On the brink of the New Year, we find ourselves in Houston with M's best friend, Ron, and family: Sarah, Mikey (4) and Annaliese (9 months). This is at least the third New Year we have spent with Ron. The first being the one and only time I have ever seen M drink to excess. (That last bottle was homemade wine, after the bottle of whisky... use your imagination on that one!)
I sat with Sarah on the sidewalk with the kids while the men lit fireworks much to the delight and awe of Mikey and G. We've come a long way, I mentioned to her. She agreed.
You see, Ron and M went to college together back in the day. They were two geek boys who found solace in a friendship on a small tightknit campus in small town Texas. After that college, they went their separate ways. They remained in touch.
When I met M, dated casually for two months, then seriously for two months and then got engaged. (A story for another Time.) From Ron's perspective, M had a date and was suddenly engaged. He was suspicious and skeptical. It took time, but I eventually won him over. (I think that first drunken New Year's Eve was a step in the right direction.) Yet, the scene was replayed in reverse when Ron met Sarah. He told us about wanting to go out with Sarah and the next thing we knew, they were getting married. Turnabout is fair play. And our lives continue that path.
I think when M and Ron were in college, they assumed themselves lifelong nerdy bachelors, set for days of fishing, grilling and lots of beer consumption. Since Sarah and I hit it off instantly, that changed the entire game. Sarah and I both wanted families and a settled down life. And you know we women get what we want.
I got pregnant in 2001 with G and Sarah had Mikey in 2002. That year was a huge difference until recently. The boys now get along really well and play like champs.
The girls are only 10 weeks apart, and will be able to relate to each other much sooner than the boys. Annaliese is crawling, and NJ isn't. That development gap will close quickly as they progress in age.
In the olden says, the men would fish or golf and Sarah and I would shop. With four kids, we don't have as much luxury for adult play. (In the time AND money department!) Or, rather Sarah and I don't have much of that. We are generally responsible for Child Management and Entertainment Coordination. We do let the men still have their "boy time" (aka "Male Bonding") because it is important to them. This weekend, for example, they broke out the POWER TOOLS and got their testosterone fix.
(Sarah and I did manage to take the babies out and do a *little* shopping.)
Gotta start the New Year out right, after all.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Milestones
Christmas is over. After a frantic shop at the last minute, all immediate presents were wrapped and delivered.
For M, I shopped from the "boring wife" list and bought him much needed clothes.
For G, I shopped from the "cool mom" list and bought him a microscope and a rocket.
For NJ, I shopped from the "is this for me or you?" list and bought her three Groovy Girls. With G, the addiction was Beanie Babies, with NJ it's gonna be Groovy Girls.
I got a snazzy new purse, which turned out just fine. G was determined to get me a purse, but I am ultra-picky on what I will carry day to day. I admit, I was frightened by the prospect. M said he originally picked a bright red alligator purse with lots of bling, mananging to stear him towards something simple and black with buckles. My hubby actually pulled off a "cool husband" gift by enrolling me in a Photography class at the closest community college campus. It was very unexpected, and I can't wait to start!
Of course, as Murphy would have it, M dropped my precious new camera and busted the lens within 30 minutes of me opening my cool Photography lessons. Luckily we bought the "insurance" and just need to find the receipt...
Yesterday, M turned 40. I had wanted to have a big to-do, but that will have to occur after the holidays. Happy birthday old man!
NJ is now sitting up on her own. She's still not very good at it. She's like a drunk old man sitting there swaying and lilting. Blabbering nonsense and drooling. We really need to dig out the video camera and capture this for posterity. Perhaps I will make a first attempt at posting video and share in the fun. We'll see how the times goes.
We'll be heading to Houston to visiting the "extended family" (M's best friend and family) for the New Year. This will be the second New Year we've spent down there with them and it's starting to feel like a tradition. I'm sure I will have stories to report from that excursion. Mucho fun!
For M, I shopped from the "boring wife" list and bought him much needed clothes.
For G, I shopped from the "cool mom" list and bought him a microscope and a rocket.
For NJ, I shopped from the "is this for me or you?" list and bought her three Groovy Girls. With G, the addiction was Beanie Babies, with NJ it's gonna be Groovy Girls.
I got a snazzy new purse, which turned out just fine. G was determined to get me a purse, but I am ultra-picky on what I will carry day to day. I admit, I was frightened by the prospect. M said he originally picked a bright red alligator purse with lots of bling, mananging to stear him towards something simple and black with buckles. My hubby actually pulled off a "cool husband" gift by enrolling me in a Photography class at the closest community college campus. It was very unexpected, and I can't wait to start!
Of course, as Murphy would have it, M dropped my precious new camera and busted the lens within 30 minutes of me opening my cool Photography lessons. Luckily we bought the "insurance" and just need to find the receipt...
Yesterday, M turned 40. I had wanted to have a big to-do, but that will have to occur after the holidays. Happy birthday old man!
NJ is now sitting up on her own. She's still not very good at it. She's like a drunk old man sitting there swaying and lilting. Blabbering nonsense and drooling. We really need to dig out the video camera and capture this for posterity. Perhaps I will make a first attempt at posting video and share in the fun. We'll see how the times goes.
We'll be heading to Houston to visiting the "extended family" (M's best friend and family) for the New Year. This will be the second New Year we've spent down there with them and it's starting to feel like a tradition. I'm sure I will have stories to report from that excursion. Mucho fun!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
If I Did It
I was watching Miani Ink tonight and find myself still mesmerized by Kat Von D's work. She's so amazing. I thought I had finally decided what tattoo I would get if I ever got brave enough to get it. I would get something I could look at every day for the rest of my life. Something for my Mom. Something relfecting the child in me. The evolution of me into the person I am today. Something very distinctly me.
The Muppets.
Huh?
I was crushed the day Jim Henson died. If ever there was a person who lived a dream, it was Jim Henson. He created something. He had imagination. Lasting impact. A Universal language for children from all over the world. And all over Time.
My Mom said I would watch Sesame Street twice a day, soaking in every skit. I learned to read anything at the tender age of four watching that show. Thirty years later my son would be sucked into that program too.
Sesame Street and later, The Muppet Show (the adult Sesame Street) blurred my lines between reality and imagination and there I still live. I want to believe in talking frogs and neighborhoods that sing and dance together. I want to believe that someday we'll find it, the Rainbow Connection: the lovers, the dreamers and me. Magic. (Have you been half asleep? And have you heard voices? I've heard them calling my name...) And I didn't even have to look that up, folks!
So, I was thinking, a portraiture like Mount Rushmore only: Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal and Gonzo. (I am still debating Fozzie, I mean he so grinds on my nerves. Love him anyway, don't you?) I want it black and grey and realistic. As realistic as Muppets GET anyhow.
Kermit is the most sensible one, with the most level head. He tries to make it all right. He plays the banjo and sings about his feelings. He sings about how it ain't easy, being us. As knowledgeable as he seems, we know he's still naive in many ways. He makes us want to believe in magic. And doggone it, we *like* him.
Miss Piggy is tough. I mean, it's hard to be a blonde pig. So she's tough. She's ready to march in and take over. Everything is about her. A pig has to stand her ground! She's prissy, over-bearing and WAY overdramatic. Still, she loves with abandon, and despite her short(rib)comings, we find ourselves mesmerized by her. She will be loved, oh yes. (And, we do! We worship the ground she walks on.)
Animal is just that. A character out of control. He's passionate, focused, obsessive. He wears chains for pleasure. He loves music. He's there when you need him.
Gonzo. Gonzo is one of my favorite Muppets. He's so out of place. Not sure who he is, or why he's here. He never quite fits in with the crowd. He has all these chick(en)s who flock to him. The chickens are the ones he can relate to the most. He's gentle, kind and awkwardly charming. Gonzo doesn't know who or why, but he's still willing to take the journey. Willing to reach out and help a friend in need. And in the end, helps himself in the process.
