Today's Top 5 Friday:
What are your Top 5, all-time favorite pizza toppings?
1. & 2. ham and pineapple (they must be together)
3. pepperoni
4. hmmm...does extra cheese count?
5. ?
Not too adventurous, am I?
Friday, March 31, 2006
transitions
We've begun that seasonal transition once again. The one where you start switching over from long sleeves to short sleeves, and vice versa. This transition probably goes mostly unnoticed in most households. But not in ours. No, for Gray, this is no minor matter.
We gained great understanding of many of Annie's and Gray's hard-to-handle behavioral oddities after the school sent us to this seminar on "gifted" children last spring. (I really, really hate that term "gifted"! I could rant about that one for quite some time, but the abbreviated version is that -a. it's insulting to all children, because ALL children have gifts which make them totally unique and special and -b. when people hear that term "gifted", they tend to think "lucky kid to be born so smart", when the smart factor is only one part of the equation.)
Anyway, one of the things we learned was that kids like this are almost always "hyper" in at least one of several areas. Activity is one of these areas...which I guess is what many people think of when we hear "hyper". For Annie and Gray though, this is not the case. They both fall into the hyper-emotional category, however. Anyone who's spent any time around Gray knows how emotional this boy is...you'd almost think he was bipolar. And this explains Annie's phobias when she was younger. Anyway, Gray also falls into the hyper-sensitive category. Before we understood this, it used to drive us a bit crazy. He refused to wear shirts with buttons or zippers. It was a major battle to get him to wear anything but sweatpants. Turns out, it's just that his sense of touch is overly sensitive. So we've just accepted that he needs clothes without buttons or zippers or anything remotely scratchly. But each spring and each fall, we've got to get through this switching of sleeve length. I suspect most of us don't notice our sleeves touching our skin too much. But for Gray, this change takes a lot of getting used to. Today was his first day in a short sleeved shirt. Bless his little heart, I saw him pulling and tugging at those sleeves more times than I can count this morning. And he did ask for a long sleeve shirt at one point. But he accepted it when I reminded that he'll get used to after a while, and that he'll be a lot more comfortable in short sleeves in the warm weather. So maybe this transition will be easier and shorter lived. I hope so for his sake. (And ours, too.)
Quote of the day:
"Challenges are what make life interesting.
Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." --Joshua H. Marine
We gained great understanding of many of Annie's and Gray's hard-to-handle behavioral oddities after the school sent us to this seminar on "gifted" children last spring. (I really, really hate that term "gifted"! I could rant about that one for quite some time, but the abbreviated version is that -a. it's insulting to all children, because ALL children have gifts which make them totally unique and special and -b. when people hear that term "gifted", they tend to think "lucky kid to be born so smart", when the smart factor is only one part of the equation.)
Anyway, one of the things we learned was that kids like this are almost always "hyper" in at least one of several areas. Activity is one of these areas...which I guess is what many people think of when we hear "hyper". For Annie and Gray though, this is not the case. They both fall into the hyper-emotional category, however. Anyone who's spent any time around Gray knows how emotional this boy is...you'd almost think he was bipolar. And this explains Annie's phobias when she was younger. Anyway, Gray also falls into the hyper-sensitive category. Before we understood this, it used to drive us a bit crazy. He refused to wear shirts with buttons or zippers. It was a major battle to get him to wear anything but sweatpants. Turns out, it's just that his sense of touch is overly sensitive. So we've just accepted that he needs clothes without buttons or zippers or anything remotely scratchly. But each spring and each fall, we've got to get through this switching of sleeve length. I suspect most of us don't notice our sleeves touching our skin too much. But for Gray, this change takes a lot of getting used to. Today was his first day in a short sleeved shirt. Bless his little heart, I saw him pulling and tugging at those sleeves more times than I can count this morning. And he did ask for a long sleeve shirt at one point. But he accepted it when I reminded that he'll get used to after a while, and that he'll be a lot more comfortable in short sleeves in the warm weather. So maybe this transition will be easier and shorter lived. I hope so for his sake. (And ours, too.)
Quote of the day:
"Challenges are what make life interesting.
Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." --Joshua H. Marine
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
odds -n- ends
Just a mish-mash of stuff...
SOOOO HAPPY!!! And so very, very grateful! We got wonderful news in the mail yesterday (now isn't that unusual?!). New York runs this program called Universal Pre-K. Each school district gets enough money to pay for a set number kids to go to pre-school, in one of their approved programs. The applications are sent out in early January. We've been holding our breath ever since, hoping that Max would be chosen to get one of these slots. It's based on need...not simply financial need, but other things as well. Max will be among the youngest in his class once he starts school, and he was 6 weeks premature, too...I suspect both of those things count in his favor for getting into this program. Anyway, we got the letter yesterday saying he was chosen! HOORAY!!! Gray was blessed enough to be part of this program last year. (Probably chosen for much the same reasons as Max. In fact, Gray was even younger starting kindergarten than Max will be. They have odd cut-off dates for starting school here, so Gray was in kindergarten for 2 months before he even turned 5. He's the youngest in his class by 6 weeks, and Gray was born 5 weeks prematurely.) But I digress here.
Anyway, we are just so appreciative that Max will have this opportunity. We would have sent him to preschool next year anyway, but we would only have been able to afford probably 2 days a week. This program will provide 5 days a week. We're really hoping that he will be able to get into the school that Gray went, too. He probably will...I believe there are 4 schools which participate in this program, and the one we want is the least popular. But we thought it was absolutely wonderful! The classes there have no more than 12 kids, half of whom are disabled and half who are not. It's such a wonderful environment, with lots of teachers and therapists. And the mix of children is simply priceless!
Anyway, I just had to share our wonderfully happy news.
Next up in my eclectic mix for the morning...
Max's and my morning walks have fast become one of my very favorite parts of the day! Just one-on-one time to talk, with no distractions. Priceless, I tell you.
The past couple of days, he's taken a real shine to mailboxes. Don't ask me why. And for some reason, he really likes the rusty ones. Such a little goofball. And this was his observation this morning: "Rust is good. Except for cars." Just thought that was cute.
Finally, a day late, 10 on Tuesday for this week:
**10 Things That People Do That Annoy You**
1. drive aggressively
2. treat sales clerks, or anyone else for that matter, rudely simply because they can get away with it
3. refuse to take "no" for an answer
4. fail to acknowledge when they receive a gift
5. fail to put away their shopping carts in a parking lot
Hmmm...that's all I can think of. So, (a.) I'm either fairly tolerant of others, or (b.) I'm just too tired or distracted to think of all the other things that annoy me.
Quote of the day:
"When you look for the good in others, you find the best in yourself." --unknown
SOOOO HAPPY!!! And so very, very grateful! We got wonderful news in the mail yesterday (now isn't that unusual?!). New York runs this program called Universal Pre-K. Each school district gets enough money to pay for a set number kids to go to pre-school, in one of their approved programs. The applications are sent out in early January. We've been holding our breath ever since, hoping that Max would be chosen to get one of these slots. It's based on need...not simply financial need, but other things as well. Max will be among the youngest in his class once he starts school, and he was 6 weeks premature, too...I suspect both of those things count in his favor for getting into this program. Anyway, we got the letter yesterday saying he was chosen! HOORAY!!! Gray was blessed enough to be part of this program last year. (Probably chosen for much the same reasons as Max. In fact, Gray was even younger starting kindergarten than Max will be. They have odd cut-off dates for starting school here, so Gray was in kindergarten for 2 months before he even turned 5. He's the youngest in his class by 6 weeks, and Gray was born 5 weeks prematurely.) But I digress here.
