Grease...not the musical

Well with the hubs home that means projects are happening.

See all the grease?

He wanted to do some work on the pick up. He was wanting to put in an auxiliary tank which is fine except when he did this to his jeans...his shirt was pretty bad too but, he has plenty of work shirts so the shirt didn't make it... shucks.

Anyway, the first thing I did was roll my eyes because I did not know if this was going to be able to come out.  But then I gathered my products: Cornstarch, scrub brush, Dawn soap, and Borax.

I liberally applied the cornstarch to the grease and went to town with the scrub brush. I should have probably put more elbow grease into it but I got bored.

This is what I used

Scrub it in

After I got the cornstarch absorbed in, I then applied some Dawn soap. I have used Dawn soap on some smaller grease spots before with great success. Those other times were more like from when I spilled something on myself not from the vehicle.

in the washer

Finally I decided to go ahead and put the jeans in the wash. I had some old towels and rags to wash also. I was too chicken to have anything good in the wash just in case the grease would rub on to it. I added to Borax because I have recently heard that it does wonders for laundry.

For the most part I am happy with the results. You can still see some of the grease but, they are work pants so it isn't a big deal. I imagine that if I would have used more cornstarch and more elbow grease that I would have had better results. I will be trying this again.

Final

The Hubs

May 15th started like any other day.  I probably had a hard time figuring out what to wear because I would be a million degrees at work. I was probably late to work because of it. Again normal. Anyway I was just working away trying to get some loose ends taken care of before the baby comes. 

Then a gal comes to my desk and says "Michelle there I someone here to see you." I panic thinking its someone here to yell at me and why haven't I paid their claim etc. I sit fairly close to the door but I stand up and then I can see over the cubicle walls and there is my husband standing by the door!!!! 

I run over to him. Well as much as I can run being 9 months pregnant and I didn't have my shoes on. 

I give him a big hug again, as big of one as I could do with the belly in the way and I start shaking a little. I wasn't suppose to see him until after the baby came and even then I didn't know exactly when.  I didn't cry but I joked about not having shoes on. I then took him to my desk to get my shoes and paraded him around the office. I was just starting to introduce him to some friends when I realized I really had to use the ladies room. Poor guy had to stand around with people he had never met before. It was the fastest bathroom break I ever took. Anyway as I introduced him to everyone about half the office cried knowing that he had been gone and I hadn't seen him since September. 

After introducing him to anyone/everyone and not letting go of his hand he wanted to get home. I got him the key to the car so he could load up his things while I shut down my computer. I was shaking with excitement though and I didn't even know what to do. My manager and my desk mate were outside taking a walk but I wasn't going to just leave a bunch of stuff out. 

Once outside we saw my manager and desk mate so they too had to meet the hubs. My desk mate said he saw someone come to the building in a taxi and was confused about that but ten while they were walking past my car they saw his bags and put it together.

I hardly had to tell my boss that I was going to be done working now as she is pretty dang awesome and probably would have yelled at me if I stayed. 

Driving home!

On the way home we stopped at Speedway so he could understand my obsession with slushie a and so he could get a drink too. I guess traveling for 36 hours or something makes one thirsty.  I kept telling him I couldn't believe he was home. Also I kept touching him to make sure it was real. 

Once we got home I found out that I didn't get the dogs locked up in the kennel so they were roaming the house. I am quite certain though that is the ONLY time during the work week that I didn't get it right. Weird. The hubs was certain though that Charlie would bark at him and sure enough she did. It wasn't for a long time because she soon realized it was dad!!! Then it was all tail wagging and kisses. Poor little Lucy couldn't even get a turn because Charlie was in the way. The hubs stood up though and I had picked Lucy up and they got to have their lovins too. 

I still can't believe he's finally home.

At BWW for the first time in ohhhh 8 months?

Enjoying his first beer - Yuengling of course

Savoring it

ahhh

Pinterest

So all the cool kids are on Pinterest right? I created a board now of projects I've actually completed or had the hubs complete. There really should be a round of applause when I pin something to that board - even if it was a fail. 

I'm not sure what my favorite completed one is yet..the eggless cookie dough just for eating is amazing though. I was even nice enough to add the helpful note to add more sugar. : )

Also, I did get the hubs to be part of Pinterest now too. Not sure if that's good or bad at this point because a few times when we were on the phone when we were both working he'd say something along the lines of "been on Pinterest, we're broke." Hooray for projects though!! As long as they get done...

Michelle


I did it! Pinterest board

Raising the bar

So I was talking with the hubs the other day. He pretty much told me that I'm the most amazing person he's ever met. awwww

Growing a person

He told me that he's all proud of me because since he's gone a lot here I am running the house, taking care of the critters and everything that they do, go to Iowa to visit not only my family but his family as well, I'm making a person, and I still go to work every day. Boom I'm amazing.  But he also told me that I'm not ever going to be allowed to say I can't do something. Is that good or bad?
(Photo credit: Elisabeth Smith Lifestyle Photography)

Speaking of what the critters do....

