I'll be out o' my office again this weekend, but maybe this time I will get paid for it!
Our HUGE garage sale is this weekend, and I am ready to put it behind me. There are tons of things I am trying to sell to reduce some clutter around here. If I can and raise enough money for a new sewing machine, then that's a bonus. (Not that mine isn't good, but I'm going to take the same route my darling husband took with our unnecessary tv...sometimes, if you can, it's nice to get something better, if you can, even if you don't really need it. Seeing as our perfectly good old tv is on sale this afternoon at an astronomical price set by said DH, who does not really want to sell it because it is so darn perfectly fine, I don't think he will be arguing my logic on this one.)
Anyhoo...I'll be busy with this most of the weekend, then have a sweet grad party to go to for my cousin, Megan, a new U of I grad & fellow lady with a degree in Psych. Gotta love her for that!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
T-R-O-U-B-L-E
Thanks to Patti, who pointed out the obvious to me on a phone call yesterday. I knew it all along, but she had to confirm it.
Lucy is pretty young for this:
Lucy is pretty young for this:
While I was complaining about Lucy's new mobility (and fondness of it), my computer savvy aunt read me some snippets from a baby developmental website.
This is what they said:
'At about 8 months your baby will probably start trying to pull himself
up to a stand while holding onto furniture.'
She's not even 7 months.
Crap.
This is what they said:
'At about 8 months your baby will probably start trying to pull himself
up to a stand while holding onto furniture.'
She's not even 7 months.
Crap.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Gardener
With the warm days finally here, we have quickly resumed our summertime hobby of gardening.
It's the latest cool thing to do to profess your 'greenness', however, we've been at it for years. My dad has had a garden as long as I can remember. My childhood garden was filled with all kinds of goodies we used to pick as kids. Carrots, tomatoes, radishes, pumpkins. We used to pick them and eat them sitting in the backyard (after we rinsed them under the hose, of course).
His father had one too. I don't know what it looked like when my dad was growing up, but when I was a child it was an endless pasture of all things veggie. An enormous patch on the far edge of the lawn. There were things in that garden I would never have known existed, if not for the summer evenings spent out there too. Colorful cabbages, leeks, rhubarb, pickling cucumbers.
Here, our garden has grown considerably in the past three years, at least a 10 foot addition to the patch, and I'd say that's being modest. While we were away, my dad let his passion falter, planting only a few tomatoes and peppers every year. Without the time to invest, or the help tending, it was more of a hassle. Especially when there were not many to enjoy the fruits of his laboring.
Now we are home, the gardener is back, and our garden is full again.
We have beefsteak & cherry tomatoes, banana, jalapeno, & sweet peppers, and two types of cucumbers. Asparagus, green beans, yellow beans, eggplant, spinach, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet corn, celery, and rhubarb. There are raspberries, blackberries, strawberries. This year we added a little herb garden with cilantro, rosemary, basil, chives, and parsley. After this season we've already decided to expand the herb garden and move the strawberries to their own little space, creating a wonderful patch for the kids.
It is a lovely summer hobby, but it is a lot of work. Tilling, planting, weeding, harvesting. Then you have to know what to do with all of the stuff. Sharing, canning, freezing, drying.
As with many things, the benefits are so worth the effort. It's 'green' and you can't get much more local. Gardening is good for your body, both the exercise and the nutrition. It is a family affair, a time when everyone can chip in. It is an opportunity to teach the kids where their food comes from. How to spot the plants, care for them, when to pick them, how to cook them. Our kids help in every step of the process, from planting to eating. They help plant them, pick them, then help to make them into dinner or sauces, jams, & salsas. It's an opportunity to teach them skills they will carry with them forever, from the garden to the kitchen.
I highly recommend giving it a try for your family. Maybe you don't have the space or the lack the energy for something huge like we have. Maybe your kids would laugh and shun the idea. Then start small. Go to Home Depot, buy a pot and a tomato plant. Put it on your patio, or windowsill. See what happens. I guarantee, you'll buy a few more next year, and the year after that you'll be the master of your own salsa recipe. Or perhaps you prefer spaghetti sauces. Trust me, that's what it leads to.
You'll see.
It's the latest cool thing to do to profess your 'greenness', however, we've been at it for years. My dad has had a garden as long as I can remember. My childhood garden was filled with all kinds of goodies we used to pick as kids. Carrots, tomatoes, radishes, pumpkins. We used to pick them and eat them sitting in the backyard (after we rinsed them under the hose, of course).
His father had one too. I don't know what it looked like when my dad was growing up, but when I was a child it was an endless pasture of all things veggie. An enormous patch on the far edge of the lawn. There were things in that garden I would never have known existed, if not for the summer evenings spent out there too. Colorful cabbages, leeks, rhubarb, pickling cucumbers.
Here, our garden has grown considerably in the past three years, at least a 10 foot addition to the patch, and I'd say that's being modest. While we were away, my dad let his passion falter, planting only a few tomatoes and peppers every year. Without the time to invest, or the help tending, it was more of a hassle. Especially when there were not many to enjoy the fruits of his laboring.
Now we are home, the gardener is back, and our garden is full again.
We have beefsteak & cherry tomatoes, banana, jalapeno, & sweet peppers, and two types of cucumbers. Asparagus, green beans, yellow beans, eggplant, spinach, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet corn, celery, and rhubarb. There are raspberries, blackberries, strawberries. This year we added a little herb garden with cilantro, rosemary, basil, chives, and parsley. After this season we've already decided to expand the herb garden and move the strawberries to their own little space, creating a wonderful patch for the kids.
It is a lovely summer hobby, but it is a lot of work. Tilling, planting, weeding, harvesting. Then you have to know what to do with all of the stuff. Sharing, canning, freezing, drying.
