First, the important news. Josh is moving on to the next text for the St. Louis County Police - a written reading comprehension exam. He did great on his physical test, with the exception of the run. He was supposed to run a mile and a half in 12 minutes, but he was 30 seconds late. They thought he did well enough, though and his next test is on Feb. 4th.
To take the physical test, Josh took the first half of the day off at work. He had his vacation time approved, so everyone knew he would be gone....but they didn't assign anyone to actually cover his absence. So there was a huge mess when Josh got back to work, and ended up staying late, and going in early today. And they fired another person. Sadly, it was not the one Josh asked them to remove from his department.
So, Josh had a weird day.
Our day was weird, too, with Josh coming home in the middle of it, but not at the end. But Josh brought me baked potato soup from St. Louis Bread Company. Yummmmmmmmmm. Love that stuff. When he came home the second time, we watched Surrogates. Some of you might know that I've been looking forward to that movie for a long time. Probably too long, as it was sort of mediocre. Still fun to watch. Really, it wasn't at all like I expected from seeing the commercial. Actually....the story I thought it was going to be was better. Theirs was a tad trite.
I also saw a Sherlock Holmes movie lately, starring Rupert Everett. It didn't get great reviews, so I wasn't disappointed, but it was kind of a shame. He could have played Sherlock Holmes brilliantly, but the script wasn't great. It was somewhat of a departure from he original character (although nothing as bad as the one Robert Downy Jr. one looks), but even worse than that, the story wasn't a Sherlock Holmes story. It was like they tried to squish Holmes into a 90's murder mystery, and just changed the costumes to make it work.
I'm not having a great time researching the kids' athletics.
Today, more housework and more photo projects and some taiko... Not feeling the greatest. I had a rough night. Grant had a bad dream, so I was in his room for a while, and Abbie got out of bed twice to come and fetch me. I think the first time it was because she was cold. Anyway, one of my ears is "swimmy" today. Hope I'm not getting sick again. Enough, already! Besides, I am required to have and be lots of fun tomorrow night.
Tomorrow night is Josh's birthday party/Rob's last available night in the country. As is typical with Josh productions, it is the day before, and we still don't know what the heck we're doing. He even waited until this week to get the sitter. Well, it worked. The kids will be staying the night with Josh's sister Sarah.
The chicken didn't thaw out in time for dinner last night, so we're having it today instead.
I started to read Pride and Prejudice, but put it back down. I guess I'm not in the mood after all. And did I tell you I'm reading Harry Potter to the kids? Abbie usually walks off to play by herself, but Grant is really listening to it. We're not very far. Only Diagon Alley so far. And I have been told I should read N-Space by Larry Niven. Any thoughts?
I haven't heard from Brother lately. I don't know his schedule, so I'm always afraid to call, lest I should wake him. And he's getting a new computer, so he's offline for a while.
Well, since I do have plenty to do, maybe I should start now. Bleh. Oh, well. Off we go. Have a wonderful day. (Wish it were warmer, but at least it's sunny!)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Horizontal Snow
The wind is blowing, and the snow is coming down sideways.
Today I have been researching the closest available YMCA. It's in Wentzville. My dream was to get Abbie into a dance class, and Grant into T-ball, and both into soccer..... Well, just so you know, the dance class alone is 86 dollars for 7 lessons.
I read something on the Internet yesterday that made me so mad! It was one of those How To Handle Your Child articles. Essentially, it was telling us that we should be buddies with our kids, and when our toddlers don't listen, we should tell them we agree, and if they pitch fits, we should teach that disagreements are about feelings, and that only Mommy's matter, and that when our teenagers disobey, we should (no I'm not making this up) tell them that they are cool so they will confess what they've been up to. WHAT?!?!?!!? In my universe, someone has to be the adult.
Whether your kid is 2 or 17 1/2, you are still the parent, he/she is the dependent child. That is reason enough to expect obedience. Yes, you can overdo it, but why would anyone think that encouraging feelings of equality between parents and their children would do anything other than undermine parental authority? I want to have a good and loving relationship with my kids, but I don't want them to get the idea that they can talk to me the same way as their buddies, or that they can do as they please. I am great friends with my own mother. We have been stopped at the store, told by strangers, even Mom's former hairdresser mentioned what a wonderful relationship we have. But was there ever any confusion about who made the rules? Never.
And children not telling their parents where they've been and what they've been up to? There are two issues, here: 1. Sneaking around is proof that they know they are doing wrong. Do you really want them to think YOU approve of it? 2. Sneaking around is a sign of immaturity. If they were living with a roommate, and not a parent, the considerate thing would STILL be to tell the other person where they are going, what (approximately) they will be doing, and when they can be expected home. This is so roommate/parent knows when it is appropriate to call the police. I intend to approach this from the good manners angle, I think, since good manners can be applied to situations that include friends, and not just grown-ups.
Anyway, what the article said was not nearly as upsetting as the authoritative way it was written. Weak-minded parents the nation over will be applying this to their parenting, and that just pisses me right off. This country wonders why people are selfish and lazy and never think the rules apply to them. Well...this is where it starts. For the few moments when we interact with the children we put on this planet, we want them to be friends with us. Who, then, is going to be the parent? Possibly we acknowledge our responsibility to our children, but don't forget that we also have a responsibility to the rest of the people who are going to have to share the world with the human beings we add to it.
I've said it before, and I will keep saying it. I want my kids to be healthy, good, and happy. In that order. And by good I mean law abiding and considerate as bare minimum.
Um...okay. I'm done talking about that now. The article really wasn't worth all this attention.
Josh takes his physical test for the St. Louis County Police Department tomorrow. Good luck, Josh! And yay for me being able to cook normal food again. This whole diet thing is seriously putting a damper on dinner. And the grocery bill, too. Yikes.
Did I tell you we made frozen meatballs the other night? They were a little pricey for what I usually buy, but we only used half of them, so when you consider that it makes dinner for the whole family twice, it's easier to take. It was a super healthy dinner, too. The yummiest salad I've had in months (mushrooms, tomato, cucumber, buttery lettuce mix and this yummy lite dressing) and the meatballs with diced tomatoes. Mmmmm. The kids thought they were pretty fantastic, too, since I gave them plain ones with toothpicks and ketchup to dip them in. Win!
We went out on Thursday, and I was so happy that Michelle came, too! Wish I had seen a little more of Molly, but I got there very late. We ended up at the Lake St. Louis Denny's. Some of you will understand and giggle. Friday, Abbie had her evaluation. Miss Penny said, "You know, Rosemary, I never expected this level of cooperation from Abbie!" Me, either. In case you were curious, she did extremely well. (She doesn't use the word "smallest" but that was the only one she wasn't great at. Miss Penny had three circles and asked her to find the smallest. She pointed to the middle one. We asked which circle was the baby and she found it. I told her which one was the smallest, and Abbie said, "No, I fink it's the littlest.") Sunday after taiko we went to Little Chris' place and had pizza and watched the football games. GEAUX SAINTS!!
Yesterday, my mommy came over. We played lots with the kids, had some tea, looked at some pictures. It was very nice. She brought Valentines' Day candy. Poor Josh had a rough night resisting temptation.
Gonna do some taiko tonight. I had to get wrist braces. I've been having pain in my right arm. But it might just be arthritis. I mean, that's what I suspect. I wonder if I can bug my doctor friend about the likelihood of that....
I'm cold. But at least I found some more cider. Josh bought 3 boxes for me. Isn't he cute?
I think I am going to read Pride and Prejudice again. Debbie was quoting it, and now I have this inexplicable desire to read it. Okay, maybe it's pretty explicable. Ah! The joys of Jane Austen. I think next time I have a bookstore gift card I might buy her collected works. I only own three of them, and only one is in hardback.... Or should I buy Dracula? Or something new? Well, I guess I can save that debate until I actually have a gift card.
Hope your Tuesday is good to you. Oh, and those of you interested in coming out on Friday for Josh's birthday, let me know!