Yeah. That's all me. My insecurities and my loves all wrapped up in one of the greatest metaphors I know. The Muppets.
God bless you, Jim Henson. Thank you.
(Now where on earth do you put a tattoo like that????)
The Muppets.
Huh?
I was crushed the day Jim Henson died. If ever there was a person who lived a dream, it was Jim Henson. He created something. He had imagination. Lasting impact. A Universal language for children from all over the world. And all over Time.
My Mom said I would watch Sesame Street twice a day, soaking in every skit. I learned to read anything at the tender age of four watching that show. Thirty years later my son would be sucked into that program too.
Sesame Street and later, The Muppet Show (the adult Sesame Street) blurred my lines between reality and imagination and there I still live. I want to believe in talking frogs and neighborhoods that sing and dance together. I want to believe that someday we'll find it, the Rainbow Connection: the lovers, the dreamers and me. Magic. (Have you been half asleep? And have you heard voices? I've heard them calling my name...) And I didn't even have to look that up, folks!
So, I was thinking, a portraiture like Mount Rushmore only: Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal and Gonzo. (I am still debating Fozzie, I mean he so grinds on my nerves. Love him anyway, don't you?) I want it black and grey and realistic. As realistic as Muppets GET anyhow.
Kermit is the most sensible one, with the most level head. He tries to make it all right. He plays the banjo and sings about his feelings. He sings about how it ain't easy, being us. As knowledgeable as he seems, we know he's still naive in many ways. He makes us want to believe in magic. And doggone it, we *like* him.
Miss Piggy is tough. I mean, it's hard to be a blonde pig. So she's tough. She's ready to march in and take over. Everything is about her. A pig has to stand her ground! She's prissy, over-bearing and WAY overdramatic. Still, she loves with abandon, and despite her short(rib)comings, we find ourselves mesmerized by her. She will be loved, oh yes. (And, we do! We worship the ground she walks on.)
Animal is just that. A character out of control. He's passionate, focused, obsessive. He wears chains for pleasure. He loves music. He's there when you need him.
Gonzo. Gonzo is one of my favorite Muppets. He's so out of place. Not sure who he is, or why he's here. He never quite fits in with the crowd. He has all these chick(en)s who flock to him. The chickens are the ones he can relate to the most. He's gentle, kind and awkwardly charming. Gonzo doesn't know who or why, but he's still willing to take the journey. Willing to reach out and help a friend in need. And in the end, helps himself in the process.
Yeah. That's all me. My insecurities and my loves all wrapped up in one of the greatest metaphors I know. The Muppets.
God bless you, Jim Henson. Thank you.
(Now where on earth do you put a tattoo like that????)
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Because Santa Can...
This is G's Christmas list as it was dictated to me:
1. JET PACK (note to self: too much Mythbusters)
2. MONSTER TRUCK RIDE-ON CAR I SAW ON THE BIG LOTS COMMERCIAL THAT I CAN DRIVE (note to self: start hiding the car keys)
3. SUCKER GLOVES AND SHOES SO I CAN CLIMB BUILDINGS LIKE SPIDERMAN (note to self: ditto number 1)
4. A REAL LIGHTSABER (note to self: call George Lucas)
5. 14 SUCTION CUP GUNS (note to self: lower the glass deductible on the home insurance.)
6. A ROCKET POWERED BICYCLE (note to self: take training wheel off G's bike and then let's see if this is still on the list.)
7. REMOTE CONTROLLED LIGHTNING MCQUEEN WITH ROCKETS (note to self: purchase firecrackers and tape them on the remote controlled Lightning McQueen he already and call it good.)
8. RADIO-CONTROLLED AIRPLANE KIT (note to self: defer to RC building enthusiast husband.)
9. REMOTE CONTROL BOWLING BALL (note to self: I actually like this idea... Kay, there's the million dollar idea!)
10. POCKET FAN (note to self: We *do* live in Texas... aw, heck ditto #1)
11. POCKET HEATER (note to self: Uh, we live in Texas... ditto #1)
12. INVISIBILITY MACHINE (note to self: Don't we all at times...)
Me: "So, can we put something on the list Santa could actually get you, you know like from a store?"
G *blank stare*
G: "But Mom, he's SANTA, he could make me ANYTHING."
Me thinking... 'Dammit, he DOES listen to me'
Me thinking... 'Uh, son, I lied... Santa DOESN'T exist.'
Me thinking... 'Damn you, ADAM SAVAGE and JAMIE HYNEMAN!'
Me, reluctantly: "Well... I can't really argue with that..."
Uh, yeah, that works.
1. JET PACK (note to self: too much Mythbusters)
2. MONSTER TRUCK RIDE-ON CAR I SAW ON THE BIG LOTS COMMERCIAL THAT I CAN DRIVE (note to self: start hiding the car keys)
3. SUCKER GLOVES AND SHOES SO I CAN CLIMB BUILDINGS LIKE SPIDERMAN (note to self: ditto number 1)
4. A REAL LIGHTSABER (note to self: call George Lucas)
5. 14 SUCTION CUP GUNS (note to self: lower the glass deductible on the home insurance.)
6. A ROCKET POWERED BICYCLE (note to self: take training wheel off G's bike and then let's see if this is still on the list.)
7. REMOTE CONTROLLED LIGHTNING MCQUEEN WITH ROCKETS (note to self: purchase firecrackers and tape them on the remote controlled Lightning McQueen he already and call it good.)
8. RADIO-CONTROLLED AIRPLANE KIT (note to self: defer to RC building enthusiast husband.)
9. REMOTE CONTROL BOWLING BALL (note to self: I actually like this idea... Kay, there's the million dollar idea!)
10. POCKET FAN (note to self: We *do* live in Texas... aw, heck ditto #1)
11. POCKET HEATER (note to self: Uh, we live in Texas... ditto #1)
12. INVISIBILITY MACHINE (note to self: Don't we all at times...)
Me: "So, can we put something on the list Santa could actually get you, you know like from a store?"
G *blank stare*
G: "But Mom, he's SANTA, he could make me ANYTHING."
Me thinking... 'Dammit, he DOES listen to me'
Me thinking... 'Uh, son, I lied... Santa DOESN'T exist.'
Me thinking... 'Damn you, ADAM SAVAGE and JAMIE HYNEMAN!'
Me, reluctantly: "Well... I can't really argue with that..."
Uh, yeah, that works.
Monday, December 04, 2006
What I Learned (after) School Today
We bought a new lunchbag for G, since the funk of the old one was getting to the point where it might ruin the appetite of anyone sitting near him. I was tired of dumping full strength cleaner inside to try an eradicate the odor therein.
The new lunchbag has the one criteria that G listed as a "must have" which is a shoulder strap. He loves the shoulder strap. Most vinyl lunchbags don't have one, so I was delighted to find one at Fry's that did. (Perhaps it is a nerd thing?)
The new lunchbag is fairly nerdy, as lunchbags go. It has two sections, just in case you don't want to mix hot items and cold items. Each compartment has silver we-stole-it-from-the-Roswell-crash-site-materials that will keep those hot things hot and cold things cold.
I packed this super nerdy lunchbag with a bologna sandwich (?!?!? - his request), juicebox, pretzels on top and fruit snack, Dots, two Starburst and a TootsiePop.
As per usual, I checked the contents of the lunchbag at the end of the day. As per usual, the drink and sandwich were gone. (Yes, he's finally learned to THROW THINGS AWAY, at least lunch trash anyhow.) A partial bag of pretzels came home. And finally, as per usual, the sweets came home. (That's M's DNA at work, not mine.)
Me, shaking the empty sandwich container: "So, you ate all of your sandwich today?"
G looks at me and then glances away for a brief instant before looking back at me and giving me a non-committal: "Yeah."
