20+17+3=CRAZY!

I Almost Killed My Cat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-23T09:24:00.000-06:00

This is really scary!

About two weeks ago, I gave my kitties a flea treatment. I thought I'd save some money, and used some of that "between the shoulder blade stuff" from Walmart instead of the really expensive stuff from the vet. For Yuki, I used ZODIAC SPOT ON PLUS, and for Scratch I used HARTZ ULTRA GUARD PLUS. (I had to use different brands, because Yuki weighs less than five pounds and that's all they had.)

Anyway, Yuki was fine, although she still has a flea issue... But Scratch went into the bedroom and hid under the bed. At first, I thought he was just mad at me, and stressed out with Yuki, who is always trying to ambush him and bugs him constantly, and he has never been a social kitty, so I really didn't think anything of it. Then, after about three days of this behavior, we started getting worried. At that point he had stopped eating, was lethargic, and when he walked, he couldn't retract his claws and they kept catching in the carpet. Of course by then, it was the weekend and no vets on duty except for the Emergency Clinic ($$$$$$$). So we started looking online, to see what could possibly be wrong. I thought he had an abcess/infection from Yuki's little kitten bites. Jim started making the connection to the Hartz drops, and found this website:

http://www.geocities.com/againsthartz/

THE HARTZ DROPS WERE POISONING MY CAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got Scratch from the bedroom and we washed him with Dawn dish soap. To tell you how sick he was, he didn't even put up a fight about that! I took him back into the bedroom and dried him off, and cuddled him to keep him warm, and I noticed then that his pupils were completely dilated too. I felt so bad!

About two hours later, I went back in to check on him. Already, he looked more alert and his eyes were not so screwed up. The next day, he was eating and drinking again, and by the third day he felt well enough to sneak out the door when Jim let Patches out. Today, he is fully recovered and back to his old cantankerous self.

We were really, really lucky. Many cats have died or have not recovered like ours did. Never, never use Hartz drops on your kitties!!!!! Actually, we are not going to use ANY Hartz products anymore. When you buy a product like that, you are placing your trust in the company, that they have tested it and it is safe to use as directed, and Hartz has abused that trust. They will not get our business again!

Battle of the Q-Tips

2007-05-29T21:44:00.000-06:00

From the Charlie Rock website...

"Pugil Stick Fighting 23 May 07
Fighting with bayonets is trained through a series of classes which end up with a simulated bayonet fight. Using the techniques they were taught earlier in the day, Soldiers "fight" each other in order to enhance training and build a warrior spirit."

To me, it looks like they are beating each other with giant Q-Tips. I can't find Parker in any of these, but here are a couple of pictures...

Basic's a Gas!

2007-05-29T21:28:00.001-06:00

Here are some photos (taken May 22nd) of some of the NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) training that the recruits go through. They learn how to use their protective gear, and then they actually go into a gas chamber where they are exposed to CS gas (which I believe is tear gas?) It doesn't do any long-term harm, but by seeing the difference without their gas masks, they learn to trust their equipment, and each other too.

These pictures actually creep me out a little bit, they look spooky with their masks on. (The only one I know for sure is Parker is the last one, but that's what they all went through.)

***All pictures are copyrighted by Charlie 2/54 INF***

Going in...

Inside the gas chamber. (I'd be freaking out right about now!)

Coming out...

Poor Parker! I'd never have the guts to do that! (Heckuva way to clear the sinuses!)

Photos of Parker (aka Where's Waldo???)

2007-05-29T20:49:00.000-06:00

I've been going thru the Charlie Rock website photos, and I think I've found a couple of Parker. I know it's terrible since I gave birth to the lad and all, but some of the pics I'm just not sure... They want to mold these guys into a team, so they make them look as much alike as possible... So here goes, let me know what you think!

***All these pictures are copyrighted by Charlie 2/54 INF***

OK, he's not in these first two, but here's DAY 1

This is the Obstacle Course, May 17th... I *think* he's in the back row???

This is *definitely* Parker, front row 1st on left, they are learning hand-to-hand stuff. (May 17th)

I love IKEA

2007-05-27T20:10:00.000-06:00

On Saturday we went to the IKEA store in Round Rock (just outside of Austin). I LOVE that place!!! It's kind of like a warehouse store for every type of home decor you can think of... every room of the house!

