The new boss rolled into town yesterday and brought me a new computer.
He went through our wish list.
He answered questions.
And basically was an all around good guy.
So, we are in love with him once again and have decided not to feel abandoned.
Just goes to show that you never know.
And then, Christmas is looming and I'm not ready. Not by a shake. I've still got shopping to do and baking and cleaning and...
But the realistic side of me says that it's all good and not to worry. The day will arrive whether I'm ready or not.
And then, there are textbooks yet to buy for next term, a carpet that needs pulling up and a doggy that acts like he isn't feeling well.
And then...I remember that I seem to neglect so much in my effort to just survive.
And life is short. And it's sweet, if you just let it be.
And then, I take a deep breath and smile, because no matter how busy I am, I have my family and my health.
And THAT is all that matters.
Showing posts with label Happy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Happy. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
It's a Wii Thing
My Beloved purchased something for me. It's kinda silly. It really is. It's not something a woman of ahem my age, would/should want.
And want it I did!
I was saving for it. That's how bad I wanted it. I read reviews. I talked about it and talked about it and talked about it.
Then reality set in and I used some of my savings for gas money (remember I have been off work for nearly a month now). Then, I told Beloved that we should use the rest of the money to pay the guy who was trimming some trees for us. He protested, saying that was my money I'd been saving.
But we're adults and sometimes adults have to do the responsible thing. It's my excuse all the time. I find it difficult to purchase silly things for myself when there are so many other things (think college textbooks) that need to be bought.
This little habit or martyrdom of mine drives my Beloved crazy, but he's kind of use to it after twenty-three years of marriage.
So, I put my dreams and wishes on the back burner and pushed on through the day, promising myself that one day I would buy this silly thing that had captured my attention.
That was until last week when Beloved came home with a Wii.
I know, I know, I know! I'm forty-three years old. What on earth do I need a Wii for? Truth be told, I wanted it for the Wii Fit program to get both of us moving. I wanted it to play with the kiddies. I just plain wanted it!
Beloved knew it and he used money he wasn't expecting to purchase it for me. He's the best! After making all the appropriate noises about how he shouldn't have and how we can't afford it, I threw my arms around him and thanked him.
I just want to say, I love my Wii! I love the workout that I programed even though it is killing me and I have yet to actually complete the entire thing. I'm still recovering, remember?
I love playing games with my family.
Just between us, I cannot wait to buy Zelda! HA!!!
Yes, it's true, Annie is a gamer. Annie loves her a video game. When the children were just little sprouts I would stay up late playing Zelda or Mario. Sometimes Annie was crabby in the morning because she stayed up too late playing video games. Sad, yes, but true.
When I asked my bestest buddy, The Writer, about those years of playing video games when our kids were little, she justified our actions by saying, "It was the one thing that kept us from blowing our brains out."
She may be right.
Regardless, after years of not allowing video games in the house, I quit cold turkey when Boy was about five, I am back in the game.
And it feels so good.
I know it's silly, but I love my Wii!
And want it I did!
I was saving for it. That's how bad I wanted it. I read reviews. I talked about it and talked about it and talked about it.
Then reality set in and I used some of my savings for gas money (remember I have been off work for nearly a month now). Then, I told Beloved that we should use the rest of the money to pay the guy who was trimming some trees for us. He protested, saying that was my money I'd been saving.
But we're adults and sometimes adults have to do the responsible thing. It's my excuse all the time. I find it difficult to purchase silly things for myself when there are so many other things (think college textbooks) that need to be bought.
This little habit or martyrdom of mine drives my Beloved crazy, but he's kind of use to it after twenty-three years of marriage.
So, I put my dreams and wishes on the back burner and pushed on through the day, promising myself that one day I would buy this silly thing that had captured my attention.
That was until last week when Beloved came home with a Wii.
I know, I know, I know! I'm forty-three years old. What on earth do I need a Wii for? Truth be told, I wanted it for the Wii Fit program to get both of us moving. I wanted it to play with the kiddies. I just plain wanted it!
Beloved knew it and he used money he wasn't expecting to purchase it for me. He's the best! After making all the appropriate noises about how he shouldn't have and how we can't afford it, I threw my arms around him and thanked him.
I just want to say, I love my Wii! I love the workout that I programed even though it is killing me and I have yet to actually complete the entire thing. I'm still recovering, remember?
I love playing games with my family.
Just between us, I cannot wait to buy Zelda! HA!!!
Yes, it's true, Annie is a gamer. Annie loves her a video game. When the children were just little sprouts I would stay up late playing Zelda or Mario. Sometimes Annie was crabby in the morning because she stayed up too late playing video games. Sad, yes, but true.
When I asked my bestest buddy, The Writer, about those years of playing video games when our kids were little, she justified our actions by saying, "It was the one thing that kept us from blowing our brains out."
She may be right.
Regardless, after years of not allowing video games in the house, I quit cold turkey when Boy was about five, I am back in the game.
And it feels so good.
I know it's silly, but I love my Wii!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Walking On My Head
For most of our married life, Beloved and I have lived underneath someone. The Rabbi and family lived over our heads for over two years. Great neighbors, good friends, but still, they were walking on my head every.day.
We moved to the farm fifteen years ago and for most of these years everyone in this family has walked on my head at one time or another. FIL plays golf on my head on a daily basis.
It's enough to give you a heck of a headache. I'm just sayin'.
That, and I hate it.
I hate living underneath someone. I hate not being the master of all I survey. I hate having to follow someone else's rules and deal with other people crap. Oh, and let's not forget about taking care of other people's property and having your nose rubbed in in over and over again that THIS IS NOT YOUR HOUSE.
Gee, really?
I hope you get my point.
But something amazing has happened. Something I never dreamed would happen in my lifetime. Beloved announced that we are moving.
MOVING
Not only moving, but buying BUYING our own home.
BUYING
OUR
OWN
HOME
This has been my secrety secret for several weeks now. We didn't tell anyone but a few close friends and co-workers. It's the kind of secret that makes my stomach hurt and my insides quiver. I've been sick and nervous ever since this adventure began.
I realize that for most of you this isn't really a big deal. You bought your first home years ago and lived to tell the tale. But for me, it's different. I've never owned a home. I've never sat down and filled out 35 pages of financial information. This is the first time I've ridden around in a realtor's car and peeked in other peoples closets. It's the first time my Beloved has made all the phone calls and dealt with all the hard issues that make my head swim.
A home.
My home.
Our home.
A house where we can paint the walls any color we chose. A house where we can dig a big ol' hole in the yard if we want to. A house were we can sleep in without FIL calling down the stairs.
But most importantly, a house we can make a home.
Our home.
Where NO ONE will ever walk on my head again.
Ever!
This has been an adventure and we've seen some amazing houses and some that pretended to be houses, but weren't really. We've been glared at by neighbors in places where I'm not sure my passport is good. We found the residence of a homeless person who had kicked in the door and was living in a vacant home. We've scurried out of a house that should be condemned because it made our realtor's eyes burn (I think I can still smell that smell). And we both nearly cried when we found the perfect home and were told we were too late.
There are those around us who aren't very supportive and I know there are some in the woodwork who, when they learn of our impending move, will be naysayers and mud slingers. They'll try to guilt us. They'll belittle whatever we buy. They'll be mean.
But that's okay. I've done my time, served my sentence, and poured enough of my life into others.
Now it's time for Beloved and I.
In our own home.
Like newlyweds.
Except with grown children and more money.
Except there won't be more money because we'll have a mortgage.
Doesn't that sound like bliss?
We moved to the farm fifteen years ago and for most of these years everyone in this family has walked on my head at one time or another. FIL plays golf on my head on a daily basis.
It's enough to give you a heck of a headache. I'm just sayin'.
That, and I hate it.
I hate living underneath someone. I hate not being the master of all I survey. I hate having to follow someone else's rules and deal with other people crap. Oh, and let's not forget about taking care of other people's property and having your nose rubbed in in over and over again that THIS IS NOT YOUR HOUSE.
Gee, really?
I hope you get my point.
But something amazing has happened. Something I never dreamed would happen in my lifetime. Beloved announced that we are moving.
