Beyond the layer they see
no bruised or skin of soot
there lay color and flesh
some seed and some...deep root

Lonely, the most despised of emotion
Yet the only thing that feels full
It floods out our eyes and crushes our hearts
If only there was some plug to pull

In the quiet

I was going to post about how I have been playing with my camera settings. It has been occupying my evenings with reading a book about digital photography and seeing what my camera was actually capable of. Let's just say, I need a lot more practice...

But after I started looking at this photo, I started thinking about a conversation I had with someone I once cared about. (Part of me still does, in an odd "I hate you" sort of way, but caring nonetheless.) I had told him that our relationship, for what it was, gave me a feeling of opening Pandora's box. It seemed, or rather it was, a huge mess created. How nice it would have been to have kept it closed. The thought of what laid within was much better than what was actually contained. What a shame that once something is opened, there is no closing it again. A seal broken, and a peek taken. Too bad that what we see, isn't what we dreamed it would always be. Our minds can create such beauty, such fullness and really all that exists...



...is empty.

Torn

I am always amazed at how My DailyOM seems to correlate with my day. Sometimes I realize it right off, sometimes not until after. Kinda funny.

Rachel's dad is spending the entire day with her today. It makes me nervous since he hasn't spent a whole day with her in a very long time. When he visits, it is only for a couple hours at best, once a year. To top it off, she is sick. I was home with her yesterday and would be home with her today too, if it were not for him being here in town. I called to tell him yesterday that she was ill. But it didn't seem to make much difference to him. It isn't just some little sniffle. She has fevers, congestion and this morning, she was hugging the porcelain. I am sitting here, while she showers, thinking of what I can do to make the situation work out best for all. I could stay home with her and just let him take her for a couple hours, ensuring that she gets home and gets some rest, instead of being out in the weather all day. Or, let her go, and hope for the best. I just don't know...

I think this is that part about being a single parent, that frustrates me the most. Her care has always been my main priority. It has always been on me alone (with much support from family) to make sure she was ok. Sometimes my worry goes to extremes, I realize that, but I feel justified when it comes to the relationship with her dad.

~

And now, that some time has passed, I opted to stay home. I felt better knowing that if she wasn't feel up to spending the whole day, that she could come home and rest. So far it is working pretty good. She went to breakfast and then came back to relax before heading off to the museum for a couple hours. After that, she can come home and sleep.

Compromise is a good thing...

Conversations with Rachel

Her: Mom?

Me: Yeah?

Her: You know that cake you made this morning?

Me: The burnt one?

Her: Um Yeah that one. What is it and what are those weird circle things on the top?

Me: Pineapple.

Her: Ewww *completely disgusted*

Me: What? It's a pineapple cake.

Her: Ewww! That's disgusting.

Me: Yeah, well, if you think it looks bad, you should taste it.

Her: Yeah, well, that would be a BIG No.

Me: Well it may taste bad, but the good thing is, I think I burnt all the calories out of it.

Of labor and love

Yup. I changed it again. I was getting a little tired, and seemed to find a small grimace on my face, everytime I loaded my page. Seeing my huge face up there was driving me a little nuts. And, ya know, it was just a little too "there" for my taste. I was getting all artsy fartsy on PaintShop, and this is what I ended up with. Along with several "other" versions of a masthead. I am going with this one for now. Most likely, I will change it again in 3 months :P

Ok then, I had all these plans for today. But the 4 inches of snow I awoke to this morning, sort of put a hamper on getting out and about. (After 50 degree weather and sunshine for the past week it is a little disappointing to say the least) Oh, I could do it anyway, braving the foul weather and drivers, but I am thinking I am going to use the opportunity to clean out my overstuffed bedroom closet. It is a huge walk-in. But I am lucky to ever shut the door these days. How in the world do two girls wear all these shoes? There is just two of us. Two. I am thinking the needy could use a few pair. And some nice clothes too boot.

I am glad this last week has passed. It was difficult. My Mom is doing better, however. The Dr.'s never could find exactly what was wrong but they took a guess and it seems to be helping. I truly hope it is. My Dad seemed particularly stressed when I saw him this week. He works so hard and deals with so much. I can't wait for the day when they can just retire, relax and enjoy life. Not that they don't enjoy what they do now, but wouldn't it be nice if those you love could just "be"? Not have to push so hard to get through a day and just soak up some fruits.

