Tomorrow is the last day of school for the year. I think I am filled with as much excitement and anticipation as the kids. I'm ready for no-pressure mornings and later bedtimes that don't involve the question "Are you sure that you have finished all of your homework?" I'm ready to leave 6th grade math and science behind, because it reminded me of my own weak skills in those areas. I'm ready to leave spelling tests behind for awhile and actually do something besides stress on Thursday nights. I'm ready to stop perusing cookbooks for good lunch box items, knowing in the end that they will ask for the same old things...everyday. But I'm also thankful for what has been a really good year at a really good school.
So a quick recap of some afore-mentioned stuff:
1) The Boy played the role of Thesius in "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream". The play was performed by the entire 6th grade. The drama teacher deserves a lot of credit...it was not only very well-rehearsed, cast and dressed...but it well-acted. It was very entertaining, and while The Boy is probably not headed for a career in acting, he gave a fine performance.
2) Writer's Forum was yesterday. Each 6th grader reads a piece they have written during the year. I hosted the event for the kids, teachers and 100 parents. It is one of those volunteer jobs that you say "yes "to months earlier...and then wonder why you did...But all in all, it went very well. The kids did a great job reading their work. The Boy had written a character sketch on a favorite teacher, and I was surprised at how well-written it was. He surprises me from time to time.
3) Little One had her field trip to the Dairy Farm today. I accompanied her on the trip. Not only was it very interesting....but we got to enjoy ice cream at the end. I was a little concerned when I heard that she had pre-chosen my flavor...but pleasantly surprised when I stepped up and received my strawberry cheesecake..."Well I know you like strawberries and I know you like cheesecake...so I figured it was a good choice".....Excellent choice...
4) The Boy had his field trip to mine gold today. He jumped in the car anxious to show off his treasures...a test-tube full of "gold that is probably worth about $500...I'll put it towards a phone"...I love the way The Boy thinks....
5) I found out this week that an article I had written that was very close to my heart is being published. This was exciting to me on so many levels. I shared the news with Big Sister...and she sent me flowers. This is the lovely thing about Big Sister...she is not only kind , loving and beautiful...but she is thoughtful too. Thanks again Big Sis....
6) Here is the big news of the week...my new cell phone arrived in the mail...yesterday. Can you believe it? One day after I called the company...unbelievable. What a cry-baby I was (refer to previous blog). I ought to call the customer service girl back and apologize...
So that is it for the week. Tomorrow will be honors day for The Boy and Field Day for the girl...so I will take a day Blog Day-off to participate and celebrate...and so...
Until next week...when it will be a new relaxed, zen, summer vacation kind of week...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Out Of Touch
My cell phone broke yesterday. As I rushed out the door to take the kids to school, I noticed that it wouldn't turn on even after I had charged it all night. I was surprised at how much this bothered me. I really don't use it all that often. I think there are only 7 numbers programmed in, and a couple of those rarely get used. But thinking ahead about my day, I felt a slight bit of panic. I had a few appointments where I had left my cell number just in case something changed. Little One was still not feeling 100%, and the school had my cell number for emergencies. Big Sister 1 and Rebel expect to be able to reach me any minute of the day, or I am in Big...and I repeat Big...trouble. The Husband would be unable to call and give me his normal list of directives for the day....so...
I dropped the kids and headed for the cell phone store. Thankfully, they were open early and the very pleasant guy examined it, replaced my battery, and declared it "cured". I left happy and relieved...in fact, I was so relieved that I said a quick prayer of thanks...and then I chastised myself for giving thanks that my cell phone worked. This seemed almost sac-religious. So I headed to my first appointment. The people I were meeting called to confirm and said they would call back closer to the appointed time to make sure they had directions. About an hour later, the phone died again. The panic came back. Here I was an hour away from home and completely out of touch. I quickly drove to the nearest phone, which happened to be at The Husband's office. I explained my predicament, as he proceeded to ask what I had done to it. Ignoring this inference, I made my call and let him know that I would be out of touch. This didn't seem to bother him much, but he did give me the list of things I needed to achieve before I saw him again...
After my appointment, I headed back home just in time to pick up the kids. We stopped at the cell phone store once again. Mr. Pleasant wasn't there, but another fellow informed me that it was indeed broken...not my fault...and still under warranty. I breathed a huge sigh of relief and waited for him to give me another phone....How naive of me. See, I did not realize that it is their job to make it as difficult as possible for me to replace something under warranty. I had to go home, call the company, let them step me through a 20 step procedure..then they would mail me a replacement, and I had to mail back the broken phone. WHAT? How on earth can that be called "customer service"? First off, I would be without a phone for several days. This did not seem to faze the guy. Secondly, why couldn't they just give me another one in the store? "We just don't do that". By the time I got home, I was beyond frustrated. And of course, I had a lovely call from the Rebel implying that she could "never get a hold of me"....
I called the company, was grilled by the service girl for 40 minutes while I took the phone apart to read every serial number off of it to her. She then told me that for a mere $12, she could have a new phone sent to me in 2 days. Otherwise, it would be 5. Unfortunately, that was too much for my normally mild-mannered self. I think I went on a 10 minute barrage about the "lack of customer service" and the "ridiculous hoops I had to jump through". This did not faze the girl, who was probably used to being spewed with frustration. She wished me a"great day" and hung up...
I spent most of my life without a cell phone and I got along just fine. I'm disappointed that I am more dependent on it than I thought. Now Big Sister and Rebel were appalled at my "crisis". But then, they have true addictions to their phones. They ought to get coordinating ring tones, because whenever they are together, their phones constantly ring in tandem. I am amazed at how many things Rebel can do while she is texting. I suppose it is a talent. Even The Husband has fallen prey to this. His blackberry never leaves his sight. He is constantly texting...Oh ,excuse me...he calls it "sending e-mails"...and this is somehow different. If we go to the movie with our friends, he texts back and forth with the guy during the movie. If we are at dinner, he texts not-so-discreetly under the table. I feel it is a very rude habit...but hey, I don't have one. If I did, I would likely fall victim to the addiction too...
So for the next few days, I will be without my phone. This morning was kind of nice. There is something about being purposely out-of-touch that suits my personality. Kind of a "no news is good news" kind of feeling. Also, I can blast my music in the car and not worry about missing a call. I have warned Big Sis and Rebel...and they have given me a 4 day pass....and The Husband tells me he will send my directives by e-mail....
So until tomorrow, when I accompany Little One's class to the Dairy Farm field trip...in peace....
I dropped the kids and headed for the cell phone store. Thankfully, they were open early and the very pleasant guy examined it, replaced my battery, and declared it "cured". I left happy and relieved...in fact, I was so relieved that I said a quick prayer of thanks...and then I chastised myself for giving thanks that my cell phone worked. This seemed almost sac-religious. So I headed to my first appointment. The people I were meeting called to confirm and said they would call back closer to the appointed time to make sure they had directions. About an hour later, the phone died again. The panic came back. Here I was an hour away from home and completely out of touch. I quickly drove to the nearest phone, which happened to be at The Husband's office. I explained my predicament, as he proceeded to ask what I had done to it. Ignoring this inference, I made my call and let him know that I would be out of touch. This didn't seem to bother him much, but he did give me the list of things I needed to achieve before I saw him again...
After my appointment, I headed back home just in time to pick up the kids. We stopped at the cell phone store once again. Mr. Pleasant wasn't there, but another fellow informed me that it was indeed broken...not my fault...and still under warranty. I breathed a huge sigh of relief and waited for him to give me another phone....How naive of me. See, I did not realize that it is their job to make it as difficult as possible for me to replace something under warranty. I had to go home, call the company, let them step me through a 20 step procedure..then they would mail me a replacement, and I had to mail back the broken phone. WHAT? How on earth can that be called "customer service"? First off, I would be without a phone for several days. This did not seem to faze the guy. Secondly, why couldn't they just give me another one in the store? "We just don't do that". By the time I got home, I was beyond frustrated. And of course, I had a lovely call from the Rebel implying that she could "never get a hold of me"....
I called the company, was grilled by the service girl for 40 minutes while I took the phone apart to read every serial number off of it to her. She then told me that for a mere $12, she could have a new phone sent to me in 2 days. Otherwise, it would be 5. Unfortunately, that was too much for my normally mild-mannered self. I think I went on a 10 minute barrage about the "lack of customer service" and the "ridiculous hoops I had to jump through". This did not faze the girl, who was probably used to being spewed with frustration. She wished me a"great day" and hung up...
I spent most of my life without a cell phone and I got along just fine. I'm disappointed that I am more dependent on it than I thought. Now Big Sister and Rebel were appalled at my "crisis". But then, they have true addictions to their phones. They ought to get coordinating ring tones, because whenever they are together, their phones constantly ring in tandem. I am amazed at how many things Rebel can do while she is texting. I suppose it is a talent. Even The Husband has fallen prey to this. His blackberry never leaves his sight. He is constantly texting...Oh ,excuse me...he calls it "sending e-mails"...and this is somehow different. If we go to the movie with our friends, he texts back and forth with the guy during the movie. If we are at dinner, he texts not-so-discreetly under the table. I feel it is a very rude habit...but hey, I don't have one. If I did, I would likely fall victim to the addiction too...
So for the next few days, I will be without my phone. This morning was kind of nice. There is something about being purposely out-of-touch that suits my personality. Kind of a "no news is good news" kind of feeling. Also, I can blast my music in the car and not worry about missing a call. I have warned Big Sis and Rebel...and they have given me a 4 day pass....and The Husband tells me he will send my directives by e-mail....
So until tomorrow, when I accompany Little One's class to the Dairy Farm field trip...in peace....
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Holiday
I'd say as holiday weekends go, it was a mixed bag. It started off with bang. Saturday we grilled out with some good friends, and it was one of those meals that all really came together. Nothing fancy, just some hot dogs, burgers and sides, but it was just all really good. Then we headed to the matinee of Night At The Museum 2. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, but it wasn't the worst either. And the kids enjoyed it, so that made it all worth while.
Unfortunately, around 2:00am, Little One woke me up with those dreaded words: "I feel sick". And oh was she sick. Every half hour for the next 8 hours. At first, I thought she had just had too much to eat, since she devoured a huge meal and then an assortment of every dessert we had, including brownies, cookies and ice cream. But it soon became clear that it was some sort of stomach virus. It's one of those times when you wish you could have it yourself instead. Little One is tough as nails, but the stomach virus knocks her out. She looked at me about 5:30 in the morning and declared "I think I need to die" in her little dramatic way (as anyone who has ever been in the throws of it has declared). Big Sister is now reading and panicking that I am going to reveal her worst story...but I wouldn't dare.
Little One is a lovely patient. Every half hour, she would tap me in bed and say, "Again." We would head to the bathroom where she would let me put her hair into a little pony tail before she knelt down. When she finished, we would clean her up and head back to bed. Now this is the complete opposite of The Boy, who in the same situation, comes and gets me and announces "I threw up." Not only does he never make it to the bathroom, he rarely leaves the bed. Even if I leave the bucket by the bed, he has no luck...and neither do I...
The next day was a long one, as Little One was weak, tired and grumpy...and so was I . But we made it through the day and we also saw every episode of Hannah Montanna ever filmed. At the end of the day, she brought me a little hand-written note that said the following:
Dear Mommy,
I love you. You watched over me threw the night. You are a loving person.
I can't even read it without crying. I put her to bed and she said she felt better, but still weak and dizzy. When I got downstairs and got ready to get into my own bed, her little words went round and round in my mind. I kept thinking about her waking up sick again and trying to maneuver down the 18 stairs to get to me. So I did what I had to. I slept with her again.
The next morning, the stomach virus had subsided, but it had been replaced by a cold and cough. But this was somehow better, and spirits were lifted. The Husband was kind enough to make pancakes, which always starts the day off well. The rest of the day was low key since we still had a recovering Little One, but we did go to the Minor League Baseball game. It was a beautiful evening for baseball, and Little One was excited because they showed her sweet little face on the Big Screen. The Boy got a pack of baseball cards to add to the 6 million that he and dad have at home. All in all.... a good day.
As I said last week, this is the last week of school. Writer's Forum, field trip to the dairy farm, field trip to go gold mining, Field Day at school and Honors Day...a busy week for the younger ones. Meanwhile, Big Sister feels I have been neglecting her in the blog, so a day will be devoted to her. And amazingly enough, Sister 2, who we will call Rebel Without A Cause, has mentioned that she might actually like to be mentioned...this after weeks of declaring that she was not to be....mentioned. So, I will contemplate how to introduce The Rebel....
So until tomorrow, when it's Tuesday already and summer vacation is so close I can touch it...
Unfortunately, around 2:00am, Little One woke me up with those dreaded words: "I feel sick". And oh was she sick. Every half hour for the next 8 hours. At first, I thought she had just had too much to eat, since she devoured a huge meal and then an assortment of every dessert we had, including brownies, cookies and ice cream. But it soon became clear that it was some sort of stomach virus. It's one of those times when you wish you could have it yourself instead. Little One is tough as nails, but the stomach virus knocks her out. She looked at me about 5:30 in the morning and declared "I think I need to die" in her little dramatic way (as anyone who has ever been in the throws of it has declared). Big Sister is now reading and panicking that I am going to reveal her worst story...but I wouldn't dare.
Little One is a lovely patient. Every half hour, she would tap me in bed and say, "Again." We would head to the bathroom where she would let me put her hair into a little pony tail before she knelt down. When she finished, we would clean her up and head back to bed. Now this is the complete opposite of The Boy, who in the same situation, comes and gets me and announces "I threw up." Not only does he never make it to the bathroom, he rarely leaves the bed. Even if I leave the bucket by the bed, he has no luck...and neither do I...
The next day was a long one, as Little One was weak, tired and grumpy...and so was I . But we made it through the day and we also saw every episode of Hannah Montanna ever filmed. At the end of the day, she brought me a little hand-written note that said the following:
Dear Mommy,
I love you. You watched over me threw the night. You are a loving person.
I can't even read it without crying. I put her to bed and she said she felt better, but still weak and dizzy. When I got downstairs and got ready to get into my own bed, her little words went round and round in my mind. I kept thinking about her waking up sick again and trying to maneuver down the 18 stairs to get to me. So I did what I had to. I slept with her again.
The next morning, the stomach virus had subsided, but it had been replaced by a cold and cough. But this was somehow better, and spirits were lifted. The Husband was kind enough to make pancakes, which always starts the day off well. The rest of the day was low key since we still had a recovering Little One, but we did go to the Minor League Baseball game. It was a beautiful evening for baseball, and Little One was excited because they showed her sweet little face on the Big Screen. The Boy got a pack of baseball cards to add to the 6 million that he and dad have at home. All in all.... a good day.
As I said last week, this is the last week of school. Writer's Forum, field trip to the dairy farm, field trip to go gold mining, Field Day at school and Honors Day...a busy week for the younger ones. Meanwhile, Big Sister feels I have been neglecting her in the blog, so a day will be devoted to her. And amazingly enough, Sister 2, who we will call Rebel Without A Cause, has mentioned that she might actually like to be mentioned...this after weeks of declaring that she was not to be....mentioned. So, I will contemplate how to introduce The Rebel....
So until tomorrow, when it's Tuesday already and summer vacation is so close I can touch it...
Friday, May 22, 2009
Random Recap
Thank goodness it is the weekend....and a 3 day one at that! Looking forward to relaxing a little before the last week of school. Next week includes 2 field trips, a writer's forum (hosted by yours truly) and field day. Thankfully, the big tests and papers are now completed and turned in.
Last night was the Little League Championship. It was an exciting game that literally went down to the final pitch. Our team was up by one run in the final inning. There were 2 outs, 2 strikes...and the bases loaded. Our pitcher throws it, the guy hits it to center field...and our poor little center fielder misjudges it...and misses it....2 runs score and we lose. Last night it seemed tragic, but this morning, as a friend reminded me, the important thing is that it was a great season and great fun. I am also reminded that occasionally mom needs to keep some perspective about what is important....and what is really not.
The Boy woke up a little sad about the loss, but mostly concerned about his starring role today in "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream" in his drama class. Seems he needed sandals and a white shirt and he had forgotten about it. Thankfully, dad had both, so he was good to go. He fooled me by telling me that he has to "give his wife a kiss"...and then rolled on the ground laughing when I believed him. I cannot wait to see him in his starring role...
