Tomorrow, my honey runs his first marathon. The Portland Marathon. He's been training through a wonderful program called Portland Fit and is ready to do it tomorrow.
He's nervous about it but I know he'll be fine. Of course the Peanut, the Bird, and I will all be there to cheer him on, home made posters and all. I suspect that he'll really enjoy it and that this will just be the beginning for him. I think he'd really enjoy doing others and running in new places. Who knows?
I'll be SURE to log on tomorrow and tell you all about it. Wish him luck! He'll be great!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Laugh it up, fuzz ball!
For the second time in less than a week, I went out with some girlfriends for dinner and drinks. And for a little more than FOUR hours, we sat in a booth at this restaurant in the Pearl and talked like talk was going to be outlawed. Not one silent awkward moment where no one knew what to say. It was constant banter and ridiculous cackling.
Since we are all moms, we covered the kids, the school, our care of the kids, our stepping on our children in our high heels (so therefore our LACK of care for our kids), our kids using inappropriate words at inopportune times, all glorious subjects.
Thankfully, though, we had so much more to talk about too and it just went on and on. I only first looked at my watch (or my cellphone) somewhere in the middle of hour 4-5 and realized that it was time to leave.
Besides, the crowd was getting just a slight bit skankier and we were too good for them so we HAD to leave.
My friend Jonshea would have been proud of all the laughter tears I had to wipe away. Finger after finger after finger of wiping away the tears from all the laughing. That just felt SO good.
The only "unfortunate" portion of the evening is when one friend told a story about herself that gave the other two friends a vision that will never die. But it was worth about a million laughs and that vision will undoubtedly rear it's head from time to time so that it should never be forgotten.
Ah friendship...
Since we are all moms, we covered the kids, the school, our care of the kids, our stepping on our children in our high heels (so therefore our LACK of care for our kids), our kids using inappropriate words at inopportune times, all glorious subjects.
Thankfully, though, we had so much more to talk about too and it just went on and on. I only first looked at my watch (or my cellphone) somewhere in the middle of hour 4-5 and realized that it was time to leave.
Besides, the crowd was getting just a slight bit skankier and we were too good for them so we HAD to leave.
My friend Jonshea would have been proud of all the laughter tears I had to wipe away. Finger after finger after finger of wiping away the tears from all the laughing. That just felt SO good.
The only "unfortunate" portion of the evening is when one friend told a story about herself that gave the other two friends a vision that will never die. But it was worth about a million laughs and that vision will undoubtedly rear it's head from time to time so that it should never be forgotten.
Ah friendship...
Thursday, September 28, 2006
None of that "sissy" crap
My very dear friend, S.G., the "Super Grouper", sent this poem to me in an email because this personifies who we are together. I laughed out loud and had to share it with you, of course, because, well, I surround myself with people who can appreciate humor like this. So, I know you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
And now, the poem:
"A Friendship Poem"
Are you tired of those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces here. Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.
1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you finally got laid.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want to catch whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
9. This is my oath..... I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask; " because you are my friend".
Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.
And remember...when life hands you Lemons, ask for tequila and salt and call me over.
Does this not speak the truth? Oh, and this last line here about the lemons? Yeah, that's the best part.
And now, the poem:
"A Friendship Poem"
Are you tired of those sissy "friendship" poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces here. Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.
1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you finally got laid.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want to catch whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
9. This is my oath..... I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask; " because you are my friend".
Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.
And remember...when life hands you Lemons, ask for tequila and salt and call me over.
Does this not speak the truth? Oh, and this last line here about the lemons? Yeah, that's the best part.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Dinner with friends.
Last night I had dinner with two good friends. Kind of a VERY tame girls night out. We had dinner, some wine, and good conversation. I believe all Moms need this. Dads too, but women do it better and smarter.
We did NOT spend the whole time talking about our kids and our husbands (which is the worry, actually, upon embarking on these evenings). We talked about wine and travel and underwear. We even talked about some serious things but quickly got ourselves off those topics as all eyes began to well up at the table.
It was refreshing not to spend an evening talking about school, or what the kids did that day/week, or issues with husbands. We were ladies having a night out. We discussed future plans, day trips we could take and, dare I even mention, a potential overnight away.
We asked each other if we were crazy because we thought about certain things, about the way we're changing and our attitude towards certain situations that are different now than they would have been, say, 10 years ago.
We have all changed, of course. Our brains (and brain function) are different, our clothes, our shoes, our bodies. Some have fared better than others (me faring worst, of course). None of us were completely happy with our shapes, and the changes keep on coming.