Anyway, we are just so appreciative that Max will have this opportunity. We would have sent him to preschool next year anyway, but we would only have been able to afford probably 2 days a week. This program will provide 5 days a week. We're really hoping that he will be able to get into the school that Gray went, too. He probably will...I believe there are 4 schools which participate in this program, and the one we want is the least popular. But we thought it was absolutely wonderful! The classes there have no more than 12 kids, half of whom are disabled and half who are not. It's such a wonderful environment, with lots of teachers and therapists. And the mix of children is simply priceless!
Anyway, I just had to share our wonderfully happy news.
Next up in my eclectic mix for the morning...
Max's and my morning walks have fast become one of my very favorite parts of the day! Just one-on-one time to talk, with no distractions. Priceless, I tell you.
The past couple of days, he's taken a real shine to mailboxes. Don't ask me why. And for some reason, he really likes the rusty ones. Such a little goofball. And this was his observation this morning: "Rust is good. Except for cars." Just thought that was cute.
Finally, a day late, 10 on Tuesday for this week:
**10 Things That People Do That Annoy You**
1. drive aggressively
2. treat sales clerks, or anyone else for that matter, rudely simply because they can get away with it
3. refuse to take "no" for an answer
4. fail to acknowledge when they receive a gift
5. fail to put away their shopping carts in a parking lot
Hmmm...that's all I can think of. So, (a.) I'm either fairly tolerant of others, or (b.) I'm just too tired or distracted to think of all the other things that annoy me.
Quote of the day:
"When you look for the good in others, you find the best in yourself." --unknown
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
feeling sexy--a child's point of view
Sometimes she boggles my mind, this child of mine.
We were watching The Most Extreme (a must-see for Gray these days). A commercial comes on for NutriSystem. A woman is talking about feeling sexy again. And Annie says to the woman on TV, "Why do you need to feel sexy--you're already married?"
Where on earth does she get these ideas?!!
Quote of the day:
"The world of reality has its limits.
The world of imagination is boundless." --Jean Jacques Rousseau
We were watching The Most Extreme (a must-see for Gray these days). A commercial comes on for NutriSystem. A woman is talking about feeling sexy again. And Annie says to the woman on TV, "Why do you need to feel sexy--you're already married?"
Where on earth does she get these ideas?!!
Quote of the day:
"The world of reality has its limits.
The world of imagination is boundless." --Jean Jacques Rousseau
Monday, March 27, 2006
time to get in gear here
My daughter's birthday is just around the corner...not this coming weekend, but the next. She made an interesting choice for her celebration this year. Instead of having a party, she opted for a Girls Day Out. She's invited her Grammy, her great-aunt Shirley, and me to come along. Four girls (I use the term "girls" loosely here, as Annie's the only one under the age of 40) on the town for a day of shopping and lunch at a restaurant of her choice.
This plan makes my life much easier, as I have no party to plan and prepare for. However, it does mean having guests for the weekend. My parents and my aunt and uncle will be arriving Friday and staying until Sunday. I LOVE having guests, especially when it's people I love as much as these four characters. But I must admit, that it's time to get my butt in gear and start getting ready.
Whenever I start my "spring cleaning", I tend to let everything else go. So, right now the house is somewhat of a mess. I probably shouldn't admit this, but I still haven't even taken down the Christmas decorations in the basement (I've just blown it off since noone but the immediate family is generally down there). But the so-called guest room is down there, so this will have to be dealt with. And I need to wrap gifts (and probably still buy a couple, too). And I need to come up with a menu plan to feed everyone (I usually like to come up with as much to make ahead as I can, so I don't have to spend all my time cooking instead of socializing).
Anyway, it is time to start getting a handle on this, at least by making the obligatory lists. I'm big on lists, maybe to the point of obsession. Annie's birthday weekend will probably require in the neighborhood of 8-10 different lists. I realize that I could probably be half-way to ready in the time it takes me to make all these lists...but I just can't seem to help myself.
Quote of the day:
"A peacock that rests on his feathers is just another turkey." --Dolly Parton
This plan makes my life much easier, as I have no party to plan and prepare for. However, it does mean having guests for the weekend. My parents and my aunt and uncle will be arriving Friday and staying until Sunday. I LOVE having guests, especially when it's people I love as much as these four characters. But I must admit, that it's time to get my butt in gear and start getting ready.
Whenever I start my "spring cleaning", I tend to let everything else go. So, right now the house is somewhat of a mess. I probably shouldn't admit this, but I still haven't even taken down the Christmas decorations in the basement (I've just blown it off since noone but the immediate family is generally down there). But the so-called guest room is down there, so this will have to be dealt with. And I need to wrap gifts (and probably still buy a couple, too). And I need to come up with a menu plan to feed everyone (I usually like to come up with as much to make ahead as I can, so I don't have to spend all my time cooking instead of socializing).
Anyway, it is time to start getting a handle on this, at least by making the obligatory lists. I'm big on lists, maybe to the point of obsession. Annie's birthday weekend will probably require in the neighborhood of 8-10 different lists. I realize that I could probably be half-way to ready in the time it takes me to make all these lists...but I just can't seem to help myself.
Quote of the day:
"A peacock that rests on his feathers is just another turkey." --Dolly Parton
Saturday, March 25, 2006
happy?
| You Are 44% Happy |
 You're definitely a happy person, even though you have your down moments. You tend to get the most out of life, though there's always some more happiness to be squeezed. |
Found that little quiz thingie at Kajira's place. Found this fun little thing there, too--find out your Hobbit name. Mine is Peony Bramble of Willowbottom. Kinda like the sound of that.
Friday, March 24, 2006
my brain needs a rest
Back when the munchkins were babies, I longed for the day when they would start talking. Oh how I wanted to hear a sweet little voice say, "Mommy". And of course, those early "Mommies" were oh so sweet. But now there are days when that one word threatens to send me straight to the loony bin. It's no exaggeration to say that there are days when I hear it hundreds of times. Three kids, all in seemingly constant need of something. Gray, in particular, can spout "Mommy" several times in the course of a single minute. Sometimes I swear my poor little brain is simply going to implode!
Since my brain is currently in one of those tattered states, I'm simply going to answer the Top 5 Friday and call it a night.
--What are your Top 5, all-time favorite sodas?
1. Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper
2. Diet A&W Root Beer
3. Fresca
4. Mountain Dew
5. any kind of orange pop
Since my brain is currently in one of those tattered states, I'm simply going to answer the Top 5 Friday and call it a night.
--What are your Top 5, all-time favorite sodas?
1. Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper
2. Diet A&W Root Beer
3. Fresca
4. Mountain Dew
5. any kind of orange pop
just a little meme...
Courtesy of T.G.I.F.!
1. What is the easiest money you've ever made?
I'd have to say the cash that sometimes flows your way simply for turning another year older.
2. What is the hardest thing you've ever had to do to to earn money?
Drinking a bottle of hot sauce.
3. Other than money, what is the best inheritance anyone could ever leave you?
Family photos and memorabilia.
4. Even if you didn't need to, would you still work?
I don't get paid as it is. Can't really imagine a scenario where you wouldn't have to work.