Little One continues to be obsessed with car duty in the mornings. We are forced to leave 15 minutes early each morning so she can open car doors. This privilege is given on a first-come first-serve basis...thus the early arrival time. Evidently, this is a major competition in the third grade. When we are below 5th in line...she goes ballistic. Again...one week left!
Ok, on a totally different subject...Our President is changing the art on the White House walls. This morning's Wall Street Journal shows some of the paintings he has chosen. I think this is great. While I wish he were more traditional in other ways, I totally support his more modern approach to art. The abstract entitled "Berkeley 52", on loan from the National Gallery, is just lovely. In fact, whenever I start painting again (how many times am I going to talk about this before I do it?), this may be the first "copy" I attempt. He also picked some pieces by Jasper Johns, who in my opinion is a very contemporary, yet very American choice. I heard some people discussing the fact that maybe he shouldn't be changing things up...but in the words of historian Steve Stuart..."You shouldn't have to look at Mrs. Hoover's face over your bed for four years if you don't want to.".....I agree....art work inspires you, and if anyone needs inspiration, it is our President.
That's it for today...there are articles to finish, groceries to buy, and unfortunately, a house to clean....So
Until next week, when the count-down to summer vacation begins...
Last night was the Little League Championship. It was an exciting game that literally went down to the final pitch. Our team was up by one run in the final inning. There were 2 outs, 2 strikes...and the bases loaded. Our pitcher throws it, the guy hits it to center field...and our poor little center fielder misjudges it...and misses it....2 runs score and we lose. Last night it seemed tragic, but this morning, as a friend reminded me, the important thing is that it was a great season and great fun. I am also reminded that occasionally mom needs to keep some perspective about what is important....and what is really not.
The Boy woke up a little sad about the loss, but mostly concerned about his starring role today in "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream" in his drama class. Seems he needed sandals and a white shirt and he had forgotten about it. Thankfully, dad had both, so he was good to go. He fooled me by telling me that he has to "give his wife a kiss"...and then rolled on the ground laughing when I believed him. I cannot wait to see him in his starring role...
Little One continues to be obsessed with car duty in the mornings. We are forced to leave 15 minutes early each morning so she can open car doors. This privilege is given on a first-come first-serve basis...thus the early arrival time. Evidently, this is a major competition in the third grade. When we are below 5th in line...she goes ballistic. Again...one week left!
Ok, on a totally different subject...Our President is changing the art on the White House walls. This morning's Wall Street Journal shows some of the paintings he has chosen. I think this is great. While I wish he were more traditional in other ways, I totally support his more modern approach to art. The abstract entitled "Berkeley 52", on loan from the National Gallery, is just lovely. In fact, whenever I start painting again (how many times am I going to talk about this before I do it?), this may be the first "copy" I attempt. He also picked some pieces by Jasper Johns, who in my opinion is a very contemporary, yet very American choice. I heard some people discussing the fact that maybe he shouldn't be changing things up...but in the words of historian Steve Stuart..."You shouldn't have to look at Mrs. Hoover's face over your bed for four years if you don't want to.".....I agree....art work inspires you, and if anyone needs inspiration, it is our President.
That's it for today...there are articles to finish, groceries to buy, and unfortunately, a house to clean....So
Until next week, when the count-down to summer vacation begins...
Thursday, May 21, 2009
And The Winner Is...
In the end, I think it was all about who you'd go out and buy a record from...not who you'd vote for in a a popularity contest. With just under a hundred million votes, it was a pretty good cross-section of people who decided Kris Allen should be the American Idol. He was definitely the under dog, but he was all season. If you go back and look week after week, he consistently delivered terrific music. He didn't come with all of the bells and whistles that Adam did, but in the end, he didn't have to.
Before the finale began last night, Little One declared"I'm just going to tell myself that Adam won so I won't be disappointed." I thought these were words of wisdom, so I did the same thing. I thought the show was actually one of the best finales they have had. The performances were really good for the most part. I thought Kris's duet with Keith Urban was terrific. I can see them working together. I thought Allison's duet with Cyndi Lauper was beautiful. Once again Allison delivered a flawless performance, causing some online voices this morning to suggest that she should have been in the finals. Adam's performance with Kiss was disappointing to me. The first Kiss song that he sang, Beth, is one of my all-time favorites. It is a simple, beautiful melody. I didn't think he did it justice. I thought they should have let Kris sit at the piano and just play and sing. That would have been perfect. Then Adam could have launched into what the Little One called his "scary songs" with Kiss. The other disappointment was Danny's "duet" with Lionel Richie. I mean, it was ok. But it didn't seem well-rehearsed, and Danny just seemed like a back-up singer. It certainly didn't make you think:"Gee, Danny should have been in the finals."
The rest of the show was pretty good too. Fergie and the Black-Eyed Peas did their thing...Jason Mraz was ok...though Little One said he didn't "sound like on the radio". Rod Stewart...who I have loved for years...was ok. I love Maggie May, but not like he sang it last night. He has kind of morphed into a Vegas act. He looks like he has had plastic surgery... and he sings the song like a Musac song in the elevator. This is the guy who sang "The First Cut is the Deepest" with just an accoustic guitar accompanying him...and it would make you cry. But now it's all a little too showy.
Surprisingly enough, the duet between lovely Megan and Michael Sarver, (written and accompanied by Steve Martin) was really nice. It made me think that these two might be able to carve out a music career. In fact, Michael sounded good in everything last night.
On a low note, they brought back "Bikini Girl", which prompted the Little One to say "What is wrong with her?" I kind of liked how Kara came out and sang circles around her...not because I love Kara, but because that girl was so rude to her during the season.
The final announcement by Ryan was such a surprise. I hated for Kris to say "Adam deserved this". He repeated it in an interview this morning, but thankfully added "as much as I did". For those of us who voted for him, we want him to know that we think He deserved it.
I saw Adam interviewed too this morning. Besides the fact that he seems like a very nice guy...he seemed genuinely happy for Kris. He hinted that Queen had offered him a place in their band. He's fine...he knows he's on his way. So another year of Idol complete. You wonder if they can ever top the talent of this year....so
Until tomorrow, when I'll download some songs by Kris....and look forward to the weekend....
Before the finale began last night, Little One declared"I'm just going to tell myself that Adam won so I won't be disappointed." I thought these were words of wisdom, so I did the same thing. I thought the show was actually one of the best finales they have had. The performances were really good for the most part. I thought Kris's duet with Keith Urban was terrific. I can see them working together. I thought Allison's duet with Cyndi Lauper was beautiful. Once again Allison delivered a flawless performance, causing some online voices this morning to suggest that she should have been in the finals. Adam's performance with Kiss was disappointing to me. The first Kiss song that he sang, Beth, is one of my all-time favorites. It is a simple, beautiful melody. I didn't think he did it justice. I thought they should have let Kris sit at the piano and just play and sing. That would have been perfect. Then Adam could have launched into what the Little One called his "scary songs" with Kiss. The other disappointment was Danny's "duet" with Lionel Richie. I mean, it was ok. But it didn't seem well-rehearsed, and Danny just seemed like a back-up singer. It certainly didn't make you think:"Gee, Danny should have been in the finals."
The rest of the show was pretty good too. Fergie and the Black-Eyed Peas did their thing...Jason Mraz was ok...though Little One said he didn't "sound like on the radio". Rod Stewart...who I have loved for years...was ok. I love Maggie May, but not like he sang it last night. He has kind of morphed into a Vegas act. He looks like he has had plastic surgery... and he sings the song like a Musac song in the elevator. This is the guy who sang "The First Cut is the Deepest" with just an accoustic guitar accompanying him...and it would make you cry. But now it's all a little too showy.
Surprisingly enough, the duet between lovely Megan and Michael Sarver, (written and accompanied by Steve Martin) was really nice. It made me think that these two might be able to carve out a music career. In fact, Michael sounded good in everything last night.
On a low note, they brought back "Bikini Girl", which prompted the Little One to say "What is wrong with her?" I kind of liked how Kara came out and sang circles around her...not because I love Kara, but because that girl was so rude to her during the season.
The final announcement by Ryan was such a surprise. I hated for Kris to say "Adam deserved this". He repeated it in an interview this morning, but thankfully added "as much as I did". For those of us who voted for him, we want him to know that we think He deserved it.
I saw Adam interviewed too this morning. Besides the fact that he seems like a very nice guy...he seemed genuinely happy for Kris. He hinted that Queen had offered him a place in their band. He's fine...he knows he's on his way. So another year of Idol complete. You wonder if they can ever top the talent of this year....so
Until tomorrow, when I'll download some songs by Kris....and look forward to the weekend....
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Baseball, 24, The Bachelorette....and American Idol
Back to the books later in the week....It was a busy night at the ballparks and on TV....
First off, the Little One played a great tournament game in softball. With 2 hits and a great play at shortstop, she did her job....but her team lost. In the last inning, it was 9-8. With 2 outs, our girl hits a ball all the way to the fence for what looks like a home run. As she is rounding third...she trips and falls down. Now this is no problem because the ball is still at the fence, and at this age, it takes at least 3 throws to get it back in to the infield. However....her daddy coaches third base, and without thinking, he helps her up.....Now if you are not a softball afficianado, you say "Big Deal", but if you are a stinky coach with a rule book on the other team, even though this is 9-12 YEAR OLD SOFTBALL....you run out to the umpire and call "Interference!!"...thus ending the game. ...Since I don't use bad language, I won't say what I thought about this....just congratulations to the Mud Dogs on a great season...
Next, off to another field to watch The Boy pitch in his play-off game. Thankfully, he did a great job, got 2 hits...and the team won again. Championship game is Thursday night. Kudos to the Husband for doing such a terrific coaching job. He found the right balance between winning and making sure all the boys played and had fun. Obviously, I love to see The Boy do well, but it is also very rewarding to watch some of the other boys progress during the year.
So enough baseball, already. Let's talk about the Jack Bauer saving the world. Monday night's finale was exciting....except for a couple of problems. Do we really think Jack would have lasted this long after being exposed to the biological attack...No, we don't. But we are glad he did...and we believe that Kim will now save his life even though the chances are "slim". Secondly, I hated to see Tony exposed as a semi-bad guy. I was hoping there was some way to explain it all away, but hey, that revenge is a powerful motivator. And lastly...the beautiful Renee had quite a day. She was almost killed on numerous occasions. She lost Larry, who was possibly her lover, but at least her good friend. She fell in love with Jack....and now it looks like she is going to kick this Allan guy's ass....all in all, a tough day.....but again.....it's 24. We expect tough days....
And on to the Bachelorette...I have decided to watch even though the Husband made a big deal of rolling his eyes (yet he continued to watch too). Now I like this girl Jillian. I did not see her in the Bachelor (missed that season), but she seems down to earth. And what a gorgeous dress she had on!! I missed the first hour...I always hate the embarrassing limo arrivals anyway...but honestly....not impressed so far with the men. My favorite was the David guy who she gave that "first impression" rose to. He wasn't a pretty boy, had a sense of humor, and I liked his story about botching the first impression. But the other guys were such girls about him!! All of a sudden, she gives him the rose and he is the devil! It was embarrassing. When they brought in the extra 5 guys and there was the one pretty boy in the group...did you see the look of fear on the original guys? I thought men weren't suppose to talk about other men like that....very disconcerting. Ok, so from the season previews, it looks like David stays awhile...but so does the pretty boy....It also looks like things get heated in the house. I already know the Husband will be complaining but watching....but I need a girly distraction from baseball....
And finally...the Idol finale. Here is my assessment: Kris's version of "Ain't No Sunshine" was far and above the best of the night. Adam is good...but he is a showman. I can see him doing the Broadway version of Rocky Horror Picture Show or something like that...but it is Kris who will sell the CDs. As I read in a review this morning, I have never seen the judges pimp and promote someone like they have this year with Adam....but this may work against him in the long run. And on a side note...that last song that Kara co-wrote....really a stinker. It did not fit either of their voices in my humble opinion. As previously stated, I believe my song was much better....
I tried for 2 hours to call in and vote for Kris but could not get through. I heard a guy on the morning radio show say the same thing. I hope this is good news for Kris....Tonight will be interesting....
So, until tomorrow, when we will have an American Idol, and we will get back to the books...unless something more interesting comes along...
First off, the Little One played a great tournament game in softball. With 2 hits and a great play at shortstop, she did her job....but her team lost. In the last inning, it was 9-8. With 2 outs, our girl hits a ball all the way to the fence for what looks like a home run. As she is rounding third...she trips and falls down. Now this is no problem because the ball is still at the fence, and at this age, it takes at least 3 throws to get it back in to the infield. However....her daddy coaches third base, and without thinking, he helps her up.....Now if you are not a softball afficianado, you say "Big Deal", but if you are a stinky coach with a rule book on the other team, even though this is 9-12 YEAR OLD SOFTBALL....you run out to the umpire and call "Interference!!"...thus ending the game. ...Since I don't use bad language, I won't say what I thought about this....just congratulations to the Mud Dogs on a great season...
Next, off to another field to watch The Boy pitch in his play-off game. Thankfully, he did a great job, got 2 hits...and the team won again. Championship game is Thursday night. Kudos to the Husband for doing such a terrific coaching job. He found the right balance between winning and making sure all the boys played and had fun. Obviously, I love to see The Boy do well, but it is also very rewarding to watch some of the other boys progress during the year.
So enough baseball, already. Let's talk about the Jack Bauer saving the world. Monday night's finale was exciting....except for a couple of problems. Do we really think Jack would have lasted this long after being exposed to the biological attack...No, we don't. But we are glad he did...and we believe that Kim will now save his life even though the chances are "slim". Secondly, I hated to see Tony exposed as a semi-bad guy. I was hoping there was some way to explain it all away, but hey, that revenge is a powerful motivator. And lastly...the beautiful Renee had quite a day. She was almost killed on numerous occasions. She lost Larry, who was possibly her lover, but at least her good friend. She fell in love with Jack....and now it looks like she is going to kick this Allan guy's ass....all in all, a tough day.....but again.....it's 24. We expect tough days....
And on to the Bachelorette...I have decided to watch even though the Husband made a big deal of rolling his eyes (yet he continued to watch too). Now I like this girl Jillian. I did not see her in the Bachelor (missed that season), but she seems down to earth. And what a gorgeous dress she had on!! I missed the first hour...I always hate the embarrassing limo arrivals anyway...but honestly....not impressed so far with the men. My favorite was the David guy who she gave that "first impression" rose to. He wasn't a pretty boy, had a sense of humor, and I liked his story about botching the first impression. But the other guys were such girls about him!! All of a sudden, she gives him the rose and he is the devil! It was embarrassing. When they brought in the extra 5 guys and there was the one pretty boy in the group...did you see the look of fear on the original guys? I thought men weren't suppose to talk about other men like that....very disconcerting. Ok, so from the season previews, it looks like David stays awhile...but so does the pretty boy....It also looks like things get heated in the house. I already know the Husband will be complaining but watching....but I need a girly distraction from baseball....
And finally...the Idol finale. Here is my assessment: Kris's version of "Ain't No Sunshine" was far and above the best of the night. Adam is good...but he is a showman. I can see him doing the Broadway version of Rocky Horror Picture Show or something like that...but it is Kris who will sell the CDs. As I read in a review this morning, I have never seen the judges pimp and promote someone like they have this year with Adam....but this may work against him in the long run. And on a side note...that last song that Kara co-wrote....really a stinker. It did not fit either of their voices in my humble opinion. As previously stated, I believe my song was much better....
I tried for 2 hours to call in and vote for Kris but could not get through. I heard a guy on the morning radio show say the same thing. I hope this is good news for Kris....Tonight will be interesting....
So, until tomorrow, when we will have an American Idol, and we will get back to the books...unless something more interesting comes along...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance ...R. Persig
The pile of books on my nightstand is overflowing. I have given myself a month to work through it. The real reason is that the new Bas Bleu catalogue just came the other day, thus adding about 8 more books to my "want" list. However, I absolutely MUST get through a few more before I allow myself to order...
