Happy New Year

We spent the evening at the Animal Hospital Emergency Room. The dog keeps losing ground. By this morning, she could not walk. She was still eating and eliminating...but that was it. We decided it was best to go and get some things ruled out. Even at 105, we did not want to be missing something that might be easy to fix. But we were right. the vet kindly validated our assumptions. He felt that she has a tumor which is compressing her spine, slowly paralyzing her. While waiting for the vet to come in, she actually got herself to a standing position for about 5 seconds...and then collapsed. He told us that she looked great for her age..well-cared for. This made me want to cry. The kids waited in the waiting room, both scared to death to hear the outcome. Little One was a bundle of tears, while The Boy, ever the optomist, continued to list all of the reasons he thought she would be ok ("She's eating. She's pooping. Her nose is cold. She's awake. She's trying to get up"....and on and on and on. ) As The Husband carried her back up to the condo, it dawned on me that we were only hours from the New Year....

It is a very low-key, very different New Year this year. We usually have a celebration with friends, and I hope we get back to that ritual next year. But on this quiet evening at the beach, I am trying to be thankful and hopeful for the coming year. I had hoped it would be a year without the loss of a loved one....but with the dog in her present condition, that doesn't seem possible. I feel tonight the way I have felt several times in the last few years. The way you feel when you know something heartbreaking is coming, but you don't know when. I guess it is all part of the cycle of life, though I am so tired of trying to convince myself of this.

I love to make my resolutions, kind of a personal reassessment. I thought about listing them, but this year's list seems very personal. Kind of like wishes...if you reveal them, they might not come true...

I wish everyone a very Happy New Year. Don't underestimate the value of a few well-thought-out resolutions. Don't set yourself up to fail. Baby steps are the way to go. Or grand generalities like "I want to be a better person" or "I want to be more kind". I find those to be easier to keep and more inspiring. Either way, it is the first day of the rest of your life. A blank slate. A renewal..

So today, as I pack up to go home, I will visualize who I want to be in 2010..

Until next year...

A Quick Update on Life at the Beach...

I took a few days off the blog. As a friend said, my life was beginning to sound like a sitcom episode, so I needed to re-group.. The beach is lovely. It is too cold to swim in the ocean, but not too cold to sit on the balcony and read.
The Husband gave me some terrific books for Christmas...all french-themed. The one I've been reading is the story of a guy who takes a year off to go write and paint in France. (Chasing Matisse) The Husband probably thinks that reading about this will quell my desire to actually do it.
I was inspired to pull out my paint brushes . This is absolutely the best place (besides France) to paint. I began a painting Monday morning, and I am almost finished. The Husband cannot understand why it takes me weeks at home to finish a painting. He doesn't understand that here, I am able to paint for hours at a time uninterrupted. The kids are happy and busy with their new stuff, and nobody is asking me to do this or that. I love the painting...these are words you rarely hear from me at this point in the painting. I usually love it the first day, and them hate it the next. Not so this time. Stay tuned...today is correction day, so I may hate it by tonight.

The dog has taken a turn for the worst. I cannot write too much about it or I will cry. At 105 years old, she is struggling. This morning, The Husband had to carry her down to go to the bathroom, and then I had to feed her and position her. The end is near. Best not to think about it. The kids are worried...she has been their best friend for their whole life.

That's it for today. Back to the painting. The New Year is only a few days away. I need to get my resolutions on paper...

Until tomorrow....

Christmas in the Holiday Inn Express

Today's blog will be a little longer than usual due to the over-abundance of adventure the last few days. I would also like to say that every bit of this is true. There are those that won't believe it, but as I say often in my life, you cannot make this stuff up...



After a lovely Christmas Eve, and a terrific Christmas morning, which caused The Boy to label it "The Best Christmas Ever!" (The Boy had been worried about how the recession would affect his Christmas)...The Husband, The Boy, Little One and myself were packing to go to the beach. Besides being a nice little vacation, we needed to pack up Grandpa's condo which he had just sold. For this reason, we needed to take the big white box truck from work..referred to by my brothers as "The Beverly Hillbillies truck". I was dreading this, especially when The Husband informed me that he was going to "bring a little tile down" for one of the units. The Husband's driving is scary on any given day, but especially when you are carrying thousands of pounds of tile.



We were bringing the 15 year old incontinent dog and the two carsick cats. The idea was to put them in the back of the box truck and cross our fingers. So 5 minutes before we were suppose to leave (The Husband keeps us on a schedule). Little One was suppose to carry her cat to the truck and put her in. Unfortunately, kitty had other ideas, and she took off. Well, what happened next was really impossible to describe. The Husband let out a song of profanity never before heard on Christmas day...and he began chasing the cat all over the neighborhood shouting "If you don't get back here in 3 minutes, I'm leaving you!!" The Boy and I stared at each other, trying desperately not to laugh, and maybe wondering if that cat would, indeed, answer him.

Ok, so 15 minutes later, we were off to the beach. It was quiet in the truck due to the tenseness of the cat chase, but at least we were under way. I asked The Husband how much tile we had in back, and he mumbled something about 10,000 lbs. I asked how much the truck could hold...and he gave me a look that said "Don't ask anymore questions." This worried me even more, but I was determined to have a good attitude. Afterall, it was Christmas, and The Husband knew what he was doing, right? About 45 minutes later, we were on the interstate when we heard a huge sound. Having recently had some car issues, I recognized it as a tire blowing, but The Husband said no. He pulled off and had a look, and determined that the cats had knocked something over in the truck. His answer to this was to put the cats in the front with us. I strongly disagreed with this assesment, but my opinion was ignored. So back on the road, for the next 2 hours, I watched the inside tire slowly deflate and wobble in my rearview window. I tried to tell The Husband this, but he got very annoyed with me and told me I was "stressing everyone out". At this point, I began praying for our safety and repeating my maiden name over and over again. Not surprisingly, another half hour later, another big bang sounded. "What was that!?" yelled The Husband. "That" I replied calmly, 'was the rest of the tire unraveling. You now have one less tire."

I am assured that God was watching over us, because we were near an exit...and the exit had a hotel. Somehow, The Husband maneuvered the truck into the hotel parking lot. And it died in peace. When he got out to look...he saw that the tire was completely off. "I'll check us in" he said.

Ok, time to asses our situation. Christmas Day. Everything closed. Flat tire that is not a normal size. No food. I again said another prayer...this time asking for patience and the ability not to kill The Husband. We unloaded our bags and went to our room. The kids were ok...The Boy always finds a bright side. He had internet access and his computer and new DS games. He was good to go. Little One scouted out a snack machine and workout room. The Husband sat on the bed in depressed funk. He made one call to a local tire place and determined the situation hopeless. I was suddenly very grateful that we were alive and well...and in a new, clean hotel. I logged on my laptop and typed in "emergency 24 hour service" along with the size of our flat tire...and lo and behold...up popped the name of a 24/7 service that had that tire. The Husband reluctantly called...and a nice fellow named Chad answered and said yes, he could come and change the tire. Well, the next few seconds were crucial...as The Husband started to try and "negotiate' the price. I had to quickly give him the mother of all "Looks"...and he quickly agreed to pay the 10,000,000 dollar ransom that someone is able to extract for this type of service on Christmas Day.

From that point on, things improved. The Husband rallied a bit. The plan was to let the guy fix the tire and then unload some tile so we became "legal" weight. The Husband spilled out the whole story of the "tile weight issue" that he had neglected to tell me....and we figured that we were a couple of thousand lbs. over.

Little One dragged me to the workout room where we ran off our frustrations. Then we hit the snack machine for dinner. As we were standing there debating between pop tarts and crackers, the only other man staying in the hotel walked up behind me. He stood very close with a big grin on his face. This made Little One and myself very uncomfortable, so we were forced to hurry our decision. There is just no way to choose a proper meal from the vending machine with someone watching you.

Later that night, after the tire was fixed and the tile unloaded, we all watched 'Buddy the Elf' on tv....and I felt a huge sense of relief. It may have been a horrible day, but things had turned out ok. We had to smuggle the 15 yr old incontinent dog in for obvious reasons. She slept in the bath tub.

The next morning, we devoured the hotel breakfast at dawn and headed to Home Depot where they kindly unloaded another palette of tile for us, just for safe measure. We headed to the beach, all the while holding our breath that it did not happen again.

I have never been so happy to be somewhere safe and sound. What a relief to be here. Unfortunately, The Husband had to unload all of the remaining tile so that he could make the 4 hour trip back to the hotel this morning to pick up the remaining tile.

So all's well that ends well. The Husband promises that we will never make a trip in the truck again. This makes me very happy. And here we are at the beach. It will take me a few days to decompress. The stress level in the truck was rather high...

It makes me wonder what on earth the New Year can bring.....

Merry Christmas

I cannot believe it is Christmas Eve already. This holiday season has flown past. Yesterday was a flurry of activity. The Tike had come for an overnight visit, and it was so much fun. I am fairly sure he has a career as an engineer in front of him. I had set out the train tracks, but he took about 4 hours to re-arrange and set up the way he liked them. He is his mother's son, as he talked and talked the entire time. The last few hours before his bedtime, I found myself responding in sign language, as my words for the day had been used up. My favorite part of his visit was when I kissed him goodnight, and I said "You are my guy." He kissed me sweetly and replied "No Noni, YOU are MY guy." I love that little guy.

This evening the immediate family will gather, and though it does not look like it use to look, it will be lovely. I am determined to focus on the future of the family, and not the past. I will remember mom and dad and grandma with love, but I will remember that life goes on...And so, on this Christmas Eve day, I am going to be indulgent and personal in my wishes:

1) Merry Christmas to Big Sis and SIL...I love you both and look forward to all that the new year brings....

2)To The Senior....you are so close, aren't you? Next year this time, you will be a grown up, huh? Enjoy each moment. and be proud that your biggest accomplishment is the adorable, loving Tike.

3) To The Boy and Little One...you keep me on my toes. You remind me that life is about the day to day routine. You make me laugh on a daily basis.