MOVING
Not only moving, but buying BUYING our own home.
BUYING
OUR
OWN
HOME
This has been my secrety secret for several weeks now. We didn't tell anyone but a few close friends and co-workers. It's the kind of secret that makes my stomach hurt and my insides quiver. I've been sick and nervous ever since this adventure began.
I realize that for most of you this isn't really a big deal. You bought your first home years ago and lived to tell the tale. But for me, it's different. I've never owned a home. I've never sat down and filled out 35 pages of financial information. This is the first time I've ridden around in a realtor's car and peeked in other peoples closets. It's the first time my Beloved has made all the phone calls and dealt with all the hard issues that make my head swim.
A home.
My home.
Our home.
A house where we can paint the walls any color we chose. A house where we can dig a big ol' hole in the yard if we want to. A house were we can sleep in without FIL calling down the stairs.
But most importantly, a house we can make a home.
Our home.
Where NO ONE will ever walk on my head again.
Ever!
This has been an adventure and we've seen some amazing houses and some that pretended to be houses, but weren't really. We've been glared at by neighbors in places where I'm not sure my passport is good. We found the residence of a homeless person who had kicked in the door and was living in a vacant home. We've scurried out of a house that should be condemned because it made our realtor's eyes burn (I think I can still smell that smell). And we both nearly cried when we found the perfect home and were told we were too late.
There are those around us who aren't very supportive and I know there are some in the woodwork who, when they learn of our impending move, will be naysayers and mud slingers. They'll try to guilt us. They'll belittle whatever we buy. They'll be mean.
But that's okay. I've done my time, served my sentence, and poured enough of my life into others.
Now it's time for Beloved and I.
In our own home.
Like newlyweds.
Except with grown children and more money.
Except there won't be more money because we'll have a mortgage.
Doesn't that sound like bliss?
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
The Bright Side of Things
So yesterday's post was pretty much all pity party. I don't know about you, but I don't really like pity parties. There's never any cake and someone is always complaining about something.
For instance, yesterday when FIL was bemoaning his wheelchair state and telling me how he hated this and hated that, I looked at him and said, "Boy, you're crabby today!"
His reply was, "No I'm not...it's just..."
Which got me to thinking about my own moaning and wailing.
I cannot believe you guys bother to read this blog. I'm just sayin'.
Anyway, life cannot be all beach fronts and martini's now can it? Can it?!
There's more, I just have to look and stop being Nelly Negative.
So, positive things today:
I cannot do yard work because it's stormy out.
I don't work today.
The graduation tea is in two days.
I have Girl all to myself.
We have coffee and coffee creamer (non-fat of course).
And I'm considering a new blog. It's still peculating in mah head, so no details, but I had a epiphany last night about food and my dear love of it and the fact that I need to step up the weightloss.
More later....maybe....
For instance, yesterday when FIL was bemoaning his wheelchair state and telling me how he hated this and hated that, I looked at him and said, "Boy, you're crabby today!"
His reply was, "No I'm not...it's just..."
Which got me to thinking about my own moaning and wailing.
I cannot believe you guys bother to read this blog. I'm just sayin'.
Anyway, life cannot be all beach fronts and martini's now can it? Can it?!
There's more, I just have to look and stop being Nelly Negative.
So, positive things today:
I cannot do yard work because it's stormy out.
I don't work today.
The graduation tea is in two days.
I have Girl all to myself.
We have coffee and coffee creamer (non-fat of course).
And I'm considering a new blog. It's still peculating in mah head, so no details, but I had a epiphany last night about food and my dear love of it and the fact that I need to step up the weightloss.
More later....maybe....
Saturday, April 17, 2010
A Little Good News
FIL will be returning home on Monday. The hammers are flying outside, as two men build the final stages of the ramp that will make it possible to actually get FIL into the house.
I wonder if I could slow them down a little? You know, so that they would need more time and FIL wouldn't be able to come home for one or twelve additional days...
BAD ANNIE! BAD!
I was going to rant and rave about the workload, the stress, the games that FIL has been yanking everyone through.
But I won't.
Sigh.
Instead I will tell you only good news. Ha!
Good news number one: Soldier Mommy is in the house! Okay, well, not in the house. She's more like in the area and as soon as the US Army gets all their paperwork completed she'll be home with her boys! She's safely out of enemy fire and we are thankful (THANKFUL) for her safe return from parts hot and sandy.
Isn't that great news?
Good news number two: God is still God regardless of what's going on in the world.
Good news number three: I heard from Baby (my youngest brother). As is usually the case, he is staying out of all the family drama and gossip. I have always loved that about him. It was nice to hear his voice and to know that he isn't taking sides.
Good news number four: I've only got one more week of training my newbies and then they'll be ready to fly! Training is a soul sucking experience. I'm just sayin'.
Good news number five: Over the last few months I have been trying to convince a lady to come in and check out our gym. She's a big girl. Very. Big. and I know that she was fearful of even walking into Curves. Last Monday, she did just that! I'm so very proud of her. She's a sweetheart and I know we at Curves can help her change her life. It's women such as this that make me love my job.
I'm sure there is more good news out there. Certainly the fact that school is nearly out is reason to celebrate. The flowers are blooming and my family is healthy. Life is good. That, and the cows are still secured in the upper pasture!
Booyah!
I wonder if I could slow them down a little? You know, so that they would need more time and FIL wouldn't be able to come home for one or twelve additional days...
BAD ANNIE! BAD!
I was going to rant and rave about the workload, the stress, the games that FIL has been yanking everyone through.
But I won't.
Sigh.
Instead I will tell you only good news. Ha!
Good news number one: Soldier Mommy is in the house! Okay, well, not in the house. She's more like in the area and as soon as the US Army gets all their paperwork completed she'll be home with her boys! She's safely out of enemy fire and we are thankful (THANKFUL) for her safe return from parts hot and sandy.
Isn't that great news?
Good news number two: God is still God regardless of what's going on in the world.
Good news number three: I heard from Baby (my youngest brother). As is usually the case, he is staying out of all the family drama and gossip. I have always loved that about him. It was nice to hear his voice and to know that he isn't taking sides.
Good news number four: I've only got one more week of training my newbies and then they'll be ready to fly! Training is a soul sucking experience. I'm just sayin'.
Good news number five: Over the last few months I have been trying to convince a lady to come in and check out our gym. She's a big girl. Very. Big. and I know that she was fearful of even walking into Curves. Last Monday, she did just that! I'm so very proud of her. She's a sweetheart and I know we at Curves can help her change her life. It's women such as this that make me love my job.
I'm sure there is more good news out there. Certainly the fact that school is nearly out is reason to celebrate. The flowers are blooming and my family is healthy. Life is good. That, and the cows are still secured in the upper pasture!
Booyah!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Patio of My Dreams
Since the yard is killing me coming together nicely we decided that we will have a family BBQ in August. That gives me one month to wrap things up in the jungle. I really, really thought I could pull this off. The front looks pretty good and I knew the back still needed work…But…
I didn’t realize to what extent. Oi! I am cleaning off the back patio which has housed, and no I’m not kidding, various tools, two bikes, a ladder, an old stove (seriously) and old sink (yep, same one that came out of our bathroom after the remodel LAST YEAR)…
I cannot believe I am telling you this.
Also residing on the patio is a broken chair, a play kitchen, two tiny yellow chairs (for the wee girls) and a tiny purple pool (also for the wee girls). There is a pile of lumber, a generator, a fencepost, a chainsaw (in it’s case), a red wagon, and one small, blue water storage tank. Oh, and I almost forgot, the white, plastic fencing stuff that FIL is “using” as railing for the upper deck.
Shouldn’t it BE on the upper deck? I mean, since it’s HIS project, shouldn’t he store HIS crap on HIS deck? I’m just sayin’.
So, I dug in and spent only thirty minutes hauling stuff to the greenhouse, the burn pile, and the shed. I still need to make a trip to the barn and a trip to the dump, but it’s looking so great! I hauled FIL plastic railing stuff up to his deck as well as his table that my Beloved “borrowed” and never put back.
Men!
