I woke up in the middle of the night last night to take Motrin. Grant came in to sleep in our bed, but I was so tired I didn't get up. Abbie came, too. I was rediculously uncomfortable. When Josh got up to take his shower, he found out why. He laughed at me. I was "sleeping" on a transformer.
The other day I ended up having political discussions in my living room. We were exploring the concept of socialized medicine with our neighbor. He is a Democrat. I am...me. Josh claims to be a Centralist. We had three different perspectives, naturally. But here's the thing that got me. Josh seems to think that the ruling power owes to each of its people a clean bill of health. WHAT? How can that be? Some people are just going to be sick. You can't expect the government to make everyone well. Kirk was surprised. He said, "Man, I thought you two would be the oposite. Rosemary, you don't want a clean bill of health?"
"No. I plan to die of something."
Josh wants to live forever. When his pieces and parts go, he wants them replaced. I think he is amused at the thought of being part robot. Not I. If I were going to ask for something, I'd ask to be physically 19 years old for an extra decade. That, however, they are not offering. Being ancient and in constant moderate discomfort for even longer holds absolutely no attraction for me. And we all know what I think of the body outliving the mind. I am repulsed by it. I would hate to have my family live through that with me, after having lived through it with my...mom's family.
All that aside, though, I'm still only an advocate for socializing the ER (and vaccinations). I don't relish the thought of paying for the hypocondriac's 20 monthly trips to his M.D. and I also don't see how it should be required of a government. Josh thinks everyone's health care should be free, like when we were military. Yeah? Well, you get what you pay for. Those doctors SUCKED. Military doctors are the ones that are either too inexperienced or too crappy to make it in the civilian sector. When I was a military wife, I went through 3 doctors on base. One was decent, although he gave me the creeps. Then he was deployed. The next one didn't know as much as I did. The third one accused me of having an STD every time I walked in the door. No, I'm not kidding. I know that military couples get reputations for being unfaithful to each other, especially Marines, but please allow me to volunteer that that is NOT the case in my marriage. So, I didn't dig the whole, "Are you sure you don't have herpies?" thing all the time. Then I told him of my back troubles and told him I wanted to get strong before I tried to have kids. He sent me to the gym on base. No recommendations. Nothing. (I might add, he never even did the x-ray to see what he was dealing with, THAT was my doctor in Rolla.) Then, when I did get pregnant, they got the due date wrong by 2 months. Hmm. I would feel so much better if that's what we could all expect. Uh - no.
Enough health care talk.
Yesterday, my mother came over. Very last minute. She was in St. Louis, and called to see if she could come over and play on her way home. So, she stopped by after lunch, bringing milkshakes for the kids, and three huge bags of my grandfather's shirts. I went through them, and picked 3 or 4 for Grant and one or two for me, and when Josh came home, he tried them on and ended up with a few, too. I always gave special attention to the ones with coffee stains. They were the ones that were loved the most.
Josh had his meeting at work yesterday. Actually, he had to stay late for it. They are thinking of offering Josh the same manager job they trained him for and didn't give him last year. Scott, the owner, asked Josh to consider it and come back with any potential concerns. No actual offer has been made. Josh told me, and I tried not to be upset. Eventually it came out, though. I'm upset. Josh's schedule would change. He wouldn't leave work until 6:00. First of all, he would lose that time on his class days when he does his homework. So, he'd be doing it here in the mornings. That means we'd all have to stay out of his way. It also means that I'd have to take my kids to his mom's house every Tuesday and Thursday on my way to taiko. We did a budget, too. Josh is making $2.00/hr less that we need, just to cover our bills. No wonder I felt so broke, huh? This is to maintain our current life, where we are dirt poor and I have no health insurance. More would be needed for an actual improvement of our life condition. And they probably don't even have the $2.
Why can't we ever have something happen that is only good? We're due. Am I being punished for my past wrongs? Because I see nice things happening to horrible people and it just makes my head sizzle. Life is just not fair.
Oh, well.
Today, I hope to go to the grocery store, since I didn't get to yesterday. Maybe while we're out, we can go to the library, too. I have new and exciting (we hope) book recommendations to explore. Then, I get to take the kids to Josh's mom's house tonight. Missy is home, and Josh chose this morning to tell me that they are all expecting the kids. Gotta love advanced notice. And it seems Josh forgot all about my broken truck.
So far nobody is availible to come to the zoo with us Saturday. Oh, well. We can go by ourselves. Guess I don't have to wonder if I should bring cupcakes. At taiko, I told Eddie we would wave at their plane when it flew off to Japan, but it turns out they are leaving very early in the morning. Sorry. I'll still be at home at that point. But I will be thinking of them all and wishing them pleasant journey! Although, I remember flying to Japan as excruciating.
It's supposed to rain today. I'm sort of looking forward to it. And while I'm thinking about it, I think I'll make some tea.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Please and Thank You
First, I would like to rant a little about someone else's children. There are four children that live up the street: an older boy, a younger boy, and twin girls in the middle. They are identical, and very friendly. But here's the thing: they are amazingly rude guests. They came to play in the yard with us today, after I came back from practice. Josh went to mow the lawn and we were all cheerfully talking about dogs and twirling Abbie's purple umbrella. Then the younger boy showed up. We wandered the front yard. We almost took the kids out in the wagon, but Josh has put some things in it, and it will have to be cleaned before it can convey humans, so that was out. It was then that it started. "Can we take Jake to the other side of the yard?" No. "Why not?" "Can we go inside and play with toys?" No. "Why not?" "Can I just go in and get some toys to bring outside?" No. "Why not?" I took them to the backyard at that point. "Can we go in your basement?" NO! "Why not?" Then I look up, and the boy walks into my house.
"I'm sorry, but it's time for my kids to go in now. You'll have to go home. We'll play some other time." Boy does not go. I HATE it when people force me to be rude. "Out. Time to go home." And only then does he recognize that he has imposed.
Am I the only one in the world who has been taught that you don't get to boss other people around in their own houses? Isn't the thing to have the child who lives there go and ask for things? We were taught that the host provides what he thinks necessary, and the guest either accepts or declines with excruciating politeness - even at the neighbor's house.
Growl.
So, I went to practice today. I am pretty nearly able to do most things. Ha. The stretching was very good, and I can carry light things if I carry them well above my hip area, and I can play. Well, as well as I ever could. Yay! I played Omiyage. Fun. I still don't know a few parts, but I wasn't as awful as I thought I would be. The rest of the practice I wasn't doing much, but that's probably for the best, this time.
Everyone is so excited about Japan! It's a happy environment. Love it. I bet I know a few people who will be doing lots of laundry this week. I know they are all going to have a fantastic time. I hope they also do a great job performing. Such a neat opportunity. Helena is going to be in charge of practice while they are gone. Hmm. Might be a few late starts...
Maybe I need to tell her that I won't be at practice on Grant's actual birthday.
We made...what would you call them...nachos? Non-nachos? How about Munchos? Anyway, they were salsa chips topped with Mexican blend cheese, leftover taco meat, tomatoes, black olives and sour cream. Pretty yummy. Kinda like a taco salad without the lettuce. Well, that was our super early dinner.
We're trying to keep the kids awake so they will go to bed at a reasonable time tonight. Sometimes we lose this battle, and sometimes we win, but aren't certain it was worth the unpleasantness. I'm hoping for the other, and most rare option, which is that the children play happily and then go to sleep quickly. It's the stuff Mommy dreams are made of.
Ever meet one of those people who is wrapped up in philosophy? I mean, asking questions is a healthy thing. And so is trying to think of answers to said questions. But you really have to navigate in the reality you were born into, so sitting around and wondering whether you are real or whether God exists or is evil or good or oblivious or whatever gets filed into the "Spare Time" pigeonhole in my mental filing system. Not the base of my pyramid, if you get me. I could never be a philosopher. I could never live in the same house with a philosopher. But I would so much rather that than sit here and listen to Josh doing math problems. Ick. Math.
Do you think we really exist?
Just kidding.
Although, I could get interested in a philosophy based on Judith Martin. By the way, let's take a poll:
Do you know who Judith Martin is? Don't cheat, now. I will be expecting honest answers from all zero of you who regularly write me.
I've eaten nearly all of the fancy tea cookies my grandmother bought for me, and all without the benefit of tea. I should have made a cup when it was raining.
What is tomorrow? I hope it will involve a trip to Wal-mart. I'm almost out of soap.
Happy Sunday evening, All. I recommend sitting on your porch or closest equivalent and drinking iced tea. It's just about right for that, this evening.
"I'm sorry, but it's time for my kids to go in now. You'll have to go home. We'll play some other time." Boy does not go. I HATE it when people force me to be rude. "Out. Time to go home." And only then does he recognize that he has imposed.
Am I the only one in the world who has been taught that you don't get to boss other people around in their own houses? Isn't the thing to have the child who lives there go and ask for things? We were taught that the host provides what he thinks necessary, and the guest either accepts or declines with excruciating politeness - even at the neighbor's house.
Growl.
So, I went to practice today. I am pretty nearly able to do most things. Ha. The stretching was very good, and I can carry light things if I carry them well above my hip area, and I can play. Well, as well as I ever could. Yay! I played Omiyage. Fun. I still don't know a few parts, but I wasn't as awful as I thought I would be. The rest of the practice I wasn't doing much, but that's probably for the best, this time.
Everyone is so excited about Japan! It's a happy environment. Love it. I bet I know a few people who will be doing lots of laundry this week. I know they are all going to have a fantastic time. I hope they also do a great job performing. Such a neat opportunity. Helena is going to be in charge of practice while they are gone. Hmm. Might be a few late starts...
Maybe I need to tell her that I won't be at practice on Grant's actual birthday.
We made...what would you call them...nachos? Non-nachos? How about Munchos? Anyway, they were salsa chips topped with Mexican blend cheese, leftover taco meat, tomatoes, black olives and sour cream. Pretty yummy. Kinda like a taco salad without the lettuce. Well, that was our super early dinner.
We're trying to keep the kids awake so they will go to bed at a reasonable time tonight. Sometimes we lose this battle, and sometimes we win, but aren't certain it was worth the unpleasantness. I'm hoping for the other, and most rare option, which is that the children play happily and then go to sleep quickly. It's the stuff Mommy dreams are made of.
