I have been a bad blogger, a bad friend, a bad everything you can name in the last 11 days. But, I really had a reason.
Sorry everyone, you're right, I didn't send out Christmas cards or you would have gotten one. Thanks to the friends (Cele), family (Cousin D - those girls are so stinking cute - and Aunt A, and Aunt N for the pretty centerpiece) and others who sent cards to us. I may do a "Happy New Year" card mailing, or it may just wait until next year.
I almost always send my cards last minute - the only exception being the year I was pregnant with Little Bit, and since he was due Christmas Day I had them done and out at Thanksgiving - that nesting thing was kicking in so I got a lot done early.
A series of things conspired this year to make me later than usual - and then real life stepped in with a bang.
First, a co-worker of mine lost her daughter four days shy of her fifth birthday - the week before Christmas. A freak thing, that no one could have predicted or expected.
While I don't know her extremely well, she is a lovely person and because of that, and because I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, it kind of threw me for a loop. It threw all of us at work for a loop, to be honest. They buried Audrey on her birthday. It just makes me sick thinking about it.
A couple of days before that, a girl I went to high school with, Kristin, died in a horrific car accident, and with her, her older sister. Again, I didn't know Kristin well, she was a year ahead of me in school and very quiet, but she was nice and we rode the bus together for years, so you kind of have a bond because riding around with Mrs. Fleenor was enough to bond anyone - it was kind of a like a POW camp. I'm sort of kidding. My Mom and Dad knew Kristen's parents and I knew her Mom - she was a lovely lady.
The reason they were driving to Twin Falls from Boise was to be with their Mom, because their Dad had just died. That day. In one swoop, this woman lost her entire family. She buried them the same day my co-worker buried her daughter.
So, I was a little distracted by all of this, more so than I probably should have been, but on Little Bit's birthday, December 21st (also known as Kristi's wedding anniversary), I was going to do the cards and get them out.
First, though, we were going to meet up with my friend Dana and her children, one of whom is just seven months older than LB, at Boondocks, or Wahooz or whatever they're calling it now, for video games, laser tag, mini golf and all that jazz. Big Bit was up for the first days of his Christmas break, so he was along for the ride.
The Husband had been complaining that his eye was watering the night before, and he kept complaining about it during the morning. He also made the comment to Big Bit (who had just gotten home from the dentist) that he felt like he'd had a shot of Novocain in his mouth. That was a little weird, so I suggested he get in to see his doctor. However, said doctor was fully booked and we were a little rudely told to go to an Urgent Care. TH wasn't in any pain or anything and felt fine, so we went to lunch first, then I was going to drop him at the Urgent Care close to where we were meeting Dana and go back to get him.
While we were driving after lunch, however, he suddenly said that we should drop the boys off and then go to the Urgent Care. He was a little snippy about it and frankly, I was a little annoyed. We got there, I paid for the boys' activities, said hi to Dana and that we'd be right back.
When I got back in the car, and asked him why I needed to go in with him, he said, "I think this is serious and I need you there." He hadn't said that before, so now I got scared. We went the three minutes to the Urgent Care, who got him right in - then took his blood pressure, looked at his face, which suddenly was kind of still on one side, and told me to get him to the Emergency Room, another five minutes away.
We got him out to the car, I made him lie down in the seat, and then I drove like a bat out of hell to the ER, while calling Dana to give her an update and to my Mom that I needed her to pick the boys up. Luckily, the hospital is a brand new one and not a lot of people realize it's there, so we got right in. All I could keep thinking were two things - a) I'm really not ready to be in the middle of a tragedy at the holidays(who is?) and b) It was Little Bit's 11th birthday and nothing could happen to TH on his birthday. It just couldn't.
As it turned out, we had a great ER doctor, who looked at TH right away and proclaimed he had Bell's Palsy. It's a condition that affects one side of your face, making you not able to move your muscles from your forhead to your chin, it's usually caused by a virus, similar to shingles and chicken pox, and it USUALLY goes away within a few weeks. No stroke, no heart attack (though I damned near had one during all this as you might imagine). Just a virus, and an inability to blink his left eye or smile on both sides of his mouth. Which is a bigger pain in the butt than you might think, but obviously better than the alternatives. He got some steroids and antivirals and an eyepatch. Arrr!
So, the rest of that day was a blur, then it was getting Big Bit on a plane back to Reno, back to work for me for a couple of days and then it was Christmas! At our house! With the stepmonster in law! Yay (/sarcasm)! (Actually, she was fairly low key, the gifts were only semi last minute, with no forethought whatsoever, and we had a good visit with TH's sister, brother in law and nephew). We got to see Cousin Steve before he jetted back to Seattle, too, so all in all it turned out well. And when I went to church Christmas Eve, you can bet I said "Thank You" to the guy(s) upstairs.
But I've had a lot to think about, and it wasn't Christmas cards. I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and that your New Year's is great too. I'm hoping mine is drama free. It's my fifteenth wedding anniversary and I would like to enjoy it.
Cheers!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Role Models
I was out posting on a Packers blog last night (http://www.packergeeks.com/) in case you are interested - and over the last day I have had an exchange with a guy named Phil Hanrahan. Phil is a Wisconsin native who wrote a book called "Life After Favre". Phil seems to be a really nice guy and a good writer - we've chatted a bit at Cheeseheadtv.com (no, it's not an internet stalker thing, we briefly discussed my old flame Fuzzy Thurston). I highly recommend his book - not just because you might be a Packers fan (and yes you should be, Steven) but because it's an interesting portrait of a town and its kindred spirits (like me) that kind of lost its center a little over a year ago, and how they began to recover that center.
Should a sports team, or a first round Hall of Fame quarterback be your center? Perhaps not. And maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But the town of Green Bay seemed a bit hollow after last summer. So did I, in a way, sadly enough - and that brought me to the next thought.
Sir Charles Barkley once famously said that athletes "shouldn't be role models". Bullshit. Yes, I said it. I agree that pastors, firefighters, policemen, honest politicians, teachers, parents and so on should be role models as well. But here's the thing - athletes get paid for doing what they love to do for a living - and often quite handsomely. Is it a bad thing to show kids that you really can do what you love for a living, even if that things is "playing"? (I don't think it installs in these kids that "I too can be Sir Charles Barkley - at least in most kids). Do you think that if you asked most firemen if they'd rather be the starting quarterback for (insert favorite team) instead of what they're doing that they'd say no? I really, honestly think not.
Kids figure out that parents, teachers etc. are not perfect WAY before they figure it out about the athletes they admire (if any, of course). It isn't right they should believe that an athlete is right about anything, or perfect by any means, but the longer they look up to that example - a good one - the more they can be inspired to do what they love and to do good things for others. A lot of these guys have charitable foundations and endeavors that are quite worthy.
That's why Judas showing his colors bothered me so much. It wasn't that I thought he was perfect - far from it. Child out of wedlock, Vicodin and alcohol addiction, you name it, he's probably done it - and been caught at it. And, seemingly, had taken responsibility for it and grown as a person, as one does in these situations if handled in the best way possible. It's that he displayed, in a very public way, what he thought of the people he professed to love, those who supported him through his very public trials and humiliations with true forgiveness and not just because he was a "winner". Packer Nation loved him also because of the personality he displayed, the joy of playing and the joy of sharing those moments with fans. Professional athletes, people are watching you.
So if you are in a position where you get to do what you love to do, and get paid handsomely for it, you are a role model (this goes for actors too, but more so sports figures). It doesn't mean you have to be perfect. It means you should be honest, you should never be Tiger Woods (that many mistakes, anyone can screw up in life, but really on this one sheesh), and you should accept that you have a responsibility to the kids of this country.
Whether you want it or not.
'Nuff said.
Should a sports team, or a first round Hall of Fame quarterback be your center? Perhaps not. And maybe I'm exaggerating a bit. But the town of Green Bay seemed a bit hollow after last summer. So did I, in a way, sadly enough - and that brought me to the next thought.
Sir Charles Barkley once famously said that athletes "shouldn't be role models". Bullshit. Yes, I said it. I agree that pastors, firefighters, policemen, honest politicians, teachers, parents and so on should be role models as well. But here's the thing - athletes get paid for doing what they love to do for a living - and often quite handsomely. Is it a bad thing to show kids that you really can do what you love for a living, even if that things is "playing"? (I don't think it installs in these kids that "I too can be Sir Charles Barkley - at least in most kids). Do you think that if you asked most firemen if they'd rather be the starting quarterback for (insert favorite team) instead of what they're doing that they'd say no? I really, honestly think not.
Kids figure out that parents, teachers etc. are not perfect WAY before they figure it out about the athletes they admire (if any, of course). It isn't right they should believe that an athlete is right about anything, or perfect by any means, but the longer they look up to that example - a good one - the more they can be inspired to do what they love and to do good things for others. A lot of these guys have charitable foundations and endeavors that are quite worthy.
That's why Judas showing his colors bothered me so much. It wasn't that I thought he was perfect - far from it. Child out of wedlock, Vicodin and alcohol addiction, you name it, he's probably done it - and been caught at it. And, seemingly, had taken responsibility for it and grown as a person, as one does in these situations if handled in the best way possible. It's that he displayed, in a very public way, what he thought of the people he professed to love, those who supported him through his very public trials and humiliations with true forgiveness and not just because he was a "winner". Packer Nation loved him also because of the personality he displayed, the joy of playing and the joy of sharing those moments with fans. Professional athletes, people are watching you.
So if you are in a position where you get to do what you love to do, and get paid handsomely for it, you are a role model (this goes for actors too, but more so sports figures). It doesn't mean you have to be perfect. It means you should be honest, you should never be Tiger Woods (that many mistakes, anyone can screw up in life, but really on this one sheesh), and you should accept that you have a responsibility to the kids of this country.
Whether you want it or not.
'Nuff said.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Talk Thursday - Appreciate, Communicate, Validate
Wow, I am going to be an epic fail when it gets to be my turn to suggest the Talk Thursday topic. You guys are all too good!
I'm passing on the Sex and Tattoos one. My mom reads my blog. No, Mom, I don't have a tattoo.
I appreciated this topic - see, I'm already on task! I think the reason I did is because I've recently realized that one of the people in my life I need to do all three things with - is - myself.
Now hear me out, because I know that sounds self-centered. But all my life, I've had high expectations for myself. Others had those same expectations. I was supposed to "be a contender".
Note: I've always been harder on myself than anyone else can be. If you're going to yell at me or criticize me, I've already done it 100 times harder in my head. So you might want to skip doing it. This makes me have a hard time appreciating what abilities I possess, or how good my life really is.
For a long time, I felt like I wasn't living up to my potential. My grades in college were adequate, at best. I worked for a bank and felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. My marriage was...well, it was what it was.
Over the last 15 years, I've kind of come full circle. I found an employer I LOVED, then had to leave it when it changed ideals, and not for the better. As a workforce we were inspired to do well because it was all for one and one for all. Our CEO was the BEST EVER (we really thought that, and maybe it was true at one time).
Now I am in a "job", as I've mentioned before. I didn't realize how much I used my career to validate myself, but over the last year it's become very apparent. Until around 12 years ago, that was never the case. I was always in a "job". I'm just not used to that. I am learning to validate myself more in other ways, as a person, a friend, a Mom and a wife. I always did that to a certain extent but my perspective has shifted. And that is a good thing.
And, a little out of order, but I have to better communicate with myself. Communicate with myself? Sounds odd. But, my inner voice doesn't always encourage me like it should. Fairly common problem, but I keep hearing this "as you get older you get more self-confident or at least more accepting of your faults". Whatever. I'm working on it.
Because if I can get better at all of these things for myself, I'm just going to be that much better at it for all of the people I care about.
I'm passing on the Sex and Tattoos one. My mom reads my blog. No, Mom, I don't have a tattoo.
I appreciated this topic - see, I'm already on task! I think the reason I did is because I've recently realized that one of the people in my life I need to do all three things with - is - myself.
Now hear me out, because I know that sounds self-centered. But all my life, I've had high expectations for myself. Others had those same expectations. I was supposed to "be a contender".
Note: I've always been harder on myself than anyone else can be. If you're going to yell at me or criticize me, I've already done it 100 times harder in my head. So you might want to skip doing it. This makes me have a hard time appreciating what abilities I possess, or how good my life really is.
For a long time, I felt like I wasn't living up to my potential. My grades in college were adequate, at best. I worked for a bank and felt like I wasn't getting anywhere. My marriage was...well, it was what it was.
Over the last 15 years, I've kind of come full circle. I found an employer I LOVED, then had to leave it when it changed ideals, and not for the better. As a workforce we were inspired to do well because it was all for one and one for all. Our CEO was the BEST EVER (we really thought that, and maybe it was true at one time).