The trick, though, is going to be getting FIL to move his lumber and his generator. Maybe I won’t ask. Maybe I’ll just move it to the barn and not tell him. Maybe he won’t notice. Hmmm….
I am ultra excited to get this cleaned up for a couple of reasons. First, it looked horrible and I hate that! Second, we are getting a new washer on Thursday (and such a deal we got!). Finally, I’m going to buy some patio furniture from the writer! She was going to sell it at her garage sale, but I told her I want it!
Finally, after fourteen years the patio is going to look the way I want it to! No more fighting with FIL and MIL (God rest her soul) isn’t here to tell me she needs to store something there so it will be out of the weather. Ha! It only took a little over a decade, but it is finally happening. I’m going to have a place to drink tea in the cool of the morning. I will be surrounded by my beautiful plants and it will be peaceful and a great place for that BBQ in August.
I didn’t realize to what extent. Oi! I am cleaning off the back patio which has housed, and no I’m not kidding, various tools, two bikes, a ladder, an old stove (seriously) and old sink (yep, same one that came out of our bathroom after the remodel LAST YEAR)…
I cannot believe I am telling you this.
Also residing on the patio is a broken chair, a play kitchen, two tiny yellow chairs (for the wee girls) and a tiny purple pool (also for the wee girls). There is a pile of lumber, a generator, a fencepost, a chainsaw (in it’s case), a red wagon, and one small, blue water storage tank. Oh, and I almost forgot, the white, plastic fencing stuff that FIL is “using” as railing for the upper deck.
Shouldn’t it BE on the upper deck? I mean, since it’s HIS project, shouldn’t he store HIS crap on HIS deck? I’m just sayin’.
So, I dug in and spent only thirty minutes hauling stuff to the greenhouse, the burn pile, and the shed. I still need to make a trip to the barn and a trip to the dump, but it’s looking so great! I hauled FIL plastic railing stuff up to his deck as well as his table that my Beloved “borrowed” and never put back.
Men!
The trick, though, is going to be getting FIL to move his lumber and his generator. Maybe I won’t ask. Maybe I’ll just move it to the barn and not tell him. Maybe he won’t notice. Hmmm….
I am ultra excited to get this cleaned up for a couple of reasons. First, it looked horrible and I hate that! Second, we are getting a new washer on Thursday (and such a deal we got!). Finally, I’m going to buy some patio furniture from the writer! She was going to sell it at her garage sale, but I told her I want it!
Finally, after fourteen years the patio is going to look the way I want it to! No more fighting with FIL and MIL (God rest her soul) isn’t here to tell me she needs to store something there so it will be out of the weather. Ha! It only took a little over a decade, but it is finally happening. I’m going to have a place to drink tea in the cool of the morning. I will be surrounded by my beautiful plants and it will be peaceful and a great place for that BBQ in August.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Places We've Been, The People We've Seen
We've been busy. That's right! We've been the uninvited guests at a surprise party. CAKE! We've been to see those tarty machines at the laundry mat. Then we took a wee trek south to see what there was to see.
Our first stop was to the Abbey. It's such a peaceful place (except for the grounds keepers who were making plenty of racket). We had a little debate as to whether or not the Brothers still wore the traditional monks robe. I said, "Nay!" Twas, wrong. Girl was right. She and friend nearly squealed and begged for the monk's autograph when he suddenly appeared on the scene. They maintained a respectful distance but both were sad they didn't get his photo.
On our last visit to the Abbey we hadn't noticed the HUGE pipe organ that fills the balcony. My, oh my, how I want to hear that thing in action. I bet the pews shake. I really do.
Girl and friend. I noted Girl's silence the other day as she, the Singer, and myself drove along. She loves the Singer, but a day trip is always, always better with a friend.
The Abbey's grounds are beautiful and the roses delightful.
Here she is! The Singer having her photo snapped. She doesn't like this picture. Gahh! She's so beautiful!
We then traveled on and found the falls. I love this place and the Singer had never been. It was a muggy day, but the overcast sky kept us fairly cool. The hike wasn't bad and I'm happy to report that my back only hurt a wee, tiny, bit. Tis true Singer! Tis true!
After our visit to the falls, we headed to town and browsed the shops. It's funky town and one of its greatest claims to fame is the mayor, who is a transsexual. Singer saw him/her. For my part, I'd never seen him/her up close and I thought to myself, "What an ugly woman" (I need to get off farm more). Singer gasped, "Is that HIM?" Dang. We shoulda gotta photo.
We picked up Boy and headed to dinner. Then we hung out at camp and were entertained by Boy as he sang for the Singer. As you can see in the photo above, they are both goofy. Singer and I were pregnant at the same time with our children (both times, I might add) so the pride that I saw in her eyes as she listened to Boy sing was something very much akin to my own. She's been a part of our lives for sooooo long and I simply love this photo of them together.
Our day ended with our cat, Dingo, jumping up on the Singers lap. This is NOT a normal, everyday, experience. Dingo hates everyone who isn't family. He hisses. He'll refuse to let you pass. He's a pain. However, he likes the Singer. Strange that.
It was a beautiful day and we still have a few days left! Dinner party on Thursday and Lemon Cake recipe and pics later.
Ahhh lemon...
Our first stop was to the Abbey. It's such a peaceful place (except for the grounds keepers who were making plenty of racket). We had a little debate as to whether or not the Brothers still wore the traditional monks robe. I said, "Nay!" Twas, wrong. Girl was right. She and friend nearly squealed and begged for the monk's autograph when he suddenly appeared on the scene. They maintained a respectful distance but both were sad they didn't get his photo.
On our last visit to the Abbey we hadn't noticed the HUGE pipe organ that fills the balcony. My, oh my, how I want to hear that thing in action. I bet the pews shake. I really do.
Girl and friend. I noted Girl's silence the other day as she, the Singer, and myself drove along. She loves the Singer, but a day trip is always, always better with a friend.
The Abbey's grounds are beautiful and the roses delightful.
Here she is! The Singer having her photo snapped. She doesn't like this picture. Gahh! She's so beautiful!
We then traveled on and found the falls. I love this place and the Singer had never been. It was a muggy day, but the overcast sky kept us fairly cool. The hike wasn't bad and I'm happy to report that my back only hurt a wee, tiny, bit. Tis true Singer! Tis true!
After our visit to the falls, we headed to town and browsed the shops. It's funky town and one of its greatest claims to fame is the mayor, who is a transsexual. Singer saw him/her. For my part, I'd never seen him/her up close and I thought to myself, "What an ugly woman" (I need to get off farm more). Singer gasped, "Is that HIM?" Dang. We shoulda gotta photo.
We picked up Boy and headed to dinner. Then we hung out at camp and were entertained by Boy as he sang for the Singer. As you can see in the photo above, they are both goofy. Singer and I were pregnant at the same time with our children (both times, I might add) so the pride that I saw in her eyes as she listened to Boy sing was something very much akin to my own. She's been a part of our lives for sooooo long and I simply love this photo of them together.
Our day ended with our cat, Dingo, jumping up on the Singers lap. This is NOT a normal, everyday, experience. Dingo hates everyone who isn't family. He hisses. He'll refuse to let you pass. He's a pain. However, he likes the Singer. Strange that.
It was a beautiful day and we still have a few days left! Dinner party on Thursday and Lemon Cake recipe and pics later.
Ahhh lemon...
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Chillin' with My Girl
She's a girl, that Girl o' mine.
She likes nail polish. She prefers it in funky colors. She delights in painting little girl's nails. It bugs her that I seldom paint mine.
And books. She lurves her some books. Turn her loose in a Powell's, Borders, or Barnes and Noble, and she is a happy little tater tot. Cept she's too tall to be a tot.
Then there's Taco Bell. Girl is happy at Taco Bell. Only, she's picky. She has basically ordered the exact same thing for nearly all of her sixteen years (oh, alright, she didn't actually eat Taco Bell when she was little because her mother wouldn't let her!). Chips and cheese, a soft taco or a quesadilla, mixed soda all equal a happy, happy Girl.
My Girl takes great pleasure in whopping her mama at Scrabble. Every.Time.We.Play. Between you and I, it's kinda gettin' on my nerves.
