U-Pack Made our Move Easy and Affordable

We used U-Pack to move cross country. We packed everything ourselves, but we were able to take our time doing it. I actually liked having control over how things were packed. I may have teeny, little control issues, but I didn't want a bunch of strangers coming in my house and packing up all my belongings. But I wasn't about to try to drive a moving truck to Florida by myself (and really, that wouldn't have worked in my case anyway since I have six kids that wouldn't have fit in a truck cab). ABF U-Pack Moving drove the truck to Florida and parked in my driveway. I had several days to unload the truck and move things into my house at my pace. It was ideal. And the best part is that U-Pack is super-affordable! When I compared their prices to other moving companies, I couldn't believe the difference.

If you're moving, check out their website for a price quote. Even if you don't use them, their site is full of helpful information about moving so take a look!

Every time I called U-Pack, there was a really friendly, helpful person on the other end. They helped me to estimate just how much space I'd need to move all of our belongings and they were right on! When I first tried to figure it out on my own, I had estimated that I'd need one and a half 28 foot trailers. I was wrong. They helped me to figure out that I'd only need 24-28 feet and that's exactly what I used. They know what they're talking about!

All our belongings made it from Illinois to Florida unscathed. The price was reasonable. The folks at U-Pack were very helpful. I was absolutely pleased and if I ever move again (Oh God, please no), I'll use U-Pack again.

Here's little video of our move that I made. :)

*I was compensated by U-Pack in exchange for advertising*

Snoaking in the Local Stores

I went to a store called Old Time Pottery yesterday. They don’t have those in Chicagoland so I was excited to check it out. It’s a cool store. Kinda like Frank’s Nursery and Crafts meets Michael’s, meets Bed, Bath & Beyond meets a flea market. It’s got some neat decorations for good prices. I got a few decorating ideas while perusing the aisles.

Among all the great finds, a few real gems really stood out. For example, there was this one . . .


Awww, what a sweet sentiment. Happiness often snoaks in a door, wait a minute. Snoaks? Does that say snoaks? Maybe I’m looking at it wrong. Blink blink. Nope, it says snoaks all right. Huh, how ’bout that? Snoaks. I may have to go back and buy this, and hang it in my bathroom just as a conversation piece.

This sign reads, “Think safe!  Please ask for assistance to reach merchandise on the top shelves.” Of course, you have to stand on your head to read the sign which is, in itself, a safety issue, I should think.

Here we  have a cross made from horseshoes. Only in the south. Jesus loves all the little horses too.

Here’s a happy little pig. Oh, he really is happy. I think. I’m not sure. Is that his tail? As Savannah, my friend, Matt, and I were scrutinizing the pig, a saleswoman came over and gushed, “Isn’t he cute?!” I thought she might have been using sarcasm, but I honestly wasn’t sure. I didn’t want to laugh and say, “Oh yeah! What kind of freak would buy this?!” Maybe she was serious. Maybe she really thought the pig was cute. Maybe she has one on her kitchen table or nightstand. I just gave her a little nod and a half-smile and walked away quickly before she pointed out any other finds.

I’m not sure if this frog is doing push-ups or posing for a Victoria’s Secret layout. But more importantly, I’m really not sure why anyone would buy this. And where would they put it?

Come on, birds. Come on in. Nothing to worry about here. Just a friendly little bird house. A birdhouse that isn’t going to eat you at all.

Coudt your blessings. And be thankful that you’re blessed with the ability to spell the word “count”.

Are they fruit? Are they animals?

They’re both! And not only that, but they’re banks as well! Now, you tell me, who couldn’t use a banana bird bank?

I can’t wait to go back and see what other treasures I can fine!

Sunday Sound Out

From Orlando, where the devil goes to warm up, it's your host, the woman who single-handedly drove six kids across the country in two days and didn't even have the urge to kill anyone, Dawn Damalas Meehan!