As with many things, the benefits are so worth the effort. It's 'green' and you can't get much more local. Gardening is good for your body, both the exercise and the nutrition. It is a family affair, a time when everyone can chip in. It is an opportunity to teach the kids where their food comes from. How to spot the plants, care for them, when to pick them, how to cook them. Our kids help in every step of the process, from planting to eating. They help plant them, pick them, then help to make them into dinner or sauces, jams, & salsas. It's an opportunity to teach them skills they will carry with them forever, from the garden to the kitchen.
I highly recommend giving it a try for your family. Maybe you don't have the space or the lack the energy for something huge like we have. Maybe your kids would laugh and shun the idea. Then start small. Go to Home Depot, buy a pot and a tomato plant. Put it on your patio, or windowsill. See what happens. I guarantee, you'll buy a few more next year, and the year after that you'll be the master of your own salsa recipe. Or perhaps you prefer spaghetti sauces. Trust me, that's what it leads to.
You'll see.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
My Pros & Cons
...of Summer.
1. Warm Weather
Pro: We've been bottled up all winter, we want to get out and enjoy the beautiful warm air.
Con: There are only so many weeks before warm and fresh turns into so hot I can't bear the heat.
3. The Pool
Pro: Swimming in it every day, enjoying it's cool sanctuary on those hot hot days.
Con: Pool maintenance.
5. Summer Activities
Pro: The kids are playing sports and making friends.
Con: Shuttling everyone around to practices and games.
7. The Garden
Pro: Nature's bounty, right in our own back yard.
Con: Try to go back there without bug spray, I dare you.
9. The Grill
Pro: YUM!
Con: We prefer charcoal, so yum takes a bit of work.
1. Warm Weather
Pro: We've been bottled up all winter, we want to get out and enjoy the beautiful warm air.
Con: There are only so many weeks before warm and fresh turns into so hot I can't bear the heat.
2. Playing in the Yard
Pro: Catch, soccer, golf, frisbee, t-ball, football, etc. etc. etc...
Con: As soon as the sun goes down, we must run in the house for fear of being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
Pro: Catch, soccer, golf, frisbee, t-ball, football, etc. etc. etc...
Con: As soon as the sun goes down, we must run in the house for fear of being eaten alive by mosquitoes.
3. The Pool
Pro: Swimming in it every day, enjoying it's cool sanctuary on those hot hot days.
Con: Pool maintenance.
4. Walks at the Forest Preserve
Pro: Good for your mind and body.
Con: More mosquitoes, ticks, and mountains of horse poop.
Pro: Good for your mind and body.
Con: More mosquitoes, ticks, and mountains of horse poop.
5. Summer Activities
Pro: The kids are playing sports and making friends.
Con: Shuttling everyone around to practices and games.
6. Weekend Plans
Pro: Hanging out with family and friends, we can't get enough of it.
Con: Goodbye lazy weekends, as of now they do not exist again until next fall.
Pro: Hanging out with family and friends, we can't get enough of it.
Con: Goodbye lazy weekends, as of now they do not exist again until next fall.
7. The Garden
Pro: Nature's bounty, right in our own back yard.
Con: Try to go back there without bug spray, I dare you.
8. Summer Clothes
Pro: Tanks tops, shorts, dresses & skirts. (love them!)
Con: Bathing suits. (ugh...thanks for sucking the summer fun out of that one this year, Lucy)
Pro: Tanks tops, shorts, dresses & skirts. (love them!)
Con: Bathing suits. (ugh...thanks for sucking the summer fun out of that one this year, Lucy)
9. The Grill
Pro: YUM!
Con: We prefer charcoal, so yum takes a bit of work.
10. Vacations & Day Trips
Pro: Days at the zoo & museums, Summerfest, the Taste, ball games, weeks at the beach, camping, weekend in the Dells.
Con: Remembering to pack everybody's everything.
Pro: Days at the zoo & museums, Summerfest, the Taste, ball games, weeks at the beach, camping, weekend in the Dells.
Con: Remembering to pack everybody's everything.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Glory Days
Turbo and his buddies have been playing softball for a long time. Long over 10 years, and if you factor in HS baseball the number is way closer to 20.
When we first started dating I would sit on the benches with the other lady-friends, watching the guys play, sipping rum & coke out of a McDonald's cup, struggling through the bugs, for a well earned evening at the bar afterward.
We would hang out on those benches and gossip to our hearts content while the guys pummeled the opposing team. The guys would give every at bat their all, run like there was no tomorrow around the bases, heckle the other teams. Afterward we would go together, arm & arm to the bar where we would continue to joke and talk and carry on until someone forced us out. (And then we would just go meet Jack or Joel at the Duck. God knows we never tired of that place.)
As the years have gone by, the guys heckle less and less. They still hit the ball hard, but not everyone runs as fast. Some have quit altogether, some only show on occasion. Us lady-friends, referred to as wives these days, don't go very often at all. The drinking traded for diapering, since the McDonald's cups now belong to our preschoolers.
Last night another wife and I decided to join in for a game. We brought the little guys, 'cause they love playing together just as much as their dads do.
We both couldn't resist the urge to giggle at this years competition. A bunch of scrawny fellows, all wearing their old HS tees. A group of ladies perched on the benches, a few showing in the final inning of the game. Not many over the age of 21. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if they had to raid a liquor cabinet at someone's parents house just to have a post-game brew.
My friend & I laughed at them (couldn't help it since one of our friends is the driving instructor at the HS our competitor went to, and we assume may have taught a good portion of the team to drive fairly recently).
Then we laughed at ourselves for becoming the old ladies of the game, surrounded by kids while our hubbies trotted around the bases. Discussing children's apparel and kindergarten, baby buggies and vacation plans. Long gone are our days of heavy drinking on a weeknight.
It made me wonder if they realize where they are headed.
After our games, we used to tell Jack & Joel we'd always stop in after for a drink, they smiled and said they'd see. When we all married we went in less and less, they said they knew it would happen. When the kids came and we hardly went at all, they said they'd seen it many times before. That it wouldn't be long until we stopped altogether.