4) To all of my friends...most especially K....I love you guys. I love to laugh and you help me do that on a daily basis.

5) To my brothers....what can i say? i don't even know why I got such good ones. Every memory I have of you guys is amazing. You have always been there for me. (And I adore my funny niece!!)

6) To my brother and sister in law.....how lucky I am to have you in my family. There is history there that just cannot be replaced. I look forward to being with you soon.

7) To my father -in-law. I love you and respect you. You make me think and laugh too. I remember when you first met me...you weren't sure. A model//buyer was not that impressive in your book. And besides, I was fluent in french and not italian! But we were quick to bond...and you are a great teacher in many ways...

8) To my pastor. You are wise. I am thankful for your voice in my life. Just when things seem a bit much....you bring me back to the appreciation of life. You are a disciple of Christ.

And last but not least....The Husband. We have lived 50 years in the last 15, that is for sure. But as you reminded me recently, it's all a matter of perspective. I am extremely grateful for your ability to ride the waves in such a calm way. For all of my over-reactions...you are the under-reaction. And besides, like she said in the movie last night...'when all is said and done...he makes me laugh." Merry Christmas and I love you.

So that is it for today. As I go through the day wrapping and cooking....I will remember that this is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And in my life, he is not just a great man, or an interesting figure in history...but he is our Lord and Saviour. And in a tiny manger in Bethlehem, the shepherds were led to him by a bright star, and ever since, he has led the way for all of us.

Merry Christmas to all, near and far.....

On The Strange Ways of 12 yr Old Boys.....

The Boy came rambling in yesterday with his buddy and said he was invited to spend the night. Well, ok, not yet invited, but they were going to ask. Would that be ok? I told him to ask dad. I was getting ready to go the 'Longest Night' service at church and did not want to think about it. The Husband and I tag-teamed, meaning I pulled out as he pulled in.
I've been to this service the last 3 years. It's a solemn service meant for people who are grieving for someone this time of year and want kind of a quiet way to do it. The last few years, I drug everyone with me. First it was dad's passing, then Husband's mom, then mom. This year, nobody passed, but I still feel like I am grieving, somehow. Last year, when mom died in November, I was kind of in shock. Coming home and celebrating the holidays was kind of auto-pilot. This year, I feel the void more. Anyway, the service is somewhere you could go and cry and not worry about people thinking you are crazy. Unlike say, the grocery store, where it un-nerves people to see you cry...So I went by myself...sparing the others from tears and sadness...

When I returned, The Boy ran over and hugged me and said he would see me in the morning. They were playing flashlight tag, and then were headed to his friend's house. They had sweetly let Little One play too. (This more due to the kindness of his friend). The Husband and I settled in to what we thought was going to be a quiet evening, until the phone rang. It was The Boy, asking if plans could change and they could spend the night here. I in no way understood why this needed to happen, but I heard "brother", "early" and...well, mainly "Is that ok?" Well, why not? Ok. Come on. So 10 minutes later, in came The Boy, the friend, and ???the brother. And suddenly the whole evening changed. Because there were bunk beds that had to be prepared and a sleeping bag that had to be laid out....so I took care of it, and they watched a movie. When The Husband and I decided it was lights out time, we sent them upstairs. 10 minutes later, The Boy once again appeared at our door, explaining that the brother wanted to go home, and he needed to "walk him". ,,,,Again, when it comes to 12 year old boys...the explanation never makes sense. So ok, walk him home. I think we were all in bed by midnight...

So they were up early today...off to construct a "beaver dam" down at the creek. I have no idea what this entails...I only know that is is rare that The Boy is worried about getting his clothes dirty...but he was worried today...Oh Boy.

That is it for today. The Tike is coming over later on for a spend-the-night, so I have to set up the train set. Little One is sleeping strangely late...or doing something covert in her room....I'll hope for the first choice....

Until tomorrow....

On the Fourth day Of Christmas.....

We watched old videos from previous Christmases last night at The Boy's request. I asked him why he wanted to watch and he replied very honestly "Because I like to see myself on TV". I love watching these, though this year, it felt a little more sad than usual to watch. The videos are full of Grandma, and Grandmother and Grandfather...and they are no longer with us. Or as Little One so graciously put it "At least the dog and Grandpa are still alive". We marveled at how The Boy was such a chunky toddler and Little One was such a bubbly little thing. The Husband was guessing the year by the amount of hair he had...and I was guessing it by how pregnant I was. I was once again reminded that I am in charge of holidays now. I miss the times when it was a joint discussion and effort. But it's fine and good...if it is my time to be the "matriarch", so be it. I'll give it my best shot.

Friday night was a girl's night. I met up with Big Sis, The Senior and her friend Liz. And I brought along Little One and BFF for good measure. We ate at a new Italian restaurant, and we enjoyed it. Liz grew up in our house. In fact, she feels like another daughter. She is recently engaged, and I had done a painting for her as a wedding gift. I had seen a Kenton Nelson painting in a movie that not only looked like her, but reminded me of her...so I 'copied' it. It was so much fun to get to catch up with her...she is not only lovely, but she is hilarious. Big Sis was sweet to come straight from work...and The Senior was The Senior in all her glory....She has never met a waiter that she did not view as dating material, and that night was no different. Little One added to the entertainment my dropping her coke...but all in all, it was a great evening.

The rest of the weekend was low key. The Boy was at a spend-the-night party, so the house was strangely quiet. Little One and BFF watched a marathon of Mary-Kate and Asley movies...and I finished my Christmas cards.

As the "Big Day" gets closer, I can honestly say that I am ready. This is a good feeling...one that I rarely have 3 days out. We are headed to the beach Christmas Day...so there is packing to do too...

So today, with the kids home and the preparations ready, I will look forward to having the family here. I'm going to try and focus on the true meaning of Christmas, and I am hoping that I accomplish that as well as mom and dad did.

Until tomorrow, when The Tike is coming for a "sleep over"....

This and That....

Thanks to everyone who asked about The Boy. He is so much better. We discovered on Monday that he had strep throat. Yikes! Of course, we discovered this after he surprisingly told the doctor "oh yeah, my throat feels weird." Oh really?? This might have been a good piece of information to share with mom while she was trying to figure out the cause of the high fever. Anyway, as soon as we got a couple of doses of antibiotic in him, he was fine. Although he looks about 10 pounds lighter....

Little One is in rehearsals for 'Grease' at the local theater. She does not allow me to watch rehearsals, so last night, I disguised myself and hid in order to watch. Little One surprises me on a daily basis (in good and bad ways!)...but once again, I was in awe of how good she was! Excuse me for being a mom for just a sec....

The Husband would like for me to add a little addendum to yesterday's blog. He claims the wet suits were meant to be used when we vacationed at Lake George. Unfortunately, we never got there, so this did not pan out....

Two more days of school...this makes me very happy. I am so ready to not have any homework for a few weeks....

That's it for today...off to do errands......until next week.....

On Being Careful What You Ask For...

There was a very funny article in the WSJ yesterday entitled "The Gift that Needs Forgiving". The gist of article was about the crazy gifts that men sometimes give at Christmas. There were stories of listerine, nasal strips and cases of chapstick. There was a fuzzy nightgown from WalMart with a picture of dogs with balls in their mouths on it. There were men's tennis shoes in a size not even close to the wife's foot...and it went on and on. The funniest line was "When you ask a man what he wants for Christmas, and he says "Nothing", he means it. When you ask a woman what she wants for Christmas and she says "Nothing", God help you if you believe her." This made me belly-laugh. I am guilty of this all of the time. I always tell The Husband "Don't worry about a gift"....but the few times he has semi-listened, I pouted.

I've written before in this blog about how The Husband is a great gift-giver. Stellar, really. If I never get another gift from him, he has done enough for a lifetime (Refer to above, Husband...I'm being gracious). Therefore, I feel like I can reveal the one time he slipped up on this title. The first year we were married, under the tree were matching scuba-diving suits...his and hers. Now, the problem with this was that we didn't scuba dive. Granted, we had gone for a couple of hours on our honeymoon....but that about summed it up. I hadn't asked for one....in fact, I was totally thrown for about a minute. Big Sis and the Senior were 'Little Ones' back then, and I remember them asking "What are those?" They have never forgotten about the scuba suits to this day...and when that particular memory comes up...many tears are shed in laughter. (Let me explain for The Husband. He loves Costco. You know that new show Modern Family? Well, did you see the episode where they went to Costco? Cam loves it...and his partner is a snob and makes fun of it, then buys out the store. This is exactly how it is with me and The Husband.....he LOVES it....I am the snob who somehow finds a cart load of "stuff" to buy......but I digress...I am absolutely positive that The Husband spotted those suits in Costco and thought to himself "Ooh..maybe we'll scuba dive one day...meanwhile, that's a great price")....and so that is the Story of the Scuba Suit Christmas.

So this year, as I search for the perfect present for The Husband, I'm thinking of hobbies that we might take up in the future....should I go with the bow and arrow? or perhaps a bowling ball? I'm not sure...I'd better head to Costco and check out the specials. And while I'm at it, I'll wrap up some contact solution and toothpaste...

Until tomorrow...

On How Much Should go Under the Tree....

When I was a little girl, I guess about 10 years old, I remember having a perfect Christmas. I got a clock radio, which for some reason had been my heart's desire. This probably psychologically explains a lot about me...I'm not sure what it says, and I probably don't want to know...but I remember being absolutely thrilled. I also received a generic winter coat, which I don't remember very well, and a jewelry box that my big brother sent me from college. It is tough to decide which I treasured more...the radio or the jewelry box. I adored my big brother, and I would have treasured a bobby pin if he had sent that. But the beautiful musical box with the pretty lady and baby on the front that played 'Love Story' made me cry with joy. I still have that little jewelry box to this day. The radio didn't make it as long, but I do remember taking it to college a few years later.

