Because, after having (nearly) two glorious weeks of relatively carefree sinuses, I woke up today with pressure behind my face, the teeth on the left side of my head aching, and my eyes all gooey and icky. In other words? Here we go again.
I've decided that my sinuses are like three year old toddlers - who for reasons unknown will get mad and throw a tantrum. They've decided to stage one today, and I'm pretty sure they've invited all of their little angry sinus friends to come join in the fun.
I'm going to mention now that I've been having sinus problems on and off now since NOVEMBER. My doctor thinks the initial sinus problems are brought on by allergies (which have never been a huge problem for me before, certainly nothing a little Zyrtec couldn't cure), and are made worse in reaction to viruses. Do we know what I'm allergic to? Nope. Could be as simple as dust (not likely, would have probably known before now, I mean really. Have you seen my house?), could be a chemical in the new-ish flooring (but that should be a more constant problem, not the peek-a-boo situation they've got going in there), could be something strange the wind blew in - since we've had a relatively dry winter here, that is most likely the cause. However, now the sinus cavities are so very sensitive that every little virus is running for them as if they are the last save haven on Earth.
So I wake up today with the sinuses all in an uproar and ready to cause harm. Coincidentally, today is Volunteer Day with the first graders.
First graders. Possibly the least clean and most germ ridden of all elementary school children with the exception of kindergartners. (I maintain my position that kindys could wipe out entire populations, and are the perfect distribution system for biological weapons of mass destruction what with their secretious habits putting even slugs to shame.) Volunteering with the first graders today leaves only one question up for grabs during my doctor visit next week:
Viral or Bacterial?
Wish me luck.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Can't seem to fall to sleep tonight...
April 27th is the day we lost my mom. In the wee hours of the morning two years ago she passed on while my oldest brother held her hand.
It still seems wrong that she isn't here anymore. I can still hear her voice, especially that tone she'd use when she left a message and I hadn't talked to her for a week or so. "Dodi, it's mom. I need you to call when you get this message."
She'd call when the baby birds in the birdhouse hatched, and the girls needed to come over to see them.
She'd call when she spotted an obituary for someone they knew years ago, someone I didn't know:
"Honey, I hate to tell you this, but Mrs. So&So passed away."
"Mom I don't know who that is." (At which point I'm sure I rolled my eyes.)
"Sure you do, she was a neighbor of ours when we first got married, they came out to the house here for dinner when you were about 5. Remember, she had that straw hat?" (This conversation would continue until I said something about remembering her, which I almost never did.)
She'd call when a product she knew I used was on sale.
She called when the neighbors left their sprinklers on too long.
She'd call mostly to check on her girls - all three of us. Because even when I was up to my eyeballs in laundry or stress and emotion, or general "too busy"ness, and she'd let me know she was there. Always there. Even when I was mad at her or she was mad at me... she was always there.
And then she wasn't there anymore.
And I still can't imagine a world without her - even though that is the world that I live in.
Mom... I love you, and I miss you!
It still seems wrong that she isn't here anymore. I can still hear her voice, especially that tone she'd use when she left a message and I hadn't talked to her for a week or so. "Dodi, it's mom. I need you to call when you get this message."
She'd call when the baby birds in the birdhouse hatched, and the girls needed to come over to see them.
She'd call when she spotted an obituary for someone they knew years ago, someone I didn't know:
"Honey, I hate to tell you this, but Mrs. So&So passed away."
"Mom I don't know who that is." (At which point I'm sure I rolled my eyes.)
"Sure you do, she was a neighbor of ours when we first got married, they came out to the house here for dinner when you were about 5. Remember, she had that straw hat?" (This conversation would continue until I said something about remembering her, which I almost never did.)
She'd call when a product she knew I used was on sale.
She called when the neighbors left their sprinklers on too long.
She'd call mostly to check on her girls - all three of us. Because even when I was up to my eyeballs in laundry or stress and emotion, or general "too busy"ness, and she'd let me know she was there. Always there. Even when I was mad at her or she was mad at me... she was always there.
And then she wasn't there anymore.
And I still can't imagine a world without her - even though that is the world that I live in.
Mom... I love you, and I miss you!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
She's a tricky one...
Oldest daughter had to clean the bathroom as a punishment. (Toothpaste mysteriously exploded again. Always with the toothpaste! It's like her "signature move" or something.) Well, before she even got started cleaning she turned to me to ask, "Hey, maybe you could pay me for this extra chore?"
Somehow I think she's missing the point of the word PUNISHMENT.
Somehow I think she's missing the point of the word PUNISHMENT.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Because 17 is all grown up?
What 17 year old, who was in the news in December for sporting a NEW TATTOO, is now moving in to her own 4000 sq foot house?
Did you say Miley Cyrus? (Who, let me say again is SEVENTEEN.)
Ding ding ding ding - RIGHT! Miley has moved in to her new mansion down the street from her parents recently, and I'm guessing we're all agreed that this is a fabulous idea.
Because at 17 she shouldn't be in high school. (You never hear about her being schooled at all.)
Because at 17 she should be allowed to do whatever in the world makes her happiest without all that pesky adult supervision. (Have you SEEN her 20 year old boyfriend? He's hot.)
Because she's MATURE, at 17, and responsible enough to live on her own.
By herself.
Alone.
Riiiight.
