She is coming.
This week-end.
There are two young ladies in my life who are like my own children.
Child(ren) of my heart, but not of my womb. Although I don't really think the womb makes that much difference. They are still mine. I will share. Read on.
The oldest, she is so much like her father, both in appearance and oh so under the radar snarky humor. She is quietly, charmingly witty And beautiful, classic, very old world beauty. She looks like a Dutch master painting. And when she feels comfortable with you, the full measure of her intelligence and her charm astound you.
The youngest, she is an artist. A dreamer. A writer. She is also a beauty.... like her mother. And if her beauty was only at the surface, it would merely stop you in your tracks. But it is what lies beneath that takes your breath away.
These two are going to make the world a better place. They are the daughters I did not have.
I always knew I wanted children. Even at the age of 12, I knew I wanted to be a mom. And I always, always wanted boys. And I got my heart's desire with BamBam and Thumper.
But before that, I was given what I needed.
Girls.
These girls? These children of my heart?
They were given to me by their mother, my dear friend of 20 years.
They arrived on the scene years before my raucous posse of boy-men invaded my realm.
I was there, waiting for them to come home, when they were born.
I held their tiny newborn heads in my hands and marvelled at the elegant length of their fingers and their rosy red lips and the sheer perfection of their newborn skin.
With the youngest, DH and other friends made a mad dash to finish up her nursery 24 hours before she was due home.
We called it "Operation Laying the Floors while They're at the Doors"
We've had a lot of fun with that one through the years. Especially since her daddy is a minister at a growing Presbyterian church and her mom is in her last year of seminary. These two, this couple, are and will always be a rockin team. Two for one never had so much meaning.
But I digress, back to "my" girls.
I held their fingers as they toddled. I swayed and rocked with them when they were fretful and their parents were tired. I played endless make believe games and cuddled with them in the pews of church while they drew me works of art that still hang in my office.
My long hair has been styled more ways than J-Lo's.
I have watched their fingers dance across a piano and their bodies skip across a stage.
I've listened to their voices soar in children's choir. And I still try to listen, really listen as they share with me, their fears and dreams.
It is such an awesome responsibility and privilege to share this journey with them. These children of my heart.
And now my "baby" girl is coming for the week-end, from a distance of only 1.5 hours away. Because she needs to be reminded that she is still special and unique and precious, despite being supplanted as the "baby", by a BOY, no less!!!!
So we shall go and get a pedicure, and have tea, window shop, make art and just be girls.
And we will also...............
talk about the day she came home from the hospital
and the day she first sang in the choir
and the art that still hangs in my office
and the place she has in my life.
And I'm sure someone's hair is not going to look like it did on Friday!
And she will always, and forever be....a child of my heart.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Who needs lead time
for a birthday party when your mom can create invites like this?
(Maybe I SHOULD make a layout of all their summer birthday invites. If I could just find them!)
and the layout? It's already done (in my head at least). Invite on the right, photo on left, very CZ.
I bow to the wonderfulness that is my graphic designer friend!
(Maybe I SHOULD make a layout of all their summer birthday invites. If I could just find them!)
and the layout? It's already done (in my head at least). Invite on the right, photo on left, very CZ.
I bow to the wonderfulness that is my graphic designer friend!
Monday, June 19, 2006
The "Bug"
I've got it. I don't know quite what to do with it. But I tell you it has hit me hard and fast.
That would be THE decorating bug, or redecorating bug.
No piece of furniture or blank wall is safe in this house.
And my kids are willing enablers.
"Mommy? Can I paint my room next week-end?"
"Mom, I want to move my furniture. Look, I drew it all out. Will it fit?"
Next week-end....Benjamin Moore's Soft Pumpkin is slated to hit mine and DH's bedroom walls. We are going for a simple Zen like Asian feel.
The boy's bathroom is going to get a coat of Marine Blue.
God only knows what will hit the walls the week-end after that.
Change....color....it is a GOOD thing!
That would be THE decorating bug, or redecorating bug.
No piece of furniture or blank wall is safe in this house.
And my kids are willing enablers.
"Mommy? Can I paint my room next week-end?"
"Mom, I want to move my furniture. Look, I drew it all out. Will it fit?"
Next week-end....Benjamin Moore's Soft Pumpkin is slated to hit mine and DH's bedroom walls. We are going for a simple Zen like Asian feel.
The boy's bathroom is going to get a coat of Marine Blue.
God only knows what will hit the walls the week-end after that.
Change....color....it is a GOOD thing!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Father's Day Recap
(as told by the wife)
Sleep in.
Sleep in some more.
Sniff, sniff. UUUUHHHMMMM, that's DW makes cinnamon chocolate chip waffles. Yawn, stretch, stumble downstairs. First bite....sigh....yummy.
Drink coffee. Uhhhmmmm, sigh. Blink, blink. ( Jake did what??? He ate your Tevas???? Sigh)
Open gifts. Get teary over handmade accordion fold card made by DW and sons.
Go to TarJay with family. Buy new vacuum. WEEHOO, DW loves new vacuum (and secretly so do I. It does everything except balance the check book. And with a couple of modifications could probably do basic algorithms)
Go grocery shopping with family. Steak, potatoes, corn, asparagus all to be roasted to nutty perfection by DW.