They were right. We don't go there at all anymore. Drive by it with fond memories, but nothing more. On those bleachers and in that dirty dark bar we cemented bonds that guaranteed us all a lifetime of friendship. For that we are grateful.
I don't think any of us would trade places and go back. For all of the fun that it was, it was also a time of uncertainty for all of us. A time of reckless youth and nasty hangovers, unnecessary arguments and financial instability.
It was fun, but it's not so bad to be the old farts. The guys still win, even beat these young ones with the parks 10 run rule. Us ladies still gossip, only about kid things. We all still love a stiff drink, but over dinner. We're still great friends, even better than before.
When we first started dating I would sit on the benches with the other lady-friends, watching the guys play, sipping rum & coke out of a McDonald's cup, struggling through the bugs, for a well earned evening at the bar afterward.
We would hang out on those benches and gossip to our hearts content while the guys pummeled the opposing team. The guys would give every at bat their all, run like there was no tomorrow around the bases, heckle the other teams. Afterward we would go together, arm & arm to the bar where we would continue to joke and talk and carry on until someone forced us out. (And then we would just go meet Jack or Joel at the Duck. God knows we never tired of that place.)
As the years have gone by, the guys heckle less and less. They still hit the ball hard, but not everyone runs as fast. Some have quit altogether, some only show on occasion. Us lady-friends, referred to as wives these days, don't go very often at all. The drinking traded for diapering, since the McDonald's cups now belong to our preschoolers.
Last night another wife and I decided to join in for a game. We brought the little guys, 'cause they love playing together just as much as their dads do.
We both couldn't resist the urge to giggle at this years competition. A bunch of scrawny fellows, all wearing their old HS tees. A group of ladies perched on the benches, a few showing in the final inning of the game. Not many over the age of 21. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if they had to raid a liquor cabinet at someone's parents house just to have a post-game brew.
My friend & I laughed at them (couldn't help it since one of our friends is the driving instructor at the HS our competitor went to, and we assume may have taught a good portion of the team to drive fairly recently).
Then we laughed at ourselves for becoming the old ladies of the game, surrounded by kids while our hubbies trotted around the bases. Discussing children's apparel and kindergarten, baby buggies and vacation plans. Long gone are our days of heavy drinking on a weeknight.
It made me wonder if they realize where they are headed.
After our games, we used to tell Jack & Joel we'd always stop in after for a drink, they smiled and said they'd see. When we all married we went in less and less, they said they knew it would happen. When the kids came and we hardly went at all, they said they'd seen it many times before. That it wouldn't be long until we stopped altogether.
They were right. We don't go there at all anymore. Drive by it with fond memories, but nothing more. On those bleachers and in that dirty dark bar we cemented bonds that guaranteed us all a lifetime of friendship. For that we are grateful.
I don't think any of us would trade places and go back. For all of the fun that it was, it was also a time of uncertainty for all of us. A time of reckless youth and nasty hangovers, unnecessary arguments and financial instability.
It was fun, but it's not so bad to be the old farts. The guys still win, even beat these young ones with the parks 10 run rule. Us ladies still gossip, only about kid things. We all still love a stiff drink, but over dinner. We're still great friends, even better than before.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
64 Pricks
Stop yourself...clear your dirty head...then let me proceed with this very wholesome post.
You may or may not know that Turbo has this reoccurring problem with hives. A couple years back after a big day of drinking and shenanigans at Germanfest he broke out with them for the first time. We had no idea what they were from, not a clue why they were there, no inkling of what triggered them. (I suggested too much beer, fun, and assholery, but it turns out I was mistaken as he has had many occasions since that involved all three without a 'breakout'. Damn, really thought I had him there...)
They have remained a mystery to us since then. With no way to identify the triggers, he has become a slave to them, popping Claritin, Benadryl, and any other OTC med that provides relief.
We have speculated on the many different possibilities and all of the things that seem to provoke a huge flare up. However, we never find a pattern. They never seem to follow anything in particular.
So, he finally went to an allergist. Our own doc recommended her after he has tried with no avail on many many visits to diagnose the problem.
After 64 injections of various allergens, we found two that Turbo is allergic to...
Dust mites and DOGS.
Now, I know I can be more diligent about the mites. I looked them up, know where they are, know I will now be purchasing bed covers and washing all pillows and linens in hot water at least once a week(there goes my Thursdays). Maybe now he will even let me get a swanky Dyson to vacuum the floors...
But the dog? We've always had dogs. He's always had dogs.
There is no way we're ditching our pooch, and thankfully Turbo told the allergist that was not an option right away. But he now has to watch his interactions with Otis and other pups. Has to limit the amount of time playing with him, should avoid rolling around the floor with him.
Terrible news for a guy and his big black dog.
Looks like we'll be heading out for some Zyrtec.
You may or may not know that Turbo has this reoccurring problem with hives. A couple years back after a big day of drinking and shenanigans at Germanfest he broke out with them for the first time. We had no idea what they were from, not a clue why they were there, no inkling of what triggered them. (I suggested too much beer, fun, and assholery, but it turns out I was mistaken as he has had many occasions since that involved all three without a 'breakout'. Damn, really thought I had him there...)
They have remained a mystery to us since then. With no way to identify the triggers, he has become a slave to them, popping Claritin, Benadryl, and any other OTC med that provides relief.
We have speculated on the many different possibilities and all of the things that seem to provoke a huge flare up. However, we never find a pattern. They never seem to follow anything in particular.
So, he finally went to an allergist. Our own doc recommended her after he has tried with no avail on many many visits to diagnose the problem.
After 64 injections of various allergens, we found two that Turbo is allergic to...
Dust mites and DOGS.
Now, I know I can be more diligent about the mites. I looked them up, know where they are, know I will now be purchasing bed covers and washing all pillows and linens in hot water at least once a week(there goes my Thursdays). Maybe now he will even let me get a swanky Dyson to vacuum the floors...
But the dog? We've always had dogs. He's always had dogs.