Ever meet one of those people who is wrapped up in philosophy? I mean, asking questions is a healthy thing. And so is trying to think of answers to said questions. But you really have to navigate in the reality you were born into, so sitting around and wondering whether you are real or whether God exists or is evil or good or oblivious or whatever gets filed into the "Spare Time" pigeonhole in my mental filing system. Not the base of my pyramid, if you get me. I could never be a philosopher. I could never live in the same house with a philosopher. But I would so much rather that than sit here and listen to Josh doing math problems. Ick. Math.
Do you think we really exist?
Just kidding.
Although, I could get interested in a philosophy based on Judith Martin. By the way, let's take a poll:
Do you know who Judith Martin is? Don't cheat, now. I will be expecting honest answers from all zero of you who regularly write me.
I've eaten nearly all of the fancy tea cookies my grandmother bought for me, and all without the benefit of tea. I should have made a cup when it was raining.
What is tomorrow? I hope it will involve a trip to Wal-mart. I'm almost out of soap.
Happy Sunday evening, All. I recommend sitting on your porch or closest equivalent and drinking iced tea. It's just about right for that, this evening.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Smoke on a Saturday Afternoon in Warrenton.
We're cooking dinner. I don't like the smell of smoke. When Josh grills, he uses paper to start his fire. I hate the smell of burning paper. Cardboard is worse, though. Josh likes the smell.
Abbie has been napping. I hope she wakes up soon. I've already had to give up my plan of watching movies after the kids go to bed, now I'm working on getting to bed myself before ridiculously late. Rrr.
I'm sad and lonely. Don't worry, Master Awesome. I'm not going to write about how you came to Missouri and drove right past my house and didn't even tell me, let alone bring your lovely wifey over to let me hang out with. I wouldn't do that to you. Not after you've been such an attentive and devoted friend. Poop head. Okay. I'm kidding about being all offended. Plus, I was already feeling sad and lonely. It's having these back problems and being stuck at home. I don't dig confinement. If I am to be reclusive, I want it to be my idea.
We took the dog to have his nails clipped at PetSmart today. Jake loves it. The kids love it, too. They get to go and peek at all the pets for sale. Today the lizards were especially entertaining. They stretched up on hind legs to peek back at Grant and Abbie. The cat I liked is gone - off to a good and happy home, I'm sure. The new cats were not as interesting by half.
Then, the boys had haircuts, and Abbie and I stayed in the car with Jake. It wasn't as easy as I had hoped, but not as bad as I'd feared. Abbie whined for a while, and actually started to cry, but right as the boys showed back up.
Did I tell you that I am now the proud owner of All About Eve? A very good movie. Not, if you must know, my favorite, but I can't deny that it is a very good movie. I prefer comedy or suspense. I can't call that one suspenseful. Glad I own it, though. And did I tell you that I saw Dear Frankie? Sad, but very, very good. Love that one. Thank you, Dad, for giving it to me.
Josh says that Budweiser's American Ale is "not bad". So, you should try it on his recommendation, if you have not already done so.
If I had a winning lottery ticket, you know what I'd do? First, I'd get a porch at the bottom of our deck and make Josh do his grilling away from the back door. I'd also buy presents for my taiko friends who are about to run off to Japan. I'm so excited for them!! And I'd go to the doctor. (Just 'cause I could. I'm not feeling ill. I might want a new prescription to help my back, you know.) And I'd fix my car. I mean, truck. I hate that thing... And I'd buy birthday presents for Grant. And I'd take my grandmother out for a marshmallow coke. She says there's a place in Versailles that still makes them. Never had one personally. Sounds...weird.
I'm so bummed. Maybe I need tea.
I was just looking at some internet summer drink ideas. Most of them sounded terrible, or ridiculously difficult, but it gave me some ideas. Maybe I'll even be brave enough to try some of them.
My back is nearly healthy. I'm going to practice tomorrow.
I had Josh return my latest Stephanie Plum book for me, and I'm currently reading Wise Children, just like I said. It's a funny, funny, book, but today it seems tragic.
Screw the tea. I need chocolate.
Seen any good movies lately? Don't suppose you'd like to tell me.
Abbie has been napping. I hope she wakes up soon. I've already had to give up my plan of watching movies after the kids go to bed, now I'm working on getting to bed myself before ridiculously late. Rrr.
I'm sad and lonely. Don't worry, Master Awesome. I'm not going to write about how you came to Missouri and drove right past my house and didn't even tell me, let alone bring your lovely wifey over to let me hang out with. I wouldn't do that to you. Not after you've been such an attentive and devoted friend. Poop head. Okay. I'm kidding about being all offended. Plus, I was already feeling sad and lonely. It's having these back problems and being stuck at home. I don't dig confinement. If I am to be reclusive, I want it to be my idea.
We took the dog to have his nails clipped at PetSmart today. Jake loves it. The kids love it, too. They get to go and peek at all the pets for sale. Today the lizards were especially entertaining. They stretched up on hind legs to peek back at Grant and Abbie. The cat I liked is gone - off to a good and happy home, I'm sure. The new cats were not as interesting by half.
Then, the boys had haircuts, and Abbie and I stayed in the car with Jake. It wasn't as easy as I had hoped, but not as bad as I'd feared. Abbie whined for a while, and actually started to cry, but right as the boys showed back up.
Did I tell you that I am now the proud owner of All About Eve? A very good movie. Not, if you must know, my favorite, but I can't deny that it is a very good movie. I prefer comedy or suspense. I can't call that one suspenseful. Glad I own it, though. And did I tell you that I saw Dear Frankie? Sad, but very, very good. Love that one. Thank you, Dad, for giving it to me.
Josh says that Budweiser's American Ale is "not bad". So, you should try it on his recommendation, if you have not already done so.
If I had a winning lottery ticket, you know what I'd do? First, I'd get a porch at the bottom of our deck and make Josh do his grilling away from the back door. I'd also buy presents for my taiko friends who are about to run off to Japan. I'm so excited for them!! And I'd go to the doctor. (Just 'cause I could. I'm not feeling ill. I might want a new prescription to help my back, you know.) And I'd fix my car. I mean, truck. I hate that thing... And I'd buy birthday presents for Grant. And I'd take my grandmother out for a marshmallow coke. She says there's a place in Versailles that still makes them. Never had one personally. Sounds...weird.
I'm so bummed. Maybe I need tea.
I was just looking at some internet summer drink ideas. Most of them sounded terrible, or ridiculously difficult, but it gave me some ideas. Maybe I'll even be brave enough to try some of them.
My back is nearly healthy. I'm going to practice tomorrow.
I had Josh return my latest Stephanie Plum book for me, and I'm currently reading Wise Children, just like I said. It's a funny, funny, book, but today it seems tragic.
Screw the tea. I need chocolate.
Seen any good movies lately? Don't suppose you'd like to tell me.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Home again!
Well, hi!
It's Thursday. It's not even lunch time yet, and Abbie has already had a nap. She must have been tired! Grant is watching Cars. I'm just kinda ghosting around. My back went out pretty much the second I got home. Bummer. Oh, well. I have what I need to take care of it, and no impending responsibilites to worry about. Not a bad time for it to go, really. Chances are about equal that I will be at practice tonight. If I'm feeling okay, I'll probably go, just so I can learn stuff. The stretching might be good, too. I can't do much of it here. Abbie jumps on me.
Josh took his final exam last night! That means that for several weeks, I'll actually get to see him on Mondays and Wednesdays. Sadly, the Tuesday class is not over yet. We'll work something out.
Tonight, I am making soft tacos for dinner. And Josh can make his into a burrito. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm going to brown 2 pounds of hamburger instead of 1, so later in the weekend we can make fancy nachos. Going to be good stuff!
It took me 20 minutes to cross the bridge in Washinton last night. I caught it right at 5:00. 10 minutes later and it could have been much worse. But it did put us home pretty late. I was worried about the kids, since it was already an hour past their dinner time, so I didn't stop at the library like I had planned. I decided I would go today instead, but with my back, I don't know if I'll be able to. I'm not super sure what I would check out if I were there, though. Maybe I should just read something I have instead. I have a few books, you know. I'm thinking maybe I'll read Wise Children. So funny. Or maybe Seventeen. It's a summertime kind of book.
Oh! And I have new movies from my dad. He gave me Maverick, French Kiss and one called Dear Frankie, which I've never seen. If I ever have enough child-free minutes, I'm going to watch that one.
We had a nice time in Rolla. by the way. The first day we went to the Splash Zone, which is what the city pool converted into while I was off living somewhere else. It was chilly, but the kids had a great time. I got a sunburn on my back. We had fancy green beans for dinner, with beef boillon in them and onion and chopped potato, and home grown corn on the cob from my dad's neighbor and buddy, Ron Haas, and sloppy Joes. After dinner, we went to Mr. Ron's house and the kids got to harvest some corn for themselves, and one onion each, and grape tomatoes. On the way back, the fireflies were coming out, so we had to chase them aroud the front yard for a while. It was wonderful.
Tuesday we went to visit my grandmother in Versailles. I rode in the back between the carseats for 2 hours, since my dad came, too. (Tuesdays are his days off.) We had burgers from B & B, and talked and Dad did some projects, and I snooped in Gran's dishes... Then, two more hours in the back seat, and home. The kids got to eat their own corn for dinner. We had a frozen apple pie for dessert, but it wasn't very good. It had too much of something...baking powder, maybe...
Yesterday we had lunch at Panera. I had baked potato soup. Yum. It was exactly what I wanted. Then we bought two giant cookies and ate them outside because it was so beautiful. We also walked on the walking path between the house we lived in in Rolla when the kids were babies and the house I grew up in. There's a park at the end of it, so we played there, too.
Well...I have to go. Abbie is hysterical for some reason. Hope you all have a nice Thursday.
It's Thursday. It's not even lunch time yet, and Abbie has already had a nap. She must have been tired! Grant is watching Cars. I'm just kinda ghosting around. My back went out pretty much the second I got home. Bummer. Oh, well. I have what I need to take care of it, and no impending responsibilites to worry about. Not a bad time for it to go, really. Chances are about equal that I will be at practice tonight. If I'm feeling okay, I'll probably go, just so I can learn stuff. The stretching might be good, too. I can't do much of it here. Abbie jumps on me.