I haven't updated for a while because I haven't had an Internet connection. I signed up for cable and Internet, but they won't be able to install it until the 20th. I tried to explain who I was and how important it was for me to have a link to all my readers, but the guy just looked at me like I was some sort of freak. Is it possible that random people in Florida don't know who I am?! I'll have to set them straight!

Picking up where I left off - we left our Chicago home last Tuesday and stayed in Tennessee Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning, we got up and started driving, originally planning to stay somewhere in Alabama for the night, and arrive in Florida on Thursday. As I started driving, however, I changed my mind and decided I could make it all the way on Wednesday. The kids were awesome for the entire, long, two day trip, traffic was light except in Atlanta which doesn't make any sense to me because the highway has 15 lanes there, and we drove through around 3:00 in the afternoon!

That day, we stopped at Chick-fil-A for lunch. The winner of a signed book for that stop is - Karen from Menopause Diaries!

Then we stopped at a gas station in Georgia where there was a jar of pickled eggs on the counter. That winner is - MommyMer

The last stop of the day was at a gas station in Florida. The winner of a signed book for that stop is - Queenie662!

And just because I love my readers (and because my trip was cut short by my need to make it to Florida in two days in order to save the cost of another hotel stay), I'll pick two more winners. They are - Shelomita and Korinthia

Congrats! Email me at Dawn@DawnMeehan.com with your mailing address so I can get your books out to you! :)

Now here are the answers to your questions from this week.

How do the kids like the house?

They love it! For most of us, it just feels like we're on vacation though. I'm not sure when it will sink in that we're here to stay.

Did you get everything unpacked?

Yes and no. I used U-Pack to move. Their prices were great and I had control over how everything got packed. The kids and I (with the help of my friend, Eric) packed the truck ourselves. ABF U-Pack drove it down to Florida and we unloaded it (more on that to come). So, the truck is empty, but I still have some boxes sitting around my house. Not too many though. I can't stand the house in disarray. It makes me crazy that things aren't all nice and neat yet. I know, I know, patience, young jedi.

Did I read that Eric moved with you?

No, Eric didn't move with us, but I did fly him down to help us unpack. It was cheaper than hiring movers to unload the truck, plus he was able to fix some things and help me out while he was here. AND, he left me his MiFi card so I could have Internet access until the guys come out to install it later this month! And we got to hang out which is always good. I took him to the airport today and the kids are saying that they already miss him. I think I may have to compile a fixit list and instead of hiring a handyman, have Eric come out for a visit now and then.

How did you move so far away from family and friends?

I'm not thinking about that part. It's too hard.

How are Clay and Brooklyn now?

They're fine! Well, they're fever-free. I'm not sure about fine though. Clay was just running around the house like a dinosaur, trying to bite people . . .

Have you made any friends yet?

Well, not yet, but I've pretty much been stuck in the house, unpacking and cleaning. I was going to be friends with the fridge delivery guys, but then they put a hole in my wall so I changed my mind. (They're fixing the wall this week.)

And that's it for this week's edition of SSO. Tune in tomorrow when Dawn answers the question of just who on earth would buy this decoration.

Moving On - Day One

We said goodbye to our house; the only home my kids have ever known. It was strange leaving. I wasn't overwhelmed with sadness like I thought I would be, especially after lying awake last night with a churning stomach full of nerves. I almost felt like we were just leaving for vacation. I think I shoved the knowledge that we wouldn't be returning to the back of my head so I wouldn't have to think about it. There were a few tears when we prayed, thanking God for this new opportunity, asking Him to help ease the sadness for us and our loved ones, and asking Him to watch over us on our journey. Then we pulled out of the driveway for the last time.