Books are my obsession and always have been. As much as I go on and on about clothes and fashion, coming from a middle-class household, there is only so much money that I will ever allow myself to spend on these things. It wouldn't matter what my income was, there is an innate voice in me that not only budgets my clothes allowance, but shames me when I exceed it. Not so on books. If you set me loose in a bookstore, any bookstore, I can outspend anyone. It is a flaw and I know it, but I have never been able to overcome it. There was a brief period when I was painting a few years ago when I was more disciplined about it. I had read a book that suggested that in order to be artistically creative, one needed to do less reading and more creating. This period was short-lived, because I am not happy when I am not reading.
So today, the subject is books...or more specifically, books I like or love for some reason. A few are recent reads, but some are oldies but goodies...Oscar Wilde said "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it." I love this quote. I guess I love it more after I read something I consider to me meaningful than after I read a People magazine. I suppose the below list defines who I am in some way.....
1) Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Robert M. Persig. This is an interesting book, albeit painfully long, with slow passages that will tempt you to give up. If you can hang in there, you will come away with some very brilliant insights. In order to give a recap that does this book justice, , I am going to refer to a blog called "Emergent Dharma: Young Buddhist Blog". This is not only a very interesting blog, but the writer gives a perfect summation of this book. There are 2 quotes in the book that really sum up the subject matter:
And what is good, Phaedrus
And what is not good-
Need we ask anyone to tell us these things- Plato
and then:
I haven't been carrying him at all
He's been carrying me
The book discusses both of these concepts, while also intertwining views on the "humanist approach to technology" and 'what quality is". It is both inspiring and depressing at the same time. But as I said, if you can just leave it on your bedside table and take it a few pages at a time, you will walk away with some brilliant insights.
2)The Life You Imagine. Derek Jeter. Ok, this is not an intellectual endeavor here. But I am only halfway through this book, and I am really enjoying it. The Boy has decided he wants to be a major league baseball player, so I feel it is my job to see how this can be accomplished. With apologies to my brother-in-law, I feel Jeter is one of the all-time great players of our time...so who better to examine? He steps through his childhood and how his parents raised him to have a good work ethic. He talks about being a team player and having a positive attitude. He talks about personal arrogance and confidence. It's nothing that hasn't been discussed before, but this is from a guy who has walked the walk and talked the talk. I will make The Boy read it after I am finished.
3) Speaking For Myself. Cherie Blair. If you have any interest in politics, this is a fascinating book. Cherie is the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. I am a huge fan of his...and in fact, I will take this opportunity to suggest a great website...www.tonyblairoffice.org....if you want to keep up with all he has done since leaving office. I think he has been one of the best leaders of our generation. I wish there was some way to give him honorary US citizenship and elect him President. Now talk about the "change" I could get behind... He is the perfect, charismatic mixture of conservatism, with a dose of "bleeding heart liberal" in social areas thrown in. My kind of guy....But back to the book. Cherie Blair is a force on her own. She is a lawyer, judge, mother of 5...in addition to being Blair's wife. Their marriage is a very interesting balance of chemistry, respect and history. Even if politics bore you, this is a good read.
4) The Little Prince. Saint-Exupery. One of my all time favorites. I read it for the first time in french class in college and I have been re-reading it in French and English ever since. "One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." My all time favorite quote. Besides "Do unto others", maybe the one closest to my heart.
5) The One Hundred. Nina Garcia. Ok, I am a little embarrassed to include this one, but I have to be honest in my list. Garcia is the former editor of Elle magazine and a judge on Project Runway. This book is a list of the most stylish items that a woman should have in her wardrobe. Her first book, "The Little Black Book" was great and this one is even better. It is like a compelation of Vogue, Bazaar and Elle...plus the illustrations are adorable. In fact, I'll have to take 10 minutes right now and peruse it just for fun....
Ok, that's it for today. Until tomorrow, when we will continue the book list....unless of course something more interesting happens....
Books are my obsession and always have been. As much as I go on and on about clothes and fashion, coming from a middle-class household, there is only so much money that I will ever allow myself to spend on these things. It wouldn't matter what my income was, there is an innate voice in me that not only budgets my clothes allowance, but shames me when I exceed it. Not so on books. If you set me loose in a bookstore, any bookstore, I can outspend anyone. It is a flaw and I know it, but I have never been able to overcome it. There was a brief period when I was painting a few years ago when I was more disciplined about it. I had read a book that suggested that in order to be artistically creative, one needed to do less reading and more creating. This period was short-lived, because I am not happy when I am not reading.
So today, the subject is books...or more specifically, books I like or love for some reason. A few are recent reads, but some are oldies but goodies...Oscar Wilde said "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it." I love this quote. I guess I love it more after I read something I consider to me meaningful than after I read a People magazine. I suppose the below list defines who I am in some way.....
1) Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Robert M. Persig. This is an interesting book, albeit painfully long, with slow passages that will tempt you to give up. If you can hang in there, you will come away with some very brilliant insights. In order to give a recap that does this book justice, , I am going to refer to a blog called "Emergent Dharma: Young Buddhist Blog". This is not only a very interesting blog, but the writer gives a perfect summation of this book. There are 2 quotes in the book that really sum up the subject matter:
And what is good, Phaedrus
And what is not good-
Need we ask anyone to tell us these things- Plato
and then:
I haven't been carrying him at all
He's been carrying me
The book discusses both of these concepts, while also intertwining views on the "humanist approach to technology" and 'what quality is". It is both inspiring and depressing at the same time. But as I said, if you can just leave it on your bedside table and take it a few pages at a time, you will walk away with some brilliant insights.
2)The Life You Imagine. Derek Jeter. Ok, this is not an intellectual endeavor here. But I am only halfway through this book, and I am really enjoying it. The Boy has decided he wants to be a major league baseball player, so I feel it is my job to see how this can be accomplished. With apologies to my brother-in-law, I feel Jeter is one of the all-time great players of our time...so who better to examine? He steps through his childhood and how his parents raised him to have a good work ethic. He talks about being a team player and having a positive attitude. He talks about personal arrogance and confidence. It's nothing that hasn't been discussed before, but this is from a guy who has walked the walk and talked the talk. I will make The Boy read it after I am finished.
3) Speaking For Myself. Cherie Blair. If you have any interest in politics, this is a fascinating book. Cherie is the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. I am a huge fan of his...and in fact, I will take this opportunity to suggest a great website...www.tonyblairoffice.org....if you want to keep up with all he has done since leaving office. I think he has been one of the best leaders of our generation. I wish there was some way to give him honorary US citizenship and elect him President. Now talk about the "change" I could get behind... He is the perfect, charismatic mixture of conservatism, with a dose of "bleeding heart liberal" in social areas thrown in. My kind of guy....But back to the book. Cherie Blair is a force on her own. She is a lawyer, judge, mother of 5...in addition to being Blair's wife. Their marriage is a very interesting balance of chemistry, respect and history. Even if politics bore you, this is a good read.
4) The Little Prince. Saint-Exupery. One of my all time favorites. I read it for the first time in french class in college and I have been re-reading it in French and English ever since. "One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." My all time favorite quote. Besides "Do unto others", maybe the one closest to my heart.
5) The One Hundred. Nina Garcia. Ok, I am a little embarrassed to include this one, but I have to be honest in my list. Garcia is the former editor of Elle magazine and a judge on Project Runway. This book is a list of the most stylish items that a woman should have in her wardrobe. Her first book, "The Little Black Book" was great and this one is even better. It is like a compelation of Vogue, Bazaar and Elle...plus the illustrations are adorable. In fact, I'll have to take 10 minutes right now and peruse it just for fun....
Ok, that's it for today. Until tomorrow, when we will continue the book list....unless of course something more interesting happens....
Sunday, May 17, 2009
I like My Money Right Where I Can see it...Hanging In My Closet
Ok, so it wasn't the Saturday night I'd hoped for. The boy was gone for the weekend (making the house extremely quiet and demand-free). The Little One was busy with the BFF who spent the night with us Friday night. Around noon, I threw it out to the husband..."Gee, we should have gotten a babysitter for tonight...we could go do something." To which he nodded and continued to do whatever it was he was doing. Now in the husband's defense, he is at the office everyday and the baseball field most nights, so it isn't surprising that he would want to spend a quiet Saturday at home. As opposed to the wife who does most of her work from home...or chauffeuring in the car...who likes to get out on the weekend and do something different. But hey, I'm pretty flexible, so alternative plans had to be made...
I've seen the Sex and the City movie a minimum of 15 times. Besides the fact that I love the clothes, I like the storyline too, and I always laugh and cry. I consider myself equal parts Charlotte and Carrie. Those who know me understand this comparison. One of my favorite scenes is when all of the girls get together and watch Carrie clean out her closet...they help her decide what stays and what goes. So I decided that if I had to be in on a Saturday night, it was the perfect time to switch the winter wardrobe closet to summer. And this was the perfect movie to watch while doing it. Now my wardrobe does not compare to Carrie's in any way, and I had no friends around to cheer me on, but this is an exercise that I generally enjoy. By May, I am generally tired of the winter stuff and ready to see something different. So I move all the winter stuff to the upstairs guest room closet...and bring all the summer stuff down. This also substitutes for my exercise for the day because we have 18 stairs between floors, thus making the several trips up and down good aerobically.
After all of the clothes are switched, I then do the shoes. This is a tedious process because I have many pairs of boots which must be boxed and stored. But the upside is that I get to bring down all of the gorgeous, albeit way-to-high sandals. This is the time of year where my height goes from about 5'9 and 1/2 to 6'2". I don't know what posseses me to buy 4 inch heels...it has already been established that these do not really suit my lifestyle anymore. I certainly do not need them to sit at the computer and write. They make vacuuming and dusting a little more difficult. And I can't wear them while throwing the softball with Little One or playing basketball with The Boy. But on the few days that I go into the office for work...or out to dinner with the husband...or anywhere that flip flops and Nikes aren't called for....I Love them.
The most exciting part of the whole process is discovering items you forgot you had. This time, I found the sky blue Ralph Lauren bikini that I thought I had lost. This is one of those beloved suits that I have had for years, but cannot part with. And then there are the beautiful red and white kitten heels that the husband gave me for Christmas. I keep my shoes in boxes with the picture of the shoe on the front...but I hadn't put the picture on these yet...so when I opened them up, I was filled with joy all over again, remembering how much I loved them.
The husband was impressed with the outcome, dropping hints that I do his side too. (It is worth noting that his side is actually bigger than mine....and not entirely because my side is well edited)I will probably break down and do it, although I really feel that it is a very personal chore...
After I finished, I stuck in "Something's Gotta Give" because I love the beach house in that movie. It is the perfect blend of modern and cozy...plus the paintings are terrific. I always promise myself I am going to "copy" them the next time I pull out my paint brushes.
So another weekend gone...the Boy arrived home in all his tired, glad-to-be-home, "church retreat is kind of boring " glory. He actually brought the Little One a present. He may be the sweetest kid ever...but of course this is his mom talking...
So until tomorrow, with an organized closet and the prodigal son returned..the week is off to a good start...
I've seen the Sex and the City movie a minimum of 15 times. Besides the fact that I love the clothes, I like the storyline too, and I always laugh and cry. I consider myself equal parts Charlotte and Carrie. Those who know me understand this comparison. One of my favorite scenes is when all of the girls get together and watch Carrie clean out her closet...they help her decide what stays and what goes. So I decided that if I had to be in on a Saturday night, it was the perfect time to switch the winter wardrobe closet to summer. And this was the perfect movie to watch while doing it. Now my wardrobe does not compare to Carrie's in any way, and I had no friends around to cheer me on, but this is an exercise that I generally enjoy. By May, I am generally tired of the winter stuff and ready to see something different. So I move all the winter stuff to the upstairs guest room closet...and bring all the summer stuff down. This also substitutes for my exercise for the day because we have 18 stairs between floors, thus making the several trips up and down good aerobically.
After all of the clothes are switched, I then do the shoes. This is a tedious process because I have many pairs of boots which must be boxed and stored. But the upside is that I get to bring down all of the gorgeous, albeit way-to-high sandals. This is the time of year where my height goes from about 5'9 and 1/2 to 6'2". I don't know what posseses me to buy 4 inch heels...it has already been established that these do not really suit my lifestyle anymore. I certainly do not need them to sit at the computer and write. They make vacuuming and dusting a little more difficult. And I can't wear them while throwing the softball with Little One or playing basketball with The Boy. But on the few days that I go into the office for work...or out to dinner with the husband...or anywhere that flip flops and Nikes aren't called for....I Love them.
The most exciting part of the whole process is discovering items you forgot you had. This time, I found the sky blue Ralph Lauren bikini that I thought I had lost. This is one of those beloved suits that I have had for years, but cannot part with. And then there are the beautiful red and white kitten heels that the husband gave me for Christmas. I keep my shoes in boxes with the picture of the shoe on the front...but I hadn't put the picture on these yet...so when I opened them up, I was filled with joy all over again, remembering how much I loved them.
The husband was impressed with the outcome, dropping hints that I do his side too. (It is worth noting that his side is actually bigger than mine....and not entirely because my side is well edited)I will probably break down and do it, although I really feel that it is a very personal chore...
After I finished, I stuck in "Something's Gotta Give" because I love the beach house in that movie. It is the perfect blend of modern and cozy...plus the paintings are terrific. I always promise myself I am going to "copy" them the next time I pull out my paint brushes.
So another weekend gone...the Boy arrived home in all his tired, glad-to-be-home, "church retreat is kind of boring " glory. He actually brought the Little One a present. He may be the sweetest kid ever...but of course this is his mom talking...
So until tomorrow, with an organized closet and the prodigal son returned..the week is off to a good start...
Friday, May 15, 2009
"If Botticelli were alive today, he'd be working for Vogue"
Today is Fashion Friday. I like to mention this upfront as a warning because this allows some readers to now log off (like the husband).
Yesterday was the day during the week I look forward to...Fashion and Style section in the Wall Street Journal. This usually includes some very interesting article on a designer, or at the very least, an interesting question about What To Wear. Not so yesterday. We were left with a very mediocre article on men's underwear (not sure there can be a good article on this subject) and a quick discussion about what to wear when the invitation says "formal attire". This lead to the inevitable conclusion that the LBD (Little Black Dress) is always the safest choice. Here is the problem with that. I showed the husband a picture of a Ralph Lauren dress last night which was in my new Vogue. It may be The most classic, beautiful dress I'd ever seen. I only showed it to him because it needed to be shown to someone ,and no one else was around. Here is the following conversation that ensued:
Me: Isn't this dress beautiful?
The Husband: How much is it?
Me: $2,595....It isn't a request...just pointing out how pretty it is.
The Husband: Don't you have one that looks just like it?
Me: No! Not even close.
Ok. There is the problem with the LBD. Over the last several years, I have collected quite a few of them. I have the black velvet strapless, the black halter, the black sheath, the black sleeveless empire waist, the black one-shoulder....well, you get the idea. The list goes on and on. While I have nothing that even compares to the fabulous Ralph Lauren, I have plenty of others...enough that the fashion-leery husband even notices. On the other hand, they are all well-worn. When an event pops up and I don't have "anything to wear", one of these always works. And that is why the article disappointed me....because this is nothing new. And by the way...$2,595? I just want to wear it, not live in it or drive it.
Later in the day, on my way to pick-up line at school, I flip through the mail and my heart skips a beat. The new Vogue has arrived and this always excites me. Now the question becomes, Do I read it in line?...or do I wait until later? Well, the cover is so gorgeous I have to dive in. Sandra Bullock is on the cover looking absolutely stunning in a red Donna Karan dress. Her hair is messy-perfect...my kind of hair. The dress is perfect (if I can't "have" the black Ralph Lauren" inside, I'll "take" this one) and it is shot on the beach...just lovely. In fact, I will have to write a letter to the editor, which is normally only something I do when I feel they have committed a political faux-pas...but that is the story for another blog.
Among the highlights inside the magazine:
1) A great list layout of items under $300....Now I know $300 is still expensive, but in Vogue...this is really a bargain....and the Kate Spade skirt with the brown zebra print and orange bottom is so cute...so is the Juicy Couture striped vest for $148. I have already mentally worked that into my wardrobe in about a hundred different ways. The JCrew silk tank is still sitting in my online shopping cart...
