Week from hell

Lest you think I've been slackin' here at Camp Osto, I need to fill you in on my week from hell. After the jubilation of winning the trial, Osto and I partied over the weekend and attended the wedding of Brad and Shelly - that was all fun and good times!

Then came Sunday, when a freak February rainstorm whipped up with a little wind thrown in for good measure. We came home that afternoon to find our basement flooded (once again). Ironically, it was two years to the date of the last time it flooded. Now, mind you, our basement is living space. Two bedrooms, family room, etc. - all finished, carpeted, drywalled, etc. Just imagine me, shop vac in hand, tears running down my face and I struggle unsuccessfully to stay ahead of the tidal wave. Osto and brother Mark were manhandling the furniture to the one spot that was dry. Nana rescued the kids. T-bird was a trooper and volunteered to help with the disaster.

Then came Monday and the clean up ensued. The insurance company was contacted, the restoration company arrived to rip up my carpet, dispose of padding, install about 20 dryers and a huge dehumidifier. About 6 companies were called to investigate our flooding issue. More on that in a minute...

Then came Tuesday - a snow day for our kids who have no bedrooms, no toys (all in the garage) and no privacy or space from each other. On my way to work, I was rear ended on the expressway in the snowy/icy weather. Picture me, tears running down my face as my neck now hurts and I can't believe my shitty luck. After taking car to get fixed, visiting local ER and taking muscle relaxers and pain killers for my whiplash, I have two more days off work and two days and nights minus insomnia. Feeling better about things, (vicodin apparently has this effect).

Then came Wednesday - the verdict on the flooding basement is that our drainage tiles around the outside of the house were never tied into our sump system. I don't full understand all of the physics around this mess, but it is a giant pain in the you know what. It is also not covered by insurance. Of course, this makes me cry (still).

Then came Thursday and Friday - They have to trench out the concrete floor in my basement with a wet saw, put in the tubing and recement over it.

Over the weekend we attempt to move more stuff and clean up.

Then came today (Monday) - the carpet guy arrives to lay new pad and re-install my carpet. Turns out the restoration company tore it out and wrecked the seams and it is not usable. Luck is on my side as they agree to pay for new carpet for the whole basement! Unfortunately, this will take another week before they can start. Poor kids.

Luckily, we have had many encouraging words from our friends and families. Thanks to everyone for helping me though this mess and for helping me see the bright side of things. It is all just stuff, it can be replaced. I'm okay, my family is safe and that is all that matters. It still sucks though (I'm not really a glass half full kinda gal).

I'll blog again when sanity returns!

Trials and Jubilations!

You know that saying about "having your day in court"? Well, we had that times five.
It was very difficult to sit there and have to hear lies said about people you know and especially someone you love.

Waiting for a jury to decide upon a verdict is pure hell. Waiting, wondering what could possibly be taking so long? Is someone confused, someone not conviced? Was the evidence and testimony not clear? Torture. Then those words, "We have a verdict." I don't think I have had that much adreneline coursing through my body in years, maybe decades.

The jury sided with us. We were right and they were wrong and in the end that is all that matters.

There are a lot of crazies in the world. There are also a lot of bitches. Combine those two with alcohol, prescription narcotics, illegal drugs PLUS litigation and you will have one hell of a mess on your hands. I highly suggest that you avoid this in your own life if at all possible. Sadly, some people have to deal with the "vallium'd, drunken, high, naked, sweaty, combative, belligerant, fake tanned, flailing, narcissistic, histrionic, borderline personality crazies" of the world. And I married one of them. And I am happy and proud of him for having the ability to do it.

I pledge...

I was surprised to hear Chooch tell me the Pledge of Allegiance earlier this week. In case you thought they don't teach the Pledge anymore, you'll be happy to know his three-year old preschool class recites it at the beginning of each class.

Aero Sleigh

Dad, can you build one of these?

Doesn't this look like fun!? It is called an Aero Sleigh and I guess they were popular on Drummond Island, in Northern Michigan.

Kinda like a boat, airplane and snowmobile combined.

We could use one around here lately with all the snow.

Space Shuttle Launch

Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch today at 2:45 pm (EST). Nana and Papa Osto are going to be at the actual launch. I found this great NASA website that streams the launch live. If you can take a break, check it out.

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

Happy Birthday Dad

February 5 - Happy Birthday Dad!

I love you!

Six to Twelve Inches

Get your mind out of the gutter, this is about SNOW!

We are in for a real winter storm today, with 6-12" in the forcast. Enough of the doom and gloom forcasts, this is Michigan! This is FUN!

I dedicate this to post to my family and friends in FL, my friends in AZ, my cousin in WA, and all the rest of you who have forgotten what a snow shovel feels like in your hand and the smell of snowblower gas on your winter coat! (if you even own a winter coat anymore).

It snowed about 6" in two hours - so far we have snowblowed the driveway three times in 5 1/2 hours! Keep it coming maybe we'll have a snowday!

Some inspiration for you

If this doesn't inspire you, you are made of stone. (stop the music first)

World's Strongest Dad

Declaration of Independence

I missed this during the Superbowl, but think it is really cool. (pause the music at left first so you can hear this).

Stupid things, stupid me...

Obviously, I still have writer's block. I can't think of good post fodder to save my blog. I could probably ramble endlessly about my insomnia, but that would put YOU to sleep.

Why do men yell at the tv during sporting events?

What the hell is happening on Lost??? I love that freakin show.

I cannot remember the days, times, or shifts that my husband works. ever. Nor can I recall the times the other shifts work or those day off rotations, nor the potential implications this could have if one were to decide to move from one shift to another. Multiply this by things such as seniority and one's ability/inability to procure one's preferred days off (typically around hunting season) compounded by the complications of picking the proper ETO days.
This apparently makes me retarded.


I love spreadsheets. Maybe if someone (not me) created one of the above scenario, I'd understand. This is my inner nerd speaking. (or is it geek? I always got those two confused)

I want to open my own business. There are two things holding me back. 1) lack of money 2) I have no idea how to run a business. But still....


Why does dirty laundry always suddenly appear on the laundry room right after I have finished the last load? There is a never ending pile of laundry. I have remodeling dreams, not of a snazzy screened in porch or stylishly updated kitchen (although both would be fab), but of a new laundry/mud room. One with lockers and a place to fold clothes, all neatly hidden behind a closed door. One that does not have a bathroom attached to it. That's what you dream about when you are almost 36, that is if you ever get any sleep...