When you walk in, you have to take a pencil and a shopping list thing, because when you see something you like on display, you have to write down the bin number and aisle number for when you get to the warehouse. You follow these arrows on the floor as they wind you through the showroom where they have little living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, etc on display. It takes FOREVER to get through the place! When you are done going through the store, you end up in the warehouse. Seriously, it's like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" at the end, when they show that huge warehouse where the Ark ends up... You just go "oh. my. god."

We've bought a few things from IKEA, like our $24.99 coffee tables, and a storage/cubby thing for Jill's room. Honestly, you get what you pay for, and everything comes in a flat box totally unassembled, but for the price it is OK stuff, and when the sippy cup leaks on it or the cat jumps on it or whatever, I'm not going to have a heart failure like I would if it was a $200 coffee table! So.... I LOVE IKEA! YAY SWEDEN!

we bought a boat!

2007-05-27T20:02:00.000-06:00

Jim has had "boat fever" for awhile, and on Friday we finally took the plunge and we bought a boat! A Stingray 180, with a package that included the trailer, lifejackets and basically everything we need to get on the water right away. It's not a huge "go to Isle Royale" boat, but it is a good starter for our family. We're really excited about being able to get outside and do something together that we all will enjoy. There are a couple of big lakes (OK, you Michigan people, big for TEXAS!) about 25 - 30 miles away where we can go and spend the day, swimming, fishing, or whatever. We even got a lifejacket for Patches, so he can go with us and we don't have to worry about him stuck in the yard, or eating the house.

Here's a factory picture. We pick up our boat on Tuesday, and I'll post some pics then too. Now it just has to stop raining. (We've had terrible storms and flash flooding in the area, but fortunately our house & neighborhood is OK.)

Preschool Graduation

2007-05-25T07:13:00.001-06:00

Jillian graduated from preschool on Tuesday nite. It was a very cute ceremony, the kids sang their little hearts out! Here's a couple of pictures...

Parker Update

2007-05-25T07:01:00.000-06:00

We've gotten a few letters from Parker, and he sounds great. They're working hard, but he seems to be keeping a positive attitude about it all. Click on the link below to go to the "Charlie Rock" website, which has lots of photos and updates for his company. I even found a couple of pictures of Parker! It's pretty cool, and sure a lot different than the "olden days" when Jim was in Basic and there was no internet!

(Note: The trainees can't see the website, since they don't have computer access. Mail is still the main way to communicate, and they really appreciate getting mail!)

CLICK HERE for the website.

Rabbit Fest

2007-05-25T06:34:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, Jen & I took the girls to Rabbit Fest, a local carnival. We bought them wristbands so they could go on all the rides, and did they ever have a blast! We were there for nearly five hours, and the kids were soooo tired, they were just spacing out by the end of it, and the Mommies were wilting by then too!

We ate all the required junk food as well: Fried onions, snow cones, corn dog, ice cream (not all at once, throughout the day!)... and something that sounds completely gross and weird, but is so good-- deep fried dill pickles! Doesn't that sound disgusting? But really, YUMMY! Who'd've figured??? The girls also got tattoos, airbrushed of course, but they thought they were too cool!

Here are a few pictures from the day...

Movie Review: Shrek the 3rd

2007-05-25T06:19:00.000-06:00

My friend Jen & I took our girls to see Shrek 3 last Friday. I think the reviews are pretty accurate on this one, in that it is OK, but not the best thing you'll ever see in your life. I mean, part of the reason Shrek #1 was so funny was because it was an original-- new characters, animation style, the works. I have to say I liked #3 better than the second one, but it seems to be getting kind of old and repeating the same jokes. Of course, if they make a 4th one, I'll see it, because it's like the Star Wars movies, you know it's not going to be like the early ones, but you still want to see how it turns out! Although with any more Shreks, I think we'll wait for the DVD.

As far as my three year old, she had no great interest in watching this movie, and we spent a lot of time in the lobby walking around, but to be fair, she is not a big movie watcher. She just likes to go to the theater, because she knows we get popcorn, and it's something different for her. So this was about average for Jill. My friend's little girl, who is almost four, sat through the whole thing, and really enjoyed it. There are some silly parts that little kids would love, and there weren't really any parts that seemed too scary. All in all, a good family movie, something to do on a rainy afternoon!