Come home. Assemble and help DW test drive new vacuum through out house. (I'm the heavy lifter, ie mover of furniture)
DUHHHHHAYYYYYYM, there's enough dog hair in that dump filter to knit a sweater.
Rearrange furniture in master bedroom at behest of DW. Why? You have to ask why???? Oh hey, sweeeeeeeeeet, bonus!! Can get into bed without banging shin on bureau.
But wait! It's change and change is not good, unless DW tells you it is good. Then you pretend it is good, until you forget that it wasn't always good. And then...wait...what was the question anyway???
Watch US Open while snuggling on sofa with sons. Tiger didn't make the cut, first Father's Day without his dad. Too much pressure this year. He'll come back. He's a dad now too.
Eat roasted to perfection dinner in front of TV, watching US Open and snuggling sons on sofa. SWWWWEEEEEETTT!
Go see my Dad with gifts and really cool handmade card made by DW. Does your DW make handmade Father's Day cards for you to give to your Dad? Bonus points for me!
And the night is still young.
It's good to be a dad.
(or at least that's MY interpretation of his day)
Sleep in.
Sleep in some more.
Sniff, sniff. UUUUHHHMMMM, that's DW makes cinnamon chocolate chip waffles. Yawn, stretch, stumble downstairs. First bite....sigh....yummy.
Drink coffee. Uhhhmmmm, sigh. Blink, blink. ( Jake did what??? He ate your Tevas???? Sigh)
Open gifts. Get teary over handmade accordion fold card made by DW and sons.
Go to TarJay with family. Buy new vacuum. WEEHOO, DW loves new vacuum (and secretly so do I. It does everything except balance the check book. And with a couple of modifications could probably do basic algorithms)
Go grocery shopping with family. Steak, potatoes, corn, asparagus all to be roasted to nutty perfection by DW.
Come home. Assemble and help DW test drive new vacuum through out house. (I'm the heavy lifter, ie mover of furniture)
DUHHHHHAYYYYYYM, there's enough dog hair in that dump filter to knit a sweater.
Rearrange furniture in master bedroom at behest of DW. Why? You have to ask why???? Oh hey, sweeeeeeeeeet, bonus!! Can get into bed without banging shin on bureau.
But wait! It's change and change is not good, unless DW tells you it is good. Then you pretend it is good, until you forget that it wasn't always good. And then...wait...what was the question anyway???
Watch US Open while snuggling on sofa with sons. Tiger didn't make the cut, first Father's Day without his dad. Too much pressure this year. He'll come back. He's a dad now too.
Eat roasted to perfection dinner in front of TV, watching US Open and snuggling sons on sofa. SWWWWEEEEEETTT!
Go see my Dad with gifts and really cool handmade card made by DW. Does your DW make handmade Father's Day cards for you to give to your Dad? Bonus points for me!
And the night is still young.
It's good to be a dad.
(or at least that's MY interpretation of his day)
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
True Blue
True blue
What does that mean to you?
from dictionary.com it means
Loyal, faithful, as in You can count on her support; she's true blue. This expression alludes to the idea of blue being the color of constancy, but the exact allusion is disputed. One theory holds it alludes to the unchanging blue sky, another to the fastness of a blue dye that will not run. Blue has been the identifying color of various factions in history. In the mid-1600s the Scottish Covenanters, who pledged to uphold Presbyterianism, were called true blue (as opposed to red, the color of the royalists). In the 1800s the same term came to mean "staunchly Tory," and in America, "politically sound."
I'm a word geek. I love words. I love the nuances. I love how, with just the right word, you can say so much, with so little.
Which brings me to the word or should I say phrase of the day.
True Blue.
First of all I LOVE the Scottish connection. WOOT...shoutout to my daddy's side of the family.
So why this phrase?
Because my boys brought home the hardware or software in the form of ribbons, from last night's swim meet. My boys? They placed first in every single event in which they were entered. 4 blue ribbons each.
And because my boys showed me once again how much heart, how true blue, they are at their core.
I can't take too much credit here, or can I?
I really think most of what they are...it is innate and I should be used to this by now. Yes Lisa, you have fish for children. They come by it honestly. Yes Lisa, your boys seem to have some internal moral compass that you support.
Okay so that's the nature.
And then there's the nurture, which I and their daddy and extended family and caregivers and so on and so forth can totally take credit for collectively as a whole.
Nature vs Nurture. Why is this an either or? It's not. It's a delicate dance between the two.
A delicate dance that takes my breath away.
Swim team. It's just summer league folks, I know that. But there are some seriously powerful life lessons bubbling to the surface, along the rough and wet decks of any neighborhood pool, on any given evening on swim meet nights.
Watching my boys? It's how I think I would feel if I could swim with dolphins. (strangely enough that's our team mascot)
They are so sure of their strength and their ability, my boys.
The leap off the block, the arch as they parallel the surface, the slice through the water, the smooth, powerful stroke of their little boys arms. It is pure bliss to behold.