Josh took his final exam last night! That means that for several weeks, I'll actually get to see him on Mondays and Wednesdays. Sadly, the Tuesday class is not over yet. We'll work something out.
Tonight, I am making soft tacos for dinner. And Josh can make his into a burrito. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm going to brown 2 pounds of hamburger instead of 1, so later in the weekend we can make fancy nachos. Going to be good stuff!
It took me 20 minutes to cross the bridge in Washinton last night. I caught it right at 5:00. 10 minutes later and it could have been much worse. But it did put us home pretty late. I was worried about the kids, since it was already an hour past their dinner time, so I didn't stop at the library like I had planned. I decided I would go today instead, but with my back, I don't know if I'll be able to. I'm not super sure what I would check out if I were there, though. Maybe I should just read something I have instead. I have a few books, you know. I'm thinking maybe I'll read Wise Children. So funny. Or maybe Seventeen. It's a summertime kind of book.
Oh! And I have new movies from my dad. He gave me Maverick, French Kiss and one called Dear Frankie, which I've never seen. If I ever have enough child-free minutes, I'm going to watch that one.
We had a nice time in Rolla. by the way. The first day we went to the Splash Zone, which is what the city pool converted into while I was off living somewhere else. It was chilly, but the kids had a great time. I got a sunburn on my back. We had fancy green beans for dinner, with beef boillon in them and onion and chopped potato, and home grown corn on the cob from my dad's neighbor and buddy, Ron Haas, and sloppy Joes. After dinner, we went to Mr. Ron's house and the kids got to harvest some corn for themselves, and one onion each, and grape tomatoes. On the way back, the fireflies were coming out, so we had to chase them aroud the front yard for a while. It was wonderful.
Tuesday we went to visit my grandmother in Versailles. I rode in the back between the carseats for 2 hours, since my dad came, too. (Tuesdays are his days off.) We had burgers from B & B, and talked and Dad did some projects, and I snooped in Gran's dishes... Then, two more hours in the back seat, and home. The kids got to eat their own corn for dinner. We had a frozen apple pie for dessert, but it wasn't very good. It had too much of something...baking powder, maybe...
Yesterday we had lunch at Panera. I had baked potato soup. Yum. It was exactly what I wanted. Then we bought two giant cookies and ate them outside because it was so beautiful. We also walked on the walking path between the house we lived in in Rolla when the kids were babies and the house I grew up in. There's a park at the end of it, so we played there, too.
Well...I have to go. Abbie is hysterical for some reason. Hope you all have a nice Thursday.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
$ = Boo, hiss.
Glk.
Six Flags was fun. But there's a story there. The night before was awful. Abbie started to come down with a head cold, and she was miserable all night. She couldn't breathe, and it woke her up. (Just like me.) Probably close to a dozen times, she woke me up with her crying. (I gave her medicine, but it didn't help, much.) Josh went once. Anyway, it was a long night. The morning was bad, too. Abbie still felt sick, so she was not her usual cheery self, and Grant was just horrible. He was mean and angry and rotten and for a while I thought I was going to have to stay home with him.
But we finally got going, and had fun. Josh was like a kid in a toy store. The weather was wonderful, and the kids were able to ride a few little rides. We went up in the Colossus, and rode the Moon Cars, and the kids went together on some kid rides, and we all went on the Log Flume. The food at the picnic was terrible, as predicted, but the kids ran around with some other boys and girls, so they were happy. We went to the water park, too. Very cold. Abbie liked "jumping" over the waves in the wave pool, and Grant liked the waves "washing him away". Why is it that with all Josh's co-workers wandering the part the whole day, the only time we ran into them was when I was wearing a wet bathing suit under my clothes, and you could tell. We had White Castle on the way home for dinner.
More medicine helped Abbie have a little bit quieter night. Kinda. It could have been all the running around. After the kids were in bed, Josh and I watched Kung Fu Panda. Pretty cute. No snotty humor. Lotsa violence. We'll keep this one for the elementary school pile.
Today I went to taiko. I almost stayed home. I was worn out. But, I'm glad I went, and I hope that I helped, somehow. I was enjoying my ride home, too. Brother copied his James Bond collection CD for me, because one of my favorite songs is on it. The World is Not Enough! Love it. It was on a CD I had in college, but it got stolen out of my car in Yuma, along with most of my 40's music, foreign stuff and opera. Poor me. So I was diggin' the music.
The house was a little cranky when I got to it. I dove into some laundry, and while I was folding that, I got the latest news from Josh. It's a little sketchy, but it would seem that due to some "bad money management" by Josh, we have even less than the practically nothing we are used to. And he didn't tell me until today because he doesn't want me to worry. I argued that I could have done a lot of things differently had I known. His response is that he doesn't want me to do anything differently - he will, because it's his problem. This frustrates the hell out of me for a zillion reasons. Maybe I WANT to feel like I'm contributing to a solution. And even if I'm not, I want to at least be....no, I mean, I INSIST on being informed. The worst besides that is that I will be going to my mom's tomorrow, but I can't complain at her. I can't even mention it, or it would be like signing myself up for charity. And she'd worry. I'm so pathetic. I'm too old to be this unprepared for life. My emergency fund is long gone. And even if I decided that it was too desperate and I needed to work.... Guess what! I can't afford to!
Shit. Shit, shit, shit.
Ok. I feel better.
If you hear of someone who wants to contract out some work from home computer based editing or the like, let me know.
I heard an add for Pointfest on the radio. Wish I could go to pointfest. Isn't that a totally goofy thing to wish for, in the face of all my reality based problems? I have sick kids and no money and won't be able to afford a present for my son's 5th birthday. Gee, I sure wish I had a ticket to pointfest...
I think it might be time to visit the ice cream in the freezer.
I hope I don't forget to stop by the library on my way out of town tomorrow.
That reminds me. I bugged Josh until he looked at the Explorer. Turns out a cushioning device on the suspension got old and cracked and fell off. Driving the car now causes damage, but you guessed it - we can't afford to fix it. He didn't want to let me take it to Rolla, but I laughed at his logic, since he drives the same distance every day in whatever he takes to work.
We made ramen with chicken in it for dinner. One thing about being broke that I don't mind is ramen. This money thing is really too upsetting to think about, and impossible to fix. (For me; for now.) I'm just going to file it and try to keep going with my daily life. It's not much my style, but I'm going to see how it goes. My immediate problems now are packing for Rolla, bathing Abbie, and sneaking dessert without the kids seeing.
Hope the weekend was good to you. I'm going to try out my ice cream ninja skills.
Six Flags was fun. But there's a story there. The night before was awful. Abbie started to come down with a head cold, and she was miserable all night. She couldn't breathe, and it woke her up. (Just like me.) Probably close to a dozen times, she woke me up with her crying. (I gave her medicine, but it didn't help, much.) Josh went once. Anyway, it was a long night. The morning was bad, too. Abbie still felt sick, so she was not her usual cheery self, and Grant was just horrible. He was mean and angry and rotten and for a while I thought I was going to have to stay home with him.
But we finally got going, and had fun. Josh was like a kid in a toy store. The weather was wonderful, and the kids were able to ride a few little rides. We went up in the Colossus, and rode the Moon Cars, and the kids went together on some kid rides, and we all went on the Log Flume. The food at the picnic was terrible, as predicted, but the kids ran around with some other boys and girls, so they were happy. We went to the water park, too. Very cold. Abbie liked "jumping" over the waves in the wave pool, and Grant liked the waves "washing him away". Why is it that with all Josh's co-workers wandering the part the whole day, the only time we ran into them was when I was wearing a wet bathing suit under my clothes, and you could tell. We had White Castle on the way home for dinner.
More medicine helped Abbie have a little bit quieter night. Kinda. It could have been all the running around. After the kids were in bed, Josh and I watched Kung Fu Panda. Pretty cute. No snotty humor. Lotsa violence. We'll keep this one for the elementary school pile.
Today I went to taiko. I almost stayed home. I was worn out. But, I'm glad I went, and I hope that I helped, somehow. I was enjoying my ride home, too. Brother copied his James Bond collection CD for me, because one of my favorite songs is on it. The World is Not Enough! Love it. It was on a CD I had in college, but it got stolen out of my car in Yuma, along with most of my 40's music, foreign stuff and opera. Poor me. So I was diggin' the music.
The house was a little cranky when I got to it. I dove into some laundry, and while I was folding that, I got the latest news from Josh. It's a little sketchy, but it would seem that due to some "bad money management" by Josh, we have even less than the practically nothing we are used to. And he didn't tell me until today because he doesn't want me to worry. I argued that I could have done a lot of things differently had I known. His response is that he doesn't want me to do anything differently - he will, because it's his problem. This frustrates the hell out of me for a zillion reasons. Maybe I WANT to feel like I'm contributing to a solution. And even if I'm not, I want to at least be....no, I mean, I INSIST on being informed. The worst besides that is that I will be going to my mom's tomorrow, but I can't complain at her. I can't even mention it, or it would be like signing myself up for charity. And she'd worry. I'm so pathetic. I'm too old to be this unprepared for life. My emergency fund is long gone. And even if I decided that it was too desperate and I needed to work.... Guess what! I can't afford to!
Shit. Shit, shit, shit.
Ok. I feel better.
If you hear of someone who wants to contract out some work from home computer based editing or the like, let me know.
I heard an add for Pointfest on the radio. Wish I could go to pointfest. Isn't that a totally goofy thing to wish for, in the face of all my reality based problems? I have sick kids and no money and won't be able to afford a present for my son's 5th birthday. Gee, I sure wish I had a ticket to pointfest...
I think it might be time to visit the ice cream in the freezer.
I hope I don't forget to stop by the library on my way out of town tomorrow.
That reminds me. I bugged Josh until he looked at the Explorer. Turns out a cushioning device on the suspension got old and cracked and fell off. Driving the car now causes damage, but you guessed it - we can't afford to fix it. He didn't want to let me take it to Rolla, but I laughed at his logic, since he drives the same distance every day in whatever he takes to work.