2)Great article on how to "Spot A Bargain"....and really...these are bargains. Very unusual for Vogue.
3) I love the section called "Fashion At Every Age"...I love the purple Nine West booties from the 20's section and the Moschino skirt from the 40's section....really, that skirt at a mere $865 is like a piece of artwork.
4)The Fashion Layout entitled "The Best of What's New" is the best I've seen in forever. I would buy every single outfit they show...especially the previously mentioned Ralph Lauren black dress. The Bottega Veneta skirt, sweater and booties would be my perfect "Go to Work" outfit...even the husband admitted this was "pretty nice".
5) And finally, the article on Sandra Bullock. It is well-written and the photos are nice. I really like her and I like the way she dresses, though she does not get a lot of attention for it.
All in all a great issue....I'm only sorry that I have already finished it...and maybe even thinking that I should have saved it for the weekend...so..
Until next week, when there is always the new Bazaar to look forward to...not to mention the new Lucky that is sitting on my nightstand....
Yesterday was the day during the week I look forward to...Fashion and Style section in the Wall Street Journal. This usually includes some very interesting article on a designer, or at the very least, an interesting question about What To Wear. Not so yesterday. We were left with a very mediocre article on men's underwear (not sure there can be a good article on this subject) and a quick discussion about what to wear when the invitation says "formal attire". This lead to the inevitable conclusion that the LBD (Little Black Dress) is always the safest choice. Here is the problem with that. I showed the husband a picture of a Ralph Lauren dress last night which was in my new Vogue. It may be The most classic, beautiful dress I'd ever seen. I only showed it to him because it needed to be shown to someone ,and no one else was around. Here is the following conversation that ensued:
Me: Isn't this dress beautiful?
The Husband: How much is it?
Me: $2,595....It isn't a request...just pointing out how pretty it is.
The Husband: Don't you have one that looks just like it?
Me: No! Not even close.
Ok. There is the problem with the LBD. Over the last several years, I have collected quite a few of them. I have the black velvet strapless, the black halter, the black sheath, the black sleeveless empire waist, the black one-shoulder....well, you get the idea. The list goes on and on. While I have nothing that even compares to the fabulous Ralph Lauren, I have plenty of others...enough that the fashion-leery husband even notices. On the other hand, they are all well-worn. When an event pops up and I don't have "anything to wear", one of these always works. And that is why the article disappointed me....because this is nothing new. And by the way...$2,595? I just want to wear it, not live in it or drive it.
Later in the day, on my way to pick-up line at school, I flip through the mail and my heart skips a beat. The new Vogue has arrived and this always excites me. Now the question becomes, Do I read it in line?...or do I wait until later? Well, the cover is so gorgeous I have to dive in. Sandra Bullock is on the cover looking absolutely stunning in a red Donna Karan dress. Her hair is messy-perfect...my kind of hair. The dress is perfect (if I can't "have" the black Ralph Lauren" inside, I'll "take" this one) and it is shot on the beach...just lovely. In fact, I will have to write a letter to the editor, which is normally only something I do when I feel they have committed a political faux-pas...but that is the story for another blog.
Among the highlights inside the magazine:
1) A great list layout of items under $300....Now I know $300 is still expensive, but in Vogue...this is really a bargain....and the Kate Spade skirt with the brown zebra print and orange bottom is so cute...so is the Juicy Couture striped vest for $148. I have already mentally worked that into my wardrobe in about a hundred different ways. The JCrew silk tank is still sitting in my online shopping cart...
2)Great article on how to "Spot A Bargain"....and really...these are bargains. Very unusual for Vogue.
3) I love the section called "Fashion At Every Age"...I love the purple Nine West booties from the 20's section and the Moschino skirt from the 40's section....really, that skirt at a mere $865 is like a piece of artwork.
4)The Fashion Layout entitled "The Best of What's New" is the best I've seen in forever. I would buy every single outfit they show...especially the previously mentioned Ralph Lauren black dress. The Bottega Veneta skirt, sweater and booties would be my perfect "Go to Work" outfit...even the husband admitted this was "pretty nice".
5) And finally, the article on Sandra Bullock. It is well-written and the photos are nice. I really like her and I like the way she dresses, though she does not get a lot of attention for it.
All in all a great issue....I'm only sorry that I have already finished it...and maybe even thinking that I should have saved it for the weekend...so..
Until next week, when there is always the new Bazaar to look forward to...not to mention the new Lucky that is sitting on my nightstand....
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Sound of Music
I'm late posting today. Every once in awhile, I head to the husband's office to help him out on some different things (it's tough having him as boss at work and home), and today was the day. I had planned on going tomorrow, but the boy made me an offer I couldn't refuse. He is going on church retreat this weekend and getting picked up from school tomorrow (Friday). He said if I wanted, I could "drop by to pick up his book bag and say good bye" before he leaves. It took me about 2 seconds to switch my work plans in my mind because as previously stated, I am probably weeks away from these type of offers disappearing...
So on a lovely Thursday morning, I dress up, (which I like to do since most mornings I am in jeans and a t-shirt while writing) and I take the 45 minute drive into the office. Now unlike the husband who has to make this drive twice a day, I actually enjoy it. Most of it is through pretty farm land, and it is the one chance I get to listen to the music that I like. After school pick up the other day, the Boy and the Little One had a discussion about the music I have on the CD player. The following were the results of the conversation:
1) The Taylor Swift CD which is really the Little One's which she graciously "let me borrow and really needs it back" is the favorite...for both of them. Even the boy likes this one. They agree that "Romeo and Juliet" is the best song, but I highly disagree, pointing out that #12 which I think is called The Best Day (about fathers and daughters ) is far and beyond the winner.
2) James Taylor. Boring. Please mom...not that again. See, now I can be ok with that because that is exactly what Big Sister used to say when she was little and now guess what CD I saw in her car the other day? (Well, she had 2 JT's...mine and Justin Timberlake)
3) Soundtrack to Les Miserables....I think it goes without saying that this is not their favorite...although Little One thinks "I Dreamed A Dream" is ...."kind of ok".
4) Aerosmith's Greatest Hits....Most people are surprised to see this in my car, but this is one of my all-time favorite...oops, I almost said album....CD's. "Walk This Way" is not only my favorite song to run to, but it is also the song I think that Adam should have sung on American Idol. Steven Tyler has an amazing voice. I saw him a couple of weeks ago on some PBS show singing that old Streisand song "Smile". His dad was in the audience and he had dedicated it to him. It was absolutely beautiful. On the other hand, I saw him in person at some event a few years ago, and it was a little disappointing...I won't say why....
5)Wynonna. What the World Needs Now. I love Wynonna Judd. That girl can plain sing. But some of the songs on this one are just beautiful The kids never complain.
6) Eagles. Anything. Nobody is allowed to say anything bad about Don Henley. These songs are all classics. I saw them in concert a couple of years ago....fantastic.
7)Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits. Little One requests "ABC" 50 times a day. The Boy likes it too. They also like "Black and White" and She's Mine". Ok, they don't like "She's Mine"....but I do, so tough.
8) And last but not least, Miley Cyrus. We all love "The Climb". Even the Boy...he even downloaded it on his Ipod...but don't tell anybody.
Generally, Little One listens to Miley and Taylor...and the Boy tries to listen to the clean version of the latest crap, I mean rap songs....so I feel it is my duty to educate them a little.
So anyway, the ride to work is lovely. I head to my little office, watch the golfers out my window (great view) and accomplish what needs to be done. And then back home, choosing the radio over CD's this time. Lo and behold, my all time favorite song "You've Got the Music In You" by the New Radicals comes on. I am content. Nothing like hearing your favorite song to make your day...
So until tomorrow, when I'll be at home in jeans and t-shirt....and be forewarned...the new Vogue came today!!!!.....
So on a lovely Thursday morning, I dress up, (which I like to do since most mornings I am in jeans and a t-shirt while writing) and I take the 45 minute drive into the office. Now unlike the husband who has to make this drive twice a day, I actually enjoy it. Most of it is through pretty farm land, and it is the one chance I get to listen to the music that I like. After school pick up the other day, the Boy and the Little One had a discussion about the music I have on the CD player. The following were the results of the conversation:
1) The Taylor Swift CD which is really the Little One's which she graciously "let me borrow and really needs it back" is the favorite...for both of them. Even the boy likes this one. They agree that "Romeo and Juliet" is the best song, but I highly disagree, pointing out that #12 which I think is called The Best Day (about fathers and daughters ) is far and beyond the winner.
2) James Taylor. Boring. Please mom...not that again. See, now I can be ok with that because that is exactly what Big Sister used to say when she was little and now guess what CD I saw in her car the other day? (Well, she had 2 JT's...mine and Justin Timberlake)
3) Soundtrack to Les Miserables....I think it goes without saying that this is not their favorite...although Little One thinks "I Dreamed A Dream" is ...."kind of ok".
4) Aerosmith's Greatest Hits....Most people are surprised to see this in my car, but this is one of my all-time favorite...oops, I almost said album....CD's. "Walk This Way" is not only my favorite song to run to, but it is also the song I think that Adam should have sung on American Idol. Steven Tyler has an amazing voice. I saw him a couple of weeks ago on some PBS show singing that old Streisand song "Smile". His dad was in the audience and he had dedicated it to him. It was absolutely beautiful. On the other hand, I saw him in person at some event a few years ago, and it was a little disappointing...I won't say why....
5)Wynonna. What the World Needs Now. I love Wynonna Judd. That girl can plain sing. But some of the songs on this one are just beautiful The kids never complain.
6) Eagles. Anything. Nobody is allowed to say anything bad about Don Henley. These songs are all classics. I saw them in concert a couple of years ago....fantastic.
7)Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits. Little One requests "ABC" 50 times a day. The Boy likes it too. They also like "Black and White" and She's Mine". Ok, they don't like "She's Mine"....but I do, so tough.
8) And last but not least, Miley Cyrus. We all love "The Climb". Even the Boy...he even downloaded it on his Ipod...but don't tell anybody.
Generally, Little One listens to Miley and Taylor...and the Boy tries to listen to the clean version of the latest crap, I mean rap songs....so I feel it is my duty to educate them a little.
So anyway, the ride to work is lovely. I head to my little office, watch the golfers out my window (great view) and accomplish what needs to be done. And then back home, choosing the radio over CD's this time. Lo and behold, my all time favorite song "You've Got the Music In You" by the New Radicals comes on. I am content. Nothing like hearing your favorite song to make your day...
So until tomorrow, when I'll be at home in jeans and t-shirt....and be forewarned...the new Vogue came today!!!!.....
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Fashion is What You Adopt When You Don't Know Who You Are
In the old movie Flashdance, Jennifer Beales plays a very cool welder-by-day/dancer-by-night. In one of my favorite scenes, she takes her lunch break from her welding job, pulls out a Paris Vogue, and sits and reads it and eats. I loved this because this was me my first year in college. No, I wasn't a welder (or a dancer), but on the days that I worked at the department store, I would run down to the little news stand in town on my lunch break and buy the 1 copy of Paris Vogue they had, bring it back to the drugstore counter, and read it while I ate my sandwich.
On a side note, it now seems amazing that my very small country hometown in Tennessee would carry this magazine. I remember the first time I went in there and found it, I was dumbfounded...and I think the little guy who ran the place could not believe someone actually bought it. Because it came from Paris, it cost like $10, which was a ridiculous purchase for me at the time...but I savored every page. I could read about my two favorite subjects...France and fashion....at the same time. After that first visit, he had one copy reserved every month and he always made a sweet comment to me when I came into buy it.
So fast forward many years, and I am at the mall the other night with Big Sister and Little One. Little One is on car duty this week at school. This means she "gets" to open the car doors for everyone in the morning. Now usually, her wardrobe revolves around PE and comfort. Don't even try to suggest a dress or skirt. However....when you are possibly opening the car door for the little guy you might have a crush on...you have to look good. So she wanted a new outfit. Now look, after 3 stores and an hour of shopping, she was still debating the "perfectness" of many outfits. I kept bringing her stuff...and she kept giving me the "look". Finally she said "You are just from the olden days". What??? Well, I was really offended. I started to launch into a tirade about how I had been a Director of Retail, a buyer, a model...not to mention an arbiter of great taste and fashion knowledge...when it all of a sudden dawned on me that she could care less...
So...at this point, I left her in the very capable hands of Big Sister, who even though she is many moons older than Little One, seems to maintain a certain air of fashion reliability. I took myself over to the shoe department, cosmetic counter...and finally espresso bar...and drowned my hurt feelings and sorrows in Starbucks and Chanel...
20 minutes later, I returned to find the 3 of them (the sales girl...also not from the "olden days", had joined the team) in awe of the new outfit. I have to admit it was spectacular...flowy tulle skirt, white leggings, black t-shirt...and the fabulous sparkly converse shoes...all topped off with the black leather belt....I mean, she could have been right out of the pages of my afore-mentioned Paris Vogue. So everyone was happy....well almost. Little One is actually a little Jewish housewife in disguise. She never met a penny she didn't pinch. If I leave a light on the house, she reports me to the husband. If I throw a dime in a charity jar at McDonald's, she asks who the money goes to...So I had to assure her that the cost of the outfit was indeed fair, and that each item could be worn separately and usefully. (Big Sister listened with her mouth dropped open having never questioned a purchase in her life....)
All in all a great evening. I may have become irrelevant in my Little One's fashion life, but I can even take a certain amount of pride in that. I like an independent spirit...and I don't like for anyone to tell me what to wear either. So I guess she is just a chip off the "old" block..
Car duty went very well the next day. I was informed that she got to open the door for the "crush"...and I can only imagine how good she felt in her new outfit..
So until tomorrow, when I still look forward to the new Paris Vogue, but the Little One makes me read it in the store because it is too expensive to buy...
On a side note, it now seems amazing that my very small country hometown in Tennessee would carry this magazine. I remember the first time I went in there and found it, I was dumbfounded...and I think the little guy who ran the place could not believe someone actually bought it. Because it came from Paris, it cost like $10, which was a ridiculous purchase for me at the time...but I savored every page. I could read about my two favorite subjects...France and fashion....at the same time. After that first visit, he had one copy reserved every month and he always made a sweet comment to me when I came into buy it.
So fast forward many years, and I am at the mall the other night with Big Sister and Little One. Little One is on car duty this week at school. This means she "gets" to open the car doors for everyone in the morning. Now usually, her wardrobe revolves around PE and comfort. Don't even try to suggest a dress or skirt. However....when you are possibly opening the car door for the little guy you might have a crush on...you have to look good. So she wanted a new outfit. Now look, after 3 stores and an hour of shopping, she was still debating the "perfectness" of many outfits. I kept bringing her stuff...and she kept giving me the "look". Finally she said "You are just from the olden days". What??? Well, I was really offended. I started to launch into a tirade about how I had been a Director of Retail, a buyer, a model...not to mention an arbiter of great taste and fashion knowledge...when it all of a sudden dawned on me that she could care less...
So...at this point, I left her in the very capable hands of Big Sister, who even though she is many moons older than Little One, seems to maintain a certain air of fashion reliability. I took myself over to the shoe department, cosmetic counter...and finally espresso bar...and drowned my hurt feelings and sorrows in Starbucks and Chanel...
20 minutes later, I returned to find the 3 of them (the sales girl...also not from the "olden days", had joined the team) in awe of the new outfit. I have to admit it was spectacular...flowy tulle skirt, white leggings, black t-shirt...and the fabulous sparkly converse shoes...all topped off with the black leather belt....I mean, she could have been right out of the pages of my afore-mentioned Paris Vogue. So everyone was happy....well almost. Little One is actually a little Jewish housewife in disguise. She never met a penny she didn't pinch. If I leave a light on the house, she reports me to the husband. If I throw a dime in a charity jar at McDonald's, she asks who the money goes to...So I had to assure her that the cost of the outfit was indeed fair, and that each item could be worn separately and usefully. (Big Sister listened with her mouth dropped open having never questioned a purchase in her life....)