Today I have been researching the closest available YMCA. It's in Wentzville. My dream was to get Abbie into a dance class, and Grant into T-ball, and both into soccer..... Well, just so you know, the dance class alone is 86 dollars for 7 lessons.
I read something on the Internet yesterday that made me so mad! It was one of those How To Handle Your Child articles. Essentially, it was telling us that we should be buddies with our kids, and when our toddlers don't listen, we should tell them we agree, and if they pitch fits, we should teach that disagreements are about feelings, and that only Mommy's matter, and that when our teenagers disobey, we should (no I'm not making this up) tell them that they are cool so they will confess what they've been up to. WHAT?!?!?!!? In my universe, someone has to be the adult.
Whether your kid is 2 or 17 1/2, you are still the parent, he/she is the dependent child. That is reason enough to expect obedience. Yes, you can overdo it, but why would anyone think that encouraging feelings of equality between parents and their children would do anything other than undermine parental authority? I want to have a good and loving relationship with my kids, but I don't want them to get the idea that they can talk to me the same way as their buddies, or that they can do as they please. I am great friends with my own mother. We have been stopped at the store, told by strangers, even Mom's former hairdresser mentioned what a wonderful relationship we have. But was there ever any confusion about who made the rules? Never.
And children not telling their parents where they've been and what they've been up to? There are two issues, here: 1. Sneaking around is proof that they know they are doing wrong. Do you really want them to think YOU approve of it? 2. Sneaking around is a sign of immaturity. If they were living with a roommate, and not a parent, the considerate thing would STILL be to tell the other person where they are going, what (approximately) they will be doing, and when they can be expected home. This is so roommate/parent knows when it is appropriate to call the police. I intend to approach this from the good manners angle, I think, since good manners can be applied to situations that include friends, and not just grown-ups.
Anyway, what the article said was not nearly as upsetting as the authoritative way it was written. Weak-minded parents the nation over will be applying this to their parenting, and that just pisses me right off. This country wonders why people are selfish and lazy and never think the rules apply to them. Well...this is where it starts. For the few moments when we interact with the children we put on this planet, we want them to be friends with us. Who, then, is going to be the parent? Possibly we acknowledge our responsibility to our children, but don't forget that we also have a responsibility to the rest of the people who are going to have to share the world with the human beings we add to it.
I've said it before, and I will keep saying it. I want my kids to be healthy, good, and happy. In that order. And by good I mean law abiding and considerate as bare minimum.
Um...okay. I'm done talking about that now. The article really wasn't worth all this attention.
Josh takes his physical test for the St. Louis County Police Department tomorrow. Good luck, Josh! And yay for me being able to cook normal food again. This whole diet thing is seriously putting a damper on dinner. And the grocery bill, too. Yikes.
Did I tell you we made frozen meatballs the other night? They were a little pricey for what I usually buy, but we only used half of them, so when you consider that it makes dinner for the whole family twice, it's easier to take. It was a super healthy dinner, too. The yummiest salad I've had in months (mushrooms, tomato, cucumber, buttery lettuce mix and this yummy lite dressing) and the meatballs with diced tomatoes. Mmmmm. The kids thought they were pretty fantastic, too, since I gave them plain ones with toothpicks and ketchup to dip them in. Win!
We went out on Thursday, and I was so happy that Michelle came, too! Wish I had seen a little more of Molly, but I got there very late. We ended up at the Lake St. Louis Denny's. Some of you will understand and giggle. Friday, Abbie had her evaluation. Miss Penny said, "You know, Rosemary, I never expected this level of cooperation from Abbie!" Me, either. In case you were curious, she did extremely well. (She doesn't use the word "smallest" but that was the only one she wasn't great at. Miss Penny had three circles and asked her to find the smallest. She pointed to the middle one. We asked which circle was the baby and she found it. I told her which one was the smallest, and Abbie said, "No, I fink it's the littlest.") Sunday after taiko we went to Little Chris' place and had pizza and watched the football games. GEAUX SAINTS!!
Yesterday, my mommy came over. We played lots with the kids, had some tea, looked at some pictures. It was very nice. She brought Valentines' Day candy. Poor Josh had a rough night resisting temptation.
Gonna do some taiko tonight. I had to get wrist braces. I've been having pain in my right arm. But it might just be arthritis. I mean, that's what I suspect. I wonder if I can bug my doctor friend about the likelihood of that....
I'm cold. But at least I found some more cider. Josh bought 3 boxes for me. Isn't he cute?
I think I am going to read Pride and Prejudice again. Debbie was quoting it, and now I have this inexplicable desire to read it. Okay, maybe it's pretty explicable. Ah! The joys of Jane Austen. I think next time I have a bookstore gift card I might buy her collected works. I only own three of them, and only one is in hardback.... Or should I buy Dracula? Or something new? Well, I guess I can save that debate until I actually have a gift card.
Hope your Tuesday is good to you. Oh, and those of you interested in coming out on Friday for Josh's birthday, let me know!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wednesday, Swaddled in Fog
I almost played Drive last night. I've "learned" up to the jumps. Not sure how well I could re-create it now that I've slept, but I would like to think that I could make it through. Most of my problems while playing last night were sticking problems, but as we continued, I got better at that and now my main problem is keeping track of where I am in the sequencing. That's improvement, right?
I need very much to do a good job at something right now. My only success lately has been that soup. The ham was very strong tasting, so instead of fighting it, I encouraged it. I added onion, garlic, 1/3 cup lemon juice, coriander and a little oregano. Plus I chopped up a ton of baby carrots. I also chucked in some noodles on Abbie's request, too. That turned out to be a problem later. They sucked up the remaining broth while we were eating the first helpings. Woops.
Not doing great with the photo project, either. I have a gallery that doesn't work, and I can't figure out how to take it away and start over. And I had some old pictures full of people I haven't met, and had even arranged to show them to Helena last night to identify everyone...but I forgot. Nice, huh?
Abbie has been without her Binky for about a week now. She is re-learning how to deal with everything. It is very exhausting for me. She was always clingy, but now it's just ridiculous. I can't turn without stepping on her. Overall, she seems fine, and doesn't even ask for it in the car anymore. I live in fear of her accidentally coming across one of the old lost ones.
She is very kissy. She comes up and kisses me a ton, and she is also guilty of kissing random "babies" at the store, etc. I always blush and apologize to the other mommies, who have a wide range of reactions, but usually are startled, amused or charmed (even if they are grossed out or just plain horrified underneath it all). Penny has re-scheduled the PAT evaluation for Friday.
Grant has had some very sweet days lately, which relieve me very much. They are little rays of sunshine. He probably needs a haircut.
We've seen Rob, and he's fine. We had dinner with his family Saturday, went to the Science Center on Sunday. I think we have plans to see him Thursday night, too. As for the weekend...I haven't even asked yet. Not like me? Well...I'm not feeling myself lately.
I picked up Michelle and Brandon for practice last night. You know what? I drive like a squirrel when I am not familiar with my surroundings. This is why when I first move somewhere, I don't like to be the driver for a few weeks. I don't want to be up there going, "It's this way! No, wait! That way! What lane do I need?! Did I just miss it? Oh! There it is!" I am just the sort of person who causes accidents.
I also have a new appreciation for fog. We've had lots of it lately. Fog is really amazing and scary. As you approach, things really do just materialize. I haven't experienced consistent, thick fog in years. We get it occasionally in patches, but not this stuff we've had this week. It's kind of beautiful. If it weren't for the driving around in it part, I would really be enjoying it. And even the driving is not bad when I'm alone. It makes me want to drink English tea...and write. But I looked over the stuff I wrote last week and it's not any good at all.
I talked to my parents yesterday. Dad is fine, and might try going back to work today.
Josh is still exercising and sporadically dieting and hoping against hope that this whole police thing will work out. I no longer have feelings on the subject. In consideration of his physical evaluation on the 27th, Josh is moving all his birthday-ing until after it is over. So-looking like the month of February. Although the kids already did get him some presents: some comfy sleeping pants and a soccer ball.