We made ramen with chicken in it for dinner. One thing about being broke that I don't mind is ramen. This money thing is really too upsetting to think about, and impossible to fix. (For me; for now.) I'm just going to file it and try to keep going with my daily life. It's not much my style, but I'm going to see how it goes. My immediate problems now are packing for Rolla, bathing Abbie, and sneaking dessert without the kids seeing.
Hope the weekend was good to you. I'm going to try out my ice cream ninja skills.
Friday, July 17, 2009
My kind of day, weather wise.
Beautiful weather. Beautiful. Perfect. I have this reptilian urge to crawl up on a big rock and just lay there in the sunshine, relishing the breeze and thinking comfortable thoughts.
We just came back from Grant's last swimming lesson. Since he won't put his face in the water for 3 seconds, he didn't "pass", but I never told him there was passing involved, and he'll probably get a kick out of being in the same class with Abbie next year. All happiness. As their completion prize, they got popsicles, and Grant's teacher very sweetly gave one to Abbie, too. The water was cold today, so Abbie was the only kid walking around with a popsicle who wasn't turning blue.
We got dressed and played at the park as usual, and I had just given the 2 minute warning when the other boy from Grant's swimming class walked over. It was the cutest thing ever. "Gwant? Gwant? Is that you? It's me, Wyan!" It's like he hadn't seen him in years. Fortunately, Grant did in fact remember him, even though it was nearly 20 minutes since he'd seen him last, and they ran off to play, rejoicing at the reunion. I, of course, allowed another 5 minutes. We've just come back home. Abbie almost pitched a huge fit, but thought better of it. She's becoming so reasonable. It's a huge load off my mind. I don't wanna jinx myself or anything, but they've both been pretty good lately.
Tomorrow we go to Six Flags for Josh's work picnic thing. Last year, the food wasn't great. And I'm trying hard to figure out how it's going to be fun for me, chasing down two overstimulated children and one overstimulated adult. Not like I can go ride a ride, or if I do, it would be all by myself. Where's the fun in that? And it's gonna be SO crowded. But maybe there will be stuff I can take the kids on. And I can't forget the sunscreen. At least it will be an adventure.
My hair. Is driving me. Nuts. What gives with this frizzy, icky-dead-Spanish-moss, styled-my-hair-with-a-tazer look that it's got going on these days? I am just itching to chop it off, but I want to be able to put it up for the Japanese Festival, so it will have to wait until mid-September at the very least. Until then, I get to be the cavewoman's ugly stepsister. Goody. I've tried putting goop in it, too. But to get it to cooperate at all, I have to go the whole route: 3 kinds of goo, blow dry and flat iron. It takes longer than I usually have, so short of a family event or hot date with the husband, the mess prevails.
Still reading Stephanie Plum. I'm going to drop my latest library books off on the way to Rolla on Monday. And I loaned my copy of the first book to Laura at taiko. Too late, I am afraid of creating a monster. She takes the lusting after fictitious characters very seriously. And she drools after celebrities, too. Not I. And this reminds me: Megan from New Orleans has been talking about her huge crush on Draco Malfoy. I had never, ever even thought about it, but I could never have a crush on the bad guy. I like my guys to be more than good. Saintly. Heroic. I'll even take superheroic. I mentioned this to Josh last night, because it was on my mind, never having thought it through before, you know. He said, "No you don't. You're married to me." I told him that I may have settled for the classic unconcerned citizen, but that I still dig the good guy. But then, to make sure his feelings didn't get damaged in any way, we sort of gave him honorary ninja status. Good guy ninja, of course.
Making chicken thighs for dinner, and I'm contemplating a pudding pie, too, but Josh made brownies last night, and I should really wait until they get finished off. OOO! Genius strikes! I'll make jello. Josh's doesn't like it, so he'll eat the brownies, and the kids will have something fun for dessert.
Oh. Found the mystery smell. You don't want to know. Let's just say that we are now turning night lights on in the bathroom for Grant's sake.
I forgot to eat lunch today. Yep, just forgot. So I had some crackers. Saving room for the jello, you know.
Breeze blowing through my window. I am a happy girl.
Ah. I have a request for goldfish crackers. Have a blissful day!
We just came back from Grant's last swimming lesson. Since he won't put his face in the water for 3 seconds, he didn't "pass", but I never told him there was passing involved, and he'll probably get a kick out of being in the same class with Abbie next year. All happiness. As their completion prize, they got popsicles, and Grant's teacher very sweetly gave one to Abbie, too. The water was cold today, so Abbie was the only kid walking around with a popsicle who wasn't turning blue.
We got dressed and played at the park as usual, and I had just given the 2 minute warning when the other boy from Grant's swimming class walked over. It was the cutest thing ever. "Gwant? Gwant? Is that you? It's me, Wyan!" It's like he hadn't seen him in years. Fortunately, Grant did in fact remember him, even though it was nearly 20 minutes since he'd seen him last, and they ran off to play, rejoicing at the reunion. I, of course, allowed another 5 minutes. We've just come back home. Abbie almost pitched a huge fit, but thought better of it. She's becoming so reasonable. It's a huge load off my mind. I don't wanna jinx myself or anything, but they've both been pretty good lately.
Tomorrow we go to Six Flags for Josh's work picnic thing. Last year, the food wasn't great. And I'm trying hard to figure out how it's going to be fun for me, chasing down two overstimulated children and one overstimulated adult. Not like I can go ride a ride, or if I do, it would be all by myself. Where's the fun in that? And it's gonna be SO crowded. But maybe there will be stuff I can take the kids on. And I can't forget the sunscreen. At least it will be an adventure.
My hair. Is driving me. Nuts. What gives with this frizzy, icky-dead-Spanish-moss, styled-my-hair-with-a-tazer look that it's got going on these days? I am just itching to chop it off, but I want to be able to put it up for the Japanese Festival, so it will have to wait until mid-September at the very least. Until then, I get to be the cavewoman's ugly stepsister. Goody. I've tried putting goop in it, too. But to get it to cooperate at all, I have to go the whole route: 3 kinds of goo, blow dry and flat iron. It takes longer than I usually have, so short of a family event or hot date with the husband, the mess prevails.
Still reading Stephanie Plum. I'm going to drop my latest library books off on the way to Rolla on Monday. And I loaned my copy of the first book to Laura at taiko. Too late, I am afraid of creating a monster. She takes the lusting after fictitious characters very seriously. And she drools after celebrities, too. Not I. And this reminds me: Megan from New Orleans has been talking about her huge crush on Draco Malfoy. I had never, ever even thought about it, but I could never have a crush on the bad guy. I like my guys to be more than good. Saintly. Heroic. I'll even take superheroic. I mentioned this to Josh last night, because it was on my mind, never having thought it through before, you know. He said, "No you don't. You're married to me." I told him that I may have settled for the classic unconcerned citizen, but that I still dig the good guy. But then, to make sure his feelings didn't get damaged in any way, we sort of gave him honorary ninja status. Good guy ninja, of course.
Making chicken thighs for dinner, and I'm contemplating a pudding pie, too, but Josh made brownies last night, and I should really wait until they get finished off. OOO! Genius strikes! I'll make jello. Josh's doesn't like it, so he'll eat the brownies, and the kids will have something fun for dessert.
Oh. Found the mystery smell. You don't want to know. Let's just say that we are now turning night lights on in the bathroom for Grant's sake.
I forgot to eat lunch today. Yep, just forgot. So I had some crackers. Saving room for the jello, you know.
Breeze blowing through my window. I am a happy girl.
Ah. I have a request for goldfish crackers. Have a blissful day!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
What IS that?
Wow, I'm tired. Not enough sleep.
There is a mystery smell in my house and it's upsetting me. After checking and re-checking BOTH kids, I've tried the garbage disposal and trash cans. For a while I suspected someone had spilled Chinese on one of Josh's couch pillows. I even thought it was me for a while. I'm funny about smells. This is driving me insane. Guess I'll have to clean the whole house tomorrow. I'm crossing my fingers, toes and eyes that there's not a dead bird in my attic or something.
We did have swimming lessons today. Grant was a little cranky in the pool, but the girl handled it pretty well, I thought. The usual chairs were all wet from the rain storms this morning, so I couldn't sit down and read to Abbie. We walked the whole time between things that amused her for a few seconds at a time: fountain, wading pool with babies in it, picture on the wall, buttons to push on the vending machine, "Hi, Grant!", looking for the birds that nest under the water slide, watching bubbles come from the end of said water slide. Not bad, unless you're tired. Which I was. The park was wet, so we didn't stay long, and no library today. Also, I'm starting to worry that the Explorer is going to die at any moment.
So, naturally, I've made plans to take the kids and Jake to my mom's house at the beginning of next week. We're going to get there on Monday and stay until Wednesday, since I am off the set for the performance Tuesday night. (No practice to miss.) I'm hoping to tempt my grandmother to visit us there, too. She called me yesterday. She wants to know if Josh would consider taking some of my grandfather's old golf shirts, or would it creep him out. She's been going through his things. She sounded like she was tired. And all the corduroy is already gone. He liked corduroy pants. Caps, too, I think.
Do you think the belongings of the deceased are creepy? I don't. I don't have a problem with cemeteries, either. I had some cousins who nearly passed out when we were at the funeral and they spotted markers for my grave plot. Of all the things to worry about.....obviously I'm not in it. I've been thinking, though. I'm not sure I'll use it. Maybe I want to be buried in Concord Hill instead of Brumely. Or maybe I want to be cremated. Although I can't see anyone being pleased about that. Catholic parents. Well, kind of. And Josh isn't in the least sentimental. He'd never, say, carry me around with him or sprinkle my ashes under my favorite tree at the Botanical Gardens.
Why am I talking about this, again? Oh, yeah. I'm going to Rolla next week. And I wish I had something corduroy that was my grandfather's.
Saturday is Josh's work picnic at six flags, and all I can think about is sore feet and sunburns. The food wasn't great last year. I don't imagine it will be any better this year.
You know...I'm feeling kinda lonely this evening.