Fast forward several years, and those memories continue to shape the way I see gift-giving over the holidays. That story is the equivalent of my dad's "I walked 5 miles in snow to get to school" story to my kids. But I am constantly reminding them that "the reason for the season" is much bigger and more important than how many video games or stuffed animals show up under the tree on Christmas morning. It is way too easy this time of year to get caught up in all of the "Did I get them enough?" hoop-a-la.

If I have learned anything in my life, it is that gratitude is one of the major keys to happiness. The ability to be thankful and appreciative for everything we are given...is a blessing and a gift. The flip side of that is that when you give someone too much, little by little, you take away their ability to be appreciative. It would be easy to use my kids as an example of this...but I'm gonna use myself instead. I am a voracious, if not obsessive reader. When I was in college, and short on money, I would trek to the local used bookstore and trade in a stack of books for another stack. I don't think I ever bought a book from a regular bookstore in those years. Now these days, I practically live at Barnes and Noble. I think nothing of picking up a book (or books, says The Husband) on a regular basis. The thought of heading to the used bookstore would not appeal to me these days. Am I spoiled? I guess. But again, it's all a matter of what you get use to.

My kids are pretty appreciative. If I get something for Big Sis, there is a thank you note in my mailbox before I get home. The Senior may not write a note, but she will call 30 times and tell me how much she likes it. (A few weeks ago, she actually called one evening just to thank me for being a great mom...wow...doesn't get any better than that). The Boy does not ask for a lot...and he has a generous heart. He is generally just as interested in what he is giving. Little One still makes the list and checks it twice....she still longs for stuff. But Little One is little...
So the challenge for me is to fight the urge to have that 5 minutes of happiness that comes from giving them too much. To fight the urge to run out and buy everything I have heard them mention. To fight the urge to give The Boy the phone even though he has not accomplished his end of the bargain on a few things. I'd love to see the smile....but yet what do I teach him if I do that? That deals aren't deals....and mom caves.

So this year, I will try and remember that restraint is the word...that gifts are not always material...that less is more.....and what is under the tree is sometimes less important than you might think...


In the end, it's up to me to continue to give them this gift of appreciation. I am ao tempted some years to over do it.....to keep asking "Do I have enough for them?". But even as I ask that question, I know the answer. The thought of their faces seeing a tree surrounded by gifts makes me smile...but the thought of them opening up a few presents and treasuring them the way I did that radio....that is priceless.

Until tomorrow....

The Yearly Gift Exchange

Saturday evening, we had our yearly Christmas celebration with our BFFs. This includes dinner and gift exchange, followed by some sort of activity. The Boy has been very sick since Friday, so he made a brief appearance, and then excused himself and headed back to bed (with his wonderful football signed by all of the Atlanta Falcons in hand...what a cool gift). Little One was thrilled by her jewelry-making bead set, and she set to work immediately designing some lovely necklaces. The Husband received an assortment of 'man stuff'... but he was drawn to the flashlight that goes on the forehead. He immediately took the sick Boy outside with him to try it out in the dark. These are the things that men do. I did, however, understand how that could be useful. Little One and I will enjoy wearing it at night while we search for crabs at the beach...

I received a beautiful tray that looked like a vintage french postcard...the kind of gift that just thrills you because it is given by someone who has to really know you well...Many thanks...

After all of the gift-giving, we settled down to watch the movie 'Julie and Julia'. Now as I have discussed before, we generally alternate back and forth between guy and girl picks for movies in this foursome. Last time, we watched 'Star Trek"...which though it was a "guy pick", was actually very good. So this time was the girls' turn...Another friend of mine had suggested "Julia" to me, saying that it would be right up my alley. And it was. But I have to admit to feeling a little guilty and embarrassed after the movie. It took place in Paris, and it dealt with French, writing...specifically blogging. It was as if I had invited people over to watch me do what I like. Though the guys were gracious enough to say that it wasn't the "worst they'd ever seen"....I will definitely be taking myself out of the equation on movie picks for awhile...

The Boy and I spent the day in our respective beds yesterday...he with a high fever, and me feeling sick, but not taking my temperature for 2 reasons....I figured if I didn't know, I didn't have it......and secondly, no matter how many times I sterilized the thermometer...germs would be spread. So this morning, we are headed to the doctor. He seems to be on the mend....but 3 days of high fever has him looking really worn.

Little One is fine...except for remembering that she forgot to do some homework...oh well

So until tomorrow...let's hope for good news at the doctor.....

On Loving Friends and Keeping it All in Perspective

I'm pre-blogging tonight. I spent the day translating the President's Nobel prize speech into french for some people. What had seemed like a fairly benign exercise ended up being more difficult since he used words like "nuclear stockpiles" and "intransigence" and "cultural leveling of modernenity".....not exactly my everyday french. But it was a good exercise and an interesting speech.



Tomorrow is the Little One's Christmas play. At 9:15 tonight, I realized that though I had made the 60 brownies I needed, I had forgotten the 60 small paper plates...oops...so a trip to the store was in order. I'm hopeful I don't wake up at 3:00am and remember something else I forgot.



A friend of mine is struggling. She does not read the blog, and she is not nearby, so I am not worried about invading her privacy here. For weeks, she has been alluding to a problem with one of her kids. I listened, but didn't inquire, because I just felt like she would talk when she was ready. Last night, she finally did. It all came spilling out. I wanted so badly to make her feel better. I wanted to let her know that after hearing the problem, I felt relieved. I wanted her to be able to step outside her life and look in for a minute, and see that everything would be ok...You know, "this too shall pass' and all of that. But you know, it is hard to see the picture when you're in it...and she cannot yet see that there is light at the end of this tunnel.



I've lived through similar 'stuff'. Not the same thing, but 'stuff'' that affects you the same way as a mom. After our conversation, I was acutely aware that I am at a very sweet point in my life....I have weathered the storms of the Big Sis and The Senior. They live responsible, loving lives now. They make their own decisions. On the other end of the spectrum are The Boy and Little One. They are not yet to the "scary years". They don't drive....date...etc, etc. They exhaust me more physically than emotionally. But those days are just around the corner.



So tonight, my heart and prayers go out to my friend. I want her to have some peace. I want her to have a good night's sleep. I want her to understand that better days are right around the corner. I just have to figure out how to help her see that....



As I prepare for Little One's cast party, I'll try and remember that these are the fun days...filled with the worries like "Do I have enough plates" or "Is her costume ok?".....It's all good...



Until tomorrow...

On Sarcasm and War Games....

Last night, I watched 'Prep and Landing'...the new Christmas Disney show, with Little One. It was a very sweet story of some elves who messed up, and then redeemed themselves in time for Christmas. We both loved it...but I was really struck by how much sarcasm was in the show. Now I love sarcasm in it's proper place (and if I don't..I married the wrong guy, and I am friends with the wrong people)...but I don't know that it belongs on a kid's Christmas program. When you watch the old "Rudolph' or 'Frosty'...there is no sarcasm. No attempt at a "wink" to the adults. The problem with sarcasm is that your audience has to "get it"...or it just sounds mean. I worry that the little ones watching might not "get it". ...But other than that .....really cute.

The Boy made a list of games he wants for his Wii for Christmas. Now when we first bought him the Wii, the deal was that we would only get sports games to go with it. That way, I didn't have to worry about content. Well, our neighbor's son has a whole range of games and The Boy goes over and plays them on occasion. I consider him lucky that I don't go over and edit what he can do...he finds this notion appalling. So this year, he asked for something called Call Of Duty, World at War. He actually begged for it. And because I have been such a stickler on the "no phone" rule, I decided to bend. I ran to Target and asked the lady to get that game out for me. As she began to ring it up, she asked for my birthdate...Well, gosh, why would she need that? Turns out it's like an R rated movie...there is evidently so much violence and bad language in this game that you have to put an adult warning on it. Ok. No thank you. Had to hold up the line and have her void it. The thing is, I have nothing against boys playing 'war stuff'. My 3 brothers had about 1000 army men and they had daily battles all over the neighborhood. But there was no blood and gore, and certainly no bad language (well, that I ever heard). I just don't like the idea of my 12 year old watching these images over and over again. What's that I hear? A collective rolling of the eyes from my daughters.......TOO BAD. Remember, you all now thank me for not letting you watch 'Dawson's Creek' when you were 13.....

The Husband told me the latest rumor concerning Tiger...seems his wife has already bought a house in Sweden and is headed back there. "You'd already be in Paris, wouldn't you?" remarked The Husband. Well yes, I would. I didn't think that the first day, or maybe the second...but by the time the 5th woman had come 0ut with details....my ticket would have been processed. I think I am forgiving. I think I am realistic. I think I am able to evaluate my part in things......but I also believe in self-preservation. I hope this woman goes somewhere and surrounds herself with people who are kind and loving...and starts over. The end.

So that is it for today. The Husband is "working from home".....this means he is still sleeping. He has promised to bring home a tree today....and Little One has given her specifications....

Until tomorrow, with hopes of having a beautiful tree...and a day closer to the big Christmas play...






Until tomorrow....

Random Acts of Patience

I was waiting in line at Target yesterday... a really long line. In front of me was an older couple, obviously enjoying themselves, chatting away with the check out girl. The man was telling her that he remembered her from their last visit. In fact, he said, she was one of the reasons they had come back to Target, because she was so friendly. Behind me, a group of collective sighs were so loud that I felt them practically push me forward. To be honest, I was feeling impatient too, having several more errands to accomplish. But as the couple left and I stepped forward, I was struck by the look on the cashier's face. Pure happiness. "Those people were so nice. They made my day. Said they came here because of me." She paused a minute. "I've had a lot of nice people lately. And then some really mean...but I just don't give them any thought." I smiled at her and took a deep breath. I hoped the people behind me had heard her. I had a quick flashback to my college days when I worked at the local shoe department in the mall 3 nights a week. I remembered how a kind person could literally make my day. And a nasty one could make me cry. I set my stuff out and began to chat with her about this and that. We wished each other a good day..and I was off to my next stop....