Now I am in a "job", as I've mentioned before. I didn't realize how much I used my career to validate myself, but over the last year it's become very apparent. Until around 12 years ago, that was never the case. I was always in a "job". I'm just not used to that. I am learning to validate myself more in other ways, as a person, a friend, a Mom and a wife. I always did that to a certain extent but my perspective has shifted. And that is a good thing.
And, a little out of order, but I have to better communicate with myself. Communicate with myself? Sounds odd. But, my inner voice doesn't always encourage me like it should. Fairly common problem, but I keep hearing this "as you get older you get more self-confident or at least more accepting of your faults". Whatever. I'm working on it.
Because if I can get better at all of these things for myself, I'm just going to be that much better at it for all of the people I care about.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
It's Bear Week
So, we all know what THAT means. No Steve, I wasn't baiting you with #21 on my meme.
THIS is baiting you. Good luck Sunday!
THIS is baiting you. Good luck Sunday!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
And Now This Message
I'll try and knock out the Talk Thursday I have drafted, but since it's been a while since I posted, in case you thought I was missing in action, I stole Cele's meme.
1. What is your occupation right now? Group Insurance Manager. Yes, it's as fascinating as it sounds, some days.
2. What color are your socks right now? White. I'm boring.
3. What are you listening to right now? Nothing, though I listened to Chris Brown on YouTube a few minutes ago. I KNOW. But "Crawl" is actually a good song, the first of his I've heard that I liked. Anxious to hear if Big Bit likes it too.
4. What was the last thing you ate? Nalley's Jalapeno Chili. It's sodium death in a bowl and I'm watching my blood pressure but it's spicy - and good - and I try to limit my exposure.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I wish everything was a stick shift, unless I'm in San Francisco on Lombard. We had a Corvette (used) at one point that was an automatic. It was kind of anticlimactic if you know what I mean. I taught Big Bit to drive our stick shift over Thanksgiving. It was pretty funny and brought back memories of me at 14.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Mom.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Cele thought I was too busy to do this - and since I haven't posted for two weeks she might be right - but I like her very much.
8. How old are you today? 43 years, 1 month and 7 days. But I feel 16 most days. Mentally, not physically.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Green Bay Packer Football
10. What is your favorite drink? Ravenswood San Giacomo Chardonnay. To die for.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? I did for the last 12 years, but quit this summer. Oddly, my hair has red highlights in it now (the color it was dyed) which seems to be permanent. It really has to be all grown out and my hair is used to be mousy brown.
12. Favorite food? It depends on the day. Kind of all over the place, but I'd say either Basque (as eaten at Epi's or Gernika) or Chinese (as eaten in London or sometimes at PF Chang's.)
13. What is the last movie you watched? I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. this morning because Four Weddings and a Funeral was on. Which is sad, because I own it. But nothing beats Hugh Grant cuteness 15 years ago.
14. Favorite day of the year? Somewhat tied between Halloween and Christmas, for a variety of reasons.
15. How do you vent anger? Drink. Just kidding. Sort of. Complain a lot, I guess.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? My pony. Yes, it was a real pony.
17. What is your favorite season? Summer. I'm not as much of a lizard as I used to be but I still sure like it.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries when it's pie, blueberries when it's yogurt.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Always. But, if your e-mail is overtly political, it probably isn't the same as mine, so don't bother because I wouldn't do that to you, and I don't respond to chain e-mails or forward them so just be forewarned.
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Probably no one. I think most of the people who would have already did it.
21. Who is least likely to respond? See above. Or Cousin Steve.
22. Living arrangements? With husband and small son in Leave It To Beaver house (seriously, it was built in 1956).
23. When was the last time you cried? Last night, long story.
24. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes and carpet
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? Not tagging anyone. I don't mind if people tag me, but I don't often tag others.
26. What did you do last night? Stayed up until 2 a.m. watching movies. Urgh. I am tired today.
27. What are you most afraid of? Death. Christians aren't supposed to be, but I am and there you are.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? TH's cheeseburgers with PepperJack cheese and roasted jalapenos on them are yummy indeed.
29. What is your favorite kind of dog? Beagle. Though I love our 11 year old Lab, since she is no longer a puppy.
30. What is your favorite day of the week? Saturday.
31. How many states have you lived in? 3 - Nevada (17 years total), Utah (3 of the longest years of my life), Idaho - (23 years total).
32. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.
33. What is your favorite flower? Iris or maybe Lilacs
34. What are your favorite two movies of all time? Love, Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral (although I really have four, Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth) and Sense and Sensibility (yes, there is a Hugh Grant theme to this list).
1. What is your occupation right now? Group Insurance Manager. Yes, it's as fascinating as it sounds, some days.
2. What color are your socks right now? White. I'm boring.
3. What are you listening to right now? Nothing, though I listened to Chris Brown on YouTube a few minutes ago. I KNOW. But "Crawl" is actually a good song, the first of his I've heard that I liked. Anxious to hear if Big Bit likes it too.
4. What was the last thing you ate? Nalley's Jalapeno Chili. It's sodium death in a bowl and I'm watching my blood pressure but it's spicy - and good - and I try to limit my exposure.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I wish everything was a stick shift, unless I'm in San Francisco on Lombard. We had a Corvette (used) at one point that was an automatic. It was kind of anticlimactic if you know what I mean. I taught Big Bit to drive our stick shift over Thanksgiving. It was pretty funny and brought back memories of me at 14.
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My Mom.
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Cele thought I was too busy to do this - and since I haven't posted for two weeks she might be right - but I like her very much.
8. How old are you today? 43 years, 1 month and 7 days. But I feel 16 most days. Mentally, not physically.
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Green Bay Packer Football
10. What is your favorite drink? Ravenswood San Giacomo Chardonnay. To die for.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? I did for the last 12 years, but quit this summer. Oddly, my hair has red highlights in it now (the color it was dyed) which seems to be permanent. It really has to be all grown out and my hair is used to be mousy brown.
12. Favorite food? It depends on the day. Kind of all over the place, but I'd say either Basque (as eaten at Epi's or Gernika) or Chinese (as eaten in London or sometimes at PF Chang's.)
13. What is the last movie you watched? I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. this morning because Four Weddings and a Funeral was on. Which is sad, because I own it. But nothing beats Hugh Grant cuteness 15 years ago.
14. Favorite day of the year? Somewhat tied between Halloween and Christmas, for a variety of reasons.
15. How do you vent anger? Drink. Just kidding. Sort of. Complain a lot, I guess.
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? My pony. Yes, it was a real pony.
17. What is your favorite season? Summer. I'm not as much of a lizard as I used to be but I still sure like it.
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries when it's pie, blueberries when it's yogurt.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Always. But, if your e-mail is overtly political, it probably isn't the same as mine, so don't bother because I wouldn't do that to you, and I don't respond to chain e-mails or forward them so just be forewarned.
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Probably no one. I think most of the people who would have already did it.
21. Who is least likely to respond? See above. Or Cousin Steve.
22. Living arrangements? With husband and small son in Leave It To Beaver house (seriously, it was built in 1956).
23. When was the last time you cried? Last night, long story.
24. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes and carpet
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to? Not tagging anyone. I don't mind if people tag me, but I don't often tag others.
26. What did you do last night? Stayed up until 2 a.m. watching movies. Urgh. I am tired today.
27. What are you most afraid of? Death. Christians aren't supposed to be, but I am and there you are.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? TH's cheeseburgers with PepperJack cheese and roasted jalapenos on them are yummy indeed.
29. What is your favorite kind of dog? Beagle. Though I love our 11 year old Lab, since she is no longer a puppy.
30. What is your favorite day of the week? Saturday.
31. How many states have you lived in? 3 - Nevada (17 years total), Utah (3 of the longest years of my life), Idaho - (23 years total).
32. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds.
33. What is your favorite flower? Iris or maybe Lilacs
34. What are your favorite two movies of all time? Love, Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral (although I really have four, Pride and Prejudice (with Colin Firth) and Sense and Sensibility (yes, there is a Hugh Grant theme to this list).
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Life Altering Truths
Cele invited me to be part of Talk Thursday. I've followed this for a while - a topic is suggested by one of the contributors and then everyone writes on this subject (am I missing anything Cele?).
I've found the entries really enlightening. I'm a bit hesitant here because, well, sometimes things get disclosed in the contributions, as I've seen. But here goes and we'll see how I go with this. At any rate I thank Cele for the invite.
I'm somewhat of a believer in something of a life altering truth - epiphanies. I've had a few in my life and they honestly have always led me to the better, or to the worse if I've ignored them. I haven't had one in a while but I'll never turn one down. I can always use some guidance. I prefer to think of it as Divine Guidance but you can call it what you will.
I think maybe the first life altering truth I had is when I realized I didn't want to be married anymore. Let me be clear - when I got married I meant to be always. Most everyone does. However, most everyone, hell, anyone, shouldn't be 18 when they get married.
I don't think I got married for the "right" reasons because I was too young to know what the "right" reasons felt like. I was shy, skinny, had a "prominent" nose as my friend Karee used to say and when a guy who seemed to have a sparkling personality, athletic grace and a propensity to like me came along, I jumped. I was already engaged to a wonderful guy who did not deserve me (and I mean that in the best way, he would have been miserable). What the hell was I thinking that I was ready to make such decisions? But EHFH's confidence was irresistible and he reminded me of my high school boyfriend James (of the infamous Facebook incident) who, as I look back on it now, treated me as if I didn't deserve him (in the worst possible way) and I just put up with it. For a few years, actually.
If you looked at me from the outside, you would have said I was a damn lucky kid (and you would have been right). Brand new car as an 18th birthday present, okay grades, some good friends, size 3 jeans (I KNOW!) and a pretty bright future. But I still felt awkward and like I didn't fit in. EHFH seemed to save me from all that because he promised in some odd way that I "belonged".
My friend Renee has a daughter who got married a little later than I did in life, but not much, and she, like me had an agenda: get married. finish college. have a baby once financially able to support baby. have another baby two years later. have a nice big house...blah, blah, blah. (Actually, her daughter is much less shallow than I think I was at that age and has accomplished most of these things anyway). But for anyone to think life can be planned out is nonsensical. You can try, but you aren't in control of anything, really.
After the "first" baby, certain things became painfully clear. Eighteen year olds, really, are all very, very much alike. Twenty-six year olds are not. For the first time in my life I saw my full potential not just as a mother and a wife to someone who considered me an equal partner but in my career, life choices and so on as well. And I knew I needed more. And yes, I deserved more. It may sound selfish, but I really don't look at it that way. It would have been very selfish to the EHFH and to Big Bit to remain in a relationship that had become untenable. It probably would have destroyed me ultimately as well.
I won't go into detail on what precipitated the epiphany, because I'm not especially proud of all aspects of my behavior, but let me state clearly that once I had that epiphany I moved quickly to do the right thing, and let both of us try to get to what we really wanted in life and provide Big Bit a more stable environment. For this, in many ways, I've been punished financially, emotionally and socially. I am proud of the fact that Big Bit has been with us a lot, in fact lived with us for a while and that I've been an effective parent to him. We have a bond that I am not sure would be any stronger if he'd never left my roof.
But I stand by my decision, and for me, the life altering truth is this - as Andie MacDowell said in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" - "As John Lennon said, who died the same year as my father, All You Need is Love."
Real, mature love. Some people who marry as teenagers or barely over can make this transition. Many, many can not. And I still think I made the right decision. My divorce/custody attorney said to me, after we didn't get custody of Big Bit when he started school - "Tell me this, would you rather still be married to him?"
No contest, Steve. You may have not proven to be a great attorney, but at that moment, when I was at an all time low, you gave me another life altering truth. And I would need it going forward.
I've found the entries really enlightening. I'm a bit hesitant here because, well, sometimes things get disclosed in the contributions, as I've seen. But here goes and we'll see how I go with this. At any rate I thank Cele for the invite.
I'm somewhat of a believer in something of a life altering truth - epiphanies. I've had a few in my life and they honestly have always led me to the better, or to the worse if I've ignored them. I haven't had one in a while but I'll never turn one down. I can always use some guidance. I prefer to think of it as Divine Guidance but you can call it what you will.
I think maybe the first life altering truth I had is when I realized I didn't want to be married anymore. Let me be clear - when I got married I meant to be always. Most everyone does. However, most everyone, hell, anyone, shouldn't be 18 when they get married.
I don't think I got married for the "right" reasons because I was too young to know what the "right" reasons felt like. I was shy, skinny, had a "prominent" nose as my friend Karee used to say and when a guy who seemed to have a sparkling personality, athletic grace and a propensity to like me came along, I jumped. I was already engaged to a wonderful guy who did not deserve me (and I mean that in the best way, he would have been miserable). What the hell was I thinking that I was ready to make such decisions? But EHFH's confidence was irresistible and he reminded me of my high school boyfriend James (of the infamous Facebook incident) who, as I look back on it now, treated me as if I didn't deserve him (in the worst possible way) and I just put up with it. For a few years, actually.