My daughter is so cute and snugly. And sprightly. She's a joy. And Grant read some words today! He read "hot" and "off" and "six". I don't know what to do. If I weren't worried about him causing trouble in kindergarten because he's bored, I'd just keep going with the reading. Instead, I tell him he's wonderful and then go do something else. Is that wrong? It feels wrong.
Anyway, I have neat kids.
...I just have a stinky house.
I'm wearing one of Josh's t-shirts. It's funny. Abbie wanted to wear one of my old dresses today, so she's done up to the nines, and I'm in sweats and Josh's shirt. Hee hee hee.
Do you realize that I have mere weeks before Grant's 5th birthday and NO CLUE what to do about it? Ack!
Well, Abbie is requesting bed time, so that's my subtle hint. Have a good evening...
There is a mystery smell in my house and it's upsetting me. After checking and re-checking BOTH kids, I've tried the garbage disposal and trash cans. For a while I suspected someone had spilled Chinese on one of Josh's couch pillows. I even thought it was me for a while. I'm funny about smells. This is driving me insane. Guess I'll have to clean the whole house tomorrow. I'm crossing my fingers, toes and eyes that there's not a dead bird in my attic or something.
We did have swimming lessons today. Grant was a little cranky in the pool, but the girl handled it pretty well, I thought. The usual chairs were all wet from the rain storms this morning, so I couldn't sit down and read to Abbie. We walked the whole time between things that amused her for a few seconds at a time: fountain, wading pool with babies in it, picture on the wall, buttons to push on the vending machine, "Hi, Grant!", looking for the birds that nest under the water slide, watching bubbles come from the end of said water slide. Not bad, unless you're tired. Which I was. The park was wet, so we didn't stay long, and no library today. Also, I'm starting to worry that the Explorer is going to die at any moment.
So, naturally, I've made plans to take the kids and Jake to my mom's house at the beginning of next week. We're going to get there on Monday and stay until Wednesday, since I am off the set for the performance Tuesday night. (No practice to miss.) I'm hoping to tempt my grandmother to visit us there, too. She called me yesterday. She wants to know if Josh would consider taking some of my grandfather's old golf shirts, or would it creep him out. She's been going through his things. She sounded like she was tired. And all the corduroy is already gone. He liked corduroy pants. Caps, too, I think.
Do you think the belongings of the deceased are creepy? I don't. I don't have a problem with cemeteries, either. I had some cousins who nearly passed out when we were at the funeral and they spotted markers for my grave plot. Of all the things to worry about.....obviously I'm not in it. I've been thinking, though. I'm not sure I'll use it. Maybe I want to be buried in Concord Hill instead of Brumely. Or maybe I want to be cremated. Although I can't see anyone being pleased about that. Catholic parents. Well, kind of. And Josh isn't in the least sentimental. He'd never, say, carry me around with him or sprinkle my ashes under my favorite tree at the Botanical Gardens.
Why am I talking about this, again? Oh, yeah. I'm going to Rolla next week. And I wish I had something corduroy that was my grandfather's.
Saturday is Josh's work picnic at six flags, and all I can think about is sore feet and sunburns. The food wasn't great last year. I don't imagine it will be any better this year.
You know...I'm feeling kinda lonely this evening.
My daughter is so cute and snugly. And sprightly. She's a joy. And Grant read some words today! He read "hot" and "off" and "six". I don't know what to do. If I weren't worried about him causing trouble in kindergarten because he's bored, I'd just keep going with the reading. Instead, I tell him he's wonderful and then go do something else. Is that wrong? It feels wrong.
Anyway, I have neat kids.
...I just have a stinky house.
I'm wearing one of Josh's t-shirts. It's funny. Abbie wanted to wear one of my old dresses today, so she's done up to the nines, and I'm in sweats and Josh's shirt. Hee hee hee.
Do you realize that I have mere weeks before Grant's 5th birthday and NO CLUE what to do about it? Ack!
Well, Abbie is requesting bed time, so that's my subtle hint. Have a good evening...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Rain and food, mostly.
Rain, rain, rain! I like rain. Rain is good. Of course, it has its downsides like everything else, like wet shoelaces, being passed by trucks on the highway or bad satellite reception, but on the whole, rain is my friend. If I can't have sunny and breezy with mild temperatures, I'll take a nice storm. Today is the first of Grant's swimming lessons to be canceled due to rain. We went to the library instead. No need for an umbrella when you are so close to the door, right? So I wrapped my returns in a grocery bag, and we braved the wet. I wore my "I flooded my tennis shoes" flip flops that I bought in New Orleans. So now I am home, and have chilly toes. Perfect tea conditions, don't you think?
I finally got my hands on the 14th Stephanie Plum book. Guess we know what I'll be doing tonight! I can't go to my practice tonight. Josh's parents are off on some vacation, and of course he has that class. I'll be sad if I miss another Tenchi practice. We played it pretty much the whole time on Sunday, and it was fun. I have the hands mixed up on some of the wave stuff, but other than that, I didn't find it difficult. I'll try to do some practicing on it tonight, to make up for my absence.
Josh and I went to Melanie's pool party! There was a huge storm then, too. In fact, there was a horrible accident on 70, and traffic was at a complete stop, so several of the smaller towns like us closed the on-ramps. We had to take the outer road all the way to Forristell. We got to Melanie's at 5, but we were the first ones there. Jimmie and Deanna came right after us. I heated up my jambalaya and we had some really yummy snacks, and I mixed up some bullfrog. Eventually it stopped raining, and we all played in the pool and drank and ate and laughed lots. Laura was there, and Eddie and Junsei and Helena, too. I was walking out when her most recent love thing was walking in. Wish I could have seen the reception he got. Half an hour earlier she was sharpening her tongue in regards to his not calling back for something or other... Well, I saved the last half bowl of jambalaya for him, so even if he had nothing else, he had something good to eat. Oh, and I almost forgot, but Melanie's boy was there, too. I took a few pictures, but wasn't able to successfully send them out in an email, though I did try a few times.
Tea. Mmm.
There is a scale in Melanie's kitchen. We haven't had a scale since our old on broke, years ago. I weigh almost 125 pounds. This is depressing news. For the last decade or so, not counting pregnancy, I've been hovering between 128 and 130, and I was hoping that 125 would look better than this. Doh. TMI? Sorry.
When we came home, my mom talked for a little while, but didn't stay. She never does, and I'm starting to wonder if there is something unpleasant about my house. But she always goes home no matter how late it is and has nearly 2 hours in the car, so it's a good thing I drug Josh out of there at 9. After she left I hopped right in bed. I was very tired, but it was a rough night, filled with lots of reasons to get Mommy out of bed, not the least of which was Jake threatening to puke.
Because of the sleeplessness, I was tired yesterday, and toward evening got a terrible "tired" headache. I took motrin, which helped, but didn't actually make it go away. I had another night of disturbances, so I figured I'd be a wreck again today, but the sleep I did get must have been pretty good, because I'm doing fine! I'm cheerful and alert and...hungry. I think it's snack time.
So, back to the part about the library. Lots of mommies with small children arrived right after us. We have this routine: I park the kids by the board books on the children's mat and tell them to read, then I go and check out my books. Then, I come back and read books to the kids, taking turns between Grant and Abbie, and making sure they put the books back where they came from. After reading 6 or so, I tell them to get last books, read them, put them away, and then we say, "Thank you!" to the librarians on our way out. There is also a little table to play at, but they usually do that while I am hunting my books. Today, the kids all showed up while we were reading. I had an audience. It was cute. Then, I let Grant and Abbie play at the table for 5 minutes after we were done with our last books, to give them a chance to socialize.
There was a little blonde toddling girl, and I wish I had asked her age. Her curls were babyish, so I was guessing 2, but her speech was much more advanced, so I was surprised. I looked again. Abbie has a rather clever expression, but this baby was dough-faced. Anyway, she was a neat surprise, and I liked her. Then, there was a little boy, younger than Grant, and maybe younger than Abbie, too. He was very friendly and chatted with Grant, but I didn't care for his mom. The little boy was scratching his back, and grinned at me and said, "I'm scratchy!" I didn't think it was anything but medium cute, but his mom was obviously angry, and fussed at him. She kept her angry face on the whole time, even when he and Grant went off to compare their shoes. Another little girl who might have been Grant's age or slightly older came to talk to me. "It's raining," she said.
"Yes it is. I am going to put my library books in this bag to keep them dry. Do you think that is a good idea?"
"It's raining and there's no swimming lessons today." (Did I just get ignored?) At least that explains all the kids. We go to the library anyway, just after the lessons, but I now realize that these mommies were making the trip into town worth while. We're going to look for that little girl tomorrow, since she obviously has swimming the same time as Grant. And I still wonder about that mom. Why be angry all morning because of something like scratching a back? She must have some darn saintly kids if she thinks that's something worth being upset over.
My mom brought me some Hershey kisses, but I'm craving savory food this week. I want something hot and yummy, and maybe salty...like.... Oh, who am I kidding? I want more jambalaya. But it got eaten up, and I'm always pleased when that happens. So, if I can't have jambalaya, what do I want? Grilled cheese and tomato sandwich from Brewskies sounds pretty good. Or Ghengis Grill! That was yummy, too. Guess, since I don't have the money to eat out, I could settle for some hot buttered new potatoes. Or maybe chef Boyardee can make me some beefaroni. Not nearly as yummy as my jambalaya, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
I'm just hungry.
The mail lady just drove by. Guess I'm not getting any packages in the mail today. Bummer. I like those.
Did I tell you what I'm giving my brother for his upcoming birthday? The 1986 animated movie, Transformers: The Movie. I know. I am SO good.
The sun is coming out. Yay for that, too! (I'm pretty easy to please today...) I'm going to hunt down something edible, and then start my book. Happy Tuesday to everyone!!!
I finally got my hands on the 14th Stephanie Plum book. Guess we know what I'll be doing tonight! I can't go to my practice tonight. Josh's parents are off on some vacation, and of course he has that class. I'll be sad if I miss another Tenchi practice. We played it pretty much the whole time on Sunday, and it was fun. I have the hands mixed up on some of the wave stuff, but other than that, I didn't find it difficult. I'll try to do some practicing on it tonight, to make up for my absence.