5. What is the most you've ever spent for something really dumb?
I'm sure there has to be something, but I can't for the life of me think of anything right now.
1. What is the easiest money you've ever made?
I'd have to say the cash that sometimes flows your way simply for turning another year older.
2. What is the hardest thing you've ever had to do to to earn money?
Drinking a bottle of hot sauce.
3. Other than money, what is the best inheritance anyone could ever leave you?
Family photos and memorabilia.
4. Even if you didn't need to, would you still work?
I don't get paid as it is. Can't really imagine a scenario where you wouldn't have to work.
5. What is the most you've ever spent for something really dumb?
I'm sure there has to be something, but I can't for the life of me think of anything right now.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
broken promises
I feel terrible. I made a promise to my daughter, and then found out that I couldn't keep it. She thinks this whole blogging thing is pretty darn cool. And she asked if she could have one of her very own. I was very leery about this, until we happened upon the idea of setting up a blog of her very own to post her stories and poems on. She's quite an amazing little writer for an almost-9-year-old. We figured it would keep her motivated to keep writing and give her practice with her keyboarding skills as well. I promised I would set up an account for her as soon as I could.
So, today, I went about setting up her very own blog for her. Only to find out that you need to be 13-years-old to have one. Sure, I could have lied about it, but that's a message we try very hard not to send to our children. Hence, the broken promise. She was very understanding, and didn't hold it against me.
And then I solved the problem the best I could. I set up yet another blog on my account that will simply be for her stories and poems. Of course, it has my goofy profile on it, but in essence, it will be hers.
If anyone ever has a couple minutes to spare, I know she'd love it if you dropped by and left a comment. So far there's only one story posted at Annie's place, but we'll try to get more up soon.
So, today, I went about setting up her very own blog for her. Only to find out that you need to be 13-years-old to have one. Sure, I could have lied about it, but that's a message we try very hard not to send to our children. Hence, the broken promise. She was very understanding, and didn't hold it against me.
And then I solved the problem the best I could. I set up yet another blog on my account that will simply be for her stories and poems. Of course, it has my goofy profile on it, but in essence, it will be hers.
If anyone ever has a couple minutes to spare, I know she'd love it if you dropped by and left a comment. So far there's only one story posted at Annie's place, but we'll try to get more up soon.
my baby no more...
That very common mommy dilemma...you want them to grow up happy and healthy, yet you really don't want them to grow up at all.
Oh yes, my little baby is no longer a baby. No, he's a big boy all the way (at least according to him...though we try to tell him that big boys use the potty!).
He was born a full six weeks early and spent his first days in a NICU. He was very big for his gestational age at 6lb. 12oz., but he very quickly fell in the ranks in size. He spent his first year below the 5th percentile in size (as his pediatrician put it, he just clung to the chart by his fingernails). His second year he raised a bit in the ranks, making the 25th percentile by 18 months. Then he stayed there for quite a while. It was so easy to think of him as my little baby. Not only was he my youngest and last ever babe, but he was a little guy to boot.
Then in the months preceding his 3rd birthday...Wham! Bam! Growth Spurt to rival any Growth Spurt on earth! At his 3-year check-up my "little" guy came in at the 95th percentile! His doctor was stunned!
He's now 3 1/2, and I think his growth spurt is sputtering. He still asks for snacks around the clock, but I think it's purely out of habit, because he doesn't eat nearly what he used to. But for me, this sputtering out came too late...he's just gotten too big. He's nearly as big as his 5-year-old brother (they can even wear a lot of the same clothes).
There's just no kidding myself. He's not a baby anymore. And from time to time it makes this mommy very melancholy indeed!
Quote of the day:
"A day spent with a child is never wasted." --unknown
Oh yes, my little baby is no longer a baby. No, he's a big boy all the way (at least according to him...though we try to tell him that big boys use the potty!).
He was born a full six weeks early and spent his first days in a NICU. He was very big for his gestational age at 6lb. 12oz., but he very quickly fell in the ranks in size. He spent his first year below the 5th percentile in size (as his pediatrician put it, he just clung to the chart by his fingernails). His second year he raised a bit in the ranks, making the 25th percentile by 18 months. Then he stayed there for quite a while. It was so easy to think of him as my little baby. Not only was he my youngest and last ever babe, but he was a little guy to boot.
Then in the months preceding his 3rd birthday...Wham! Bam! Growth Spurt to rival any Growth Spurt on earth! At his 3-year check-up my "little" guy came in at the 95th percentile! His doctor was stunned!
He's now 3 1/2, and I think his growth spurt is sputtering. He still asks for snacks around the clock, but I think it's purely out of habit, because he doesn't eat nearly what he used to. But for me, this sputtering out came too late...he's just gotten too big. He's nearly as big as his 5-year-old brother (they can even wear a lot of the same clothes).
There's just no kidding myself. He's not a baby anymore. And from time to time it makes this mommy very melancholy indeed!
Quote of the day:
"A day spent with a child is never wasted." --unknown
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
are you worried?
Today's 10 on Tuesday
**10 Things You Worry About**
in no particular order...
1. the state of our planet
2. the state of our country
3. being able to send the kiddos to college
4. having any money for retirement
5. getting diabetes
6. going to the dentist
7. strong winds in the middle of the night (yeah, I'm weird)
8. having Gray's seizures come back
9. getting out debt
10. having to drive in a big city
What worries you?
**10 Things You Worry About**
in no particular order...
1. the state of our planet
2. the state of our country
3. being able to send the kiddos to college
4. having any money for retirement
5. getting diabetes
6. going to the dentist
7. strong winds in the middle of the night (yeah, I'm weird)
8. having Gray's seizures come back
9. getting out debt
10. having to drive in a big city
What worries you?
absolutely incredible...my kids?
Oh, I'm just kidding...of course, they're absolutely incredible! I truly believe they are, each in their very own unique ways. Anyway, yesterday was Absolutely Incredible Kids Day. We've been celebrating this mini-holiday for several years now. Rich and I had decided that since it fell on a school day this year, we'd keep it simple and just take them out to supper and then let them each pick a small toy.
But let me tell you...they did their very best, yesterday, to prove just how Absolutely Incredibly Aggravating they could be. If they weren't really such good kiddos most of time, I think we would have bagged the whole celebration this year.
Luckily for Rich and I, they shaped right up when we left the house. And we all enjoyed dining at the buffet...where Max can get his mac and cheese, Gray can get his ice cream with strawberry sauce, Annie can get her meatless taco bowl, Rich can get his hot wings, and I can get my apple crisp. Afterward, the boys each picked out a package of plastic bugs from the dollar store and Annie picked out a beanie baby (she's on a quest to collect a new one each month this year).
All in all, it turned out to be a rather enjoyable evening. (Though not good for goal #19 of my 101 list.)
Quote of the day:
"Children are a handful sometimes,
a heartful at all times." --unknown
But let me tell you...they did their very best, yesterday, to prove just how Absolutely Incredibly Aggravating they could be. If they weren't really such good kiddos most of time, I think we would have bagged the whole celebration this year.
Luckily for Rich and I, they shaped right up when we left the house. And we all enjoyed dining at the buffet...where Max can get his mac and cheese, Gray can get his ice cream with strawberry sauce, Annie can get her meatless taco bowl, Rich can get his hot wings, and I can get my apple crisp. Afterward, the boys each picked out a package of plastic bugs from the dollar store and Annie picked out a beanie baby (she's on a quest to collect a new one each month this year).