Me, delightfully: "That's great!"
G, looks hesitant for a very fleeting moment and then broke out into a large smile.
Congratulations, kid, you have just learned to lie to your mother about what you ate for lunch.
Splendid.
The new lunchbag has the one criteria that G listed as a "must have" which is a shoulder strap. He loves the shoulder strap. Most vinyl lunchbags don't have one, so I was delighted to find one at Fry's that did. (Perhaps it is a nerd thing?)
The new lunchbag is fairly nerdy, as lunchbags go. It has two sections, just in case you don't want to mix hot items and cold items. Each compartment has silver we-stole-it-from-the-Roswell-crash-site-materials that will keep those hot things hot and cold things cold.
I packed this super nerdy lunchbag with a bologna sandwich (?!?!? - his request), juicebox, pretzels on top and fruit snack, Dots, two Starburst and a TootsiePop.
As per usual, I checked the contents of the lunchbag at the end of the day. As per usual, the drink and sandwich were gone. (Yes, he's finally learned to THROW THINGS AWAY, at least lunch trash anyhow.) A partial bag of pretzels came home. And finally, as per usual, the sweets came home. (That's M's DNA at work, not mine.)
Me, shaking the empty sandwich container: "So, you ate all of your sandwich today?"
G looks at me and then glances away for a brief instant before looking back at me and giving me a non-committal: "Yeah."
Me, delightfully: "That's great!"
G, looks hesitant for a very fleeting moment and then broke out into a large smile.
Congratulations, kid, you have just learned to lie to your mother about what you ate for lunch.
Splendid.
God Bless the Child That's Got HIs Own
What would you do for family?
I have always thought of myself as the person who is there when the gauntlet is thrown down. Somebody needs me, I go. (Hence late night trips to CVS.)
But the latest unfolding drama of the extended family has my feathers ruffled. And I don't quite know what to do about it.
My niece quit school when she was 16, because she was tired of people telling her what to do. She wanted something else, and we just couldn't convince her that staying in school was it. So, the summer G was born she came to stay with me for a couple of weeks. We talked about her future and discussed strategies on getting what she wanted in life. At the time we talked about her desire to work with animals and a career as a Vet Tech. Being the older, cool Aunt that I am, I also had a frank discussion with her about sex. I felt that with the options in life before her, getting pregnant was the last thing she needed.
So I told her about how not to get pregnant. I told her things I had learned about fertility, about natural rhythm and such. I advised the use of condoms since she had chosen to be sexually active. But, there was a flaw in my thinking. In telling her exactly how to NOT get pregnant, I also inadvertantly told her *how* to get pregnant. I never thought she would use it to her advantage.
Within two years, she was pregnant. Single, no diploma, no income, no prospects for a responsible future.
The baby's father came with my SIL and family for Christmas that year. Seeing my niece's condition was heartbreaking. She wasn't taking care of herself, her teeth rotting and body rarely washed. The baby's father was in the same boat. When we learned she was pregnant, I didn't think she could take care of a little one. The family talked about options, but my niece would have none of it. She wanted the baby.
The baby came and my niece was pregnant again within two years. The family couldn't make ends meet, living in rundown housing. Literal shacks.
My niece and her boyfriend split up, leaving her with the kids. I was too heartbroken to involve myself. I would listen to reports on her situation from other family. This is her life. She chose it.
Things had started looking up a little for my niece. She had gottan an apartment and medication through a mental health facility for an obsessive compulsive disorder. Then my niece met a guy online in another state. They met a couple of weekends ago and decided to move in together.
So, she left her kids with their daddy's mother and moved to another state. MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE. LEFT THE KIDS. And she says she's coming back for the 16 month old girl after Christmas. She's leaving the three year old with his dad. (Who is homeless and jobless.) WTF???? She's coming back in a month for one of her kids? Does this sound right?
Is it time to get involved? How involved do I want to be? The mother part of me screams to get involved and see those kids are in a better place. But I can't save the world, and since I am not there, I don't know how bad the situation truly is. The family is taking a "wait and see" position. Wait and see when she comes back, if she comes back.
My soul just aches for these children. What should I do?!?!
I have always thought of myself as the person who is there when the gauntlet is thrown down. Somebody needs me, I go. (Hence late night trips to CVS.)
But the latest unfolding drama of the extended family has my feathers ruffled. And I don't quite know what to do about it.
My niece quit school when she was 16, because she was tired of people telling her what to do. She wanted something else, and we just couldn't convince her that staying in school was it. So, the summer G was born she came to stay with me for a couple of weeks. We talked about her future and discussed strategies on getting what she wanted in life. At the time we talked about her desire to work with animals and a career as a Vet Tech. Being the older, cool Aunt that I am, I also had a frank discussion with her about sex. I felt that with the options in life before her, getting pregnant was the last thing she needed.
So I told her about how not to get pregnant. I told her things I had learned about fertility, about natural rhythm and such. I advised the use of condoms since she had chosen to be sexually active. But, there was a flaw in my thinking. In telling her exactly how to NOT get pregnant, I also inadvertantly told her *how* to get pregnant. I never thought she would use it to her advantage.
Within two years, she was pregnant. Single, no diploma, no income, no prospects for a responsible future.
The baby's father came with my SIL and family for Christmas that year. Seeing my niece's condition was heartbreaking. She wasn't taking care of herself, her teeth rotting and body rarely washed. The baby's father was in the same boat. When we learned she was pregnant, I didn't think she could take care of a little one. The family talked about options, but my niece would have none of it. She wanted the baby.
The baby came and my niece was pregnant again within two years. The family couldn't make ends meet, living in rundown housing. Literal shacks.
My niece and her boyfriend split up, leaving her with the kids. I was too heartbroken to involve myself. I would listen to reports on her situation from other family. This is her life. She chose it.
Things had started looking up a little for my niece. She had gottan an apartment and medication through a mental health facility for an obsessive compulsive disorder. Then my niece met a guy online in another state. They met a couple of weekends ago and decided to move in together.
So, she left her kids with their daddy's mother and moved to another state. MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE. LEFT THE KIDS. And she says she's coming back for the 16 month old girl after Christmas. She's leaving the three year old with his dad. (Who is homeless and jobless.) WTF???? She's coming back in a month for one of her kids? Does this sound right?
Is it time to get involved? How involved do I want to be? The mother part of me screams to get involved and see those kids are in a better place. But I can't save the world, and since I am not there, I don't know how bad the situation truly is. The family is taking a "wait and see" position. Wait and see when she comes back, if she comes back.
My soul just aches for these children. What should I do?!?!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Long Live the King
We Texans are currently fuh-reaking out because we are having snow and sleet. (With only a little accumulation!) We're huge weenies when it comes to winter. Schools are shutting down because it will probably ice over later. We don't know how to drive on ice, in fact, knowing how to drive period is negotiable. (Hence the PANIC!!!)
Yesterday the high was 80 degrees, and by bedtime it was in the high 40's. Only in Texas.
Last night, G went to bed in his room as per usual. I knew he wouldn't stay there. Call it mother's intuition. NJ wasn't interested in sleeping alone either. So, by 2 am there were four people bodies in our Queen sized Tempurpedic bed. M was taking up his usual space on his stomach, G next to him on his side, and NJ next to G. Me? I had a few inches to try to perform my balancing act. We have NJ's co-sleeper next to the bed, so I propped my pillow across the space like a bridge. My shoulders hung in the space between the bed and co-sleeper. Very uncomfortable.
I told M if we keep this up for the winter, a king Tempurpedic should be in our future. That *might* actually hold the four humans and four cats, don't you think?
Yesterday the high was 80 degrees, and by bedtime it was in the high 40's. Only in Texas.
