber seal. He doesn't know what I'm talking about. No, the nice lady from Friday didn't put it in the notes. I tell him what is needed, he states he'll get it and I'll have my washing machine today. I do have serious doubts, especially after my last Sear's fiasco, but I am determined to stay positive! He comes on over, with the part needed and we discuss the washing machine. We talk about previous fiascoes with the washer and repairmen and my growing dislike of this particular machine. He guarantees me that he will be able to fix it and fix it correctly the first time.I almost believe him. I'm elated when he tells me it's fixed and I can do laundry! I'm so happy, I can do anything! I can put up with temper tantrums and dead goldfish because I can wash clothes again. Wow, this was easy. I can't believe it! Life is good again in the Vivas household!

I manage to get a load in and even sit for a whole 30 minutes! The kids are happy playing outside now, the goldfish has decided to live after all, and it's not so bad.

For about 30 minutes.

We head out to run an errand and do what we need to do while the clothes wash. I get back and start cleaning again, and ask the Smart One to please put the clothes in the dryer, then put the jeans from the other day back in the washer so that they can be rinsed out properly. He wonders if the reason why he was itching the other day was due to soap in his jeans, I say it might be. I finally finish and head downstairs to relax.

And I walk into the garage.

And there is water every where.

But I need to get ready for church, so I guess there's a part three to this saga.

Other Sear's Fiascoes:

Appliances and Repairmen

A New Day

Sear's Repairmen & Goldfish

Sear's Repairmen & Goldfish, Part 2

DMV

Sear's Part 3

A New Day

I'm glad today is a new day, because quite frankly, yesterday needed to be over!

It started out with my brain not quite working, so at 6 am, I was filling out paperwork for my kids to turn into their school. Only, I did it wrong. Thank goodness there was another one; only it was in Spanish. That's OK, because I just filled it in anyway. I just hope I don't get a letter in Spanish that I don't understand in response!

I had an appointment yesterday morning, but somehow I ended up running later than usual. I hate to be late to anything; ever. And it wasn't so much that I was late for the appointment, just later than I wanted to be, because I had more paperwork to fill out.

Only I grabbed the wrong paperwork to take with me.

This is the first part where I tell you how much I love my hubby. Because I could call him and tell him what I forgot and he faxed it over right away. This is also where things like faxes and cell phones come in handy!

My appointment wasn't that great either, although I was told that I looked exactly just like I did 15 years ago. Why thank you for trying to make me feel good; although I KNOW that isn't true! This was followed by, "Have you started having any menopause symptoms yet?" And then I got words like, "too complicated" and "specialist" and that was enough for me.

So I headed out of the appointment feeling sorry for myself and decided to drive to the DMV because since I am getting older I have to go in person and get a new license. I have one week left to do this. I thought, "Hey, I'll try it." Yeah, right! Does not being able to even make it driving through the parking lot give you a clue? So, I decided I'll head out early one day next week to get it and headed home; because by now it was after noon and I still hadn't had breakfast!

When I got home though, I took one look at hubby and burst into tears. "I hate words like complicated!" Yah. It's been one of those days. I headed downstairs to make me something to eat only to get sidetracked by something else that needed to be taken care of. Before I knew it, B-boo was calling me to pick her up. Hubby had offered, but I could tell by the tone of her voice that her day hadn't been much better than mine, so I decided I'd better get her and we'd go run an errand together.  (I didn't think hubby should have to deal with both of us!)

We made it through her *lesson at the bank* while I listened to her cry and whine talk about her day only to drive past Sonic…and happy hour. It's amazing what peach tea, strawberry limeade and mozzarella sticks will do for the soul!

And so, the day went on; just those little things that annoy you, kwim?

But the topper was late last night. Hubby came in and suggested that I just go to bed. This while I am filling out yet more paperwork for our college student.

"Why?"

"Well, you probably just shouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning."

Honestly, these are words I really didn't want to hear.

"Why do I want to go to bed now?"

"Well, your washing machine is broke. Somehow the jeans got caught in the rubber seal and spun. The rubber seal is broke, the tub is offline and the jeans are all twisted and soapy."

This is bad, folks, very bad. Some of you may remember reading my post about Appliances and Repairmen last spring. Nobody should have to live through that kind of trauma!

This is the second part where I tell you how much I love my hubby.

First, I called my son and told him that I'd fill out the rest in the morning. Next, my sweet, loving husband volunteered to look up the number for Sears Repair. (I've permanently erased it from my mind!)

I woke up this morning to fresh, hot coffee and a notebook not only with the number, but also all of the information that is needed for the nice lady that answers the phone. Ah…today should be a better day, right?

BTW-I called the number. It took two tries and a repeat of information, but they finally agreed to send the nice repairman out sometime tomorrow. I tried to be helpful and asked her to please put it somewhere in the notes that a new rubber seal is a must.

She said that she can't guarantee that they will bring a rubber seal with them because they don't carry things like that on their repair vans.

I said, "Well, that's why I am asking you to put it on your notes, so that they'll know to bring one."

Her reply, "Well, they have to order things like that and then come back out again."

"Can you please just put it in your notes anyway? Because I really need to use my washing machine."