Girl likes movies. Girl likes chick flicks. Girl like popcorn. Girl likes soda.
Saturday was MAN PARTY DAY. Beloved invited some fellows over from work. Pizza was on the menu. So was beer. Uggh. This gathering was in celebration of Beloved's 42nd birthday back in February.
Men+Beer+Pizza=Annie running away
Girl and I escaped to a local hotel for some us time. I love my Girl. She's a hoot. We painted our nails and discovered, with disgust, that the Avon nail polish we had purchased didn't live up to it's promise. Girl knows her polish. Trust me on this.
We grabbed a quick bite at Taco Bell where an amazing thing happened: Girl tried something new! GASP! Not only did she try it, but she liked it!!!
We headed over to Powell's. Girl is just like her Mama and we both found a new book to buy. We left happy.
We tried to find a parking place at the movie theater.
And tried
And tried
And tried
And found one!
Egad! If you build a movie theater, they will come, so put in some decent parking! Geez!
We watched, Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was fun and surprisingly clean with a very good message about credit cards. We ate popcorn. We drank soda. We laughed. On the ride to the store (to pick up snackies) we discussed the evils of credit cards.
We were nearly struck by a car driven by a little old lady in the parking lot of the grocery store. Her license plate, and no I am not joking, read as follows: AWARE. We laughed ourselves silly and took a picture with my cell phone. Aware indeed! We purchased GenSoy Sweet Crisps (which I am in love with! They are soooo tasty!), dark chocolate covered raisins, and Arizona Ice Tea (for girl).
Then I decimated her at Scrabble.
Cleaned her clock
Wiped her out
Kicked her fanny
Smote her!
That's right. Mama won. Ha!
That's how you do a girls night out right.
She likes nail polish. She prefers it in funky colors. She delights in painting little girl's nails. It bugs her that I seldom paint mine.
And books. She lurves her some books. Turn her loose in a Powell's, Borders, or Barnes and Noble, and she is a happy little tater tot. Cept she's too tall to be a tot.
Then there's Taco Bell. Girl is happy at Taco Bell. Only, she's picky. She has basically ordered the exact same thing for nearly all of her sixteen years (oh, alright, she didn't actually eat Taco Bell when she was little because her mother wouldn't let her!). Chips and cheese, a soft taco or a quesadilla, mixed soda all equal a happy, happy Girl.
My Girl takes great pleasure in whopping her mama at Scrabble. Every.Time.We.Play. Between you and I, it's kinda gettin' on my nerves.
Girl likes movies. Girl likes chick flicks. Girl like popcorn. Girl likes soda.
Saturday was MAN PARTY DAY. Beloved invited some fellows over from work. Pizza was on the menu. So was beer. Uggh. This gathering was in celebration of Beloved's 42nd birthday back in February.
Girl and I escaped to a local hotel for some us time. I love my Girl. She's a hoot. We painted our nails and discovered, with disgust, that the Avon nail polish we had purchased didn't live up to it's promise. Girl knows her polish. Trust me on this.
We grabbed a quick bite at Taco Bell where an amazing thing happened: Girl tried something new! GASP! Not only did she try it, but she liked it!!!
We headed over to Powell's. Girl is just like her Mama and we both found a new book to buy. We left happy.
We tried to find a parking place at the movie theater.
And tried
And tried
And tried
And found one!
Egad! If you build a movie theater, they will come, so put in some decent parking! Geez!
We watched, Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was fun and surprisingly clean with a very good message about credit cards. We ate popcorn. We drank soda. We laughed. On the ride to the store (to pick up snackies) we discussed the evils of credit cards.
We were nearly struck by a car driven by a little old lady in the parking lot of the grocery store. Her license plate, and no I am not joking, read as follows: AWARE. We laughed ourselves silly and took a picture with my cell phone. Aware indeed! We purchased GenSoy Sweet Crisps (which I am in love with! They are soooo tasty!), dark chocolate covered raisins, and Arizona Ice Tea (for girl).
Then I decimated her at Scrabble.
Cleaned her clock
Wiped her out
Kicked her fanny
Smote her!
That's right. Mama won. Ha!
That's how you do a girls night out right.
Friday, August 01, 2008
It Never Rains...
Such is my life. When we decided to graduate boy a year early so that he could join the internship, I did a lot of hand wringing. What on earth was I going to do with myself? Then the tiny tyrants came and kept me hopping for eleven months. This summer has been spent driving the delightful Miss C here, there, and everywhere. There was not time for wondering what the future might hold.
An offer came my way to work for a ministry that I really believe in. The founders are hoping it will turn into a paid position. It’s something I enjoy doing and I love supporting them. Thus task one landed in my lap. I’ve been writing for Today.com as a fitness blogger for a couple of months and enjoy it very much, but it doesn’t pay much (not complaining here! They are paying me to write!) which of course is task two.
I decided to get a paying job since gas and food prices are killing us and found the job at Curves (task three). Hurray me! In between all this I’ve been waiting for the BIG NEWS to be announced. The folks over there are a little behind schedule and although I know a little info, I don’t know exact info. As I said, when I know, you’ll know.
Then there’s the news that came today! Pardon me while I run around screaming and acting otherwise middler schoolerish …
I’ve been invited to intern with WOW – Women on Writing. Again, I don’t have all the details, but this is a huge opportunity and I’m so very thankful for it. Task four; brimming with new and exciting things to learn! Hee Haw!
What I want to know is how I got from wringing my hands (poor me, poor me I have nothing to do) to holy jumpin’ jacks Batman I’m busy!
Funny that.
An offer came my way to work for a ministry that I really believe in. The founders are hoping it will turn into a paid position. It’s something I enjoy doing and I love supporting them. Thus task one landed in my lap. I’ve been writing for Today.com as a fitness blogger for a couple of months and enjoy it very much, but it doesn’t pay much (not complaining here! They are paying me to write!) which of course is task two.
I decided to get a paying job since gas and food prices are killing us and found the job at Curves (task three). Hurray me! In between all this I’ve been waiting for the BIG NEWS to be announced. The folks over there are a little behind schedule and although I know a little info, I don’t know exact info. As I said, when I know, you’ll know.
Then there’s the news that came today! Pardon me while I run around screaming and acting otherwise middler schoolerish …
I’ve been invited to intern with WOW – Women on Writing. Again, I don’t have all the details, but this is a huge opportunity and I’m so very thankful for it. Task four; brimming with new and exciting things to learn! Hee Haw!
What I want to know is how I got from wringing my hands (poor me, poor me I have nothing to do) to holy jumpin’ jacks Batman I’m busy!
Funny that.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Woot!!!
Ring
Ring
“Hello?”
“Hi Annie, this is _________ from Curves. How are you?”
“I’m doing well, thanks. You?”
“I’m great. I wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed talking with you during the interview on Monday. I’d like to extend an invitation to you to join our team.”
That’s right folks; I got the job at Curves. I am sooooo excited.
For me, working as a circuit coach at Curves is such an awesome opportunity.
One of the best parts of owning my own business was working the conventions and talking to other moms. I loved encouraging them. Working at Curves will give me a new way to connect to other women. It’s an opportunity to see others improve themselves and I just love that.
I’m excited about the prospect of working out at a real gym. You see, there’s a little seed in my brain that’s been germinating. I want to run a 10K. I know what you’re thinking, “What about your hip?” Well, I’m hoping the doctor will address that issue on Monday. My plan is to deal with the hip issue, then to start training for a 5K. After I complete that and actually run it, then I want to tackle the 10K. Then who knows? Maybe a marathon!
For those of you who don’t know me, these are truly amazing ambitions. I’ve never been much of an athlete but this desire in me is growing. I want this. I want it because I’m forty. I want it because I never thought I could do it, but now I think maybe I can. I’ve lost 18 lbs so far (woot!) and the more I lose the more certain I am that I can accomplish anything!
Of course, bringing home a paycheck is nice too. Encouraging others, working towards a goal, and earning a wee bit o’ the green. It doesn’t get much better than that.
The only thing I’m worried about is the training. My old brain doesn’t work as well as it use to. I know there will be classes, tests, and homework. Yikes.
But I’m not letting that get me down.