I dropped by Kohl's to pick up some sweats for The Boy. As I approached the register to pay, I noticed the line was once again very long. One lone weary-looking lady was ringing up. I considered putting my stuff back...but the sale price was too good...and The Boy needed some sweats...so I got in line. The next person decided to open an account. This sent the people in back of me over the edge. They started saying things like "She needs some back up. Where's her help?! They need more registers open." Well, the poor lady just continued to work, either oblivious to the comments...or not wishing to engage. When I finally reached the register, the lady behind me remarked to her, "You need some help."......The sales lady replied "I keep calling, but nobody comes." My heart went out to her. It was only about 11:00, and she looked exhausted. I felt like punching the lady behind me. Was it really worth making her feel bad? I mean, we hadn't been in line longer than 10 minutes. And it is the holiday season. Shouldn't we go in expecting that?

I thought about this all the way home. You hear a lot this time of year about "random acts of kindness". In fact, one of my best friends was just on the receiving end of some last weekend at the mall, when someone returned her debit card to her from the ATM. But maybe we should also be committing conscious acts of politeness and patience. In our texting, blackberrying, facebooking society...we have come to expect things to happen on our own schedule...and when it doesn't...we complain. From road rage...to the check out line...we feel the need to hurry everyone along...unless it is us. I'm not lecturing here...I'm as guilty of this as anyone else. I've caught myself honking a few times lately, anxious to get where I am going a few minutes faster. My initial reaction at Target was impatience when the older couple was chatting. I'm ashamed of that. What's the hurry? Isn't an extra moment to interact with someone...ask how they are...wish them a nice day....worth the time?

I'd been thinking lately of getting a blackberry...joining the world of the texters...It seemed like a good idea to be able to get a message to someone whenever the mood struck me......But today, I'm reconsidering this. Maybe...for me, at least...it's better not to encourage the idea that everything has to happen immediately. Maybe there is still some credence to the idea that we don't have to say it or do it the minute we think it. I'll give it some more thought...

So today, as I set out to run some errands, I'll remember that with each human interaction I make, I have the ability to make someone smile...or not. It is not a small thing....

Until tomorrow....

On Monday Morning Mysteries...

It's hard enough to get up and going on Monday morning...but the following are the small mysteries of life that keep me frustrated, yet curious...



1) Why are there always 3 pairs of pants lying on the floor after The Boy leaves his room? We know it is not because he is trying several on for looks, because the light never comes on in the room while he gets dressed.



2) Why does Little One ask for "two more minutes of sleep" every morning, and then pass me on the stairs on the way back down?



3) Why does The Boy say he is not very hungry, and then proceed to eat 17 waffles with "lots of butter"?



4) Why does Little One refuse to brush the bottom half of her hair every morning, yet take great pains to put her headband in?



5) Why (and even more important, how) is there toothpaste on the side wall of the bathroom. I understand the sink...and the mirror...but what gestures are required to get it on the wall?



6) Why does The Boy have to watch all the ESPN highlights, even if he has seen the same ones that night before??



7) Why does Little One insist on having me straighten her hair on rainy days, when we both know it will be curly again before we get to school?



8) Why do the cats jockey for eating position every morning when they see me coming...and then try to knock ME out of the way too? Seriously lacking in basic intelligence....



9) Why does the dog refuse to eat before I go back inside? It's like a test of wills....



10)Why does The Husband let his blackberry play the wake up song 452 times until I have to go in and turn it off? Does he realize that the blackberry is the alarm...not me??



11) How can it take The Husband 39 minutes to get ready...when it only takes me 7? (Ok, I shower the night before, but still...)



So that is it for today. Monday mornings are always a little difficult, but it is the holiday season, so I am going to attempt to overlook these minor nuisances. Until tomorrow, when hopefully The Husband will fulfill his yearly duty and come home with a lovely Christmas tree....

On Elf Costumes.....

I had to play hooky for a few days. I'd like to blame it on writing or painting, but that would be a lie. Just busy, everyday life stuff that needed addressing. Little One got her braces on, and unfortunately, she is in a lot of pain. I offered to let her stay home from school, but she bravely passed on the offer and said she could make it....but by the way, could I please deliver vanilla milkshakes for lunch each day since she cannot eat? Well, ok. No problem.



Meanwhile, the Christmas play is about a week away. I volunteered to co-coordinate this event...and I am happy to do so...but it suddenly dawned on me that this is an event where 50 kids and about 120 parents and grandparents have to be "refreshed". This means that a little more thought, effort, and yes, delegation, must go into the process. Now the play is "international" in subject...so we decided to put a little "European flair" into the whole production. Then we realized that the play only mentions sticky buns and potato cakes....so we had to take another direction. Back to donut holes and Christmas cookies.



The play also demands a costume. Little One and BFF are elves. Matching elves. So we spent several days online searching for elf costumes. We must have perused 100 websites for the appropriate costume...and finally, she settled on one. Now it only came in "one size fits all adults"...and Little One is VERY petite. So ever since it arrived the other day, I have been trying to get her to try it on. Well, last night, after basketball practice, on her way to bed, I made her put it on. Uh, it was a little big. Make that huge. So huge that The Husband even said "Can you take it in a little?"........A little?? Well, a tired Little One reverted back to 3 years old and threw the tantrum of a lifetime. I also reverted back somewhere ....and began reminding her that "when I was little, I would have had to make my own costume!!" .....Did I really say that? Yes, I did. And then I yelled at The Husband because....well...because he was there. And the The husband did what he always does in these situations....he whispered something under his breath which cannot be repeated....
So after a 30 minute scene, Little One calmed down. I promised to "work on" the costume and fix it to her specifications. I came downstairs and made a big show of not speaking to The Husband....and then I tried to channel the designers on Project Runway....blocking out the fact that I made a C+ in sewing in home economics (how old am I? I just said Home Ec).....I cut and trimmed and sewed....and guess what?Not bad!....Shorter, less puffy, sleeker....I was so proud of myself. When Little One came down this morning, I think I even saw a slight smile when she saw it. Now it still needs work....but I'm feeling confident in my skills.......wishing there was a runway competition at the end of the week to show it off....

So that is is for today. Off for the weekend to see my brothers. So until next week, when the big play is near.....

On Changing My Mind... Maybe

Just a couple of things....



1) I may have to amend yesterday's posting on Tiger Woods after the news this morning. I'm not rushing to judgement...but all of this 'texting' stuff and women coming out of the woodwork tend to discourage me from wanting to defend him. Yesterday I felt protective...today I'm leaning towards "you made your bed, now lie in it"......But hey, too soon to have an opinion.



2) I personally did not like the President's speech on Afghanistan last night. I don't think you can defend sending 30,000 troops over there by saying that it is important for the good of the world...and then in the next sentence say that you'll bring them home in 18 months regardless of the outcome. It felt like a defensive speech crafted to appease his detractors on the left and right. To the Michael Moores of the world who want to just get out...he explained that there was real danger there that needs to be addressed. To those who think we should be sending more troops, he explained that it was a very expensive war and we could not be there on an open-ended basis. It was definitely not a "rally the troops" speech...but more of a 'well, if I have to"...not exactly what I would think our military would want to hear. I don't like that he is always so apologetic....BE THE PRESIDENT. Take a stand, whatever that is, and then state it and move on. Don't waste our time trying to justify everything. Didn't he ever hear that you can't please all the people all the time??

(One defense of him...I appreciated hearing that his delay of making his mind up on this matter did not put the troops at any risk. If you listened to the conservative press...you would have thought that he was twiddling his thumbs while the troops were waiting. Evidently, the needed troops were not requested until 2010. Shame on the press for making it seem like he was just ignoring his military advisors...)



3)On the home front, Little One is in rehearsals for two different plays: 'Grease' at the local playhouse, which requires her to dance and sing, and the Christmas play at school which requires her to be an elf and act out the lines she has written. I am not allowed to see her rehearse either one...so both should be interesting. Picking out the costume for the elf took about a week. I never knew that there were so many versions of the Christmas elf. Unfortunately, there are several"'sexy" versions on line which I had to talk her out of. She did not understand why a 10 year old would probably not want to wear stockings and heels in the 4th grade play....

4) The Boy's schedule is full. He continues to practice basketball for his team...but he also has weight training, endurance training and batting lessons. He and I look at each other every morning and say 'What sport today?"......On another note....he is in the midst of writing his first research paper. An outline had to be constructed. Can somebody explain to me why the same boy who can organize his baseball cards by color, player, size, batting average, etc,. cannot seem to understand the pertinence of an outline?

5) Thanks to those who have asked about my nose. It still hurts, but it no longer looks crooked...and this is the first morning since the incident that I have not had to put on several layers of make up to keep from being questioned by the police...

That's it for this rainy day. I'm thinking of pulling our the Christmas decorations. Little One has already reminded me to "do it better this year".....until tomorrow......

On Leaving Tiger Alone....

A few weeks ago, I came across a picture of Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin. I remember thinking that it was remarkable how this lovely young woman had been able to stay out of the lime light. In a situation (relationship) where others might have been tempted to try and share the stage with their famous spouse, she had definitely chosen another path. Except for the occasional picture with Tiger, you never saw her. She is either extremely shy or very humble.

Fast forward a few weeks, and everything has changed. Since last Friday when the "incident" took place, all you see all over the news are the few pictures of Elin that are out there. And it's not just People magazine or The Enquirer that are participating in this. Fox News had several attorneys on throughout the day yesterday discussing Tiger's 'dilema' and whether or not he was being counseled wisely by his own team. NPR did a 10 minute breakdown of the whole "situation" this morning. Everywhere you look, there are pictures of the damaged SUV, tapes of the 911 call, interviews with 'friends'....and on it goes.