Bliss I tell you. Bliss and awe. THAT was formed in my womb? THAT carries my DNA? THAT is it's OWN complete and totally unique being? ROCK ON!
Mommy induced hormone seque over, we return to present day.
It is what happens after the race that inspires this blogging moment(s)
When my little boys drape their arms around their team mates who didn't win and say "You ALMOST beat me and I bet you might beat me next time."
When one of my boys hears another team mate start a little "trash" talkin about the other team (we're undefeated)and steps in and says,"It's not nice to say mean things. I have friends on that team"
Followed by, just so you know my kids, like their momma are NOT perfect "Did I say you could play with my Gameboy? NO! GIVE it to me MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"
When through sheer will, your boys swim up an age level in a relay, and win some critical points for the team. "Sure Coach Celeste. I'll swim. What stroke am I doing? Am I only going 25 yards? Okay cool. Can I throw you in the pool if we win??"
That's heart.
That's strength.
THAT'S true blue.
What does that mean to you?
from dictionary.com it means
Loyal, faithful, as in You can count on her support; she's true blue. This expression alludes to the idea of blue being the color of constancy, but the exact allusion is disputed. One theory holds it alludes to the unchanging blue sky, another to the fastness of a blue dye that will not run. Blue has been the identifying color of various factions in history. In the mid-1600s the Scottish Covenanters, who pledged to uphold Presbyterianism, were called true blue (as opposed to red, the color of the royalists). In the 1800s the same term came to mean "staunchly Tory," and in America, "politically sound."
I'm a word geek. I love words. I love the nuances. I love how, with just the right word, you can say so much, with so little.
Which brings me to the word or should I say phrase of the day.
True Blue.
First of all I LOVE the Scottish connection. WOOT...shoutout to my daddy's side of the family.
So why this phrase?
Because my boys brought home the hardware or software in the form of ribbons, from last night's swim meet. My boys? They placed first in every single event in which they were entered. 4 blue ribbons each.
And because my boys showed me once again how much heart, how true blue, they are at their core.
I can't take too much credit here, or can I?
I really think most of what they are...it is innate and I should be used to this by now. Yes Lisa, you have fish for children. They come by it honestly. Yes Lisa, your boys seem to have some internal moral compass that you support.
Okay so that's the nature.
And then there's the nurture, which I and their daddy and extended family and caregivers and so on and so forth can totally take credit for collectively as a whole.
Nature vs Nurture. Why is this an either or? It's not. It's a delicate dance between the two.
A delicate dance that takes my breath away.
Swim team. It's just summer league folks, I know that. But there are some seriously powerful life lessons bubbling to the surface, along the rough and wet decks of any neighborhood pool, on any given evening on swim meet nights.
Watching my boys? It's how I think I would feel if I could swim with dolphins. (strangely enough that's our team mascot)
They are so sure of their strength and their ability, my boys.
The leap off the block, the arch as they parallel the surface, the slice through the water, the smooth, powerful stroke of their little boys arms. It is pure bliss to behold.
Bliss I tell you. Bliss and awe. THAT was formed in my womb? THAT carries my DNA? THAT is it's OWN complete and totally unique being? ROCK ON!
Mommy induced hormone seque over, we return to present day.
It is what happens after the race that inspires this blogging moment(s)
When my little boys drape their arms around their team mates who didn't win and say "You ALMOST beat me and I bet you might beat me next time."
When one of my boys hears another team mate start a little "trash" talkin about the other team (we're undefeated)and steps in and says,"It's not nice to say mean things. I have friends on that team"
Followed by, just so you know my kids, like their momma are NOT perfect "Did I say you could play with my Gameboy? NO! GIVE it to me MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"
When through sheer will, your boys swim up an age level in a relay, and win some critical points for the team. "Sure Coach Celeste. I'll swim. What stroke am I doing? Am I only going 25 yards? Okay cool. Can I throw you in the pool if we win??"
That's heart.
That's strength.
THAT'S true blue.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Evite
Evite.com......what in the world did I do before you came into my life??!!
I LOVE evite!!
You would think for a girl that loves all things paper that an electronic email invitation would be the last thing that would tickle my fancy.
But tickle it does! Honestly, when you are inviting LARGE numbers of people to parties and you have LOTS of parties, the amount you save in postage and cards alone is enough to buy a keg of beer or case of wine for every party or mucho primo cheese!
And then there's the whole instant gratification thing of knowing when people have VIEWED your invite and then all the glorious email responses!!
Oh....and no more, lost in the mail, hurt feelings, etc.
If I see someone hasn't viewed it within a week of it going out, I call them and say "Hey, girlfriend, check your dang email every once in awhile" HEH
Right now in my rotation, I have Connor's "Pieces O' Eight" Pirate Birthday party, a Wednesday night cook-out and a Meet & Greet at the pool for our House of Representatives rep.
Full email inbox....makes me happy!
I LOVE evite!!
You would think for a girl that loves all things paper that an electronic email invitation would be the last thing that would tickle my fancy.
But tickle it does! Honestly, when you are inviting LARGE numbers of people to parties and you have LOTS of parties, the amount you save in postage and cards alone is enough to buy a keg of beer or case of wine for every party or mucho primo cheese!