On to my closet...enjoy your weekend!

There he goes

I was amazed when one of my clients, the one that reemed me a new one, was so pleasant and nice when he stopped by yesterday afternoon. He said he knew I was pissed at him. Yeah, you could sort of say that, but mostly I felt sad for him to not be able to accept his own fault in a situation. I simply said that it was no problem, that I am not a mind reader but would be happy to help in whatever way I could. I admit I soked it up a bit. He felt bad and rightly so.

Some people need to wash their cars already. And I only say that in reference to someone in particular I spotted today. Lord knows, my car gets kind of funky now and again. But sheesh...the yellow would look so much better without the brown nasties. Don't you think? ;)

Anyway, still no word from "The Policeman". I am sort of thankful. In our last conversation, which happened right after I posted about how I can't stand it when I am getting to know someone and all they want to talk about is sex, he talked about sex. Oh ya know...like what I liked, how I liked it and what my wildest fantasies are. Ummm...yeah. Ok. Like I am going to tell someone that I have no clue I will go anywhere (metaphorically) with? It isn't that I am not open, I am-trust me, but why would I want someone to only think that is what I am interested in or all I care about? There is much more to me than that. Take some time to get to know what that is and maybe I will look at you longer than a cup of coffee lasts.

That's my rant for the day. :) Have a great one!

What is it with people today????

This is the third freaking time I have been blasted by a client and I am about to flipping lose it. So what? It is my responsibility because they can't handle their own personal affairs? They can't keep track of their turned upside down lives that me, the office "girl" (damn irritating when they call me that. I trained the guy that they think is the big boss) is supposed to have some pyschic ability and just know when they have made personal changes. Yeah.

Suck my big fat toe!

Grrr

Calling all cars

I think people are a little sensitive today. I really can't stand when people talk to me like I am stupid. Maybe if they understood what they, themselves, were trying to explain, I wouldn't have a problem giving them the right answer. But certainly don't berate me for not getting what you think you are trying to get across.

Honey, works better than lemons where tact is concerned...and ya know...biscuits.

Gah!

I went to coffee with "Mr. Policeman" (That is his new name by the way. For the time being.) And I say the time being 'cause I didn't hear from him after that. After our first conversation on the phone, he sent me an email telling me how great it was. I am guessing he didn't think coffee was so great. Which, ya know, is fine. What ever happened to butterflies anyway? I miss that kind of attraction to someone. Anyway, while I was waiting for my Skinny Latte to be made, I noticed he kept looking at my shoes. I think he was trying to figure out if I was wearing heels. He said he was 5'9". I...am 5'8 3/4" so there wasn't much room there. I was wearing some slides that have about an inch heel on them. And though he was dressed in his uniform, I felt a bit like a tower. I found myself leaning to one side and bending my knee a little so we could talk more, eye to eye. I was thankful when we went to sit down. Our conversation was great and the time flew just like when we are on the phone. But, and maybe it is just me and being the horrid dater that I am, something just didn't seem "there". Who knows. He ended the date with saying he would call me. Yeah...I have heard that one before.

5 1/2 weeks till we leave on our trip. Now there is something to look forward to.

4 Hours

Happy Monday.

How come you don't realize how exhausted you are, until the morning rolls around?

Ugh.

Clearing house

I was up till 3:30am this morning. Wide awake and bushy tailed, while the rest of world slept, hopefully comfortably, in their beds.

My Mom is still struggling with her discomfort. And I think discomfort is putting it mildly. But when you are not the one feeling the pain, then how can you describe it? All I know is that it worries me. I think most of me feels such a tight hold on her because I don't feel like I have had enough time with her. (It's been 14 years this last February when I first talked to her on the phone. After nothing short of a miracle that she received my letter. [Who says there isn't Angels?] After 700+ entries in this journal, I am not sure if I have ever posted that story, but I will someday.) It is not that she is on her death bed or anything, but just the thought of someone you love so deeply, not knowing and not getting the help they need when they need it, is disheartening to say the least. I told her, this morning, that I was going to be one of those annoying children that fusses over her every need when she is older. I don't like to think of her as being "older" or even elderly and needing that kind of attention, but it is part of the circle. Like it or not. I plan on sharing that time with her, and damn thankful that I get that time, too.