If you looked at me from the outside, you would have said I was a damn lucky kid (and you would have been right). Brand new car as an 18th birthday present, okay grades, some good friends, size 3 jeans (I KNOW!) and a pretty bright future. But I still felt awkward and like I didn't fit in. EHFH seemed to save me from all that because he promised in some odd way that I "belonged".
My friend Renee has a daughter who got married a little later than I did in life, but not much, and she, like me had an agenda: get married. finish college. have a baby once financially able to support baby. have another baby two years later. have a nice big house...blah, blah, blah. (Actually, her daughter is much less shallow than I think I was at that age and has accomplished most of these things anyway). But for anyone to think life can be planned out is nonsensical. You can try, but you aren't in control of anything, really.
After the "first" baby, certain things became painfully clear. Eighteen year olds, really, are all very, very much alike. Twenty-six year olds are not. For the first time in my life I saw my full potential not just as a mother and a wife to someone who considered me an equal partner but in my career, life choices and so on as well. And I knew I needed more. And yes, I deserved more. It may sound selfish, but I really don't look at it that way. It would have been very selfish to the EHFH and to Big Bit to remain in a relationship that had become untenable. It probably would have destroyed me ultimately as well.
I won't go into detail on what precipitated the epiphany, because I'm not especially proud of all aspects of my behavior, but let me state clearly that once I had that epiphany I moved quickly to do the right thing, and let both of us try to get to what we really wanted in life and provide Big Bit a more stable environment. For this, in many ways, I've been punished financially, emotionally and socially. I am proud of the fact that Big Bit has been with us a lot, in fact lived with us for a while and that I've been an effective parent to him. We have a bond that I am not sure would be any stronger if he'd never left my roof.
But I stand by my decision, and for me, the life altering truth is this - as Andie MacDowell said in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" - "As John Lennon said, who died the same year as my father, All You Need is Love."
Real, mature love. Some people who marry as teenagers or barely over can make this transition. Many, many can not. And I still think I made the right decision. My divorce/custody attorney said to me, after we didn't get custody of Big Bit when he started school - "Tell me this, would you rather still be married to him?"
No contest, Steve. You may have not proven to be a great attorney, but at that moment, when I was at an all time low, you gave me another life altering truth. And I would need it going forward.
Friday, November 13, 2009
My Family is Vandal Nation
Except for Steve and I, the lepers, pretty much everyone in our family who went to college (I think), if they went past junior college, went to University of Idaho. This includes aunts, uncles and cousins. Oh, I guess Uncle Truman went to Boise Junior College as well (evil chuckle).
Today I got a call from Cousin Vern, who is the most Vandally Vandal of them all. I remember most of the night we stayed at his house in Moscow when he was at college and had his (usual) pre-football game party. I gave up and went to bed, but TH kept up with the (much) younger boys, because he is a Vandal too and he couldn't let those young whippersnappers pass him up.
I could watch Nevada vs. Idaho the next day without a pounding headache. Don't think that was true of the other male members of my family.
Anyhow, Cousin Vern is coming to town, in order to (and I paraphrase) "Drink beer and tailgate and sh--." It will be very good to see him.
Now, I must find the number of the bail bondsman.
That is all.
Today I got a call from Cousin Vern, who is the most Vandally Vandal of them all. I remember most of the night we stayed at his house in Moscow when he was at college and had his (usual) pre-football game party. I gave up and went to bed, but TH kept up with the (much) younger boys, because he is a Vandal too and he couldn't let those young whippersnappers pass him up.
I could watch Nevada vs. Idaho the next day without a pounding headache. Don't think that was true of the other male members of my family.
Anyhow, Cousin Vern is coming to town, in order to (and I paraphrase) "Drink beer and tailgate and sh--." It will be very good to see him.
Now, I must find the number of the bail bondsman.
That is all.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
100 things
I'm 11 days late and a dollar short, but I'm giving it a try.
1) The first guy I kissed outside of family was Jeff Sirrine in 3rd grade.
2) I love the Green Bay Packers (duh). My father imprinted it on me and now he's trying to renige! No fair!
3) I hate the Denver Broncos (sorry, I'm sports themed right now it will change).
4) I wish I'd gone to the University of Idaho.
5) For some strange reason, I like my alma mater. I guess it's because I made it out with a sheepskin.
6) My left foot is longer than my right foot. Blame my grandmother, I do.
7) I was supposed to be a boy.
8) I met Waylon Jennings three times. And Jessie. And Shooter (who's Drea deMatteo's baby daddy).
9) I love beagles.
10) I love Siamese cats.
11) I secretly wonder if I'm related to Princess Diana. (there's a long shot on it.)
12) I'm really glad I had two kids. I hated being an only child (most of the time).
13) I loved David Cassidy at age 3. I wonder about myself.
14) I looked so much like a boy when I was 6 people mistook me for one.
15) I hated living in Utah.
16) I felt bad that I hated living in Utah based on the fact it was my idea and I talked my family into it.
17) I tried to run away and get married before I actually did to the EHFH. Elko doesn't have wedding chapels which was a sign I ignored.
18) I wanted to major in range management at Idaho but I was scared of the math.
19) I kill house plants inadvertently.
20) I got made fun of as a child by my older cousins because I knew big words. I was perversely proud of that for some reason. Perversely is a big word.
21) I skipped first grade.
22) I hate the Grateful Dead.
23) I am clumsy as hell.
24) I was a cheerleader my senior year (see above, it must not have been a popularity contest - nope, it wasn't. But at least I knew who had the damn ball in football games.)
25) I like to mow the lawn (I'm sure you're all bored by now, it's all downhill from here)!
26) Halloween is my favorite holiday. (Closely followed by Christmas).
27) Thanksgiving is my least favorite holiday (family tragedy years ago, will never go away).
28) I am secretly irritated my sons did not inherit my or my father's blue eyes.
29) I didn't get baptized until I was (I think) 21.
30) I wore size 0 jeans when I graduated from high school. If only now.
31) I wore a suit from Victoria's Secret at my second wedding. (It was tasteful).
32) I think people who have 18 kids have serious issues.
33) I'm more than a little scared by the health care bill but I trust my President. Not blindly, I just trust he's more like me than people think he is.
34) I am a fourth generation Idahoan and terribly proud of that fact.
35) I wish to this day I hadn't been so fair in my divorce and that Big Bit would have always lived with me. I did the "right thing". My fault totally.
36) I am very proud of the families I come from and the influence they have had on who I am.
37) I wish I trusted my own instincts more.
38) I love my house.
39) I am really horrible at keeping in touch with people and I feel guilty over it.
40) I am not a good housekeeper most of the time.
41) I saw Garth Brooks for free before anyone knew who he was.
42) I was listening to an AM radio station from LA when John Lennon was shot. I still remember the shock and amazement.
43) I remember man landing on the Moon (my grandmother and I shared this as a wonder. I was 2.5 years old when it happened but I do remember it.)
44) The first diamond I ever got was from a guy in the Army stationed in Killeen, TX (special resonance this week).
45) I love to read.
46) I am shy.
47) My nose is crooked. (broken, I believe, twice.)
48) I love Big Bit's pet rabbit far more than I wanted to or planned on.
49) I make a mean homemade (from scratch totally) pumpkin pie.
50) I am really going to miss my grandmother over the holidays. (duh.)
51) I wish my Dad would quit smoking. (duh part 2)
52) I remember my parents letting me out of my car seat ( I don't hold it against them, it was the 60's.)
53) I wish I was still in touch with the maid of honor from my 1st wedding. I'm not sure why we aren't to be honest.
54) Even on the days I want to strangle him I thank God for having TH come into my life. I m.ght have been okay without him - but I am not always sure about that.
55) I am thankful TH agreed to have Little Bit (even on the days I want to strangle Little Bit.)
56) I thought Little Bit was a girl and was (slightly) disappointed he wasn't, until he was born.
57) I hope my boys are close when they grow up, but I'm scared they won't be.
58) I love the show Mad Men on AMC.
59) Jane Austen novels are the best.
60) I tried marijuana twice but I didn't inhale. I believe Bill Clinton.
61) I cried today during the service for the Fort Hood casualties.
62) I can't sing karaoke.
63) I believe that God has a plan because there have been too many weird coincidences in my life.
64) I am okay if you don't believe #63. Honest.
65) Four Weddings and a Funeral is my favorite movie ever.
66) I think everyone's pretty much quit reading my blog because they disapprove. But, this is me, warts and all.
67) If I hit the lottery I might be Cele's next door neigbor, I love the Oregon Coast.
68) I've spoken to David Coverdale (lead singer of Whitesnake) on the phone more than once.
69) I was the boss of David's current wife (not Tawny Kitaen) when she first met him.
70) I love NASCAR, and Jeff Gordon in particular.
71) I have made at least three friends that I think I'll have for life. Hopefully more.
72) I wish Corey and Aaron at Cheeseheadtv.com would at least acknowledge my existence.
73) My grandmother thought that I was meant to be born in to my family.
74) I hate Lawrence Welk more than life itself.
75) I think Episode I-III of Star Wars (the later ones) suck!
76) I am a closet Trekkie.
77) I learned WAY more about the Mormon Church when I was in Utah than I wanted to.
78) I hate JarJar Binks (see #75).
79) I'm saying "I" too many times here, but I think that's a function of the exercise?
80) Sonoma Valley is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.
81) I love nice restaurants.
82) I have more of a problem being a woman in sole support of the family than I wish I had (I'm not right now, but was in the past for good reason).
83) I really want to be a stay at home Mom for the next 7 years.
84) I probably would go crazy being a stay at home Mom (see dichotomy with #83. Another big word, I'm on a roll!)
85) I had a crush on Michael Landon in Bonanza.
86) I killed Conway Twitty. Well, I went to see him the weekend before he died, and really didn't want to, so the joke (if there could be one, I'm sure he was a nice man) is that I killed him.
87) I'm cheap in ways I don't want to be and extravagant in ways I don't want to be.
88) I am eternally grateful my parents paid my way through college.
89) I like to proofread. (Just not on my blog.)
90) Las Vegas Rocks!
91) I won't lose more than $30 a night gambling.
92) I didn't see a Star Wars movie until I saw "The Empire Strikes Back" with my uncle and cousin. Then I liked it.
93) I hope Idaho beats Boise State Saturday. Sorry, I can't help it.
94) I went to see the Spice Girls willingly.
95) I still dance to "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go".
96) As big of a problem as I have with the Mormon Church, I have something of a really odd crush on Donny Osmond.
97) I like to ski.
98) I'm glad my aunt is hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year because I know it's a huge pain for her.
99) I can't believe a house build in the 1950's is as energy efficient as ours is.
100) I hope this didn't bore anyone who bothered to read it.
1) The first guy I kissed outside of family was Jeff Sirrine in 3rd grade.
2) I love the Green Bay Packers (duh). My father imprinted it on me and now he's trying to renige! No fair!
3) I hate the Denver Broncos (sorry, I'm sports themed right now it will change).
4) I wish I'd gone to the University of Idaho.
5) For some strange reason, I like my alma mater. I guess it's because I made it out with a sheepskin.
6) My left foot is longer than my right foot. Blame my grandmother, I do.
7) I was supposed to be a boy.
8) I met Waylon Jennings three times. And Jessie. And Shooter (who's Drea deMatteo's baby daddy).
9) I love beagles.
10) I love Siamese cats.
11) I secretly wonder if I'm related to Princess Diana. (there's a long shot on it.)
12) I'm really glad I had two kids. I hated being an only child (most of the time).
13) I loved David Cassidy at age 3. I wonder about myself.
14) I looked so much like a boy when I was 6 people mistook me for one.
15) I hated living in Utah.
16) I felt bad that I hated living in Utah based on the fact it was my idea and I talked my family into it.
17) I tried to run away and get married before I actually did to the EHFH. Elko doesn't have wedding chapels which was a sign I ignored.
18) I wanted to major in range management at Idaho but I was scared of the math.
19) I kill house plants inadvertently.
20) I got made fun of as a child by my older cousins because I knew big words. I was perversely proud of that for some reason. Perversely is a big word.
21) I skipped first grade.
22) I hate the Grateful Dead.
23) I am clumsy as hell.
24) I was a cheerleader my senior year (see above, it must not have been a popularity contest - nope, it wasn't. But at least I knew who had the damn ball in football games.)
25) I like to mow the lawn (I'm sure you're all bored by now, it's all downhill from here)!
26) Halloween is my favorite holiday. (Closely followed by Christmas).
27) Thanksgiving is my least favorite holiday (family tragedy years ago, will never go away).
28) I am secretly irritated my sons did not inherit my or my father's blue eyes.
29) I didn't get baptized until I was (I think) 21.
30) I wore size 0 jeans when I graduated from high school. If only now.
