Category Archives: Grumpy Nico

Nov 20

The most expensive time of the year

I am so stressed out over holiday finances. This is by far the most expensive time of year. Every day I’m off to the mailbox in hopes of holiday cards, only to find holiday bills. The gas bill (huge), tags and taxes due on the cars (huge), even our electric bill is still huge. I’m so sick of it. Gas prices are still so high, that I don’t want to drive anywhere, and this week we are driving to Thanksgiving.

Today we went to the store to stock up on the weekly groceries, and I had to get gas, because I have to drive out of state to find a decent price on groceries. So the little trip to the store ends up taking two hours round trip. And I’ll have to turn around and do it again, sooner than later.

I’m planning the holiday meal (I’m doing Christmas dinner this year), but I think after I buy the supplies, there goes the rest of my Christmas budget. Gone, poof. I think next year I’ll start a savings account just for these end of the year expenses, and save up for the big day. But you know how that goes.

May 22

Oh my achin’ noggin

I have such a headache today, and swollen nasty tonsils. I feel super yucky today, and my allergies are driving me crazy. I have way to much to do on my to do list, and I don’t know where to start. O.k., no more griping. Better get off my butt and get something done, and hopefully Thade will take a long nap, and I will too.

May 8

What a week it has been

We have finally moved in to our new home! It has been a crazy first week. While we were moving in it rained non-stop. Four days of constant rain, so everything was messy and soggy. We have been unpacking boxes, and doing little improvements here and there, and then on Thursday, no hot water. Our water heather went out, and after one night of carrying hot water up a flight of stairs, we got a new water heater installed the next day. We are still unpacking here and there, and picking out paint colors, it has been a lot of fun so far, and I am so glad that we moved. The whole family(including the cats) loves the new house!

Apr 19

Kicking and Screaming

I had to run to the store after dinner last night, I needed exactly three things: milk, bread, and bananas. I had to go to the store that I am not too fond of, no matter how many items you need, it takes 20 minutes in checkout.Thade and I got ready and he was really happy to go, we grabbed my bag and headed out.

He was happy to be in the car, singing,”mommy’s car”. This will be easy, I thought. We pulled up to the store and immediately he started saying “car cart”. We had to go to the store with the really cute shopping carts that are car shaped so the kids can drive around while you shop. How can he possibly remember that this is that store? “Wanna walk”he exclaimed as I got him out of his car seat. We made it in, and no car carts on the side that we have ventured in to. I grabbed a basket and headed to the produce. Thade happily put bananas in the basket, only two items to go. We walked clear across the store to get a loaf of bread, which Thade picked out, and happily put in the basket. Finally milk, we were home free,just gotta make it to checkout.

Oh yeah, 10 items or less(isle #10), this isle is a rarity for me, and then disaster struck. We were near the other entrance where a little girl was happily getting in a car cart. Thade had spotted it, and immediately pulled my hand towards the cart. No one was at the check-out, so we had to move back across the store to find a checkout line that was open. “Car cart” Thade screamed, and he dropped to the floor, in a two year old protest against us checking out. I picked him up and made the long journey towards a smiling cashier all the way to isle #1, while Thade is kicking and screaming. We checked out quickly, and Thade was beet-red from screaming. Another cashier offered him a sticker, and he usually loves them, but not this trip. “NO STICKER CAR CART” he screamed in the most guttural tone I have ever heard. I thanked them for their vast patience, and we exited the store.

He wanted to walk, and then threw yet another tantrum getting to the car, and attempted to lay down in the parking lot, so I scooped him up and quickly made it to the car. Kicking, screaming, and tears streaming down his bright pink cheeks, I got him back in the car seat. I felt defeated, I took a deep breath, and called my mom. She told me that it was a right of passage, and I was officially the mom of a two year old. I felt better, she always cheers me up. We headed home.

Today I need to go out and pick up my prescriptions, but I don’t know if I am feeling that brave. At least we have to go to the other store, the one without the car carts.

Apr 15

Super Saturday

I have been up since 6:30 this morning. Our landlady is showing our home today, so I had lots to get ready. We have one more showing this evening, so I’ll have to clean up all over again. Thade and I went to the store today too, and now I am so tired. It is such a workout pushing a very full cart, and chasing after him. He was really good today, until checkout. He was a little impatient, and loud, but what can you do. It was a really long wait.

We went and visited my mom yesterday, we ran some errands, and shopped a little too.
She was happy to see Thade, and he had a great time. I guess I should get back to work, and figure out what to make for dinner too. Happy Easter to all!