All in all, it turned out to be a rather enjoyable evening. (Though not good for goal #19 of my 101 list.)
Quote of the day:
"Children are a handful sometimes,
a heartful at all times." --unknown
Monday, March 20, 2006
a few words of thanks
I try hard to live in a state of gratitude. I sometimes fail at this, I admit. But I have learned that by making an effort to really acknowledge in my mind all the things that I do have and all the things that do go right, I feel happier with life in general. Oh, I still do a fair bit of complaining, too. It can be a challenge to look for the good at times. But at other times, the good is just right there in your face, and you'd have to be an utter moron to miss it.
A couple examples of this impossible to miss goodness in my life from this weekend:
1. Marianne. I "met" Marianne just a few weeks ago through her wonderful blog. (Checking her blog -Lil Bits of Me- has become a must for me each day...see sidebar for link.) Anyway, being the complete computer-illiterate that I am, Marianne has offered to help me. She has kindly sent me e-mail after e-mail of instructions for putting links right into the body of my blog here. We haven't quite come up with the correct way for me to do it, but she hasn't given up on me. So, if you're reading this, Marianne, thank you once again!
2. Rich. My husband is pretty much a sweetheart all the time. But this weekend he seemed especially so. Rich, if you're reading this...thank you for getting the groceries (and taking the boys with you to boot), thank you for cooking supper both Saturday and Sunday night, thank you for sweeping the kitchen floor, thank you for my new book, thank you for being you!
Yep, I'm a lucky gal.
Quote of the day:
"Count your life by smiles, not tears.
Count your age by friends, not years." --unknown
A couple examples of this impossible to miss goodness in my life from this weekend:
1. Marianne. I "met" Marianne just a few weeks ago through her wonderful blog. (Checking her blog -Lil Bits of Me- has become a must for me each day...see sidebar for link.) Anyway, being the complete computer-illiterate that I am, Marianne has offered to help me. She has kindly sent me e-mail after e-mail of instructions for putting links right into the body of my blog here. We haven't quite come up with the correct way for me to do it, but she hasn't given up on me. So, if you're reading this, Marianne, thank you once again!
2. Rich. My husband is pretty much a sweetheart all the time. But this weekend he seemed especially so. Rich, if you're reading this...thank you for getting the groceries (and taking the boys with you to boot), thank you for cooking supper both Saturday and Sunday night, thank you for sweeping the kitchen floor, thank you for my new book, thank you for being you!
Yep, I'm a lucky gal.
Quote of the day:
"Count your life by smiles, not tears.
Count your age by friends, not years." --unknown
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Whew!
Hooray for me! I finally did it! I finished my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. Quite the challenge, let me tell you. I decided to set up a separate blog to "house" my list and keep track of my progress. (If interested, there's a link in the sidebar to Debi's 101.) Tomorrow is the day I begin my countdown. Hope I can remain enthusiastic about it all for more than a week or two.
I've actually entered one of those periods when I'm highly motivated to super-clean and purge the house. Get this way every now and then, but it never lasts long. The smartest thing I can do is just go with while it lasts...after all, getting a room or two done is better than none at all, right? Maybe subconsciously I'm thinking that if I "spring clean" it will bring spring along more quickly. My conscious mind knows better. It's snowing here for our last day of winter...and it's supposed to snow tomorrow for our first day of spring, as well.
Well, I suppose I ought to go take advantage of those flowing productivity juices...
I've actually entered one of those periods when I'm highly motivated to super-clean and purge the house. Get this way every now and then, but it never lasts long. The smartest thing I can do is just go with while it lasts...after all, getting a room or two done is better than none at all, right? Maybe subconsciously I'm thinking that if I "spring clean" it will bring spring along more quickly. My conscious mind knows better. It's snowing here for our last day of winter...and it's supposed to snow tomorrow for our first day of spring, as well.
Well, I suppose I ought to go take advantage of those flowing productivity juices...
Saturday, March 18, 2006
I've been framed
I am in one major league cranky funk today...and I honestly don't know why. I'm chalking it up to hormones. I actually have things to be happy about...
First of all, I can now see to read (and compute, and scrapbook, and write, and...). Didn't realize how bad it was until I got these puppies. Only need them for close work. So now I'm doing the up on my head, down on my face, up on my head, down on my face routine all day. Not that I'm complaining...because I really am grateful to see things clearly again. And yes, Annie needed glasses, too. She has to wear hers all the time, so it's good news that she's totally in love with them.
Secondly, my darling Rich gave me "The 5th Horseman" by James Patterson for a St. Patty's Day gift. Wasn't that sweet of him? I'm so anxious to get into it...just love his books!!! (Well, the vast majority of them anyway). Luckily I'm almost done with my current read.
And finally, I am getting so close to finishing up my 101 things list. I am bound and determined to get it done today! Which means I will begin my countdown tomorrow. Woo hoo!!! Frankly, I'm not sure what I'm so excited about--most of the stuff on the list is not particularly fun. But the thought of accomplishing it all sure does have appeal.
Oh, and I can now add to my happy list that my darling Rich just left to get groceries AND he took the boys with him! Geez, if I can stay cranky after all that I really need my head examined.
First of all, I can now see to read (and compute, and scrapbook, and write, and...). Didn't realize how bad it was until I got these puppies. Only need them for close work. So now I'm doing the up on my head, down on my face, up on my head, down on my face routine all day. Not that I'm complaining...because I really am grateful to see things clearly again. And yes, Annie needed glasses, too. She has to wear hers all the time, so it's good news that she's totally in love with them.
Secondly, my darling Rich gave me "The 5th Horseman" by James Patterson for a St. Patty's Day gift. Wasn't that sweet of him? I'm so anxious to get into it...just love his books!!! (Well, the vast majority of them anyway). Luckily I'm almost done with my current read.
And finally, I am getting so close to finishing up my 101 things list. I am bound and determined to get it done today! Which means I will begin my countdown tomorrow. Woo hoo!!! Frankly, I'm not sure what I'm so excited about--most of the stuff on the list is not particularly fun. But the thought of accomplishing it all sure does have appeal.
Oh, and I can now add to my happy list that my darling Rich just left to get groceries AND he took the boys with him! Geez, if I can stay cranky after all that I really need my head examined.
Friday, March 17, 2006
the better to see you with
I'm going to the eye doctor later today. For the first time in over 20 years. Pretty sure it's time for this old broad to get some glasses. Don't think it's quite normal to have to close one of your eyes to be able to read.
Annie's going, too. Afraid she also needs glasses. Opposite problem-having a lot of problems seeing stuff at a distance. And she's been having a lot of headaches. Luckily, she's very excited about the prospect of glasses. Of course, she's only 8-years-old...she may change her tune in the years to come. (Or, in the days to come, once she realizes she has to take care of them.)
By the way, Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!
Quote of the day:
"You know what makes me special? I don't like leprachauns, and I don't like pie." --Gray
Annie's going, too. Afraid she also needs glasses. Opposite problem-having a lot of problems seeing stuff at a distance. And she's been having a lot of headaches. Luckily, she's very excited about the prospect of glasses. Of course, she's only 8-years-old...she may change her tune in the years to come. (Or, in the days to come, once she realizes she has to take care of them.)