There is no way we're ditching our pooch, and thankfully Turbo told the allergist that was not an option right away. But he now has to watch his interactions with Otis and other pups. Has to limit the amount of time playing with him, should avoid rolling around the floor with him.
Terrible news for a guy and his big black dog.
Looks like we'll be heading out for some Zyrtec.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Testing the Waters
I am trying to come up with a new name for Halfty Crafty...Something I can use for a shop on Etsy and a website that will be focused not only on crafts, but the sale of them as well.
If you happen to go to the site and see it is not available, check here first as I will always have the updated link on the sidebar.
Sorry for any confusion...but as you all know I am from time to time a very confusing lady.
If you happen to go to the site and see it is not available, check here first as I will always have the updated link on the sidebar.
Sorry for any confusion...but as you all know I am from time to time a very confusing lady.
Mobile
We knew this would happen.
Knew eventually Lucy would figure out she does not have to stay in one place. Knew it wouldn't take long. Knew she would be like the others.
Today she did the unthinkable.
She got bored just sitting in her crib.
She leaned to the side and pulled herself up to her knees.
She looked at us and smiled.
Little monster knows what she's doing.
Knows this is a big step. The big step.
Freedom is just around the corner.
Heaven help us...
Knew eventually Lucy would figure out she does not have to stay in one place. Knew it wouldn't take long. Knew she would be like the others.
Today she did the unthinkable.
She got bored just sitting in her crib.
She leaned to the side and pulled herself up to her knees.
She looked at us and smiled.
Little monster knows what she's doing.
Knows this is a big step. The big step.
Freedom is just around the corner.
Heaven help us...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Bargain Shopper
I am a huge fan of coupons. After watching a few GMA shows on budgeting, I've also learned to forgo brand loyalty on most things in order to get the best bang for my buck.
The few items that I always always always shop the same brands for are things for Lucy. I always buy Enfamil. Huggies. Pampers. Johnson & Johnson. Gerber.
Being a huge fan of Target, I tend to get loads of coupons from them. (Apparently they like me too.) Last week I got a handful of coupons for their baby line. They're trying out a new look and offered me some nice incentives to try it out too. $1 off wipes, sunscreen, diapers. $2 off formula.
Nice coupons, but that would mean leaving the security of the brand names I feel comfortable with.
Who abandons the name brands that 'good' parents use? Who knowingly opts for store brands when the brands you 'trust', the brands you 'know', the brands that are 'best' for your baby are every bit as affordable to you as they always were?
Well, turns out I do. I got the coupons and tried them out.
The wipes worked as well as wipes do.
The diapers surprised me. I thought they were far better than luvs, comparable to pampers & huggies.
I was skeptical of only the formula, I really don't want to mess with my baby's developing brains. I want those to be good for a long time. Great even, if they can be. So the formula I researched. Googled it a million and a half times. And found one thing constantly...
The FDA regulates what is in the can so they must contain the same key ingredients. Name brands may be finer and dissolve better, but they do not contain any more for your baby that the store brands. Of the store brands, Target has the most variety available. (Check out this blog for great info and lots of other great money saving tips: Baby Cheapskate)
I gave it a shot. It's not as fine, but per the labeling, they have the exact same things inside. More importantly, Lucy didn't seem to care about the switch. (If any of you remember when I did that last time, it took 7 days for her to get back to 'normal' afterward.)
So here is what it all comes down to...
In a 2 week period I buy the following things: 3 cans of formula. 5 'jumbo' packs of diapers, 1 'refill' pack of 200+ wipes.
This is how much I spend on name brands (not including the coupons I get here and there for $1-3 off a package): $26 for 1 Enfamil formula. $10 for 1 pack of diapers. $6 for 1 pack of wipes.
Do the math: $78 for formula. $50 for diapers. $6 for wipes. = $134 in 2 weeks/$268 a month
This is how much the Target brands cost: $12 for a can of formula. $6 for diapers. $4 for wipes.
Math again:$36. $30. $4. = $64 in 2 weeks/$128 a month.
Holy Cow. $140 savings just for switching these 3 items that I buy every month. In one year this switch will save me over $1600. That's a small vacation or a crap load of fabric.
Needless to say, we've certainly switched.
The few items that I always always always shop the same brands for are things for Lucy. I always buy Enfamil. Huggies. Pampers. Johnson & Johnson. Gerber.
Being a huge fan of Target, I tend to get loads of coupons from them. (Apparently they like me too.) Last week I got a handful of coupons for their baby line. They're trying out a new look and offered me some nice incentives to try it out too. $1 off wipes, sunscreen, diapers. $2 off formula.
Nice coupons, but that would mean leaving the security of the brand names I feel comfortable with.
Who abandons the name brands that 'good' parents use? Who knowingly opts for store brands when the brands you 'trust', the brands you 'know', the brands that are 'best' for your baby are every bit as affordable to you as they always were?
Well, turns out I do. I got the coupons and tried them out.
The wipes worked as well as wipes do.
The diapers surprised me. I thought they were far better than luvs, comparable to pampers & huggies.
I was skeptical of only the formula, I really don't want to mess with my baby's developing brains. I want those to be good for a long time. Great even, if they can be. So the formula I researched. Googled it a million and a half times. And found one thing constantly...
The FDA regulates what is in the can so they must contain the same key ingredients. Name brands may be finer and dissolve better, but they do not contain any more for your baby that the store brands. Of the store brands, Target has the most variety available. (Check out this blog for great info and lots of other great money saving tips: Baby Cheapskate)
I gave it a shot. It's not as fine, but per the labeling, they have the exact same things inside. More importantly, Lucy didn't seem to care about the switch. (If any of you remember when I did that last time, it took 7 days for her to get back to 'normal' afterward.)
So here is what it all comes down to...
In a 2 week period I buy the following things: 3 cans of formula. 5 'jumbo' packs of diapers, 1 'refill' pack of 200+ wipes.