We left about 9:15 this morning. I ran a couple errands first, but we got on the road toward Florida by 10:00. We drove to Lebanon, IN where we stopped for a potty/stretch break. The winner of a signed book from that stop is -

C Barnes

Then we drove on to Louisvile, KY, where we stopped for gas/potty break. The winner of a signed book for that stop is -

Simple Country Girl

We continued on and didn't stop again until we got to Franklin, KY where we had some dinner. The winner for that stop is -

Blended

Clay refused to eat and I couldn't figure out why. When he started crying, I felt his head and sure enough he had a fever. I knew this because I had a thermometer in my purse because Brooklyn's been running a fever since Sunday night. I gave both Clay and Brooklyn a dose of Motrin and got back on the road. I could've driven a few more hours, but the kids had been really good all day and I didn't want to push it, so we stopped somewhere in TN (I think Murfreesboro). The winner of the signed book for that stop is -

5ennie

It was a long day, but on the bright side, there haven't been too many tears, the boys haven't turned my van into a gas chamber of death (yet), and we survived all the idiot tail-gating, crazy drivers in TN. Oh yeah, and thanks to my family for pitching in and buying me a great GPS, we didn't get lost! At all! Not even once! I know!!!

It's not too late to get in on the fun! You can still win a signed copy of my new book, Because I Said So (and other lies from a less-than-perfect parent)! Just watch my video here! Then leave me a comment on my blog. I'll be giving away more signed copies every time I stop during my travels tomorrow! For extra chances to win, share the video on your Facebook page and leave me another comment here letting me know. And please leave contact information in your comment! Thanks! :)

Winners from today's giveaways, please contact me within 48 to claim your signed books.

Sunday Sound Out

From Chicago, for the last time ever, it's your host, the woman who has cried over way too many goodbyes this week, Dawn Damalas Meehan!

When are you moving or did you already move?
I'm leaving Tueday and planning on arriving in Florida Thursday. Then again, you never know just how long it will take to get somewhere when you have to stop for bathroom breaks every fifteen minutes. I'm not looking forward to the long drive with no one else to take a turn at the wheel. I'm not looking forward to the boys turning my car into a gas chamber. And I'm definitely not looking forward to discovering a decomposing Chick*fil*A sandwich a week after our arrival in Orlando. (I'm speaking from experience here.)

I'll be thinking of you lots (and lots!) this week. Safe travels... and hooray for new (and well deserved, and long overdue) beginnings! And just so we're clear... I get to live with you in the winter, right? RIGHT?!?
Tell you what, you clean up any vomit messes that might arise and I'll find a spot for you in my house.

The following questions are about my most recent video. Here it is, in case you missed it.



And was that a tiny little fart I heard at the end of the bloopers?
Ha! The kids were all wondering if anyone would pick up on that. Charming, no?

Were the reactions of the people at the store real? Loved the mom that couldn't get her kid in the cart fast enough!!!
Most of the people in the video were friends who so graciously agreed to let Savannah film them while they looked at me like I was a freak. They did a great job! I don't think they were really acting.

So funny and so true! Did I catch one of your kids sneaking in a "That's what she said" at the end? Hysterical.
Sadly yes. Darn that Steve Carell! That was Savannah in the video, but it's usually Austin who does that. Sigh.

A question for your next SSO: Do you ever get told Brooklyn should be a model? If so, what do you think of that?
Yes, I do. Often, in fact. I wouldn't have any problem with her getting her picture taken for say, print ads. I mean, dressing up and posing for pictures are two of her favorite things in life. But I don't have the time to schlep her around to auditions and such.

Because I Said So (and other tales from a less-than-perfect parent) goes on sale July 5th! Because I Said So: And Other Tales from a Less-Than-Perfect Parentcan be pre-ordered now. And I'm going to be giving away signed copies this week. All you have to do to be entered for a chance to win a copy is watch my video and leave me a comment here. Over the next few days, I'll be traveling from Chicago to Orlando with my kids to start our new life in our new house. I'll choose a random winner every time I stop for a potty break, to get gas, to get food, or to stay in a hotel for the night during our trip. That could add up to a LOT of winners!

Remember, watch the video, then leave me a comment here. I'll choose one random winner every time I stop between Chicago and Orlando this week. For an extra entry, share the video on your Facebook page or via Twitter. If you share it, leave another comment here linking back.

Have fun! Enjoy! Good luck! And say a prayer for safe travels if you're so inclined. :)

Where I've Been

This is where I've been blogging this week.