I got the job!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Escape Photos
And we couldn't pass up a photo of a London double decker bus that was parked in the Blue Heron's parking lot.
Side note: The India Pale Ale is a bitter, bitter brew. This being said by a NON-beer drinker. Be warned or you will sit with bitter beer face the entire meal...
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sandlake Country Inn
Beloved and I had a lovely, lovely time during our escape. I left ya’ll with some pictures, but no details. So, as promised, here’s the skinny on the Sandlake Country Inn
We chose the Sandlake Country Inn because it came very (very) highly recommended to us by our friend’s The Browns. Gas prices being what they are, we wanted a getaway that wasn’t too away, if you know what I mean. Located in Tillamook County, the Inn sits just ten minutes from Pacific City and the beautiful Oregon coast.
Our first reaction to seeing the Inn as we pulled up was, “Hmmm, looks like a house.” Which of course it is, but do not judge by the simple exterior, for what lies within will astonish you. We were greeted by Diane and after a quick check-in she walked us across the driveway to “the Cottage”.
Surrounded by lilacs, wild roses, and a babbling stream, the Cottage is a little slice of heaven here on earth. It’s separate from the main house and thus provides even more privacy. Diane showed us the fully equipped kitchen with breakfast nook, the living room area (complete with gas fireplace and TV DVD/VCR), the bedroom – with it’s own private patio, another TV, snowy white robes and yes, even comfy slippers, and finally the bathroom. The bathroom features a huge (HUGE) Jacuzzi tub, shower, and small toilet room. Seriously. It’s the smallest bathroom eveh. We had a lot of laughs over that tiny toilet room. But don’t be put off by it. It’s simply another quaint feature of this dreamy retreat.
After the tour, Diane handed us a tin of the Inn’s famous cookies, asked what time we’d like breakfast delivered to our door (what? No eating breakfast with complete strangers? Yeah!). She explained to us that coffee and juice would be served at 8:00am to the ledge outside our door. Diane assured us that if we weren’t up, not to worry, the coffee would still be there and hot when we got up. Diane also gave us a key to the main Inn and told us to help ourselves to any books or movies from the library. “If you need anything or have any questions, just call.” With that, she wished us a happy weekend and left.
The Sandlake Country Inn was so amazing; so peaceful, so romantic, so…perfect. It has earned numerous awards, including Most Romantic Hideaway and one of the Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest by Inn Traveler Magazine. The owners, Ron and Diane Emineth, have created such a beautiful and romantic place, that, frankly, I didn’t want to leave.
And I haven’t even told you about the food yet!
The cookies are incredible. In-cred-ible. I can’t begin to describe them other than to say that I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a softer, more delicate cookie in my life. They are melt-in-your-mouth wonderful and I challenge anyone to eat just one. And don’t worry if you eat them all that first night, all you have to do is ask and the tin will be happily refilled.
Breakfast arrived promptly at 9:30 with a discreet ring of the bell (yes, we chuckled to see the barer of our meal jog quickly back across the driveway so as not to intrude upon our privacy). Monday’s breakfast featured:
Black Raspberry Juice
Strawberries and Cream
Baked Apple Oatmeal with Milk
Sandlake Breakfast Pie (think quiche)
Marionberry Coffee Cake
Tuesday’s menu featured:
Orange, strawberry, and banana juice
Chocolate Lemon Fruit Cup
Granola with Milk (I believe the granola was made from scratch)
Sausage links
South of the Border Eggs
Mini Cinnamon Rolls
Every bite was delicious and there was plenty (plenty) of food. We so enjoyed our escape and the peace and quiet we found. The time we spent together was nothing short of amazing and we hope to return to the Sandlake Country Inn soon!
Need an escape? Diane was kind enough to give me some postcards with a 10% discount to the Inn for your first stay of two or more nights. I’d be happy to send you one for the asking. I have only a couple so this will be on a first come, first serve basis. Simply leave me a comment requesting a postcard.
Coming up next: Photo's of our escape
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Happy Day, Happy Day
Ohhh sooo many things to tell you!
hysterical laughter here
First, received a call from the Bio-mom and after a very nice chat about the books I had sent her, she told me her reason for phoning.
drum roll
She wanted to know if I could take the girls for a day. Mama needs a break. From the sounds of chaos in the background, I’d say Mama needs a llllooonnggg vacation. Oh, wait, she had one for a year, snicker.
snotty eye roll here
Okay, I’m not really that mean (maybe just a little mean) I know Bio-mom is trying and I know it’s hard. So I was thrilled (thrilled) to set up a date with the wee girls. I am so excited. I get to be the good auntie! I get to be the fun auntie! I get to take them home after spoiling those little tyrants for hours and hours and hours.
gleeful laughter here
Sadly, Beloved pointed out that spoiling them rotten and being “fun” auntie might make Bio-mom mad, so maybe I shouldn’t be too fun.
Right…
So, next Friday (May 2nd) it’ll be party at Auntie Ann’s house!! Woo whooo!
And in other news, I am on the diet wagon again. I warned you weeks ago that I was going to jump back on. Only this time, it’s a bit different. A friend, who shall remain nameless (unless she really wants to be named), found a site for us to track, well, everything!
Over at The Daily Plate you’ll find a terrific tool to track what you are eating and how many calories you burn with exercise. There are forums, groups, a listing of diets, and even a place for your to list your own meals. It even helps you track how much water you drink!
Now, I know what you are thinking, “How is a website going to help me lose weight?”
Well it won’t, silly, unless you apply yourself. For me, having to tattle to the computer everything I put in my mouth is helping me to focus on good choices. I can easily see how many calories I’ve eaten, how many I should be eating and, hold on to your knickers, how much fat is in what I eat.
Diet tip: Do not eat peanut butter!
I adore the fitness tracker and love seeing how many calories I’ve burned. Using this tool, it’s easier to make choices regarding which exercise is best for me on specific days. For example, if I’ve got a lunch or dinner date at a restaurant where I know I’m going to have to make some hard choices, I’ll walk an hour instead of thirty minutes because I’ll burn a lot more calories (that’s an extra 30 minutes along with the Pilate's).
Diet tip: Muscles get bored. Vary your workout by renting different types of exercise DVDs from NetFlix!
Since we all can’t be fit as a fiddle, like Patti is, we have to work at it. No, there are no quick fixes, but I know you can do it.
At The Daily Plate you can decide how much weight you would like to lose per week and see how many calories you should eat per day to help you attain that goal. My calorie count is pretty high, but I've yet to actually eat that many calories. My thinking is; if I'm not hungry I shouldn't eat. There are many ways to go about eating throughout the day, although most experts suggest six small meals per day, which seems to work very well for me.
Diet Tip: Carry fruit or protein bars with you so you won't be tempted to eat empty calories.
So, for those of you who drink Mountain Dew and eat Cheerios for breakfast, might I suggest you plug that meal into The Daily Plate and see exactly what you’re eating?
And don’t even get me started on all the sodium we are eating! No wonder so many American’s have blood pressure issues!
In writing news, I’ve submitted my entry for the Christian Women Online Contest. The winner will be announced May 11. I entered a contest over at Hearts at Home (winners to be announced May 4). My decision to enter these contests (and others) is to have deadlines and topics to write to. If nothing else, it’s a good exercise in writing.
Teri J. Brown has helped me to plot out my book. Which is both exciting and scary, since the plot, as they say, thickens…considerably. Time will tell.
But the big, fun, exciting, thrilling, news is that I will be joining some other amazing bloggers and write reviews for Litfuse Publicity Group. I am looking forward to reading some great material and helping other authors get the news out about their recently published books. Being a bookworm, I adore the thought of having new material to read! Happy day, happy day!
hysterical laughter here
First, received a call from the Bio-mom and after a very nice chat about the books I had sent her, she told me her reason for phoning.
drum roll
She wanted to know if I could take the girls for a day. Mama needs a break. From the sounds of chaos in the background, I’d say Mama needs a llllooonnggg vacation. Oh, wait, she had one for a year, snicker.
snotty eye roll here
Okay, I’m not really that mean (maybe just a little mean) I know Bio-mom is trying and I know it’s hard. So I was thrilled (thrilled) to set up a date with the wee girls. I am so excited. I get to be the good auntie! I get to be the fun auntie! I get to take them home after spoiling those little tyrants for hours and hours and hours.
gleeful laughter here
Sadly, Beloved pointed out that spoiling them rotten and being “fun” auntie might make Bio-mom mad, so maybe I shouldn’t be too fun.