And then there's the whole instant gratification thing of knowing when people have VIEWED your invite and then all the glorious email responses!!
Oh....and no more, lost in the mail, hurt feelings, etc.
If I see someone hasn't viewed it within a week of it going out, I call them and say "Hey, girlfriend, check your dang email every once in awhile" HEH
Right now in my rotation, I have Connor's "Pieces O' Eight" Pirate Birthday party, a Wednesday night cook-out and a Meet & Greet at the pool for our House of Representatives rep.
Full email inbox....makes me happy!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Football?
So here in this region known as the Deep South of the good ole U S of A, we have this thang called Football.
Which involves lots of big boys/men smashing into each other, whilst legions of hardcore fans engage in professional drinking contests, high priced haggling over tickets and debates over who has the most kick ass tailgate spread.
Then we have the rest of the world.
As in World Cup....soccer as we like to call it across the pond.
And lest you think that we, in the land of Dixie, are completely ignorant bafoons, "football" south of the Mason Dixon line is hotter than a wool coat on a July day.
Case in point.
Hubby goes to play church league softball today at a big sports complex that is usually also teeming with similarily age specific soccer players.
Today? Nadda. They are all at home, coozie in hand (one would presume) watching the World Cup.
At least according to the folks who run said primo sports facility.
HEH
Today.... US of A vs the Czech Republic 12PM EST ABC
Play on!
Which involves lots of big boys/men smashing into each other, whilst legions of hardcore fans engage in professional drinking contests, high priced haggling over tickets and debates over who has the most kick ass tailgate spread.
Then we have the rest of the world.
As in World Cup....soccer as we like to call it across the pond.
And lest you think that we, in the land of Dixie, are completely ignorant bafoons, "football" south of the Mason Dixon line is hotter than a wool coat on a July day.
Case in point.
Hubby goes to play church league softball today at a big sports complex that is usually also teeming with similarily age specific soccer players.
Today? Nadda. They are all at home, coozie in hand (one would presume) watching the World Cup.
At least according to the folks who run said primo sports facility.
HEH
Today.... US of A vs the Czech Republic 12PM EST ABC
Play on!
Ticket to Ride
So I'm sitting here rifling through this PILE of invites my kiddos have received for summer birthday parties, class get togethers, scouting soirees and I start thinking to myself (which is kind of a dangerous thing)
Self? When did your offspring start having a more active social life than you have?
And then I remembered, it all started with "play dates" And that was SEVEN years ago for my oldest son.
Which started me on two random yet completely related stream of consciousness meanderings.
Play dates. Can I tell you how ridiculous that whole phrase sounds?
Play dates??? When I was gowing up, we didn't have play dates. We met in the cul de sac every morning in the summer or during the school year after 3pm and planned our own "play dates".
Reality check. I know that it's a scary world. Always has been. And I know things have changed, but not as much as lots of folks seem to think. Long conversations with my parents and inlaws have given me insight on that one.
So I made a decision this summer....to let go.
And what does that mean?
It means my kids can walk down the street to the cul de sac (after telling me where they are going) and play, coming back when they are ready.
It means they can ride their bikes on our street without me sitting at the top of the driveway watching.
It means they can head off to the pool on foot, scooter or bike (with me 5 minutes behind)
I'm letting go, which means............
Change
My oldest will be 10 in a few short months.
How did that happen?
Of course I KNOW how it happened. I just can't seem to remember when. All I have are the lyrics from Aerosmith's "Don't want to miss a thing" playing on some kind of cosmic mommy loop in my head.
What I do know for sure... from this point on, the ride is accelerating into a fast and furious looping spiral and if I blink my eyes, I will miss it.
And I don't want to miss it.
I want to soak up every scary, hairy, wonderful, sublime, wacky, wild, challenging, tender, lovely moment of it.
Ten years from now, they will be gone. Flown the coop. And I will have (statistically speaking) another 40 years to be me. (Another scary thought. I really must stop spending so much time online)
In the meantime, they are in MY park and I have a ticket to ride. And I am going to let go, with my eyes wide open, hands in the air and screaming with equal parts fear and delight.
Because at the end of my life, I want to know and I want my boys to know that I lived my life facing my fears and also without fears.
Let it ride
Self? When did your offspring start having a more active social life than you have?
And then I remembered, it all started with "play dates" And that was SEVEN years ago for my oldest son.
Which started me on two random yet completely related stream of consciousness meanderings.
Play dates. Can I tell you how ridiculous that whole phrase sounds?
Play dates??? When I was gowing up, we didn't have play dates. We met in the cul de sac every morning in the summer or during the school year after 3pm and planned our own "play dates".
Reality check. I know that it's a scary world. Always has been. And I know things have changed, but not as much as lots of folks seem to think. Long conversations with my parents and inlaws have given me insight on that one.
So I made a decision this summer....to let go.
And what does that mean?
It means my kids can walk down the street to the cul de sac (after telling me where they are going) and play, coming back when they are ready.
It means they can ride their bikes on our street without me sitting at the top of the driveway watching.