I am really thankful for the Prayers offered. Thank you Frenzied and Tech. If you were closer, I'd give you each a big hug. I am not sure that what is wrong is anything major or not. I am Praying it's not, of course. But with all that she has sought to correct this last year, it worries me. More so, because the Dr.'s aren't helping.

Anyway, Yeah! For journals where you can put your thoughts of worry, joy, anger, happiness, sorrow and excitement. It has certainly helped me. My own, not so private, psychoanalysis. :P

Ahem, I have had some nice emails with "The Cop". We have a lot in common, he seems really nice and he would like to meet for coffee this week. I guess we will see if it happens. He mentioned getting the nerve up to call me and that he talks about me to his partner. Kind of charming in a way, I think. Why would he be nervous about calling me? Funny. It is just me. He said he doesn't want to make a bad impression. I think that is the first time I have heard a guy say that in a long time. Ever, really. Pretty much all the men I have dated the past couple of years, with the exception of "Lunch Date Guy", were only looking to score. They could have cared what I really thought of them. Needless to say, getting past a first date didn't happen much. If their hands came anywhere near my breasts by the end of the night, I had their number and my interest level dropped to near non existant. If any part of our correspondence prior to the date consisted of sex talk, I pretty much knew it wasn't going to go very far to begin with. I learned quite a while ago, that sex does not equal love. And for me, you can't have one without the other. It's just better that way. And I am all about making it better these days. Anyway, "The Cop" has been totally respectful in our conversations. ANd our conversations don't consist of all of our past hurts or what came before. I love that. We talk about now, our interests and the future. 'Cause frankly, I don't want to hear about who did what, when and how when I am trying to get to know someone. Not until I have some understanding of what makes them who they are. I know the past shapes who we are to a certain extent and it isn't that I never want to hear about it or even tell my stories, but I certainly don't want to put my fears from the past onto someone in the present when they had nothing to with it to begin with. Make sense? You have to give the person in the present the chance to show who they are. Including me.

So, I am off to make some oatmeal and rake my yard afore the snow falls, again.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered

TeeHeee....I am so excited. I got an email from Disney. I registered for updates and news since I am going to be visiting. And looky what's opening on April 7th, just a few weeks before we arrive Expedition Everest (right click on the picture and hit "play" if it doesn't start automatically.) Is that cool or what? I flipping L.O.V.E roller coasters. The more creative with scenery and story the better. And Disney is great with that. YOu can check this page out Behind the Attraction to see what went into the development of it and there are few mentions of specials on Discovery Network documenting it. I, for one, am going to be tuned in. Very cool...and very exciting.

I also, got an email from the "Cop". LOL I feel funny referring to him as "The Cop". Anyway, guess what he said? Yep...he said he has been busy. Arg. Ok I pretty much expected that. But he also said he was sick and pretty out of it for a couple days. Arg, again. I have to give him that one. I admit I can be a bit short when it comes to dating. I don't like messing around and playing any sort of "game". I will give him the benefit of the doubt. But I swear if he disappears on me 3 times...I am moving on. He's got 2 left.

If you could, say a few prayers for my mom. She isn't doing well and a few extra couldn't hurt. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever known and it makes me sad when she is hurting.

At the summit

I spent most of the morning in bed today. I am not sure if it was a bug, something I ate, or just not wanting to do the day. I dunno...but I made it in to work at 11.

Guys drive me nuts. Why...oh why oh why, do I look for such annoyances? I can't stand it when someone, a man especially, says they are going to do something and then don't do it. Don't say it if you are not going to do it! It doesn't matter if it something as insignificant as a phone call, or email, just do it if you say you are going to. Don't leave me hanging like the participle in my last sentence. And don't send me an email or call me in a couple days that says you were just "Oh So Busy". There is no better way to let me know you could give a rats rear about me. Sorry, but I like to know I have some sort of priority over taking out the garbage. Yet another disappointment.