This is how much I spend on name brands (not including the coupons I get here and there for $1-3 off a package): $26 for 1 Enfamil formula. $10 for 1 pack of diapers. $6 for 1 pack of wipes.
Do the math: $78 for formula. $50 for diapers. $6 for wipes. = $134 in 2 weeks/$268 a month
This is how much the Target brands cost: $12 for a can of formula. $6 for diapers. $4 for wipes.
Math again:$36. $30. $4. = $64 in 2 weeks/$128 a month.
Holy Cow. $140 savings just for switching these 3 items that I buy every month. In one year this switch will save me over $1600. That's a small vacation or a crap load of fabric.
Needless to say, we've certainly switched.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Job Description
When I took Spot to the Dr. yesterday I was asked to look over some forms. In huge big black letters under my name and info I read the most infuriating word...
UNEMPLOYED
It immediately made me angry. I had to hold back every inch of my being from crossing it off and writing UNPAID in the employment space.
So I don't have a job I get paid for. It hardly means I don't work. I bust my little fanny every day, doing much more than this little chickadee sitting on her own bottom answering phones and browsing my insurance card.
I didn't make the change, despite the pen gravitating toward that space every chance it got.
I also resisted the urge to tell everyone in the office what I thought about my current position of unemployment. I wanted to shout at them and tell them exactly what 'unemployed' means in my world. 'Cause it sure as hell doesn't mean 'out of work'. I wanted to go over the things I have done this week. To compare them to what they do from sunrise to sunset Monday through Friday.
Since I'm a bit of a wiener, I didn't do that either.
But if I would have, this is how I would have done it...
(ME:) Excuse me Ms. Chickadee, but there is a mistake here. I am not UNEMPLOYED, I have a job I am incredibly good at.
(CHICKADEE:) Well Mrs. E, please write down what you do in the space provided.
(M) I'm afraid I can't fit everything into that teensy little box because I do so damn much every day that if I tried I would need a bazillion extra pieces of paper.
(C) How about if you just tell me then.
(M) Well, don't say I didn't warn you...
Today I woke up at 4:30 am. I fed Lucy, changed her, played with her. (NANNY) I made coffee for myself, Turbo & Lisa and put away the clean dishes from last night. (MAID) I checked my email & bloggerdom, had my first cup of coffee before 5 am. (15 min mandatory break time) I woke up Turbo, woke up the boys. (ALARM CLOCK) I made eggs & toast for the boys. (PERSONAL CHEF) I carried Lucy around, while I helped round up Nate's stuff for school (PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR). I rounded up laundry, started load of laundry. (LAUNDRESS) Bathed and dressed Rex, then Lucy. Put Lucy down for a nap. (NANNY, again) I paid the bills and balanced the weekly budget. (ACCOUNTANT) Created a pattern for a crayon case, cut fabric for said case, sewed the case, photographed case. (CRAFTER, SEAMSTRESS, PHOTOGRAPHER) While I did this I helped Rex do 2 puzzles and play reading games on PBSKids.com. (TEACHER) I moved all of my computer files, including Lisa's & Nate's, onto a new external hard drive. (IT PROFESSIONAL) I folded first batch of laundry, started another. (LAUNDRESS, again) I made lunch for Rex, more coffee for me, mashed an avocado for Lucy. (PERSONAL CHEF, again) I took the kids outside to play with the dog. (DOG SITTER) Checked over the newly planted garden and flowers. (GARDENER) Taught Rex about asparagus & chives, let Rex try fresh asparagus & chives. Showed Lucy some flowers, let her touch & explore lilacs. (TEACHER, again) I took a shower and got dressed. (30 min mandatory lunch break) But the kids were in the bathroom with me, so I sang the ABC song and counted to 147 with Rex. (TEACHER, again) I also jumped out of the shower once to get a toy Lucy dropped. (NANNY, again) Started slow cooker dinner. (PERSONAL CHEF, again) I folded second batch of laundry, started another. (LAUNDRESS, again) I took Spot to the Dr., where I helped Rex write a letter in the waiting room, and then went with the kids to the library. (CHAUFFEUR, TEACHER, again)
At this point her head may have exploded, but I still had another half of the day left. If she came home with me she would have also heard about the job I have after 3 pm. My second shift job.
When I got home from our field trip I...
Cleaned up a mess the dog made while we were gone, did dishes, vacuumed floor. (MAID, again) Played with Lucy, did mini art project with Rex. (TEACHER, again) Blogged about the Dr. trip. (15 min mandatory break time) Talked to Nate about his day, fed Lucy dinner, sent the boys out to play. (NANNY, again) Made a salad, laid out appropriate healthy options for dinner. (PERSONAL CHEF, again, DIETITIAN) Ate dinner. (30 min mandatory dinner break) Read over sewing & business books from library while Lucy played. (RESEARCHER) I folded third batch of laundry. (LAUNDRESS, again) Took Lucy to bed. (NANNY, again) Went to bed at 8 pm, read a little bit of a book. (QUITTING TIME)
But, Lucy didn't go to bed. So I stayed up and tried to put her to sleep. (NANNY, again) And Nate needed help on a project for school. (TEACHER, again) And Rex got in trouble. (TEACHER, again, but this time the PRINCIPAL) And Lucy still wouldn't fall asleep for me, so I read her a book. (TEACHER, again) Then I took her to Turbo because I could not put in anymore overtime without it severely effecting my job performance. So I went to bed at 10:30 pm, read a little more of a book. (QUITTING TIME, again)
(M): So you see Chickadee, this is what I do. In 1 day. It does not include the extra hours I put in in the middle of the night when Spot refuses to sleep, nor does it include the mountains of diapers I change or bottles I feed. It says nothing about shopping excursions, sick days (and please don't read that as my sick time, because I don't have any), horribly naughty kid days.
Now, I do understand that this was a choice. A responsibility that I opted to take, a job I knowingly accepted. But so help me god, if you call me UNEMPLOYED ever again I am going to make 'Going Postal' sound like a day at the beach compared to 'Going Stay-at-home-mom'.