The Big 4-0!

2007-05-17T09:34:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday, the big 4-0, forty years old. I had a good day, got spoiled, and we went out to dinner too. (Olive Garden, yummy!) Jillian must have "surprised" me about 100 times throughout the day, it was funny, she kept going "I'm going to surprise you for your birfday Mama!" (covers her face, then jumps up) "SURPRISE!" At which point I had to go "OHHH! I'M SO SURPRISED! YOU'RE THE BEST SURPRISER EVER!!!" And she'd laugh and laugh.

Jim asked me how it felt to be old... ha ha... Really, it feels like a fresh start, not a bunch of doom and gloom. I think I have been more introspective lately, kind of assessing where I'm at, where I want to be, and all of that fun stuff, but I have been very blessed in my life, and have very few regrets, and lots of things I'm looking forward to now and in the future! (Lord willing and the creek don't rise, as they say here in Texas!)

So we'll see what unfolds!

A Letter to Barack Obama. (This makes me sad.)

2007-05-16T08:29:00.000-06:00

Here is a copy of a letter I just sent to Barack Obama. I'm so disappointed about this, but I guess such is life in the Big World of Politics.

I really don't expect a response, but if on the off chance I get one back, I'll post it here too.

Love you guys!

~Laura

COPY OF AN EMAIL SENT TO SENATOR BARACK OBAMA ON 5/16/07...

You have just lost my vote, and I am so disappointed, because I had so much hope for 2008.

Dear Senator Obama,

I was so excited when you announced your candidacy. I signed up on your website right away, and for the first time, I thought that politics could be different, that *I* could help to make a difference, and that there was finally hope for getting us out of the mess in Iraq in a balanced, rational way.

Then the "veto battle" started. Promises not to interfere with funding our troops on the ground were quickly broken in an attempt to make personal political gains. Soldiers' lives were once again used as political pawns in order to get sound bites and airtime. I was completely disgusted, but you still had my support as your stance was to keep the troops funded as long as they were still being put into harm's way.

Now today I have just read that you are supporting cutting funding in March of 2008. Fabulous, Senator, since my husband, and most likely my oldest son also, will be in Iraq in March of 2008. Do you think they will be on a plane home as soon as you enact this policy? Or more likely, they will be "making do" with already strained resources. Should I start saving up so we can buy our own equipment and food?

How dare you and the rest of the politicians in Washington (because, sadly, I now realize that you *are* about politics as usual, following the "Party Line" and more of the same!) ...How dare you use our families' lives as pawns and tools to try and force this President's policy? We are already stretched to the limit with this. Now we are being pulled in too many directions. We need support AND financial backing while you -supposed -diplomats get in there and use perhaps a more subtle method than taking the Army hostage in order to fix what you all started together. (And yes, Senator, I know you voted against the war. But CONGRESS voted for it as a majority and now your initial vote is a moot point, since what's done is done, so to speak.)

I hope it was worth it for you, to "flip flop" like that. For me, I guess it has been a lesson too. I will be posting my "Obama '08" shirts, stickers, etc. on ebay, and I also will be canceling my monthly donation. (Maybe I'll put the money into a fund for my soldiers, do you think?) Yes, I am slightly bitter about this, I feel like as a military family, we've been sold out again, by the people who claim to care about us.

I don't know if I will receive a response, but I felt I had to express myself on this issue. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Laura (I have removed my last name for this post)
(Proud to be an Army Wife and an Army Mom!)
(I have removed my personal contact info for this post)

Parker heads out

2007-04-27T16:13:00.000-06:00

Well, Parker has left home, and is now in Georgia where he will begin his Army career.

I know they aren't meant to live at home forever, and believe me, I don't really want them to, but it's hard when they leave the nest. I've been crying off and on all week, the weirdest little things would set me off... and I had to really bite my tongue to keep from giving him all of my great advice, trying to cram 20-plus years of parenting into the last few days, just in case I forgot anything important-- Like, "don't share towels, you can catch that flesh-eating fungus". And yes, I really did tell him to make sure to eat lots of healthy food and vegetables. I bought him little mini-toiletries to take on the plane, and made sure he had clean underwear. I gave him 20 bucks so he would have some cash on the trip... And then I dropped him off at the Army recruiter station, gave him a big hug, and there goes my baby. Of course I had to act all mature and cool about it, so I didn't embarrass us all, and I didn't want to make it harder for Parker either, I could tell he was already nervous, excited, the whole nine yards... So I think it went well. It's a little quieter around here, but still lots to keep me busy. And now I can concentrate on sending letters, care packages, and looking forward to when we go to Ft. Benning in August for his graduation.