It means they can head off to the pool on foot, scooter or bike (with me 5 minutes behind)
I'm letting go, which means............
Change
My oldest will be 10 in a few short months.
How did that happen?
Of course I KNOW how it happened. I just can't seem to remember when. All I have are the lyrics from Aerosmith's "Don't want to miss a thing" playing on some kind of cosmic mommy loop in my head.
What I do know for sure... from this point on, the ride is accelerating into a fast and furious looping spiral and if I blink my eyes, I will miss it.
And I don't want to miss it.
I want to soak up every scary, hairy, wonderful, sublime, wacky, wild, challenging, tender, lovely moment of it.
Ten years from now, they will be gone. Flown the coop. And I will have (statistically speaking) another 40 years to be me. (Another scary thought. I really must stop spending so much time online)
In the meantime, they are in MY park and I have a ticket to ride. And I am going to let go, with my eyes wide open, hands in the air and screaming with equal parts fear and delight.
Because at the end of my life, I want to know and I want my boys to know that I lived my life facing my fears and also without fears.
Let it ride
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Week-End Update
For the record, it was glorious and I am completely recharged and rested!
Friday I had dinner with friends, stayed up til midnight drinking wine and chatting. It was loverly.
Saturday, the weather was cool and sunny, so I spent beaucoup time on my back porch reading, sipping diet coke and just day dreaming.
Sunday, I had the time to finish my dad's father's day mini album and it's in the mail!
My merry but weary band of men didn't return until 11pm on Sunday, so it was really an almost four day mini vacation for me.
Lesson learned, I'm not waiting seven years for my next solo week-end.
Friday I had dinner with friends, stayed up til midnight drinking wine and chatting. It was loverly.
Saturday, the weather was cool and sunny, so I spent beaucoup time on my back porch reading, sipping diet coke and just day dreaming.
Sunday, I had the time to finish my dad's father's day mini album and it's in the mail!
My merry but weary band of men didn't return until 11pm on Sunday, so it was really an almost four day mini vacation for me.
Lesson learned, I'm not waiting seven years for my next solo week-end.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
I am flying solo
as of 3:30 this afternoon.
Hubby unit and two man childs are cruisin towards Ponte Vedra, FL as we speak for a coaches/sons week-end.
I am beyond ecstatic.
Woohoo...ME time! Sleepin in, no worries, no homework, no packing book bags, pure selfish ME time, create art, my own agenda, pampering, girl time.
I am thrilled and excited and thankful for this break.
But I also am thankful, that my merry and manic band of three, will return to me on Sunday.
Hubby unit and two man childs are cruisin towards Ponte Vedra, FL as we speak for a coaches/sons week-end.
I am beyond ecstatic.
Woohoo...ME time! Sleepin in, no worries, no homework, no packing book bags, pure selfish ME time, create art, my own agenda, pampering, girl time.
I am thrilled and excited and thankful for this break.
But I also am thankful, that my merry and manic band of three, will return to me on Sunday.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Memorial Day
So what's the first thing that pops in your mind?
Three day week-end?
Mini vacation?
Sleeping in?
Pool parties?
Cookouts?
Time to get stuff done around the house?
School's out revelry?
All of those things are truly necessary, enjoyable and/or deserved and I shall be engaging in all but the last this week-end!
But this year is going to be a little different for me. Okay, a lot different because of:
Spring Break this year, which included a day trip to Gettysburg. The visual imagery our guide shared, as he drove us around the battlefield in our own car was chilling. I mean chilling to the bone.
Meeting WWII vets last year. Looking into the watery eyes of an 80 year old vet as he thanked me for thanking him was a lesson in humility and grace and hope.
The safe return of one of my co-workers and the shipping out of another for a second tour(he, who on his first tour, was one of the medics who helped rescue Jessica Lynch, remember her?) They are so young and so brave and so scared and so real. And because I have walked and talked and laughed and complained with them, my anxiety and prayers are so much more intense.
So it will be different and much, much more personal than it has ever been in the past.
And as I munch my chips and burger and watch my kids splash in the pool, my silent mantra all day long will be "thank you...thank you...thank you."
I have never faced and taken a bullet for freedom,(thank you God) but I most certainly can thank and pray for those who have, and do and will.
Three day week-end?
Mini vacation?
Sleeping in?
Pool parties?
Cookouts?
Time to get stuff done around the house?
School's out revelry?
All of those things are truly necessary, enjoyable and/or deserved and I shall be engaging in all but the last this week-end!
But this year is going to be a little different for me. Okay, a lot different because of:
Spring Break this year, which included a day trip to Gettysburg. The visual imagery our guide shared, as he drove us around the battlefield in our own car was chilling. I mean chilling to the bone.
Meeting WWII vets last year. Looking into the watery eyes of an 80 year old vet as he thanked me for thanking him was a lesson in humility and grace and hope.
The safe return of one of my co-workers and the shipping out of another for a second tour(he, who on his first tour, was one of the medics who helped rescue Jessica Lynch, remember her?) They are so young and so brave and so scared and so real. And because I have walked and talked and laughed and complained with them, my anxiety and prayers are so much more intense.