Last night, G went to bed in his room as per usual. I knew he wouldn't stay there. Call it mother's intuition. NJ wasn't interested in sleeping alone either. So, by 2 am there were four people bodies in our Queen sized Tempurpedic bed. M was taking up his usual space on his stomach, G next to him on his side, and NJ next to G. Me? I had a few inches to try to perform my balancing act. We have NJ's co-sleeper next to the bed, so I propped my pillow across the space like a bridge. My shoulders hung in the space between the bed and co-sleeper. Very uncomfortable.
I told M if we keep this up for the winter, a king Tempurpedic should be in our future. That *might* actually hold the four humans and four cats, don't you think?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Working Fool
I got up at 6 a.m. this morning. It wasn't the girlie wanting her morning num-nums... it was my alarm. I showered, shaved and PUT ON MAKE-UP. (close yer mouths)
Then I went into the office.
I actually got a hit off of Monster for a contract gig doin' one of the things I do best. Surfin' the 'Net. Granting, this surfing is for something very specific and business-like. Still, I love it. Perhaps this is my calling in life...
Then I went into the office.
I actually got a hit off of Monster for a contract gig doin' one of the things I do best. Surfin' the 'Net. Granting, this surfing is for something very specific and business-like. Still, I love it. Perhaps this is my calling in life...
Thursday, November 23, 2006
A Real Family Shares Cooties
Abs hosting our Thanksgiving meal at her place today and did it with flair. We went semi-traditional and went ham instead of turkey, but went with many of the usual accompaniments. Of course, there had to be pie. Cherry and pumpkin.
G wanted to try some with trepidation. Two small slices were cut and placed on a plate for his consumption.
G: "Where's my fork?"
Me, handing him my spare fork: "Here's one."
G, eyes me wearily: "Are your germs on this?"
Me, takes the fork back and looks at it, licks it and hands it back to G.
Me: "There are now."
The entire table: Mother-in-law, Sister-in-law, Hubby M and my Dad looked at me gaping mouths.
G is watching the shocked faces and not the licked fork.
Me: "It's fine. What's the problem? We swap germs when we kiss."
G: "But we didn't kiss. You just xerbited me."
Me: "Yes and there are now my germs all over your neck and probably crawling up into your ears."
G: "CAN WE NOT TALK ABOUT THIS?!?!?"
G wanted to try some with trepidation. Two small slices were cut and placed on a plate for his consumption.
G: "Where's my fork?"
Me, handing him my spare fork: "Here's one."
G, eyes me wearily: "Are your germs on this?"
Me, takes the fork back and looks at it, licks it and hands it back to G.
Me: "There are now."
The entire table: Mother-in-law, Sister-in-law, Hubby M and my Dad looked at me gaping mouths.
G is watching the shocked faces and not the licked fork.
Me: "It's fine. What's the problem? We swap germs when we kiss."
G: "But we didn't kiss. You just xerbited me."
Me: "Yes and there are now my germs all over your neck and probably crawling up into your ears."
G: "CAN WE NOT TALK ABOUT THIS?!?!?"
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Giving Thanks
I've tried to write since my last entry, but the words just won't flow. But I need to write this, because things haven't been all that great lately in many aspects of my life. It is truly time to give some thanks. To reflect. To surrender.
Firstly, I am thankful to my mom for fighting cancer for twenty years. She passed away a year ago on the 15th of this month. Mom went to great lengths to say here in this life and reap much of what she sowed. She saw her daughters graduate school, get married, have grandchildren... so much more. I am thankful for her determination and sheer commitment to living. And, as strange as this may sound, I am thankful for that cancer. Cancer changed the course of my family's lives, much for better for all of us. My mom and I even discussed this in those last days.
Next, I am thankful for my husband. We've been through alot these past couple of years and he's never waivered in his love and devotion. And he's given me two great children, whom I am also thankful for. You three are my everything. I love you so much!
I am thankful for my other family. Those that I am related to: my Dad and my sister. Family is important to me. We've been able to help each other through this year in both subtle and overt ways. My aunts have been wonderful too, and it has been so nice to be more in touch. I am thankful for my sister's husband who has been there for her and her two beautiful daughters. I am thankful for my sister-in-law who is one of my soulmates in this life. I am lucky to have found such a true family with my in-laws.
I am thankful for my other other family. Those who I choose as family because, even though I love my friends, they aren't just friends. My life is what it is because those friends are there. There are friends who I have had since childhood, one of them halfway around the world. Friends who I have lived with, studied with, shared stories with and grew up with in many, many ways. Friends who I have met in work, and in play. Friends I have met once or twice but know because of this venue and friends I have never met. You're in my life, all of you friends, because I fell in love with who you are. I think the world of you.
Lastly, I am thankful for me. That's tough to remember, at times. But I am. I am thankful for this life and this experience and, even on the worst days, I wouldn't trade it. This life is a gift. I am blessed.
Firstly, I am thankful to my mom for fighting cancer for twenty years. She passed away a year ago on the 15th of this month. Mom went to great lengths to say here in this life and reap much of what she sowed. She saw her daughters graduate school, get married, have grandchildren... so much more. I am thankful for her determination and sheer commitment to living. And, as strange as this may sound, I am thankful for that cancer. Cancer changed the course of my family's lives, much for better for all of us. My mom and I even discussed this in those last days.
Next, I am thankful for my husband. We've been through alot these past couple of years and he's never waivered in his love and devotion. And he's given me two great children, whom I am also thankful for. You three are my everything. I love you so much!
I am thankful for my other family. Those that I am related to: my Dad and my sister. Family is important to me. We've been able to help each other through this year in both subtle and overt ways. My aunts have been wonderful too, and it has been so nice to be more in touch. I am thankful for my sister's husband who has been there for her and her two beautiful daughters. I am thankful for my sister-in-law who is one of my soulmates in this life. I am lucky to have found such a true family with my in-laws.
I am thankful for my other other family. Those who I choose as family because, even though I love my friends, they aren't just friends. My life is what it is because those friends are there. There are friends who I have had since childhood, one of them halfway around the world. Friends who I have lived with, studied with, shared stories with and grew up with in many, many ways. Friends who I have met in work, and in play. Friends I have met once or twice but know because of this venue and friends I have never met. You're in my life, all of you friends, because I fell in love with who you are. I think the world of you.
Lastly, I am thankful for me. That's tough to remember, at times. But I am. I am thankful for this life and this experience and, even on the worst days, I wouldn't trade it. This life is a gift. I am blessed.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Because One Syllable Words are Boring
My lovely Kindergartener son pointed out to me today that he, his sister and all four cats have 3 syllable names. I hadn't really thought about it before, but apprarently my husband and I have a penchant for longer names. Perhaps we subconsciously find our one syllable names boring. I guess G can add that to his therapy list: "My mom expected me to do more in life BECAUSE SHE GAVE ME A THREE SYLLABLE NAME AND THAT'S ALOT FOR ANY CHILD TO HANDLE."
There is a one syllable nickname we could call him but:
1) We chose his name to name him after my favorite singer. If we called G by the nickname, it would go against the spirit of the chosing.
2) G doesn't like the short version of his name. He will only let a handful of people call him that. (Namely one of his best friends, The Other G, and family.) I understand this. I hated it when people added a "y" to my name when I was growing up. It wasn't my name! I have only let a handful of people get away with it too. My one syllable status is fine.
I find it interesting on the day G discovers syllables, he's decided to shorten NJ's name to the natural one syllable version. We all have different nicknames for her, and perhaps one day we'll iron that one out. (or she can start her own therapy list: "People never knew what to call me... it was so confusing!")
Well, whatever her name is, she's yelling...
There is a one syllable nickname we could call him but:
1) We chose his name to name him after my favorite singer. If we called G by the nickname, it would go against the spirit of the chosing.