"Yes, Ma'm, it is in the notes. But they'll have to order the part."

Obviously, there'll be a part 2 to this blog. Stay tuned………..

Other Sear's Fiascoes:

Appliances and Repairmen

A New Day

Sear's Repairmen & Goldfish

Sear's Repairmen & Goldfish, Part 2

DMV

Sear's Part 3

Christmas Memories

I wasn't sure what this Christmas would hold for my family. It's been a tough year all around, so focusing on the true meaning of Christmas is what has kept me going. And I'll have to admit, this is probably one of the best Christmas's I can remember. Would you like to know why?

My older brother showed up. This may not seem huge; but in the past 9 years, we have seen him all of three times! My kids were thrilled that he came! When B-boo found out, she came running down the stairs screaming, "Uncle Mando is coming, Uncle Mando is coming!"

As if that wasn't enough; my parents showed up. I always know they'll show up, but this year, there were health issues involved and it seemed like it may not happen. Then, while taking a break from shopping, I called to check on her. And she was happy. I told B-boo, "Grandma and Grandpa are here." She asked how I knew and I replied, "She's not crying anymore."

My husband's whole family is also here now. This means that the cousins that adore each other get to spend their Christmas together. It just doesn't get any better than spending the best part of the year with those that you love.

And there was cookie baking. Lots of it.

And then there was the little things.

Like the jacket that I knew B-boo wanted so bad. For weeks I would stop by the store to see if they still had it and if it had gone down in price. They still had it, but it was still too expensive. So I waited. And waited. And finally, when I could wait no more, Mom and I went to get it. It was gone. I was almost in tears. And then Grandma found it; on the clearance rack, marked down only an hour before. 80% marked off!

And in return? Poor B-boo had been dragged all over town with me for well over a year looking for the perfect sheets for my bed. It had to be dark purple, California king sheets. Impossible to find! I finally found a store that carries them, only they were sold out. And yet…

…there they were on Christmas morning; from B-boo. She had found them. And I slept like a baby last night, on my new sheets! I almost cried, that she would do that for her mom.

There was the origami calendar for the Smart One. He loved it! (We should really change his name to Mr. Paper!)

There was the clothes for the Talented One; and the ability to find ones that he loved at the price we could afford!

There were homemade picture frames, pj's and cheese and Yankee candles that I love!

And so much more that I could go on about; like the precious friends that have overwhelmed us with their blessings of goodies and candles and generosity.

There was the brisket from my hubby; my brother will probably never be the same again! (That and the fact that he had his first ever In & Out burger!)

There was the gift from my brother. He bought my kids a Wii! We thought that the Drama Queen would jump through the ceiling she was so excited. She just kept jumping higher and higher screaming, "We got a Wii, we got a Wii!"

And there was Grandpa playing Wii tennis; and hitting his grandchildren in the head with the remote and the laughter that came with it!

And the teenagers explaining to hubby how to play…and which buttons to push, and why he did it wrong…and why we need Wii fit.

Because our arms are sore, but the rest of our bodies aren't.

And there's the slumber parties…and us not knowing which child is staying or going or who's house their going to! 

And my beloved son telling me I look like Madame Blueberry in my new purple pajamas. (Yes, my favorite color is purple.)

But I forgave him, because he did this.

These are the things that made my Christmas.

Quotable Quotes #4

This morning I had the nightmare privilege of standing in a rather long line at the local state office. It was packed and the line was well, REALLY long. People were frustrated, children were crying and attitudes were short. I just wanted to make my way through the line without getting stepped on or pushed too much.

And then, the following conversation took place between two 3 year olds; one a girl and one a boy. It continued on even after I left, but the funniest part went something like this:

Little girl sings "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" really loud.

Boy, "I can sing that, too."

Girl, "My mom says I'm cute."

Boy, "My dad says I'm awesome."

Girl, "My mom says I'm the best."

I giggle.

Boy, "I can jump."

Girl, "I can jump higher."

I giggle again.

Girl, "Have two dogs. I have poodles."

Boy, "I have a really big dog, Shadow."

I'm laughing out loud now.

Girl, "I have a baby." (She was holding a doll.)

Boy, "I have a real baby. He's David. Do you want him?" (His baby brother was sitting next to him.)

Girl just sort of looks at him. I am hysterical now, as well as the rest of the waiting room. Then, she replies,

"I can jump higher!"

And they started all over again. They were still trying to out do each other when I finally left. But hey, it was entertaining!

Quotable Quotes #3

Conversation with Chicken Noodle Butt, age 5

Me: "Is it just me, or is it freezing in here?"

Him: "It's just you; but I'm warm, so you should cuddle with me!"

Conversation with the Smart One, age 12

Him: "I can say, "HI" in ten different languages."

Me: "Really?"

Him: "Hi, in ten different languages." Then he smiles and says, "I'm a genius! I should be in college already!"

By the way, I think it should be noted that I'm actually home. I haven't been here for several days. As a matter of fact, I don't think I'll be home again until next Monday except to sleep. So I'm taking advantage of the fact that I have a couple of hours (aside from picking up kids from school) and I'm going to play on the computer.

Maybe.