Josh and I went to Melanie's pool party! There was a huge storm then, too. In fact, there was a horrible accident on 70, and traffic was at a complete stop, so several of the smaller towns like us closed the on-ramps. We had to take the outer road all the way to Forristell. We got to Melanie's at 5, but we were the first ones there. Jimmie and Deanna came right after us. I heated up my jambalaya and we had some really yummy snacks, and I mixed up some bullfrog. Eventually it stopped raining, and we all played in the pool and drank and ate and laughed lots. Laura was there, and Eddie and Junsei and Helena, too. I was walking out when her most recent love thing was walking in. Wish I could have seen the reception he got. Half an hour earlier she was sharpening her tongue in regards to his not calling back for something or other... Well, I saved the last half bowl of jambalaya for him, so even if he had nothing else, he had something good to eat. Oh, and I almost forgot, but Melanie's boy was there, too. I took a few pictures, but wasn't able to successfully send them out in an email, though I did try a few times.
Tea. Mmm.
There is a scale in Melanie's kitchen. We haven't had a scale since our old on broke, years ago. I weigh almost 125 pounds. This is depressing news. For the last decade or so, not counting pregnancy, I've been hovering between 128 and 130, and I was hoping that 125 would look better than this. Doh. TMI? Sorry.
When we came home, my mom talked for a little while, but didn't stay. She never does, and I'm starting to wonder if there is something unpleasant about my house. But she always goes home no matter how late it is and has nearly 2 hours in the car, so it's a good thing I drug Josh out of there at 9. After she left I hopped right in bed. I was very tired, but it was a rough night, filled with lots of reasons to get Mommy out of bed, not the least of which was Jake threatening to puke.
Because of the sleeplessness, I was tired yesterday, and toward evening got a terrible "tired" headache. I took motrin, which helped, but didn't actually make it go away. I had another night of disturbances, so I figured I'd be a wreck again today, but the sleep I did get must have been pretty good, because I'm doing fine! I'm cheerful and alert and...hungry. I think it's snack time.
So, back to the part about the library. Lots of mommies with small children arrived right after us. We have this routine: I park the kids by the board books on the children's mat and tell them to read, then I go and check out my books. Then, I come back and read books to the kids, taking turns between Grant and Abbie, and making sure they put the books back where they came from. After reading 6 or so, I tell them to get last books, read them, put them away, and then we say, "Thank you!" to the librarians on our way out. There is also a little table to play at, but they usually do that while I am hunting my books. Today, the kids all showed up while we were reading. I had an audience. It was cute. Then, I let Grant and Abbie play at the table for 5 minutes after we were done with our last books, to give them a chance to socialize.
There was a little blonde toddling girl, and I wish I had asked her age. Her curls were babyish, so I was guessing 2, but her speech was much more advanced, so I was surprised. I looked again. Abbie has a rather clever expression, but this baby was dough-faced. Anyway, she was a neat surprise, and I liked her. Then, there was a little boy, younger than Grant, and maybe younger than Abbie, too. He was very friendly and chatted with Grant, but I didn't care for his mom. The little boy was scratching his back, and grinned at me and said, "I'm scratchy!" I didn't think it was anything but medium cute, but his mom was obviously angry, and fussed at him. She kept her angry face on the whole time, even when he and Grant went off to compare their shoes. Another little girl who might have been Grant's age or slightly older came to talk to me. "It's raining," she said.
"Yes it is. I am going to put my library books in this bag to keep them dry. Do you think that is a good idea?"
"It's raining and there's no swimming lessons today." (Did I just get ignored?) At least that explains all the kids. We go to the library anyway, just after the lessons, but I now realize that these mommies were making the trip into town worth while. We're going to look for that little girl tomorrow, since she obviously has swimming the same time as Grant. And I still wonder about that mom. Why be angry all morning because of something like scratching a back? She must have some darn saintly kids if she thinks that's something worth being upset over.
My mom brought me some Hershey kisses, but I'm craving savory food this week. I want something hot and yummy, and maybe salty...like.... Oh, who am I kidding? I want more jambalaya. But it got eaten up, and I'm always pleased when that happens. So, if I can't have jambalaya, what do I want? Grilled cheese and tomato sandwich from Brewskies sounds pretty good. Or Ghengis Grill! That was yummy, too. Guess, since I don't have the money to eat out, I could settle for some hot buttered new potatoes. Or maybe chef Boyardee can make me some beefaroni. Not nearly as yummy as my jambalaya, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
I'm just hungry.
The mail lady just drove by. Guess I'm not getting any packages in the mail today. Bummer. I like those.
Did I tell you what I'm giving my brother for his upcoming birthday? The 1986 animated movie, Transformers: The Movie. I know. I am SO good.
The sun is coming out. Yay for that, too! (I'm pretty easy to please today...) I'm going to hunt down something edible, and then start my book. Happy Tuesday to everyone!!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Yay, Morning!
Last night I dropped a glass plate, and caught it with my elbow. Don't know if I could accurately describe how that happened, but that's not the point anyway. The fascinating thing about this injury (yes, injury) is that there is a tiny bruise on my elbow, but it hurts in an entirely different place. Well, maybe "entirely" isn't the right word, but not exactly where the bruise seems to be.
I was also prone to mess making last night. I sloshed and spilled all kinds of stuff that I usually don't. Do you suppose that means something? Like that I need to take a vitamin or something?
I left the laundry in the dryer last night. That was mostly an accident. Our neighbors came over in the late evening, and I forgot all about the clothes until I was too tired to lug them up the stairs, so I thought to myself, "Well, they're done. I'll fold them some other time."
This morning, Abbie said, "I love you, Mommy," without my saying anything first. This is big, important news, in case you were wondering.
I suspect I smell like Chinese food and jambalaya. Chinese food was dinner, and I made the jambalaya for Melanie's pool party this afternoon. It will probably rain, but I've decided that I don't mind.
Ah! Abbie just said, "Love you, Daddy!" to Josh. She's on a roll.
I cleaned the house yesterday, but it's trashed today. That's largely due to the neighbors who showed up at 7:30, but also to Josh, who was working on the entertainment center and tracked a whole ton of sawdust into the house. We actually had to make an emergency run to Lowe's yesterday, and since it's all the way in Wentzville, we stopped for lunch, too. Me and Abbie walked around Target while the boys went to Lowe's, and that was fun, but I got tired. It seemed to be taking a very long time. Then, when they finally showed up, I found out that the reason was that Grant stopped to do the Lowe's kids program, where they make stuff out of wood. He made a little treasure chest all by himself. Very cool.
Well, I'm going to grab breakfast and a shower and run off to practice. Hope you had a good weekend!
I was also prone to mess making last night. I sloshed and spilled all kinds of stuff that I usually don't. Do you suppose that means something? Like that I need to take a vitamin or something?
I left the laundry in the dryer last night. That was mostly an accident. Our neighbors came over in the late evening, and I forgot all about the clothes until I was too tired to lug them up the stairs, so I thought to myself, "Well, they're done. I'll fold them some other time."
This morning, Abbie said, "I love you, Mommy," without my saying anything first. This is big, important news, in case you were wondering.
I suspect I smell like Chinese food and jambalaya. Chinese food was dinner, and I made the jambalaya for Melanie's pool party this afternoon. It will probably rain, but I've decided that I don't mind.
Ah! Abbie just said, "Love you, Daddy!" to Josh. She's on a roll.
I cleaned the house yesterday, but it's trashed today. That's largely due to the neighbors who showed up at 7:30, but also to Josh, who was working on the entertainment center and tracked a whole ton of sawdust into the house. We actually had to make an emergency run to Lowe's yesterday, and since it's all the way in Wentzville, we stopped for lunch, too. Me and Abbie walked around Target while the boys went to Lowe's, and that was fun, but I got tired. It seemed to be taking a very long time. Then, when they finally showed up, I found out that the reason was that Grant stopped to do the Lowe's kids program, where they make stuff out of wood. He made a little treasure chest all by himself. Very cool.
Well, I'm going to grab breakfast and a shower and run off to practice. Hope you had a good weekend!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Yawn, Stretch...
Good morning! I hope you are having a happy day. I'm super sore and medium tired. I seriously need to learn how to sleep through the night. But I'm going to have a happy day. In a minute, I'm going to shower and stuff and we'll do the swimming lessons/park/library thing. It seemed to work well yesterday.
Grant is still the good kid at swimming lessons. On the first day there was a little girl who was too wigged out to do anything, and another girl who would do whatever she wanted. Day 2, the little one started to participate a little, but the other girl was still getting in trouble for getting out of the pool or wandering over to the other class. Grant was cooperative both days. Abbie didn't bloody anything yesterday, but she made me sad a couple of times. Once, I caught her rummaging through our bag of stuff. Since this is pretty abnormal for her, I asked her what she was looking for. "Abbie's bathing suit." Then I had to explain that it was against the rules for us to play in the water while lessons were going on. When we took Grant to get changed back into his clothes to go play in the park, she lit right up and smiled, "Abbie's turn!!" Boy, did I feel like a jerk. Poor Abbie. But even if I could have afforded to put both of them in lessons, Abbie is right between the experience level of Grant's class, and the younger baby class. She already knows the mechanics of kicking her legs, but isn't ready to do much of what Grant's class is attempting. I will just tell myself that waiting a year is the right thing to do, since I have no choice anyway.
After swimming, we played a few minutes at the little park again, but I left as soon as was polite, because there were two little boys playing that didn't talk very nice, and I was not about to wait for Grant to pick up, "You can kiss my butt, sucker!" So we went to the library. We ran into our neighbors who live just up the street from us. The kids recognized me, but the mom wouldn't even look at me. She gives me the creeps sometimes. Not for my own sake, and I'll probably regret saying this, but she reminds me of an abused child. She doesn't seem shy, she seems withdrawn. The two little girls seem fine, but I notice that Cole often walks around the neighborhood with things like pocket knives and slingshots. He can't be more than a year older than Grant. I don't know if he's getting them from his parents or friends, but it doesn't matter much. The only little kids I ever remember with that kind of weaponry were baby thugs. Nice kids have to make do with squirt guns and wooden swords.