It's hard when you realize what childbirth has done to you permanently. Never mind the obvious love for your child and how that changes you blah blah blah. That's a given. But the changes in your body are disturbing and what's more disturbing is the realization that it's twice or even three times harder now to get back what you originally had and you'll never really get that close without additional aid. Undoubtedly, age plays a big role in this. Diet isn't enough. Maybe diet and exercise isn't enough. Maybe plastic surgery is the best route. Who knows, but that's the killer. WHO KNOWS? It's a trip we're all taking down middle age lane. Bigger feet and loose brains in tow.
Regardless, though, Amy, your knockers are looking like they are where they should be. You must have a great bra. Does that come in my size?
We did NOT spend the whole time talking about our kids and our husbands (which is the worry, actually, upon embarking on these evenings). We talked about wine and travel and underwear. We even talked about some serious things but quickly got ourselves off those topics as all eyes began to well up at the table.
It was refreshing not to spend an evening talking about school, or what the kids did that day/week, or issues with husbands. We were ladies having a night out. We discussed future plans, day trips we could take and, dare I even mention, a potential overnight away.
We asked each other if we were crazy because we thought about certain things, about the way we're changing and our attitude towards certain situations that are different now than they would have been, say, 10 years ago.
We have all changed, of course. Our brains (and brain function) are different, our clothes, our shoes, our bodies. Some have fared better than others (me faring worst, of course). None of us were completely happy with our shapes, and the changes keep on coming.
It's hard when you realize what childbirth has done to you permanently. Never mind the obvious love for your child and how that changes you blah blah blah. That's a given. But the changes in your body are disturbing and what's more disturbing is the realization that it's twice or even three times harder now to get back what you originally had and you'll never really get that close without additional aid. Undoubtedly, age plays a big role in this. Diet isn't enough. Maybe diet and exercise isn't enough. Maybe plastic surgery is the best route. Who knows, but that's the killer. WHO KNOWS? It's a trip we're all taking down middle age lane. Bigger feet and loose brains in tow.
Regardless, though, Amy, your knockers are looking like they are where they should be. You must have a great bra. Does that come in my size?
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Ah...the 80's
My dear friend, The Diner Girl, sent me a link to 1500 videos from the 80's. Just going through the list was making me happy. The site is currently having technical difficulties which is just as well, as I'm in the playroom with Birdie and The Peanut and if that site were to be working right now, I'd be torturing them both with reliving my high school days, musically. These videos were the WORST by today's standards and yet, I am SO anxious to see them, to remember them, to hear songs I haven't heard in ages, let alone see the videos for them. Besides...these were the days when MTV played actual music videos. Music Television (MTV), get it? They've recently lost focus, wouldn't you say?
I am reminded of the concerts I saw, the friends I had, the clothes I wore, the HAIR I had...all of it. What fun the 80's were! So we were afraid of nuclear holocaust. Are things really that different now? And, of course, I met The Diner Girl in the mid-80's. Many of those songs and crazy memories are reminiscent of our early college days together. We saw Paul Young together on the stage at the Smith Center at GWU. We were in the front basically looking up his nostrils. He was hot. Damn, he was hot. The opening band, who are NOWHERE now I'm sure, were pretty smokin' too.
These memories make me feel young and old at the same time. Young, because I don't feel so far from it. Old, because my life is so DRASTICALLY different now than it was then. Not bad, obviously, but just very different. When you're a mom, or a business person, or just involved in your work, whatever that may be, it's hard to remember the piece of you that was so much younger and carefree. We don't often get to feel that way anymore. Though, I suspect that we didn't feel so carefree in those days either.
So, if you're like me, and you want a little risk-free walk down memory lane, check out some of those videos and "disappear" for a while.
Of course, the web site would have to be working first...
I am reminded of the concerts I saw, the friends I had, the clothes I wore, the HAIR I had...all of it. What fun the 80's were! So we were afraid of nuclear holocaust. Are things really that different now? And, of course, I met The Diner Girl in the mid-80's. Many of those songs and crazy memories are reminiscent of our early college days together. We saw Paul Young together on the stage at the Smith Center at GWU. We were in the front basically looking up his nostrils. He was hot. Damn, he was hot. The opening band, who are NOWHERE now I'm sure, were pretty smokin' too.