Because I Said So (video)
WATCH IT HERE!

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One of Life's Mysteries Unveiled

I went around the yard today, picking up baseballs, frisbees, empty juice pouches, wrappers, and other miscellaneous junk my kids always seem to leave in their wake.

One of my more interesting finds today was this.

CONTINUE READING HERE!
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The One in Which I Refrain from Slapping from a Mom

Yesterday, I was talking to an acquaintance who was going on and on complaining because her husband was out of town on business for two nights and she didn’t know how she was ever going to handle taking care of her two kids all by herself.

CONTINUE READING HERE!

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Wine Marketed to Moms: YAY! (or nay)?

I’m a single mom of 3 girls and 3 boys, trying to juggle kids, work and laundry with the help of God, family, friends and wine (not necessarily in that order). That’s how the bio on my personal blog reads. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my life. I love my kids. I love being a mom. I wouldn’t trade a minute of it for all gold in the world, although I’d consider trading it for a nap. Nah, I wouldn’t even trade it for a nap. But let’s face it, being a mom is hard work. It’s demanding. It’s never-ending. It’s emotionally draining. And it’s without monetary compensation.

CONTINUE READING HERE!

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Japan to Unveil World's Steepest Roller Coaster

My son, who takes Japanese in school, informed me that we “have to go to Japan this summer!” I foolishly thought he wanted to try out his language skills and check out the local culture. Nope. He wants to check out Japan’s newest roller coaster, Takabisha. This roller coaster boasts the sharpest incline in the world with its 121-degree free-fall and 43-meter drop. Pass the barf bag, please.

CONTINUE READING HERE!
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Kid Shot for Ringing Doorbell

According to an article in the Huffington Post, Michael Bishop, a 56-year-old Kentucky man was charged with attempted murder after shooting12-year-old, Jason Eberle in the back. What elicited this heinous act? The boy and his friends were playing Ding Dong Ditch. Seems like a perfectly reasonable response to me. I mean, I usually get out my flamethrower when kids walk across my lawn. And heaven help the person who lets their dog do his business in my yard; I usually grab my bow and arrow to take care of that nuisance. (That was sarcasm just in case anyone thinks I’m serious. I usually just use a slingshot for hooligans who trespass on my property.)

CONTINUE TO READ HERE!

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Why Moms Love to Hate Facebook

In a recent L.A. Times article, the author cites a report which estimates that Facebook lost nearly 6 million U.S. users in the month of May. The numbers were gotten from Inside Facebook, a site that tracks Facebook and the Facebook platform for developers and marketers. A spokesperson from Facebook, while not addressing the exact numbers, stated that the company is happy with its traffic.

Whether Facebook is growing by leaps and bounds or losing users faster than I’m losing my battle with gray hair makes no difference to me. My biggest concern with Facebook is why I keep seeing ads for wrinkle cream, walkers, AARP, and wine. Wait, actually, the wine one is good. I mean, I’m only thirty-eleven! Some of those ads are just insulting.

I, like most of my friends, have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. Here’s why . . .

CONTINUE READING HERE!

Quaker Chewy Superstar Search!

We’re always looking for fun, free things to do with our kids over summer vacation, right? Well, here’s a good one! Quaker has teamed up with Nick Jonas (insert tween girl swooning) to launch a singing competition for kids ages 8-14. My kids were glued to the TV to watch American Idol and I know they’d love the chance to participate in a singing competition for kids their age!

This Thursday, June 23rd, Quaker’s Mobile Recording Studio will set up shop at Northbrook Court in Northbrook, IL from 10am – 4pm. Kids who come out to the fancy studio-on-wheels will get an opportunity to record one of four songs (“Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars , “Breathe” by Michelle Branch , “Nothin’ on You” by B.o.B , “Wildflower” by The JaneDear Girls) in the mobile recording studio. Families will be able to enjoy other fun perks as well, like samples of the superstar of snacks. And even though Nick won’t be on hand to personally greet you, kids can get their picture taken on the red carpet where Nick will be super-imposed in the shot. It’s the next best thing to standing there with him! My daughter can’t wait to have her picture taken “with” Nick Jonas.