All in all a great evening. I may have become irrelevant in my Little One's fashion life, but I can even take a certain amount of pride in that. I like an independent spirit...and I don't like for anyone to tell me what to wear either. So I guess she is just a chip off the "old" block..
Car duty went very well the next day. I was informed that she got to open the door for the "crush"...and I can only imagine how good she felt in her new outfit..
So until tomorrow, when I still look forward to the new Paris Vogue, but the Little One makes me read it in the store because it is too expensive to buy...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Freudian Slip is When You Say One Thing But Mean Your Mother
I was in the store last week looking at cards. I had two wedding cards to buy, one graduation card and a birthday card. After picking all of these out, I walked over to the Mother's Day cards and spent some time looking through them. This was to be my first Mother's Day without a mother. I read through several, choosing the ones I would have bought for my mom and my mother-in-law. I really missed that this year. As the day got closer, it felt like I had forgotten something, like I hadn't done something. And then I realized it was the cards...I no longer needed to buy them. My mom and mother-in-law loved cards. You could skip the presents all together...but they liked a good card. My mom liked anything with a religious connotation to it. I'm not sure how to describe what my mother-in-law liked, but I always knew it when I saw it.
I cried a little when I got into my car afterwards. Grieving is a strange process. Just when you think you are ok, something like Mother's Day comes along and kicks you in the shins. My stomach felt funny all weekend knowing that there would be a time during the day when the awareness that she was gone would wash over me. And sure enough it happened, but in a good way. During our church service, the minister presented roses to moms. It reminded me of the year that I bought mom a corsage to wear to church on Mother's Day. I remember thinking that she would enjoy that and how excited I was. Unfortunately, it turns out that years ago, different colors meant different things. Whatever color I bought her meant that her mother had passed...but at the time, she hadn't. Oops. Now I had no idea about this...I probably bought it based on what she was going to wear. But this caused great turmoil in the household. I remember mom and my aunt holding court as to whether or not she could wear it. In the end...she could not. People would talk. Well, on Sunday morning, this memory made me laugh to myself. Those are times that will never come again, but at least I carry the memories with me. No one can take that away.
The little one presented me with a hand-made card which I loved. She had brought it home from school in her book bag and it was a little crushed. It was the kind of card that is orchestrated by the teacher. The verses were sweet, but definitely not the words of my little one...( Thanks for giving birth to me?) But when I turned the card over, there, in her little handwriting, was "Dear mom, you are a really, really good mom. You do good stuff for me. You cook for me. I love you." Well, that was all I needed. A true sentiment.
The boy did not make a card. He had already established with me that his artistic abilities just do not cut it and he was a little old to be drawing hearts. Instead, he patted me and tackled me at regular intervals all day long, adding "I love my little mommy". Again, perfect.
Big sister is now reading this and getting ready to call and apologize for not sending a card. However, she drove and hour to see me, and this trumps a card any day.
The husband, in usual gift-giving fashion, made my day. When I woke up Mother's Day morning and strolled into the kitchen, there on the counter was an adorable card, signed by both little ones. There was a new (and very cool) coffee mug. There was a "trashy" magazine...one of those grocery line type that you don't buy, but also don't mind reading. And there was a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (with a really neat label which gets me every time). I laughed to myself thinking that it was his subconscious way of giving me what I needed to get through the day. On top of that , he took me to IHOP to get french toast, which cured me of any sadness that I had.
Well, today is the husband's birthday. I already have the card. He doesn't do coffee, so the mug is out. He drinks a very occasional glass of wine, but not enough to justify a bottle. He reads the trashy magazines, but only if they are lying around. His best friend will take him to lunch and most likely give him a great gag gift. Big sister will give him some candy. The boy will tackle him when he walks in the door and say "Yo dad, Happy Birthday". Little one will draw a big heart with the words "I love you" in the middle....These will have to do, because in the end, what do you get the guy who has everything?....I guess an appreciation for who he is and what he brings to all of our lives. For the little one, that would be a great tickle-monster. For the boy, a great coach. For the big sister, a boss, an ear and a good step-father. For me, a friend who has made all of the losses of the last few years bearable...and so much more that could never be put into words...
So Happy Birthday to the husband, and until tomorrow, when we are all a little older and wiser...
I cried a little when I got into my car afterwards. Grieving is a strange process. Just when you think you are ok, something like Mother's Day comes along and kicks you in the shins. My stomach felt funny all weekend knowing that there would be a time during the day when the awareness that she was gone would wash over me. And sure enough it happened, but in a good way. During our church service, the minister presented roses to moms. It reminded me of the year that I bought mom a corsage to wear to church on Mother's Day. I remember thinking that she would enjoy that and how excited I was. Unfortunately, it turns out that years ago, different colors meant different things. Whatever color I bought her meant that her mother had passed...but at the time, she hadn't. Oops. Now I had no idea about this...I probably bought it based on what she was going to wear. But this caused great turmoil in the household. I remember mom and my aunt holding court as to whether or not she could wear it. In the end...she could not. People would talk. Well, on Sunday morning, this memory made me laugh to myself. Those are times that will never come again, but at least I carry the memories with me. No one can take that away.
The little one presented me with a hand-made card which I loved. She had brought it home from school in her book bag and it was a little crushed. It was the kind of card that is orchestrated by the teacher. The verses were sweet, but definitely not the words of my little one...( Thanks for giving birth to me?) But when I turned the card over, there, in her little handwriting, was "Dear mom, you are a really, really good mom. You do good stuff for me. You cook for me. I love you." Well, that was all I needed. A true sentiment.
The boy did not make a card. He had already established with me that his artistic abilities just do not cut it and he was a little old to be drawing hearts. Instead, he patted me and tackled me at regular intervals all day long, adding "I love my little mommy". Again, perfect.
Big sister is now reading this and getting ready to call and apologize for not sending a card. However, she drove and hour to see me, and this trumps a card any day.
The husband, in usual gift-giving fashion, made my day. When I woke up Mother's Day morning and strolled into the kitchen, there on the counter was an adorable card, signed by both little ones. There was a new (and very cool) coffee mug. There was a "trashy" magazine...one of those grocery line type that you don't buy, but also don't mind reading. And there was a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (with a really neat label which gets me every time). I laughed to myself thinking that it was his subconscious way of giving me what I needed to get through the day. On top of that , he took me to IHOP to get french toast, which cured me of any sadness that I had.
Well, today is the husband's birthday. I already have the card. He doesn't do coffee, so the mug is out. He drinks a very occasional glass of wine, but not enough to justify a bottle. He reads the trashy magazines, but only if they are lying around. His best friend will take him to lunch and most likely give him a great gag gift. Big sister will give him some candy. The boy will tackle him when he walks in the door and say "Yo dad, Happy Birthday". Little one will draw a big heart with the words "I love you" in the middle....These will have to do, because in the end, what do you get the guy who has everything?....I guess an appreciation for who he is and what he brings to all of our lives. For the little one, that would be a great tickle-monster. For the boy, a great coach. For the big sister, a boss, an ear and a good step-father. For me, a friend who has made all of the losses of the last few years bearable...and so much more that could never be put into words...
So Happy Birthday to the husband, and until tomorrow, when we are all a little older and wiser...
Monday, May 11, 2009
Up on the Roof
I was reading this great book of essays by Alice Steinbach. One of them was on the subject of romance. She had asked several of her friends to give her examples of their most romantic moment. The answers were really interesting. They ranged from trite, as in "He gazed into my eyes and I heard music" to very simple, as in "He came in and kissed me while I had a mouthful of toothpaste". It got me to thinking about how our definitions of romance change over the course of our lives.
My little one in third grade would be very embarrassed if you mentioned the word "romance", but I can tell you what her definition of it would be. She places a lot of importance on P.E class and takes a lot of pride in coming in 1st, 2nd or 3rd in everything. When the little boy she has had a crush on for a year says "Good Job"...this is thrilling.
Now the boy in sixth grade has a different take on it. Many in his class have already started "going out", whatever this means (and I haven't quite figured it out yet). However, he hasn't crossed that bridge yet. His idea of romance would be an e-mail from a particular girl that says something like "Good luck at your game" or " How'd you do on that test?" ...The boy still has very low expectations...
When I was in high school, my boyfriend took flying lessons. Everyday after school when I would get off the bus (yeah, I rode the bus..it's a different world, isn't it?) , he would fly over my house and tip his wings.The husband is now rolling his eyes saying "What a cheeseball", but I though it was pretty neat. We have already established that I am not a big talker...so to me, this "said" a lot.
Fast-forward several years...and I am going out with the husband. I remember we were going somewhere in the car one day. We were riding along in companionable silence when that Alison Krauss song "You Say it Best When You say Nothing At All" came on. The husband, or rather the boyfriend, looks over at me and says, "This song reminds me of you. It's why I like you." At the time, I thought that was the most romantic thing I had ever heard. It felt like he really understood me and appreciated me. Now we were kind of laughing about that the other day, because these days, if he said that song reminded him of me, it would mean literally that "I say it best when I say NOTHING at all"...It's all about perspective, isn't it?
The husband proposed to me on top of his roof. The house was built so that you could climb up there and have a terrific view of the neighborhood. He set a up video camera, and took me up there supposedly to "see some birds". Little did I know he was going to ask me to marry him and have it on film. Very romantic....but there is one little hitch to this story...
A few months earlier, I had been over at his house on a Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful day and we were working in his yard. I especially enjoyed this because I was living in a small apartment with my two little girls at the time, and having a yard to work in was a real treat. I had planted a whole section of wild flowers in the back, and I had climbed up on the roof with the hose because they were easier to water from there. I remember kind of savoring the moment, when all of the sudden, the boyfriend comes running around from the front of the house, uncharacteristically animated, yelling "Get Down, get Down!!", waving his arms like a maniac. I had no idea what was going on, so I did what I was told...I laid down on the roof. A few moments later, I heard voices...the boyfriend, a girl and an older lady. It was very strained and polite conversation, though I couldn't make out much. I leaned over just far enough so that I could see them, but they couldn't see me. This required a lot of effort on the roof...any wrong movement and I would roll off the edge. When I finally got a glimpse, I realized that it was the ex-girlfriend. Now the only reason I knew this was that I remembered seeing a picture of her in his house on our first date...At the time, I thought it was his sister...which is the subject for a whole different
blog. This was the girl that he now referred to as "psycho------". Now I was pretty sure that was an overstatement, but I was unwilling to test the waters. This visit was obviously a "I'm returning everything you ever gave me" visit, with mom along to make you feel really guilty.
You know how sometimes you go through several stages of denial on things? Well...I did. First, I was really angry. I mean, how dare he ask me to "Get Down"? Why not just be polite and introduce me like adults? Here I was lying down on the roof of a house in some kind of covert "Operation Be Quiet". After several minutes, I started laughing. I mean, I could hear a little of the conversation, and the boyfriend was obviously trying to get rid of them. I could only imagine what was going through his mind. If you forgot about the fact that I was lying on a roof, it was really funny. And finally, I hit the stage of "agreement", as in, it's exactly what he should have done. There were two possibilities of how that meeting could have gone...one was awkward...and one was mean...and by the way the conversation was going....mean seemed more likely.
Finally mom and "Psycho"(his words, not mine) leave. The boyfriend climbs up on the roof and lays down beside me. "Look, it would have been ugly. Just no need. Sorry." I don't remember what I said. I might have milked it for a few more minutes...I mean, I probably had a premonition that it was one of the few times in our relationship that I would have the "power". But what I do remember was laughing together and then going on with our beautiful day....So now you understand that even though the proposal was romantic....it could never compete with our most "romantic roof moment".
The little one got in the car from school the other day and said "Mommy, ------ (insert name of crush) looked at me in art class and made his fingers in the sign of a heart and then pointed at me. What does that mean?"......Pretty darn romantic.....
So until tomorrow, when I will continue to remember that romance is not always what we expect...
My little one in third grade would be very embarrassed if you mentioned the word "romance", but I can tell you what her definition of it would be. She places a lot of importance on P.E class and takes a lot of pride in coming in 1st, 2nd or 3rd in everything. When the little boy she has had a crush on for a year says "Good Job"...this is thrilling.
Now the boy in sixth grade has a different take on it. Many in his class have already started "going out", whatever this means (and I haven't quite figured it out yet). However, he hasn't crossed that bridge yet. His idea of romance would be an e-mail from a particular girl that says something like "Good luck at your game" or " How'd you do on that test?" ...The boy still has very low expectations...
When I was in high school, my boyfriend took flying lessons. Everyday after school when I would get off the bus (yeah, I rode the bus..it's a different world, isn't it?) , he would fly over my house and tip his wings.The husband is now rolling his eyes saying "What a cheeseball", but I though it was pretty neat. We have already established that I am not a big talker...so to me, this "said" a lot.
Fast-forward several years...and I am going out with the husband. I remember we were going somewhere in the car one day. We were riding along in companionable silence when that Alison Krauss song "You Say it Best When You say Nothing At All" came on. The husband, or rather the boyfriend, looks over at me and says, "This song reminds me of you. It's why I like you." At the time, I thought that was the most romantic thing I had ever heard. It felt like he really understood me and appreciated me. Now we were kind of laughing about that the other day, because these days, if he said that song reminded him of me, it would mean literally that "I say it best when I say NOTHING at all"...It's all about perspective, isn't it?
The husband proposed to me on top of his roof. The house was built so that you could climb up there and have a terrific view of the neighborhood. He set a up video camera, and took me up there supposedly to "see some birds". Little did I know he was going to ask me to marry him and have it on film. Very romantic....but there is one little hitch to this story...
A few months earlier, I had been over at his house on a Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful day and we were working in his yard. I especially enjoyed this because I was living in a small apartment with my two little girls at the time, and having a yard to work in was a real treat. I had planted a whole section of wild flowers in the back, and I had climbed up on the roof with the hose because they were easier to water from there. I remember kind of savoring the moment, when all of the sudden, the boyfriend comes running around from the front of the house, uncharacteristically animated, yelling "Get Down, get Down!!", waving his arms like a maniac. I had no idea what was going on, so I did what I was told...I laid down on the roof. A few moments later, I heard voices...the boyfriend, a girl and an older lady. It was very strained and polite conversation, though I couldn't make out much. I leaned over just far enough so that I could see them, but they couldn't see me. This required a lot of effort on the roof...any wrong movement and I would roll off the edge. When I finally got a glimpse, I realized that it was the ex-girlfriend. Now the only reason I knew this was that I remembered seeing a picture of her in his house on our first date...At the time, I thought it was his sister...which is the subject for a whole different
blog. This was the girl that he now referred to as "psycho------". Now I was pretty sure that was an overstatement, but I was unwilling to test the waters. This visit was obviously a "I'm returning everything you ever gave me" visit, with mom along to make you feel really guilty.
You know how sometimes you go through several stages of denial on things? Well...I did. First, I was really angry. I mean, how dare he ask me to "Get Down"? Why not just be polite and introduce me like adults? Here I was lying down on the roof of a house in some kind of covert "Operation Be Quiet". After several minutes, I started laughing. I mean, I could hear a little of the conversation, and the boyfriend was obviously trying to get rid of them. I could only imagine what was going through his mind. If you forgot about the fact that I was lying on a roof, it was really funny. And finally, I hit the stage of "agreement", as in, it's exactly what he should have done. There were two possibilities of how that meeting could have gone...one was awkward...and one was mean...and by the way the conversation was going....mean seemed more likely.
Finally mom and "Psycho"(his words, not mine) leave. The boyfriend climbs up on the roof and lays down beside me. "Look, it would have been ugly. Just no need. Sorry." I don't remember what I said. I might have milked it for a few more minutes...I mean, I probably had a premonition that it was one of the few times in our relationship that I would have the "power". But what I do remember was laughing together and then going on with our beautiful day....So now you understand that even though the proposal was romantic....it could never compete with our most "romantic roof moment".
The little one got in the car from school the other day and said "Mommy, ------ (insert name of crush) looked at me in art class and made his fingers in the sign of a heart and then pointed at me. What does that mean?"......Pretty darn romantic.....
So until tomorrow, when I will continue to remember that romance is not always what we expect...