Here's my take on it. Leave them alone, for goodness sakes. There was no crime committed here. Nobody is hurt or injured, besides Tiger and his pride. Why do we need to delve into the reasons or the details? If this happened anywhere else to anyone else, nobody would hear about it. The police wouldn't be involved. Now I know, I know, Tiger is a celebrity...and therefore he is subject to this kind of thing. But you know what? He has always conducted himself with such dignity and respect. Well, except for the occasional curse word....and I heard one of the news announcers say this morning that he "refused to be political too often". Sorry, I thought that was a good thing. My point is....given the stellar way these two have conducted themselves...can't we just leave them alone? The Husband said that Tiger's explanation that his wife broke the back window of his car with a golf club is "insulting". I disagree. It is either true...or it is a kind attempt to protect his wife. Given the ugly rumor and innuendo going around, there is a good chance it is the latter.
Who among us (married couples) have never had a disagreement or fight that they would prefer not to have aired publicly. I'm not saying I have ever chased The Husband with a golf club....but then again, I have never been in a situation where his bad judgement or behavior was splattered on the front of the magazines and papers at the grocery store check-out.It's always easy to jump to judgement...but the old adage "walk a mile in my shoes' surely applies here.

So without further lecture, I just hope that this holiday season, we can all remember that there is a young family at stake here...and though it is salacious and distracting to continue to delve into the details...it is kinder and more respectful to look the other way.

So that's it for today....hopefully there will be some news in the next few days that will shine the light somewhere else...isn't the President speaking on TV about Afghanistan tonight?....Until tomorrow....

Back To The Routine....

It's always hard to get back into the swing of things after a holiday weekend. Little One provided a negative running commentary this morning on her feelings about the day. "I don't want to get up. I don't want to go to school. I don't want to eat breakfast. I don't want to brush my teeth."....Well, you get the picture.

The Husband and I headed to the school parking lot late last night to try and start the car that I had to leave in the parking lot last week. Dad's car may have provided me with some good memories in the past...but this last memory made me consider just leaving it there. However, after tightening several wires, it started right up....Many thanks to the 'friends' who said they were actually in line that day and 'would have stopped if they had seen me.' ....Uh, ok, yeah, thanks....However, heartfelt thanks to Mr. J, who kindly picked me up, waited in line for the kids, and made polite conversation, all the while pretending that I had not interrupted his day....
SO happy to be driving my own car this morning. The Husband was kind enough to get those tires on so quickly for me. And for those of you who are thinking that it was some sort of payback for the nose incident...you are most likely correct.

Speaking of the nose, it is much better this morning...but there is agreement among the family that it looks a little crooked. Now The Husband thinks this is because it is still bruised and this somehow "causes shading that makes it look crooked." ...Uh, ok. The Boy just said "You better go to the doctor." I say it is a good thing I am not vain (Husband is belly-laughing at this) because otherwise, the crookedness would affect my mood. I do admit to being happy that I have no appointments today. I also admit to hiding during school drop off this morning....

I went shopping on Black Friday (what does that mean?) with Big Sis and Little One. We actually only made it to one store. Little One found a lovely turquoise shirt with attached necklace which she wore the whole weekend. Big Sis scored a chic animal-print dress which I would wager she is wearing to work today. I came away with a lavatory sign that says "toilette" in french. What I really wanted was a pair of red suede 5 inch platform heels. Little One and Big Sis tried to talk me into getting them, but as I have said before, 5 inches puts me at 6'3...and where do I go these days where I need to be 6'3? I wasn't able to talk myself into them, even at the fabulous sale price...but they are still on my mind today. If I could just come up with a place to wear them...

Lastly, we had a wonderful dinner with BFF friends on Saturday night. So nice after eating leftovers for a few days to go out for a delicious meal. I had to plot out my meal, since the first thing I saw was that the chocolate creme brulee was the "special" dessert for the evening. Everyone said they were going to take a bite...but as it turned out, it was just me and Little one who polished it off....I left feeling like I couldn't move. It was the best dessert I've had in ages...but it also made me feel like I better step up my workouts a bit this week....

So that's it for today. Little One is making her stage debut as an elf in the Christmas play...so I am off in search of a costume...Until tomorrow.....

All's Well That Ends Well....

The turkey was a resounding success. Not as good as The Husband's Italian Meatball Sandwiches, but pretty darn good. Now you might think that meatball sandwiches are a strange addition to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, but for those of you who know us and our last name, you know that this is the norm...

So tonight, the house is once again quiet. The Husband and The Boy have snuck off to the Hawk's game. Little One is watching her Mary-Kate and Ashleigh movie for the 10th time. Big Sis and SIL have gone home to do homework for graduate studies, and The Senior has taken the Tike home to put to bed. This is the lovely, yet kind of sad time of day. In years past, this is when Grandma and mom and I would sit around and clean and talk. But this year, it is just me. The Husband asked me last night why I seemed so stressed out about the meal this year...and I think it is because I miss not having to be in charge of the whole meal. In years past, even if I was doing the cooking, I had plenty of suggestions and advice. But hey, that is the cycle of life. It's my turn to be in charge...it just came too soon for me. So today, we used Grandma's china and mom's silverware...and it was wonderful.

So a few thank yous for today:

1) Thanks to my friend K who is responsible for my successful turkey.

2) Thanks to Big Sis who showed up this morning just when I needed her..and kicked me out of the kitchen after the meal so she could do the cleaning. Thanks and I love you.

3) Thanks to the Son-In-Law, whose humor adds a lot to our family. Your heartfelt, hummed rendition of "Come On Baby Light My Fire" was amazing....

4) Thanks to the Senior for making it over here on time with the Tike. You travelled the farthest...and the strawberry shortcake was yummy. (Little One has had 3 servings)

5) Thanks to The Tike, for taking me on a long walk on the golf course, pointing out things I would have never seen...and warming my heart.

6) Last, but not least, thanks to The Husband for maneuvering though the chaos of the day with good humor. Your sandwiches over-shadowed my turkey...but that was a good thing.

So that is it for today. A lovely day filled with family and good food. If you have your parents still with you, turn to them and tell them you love them. Appreciate them.

Until next week....

Please Let the Turkey Be Good

Well, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I wasn't going to blog today, but I find that the time between 6:00am when I got up to put my turkey in, and the time when I need to actually start my other stuff...is pretty low-key. Now this being my first year cooking my own turkey, I was overwhelmed by great suggestions from all of you readers. I wrote down every single tip, and I figure I cannot miss, right???

The Husband was not thrilled last night when he saw me set the alarm for 6:00am. "Do you have to do that?" he asked. Well, I reminded him that he had said he did not want 'dry turkey'. He asked if I couldn't just "wake myself up". Well, I told him, I could try that, but we might end up eating at Burger King. Anyway, I set the alarm and stumbled out of bed at 6 to start the day. I would like to say I ran with excitement, but that would be lying. I followed the directions that my friend K had given me... her main piece of advice was 'Butter is Queen for the day...No low-fat options." This advice was making me laugh as I piled on the butter. (K, if you are reading this, I didn't just pile on the butter, I mixed the proper ingredients and slit the skin and shoved it in.)
I then debated on making coffee and staying up, but I figured I might as well get a few hours of beauty sleep since my nose is still a mess from the previous night's basketball incident. When I got back to the bedroom, I was sorry to hear that I had hit the "snooze" button instead of the "off" button...so Christmas music was blaring.....Why The Husband did not turn it off is beyond me, but I'll bet it is so he could let me know what I had done. I'm sure I will hear about it when he gets up.

I slept for about an hour, and then I actually smelled the turkey cooking. K told me I needed to baste every 30 minutes, so I decided to get up and get with it. The house is still quiet. The sun is shining. The turkey looks edible. My nose looks better. My family is near. All is right with the world.

So today...as I dispell the myth in our family that I cannot cook a turkey, I will take a moment and be grateful for all of the little things in life.

Until tonight, when I will let you know how the turkey turned out....

On Being Thankful for Flat Tires and Broken Noses...

I hate to be a whiner, but I am going to allow myself to partake in it for a few minutes. Last week, I was driving around the local college campus, when my tire evidently shredded, causing my car to make a sound like Armagedon was here. It was lunch time, so every student was out walking...and staring at me creeping down the street. I quickly called The Husband and he said...and I quote...."Well, the nearest tire place is about 2 miles away. See if you can make it." I hung up on him and began the longest journey of my life. As I crept among the eyes of 20,000 students with my car howling, my tire tread was following me. When I finally reached the tire place, a man named Tommy sauntered out, took one look at my license plate, which for some unknown reason carries the school emblem of The Husband's school, and he said "You can't come in here with those plates." Now he had a smile on his face, but when he saw me start to cry, he backed down and sweetly put my spare on.

Fast forward to yesterday. I'm driving my dad's old car since my car still has the spare on. I'm sitting in pick up line with cars in front of me and behind me, when all of a sudden, my car dies. And I mean DIES. It won't turn over. I quickly call The Husband, who says...and I quote..."Why do you keep calling me with these car problems when you know I am an hour away and cannot help.".....Ok. So I hung up on him and got a guy in front of me to help maneuver my car into the nearest parking spot (of course this was after having to have everyone in line move)

So last night, when we arrived at Grandma's house, I was so happy and relieved to be here. All of the stress just left me, as I sat down to prepare for Thanksgiving. The Boy and Little One ran in and asked if I would run up to the gym with them and The Husband for a quick game of basketball. Why not? I thought. A good family thing to do. So off we went, and started a friendly, yet fairly competitive game. Halfway through the game, The Husband had the ball...and he kept scoring on me. So I decided to actually play some defense. As I stepped forward, he elbowed me in the nose...and I hit the floor. Blood went everywhere, and I saw stars. The Husband said....and I quote...."You got in my face"...... I hobbled over to the side...sobbing loudly....and The Husband quickly reminded me that everything was being taped on the security camera...so I needed to behave myself. No Problem. I couldn't move. Reluctantly, he decided to drive me back to Grandma's house, with Little One along to take care of me. Since we had no ice, he grabbed a bag of frozen peas and I held them on my nose for an hour.

Later that night, after I decided it wasn't broken, I asked The Husband how it looked. "Bruised", he replied. And for maybe the third time since we have been married, he said "I'm sorry." Well, I was sorry too...for being such a defensive whiz during the game. But all's well that ends well...