Not only has Quaker joined forces with the popular Jo Bro, but also with the non-profit organization Little Kids Rock to make music education more accessible in schools across the nation. The Quaker Chewy Superstar Search is a win/win all around!

The four finalists of the Quaker Chewy Superstar Search will each receive a $1,000 cash prize. Not too shabby, huh? And the Grand Prize winner will get to record a song produced by Nick Jonas, an online music video, a contract with Jonas Group Management and $5,000 in cash! How cool is that?

To enter, just create a vocal performance at the Mobile Recording Studio OR at home. Fill out the entry form and upload the performance at http://www.chewysuperstar.com/. America will have the opportunity to vote on the top five submissions August 29 - September 9 online at http://www.chewysuperstar.com/.

For more information on the Quaker Chewy Superstar Search, Official Rules, and a list of cities where you can find Quaker's Mobile Recording Studio, visit http://www.chewysuperstar.com/.

For parents and kids in Chicagoland, come on out to Northbrook Court this Thursday, June 23rd, from 10am-4pm! See you there!

Quaker has empowered me to write about this event.

Sunday Sound Out

From Chicago, home of Buckingham Fountain where Will and Kate live, it's your host, the woman who almost got kicked out of several stores while making her book launch video, Dawn Damalas Meehan!

I don't have much to say this week because I'm fah-reak-ing out about our move! The U-Pack truck comes on Wednesday! Eeeek! But I did finish the video I've been talking about. Need a laugh? (Who doesn't, right?) Then watch this video. You won't regret it. I had WAY too much fun making it. And make sure you watch until the end for the bloopers! It's worth it! Enjoy!

The One in Which I Refrain from Slapping a Mom

Yesterday, I was talking to an acquaintance who was going on and on complaining because her husband was out of town on business for two nights and she didn’t know how she was ever going to handle taking care of her two kids all by herself.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I understand that it’s all relative. For her, this was out of the norm and she was having a hard time handling it. I get that. But I honestly didn’t know how to reply to her. I just stood there, blinking. Was she seriously telling me how hard it was to care for two kids for two nights? Really? Try caring for six kids, every day and night. Always. I don’t have another parent there with whom I can split childcare duties. And I don’t get every other weekend off like most divorced parents. I’m not saying that I deserve sympathy or accolades or anything. You do what ya gotta do. No big deal. BUT, please don’t stand there explaining how difficult your situation is to my face when you know what my situation is like. Have a little consideration. 


In the end, I murmurmed a half-hearted, “That’s tough” to show that I sympathized with her struggle. At least a little bit. And then I made it a point to forget to give her my new address and phone number. What? I tried to be nice and Christian-like.

I know I haven’t been blogging much, but I have a darn good reason. I’m losing it. I’m totally losing it. On top of being a single mom to six kids (which probably should’ve sent me over the edge a year ago), I’m moving in less than two weeks. Ohmygosh, I have less than TWO WEEKS! I have a TON of stuff left to pack. My mortgage guy calls me every other day needing more information: bank statements, explanations of deposits, letters explaining why I’m moving to Florida (I sent a picture of our February blizzard with the caption “‘Nuf said”), etc., etc., etc.  I’m trying to tie up loose ends here – return library books, get medical records, take time to meet up with all the friends I’m going to miss. Plus, I’m still taking kids to their baseball and softball games nearly every night. After a week without it, I finally picked up my van today to the tune of $2400 (pass the smelling salts). I’ve been working on a video to promote my new book coming out next month. The video is hilarious, if I do say so myself, but I seriously can’t count the number of hours I’ve put into creating it. Deep breath.

I feel like garbage because Lexi didn’t get a birthday party with her friends the past two years and I promised her one this year before we moved to celebrate her birthday and as a last hurrah with her friends. I dropped the ball on that. I can’t imagine trying to squeeze one more thing in (not to mention paying for it) and I feel absolutely horrible about it. 