So it will be different and much, much more personal than it has ever been in the past.
And as I munch my chips and burger and watch my kids splash in the pool, my silent mantra all day long will be "thank you...thank you...thank you."
I have never faced and taken a bullet for freedom,(thank you God) but I most certainly can thank and pray for those who have, and do and will.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
The pool, the pool, the pool
No Tattoo, we are not on Fantasy Island.
But we are in Hotlanta and the neighborhood pool, that sparkling, cool, aquatic bastion of enchantment and entertainment opens TODAY!
And there's a Cookout.
I tell you it can't get any better than this.
Kids entertained, happy, fed.
Mom doesn't have to cook.
Hail, hail, let the summer games begin!
But we are in Hotlanta and the neighborhood pool, that sparkling, cool, aquatic bastion of enchantment and entertainment opens TODAY!
And there's a Cookout.
I tell you it can't get any better than this.
Kids entertained, happy, fed.
Mom doesn't have to cook.
Hail, hail, let the summer games begin!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Service with a Smile
I LOVE Publix
Don't know what Publix is?
I'm sorry. Deeply sorry. Bless your heart.
First of all, my apologies. Cause here in the South we are all about manners.
Even when we are being snarky.
If we say, "bless your heart"???
Trust me. You are being snarked, but in an EVER so polite way.
Back to Publix.
Publix rocks. Publix is a Southern icon, a grocery store that transcends all other grocery stores.
Service with a smile?? Honey, they go you one better and then some.
Case in point.
A few months ago, I went to Publix for a special run. Golden raisins. An essential ingredient in a divinely delicious recipe from Cooking Light. They were on sale. WOOT!
Woot not.
Golden raisins? They be gone.
But who should come to my rescue? Why a dashing Publix grocery manager, that's who.
"Ma'am, how can I help you????"
SIDE BAR You use the word ma'am in the South, even if you ONLY suspect that said ma'am is a mere 15 seconds older than you.
MOI '"Oh dear. There are no more golden raisins. Your special must have cleared the shelves"(batting eyes ever so subtly)
MANAGER That is not a problem, ma'am. Just give me your name, phone number and address (GOD that was FUN!) and I will deliver them to you personally tonight. I'm expecting my delivery truck within the hour.
DUHAYAAAAAAAAAAAHM
Talk about service. I nearly SWOONED.
So Publix...they rock and NOW I have one right next door to my office. No REALLY...right next door. I walk out my building, turn left and BOINK, run right into the store.
Grand opening today folks!
For the past 18 months we've watched various construction workers and machinery throw up this really cool curvy, blue glass, two wing high rise condo complex. Residences with retail below. Wave of the future riding on the back of the past.
So I called in my deli order in the morning. Worked out at lunch, picked up my order, and the latest copy of Scrapbooks, etc, got a really cool black mesh tote as a give away.
Got to love urban renewal.
Got to love Publix!!!!
Don't know what Publix is?
I'm sorry. Deeply sorry. Bless your heart.
First of all, my apologies. Cause here in the South we are all about manners.
Even when we are being snarky.
If we say, "bless your heart"???
Trust me. You are being snarked, but in an EVER so polite way.
Back to Publix.
Publix rocks. Publix is a Southern icon, a grocery store that transcends all other grocery stores.
Service with a smile?? Honey, they go you one better and then some.
Case in point.
A few months ago, I went to Publix for a special run. Golden raisins. An essential ingredient in a divinely delicious recipe from Cooking Light. They were on sale. WOOT!
Woot not.
Golden raisins? They be gone.
But who should come to my rescue? Why a dashing Publix grocery manager, that's who.
"Ma'am, how can I help you????"
SIDE BAR You use the word ma'am in the South, even if you ONLY suspect that said ma'am is a mere 15 seconds older than you.
MOI '"Oh dear. There are no more golden raisins. Your special must have cleared the shelves"(batting eyes ever so subtly)
MANAGER That is not a problem, ma'am. Just give me your name, phone number and address (GOD that was FUN!) and I will deliver them to you personally tonight. I'm expecting my delivery truck within the hour.
DUHAYAAAAAAAAAAAHM
Talk about service. I nearly SWOONED.
So Publix...they rock and NOW I have one right next door to my office. No REALLY...right next door. I walk out my building, turn left and BOINK, run right into the store.
Grand opening today folks!
For the past 18 months we've watched various construction workers and machinery throw up this really cool curvy, blue glass, two wing high rise condo complex. Residences with retail below. Wave of the future riding on the back of the past.
So I called in my deli order in the morning. Worked out at lunch, picked up my order, and the latest copy of Scrapbooks, etc, got a really cool black mesh tote as a give away.
Got to love urban renewal.
Got to love Publix!!!!
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Mommy? Are you and daddy
......going to get a divorce?
(so uttered by my youngest DS today on the way home from the grocery store)
HUH?
OKay, well, in light of what has happened in the past year, maybe not such a weird question.
Rewind.
Exhibit A
Our backyard neighbors got divorced. I am very good friends with the wife. But I tried to take the high road and facilitate reconciliation until the soon to be ex, showed his true colors. I won't go into the details only to say that what I witnessed leading up to the split and the aftermath shocked me and I'm not easily shocked.