Princess Yuki

2007-04-24T07:40:00.000-06:00

We have a new arrival at our house...Princess Yuki!

She is a 6 wk old little white/cream kitty with blue eyes, which we got from a friend of Parker. Tom says "yuki" means "snow" in Japanese, so we're going with that. I had wanted to name her "Josie", but there was much rebellion. Hey, I thought that was a cute name!

Jillian is thrilled to death, she put Yuki in her baby doll's front pack and was carrying her around, which was very cute! She is actually very gentle, she seems to understand that her kitty is just a little baby... but I still don't leave them alone together, neither one of them are ready for that!

So now we all look like we have been put through a blender! Scratches everywhere. (Speaking of Scratch, he is not impressed, kind of a Garfield/Nermal thing going on, and Patches has already endured having his tail pounced on more than we can count... so I think once P.Y. mellows out a bit she will fit in just fine.) She IS banished from all the bedrooms at nite tho, everyone is tired of being attacked in their sleep.

Now, if I could only get her to quit jumping up, hooking her little kitty claws into my legs (or back!) and climbing up me like a human scratching post while I'm trying to type, she would be perfect! (Purrfect???? ouch, sorry, couldn't resist!)

Time to go, need to find some bactine!

~Laura

Here's the EVIL ONE...

Parker Did It!

2007-04-21T11:05:00.000-06:00

Well, my baby's in the Army now!

On March 30th, Parker joined the Army! He enlisted for six years, as Infantry/Airborne/Ranger. Yeah, personally I think anybody who goes Ranger is crazy (unless they like eating lizards & bugs!) but this has been PJ's dream for a long time. Actually, when he was three I had an argument with him because he wanted me to take him to join the Army, so he could fly in "Hooah Helicopters" with his Dad.

He leaves on April 25th, to go up to Dallas, and he will ship out to Ft. Benning, GA on the 26th. Of course, as his Mom, I worry... but there are lots of positive things he can get out of the military too, and I think this is a great step forward for him! He is very happy and excited about his decision, and Jim & I are very proud to support him on this journey. Your positive thoughts and prayers are appreciated too! When he gets processed in and gets a mailing address, I will email it out so you can send him some mail... Always a highlight of the day for any soldier!

Babies, Babies, Everywhere!

2007-02-21T21:27:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to the new arrivals of our family and friends!...

MSS, boy, born Jan. 1st in Slovakia (Boy #3... Never a dull moment there again!)

BMJS, boy, born Feb. 14th in California (Our nephew's baby boy, when did we all get that old?)

SKC, girl, born Feb. 19th in Michigan (Check out my link to Liz' blog, although she may never have time to update it ever again!)

I love all you guys, and miss you too! At times like this I wish we all lived a little bit closer together!

BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT 2008!

2007-02-19T22:53:00.000-06:00

I have never considered my self to be a political person, even after being an Army Wife for the past 19 years. But I feel like our country is so divided, and there is so much going on, that I can't sit on the sidelines anymore. Barack Obama's message has really inspired me. I don't know if it is him personally, or just something within myself that knows it's time to take action. But I really like the things he has to say. I'm so geeked about this guy that I'm even going to a Political Rally in Austin on Friday, can you believe that?! I'll post on it ... probably in six months or so... ha ha. The logo at the top is also a link to his site, if anyone wants to check it out.

4/21/07
Follow-Up
Well, we didn't make it to the rally. When we heard there were already tens of thousands of people signed up to go, we decided not to battle the Austin traffic and the crowds, especially with a three-year-old. However, they seemed to do OK without us--this time! :)

Getting Back in the Swing of It...

2007-02-19T22:24:00.000-06:00

It's been so long since I've posted anything, I hardly know where to begin. Life has been (thankfully) so normal lately, just day-to-day things that I doubt anyone would even be interested in. But just in case anyone actually is interested, here are a few highlights from the long weekend.