2) G doesn't like the short version of his name. He will only let a handful of people call him that. (Namely one of his best friends, The Other G, and family.) I understand this. I hated it when people added a "y" to my name when I was growing up. It wasn't my name! I have only let a handful of people get away with it too. My one syllable status is fine.
I find it interesting on the day G discovers syllables, he's decided to shorten NJ's name to the natural one syllable version. We all have different nicknames for her, and perhaps one day we'll iron that one out. (or she can start her own therapy list: "People never knew what to call me... it was so confusing!")
Well, whatever her name is, she's yelling...
Monday, November 06, 2006
I Need a Job
It's happened, the time has come. I thought I would make it through the holidays, but I will not.
If anyone can hook me up with some people, please let me know.
~L
If anyone can hook me up with some people, please let me know.
~L
Friday, November 03, 2006
A Tasty Dish of Rice
No, this isn't a recipe. Not for food anyhow. Call it a recipe for the soul.
I just found out that Damien Rice is releasing his next album entitled "9." WHEEE!!!! I love me some Damien, so much so I would consider naming my next child after him. (Don't laugh people, G is named after my FIRST favorite male singer on the planet.)
And no, NJ is NOT named after a favorite actress, or singer for that matter. I simple liked the name. If I named NJ after my favorite female singer, that would be Myra. Myra didn't work for me. Neither did the singers "other name," you know, the one she's known by?
Not being all that transparent am I? Back to the dish... Damien.
Damien.
Damien.
Damien.
If you haven't heard his music, I would say it is a crime against humanity. (Okay, so it's NOT, but still.) You can hustle your butt over to www.myspace.com/damienrice and hear three tracks from the new album. Now, most of you might listen to this and say "Um, ~L, that's *DEPRESSING*" and yes, Damien can be. Think of it more as deliciously, delicately haunting. His music isn't for a listener, it is for those who love to EXPERIENCE music. The songs are wholisitic. The lyrics a bit obscure, and the notes are pure genius. And Lisa Hannigan's voice... wow, just wow.
If you haven't heard "O," the previous album, it's amazing. It's a toss-up as to my favorite track. If forced to pick, it would probably be "Delicate." "Delicate" has been used as ambient music on several TV programs, including my beloved "Lost." His song, "The Blower's Daughter" was prominiently featured in the movie "Closer" and if you see the movie, you'll never forget the song. "Volcano" and "Cannonball" are also favorites of mine.
The first release off of "9" is titled "9 Crimes." Damien admits that the new album feels like an extension of the old, but that's perfectly okay with me. His music is like a cozy woobie on a chilly evening. Just wrap yourself up and enjoy.
I just found out that Damien Rice is releasing his next album entitled "9." WHEEE!!!! I love me some Damien, so much so I would consider naming my next child after him. (Don't laugh people, G is named after my FIRST favorite male singer on the planet.)
And no, NJ is NOT named after a favorite actress, or singer for that matter. I simple liked the name. If I named NJ after my favorite female singer, that would be Myra. Myra didn't work for me. Neither did the singers "other name," you know, the one she's known by?
Not being all that transparent am I? Back to the dish... Damien.
Damien.
Damien.
Damien.
If you haven't heard his music, I would say it is a crime against humanity. (Okay, so it's NOT, but still.) You can hustle your butt over to www.myspace.com/damienrice and hear three tracks from the new album. Now, most of you might listen to this and say "Um, ~L, that's *DEPRESSING*" and yes, Damien can be. Think of it more as deliciously, delicately haunting. His music isn't for a listener, it is for those who love to EXPERIENCE music. The songs are wholisitic. The lyrics a bit obscure, and the notes are pure genius. And Lisa Hannigan's voice... wow, just wow.
If you haven't heard "O," the previous album, it's amazing. It's a toss-up as to my favorite track. If forced to pick, it would probably be "Delicate." "Delicate" has been used as ambient music on several TV programs, including my beloved "Lost." His song, "The Blower's Daughter" was prominiently featured in the movie "Closer" and if you see the movie, you'll never forget the song. "Volcano" and "Cannonball" are also favorites of mine.
The first release off of "9" is titled "9 Crimes." Damien admits that the new album feels like an extension of the old, but that's perfectly okay with me. His music is like a cozy woobie on a chilly evening. Just wrap yourself up and enjoy.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Tricked or Treated?
So last night, we adults were cracked up by my non-imaginative son. He desperately wanted to be a Red Power Ranger, and luckily we found such a costume at Target. He was thrilled with his outfit that he has talked about for weeks.
During trick or treating, many of the adults asked the typical trick-or-treater question: "So, who are you?"
G's answer: G______ C______ Wood.
Treat-givers, trying to coax the imaginative answer out of my child: "Who are you?"
G: G_____ C_____ Wood!
*sighs*
He's so literal.
During trick or treating, many of the adults asked the typical trick-or-treater question: "So, who are you?"
G's answer: G______ C______ Wood.
Treat-givers, trying to coax the imaginative answer out of my child: "Who are you?"
G: G_____ C_____ Wood!
*sighs*
He's so literal.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween!
I have been working on a post for the past several nights but haven't actually gotten it to a point of finality just quite yet. In the meantime, I hope all had a safe and happy Halloween.
Traditionally at this point in the year, I offer my talents and services for a free tarot card reading to people around me. Yes, you read it right: I read tarot cards. It's one of "those things" that when you know me well, you know that I occasionally do.
I didn't do any readings last year, not even my own. Since my Mom was in her final days in her battle with cancer, I just wasn't in that space.
The cards are getting dusted off though and coming out of the closet. So, if any of you who happen to come and visit here would like a reading, please let me know.
Given this offer, I must disclose a couple of things:
1) I do not claim to be a psychic or fortell the future. Reading tarot cards is a reflective, meditative art for me. It will often help me organize my thoughts around an issue in my life and provides a point of intropection. I see it as a tool, not as an answer.
2) In spite of the above statements, I do have certain traditions (perhaps superstitions) that I uphold in the way I conduct a reading. I follow the traditions of my teacher and respect them.
Cards are on the table (I am SO pfunny!) and all you have to do is ask. Just for a taste here is a fun way to "forsee" what my readings are like. (Yes, terrible of me I know.) BTW, the cards you will see on that site are the actual style of cards I use. Very non-traditional and cool, eh?
Traditionally at this point in the year, I offer my talents and services for a free tarot card reading to people around me. Yes, you read it right: I read tarot cards. It's one of "those things" that when you know me well, you know that I occasionally do.
I didn't do any readings last year, not even my own. Since my Mom was in her final days in her battle with cancer, I just wasn't in that space.
The cards are getting dusted off though and coming out of the closet. So, if any of you who happen to come and visit here would like a reading, please let me know.
Given this offer, I must disclose a couple of things:
1) I do not claim to be a psychic or fortell the future. Reading tarot cards is a reflective, meditative art for me. It will often help me organize my thoughts around an issue in my life and provides a point of intropection. I see it as a tool, not as an answer.
2) In spite of the above statements, I do have certain traditions (perhaps superstitions) that I uphold in the way I conduct a reading. I follow the traditions of my teacher and respect them.
Cards are on the table (I am SO pfunny!) and all you have to do is ask. Just for a taste here is a fun way to "forsee" what my readings are like. (Yes, terrible of me I know.) BTW, the cards you will see on that site are the actual style of cards I use. Very non-traditional and cool, eh?
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
I (d)Rule!
My muse has turned my attentions away from blogging to cooking as of late. Since NJ has taken to napping from ~5-7 in the evenings, I have a choice: pay some attention to G and get dinner on the table or blog. Needless to say, my husband sure does appreciate the dinner. This means that the lack of blogging leaves me a little starved for expression and the bit of therapy and peace of mind this venture provides.