By the way, Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!
Quote of the day:
"You know what makes me special? I don't like leprachauns, and I don't like pie." --Gray
Thursday, March 16, 2006
most hated chore---and the award goes to...
In the never-ending quest to conquer clutter, I was going through yet another accumulated pile of crap. Found an old Parents magazine. Flipped through it. The results of a survey caught my eye. The question--What's your Most Hated Household Chore?
The results:
----#1. Cleaning the bathroom.
----#2. Changing diapers.
----#3. Doing the dishes.
----#4. Doing the laundry.
My take on the results...
----O.K., it's pretty hard to argue with cleaning the bathroom (can't be a soul alive who enjoys this, right?).
----Changing diapers-you certainly can't call this fun, but Most Hated Household Chore?!!...geez, it's not that bad! (Though I am still clinging to the hope that my 3-year-old will actually give them up someday!).
----Doing the dishes-obviously there are many who will think me crazy, but I almost enjoy this one (and I don't even have a dishwasher!).
----Doing the laundry-would certainly rejoice if there were not quite so much of it!
However, none of the above have my vote. My personal choice for Most Hated Household Chore is DUSTING.
I hate dusting. I despise dusting. I detest dusting. I loathe dusting. I abhor dusting. If could think of any more appropriate synonyms I would continue.
Anyway, what's your Most Hated Household Chore?
Quote of the day:
"One never notices what has been done, one can only see what remains to be done..." --Marie Curie
The results:
----#1. Cleaning the bathroom.
----#2. Changing diapers.
----#3. Doing the dishes.
----#4. Doing the laundry.
My take on the results...
----O.K., it's pretty hard to argue with cleaning the bathroom (can't be a soul alive who enjoys this, right?).
----Changing diapers-you certainly can't call this fun, but Most Hated Household Chore?!!...geez, it's not that bad! (Though I am still clinging to the hope that my 3-year-old will actually give them up someday!).
----Doing the dishes-obviously there are many who will think me crazy, but I almost enjoy this one (and I don't even have a dishwasher!).
----Doing the laundry-would certainly rejoice if there were not quite so much of it!
However, none of the above have my vote. My personal choice for Most Hated Household Chore is DUSTING.
I hate dusting. I despise dusting. I detest dusting. I loathe dusting. I abhor dusting. If could think of any more appropriate synonyms I would continue.
Anyway, what's your Most Hated Household Chore?
Quote of the day:
"One never notices what has been done, one can only see what remains to be done..." --Marie Curie
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
just had to do it
Couldn't stop myself any longer. This not using my right hand thing is simply for the birds (well, maybe not the birds, since they don't actually have hands). Anyway, was running a load of laundry to the basement (and yes, going through the whole "cold cookie" routine with Max), when my scrap space started calling to me... "Debi. Hey you! Get your lazy butt in here. Where the heck have you been? Think you can just ignore me like this and get away with it?"
Well, I don't mind saying that I was a bit unnerved. Figured I'd better get in there and scrap just a little bit. So I put together this layout that I'd started before the whole ridiculous tendon debacle occurred.
my first tag
O.K., I'm pretty new to this whole blogging thing. So please forgive me for my blogging inadequacies. I have been tagged for the first time. Marianne (Lil Bits of Me) did the tagging. You are now witnessing one of these inadequacies...for if I knew what I was doing, I would have just provided you with a link. Hooray for me, though, I did actually figure out how to provide links in the sidebar...please check there for Marianne's wonderful blog.
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. babysitter
2. clerk at a toy store
3. optician (measuring and fitting eyeglasses)
4. day cook at a bar
Four movies you could watch over and over:
1. any kind of distaster flick
2. Christmas movies
3. Helter Skelter and other true crime movies
4. The Breakfast Club (don't ask why!)
Four places you have lived:
1. McKean, PA
2. Frostburg, MD
3. Memphis, TN
4. Henrietta, NY
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Criminal Minds
2. ER
3. West Wing
4. Law and Order SVU
Four places you have been on vacation:
1. the Outer Banks
2. Grand Haven, MI
3. hiking the Appalachian Trail-a stretch in PA (our honeymoon)
4. the Natchez Trace Parkway
Four websites I visit daily:
(links for these in sidebar)
1. two peas in a bucket
2. enchanted learning
3. lil bits of me
4. make art everyday
Four favorite foods:
1. rotel dip
2. manicotti
3. brownies
4. watermelon
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. alone in my scrap space
2. in bed, asleep
3. in a good Mexican restaurant
4. exploring a new National Park
Four friends who I have tagged:
(again see links in sidebar)
1. Rich (Dick-o's Deep Thoughts)
2. Marci (make art every day)
(another major inadequacy exposed...
I just don't know many people who blog)
Quote of the day:
"Do one thing every day that makes you happy." --unknown
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. babysitter
2. clerk at a toy store
3. optician (measuring and fitting eyeglasses)
4. day cook at a bar
Four movies you could watch over and over:
1. any kind of distaster flick
2. Christmas movies
3. Helter Skelter and other true crime movies
4. The Breakfast Club (don't ask why!)
Four places you have lived:
1. McKean, PA
2. Frostburg, MD
3. Memphis, TN
4. Henrietta, NY
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Criminal Minds
2. ER
3. West Wing
4. Law and Order SVU
Four places you have been on vacation:
1. the Outer Banks
2. Grand Haven, MI
3. hiking the Appalachian Trail-a stretch in PA (our honeymoon)
4. the Natchez Trace Parkway
Four websites I visit daily:
(links for these in sidebar)
1. two peas in a bucket
2. enchanted learning
3. lil bits of me
4. make art everyday
Four favorite foods:
1. rotel dip
2. manicotti
3. brownies
4. watermelon
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. alone in my scrap space
2. in bed, asleep
3. in a good Mexican restaurant
4. exploring a new National Park
Four friends who I have tagged:
(again see links in sidebar)
1. Rich (Dick-o's Deep Thoughts)
2. Marci (make art every day)
(another major inadequacy exposed...
I just don't know many people who blog)
Quote of the day:
"Do one thing every day that makes you happy." --unknown
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
my brain has turned to mush
I had planned to post my 10 on Tuesday list this afternoon. Had also planned on trying out this new yummy-sounding recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Rigatoni that I'd torn out of a magazine. And I had also planned on trying to get my 101 list up to at least 75.
However, I just spent the last 3.5 hours doing our tax returns. I've never put them off this long before. Anyway, I am no longer functioning at top level. Heck, I'm barely functioning period. I wonder if other state tax return forms are as convoluted as New York's. (Prior to moving here, we lived in TN for 11 years, where there was no state income tax!) I honestly cannot figure out what on Earth they're thinking, but this year they have made a new form which you must fill out and attach. On this form you must fill out ALL the information from your W-2s. Yes, every single box from the W-2. INSTEAD of just sending them the damn W-2 itself!!! Does this make any sense at all?!! The good, extremely good, news is that we will eventually be getting refunds...WOO HOO!!!
Maybe, I'll get to the 10 on Tuesday list later. But I'm afraid my poor family's going to be eating frozen pizza tonight. I'm guessing they'll survive.