These memories make me feel young and old at the same time. Young, because I don't feel so far from it. Old, because my life is so DRASTICALLY different now than it was then. Not bad, obviously, but just very different. When you're a mom, or a business person, or just involved in your work, whatever that may be, it's hard to remember the piece of you that was so much younger and carefree. We don't often get to feel that way anymore. Though, I suspect that we didn't feel so carefree in those days either.
So, if you're like me, and you want a little risk-free walk down memory lane, check out some of those videos and "disappear" for a while.
Of course, the web site would have to be working first...
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Urinetown (and other drippy fluids...)
We have a fun house. A GREAT playroom, lots of open space for kids to play, dress up clothes for little girls to enjoy and overall tons of kid-like toys and playthings. So inevitably, we have lots of kids come to play over here and the Peanut loves to entertain (as do mommy and daddy). This, in the last week, has forced several of the Peanut's friends to get so busy in their play that their bladder pressure doesn't give them a big signal to head to the loo. Instead, they pee their pants (or my floor) and tell mommy and daddy afterwards.
I think the only solution for this is to do what preschool does. Schedule bathroom time. Every half hour. This will make all visiting little ones and their parents happy I think. I'll try it out and let you know how it goes.
Aside from that, I have a wicked bad cold (props to S.G.) which is now settling into my chest (what fun). So bad, that last night I dreamt about feeling very congested in my chest. Like I couldn't take a deep breath without coughing and I spent the better part of those uncomfortable dreams searching for cold medicine. I dunno...you tell me...anyone else have dreams like that? Nothing exciting like sex or adventure or even the tornado dreams I used to have. No, I dreamt about finding cold medicine. Oh joy.
Last night we celebrated the ROSH with some good friends and their kids. 12 adults, 4 4-year olds and 5 one-year olds. It was a little zoo-ish but fun nevertheless. We only have dinners like that three times a year. Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving and usually Passover. It was a lot of work but a good time was had by all and it's nice to feel a sense of accomplishment and that I fed my friends well. What Jewish mom doesn't love that?
Jewish or not, I hope that you and your families have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I'll say it again in December for the "regular" calendar New Year.
I think the only solution for this is to do what preschool does. Schedule bathroom time. Every half hour. This will make all visiting little ones and their parents happy I think. I'll try it out and let you know how it goes.
Aside from that, I have a wicked bad cold (props to S.G.) which is now settling into my chest (what fun). So bad, that last night I dreamt about feeling very congested in my chest. Like I couldn't take a deep breath without coughing and I spent the better part of those uncomfortable dreams searching for cold medicine. I dunno...you tell me...anyone else have dreams like that? Nothing exciting like sex or adventure or even the tornado dreams I used to have. No, I dreamt about finding cold medicine. Oh joy.
Last night we celebrated the ROSH with some good friends and their kids. 12 adults, 4 4-year olds and 5 one-year olds. It was a little zoo-ish but fun nevertheless. We only have dinners like that three times a year. Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving and usually Passover. It was a lot of work but a good time was had by all and it's nice to feel a sense of accomplishment and that I fed my friends well. What Jewish mom doesn't love that?
Jewish or not, I hope that you and your families have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. I'll say it again in December for the "regular" calendar New Year.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Happy New Year
OK, alright, I know, I never posted last night. But I was tired and up late marinating chicken that I still now need to go turn in the juices. I got to sleep close to midnight and was up all night with insomnia. I should have gone downstairs and kept going.
Today was nuts. My cell phone died early in the day. I had to go to the Peanut's school for her birthday celebration and Shabbat, then pickup, then out to the DEQ (car registration etc) for an hour or more, then to pick up the challah for the holiday then home. The dogs were cross-legged upon our arrival, poor things.
There's more to do, of course, but I'm tired and I have a cold and I need my down-brain time. 10 minutes more and I'll get down there and start chopping in preparation for making everything tomorrow.
Thank goodness a friend is having us over tonight for dinner. I don't think we'd eat if it were left up to me. Bed is sounding good right about now...
Off I go...likely more later. Oh, Happy New Year! I hope it's a happy and healthy one for us all!
Today was nuts. My cell phone died early in the day. I had to go to the Peanut's school for her birthday celebration and Shabbat, then pickup, then out to the DEQ (car registration etc) for an hour or more, then to pick up the challah for the holiday then home. The dogs were cross-legged upon our arrival, poor things.
There's more to do, of course, but I'm tired and I have a cold and I need my down-brain time. 10 minutes more and I'll get down there and start chopping in preparation for making everything tomorrow.