I re-strung the guitar (didn't wind enough wire at the top, I'm sure), and have been playing it a little. A very little. I only know a little. And I can't remember the second chord in Whiter Shade of Pale.
When we were in the car, carpooling to taiko, it came out that Michelle once met ROB! Small world. Hopefully, they can both come out on Thursday.
That's all I've got.
Hope you are well.
I need very much to do a good job at something right now. My only success lately has been that soup. The ham was very strong tasting, so instead of fighting it, I encouraged it. I added onion, garlic, 1/3 cup lemon juice, coriander and a little oregano. Plus I chopped up a ton of baby carrots. I also chucked in some noodles on Abbie's request, too. That turned out to be a problem later. They sucked up the remaining broth while we were eating the first helpings. Woops.
Not doing great with the photo project, either. I have a gallery that doesn't work, and I can't figure out how to take it away and start over. And I had some old pictures full of people I haven't met, and had even arranged to show them to Helena last night to identify everyone...but I forgot. Nice, huh?
Abbie has been without her Binky for about a week now. She is re-learning how to deal with everything. It is very exhausting for me. She was always clingy, but now it's just ridiculous. I can't turn without stepping on her. Overall, she seems fine, and doesn't even ask for it in the car anymore. I live in fear of her accidentally coming across one of the old lost ones.
She is very kissy. She comes up and kisses me a ton, and she is also guilty of kissing random "babies" at the store, etc. I always blush and apologize to the other mommies, who have a wide range of reactions, but usually are startled, amused or charmed (even if they are grossed out or just plain horrified underneath it all). Penny has re-scheduled the PAT evaluation for Friday.
Grant has had some very sweet days lately, which relieve me very much. They are little rays of sunshine. He probably needs a haircut.
We've seen Rob, and he's fine. We had dinner with his family Saturday, went to the Science Center on Sunday. I think we have plans to see him Thursday night, too. As for the weekend...I haven't even asked yet. Not like me? Well...I'm not feeling myself lately.
I picked up Michelle and Brandon for practice last night. You know what? I drive like a squirrel when I am not familiar with my surroundings. This is why when I first move somewhere, I don't like to be the driver for a few weeks. I don't want to be up there going, "It's this way! No, wait! That way! What lane do I need?! Did I just miss it? Oh! There it is!" I am just the sort of person who causes accidents.
I also have a new appreciation for fog. We've had lots of it lately. Fog is really amazing and scary. As you approach, things really do just materialize. I haven't experienced consistent, thick fog in years. We get it occasionally in patches, but not this stuff we've had this week. It's kind of beautiful. If it weren't for the driving around in it part, I would really be enjoying it. And even the driving is not bad when I'm alone. It makes me want to drink English tea...and write. But I looked over the stuff I wrote last week and it's not any good at all.
I talked to my parents yesterday. Dad is fine, and might try going back to work today.
Josh is still exercising and sporadically dieting and hoping against hope that this whole police thing will work out. I no longer have feelings on the subject. In consideration of his physical evaluation on the 27th, Josh is moving all his birthday-ing until after it is over. So-looking like the month of February. Although the kids already did get him some presents: some comfy sleeping pants and a soccer ball.
I re-strung the guitar (didn't wind enough wire at the top, I'm sure), and have been playing it a little. A very little. I only know a little. And I can't remember the second chord in Whiter Shade of Pale.
When we were in the car, carpooling to taiko, it came out that Michelle once met ROB! Small world. Hopefully, they can both come out on Thursday.
That's all I've got.
Hope you are well.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Eh.....what?
Today, I began in a rush of productivity. I was putting away the re-washed dishes before anyone else was even awake. Laundry is humming, I've showered (it's rare that I get a chance before lunch), fed the kids lunch and snacks and played dinosaur and did some labeling of DVDs for Josh, started the taiko photo project and even wrote an email to my grandmother. I wanted to lie down, since even though I feel great I'm still under the iron thumb of my head cold, and tonight's taiko is not just a sit-down meeting. Sadly, you can't really lie down when you have kids. I was soon in bed with Grant, Abbie and about 2 dozen plastic dinosaurs who had no greater pleasure than to conduct conversations with each other...on my shoulders. Who needs rest, anyway?
So, now that I have escaped the dinosaur convention, and Grant and Abbie are drawing whales to pretend to eat the crayons, which have been designated as "krill", I am doing a little thinking. And it goes like this:
Time is passing and it's a new year. This summer, Grant will start school, and I will stay home with Abbie. Am I otherwise on schedule? Meaning, what did I always see myself doing at this point, etc.?
Actually, I'm doing what I always said I would. I'm staying home with my kids until they are school aged. I've been saying I would since forever, because it's the most important thing to me. So...not bad, actually. I always said I would like to own my own house and car. Well we're home owners. Check. And that lovely explorer is totally and completely mine. Oh, yay. Still..check! The only part that isn't how I wanted it would be Work. That patch between college and Grant was a big FAIL, career wise. I had always planned that after the kids went to school, I would be returning to an already established career. But when I moved to Yuma, that got very much ruined. In case I've failed to mention it, in Yuma you have to be Spanish bi-lingual, or else you aren't qualified to do anything. My first job was minimum wage, my second was nicer. In fact, it was my favorite. I walked to work in the morning, and I covered lunch shifts and was home by 3. But I wasn't bi-lingual, so I made nothing. Seriously. When Josh was in Kuwait and I came home to work, I made 8.50 an hour, and I felt ridiculously rich. So sad! And that company loved me and wanted to keep me, but when Josh came home, that was that. They knew when they hired me, of course, but you don't understand how important "loved me and wanted to keep me" is in my job satisfaction scale. And then I got pregnant, so that's the end of my "work history after college" chapter. I wonder what would have happened if I had taken the job on Mizzou campus as a recruiter. I turned it down to move to Yuma, you see. But what I always said I wanted was: 1. Own car. 2. Own house. 3. Stay home with kids until school. 4. Have a job where I am valued and loved and they don't know what they'd do without me if I were to leave. Still working on that last one.
I'm trying NOT to plan my life as it would be if Josh got this job. Trying. I always do, though. I have a planner's mind. It's practically reflexive. He's already lost 5 lbs., though, so maybe it's not as far-fetched as I keep saying. And we all knew I would get my hopes up. I'm just making sure they are still tethered to something heavy and stable.
Wanna hear about the list of FAIL that went with the party update? I've been giggling about it. Here are some things I totally forgot: I forgot to cut the kids fingernails. Woops. Good think no one got scratched. I forgot to make the puppets and masks, even though the stuff to do it was in the basement in plain sight, and I was down there several times. I forgot to give the Keiths the copy of Curse of the Warerabbit that we made for them forever ago. I forgot that I would need a place to put coats, so everyone got to see my messy room. In fact, my house has no more secrets. They saw the basement, too, and then Josh took the men through the garage when they made their pizza run. And the last one is a Josh fail, but it's my fault for trusting him. My shirt had a wide collar, so I wore a tank top under it. I asked Josh if it was decent. Then I saw pictures. Boys are poop heads.
This weekend, we have great plans. Saturday night we are having dinner with Rob and his mom and dad, and now we are making Sunday plans, too. We got a voucher to get $25 off at the Science Center for Christmas, so we're going to take the kids to see the dinosaur exhibit, and then the ocean movie at the IMAX. What could be more perfect for my kids (who are now pretending to be whale sharks)? Wanna meet us there?
There is not much other news right now. It's the long end of winter.
Speaking of the fact that it is still winter....Wal-mart stopped selling my cider! I'm so sad! It's like they decided that now that Christmas is over, no one could possibly be in need of a warm drink. I feel colder just thinking about it.
I made a new recipe yesterday and liked it. Tomorrow, I think I will make a soup out of the ham bone. I think it will be fun. I have onion and garlic and spices and baby carrots.....I almost bought celery, but I would cringe at the leftovers. I only like it cooked. Anyway, it will be an adventure.