Until I saw my nose in the mirror this morning. There will be no Thanksgiving pictures of me. But that's ok. We are here...and I am happy...swollen nose and all. Many, many thanks to all of you who sent me suggestions for cooking my turkey. If I am not successful after all of these tips, I might as well just buy one next year...

So until the end of the week, when we will have celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving...with a full heart and a swollen nose...and a thankfulness for everything that life throws my way....

The Pressure To Cook Like Paula Deen

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is 2 days away. Once again, it has totally snuck up on me. Last year, I watched the Food Network for weeks beforehand, and added several dishes to my normal Thanksgiving repertoire. The problem with doing that is that now, everyone has high expectations. When I ran through the menu with The Husband, he asked "Where are your fancy dishes?". Big Sister and The Senior asked the same thing. So now, 2 days before, I am forced to scour my recipe books in order to be more creative. Usually, I just buy a ready-made turkey from the local grocer. This year, I decided to give it a go on my own. I told The Husband I would probably cook it the day before to avoid any mishaps. "NO! I don't want any dry turkey! Just get up and stick it in the oven at 3 am on Thanksgiving." Now, this is the funny thing about The Husband. He has never cooked a turkey in his life (and I don't see it happening in the future)...yet he feels the need to tell me how to do it....

We are headed to Grandma's house for the holiday, which makes me extremely happy. The only downside is the transportation of the animals.....the incontinent, 14 yr old doberman...and the 2 car-sick cats. Though the drive to Grandma's is only about 45 minutes, it will not be a pleasant one.
The Husband came through this morning and said I could "'pick out his clothes for Thanksgiving". ....Huh? I think this was some sort of trick offer. I noticed he had thrown several t-shirts and jeans on the bed to bring along. I will make a bet right now that whatever I bring and suggest he wear .....will not be worn.

Ok, that's it for today. Back to scouring cookbooks. I'm bringing the laptop to Grandma's...but it is always questionable as to whether or not I can "log on". So, until tomorrow, when I will hopefully "be on".

On Remembering to be Thankful and Happy

We began the weekend by seeing a terrific movie. "The Blind Side" was both touching and inspiring. The kids loved it, The Husband loved it, the friend who went with us loved it...and so did I. I love a movie that has the kids asking lots of questions about life. I love when they see examples of people being honorable and courageous. And just icing on the cake that it was a true story.



Saturday I headed to Tennessee with a friend. A roadtrip of sorts to do some unfinished business. My mom's house has to be sorted through...there were closets and drawers to rummage though...letters to be read...memories to pack up and store away...and plenty of tears to shed. The first time I tried to do it, I failed. I took a look around and headed back home, not ready for closure. But with the year anniversary of her death just past, it was time. I loaded my car with recipe books, dishes, letters...anything that made me feel good and connected to mom. My happiest moment came when I happened upon a beautiful coat of hers that I hadn't seen in years. I had remembered her wearing it...and I had loved it. An emerald green vintagey coat with jeweled buttons and a fur collar and cuffs. It had disappeared for years...and I'd figured it was long gone. When I opened the hall closet, I spied something in a clothes bag...and sure enough, there is was. I screamed in joy..and scared my friend to death. I took it out of the bag and put it on...and it was a perfect fit...and in perfect condition. I didn't even cry. Just smiled and remembered mom.



After I finished, I stopped by to see an old friend whose husband had just passed away. She was so happy to see me that it made my day. We reminisced about her late husband, who had been very dear to me. And then in walked someone else...a guy I went to college with, who had also been a great friend. After an afternoon full of reminiscing and tears, it was so good to see someone who immediately patted me on the back, made fun of me, and reminded me of that some good people and times have passed...but there are still good ones ahead. By the time I left, I was laughing again.



On my way back home, I stopped to see both of my brothers. As I've written before...and as corny as it sounds...I have the best brothers in the world. Loving, thoughtful, kind....not to mention VERY funny. I cannot be around them for long and stay in a sad mood.



By the time I made it home, Little One had gone off to spend the night with a friend...and The Boy and Husband had exhausted every fast food outlet, and settled in to watch some horrible movie. Home Sweet Home.



So today, on this week of Thanksgiving.. I am thankful for friends...old and new. For family near and far. For memories, good and sad. And for those at home waiting for me...



And today...a Very Happy Birthday to The Senior, who I love and cherish....I hope your classes are quick and easy today....and I hope the coming year is everything you want it to be...



Until tomorrow.....

On Basketball Practice and The Morning Drop-Off

The basketball practice went well last night. It started off a bit rocky, with The Husband giving instructions on picks and screens. I glanced around and saw some blank looks on the faces of our 9 and 10 year old girls. One little girl had tears in her eyes, but I was relieved to find out it was just dust, and not fear. Two of them leaned over and said to me "What is he saying?" I waited for him to finish his talk on the importance of the pivot foot...and then I quietly suggested that he 'dumb it down' a bit. Afterall, it was the 9/10 Pewee League and not the Atlanta Hawks. To his credit, The Husband took a deep, impatient breath, and went through a slow, thorough review. By the end of practice, I saw many smiles on the girl's faces. I think they had fun and learned a little bit, which is what it is all about. Unfortunately for The Husband, our last year's record of 7-1 may be hard to re-achieve....

Yesterday I had lunch with my 'morning crew". This is one guy and one girl who also participate in the tedious ritual of morning drop-off line at school. The guy has been doing this for 8 years, I think...and the girl for 7. I am the 'baby' of the group, having only been at it for 3 years. Last year, the 3 of us participated in what could only be described as the "Amazing Race". It was a cut-throat daily race to see who could get there first and drop off the kids. As the year progressed, so did the danger of the driving practices. I almost found myself reaching for a helmet and driving gloves after being cut off and "put in the wall" several mornings. Of course I would never do this, but some participants may have actually shoved their young daughters out the door in an effort to win. The guy in the group changed the rules near the end of the year, as men sometimes do when they cannot win. He decreed that it was the first car to LEAVE that was the winner...not the first car there. Well, the danger factor that was involved with this became too much...and the 'Race' had to come to an end before someone was injured...

So this year, morning drop-off is more about discussing what was on TV last night or the latest gossip. The problem is, you start a conversation...then the line moves...and you are forced to dive back into your car, or else be run over. So it was nice yesterday to sit down and chat with the group and finish some conversations. When you have to deal with tired, grumpy kids on a daily basis, it is nice to be able to share a few laughs over it....

And finally, thanks to The Husband for watching the season of Project Runway with me...and with very few smart alec remarks. Last night was the season finale....the final 3 girls put together a runway show and competed for the prize. The husband demanded that I pick a winner...and he did the same. He did this because he knew who I liked...and he thought she wasn't going to win...but she did. I was very gracious in my "winners' speech....

So that's it for the week. We're doing a family movie tonight...and then I am off on a road trip of sorts this weekend...more on that next week....

On Agassi and The Pewee League

I've been engrossed for 2 days reading the Andre Agassi autobiography. I wrote about it a few weeks ago after reading an exerpt about his crystal- meth use. I was disgusted at the time because I thought, here we go again...another athlete/celebrity that feels the need to reveal that they used drugs. But once again, the real lesson learned here is to withhold judgement until you get the real story. Doesn't that seem to be the case more and more as you get older? It's so easy to jump to quick conclusions about people or situations, but the real truth is never that easy.


A friend e-mailed me the other day and said that she had literally not been able to put it down for a week. She warned me not to start it if I had a busy week...but I was intrigued, so I ignored her warning and picked it up. Well, she was right. From page one, it is very "intense". The guy you thought you knew as this brash, showy tennis player has led a very interesting, though sometimes troubled life. The drug use reference is one brief chapter, though the consequences last for several chapters. Without giving anything away, his life has been nothing like any pre-concieved notions that you might have had about it. I'm not sure that there are any lessons to be learned from it, but it is very compelling. And so that is the book review for the week...

Little One has basketball practice tonight. The Husband is the coach and I am the assistant coach. Though the titles were reversed last year, the results were pretty much the same. The Husband's role is much like it is at home...lead and order. My role is much the same as it is at home too....support and explain. Drafting the team took place a few weeks ago. The Husband took on this job with total seriousness. He researched players, made notes and watched try-outs. In the end, he drafted what he felt like was a pretty good team. So....you can imagine the reaction when the league informed him that he was "losing a player and gaining another due to un-foreseen circumstances." The Husband was suspicious right off the bat. He doesn't really believe in "unforeseen circumstances." Now evidently, one of the girls on the team had a sister, and their mom wanted them to play on the same team. As a mom, I totally understand this from a logistics standpoint. But The Husband wasn't having any of it. He immediately wanted to know the differences between the girl that he was giving up, and the girl that he was gaining. Unfortunately, he was losing height and age...This did not go over well with The Husband. Thus began a series of contentious e-mails between he and the rec league...."discussing" the fairness of the whole situation. The Husband insisted that he had been given a "crappy trade"...and the league insisted that...well, basically, this is rec ball, and you take what you get. After a couple of days and a practice, The Husband calmed down and decided that he would just have to do the best he could with what he had.......until he got another call telling him that another girl had been added to the roster. Then it started all over again.

So tonight, as we head to practice, I will be wearing dark glasses and a wig as we sail into practice past the rec staff. The Husband insists that they know his remarks are "all in good humor". I am not so sure...

Agassi's book is entitled "Open"...I highly recommend it. Meanwhile, I'm thinking of writing one about The Husband entitled "Screwed By The Pee Wee League...A Coach's Story"...

Until tomorrow...