Belle earned her keep again... gross. But she got a mouse. I was doing laundry and then went into the kitchen and out comes the cat from the laundry room. I knew she had something in her mouth and she was all proud and prancing. I thought maybe she just had some fabric or something else random that she finds. But she went down the hall, then downstairs, then she came back upstairs and I decided to check what the heck was going on. That's when I noticed it was a mouse. Gross. Anyway, this was before church and I decided that I should probably take care of the mouse before church. Gross. By now Charlie and Lucy are fairly interested in what Belle has. Belle came downstairs and so did the rest of us. She eventually just dropped it and I took care of it. Gross.

Flooded Deer Creek

Also it has been raining a lot. Lots of flooding but we live on a hill so things are fine here. That means a lot of mud though.... Lucy isn't a fan but Charlie is. She is getting really good at learning how to get into the tub after only being told once. Then she sits there so nice and lets me wash her feet and sometimes her face. Every now and then someone comes in with a tick.. yeah I take care of that too. Then the other day I was walking in the backyard looking for the dogs because it was nice out and they were just out and about having a good time. Then I looked to my right and saw 6 vertebra  WHAT?! It's still there. I should probably take care of it but, I'm not going to lie, it is actually kind of interesting  I took the picture and then the dogs came running up. They weren't interested. I took a picture to prove it. 

Country

Charlie has been a good guard dog lately. She doesn't spend a whole heck of a lot of time with me. Lucy follows me everywhere... except the bathroom because she hates baths and when it is bath time she runs to the kennel. Then she also gets all sad puppy dog eyes when I pick her up and get her in the tub. She just gets so itchy - not sure if it's allergies or dry skin. I know it's not any sort of bug because I check her out for that a lot and put medicine on both of the dogs for that.  Anyway, Charlie had a full report to give to the hubs the other day. He snapped a picture. 

Well that's all I got for now. I need a slushie. =)

Smoothies/Slushies

Pregnancy is terrific. Nobody looks at me funny when I roll into Speedway and it's brisk outside but yet I get a smoothie or a slushie. They just smile and tell me to have a great day. I will thanks.

That being said, the bowling alley no longer has the slushie machine?! I guess it kept breaking down and nobody ever ordered anything... what... The way I found out was great though. So again, nice and round pregnant lady here. I get up to the counter and ask what kind of slushies they have. One gal said they got rid of the slushie machine but they still have margaritas and daiquiris. I looked at her and then another worker was like "WHAT NO SHE'S PREGNANT." First girl was all embarrassed. So thanks for the notice of no slushies and for the reminder that I can't drink.

Speedway is getting plenty of my business though with their machines. And just in time for my pregnancy to be done there will be a Dairy Queen in Greencastle!!

Cheers with my strawberry/banana smoothie,
Michelle

I am so over winter

First off I do realize that I live in the midwest. 

I am so tired of it being gross outside. Here it seems like it is either raining or snowing. Sometimes we get both in one day. Terrific. 

Last Tuesday (3/5/13) I had to work late at work - we all take turns. It was raining in the morning and I knew the weather may be getting bad so I decided to take the big truck. I left work at about 6:45PM and the rain had turned into snow. I thought no worries, I will just go slow and be safe. Well I don't know what happened but when I was attempting to change lanes on the interstate I started to fish tail. I was like whoa whoa whoa. Please see this link to get the full effect of what I mean. 

Anyway, after I got my bearings and did not go into the ditch about 10 mins later we were all just stopped on the interstate. Now I know that this is a normal occurrence for some people on their way home but, not for me. I don't know how long we were stopped but it did seem like an excessive amount of time. Once we got moving I realized what the problem was.... it's hard work getting up some of these hills and if you don't have 4 wheel you start sliding backwards. So I put it into 4 wheel (which I know now I should have done right when I stated for home).  About now I get a text from my mother asking if we are getting any snow.... 

Speaking of pregnant, here's me on 3/9/13

Finally I get to my exit and the highway I'm on now hasn't been cleared but I've got 4 wheel going so I am truckin' along. Soon enough I see a vehicle clear down in a ditch. I thought hard about stopping to help them until reality hit. Hellllloooo pregnant lady what are you going to be able to do to help them. So instead I call the local police non emergency line and help is on the way.

The driveway once I got home

Next I get to the turn to take me to our road. I have to turn left and it's not a busy road but the truck behind me just decides it can't wait and decides to pass me on the right. I hate it when people do that. There is no lane there and just barely a shoulder for him to fit. I thought for sure he was going to get pulled into the ditch (Read: I really wanted him to get pulled in the ditch). An oncoming car was also going to be turning on the same road. They didn't get stopped in time and slid a little too far, put it in reverse and then made the turn. They pulled over and waved me by but I did make sure they were okay first. I think they really just wanted to follow my path. 

I do eventually make it home at 8pm. My drive is typically 45 mins. Annoying. I still had to plug the truck in (diesel) and that took longer than it should have only because in the morning I didn't put the cord away nice... my own fault. Critters were all happy to see me, be fed and let outside but they were also really happy to go cuddle right back up.