Jim was off Friday & Monday, so he and Tom worked all weekend building a new deck. It is awesome! Damn, they do good work! Since we have an aboveground pool, and we had a partial deck that Jim and Milo built in the spring when Jim was home on leave, they extended it to an upper level with a gate and railings, so Jillian can't get to the pool without pulling a major Houdini! (Yes, I know nothing is absolutely kid-proof, so rest assured there will be much adult supervision as always...) But is is sooooooooo nice. Now we will be able to get in and out of the pool without climbing that crappy plastic ladder. I can't wait for spring now!

I took Jillian to Walmart today to get her portraits done. This is the third appointment we've had, and we finally made it! Actually, last week it wasn't our fault that we missed it--I got her all dressed up and ready, and when we got to the Walmart there were firetrucks, a hazmat truck, and police tape all across the entrance. I read in the paper the next day that some employees had found "mysterious bags" containing a "white substance" in a dressing room. So of course, they carried it across the store to show a supervisor. (Now, if you thought you had found some kind of terrorrist wmd, would you pick it up and parade it around a public place??? HEY FRED, DO YOU THINK THIS COULD BE THE ANTHRAX OR SOMETHIN???? Ok, they didn't yell in a redneck way like that, but when I read the series of events, that part kind of caught my attention. Maybe they should have some training on that. Just a thought.) But anyway, the store was closed for five hours, and they finally identified it as some kind of sodium (I can't remember exactly what kind) but basically it is the stuff you put on slippery sidewalks to melt the ice. And of course, the incident remains under investigation. Life in the post 9/11 world.

So to make a long story even longer, here is a sample of one of Princess Jillian's Royal Portraits...

What'd I Tell Ya?

2007-02-02T00:26:00.000-06:00

I had audio of crickets chirping, but it turned out to be too much of a pain so I took it out. Just use your imagination...

I'm Baaaaaaaccckkkk....

2006-10-19T19:52:00.000-06:00

Well, the trip to Michigan was absolutely wonderful. It is so pretty up there in the summer, and we left just as the leaves were starting to turn. I'll post kind of a "retro-journal" with pictures and highlights, slowly but surely!

In the meantime, check out www.pasty.com for a Yooper fix.

As you can see, it is going as I predicted. First lots and lots of blogging action, then... crickets chirping. It just seems like there is no time anymore, but I know that is mainly because I have been totally and completely disorganized since we've been home. The train will now leave the Procrastination Station... eventually... maybe...

So keep checking back, I haven't given up my little corner of cyberspace yet!

~Laura

Getting Ready to Go

2006-08-06T00:18:00.000-06:00

Well, not much going on this weekend, just cleaning & doing laundry, getting ready to head up to Michigan later this week! Jillian & I are flying, so it should be quite an adventure! Especially for the lucky winner who gets to share a seat with us! And why am I putting exclamation points after everything! Bad Laura! No more coffee!

Of course, there is stuff I could have probably done last week, but I think I have planned it so I won't be jumping thru my butt too badly and will be able to get everything done before the last minute. (I.E. my usual habit of packing damp laundry at 2 AM, in major freak-out mode!)

I don't know if I'll be posting anything until we're settled in the U.P., but as usual, all your good thoughts & prayers are much appreciated! I'm even going to buy a new battery for the camera, and I'll try and put some pictures up here for you. (According to Tom, I'm such a TOOL and the family is officially shamed. I just tell him to shut up, or I'll post stuff on my blog about him. Insolence will not be tolerated.) Evil Laugh......

Oh well, back to the laundry.

Existential

2006-08-02T20:41:00.000-06:00

Tonight I told Jillian, "Stop writing on the window with your hamburger!".

And she did.

I used to read Camus.

In French.

But this is much more fun!

Confessions of an Ebay-aholic

2006-08-02T09:40:00.000-06:00

Well, I did it...

I quit Ebay. Cold turkey. Deleted my "watch list" and signed out. I am seriously addicted to Ebay, that's where I buy 99% of Jillian's clothes. I do get some great deals, but the problem is that I overbuy TONS of stuff, there are things she's outgrown that she's never even worn, and I am just way too caught up in the "thrill of the win". It's almost like when I played the slot machines in Vegas, that excitement... are you going to get the deal??? Don't get me wrong, I'm not insane, like whoever paid $102 for a pair of used toddler "Toy Story 2" pajamas, but for now Jillian has all the winter clothes she could possibly need and I have no business spending any more money on all that crap.