Thank goodness a friend is having us over tonight for dinner. I don't think we'd eat if it were left up to me. Bed is sounding good right about now...
Off I go...likely more later. Oh, Happy New Year! I hope it's a happy and healthy one for us all!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
My cousin's on my iPod
How freakin' cool is that?? WAAAAAAAY cool you say!
Rebecca Hart, my ultra-talented cousin (not that my OTHER cousins aren't talented), has a new fancy shmancy produced CD which I, personally, think ROCKS. The album, Crash & Strum, is the balls! Jeez, I feel like a groupie. Aw hell, I AM a groupie! Well, when she's in town I mean.
Buy it. Request it from your local rock station. Make her a superstahhhhh! She deserves it.
Rebecca Hart, my ultra-talented cousin (not that my OTHER cousins aren't talented), has a new fancy shmancy produced CD which I, personally, think ROCKS. The album, Crash & Strum, is the balls! Jeez, I feel like a groupie. Aw hell, I AM a groupie! Well, when she's in town I mean.
Buy it. Request it from your local rock station. Make her a superstahhhhh! She deserves it.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Get Thee Behind Me, Hormones!
This will be a short post because in all honesty, who the hell wants to know about my hormonal issues?
WHY IS IT that after the Peanut was born, my hair was bouncin' and behavin' in a way like never before? Since the Bird was born it's decided that it has paid it's dues and is feeling frumpy and depressed. No more curl and a helluva lot oily-er than it used to be. WHY IS IT that this should happen so close to me turning 40? Do I need to have another child to get my hair to change its mind and do something new for a change? Because if it means I'm going to need a shower EVERY day in order for my hair not to look like the Exxon Valdez disaster, I guess I'm going to spend a lot of time in a ballcap. Does anyone without a nanny and two small kids get a shower in every day? No one I know does...
WHY IS IT that every freakin' thing gives me hives on my hands? WHY IS IT that I get blotchy when I drink alcohol?
Most people think that being hormonal means you're a bitch on wheels once a month, or that you cry at the drop of a hat. Not me. My boobs ache, my hair hates me, and so does my skin.
WHY IS IT that men don't have these problems? Does G-d think that by giving them balls we're even?? I think not.
Hormones suck.
WHY IS IT that after the Peanut was born, my hair was bouncin' and behavin' in a way like never before? Since the Bird was born it's decided that it has paid it's dues and is feeling frumpy and depressed. No more curl and a helluva lot oily-er than it used to be. WHY IS IT that this should happen so close to me turning 40? Do I need to have another child to get my hair to change its mind and do something new for a change? Because if it means I'm going to need a shower EVERY day in order for my hair not to look like the Exxon Valdez disaster, I guess I'm going to spend a lot of time in a ballcap. Does anyone without a nanny and two small kids get a shower in every day? No one I know does...
WHY IS IT that every freakin' thing gives me hives on my hands? WHY IS IT that I get blotchy when I drink alcohol?
Most people think that being hormonal means you're a bitch on wheels once a month, or that you cry at the drop of a hat. Not me. My boobs ache, my hair hates me, and so does my skin.
WHY IS IT that men don't have these problems? Does G-d think that by giving them balls we're even?? I think not.
Hormones suck.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Identity Theft is a Bitch
Just so you know, we are a careful crew in this house when it comes to our documents. We save every receipt and file them. We shred all documents that come to this house with our name and address on them. ESPECIALLY those with any important information (ie. bills, social security statements, etc). We throw NOTHING in the trash if there's a name attached to an address (aside from those things addressed to "Our Neighbors at:" and then the address...). We are careful and always on the lookout. I still hold my purse tightly to my body and make sure the side with the wallet is under my armpit. I'll know it if you're trying to steal from me.
So it is with some shock that we are in receipt of three letters from the bank where we have our Home Equity Line confirming our recent change of address to some random apartment in Louisville, KY. Alarmed and, well, VERY alarmed, we called the bank immediately (which was closed). We called their after hours lost card line or whatever you call it and we reported the problem to them. After they confirmed that this all happened they basically told us that since there's been no money stolen yet, they're not planning to look into the matter. Basically, they don't give a shit unless their money (which I'd have to pay for) is gone.
Oh, but let us just talk about the CRAZY coincidences here...like the fact that Mr. Address Changer changed the address to someplace in Louisville, KY. Well just GUESS where our bank has a customer service center and where the checks get sent! Yes, Louisville, KY! And how many letters did we get sent regarding this change of address? Three. Why three when we have only one account with them? Well, whomever did the change of address, changed the address on two additional accounts that had our names on them. BOTH CLOSED and neither have EVER had any activity or even payment on them. Now just HOW would that person even know those accounts existed, let alone ask to change the address on them? Hmmm....maybe because THEY WORK FOR THE BANK???