Exhibit B
Another couple, good friends, also decided that after three kids, and 10 years, that they were friends, not soul mates. No anger. No finger pointing. No, she said, he said. Very sad. And they are trying to make sure that their mistake doesn't affect their kids ultimate good. It's just so surreal. The marriage... a mistake? Maybe? The kids, never. Never.
Fast forward to Friday.
Hubby and I are having a very "passionate" debate about discipline, specifically relating to the kiddos of course.
Here's the thing. I am not one to wrap my kids in a little cocoon of idealized life and by it's extension....marriage. In my book it is wrong and sets up unrealistic expectations later on in life. I am not June Cleaver.
Two days later, I get the question.
"Are you going to get divorced?"
And a completely logical one, given the events of the past year and my lame brained explanations.
I need to back peddle. Lame brained? That would be because I have told both of them, in the previous two cases, that sometimes mommies and daddies don't get along and they decide that everyone is happier if they don't live together. (Which is an utterly simplistic and abbreviated version of all that went wrong, but do ANY of us really need to know the full details?? NO....moving on)
Fast forward to my life. My husband and I don't always see eye to eye. I'm a flaming liberal. He....is a dyed in the wool conservative.
Needless to say......we have different points of view.
But not a different goal.
After 18 years, we are still here. Together.
I won't sugar coat it here folks. There have been times when I have wept, gnashed my teeth and been about ready to hurl myself into the abyss.
What has stopped me?
1) Knowing that I have a partner in crime and in time. My husband has had the same doubts and fears and despair and has shared them with me on more occasions than I can count
and
2) My boys...enough said.
So to Thumper and his query?
Driving home from the Publix, I said
"Mommy and Daddy, we don't always agree. And sometimes we get really, really mad at each other, just like you get really mad at your brother. But I can promise you this. I still love your daddy, even when he makes me crazy. And he still loves me. And we made a promise to each other a long, long time ago before God and our family and our friends. And we aren't going to break it...EVER.....pinky swear."
post script
I came home, unloaded the groceries and the boys, to my best friend, aka dyed in the wool conservative, make me crazy, husband and went up to our room and cried.
For my girlfriends, whose husband's didn't live up to their pinky swears.
For their kids, who just want to know that everything in their world is going to be okay.
Sometimes...you just need to cry.
(so uttered by my youngest DS today on the way home from the grocery store)
HUH?
OKay, well, in light of what has happened in the past year, maybe not such a weird question.
Rewind.
Exhibit A
Our backyard neighbors got divorced. I am very good friends with the wife. But I tried to take the high road and facilitate reconciliation until the soon to be ex, showed his true colors. I won't go into the details only to say that what I witnessed leading up to the split and the aftermath shocked me and I'm not easily shocked.
Exhibit B
Another couple, good friends, also decided that after three kids, and 10 years, that they were friends, not soul mates. No anger. No finger pointing. No, she said, he said. Very sad. And they are trying to make sure that their mistake doesn't affect their kids ultimate good. It's just so surreal. The marriage... a mistake? Maybe? The kids, never. Never.
Fast forward to Friday.
Hubby and I are having a very "passionate" debate about discipline, specifically relating to the kiddos of course.
Here's the thing. I am not one to wrap my kids in a little cocoon of idealized life and by it's extension....marriage. In my book it is wrong and sets up unrealistic expectations later on in life. I am not June Cleaver.
Two days later, I get the question.
"Are you going to get divorced?"
And a completely logical one, given the events of the past year and my lame brained explanations.
I need to back peddle. Lame brained? That would be because I have told both of them, in the previous two cases, that sometimes mommies and daddies don't get along and they decide that everyone is happier if they don't live together. (Which is an utterly simplistic and abbreviated version of all that went wrong, but do ANY of us really need to know the full details?? NO....moving on)
Fast forward to my life. My husband and I don't always see eye to eye. I'm a flaming liberal. He....is a dyed in the wool conservative.
Needless to say......we have different points of view.
But not a different goal.
After 18 years, we are still here. Together.
I won't sugar coat it here folks. There have been times when I have wept, gnashed my teeth and been about ready to hurl myself into the abyss.
What has stopped me?
1) Knowing that I have a partner in crime and in time. My husband has had the same doubts and fears and despair and has shared them with me on more occasions than I can count
and
2) My boys...enough said.
So to Thumper and his query?
Driving home from the Publix, I said
"Mommy and Daddy, we don't always agree. And sometimes we get really, really mad at each other, just like you get really mad at your brother. But I can promise you this. I still love your daddy, even when he makes me crazy. And he still loves me. And we made a promise to each other a long, long time ago before God and our family and our friends. And we aren't going to break it...EVER.....pinky swear."
post script
I came home, unloaded the groceries and the boys, to my best friend, aka dyed in the wool conservative, make me crazy, husband and went up to our room and cried.
For my girlfriends, whose husband's didn't live up to their pinky swears.
For their kids, who just want to know that everything in their world is going to be okay.
Sometimes...you just need to cry.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
What's It All About Alfie?
Do you ever feel that you were born old?