Friday, May 8, 2009
Son, You Outgrew My Lap, But Never My Heart
I'm in big trouble today. I have committed the unforgiveable sin of "entertaining a thought". And here is the story:
The boy wants a cell phone. No, he doesn't just "want" a cell phone, he NEEDS a cell phone. It is a life-line to the coolness that he so desperately desires. At 11 years old, we are at the beginning of that slippery slope called 'pre-teen-ness". Every few months, someone at school obtains something new and cool, and there begins a slow trickle of other kids who also get this new item, and pretty soon, if you don't have this particular item, you are deemed "uncool".
A couple of years ago, it was the x-box. "Everyone" had one, and he really "needed" one. For me, this was an easy one to turn down. I have always insisted that a large part of his free time be spent outside. I had talked to too many moms who told me that as soon as an x-box entered the house, their son never left the house again. We waded through that issue for a few months, and it seemed to fade. The next door neighbor boy had one, and occasionally the boy would go over and play his. This seemed to appease him until...
Last year, it was the ipod. Now my son had never even listened to the radio. This is not to say that he doesn't like music, because he does. But not in any kind of obsessive "I wanna be a musician" kind of way. Just in a "If I get an ipod, my friends will say I'm cool" kind of way.
The big push began when the gym teacher said that they were allowed to bring their ipod when they "ran the mile". Well, for some reason, this was the impetus that many parents needed to buy that ipod. I never did figure out why 2 days of gym class would influence that decision, but after the mile run, 3/4 of the class had an ipod. Well, Christmas-time rolled around, and the husband found a good deal on the ipod. I got kind of excited because I thought that meant I was getting one...but no, the boy and the husband got them. (I was told I could "share" them...) Ok, so he was excited for about 2 weeks. He downloaded about 20 songs...ran through his Christmas money to do it...and then I noticed that slowly he used it less and less. Now he still downloads some songs occasionally, especially before a long car trip...or for those 2 big "mile run" days in gym class, but basically, it lies on his floor most of the time...
The next big push was the laptop. Everyone started getting their own laptop, so he came home and explained how he could be so much more efficient if he had one. You know, he could do his homework better, research important topics, e-mail with his relatives....yeah, he actually said that. What he didn't mention is that the girls in his class were starting to e-mail with the boys, and he wanted to be a part of it. Now look, I understand this and I told him that he was welcome to borrow mine in the afternoon, and as long as he stayed in the den where I could monitor what was being written, he could participate. The look on his face during this discussion was priceless. I knew what he was thinking...but he carefully avoided insulting me. He knew that in the end, this was likely to be his only route, and he was smart enough to allow for that. I explained that a laptop was a very expensive purchase, and that at his school, they actually got their own in seventh grade. Therefore, we wouldn't be buying one for him. I did make the mistake of reminding him that for my 10th birthday, my big present was a clock radio...and I was thrilled to get it. Now unfortunately, this story is the equivalent of my dad's "I walked a mile in the snow to get to school" story, and when I launched into it, his eyes understandably glazed over...
So finally we get to the latest all important, all-encompassing item...the cell phone. He absolutely, positively HAS TO HAVE a cell phone. This is all I have heard for the last 3 months. He began with a budget break-down of how he could accomplish it. Unfortunately, it involved draining his savings account to buy a $300 phone...but no thought given to paying for a plan. Ok, so a month later, he comes back with an amended plan which involved lots of chores and increased allowance. At this point, I got dad involved, because even though I knew I didn't want to cave and do it, I was beginning to feel that motherly ambivalence that comes when he gets a little teary-eyed over something. Well, dad was having none of that. There was no discussion, no throwing around of ideas, no expression of feelings...just a "You're not gettin' any phone". So that was that.
I didn't hear much about it for another month. But then he came to me one day and said that a few girls, one of whom he might kind of "sort of like" had told him he should get a phone. They had even given him their numbers. I looked at his little face. I wanted to cave. You have to understand...I adore him. He's my guy. He tells me to have a good day. He tells me I am "really pretty". He searches me out to say good night. He calls me "Yo sexy mamma". Last night at his baseball game, he hit a home run. He came running out of the dug out and picked me up and gave me a hug. ..I am so acutely aware that these days are almost gone....I wanted to cave...and so I did the unthinkable....I "entertained the thought"...this is what the husband called it. What I actually said was "I'll talk to dad about it". I know...total cop out. Because I don't think he should have one. I believe in making kids pay for things they want. I don't want the fights that will inevitably occur, like "Get off the phone and do your homework" or " put that away and quit texting". I don't want to give up the ability to monitor who he is talking to and when....but when he got out of the car this morning and walked away without smiling or waving, it really broke my heart...
And so today, I will pull up every article I can find that talks about why 11 year olds should not have cell phones. I will remind myself that he is a terrific kid, and part of this is probably because he has not gotten everything he has wanted. I will ignore the morning lecture I got from the husband, who will never understand what it feels like to be "mommy". And I will cry a little, knowing the days of being showered with unconditional love with no strings attached from this little guy can't last forever...
So until next week, when I'll wipe the tears....and move on.
The boy wants a cell phone. No, he doesn't just "want" a cell phone, he NEEDS a cell phone. It is a life-line to the coolness that he so desperately desires. At 11 years old, we are at the beginning of that slippery slope called 'pre-teen-ness". Every few months, someone at school obtains something new and cool, and there begins a slow trickle of other kids who also get this new item, and pretty soon, if you don't have this particular item, you are deemed "uncool".
A couple of years ago, it was the x-box. "Everyone" had one, and he really "needed" one. For me, this was an easy one to turn down. I have always insisted that a large part of his free time be spent outside. I had talked to too many moms who told me that as soon as an x-box entered the house, their son never left the house again. We waded through that issue for a few months, and it seemed to fade. The next door neighbor boy had one, and occasionally the boy would go over and play his. This seemed to appease him until...
Last year, it was the ipod. Now my son had never even listened to the radio. This is not to say that he doesn't like music, because he does. But not in any kind of obsessive "I wanna be a musician" kind of way. Just in a "If I get an ipod, my friends will say I'm cool" kind of way.
The big push began when the gym teacher said that they were allowed to bring their ipod when they "ran the mile". Well, for some reason, this was the impetus that many parents needed to buy that ipod. I never did figure out why 2 days of gym class would influence that decision, but after the mile run, 3/4 of the class had an ipod. Well, Christmas-time rolled around, and the husband found a good deal on the ipod. I got kind of excited because I thought that meant I was getting one...but no, the boy and the husband got them. (I was told I could "share" them...) Ok, so he was excited for about 2 weeks. He downloaded about 20 songs...ran through his Christmas money to do it...and then I noticed that slowly he used it less and less. Now he still downloads some songs occasionally, especially before a long car trip...or for those 2 big "mile run" days in gym class, but basically, it lies on his floor most of the time...
The next big push was the laptop. Everyone started getting their own laptop, so he came home and explained how he could be so much more efficient if he had one. You know, he could do his homework better, research important topics, e-mail with his relatives....yeah, he actually said that. What he didn't mention is that the girls in his class were starting to e-mail with the boys, and he wanted to be a part of it. Now look, I understand this and I told him that he was welcome to borrow mine in the afternoon, and as long as he stayed in the den where I could monitor what was being written, he could participate. The look on his face during this discussion was priceless. I knew what he was thinking...but he carefully avoided insulting me. He knew that in the end, this was likely to be his only route, and he was smart enough to allow for that. I explained that a laptop was a very expensive purchase, and that at his school, they actually got their own in seventh grade. Therefore, we wouldn't be buying one for him. I did make the mistake of reminding him that for my 10th birthday, my big present was a clock radio...and I was thrilled to get it. Now unfortunately, this story is the equivalent of my dad's "I walked a mile in the snow to get to school" story, and when I launched into it, his eyes understandably glazed over...
So finally we get to the latest all important, all-encompassing item...the cell phone. He absolutely, positively HAS TO HAVE a cell phone. This is all I have heard for the last 3 months. He began with a budget break-down of how he could accomplish it. Unfortunately, it involved draining his savings account to buy a $300 phone...but no thought given to paying for a plan. Ok, so a month later, he comes back with an amended plan which involved lots of chores and increased allowance. At this point, I got dad involved, because even though I knew I didn't want to cave and do it, I was beginning to feel that motherly ambivalence that comes when he gets a little teary-eyed over something. Well, dad was having none of that. There was no discussion, no throwing around of ideas, no expression of feelings...just a "You're not gettin' any phone". So that was that.
I didn't hear much about it for another month. But then he came to me one day and said that a few girls, one of whom he might kind of "sort of like" had told him he should get a phone. They had even given him their numbers. I looked at his little face. I wanted to cave. You have to understand...I adore him. He's my guy. He tells me to have a good day. He tells me I am "really pretty". He searches me out to say good night. He calls me "Yo sexy mamma". Last night at his baseball game, he hit a home run. He came running out of the dug out and picked me up and gave me a hug. ..I am so acutely aware that these days are almost gone....I wanted to cave...and so I did the unthinkable....I "entertained the thought"...this is what the husband called it. What I actually said was "I'll talk to dad about it". I know...total cop out. Because I don't think he should have one. I believe in making kids pay for things they want. I don't want the fights that will inevitably occur, like "Get off the phone and do your homework" or " put that away and quit texting". I don't want to give up the ability to monitor who he is talking to and when....but when he got out of the car this morning and walked away without smiling or waving, it really broke my heart...
And so today, I will pull up every article I can find that talks about why 11 year olds should not have cell phones. I will remind myself that he is a terrific kid, and part of this is probably because he has not gotten everything he has wanted. I will ignore the morning lecture I got from the husband, who will never understand what it feels like to be "mommy". And I will cry a little, knowing the days of being showered with unconditional love with no strings attached from this little guy can't last forever...
So until next week, when I'll wipe the tears....and move on.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
"I Taught Jenny How to Cimb. And She Taught Me How to Dangle"
"So much of our time is spent in preparation, so much in routine, and so much in retrospect, that the amount of each person's genius is confined to a very few hours." Ralph Waldo Emerson
I read this quote yesterday and it really bothered me. A friend and I were discussing the pros and cons of being "confined" to a routine. She felt that her routine makes her more productive. If she steps out of her day-to-day pattern, she loses momentum and direction. I can understand this mindset. I also like my routine. My husband has always found my propensity for routine funny. There are certain aspects of my day that I like to remain the same. I don't see myself as inflexible, but on the other hand, there is a certain security that comes with sameness.
Every morning I do basically the same thing, but I don't mean in a "Ground Hog Day" kind of way. I set my alarm early so that I have at least 30 minutes before I hear any other little voices. I need that time to think. I feed the animals, two cats and a dog, who also like their routine. They are always waiting impatiently for me when I open the door to go outside. If I am even 15 minutes late, the cats start meowing loudly. The dog, being 13, doesn't bother to get up, but I swear she gives me a "look" if I am late. Then I make coffee, pack lunch boxes and make breakfast. This leaves me with exactly 15 minutes to turn on my computer and check my mail. Now the morning routine is dependent on the night-time routine. I make sure to have everything set out and ready. Coffee maker is ready to turn on, lunch boxes are laid out...etc. I make the kids lay out clothes and pack book bags the night before. The husband is now laughing because he finds this all kind of crazy, but then he doesn't have to work around everyone else's schedule. He is on his own agenda. He sets his own alarm, and then blames me when he doesn't get up. Unfortunately, I have nobody but myself to blame if things go awry in the morning. It all depends on me, which sounds a bit arrogant and martyred...but hey, it's my story.
I notice that the kids have inherited my tendencies. We talk very little in the morning. It is all a well-oiled machine. I knock on the boy's door at 7:00. He dresses and comes down, sits in his chair and watches ESPN until we go. If I have bagels and cream cheese, he eats. If not, he passes. Little one dresses, comes down, eats chocolate chip pancakes, watches the cartoon "Arthur", brushes her hair...and tries to hide her hearing aids. At 7:25, we walk out the door. If for some reason this changes, they are upset. The other day I was running behind. I had to dress up for an appointment before we left which caused departure time to be 7:28...which we had to discuss all the way to school....
"...routine is the momentum that keeps a man going. If you wait for inspiration you'll be standing on the corner after the parade is a mile down the street..."
Is this true? I don't know. I find that when I am writing, it is best to just DO IT. If I wait around for the earth to move or for grand inspiration to be bestowed upon me, I may just be waiting all day. It is absolutely amazing the ridiculous things I can pretend need to be done while waiting for inspiration. However, if i just sit down and start writing, it may not be Pulitzer-worthy, but I move along.
"Habit is the beneficient harness of routine which enables silly men to live respectfully and unhappy men to live calmly"...
And therein lies the trap of security, right? There is some kind of calmness in the routine of life that is comforting. The last few years of my life have been full of sadness. I have lost 3 people that I adored. I think when that happened, my tendency has been to cling tighter and tighter to my routine. Somehow psychologically, just waking up and doing the same thing everyday helps you to move on. You don't have to think...you just do. And little by little, every day becomes easier. The problem is, routine does not allow you to grow. "As long as a habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge..." Well, I need my soul to emerge. And I want my children's soul to emerge....and so...
Starting today, I will change it up a bit. Less routine and more life. I'm changing the music I listen to when I write. I'm moving to a different room. I'm talking to different people...and all of that is good, because I read somewhere that "A day merely survived is no cause for celebration". In the movie Forrest Gump, which is still on every time I turn on the TV, Forrest says "I taught Jenny to climb, but she taught me to dangle." Well, I know how to climb, but I need to dangle a little more.
So until tomorrow, when the day will be different, but maybe different is good...
I read this quote yesterday and it really bothered me. A friend and I were discussing the pros and cons of being "confined" to a routine. She felt that her routine makes her more productive. If she steps out of her day-to-day pattern, she loses momentum and direction. I can understand this mindset. I also like my routine. My husband has always found my propensity for routine funny. There are certain aspects of my day that I like to remain the same. I don't see myself as inflexible, but on the other hand, there is a certain security that comes with sameness.
Every morning I do basically the same thing, but I don't mean in a "Ground Hog Day" kind of way. I set my alarm early so that I have at least 30 minutes before I hear any other little voices. I need that time to think. I feed the animals, two cats and a dog, who also like their routine. They are always waiting impatiently for me when I open the door to go outside. If I am even 15 minutes late, the cats start meowing loudly. The dog, being 13, doesn't bother to get up, but I swear she gives me a "look" if I am late. Then I make coffee, pack lunch boxes and make breakfast. This leaves me with exactly 15 minutes to turn on my computer and check my mail. Now the morning routine is dependent on the night-time routine. I make sure to have everything set out and ready. Coffee maker is ready to turn on, lunch boxes are laid out...etc. I make the kids lay out clothes and pack book bags the night before. The husband is now laughing because he finds this all kind of crazy, but then he doesn't have to work around everyone else's schedule. He is on his own agenda. He sets his own alarm, and then blames me when he doesn't get up. Unfortunately, I have nobody but myself to blame if things go awry in the morning. It all depends on me, which sounds a bit arrogant and martyred...but hey, it's my story.
I notice that the kids have inherited my tendencies. We talk very little in the morning. It is all a well-oiled machine. I knock on the boy's door at 7:00. He dresses and comes down, sits in his chair and watches ESPN until we go. If I have bagels and cream cheese, he eats. If not, he passes. Little one dresses, comes down, eats chocolate chip pancakes, watches the cartoon "Arthur", brushes her hair...and tries to hide her hearing aids. At 7:25, we walk out the door. If for some reason this changes, they are upset. The other day I was running behind. I had to dress up for an appointment before we left which caused departure time to be 7:28...which we had to discuss all the way to school....
"...routine is the momentum that keeps a man going. If you wait for inspiration you'll be standing on the corner after the parade is a mile down the street..."
Is this true? I don't know. I find that when I am writing, it is best to just DO IT. If I wait around for the earth to move or for grand inspiration to be bestowed upon me, I may just be waiting all day. It is absolutely amazing the ridiculous things I can pretend need to be done while waiting for inspiration. However, if i just sit down and start writing, it may not be Pulitzer-worthy, but I move along.
"Habit is the beneficient harness of routine which enables silly men to live respectfully and unhappy men to live calmly"...