UNEMPLOYED
It immediately made me angry. I had to hold back every inch of my being from crossing it off and writing UNPAID in the employment space.
So I don't have a job I get paid for. It hardly means I don't work. I bust my little fanny every day, doing much more than this little chickadee sitting on her own bottom answering phones and browsing my insurance card.
I didn't make the change, despite the pen gravitating toward that space every chance it got.
I also resisted the urge to tell everyone in the office what I thought about my current position of unemployment. I wanted to shout at them and tell them exactly what 'unemployed' means in my world. 'Cause it sure as hell doesn't mean 'out of work'. I wanted to go over the things I have done this week. To compare them to what they do from sunrise to sunset Monday through Friday.
Since I'm a bit of a wiener, I didn't do that either.
But if I would have, this is how I would have done it...
(ME:) Excuse me Ms. Chickadee, but there is a mistake here. I am not UNEMPLOYED, I have a job I am incredibly good at.
(CHICKADEE:) Well Mrs. E, please write down what you do in the space provided.
(M) I'm afraid I can't fit everything into that teensy little box because I do so damn much every day that if I tried I would need a bazillion extra pieces of paper.
(C) How about if you just tell me then.
(M) Well, don't say I didn't warn you...
Today I woke up at 4:30 am. I fed Lucy, changed her, played with her. (NANNY) I made coffee for myself, Turbo & Lisa and put away the clean dishes from last night. (MAID) I checked my email & bloggerdom, had my first cup of coffee before 5 am. (15 min mandatory break time) I woke up Turbo, woke up the boys. (ALARM CLOCK) I made eggs & toast for the boys. (PERSONAL CHEF) I carried Lucy around, while I helped round up Nate's stuff for school (PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR). I rounded up laundry, started load of laundry. (LAUNDRESS) Bathed and dressed Rex, then Lucy. Put Lucy down for a nap. (NANNY, again) I paid the bills and balanced the weekly budget. (ACCOUNTANT) Created a pattern for a crayon case, cut fabric for said case, sewed the case, photographed case. (CRAFTER, SEAMSTRESS, PHOTOGRAPHER) While I did this I helped Rex do 2 puzzles and play reading games on PBSKids.com. (TEACHER) I moved all of my computer files, including Lisa's & Nate's, onto a new external hard drive. (IT PROFESSIONAL) I folded first batch of laundry, started another. (LAUNDRESS, again) I made lunch for Rex, more coffee for me, mashed an avocado for Lucy. (PERSONAL CHEF, again) I took the kids outside to play with the dog. (DOG SITTER) Checked over the newly planted garden and flowers. (GARDENER) Taught Rex about asparagus & chives, let Rex try fresh asparagus & chives. Showed Lucy some flowers, let her touch & explore lilacs. (TEACHER, again) I took a shower and got dressed. (30 min mandatory lunch break) But the kids were in the bathroom with me, so I sang the ABC song and counted to 147 with Rex. (TEACHER, again) I also jumped out of the shower once to get a toy Lucy dropped. (NANNY, again) Started slow cooker dinner. (PERSONAL CHEF, again) I folded second batch of laundry, started another. (LAUNDRESS, again) I took Spot to the Dr., where I helped Rex write a letter in the waiting room, and then went with the kids to the library. (CHAUFFEUR, TEACHER, again)
At this point her head may have exploded, but I still had another half of the day left. If she came home with me she would have also heard about the job I have after 3 pm. My second shift job.
When I got home from our field trip I...
Cleaned up a mess the dog made while we were gone, did dishes, vacuumed floor. (MAID, again) Played with Lucy, did mini art project with Rex. (TEACHER, again) Blogged about the Dr. trip. (15 min mandatory break time) Talked to Nate about his day, fed Lucy dinner, sent the boys out to play. (NANNY, again) Made a salad, laid out appropriate healthy options for dinner. (PERSONAL CHEF, again, DIETITIAN) Ate dinner. (30 min mandatory dinner break) Read over sewing & business books from library while Lucy played. (RESEARCHER) I folded third batch of laundry. (LAUNDRESS, again) Took Lucy to bed. (NANNY, again) Went to bed at 8 pm, read a little bit of a book. (QUITTING TIME)
But, Lucy didn't go to bed. So I stayed up and tried to put her to sleep. (NANNY, again) And Nate needed help on a project for school. (TEACHER, again) And Rex got in trouble. (TEACHER, again, but this time the PRINCIPAL) And Lucy still wouldn't fall asleep for me, so I read her a book. (TEACHER, again) Then I took her to Turbo because I could not put in anymore overtime without it severely effecting my job performance. So I went to bed at 10:30 pm, read a little more of a book. (QUITTING TIME, again)
(M): So you see Chickadee, this is what I do. In 1 day. It does not include the extra hours I put in in the middle of the night when Spot refuses to sleep, nor does it include the mountains of diapers I change or bottles I feed. It says nothing about shopping excursions, sick days (and please don't read that as my sick time, because I don't have any), horribly naughty kid days.
Now, I do understand that this was a choice. A responsibility that I opted to take, a job I knowingly accepted. But so help me god, if you call me UNEMPLOYED ever again I am going to make 'Going Postal' sound like a day at the beach compared to 'Going Stay-at-home-mom'.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Spot Goes to the Doctor
Lucy saw the dermatologist today.
Her spot is fine, no changes to note.
Great news for us, and her too of course.
Since there is no change we can decide later
if we want to treat it, or wait and let her decide.
Just depends on whether or not we ever
want her to wear bikinis and short skirts...
Her spot is fine, no changes to note.
Great news for us, and her too of course.
Since there is no change we can decide later
if we want to treat it, or wait and let her decide.
Just depends on whether or not we ever
want her to wear bikinis and short skirts...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Last Show of the Year
The Jr. High Band had their final concert of the year.