Paintings and Pictures

The painting is well under way. I have already moved though several stages...the normal ones I go through in the painting process. Immediately after I get the sketch on the canvas, I love it. I stare at it for several days and compliment myself many times over. I fantasize about how this will be my best painting ever. But I don't begin, thus putting off the inevitable dive in confidence that comes when I actually put brush to canvas. No matter how good the sketch is, the first few days of painting are difficult. Mixing the colors on a palette is one thing, but actually seeing them on the canvas is another. There will always be colors that are incorrect. And once the color goes on, any imperfections in the sketch that didn't show, all of a sudden GLARE. The first few days on this painting were no different. The Boy said "Her face looks weird...wrong color." Little one said "Her eyes look funny." The Husband, who stands in front of it while eating his dinner, said "I'm not sure about the lips. are those right?" WELL NO. THEY ARE NOT! No matter how many times I explain that the the first strokes will always have to be corrected....my lovely family always has to let me know that ....so far......not so good.

Then things shift. A couple of days into it, the colors and shapes begin to take shape. All 3 of my critics run by the painting, and then stop and stare. They then look at me and smile and nod. This is when I know I'm on the right track....So that is where I am this morning. It's moving in the right direction. I'm anxious to get started...so very quickly...

Saturday, I took Little One and headed to grandma's house to meet Big Sis and her friend Lindsey. As I said yesterday, Lindsey is a great photographer, and we had arranged a little photo shoot. I needed some "edgy" photos for a project that I am not ready to discuss. (Wow, isn't that a great tease?) Anyway, I gathered together a group of clothes that are much more...let's say fashion forward...than my everyday school drop-off clothing. My friend and stylist Elizabeth met me at the house, and I thought she was going to cry when she saw the clothes. (it has evidently been awhile since I have dressed in the chic manner which she likes.) I walked out in a mini-dress, boots and leather jacket. Elizabeth literally jumped up and down. Little One stared at me like I was from another planet. Then she smiled. "Ok, let me choose your next outfit."

So for 2 hours and 10 outfits, the 4 of us played dress up and model. It was so much fun watching Lindsey at work. Big Sis was her mouthpiece, stylist and prop-girl, switching out jewelry, makeup and props whenever necessary. I morphed from go-go boots mom, to evening gown diva, to jeans and boots farm girl. Little one was her usual vocal self, exclaiming from time-to-time "Mom! Stop Posing. Look Natural!!! No. Not that smile. Relax!!" If only I would have had her direction back in my modeling days....

Big Sis has just e-mailed the pictures to me this morning. I haven't looked at them yet, but regardless of the outcome, it was a successful day. What can go wrong when you have 5 girls, beautiful clothes and a lovely setting?

So until tomorrow, when the picture on the canvas will hopefully look good, and so will the pictures from the shoot...

Don't Throw it So Hard...

Last Thursday night, The Boy challenged The Husband and Little One to a basketball game. I thought this was a great idea until I realized that I was part of the mix. Evidently, in order to make things fair, I would be on The Boy's team. ("Mom, dad and I would clean your plow.) Now I tried to avoid the game, as I was tired and ready to read my new book. But as he often does, The Boy begged and begged until it was either give in or explode. We were winning handily (no thanks to me) halfway through the game, when OUCH...The Boy threw a bounce pass that took a bad bounce and hit me in the mouth. Having just recovered from the head butt incident on dance night, when his buddy decided to throw his head up while I was putting on his makeup, my lip once again blew up. This time though, I was worried that a tooth might have been jarred loose....but I lucked out. All teeth were in tact. The Boy apologized profusely, and The Husband, ever-mindful of me-instructed him to "throw soft passes to your mom...she's a lightweight." We went on to win the game...and I went on in to find an ice pack.



The next night, The Boy was once again lobbying for a game. My lip was back to normal, and hey, it was Friday night. So I agreed. Once again, The Boy and I were winning, and this time, I was actually scoring some points. Feeling confident, I ran to guard The Husband as he dribbled around. Suddenly...and without warning...he decided to channel Michael Jordan and try a behind-the-back pass to Little One. There were two problems with this. 1) He didn't look where he was throwing it. 2) He fired it as hard as he could. Now, thankfully, it did not get to Little One, because it would have knocked her over. Unfortunately, it hit me square on the face. I think I may have blacked-out for a second, awaking to hear The Husband laughing and saying "Oops...sorry. Why didn't you move?". Now The Boy rushed to my side to make sure I was ok. Little One ran over and kicked The Husband in the shins, shaming him for "hurting mom". Finally, The husband strolled over and patted me on the back. "Sorry hon. Didn't see you there."

Minutes later, after I was again conscious, and we had resumed the game, Little One burst into laughter. "What's so funny?" I asked. "Sorry mommy, but it really was funny when you got smacked with the ball." ......Aren't kids sweet?

Sunday was the big wedding anniversary, but The Husband and I decided to celebrate Saturday night. After a last minute change of venue, due to an in-town football game, we had a lovely dinner at an out-of -town 'bistro'...perfect, because I got a bit of 'fru-fru' food that I like...and he got to keep an eye on the games. All in all, a great compromise....just like our marriage. And so I have to be very serious for a moment and thank The Husband for being himself for all of these years. It's not always easy...but it's always interesting with him by my side. What he may lack in compassion and sensitivity...he makes up for with humor and action. So between the two of us, hopefully, we've got "it" covered.....If he's read this far into the blog this morning (doubtful), I'll remind him that he said that Paris was in the thought-process for future anniversaries.....

And lastly, one of the high points of the weekend was a fabulous photo shoot with Lindsey McDowell.. Lindsey is a close friend of Big Sister's, and a terrific photographer. I needed some 'edgy' photos taken...and I needed to have fun doing it. So until tomorrow, when we will discuss the photo shoot...and I will avoid any further basketball games....

So Much To Celebrate

Well, I am just so happy this morning. For the first time in a week, I am not at logged on at the library or on borrowed time on The Boy's or Husband's laptop. I am on my own, new, fabulous laptop. I can't decide if it feels like I just bought a new car...or the first day of school. Either way, it feels very exciting.
After throwing a bit of a tantrum...and then pouting whenever The Husband pulled out his laptop...it was finally agreed upon that I would research and pick out my own. I haven't felt this independent since I bought my first car. These are the types of decisions that I rarely get to make in this household. My set of decisions involve what kind of cereal to buy or what day Little One needs to go to the dentist. So yesterday, as I went from place to place, researching and trying out different types, I was filled with the joy that only comes from knowing that The Husband did not get to tell me what to do....

Since I had driven an hour to shop for the laptop, I decided not to waste the mall time, as I rarely get a chance to shop on my own. Bouyed by the fact that I would soon be writing to my heart's content, I was suddenly filled with energy...so I did some Christmas shopping. Can I just say that there is nothing better than Christmas shopping early in the morning when nobody is at the mall but you and the mall-walkers...with a cup of Starbuck's non-fat latte in your hand? Ok, let me ammend that...The only thing better is when you know you are going to lunch at your best friend's house...and she is THE best cook in the world....and she has promised to make her famous quiche and creme-brulee. Just the anticipation alone was enough to make my day.

On a side note, I would like the Niece to know that, yes, of course, I perused J Crew. I had carefully studied my catalogue, so that I knew what items to check out...and yes, since I did have a reward card...purchases were made. The cropped khaki pants with the black stripe down the side were even better in person....the lavender ruffle blouse was lovely...and there were a whole new set of perfectly cute t's....but enough of that....

Lunch with the BFF was perfect on so many levels.The afore-mentioned quiche was delicious...the salad, the bread...and oh my gosh...the creme-brulee. But all of that paled in comparison to the conversation, because the BFF is what I imagine having a sister to be like. We covered every subject from kids to Paris to global warming. It was Heaven. Many thanks to her for her friendship...and the creme-brulee.

Last night, as I proceeded to set up my OWN computer...oh the joy of saying that....The Husband suggested that I decide on a place to eat for our upcoming anniversary. I threw out a few places...but he told me to choose..as it is "mostly for me." Just for fun, I checked out what was playing at the foreign-film theater downtown. This quaint little theater shows eclectic films...and you can also eat at the nearby fru-fru bistro. Well...I couldn't believe it.....They were showing Audrey Tatou in 'Coco...before Channel"......and in FRENCH!! ...with subtitles of course....Well, I asked The Husband if he would be up for that night of perfection...and he stared at me with the look that only The Husband can give...which if I translate it, says "You mean you just got a new laptop and you are now asking for me to attend a film with subtitles?"....Now he did not actually say this...he just said "Uh, no". But you know what? ...that is ok. I do not mind going to that lovely little film all by myself . Because you know what, an anniversary is suppose to be a shared thing, right? A celebration of putting up with each other for all of these years....

So today, I'm basking in the glow of typing on a new computer...filled with new ideas.....I feel as if I can now write the great American novel....and if not, I can at least write a riveting article on which produce is on sale at the local grocery store.....................The painting is finally under way, and the weekend is upon us.......And until next week, when I will have celebrated another anniversary.....and I will have this nifty laptop to write about it......

Just Do It

A few weeks ago, I was watching a movie, and as I often do, I noticed the beautiful artwork in the background. I enjoyed it so much that I researched the paintings. For the first time in a long time, I felt the urge to pull out my paints. I decided I would paint something similar to one of the paintings in the movie, but put my own spin on it. I had the idea in my mind for several days, but I procrastinated doing the sketch. This is the same paralysis that sets in every time I begin a painting or an article. The insecurity that makes me ask myself "Can I do it again?"

It reminded me of my first art project in college. As I've said before, I began my college "career" at 16 as an art major at a small liberal arts college. In one of my classes, we were to sketch an idea, and then create the sketch in some kind of media. I was going to sculpt something, though I had very little experience in sculpting. There was a guy in my class...we will call him Bob Valentine (because that was his name). Bob was a 5th year senior. He was a terrific wrestler and football player, and he was one of several "Jersey" boys who were at this school. He was also the most talented artist I had ever met. He sat next to me in drawing class, and as we would both sketch the model for the day, I would be mesmerized by his drawing. From time to time, he would reach over and make a "correction" on my sketch (out of sight of the professor)...and then we would continue. I learned more from his "corrections" than I did from the professor.