Anyway, the kids were good at the library, and when we came home, Abbie fell asleep and Grant drew me some very good pictures. I helped him draw people in the hot air balloon, and he drew a picture of a fireman who happens to like wearing a pink and magenta striped coat putting out a house fire, complete with smoke. Abbie woke up after a couple of hours, but fell asleep on the couch again. I was a little worried. Josh didn't want sausage and ramen for dinner, so he brought cheeseburgers. Abbie only woke up right before I left for practice.
I've been driving the explorer so much that it took me a minute to figure how to operate Josh's car. We waited a lot outside the building and finally some guy told us how to enter through the other door and go through the basement if we're locked out. Very useful, but medium scary. I will not be volunteering. On the other hand, why send someone who is actually young and cute? What's the worst that could happen? Some maintenance guy telling me I can't go through there? I would be forced to blush, but I'd live.
Maybe if I keep playing oodaiko I will get stronger, and then louder. As it is, I don't think I'll ever be put on it. I should resign myself to woodblock. And then Rieko worked with us in a practice room doing Omiyage. She is a very patient teacher. Debbie and Natalie both seemed to be drowning. But, ever since I finished worrying about Omiyage, I haven't started again. Road block gone. I actually have a decent handle on the song, believe it or not. It seems I've been taught some hands wrong, but that's to be expected, I guess.
I can't figure out why I was so sore when I got home. I almost didn't make it up my front step. It's only one step. I'm still pretty sore. I tried to stretch before bed last night, but I was pretty tired. I don't really remember much about it.
By the way, I heard a song on the radio, and I am sure you've heard it. It's the "when you find you, come back to me" song. The female DJ was saying, after the song was over, what a healthy attitude that was. Can't agree. Whatever happened to that OTHER song? You know..."if you're gonna leave, well, you'd better get going!" Now THAT'S healthy. Why sit and stew? Of course, I'm not a big fan of second chances. If you broke up once, chances are pretty good that there was a reason. And if there's not, then one of you is not terribly serious about the relationship anyway. Who needs that?
Yikes! If I want to get showered, now is my moment.
Grant is still the good kid at swimming lessons. On the first day there was a little girl who was too wigged out to do anything, and another girl who would do whatever she wanted. Day 2, the little one started to participate a little, but the other girl was still getting in trouble for getting out of the pool or wandering over to the other class. Grant was cooperative both days. Abbie didn't bloody anything yesterday, but she made me sad a couple of times. Once, I caught her rummaging through our bag of stuff. Since this is pretty abnormal for her, I asked her what she was looking for. "Abbie's bathing suit." Then I had to explain that it was against the rules for us to play in the water while lessons were going on. When we took Grant to get changed back into his clothes to go play in the park, she lit right up and smiled, "Abbie's turn!!" Boy, did I feel like a jerk. Poor Abbie. But even if I could have afforded to put both of them in lessons, Abbie is right between the experience level of Grant's class, and the younger baby class. She already knows the mechanics of kicking her legs, but isn't ready to do much of what Grant's class is attempting. I will just tell myself that waiting a year is the right thing to do, since I have no choice anyway.
After swimming, we played a few minutes at the little park again, but I left as soon as was polite, because there were two little boys playing that didn't talk very nice, and I was not about to wait for Grant to pick up, "You can kiss my butt, sucker!" So we went to the library. We ran into our neighbors who live just up the street from us. The kids recognized me, but the mom wouldn't even look at me. She gives me the creeps sometimes. Not for my own sake, and I'll probably regret saying this, but she reminds me of an abused child. She doesn't seem shy, she seems withdrawn. The two little girls seem fine, but I notice that Cole often walks around the neighborhood with things like pocket knives and slingshots. He can't be more than a year older than Grant. I don't know if he's getting them from his parents or friends, but it doesn't matter much. The only little kids I ever remember with that kind of weaponry were baby thugs. Nice kids have to make do with squirt guns and wooden swords.
Anyway, the kids were good at the library, and when we came home, Abbie fell asleep and Grant drew me some very good pictures. I helped him draw people in the hot air balloon, and he drew a picture of a fireman who happens to like wearing a pink and magenta striped coat putting out a house fire, complete with smoke. Abbie woke up after a couple of hours, but fell asleep on the couch again. I was a little worried. Josh didn't want sausage and ramen for dinner, so he brought cheeseburgers. Abbie only woke up right before I left for practice.
I've been driving the explorer so much that it took me a minute to figure how to operate Josh's car. We waited a lot outside the building and finally some guy told us how to enter through the other door and go through the basement if we're locked out. Very useful, but medium scary. I will not be volunteering. On the other hand, why send someone who is actually young and cute? What's the worst that could happen? Some maintenance guy telling me I can't go through there? I would be forced to blush, but I'd live.
Maybe if I keep playing oodaiko I will get stronger, and then louder. As it is, I don't think I'll ever be put on it. I should resign myself to woodblock. And then Rieko worked with us in a practice room doing Omiyage. She is a very patient teacher. Debbie and Natalie both seemed to be drowning. But, ever since I finished worrying about Omiyage, I haven't started again. Road block gone. I actually have a decent handle on the song, believe it or not. It seems I've been taught some hands wrong, but that's to be expected, I guess.
I can't figure out why I was so sore when I got home. I almost didn't make it up my front step. It's only one step. I'm still pretty sore. I tried to stretch before bed last night, but I was pretty tired. I don't really remember much about it.
By the way, I heard a song on the radio, and I am sure you've heard it. It's the "when you find you, come back to me" song. The female DJ was saying, after the song was over, what a healthy attitude that was. Can't agree. Whatever happened to that OTHER song? You know..."if you're gonna leave, well, you'd better get going!" Now THAT'S healthy. Why sit and stew? Of course, I'm not a big fan of second chances. If you broke up once, chances are pretty good that there was a reason. And if there's not, then one of you is not terribly serious about the relationship anyway. Who needs that?
Yikes! If I want to get showered, now is my moment.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Bang and Splash, etc.
It's hard to think when you have a sinus headache. This one's a doozy.
Friday we entertained our friends the Frankes, and my cousing Sky. It was the day after Sky's 20th birthday, so I made her some lovely yellow cupcakes with chocolate icing. I was so pleased that she finally came to see me!! We talked and played with the kids and ordered pizza and had lots of fun.
Saturday, we all wore 4th of July clothes, and this year it happened that they all included red shirts. Pretty funny, when I finally noticed. We soaked chicken legs in teriaki sauce and laughed at the rain. Okay, maybe I was the only one who found the rainy weather hilarious. We grilled during an afternoon break, and I decided that we should invite our neighbors over for watermelon and fireworks, since they are particularly fond of both. Plus, they've come over to do fireworks with us the last two years in the front yard. It's kind of sweet. All the neighbors come to sit on their porches and watch, because I'm big on fountains (no craning of the neck involved). It makes me feel like I've stepped into a different decade.
Not this year. What happened was this: Just as we started shooting off our first Roman Candle, our neighbor, Danny, cam our on his porch, quite drunk. Danny is a cop. Danny announced to Josh that fireworks are illeagal in Warrenton City Limits. At first, I have to admit that I was wondering why he didn't tell us the last three years. Josh was really shaken, though. He morphed into his moody, cranky, silent self. Eventually, he was so morose that he drove the neighbors home. I knew that he was embarassed at having been "caught" doing something he wouldn't have done if he had known there was a rule against it, and I know that he was disappointed. But I don't approve of the scenes in public thing. We talked about it later, though, and as soon as he realized that I was totally open to shooting the fireworks off at his mom's place sometime (they aren't in city limits) he snapped right out of it. He even appologized. Drama over.
Sunday, my dear friend Jenn came over, and we finally met her husband! He is super nice, and we love him already. What a great family they are! We all had a very happy and comfortable time. I'm already looking forward to being together again sometime before the summer is out.
Today, Grant had his first swimming lesson. He was great, and I was a spaz. I forgot his towel, and I forgot to pack him undergarments to go home in. He was pretty excited, and showed up in his bathing suit. I was under the impression that Abbie and I would be at the play area just beyond the fence, so I brought a book. It turns out that the mommies stay in the pool area, so I spent the whole time wrestling a jealous Abbie away from the water. I was still able to observe, though, that Grant did a wonderful job following directions. I was relieved. He has a tendency to not listen because he's too busy enjoying himself. About three or four minutes before lessons were over, Abbie's arm fell through the strappy pool furniture and she hit her nose on the only metal part on the whole chair. At first I was able to convince her it wasn't so bad, but later she said, "Uh-oh." and I looked down to see blood on my ancle. We were still mopping her up when Grant's lesson finished. In the changing room, I convinced Grant to wear one of Abbie's swim diapers home, which he did. First, we played for 15 minutes at the little park. Abbie didn't re-bloody her nose, so that was a success.
Ever since we've been home, though, they've been SO cranky! And it's no fun for me, either, because I'm feeling under the weather today. (Not that I'd be having a blast if I weren't.) I think it might be just too much sugar yesterday. I have sugartummy. Or something. And I sinus headache. I don't know if I'm actually coming down with something and only time will tell. In the meantime, I'm trying to control my kids, which I'm about to declare a lost cause. I'm pretty much done. Not angry. Not tearing my hair out. Just done.
I think I need a nap. I'm not actually big on them. I can't sleep in the day time. If, by some strange occurence, I do fall asleep during the day, I wake up feeling funny. My ears feel runny and my head usually aches. I wonder why that is. What is the difference, really? Well, today I wouldn't be losing anything if I didn't feel perky when I got up.
But I'm not in a bad mood. A little sluggish, maybe, but not bad.
I have to go. A double fit is brewing behind me. We have officially run out of time. Hope your fouth was a happy one.
Friday we entertained our friends the Frankes, and my cousing Sky. It was the day after Sky's 20th birthday, so I made her some lovely yellow cupcakes with chocolate icing. I was so pleased that she finally came to see me!! We talked and played with the kids and ordered pizza and had lots of fun.
Saturday, we all wore 4th of July clothes, and this year it happened that they all included red shirts. Pretty funny, when I finally noticed. We soaked chicken legs in teriaki sauce and laughed at the rain. Okay, maybe I was the only one who found the rainy weather hilarious. We grilled during an afternoon break, and I decided that we should invite our neighbors over for watermelon and fireworks, since they are particularly fond of both. Plus, they've come over to do fireworks with us the last two years in the front yard. It's kind of sweet. All the neighbors come to sit on their porches and watch, because I'm big on fountains (no craning of the neck involved). It makes me feel like I've stepped into a different decade.