And on that note, what is it with people that completely blow something out of proportion? They go as far as to make up, what would normally be important details not forgotten, to make it seem that which is the subject, much more worse than it is? I deal with people like this daily. I suppose my frame of mind today didn't help matters. But my gosh! Get a grip people and let's look at the truth of a situation before you go jump off that bridge. Eh?

I want a cheeseburger smothered in melty pepperjack cheese and bacon. Topped, with onions, lettuce and pickles. Add a side of onion rings and a huge chocolate shake, too. And what did I have for dinner? A salad with chicken breast and veggies. It was tasty and good for me. I know if ate the other stuff it would mess my stomach up big time, but man it sounds good when your feelin' a little rebelious.

1117 hours, 14 minutes

*sigh*

Where is everyone? It's awfully quiet in blogland these days.

We didn't go to the Zoo today. Apparently mother nature decided it wasn't quite time to get outside. Nevertheless, we made use of our day. Mostly by hanging out playing video games, but then we decided to go do some shopping. Rachel got herself (saved Christmas money) some nice things to wear for spring and a new bathing suit for our trip to Florida. Such cute stuff, and she did a great job of picking out her own clothes. She chose very nicely and kept within my boundaries of what I think is acceptable for her age. With the way she looks, she could easily wear something intended for a young woman ready to party. She knows how I feel about it and kept her taste to match my approval. Good girl! The bathing suit was difficult to keep toned down, but I will be making a few extra stitches to hide some of the cleavage. Sheesh...

I haven't really shopped for anything to wear on our trip. And yes...you have to have new stuff when you go on vacation. It's a girl thing... Anyway, I figured I'd wait as close as I can to going, hoping that I lose the weight I want to lose before we go. I did pick up two new pairs of dress slacks for work though (and a gorgeous aqua blouse :P). It's been tough getting ready in the morning and having to shuffle on and off clothes that don't fit. Oh, I am not complaining, I like that my skirts and pants are getting too big to pull off right and I have to admit it was fun to try on something a size smaller. But, I still have a long ways to go and dang me if it isn't in the right direction.

Seven weeks away. I think I need one of those counters on the side bar. Maybe then I wouldn't talk about it so much... NaH! :P

Enjoy your remaining hours of the weekend!

Alive and Kicking

My friend Debbie sent me this in an email. And since I don't forward those types of emails I figured I'd post it here. This one I liked, this one reminded me of my friends out there and my family. And, it can apply to a few men too, who aren't all caught up in their machismo.

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
However, if there is one flaw in women,
It is that they forget their worth.

(I just found out why you should put your thoughts down in Word before you post to this site. My keyboard fell off of my now broken desk, and I lost half of my post. Apparently, I was holding down the "delete" key while trying to fix it. Dag nab it...
I will try to remember, although I think it will lose some gusto in the recreation.)

*sigh* Excuse me while I go make some coffee...

Work was busy this week. Complete with lots of "off" characters. It always makes a day interesting. But I managed to do a lot of work, keep my attitude where these "off" characters were concerned in check AND get my financials done by the close of business on Friday. I feel accomplished. And while my boss may not appreciate it, I feel good about it. Many say that I should find a job that not only appreciates my hard work and dedication but also compensates me for it. And to some degree I agree. But I have faith that it will pay off. Maybe I wait and push forward in vain. I guess I will see. Plodding forward has seemed to work so far in other areas of my life, regardless of how dreary and disheartening it has been at times.