Nate's performance did not disappoint. He is becoming a very skilled percussionist (quite to our amazement, since he never practices).
We only returned home with one upset.
The photographs.
I reluctantly gave Rex the camera to chronicle the performance. He gets bored and I failed to bring anything to occupy the guy. Feeling bad, I handed it over so I could enjoy some of the show.
This is what I found today when I went to find a picture of Nate (for the blog).
There are several of these, including this guy, and
two women I assume are his wife and daughter.
Wish I had their address. They might enjoy a copy.
I am pretty sure this is Rex's nostril.
This is most definitely his shoe.
I know this because he insists on wearing
his 'fancy wedding shoes' everywhere we go.
Nate's performance did not disappoint. He is becoming a very skilled percussionist (quite to our amazement, since he never practices).
We only returned home with one upset.
The photographs.
I reluctantly gave Rex the camera to chronicle the performance. He gets bored and I failed to bring anything to occupy the guy. Feeling bad, I handed it over so I could enjoy some of the show.
This is what I found today when I went to find a picture of Nate (for the blog).
There are several of these, including this guy, andtwo women I assume are his wife and daughter.
Wish I had their address. They might enjoy a copy.
I am pretty sure this is Rex's nostril.
This is most definitely his shoe.
I know this because he insists on wearing
his 'fancy wedding shoes' everywhere we go.
This is me. A very close up me.
Nice.
Nice.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Here Come the Hawks
I've been a hockey fan all of my life.
Starting very early on the nearby lake, my dad had me, my brother, and all of the neighborhood kids out on the ice the day it froze. I very clearly remember them coming to the door... skates over shoulders, sticks in hand, covered head to toe in winter gear...looking for Harry to take them to the lake. How he became the their favorite is clear. He moved around the ice at lightning speed, let all of the kids play, taught them his tricks.
I still love the ice, love the feeling of a pair of skates under my feet as I glide around the smooth surface. Love holding the kids' hands as they tiptoe around it, watching and trying to get it right. Another bunch of kids searching for a way to make their movements as fluid as my dads.
When Turbo came around it was inevitable that he someday gain a love for the sport.
It took over 10 years, but last night it was him I heard shouting from his front row TV seat as the Blackhawks skated their way to a win over the Canucks.
Here, it is a happy day. We're going to talk highlights, praise Patty Kane, sing Here Come the Hawks. Most importantly, we're going to rejoice in being one step closer to the Cup.
Starting very early on the nearby lake, my dad had me, my brother, and all of the neighborhood kids out on the ice the day it froze. I very clearly remember them coming to the door... skates over shoulders, sticks in hand, covered head to toe in winter gear...looking for Harry to take them to the lake. How he became the their favorite is clear. He moved around the ice at lightning speed, let all of the kids play, taught them his tricks.
I still love the ice, love the feeling of a pair of skates under my feet as I glide around the smooth surface. Love holding the kids' hands as they tiptoe around it, watching and trying to get it right. Another bunch of kids searching for a way to make their movements as fluid as my dads.
When Turbo came around it was inevitable that he someday gain a love for the sport.
It took over 10 years, but last night it was him I heard shouting from his front row TV seat as the Blackhawks skated their way to a win over the Canucks.
Here, it is a happy day. We're going to talk highlights, praise Patty Kane, sing Here Come the Hawks. Most importantly, we're going to rejoice in being one step closer to the Cup.
A Conversation With Rex
Last night Turbo had a little talk with Rex about growing up.
It went sort of like this...
Turbo: Hey Rex, where are you going to live when you grow up?
Rex: In a house. A really big house. Because I am going to buy a really big house because I will be really rich and I will live in it by myself.
T: Are you going to get married?
R: Yes.
T: How are you going to meet a girl?
R: I will go to her house and get her. I will blindfold her man and take him outside so he won't hear me steal her. Then I will get her and take her to my house. (There was more talk about tying him up and even some about how he would actually steal her, I don't remember the details so much because I was trying very hard not to laugh.)
Then she will buy a dress and I will get a wedding suit and we will have a party and then we will be married. (Thanks J&J, your wedding summed up any questions he had about how this works!)
T: Really...So you're going to take her? That's how you get a wife?
R: Yes.
T: What about being nice to her?
R: Oh, you could do that too.
T: Will you have any kids?
R: Yes.
T: Where will you get them?
R: I will go the doctor and they will give them to me.
T: That sounds about right.
While holding back giggles, I turned to Turbo and said maybe we should tell him to work on ladies that don't already have 'men'.
It went sort of like this...
Turbo: Hey Rex, where are you going to live when you grow up?
Rex: In a house. A really big house. Because I am going to buy a really big house because I will be really rich and I will live in it by myself.
T: Are you going to get married?
R: Yes.
T: How are you going to meet a girl?
R: I will go to her house and get her. I will blindfold her man and take him outside so he won't hear me steal her. Then I will get her and take her to my house. (There was more talk about tying him up and even some about how he would actually steal her, I don't remember the details so much because I was trying very hard not to laugh.)
Then she will buy a dress and I will get a wedding suit and we will have a party and then we will be married. (Thanks J&J, your wedding summed up any questions he had about how this works!)
T: Really...So you're going to take her? That's how you get a wife?
R: Yes.
T: What about being nice to her?
R: Oh, you could do that too.
T: Will you have any kids?
R: Yes.
T: Where will you get them?
R: I will go the doctor and they will give them to me.
T: That sounds about right.
While holding back giggles, I turned to Turbo and said maybe we should tell him to work on ladies that don't already have 'men'.
Friday, May 8, 2009
6 Short Months
Yesterday Lucy turned 6 months old.6 months.
Already.
Just like that.
She is sitting on her own, grabs her toys, feeds herself. She is trying to stand and crawl, wants to hold her own spoon, wants a bite of my lunch too. She is still very much a baby, but hardly a newborn anymore. She is very quickly becoming a little girl.
And though I really want to keep her a baby, I so look forward to the lady she will become. This fabulous girly girl, already showering us with her hugs and kisses.