Hope you are doing well. Off I go to switch laundry and check the mail. Sending hugs to you all!
So, now that I have escaped the dinosaur convention, and Grant and Abbie are drawing whales to pretend to eat the crayons, which have been designated as "krill", I am doing a little thinking. And it goes like this:
Time is passing and it's a new year. This summer, Grant will start school, and I will stay home with Abbie. Am I otherwise on schedule? Meaning, what did I always see myself doing at this point, etc.?
Actually, I'm doing what I always said I would. I'm staying home with my kids until they are school aged. I've been saying I would since forever, because it's the most important thing to me. So...not bad, actually. I always said I would like to own my own house and car. Well we're home owners. Check. And that lovely explorer is totally and completely mine. Oh, yay. Still..check! The only part that isn't how I wanted it would be Work. That patch between college and Grant was a big FAIL, career wise. I had always planned that after the kids went to school, I would be returning to an already established career. But when I moved to Yuma, that got very much ruined. In case I've failed to mention it, in Yuma you have to be Spanish bi-lingual, or else you aren't qualified to do anything. My first job was minimum wage, my second was nicer. In fact, it was my favorite. I walked to work in the morning, and I covered lunch shifts and was home by 3. But I wasn't bi-lingual, so I made nothing. Seriously. When Josh was in Kuwait and I came home to work, I made 8.50 an hour, and I felt ridiculously rich. So sad! And that company loved me and wanted to keep me, but when Josh came home, that was that. They knew when they hired me, of course, but you don't understand how important "loved me and wanted to keep me" is in my job satisfaction scale. And then I got pregnant, so that's the end of my "work history after college" chapter. I wonder what would have happened if I had taken the job on Mizzou campus as a recruiter. I turned it down to move to Yuma, you see. But what I always said I wanted was: 1. Own car. 2. Own house. 3. Stay home with kids until school. 4. Have a job where I am valued and loved and they don't know what they'd do without me if I were to leave. Still working on that last one.
I'm trying NOT to plan my life as it would be if Josh got this job. Trying. I always do, though. I have a planner's mind. It's practically reflexive. He's already lost 5 lbs., though, so maybe it's not as far-fetched as I keep saying. And we all knew I would get my hopes up. I'm just making sure they are still tethered to something heavy and stable.
Wanna hear about the list of FAIL that went with the party update? I've been giggling about it. Here are some things I totally forgot: I forgot to cut the kids fingernails. Woops. Good think no one got scratched. I forgot to make the puppets and masks, even though the stuff to do it was in the basement in plain sight, and I was down there several times. I forgot to give the Keiths the copy of Curse of the Warerabbit that we made for them forever ago. I forgot that I would need a place to put coats, so everyone got to see my messy room. In fact, my house has no more secrets. They saw the basement, too, and then Josh took the men through the garage when they made their pizza run. And the last one is a Josh fail, but it's my fault for trusting him. My shirt had a wide collar, so I wore a tank top under it. I asked Josh if it was decent. Then I saw pictures. Boys are poop heads.
This weekend, we have great plans. Saturday night we are having dinner with Rob and his mom and dad, and now we are making Sunday plans, too. We got a voucher to get $25 off at the Science Center for Christmas, so we're going to take the kids to see the dinosaur exhibit, and then the ocean movie at the IMAX. What could be more perfect for my kids (who are now pretending to be whale sharks)? Wanna meet us there?
There is not much other news right now. It's the long end of winter.
Speaking of the fact that it is still winter....Wal-mart stopped selling my cider! I'm so sad! It's like they decided that now that Christmas is over, no one could possibly be in need of a warm drink. I feel colder just thinking about it.
I made a new recipe yesterday and liked it. Tomorrow, I think I will make a soup out of the ham bone. I think it will be fun. I have onion and garlic and spices and baby carrots.....I almost bought celery, but I would cringe at the leftovers. I only like it cooked. Anyway, it will be an adventure.
Hope you are doing well. Off I go to switch laundry and check the mail. Sending hugs to you all!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday Update
Know how I said, "Tomorrow I'm going to be all healthy," on Monday? Well...I did! Scary, now that I think about it. Monday night I actually got some hours of sleep, and I woke up a changed woman. Still congested, but I can sleep, and that is all that matters.
So, I went to the taiko meeting. Carpooled with Eddie and Michelle, actually, and all was well. We even got to see some fancy fish as lagniappe, because Eddie needed a pump for his tank and we stopped at a...what do you call fancy fish stuff shops? I shall call it a fishery. Then - on to the meeting. Old Business took much longer than the New Business. That's because the main issues are still the same: drum maintenance/space planning, web site, guests from Japan. Got to see Helena's accidental fancy hair dye job. I made my own hair all flat. Didn't really like it. Next time I might just let it air dry all crazy.
After the meeting, I went to Josh's mom's house. Rob met Josh there when he went to get the kids. He was too tired to come over to our place, so they stayed there, and I met up with them. Sadly, the kids were tired, so I was also the first to leave. I went home and Josh and Rob stayed and played wii. We'll be seeing him again this Saturday for dinner at his parents' place.
Today I have lots to do to get back on track. I have entire countries of laundry that need washing, and I tried to run the dishwasher yesterday but I had the pan from the ham in it and it left a film on everything, so I had to run it again last night. Plus, I really need to go grocery shopping.
Nothing interesting from me today. That's pretty much all the news. How are you? I hope those of you who, like us, are going to have a slightly warmer day enjoy it to its fullest!!! Happy Wednesday to you!
So, I went to the taiko meeting. Carpooled with Eddie and Michelle, actually, and all was well. We even got to see some fancy fish as lagniappe, because Eddie needed a pump for his tank and we stopped at a...what do you call fancy fish stuff shops? I shall call it a fishery. Then - on to the meeting. Old Business took much longer than the New Business. That's because the main issues are still the same: drum maintenance/space planning, web site, guests from Japan. Got to see Helena's accidental fancy hair dye job. I made my own hair all flat. Didn't really like it. Next time I might just let it air dry all crazy.
After the meeting, I went to Josh's mom's house. Rob met Josh there when he went to get the kids. He was too tired to come over to our place, so they stayed there, and I met up with them. Sadly, the kids were tired, so I was also the first to leave. I went home and Josh and Rob stayed and played wii. We'll be seeing him again this Saturday for dinner at his parents' place.
Today I have lots to do to get back on track. I have entire countries of laundry that need washing, and I tried to run the dishwasher yesterday but I had the pan from the ham in it and it left a film on everything, so I had to run it again last night. Plus, I really need to go grocery shopping.
Nothing interesting from me today. That's pretty much all the news. How are you? I hope those of you who, like us, are going to have a slightly warmer day enjoy it to its fullest!!! Happy Wednesday to you!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Doozy
Well, it did snow. It snowed and MODOT put salt on the roads, which helped a little, but the temperatures were so low that the freshly melted snow just turned into ice. It wasn't the greatest for driving on, but everyone I know made it through just fine. I couldn't go to taiko because Josh's mom and dad said the conditions by their house weren't the best.
But you want to hear about Abbie's birthday, don't you?
Well! I spent the morning bathing kids and stuff. I was making the tea when people started showing up. Molly's little cheesecakes were beautiful, and she made a heart shaped one for Abbie's birthday candle. Molly is fantastic. Jenn, Bill and Carter (and Larry) came, too, and Heather and Renee, and Mackenzie, and the Kieths from down the street (Kirk didn't remember to return my book), and Big Chris' family and Johnny and Wyatt. That's a funny story. Josh called him that morning and asked, "Um..did I invite you to Abbie's birthday? It's today at 2." And he came.