I suppose if I were really serious about giving up the E-diction, I would delete my account, but with all the stuff I've bought over the past year, I'm going to list some of it and try and sell it when we get back from up north. Maybe recoup some of the "investment".

I just don't want one of Jill's earliest memories of me to be my back to her, while I'm at the computer, saying "Just a minute, Mommy's trying to win the Gymboree shirt for you!". How lame is that.

And speaking of Jillie Bean, I hear her waking up, so I'll leave this for now... Don't want her to remember "Just a minute, while Mommy posts on her blog," either!

Just a Usual Day!

2006-07-31T19:53:00.000-06:00

Went to lunch today with Parker and his girlfriend. She seems like a nice person. And Jillian went with us too, of course! (Tom didn't want to go.) We went to Applebees, Jill was pretty good, but I still like going early. It's not so crowded, and if she does have a "moment" it's not so stressful-- to everyone involved!

THREE THINGS JILLIAN LEARNED TODAY:
1. Ceiling fans and balloons don't mix.
2. We always wear our panties in the sandbox.
3. Spraying the hose into the house is not a Good Activity.

And now, with Princessa in bed and the house nice and quiet, I'm going to have a glass of wine and read a trashy novel... Gotta rest up for another day with my favorite curious two year old!!!

Sad But True...

2006-07-29T23:33:00.000-06:00

Thought this was kind of funny, under the circumstances...

Leaving Comments

2006-07-28T08:43:00.000-06:00

I really love getting your comments, and thanks to everyone who takes the time to visit!

I choose to moderate my comments, as a matter of National Security. (Ha Ha.) That means that when you leave a comment, it goes to me first and then I post it to the site. So if you post a comment and it doesn't show up right away, don't panic. As soon as I check my email, I will publish your comments in my blog.

So comment away! Agree, disagree, call me names if you must--none of that stuff will be edited out. The main thing I am screening for is "identifying info" and such. (Phone #s, addresses, etc.) I look forward to hearing from you all!

Hope this helps explain what's going on.

P.S. Got the odery stinktion out of the couch. Yay Febreeze!

Day 2

2006-07-27T21:29:00.000-06:00

Wow, 2 days in a row!

Now that I have my own voice in cyberspace, I feel like I should be writing about all kinds of profound and worldly topics... The Middle East, Israel, immigration reform... but all that is on my mind is, well, basically nothing. I'm too tired. Jillian is not sleeping well at all, so that means I am not sleeping either. And there is a funny smell in the couch, I think she spilled milk there because it is quite gross... So I guess my personal discomforts are taking precedence over war, famine, and politics. Doesn't seem quite right to whine when I am really so blessed. Is that human nature, or am I just a spoiled bitch? Probably a little of both, I think. Not too pleasant to admit. I think it's time to start walking the walk... Which I guess means I need to go unfunk the couch, cuz no self-respecting activist is going to come over to brainstorm saving the world with me once they walk in and smell the cheezy delight wafting up from those cushions.

So I'll write again later.

Here We Go!

2006-07-26T12:49:00.000-06:00

So now I have joined the blogging world. My two sons think this is incredibly lame. (They are 20 and 17). A couple of months ago, when I asked them what "blog" even meant, one of them said, "It means -I'm a loser, please read my stupid stories-". Now they said they are going to keep an eye on me to make sure I don't develop any other EMO tendencies. (Not quite sure what that is either, but from what they tell me it involves cutting yourself and crying a lot. I'm pretty sure I don't have to worry about that!) My daughter, who is 2, doesn't seem to care if I have a blog or not. Of course, she is all about *her* needs at the moment... and yes, I'm being sarcastic. You'll probably find that a lot here. To be honest, I'll probably post regularly for a couple days, maybe even a couple weeks, then ..... Nothing.... (sound of desert winds, or crickets chirping... you get the picture) Consistency is not a strong point. But, I do rock at procrastination. I have that down pretty good. So I guess we'll just see what happens... And here we go!