However, I just spent the last 3.5 hours doing our tax returns. I've never put them off this long before. Anyway, I am no longer functioning at top level. Heck, I'm barely functioning period. I wonder if other state tax return forms are as convoluted as New York's. (Prior to moving here, we lived in TN for 11 years, where there was no state income tax!) I honestly cannot figure out what on Earth they're thinking, but this year they have made a new form which you must fill out and attach. On this form you must fill out ALL the information from your W-2s. Yes, every single box from the W-2. INSTEAD of just sending them the damn W-2 itself!!! Does this make any sense at all?!! The good, extremely good, news is that we will eventually be getting refunds...WOO HOO!!!
Maybe, I'll get to the 10 on Tuesday list later. But I'm afraid my poor family's going to be eating frozen pizza tonight. I'm guessing they'll survive.
the lure of the "cold cookie"
Oh, my little monkey Maxidoodle. Being only three, he's still home with me all day. And though we spend a lot of time playing, he can be quite self-amusing for periods of time, too. One time he absolutely will not leave my side, however, is when I need to go to the basement for something. It matters not who else is here at home, it matters not what he is up to at the moment, it matters not the reason I am heading to the basement. Now, it's tempting to think that he simply can't bear to have me so far away from him. But I know better...
It's the lure of the "cold cookie". See, I have this tendency to bake waaaaay too many cookies and treats at Christmastime each year. As a result, months later, we still have cookies in the freezer in the basement. Max calls these "cold cookies". And each and every time we head to the basement for something he performs his little act. For the first 30-60 seconds that we're down there he just goes about his business...then he pauses and tilts his head to the side a bit...then he says, "Hmmm, Mom, can I have a cold cookie?". I'm pretty sure he believes he has me fooled, that I don't know that was his plan all along. I won't ruin his illusions yet. And yes, he usually gets what he came for.
Quote of the day:
"We find a delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
Monday, March 13, 2006
hmmm...can I figure this out?
Just experimenting here. Want to see if I can figure out the whole photo thing. If it works, you will be viewing my non-sleeper. You can see why it's hard for me to get mad at this little guy, huh?
survival in question
Oh, just joking. Things are off to a rough start today. But it's one of those days where I'm able to laugh at it all instead of cry. Gotta love those days!
Gray (and therefore, I) had an extremely rough night. A normal night involves being awoken 3 or 4 times by the little fellow. A bad night, we hit double digits. Last night, I lost count after 12...probably topped the 2-0 mark. I honestly do not know how this child functions!
Have an extra one home with me today. Annie's sick. She threw up on her bedroom floor last evening. (Sometimes, I'm convinced that she purposefully doesn't make it to the bathroom just to add more drama to the situation.) I know, I know, I'm such a bad mommy to even think such a thing. Kept her home today because she's still complaining of a headache.
I'm still hard at work on my list of 101 things. Beginning to think that actually accomplishing all these goals can't possibly be any more difficult than coming up with the list in the first place. O.K.--not really, but compiling this list is quite the challenge. I'm up to 40 at this point. Really anxious to finish so I can get on with the actual countdown. Wish me luck.
Quote of the day:
"In the long run the pessimist may be proved to be right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip." --Daniel L. Reardon
Gray (and therefore, I) had an extremely rough night. A normal night involves being awoken 3 or 4 times by the little fellow. A bad night, we hit double digits. Last night, I lost count after 12...probably topped the 2-0 mark. I honestly do not know how this child functions!
Have an extra one home with me today. Annie's sick. She threw up on her bedroom floor last evening. (Sometimes, I'm convinced that she purposefully doesn't make it to the bathroom just to add more drama to the situation.) I know, I know, I'm such a bad mommy to even think such a thing. Kept her home today because she's still complaining of a headache.
I'm still hard at work on my list of 101 things. Beginning to think that actually accomplishing all these goals can't possibly be any more difficult than coming up with the list in the first place. O.K.--not really, but compiling this list is quite the challenge. I'm up to 40 at this point. Really anxious to finish so I can get on with the actual countdown. Wish me luck.
Quote of the day:
"In the long run the pessimist may be proved to be right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip." --Daniel L. Reardon
Sunday, March 12, 2006
just exploring
Many of the things I "should" be doing are proving quite difficult due to my ridiculous hand injury. However, I have found that exploring the world of cyber is quite possible (as long as it doesn't involve typing like this). Anyway, I'm probably one of the very last souls alive to discover what a fun-filled world exists out here in the land of blogdom.
One of the cool spots I happened upon yesterday in my exploring, was 101 Things in 1001 Days (www.triplux.com/1001). This blog belongs to Michael Green. He has put forth his mission as completing 101 preset tasks in 1001 days. He states that the tasks must be specific, with a measurable or clearly defined result. They must also be realistic and require some effort. This idea really appeals to me. So I've begun work on my list. When I finish, I'll post it here and begin my countdown. (One thing that is definitely on the list is learning how to do all those cool things on my blog like providing links and posting pictures and having an automated countdown. I know those things are elementary to most, but I'm extremely techno-impaired!)
Well. I'm off to work on my list. Should anyone else take up the challenge, let me know.
Quote of the day:
"The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them." --unknown
One of the cool spots I happened upon yesterday in my exploring, was 101 Things in 1001 Days (www.triplux.com/1001). This blog belongs to Michael Green. He has put forth his mission as completing 101 preset tasks in 1001 days. He states that the tasks must be specific, with a measurable or clearly defined result. They must also be realistic and require some effort. This idea really appeals to me. So I've begun work on my list. When I finish, I'll post it here and begin my countdown. (One thing that is definitely on the list is learning how to do all those cool things on my blog like providing links and posting pictures and having an automated countdown. I know those things are elementary to most, but I'm extremely techno-impaired!)
Well. I'm off to work on my list. Should anyone else take up the challenge, let me know.
Quote of the day:
"The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them." --unknown
Friday, March 10, 2006
cruel irony
Yesterday, it seemed like such a great idea to just "take the day off" as much as possible. Figured a morning off to play and create was just what the doctor ordered. Stupid, stupid doctor! The result of this spontaneous act of kindness to myself resulted in tendonitis. Tiny tears in two of the tendons in my right hand. How's that for a scrapbook-related injury?!! Yes--I actually did it while I was scrapbooking. And now I'm supposed to keep the dang thing immobilized and rested for a few weeks. So far, this is not going all that well. Take, for instance, this post...it's taken about 10 minutes to hunt-and-peck this out so far. Oh, I know, I really shouldn't be complaining too much...in the larger scheme of things, my problem pales. I just found it a cruel twist of irony that this is result of trying to give myself a break on a tough day. Guess I'd better resurrect that internal slave driver.
Quote of the day:
"Some days you're the bug.
Other days you're the windshield." --unknown
Quote of the day:
"Some days you're the bug.
Other days you're the windshield." --unknown
Thursday, March 09, 2006
off track
Just totally goofed up today. Can't seem to get back on course. I'm guessing it's because I didn't get my 30-60 minutes of peace and quiet this morning. I am among the seriously sleep deprived, yet I find it essential to get up earlier than the rest of the clan just to ready my head for the day. I just love that all-to-myself quiet time! It's not that I actually accomplish anything during that time...but it somehow gets my mind and body ready to tackle the day. But this morning the boys had other ideas. They got up an hour and 15 minutes earlier than usual. And they woke up full of piss and vinegar, to boot! Looking at it logically, it would seem that I should have been able to get everyone and everything ready ahead of time. But it just didn't work that way. Things have not been going smoothly at all. Oh, I got the big kids off to school on time. No major disasters have occurred. But everything simply seems out of whack. I guess I'm just out of whack. Maybe, I should just blow off the unessentials for today (don't think the boys will give a you-know-what if I don't get their room dusted today anyway). Maybe, I'll just head downstairs with the Maxidoodle and play and create for the rest of the morning.