For the few people who keeps tabs on me: I made a killer Walnut Chicken tonight. You get Walnut Chicken instead of a long winded diatribe about ugly shoes that has been swimming around my head for ages and needs to be written one of these days. I have say, in my own humble way: MY WALNUT CHICKEN ROCKED ASS! No recipe, just me smelling every jar of herbs in my cabinet to find the "right" ingredients.
Before there was Walnut Chicken, there were the RIBS that Spanks recommended to me in the comments section. Spanks.... tasty stuff, Spanks! I usually don't est extremely fatty meat, but it was YUMMY. Thanks April for that recipe!
Kay was on our local news. She saw a wrong and set about making it as right as humanly possible. Brave woman. Great job on the snippet. It's still on TiVo if needed. Kay, you're my hero!
My Dad's new German Doberman came care of Lufthansa Cargo. I picked up papers, took them to Homeland Security for approval. Now my dad has one new companion. He's an adorable 10 week old pup. We call him Itchy, although Dad wants something more dignified. Baron. We'll see who will train who here. Pup or Dad? Who do you think will win?
NJ has grown a tooth. A TOOTH! At four months. She's been drooling and munching on us since birth. I started her on some Squash, which went over okay. Then I tried Banana, which she slurped up with abandon. At the moment, she's yelling for her nightly milk, so away I must.
I promise more things of interest soon...
~L
For the few people who keeps tabs on me: I made a killer Walnut Chicken tonight. You get Walnut Chicken instead of a long winded diatribe about ugly shoes that has been swimming around my head for ages and needs to be written one of these days. I have say, in my own humble way: MY WALNUT CHICKEN ROCKED ASS! No recipe, just me smelling every jar of herbs in my cabinet to find the "right" ingredients.
Before there was Walnut Chicken, there were the RIBS that Spanks recommended to me in the comments section. Spanks.... tasty stuff, Spanks! I usually don't est extremely fatty meat, but it was YUMMY. Thanks April for that recipe!
Kay was on our local news. She saw a wrong and set about making it as right as humanly possible. Brave woman. Great job on the snippet. It's still on TiVo if needed. Kay, you're my hero!
My Dad's new German Doberman came care of Lufthansa Cargo. I picked up papers, took them to Homeland Security for approval. Now my dad has one new companion. He's an adorable 10 week old pup. We call him Itchy, although Dad wants something more dignified. Baron. We'll see who will train who here. Pup or Dad? Who do you think will win?
NJ has grown a tooth. A TOOTH! At four months. She's been drooling and munching on us since birth. I started her on some Squash, which went over okay. Then I tried Banana, which she slurped up with abandon. At the moment, she's yelling for her nightly milk, so away I must.
I promise more things of interest soon...
~L
Friday, October 13, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
The Blogger's Copout
It's more about me time! Since I haven't put two coherent thoughts together in the week (at least not in writing) here is a little ditty to tide you three faithful readers out there. I will at least try to make it linkolicious:
1. What is your occupation? Wife, Mother, Executive Director of Great Ideas, Cook, Maid, Lover, Senior Transportation Coordinator, Blogger, Managing Partner of Naval Gazing, Expert Napper and Diaper Change Administrator. (Man, am I tired!)
2. What color are your socks right now? Birkenstock. When it gets cold, it will be any sock and Birkenstock.
3. What are you listening to right now? The hum of my pushed-to-the-edge hard drive and baby cries.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Tonight's "I didn't work from a recipe"= Black Bean and Grilled Chicken Quesadillas.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? *sniffs* This makes me miss my 1969 Volkswagen Bug. His name was Herbie...
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Key Lime
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My dad. His nightly call.
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Of course. She'd be my second call if stuck in a locked pharmacy. (*smooches*)
9. How old are you today? 36 years, 5 months and 1 day.
10. Favorite drink? Define drink. Any liquid beverage? Vanilla Coke (RIP), unless I am currently swearing it off, then my beloved Sweet Tea. Of an alcoholic nature? Top-Shelf Margarita
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Figure skating, hockey and baseball.
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes. My favorite flavor was brunette with primary red and blonde highlights.
13. Pets? Four cats: Sebastian, Bina, Genevieve and Phineas Icklebutt.
14. Favorite food? Murgh tikka mahkani (Chicken in Butter Tomato Sauce) with Basmati Rice, Saag Paneer (Spinach with Cheese) and Poori (Fry Bread)
15. What was the last movie you watched? In the theater: The Devil Wears Prada, at home: Flightplan
16. What was the last book you read? The Devil Wears Prada, although I just started The Time Traveler's Wife
17. What do you do to vent anger? If I am cleaning, someone has really, really pissed me off. Otherwise I yell in the moment (and/or curse like a sailor) and then talk to someone to finish getting it out of my system.
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? Dolls. I have a collection of Madame Alexander dolls.
19. What is your favorite fall or spring? We don't have those in Texas.
20. Hugs or kisses? Depends on the person and situation. I think over time I have becomes more of the kissing kind.
21. Cherries or blueberries? Egad. Uh, only cherry FLAVORED things and only blueberries in muffins. Can we discuss other fruits here?
22. Do you want your friends to email you back? Usually.
23. Who is most likely to respond? Dunno, depends on whether my three readers feel like playing along.
24. Who is least likely to respond? Dunno, depends on whether my three readers feel like playing along.
25. Living arrangements? With hubby, two kids, and four cats in our mortgaged house.
26. When was the last time you cried? Saturday morning at 6 a.m. from a monster migraine.
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? I'm going public, not sending.
29. What did you do last night? Watched Desperate Housewives, made blueberry muffins and slept a little.
30. Favorite smells? Baked goods, just about done in the oven.
31. What inspires you? Laughter, Generosity, Kindness, Friendship, Love, Creative Souls, Gandhi, cooking shows, a good book, the occasional Oprah show.
32. What are you afraid of? Being abandoned, not being good enough, finality and death
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheeseburger, or hamburger with sauteed mushrooms
34. Favorite dog breed? Irish Wolfhounds
35. Number of keys on your key ring? I separated my key ring into small sets, therefore, if I lock the keys in my car, I still have housekeys.
36. How many years at your current job? Wife=12, Mother=5+, Executive Director of Great Ideas=since birth, Cook=since my first Easy Bake Oven, Maid=(that's still questionable), Lover=(no comment), Senior Transportation Coordinator=20 years, Blogger=writer since I was 8 but blogging the past 2 years, Managing Partner of Naval Gazing=always, Expert Napper=36 years and Diaper Change Administrator=5+ years experience.
37. Favorite day of the week? I have always been partial to Wednesday
38. How many states have you lived in? 3 U.S. states plus various states of mind. Who knows how many states in the karmic chain...
39. Favorite holidays? Halloween and Valentines Day
40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? Mini-bike
If you are reading this, Abbyliscious, Chichimama and Lynsalyns can respond in kind or... pick your top five questions and add as comments. And that's an open invitation to all!
1. What is your occupation? Wife, Mother, Executive Director of Great Ideas, Cook, Maid, Lover, Senior Transportation Coordinator, Blogger, Managing Partner of Naval Gazing, Expert Napper and Diaper Change Administrator. (Man, am I tired!)
2. What color are your socks right now? Birkenstock. When it gets cold, it will be any sock and Birkenstock.
3. What are you listening to right now? The hum of my pushed-to-the-edge hard drive and baby cries.
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Tonight's "I didn't work from a recipe"= Black Bean and Grilled Chicken Quesadillas.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? *sniffs* This makes me miss my 1969 Volkswagen Bug. His name was Herbie...
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Key Lime
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My dad. His nightly call.
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Of course. She'd be my second call if stuck in a locked pharmacy. (*smooches*)
9. How old are you today? 36 years, 5 months and 1 day.
10. Favorite drink? Define drink. Any liquid beverage? Vanilla Coke (RIP), unless I am currently swearing it off, then my beloved Sweet Tea. Of an alcoholic nature? Top-Shelf Margarita
11. What is your favorite sport to watch? Figure skating, hockey and baseball.
12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes. My favorite flavor was brunette with primary red and blonde highlights.