The jasmine tea was a big hit (not surprising) and I probably should have made it in a bigger pot, but it just looked so pretty in my bamboo pot from China Pete's in Tokyo! We also had plenty of sweet treats, and to prove that I can also be healthy, I had a bowl of olives, and a plate with baby carrots and dried cherries and I had cashews in the square "nut bowl". My mother always put nuts in it, so I do, too. In addition to the jasmine tea, I had English breakfast, too, and I made a pot of hot chocolate from the Penzey's mix that dear Caroline gave me. The kids mostly drank apple juice.
Renee wore her witch costume, and Bree came as a pirate. Carter was a taiko drummer in a blue happi coat, Grant was a knight and Abbie was a butterfly for a while, until she decided to take the wings off and just be a princess. Wyatt didn't come in costume, and Zoi accidentally spilled milk on hers on the way, so she was costumeless, too. When she first came in, Abbie screamed, "BABBY ZOI!" and ran up and tackled her with hugs and kisses. Zoi cried. But she got over it later, and had a marvelous time. She loved Jake. Even Carter, who doesn't dig dogs at all, really seemed to like Jake. He almost went home with several of our guests. I was expecting Little Chris and his three girls, but he forgot and took a job. Woops.
The party was great! The last guests were leaving around 8pm, and I was wondering if I should try and run out to Helena's birthday when it started. Sneezes. Lots of sneezes. And then - I was sick. It's the worst head cold I've had in years. I slept badly. Yesterday I spent miserable and in bed. If I lie down, my back gets sore. If I get up, I get dizzy. And no matter whether I'm lying down or standing up, I can't breathe. And if you are me, that means you can't fall asleep. Why am I like that? I absolutely can't fall asleep unless I can breathe through my nose. So I got about 45 minutes of sleep last night. I have yellowish skin, big dark circles, swollen lymph nodes...I could go on, but you get the idea. I'm pretty much sick and in need of sleep.
The taiko guys told me not to come and infect them. Well, they were probably right.
I watched movies yesterday. Music and Lyrics = pretty cute. Coraline = too scary for kids. Really. But I liked it. I'm not sure Josh did. We saw Ghost Town the other night, and it was different enough to be worth the watching. Didn't make my immediate list of favorites, but I enjoyed it. The kids didn't really dig me and Josh hiding in my room all morning, so I told Josh we could all watch something in there together after dinner. We had traditional Robinson "sicky" soup. It's the Liptons instant noodle soup with real chicken broth. For our movie, the kids got to see the second Harry Potter move for the first time. Abbie's favorite part is the baby mandrakes, and Grant's favorite was when Harry gave Dobby the sock.
It's snowing some more. My mother just called. She heard my voice and told me to go to bed. Well, after lunch I might just do that.
Tomorrow I am going to be all healthy. We have a meeting instead of taiko practice. And I want to not be sick. :(
Mom says that Dad is behaving himself more than expected. When he realized that he would be able to go camping with my uncle in March if he follows the doctor's orders, he decided to follow them. So he's being a good patient....for him.
Hope your week is starting off well. I'm gonna go be sick now.
But you want to hear about Abbie's birthday, don't you?
Well! I spent the morning bathing kids and stuff. I was making the tea when people started showing up. Molly's little cheesecakes were beautiful, and she made a heart shaped one for Abbie's birthday candle. Molly is fantastic. Jenn, Bill and Carter (and Larry) came, too, and Heather and Renee, and Mackenzie, and the Kieths from down the street (Kirk didn't remember to return my book), and Big Chris' family and Johnny and Wyatt. That's a funny story. Josh called him that morning and asked, "Um..did I invite you to Abbie's birthday? It's today at 2." And he came.
The jasmine tea was a big hit (not surprising) and I probably should have made it in a bigger pot, but it just looked so pretty in my bamboo pot from China Pete's in Tokyo! We also had plenty of sweet treats, and to prove that I can also be healthy, I had a bowl of olives, and a plate with baby carrots and dried cherries and I had cashews in the square "nut bowl". My mother always put nuts in it, so I do, too. In addition to the jasmine tea, I had English breakfast, too, and I made a pot of hot chocolate from the Penzey's mix that dear Caroline gave me. The kids mostly drank apple juice.
Renee wore her witch costume, and Bree came as a pirate. Carter was a taiko drummer in a blue happi coat, Grant was a knight and Abbie was a butterfly for a while, until she decided to take the wings off and just be a princess. Wyatt didn't come in costume, and Zoi accidentally spilled milk on hers on the way, so she was costumeless, too. When she first came in, Abbie screamed, "BABBY ZOI!" and ran up and tackled her with hugs and kisses. Zoi cried. But she got over it later, and had a marvelous time. She loved Jake. Even Carter, who doesn't dig dogs at all, really seemed to like Jake. He almost went home with several of our guests. I was expecting Little Chris and his three girls, but he forgot and took a job. Woops.
The party was great! The last guests were leaving around 8pm, and I was wondering if I should try and run out to Helena's birthday when it started. Sneezes. Lots of sneezes. And then - I was sick. It's the worst head cold I've had in years. I slept badly. Yesterday I spent miserable and in bed. If I lie down, my back gets sore. If I get up, I get dizzy. And no matter whether I'm lying down or standing up, I can't breathe. And if you are me, that means you can't fall asleep. Why am I like that? I absolutely can't fall asleep unless I can breathe through my nose. So I got about 45 minutes of sleep last night. I have yellowish skin, big dark circles, swollen lymph nodes...I could go on, but you get the idea. I'm pretty much sick and in need of sleep.
The taiko guys told me not to come and infect them. Well, they were probably right.
I watched movies yesterday. Music and Lyrics = pretty cute. Coraline = too scary for kids. Really. But I liked it. I'm not sure Josh did. We saw Ghost Town the other night, and it was different enough to be worth the watching. Didn't make my immediate list of favorites, but I enjoyed it. The kids didn't really dig me and Josh hiding in my room all morning, so I told Josh we could all watch something in there together after dinner. We had traditional Robinson "sicky" soup. It's the Liptons instant noodle soup with real chicken broth. For our movie, the kids got to see the second Harry Potter move for the first time. Abbie's favorite part is the baby mandrakes, and Grant's favorite was when Harry gave Dobby the sock.
It's snowing some more. My mother just called. She heard my voice and told me to go to bed. Well, after lunch I might just do that.
Tomorrow I am going to be all healthy. We have a meeting instead of taiko practice. And I want to not be sick. :(
Mom says that Dad is behaving himself more than expected. When he realized that he would be able to go camping with my uncle in March if he follows the doctor's orders, he decided to follow them. So he's being a good patient....for him.
Hope your week is starting off well. I'm gonna go be sick now.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Think it will snow?
Well! I finished Eyre Affair, and it was a good time. Grant got his tooth fixed, and come to find out, his 6-year molar is coming in right next to it, which may have contributed to the filling coming out. Abbie had fun on her actual birthday, with pork ramen with egg and kielbasa for dinner, and now is happily awaiting her Birthday Tea Party. She actually calls it her Halloween Birthday sometimes.
Grant had a really bad few days, but I think yesterday took care of a lot of it. Grant is more independent than Abbie, in a physical sense. He doesn't crawl into my lab the way she does. Usually, since it was his idea to be that way, he doesn't mind. Lately, though, it has occurred to him that because of this, she gets more hugs. So he was angry at her. But I think now that we all know what is going on, we can get back to only fighting about things that are happening, not ones that have happened. It's a distasteful part of parenting, but fights will and do happen. No sense planning your day without them. Well, I guess you can if you only have one child. But two? Forget it.
My dad had his surgery yesterday. As for that part, all went well. Mom called before she was admitted to see him, so I guess I can assume by her silence that things are still going on schedule. His dad had some issues with anesthesia, so I was sort of expecting to hear that he had a little bit of weirdness, but if he did, Mom sure didn't let me know. I expect to hear again from them late in the afternoon today, when Dad arrives back home.
When we were at the dentist's office, a cute little old couple came to smile at the kids while I read to them. Why is it that people have become so creeped out by other people, that only the appearance of small children can allow them to be friendly to each other without suspicion? It's sad. I still, on occasion, have the impulse to randomly compliment someone, but....