Right…
So, next Friday (May 2nd) it’ll be party at Auntie Ann’s house!! Woo whooo!
And in other news, I am on the diet wagon again. I warned you weeks ago that I was going to jump back on. Only this time, it’s a bit different. A friend, who shall remain nameless (unless she really wants to be named), found a site for us to track, well, everything!
Over at The Daily Plate you’ll find a terrific tool to track what you are eating and how many calories you burn with exercise. There are forums, groups, a listing of diets, and even a place for your to list your own meals. It even helps you track how much water you drink!
Now, I know what you are thinking, “How is a website going to help me lose weight?”
Well it won’t, silly, unless you apply yourself. For me, having to tattle to the computer everything I put in my mouth is helping me to focus on good choices. I can easily see how many calories I’ve eaten, how many I should be eating and, hold on to your knickers, how much fat is in what I eat.
I adore the fitness tracker and love seeing how many calories I’ve burned. Using this tool, it’s easier to make choices regarding which exercise is best for me on specific days. For example, if I’ve got a lunch or dinner date at a restaurant where I know I’m going to have to make some hard choices, I’ll walk an hour instead of thirty minutes because I’ll burn a lot more calories (that’s an extra 30 minutes along with the Pilate's).
Since we all can’t be fit as a fiddle, like Patti is, we have to work at it. No, there are no quick fixes, but I know you can do it.
At The Daily Plate you can decide how much weight you would like to lose per week and see how many calories you should eat per day to help you attain that goal. My calorie count is pretty high, but I've yet to actually eat that many calories. My thinking is; if I'm not hungry I shouldn't eat. There are many ways to go about eating throughout the day, although most experts suggest six small meals per day, which seems to work very well for me.
So, for those of you who drink Mountain Dew and eat Cheerios for breakfast, might I suggest you plug that meal into The Daily Plate and see exactly what you’re eating?
And don’t even get me started on all the sodium we are eating! No wonder so many American’s have blood pressure issues!
In writing news, I’ve submitted my entry for the Christian Women Online Contest. The winner will be announced May 11. I entered a contest over at Hearts at Home (winners to be announced May 4). My decision to enter these contests (and others) is to have deadlines and topics to write to. If nothing else, it’s a good exercise in writing.
Teri J. Brown has helped me to plot out my book. Which is both exciting and scary, since the plot, as they say, thickens…considerably. Time will tell.
But the big, fun, exciting, thrilling, news is that I will be joining some other amazing bloggers and write reviews for Litfuse Publicity Group. I am looking forward to reading some great material and helping other authors get the news out about their recently published books. Being a bookworm, I adore the thought of having new material to read! Happy day, happy day!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Yesterday, Kiva over at eclectic granny gave me an E for Excellence award! Thanks Kiva!
If you haven’t visited Kiva yet, I highly suggest you do so. She is a wonderful photographer and can usually be found participating in the weekly assignments from Outpost Mavarin . Aside from being an evil step mother and the granny you wish you had, she’s a terrific writer and knows far more about computers than I could ever imagine!
So, thanks again Kiva you darlin' girl!
Friday, April 18, 2008
And the Winner is....
The alarm announced 5:20 and I hopped out of bed. Today was the day. I rushed to my computer and waited, rather impatiently, really, for it to boot to life. ”Why do these things take soooo long?” Finally, it was alive enough for me to open my email.
I’d pretty much talked myself out of winning Scribbit’s April Writing Contest. Last night, I lay in bed, trying to pray and ignore those nasty little voice that tell me I should get a real job. My own tiny voice could barely be heard above the din, “But…I can write. It’s a gift God gave me…”
Yeah, whatevah.
So imagine my surprise at WINNING!!!!
Wow! Thanks Michelle at Scribbit for hosting the contest. Thank you Elizabeth at Planet Nomad for judging the contest.
There were some truly awesome entries and I really hope you’ll stop by these very talented writers blogs.
Here are the MOST honorable mentions:
Mozi Esme Entry: Clean Underwear, Cheerios, and Gloryland
Musings in Mindanao Entry: Whenever I Go Home, I Leave Home
Marybeth Whalen Entry: I Can't Go Home Again
Never a Dull Moment Entry: My Home Away from Home
CommuniKATE Entry: The Heartbeat of My Home
Ima on (and off) the Bima Entry: Sedar Night
Gosh! I'm just so surprised and so thrilled! I think I'll go make a cup of tea (still not drinking coffee, grumble, grumble) and maybe do a little writing :)
I’d pretty much talked myself out of winning Scribbit’s April Writing Contest. Last night, I lay in bed, trying to pray and ignore those nasty little voice that tell me I should get a real job. My own tiny voice could barely be heard above the din, “But…I can write. It’s a gift God gave me…”
Yeah, whatevah.
Wow! Thanks Michelle at Scribbit for hosting the contest. Thank you Elizabeth at Planet Nomad for judging the contest.
There were some truly awesome entries and I really hope you’ll stop by these very talented writers blogs.
Mozi Esme Entry: Clean Underwear, Cheerios, and Gloryland
Musings in Mindanao Entry: Whenever I Go Home, I Leave Home
Marybeth Whalen Entry: I Can't Go Home Again
Never a Dull Moment Entry: My Home Away from Home
CommuniKATE Entry: The Heartbeat of My Home
Ima on (and off) the Bima Entry: Sedar Night
Gosh! I'm just so surprised and so thrilled! I think I'll go make a cup of tea (still not drinking coffee, grumble, grumble) and maybe do a little writing :)
Monday, April 14, 2008
Happy Birthday
We hadn’t been married very long before I was bit by the “baby” bug. Beloved, on the other hand, was perfectly content to float through life as a couple, never being bothered by small, noise, dirty children who sucked up your time and money. Exactly how a girl like me, who wanted a house filled with children came to be married to a man who didn’t really want children is still a mystery scientist are trying to solve to this day!
Seriously, the man didn’t want to have children. What a weirdo! I mean, who doesn’t love children? Crazy people, that’s who, snicker. (In Beloved's defense he changed his mind about children after becoming a father)
Anyway, I have a point to all this, really. I wanted a baby. Beloved wanted a pair of speakers. An expensive pair of speakers (I should have seen the warning signs all those years ago to know that my house would be riddled with antique stereo equipment, but I was young and in lllooovveee…) so I made him a deal. He could buy his speakers if I could have a baby.
As I remember it, he kinda laughed. It was a, “You’re just joking” kind of laugh. I laughed too. Mine was an evil, “I’m gonna get my way” kind of laugh. He bought the speakers and hoisted those monsters up the stairs and into our one bedroom apartment (our neighbors shook with fear). I watched him hook them up, so excited, just like a kid at Christmas (insert evil laugh here). Smiling I walked into the bathroom and came out with my birth control pills.
“I guess we don’t need these any more,” I sang as I walked to the kitchen and dumped them down into the trash can.
Beloved stood there. Just as if he were frozen in time. He had that deer in the head lights look and I started to wonder if he was breathing. I smiled. He blinked. I walked past him into the bedroom saying, “I’m glad you bought your speakers…”
And that, as the saying goes, was that.
Our first child was born on April 14, 1990, which also happens to be today’s date. So, as you may have guessed, this blog is about our boy.
My pregnancy was an easy one, right up until the end. Then something went wrong. Terribly wrong. After hours of labor the doctor decided to perform an emergency C-section. The baby was in distress and we were scared senseless. At 4:38am he arrived, limp and ashy gray.
“Is he okay? Is he okay?” I kept asking. I couldn’t see a thing.
And even though the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck THREE TIMES, he was okay. He was more than that, he was perfect.
Boy has filled our life with lots of laughter. Such as the time, when he was four-years-old, and his father had come home for lunch. As we sat at the table, little dude kept rocking his body from side to side. Beloved said, “What are you doing?” and he replied, “Oh. You know how little kids are, they’re always wiggling around.”