31) I wore a suit from Victoria's Secret at my second wedding. (It was tasteful).
32) I think people who have 18 kids have serious issues.
33) I'm more than a little scared by the health care bill but I trust my President. Not blindly, I just trust he's more like me than people think he is.
34) I am a fourth generation Idahoan and terribly proud of that fact.
35) I wish to this day I hadn't been so fair in my divorce and that Big Bit would have always lived with me. I did the "right thing". My fault totally.
36) I am very proud of the families I come from and the influence they have had on who I am.
37) I wish I trusted my own instincts more.
38) I love my house.
39) I am really horrible at keeping in touch with people and I feel guilty over it.
40) I am not a good housekeeper most of the time.
41) I saw Garth Brooks for free before anyone knew who he was.
42) I was listening to an AM radio station from LA when John Lennon was shot. I still remember the shock and amazement.
43) I remember man landing on the Moon (my grandmother and I shared this as a wonder. I was 2.5 years old when it happened but I do remember it.)
44) The first diamond I ever got was from a guy in the Army stationed in Killeen, TX (special resonance this week).
45) I love to read.
46) I am shy.
47) My nose is crooked. (broken, I believe, twice.)
48) I love Big Bit's pet rabbit far more than I wanted to or planned on.
49) I make a mean homemade (from scratch totally) pumpkin pie.
50) I am really going to miss my grandmother over the holidays. (duh.)
51) I wish my Dad would quit smoking. (duh part 2)
52) I remember my parents letting me out of my car seat ( I don't hold it against them, it was the 60's.)
53) I wish I was still in touch with the maid of honor from my 1st wedding. I'm not sure why we aren't to be honest.
54) Even on the days I want to strangle him I thank God for having TH come into my life. I m.ght have been okay without him - but I am not always sure about that.
55) I am thankful TH agreed to have Little Bit (even on the days I want to strangle Little Bit.)
56) I thought Little Bit was a girl and was (slightly) disappointed he wasn't, until he was born.
57) I hope my boys are close when they grow up, but I'm scared they won't be.
58) I love the show Mad Men on AMC.
59) Jane Austen novels are the best.
60) I tried marijuana twice but I didn't inhale. I believe Bill Clinton.
61) I cried today during the service for the Fort Hood casualties.
62) I can't sing karaoke.
63) I believe that God has a plan because there have been too many weird coincidences in my life.
64) I am okay if you don't believe #63. Honest.
65) Four Weddings and a Funeral is my favorite movie ever.
66) I think everyone's pretty much quit reading my blog because they disapprove. But, this is me, warts and all.
67) If I hit the lottery I might be Cele's next door neigbor, I love the Oregon Coast.
68) I've spoken to David Coverdale (lead singer of Whitesnake) on the phone more than once.
69) I was the boss of David's current wife (not Tawny Kitaen) when she first met him.
70) I love NASCAR, and Jeff Gordon in particular.
71) I have made at least three friends that I think I'll have for life. Hopefully more.
72) I wish Corey and Aaron at Cheeseheadtv.com would at least acknowledge my existence.
73) My grandmother thought that I was meant to be born in to my family.
74) I hate Lawrence Welk more than life itself.
75) I think Episode I-III of Star Wars (the later ones) suck!
76) I am a closet Trekkie.
77) I learned WAY more about the Mormon Church when I was in Utah than I wanted to.
78) I hate JarJar Binks (see #75).
79) I'm saying "I" too many times here, but I think that's a function of the exercise?
80) Sonoma Valley is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.
81) I love nice restaurants.
82) I have more of a problem being a woman in sole support of the family than I wish I had (I'm not right now, but was in the past for good reason).
83) I really want to be a stay at home Mom for the next 7 years.
84) I probably would go crazy being a stay at home Mom (see dichotomy with #83. Another big word, I'm on a roll!)
85) I had a crush on Michael Landon in Bonanza.
86) I killed Conway Twitty. Well, I went to see him the weekend before he died, and really didn't want to, so the joke (if there could be one, I'm sure he was a nice man) is that I killed him.
87) I'm cheap in ways I don't want to be and extravagant in ways I don't want to be.
88) I am eternally grateful my parents paid my way through college.
89) I like to proofread. (Just not on my blog.)
90) Las Vegas Rocks!
91) I won't lose more than $30 a night gambling.
92) I didn't see a Star Wars movie until I saw "The Empire Strikes Back" with my uncle and cousin. Then I liked it.
93) I hope Idaho beats Boise State Saturday. Sorry, I can't help it.
94) I went to see the Spice Girls willingly.
95) I still dance to "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go".
96) As big of a problem as I have with the Mormon Church, I have something of a really odd crush on Donny Osmond.
97) I like to ski.
98) I'm glad my aunt is hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year because I know it's a huge pain for her.
99) I can't believe a house build in the 1950's is as energy efficient as ours is.
100) I hope this didn't bore anyone who bothered to read it.
Friday, November 6, 2009
I Am A Failure
I didn't do my 100 things. But I will by midnight Sunday.
In the meantime, I would like to share this video by Train. They did one of my favorite songs ever, "Drops of Jupiter". If you've ever had a suddenly interrupted relationship you'd relate. In this case, this is just a chirpy, happy song and it makes me smile.
How many people know who "Mr. Mister" is anymore (besides TH?)
I do have a vague memory of watching Ricky Schroeder listen to "Broken Wings" at the end of a "Silver Spoon" episode. I am REALLY old.
In the meantime, I would like to share this video by Train. They did one of my favorite songs ever, "Drops of Jupiter". If you've ever had a suddenly interrupted relationship you'd relate. In this case, this is just a chirpy, happy song and it makes me smile.
How many people know who "Mr. Mister" is anymore (besides TH?)
I do have a vague memory of watching Ricky Schroeder listen to "Broken Wings" at the end of a "Silver Spoon" episode. I am REALLY old.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thought for the Day
'If you’re going to stand up wearing Packer clothing or a Packer uniform and cheer when Brett Favre comes out, you should bring a bag and put it over your head.'
LeRoy Butler, October 26, 2009
Amen. I'll be at the ESPNZone in Anaheim, CA watching the fun begin at Lambeau this Sunday. Brent, remember, you threw an interception last week, you can do it this week. And get used to feeling that turf, son, because you'll be planted in it. That is all.
LeRoy Butler, October 26, 2009
Amen. I'll be at the ESPNZone in Anaheim, CA watching the fun begin at Lambeau this Sunday. Brent, remember, you threw an interception last week, you can do it this week. And get used to feeling that turf, son, because you'll be planted in it. That is all.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
One Year
One year ago, I was working my very last day in Utah.
One year ago, I was nervously walking into my new workplace, knowing only that I was very glad to be home whatever came. What a difference a year has made...and yet in some ways it hasn't. I can't speak for TH, but I know I've never looked back and said "why did we move back?" Yet, it took several months before I really felt like this was real and we were back. Now Utah seems like a pretty distant memory. I e-mailed last week with a co-worker from that job who got promoted when Sybil left - she had been named as the replacement shortly before I interviewed in Boise. The last year, for her, has been pretty hellish from the sounds of things. While I definitely felt for her, it made me so glad not to be in the middle of all that strife and bickering and defying the Mothership's not so good intentions towards employees.
I learned a lot in Utah. Some not so good, some good. I love Deron Williams and the Utah Jazz. I hate Utah drivers. I will not go into the whole "majority rules" thing except to say one thing I think Barack Obama did wrong is getting Jon Huntsman out of Utah, since he seemed committed to everyone living their own lives.
Being in Idaho has been a good thing for Little Bit. His teacher this year seems simply awesome. He's doing his homework without (hardly) any battling. It's been good for us because as we decompress from the high pressure atmosphere we get to look around more and say - "Wow, we're old!" Just kidding, but we do get to look around, at least.
Big Bit has turned into such a grown up. Which is really depressing, yet uplifting. His criticisms of the EHFH are spot on, and I suspect his criticisms of me are also, though he is kind enough to keep those to himself. But the one thing I've found, and I'm old enough to know this (one tends to forget things one doesn't want to remember) - what your problems are, they are. Some of them might be exacerbated by where you live, or where you work, or the friends that you have, but ultimately, they are YOUR responsibility. And I take that to heart, as I approach yet another (gads!) birthday. I've got lots to work on, but I've got lots of opportunity in this beautiful place to do so.
Oh yeah, and Purple Judas still sucks.
And I have seven months of child support left.
Just sayin'.
One year ago, I was nervously walking into my new workplace, knowing only that I was very glad to be home whatever came. What a difference a year has made...and yet in some ways it hasn't. I can't speak for TH, but I know I've never looked back and said "why did we move back?" Yet, it took several months before I really felt like this was real and we were back. Now Utah seems like a pretty distant memory. I e-mailed last week with a co-worker from that job who got promoted when Sybil left - she had been named as the replacement shortly before I interviewed in Boise. The last year, for her, has been pretty hellish from the sounds of things. While I definitely felt for her, it made me so glad not to be in the middle of all that strife and bickering and defying the Mothership's not so good intentions towards employees.
I learned a lot in Utah. Some not so good, some good. I love Deron Williams and the Utah Jazz. I hate Utah drivers. I will not go into the whole "majority rules" thing except to say one thing I think Barack Obama did wrong is getting Jon Huntsman out of Utah, since he seemed committed to everyone living their own lives.
Being in Idaho has been a good thing for Little Bit. His teacher this year seems simply awesome. He's doing his homework without (hardly) any battling. It's been good for us because as we decompress from the high pressure atmosphere we get to look around more and say - "Wow, we're old!" Just kidding, but we do get to look around, at least.
Big Bit has turned into such a grown up. Which is really depressing, yet uplifting. His criticisms of the EHFH are spot on, and I suspect his criticisms of me are also, though he is kind enough to keep those to himself. But the one thing I've found, and I'm old enough to know this (one tends to forget things one doesn't want to remember) - what your problems are, they are. Some of them might be exacerbated by where you live, or where you work, or the friends that you have, but ultimately, they are YOUR responsibility. And I take that to heart, as I approach yet another (gads!) birthday. I've got lots to work on, but I've got lots of opportunity in this beautiful place to do so.
Oh yeah, and Purple Judas still sucks.
And I have seven months of child support left.
Just sayin'.
Monday, October 5, 2009
This Could Be Trouble
From BeerKid at PackerPalace.com - the musings of one lady, Lemondrop, that frequents those haunts. Here's her drinking game for tonight's Monday Night matchup (Vikings vs. Packers in case you haven't heard. Ha). Reading carefully, it seems very dangerous, as is any good drinking game.
Packers vs Vikings Drinking Game - http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2009/9/29/1061024/packers-vs-vikings-drinking-game
All participants must take a drink every time one of the following occurs during the broadcast.
1) The word "gunslinger" is mentioned
2) The word "schism" is mentioned
3) The phrases "plays/looks like a kid out there" or "that's how football is supposed to be played" is used
4) Brad Childress looks confused on the sidelines
5) The cameras pan to the luxury boxes to show either Ted Thompson or Deanna Favre
6) Anytime Mid Game, ESPN shows a highlight of Brett Favre throwing a TD AGAINST the Minnesota Vikings (note - I saw the Packers at the Metrodome in 1997 -witnessed a few of these myself.)
7) An announcer mentions Brett Favre's Age
8) The phrase, "That's why the Vikings brought him here" is used
9) Brett Favre is sacked
10) Every time a Wrangler or the new Sears Commercial w/ Favre airs.
11) Every time Allen Barbre is shown standing over a prone Rodgers with a sheepish look on his face (note, I hope this doesn't happen a lot but I'm not holding my breath.)
Or, as Lemondrop says: "I'm just going to make it simple and drink every time I hear "Favre"."
Packers vs Vikings Drinking Game - http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2009/9/29/1061024/packers-vs-vikings-drinking-game
All participants must take a drink every time one of the following occurs during the broadcast.
1) The word "gunslinger" is mentioned
2) The word "schism" is mentioned
3) The phrases "plays/looks like a kid out there" or "that's how football is supposed to be played" is used
4) Brad Childress looks confused on the sidelines
5) The cameras pan to the luxury boxes to show either Ted Thompson or Deanna Favre
6) Anytime Mid Game, ESPN shows a highlight of Brett Favre throwing a TD AGAINST the Minnesota Vikings (note - I saw the Packers at the Metrodome in 1997 -witnessed a few of these myself.)
7) An announcer mentions Brett Favre's Age
8) The phrase, "That's why the Vikings brought him here" is used
9) Brett Favre is sacked
10) Every time a Wrangler or the new Sears Commercial w/ Favre airs.
11) Every time Allen Barbre is shown standing over a prone Rodgers with a sheepish look on his face (note, I hope this doesn't happen a lot but I'm not holding my breath.)