Josh met with the St. Louis County police department yesterday morning. He filled his application out wrong. I thought that this first impression of, "Woops! Not so great at following directions, am I?" would be a problem, and was already mentally scratching this scenario off my list, but when I came home from taiko, Josh was awake and told me more. They told him they would try to get him hired, and then pay him while he was at the academy. Hmm. This is quite different. If it is true, and if it actually happens, I could live with that. No more weekend job - just strenuous training and probably homework for the 6 months of training, then a job that is waiting. You know....if it happens. But then, he would be a cop in St. Louis County. It's a long commute, and it's probably one of the least safe parts of the state for police work. Damn it! Why did I have to go and like him so much? But at least he'd be a good guy. I always prefer the good guys. Like I said, I could live with that. The other? Not sure. I told him we'd have to do some serious talking if this didn't work out.
My house smells like ham cooking. Pretty not bad, if you ask me. And if we get snowed in, we won't starve. Yay!
I should have taken Motrin before bed, but I didn't. I'm very sore. My back started to go before practice was over, but it was the tired and sore "go" not the one that involves muscle spasms and 3 days of recovery. Really, I am very lucky and doing well. Kinda. I feel like I got hit by a bus today. I would love to go back to bed. What do you suppose the odds are that the kids would be okay with that? After all, they've had their peanut butter and jelly. Who am I kidding?
WHOA! I almost forgot that Miss Penny is going to be here tomorrow to do some assessments on Abbie. See how far I've come from being all worried about what she has to say? Hee! Abbie is a tough case. Willful, insistent, violently affectionate, dangerously appealing with the whole dimple smile thing, stubborn, intelligent, secretive..... Well, and loyal, but vindictive. Whether she cooperates on this little test or not is not going to be up to me or Penny. But somehow, I am starting to be confident that in the year of Grant's kindergarten I will somehow be able to nurture Abbie's finer points (of which she has many, I assure you) and perhaps subdue and eradicate some of her less pleasant ones.
Have I ever mentioned that I am fond of all the taiko members? Pretty great, for such a large number of people! It's true, some are not designed for closeness, but I since I don't require it, there isn't really a problem. I have some degree of affection for all of them. With one exception. I don't even include him, mentally, in the group at all. Sadly, it is no secret that I find his company distasteful. If I thought he would be around so much, I never would have mentioned my dislike. But how can such a person make himself liked, really? He is egotistical. He may smile while he says it, and frame his statements as if he were merely a friendly guy, offering constructive criticism in an environment of camaraderie, but in his mind he is convinced of his own superiority, and he little considers the feelings of others when he attacks them behind their backs to their own friends. And he expects so much as due to him, I have to wonder at his economic background. Well, he is not around this week, and I am not lamenting his absence.
Here is what made me think of him, though. Someone mentioned not much enjoying the company of another person who I have met. It was easy to understand. This man is very intelligent, but somehow never quite understands other people when talking, and frequently takes things the wrong way. Often he begins arguing with people who don't really even disagree with him. He claims to have a sarcastic sense of humor, but doesn't catch anyone else's sarcasm, and looks down on people who don't understand his. But I find that if you go into a conversation knowing that you will have to be very clear and careful in your choice of words, he is not impossible even to entertain. His girlfriend has eyes for none but he, and in such situations it is wise to have a workable relationship with both parties if you want to keep the one you originally had.
So, I was wondering to myself why it is that I tolerate one of these men easily and one of them reluctantly. I value considerate people, but really neither can fit into the category. Neither is more evil than the other. Both cause discomfort. Both have their difficulties and annoy by negligence but not intent (I think). I still can look at the descriptions and have the same preference....but why? Is it about me that can't bear the egotism? And why, then, do I not have anything against Andrew, who also is egotistical? (Checking.......Nope. Like him fine.) It must relate, I think, to gratitude. The man I don't like is so above everyone that he sees no need for gratitude. The man I can bear does have that quality. Mostly, he's grateful for his girlfriend, but it's there. That will have to do as an explanation until I come up with something else.
Do you find it weird that I was an active member of an Anime club? (And Tylar, I already know your answer, but you can give it anyway, if you want.) Of course I am bringing it up because I have, once again, shocked someone. True, I don't exactly fit the usual description.....but do I need to? Just because I still have other pursuits and don't like to dress up like a giant Mokona on weekends doesn't mean I don't enjoy a little Escaflowne now and then. Lately, Josh and I have been watching Code Geass, and I don't notice anything having contaminated our appearances yet.
I've ordered a pair of bacci. I feel like such a big kid!
I'm getting sore sitting here, so I am going to hunt up some painkillers. Hope you have a happy day today. If you are around here, hope your pantries are stocked up in case we really do get some snow.
Happy Wednesday, all!
Grant had a really bad few days, but I think yesterday took care of a lot of it. Grant is more independent than Abbie, in a physical sense. He doesn't crawl into my lab the way she does. Usually, since it was his idea to be that way, he doesn't mind. Lately, though, it has occurred to him that because of this, she gets more hugs. So he was angry at her. But I think now that we all know what is going on, we can get back to only fighting about things that are happening, not ones that have happened. It's a distasteful part of parenting, but fights will and do happen. No sense planning your day without them. Well, I guess you can if you only have one child. But two? Forget it.
My dad had his surgery yesterday. As for that part, all went well. Mom called before she was admitted to see him, so I guess I can assume by her silence that things are still going on schedule. His dad had some issues with anesthesia, so I was sort of expecting to hear that he had a little bit of weirdness, but if he did, Mom sure didn't let me know. I expect to hear again from them late in the afternoon today, when Dad arrives back home.
When we were at the dentist's office, a cute little old couple came to smile at the kids while I read to them. Why is it that people have become so creeped out by other people, that only the appearance of small children can allow them to be friendly to each other without suspicion? It's sad. I still, on occasion, have the impulse to randomly compliment someone, but....
Josh met with the St. Louis County police department yesterday morning. He filled his application out wrong. I thought that this first impression of, "Woops! Not so great at following directions, am I?" would be a problem, and was already mentally scratching this scenario off my list, but when I came home from taiko, Josh was awake and told me more. They told him they would try to get him hired, and then pay him while he was at the academy. Hmm. This is quite different. If it is true, and if it actually happens, I could live with that. No more weekend job - just strenuous training and probably homework for the 6 months of training, then a job that is waiting. You know....if it happens. But then, he would be a cop in St. Louis County. It's a long commute, and it's probably one of the least safe parts of the state for police work. Damn it! Why did I have to go and like him so much? But at least he'd be a good guy. I always prefer the good guys. Like I said, I could live with that. The other? Not sure. I told him we'd have to do some serious talking if this didn't work out.
My house smells like ham cooking. Pretty not bad, if you ask me. And if we get snowed in, we won't starve. Yay!
I should have taken Motrin before bed, but I didn't. I'm very sore. My back started to go before practice was over, but it was the tired and sore "go" not the one that involves muscle spasms and 3 days of recovery. Really, I am very lucky and doing well. Kinda. I feel like I got hit by a bus today. I would love to go back to bed. What do you suppose the odds are that the kids would be okay with that? After all, they've had their peanut butter and jelly. Who am I kidding?
WHOA! I almost forgot that Miss Penny is going to be here tomorrow to do some assessments on Abbie. See how far I've come from being all worried about what she has to say? Hee! Abbie is a tough case. Willful, insistent, violently affectionate, dangerously appealing with the whole dimple smile thing, stubborn, intelligent, secretive..... Well, and loyal, but vindictive. Whether she cooperates on this little test or not is not going to be up to me or Penny. But somehow, I am starting to be confident that in the year of Grant's kindergarten I will somehow be able to nurture Abbie's finer points (of which she has many, I assure you) and perhaps subdue and eradicate some of her less pleasant ones.