I'm planning that my kid is still going to be turning her cell phone over to mom and dad at 10pm when she is 17 so she doesn't text with her friends all night long (a mom can dream of this sort of life can't she?)... but I'm guessing Miley's parents aren't worried about that kind of stuff. At this point I think we can all agree that all night text sessions are the LEAST of their worries.
It's Hollywood after all... what could possibly go wrong?
Did you say Miley Cyrus? (Who, let me say again is SEVENTEEN.)
Ding ding ding ding - RIGHT! Miley has moved in to her new mansion down the street from her parents recently, and I'm guessing we're all agreed that this is a fabulous idea.
Because at 17 she shouldn't be in high school. (You never hear about her being schooled at all.)
Because at 17 she should be allowed to do whatever in the world makes her happiest without all that pesky adult supervision. (Have you SEEN her 20 year old boyfriend? He's hot.)
Because she's MATURE, at 17, and responsible enough to live on her own.
By herself.
Alone.
Riiiight.
I'm planning that my kid is still going to be turning her cell phone over to mom and dad at 10pm when she is 17 so she doesn't text with her friends all night long (a mom can dream of this sort of life can't she?)... but I'm guessing Miley's parents aren't worried about that kind of stuff. At this point I think we can all agree that all night text sessions are the LEAST of their worries.
It's Hollywood after all... what could possibly go wrong?
Friday, April 16, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
I'm a GLEEk
It's baaaaaaccccckkkkk!
Did you see Glee last night? (If not - why not? How can you NOT be watching this show?) The show really is perfection for someone like me. Who digs her entertainment just a little bit judgy, a lot campy, able to mock itself, with good storylines, and finely crafted characters. The cheerleading coach is one of the most hilarious characters ever written - she's mean. Mean like you'd never get to be in real life. Mean like, "Save me a spot next to you in hell" mean. And while you hate her for it, you ADORE her for it. Writing for that character has to be a career high for that writing staff.
Glee has it all. The bitchy cheerleaders, the arrogant jocks, the pitiful geeks - and all so completely overdone that it's unparalleled in it's excellence.
CLICK HERE IF YOU NEED VIDEO PROOF
...and HERE IF YOU NEED MORE PROOF
Glee is hilariously creative. If you mixed "Scrubs" with "Fame", stirred in some skits from "Saturday Night Live", and then threw in a little "Rocky Horror Picture Show"? You would start to see something that might resemble Glee on one of it's weaker days.
It's just that good.
And I? Am a GLEEk.
If they had a Glee-Con? I'd totally go.
Did you see Glee last night? (If not - why not? How can you NOT be watching this show?) The show really is perfection for someone like me. Who digs her entertainment just a little bit judgy, a lot campy, able to mock itself, with good storylines, and finely crafted characters. The cheerleading coach is one of the most hilarious characters ever written - she's mean. Mean like you'd never get to be in real life. Mean like, "Save me a spot next to you in hell" mean. And while you hate her for it, you ADORE her for it. Writing for that character has to be a career high for that writing staff.
Glee has it all. The bitchy cheerleaders, the arrogant jocks, the pitiful geeks - and all so completely overdone that it's unparalleled in it's excellence.
CLICK HERE IF YOU NEED VIDEO PROOF
...and HERE IF YOU NEED MORE PROOF
Glee is hilariously creative. If you mixed "Scrubs" with "Fame", stirred in some skits from "Saturday Night Live", and then threw in a little "Rocky Horror Picture Show"? You would start to see something that might resemble Glee on one of it's weaker days.
It's just that good.
And I? Am a GLEEk.
If they had a Glee-Con? I'd totally go.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Blowin in the Wind
Wow, it's windy out there today. The local news webpage said today would be "breezy at times." Really? Because wind gusts upwards of 45mph feel more than "breezy" to me.
And to our house.
Did you feel the wind last night? Because you didn't have to be outside to feel it. The wind gusts hitting the back of our house last night howled around the corners, and we could feel the house actually moving back and forth. It was loud, and it was powerful.
The wind was so powerful it carried my seven year old from her bed to mine - where it placed her down so gently that I didn't even know she was there until she was already fast asleep again. When I hugged her in tight, I held her and listened to the wind outside - and I was so glad it had carried her in to me.
(...at which point I was also so very glad of our decision 10 years ago to buy a king sized bed!)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Jen Lancaster
Jen Lancaster is by far one of my favorite "new" authors. I've been a fan since "Snarkywood", follow her blog, and own all 4 of her books. She has a new book coming out soon, "My Fair Lazy," and now she's a NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST!!! (Not in our newspaper, of course, which is where the internet comes in super handy.)
I am sitting on like 5 blog entries that aren't good enough to publish - because now I've over thought them and they're not at all spontaneous. So, until I get my act together and become spontaneous (Really? Is that something you can plan?) I give you:
Humor Hotel
Don't Blame Mii, Japan
by Jen Lancaster
(...you can thank me in the comments.)
(I feel like such a proud fan!)
I am sitting on like 5 blog entries that aren't good enough to publish - because now I've over thought them and they're not at all spontaneous. So, until I get my act together and become spontaneous (Really? Is that something you can plan?) I give you:
Humor Hotel
Don't Blame Mii, Japan
by Jen Lancaster
(...you can thank me in the comments.)