Oh, but speaking of creating...any Project Runway fans out there? What was your take on the finale? Did they pick the right winner? I was just so far off the mark. Before I saw their final collections, I figured Santino would win it. Not that I wanted him to win. I really wanted Daniel to win. But his final collection was somewhat of a disappointment. I always liked Chloe, too. Was happy for her, and thought she really did deserve to win based on their final collections. (Except for that first dress of hers...ugh!!!). Hmmm...it's all so subjective...probably noone has the same opinion. But isn't that the joy of art?
I can't believe I just spent all that time writing about a reality TV show. I'm one of the three people in the country who hates reality TV! Or so I've always thought. Project Runway is the first one that's got the better of me.
Oh, but speaking of creating...any Project Runway fans out there? What was your take on the finale? Did they pick the right winner? I was just so far off the mark. Before I saw their final collections, I figured Santino would win it. Not that I wanted him to win. I really wanted Daniel to win. But his final collection was somewhat of a disappointment. I always liked Chloe, too. Was happy for her, and thought she really did deserve to win based on their final collections. (Except for that first dress of hers...ugh!!!). Hmmm...it's all so subjective...probably noone has the same opinion. But isn't that the joy of art?
I can't believe I just spent all that time writing about a reality TV show. I'm one of the three people in the country who hates reality TV! Or so I've always thought. Project Runway is the first one that's got the better of me.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
just a fun little something-or-other
Got this from Marianne's blog (mariannesstuff.blogspot.com). Looked like fun, so I thought I'd try it myself. Any further takers, let me know...I'd love to read yours, too.
1. I almost peed myself when _______________________.
*We were stuck in a horrendous traffic jam in the Lehigh Tunnel. (oops, really did pee myself then)
During each pregnancy, when I was puking my guts out with hyperemesis. (oops, really did pee myself then)
In first grade, I was too afraid to ask to use the bathroom. (oops, really did pee myself then)
Gee, I guess there's no almost about it for me!
2. Country music = _______________________________.
*a point of compromise for my parents...Dad likes it, Mom doesn't--they work it out
3. The smell of leather reminds me of ________________________.
*absolutely nothing
4. When I was little, my mom told me __________________________.
*not to sit on the arms of the furniture
5. The last time I screamed was because ________________________.
*a baby was making it's way out of my nether-regions
6. The one person I aspire to be most like is ______________________.
*me (sometimes that's hard enough, why try to be someone else?!!)
7. I __________________________ every day.
*wish I'd had a decent night's sleep
8. I scrapbook because _______________________.
*well, DUH!--because it's so much fun! (that it actually results in something worthwhile is an added bonus)
9. People drive me crazy when they ____________________________.
*think that someone else is any less important than they themselves are
10. A special gift I remember receiving, that meant the world to me, was __________________________.
*the Christmas card my 5-year-old made us this past year (he was soooo excited to give it to me--it made it priceless!)
Thanks Marianne! That was fun!
Quote of the day:
"Celebrate endless possibilities." --unknown
1. I almost peed myself when _______________________.
*We were stuck in a horrendous traffic jam in the Lehigh Tunnel. (oops, really did pee myself then)
During each pregnancy, when I was puking my guts out with hyperemesis. (oops, really did pee myself then)
In first grade, I was too afraid to ask to use the bathroom. (oops, really did pee myself then)
Gee, I guess there's no almost about it for me!
2. Country music = _______________________________.
*a point of compromise for my parents...Dad likes it, Mom doesn't--they work it out
3. The smell of leather reminds me of ________________________.
*absolutely nothing
4. When I was little, my mom told me __________________________.
*not to sit on the arms of the furniture
5. The last time I screamed was because ________________________.
*a baby was making it's way out of my nether-regions
6. The one person I aspire to be most like is ______________________.
*me (sometimes that's hard enough, why try to be someone else?!!)
7. I __________________________ every day.
*wish I'd had a decent night's sleep
8. I scrapbook because _______________________.
*well, DUH!--because it's so much fun! (that it actually results in something worthwhile is an added bonus)
9. People drive me crazy when they ____________________________.
*think that someone else is any less important than they themselves are
10. A special gift I remember receiving, that meant the world to me, was __________________________.
*the Christmas card my 5-year-old made us this past year (he was soooo excited to give it to me--it made it priceless!)
Thanks Marianne! That was fun!
Quote of the day:
"Celebrate endless possibilities." --unknown
Monday, March 06, 2006
cycles and circles and stuff like that
Feeling so sad this morning. One of our sweet, sweet, sweet little mousie girls was dying. Not a big surprise-she lived longer than we expected. Still so sad. She was breaking my heart. Actually, she looked quite peaceful. Didn't appear to be suffering. But I could tell she was leaving us. Spent as much time with her as I could. And then she was gone. So many tears for one tiny little mouse. We'll bury her this evening. And they call this the circle of life.
Then something amazing happened. What? Well, life. After the life left this one sweet mouse, I started seeing life everywhere. The miracles of life all around...
Our caterpillars started pupating (so wild and fascinating!)...
The very first crocuses of the season bloomed this morning (so beautiful pushing through the snow!)...
We saw (actually, first we heard) the first gaggle of geese heading back north (another of nature's awesome cycles!)...
Yes, life is a miracle. And those miracles are everywhere. Remember to see them.
Another quote for the day:
"There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as if everything is." --Albert Einstein
Then something amazing happened. What? Well, life. After the life left this one sweet mouse, I started seeing life everywhere. The miracles of life all around...
Our caterpillars started pupating (so wild and fascinating!)...
The very first crocuses of the season bloomed this morning (so beautiful pushing through the snow!)...
We saw (actually, first we heard) the first gaggle of geese heading back north (another of nature's awesome cycles!)...
Yes, life is a miracle. And those miracles are everywhere. Remember to see them.
Another quote for the day:
"There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as if everything is." --Albert Einstein
sometimes I feel so selfish
Now's one of those times. I don't like to feel this way, but I do. See, the neighbors dropped in last night to ask if I could watch their daughter before and after school this week (she'll ride the bus with mine). I immediately agreed to do it. And in a way, I don't mind doing it...it's wonderful to be able to help someone out. Truly that's what's life's about.
On the other hand, I do mind doing it. That hour before school and that hour and a half after school are already the craziest times of the day. Especially the after school part, with homework and supper and whatnot. Even so, it wouldn't be bugging me quite the way it is if the situation was different. See, Annie and this little girl used to be best friends. Then, about a year ago, this little girl starting ignoring Annie and was occasionally downright mean to her. This started after she started hanging out with an older girl from down the street. Annie was hurt, but took it pretty much in stride. Frankly, she often has a maturity that surprises me for an 8-year-old. Anyway, Annie and the neighbor girl see each other in school and get along fine, but never play at home anymore. So, frankly, it bugs me a bit that her parents would ask me to take care of her.
All that said, I must admit I feel lousy for feeling this way. Why am I being so petty and feeling so put upon?