Men, are fickle and weird. I know that is odd to post out of the blue. But it is true. It's shame that I like 'em so much. 'Cause I think I will always be confused by them. Yes, there is a new one on the forefront. A local Police Officer here in town. He seems nice so far, but we have only been emailing for a week. Talking with a man of the law gives me a sense of trust. But yet I realize he is still human, with all the ugliness that humans possess. After the "Lunch Date Guy" being so flaky and receiving a nasty email from some weirdo, I decided to take a break from the Single Parent group thing. I thought I would just take some time to enjoy my life alone, take care of a few personal issues and let it be calm without any added drama or worry if a person liked me or not. I don't know if it was the loneliness I sometimes feel, or the need of adult conversation over a nice dinner that spurred me to rejoin the group. (humming cartoon theme songs in my head is a good clue that I need to rejoin the world of grown ups) But I did last week. I may find myself just sending another email requesting that I be removed from the group once again. Who knows... I have received several comments about the dangers of dating a cop. And while I understand and value those comments, I am not one that is big on labels. I would rather experience a person as they are rather than smack them with some preconceived opinion as to the type of person they might be. Perhaps that is naive or perhaps it is just giving a person a chance. I am going to go on the later of the two. So far, I like what he has to say. About himself and about his job. He has to work undercover sometimes. It sounds like he is really proud when he gets more drugs off the streets and I have to say, that I admire his strength when he said he had to help a 6 year old girl in an auto accident. I can't imagine how I would handle seeing this little girl all broken up and knowing that her parents didn't put her seat belt on her to begin with. It would break my heart and make me a bit pissed off. Well, ok, a lot pissed off. How can you not admire what they do for us on a daily basis? Things we don't ever see or hear about. But it is there just the same. Anyway, I have yet to actually go on a date with him. And though he has said he wants to, I have yet to get asked. Dang old fashioned value anyways. :P

Ok...I think I caught up the week there. Tomorrow, we are going to the Zoo in Portland if the weather permits. Oooo...I can't wait to take some pictures. I think that is what I am most excited about. I like being there, but my heart always aches seeing those animals caged up. I keep thinking they must be hungry, or sad or feel confined. I know they take great care of them, But I always wonder if they'd rather be free. Silly, I know. I think it is something from my childhood to be honest. I remember crying at the Lions cage, thinking they were upset and that is why they paced back and forth so much. Or the monkeys being angry at someone constantly watching them and that is why they throw stuff. (San Diego Zoo, Orangutans chucking poop at the audience, circa 1975. It was a memorable experience.)

Ok then..have a great weekend. :)

Did I just post something?

Well, it's Thursday. I have made it this far in the week. WooHOO! It's been interesting at work. Did you know that, apparently, I have no short term memory? Yes...yes it's true. A sudden realization that one of my clients let me know. Ugh. Do people really think they can just make up stuff and expect everyone to believe it's true? Including the one they are making it up about? Some have their own reality. I just didn't know how many in this world there really are. Ugh. One of my clients, actually apologized to me for being an A**. I just said "that's ok." He didn't like that I confirmed his remark. But where does it say that you can treat people like crap when they are only trying to help you? I was providing a service, not a punching bag. And frankly, it wasn't really "ok" for him to treat me the way he did. I was just trying to be nice and get him the heck out of my office. I told him to "Have a nice day.", a clear cue for him to leave. He promptly took it.

I've been trying to keep it quiet on the home front. After days of fielding questions from clients and coworkers alike, I enjoy the quiet I can get. This morning wasn't very quiet, however. My neighbor, who drives a taxi and works nights, was out on her porch cleaning and broke a glass table. I jumped out of bed thinking someone was breaking into my car or house or something... I must have looked funny to her, stumbling out onto to my back porch in my jammies, hair a mess looking around in the dark. I would like to add half asleep too, 'cause when she said "Hi Michelle! Everything is ok I just broke my glass table." I jumped about 2 feet in the air. I said "Oh, hi Nancy, ok, I'm sorry." I'm sorry? What was I sorry about? I really need to stop apologizing for everything. I am now doing it for no reason. :P

Hope the rest of your week goes great.

In a word

It's been an exciting couple of days. I got a grin a mile wide.

Speaking of distance, I bought my tickets for Disneyworld. We are really going. Honestly and truly going to go...dang me. I went, tonight, to Barnes and Noble (kid in a candy store) and bought a book on the sites and such of Orlando. Very cool. Granted, it isn't loaded with all the incredible information of a Fodor's or Frommer's, but this one has pictures to with the info. And I just have to see what they are talking about. Of course, I found a couple "other" books I just couldn't live without. I love informative type reading. One of the ones I got was on Digital Photography. OOooo...the stuff this book can help me do.