Anyway, I decided to do this sketch of praying hands, with the idea of sculpting the hands after I perfected the sketch. But I struggled with the drawing, never getting it the way I wanted it. One evening, I bumped into Bob in the student center (this tells you a lot about my college days) and he took a look at the sketch. He gave me some suggestions, and told me to meet him there the next night. This went on for several evenings, until finally he said to me "What are you waiting for? The sketch is fine. You're putting off the sculpting." I realized he was right. I was afraid of not being able to accomplish what I had in mind...so I just kept putting it off.

After all of these years and many, many paintings, I still get the same feeling. Once I finally sat down the other day and did my sketch, I was very pleased with it. The Boy examined it and brought in his friends to look at it. Little One, who rarely bestows praise, said "Wow, you're pretty good." The Husband just nodded...and a few days later he noted "You know, it's not going to paint itself, is it?"

Well, not it's not. So today, I am going to force myself to put the first brush stroke on the canvas and get it started. Who cares if it's perfect, right? (Well, I do) But at least it will be a start. A reminder that the only way to accomplish something is...like the Nike ad says....Just Do It...

By the way, I did eventually finish sculpting those praying hands. They weren't perfect. They weren't as spectacular as Bob Valentine's project. But I think I made an A-..and I gained a bit of confidence.

So until tomorrow, when hopefully the painting will begin to take shape....

On Being Out of Touch on So Many Levels...

I'm all about my routine. I find a sense of security in going through the same little rituals each day. Nothing OCD or anything, but just a certain comfort level that I get from continuity. So today, I'll admit it. I'm thrown. The Husband carted off my laptop when I when I went to the zoo last week. It was evidently "infected with viruses". But all I know is, it was working. When I returned from the zoo, it was not in it's spot. The "spot" is my little area that is designated as my "office". This is the spot I begin every morning, checking my mail and channeling through the news of the day. The spot where I return after taking the kids to school to write something hopefully creative and inspiring. The spot where I write this blog for the first 25 minutes of my day...
Anyway, I was promised that it would be back today...but when I flipped on the little switch...nothing. I glanced around to see everyone else woring on theirs...The Boy, the Husband...but mine DOES NOT WORK. The Husband was kind enough to call the technician who supposedly fixed it. After a brief exchange of ideas, I heard the dreaded words. "I'll bring it back to you tomorrow." That means another day of being out of touch. Another day where The Husband sends out e-mails that he knows will annoy me since he knows I cannot respond. Not that I want to. I'm in cave mode lately. This is a stage I pass through occasionally when I prefer to remain silent. But still...I like to know I can respond if the mood strikes me.

If you work from home, I'm sure you can relate to this. I leave my mail on every morning for 2 hours. This is the time when I correspond with friends, family and blog readers. This is 2 hours of the day when I don't try and stay focused. I write during this time, but if someone sends something funny, I'll take a break and respond. I look forward to this time of day.

I was a fish out of water this morning. I have a canvas set up in my office. The sketch for the painting is 90% complete. All I have to do is BEGIN. I thought this would be a good day to start it. But I just stared at it for an hour. I just couldn't get going. I organized my paints. cleaned my brushes...all of those little things I do to kill time when I've "got nothing". No creative juices flowing.

Unfortunately, I'm feeling the same way tonight. I don't like to "pre-blog". What I think I am going to write about at night is rarely what I end up blogging about in the morning. So tonight, as I check my mail and write this blog on The Husband's laptop...I feel a little disconnect. To those of you who follow the blog...give me a couple of days to regroup. As you're probably thinking as you read this...I'm off my game. I need my comfort zone....I need my OWN computer....

So until tomorrow...or the next day...when hopefully my computer will re-boot along with my creativity...Who knows...maybe I'll start the painting....

The Big Zoo Trip

22 hours after I boarded the little bus with 9 other parents, to follow the big bus of 50 kids, 2 teachers and 1 principal, I stepped off and back into the real world. It almost felt like it had been a dream...and some parts had been very, very scary....

The ride down was like the high school bus. Guys in the back and girls in the front...except for a few brave women who were willing to listen to the men discuss a magazine cover of Shakira in graphic terms. I felt fortunate to be sitting with the mother of Little One's BFF...she dove into the seat next to me and begged me to stay with her the entire time...ok, maybe it was the other way around. Either way, we chatted and ate our sack dinners and tried to ignore the loud conversation in back...At one point, my friend whispered, "I could have gone my whole life without hearing that."

Earlier in the day, a friend had suggested that I could find airplane bottles of vodka at the package store to add to my sack dinner....However, it was imperative that I be at my best since I was chaperoning, so I stuck to diet coke...

It was dark when we finally reached the zoo, so we dove right into the 'night crawler' activities. We examined swamp water, used night vision glasses to watch kangaroos, and petted chinchillas. The kids had a blast. At the mid-point, we were suppose to have a "snack". I was absolutely starving, having skimped on my sack lunch dinner. Unfortunately, I forgot it wasn't snack time at the Ritz...there were no homemade cookies and tea...but rather watered down lemonade out of an old cooler and a pack of stale animal crackers (get it? animal crackers at the zoo). I tried to get a second pack of crackers, but they removed the box before I could casually sneak over.

Around 10:30, we returned to the big building where we were to sleep. I was a bit discouraged to see that most of us, men, women and kids...would be sleeping together in one room together. Little One and BFF scouted out an excellent spot in the back corner for our sleeping bags. Principal had kindly brought air mattresses for the chaperones, so we set up our area like good little campers, and then went to the communal bathroom to get ready for bed. I was shocked at the sight of several 4th grade girls primping for bed like they were dressing for a party. Of course, they were sleeping in the same room as the boys...but still......I was relieved that Little one refused to brush her teeth and her hair.

After everyone had climbed in their sleeping bags and the teacher had told her amusing bedtime story, light were out. I was so tired. Little One and BFF were already breathing heavy...And then it started. One of the dads began snoring...and not just your normal snoring, but your 'rock the rafters' snoring. Then one of the little girls began coughing...and not soft coughing, but the kind of coughing that sounds like you are losing a lung. And listen, before you think "gee, she should be more compassionate...it's a little girl"....just stop. At 3:00 in the morning, when you are listening to snoring and coughing in tandem...you are allowed to lose a bit of compassion. At 4:00, I cried. Really. I have never wanted to be home so badly in my whole life. Then I reminded myself that there were soldiers fighting wars and homeless people freezing in the streets...and I dried my sissy-girl tears and dozed off for about 30 minutes...

The teacher came in singing at 7:00. I felt delirious..but I knew if I could just hang on, there would be coffee shortly. We dressed quickly...packed our bags and loaded the bus. Then we headed to breakfast. The zoo staff reviewed the eating rules...including how we should not waste food and recycle everything. When they finished their talk, the adults raced to the coffee pot. Then I went to check on Little One. Now usually, she eats 3 bites of a pancake for breakfast. So what had she chosen?? 2 muffins, cereal and juice. I cringed, knowing that she would take 3 bites and leave the rest...and the staff would be glaring....So I did what any self-respecting mother would do...I finished every bit of her left overs.

Stuffed and exhausted, we headed out for our morning tour. We had a terrific guide. Justin was about 25, very knowledgeable, but even more important...funny. The tour was like a good Disney movie...80% for the kids..20% for the adults. From time to time, he would walk back to the adults and tell us something so funny that I would literally belly-laugh. After the tour, we broke onto our groups for an hour of free time. My group wanted to hit the gift shop. This was fine, except for the one girl who had about $50, but thought she had $300. She would bring various combinations of "stuff" to me and ask me if she 'had enough". After much editing, she finally settled on her "stuff". We headed to the meeting area, ate our sack lunches...and boarded the bus....

On the way home, the dads gave a play-by-play of their day...Does anyone ever notice how men can exaggerate their importance in any situation?? ..

Upon returning to the school, I literally said a prayer of thanks. It had been a fun trip for the kids...and I was truly glad to have been part of it...and truly glad to be home....

I didn't get to write about it that night because my computer is on the blink. The Husband offered me his computer to write...as long as I would let him edit......uh, NO. So a day later, I snuck in and "borrowed" it to get this written...

So until Monday, when hopefully my computer will be 'healthy" again...and I will have recovered from the big Zoo trip....

"Field trips Are When You go About 10,000 Miles on a Bus, and You All get Sick." Charlie Brown

Well, the Big Day is here. At 4:00 today, Little One and I will board the bus and head for the overnight trip to the zoo. (Actually, Little One will go on the big bus, and the other parents and I will follow on the short bus...) Now, we are eating our sack dinners on the bus so that when we arrive at the zoo, we can plunge into our activities....The zoo is providing a "snack" tonight and breakfast in the morning. (This will be called the "Overnight Trip to the Zoo Diet").

I know I sound terrible...Little One said "Aren't you looking forward to going?" Well, I am, sort of. I mean, I have no problem with the zoo part...it is just the overnight part that kind of bothers me. I am not just not a camper type of girl. I like my bed. I like my bathroom. I like my privacy. Little One kind of hit it on the head when she asked "Do you think anyone will smell or snore?" The apple does not fall far from the tree....

Now, I like animals...I really do. We have a 14 year old Doberman and 2 cats. The dog is The Husband's (the story for another blog) and the kids each have a cat. But who do we think takes care of these pets? Who cleans up after the totally incontinent doberman? Who feeds all of them at 6:30 every morning? You would be correct if you guessed me. The point is, I love them....even though they annoy me. On another fascinating note, The Husband is what we can refer to as the "Cat Whisperer". Every night around 9:00, The Husband says to The Boy "The cats are hungry for a snack." And every night, The Boy replies "Mom already fed them"....To which The Husband replies "Just do it!" When I ask The Husband how he knows this little tidbit of information, he just says he "senses" that they are hungry. Then he himself proceeds to the kitchen to get a little snack....Maybe there is some sort of analogy to be found here....

So that is it for this morning...I have to pack my flashlight and poncho. A friend reminded me this morning that the kids have more fun when the parents are laid back and let them have fun....This only made me feel sorry for my group....

Until tomorrow, when the blog will have to be written tomorrow night, because I will be on 'safari' in the morning....