I haven’t sold my house here yet and I’m not sure what to do about it.

I know, at some point, I’ll get moved and settled into a new routine. I know I’ll find a better balance. I know good things are in store and everything will work out. I have an inner peace about that. But on the outside? Right now? I NEED A CLONE!  I NEED MORE HOURS IN THE DAY!  I NEED AN EXTRA PAIR OF HANDS! I NEED WINE!

On the bright side (and there’s always a bright side), I’m just about done with the video and I’ll be putting it up this weekend. Spoiler:  In the video, I throw a full-blown tantrum in the middle of the grocery store while people look at me like I’m insane. More good news is that it looks like everything is a go for my closing on the 23rd. And my van is in tip-top shape for my long haul to Florida. And just imagine, I’ll have a wealth of blogging material from a three day, cross-country drive with six kids, don’t you think? So, for now, that’s it from Camp Meehan. Now I need to make dinner, write two articles, and consider getting more than four hours of sleep. Vaya con Dios!

Why We Love to Hate Facebook

My car is still in the shop. You don't realize how much you depend on your vehicle until you don't it. The fuel pump went out which caused my car to die. I also need a new distributor, I have a sizeable anti-freeze leak, and I need a tune-up. (I'm pretty sure I've never had a tune-up on this car. Ever. Shhhh.)

On the bright side, at least my car didn't break down on the way to Florida! It could have been so much worse! And, even better, my dad gave me his car to use in the meantime. Two nights ago, at Austin's baseball game, a foul ball landed in the parking lot. Now, I know not to park in the first row for that very reason. I always try to park far away from the field. Still, this foul ball went sailing! It crashed down on a silver car. Ohmygosh, my dad's silver car? Noooooo! It can't be! I ran over and whew! It wasn't my dad's car! Thank God! It completely shattered the window of the car it hit.

I have a cold, I'm trying to get my house packed up, my kids are home from school, there aren't enough hours in the day. That's about it from Camp Meehan.

This is where I've been blogging, trying to amass enough money to pay for my repairs. Check it out!

In a recent L.A. Times article, the author cites a report which estimates that Facebook lost nearly 6 million U.S. users in the month of May. The numbers were gotten from Inside Facebook, a site that tracks Facebook and the Facebook platform for developers and marketers. A spokesperson from Facebook, while not addressing the exact numbers, stated that the company is happy with its traffic.

Whether Facebook is growing by leaps and bounds or losing users faster than I’m losing my battle with gray hair makes no difference to me. My biggest concern with Facebook is why I keep seeing ads for wrinkle cream, walkers, AARP, and wine. Wait, actually, the wine one is good. I mean, I’m only thirty-eleven! Some of those ads are just insulting.

I, like most of my friends, have a love/hate relationship with Facebook. Here’s why . . .

CONTINUE READING HERE!

Wacoal Winner!

The winner of a new Wacoal bra of her choice, chosen randomly by Random.org, is . . .


vinobaby said...
I managed a lingere department for several years, and yes, most women wear the wrong size. Some are WAAAYY of. They were always amazed how much better they looked and how comfortable they felt when they found the right size. And Wacoal is a fabulous brand.

Cheers.
VB

Congratulations! Email me at dawn@dawnmeehan.com to claim your prize! And thank you to everyone who left comments!

I Don't Do Directions. Or Math. Or Mornings.

This morning, after a whopping four and a half hours of sleep, I got up and headed to NIU. I needed to take an assessment test because I’ve applied for a job working with kids in a school. So I got up at 5:00 AM and headed to Dekalb.The only other people on the road at that early hour are the folks heading home from a night out drinking. And the occasional cow. To make the drive more challenging, it was super-foggy today and I couldn’t see more than a few yards ahead of me.