(I feel like such a proud fan!)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
45
45 years ago we lived in a different world.
45 years ago our nation was at an impasse in its struggle for civil rights.
45 years ago our country entered into a war in Vietnam, a fight they would lose 10 years later.
45 years ago protesters were burning their draft cards, "My Fair Lady" won a Best Picture Oscar, Malcolm X was assassinated, Charlie Brown was on the cover of TIME magazine, and Canada unveiled a new flag.
45 years ago, a disk drive for an IBM 360 was the size of a washing machine, and held about 10 megabytes.
If a couple was married 45 years ago, they would now be celebrating their Sapphire anniversary.
It is estimated that 45 years ago, 3.3 billion people were living on this planet.
45 years ago it was 1965. The Rolling Stones had their first #1 hit, the Beatles played Shea stadium, the mini skirt was introduced, and the world was introduced to Spaghetti-O's.
Some of our favorite entertainers were born in 1965:
Julia Ormond
Kristin Davis
Dr. Dre (I know...)
Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen
Sarah Jessica Parker
Robert Downey Jr.
Linda Evangelista
Brooke Shields
J.K. Rowling (not technically an entertainer... but V.I.P. nonetheless)
45 years ago, February 13, 1965 fell on a Saturday.
I know that because it was the day I was born. My kids were both born on Saturdays, like me, which I think is pretty cool.
Today I am 45.
It took me my whole life to get here, and it seems like in the blink of an eye I am 45 years old. And the old cliche is true... it is the first day of the rest of my life.
45 years ago our nation was at an impasse in its struggle for civil rights.
45 years ago our country entered into a war in Vietnam, a fight they would lose 10 years later.
45 years ago protesters were burning their draft cards, "My Fair Lady" won a Best Picture Oscar, Malcolm X was assassinated, Charlie Brown was on the cover of TIME magazine, and Canada unveiled a new flag.
45 years ago, a disk drive for an IBM 360 was the size of a washing machine, and held about 10 megabytes.
If a couple was married 45 years ago, they would now be celebrating their Sapphire anniversary.
It is estimated that 45 years ago, 3.3 billion people were living on this planet.
45 years ago it was 1965. The Rolling Stones had their first #1 hit, the Beatles played Shea stadium, the mini skirt was introduced, and the world was introduced to Spaghetti-O's.
Some of our favorite entertainers were born in 1965:
Julia Ormond
Kristin Davis
Dr. Dre (I know...)
Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen
Sarah Jessica Parker
Robert Downey Jr.
Linda Evangelista
Brooke Shields
J.K. Rowling (not technically an entertainer... but V.I.P. nonetheless)
45 years ago, February 13, 1965 fell on a Saturday.
I know that because it was the day I was born. My kids were both born on Saturdays, like me, which I think is pretty cool.
Today I am 45.
It took me my whole life to get here, and it seems like in the blink of an eye I am 45 years old. And the old cliche is true... it is the first day of the rest of my life.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wasting all my best stuff on Facebook
I've neglected my blog. I know it, you know it. People don't stop by here very often anymore, in case you count that May 2009 entry... which I don't. I tend to put snippets of my day up on Facebook now, not taking the time to really write things down. But today is good, today is one of those days you want to remember. Well, twenty minutes of today was so special I know it's worth remembering - and lets be honest, sometimes you don't get twenty minutes in a whole week that are lovely and special.
Today my darling daughter, the younger one, is home sick. She's in first grade... and today she is missing her Valentines Day party at school. She's sad, but she really doesn't feel good at all. Husband was up with her lots last night, and she's got a pretty bad cold.
She announced a bit earlier that she was hungry. I asked her what sounded good to her, and she couldn't think of anything. So I started sharing some ideas. Peanut butter crackers? No. Jelly sandwich? No. Soup? No. Jello? (pause) No. (Ahhh, I'm getting warm.) Ice cream? (pause) "Can I really have that?"
She's missing her school party - which is a big deal in first grade. Know what you do when that happens and the only thing that sounds good to her for lunch is ice cream?
You give it to her.
Know what you do next?
You go get yourself a bowl and join her.
You watch her eyes get big, and you make her giggle about how naughty this is - how wonderful to get to do something so out of the ordinary. You both laugh about how this is the silliest, craziest lunch in the whole world!
And then you smile, and you file this one away forever.
Today my darling daughter, the younger one, is home sick. She's in first grade... and today she is missing her Valentines Day party at school. She's sad, but she really doesn't feel good at all. Husband was up with her lots last night, and she's got a pretty bad cold.
She announced a bit earlier that she was hungry. I asked her what sounded good to her, and she couldn't think of anything. So I started sharing some ideas. Peanut butter crackers? No. Jelly sandwich? No. Soup? No. Jello? (pause) No. (Ahhh, I'm getting warm.) Ice cream? (pause) "Can I really have that?"
She's missing her school party - which is a big deal in first grade. Know what you do when that happens and the only thing that sounds good to her for lunch is ice cream?
You give it to her.
Know what you do next?
You go get yourself a bowl and join her.
You watch her eyes get big, and you make her giggle about how naughty this is - how wonderful to get to do something so out of the ordinary. You both laugh about how this is the silliest, craziest lunch in the whole world!
And then you smile, and you file this one away forever.
Monday, January 25, 2010
I wish...
I SO wish I had written this...
