Long, Great Day

I was up since early this morning. Since Saturday and Sunday are the only days I get to make breakfast for the family now I got up early and made pancakes. I got Mario’s stuff ready for work and had my pancakes and coffee in peace and quiet (Mario had left, Alaethia was asleep, Jaylen was playing in his room and Eenan was at Mary’s) while I read the last three chapters of Shopaholic Ties the Knot. It was a cute ending. There were lots of typos in that book for some reason, but it was a good read. I’m ready to start on the 4th one, Shopaholic and Sister.

Mom came over and started rushing about telling me to get ready and hurry up. I needed to deposit at the bank and she wanted to go to a sale at Toys R Us before it was over. We made it out the door an hour later than we planned, as per usual.

I stopped by the pharmacy to see if they’d gotten ahold of Workman’s Comp., who were supposed to let them know if the wrist brace they prescribed to me was covered. They hadn’t called, so I left.

We went to Toys R Us first, where we got some Bionicle toys on sale for the boys and I got the old school stacking rings for Alaethia (she picked them!). Those will be their “small gift”. It’s already November (soon to be mid-November! Eeek!) and we haven’t gotten any shopping done, not even for the gift exchange! We really just haven’t had the extra cash to do so. We’re going to be rushing around at the last minute, just watch. I hate that. Mom just needs Big Mario and John to finish with her shopping. I’m so jealous.

We went to the mall next, where I was on a mission to find Mario some new shoes. The man wears wide-width, so we have the hardest time finding any. I stopped at Payless and JC Penny and had no luck, so I just got him some T-shirts. He’d already gotten his gift, a $700 system for his truck, but I feel bad not giving him anything on the actual day. Which isn’t till Monday, but we’re celebrating tomorrow.

Mom got me a Hello Kitty wallet for Christmas, but I don’t get to have it TILL Christmas. Phooey. Now I know how the kids feel.

We rushed to Wal-Mart, where I was to get only the stuff we needed for Mario’s get-together tomorrow but it still took a whole hour to do. Especially since we were starving and had to stop for some McDonald’s before we all passed out. I was so grossed out, though. I only wanted a fruit and walnut salad, since I was meeting the girls at Chili’s and was going to eat dinner anyway, but he told me they didn’t have any; they were expired. I said fine and ordered a cheeseburger. The girl who was getting the order ready put a fruit and walnut salad on my tray and when I lifted it up to inspect it I noticed the expiration date had been scratched off! How disgusting and rude! Had the guy not told me they were expired I probably wouldn’t have noticed and eaten them and possibly gotten sick! You could tell these were expired though. Apples shouldn’t look orange. I almost wanted to tell him to give me all my money back and take the food, but poor Jaylen was hungry and so was Mother. Last time, though. Never eating there again!

I feel so bad because we didn’t get to see Gramma again this week, but I’ll make it up to her. Either tomorrow or Monday after work/school for the kids. We were supposed to meet at Chili’s at 5:45 but I called Sally to let her know I was going to be late. After putting the groceries away and trying to make myself look half-decent, I left the house at exactly 6. I made it over there by 6:20, but thankfully she’d only been there a little bit and Karina had just arrived, too.

It was a great night. Reminiscing, talking about adult things, babies, just everything. It was only the three of us. The rest of the girls couldn’t make it and one in particular was banned. I can’t mention anything, but it was just so messed up. I still can’t believe the drama.

We need to have more nights like that. Sally makes a great-looking pregnant woman. Her belly is so big and she’s still got 2 weeks to go! They’re having a big baby, you can totally tell. She’s all belly. I’m gonna have to meet up with her again soon, because I forgot the bag of stuff I’d gotten her from Target. And I had it right there on the hook so I wouldn’t forget it =\.

Poor Mario was having a tough night (his shirt was dirty, he’d lost money) but he got himself all spiffied up and went out with Manny. Not that they’re doing much, they’re just at Manny’s, but I’m glad he went somewhere. I always feel a little guilty when I go out, even though I know I shouldn’t.

Alaethia’s still awake and I’m about to crash, so I’m gonna go. I need to be up early to get the lasagna’s cooked for Mario’s get together!