Kindly, our Mortgage adviser, who got us in with this bank and speaks highly of them, escalated this through his contacts at the bank. The bank feels they've got all their safeguards in place and that those safeguards worked because they sent us those "confirmation of address change" letters and we called to complain about them. But no one has offered to look into the above mentioned coincidences.
I mean, come on, if someone stole our identity here in the City of Roses, do you think they'd have the address changed to some place in Louisville, KY? Doesn't that seem fishy to you?
We've since taken all the steps we can. Since the bank isn't doing anything, we've reported it to the Portland police (who likely won't do anything), put fraud alerts on our credit reports, called our bank, etc. But will it ever end? If this person is not caught, will we live our lives running through this effort repeatedly every time this jackass decides to try again with us?
Why can no one help us further?
I think if I don't get a satisfactory answer from the bank on my questions regarding the coincidences mentioned above, I'm calling their local news about it (in Louisville) and reporting the bank to the FTC (or whereever). Anyone have any other ideas?
I'm pissed off and tired and aggravated that this is taking up ANY of our time. But mostly, I'm shocked at the inaction of the bank but then, sad to say, I'm really not all that shocked.
No wonder identity theft runs rampant. No one gives a crap and no one does anything except those who get robbed. Everyone else points fingers at someone else and says "Call them.".
That's just perfect...
So it is with some shock that we are in receipt of three letters from the bank where we have our Home Equity Line confirming our recent change of address to some random apartment in Louisville, KY. Alarmed and, well, VERY alarmed, we called the bank immediately (which was closed). We called their after hours lost card line or whatever you call it and we reported the problem to them. After they confirmed that this all happened they basically told us that since there's been no money stolen yet, they're not planning to look into the matter. Basically, they don't give a shit unless their money (which I'd have to pay for) is gone.
Oh, but let us just talk about the CRAZY coincidences here...like the fact that Mr. Address Changer changed the address to someplace in Louisville, KY. Well just GUESS where our bank has a customer service center and where the checks get sent! Yes, Louisville, KY! And how many letters did we get sent regarding this change of address? Three. Why three when we have only one account with them? Well, whomever did the change of address, changed the address on two additional accounts that had our names on them. BOTH CLOSED and neither have EVER had any activity or even payment on them. Now just HOW would that person even know those accounts existed, let alone ask to change the address on them? Hmmm....maybe because THEY WORK FOR THE BANK???
Kindly, our Mortgage adviser, who got us in with this bank and speaks highly of them, escalated this through his contacts at the bank. The bank feels they've got all their safeguards in place and that those safeguards worked because they sent us those "confirmation of address change" letters and we called to complain about them. But no one has offered to look into the above mentioned coincidences.
I mean, come on, if someone stole our identity here in the City of Roses, do you think they'd have the address changed to some place in Louisville, KY? Doesn't that seem fishy to you?
We've since taken all the steps we can. Since the bank isn't doing anything, we've reported it to the Portland police (who likely won't do anything), put fraud alerts on our credit reports, called our bank, etc. But will it ever end? If this person is not caught, will we live our lives running through this effort repeatedly every time this jackass decides to try again with us?
Why can no one help us further?
I think if I don't get a satisfactory answer from the bank on my questions regarding the coincidences mentioned above, I'm calling their local news about it (in Louisville) and reporting the bank to the FTC (or whereever). Anyone have any other ideas?
I'm pissed off and tired and aggravated that this is taking up ANY of our time. But mostly, I'm shocked at the inaction of the bank but then, sad to say, I'm really not all that shocked.
No wonder identity theft runs rampant. No one gives a crap and no one does anything except those who get robbed. Everyone else points fingers at someone else and says "Call them.".
That's just perfect...
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Not Your Average Almost 4 Year Old...
Tonight, the Peanut and I attended the birthday party of a cute friend of hers up in an ENORMOUS house in a lovely neighborhood in the hills. I knew that all the little girls would be in cute little party dresses. Real girlie girls...which, often, I'd consider her to be. But tonight she chose to wear sweatpants. Lavendar sweatpants and the t-shirt given to her by the gym where she had her birthday party just a week ago.