Speaking of photography, I am drooling over a new camera. I almost purchased one tonight I found at Costco online. Complete kit with a $100 coupon to boot. But I got to the screen to enter my payment info, and I backed out. I don't feel like it is right for me to purchase it right now. I like being financially stable for once in my life. I like having a substantial reserve. I don't want to blow it or get carried away with fullfilling certain desires. (not to mention the guilt factor of thinking of those in need) The camera, is the newest of Kodaks. Manual and auto focus and zoom. 8MP's and Oh! what it can do. Ugh. It is like having a dSLR without the complexity and cost. It is also much smaller than any dSLR (and doesn't have all the "parts n'lens') which makes it nice to travel with. Ya know....like to Disneyworld or something...I am still thinking about it.

Speaking of size, the weight loss thing is going swimmingly! I literally jumped for joy at my Weight Watchers meeting tonight. Why didn't I do this years ago? Why? I don't really have an issue too much with temptation. Normally I can walk away. No amount of momentary satisfaction can tempt me from one thing I have always wanted. To be thin. And ya know? I have never...ever...been thin. Not even a healthy thin. I always just figured I was a fuller figured kinda girl. I was chubby when I was little and now? well now it's just more of the same. I don't want to hear anymore how "She has such a pretty face but..." But now? I am thinking this is happening. I am going to be there, and by the end of this year for sure!

*tickled*

Speaking of time, it's time for me to go to bed...

Please, Don't eat them...

Have you noticed the flowers? It is my way of egging on the coming of spring. My co-worker, yesterday, said she saw Tulips sprouting out of the ground. Ha! It's working. Maybe the snow will go and we will see sunny days and flowers, soon.

I want to work in my yard. I know, that sounds crazy, 'cause by the time the end of Summer is near, I will be dreading having to go out and rake pine needles, yet again. (So is the downside of living in the forest.) But, I have grass now, pretty green grass. I want to see it grow, I want to see the Daisies, I am going to plant in my flower beds, bursting up out of the soil all bright and happy and I want to get my flip flopped feet wet and muddy. When all is said and done, I want to sit on my patio, sipping some sweet tea and BBQ up some chicken. :P Doesn't it sound good? Doesn't it just sound all warm and lazy?

I can't wait.

TGIFF

Well..I did it. I went against my stubborn streak of fully becoming immersed in the 21st century. I got cell phones for me and Rachel. (changes right?) They aren't your typical cell phone. I did the prepaid thing, which helps me keep control over usage and cost. I like that. What I really like about it, is that now that my daughter is getting older, going out with friends when I am not necessarily "there", I can keep tabs on her or at least have a way of contacting her if need be and vice versa. It seemed like the right and responsible thing to do as the protective parent I am. If it should turn out that I am not happy with the expense or how they are used, then I have the option of stopping it instead of being stuck in some 2 year contract. It works for me. And the phones I got are really pretty. You should see the colors and stuff I can do on this thing. :P

On the home front, I talked with her Dad yesterday. Hmmmpf. He told me they went to Hawaii for their honeymoon. HAWAII. Grr. It drives me a little nuts that he does the things I have always wanted to do. And he knows it. It was like he was rubbing it in my face or something. I started to get a bit upset yesterday, thinking of how people who do wrong seem to get the good.

But ya know? He has missed out big time on his daughter. And I can't think of anything that is better than experiencing her. So there! You big dumb jerk.

The weekend begins officially at 5 o'clock today. WooHOO! Hope yours goes as swiftly and effortlessly as I hope mine does.

Pay Attention

"One may have a blazing hearth in one's soul and yet no one ever comes to sit by it. Passersby see only a wisp of smoke rising from the chimney and continue on their way."
~ Vincent Van Gogh


"Almost" Conversations with Rachel

Her: blah blah blah blah blah Digimon blah blah blah. *Heavy Sigh*

Me: *Thinking* Why in the world is my daughter talking about Digimon?

Her: *Heavy sigh* (only now she is looking at me)

Me: Rachel? Why were you talking about Digimon?

Her: I wasn't. I asked "You didn't hear a word I said. Did you Mom?"

Me: Oh. I'm sorry.

Her: So did you hear what I said?

Me: Ummmm. Why don't you say it again and I'll see if I remember.