And therein lies the trap of security, right? There is some kind of calmness in the routine of life that is comforting. The last few years of my life have been full of sadness. I have lost 3 people that I adored. I think when that happened, my tendency has been to cling tighter and tighter to my routine. Somehow psychologically, just waking up and doing the same thing everyday helps you to move on. You don't have to think...you just do. And little by little, every day becomes easier. The problem is, routine does not allow you to grow. "As long as a habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge..." Well, I need my soul to emerge. And I want my children's soul to emerge....and so...
Starting today, I will change it up a bit. Less routine and more life. I'm changing the music I listen to when I write. I'm moving to a different room. I'm talking to different people...and all of that is good, because I read somewhere that "A day merely survived is no cause for celebration". In the movie Forrest Gump, which is still on every time I turn on the TV, Forrest says "I taught Jenny to climb, but she taught me to dangle." Well, I know how to climb, but I need to dangle a little more.
So until tomorrow, when the day will be different, but maybe different is good...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Scientists Have Found the Gene for Shyness Hiding Behind the other Genes...
I read a funny article yesterday about being shy. I was immediately drawn to it because I have been shy my whole life. The author was giving tips about how to deal with it, but in the end, she recommended that you look at everyone before you have to talk to them and think "The hell with you". This is suppose to somehow take the pressure off. I had to laugh when I read that, because even though I don't do that, I understand the underlying thought.
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday morning. As I sat in the car waiting to go in, I wasn't at all nervous about the appointment itself, but I had to motivate myself because I knew I would have to have at least 3 conversations with 3 different people. This is really hard for me. I know that people who are blessed with an extroverted or social personality would never understand this, but the smallest social interactions can take such an effort.
When I got inside and into a room, the nurse walked in and started to talk to me. About 2 minutes into our conversation, she laughed and said "Are you nervous or shy?" "Well, I'm not nervous" I answered. "Then snap out of it. We don't allow that here." I had to laugh, because over the next hour, I understood what she meant. The group of nurses there were sharing things with each other that it would take me 10 years to get around to. I didn't participate in the conversation, but I nodded and smiled a lot, which is what I tend to do in those circumstances.
Then I flashback to being a little girl. Now when I was about 10, I could do 3 things really well. I swam on the swim team...which was perfect for me because I never had to say a word. I loved to paint, which also suited me well because it also didn't require any conversation. But the third thing was more problematic. I sang well. My brother and I played the guitar, and we would spend hours singing every James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt song ever written. (I realize there are some of you saying "Who is Linda Ronstadt?", but if you don't know, you really should look her up and give her a listen) Now I had no problem doing this with my brother in the privacy of our basement, but then there was my dad. Now my dad never met a stranger. He had absolutely no understanding of shyness. Whenever we had company, he would trot my brother and I out and say "Sing Desperado!". It makes me laugh now, but it is one of the most terrifying memories of my childhood. Fast forward a few years, and I was in the high school choir. The second week of classes, my teacher took me aside and said "I have never heard you speak a word. I'm assuming you are shy. But be aware that from time to time, I will call on you to stand up and sing a solo. You will not look down. You will not stand and hide in the back of the room. You will just sing. Sometimes you just don't get the luxury of being shy. Do we understand each other?" I remember staring at him and thinking hard for a minute. I remember he smiled and said "You're asking yourself if you can do it, right?" I nodded. "Good girl" he replied. And that was it. He was true to his word, and every few weeks he would look over and say "Sing". And I would sing. The last day of class, he was saying goodbye to everyone and kind of giving everyone a compliment. I will never forget that when I started to walk out the door, he whispered in my ear, "Shy is just an excuse."
A year later, I started college at 16. I was naive, over-protected...and shy. But then I met my quad leader, Diana. She was a senior in charge of helping us little freshmen find our way. Diana was wild, wise and wonderful. She watched over me the entire year. I knew she sensed that I was out of my element. The first night, I was sitting in my room alone waiting on my roommate to arrive. Diana walked in and smiled. "Listen to me little girl (She called me "little girl' all year even though I towered over her by at least 5 inches). People are going to mistake your shyness for something else. Start talking." And I listened...and I talked....The last day of school that year, my roommate said to me "I still don't know you, but I love you." It was a lesson that I would learn again and again. I had to keep making the effort.
To this day, I still find it hard sometimes to overcome. It takes me a long time to get to know someone. I like to listen, but it will take me some time to talk. When people are very funny or very kind, I am much more likely to respond.
I decided this week that I am going to get off Facebook. What seemed like a easy way for a shy person to socialize now feels like an excuse. I made myself pick up the phone and call one of my good friends yesterday. I had been keeping up with her by checking her "page" from time to time. But it was so good to actually hear her voice and have an interaction. For people who are outgoing, Facebook is a no-brainer. Just another way to keep up with your friends. But for those of us who tend to stay back, I think it is an excuse. And I think my best lessons have been about not making excuses...
So until tomorrow, when I am going to try and speak up a little more...and make excuses a little less...
I had a doctor's appointment yesterday morning. As I sat in the car waiting to go in, I wasn't at all nervous about the appointment itself, but I had to motivate myself because I knew I would have to have at least 3 conversations with 3 different people. This is really hard for me. I know that people who are blessed with an extroverted or social personality would never understand this, but the smallest social interactions can take such an effort.
When I got inside and into a room, the nurse walked in and started to talk to me. About 2 minutes into our conversation, she laughed and said "Are you nervous or shy?" "Well, I'm not nervous" I answered. "Then snap out of it. We don't allow that here." I had to laugh, because over the next hour, I understood what she meant. The group of nurses there were sharing things with each other that it would take me 10 years to get around to. I didn't participate in the conversation, but I nodded and smiled a lot, which is what I tend to do in those circumstances.
Then I flashback to being a little girl. Now when I was about 10, I could do 3 things really well. I swam on the swim team...which was perfect for me because I never had to say a word. I loved to paint, which also suited me well because it also didn't require any conversation. But the third thing was more problematic. I sang well. My brother and I played the guitar, and we would spend hours singing every James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt song ever written. (I realize there are some of you saying "Who is Linda Ronstadt?", but if you don't know, you really should look her up and give her a listen) Now I had no problem doing this with my brother in the privacy of our basement, but then there was my dad. Now my dad never met a stranger. He had absolutely no understanding of shyness. Whenever we had company, he would trot my brother and I out and say "Sing Desperado!". It makes me laugh now, but it is one of the most terrifying memories of my childhood. Fast forward a few years, and I was in the high school choir. The second week of classes, my teacher took me aside and said "I have never heard you speak a word. I'm assuming you are shy. But be aware that from time to time, I will call on you to stand up and sing a solo. You will not look down. You will not stand and hide in the back of the room. You will just sing. Sometimes you just don't get the luxury of being shy. Do we understand each other?" I remember staring at him and thinking hard for a minute. I remember he smiled and said "You're asking yourself if you can do it, right?" I nodded. "Good girl" he replied. And that was it. He was true to his word, and every few weeks he would look over and say "Sing". And I would sing. The last day of class, he was saying goodbye to everyone and kind of giving everyone a compliment. I will never forget that when I started to walk out the door, he whispered in my ear, "Shy is just an excuse."
A year later, I started college at 16. I was naive, over-protected...and shy. But then I met my quad leader, Diana. She was a senior in charge of helping us little freshmen find our way. Diana was wild, wise and wonderful. She watched over me the entire year. I knew she sensed that I was out of my element. The first night, I was sitting in my room alone waiting on my roommate to arrive. Diana walked in and smiled. "Listen to me little girl (She called me "little girl' all year even though I towered over her by at least 5 inches). People are going to mistake your shyness for something else. Start talking." And I listened...and I talked....The last day of school that year, my roommate said to me "I still don't know you, but I love you." It was a lesson that I would learn again and again. I had to keep making the effort.
To this day, I still find it hard sometimes to overcome. It takes me a long time to get to know someone. I like to listen, but it will take me some time to talk. When people are very funny or very kind, I am much more likely to respond.
I decided this week that I am going to get off Facebook. What seemed like a easy way for a shy person to socialize now feels like an excuse. I made myself pick up the phone and call one of my good friends yesterday. I had been keeping up with her by checking her "page" from time to time. But it was so good to actually hear her voice and have an interaction. For people who are outgoing, Facebook is a no-brainer. Just another way to keep up with your friends. But for those of us who tend to stay back, I think it is an excuse. And I think my best lessons have been about not making excuses...
So until tomorrow, when I am going to try and speak up a little more...and make excuses a little less...
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
April (or May) in Paris
So we are off to Paris. I like Air France for many reasons. First off, I like the French flight attendants who are so chic and put together, even at the end of the trip when everyone else looks worn out. The food is a step above the usual airline food, especially in business class. I would normally never drink any alcohol while flying because it is so dehydrating, but I make an exception on Air France because the wine is so good. One glass not only calms you down, but gets you ready for what is coming. And lastly, the little amenities bag is always stocked with good stuff.
I read in the WSJ last week that a non-stop trip to Paris this summer will be around $1000. If you are willing to make a stop in say, Frankfurt or Amstredam, you can find flights for $650. Now I've done it both ways and much prefer the non-stop, but for $400, I can do the lay-over thing. I've been fortunate enough to go business class a few times, however I had a baby that literally cried the whole trip once, and a toddler who screamed a couple of hours on another. (I also remember glancing over at the husband on these trips and seeing him with earphones on, watching a movie, eating his ice cream sundae and pretending he didn't know me...but that is a subject for another day...)
I have always arrived in the morning. This is good or bad, depending on how you feel. I think the key to fighting jet lag is to make yourself eat the breakfast they serve on the plane right before you land and try and stay up all day. It is very tempting when you arrive at your hotel to just lie down for "a few minutes". But trust me, a few minutes morphs into all day, and you wake up at 7:00pm raring to go...
As for getting into the city from the airport, your choices are limited. I've done the bus, the van and the taxi. I much prefer the taxi, but only when I am on expense account, because the fare is crazy (and if you think NY taxi drivers are wild, wait until you take the Parisian ride). The bus is long and tiring, but cheap. The middle ground would be arranging in advance a van that picks up around 10 people at the same time and drops you at your hotel. If you get a quiet group of people, this can be a good alternative.
There are so many different choices as far as hotels go, and I think I will wait and discuss those tomorrow. The big decision is what arrondisment (neighborhood) you will stay in. Your first trip to Paris will be very different than later ones because you will want to hit all of the touristy spots. I think most people want to see the Eiffel Tower, L'Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Louvre. If you add to that the Champs Elysees and Versaille, you've filled up a few days.
The Eiffel Tower is at least a half a day, whether or not you decide to climb it. You have to get tickets to go up, and depending on the time of year, it can be very crowded. I enjoy the climb when it isn't crowded, but if it is packed, I prefer to admire it from the ground. There are 2 restaurants on the tower, one called Altitude 95, which is about $40 a person. The other is the famous Jules Vernes, which can run you $200 a person at dinner. I have never eaten at either, but the view from Jules Vernes is suppose to be fabulous. Across from the tower, there is a famous little carousel that stays busy. If you have kids, this is a great little stop. They have a little snack shop with yummy treats, and you can watch them ride the carousel while sitting on a bench and looking at the Tower.
The Arc de Triomphe is at the end of the Champs Elysee. Because of this, you could really make this a day. Champs Elysee is the beautiful tree-lined street in Paris surrounded by cafes and shops. In one block, you will pass Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton...not to mention cafes, cinemas,etc. If you stroll down the street, and turn off onto St. Honore, you probably won't reach the Arc de Triomphe which is at the end of the street until evening, especially if you stop for lunch at one of the many cafes along the way...all of which are really good and really pricey. I remember on my first trip being amazed that a coke was $6.00 and a glass of wine was $3.oo. And by the way, there is not a bad glass of wine to be found in all of Paris.
The trip out to Versaille is definitely a day trip. This is the grand "castle" that was the residence for kings in the 1600's and 1700's. It is probably best known as the home of Louis IIX. It is truly an stunning place and well-worth the time. The architecture and artwork are amazing. The grounds are beautiful, and my friend Kelly who was just there said there is a lovely hotel, and a restaurant just opened by Gordon Ramsay (famous TV chef) which is really wonderful.
Personally, and the husband will back me up on this, I do not order food well in France. This is a mystery because I speak very fluent french and have no problem speaking with the the waiters...but for some reason, no matter what I order, it comes out wrong. Unfortunately, this has turned out badly for the husband who has a tendency to stare at his food, look at me, and say "What the hell is this?" when presented with his plate. For this reason, we have tended to stick with local cafes on our last few trips. Better to mess up a $10 meal than a $100 meal. And to be honest, some of the best food we have tasted has been in small cafes. My son prefers the "Quik" which is a french version of Burger King...he also enjoys the chocolate mousse which seems to accompany every kids meal...
And finally, the Louvre. I am an art lover and painter, so I could spend the week there, but I think that most people tire of it after a few hours....Of course you have to go and try to see the Mona Lisa. You probably won't because there will be a crowd in front of it and you are not allowed to hop on anyone's shoulders (tried it). You then go and see the statue of David, which is glorious, but embarrassing for young kids...The impressionist section is my favorite. I love Monet, Manet, Degas...it feels surreal to see the original paintings of ones you have only seen in books and posters. And don't miss the cafe downstairs...very chic and a good break. Then go downstairs where Virgin records sits and see the spot where Tom Hanks thinks Mary is buried in The De Vinci Code. You will know it because there is always a group of tourists standing there taking pictures...
Ok, so enough for today. We've been a true tourist.
So until tomorrow, when we will masquerade as a true Parisian...
I read in the WSJ last week that a non-stop trip to Paris this summer will be around $1000. If you are willing to make a stop in say, Frankfurt or Amstredam, you can find flights for $650. Now I've done it both ways and much prefer the non-stop, but for $400, I can do the lay-over thing. I've been fortunate enough to go business class a few times, however I had a baby that literally cried the whole trip once, and a toddler who screamed a couple of hours on another. (I also remember glancing over at the husband on these trips and seeing him with earphones on, watching a movie, eating his ice cream sundae and pretending he didn't know me...but that is a subject for another day...)
I have always arrived in the morning. This is good or bad, depending on how you feel. I think the key to fighting jet lag is to make yourself eat the breakfast they serve on the plane right before you land and try and stay up all day. It is very tempting when you arrive at your hotel to just lie down for "a few minutes". But trust me, a few minutes morphs into all day, and you wake up at 7:00pm raring to go...
As for getting into the city from the airport, your choices are limited. I've done the bus, the van and the taxi. I much prefer the taxi, but only when I am on expense account, because the fare is crazy (and if you think NY taxi drivers are wild, wait until you take the Parisian ride). The bus is long and tiring, but cheap. The middle ground would be arranging in advance a van that picks up around 10 people at the same time and drops you at your hotel. If you get a quiet group of people, this can be a good alternative.
There are so many different choices as far as hotels go, and I think I will wait and discuss those tomorrow. The big decision is what arrondisment (neighborhood) you will stay in. Your first trip to Paris will be very different than later ones because you will want to hit all of the touristy spots. I think most people want to see the Eiffel Tower, L'Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Louvre. If you add to that the Champs Elysees and Versaille, you've filled up a few days.
The Eiffel Tower is at least a half a day, whether or not you decide to climb it. You have to get tickets to go up, and depending on the time of year, it can be very crowded. I enjoy the climb when it isn't crowded, but if it is packed, I prefer to admire it from the ground. There are 2 restaurants on the tower, one called Altitude 95, which is about $40 a person. The other is the famous Jules Vernes, which can run you $200 a person at dinner. I have never eaten at either, but the view from Jules Vernes is suppose to be fabulous. Across from the tower, there is a famous little carousel that stays busy. If you have kids, this is a great little stop. They have a little snack shop with yummy treats, and you can watch them ride the carousel while sitting on a bench and looking at the Tower.
The Arc de Triomphe is at the end of the Champs Elysee. Because of this, you could really make this a day. Champs Elysee is the beautiful tree-lined street in Paris surrounded by cafes and shops. In one block, you will pass Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton...not to mention cafes, cinemas,etc. If you stroll down the street, and turn off onto St. Honore, you probably won't reach the Arc de Triomphe which is at the end of the street until evening, especially if you stop for lunch at one of the many cafes along the way...all of which are really good and really pricey. I remember on my first trip being amazed that a coke was $6.00 and a glass of wine was $3.oo. And by the way, there is not a bad glass of wine to be found in all of Paris.