Or, as Lemondrop says: "I'm just going to make it simple and drink every time I hear "Favre"."
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thank You, Mr. Utility Worker and Other Thoughts
It almost froze last night (our plants look like it even though we covered them up) and I thought it was going to be a horrible day weatherwise but now it's quite pleasant and I'm getting ready to go for a walk.
Why am I home at 3:07 p.m. you may ask? Well, some really, really smart guy who was digging a big hole in our parking lot at work DUG UP THE POWER SUPPLY. Call before you dig, guys, seriously. This happened around 11 a.m. The phones (sort of) works - you couldn't call in but you could call out, so after a couple of conference calls and lunch we all gave up and they closed the building. Our building is part of a bigger complex and of all of the buildings, who was the only one out of power? Ours. Who really wasn't in the mood today to work? Me. As my friend the Donnalama says "I didn't know you had such power". I KNOW! Me either! Now to turn my powers to good not evil, haha.
Other random thoughts - I hope Brett gets pounded just about as hard as you can without serious mental or permanent physical injury Monday night. I may have to squeeze into my T-Shirt that shrunk such that Little Bit wears it to bed that says "My Favorite Team is the Packers and Whoever Plays the Vikings". Special meaning this year, that. I am hopeful that when we play in Green Bay in November we will win because the "Old Man" doesn't like the cold anymore and has to play in a dome, but I'm not too sure about this one. Like when the "Loins" (t2ed's term) won, if the Packers win this weekend it may be time to "get right with the Lord" (again, his term). It may be the second sign of the apocalypse. Or third, if my power outage is a true sign of my power.
Bg Bit comes tomorrow which means a) Yay, we get to see him! and b) Four weeks until Disneyland and his college visit.
If you haven't yet checked out the Disney Channel's show "Phineas and Ferb", you most definitely should. It's witty for both kids and parents, and features a most awesome band doing its theme song and some of the musical numbers (Love Handel is one of my favorite episodes) - that is - the breathtaking Bowling for Soup. (Cele, Burp would LOVE it if he hasn't seen it already.)
Lastly, I heard this song coming home - how is it that a song that came out when I was but a few months old could be a) so fresh today and b) one of my favorite songs ever, much less of the band who plays it? Enjoy. Hope you're getting some sunshine in too where you are. Oh, it snowed in Utah and I wasn't there. YAY!!! (Pants, Yvette, I know it's pretty but come on.)
Why am I home at 3:07 p.m. you may ask? Well, some really, really smart guy who was digging a big hole in our parking lot at work DUG UP THE POWER SUPPLY. Call before you dig, guys, seriously. This happened around 11 a.m. The phones (sort of) works - you couldn't call in but you could call out, so after a couple of conference calls and lunch we all gave up and they closed the building. Our building is part of a bigger complex and of all of the buildings, who was the only one out of power? Ours. Who really wasn't in the mood today to work? Me. As my friend the Donnalama says "I didn't know you had such power". I KNOW! Me either! Now to turn my powers to good not evil, haha.
Other random thoughts - I hope Brett gets pounded just about as hard as you can without serious mental or permanent physical injury Monday night. I may have to squeeze into my T-Shirt that shrunk such that Little Bit wears it to bed that says "My Favorite Team is the Packers and Whoever Plays the Vikings". Special meaning this year, that. I am hopeful that when we play in Green Bay in November we will win because the "Old Man" doesn't like the cold anymore and has to play in a dome, but I'm not too sure about this one. Like when the "Loins" (t2ed's term) won, if the Packers win this weekend it may be time to "get right with the Lord" (again, his term). It may be the second sign of the apocalypse. Or third, if my power outage is a true sign of my power.
Bg Bit comes tomorrow which means a) Yay, we get to see him! and b) Four weeks until Disneyland and his college visit.
If you haven't yet checked out the Disney Channel's show "Phineas and Ferb", you most definitely should. It's witty for both kids and parents, and features a most awesome band doing its theme song and some of the musical numbers (Love Handel is one of my favorite episodes) - that is - the breathtaking Bowling for Soup. (Cele, Burp would LOVE it if he hasn't seen it already.)
Lastly, I heard this song coming home - how is it that a song that came out when I was but a few months old could be a) so fresh today and b) one of my favorite songs ever, much less of the band who plays it? Enjoy. Hope you're getting some sunshine in too where you are. Oh, it snowed in Utah and I wasn't there. YAY!!! (Pants, Yvette, I know it's pretty but come on.)
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Well, Maybe Not
Well, the Pack is Back may have been premature (but I really wasn't gloating just happy). All I have to say is on 11/1 if the Vikings don't go down the ghost of Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau will rise up and crush Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson.
Go Pack.
In other "news", we're just plugging along. Little Bit is doing exceedingly well in school, even if I do say so myself, we're planning our trip to Disneyland for Big Bit's college research at Concordia Irvine (also known as I GET TO GO TO DISNEYLAND FOR MY BIRTHDAY! WOOT!) and work is work for TH and I. We feel a little lost not being part of the Mothership because there was such a sense of purpose in our work; now we just have jobs. That's harder to adjust to than we thought. Our indoctrination was thorough and complete, obviously.
And, yes, Cele, I will get my 99 things post done by October 30. I promised. I keep my promises (Pastor Grumm's comments at the time of my divorce notwithstanding).
Go Pack.
In other "news", we're just plugging along. Little Bit is doing exceedingly well in school, even if I do say so myself, we're planning our trip to Disneyland for Big Bit's college research at Concordia Irvine (also known as I GET TO GO TO DISNEYLAND FOR MY BIRTHDAY! WOOT!) and work is work for TH and I. We feel a little lost not being part of the Mothership because there was such a sense of purpose in our work; now we just have jobs. That's harder to adjust to than we thought. Our indoctrination was thorough and complete, obviously.
And, yes, Cele, I will get my 99 things post done by October 30. I promised. I keep my promises (Pastor Grumm's comments at the time of my divorce notwithstanding).
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Speech
Okay, my political leanings aren't much of a secret. And I think that's okay. But, I really relate the following because I was so proud of Little Bit that I wanted to burst.
Mom: "Sweetie, did you watch the President's speech today in school?"
Little Bit: "Yes, Mom, we watched it during Music class."
Mom: "What did you think?" (secretly thinking he'd shrug his shoulders and say "whatever")
LB: "It was very interesting, Mom. Even the President, when he was little, felt alone and lonely at school, just like me, but he grew up to be President."
Mom: "Do you feel like that any more? Alone and lonely?"
LB: "Not here, Mom. I feel good here. And I liked that speech."
Awesome.
Mom: "Sweetie, did you watch the President's speech today in school?"
Little Bit: "Yes, Mom, we watched it during Music class."
Mom: "What did you think?" (secretly thinking he'd shrug his shoulders and say "whatever")
LB: "It was very interesting, Mom. Even the President, when he was little, felt alone and lonely at school, just like me, but he grew up to be President."
Mom: "Do you feel like that any more? Alone and lonely?"
LB: "Not here, Mom. I feel good here. And I liked that speech."
Awesome.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Whole Social Networking Thing
So, I deactivated my Facebook account tonight. I did it because a high school boyfriend went from being cute to being a jerk, then a teacher from high school was defending himself against his role in the infamous Jackson Hole High School ski trip in 1982...and trust me, I know the truth on this one as opposed to his version...and I just got tired of people finding me on Facebook. If you've already found me, you no doubt have my e-mail.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Nine Hours and 27 Minutes
For Cele, I post the following which was at my workplace this morning:
Yes, that's the "Ugly Duckling" sitting on a Bronco, along with a "Bucking Bronco" stick horse. Someone offered to put the Duck under the Bronco for me when I mentioned I was taking this for a friend in Oregon. I declined.
I can't wait until this game is over. It's like living in Utah with Utah and BYU in your face all the time. It's great to have school spirit, and I did cheer Boise State on in the Fiesta Bowl. I'm even rooting for Ian Johnson to make the Vikings despite the fact he'll be playing on the same team as Judas Favre. But it's all been a bit much, like it's the Second Coming or some such. Believe it or not, I'm not the only person in town that feels this way. Even some people that didn't attend Nevada or Idaho feel this way.
As promised to friend Steve, Go Ducks. I will say - Good Luck, Broncos.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What I Did On My Summer Vacation
I have been a bad, pathetic, blogger this summer. I don't have much to blame it on per se - Big Bit has been here (but he's 17 and doesn't always want ol' Mom around), Little Bit has been enjoying his first summer vacation ever (but he's 10 and pretty self sufficient, not to mention going to Just For Kids three days a week), Mom moved up which has been fun (but as Big Bit says, it seems like cousin Danny sees her way more than we do), I haven't golfed, I camped exactly once -last weekend - I went on vacation for one week - I went to Alive After 5 a lot - I rode bikes and walked some but that damned plantar fascitis has really cut into my resolution to get fit and healthy. I listened to a lot of jazz at Hotel 43. I saw Curtis Stigers sitting at a table right by me in Bar Gernika. Yes, he is that cute. If you don't know who he is, he's an Idaho treasure and you should check him out.
What else have I been doing? Maybe if I show enough, I will be off the hook for being a bad friend (in some ways) and family member (in other ways). Or maybe not.
We went to Kevin and Sam's wedding. Kevin is my cousin Danny's son. I don't know Danny or any of his family really well, but I love Danny to bits. He was out of touch with our family for many years due to his mom's divorce from my maternal uncle but resurfaced relatively recently and has established contact with us - my Mom and Aunt in particular. I wish we were closer. Kevin is a great guy and his wedding was really neat. Laid back and really of the essence of him from what I know.
What else have I been doing? Maybe if I show enough, I will be off the hook for being a bad friend (in some ways) and family member (in other ways). Or maybe not.
We went to Kevin and Sam's wedding. Kevin is my cousin Danny's son. I don't know Danny or any of his family really well, but I love Danny to bits. He was out of touch with our family for many years due to his mom's divorce from my maternal uncle but resurfaced relatively recently and has established contact with us - my Mom and Aunt in particular. I wish we were closer. Kevin is a great guy and his wedding was really neat. Laid back and really of the essence of him from what I know.
Kevin's sister, Kelli, looks exactly like my cousin Connie who died when I was very small (3?). I remember her vividly because she was simply beautiful and always had these beautifully manicured hands (in my recollection). Plus she really seemed to like me, and for a teenager to really be delighted in me seemed unusual. The first time I saw Kelli was at HER wedding a few years ago and my heart literally caught in my throat. It still does when I see her because I've just never seen that kind of likeness. I always hoped Big Bit would look like his namesake, another cousin of mine, but except for a really pissy impish look he gets when he wants to be cute I haven't seen it.
Another wedding - (boy, with my father in law's escapades it's been a real summer of weddings - Little Bit kept saying "ANOTHER wedding?"). This one was really special though and to Little Bit as well as the rest of us. Our friend R's daughter got married. S was Little Bit's babysitter from when he was 8 weeks old until really just before we moved to Utah (so we could go out on date night) - she was I think almost 13 when she started. She watched Big Bit as well, though we usually spent all of our time with him when he was at our house. Little Bit loved her from day one. When he was two, he'd wander through the house saying shrieking her name at the top of his lungs, so excited was he that she was coming to play with him. She handled him like an expert. He has her senior picture on his bulletin board to this day.
In addition, I got to see my old boss from the Mothership (the Boise one, not SYBIL, for heaven's sake). I love Jenny, I didn't get any pictures of her, but her daughter, another graduate of the University of S babysitting service came to the wedding with her Mom and we got a picture for S to remember her former charges. I also got to have dinner with Jenny the following night and therefore got to enjoy her company and uplifting faith in me. I have the same faith in Jenny. We're neither of us perfect by any means, but we do have faith in each other's possibilities. That is a rare thing.
Little Bit took swimming lessons. He hadn't been to Wings for a few years, and we could never find a place in Utah for him to take lessons, so it was good for him to refresh his knowledge and learn to tread water. He did well and listened so good to the instructor! It's amazing what a few years and some meds have done for his attention span.
Big Bit got his senior photos taken...sigh. I can't post any of them due to copyright issues but you may get to see some of them in an announcement or here if I can get that part resolved. Ouch, said my wallet, but they turned out beautifully. In the meantime, here's "Diddy" in a self portrait. He looks stinkin' grown up and I feel stinkin' old. He got to go to Japan this summer which was a good thing for him. The good thing for me was when he sent an e-mail lamenting we couldn't talk on the phone (he didn't want to take a phone card because his friends weren't calling home) and he wanted to vent about something. And he missed me. It's nice to be needed, isn't it?
We went on vacation on the coast of Oregon with our friends the Hydes. We hadn't gotten to spend this much time with them in eons and it was fun - I think we all enjoyed it enough we'd do it again, eh?
The boys enjoyed the house.