Now, granted, this is the outfit she had on this afternoon before the party. She just didn't want to change. I even mentioned putting on a dress and she said "no". No! The child whom I bought shorts and t-shirts for for camp this summer who ONLY wanted to wear dresses and skirts to play in the sand and the dirt. She has a party at a nice house and she keeps wearing the sweatpants. Never let it be said that my daughter is a pansy-assed lemming who follows the crowd. She is one-of-a-kind. I only hope she keeps that sense of self through her teenage years.
Regardless of her chosen outfit, she had a wonderful time with all of her little school friends from last year. It was nice to see them all playing together again. They're all split up this year with the birthday girl even going to a new school. It will take effort to maintain these friendships (some easier than others, of course) but it's worth it.
Oh, and did I mention she spent the morning in a yellow flowy "Belle" dress that sprinkled yellow glitter throughout my house? I guess she got her girl on too early in the day... ;-)
Party moms were impressed that the Peanut signed the birthday card for her friend. It looked AWESOME, thankyouverymuch. Writing her name, when she has room, has become an easy thing for her. She enjoys it and I love to see it. I am very proud!
The Bird spent the day getting into trouble by splashing in the cat's dish of water and crawling up the stairs when our backs are turned. She never gets very far, but damn, she's persistant.
My very dearest friend, The Diner Girl, challenged me to write without mentioning family or the kids. I told her that without writing about the family and kids, there'd be no blog (hence, the NAME of the blog). Perhaps someday I'll have something really exciting to write about. Or something droll that has nothing to do with them or my dear husband, but then, they shape who I am in SO many ways. It's hard not to share them with you.
Yes, Diner Girl, there will be posts not intended to be about them. Maybe you should git yer Fried Mac n' Cheese loving butt out here to give me something to write about!! Chandler the Cheer Chicken and Brian Royal await...
Fa-lap heel, fa-lap heel, fa-lap ball change, fa-lap ball change
Fa-lap heel, fa-lap heel, fa-lap ball change, fa-lap plie
Now, granted, this is the outfit she had on this afternoon before the party. She just didn't want to change. I even mentioned putting on a dress and she said "no". No! The child whom I bought shorts and t-shirts for for camp this summer who ONLY wanted to wear dresses and skirts to play in the sand and the dirt. She has a party at a nice house and she keeps wearing the sweatpants. Never let it be said that my daughter is a pansy-assed lemming who follows the crowd. She is one-of-a-kind. I only hope she keeps that sense of self through her teenage years.
Regardless of her chosen outfit, she had a wonderful time with all of her little school friends from last year. It was nice to see them all playing together again. They're all split up this year with the birthday girl even going to a new school. It will take effort to maintain these friendships (some easier than others, of course) but it's worth it.
Oh, and did I mention she spent the morning in a yellow flowy "Belle" dress that sprinkled yellow glitter throughout my house? I guess she got her girl on too early in the day... ;-)
Party moms were impressed that the Peanut signed the birthday card for her friend. It looked AWESOME, thankyouverymuch. Writing her name, when she has room, has become an easy thing for her. She enjoys it and I love to see it. I am very proud!
The Bird spent the day getting into trouble by splashing in the cat's dish of water and crawling up the stairs when our backs are turned. She never gets very far, but damn, she's persistant.
My very dearest friend, The Diner Girl, challenged me to write without mentioning family or the kids. I told her that without writing about the family and kids, there'd be no blog (hence, the NAME of the blog). Perhaps someday I'll have something really exciting to write about. Or something droll that has nothing to do with them or my dear husband, but then, they shape who I am in SO many ways. It's hard not to share them with you.
Yes, Diner Girl, there will be posts not intended to be about them. Maybe you should git yer Fried Mac n' Cheese loving butt out here to give me something to write about!! Chandler the Cheer Chicken and Brian Royal await...
Fa-lap heel, fa-lap heel, fa-lap ball change, fa-lap ball change
Fa-lap heel, fa-lap heel, fa-lap ball change, fa-lap plie
Oh...my...goodness
I saw the show "Wicked" last night. They're here in Portland as part of their National tour and may I just say WOW!
I am always very skeptical of shows that travel that much. All stages are different, all houses are different. There are lots of things that a production needs to shape in order to fit in the space in which they need to perform. And separate from that, there's the audience. An audience in New York is different than one from Oklahoma, or one from Toledo, or one from Minneapolis...you get the idea.
But last night, the two main leads of the show, Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty, were both "home". Shoshana is actually from Portland and Megan is from Bellevue, WA and so the audience was filled with people that knew them and loved them well before they were on Broadway in this show or on tour. Things went very smoothly for them despite some sound and microphone issues. We were all wrapped up in the show as was their intent and many a tear was shed at the end.