January 25, 2010
Dis This
Dear Neighborhood Thugs,
Just so you know, flashing gang signs while wearing mittens makes you come across as less of "a stone cold killer" and more like "a sock-puppet performance artist."
Please consider investing in a pair of gloves or waiting until spring to represent.
Best,
Jen
Do you ever read her blog? You should. You really should.
January 25, 2010
Dis This
Dear Neighborhood Thugs,
Just so you know, flashing gang signs while wearing mittens makes you come across as less of "a stone cold killer" and more like "a sock-puppet performance artist."
Please consider investing in a pair of gloves or waiting until spring to represent.
Best,
Jen
Do you ever read her blog? You should. You really should.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Comment Moderation
Well, I'm sad. I had to turn on the "Moderate Comments" button - seems I'm a spam target. Not new posts, but quite a few of my older posts have icky sex link comments attached to them now. So, for a while at least, I'm going to have to moderate all comments. If it only keeps happening to the older posts I'll change the moderation to any post older than 14 days.
Sorry about this - I guess it was bound to happen eventually.
:)
Sorry about this - I guess it was bound to happen eventually.
:)
Monday, January 18, 2010
Robert Downey Jr. is a sexy beast...
I've stated in on Facebook - which is like declaring to the world that I swear my allegiance to his sexiness. But you know why? Not just because he's SO good looking, but watch this speech. This is a fun guy - Really Fun - DANGEROUSLY fun... would-be-awesome-to-be-his-wife-fun.
Best Golden Globe Acceptance Speech EVER click here.
Robert Downey Jr. is a sexy beast.
Best Golden Globe Acceptance Speech EVER click here.
Robert Downey Jr. is a sexy beast.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Books vs. Movies
The book is always better, right?
Not really. I mean, as a rule - yes... the book is generally better than the movie. At least when the story is similar. Sometimes you wonder, other than the topic, is it the same story? Did the screenwriter bother to read the book?
Julie and Julia? Movie was better. In fact, it wasn't even really the same story at all - aside from the main character cooking her way through the 524 recipes in 365 days, and a few anecdotes to tie it all together. The Julie Powell in the book is a very different Julie Powell than we see in the movie. In the movie we love her. She is darling, kind of a goody two shoes, and is usually pretty excited about her project. We want her to triumph. In the book we hear about how there is cat hair all over her kitchen, she ends up with maggots under her dish draining board, she fails at the recipes as often as she succeeds, and she's a lot more whiny than the book version. I'm sure the book version is closer to the truth. Plus? Can you picture the movie version of Julie dropping the F-bomb very often? The book version of Julie swears like a sailor - she's like me, totally out of control as to what comes out of her mouth at times. I get the feeling that if the book version of Julie met the movie version of Julie they wouldn't get on very well, the book version would talk about her behind her back. That said, I think I'd like to go find the blog and read through it. I'm guessing a version a lot closer to the book version resides there, but it will be interesting to find out. Plus, the movie was half Julia and Paul Child... a charming love story that I suspect was almost as glossed over as the "real" Julie Powell was, but charming nonetheless. I think the movie was better, but keep in mind I saw the movie first. I saw the movie when it was in theatres, and I didn't read the book until this weekend. I wonder what my feelings would have been if 'd read the book before seeing the movie?
Anyway, I'm passing the book on to my neighbor (Mrs. Kravitz) because I saw the movie with her. I want to see what she thinks. I think the stories were so very different - aside from the main premise - I'm wondering where the idealized version of Julie Powell came from? However, I like her better.
I like a little gloss to cover up the rougher edges I suppose.
But, I believe that you always walk away from a book with something. In this case? The something has nothing really to do with Julie OR Julia. It is the quote, "All things in moderation, including moderation." She attributes the quote to Jacques Pepin, the on the Internet it states that the author is Mark Twain. Either way? It's a good message.
Not really. I mean, as a rule - yes... the book is generally better than the movie. At least when the story is similar. Sometimes you wonder, other than the topic, is it the same story? Did the screenwriter bother to read the book?
Julie and Julia? Movie was better. In fact, it wasn't even really the same story at all - aside from the main character cooking her way through the 524 recipes in 365 days, and a few anecdotes to tie it all together. The Julie Powell in the book is a very different Julie Powell than we see in the movie. In the movie we love her. She is darling, kind of a goody two shoes, and is usually pretty excited about her project. We want her to triumph. In the book we hear about how there is cat hair all over her kitchen, she ends up with maggots under her dish draining board, she fails at the recipes as often as she succeeds, and she's a lot more whiny than the book version. I'm sure the book version is closer to the truth. Plus? Can you picture the movie version of Julie dropping the F-bomb very often? The book version of Julie swears like a sailor - she's like me, totally out of control as to what comes out of her mouth at times. I get the feeling that if the book version of Julie met the movie version of Julie they wouldn't get on very well, the book version would talk about her behind her back. That said, I think I'd like to go find the blog and read through it. I'm guessing a version a lot closer to the book version resides there, but it will be interesting to find out. Plus, the movie was half Julia and Paul Child... a charming love story that I suspect was almost as glossed over as the "real" Julie Powell was, but charming nonetheless. I think the movie was better, but keep in mind I saw the movie first. I saw the movie when it was in theatres, and I didn't read the book until this weekend. I wonder what my feelings would have been if 'd read the book before seeing the movie?