Little Bit and his friend K Hyde had a lot of fun together. One of my favorite photos of them, I think then age 6 and 5 was at the Seattle Aquarium. This one's at the Newport Aquarium and it is very cute as well.
I think there's a picture of us all together - but it's not on my camera - please share Ms. Hyde?
On this trip I also met Cele! We met in the blogosphere a while back and I was excited to meet her, and as an added bonus we also met her husband, Ducky (he is just Ducky too). We all liked meeting Cele and Ducky, though as usual I was somewhat shy at first meeting. Big Bit mentioned just the other day how much he liked Cele. He, too, is somewhat shy at first meeting but we like the same kinds of people generally speaking. Other than the fact she likes the BSU football team for some reason, I thought she was simply awesome.
We went to Shakespeare with Steve, too, and I have a picture of the asshat we sat behind to prove it. (Actually, we went to Shakespeare five times, but once was with Steve, the only time we sat by an asshat...hm....). Since I think it's on my cell phone camera, and since you really don't want to see a picture of him anyway, trust me, with his beer bottles lying everywhere and taking up an acre of ground...but I may add it later. It's the great Idaho land grab, as Steve says. A Shakespearean tradition.
We went to Kaikoa's birthday party. He is Kelli's son, who just turned one, and he is a true Hawaiian (his dad is from Hawaii) - laid back, he all but exudes island charm. He's a cutie.
Now, Big Bit has jetted off to Nevada to start his senior year, we meet Little Bit's teacher tomorrow night and I have as yet not done so, so many things I wanted to do, including keeping in better touch. I'm about to embark on the attempted conquest of a variety of self-improvement projects, much as Little Bit embarks on a conquest of Fifth Grade as Big Bit gets ready to conquer the world. It's time to kick butt and take names, kids. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I Know. I Heard. But Thanks For Pointing It Out.
I really am going to do my "what I did this summer" post, probably this weekend, with pictures to prove that I actually did activities and had fun. In the meantime, I have one thing to say, to quote the "Meat Packers Union" blog: "There is no I in me". And apparently, misquoting old sports adages isn't the only thing wrong with this man. The only thing I would need to add, if I really wanted to get creative, is some horns. I hope you're happy, dude, because you have only yourself to blame.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
I'm Not Dead Yet
Just enjoying the summer and keeping busy with any variety of things. Trying to post pics of some of them this weekend. In the meantime, I'd like to share (in a gently humorous vein) what apparently some of my family want to do to me. Yes, in this scenario, I am Satchel Pooch (in Bucky Katt's worldview, that is, I would say that things are never black and white on either side, which is why, for the most part, I don't flaunt my opinions. Those of you who share gently as well and respect others opinions when in a mixed forum, THANK YOU). Click on the image to get the whole comic - sorry it crops funny.
And in world news of others who have come to their senses, Brett the Jet apparently figured out he's too damn old to play football. And the Vikings STILL suck. I think practice opens in the next few days, yes? I'm ready for football season, though not for summer to be over just yet.
And in world news of others who have come to their senses, Brett the Jet apparently figured out he's too damn old to play football. And the Vikings STILL suck. I think practice opens in the next few days, yes? I'm ready for football season, though not for summer to be over just yet.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Men In My Family
So, I was watching TV (i.e. flipping channels) just now and saw Mac Davis singing a 70's song. It made me think of THIS song, which I affectionately dedicate to my father and my uncle Truman - the people who originally introduced me to this tune. (They were damn funny singing it around the campfire, too).
Love you guys.
Love you guys.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Frazzled
I'm feeling frazzled. Vacation was wonderful, enjoyed the beach, the Hydes and meeting Cele - but haven't had time to post any pics. Got back Friday night (really early Saturday morning), had to get ready for a bbq at our house Saturday night thanks to our friends who had so much fun at the housewarming they decided it would be a great place to see fireworks! (And, it is, it's a walk across the street to the Depot where you have a clear view of the whole show.) We really had fun with everyone (again, so busy no pictures - I have to have a more low-key party) but that meant Sunday we were FRIED and since then it's been work, work and my stressed out stomach keeping me awake nights.
I promise to write more soon and post photos, but in the meantime I appropriated this one - I'm glad I didn't try to take any of the fireworks because mine never turn out and (credit Idaho Statesman) others are much more talented. This literally was the view steps from our house. Boise is AWESOME.
More soon!
I promise to write more soon and post photos, but in the meantime I appropriated this one - I'm glad I didn't try to take any of the fireworks because mine never turn out and (credit Idaho Statesman) others are much more talented. This literally was the view steps from our house. Boise is AWESOME.
More soon!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
I Have An Excuse
I'm on vacation. That's why I haven't blogged. Um, well, except that I just started vacation yesterday and it's been about two weeks since last post. However, as one of my coworkers and I discussed last week (she, too, is off this week), there has been serious vacationitis going on for us for two weeks.
We're going to Oregon with our good friends the Hydes - and, all things coming together and the creek don't rise, I'll get to meet Cele! Hoping to connect with cousin Kristi as well.
But mostly, I'm just going to sit - in a hot tub, in a beach chair in a restaurant booth, with a book or without one and just BE. I never took a break between jobs and although London was wonderful, that sort of trip isn't relaxing. It just can't be done in six days and have any relaxation associated with it! So I'm really looking forward to just being for a while.
Have a great week!
We're going to Oregon with our good friends the Hydes - and, all things coming together and the creek don't rise, I'll get to meet Cele! Hoping to connect with cousin Kristi as well.
But mostly, I'm just going to sit - in a hot tub, in a beach chair in a restaurant booth, with a book or without one and just BE. I never took a break between jobs and although London was wonderful, that sort of trip isn't relaxing. It just can't be done in six days and have any relaxation associated with it! So I'm really looking forward to just being for a while.
Have a great week!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
It's Finally Summer
I can tell summer is finally, finally, here. I'm actually outside much of the time, which wasn't the case in Utah (when you live in the 'burbs where it's 100 degrees or feels like it and there's no shade or real river to cool down in, you don't go out. Trust me). Therefore I'm not blogging much, or commenting on others much (but I do check them). Facebook updates are easy and quick and then I'm out the door again.
We are still working on the boys' bathroom (the project that will never end). I think it's getting done Sunday or TH will be banned from watching NASCAR. That ought to motivate him.
I've managed to sprain my ankle (getting up from lunch, it sucks to get old) and then resprain it walking to my car at work (did I mention it sucks to get old?) but I won't let it deter me from being out, walking, riding a bike etc. Which is probably why I sprained it again. I did buy a brace last night in a nod to getting old and needing to heal.
Our activities so far this summer? Little Bit got to go to an air show in...shudder...Utah. I didn't take him though (Pattie did)so he didn't experience the hives and hyperventilation that would have accompanied his mother's re-entry to the state. And he got to see Grandpa, Pattie and Jazzie in addition to other extended family types. He's enjoying his first real summer break ever.
Of course, TH, Big Bit and I got to see Rick Springfield as well as catch up with a couple of my old Reno friends, Alynn & Stephanie. That was fun. Unfortunately Rick didn't get as close as last time I saw him, so I don't have as good a picture. But Big Bit got to see a bunch of screaming 40 year olds pretend they were age 17 again. Which is never boring. I think he laughed a lot.
We got to see Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, which we hadn't in years.
Big Bit looks so grown up. I hate it.
We've been to the first two Alive After Fives. I absolutely love this event, which is free each Wednesday (at 5, duh) in downtown Boise and gives you the opportunity to listen to interesting music, watch VERY interesting people (the guy in the dress who dances the whole evening, for instance) and for Little Bit to get very, very wet. He almost got to be on the Channel 2 news as well except for the idiots showed the guy in the dress instead of cute kids.
The garden is planted (yay!) and the Irises have bloomed, and faded, but I did get some pictures.
How is your summer going so far?
We are still working on the boys' bathroom (the project that will never end). I think it's getting done Sunday or TH will be banned from watching NASCAR. That ought to motivate him.
I've managed to sprain my ankle (getting up from lunch, it sucks to get old) and then resprain it walking to my car at work (did I mention it sucks to get old?) but I won't let it deter me from being out, walking, riding a bike etc. Which is probably why I sprained it again. I did buy a brace last night in a nod to getting old and needing to heal.
Our activities so far this summer? Little Bit got to go to an air show in...shudder...Utah. I didn't take him though (Pattie did)so he didn't experience the hives and hyperventilation that would have accompanied his mother's re-entry to the state. And he got to see Grandpa, Pattie and Jazzie in addition to other extended family types. He's enjoying his first real summer break ever.
Of course, TH, Big Bit and I got to see Rick Springfield as well as catch up with a couple of my old Reno friends, Alynn & Stephanie. That was fun. Unfortunately Rick didn't get as close as last time I saw him, so I don't have as good a picture. But Big Bit got to see a bunch of screaming 40 year olds pretend they were age 17 again. Which is never boring. I think he laughed a lot.
We got to see Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, which we hadn't in years.
Big Bit looks so grown up. I hate it.
We've been to the first two Alive After Fives. I absolutely love this event, which is free each Wednesday (at 5, duh) in downtown Boise and gives you the opportunity to listen to interesting music, watch VERY interesting people (the guy in the dress who dances the whole evening, for instance) and for Little Bit to get very, very wet. He almost got to be on the Channel 2 news as well except for the idiots showed the guy in the dress instead of cute kids.
The garden is planted (yay!) and the Irises have bloomed, and faded, but I did get some pictures.
And, we've been enjoying this new visitor to our house, however, the bush he prefers is losing its blossoms so we're going to have to put a feeder out. He's just too much fun to watch - I don't want to lose him.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
It's 3 a.m., I must be lonely
Well, 3:44, to be precise, but I had to steal a line from Matchbox Twenty.
If I'm lonely, it's because people aren't supposed to be up at 3 a.m. coughing their lungs out and wishing that Claritin D suddenly came in a new SUPERSIZE edition.
This allergy season has been hell on wheels. I'm afflicted with allergies, but usually with the exception of a week or so in the spring and fall, I'm not overcome. I am this time. I am wondering what is planted in our beautiful yard that I am deathly allergic to. Perhaps God is playing some sort of sick joke on me ("You love this house, but it doesn't love YOU"). Just kidding, but this is really whack, as Whitney Houston would say about crack.
The lack of posting in the last week was due to a) getting ready for the trip and b) being on the trip. I have some pics of Lake Tahoe and my obsession, I just have to quit coughing long enough to download them. And try to be awake enough to go to work tomorrow...I mean today.
All is well, Big Bit looks wonderful and well, of course Rick Springfield did too. Now, if only Heather would see him in the airport again to complete my happy weekend. However, since she's either about to give birth or already has, I'm sure this time Rick was on his own. Especially since he wasn't within 400 miles of Salt Lake City. Neither was I. Bliss.
If I'm lonely, it's because people aren't supposed to be up at 3 a.m. coughing their lungs out and wishing that Claritin D suddenly came in a new SUPERSIZE edition.
This allergy season has been hell on wheels. I'm afflicted with allergies, but usually with the exception of a week or so in the spring and fall, I'm not overcome. I am this time. I am wondering what is planted in our beautiful yard that I am deathly allergic to. Perhaps God is playing some sort of sick joke on me ("You love this house, but it doesn't love YOU"). Just kidding, but this is really whack, as Whitney Houston would say about crack.
The lack of posting in the last week was due to a) getting ready for the trip and b) being on the trip. I have some pics of Lake Tahoe and my obsession, I just have to quit coughing long enough to download them. And try to be awake enough to go to work tomorrow...I mean today.
All is well, Big Bit looks wonderful and well, of course Rick Springfield did too. Now, if only Heather would see him in the airport again to complete my happy weekend. However, since she's either about to give birth or already has, I'm sure this time Rick was on his own. Especially since he wasn't within 400 miles of Salt Lake City. Neither was I. Bliss.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Isn't it Friday Yet?
Here's the sad thing. I had my day off Monday, ended up having a killer allergy attack Tuesday so I was home sick and this is my second day at work this week, yet it seems like the longest. week. ever.
I don't know why - other than the allergies everything's gone well, Scouts is finally over for the summer and there's no homework until the end of school so Little Bit is easily handled but it's just been long.
I think I'm ready for vacation and that isn't for another month.
I guess I'll have to settle for next weekend's festivities. Big Bit is going on vacation with EHFH for two weeks the moment school is out, so we're going to see him in Reno; that way, Mom doesn't have to go more than three weeks without seeing her firstborn (well, I think he misses me too).
During the weekend, Big Bit, TH and I are going to see my obsession. You remember him, don't you?
That's what I thought. Of course you do. He's still better than Aaron Carter.
Happy Memorial Day.
I don't know why - other than the allergies everything's gone well, Scouts is finally over for the summer and there's no homework until the end of school so Little Bit is easily handled but it's just been long.
I think I'm ready for vacation and that isn't for another month.