From a very early age our boy knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up. He drew me a picture for a school assignment showing himself, wearing glasses (which he didn’t wear at the time) and standing behind something. When I asked about the picture, he told me that it was him, as a Pastor. He was five.
You can imagine our surprise when several years later we were listening to a presentation by missionaries from Wycliffe Bible Translators who shared that most people in Christian service knew they were called to serve by the age of nine. Beloved and I looked at each other and whispered, “Wow”.
Boy graduated from high school a year early in 2007. He is currently interning with a Christian organization and is doing well. It’s been really fun to watching him grow and mature this past year. His studies in New Testament Greek, preaching, and Biblical studies challenge him to study hard, but there is still plenty of time for goofy stuff. I can’t really share all the goofy stuff here, but after eating pizza with him and his roommates tonight, I’ll just say that they’re having a good time and if you happen to use the bathroom down there…watch out for bottle rockets.
It was our great joy to take Boy, and his roommates to pizza tonight. We also brought him Kugal and Izzy (his favorite soda). What a fun bunch of guys and yet they are all very serious about the Lord. We are very thankful for good friends and good roomies.
Happy birthday Boy! We love you!
Friday, April 11, 2008
There's Something Delicious Going on Here
Having been marooned in the Land of the Sick and Dying for a few days, I’ve now managed to get my life preserver back on and swim for shore. Of course, once I got here I realized that something funny is going on. It’s something that I do when: 1) I’m sad or 2) I have company.
I’m not sad, no really, I’m not. The wee girls are gone and you know what? It’s been kinda nice. The house is clean or at least cleaner. I haven’t yelled, screamed, or sighed in frustration in over two weeks. When I go to bed at night, well, gee, I sleep all night (this is may in part be due to the allergy medication I take).
Yes, I miss those two little blonde tyrants and their endlessly asking, “Why?” I miss their silly laughter and sweet hugs. But there is a certain amount of calm going on around here and frankly, I think we all like it. A lot.
Okay, not sad. Do I have company? Well, no, actually we don’t. You see, we have a very open door policy at our house. From time to time there will be any number of nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers, or friends occupying bed space. Mi casa, su casa. Yet, there is actually an empty bed with no one but the cat to claim it (and claim it he has!).
I announced, rather loudly, that after the wee girls were gone that I was taking the month off and I didn’t want anyone under the age of 15 in my house. I know that sounds a bit harsh (or desperate?) but really, it’s been a long ride, down a windy road these last eleven months. Because of this bold proclamation I have missed out on an extended stay from Master W. His mama is a soldier in the Army National Guard (hooah!). This week she’s had extensive training on the coast and thus Master W finds himself with other family members rather than Auntie Ann.
So, no company and I’m not emotionally disturbed (stop it! I am not!) What gives?
Why am I baking?
I love to bake. Really. Love it. And, yeah, I’m good at it too. Everything from a chocolate cake that is eye rolling good to a lemon cake that you’ll want second helpings of, I am that good. I make an oatmeal cookie that people who have politely taken one, reach for a second, third…you get the point. Even my friends who, “don’t do sugar” have demanded to know the recipe to my Apple Kugal.
Earlier this week I was forced to bake. Beloved and the guys went camping over the weekend and upon returning presented me with some very sorry looking bananas. Who can ignore overly ripe bananas? Apparently, not me. So, I whipped up a loaf of the worlds best banana bread (recipe from Alton Brown of the Food Network). Since son wasn’t home, the loaf actually lasted two days (one benefit of having oldest son living an hour from home is that food lasts longer).
Then yesterday, after dropping the Delightful Miss C as her Biology class (where they were dissecting frogs, yum) I scurried home with thoughts of spice cake. Beloved’s grandmother made a spice cake to die for, or at least that is what he keeps telling me. Sadly, I find it dry and it has raisins, eewww. I searched around the internet and my cookbooks, but really couldn’t find a recipe that screamed delicious.
I considered making a key lime pie (Barefoot Contessa) but I only had two limes. Cookies? Nope I was not in a cookie mood since I had just baked four dozen oatmeal cookies for Beloved’s camping trip. Perhaps a wickedly chocolate brownie? I’ve got a recipe for a brownie that makes my family sigh with delight. But, no, I didn’t feel like a brownie.
Which left me only one choice:
Kugal
I learned to make Kugal from my Orthodox Jewish neighbor over twelve years ago. This is the same woman who attempted to teach me how to make Challah bread, she was sadly disappointed. The art of bread baking has escaped me and other than cinnamon rolls at Christmas, I stay away from yeast. But I bake a mean Kugal.
So, while beef stroganoff simmered on the stove top, my blueberry Kugal baked in the oven, filling the house with a delicious, unmistakable aroma.
BUT WHY AM I BAKING?
I’m sick and I’m baking or am I baking and I’m sick? There’s something funny going on here and I can’t put my finger on it.
Oh well, guess I’ll have a cup of tea and a slice of Kugal while I ponder the possibilities of a homemade Key Lime Pie.
I’m not sad, no really, I’m not. The wee girls are gone and you know what? It’s been kinda nice. The house is clean or at least cleaner. I haven’t yelled, screamed, or sighed in frustration in over two weeks. When I go to bed at night, well, gee, I sleep all night (this is may in part be due to the allergy medication I take).
Yes, I miss those two little blonde tyrants and their endlessly asking, “Why?” I miss their silly laughter and sweet hugs. But there is a certain amount of calm going on around here and frankly, I think we all like it. A lot.
Okay, not sad. Do I have company? Well, no, actually we don’t. You see, we have a very open door policy at our house. From time to time there will be any number of nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers, or friends occupying bed space. Mi casa, su casa. Yet, there is actually an empty bed with no one but the cat to claim it (and claim it he has!).
I announced, rather loudly, that after the wee girls were gone that I was taking the month off and I didn’t want anyone under the age of 15 in my house. I know that sounds a bit harsh (or desperate?) but really, it’s been a long ride, down a windy road these last eleven months. Because of this bold proclamation I have missed out on an extended stay from Master W. His mama is a soldier in the Army National Guard (hooah!). This week she’s had extensive training on the coast and thus Master W finds himself with other family members rather than Auntie Ann.
So, no company and I’m not emotionally disturbed (stop it! I am not!) What gives?
Why am I baking?
I love to bake. Really. Love it. And, yeah, I’m good at it too. Everything from a chocolate cake that is eye rolling good to a lemon cake that you’ll want second helpings of, I am that good. I make an oatmeal cookie that people who have politely taken one, reach for a second, third…you get the point. Even my friends who, “don’t do sugar” have demanded to know the recipe to my Apple Kugal.
Earlier this week I was forced to bake. Beloved and the guys went camping over the weekend and upon returning presented me with some very sorry looking bananas. Who can ignore overly ripe bananas? Apparently, not me. So, I whipped up a loaf of the worlds best banana bread (recipe from Alton Brown of the Food Network). Since son wasn’t home, the loaf actually lasted two days (one benefit of having oldest son living an hour from home is that food lasts longer).
Then yesterday, after dropping the Delightful Miss C as her Biology class (where they were dissecting frogs, yum) I scurried home with thoughts of spice cake. Beloved’s grandmother made a spice cake to die for, or at least that is what he keeps telling me. Sadly, I find it dry and it has raisins, eewww. I searched around the internet and my cookbooks, but really couldn’t find a recipe that screamed delicious.
I considered making a key lime pie (Barefoot Contessa) but I only had two limes. Cookies? Nope I was not in a cookie mood since I had just baked four dozen oatmeal cookies for Beloved’s camping trip. Perhaps a wickedly chocolate brownie? I’ve got a recipe for a brownie that makes my family sigh with delight. But, no, I didn’t feel like a brownie.
Which left me only one choice:
Kugal
I learned to make Kugal from my Orthodox Jewish neighbor over twelve years ago. This is the same woman who attempted to teach me how to make Challah bread, she was sadly disappointed. The art of bread baking has escaped me and other than cinnamon rolls at Christmas, I stay away from yeast. But I bake a mean Kugal.