Have I ever mentioned that I am fond of all the taiko members? Pretty great, for such a large number of people! It's true, some are not designed for closeness, but I since I don't require it, there isn't really a problem. I have some degree of affection for all of them. With one exception. I don't even include him, mentally, in the group at all. Sadly, it is no secret that I find his company distasteful. If I thought he would be around so much, I never would have mentioned my dislike. But how can such a person make himself liked, really? He is egotistical. He may smile while he says it, and frame his statements as if he were merely a friendly guy, offering constructive criticism in an environment of camaraderie, but in his mind he is convinced of his own superiority, and he little considers the feelings of others when he attacks them behind their backs to their own friends. And he expects so much as due to him, I have to wonder at his economic background. Well, he is not around this week, and I am not lamenting his absence.
Here is what made me think of him, though. Someone mentioned not much enjoying the company of another person who I have met. It was easy to understand. This man is very intelligent, but somehow never quite understands other people when talking, and frequently takes things the wrong way. Often he begins arguing with people who don't really even disagree with him. He claims to have a sarcastic sense of humor, but doesn't catch anyone else's sarcasm, and looks down on people who don't understand his. But I find that if you go into a conversation knowing that you will have to be very clear and careful in your choice of words, he is not impossible even to entertain. His girlfriend has eyes for none but he, and in such situations it is wise to have a workable relationship with both parties if you want to keep the one you originally had.
So, I was wondering to myself why it is that I tolerate one of these men easily and one of them reluctantly. I value considerate people, but really neither can fit into the category. Neither is more evil than the other. Both cause discomfort. Both have their difficulties and annoy by negligence but not intent (I think). I still can look at the descriptions and have the same preference....but why? Is it about me that can't bear the egotism? And why, then, do I not have anything against Andrew, who also is egotistical? (Checking.......Nope. Like him fine.) It must relate, I think, to gratitude. The man I don't like is so above everyone that he sees no need for gratitude. The man I can bear does have that quality. Mostly, he's grateful for his girlfriend, but it's there. That will have to do as an explanation until I come up with something else.
Do you find it weird that I was an active member of an Anime club? (And Tylar, I already know your answer, but you can give it anyway, if you want.) Of course I am bringing it up because I have, once again, shocked someone. True, I don't exactly fit the usual description.....but do I need to? Just because I still have other pursuits and don't like to dress up like a giant Mokona on weekends doesn't mean I don't enjoy a little Escaflowne now and then. Lately, Josh and I have been watching Code Geass, and I don't notice anything having contaminated our appearances yet.
I've ordered a pair of bacci. I feel like such a big kid!
I'm getting sore sitting here, so I am going to hunt up some painkillers. Hope you have a happy day today. If you are around here, hope your pantries are stocked up in case we really do get some snow.
Happy Wednesday, all!
Monday, January 4, 2010
News Jumble
I haven't written much in the last week, have I? But it's not for lack of things to say. Mostly, I've just been occupied elsewhere.
Where did I leave off? Oh. My mother, it turns out, really was out of town, but she got my message and called Gran so she wouldn't worry. Later that evening she called me and we laughed and laughed at the irony of one's mother coming for a surprise visit, not only when one is away from home, but also the first day in decades that one was so tired she didn't even make her bed! The house was the way we left it, and that was a disaster. I started to clean before we took off, but Grant had a fit, and my priorities changed immediately to "remove screaming boy from house".
I was at taiko, but didn't really burn off a week's worth of feasting. Oh, well. It will have to be a long term goal.
We took down Christmas on New Year's Eve, and then went all the way to Pacific to Jay's house. I called and asked him if Jake could come, too, to be sure we could stay as long as we wanted on Friday. He said it was fine as long as Jake didn't eat Nerf darts. Boys. Really. It was especially surprising when Darci saw Jake. Apparently, Jay hadn't asked her, and she was worried that her dog, Tessa, would eat Jake. Great. Thanks, Jay! The dog introduction went fine, though. Then came the kid introductions. Evan is most of a year older than Grant, and Liam is most of a year older than Abbie. Within minutes they were all running around together, perfectly happy.
And speaking of perfectly happy...that is the title for my New Year's Eve. I love these girls. (And Jay, too, who is very much NOT a girl.) We had a great time making snacks and drinking wine and giggling and telling moderately inappropriate stories, and laughing some more, and checking on children who didn't really need checking on..... Good times. Josh was being funny again...(be very afraid).
Darci ended up getting a hotel or motel or something late in the evening (Or should I say early in the morning?) which was a little sad, but probably a good thing in the sense that they got actual, real, child-free sleep. Jay had to run in to work for a little in the morning, so we decided to meet him at Monkey Joe's. The closest one was by Crestwood Mall - not a part of town I'm familiar with...but most parts of town are like that for me. Monkey Joe's, in case you don't know, is code for Kid Heaven. Slides, bouncing, no sharp edges.....trust me on this. And the kids, not surprisingly, had a marvelous time. Josh and I bought pizza, and then Jay showed up. Evan lit up like a little light bulb. Very cute. At that point most of us went back to Jay's, and we packed to go. It was already after 3. Before we went, though, Caroline's family had to tell me a little story that had happened at Monkey Joes:
"Liam was going up the ladder to the big slide, and there was a much older kid behind him, and then Abbie. The big kid kept trying to push Liam out of the way and go past him, but he had his arms out and the kid couldn't do it. Then he started 'accidentally' started elbowing Liam in the head. So Abbie looks around, makes sure Josh isn't watching, and punches the older kid hard enough to knock him back. Then they sort of stare at each other for a minute, and when the other kid gives up and starts walking again, Liam is already down the slide."
They were glowing with pride and appreciation. My head was going: "Is this a sign of future loyalty, or future violence? I have a kid who hits! Oh, no!!!!!!!" Later, I voiced my concerns to my mother. Her reply was, "That will take care of itself. One day she'll push someone who will push her back and that will be the end of that."
I was sad to leave Jay's and go home, especially since Caroline was about to make an Alton Brown roast! But we also have some other things going on. Josh has a job interview today. More on that later.
Yesterday, the plan was that my dad would come and take Josh to the RAMS game, and Mom would stay and play with us. I was told that it was a later game, so I was planning on going to taiko. It turns out that it was a noon game, so I had to write Andrew and cancel my attendance. Then, Dad decided not to come. That's right. He stayed home. He's having surgery tomorrow, and he was worried about catching a cold and then having the surgery moved to next month, after he's already scheduled time off of work, etc. So yesterday was kind of a mess. Josh took Chris to the game, and Mom stayed with us for a while, but then Dad called and was worried about weather, so she had to leave early, too. I'm glad I saw my mom...but I did have kind of a let down/"What just happened?" kind of feeling yesterday.
Today is Abbie's birthday. She is four. YAY! Josh is gone to his interview. Grant goes to the dentist this afternoon. OH! I forgot to tell you. Remember the pulpotomy and the trip to the dentist and how Grant was good, but that was all that we got done? Well.....Christmas Eve, the outer half of the filling came out. Fantastic. So we have an emergency appointment today.
And as for Josh. Hmm. This is difficult. Josh has decided that he wants a job on the police force. The problem, besides the fact that I've become quite a pessimist and am secretly convinced that it's all a waste of time, is that Police Academy training lasts 6 months, and is full time. He would have to quit his job, and get a weekend job to cover some bills, and then somehow still do well at Police Academy school. Today is the interview for the weekend job. 7 -7 on Saturdays and Sundays. I am not going to see him for 6 whole months, essentially. And let me just tell you: it's not so easy to be supportive and wish someone good luck on an interview that the best case scenario of which is that you will be miserable for six months. That's what we're looking forward to. Him being gone 7 days a week, possibly all for nothing. That's the BEST CASE SCENARIO.
Anyway, I am trying not to think about it. I have enough going on just planning Abbie's party on Saturday. Are you coming? I've only had 3 RSVPs and 1 was a no. I need to tell Molly how many to expect!