I guess I'll have to settle for next weekend's festivities. Big Bit is going on vacation with EHFH for two weeks the moment school is out, so we're going to see him in Reno; that way, Mom doesn't have to go more than three weeks without seeing her firstborn (well, I think he misses me too).
During the weekend, Big Bit, TH and I are going to see my obsession. You remember him, don't you?
That's what I thought. Of course you do. He's still better than Aaron Carter.
Happy Memorial Day.
Monday, May 18, 2009
I'm a Survivor
I'm glad it's my off Monday and I don't have anything pressing to do beyond putting in the garden (already 1/2 done) and general housecleaning. We've been pushing so hard getting the house ready for the party last weekend - which I totally FAILED to take pictures of and then this weekend we had another event we had to attend. Yes, I said had to because I think that's how we all felt. Except for Big Bit, who was anticipating a train wreck of family dysfunction in epic proportions. He didn't get it though, everyone was very well behaved.
Let me back up a little bit. I had mentioned a while back that there was something I wasn't too thrilled about and that my opinion might come out on Facebook. That thing was my father in law's pending nuptials. He doesn't read this blog, well, none of TH's family does and that's the way I like it for now. Not that I talk about them, until now anyway.
My mother in law died while we lived in hell, I mean Utah, right before I started this blog. I loved her. She was the BEST mother in law you could ask for (and trust me, the first one I had was the WORST one, so I know what I'm talking about). She was patient, supportive and a great mother and wife and a terrific grandmother. She had opinions, and could voice them with a little biting wit on occasion but usually she just kept her opinion to herself. Actually, she reminded me of my grandmother. I hope they've met by now, they'd get along famously.
So, anyhow, a few months later, TH's dad's best friend died. I loved him. He was a physician, witty, charming, and boy could he flirt! Not in a bad way, but in that fun way when you're talking with someone who really appreciates women and has a great sense of humor. His family was Old Idaho, like mine (only with a lot more money!), in fact his first cousin was the late Senator Frank Church. He was quite a bit older than TH's dad and his health hadn't been good for a while. I'm sure he's charming all the women in heaven now.
As often happens, the widow and widower got together and that, honestly, wouldn't be a problem - except I've never, ever liked her. I just didn't. She was okay, I could deal with her, but if it hadn't been for how much I liked her husband, I would have avoided her as much as possible. I knew TH wasn't thrilled, and he's known her since he was, oh, around 10 years old but I figured that was natural, while my reaction was odd. Surely, I thought, I was the only one that felt this way. Then I had some back and forth with my niece on Facebook wherein she indicated she, too, was not happy. In fact, she conveniently had a reason not to come to the wedding. Hm...
The ceremony took place. TH had to BUY a suit, the first one in his life, for this event. That smacked of fancy, and fancy isn't something that TH is, though he can pull it off, as you'll see. Pretty soon, the more that we heard, fancy started smacking of pretentious. Pretentious isn't something either one of us do well at ALL. It's the reason I will never rise higher in my career than my current level. And I'm okay with that. I'm also okay with the fact I successfully avoided the bachelorette party with lingerie and other things that I won't mention since my aunt reads this blog and she'd wash my mouth out with soap. It's kind of like going to a bachelor/ette party for your parents. Ew.
I did take the opportunity to get a family picture. Everybody looks good, I have to say Big Bit is getting to be a fine looking man. Wah.
My mom had been around TH's parents a lot, and has had a good relationship with his Dad, so she of course had been invited. She wasn't thrilled either, though I think she says she couldn't remember having met the fiancee until last weekend (did I mention the bride to be wore a GOLD JACKET AND TIGHT PANTS TO OUR PARTY? I HAVE WITNESSES). I guess she's heard me complain enough. Thanks Mom.
TH's cousins and their spouses also came and though I've only met them a few times, it was nice to visit with them too, although sadly, they told us that TH's uncle (his Dad's older brother) is nearing the end of his battle with pancreatic cancer. Uncle Al is a great guy, his birthday is a few days before Little Bit's in December and he gave us great advice on how to deal with a birthday so close to Christmas when I was pregnant. He's also fun to golf with. They live in Arizona now, so we haven't seen him or Aunt Gloria for a while but I think of them often.
So, anyway, it all went down, it's over, and now we can go back to being ignored by the happy couple, which, as it turns out from all of the family feedback (we'd never asked before because we were sure we were the only ones who weren't happy) is pretty much what's happening to all of us. It's too damn bad for Grandpa, but there you are. His problem, not ours. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Let me back up a little bit. I had mentioned a while back that there was something I wasn't too thrilled about and that my opinion might come out on Facebook. That thing was my father in law's pending nuptials. He doesn't read this blog, well, none of TH's family does and that's the way I like it for now. Not that I talk about them, until now anyway.
My mother in law died while we lived in hell, I mean Utah, right before I started this blog. I loved her. She was the BEST mother in law you could ask for (and trust me, the first one I had was the WORST one, so I know what I'm talking about). She was patient, supportive and a great mother and wife and a terrific grandmother. She had opinions, and could voice them with a little biting wit on occasion but usually she just kept her opinion to herself. Actually, she reminded me of my grandmother. I hope they've met by now, they'd get along famously.
So, anyhow, a few months later, TH's dad's best friend died. I loved him. He was a physician, witty, charming, and boy could he flirt! Not in a bad way, but in that fun way when you're talking with someone who really appreciates women and has a great sense of humor. His family was Old Idaho, like mine (only with a lot more money!), in fact his first cousin was the late Senator Frank Church. He was quite a bit older than TH's dad and his health hadn't been good for a while. I'm sure he's charming all the women in heaven now.
As often happens, the widow and widower got together and that, honestly, wouldn't be a problem - except I've never, ever liked her. I just didn't. She was okay, I could deal with her, but if it hadn't been for how much I liked her husband, I would have avoided her as much as possible. I knew TH wasn't thrilled, and he's known her since he was, oh, around 10 years old but I figured that was natural, while my reaction was odd. Surely, I thought, I was the only one that felt this way. Then I had some back and forth with my niece on Facebook wherein she indicated she, too, was not happy. In fact, she conveniently had a reason not to come to the wedding. Hm...
The ceremony took place. TH had to BUY a suit, the first one in his life, for this event. That smacked of fancy, and fancy isn't something that TH is, though he can pull it off, as you'll see. Pretty soon, the more that we heard, fancy started smacking of pretentious. Pretentious isn't something either one of us do well at ALL. It's the reason I will never rise higher in my career than my current level. And I'm okay with that. I'm also okay with the fact I successfully avoided the bachelorette party with lingerie and other things that I won't mention since my aunt reads this blog and she'd wash my mouth out with soap. It's kind of like going to a bachelor/ette party for your parents. Ew.
I did take the opportunity to get a family picture. Everybody looks good, I have to say Big Bit is getting to be a fine looking man. Wah.
My mom had been around TH's parents a lot, and has had a good relationship with his Dad, so she of course had been invited. She wasn't thrilled either, though I think she says she couldn't remember having met the fiancee until last weekend (did I mention the bride to be wore a GOLD JACKET AND TIGHT PANTS TO OUR PARTY? I HAVE WITNESSES). I guess she's heard me complain enough. Thanks Mom.
So, off we went to the ceremony and while I knew TH was distracted, I had no idea how bad he was until we came down the hill into Horsehoe Bend...which was NOT where the wedding was. It was in Emmett. He forgot how to get there. Please note, the physician I spoke of was TH's doctor, who lived in Emmett, and he used to go there anytime something was up that required a doctor visit, not to mention the fact they used him as informal tech support for their office. I've been there approximately twice since my freshman year of college when I had a friend who lived there. So I didn't really think about where we were going. Thankfully, there is a road from Horsehoe Bend to Emmett that isn't too long. We got to the site about 15 minutes before the wedding was to start instead of an hour, as planned. Oh well.
TH and his brother in law were best man and groomsman, respectively. We hadn't seen him and TH's sister in over two years. Things got very disjointed and weird once Mama Sue wasn't around. TH and his sister aren't close, mostly because they have very different interests in life but they do love each other. I was surprised at how happy I was to see them. That is a good sign. It was also a good sign when she pointed at the punch bowl and told me, "I have the non-alcoholic drinks" and burst out laughing (unusual for her) when I responded "Today, I HAVE to drink" as I headed for the wine. I think she would have been drinking, if she ever had done so. Hm. Maybe I'm not the only one, I thought.
As I said, TH can pull off fancy. He looked awesome. Thankfully Big Bit was around to tie his necktie for him, because I sure don't know how and obviously neither does he!
TH's grandfather and aunt had come out from Arkansas for the wedding. They are his mom's side of the family, so I was thinking this must mark a sign of approval from them. Based on the conversation TH had with his aunt yesterday - not so much. More proof I'm not alone. Unfortunately, we didn't get pictures of them at the wedding (Big Bit was distracted too) but they're coming over to the house before they head back so I will get some. They are just the nicest people ever.
I will not comment on the following photos. You, dear reader, certainly can though if you wish. I won't repeat what friend Allen said on Facebook. Let me just note it was faboo. Steve muttered something unprintable. Actually it was printable because he said "bleep" instead of the bad word, but I forget exactly what his utterance was.
TH's cousins and their spouses also came and though I've only met them a few times, it was nice to visit with them too, although sadly, they told us that TH's uncle (his Dad's older brother) is nearing the end of his battle with pancreatic cancer. Uncle Al is a great guy, his birthday is a few days before Little Bit's in December and he gave us great advice on how to deal with a birthday so close to Christmas when I was pregnant. He's also fun to golf with. They live in Arizona now, so we haven't seen him or Aunt Gloria for a while but I think of them often.
So, anyway, it all went down, it's over, and now we can go back to being ignored by the happy couple, which, as it turns out from all of the family feedback (we'd never asked before because we were sure we were the only ones who weren't happy) is pretty much what's happening to all of us. It's too damn bad for Grandpa, but there you are. His problem, not ours. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Life is Interesting
Life is interesting, as we all know. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in not.
Good ways:
Good ways:
- We had a great housewarming party, lots of family and friends including Ben & Yvette who got the prize for farthest traveled - from Utah Valley, as a matter of fact. Good to see them and I'm so glad you guys liked Boise!
- There's only two weeks of school left. I'm looking forward to a summer that really IS a summer with Little Bit. He's always attended year-round schools and there is nothing harder than explaining to a little boy why it's 90 degrees out and sunny and he has to go to BED instead of playing in the sprinkler, or what-not.
- I've decided to adopt a new life-style. I refuse to call it a diet, so that way it stays on the good side of the list.
- Big Bit will be here Friday for the weekend. Yay!
- Last but certainly not least, Dad had surgery Tuesday to take care of the thing that was causing his staph infection. He is home and doing as well as he can be. Big prayers that the infection will GO and he can get all the way better. Finally.
Bad ways:
- There are still boxes in my garage and I can't park in it. Sigh.
- It's cloudy and kind of yucky today. I WANT SPRING OVER. NOW.
- While I desperately try to get organized at work, a wave of disorganization is working against me. That is all I can say.
- The Husband has to wear the following this weekend. Don't ask. It will all be explained later this weekend in another post, if only cryptically.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Lots To Do - No Time To Do It
I'm hyperventilating already about what has to get done in the next 36 hours. Some of it me, some of it The Husband:
1) Work (at work). Lots to do. If I don't get this place organized I'm going to commit hari-kari. Or however you spell it.
2) Little Bit's concert - 4th grade is playing their recorders this afternoon, so must leave #1 to attend this.
3) Mow lawn and pull weeds. After what feels like two straight weeks of rain (and I think it damn near has been), both are out of control. Thankfully we don't have a lot of grass but we do have a lot of landscape that apparently didn't have weedblock.
4) Finish boys' bathroom. Starting to do his part at 4 p.m. LAST SUNDAY has not helped The Husband be on top of things. I can't really finish painting until he's out of there. This should be interesting because...
5) Get ready for housewarming party starting at 5 p.m. Saturday. Several tasks associated with this - give the house a good thorough vacuuming, dusting, cleaning, pick up rental chairs, snacks and drinks at Costco (thank God for Costco), finish PAINTING THE BATHROOM (argh!), put the door on the laundry room, unpacking the last few boxes that are littering the house, and I'm sure other things I've forgotten.
6) Oh, yeah, figure out something for my Mom for Mother's Day.
I feel tired now. I need a nap. And it's only 8:30 a.m.
On a good note, friends Ben and Yvette are coming from Utah to the party. They've never been to Boise, so I hope they're as impressed with it as we are. Either way, it will be good to see them.
My hard drive is crashed, so I have to reinstall my photo software on another computer to be able to download photos. But I plan on doing that too!
Have a good weekend!
1) Work (at work). Lots to do. If I don't get this place organized I'm going to commit hari-kari. Or however you spell it.