So, while beef stroganoff simmered on the stove top, my blueberry Kugal baked in the oven, filling the house with a delicious, unmistakable aroma.
BUT WHY AM I BAKING?
I’m sick and I’m baking or am I baking and I’m sick? There’s something funny going on here and I can’t put my finger on it.
Oh well, guess I’ll have a cup of tea and a slice of Kugal while I ponder the possibilities of a homemade Key Lime Pie.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Hi...Good...Bye
How my idiot girl’s heart was warmed by all of your kind words and thoughts. Last Wednesday was a sucky day, sucky, sucky, sucky. It felt like when you are mindlessly chomping on potato chips and swallow before one is fully chewed. That chip will then carve a jagged path down your esophagus, leaving you choking, gagging, and gasping. Your eyes water, your face turns a vibrant red; you cough and cough and cough. All the while the faces of others watch you and continually ask, “Are you okay?”
“Well of course I’m okay! Don’t I look okay?”
”Actually, no, you don’t.”
Sometimes that ache, scratchy feeling in your throat will stay for hours, maybe even days. Oh, alright, it never lasts for days. But heartache, well, that’s just a horse of a different color. Isn’t it?
After the initial shock of it all, we managed to recover ourselves. Although rarely an hour passes without a memory or phrase being drummed up and repeated. Thus far, over the last five days, I have discovered things in unusual places: the toy bottle for one of the Destroyer’s baby dolls hidden behind the dog food bin, one of Monster’s flowery turtlenecks tucked among my shirts, a bright green elastic hair band being batted around by the cat, or the rubber ducky from bath time, neatly squirreled away behind the bleach.
Silence aside, we had a good weekend. The guys went camping and we girls reclaimed and repainted Miss C’s bedroom (it had been hosting those wee tyrants), stayed up far too late, and watched chick flicks (with the exception of Henry V) until our eyes felt dull and heavy.
Monday dawned cold, drizzly, and gray. How surprising to behold such weather in early April in Oregon. Snicker. Then, the most amazing of things happened. The phone rang and the caller ID announced that it was none other than Bio-Mom.
I hadn’t even hoped to hear from her in a month and here it is, a mere five days since the girls were reunited with her and she’s calling. My heart leapt. Good news? Bad news? Actually, a mixture of both, but I’ll take it none the less.
”The girls really miss you guys. They want to talk to you.”
The Monsters little voice choked with emotion and I stuffed sappy, idiot girl securely into a key-hole while I spoke encouraging, bright words to my sad, sad girl. The Destroyer, being two and half, had less to share:
”Hi…good…bye.”
This same conversation was repeated another two times to Miss C and Beloved, who happened to have the day off. Just hearing their voices made me glad and while I worried over the tiny bit of bad news, I was relieved to know that Bio-mom is doing two things: she is understanding that I am not a threat (at least she knows that unless I get her alone in a dark alley, she’s probably pretty safe) and she is listening to the needs of her babies and doing something for them.
In other news:
My writing contest entry is just about complete and ready to post. I have another writing contest that’s due by the end of the month and my book to get busy with. I’ve finished, The Girl who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson and am half way through Ophelia by Lisa Klein. I haven’t truly started chewing through Step by Step HTML and XHTML by Faithe Wempen, but I’ll get there. I’ve read my Bible every day and slept well beyond the 5:20 alarm.
All things considered, life is looking pretty bright on this drippy Monday.
Sometimes that ache, scratchy feeling in your throat will stay for hours, maybe even days. Oh, alright, it never lasts for days. But heartache, well, that’s just a horse of a different color. Isn’t it?
After the initial shock of it all, we managed to recover ourselves. Although rarely an hour passes without a memory or phrase being drummed up and repeated. Thus far, over the last five days, I have discovered things in unusual places: the toy bottle for one of the Destroyer’s baby dolls hidden behind the dog food bin, one of Monster’s flowery turtlenecks tucked among my shirts, a bright green elastic hair band being batted around by the cat, or the rubber ducky from bath time, neatly squirreled away behind the bleach.
Silence aside, we had a good weekend. The guys went camping and we girls reclaimed and repainted Miss C’s bedroom (it had been hosting those wee tyrants), stayed up far too late, and watched chick flicks (with the exception of Henry V) until our eyes felt dull and heavy.
Monday dawned cold, drizzly, and gray. How surprising to behold such weather in early April in Oregon. Snicker. Then, the most amazing of things happened. The phone rang and the caller ID announced that it was none other than Bio-Mom.
I hadn’t even hoped to hear from her in a month and here it is, a mere five days since the girls were reunited with her and she’s calling. My heart leapt. Good news? Bad news? Actually, a mixture of both, but I’ll take it none the less.
The Monsters little voice choked with emotion and I stuffed sappy, idiot girl securely into a key-hole while I spoke encouraging, bright words to my sad, sad girl. The Destroyer, being two and half, had less to share:
This same conversation was repeated another two times to Miss C and Beloved, who happened to have the day off. Just hearing their voices made me glad and while I worried over the tiny bit of bad news, I was relieved to know that Bio-mom is doing two things: she is understanding that I am not a threat (at least she knows that unless I get her alone in a dark alley, she’s probably pretty safe) and she is listening to the needs of her babies and doing something for them.
In other news:
My writing contest entry is just about complete and ready to post. I have another writing contest that’s due by the end of the month and my book to get busy with. I’ve finished, The Girl who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson and am half way through Ophelia by Lisa Klein. I haven’t truly started chewing through Step by Step HTML and XHTML by Faithe Wempen, but I’ll get there. I’ve read my Bible every day and slept well beyond the 5:20 alarm.
All things considered, life is looking pretty bright on this drippy Monday.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Giddy, Really
My boy is home for spring break. Yes, I know everyone else get's spring break next week, but there are camps scheduled and groups with reservations, so he and the rest of the interns will be working.
One of the things that I love about my boy is his ability to be a huge, goofy, dork, just like his father. For whatever reason, I find this quality endearing…most of the time. In this case, it’s just plain funny. The boy and his room mates have produced a video and while it might be a wee bit juvenile it cracks me up and it will make sweet blackmail later in life. I can just see those grandbabies laughin’! (I wonder how you post something on YouTube?)
Yesterday was the birthday of not one but two nieces. They happen to be sisters. No, they are not twins. They were born on the same day, four years apart. How wild is that?
I sent each a txt, (how personal, snicker) wishing them a happy birthday. The younger of the two sent me a txt back asking who had sent the text…I assumed it was because only my phone number was listed with the text, then I considered that perhaps she was asking who it was, knowing full well it was me, and chastising me for not keeping in better touch with her.
And that little slam is definitely well deserved! Ouch!
That slam aside, an interesting opportunity has come my way and I am giddy with excitement. Giddy. It’s a writing opportunity. Gush! But more on this later. (Annie runs around her living room, snoopy dancing, while thinking of the amazing foreseeable future!)
Really people, it’s the little thing in life that make it worth living. I have been entangled with two wee tyrants for nearly ten months. The end is in sight…the light is beginning to shine at the end of this tunnel, and my fingers are itching, itching to get busy with some words! Giddy. Really!
I’ve posted new recipe on my recipe blog (This Mom Can Cook), I have yet to pick up Html for Dummies but it’s on my list, and I have to run the delightful Miss C to her writing class. Such is the life of a homeschooling mommy.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Z-Monster Holds Court
We finally were able to celebrate Z's birthday with a "Princess-Tea Party". We played "princess, princess, queen!" aka duck, duck, goose, ate yummy heart shaped cakes, ice-cream, and grapes. Then our little princesses made two different crafts. Each princess was attended by her older sister.
It may have been a bit of over kill for a 4-year-olds birthday, but we know she's only with us for a short time longer. I hope she'll remember this time with us fondly (and not remember the times my head nearly exploded!).
I couldn't get all the photo's uploaded, but here's a few:
It may have been a bit of over kill for a 4-year-olds birthday, but we know she's only with us for a short time longer. I hope she'll remember this time with us fondly (and not remember the times my head nearly exploded!).
I couldn't get all the photo's uploaded, but here's a few:
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