Quote of the day:
"Smile and the world smiles with you. Sulk and you sulk alone." --Lucy
On the other hand, I do mind doing it. That hour before school and that hour and a half after school are already the craziest times of the day. Especially the after school part, with homework and supper and whatnot. Even so, it wouldn't be bugging me quite the way it is if the situation was different. See, Annie and this little girl used to be best friends. Then, about a year ago, this little girl starting ignoring Annie and was occasionally downright mean to her. This started after she started hanging out with an older girl from down the street. Annie was hurt, but took it pretty much in stride. Frankly, she often has a maturity that surprises me for an 8-year-old. Anyway, Annie and the neighbor girl see each other in school and get along fine, but never play at home anymore. So, frankly, it bugs me a bit that her parents would ask me to take care of her.
All that said, I must admit I feel lousy for feeling this way. Why am I being so petty and feeling so put upon?
Quote of the day:
"Smile and the world smiles with you. Sulk and you sulk alone." --Lucy
Friday, March 03, 2006
Never slight a cat
Another quote for today:
"Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will piss on your computer." --Bruce Graham*
*This quote was blatantly and shamelessly stolen from Marianne's place (www.mariannesstuff.blogspot.com). I would provide an actual link if I were not a total techno-idiot. However, I suggest checking it out (I've become an addict in less than a week's time).
With this quote in mind, I've decided that I had better edit my "happiness list" from the previous posting. "A" should now contain the listing "Aldo (our petite little kitty)". Now, I realize that she cannot read. Besides the fact that she's a cat, we're also convinced that she's brain-damaged (don't worry--it doesn't seem to bother her, and frankly it's a major part of her charm). On the other hand, my husband can read. There is the very real possibility that he could read that list and then rat me out. Hence, the update.
"Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will piss on your computer." --Bruce Graham*
*This quote was blatantly and shamelessly stolen from Marianne's place (www.mariannesstuff.blogspot.com). I would provide an actual link if I were not a total techno-idiot. However, I suggest checking it out (I've become an addict in less than a week's time).
With this quote in mind, I've decided that I had better edit my "happiness list" from the previous posting. "A" should now contain the listing "Aldo (our petite little kitty)". Now, I realize that she cannot read. Besides the fact that she's a cat, we're also convinced that she's brain-damaged (don't worry--it doesn't seem to bother her, and frankly it's a major part of her charm). On the other hand, my husband can read. There is the very real possibility that he could read that list and then rat me out. Hence, the update.
A pick-me-up challenge
Decided I need a little pick-me-up. Nothing really wrong. Just a little run down, I guess. So I've decided to challenge myself this morning...I'm going to try to think of little things that make me happy. The challenge is coming up with something for each letter of the alphabet. And no people allowed.
O.K.-here goes...
A-alphabet stickers, rub-ons, chipboard, etc.
B-buttons
C-Criminal Minds (love that show!)
D-daisies
E-egg salad sandwiches
F-fat free French Vanilla coffeemate
G-games, especially brainy-type ones like Trivial Pursuit
H-hugs from the munchkins
I-imagination
J-James Patterson books (well, most of them)
K-Krispy Kreme lemon-filled donuts
L-learning
M-"me" time
N-NPR
O-organizing
P-pizza, especially with ham and pineapple
Q-queso dip (Yum!)
R-red
S-snow (as long as I don't have to drive in it)
T-Taco (our big orange blob of a cat, who believes he's a dog)
U-uniqueness
V-vacations
W-word puzzles
X-Xmas
Y-yellow
Z-zoos (so love visiting new ones)
A bit harder than I imagined (I wanted it to be real, not stretching things). But it does help me remember how many little things there are out there that bring a smile to my face. Life is pretty darn good.
(Would really love to see your list if anyone takes up the challenge!)
Quote of the day:
"Absolutely, positively splendiferous!" --Tigger
O.K.-here goes...
A-alphabet stickers, rub-ons, chipboard, etc.
B-buttons
C-Criminal Minds (love that show!)
D-daisies
E-egg salad sandwiches
F-fat free French Vanilla coffeemate
G-games, especially brainy-type ones like Trivial Pursuit
H-hugs from the munchkins
I-imagination
J-James Patterson books (well, most of them)
K-Krispy Kreme lemon-filled donuts
L-learning
M-"me" time
N-NPR
O-organizing
P-pizza, especially with ham and pineapple
Q-queso dip (Yum!)
R-red
S-snow (as long as I don't have to drive in it)
T-Taco (our big orange blob of a cat, who believes he's a dog)
U-uniqueness
V-vacations
W-word puzzles
X-Xmas
Y-yellow
Z-zoos (so love visiting new ones)
A bit harder than I imagined (I wanted it to be real, not stretching things). But it does help me remember how many little things there are out there that bring a smile to my face. Life is pretty darn good.
(Would really love to see your list if anyone takes up the challenge!)
Quote of the day:
"Absolutely, positively splendiferous!" --Tigger
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Doing something right
Quote of the day:
"I know a rainbow only has 7 colors, but I added black to mine because nobody should be left out." --Gray
I love these little moments. You know the ones when you can tell you're doing something right. Or maybe it has nothing to do with how we're raising the little guy. But who really cares. It matters not whether his compassion stems from nature or nuture or a combination of the two. What does matter is that this sweet little 5-year-old has the biggest, kindest, most generous heart I've ever seen. I could give example after example of his loving tenderness. I must admit, he's a tough, challenging little rascal. He is so hyper-emotional and sensitive. He never sleeps much. He is extremely anxious in new situations. But that's all part of this wonderful little package. Whether he goes on to change the world with his extraordinary heart or he simply continues to make the world a nicer place for those who love him, he truly is a gift!
"I know a rainbow only has 7 colors, but I added black to mine because nobody should be left out." --Gray
I love these little moments. You know the ones when you can tell you're doing something right. Or maybe it has nothing to do with how we're raising the little guy. But who really cares. It matters not whether his compassion stems from nature or nuture or a combination of the two. What does matter is that this sweet little 5-year-old has the biggest, kindest, most generous heart I've ever seen. I could give example after example of his loving tenderness. I must admit, he's a tough, challenging little rascal. He is so hyper-emotional and sensitive. He never sleeps much. He is extremely anxious in new situations. But that's all part of this wonderful little package. Whether he goes on to change the world with his extraordinary heart or he simply continues to make the world a nicer place for those who love him, he truly is a gift!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Just can't comprehend it
Can someone please explain to me how days can last forever, while the weeks and months simply fly by?!!!
Surely, this is a common view of things, isn't it? Is it a consequence of middle age, or maybe of parenthood? Maybe a combination of both? Did I just have my kids too late in life?
O.K., I realize these questions are not of earth-shattering importance. But this view is something that astonishes me on a regular basis.
Maybe I should just accept the reality of it and get on with enjoying the days, huh? Yep, good idea.
Quote of the day:
"He laughed out loud because cursing lacked imagination." --Jonathan Kellerman
Surely, this is a common view of things, isn't it? Is it a consequence of middle age, or maybe of parenthood? Maybe a combination of both? Did I just have my kids too late in life?
O.K., I realize these questions are not of earth-shattering importance. But this view is something that astonishes me on a regular basis.
Maybe I should just accept the reality of it and get on with enjoying the days, huh? Yep, good idea.
Quote of the day:
"He laughed out loud because cursing lacked imagination." --Jonathan Kellerman
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