Oops. Forgot to tell you that part, too. Saturday was our one day to get everything ready for the week. The plan was to go grocery shopping, and get Josh's hair cut (both ears this time) for his interview. Josh decided that as long as we were going out, we should go to Mid Rivers Mall and eat lunch there, and use my Borders Books card that I got for Christmas. Well we got a return call from Molly when we got there, and she met up with us. It was great. She has been pretty much MIA since July. But it was a happy MIA. She's in love. Plus, she quit smoking. YAY for Molly! We hung out and giggled for a while, and then when she was leaving, she asked Abbie what she wanted for her birthday. Abbie said, "Um...I want a cheesecake with strawberries on top of it." Molly's eyes got as big as plates.
After professing her undying love for Abbie, she turned to me and said, "She just told a chef that she wanted cheesecake for her birthday. Don't think for a second I'm not bringing her a cheesecake on Saturday." In fact, the plan is to have lots of little tiny cheesecakelettes.
And...I bought a book. Amy recommended it to me, and it's extremely weird, but I love it. Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. I haven't been this happy with a new book in ages. I should save Amy one of Molly's cheesecakes in thanks. I'm happy to be reading again. And, for the first time in a long time, I mentioned writing again yesterday.
Well, I have plenty to get ready for today. Abbie is having a good birthday so far. I'm going to attempt to get clean in time to take Grant (and Abbie) to the dentist. I hope you are having a decent Monday, and that so far 2010 is being good to you.
Where did I leave off? Oh. My mother, it turns out, really was out of town, but she got my message and called Gran so she wouldn't worry. Later that evening she called me and we laughed and laughed at the irony of one's mother coming for a surprise visit, not only when one is away from home, but also the first day in decades that one was so tired she didn't even make her bed! The house was the way we left it, and that was a disaster. I started to clean before we took off, but Grant had a fit, and my priorities changed immediately to "remove screaming boy from house".
I was at taiko, but didn't really burn off a week's worth of feasting. Oh, well. It will have to be a long term goal.
We took down Christmas on New Year's Eve, and then went all the way to Pacific to Jay's house. I called and asked him if Jake could come, too, to be sure we could stay as long as we wanted on Friday. He said it was fine as long as Jake didn't eat Nerf darts. Boys. Really. It was especially surprising when Darci saw Jake. Apparently, Jay hadn't asked her, and she was worried that her dog, Tessa, would eat Jake. Great. Thanks, Jay! The dog introduction went fine, though. Then came the kid introductions. Evan is most of a year older than Grant, and Liam is most of a year older than Abbie. Within minutes they were all running around together, perfectly happy.
And speaking of perfectly happy...that is the title for my New Year's Eve. I love these girls. (And Jay, too, who is very much NOT a girl.) We had a great time making snacks and drinking wine and giggling and telling moderately inappropriate stories, and laughing some more, and checking on children who didn't really need checking on..... Good times. Josh was being funny again...(be very afraid).
Darci ended up getting a hotel or motel or something late in the evening (Or should I say early in the morning?) which was a little sad, but probably a good thing in the sense that they got actual, real, child-free sleep. Jay had to run in to work for a little in the morning, so we decided to meet him at Monkey Joe's. The closest one was by Crestwood Mall - not a part of town I'm familiar with...but most parts of town are like that for me. Monkey Joe's, in case you don't know, is code for Kid Heaven. Slides, bouncing, no sharp edges.....trust me on this. And the kids, not surprisingly, had a marvelous time. Josh and I bought pizza, and then Jay showed up. Evan lit up like a little light bulb. Very cute. At that point most of us went back to Jay's, and we packed to go. It was already after 3. Before we went, though, Caroline's family had to tell me a little story that had happened at Monkey Joes:
"Liam was going up the ladder to the big slide, and there was a much older kid behind him, and then Abbie. The big kid kept trying to push Liam out of the way and go past him, but he had his arms out and the kid couldn't do it. Then he started 'accidentally' started elbowing Liam in the head. So Abbie looks around, makes sure Josh isn't watching, and punches the older kid hard enough to knock him back. Then they sort of stare at each other for a minute, and when the other kid gives up and starts walking again, Liam is already down the slide."
They were glowing with pride and appreciation. My head was going: "Is this a sign of future loyalty, or future violence? I have a kid who hits! Oh, no!!!!!!!" Later, I voiced my concerns to my mother. Her reply was, "That will take care of itself. One day she'll push someone who will push her back and that will be the end of that."
I was sad to leave Jay's and go home, especially since Caroline was about to make an Alton Brown roast! But we also have some other things going on. Josh has a job interview today. More on that later.
Yesterday, the plan was that my dad would come and take Josh to the RAMS game, and Mom would stay and play with us. I was told that it was a later game, so I was planning on going to taiko. It turns out that it was a noon game, so I had to write Andrew and cancel my attendance. Then, Dad decided not to come. That's right. He stayed home. He's having surgery tomorrow, and he was worried about catching a cold and then having the surgery moved to next month, after he's already scheduled time off of work, etc. So yesterday was kind of a mess. Josh took Chris to the game, and Mom stayed with us for a while, but then Dad called and was worried about weather, so she had to leave early, too. I'm glad I saw my mom...but I did have kind of a let down/"What just happened?" kind of feeling yesterday.
Today is Abbie's birthday. She is four. YAY! Josh is gone to his interview. Grant goes to the dentist this afternoon. OH! I forgot to tell you. Remember the pulpotomy and the trip to the dentist and how Grant was good, but that was all that we got done? Well.....Christmas Eve, the outer half of the filling came out. Fantastic. So we have an emergency appointment today.
And as for Josh. Hmm. This is difficult. Josh has decided that he wants a job on the police force. The problem, besides the fact that I've become quite a pessimist and am secretly convinced that it's all a waste of time, is that Police Academy training lasts 6 months, and is full time. He would have to quit his job, and get a weekend job to cover some bills, and then somehow still do well at Police Academy school. Today is the interview for the weekend job. 7 -7 on Saturdays and Sundays. I am not going to see him for 6 whole months, essentially. And let me just tell you: it's not so easy to be supportive and wish someone good luck on an interview that the best case scenario of which is that you will be miserable for six months. That's what we're looking forward to. Him being gone 7 days a week, possibly all for nothing. That's the BEST CASE SCENARIO.
Anyway, I am trying not to think about it. I have enough going on just planning Abbie's party on Saturday. Are you coming? I've only had 3 RSVPs and 1 was a no. I need to tell Molly how many to expect!
Oops. Forgot to tell you that part, too. Saturday was our one day to get everything ready for the week. The plan was to go grocery shopping, and get Josh's hair cut (both ears this time) for his interview. Josh decided that as long as we were going out, we should go to Mid Rivers Mall and eat lunch there, and use my Borders Books card that I got for Christmas. Well we got a return call from Molly when we got there, and she met up with us. It was great. She has been pretty much MIA since July. But it was a happy MIA. She's in love. Plus, she quit smoking. YAY for Molly! We hung out and giggled for a while, and then when she was leaving, she asked Abbie what she wanted for her birthday. Abbie said, "Um...I want a cheesecake with strawberries on top of it." Molly's eyes got as big as plates.
After professing her undying love for Abbie, she turned to me and said, "She just told a chef that she wanted cheesecake for her birthday. Don't think for a second I'm not bringing her a cheesecake on Saturday." In fact, the plan is to have lots of little tiny cheesecakelettes.
And...I bought a book. Amy recommended it to me, and it's extremely weird, but I love it. Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. I haven't been this happy with a new book in ages. I should save Amy one of Molly's cheesecakes in thanks. I'm happy to be reading again. And, for the first time in a long time, I mentioned writing again yesterday.
Well, I have plenty to get ready for today. Abbie is having a good birthday so far. I'm going to attempt to get clean in time to take Grant (and Abbie) to the dentist. I hope you are having a decent Monday, and that so far 2010 is being good to you.
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