Anyway, I'm passing the book on to my neighbor (Mrs. Kravitz) because I saw the movie with her. I want to see what she thinks. I think the stories were so very different - aside from the main premise - I'm wondering where the idealized version of Julie Powell came from? However, I like her better.
I like a little gloss to cover up the rougher edges I suppose.
But, I believe that you always walk away from a book with something. In this case? The something has nothing really to do with Julie OR Julia. It is the quote, "All things in moderation, including moderation." She attributes the quote to Jacques Pepin, the on the Internet it states that the author is Mark Twain. Either way? It's a good message.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Take your diamonds, I like pearls
Well, not completely true - I do like diamonds! However, I LOVE pearls. I think they are gorgeous. My wedding dress was scattered with sewn on (fake) pearls, and it was so pretty. My brother, TB, gave me a pair of pearl earrings when I was a teenager - I have no idea where they are today, but I loved them and wore them a lot. I also found a very wee baby pearl in a smoked oyster once. DD1 and I marveled over it, and I have it in my jewelry box. She loves to tell the story.
After my mom passed away (2 years ago this Spring) I received the pearls that Dad gave her on their very first Valentine's Day together. I had loved them since I was a little girl - so much that Mom and Dad gave me my own string of pearls when I graduated from college. I love both sets, and will pass them down to my girls someday.
The cost of real pearls is high. (By "real" I mean saltwater cultured pearls - the cultured pearls are almost always perfectly round because you can control the shape of the irritant that seeds the pearl to begin with - and saltwater pearls have a beautiful lustre. Did you really need this information that I find so fascinating?) Thus, freshwater pearls are more popular. Still beautiful, and more readily available.
My birthday is coming up... I'd love to see a set of these in a box for my gift! I've never owned black pearls before - aren't they gorgeous! (They are freshwater pearls.) The site where I found those earrings is full of beautiful pearl jewelry... and I would have LOVED it in my 20's - when it was all about me me me, and pearls could be worn every day without regard to children grabbing them, household cleaners splashing on them, or general impracticality. But someday my friends I will be the older lady whose signature look includes a double strand of pearls, and expensive shoes. Like Barbara Bush - but with better hair!
After my mom passed away (2 years ago this Spring) I received the pearls that Dad gave her on their very first Valentine's Day together. I had loved them since I was a little girl - so much that Mom and Dad gave me my own string of pearls when I graduated from college. I love both sets, and will pass them down to my girls someday.
The cost of real pearls is high. (By "real" I mean saltwater cultured pearls - the cultured pearls are almost always perfectly round because you can control the shape of the irritant that seeds the pearl to begin with - and saltwater pearls have a beautiful lustre. Did you really need this information that I find so fascinating?) Thus, freshwater pearls are more popular. Still beautiful, and more readily available.
My birthday is coming up... I'd love to see a set of these in a box for my gift! I've never owned black pearls before - aren't they gorgeous! (They are freshwater pearls.) The site where I found those earrings is full of beautiful pearl jewelry... and I would have LOVED it in my 20's - when it was all about me me me, and pearls could be worn every day without regard to children grabbing them, household cleaners splashing on them, or general impracticality. But someday my friends I will be the older lady whose signature look includes a double strand of pearls, and expensive shoes. Like Barbara Bush - but with better hair!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
My husband's fear
Husband and DD1 were having a conversation about a month ago, while folding laundry, about reincarnation.
DD1: "I think I'd like to come back as a (female) deer."
Husband: "Oh? Why is that?" (Thinking she was going to make some profound statement about the freedom of being a deer, or recognizing something wonderful that only a nine year old can still see in wonder...)
DD1: "Well, you know how the male deer fight over the does? I think that would be pretty cool."
When my husband tells this story, this is where his palm hits his forehead as he exclaims, "Oh no, please tell me I'm not raising 'that girl'."
Oh, to be the father of a daughter. Completely different worries. He's been the teen aged boy that girls manipulated and played with... he's been on the other side of heartbreak. The side I can't see or ever know about. The boy side. I've had a few big heart breaks in my life - but I've never seen his side of that dance.
This parenthood thing? More every year I marvel at it and exponentially add to the statement, "This? Is going to be an interesting ride."
DD1: "I think I'd like to come back as a (female) deer."
Husband: "Oh? Why is that?" (Thinking she was going to make some profound statement about the freedom of being a deer, or recognizing something wonderful that only a nine year old can still see in wonder...)
DD1: "Well, you know how the male deer fight over the does? I think that would be pretty cool."
When my husband tells this story, this is where his palm hits his forehead as he exclaims, "Oh no, please tell me I'm not raising 'that girl'."
Oh, to be the father of a daughter. Completely different worries. He's been the teen aged boy that girls manipulated and played with... he's been on the other side of heartbreak. The side I can't see or ever know about. The boy side. I've had a few big heart breaks in my life - but I've never seen his side of that dance.
This parenthood thing? More every year I marvel at it and exponentially add to the statement, "This? Is going to be an interesting ride."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Yesterday...
DD2 didn't walk until she was almost two years old. She has had gross motor delays her whole life, which are complicated by some sensory issues. It's been tough as a mom to watch her struggle, watch her be scared to walk down steps, watch her question her abilities, and to watch her fall, and fall, and fall... breaking her arm, visiting the ER for scary head crashes, having my heart skip a beat every time she trips hoping she won't get hurt again.