The trip out to Versaille is definitely a day trip. This is the grand "castle" that was the residence for kings in the 1600's and 1700's. It is probably best known as the home of Louis IIX. It is truly an stunning place and well-worth the time. The architecture and artwork are amazing. The grounds are beautiful, and my friend Kelly who was just there said there is a lovely hotel, and a restaurant just opened by Gordon Ramsay (famous TV chef) which is really wonderful.
Personally, and the husband will back me up on this, I do not order food well in France. This is a mystery because I speak very fluent french and have no problem speaking with the the waiters...but for some reason, no matter what I order, it comes out wrong. Unfortunately, this has turned out badly for the husband who has a tendency to stare at his food, look at me, and say "What the hell is this?" when presented with his plate. For this reason, we have tended to stick with local cafes on our last few trips. Better to mess up a $10 meal than a $100 meal. And to be honest, some of the best food we have tasted has been in small cafes. My son prefers the "Quik" which is a french version of Burger King...he also enjoys the chocolate mousse which seems to accompany every kids meal...
And finally, the Louvre. I am an art lover and painter, so I could spend the week there, but I think that most people tire of it after a few hours....Of course you have to go and try to see the Mona Lisa. You probably won't because there will be a crowd in front of it and you are not allowed to hop on anyone's shoulders (tried it). You then go and see the statue of David, which is glorious, but embarrassing for young kids...The impressionist section is my favorite. I love Monet, Manet, Degas...it feels surreal to see the original paintings of ones you have only seen in books and posters. And don't miss the cafe downstairs...very chic and a good break. Then go downstairs where Virgin records sits and see the spot where Tom Hanks thinks Mary is buried in The De Vinci Code. You will know it because there is always a group of tourists standing there taking pictures...
Ok, so enough for today. We've been a true tourist.
So until tomorrow, when we will masquerade as a true Parisian...
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Bon Appetite
We were suppose to be flying to Paris today, but I think we'll go tomorrow instead. A reader sent me a note this weekend and asked why I never discuss food. I don't really have a good answer for that. I love to eat and I like to cook, but probably the best reason is that I'm pretty disciplined about my diet. Most of the time, I eat what I should instead what I want, but it doesn't mean I don't enjoy it when I do pick what I like.
As usual, I'm just going to be pretty random about this. Below is a list of food and drink in no particular order that I like:
1) I ran in my local Kroger's the other day to pick up a couple of things, but I was met with some really sad news...the Starbucks was gone. I literally paused for a moment of silence. I loved that place. I mean, I rarely used it because I've always had a hard time spending $3.99 on a cup of coffee. I have a really good European coffee maker that makes great coffee, and I have some really cute to-go holders, so it isn't very often that I let myself splurge. The other problem is that Starbucks always has cute stuff..you know? Their mugs and to-go cups are always thematic of the season and very cool. They have neat little gift items like candy and cookies and biscotti...and of course the stuffed animals that my little one immediately runs for. And I like the CD's at their counter too . Anyway, it was no more. They built a stand-alone store across the street about a year ago, and I was afraid this might happen. I only hope the sweet lady who worked in there got to move across the street and work. She could carry on a nice conversation and make a great espresso at the same time...
2) On the same subject, if you are looking for a really good coffee, order Grey Dog's Coffee online. The store is in New York City. While you are ordering their coffee, pick up their cute little signature mug with the paw prints on it.
3) Ok, breakfast. Mine is the same every morning. I make this drink that I found in Mariel Hemingway's book, Healthy Living from the Inside Out. This is a great book full of healthy ideas...but at first glance, it looks way too new-agey and "aren't I zen-like?". I refer to it over and over again, and the following drink really does make me feel better...if not physically, then psychologically.
Morning Shake
1 cup almond milk (I like the vanilla flavor)
1tbsp flaxseed oil
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla flavored whey)
1 cup blueberries (or whatever fruit you like, fresh or frozen)
Mix in blender for a minute and enjoy,
4) Since I drink that darn shake every morning, this past weekend when we were headed to a baseball tournament, I broke down and had a Hardee's sausage biscuit. Gosh, those are good. I can take or leave the sausage, but those biscuits are great. Probably fat-laden...but we don't need to go there. Besides, they remind me of my dad. He use to go pick them up for us on the weekend. Funny how food invokes those really good memories...
5) While we are on fast-food places, let me just say that the jamoica shake at Arby's is the best. When I was pregnant, that was my main craving. I find it hard to drive by Arby's without thinking of those shakes...and of course, the curly fries.
6) If anyone has tried those new pastas from Pizza Hut, let me know. They looked delicious while I was watching TV last night at 10:00, but since I try not to eat after 8:00, everything looks good at 10:00...
7) After a weekend of motel/fast-food, nothing is better than a piece of salmon and broccoli. I marinade it in soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, pepper and garlic. It is great on the grill, but last night it was pouring rain, so I just broiled it and it was delicious.
8) And for dessert, the Skinny Cow Latte drumstick. Oh my gosh, this is good. You will assume it isn't when you see the box...but it will pleasantly surprise you. When I was a little girl, I loved those Drumsticks in the blue box. You know, the ice cream cone covered in chocolate and nuts? Gabrielle has taken over my obsession with these. I can buy them and not worry about eating them because she will finish them quickly. Now the Skinny Cows do not have nuts...but I'm telling you, at 130 calories....really good.
9) If you like yogurt (or really, even if you don't) try Cabot's Greek-style Lowfat in Vanilla bean. I am obsessed with this. Only one grocery store in the area carries it, and I go there just to buy this. They were out for several weeks, and I needed to go to yogurt rehab. No other brand even comes close. If you throw some granola on the top, it tastes like a dessert, and it fills you up for hours.
10) If you've ever seen those croissants in the William-Sonoma catalogue and wondered why anyone would order those instead of just buying them in the grocery store bakery...you need to reconsider. The good news is, they taste just like the croissants you get at the cafes in Paris. The bad news is that after you try them, you cannot go back to whatever those are at the grocery store.
Ok, that's it for today. I'll keep a running list on the food like I do on the fashion...not as fun, but a little diversity is good..
So until tomorrow when it is springtime in Paris...
As usual, I'm just going to be pretty random about this. Below is a list of food and drink in no particular order that I like:
1) I ran in my local Kroger's the other day to pick up a couple of things, but I was met with some really sad news...the Starbucks was gone. I literally paused for a moment of silence. I loved that place. I mean, I rarely used it because I've always had a hard time spending $3.99 on a cup of coffee. I have a really good European coffee maker that makes great coffee, and I have some really cute to-go holders, so it isn't very often that I let myself splurge. The other problem is that Starbucks always has cute stuff..you know? Their mugs and to-go cups are always thematic of the season and very cool. They have neat little gift items like candy and cookies and biscotti...and of course the stuffed animals that my little one immediately runs for. And I like the CD's at their counter too . Anyway, it was no more. They built a stand-alone store across the street about a year ago, and I was afraid this might happen. I only hope the sweet lady who worked in there got to move across the street and work. She could carry on a nice conversation and make a great espresso at the same time...
2) On the same subject, if you are looking for a really good coffee, order Grey Dog's Coffee online. The store is in New York City. While you are ordering their coffee, pick up their cute little signature mug with the paw prints on it.
3) Ok, breakfast. Mine is the same every morning. I make this drink that I found in Mariel Hemingway's book, Healthy Living from the Inside Out. This is a great book full of healthy ideas...but at first glance, it looks way too new-agey and "aren't I zen-like?". I refer to it over and over again, and the following drink really does make me feel better...if not physically, then psychologically.
Morning Shake
1 cup almond milk (I like the vanilla flavor)
1tbsp flaxseed oil
1 scoop protein powder (vanilla flavored whey)
1 cup blueberries (or whatever fruit you like, fresh or frozen)
Mix in blender for a minute and enjoy,
4) Since I drink that darn shake every morning, this past weekend when we were headed to a baseball tournament, I broke down and had a Hardee's sausage biscuit. Gosh, those are good. I can take or leave the sausage, but those biscuits are great. Probably fat-laden...but we don't need to go there. Besides, they remind me of my dad. He use to go pick them up for us on the weekend. Funny how food invokes those really good memories...
5) While we are on fast-food places, let me just say that the jamoica shake at Arby's is the best. When I was pregnant, that was my main craving. I find it hard to drive by Arby's without thinking of those shakes...and of course, the curly fries.
6) If anyone has tried those new pastas from Pizza Hut, let me know. They looked delicious while I was watching TV last night at 10:00, but since I try not to eat after 8:00, everything looks good at 10:00...
7) After a weekend of motel/fast-food, nothing is better than a piece of salmon and broccoli. I marinade it in soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, pepper and garlic. It is great on the grill, but last night it was pouring rain, so I just broiled it and it was delicious.
8) And for dessert, the Skinny Cow Latte drumstick. Oh my gosh, this is good. You will assume it isn't when you see the box...but it will pleasantly surprise you. When I was a little girl, I loved those Drumsticks in the blue box. You know, the ice cream cone covered in chocolate and nuts? Gabrielle has taken over my obsession with these. I can buy them and not worry about eating them because she will finish them quickly. Now the Skinny Cows do not have nuts...but I'm telling you, at 130 calories....really good.
9) If you like yogurt (or really, even if you don't) try Cabot's Greek-style Lowfat in Vanilla bean. I am obsessed with this. Only one grocery store in the area carries it, and I go there just to buy this. They were out for several weeks, and I needed to go to yogurt rehab. No other brand even comes close. If you throw some granola on the top, it tastes like a dessert, and it fills you up for hours.
10) If you've ever seen those croissants in the William-Sonoma catalogue and wondered why anyone would order those instead of just buying them in the grocery store bakery...you need to reconsider. The good news is, they taste just like the croissants you get at the cafes in Paris. The bad news is that after you try them, you cannot go back to whatever those are at the grocery store.
Ok, that's it for today. I'll keep a running list on the food like I do on the fashion...not as fun, but a little diversity is good..
So until tomorrow when it is springtime in Paris...
Friday, May 1, 2009
New York State of Mind
Ok, so it's lunch time in New York City, so the possibilities are endless. If you are really hungry, but don't want a sit down meal, there are hundreds of little delis or hot dog stands that are quick and delicious (notice I did not say cheap) If you are dressed up and in the mood for something chic and trendy, but good, my favorite place is Serafina's on the upper East Side. It looks like the restaurant that Charlotte spotted Big in near the end of the Sex and the City movie, but it's not. The food is delicious, but it is usually crowded and loud. If you are a people-watcher, this is a great place. You see a lot of well-dressed businessmen and women, plus the upper East Side moms-who-lunch-and dress-really-well.
If you are in the mood for Mexican, which I always am, go to Centrico on West Broadway. The adult food is fresh and delicious, and they have great chicken fingers for the kiddies if you can't talk them into a quesadilla. Speaking of the kiddies, if you are revolving a day around one of them for a birthday or whatever, Sweetiepie's in Central Park South is the perfect choice. I was reminded about it in Gwynneth Paltrow's blog this week. The decor is bright and kid-friendly, with balloons on the chairs. There are terrific pancakes for breakfast, or better yet, drop in mid-afternoon for a huge ice cream sundae.
Dinner can be a million choices. I haven't tried Nobu's yet...you have to have a reservation...but it is supposedly terrific and also celebrity-ridden if that excites you. If you didn't go Italian at lunch, go to Carmine's in Mid-town. This is just the most fun place to eat. Busy, loud, tons of food...and again, the occasional celebrity thrown in. Another Italian alternative, though more conservative and formal, is Patsy's in the theater district. Every Broadway "star" has eaten here. The waiters are Italian and serious, but charming. The food is authentic and good.
After dinner, or after the Broadway show, you have to go to Serendipity's. Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O were both frequenters of this cozy and kitchey dessert place. The frozen hot chocolate is to die for, and yes, it is the same one that was shown in the movie of the same name (Serendipity...a great movie with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale).
Even if you don't think you will like the ballet, you should go to the Lincoln Center and see the New York Ballet one time. They are so fabulous, and even if you fall asleep, at least you got to see the beautiful Lincoln Center. My little reminder e-mail says that they are doing Romeo and Juliet and A Mid-Summer Night's Dream this summer...
The next morning, you wake up and take a cab down to Soho. Don't bother to go early...none of the shops open before 10:00. But once you are there, just go up and down Houston street and hit every store. L'Occitane for cosmetics, Anthropolgie (I Love this store) for clothes and accessories and books and "stuff", Vivienne Tam..cool,cool, cool clothes, Jonathan Adler for home decor...and it goes on and on and on...hit Rocco's for lunch if you haven't yet O.D.'d on Italian. It is small and quaint and quiet...with a good view of the street.
The afternoon has to be spent on the Red Bus tour seeing the Statue of Liberty, Statten Island, Wall Street (while it is still there), and then places like Little Italy or Chinatown if you have time.
Of course it goes without saying that if it is the holiday season, you have to go to see the big tree and the ice-skating rink down at Rockefeller Center. While you are there, you can see all of the morning shows in progress if that thrills you. You can also stand outside the David Letterman show and spy on the stars, maybe grab an autograph. I might have done this once or twice.
Unless you are there for a week, (and I never am), your time is probably up. And we haven't even discussed so many other great stops...so this just means we will be back again soon.
So until next week, when we hop an Air France flight to Paris...
If you are in the mood for Mexican, which I always am, go to Centrico on West Broadway. The adult food is fresh and delicious, and they have great chicken fingers for the kiddies if you can't talk them into a quesadilla. Speaking of the kiddies, if you are revolving a day around one of them for a birthday or whatever, Sweetiepie's in Central Park South is the perfect choice. I was reminded about it in Gwynneth Paltrow's blog this week. The decor is bright and kid-friendly, with balloons on the chairs. There are terrific pancakes for breakfast, or better yet, drop in mid-afternoon for a huge ice cream sundae.
Dinner can be a million choices. I haven't tried Nobu's yet...you have to have a reservation...but it is supposedly terrific and also celebrity-ridden if that excites you. If you didn't go Italian at lunch, go to Carmine's in Mid-town. This is just the most fun place to eat. Busy, loud, tons of food...and again, the occasional celebrity thrown in. Another Italian alternative, though more conservative and formal, is Patsy's in the theater district. Every Broadway "star" has eaten here. The waiters are Italian and serious, but charming. The food is authentic and good.
After dinner, or after the Broadway show, you have to go to Serendipity's. Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O were both frequenters of this cozy and kitchey dessert place. The frozen hot chocolate is to die for, and yes, it is the same one that was shown in the movie of the same name (Serendipity...a great movie with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale).
Even if you don't think you will like the ballet, you should go to the Lincoln Center and see the New York Ballet one time. They are so fabulous, and even if you fall asleep, at least you got to see the beautiful Lincoln Center. My little reminder e-mail says that they are doing Romeo and Juliet and A Mid-Summer Night's Dream this summer...
The next morning, you wake up and take a cab down to Soho. Don't bother to go early...none of the shops open before 10:00. But once you are there, just go up and down Houston street and hit every store. L'Occitane for cosmetics, Anthropolgie (I Love this store) for clothes and accessories and books and "stuff", Vivienne Tam..cool,cool, cool clothes, Jonathan Adler for home decor...and it goes on and on and on...hit Rocco's for lunch if you haven't yet O.D.'d on Italian. It is small and quaint and quiet...with a good view of the street.
The afternoon has to be spent on the Red Bus tour seeing the Statue of Liberty, Statten Island, Wall Street (while it is still there), and then places like Little Italy or Chinatown if you have time.
Of course it goes without saying that if it is the holiday season, you have to go to see the big tree and the ice-skating rink down at Rockefeller Center. While you are there, you can see all of the morning shows in progress if that thrills you. You can also stand outside the David Letterman show and spy on the stars, maybe grab an autograph. I might have done this once or twice.
Unless you are there for a week, (and I never am), your time is probably up. And we haven't even discussed so many other great stops...so this just means we will be back again soon.
So until next week, when we hop an Air France flight to Paris...
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