Not this year. What happened was this: Just as we started shooting off our first Roman Candle, our neighbor, Danny, cam our on his porch, quite drunk. Danny is a cop. Danny announced to Josh that fireworks are illeagal in Warrenton City Limits. At first, I have to admit that I was wondering why he didn't tell us the last three years. Josh was really shaken, though. He morphed into his moody, cranky, silent self. Eventually, he was so morose that he drove the neighbors home. I knew that he was embarassed at having been "caught" doing something he wouldn't have done if he had known there was a rule against it, and I know that he was disappointed. But I don't approve of the scenes in public thing. We talked about it later, though, and as soon as he realized that I was totally open to shooting the fireworks off at his mom's place sometime (they aren't in city limits) he snapped right out of it. He even appologized. Drama over.
Sunday, my dear friend Jenn came over, and we finally met her husband! He is super nice, and we love him already. What a great family they are! We all had a very happy and comfortable time. I'm already looking forward to being together again sometime before the summer is out.
Today, Grant had his first swimming lesson. He was great, and I was a spaz. I forgot his towel, and I forgot to pack him undergarments to go home in. He was pretty excited, and showed up in his bathing suit. I was under the impression that Abbie and I would be at the play area just beyond the fence, so I brought a book. It turns out that the mommies stay in the pool area, so I spent the whole time wrestling a jealous Abbie away from the water. I was still able to observe, though, that Grant did a wonderful job following directions. I was relieved. He has a tendency to not listen because he's too busy enjoying himself. About three or four minutes before lessons were over, Abbie's arm fell through the strappy pool furniture and she hit her nose on the only metal part on the whole chair. At first I was able to convince her it wasn't so bad, but later she said, "Uh-oh." and I looked down to see blood on my ancle. We were still mopping her up when Grant's lesson finished. In the changing room, I convinced Grant to wear one of Abbie's swim diapers home, which he did. First, we played for 15 minutes at the little park. Abbie didn't re-bloody her nose, so that was a success.
Ever since we've been home, though, they've been SO cranky! And it's no fun for me, either, because I'm feeling under the weather today. (Not that I'd be having a blast if I weren't.) I think it might be just too much sugar yesterday. I have sugartummy. Or something. And I sinus headache. I don't know if I'm actually coming down with something and only time will tell. In the meantime, I'm trying to control my kids, which I'm about to declare a lost cause. I'm pretty much done. Not angry. Not tearing my hair out. Just done.
I think I need a nap. I'm not actually big on them. I can't sleep in the day time. If, by some strange occurence, I do fall asleep during the day, I wake up feeling funny. My ears feel runny and my head usually aches. I wonder why that is. What is the difference, really? Well, today I wouldn't be losing anything if I didn't feel perky when I got up.
But I'm not in a bad mood. A little sluggish, maybe, but not bad.
I have to go. A double fit is brewing behind me. We have officially run out of time. Hope your fouth was a happy one.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Brain? What brain?
So much for my temporary super powers.
Today has been un-eventful, neutral, and kind of long. I've been feeling a little under the weather, but not actually sick. Hope I'm not about to get sick. Mostly, I'm just waiting for bed time!
I was unable to go to register Grant for swimming lessons, because you have to do it in person, and Josh forgot to leave me the car seats. But since I was feeling not too great, I didn't mind as much as I usually would have, and perhaps ought to. The only other plan I had today was bathing my children. Well, and feeding them and stuff.
Yesterday I started another story. It's not the cleverest I've ever written, to be quite honest. The one I started earlier this summer had much more promise, but I realized I had to start over and never did. If I had a dollar for every story I've started, I could take you to a rather nice dinner. But if I had a dollar for every one I've finished, we'd be having hot dogs. And I don't even like hot dogs.
I'm just going to talk for a second about teenagers. When did it become the way it is now? I've been mulling this over for a long time (you know how I dwell), maybe months. One day I was sitting around actually listening to the radio, and it suddenly occurred to me that all the angry teenager songs are all directed at the same target: their parents. I thought of my own little babies, and my case looked pretty hopeless. Not only are they going to fight me for what I do and say, they're also going to fight me out of duty to their own little teen-aged subculture. And how did teenagers get their own subculture? It's just a number, a few short years out of the life of an individual. It's supposed to represent the transition from childhood into adulthood, but what is there in life that is less mature than a teenager? Adults do what must be done, regardless of the distaste involved. Teens do nothing that will not please them. Adults acknowledge their imperfections and mistakes, and strive to correct and improve. Teens brag about their imperfections, and strive to make everyone else accept them the way they are. (That is, when they are not occupied with denying their imperfections and blaming mistakes on everyone else.) Then they go out and write songs about how repressed, oppressed and misunderstood by the only people who are guaranteed to love them unconditionally and forever. Fantastic. Forgive us, Devine and Flawless Children, for holding you back from expressing yourselves right into the hospital, prison or morgue!
Glekhh. Headache.
So..tomorrow I am going to try and get Grant registered for swimming lessons. Maybe I will also stop by the library. I've been meaning to, you know. Mostly to keep myself from sneaking to the bookstore and spending a few bills' worth on filling my bookshelves. Friday we are likely to be visiting with Ryan and Jennie Franke, who, with their little Amelia, will be in the area. Saturday my cousin, Sky, might be joining us (yeah...I know...but I always plan for it, and one day she really will) and we will spend the day with Chris and his girls, then Sunday Jenn is finally going to bring her husband by!! I'm so excited. And the kids are super happy that Carter is coming. They love him. When I was talking to my mom on the phone yesterday, I was contemplating having Thanksgiving at my house sometime, and inviting my grandmother and uncle over during his visit....in November. Mom laughed and said I must feel like having company. And see? I'm getting my wish.
Still headache.
Have you seen the bags of mixed berries in the freezer section of the grocery store? Strawberries, red raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Yesterday for snack time we had some served over the loaf-shaped angel food cake. I definitely recommend. Very yummy. I'm sure you could add extra stuff, like whipped cream, but it was just fine without it. Not over sweet. Just good. And very summery!
All the bills came today. That's actually an okay thing. I'll feel better when I get them all paid. That reminds me. I need 2 cent stamps. Maybe I'll take the bills to the post office and mail them from there. I have to go register Grant, so why not do all those things at the same time? And with any luck, I will be feeling fine by tomorrow.
We're going to ignore that I feel feverish right now.
I'm going to go bathe my kids. Then, maybe we can thaw out some more berries for dessert. Berries go great with Tylenol, right?
Today has been un-eventful, neutral, and kind of long. I've been feeling a little under the weather, but not actually sick. Hope I'm not about to get sick. Mostly, I'm just waiting for bed time!
I was unable to go to register Grant for swimming lessons, because you have to do it in person, and Josh forgot to leave me the car seats. But since I was feeling not too great, I didn't mind as much as I usually would have, and perhaps ought to. The only other plan I had today was bathing my children. Well, and feeding them and stuff.
Yesterday I started another story. It's not the cleverest I've ever written, to be quite honest. The one I started earlier this summer had much more promise, but I realized I had to start over and never did. If I had a dollar for every story I've started, I could take you to a rather nice dinner. But if I had a dollar for every one I've finished, we'd be having hot dogs. And I don't even like hot dogs.
I'm just going to talk for a second about teenagers. When did it become the way it is now? I've been mulling this over for a long time (you know how I dwell), maybe months. One day I was sitting around actually listening to the radio, and it suddenly occurred to me that all the angry teenager songs are all directed at the same target: their parents. I thought of my own little babies, and my case looked pretty hopeless. Not only are they going to fight me for what I do and say, they're also going to fight me out of duty to their own little teen-aged subculture. And how did teenagers get their own subculture? It's just a number, a few short years out of the life of an individual. It's supposed to represent the transition from childhood into adulthood, but what is there in life that is less mature than a teenager? Adults do what must be done, regardless of the distaste involved. Teens do nothing that will not please them. Adults acknowledge their imperfections and mistakes, and strive to correct and improve. Teens brag about their imperfections, and strive to make everyone else accept them the way they are. (That is, when they are not occupied with denying their imperfections and blaming mistakes on everyone else.) Then they go out and write songs about how repressed, oppressed and misunderstood by the only people who are guaranteed to love them unconditionally and forever. Fantastic. Forgive us, Devine and Flawless Children, for holding you back from expressing yourselves right into the hospital, prison or morgue!
Glekhh. Headache.
So..tomorrow I am going to try and get Grant registered for swimming lessons. Maybe I will also stop by the library. I've been meaning to, you know. Mostly to keep myself from sneaking to the bookstore and spending a few bills' worth on filling my bookshelves. Friday we are likely to be visiting with Ryan and Jennie Franke, who, with their little Amelia, will be in the area. Saturday my cousin, Sky, might be joining us (yeah...I know...but I always plan for it, and one day she really will) and we will spend the day with Chris and his girls, then Sunday Jenn is finally going to bring her husband by!! I'm so excited. And the kids are super happy that Carter is coming. They love him. When I was talking to my mom on the phone yesterday, I was contemplating having Thanksgiving at my house sometime, and inviting my grandmother and uncle over during his visit....in November. Mom laughed and said I must feel like having company. And see? I'm getting my wish.
Still headache.
Have you seen the bags of mixed berries in the freezer section of the grocery store? Strawberries, red raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Yesterday for snack time we had some served over the loaf-shaped angel food cake. I definitely recommend. Very yummy. I'm sure you could add extra stuff, like whipped cream, but it was just fine without it. Not over sweet. Just good. And very summery!
All the bills came today. That's actually an okay thing. I'll feel better when I get them all paid. That reminds me. I need 2 cent stamps. Maybe I'll take the bills to the post office and mail them from there. I have to go register Grant, so why not do all those things at the same time? And with any luck, I will be feeling fine by tomorrow.
We're going to ignore that I feel feverish right now.
I'm going to go bathe my kids. Then, maybe we can thaw out some more berries for dessert. Berries go great with Tylenol, right?