Yesterday at after school pick up she yelled over to me, "Mom, wanna see how fast I can run?"
And right then my daughter took off and ran down a hill. Not a gently sloping hill, a hill that would make a pretty good sledding hill. She pounded down that hill with confidence, long strides, and good speed.
She didn't hesitate.
She didn't stop to think about it.
She just ran. Like it had never been a problem.
And when she turned around and smiled at me from the bottom of the hill my heart skipped a beat... but for an entirely different reason.
Yesterday at after school pick up she yelled over to me, "Mom, wanna see how fast I can run?"
And right then my daughter took off and ran down a hill. Not a gently sloping hill, a hill that would make a pretty good sledding hill. She pounded down that hill with confidence, long strides, and good speed.
She didn't hesitate.
She didn't stop to think about it.
She just ran. Like it had never been a problem.
And when she turned around and smiled at me from the bottom of the hill my heart skipped a beat... but for an entirely different reason.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Date Night
Husband has been out of town all week, so we had a Date Night last night. (Conveniently, Husband also has a ticket package for DU Hockey - so we had tickets for Saturday night's game.) I wasn't sure it was all going to work out, because our regular babysitter was booked. However, I have a friend in our neighborhood with a 15 year old daughter! She came through for us and it all worked out. Date Night was a go.
So we decide on Sushi Den. (Yum. Actually? Double Yum.) They don't take reservations for two, but we were there early enough that we had no problem getting a table. Husband even sat on the same side of the table with me, so we could people watch and whisper (that wasn't why he sat next to me, just a really good by product of the decision). Directly across from us was the poor couple we concentrated on for our people watching of the evening. They had already eaten when we saw them... I think. They were engrossed in their drinks by the time we noticed them. Husband said, "We have a first date situation right over there" and indicated the direction with his sake cup. I whip my head around to check it out, and we watch them for a few minutes. "Correction," I said, "THAT is a second or third date... might be the crucial 'wanna go back to my place' date?" He was leaning forward, asking her something and teasing her. She was leaning back, being coy and shaking her head while smiling. Husband agreed, and we noticed she was very drunk for 6:15pm. We kept an eye on things, glancing over every once in a while during our conversation and dinner to see how they were doing. "I wonder if she'll give up the goods tonight?" was my question. The laughing response was, "If she doesn't get sick first, she's looking like that might be a possibility."
Sometime in the middle of our sushi rolls, we both happened to look up at them at the same time, and he was trying to feed her some dessert while reaching for her hand. She's all demure, but smiling. Husband looked at me and said, "There it is, the full court press!" He's a guy, he knows. I laughed.
(The couple left shortly after. Sadly we'll never know how the love story panned out. As it was so early and she was already so drunk... my guess is no. Maybe another night, but not last night. They were quickly replaced at the table with two couples out for an evening without the kids. Not nearly so much fun to speculate over, as their stories were probably remarkably similar to ours.)
After dinner we saw DU play CC over at Magness. It was an awesome game, and there were fun people around us. Lots of cheering, some good "boo"ing over the officiating, great plays, even a fight at the very end. So much fun.
I forget how much fun my husband can be, how much I enjoy his company, how we make each other laugh. I forget until Date Night. Then I remember, and I smile.
So we decide on Sushi Den. (Yum. Actually? Double Yum.) They don't take reservations for two, but we were there early enough that we had no problem getting a table. Husband even sat on the same side of the table with me, so we could people watch and whisper (that wasn't why he sat next to me, just a really good by product of the decision). Directly across from us was the poor couple we concentrated on for our people watching of the evening. They had already eaten when we saw them... I think. They were engrossed in their drinks by the time we noticed them. Husband said, "We have a first date situation right over there" and indicated the direction with his sake cup. I whip my head around to check it out, and we watch them for a few minutes. "Correction," I said, "THAT is a second or third date... might be the crucial 'wanna go back to my place' date?" He was leaning forward, asking her something and teasing her. She was leaning back, being coy and shaking her head while smiling. Husband agreed, and we noticed she was very drunk for 6:15pm. We kept an eye on things, glancing over every once in a while during our conversation and dinner to see how they were doing. "I wonder if she'll give up the goods tonight?" was my question. The laughing response was, "If she doesn't get sick first, she's looking like that might be a possibility."
Sometime in the middle of our sushi rolls, we both happened to look up at them at the same time, and he was trying to feed her some dessert while reaching for her hand. She's all demure, but smiling. Husband looked at me and said, "There it is, the full court press!" He's a guy, he knows. I laughed.
(The couple left shortly after. Sadly we'll never know how the love story panned out. As it was so early and she was already so drunk... my guess is no. Maybe another night, but not last night. They were quickly replaced at the table with two couples out for an evening without the kids. Not nearly so much fun to speculate over, as their stories were probably remarkably similar to ours.)
After dinner we saw DU play CC over at Magness. It was an awesome game, and there were fun people around us. Lots of cheering, some good "boo"ing over the officiating, great plays, even a fight at the very end. So much fun.
I forget how much fun my husband can be, how much I enjoy his company, how we make each other laugh. I forget until Date Night. Then I remember, and I smile.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Seven
Today you turn seven. Holy cow - how on earth did that happen?