2) Little Bit's concert - 4th grade is playing their recorders this afternoon, so must leave #1 to attend this.
3) Mow lawn and pull weeds. After what feels like two straight weeks of rain (and I think it damn near has been), both are out of control. Thankfully we don't have a lot of grass but we do have a lot of landscape that apparently didn't have weedblock.
4) Finish boys' bathroom. Starting to do his part at 4 p.m. LAST SUNDAY has not helped The Husband be on top of things. I can't really finish painting until he's out of there. This should be interesting because...
5) Get ready for housewarming party starting at 5 p.m. Saturday. Several tasks associated with this - give the house a good thorough vacuuming, dusting, cleaning, pick up rental chairs, snacks and drinks at Costco (thank God for Costco), finish PAINTING THE BATHROOM (argh!), put the door on the laundry room, unpacking the last few boxes that are littering the house, and I'm sure other things I've forgotten.
6) Oh, yeah, figure out something for my Mom for Mother's Day.
I feel tired now. I need a nap. And it's only 8:30 a.m.
On a good note, friends Ben and Yvette are coming from Utah to the party. They've never been to Boise, so I hope they're as impressed with it as we are. Either way, it will be good to see them.
My hard drive is crashed, so I have to reinstall my photo software on another computer to be able to download photos. But I plan on doing that too!
Have a good weekend!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
You Know You're A Geek If....
You show up to the new "Star Trek" movie in costume, as an online poll found 10% of people were planning.
I'm just sayin'.
Live long and prosper.
I'm just sayin'.
Live long and prosper.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Just Call Me "Lucky"
I don't feel lucky right now...nope, I don't.
My beloved grandmother passed away this week. She was 91 years old. As I said to my dad, I get that she was "old". I know she had a lot of health issues. But I wasn't ready for her to go. She was.
I get that. She missed my grandfather, who passed on several years ago, immensely. They had that marriage where you go "Oh, I get it, this is how it's supposed to work" even though they weren't terribly demonstrative with each other. They were, however, very cute together. He would tease her and she would laugh.
She hadn't felt well for a long time. She'd had some falls and some broken bones that any of us would have probably just given up over. She didn't, until now.
I, of all of her grandchildren, was one of the luckiest (and yes I'll argue with y'all about this). I lived next door to my grandmother for several years. Because of that, I spent a lot of time with her, from the time I was a toddler. She watched me while my parents worked, she taught me to read at age 3, she's the reason I graduated from high school when I was 16 - because when I got to school, I was already through first grade. She had been a teacher prior to her marriage, having graduated from teacher's college and then taught, met my grandfather, got married and kept teaching - just in a different way.
She was a generous, loving, Christian woman, really the best example of such a person. When my great-aunt died suddenly shortly after giving birth to her third child, she took on the care for the newborn son and raised him to adulthood, as well as caring for his older brother and sister in varying ways at varying times. They were always my aunt and uncles and there were no differences to her (and therefore to anyone else) between them and the children she gave birth to herself. She loved to read, she loved her family, she had a bit of a temper (strawberry blond hair wasn't there for nothing!) that she kept firmly in check 99.9% of the time, and I was incredibly lucky to have had her in my life. And I miss her.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A New MeMe
A new meme! I need to get Little Bit's prize winning run at the Pinewood Derby loaded but for now - here I am. Thanks Cele for the new meme!
A through Z--- get to know me!
A - Age: 42.5
B - Bed Size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: Folding laundry
D - Dog's name: AKC name - Tequila's Margarita, or Rita, or Pookums
E - Essential start your day item: Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Energy Body Wash
F - Favorite color: Blue
G - Gold or Silver: Both
H - Height: 5'7"
I - Instruments you play(ed): Trumpet, Trombone - quit playing sophmore year of high school but I loved playing the trumpet. I refused to join marching band though when I switched schools. Nerdy uniforms.
J - Job title: Group Insurance Manager. Damn right it sounds boring.
K - Kid(s): Two
L - Living arrangements: Married, most of the time happily!
M - Mom's name: Mom! Well, Pam, if you want to be technical.
N - Nicknames: I think the only one that's stuck is Nae or Nae Nae. (My middle name is Renee. My cousin likes to torment me. That is all.)
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth (mine and the boys): None, thankfully.
P - Pet Peeve: Oh, have I got a list. But I'd have to say the biggest pet peeve I have is people who can't think outside the box. Oh, and Utah drivers.
Q - Quote from a movie: "My hate keeps me warm" - C. Thomas Howell, "Red Dawn".
R - Right or left handed: Left
S - Siblings: Just me!
T - Time you wake up: When do I wake up or when does the alarm go off? They are way different things.
U- Underwear: Victoria's Secret cotton panties. Must have.
V - Vegetable you dislike: Squash.
W - Ways you run late: My Husband. Literally, the man was probably born late.
X - X-rays you've had: Chest (pneumonia), Teeth
Y - Yummy food you make: Spaghetti, Seafood Pasta, Stuffed Bell Peppers, Meatloaf (yes, my meatloaf IS yummy).
Z - Zoo - Boise. We now have giraffes and lions!
A through Z--- get to know me!
A - Age: 42.5
B - Bed Size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: Folding laundry
D - Dog's name: AKC name - Tequila's Margarita, or Rita, or Pookums
E - Essential start your day item: Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Energy Body Wash
F - Favorite color: Blue
G - Gold or Silver: Both
H - Height: 5'7"
I - Instruments you play(ed): Trumpet, Trombone - quit playing sophmore year of high school but I loved playing the trumpet. I refused to join marching band though when I switched schools. Nerdy uniforms.
J - Job title: Group Insurance Manager. Damn right it sounds boring.
K - Kid(s): Two
L - Living arrangements: Married, most of the time happily!
M - Mom's name: Mom! Well, Pam, if you want to be technical.
N - Nicknames: I think the only one that's stuck is Nae or Nae Nae. (My middle name is Renee. My cousin likes to torment me. That is all.)
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth (mine and the boys): None, thankfully.
P - Pet Peeve: Oh, have I got a list. But I'd have to say the biggest pet peeve I have is people who can't think outside the box. Oh, and Utah drivers.
Q - Quote from a movie: "My hate keeps me warm" - C. Thomas Howell, "Red Dawn".
R - Right or left handed: Left
S - Siblings: Just me!
T - Time you wake up: When do I wake up or when does the alarm go off? They are way different things.
U- Underwear: Victoria's Secret cotton panties. Must have.
V - Vegetable you dislike: Squash.
W - Ways you run late: My Husband. Literally, the man was probably born late.
X - X-rays you've had: Chest (pneumonia), Teeth
Y - Yummy food you make: Spaghetti, Seafood Pasta, Stuffed Bell Peppers, Meatloaf (yes, my meatloaf IS yummy).
Z - Zoo - Boise. We now have giraffes and lions!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Spring
Both because Cele said "show me your flowers" or something along those lines and because I'm going to start posting pics of the house as we get it closer to Housewarming, here's a picture of our backyard, well, part of it anyway.
The person who owned this house before us did a great job of landscaping and planting bulbs. I've never been patient enough to plant bulbs so this may be the last year the yard looks like this. But we'll see.
We're off to the Pinewood Derby tonight, Little Bit is fully prepared for his 2nd annual run for the money. Or the trophy. Whatever. As my sister Ms. Hyde says, "It's that time of year and we're all burned out on Scouts". I know I am, I will be glad when Little Bit shuts down for the Summer. This may cause a fainting spell, but other than the weird Mormon prayers, I kind of like how the Ward did it compared to how disorganized things are here. But no, we're not going to the local Ward Scout troop. I've heard enough Mormon prayers for a lifetime, thankyouverymuch.
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Dilemma...or, I've done it to myself again
I started Facebooking a couple of weeks ago (as most of you know, since most of you are my family and you're about the only people who speak to me. Kidding.)
I've connected with Cele there as well as here, and family, some friends from the old Mothership as well as my beloved niece (well, The Husband's niece but I claim her too), who due to some rather undefined family strains (not between her and us) we haven't seen in a couple of years and have only talked to on the phone a couple of times.
And now, the dilemma. Someone's found me through Facebook. It's someone who at another time in my life I'd have be delighted to accept as a friend, if our situation and relationship was as I would imagine it would be. This person isn't family, in the sense that we're blood related and it isn't any of YOU, because you're reading this blog so I've had a relationship with you in some way or another (even if it's only via Internet). This person has made it clear we're certainly not friends, in a really passive aggressive way, for a lot of years now but due to circumstances we had to be in the same place at the same time for years but not lately.
It may open up my true opinion on some things to this person and then I might get TH in trouble with his family because I might reveal how he feels about certain things that he would share with this person if he felt so inclined. But he doesn't. And it's not my place to share it with anyone (other than I do vent to my sainted mother).
So, I guess I'm going to accept this person as a friend, be myself and see what happens. Maybe, ultimately, some fences will be mended. My opinions may creep out. If it does, I'm ready to stand by my right to have opinions. In this respect, I have nothing to be but myself.
If you're on Facebook with me and you figure out who I'm writing about, please keep it off that forum. The person in question obviously does not read my blog.
Rant over.
I've connected with Cele there as well as here, and family, some friends from the old Mothership as well as my beloved niece (well, The Husband's niece but I claim her too), who due to some rather undefined family strains (not between her and us) we haven't seen in a couple of years and have only talked to on the phone a couple of times.
And now, the dilemma. Someone's found me through Facebook. It's someone who at another time in my life I'd have be delighted to accept as a friend, if our situation and relationship was as I would imagine it would be. This person isn't family, in the sense that we're blood related and it isn't any of YOU, because you're reading this blog so I've had a relationship with you in some way or another (even if it's only via Internet). This person has made it clear we're certainly not friends, in a really passive aggressive way, for a lot of years now but due to circumstances we had to be in the same place at the same time for years but not lately.
It may open up my true opinion on some things to this person and then I might get TH in trouble with his family because I might reveal how he feels about certain things that he would share with this person if he felt so inclined. But he doesn't. And it's not my place to share it with anyone (other than I do vent to my sainted mother).
So, I guess I'm going to accept this person as a friend, be myself and see what happens. Maybe, ultimately, some fences will be mended. My opinions may creep out. If it does, I'm ready to stand by my right to have opinions. In this respect, I have nothing to be but myself.
If you're on Facebook with me and you figure out who I'm writing about, please keep it off that forum. The person in question obviously does not read my blog.
Rant over.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Why Am I So Tired?
I know why I'm so tired. I keep cramming everything in to a too-short time period then being exhausted from all the effort.
Case in point - I tried to take down the border of wallpaper in Little Bit's bathroom today. I know that a true fiend put up this wallpaper, because Little Bit's room was horrendous. However, I bravely attempted it, thinking, "Oh, it's just a border". A border put up by Satan himself, my friends. It's mostly down now but it really took up most of the day.
A day in which I needed to catch up on laundry, housework, try to get my profile set on the new Wii Fit (I know, just what the boys needed, more electronics but Mom went along with it because she got a Fit), go to a meeting at Little Bit's school (he is doing TREMENDOUSLY well here, it's a true blessing that we got the school we got), grocery shopping, dinner cooked and get ready for Scouts. Like I said, I know why I'm tired.
As well, we were out of town most of the weekend because TH, Big Bit and Little Bit had all never been to Yellowstone. I figured that the Bits were understandable but who has ever heard of a 45 year old man who lived all of his life 6 hours from Yellowstone who'd never been there? So we went, and it was beautiful. Lots of snow still, but we saw some animals - no bears, boo!
The boys enjoyed it, overall, even with being in the car for hours. I was impressed with how well they got along.
Case in point - I tried to take down the border of wallpaper in Little Bit's bathroom today. I know that a true fiend put up this wallpaper, because Little Bit's room was horrendous. However, I bravely attempted it, thinking, "Oh, it's just a border". A border put up by Satan himself, my friends. It's mostly down now but it really took up most of the day.
A day in which I needed to catch up on laundry, housework, try to get my profile set on the new Wii Fit (I know, just what the boys needed, more electronics but Mom went along with it because she got a Fit), go to a meeting at Little Bit's school (he is doing TREMENDOUSLY well here, it's a true blessing that we got the school we got), grocery shopping, dinner cooked and get ready for Scouts. Like I said, I know why I'm tired.
As well, we were out of town most of the weekend because TH, Big Bit and Little Bit had all never been to Yellowstone. I figured that the Bits were understandable but who has ever heard of a 45 year old man who lived all of his life 6 hours from Yellowstone who'd never been there? So we went, and it was beautiful. Lots of snow still, but we saw some animals - no bears, boo!
The boys enjoyed it, overall, even with being in the car for hours. I was impressed with how well they got along.
Pictures to come of more, but this is what I could get out for now - time to go have a glass of wine and a deep breath before dealing with thirteen 10-11 year olds at Scouts. Whew.
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