Never in my life have I heard a roar from an audience like I did last night for these two spectacular performers. It must be a thrilling experience to perform a show like that AT HOME. I was thrilled for them and felt as proud for them as I could without being a family member.
If you missed it, it's a shame. I almost did and can't thank my sister-in-law enough for giving me her ticket last week.
I am always very skeptical of shows that travel that much. All stages are different, all houses are different. There are lots of things that a production needs to shape in order to fit in the space in which they need to perform. And separate from that, there's the audience. An audience in New York is different than one from Oklahoma, or one from Toledo, or one from Minneapolis...you get the idea.
But last night, the two main leads of the show, Shoshana Bean and Megan Hilty, were both "home". Shoshana is actually from Portland and Megan is from Bellevue, WA and so the audience was filled with people that knew them and loved them well before they were on Broadway in this show or on tour. Things went very smoothly for them despite some sound and microphone issues. We were all wrapped up in the show as was their intent and many a tear was shed at the end.
Never in my life have I heard a roar from an audience like I did last night for these two spectacular performers. It must be a thrilling experience to perform a show like that AT HOME. I was thrilled for them and felt as proud for them as I could without being a family member.
If you missed it, it's a shame. I almost did and can't thank my sister-in-law enough for giving me her ticket last week.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Alright...not so bad...
OK, so those demons never really came, and compared to most other nights, I slept fairly well last night. The Bird (or we can call her Birdie so it doesn't sound so formal) woke up at midnight a little upset but went back to sleep with a little coaxing and a little drink. The Peanut was up at 6AM wondering why I wasn't in her room sleeping by her and keeping her company. This is a new complication.
When the Peanut was little she was a champion sleeper. Like her daddy, most of the time, she just had to be horizontal and she'd roll over and go to sleep. And stay asleep! So having her wake up several times (as of late) in the middle of the night and need company to get back to sleep is unusual for her. I'll chalk it up to nerves and the back to school changes. I want/need it to change soon though. I can practically TASTE a full night's sleep in my future! Is that too optimistic? It's only been about 4 years...
The girls are getting to the point where they can practically play together. The Peanut loves showing things to Birdie. And of course, Birdie just adores her older sister and wants to do everything she does. Then, as in most families, the Peanut gets tired of Birdie and wants to do something she can't do. That's when the yelling starts. "No!" and "Stop it!" like the Bird understands that she's doing something to annoy her sister. This is a new dynamic here so I'll need to learn the smart parent's way of dealing with it and redirecting each child, or, you know, ignoring it and pretending things are fine and letting them (meaning the Peanut) work it out for themselves.
Fall is upon us here in Stumptown. Rainy and cold the last few days. Well, it's all relative. Cold for September. I wonder what this weather does to our grapes? We have fabulous wine here which we enjoy fairly regularly (and responsibly). I hope it's a good harvest and the wine continues to be as splendid (yes, I said splendid) as it usually is. If the rest of the country doesn't know about it yet, it's their loss. Means more for me here. :-)
Fall also means the new school year. I am a preschool parent. It's the Peanut's second year of preschool. It's amazing how school thrusts a person into the inner workings of the school. Of course, unless you get involved, it's always from an outsider's perspective. "What the HELL were they thinking when they made THAT decision?!?" and "Oh, yeah, like that's gonna work." were often heard muttered in the parking lot, along with bitching and moaning about how ridiculous it all seemed and how unorganized it all is. My suspicion is that ALL schools have people doing that in the parking lot. Though last year, here, it was really justified.
This year, I got involved so I wouldn't just complain, I'd actually have the opportunity to do something about it. Perhaps I'm being optimistic again. Hell, it's just the beginning of the year. There's still plenty of time to blog about the shenanigans to come.
Two very close, very dear friends have promised to come visit from the East Coast before November (separately). I am SO excited about this. The promise of girl time. These ladies knew me when I was young, thin, and carefree. Though it's a lifetime ago for me, the joy of seeing them is really unparalleled. Aside from when I'm with my husband, these women can see me at my most ME. Time with them gives my shoulders a rest from spending so much time close to my ears. It's like those titles "Waiting to Exhale" or "Going Home". Neither are books I've read or movies I've seen but they capture what I mean. It is a time to let down my guard, relax a little and not have to entertain. This is not to say that I won't want to make them happy and keep them busy while they're here, but it happens without much effort. I am so excited. Again with the optimism. Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed.