Seven is being so excited about a specific wish that you can't contain yourself.
Seven is sassy - finding that "no" is worth a try, and slamming your door when your sister gets in your face.
Seven is smiles and giggles and holding hands with a best friend named Ruthie.
Seven is first grade and confidence and finding out that you ARE a good reader, even if you don't love books.
Seven is happiness, because you still believe in the good.
Seven is Minnie Mouse - who you love and is your dear friend. (You? Have the pictures to prove it!)
Seven is being the little sister - and realizing now that you will always be the little sister. Seven doesn't love that very much.
Seven is knowing in your heart that Santa is going to deliver the Zhu Zhu pet and play set that you want more than any other present for Christmas.
Seven is assuring your mom that you will still be her baby, that the end of Six won't ruin this place you have in my heart.
Seven is happiest snuggled up to her daddy watching cartoons.
I love you at Seven even more than I loved you at One, Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six. How is that possible? I love you more each and every day. You are our Peach. You are our Baby. You are the humor, the thoughtfulness, the quiet, the silly, the wonderful, and the beautiful that completes our family.
Today you are Seven.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
There was a get together at our house this week...
A house full of kids, Drama (not the kind you'd expect from my family - the kind where my husband notices that the pot he's already poured the oil in for the deep frying of the turkeys is split), happiness at seeing out of town relatives, tension (yes, the kind you'd expect), togetherness, avoidance, "Who wants more wine?", eye rolling, teasing, sarcasm, "Can I get anyone another beer?", laughter, being all in the same room for the blessing (since my mom passed this seems to have worked itself out... in the 'olden days' dad started the blessing while mom was still in the kitchen dishing up the gravy), the men all hanging out outside to supervise Husband while he fried up those birds (it was a beautiful day), "Who wants Baileys in their coffee?", compliments on our home improvements... it all went off without any major hitches once the new cooking pot was procured from Walmart (LAST one on the shelf).
In a nutshell? Thanksgiving.
In a nutshell? Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Next week...
I'm back to blogging. (It's my Thanksgiving Resolution - because New Years just doesn't seem to do it for me.) I'm going to post about our home improvements next week. Can't wait to show you how it's going!
Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and family, and to those 50+ random people who (every single day) click on the May 2009 post of Hugh and his wife.* Most of you in the latter group are European - so I'm not sure that my wishing you a happy day on what is exclusively an American holiday is appropriate. However, since you never see anything on my blog except that one post? I'm not too worried.
*Seriously, it's STILL going on. Some days it's only 20 or so people, sometimes 75 foreigners come looking for Hugh and Deb. I think the highest one day number of people that landed on that post was 77... and it's hardly ever Americans. I told my kids that I was a world famous blogger, and tried showing them my counter that has the flags of the different countries that people are from... but they aren't buying it. DD2 believed me for a while - but that went down the drain when DD1 said, "Mom, people land there by accident. You're not famous." How in the world does she know that?
Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and family, and to those 50+ random people who (every single day) click on the May 2009 post of Hugh and his wife.* Most of you in the latter group are European - so I'm not sure that my wishing you a happy day on what is exclusively an American holiday is appropriate. However, since you never see anything on my blog except that one post? I'm not too worried.
*Seriously, it's STILL going on. Some days it's only 20 or so people, sometimes 75 foreigners come looking for Hugh and Deb. I think the highest one day number of people that landed on that post was 77... and it's hardly ever Americans. I told my kids that I was a world famous blogger, and tried showing them my counter that has the flags of the different countries that people are from... but they aren't buying it. DD2 believed me for a while - but that went down the drain when DD1 said, "Mom, people land there by accident. You're not famous." How in the world does she know that?
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
SMA Friday (brought to you on Sunday... because that's how I roll)
Ahhh, our new SMA! It's gonna be a good year - not the same as Hugh, though. Only Colin Firth could have come close to being "that guy." Johnny is more like the edgy, sexy, musician, bad boy in high school or college you'd like to date but wouldn't dare. (...and by bad? I mean good.)
The boy you would never bring home to mom.
The guy that would give your dad a heart attack.
That boy? Is our SMA.
The boy you would never bring home to mom.
The guy that would give your dad a heart attack.
That boy? Is our SMA.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Yes!
People Magazine did not cave to the Twihards.
Johnny Depp? The right choice. It was going to have to be someone pretty amazing to follow after Hugh - and Johnny is it.
For good or bad, the tradition of SMA Friday continues with the hotness that is Johnny Depp.
Sigh.
Yum.
Johnny Depp? The right choice. It was going to have to be someone pretty amazing to follow after Hugh - and Johnny is it.For good or bad, the tradition of SMA Friday continues with the hotness that is Johnny Depp.
Sigh.
Yum.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Hugh must surrender the crown...
It's almost time. November is when People Magazine announces their Sexiest Man Alive - and since no one yet has manged back to back victory we can assume that Hugh will be displaced this month.
Sexiest Man Alive (SMA) has been a long standing People Magazine feature. For reasons not known to me, they didn't announce winners in 1993 or 1994 (I've only really noticed these guys since the late 90's)... but every other year since 1985 has had a SMA. Not always a strong choice, but a crown was issued nonetheless. Here is a list of the past winners:
1985: Mel Gibson (Really, back then? So hot!)
1986: Mark Harmon (?)