It is exciting and tremendously heartbreaking at the same time.
She's the last. There will be no more.
Before she got here, before we even knew she was coming, I could hardly rationalize why I wanted her so badly. I told Turbo repeatedly, I just didn't 'feel' done. I couldn't justify it, couldn't even explain. I just felt like we were missing someone. I didn't know who she was, or if she was even going to be a girl. I just knew we needed her.
For some strange reason, I was right.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Welcome Baby!
We're super happy for our friends
Rachel & Joe
who welcomed a baby girl,
** Jocelyn Elizabeth **
to their family earlier today.
We hope they are all doing well.
Looking forward to meeting her soon!
Hard at Play
Don't you just love when they are SO tired.
But they refuse to sleep.
They fight it.
Pretend like they don't need to.
Or don't want to.
But we all know they really, really do.Then all of the sudden, it gets the best of them.
And they are sound asleep in their favorite places.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Family Traditions
It's that time of year when my mailbox starts filling with questionable items.
No, not junk mail. Or bills. Those come year round.
I'm talking about birthday cards.
Many many years ago, I may have even still been in high school, we started this war of the cards. I think it originated with Patti and me, and then quickly progressed to include everyone in the family. Sparing only my grandparents, whom we still want to tell we love without making them read these often near profane cards to get the message.
Over the years we have sent loads of these hilarious things to each other. The search usually starts months in advance, some of us collecting a handful of knee slappers when we come across a good batch.
So today, I went to the mailbox to collect what was sure to be another card for another year.
I was not disappointed.
Patti's selection was right on cue, I'm sure fueled by my behavior at the wedding last month.
The only thing that could have surpassed PK was the card I received early last week from my MIL. She has no idea of this ongoing feud, however she chose a card that fits right in with the rest of my fam.
Obviously she knows me better than I thought...
No, not junk mail. Or bills. Those come year round.
I'm talking about birthday cards.
Many many years ago, I may have even still been in high school, we started this war of the cards. I think it originated with Patti and me, and then quickly progressed to include everyone in the family. Sparing only my grandparents, whom we still want to tell we love without making them read these often near profane cards to get the message.
Over the years we have sent loads of these hilarious things to each other. The search usually starts months in advance, some of us collecting a handful of knee slappers when we come across a good batch.
So today, I went to the mailbox to collect what was sure to be another card for another year.
I was not disappointed.
Patti's selection was right on cue, I'm sure fueled by my behavior at the wedding last month.
The only thing that could have surpassed PK was the card I received early last week from my MIL. She has no idea of this ongoing feud, however she chose a card that fits right in with the rest of my fam.
Obviously she knows me better than I thought...
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sorry Kiddo
Just need to put this out there.
Yesterday I had to go to the DMV to renew my drivers license. I left early to avoid long lines and get back as quickly as possible (I know, crazy thinking right?). This meant Turbo was in charge of feeding and dressing Lucy.
This is what I found when I got home...
He's lucky she looks pretty cute in it, 'cause it was a PITA to get off.
Yesterday I had to go to the DMV to renew my drivers license. I left early to avoid long lines and get back as quickly as possible (I know, crazy thinking right?). This meant Turbo was in charge of feeding and dressing Lucy.
This is what I found when I got home...
My darling daughter in a Honey Bear uniform, size 0-3 months
(she is wearing 6-9 these days).
(she is wearing 6-9 these days).
He's lucky she looks pretty cute in it, 'cause it was a PITA to get off.Friday, May 1, 2009
Worth Every Penny
I usually loathe the way the movie industry lures my children with their summer blockbuster campaigns. Time after time they pack the excitement into the trailers, only for a pseudo-action movie. All the good one liners are used up, most of the steamy scenes are already revealed before we make it to the box office.
This summer is no different. Nate has already been Googling the hot new flix. Transformers, Harry Potter, Terminator. Rex has his boxers in a bunch over Up, GI Joe, and Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. (I admittedly can't wait for Bruno, so sue me for loving Borat way more than a lady should...)
We know they are coming and thank the gods that the Keno Drive In is right down the street for our 2 for 1 late night viewing pleasure. (seriously, if you haven't been to a drive in lately, make a point to go. they are my fave and disappearing fast.)
Very rarely do we see anything in the actual theater, as we would quickly go broke on astronomical ticket and popcorn prices. Only a movie so highly anticipated and almost sure to please is spared the drive in experience and given the honors of the local cineplex.
Turbo usually talks the kids into seeing the newest Pixar film in the theater. He knows they are most definitely going to be worth the fortune, and you couldn't possibly spot all of the easter eggs at the drive in.
I am starting my own campaign, for X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I think this one may have missed the blockbuster radar, so it will be pretty darn hard to get everyone on board. But there are some things worth working for. A peek at Hugh Jackman's naked fanny just happens to top my list.
This summer is no different. Nate has already been Googling the hot new flix. Transformers, Harry Potter, Terminator. Rex has his boxers in a bunch over Up, GI Joe, and Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. (I admittedly can't wait for Bruno, so sue me for loving Borat way more than a lady should...)
We know they are coming and thank the gods that the Keno Drive In is right down the street for our 2 for 1 late night viewing pleasure. (seriously, if you haven't been to a drive in lately, make a point to go. they are my fave and disappearing fast.)
Very rarely do we see anything in the actual theater, as we would quickly go broke on astronomical ticket and popcorn prices. Only a movie so highly anticipated and almost sure to please is spared the drive in experience and given the honors of the local cineplex.
Turbo usually talks the kids into seeing the newest Pixar film in the theater. He knows they are most definitely going to be worth the fortune, and you couldn't possibly spot all of the easter eggs at the drive in.
I am starting my own campaign, for X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I think this one may have missed the blockbuster radar, so it will be pretty darn hard to get everyone on board. But there are some things worth working for. A peek at Hugh Jackman's naked fanny just happens to top my list.
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