When the Peanut was little she was a champion sleeper. Like her daddy, most of the time, she just had to be horizontal and she'd roll over and go to sleep. And stay asleep! So having her wake up several times (as of late) in the middle of the night and need company to get back to sleep is unusual for her. I'll chalk it up to nerves and the back to school changes. I want/need it to change soon though. I can practically TASTE a full night's sleep in my future! Is that too optimistic? It's only been about 4 years...
The girls are getting to the point where they can practically play together. The Peanut loves showing things to Birdie. And of course, Birdie just adores her older sister and wants to do everything she does. Then, as in most families, the Peanut gets tired of Birdie and wants to do something she can't do. That's when the yelling starts. "No!" and "Stop it!" like the Bird understands that she's doing something to annoy her sister. This is a new dynamic here so I'll need to learn the smart parent's way of dealing with it and redirecting each child, or, you know, ignoring it and pretending things are fine and letting them (meaning the Peanut) work it out for themselves.
Fall is upon us here in Stumptown. Rainy and cold the last few days. Well, it's all relative. Cold for September. I wonder what this weather does to our grapes? We have fabulous wine here which we enjoy fairly regularly (and responsibly). I hope it's a good harvest and the wine continues to be as splendid (yes, I said splendid) as it usually is. If the rest of the country doesn't know about it yet, it's their loss. Means more for me here. :-)
Fall also means the new school year. I am a preschool parent. It's the Peanut's second year of preschool. It's amazing how school thrusts a person into the inner workings of the school. Of course, unless you get involved, it's always from an outsider's perspective. "What the HELL were they thinking when they made THAT decision?!?" and "Oh, yeah, like that's gonna work." were often heard muttered in the parking lot, along with bitching and moaning about how ridiculous it all seemed and how unorganized it all is. My suspicion is that ALL schools have people doing that in the parking lot. Though last year, here, it was really justified.
This year, I got involved so I wouldn't just complain, I'd actually have the opportunity to do something about it. Perhaps I'm being optimistic again. Hell, it's just the beginning of the year. There's still plenty of time to blog about the shenanigans to come.
Two very close, very dear friends have promised to come visit from the East Coast before November (separately). I am SO excited about this. The promise of girl time. These ladies knew me when I was young, thin, and carefree. Though it's a lifetime ago for me, the joy of seeing them is really unparalleled. Aside from when I'm with my husband, these women can see me at my most ME. Time with them gives my shoulders a rest from spending so much time close to my ears. It's like those titles "Waiting to Exhale" or "Going Home". Neither are books I've read or movies I've seen but they capture what I mean. It is a time to let down my guard, relax a little and not have to entertain. This is not to say that I won't want to make them happy and keep them busy while they're here, but it happens without much effort. I am so excited. Again with the optimism. Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
The End of an Era
Today, my darling daughter #2, the Bird, turned ONE. I was expecting this to be a very difficult day. It wasn't. Not really. But as a very dear friend pointed out, it's basically the end of an era in my life. We're not planning to have more children. I will never have an infant again. No more tar-like poops, smushed up faces you can barely recognize, first smiles, first teeth, first ANYTHING really.
I'm not depressed. I had a good day. Both girls were in decent moods. No fights with the Peanut. The Bird was in a great mood all day. Overall, it was wonderful and celebratory. It's the downtime that I worry about. When I think of how quickly it's all gone, how I miss the littleness of her. I miss the littleness of the Peanut too, believe me. But the sweetness of the gummy mouth and how she used to suck on my chin...now I have to move her mouth away for fear of the clamp-down with her baby daggers, both top and bottom. But then, there's so much to look forward to, right?
Well, anyway, it was a good day. I'll keep telling myself it was. And I'll believe it.
Check back with me at 3AM. The demons always come at night.
I'm not depressed. I had a good day. Both girls were in decent moods. No fights with the Peanut. The Bird was in a great mood all day. Overall, it was wonderful and celebratory. It's the downtime that I worry about. When I think of how quickly it's all gone, how I miss the littleness of her. I miss the littleness of the Peanut too, believe me. But the sweetness of the gummy mouth and how she used to suck on my chin...now I have to move her mouth away for fear of the clamp-down with her baby daggers, both top and bottom. But then, there's so much to look forward to, right?
Well, anyway, it was a good day. I'll keep telling myself it was. And I'll believe it.
Check back with me at 3AM. The demons always come at night.