It is now Sunday and at 4:45pm it was 63 degrees out...spring? is that you?

front porch when I got home

Front porch Wednesday morning

Backyard Wednesday morning

front flower pot Wednesday morning

Dreams

Pregnancy dreams are weird.  I don't totally remember the dream I had but, I do remember a few things in it. So I went .www.dreamdictionary.com and looked up what the stuff meant.


Here's a recent photo of me!

Killer Whales
To see a killer whale in your dream indicates that you need to be more social or more vocal about something. Step up and speak up. Alternatively, the dream symbolizes spiritual guidance. You are ready to explore your emotions, but you need to make the connection between the conscious and subconscious aspects of yourself.

Mud
To see mud in your dream suggests that you are involved in a messy and sticky situation. It also suggests that some spiritual cleansing is needed.

To dream that you are walking in mud suggests that you are feeling weighed down by a situation, problem, or relationship. You are feeling frustrated.

To dream that mud has gotten on your clothing means that your reputation is being attacked and called into question. Consider the term "mud-slinging" to refer to some politicians.

Soccer
To dream that you are playing soccer suggests that you are suppressing your sexuality or aggression and expressing it in a more socially acceptable manner. From a Freudian perspective, sports generally serve as a disguise for attitudes about sex as a aggressive act. Hence soccer can be seen as a pun on "sock her". Alternatively, the game of soccer parallels to how you function and how you run your life when confronted with challenges. You need to be able to think quickly on your feet, if you are going to succeed. The soccer game also reflects you competency, integrity, strengths and weaknesses.

Ball
To see or play with a ball in your dream symbolizes completeness and wholeness. It may also indicate that you need to be more in tune with the inner child within. The dream may also be a metaphor for the testicles. Consider also the phrase, "he's got balls" to indicate guts and strength.

To dream that you are watching a ball game indicates that you need to take more initiative. Your lack of action may stem from your shyness which you must overcome. Perhaps you are too overly self-conscious.

Skinny Dipping
To dream that you are skinny dipping indicates that you are freely and openly exploring aspects of your subconscious.

Chase
To dream that you are being chased signifies that you are avoiding a situation that you do not think is conquerable. It is a metaphor for some form of insecurity. In particular, to dream that you are chased by an animal represents your own unexpressed and unacknowledged anger which is being projected onto that animal. Alternatively, you may be running away from a primal urge or fear.

To dream that you are chasing someone signifies that you are attempting to overcome a difficult goal or task. You may also be expressing some aggressive feelings toward others.

Swimming Pool
To see a swimming pool in your dream symbolizes relaxation, calmness, luxury and ease. You need to take a break. Alternatively, a swimming pool suggests that you need to acknowledge and understand your feelings. It is time to dive in and deal with those emotions. You need to cleanse yourself and wash away past hurts. Consider the depth of the pool. If you were swimming on the deep end, then it means that those emotions are deeply seeded and may be harder to confront.. You will need to work through it, no more matter how difficult. If you are swimming on the shallow end, then it implies that you should be able to easily deal with your feelings.

To see an empty swimming pool in your dream suggests that you are literally feeling empty and devoid of emotions.

To dream that the swimming pool is filled with trash indicates that you are leading a lifestyle of excess. You need to tone it down and discard some of the negative emotions in your life.

Drought
To dream of a drought indicates that you are void of emotions. You are withdrawn and depressed. The dream may be a result of a major loss in your life. Alternatively, the dream suggests that you are not drinking enough water and staying well hydrated.

Slide
To dream that you or somebody is on a slide indicates that you are experiencing some instability in your waking life. You have lost your grip on a situation or relationship.

To dream that you are sliding represents a loss of control.

Water
To see water in your dream symbolizes your subconscious and your emotional state of mind. Water is the living essence of the psyche and the flow of life energy. It is also symbolic of spirituality, knowledge, healing and refreshment. To dream that water is boiling suggests that you are expressing some emotional turmoil. Feelings from your subconscious are surfacing and ready to be acknowledged. You need to let out some steam. To see calm, clear water in your dream means that you are in tune with your spirituality. It denotes serenity, peace of mind, and rejuvenation. If someone throws water at you in your dream, then it implies that you need to show more of your emotions. You have been too disconnected from others. Alternatively, it may mean that you need to cool off.

To see muddy or dirty water in your dream indicates that you are wallowing in your negative emotions. You may need to take some time to cleanse your mind and find internal peace. Alternatively, the dream suggests that your thinking/judgment is unclear and clouded. If you are immersed in muddy water, then it indicates that you are in over your head in a situation and are overwhelmed by your emotions. To dream that water is rising up in your house suggests that you are becoming overwhelmed by your emotions.

To hear running water in your dream denotes meditation and reflection. You are reflecting on your thoughts and emotions.

To dream that you are walking on water indicates that you have total control over your emotions. It also suggests that you need to "stay on top" of your emotions and not let them explode out of hand. Alternatively, the dream is symbolic of faith in yourself. If you dream that a wall of water is coming towards you, then it implies that your emotions are welling up and can potentially close you off to others.