I drove the sixty miles to Dekalb and took the exit for Annie Glidden Rd. I drove for about a mile down the road and didn’t see any signs of the college campus. Of course, with all the fog, I could’ve driven in to the student center (literally) without seeing it. I started freaking out that I’d made a wrong turn, so I glanced at my Mapquest printout. It read, Merge onto S ANNIE GLIDDEN RD. I looked at the compass. I was going north. Oh great, I thought, I turned the wrong way onto Annie Glidden! I turned around and headed back toward the highway. When I reached the highway, I realized, too late, that Annie Glidden didn’t actually run south of the highway. I found myself forced to hop back on the highway either heading the way I’d come or heading closer to Iowa.  

Because I knew there wasn’t an exit for miles the way I’d come, I opted to head toward Iowa. Unfortunately, as I soon found out, there wasn’t an exit for sixteen miles heading toward Iowa either.
I looked at the clock, tried to calculate how long it would take me to reach the exit, turn around, head back, get lost again, find the campus, find the parking lot, get lost one more time, find the building where the test was taking place, and check in. I cried, knowing there was no way I’d be able to make it in time. I’d just gotten up at a stupidly early hour, driven across the country, and paid to register for this test for no reason. I called my mom, because she’s one of those people who purposely gets up that early, and asked her to pull up a map and direct me on how to get back.

Despite the fact I’d driven several miles out of my way thanks to my severe directional impediment, I actually made it to the test with 14 seconds to spare. I was the first person to complete the test, so I went back over the math section, hoping that sudden enlightenment would occur and I’d miraculously remember stuff I’d tuned out during my sophomore geometry class. After staring at the rectangle for five minutes, I came to the realization that I wasn’t going to suddenly remember how to find the area. I gave up and filled in a random oval on my answer sheet.

I moved to the next math question. Jim is lifting weights. He starts by lifting 15 pounds on day one. He lifts 17.5 pounds on day two.  He lifts 20 pounds on day three. If he continues increasing the amount of weight he lifts at the same rate each day, how many days will it take until he’s lifting 50 pounds?

I scanned the four possible answers, looking for the one that read, Who cares?  Jim will be totally buff and really, that’s all that matters. Unfortunately, that wasn’t a choice, so I did eeny meeny miney mo and picked an answer with a bunch of numbers, letters, and symbols in it because it looked all complicated and math-like.

Then, this afternoon, I drove Jackson about 45 minutes away so he could hang out with a friend of his. On the way back, Savannah begged me to stop at Sonic so she could get a limeade.  I passed the Sonic because of my previously discussed directional impediment.  No problem. I’ll just go to the one on the other side of the airport. I know how to get there. Piece of cake. 

Anyone care to take a guess what happened? Anyone? Give up? I’ll tell you. I drove to the airport. Not near the airport. Not next to the airport. I drove among the cabs and limos dropping passengers off at the terminals. Yeah. Brooklyn asked me if we were going somewhere. 

“Yeah, I’m just gonna park the car and we’ll hop a plane to Mexico,” I answered.

“Mexico!  Mexico! We’re going to Mexico!” she happily chanted.

I found my way out of the airport and headed toward Sonic. I was driving along and then, nothing. My car just stopped. Nothing. No way to steer. No restarting my car. Nothing. As I waited for a tow truck, I called Austin, who was at home, and told him to walk to his baseball game and I’d meet him there as soon as I could. He called me back a minute later, saying that his baseball bag was in my van.  Ugh. Savannah had to pee, Brooklyn was hungry, and I was hot and tired from driving all day, stressed about my van, how much the repairs will cost, the fact that I’ll be without a car until Monday at the earliest, and the fact that my son didn’t have his mitt, bat, helmet, or cleats for the game that was scheduled to start in a few minutes.

When the tow truck arrived, Savannah asked, “So, does this mean, I can’t get Sonic?” Brooklyn piped up and asked, “Are we still going to Mexico?”

After help from my friend Doreen and my parents, we managed to get everyone fed and to their games, where I sat in the freezing rain with my dad all night. And just because not enough crappish stuff had happened yet, I ended the day with this gem.  I twittered the following message:  At Lex’s game. It’s so cold, I can see my breast! It’s JUNE, for cryin out loud! That was immediately followed by:  Breath! BREATH! I can see my breath! Stupid iPhone!