13. Pets? Four cats: Sebastian, Bina, Genevieve and Phineas Icklebutt.
14. Favorite food? Murgh tikka mahkani (Chicken in Butter Tomato Sauce) with Basmati Rice, Saag Paneer (Spinach with Cheese) and Poori (Fry Bread)
15. What was the last movie you watched? In the theater: The Devil Wears Prada, at home: Flightplan
16. What was the last book you read? The Devil Wears Prada, although I just started The Time Traveler's Wife
17. What do you do to vent anger? If I am cleaning, someone has really, really pissed me off. Otherwise I yell in the moment (and/or curse like a sailor) and then talk to someone to finish getting it out of my system.
18. What was your favorite toy as a child? Dolls. I have a collection of Madame Alexander dolls.
19. What is your favorite fall or spring? We don't have those in Texas.
20. Hugs or kisses? Depends on the person and situation. I think over time I have becomes more of the kissing kind.
21. Cherries or blueberries? Egad. Uh, only cherry FLAVORED things and only blueberries in muffins. Can we discuss other fruits here?
22. Do you want your friends to email you back? Usually.
23. Who is most likely to respond? Dunno, depends on whether my three readers feel like playing along.
24. Who is least likely to respond? Dunno, depends on whether my three readers feel like playing along.
25. Living arrangements? With hubby, two kids, and four cats in our mortgaged house.
26. When was the last time you cried? Saturday morning at 6 a.m. from a monster migraine.
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? I'm going public, not sending.
29. What did you do last night? Watched Desperate Housewives, made blueberry muffins and slept a little.
30. Favorite smells? Baked goods, just about done in the oven.
31. What inspires you? Laughter, Generosity, Kindness, Friendship, Love, Creative Souls, Gandhi, cooking shows, a good book, the occasional Oprah show.
32. What are you afraid of? Being abandoned, not being good enough, finality and death
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheeseburger, or hamburger with sauteed mushrooms
34. Favorite dog breed? Irish Wolfhounds
35. Number of keys on your key ring? I separated my key ring into small sets, therefore, if I lock the keys in my car, I still have housekeys.
36. How many years at your current job? Wife=12, Mother=5+, Executive Director of Great Ideas=since birth, Cook=since my first Easy Bake Oven, Maid=(that's still questionable), Lover=(no comment), Senior Transportation Coordinator=20 years, Blogger=writer since I was 8 but blogging the past 2 years, Managing Partner of Naval Gazing=always, Expert Napper=36 years and Diaper Change Administrator=5+ years experience.
37. Favorite day of the week? I have always been partial to Wednesday
38. How many states have you lived in? 3 U.S. states plus various states of mind. Who knows how many states in the karmic chain...
39. Favorite holidays? Halloween and Valentines Day
40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery? Mini-bike
If you are reading this, Abbyliscious, Chichimama and Lynsalyns can respond in kind or... pick your top five questions and add as comments. And that's an open invitation to all!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Ending the Week With a Bang
My dad and I talk typically talk at least once a day. Often more. He will either call after work or before bed because it's still hard for him to come home to that big empty house. As of late, his favorite question for the past couple of weeks has been "So, what good news do you have for me today?"
Good news? Since "I got out of bed this morning" and "I shined my sink" don't *really* feel like good news, I haven't quite known what to say. I have to say, though, that the week in review is EVENTFUL.
Monday
Okay, I am going to have to out Janine regarding the 911 phone calls alluded to in the previous post. This incident is one of the most hilarious and zany moments of my entire life. I am so glad my friends will go to such lengths to make me laugh.
10:13 pm
Phone rings
Me: "Hello?"
Janine, over lots of noise: "~L! I just got locked in the [nationally known] pharmacy. Everyone is gone and I can't get a hold of my husband. What do I do?"
Me: "Uh, you're where?"
Janine, over lots of noise which is suspiciously sounding like an alarm: "Well, I went up to the [nationally known] pharmacy to pick up a few things. When I turned around everyone was gone and the doors are locked. I went and banged on the manager's door and set off the store alarm. I was thinking about going out the fire exit, but it says I need a code... WHAT DO I DO?"
We discussed whether or not to call 911 briefly and then I told her I would head out the door to the pharmacy just up the street. I figured the manager's name and possibly, hopefully, an emergency number for said manager would be posted on the building. As I got into the car and screeched out of the driveway, I decided I ought to call 911 and enlist the help of professionals. (She also decided to call them as I was en route, hence the dueling "locked inside the local pharmacy" distress calls.)
As I arrived at the pharmacy, I encountered the gentleman for the security company in the parking lot. I explained the situation to him. Looking a little relieved that she wasn't heisting Valium and Snickers bars while packing heat, he immediately got on the radio and interacted with the fire department when they arrived. I called Janine on the other side of the glass and told them they were trying to get in touch with store management, and to hang in there. Luckily, the shift supervisor lived near the store and Janine was soon sprung from pharmacy entrapment.
Thursday
10:15 pm
I use the bathroom on my way to bed, you know, the typical night routine. I should have seen this coming because the water in the toilet wasn't the usual level. I should have seen this coming because my dear five year old son spent AN HOUR on the potty earlier that day. Still... I was tired and dismissed that little voice that said "This isn't right."
As I flushed, the water kept rising...
"CRAP!" (no pun intended at the time)
M comes running in the room and I am frantically clearing the toilet chamber lid. We get the lid off, but to no avail... water comes pouring over the side of the bowl. Luckily, that water was not of super icky proportions (no solids). M got the water shut off and promptly began assessing the situation. No plunger, the other drains in the house seemed to drain just fine... it must be something in the toilet.
M: "Uh, how many [kid DIY empowering] 'flushable' wipes were in the box?"
Me: "It was a fairly new pack, why?"
M: "It's empty."
Me: "Crap."
*M and I exchange knowing looks*
Me: "So, please inform your son in the morning that if he wouldn't sit on the potty for an hour and let the crap bake dry on his ass, he wouldn't feel he has to use 100 flushable wipes."
M smirks: "Oh, I will let him know."
One remolded and ready-for-fishing-expedition coat hanger, a gallon of Liquid Plumber and one late-night 24-hour Walmart plunger later, our toilet was back in working form.
Friday
I figured Janine could use a girl's lunch, so I give Kay and Janine a call. Janine's daughter Chloe had an early release day from school. I offered to pick up Chloe from school and bring her along. It was date.
I picked Chloe up from school at noon and headed across town to our restaurant destination. About 3 miles away from Chloe's school, Chloe notices that the principal of her school is driving in the car next to us.
Chloe: "Look ~L! There's Mr. Pope, the Principal of my school!"
Me: "That's cool!" I glance over to the red convertible.
Chloe: "Isn't that a pretty car?" It is a pretty car. A nice shiny fairly new mid-life-crisis kind of car.
Chloe: "Pull up next to him!"
Me: "There's a red light up ahead, you can wave at him there."
We pull up to the light. Chloe looks over and waves, to no avail. The light turns green and both cars pull into the intersection. In a split second I hear a horn and see, out of the corner of my eye, the red convertible break hard and a blue car land Ka-Thud on the side of my car. Thanks to that shiny red car, the blue car only hit my truck hard enough to leave smears of paint across both passenger doors. Shaken, I pulled across the intersection and pull over, the red car did the same. The blue car? When the light turned green, the blue car left.
WTF?!?!?!?!
Chloe, NJ and I lucked out. It could have been much, much worse. I didn't call the cops then, but I should have. I tried to file a report later that day, but the cops wouldn't take it, despite that fact I had TWO eyewitnesses and the blue car's license plate. (A gentleman who works for the city got the plate and gave me his name.)