1987: Harry Hamlin (The 80's were strange, no?)
1988: JFK, Jr. (No argument here.)
1989: Sean Connery (Yes, in agreement.)
1990: Tom Cruise (No doubt the gays loved this choice
1991: Patrick Swayze (Sigh, he was a hottie back then.)
1992: Nick Nolte (No, no, no! Revolting choice. I'm betting that they didn't sell more than 100 magazines with this choice - and that is why SMA disappeared for two years.)
1993: People didn't name a sexiest man, they did name a sexiest couple... Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford.
1995: Brad Pitt
1996: Denzel Washington
1997: George Clooney
1998: Harrison Ford (No. Just no.)
1999: Richard Gere (This doesn't count as a second, since he didn't actually get sexiest man in 1993)
2000: Brad Pitt (First man to double.)
2001: Pierce Brosnan (ummm, well I guess if you really go for that type.)
2002: Ben Affleck (Would have been better as Sexiest Fraternity Type Man That You Might Beer Kiss Alive, but cute enough.)
2003: Johnny Depp (One of their strongest choices ever.)
2004: Jude Law (He looks better on film.)
2005: Matthew McConaughey (I agreed with this one fully - until I found out that deodorant wasn't part of the whole "Matthew" package. Then it fell off for me
2006: George Clooney (Nine years after his first honor he gets SMA again.)
2007: Matt Damon (SO right!)
2008: Hugh Jackman (Perhaps the sexiest SMA ever.)
Rumors of this years nominees include Robert Pattison (NO!), Bradley Cooper (Like Harrison Ford... is "cute" necessarily "sexy"?), Justin Timberlake (uh, no), George Clooney (he IS sexy), Jon Hamm (this would work), Brad Pitt (I don't know, he's sort of over isn't he?), Ryan Reynolds (super nice to look at, rumor has it he's a jerk), Will Smith (cute, funny, could work), Gerard Butler (no), JayZ (say what you will, but power is sexy), Colin Firth (hands down should be the winner - love him and would gladly post SMA Fridays for him), and a handful of others that don't really warrant inclusion.
There has been no mention anywhere of Robert Downey Jr., Edward Norton, Matt Damon, or Johnny Depp - all of whom would warrant a continuation of SMA Friday.
Winner will be announced soon... and, unfortunately, People is more interested in selling magazines then pleasing an unknown blogger. I fear Edward Cullen for the win.
Sexiest Man Alive (SMA) has been a long standing People Magazine feature. For reasons not known to me, they didn't announce winners in 1993 or 1994 (I've only really noticed these guys since the late 90's)... but every other year since 1985 has had a SMA. Not always a strong choice, but a crown was issued nonetheless. Here is a list of the past winners:
1985: Mel Gibson (Really, back then? So hot!)
1986: Mark Harmon (?)
1987: Harry Hamlin (The 80's were strange, no?)
1988: JFK, Jr. (No argument here.)
1989: Sean Connery (Yes, in agreement.)
1990: Tom Cruise (No doubt the gays loved this choice
1991: Patrick Swayze (Sigh, he was a hottie back then.)
1992: Nick Nolte (No, no, no! Revolting choice. I'm betting that they didn't sell more than 100 magazines with this choice - and that is why SMA disappeared for two years.)
1993: People didn't name a sexiest man, they did name a sexiest couple... Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford.
1995: Brad Pitt
1996: Denzel Washington
1997: George Clooney
1998: Harrison Ford (No. Just no.)
1999: Richard Gere (This doesn't count as a second, since he didn't actually get sexiest man in 1993)
2000: Brad Pitt (First man to double.)
2001: Pierce Brosnan (ummm, well I guess if you really go for that type.)
2002: Ben Affleck (Would have been better as Sexiest Fraternity Type Man That You Might Beer Kiss Alive, but cute enough.)
2003: Johnny Depp (One of their strongest choices ever.)
2004: Jude Law (He looks better on film.)
2005: Matthew McConaughey (I agreed with this one fully - until I found out that deodorant wasn't part of the whole "Matthew" package. Then it fell off for me
2006: George Clooney (Nine years after his first honor he gets SMA again.)
2007: Matt Damon (SO right!)
2008: Hugh Jackman (Perhaps the sexiest SMA ever.)
Rumors of this years nominees include Robert Pattison (NO!), Bradley Cooper (Like Harrison Ford... is "cute" necessarily "sexy"?), Justin Timberlake (uh, no), George Clooney (he IS sexy), Jon Hamm (this would work), Brad Pitt (I don't know, he's sort of over isn't he?), Ryan Reynolds (super nice to look at, rumor has it he's a jerk), Will Smith (cute, funny, could work), Gerard Butler (no), JayZ (say what you will, but power is sexy), Colin Firth (hands down should be the winner - love him and would gladly post SMA Fridays for him), and a handful of others that don't really warrant inclusion.
There has been no mention anywhere of Robert Downey Jr., Edward Norton, Matt Damon, or Johnny Depp - all of whom would warrant a continuation of SMA Friday.
Winner will be announced soon... and, unfortunately, People is more interested in selling magazines then pleasing an unknown blogger. I fear Edward Cullen for the win.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
SMA Friday
In the midst of chaos I must stop, and remember the sexiness that is Hugh.Sigh.
We will miss our SMA!
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