Needless to say, it's been quite a week, let's hope next week isn't so eventful.
Good news? Since "I got out of bed this morning" and "I shined my sink" don't *really* feel like good news, I haven't quite known what to say. I have to say, though, that the week in review is EVENTFUL.
Monday
Okay, I am going to have to out Janine regarding the 911 phone calls alluded to in the previous post. This incident is one of the most hilarious and zany moments of my entire life. I am so glad my friends will go to such lengths to make me laugh.
10:13 pm
Phone rings
Me: "Hello?"
Janine, over lots of noise: "~L! I just got locked in the [nationally known] pharmacy. Everyone is gone and I can't get a hold of my husband. What do I do?"
Me: "Uh, you're where?"
Janine, over lots of noise which is suspiciously sounding like an alarm: "Well, I went up to the [nationally known] pharmacy to pick up a few things. When I turned around everyone was gone and the doors are locked. I went and banged on the manager's door and set off the store alarm. I was thinking about going out the fire exit, but it says I need a code... WHAT DO I DO?"
We discussed whether or not to call 911 briefly and then I told her I would head out the door to the pharmacy just up the street. I figured the manager's name and possibly, hopefully, an emergency number for said manager would be posted on the building. As I got into the car and screeched out of the driveway, I decided I ought to call 911 and enlist the help of professionals. (She also decided to call them as I was en route, hence the dueling "locked inside the local pharmacy" distress calls.)
As I arrived at the pharmacy, I encountered the gentleman for the security company in the parking lot. I explained the situation to him. Looking a little relieved that she wasn't heisting Valium and Snickers bars while packing heat, he immediately got on the radio and interacted with the fire department when they arrived. I called Janine on the other side of the glass and told them they were trying to get in touch with store management, and to hang in there. Luckily, the shift supervisor lived near the store and Janine was soon sprung from pharmacy entrapment.
Thursday
10:15 pm
I use the bathroom on my way to bed, you know, the typical night routine. I should have seen this coming because the water in the toilet wasn't the usual level. I should have seen this coming because my dear five year old son spent AN HOUR on the potty earlier that day. Still... I was tired and dismissed that little voice that said "This isn't right."
As I flushed, the water kept rising...
"CRAP!" (no pun intended at the time)
M comes running in the room and I am frantically clearing the toilet chamber lid. We get the lid off, but to no avail... water comes pouring over the side of the bowl. Luckily, that water was not of super icky proportions (no solids). M got the water shut off and promptly began assessing the situation. No plunger, the other drains in the house seemed to drain just fine... it must be something in the toilet.
M: "Uh, how many [kid DIY empowering] 'flushable' wipes were in the box?"
Me: "It was a fairly new pack, why?"
M: "It's empty."
Me: "Crap."
*M and I exchange knowing looks*
Me: "So, please inform your son in the morning that if he wouldn't sit on the potty for an hour and let the crap bake dry on his ass, he wouldn't feel he has to use 100 flushable wipes."
M smirks: "Oh, I will let him know."
One remolded and ready-for-fishing-expedition coat hanger, a gallon of Liquid Plumber and one late-night 24-hour Walmart plunger later, our toilet was back in working form.
Friday
I figured Janine could use a girl's lunch, so I give Kay and Janine a call. Janine's daughter Chloe had an early release day from school. I offered to pick up Chloe from school and bring her along. It was date.
I picked Chloe up from school at noon and headed across town to our restaurant destination. About 3 miles away from Chloe's school, Chloe notices that the principal of her school is driving in the car next to us.
Chloe: "Look ~L! There's Mr. Pope, the Principal of my school!"
Me: "That's cool!" I glance over to the red convertible.
Chloe: "Isn't that a pretty car?" It is a pretty car. A nice shiny fairly new mid-life-crisis kind of car.
Chloe: "Pull up next to him!"
Me: "There's a red light up ahead, you can wave at him there."
We pull up to the light. Chloe looks over and waves, to no avail. The light turns green and both cars pull into the intersection. In a split second I hear a horn and see, out of the corner of my eye, the red convertible break hard and a blue car land Ka-Thud on the side of my car. Thanks to that shiny red car, the blue car only hit my truck hard enough to leave smears of paint across both passenger doors. Shaken, I pulled across the intersection and pull over, the red car did the same. The blue car? When the light turned green, the blue car left.
WTF?!?!?!?!
Chloe, NJ and I lucked out. It could have been much, much worse. I didn't call the cops then, but I should have. I tried to file a report later that day, but the cops wouldn't take it, despite that fact I had TWO eyewitnesses and the blue car's license plate. (A gentleman who works for the city got the plate and gave me his name.)
Needless to say, it's been quite a week, let's hope next week isn't so eventful.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Miscellaneous Meanderings
I've got too many paths to blog about to focus on any one thing. So here's the hodgepodge. Try and keep up, will you?
Harry Potter.
I am checking out the photos from The Order of the Phoenix. The Phelps twins *are* looking a bit old for their roles, but I won't say the same for the rest of the crew. They seem very "age appropriate" to me. Gee. Been so long since I have my head in Harry's world. I miss Harry. I miss his magical ability to subside my kidney pain long enough to let the damn thing pass. Had I been reading any other book, I would have been in more pain and misery. I look forward to the movie. And OF COURSE the next book. *sniff* That LAST book. I hope the end befits the entire ride.
Applications
I have submitted two job applications with more on the horizon. It doesn't answer the "am I going back to work?" inquiry. It might. There are smarter ways to do this than to type in the computer endlessly. Am I going to do more? Unknown.
Birthdays
We have birthdays coming up, kids and adults. I am booked on Oct. 15 and prolly 14 too. We HAVE to celebrate Kay's "18th birthday" in a special way this year. Le Bare Club? Something. Then Chloe in her wonder mini woman glory. At the end of the month I have to watch for those Halloweeners.
Dinner
I hate recipes. (not really) I hate following recipes when I see better ways of doing things. So, I largely cook off the cuff. Lastest dishes: Top Shelf Chicken one night and Curry Burgers another night. Both yummy. You just never know with me.
Rescue Services
God bless my girlfriend for creating such an exciting night on Monday. Playing damsel in disress is so underrated these days. Two 911 calls. At least there was a chaotic rescue. God bless cell phones, eh Janine?
So tired. Time to wobble off...
Harry Potter.
I am checking out the photos from The Order of the Phoenix. The Phelps twins *are* looking a bit old for their roles, but I won't say the same for the rest of the crew. They seem very "age appropriate" to me. Gee. Been so long since I have my head in Harry's world. I miss Harry. I miss his magical ability to subside my kidney pain long enough to let the damn thing pass. Had I been reading any other book, I would have been in more pain and misery. I look forward to the movie. And OF COURSE the next book. *sniff* That LAST book. I hope the end befits the entire ride.
Applications
I have submitted two job applications with more on the horizon. It doesn't answer the "am I going back to work?" inquiry. It might. There are smarter ways to do this than to type in the computer endlessly. Am I going to do more? Unknown.
Birthdays
We have birthdays coming up, kids and adults. I am booked on Oct. 15 and prolly 14 too. We HAVE to celebrate Kay's "18th birthday" in a special way this year. Le Bare Club? Something. Then Chloe in her wonder mini woman glory. At the end of the month I have to watch for those Halloweeners.
Dinner
I hate recipes. (not really) I hate following recipes when I see better ways of doing things. So, I largely cook off the cuff. Lastest dishes: Top Shelf Chicken one night and Curry Burgers another night. Both yummy. You just never know with me.
Rescue Services
God bless my girlfriend for creating such an exciting night on Monday. Playing damsel in disress is so underrated these days. Two 911 calls. At least there was a chaotic rescue. God bless cell phones, eh Janine?
So tired. Time to wobble off...
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