That this was not your first time on the pony ride?
NO? If not, either read on because you relate, are intrigued or question or disagree. All are welcome at my round table discussion. Post at will.
As for me, it all began when I was 8 and I decided to befriend the school misfit.
Why do such a radical thing? Why rock the boat? Why? Why? Why?
Who nows? All I know, is that all these years later, in my core, I wasn't having any more of it.
The "it" being what was expected or accepted or demanded.
Yep, at the ripe old age of 8, I basically said "screw you" to the status quo. Although I am quite sure I would never have uttered, nor have THOUGHT to utter such words, although I might have expressed it in a different way.
Two years earlier, I have photographic evidence that I wasn't going to toe the party line. Flashback, Kindergarten, class picture. Everyone's hands are folded as instructed. Mine? Mine are flat on the desk. Where am I in the pix? Front and center.
So back to my point. There is one...really.
My oldest son is in 3rd grade and things are shifting. He was 8 at the beginning of this school year (kharma anyone?) and already I'm seeing all around him the same ponying up to the socio-mathematical "mean".
Do you go with the flow, the majority, the 'in" crowd?
Or do you chart your own course with a true compass, which in my book boils down to the Golden Rule? Are you hurting or helping with your actions, words and/or deeds?
Already I see his conflict.
But I also see his center.
And that.....that gives me hope.
That somewhere, somehow, despite my less than perfect parenting, I am helping him find his way.
And in doing so, he has returned the favor.
That this was not your first time on the pony ride?
NO? If not, either read on because you relate, are intrigued or question or disagree. All are welcome at my round table discussion. Post at will.
As for me, it all began when I was 8 and I decided to befriend the school misfit.
Why do such a radical thing? Why rock the boat? Why? Why? Why?
Who nows? All I know, is that all these years later, in my core, I wasn't having any more of it.
The "it" being what was expected or accepted or demanded.
Yep, at the ripe old age of 8, I basically said "screw you" to the status quo. Although I am quite sure I would never have uttered, nor have THOUGHT to utter such words, although I might have expressed it in a different way.
Two years earlier, I have photographic evidence that I wasn't going to toe the party line. Flashback, Kindergarten, class picture. Everyone's hands are folded as instructed. Mine? Mine are flat on the desk. Where am I in the pix? Front and center.
So back to my point. There is one...really.
My oldest son is in 3rd grade and things are shifting. He was 8 at the beginning of this school year (kharma anyone?) and already I'm seeing all around him the same ponying up to the socio-mathematical "mean".
Do you go with the flow, the majority, the 'in" crowd?
Or do you chart your own course with a true compass, which in my book boils down to the Golden Rule? Are you hurting or helping with your actions, words and/or deeds?
Already I see his conflict.
But I also see his center.
And that.....that gives me hope.
That somewhere, somehow, despite my less than perfect parenting, I am helping him find his way.
And in doing so, he has returned the favor.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Double Expresso
No, no....not that kind of fix.....my caffienated friends.
I'm talking hair color....more to the point my haircolor now.
And I did it myself!
Dang Skippy...if I had known how easy this was to do...I would have been on the "Starbucks Tress Train" years ago.
My hair...it looks hot. No not just hot...SMOKIN!
No grey, just shiny, soft yummy color.
Of course there were a few scary moments when my shower stall was splattered with blood red purple droplets and the water pooled at my feet in the same hue.
I was having "Carrie" prom scene flashbacks....and I actually screamed.
Poor Jake, aka the wonder dog, about had kittens, I know it boggles the scientific mind. He came FLYING into the bathroom to defend his clueless mistress. Which was a scene in and of itself, because he is so ginormous, his back end catches up with his front end about three minutes later, which produces a really cool skid effect.
But I digress. After the skid into the shower, he looked kind of mocha until I hosed him off.
Good thing the kiddos and DH were at a baseball game together.
There are just sometimes when a woman needs TOTAL privacy!
Sorry Jake, next time I'll close the door.
And I won't scream.
heh.
I'm talking hair color....more to the point my haircolor now.
And I did it myself!
Dang Skippy...if I had known how easy this was to do...I would have been on the "Starbucks Tress Train" years ago.
My hair...it looks hot. No not just hot...SMOKIN!
No grey, just shiny, soft yummy color.
Of course there were a few scary moments when my shower stall was splattered with blood red purple droplets and the water pooled at my feet in the same hue.
I was having "Carrie" prom scene flashbacks....and I actually screamed.
Poor Jake, aka the wonder dog, about had kittens, I know it boggles the scientific mind. He came FLYING into the bathroom to defend his clueless mistress. Which was a scene in and of itself, because he is so ginormous, his back end catches up with his front end about three minutes later, which produces a really cool skid effect.
But I digress. After the skid into the shower, he looked kind of mocha until I hosed him off.
Good thing the kiddos and DH were at a baseball game together.
There are just sometimes when a woman needs TOTAL privacy!
Sorry Jake, next time I'll close the door.
And I won't scream.
heh.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Matthew & Matthew
Game over (Sorry Co) because I simply couldn't hold it in any longer!
Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox are filming "We Are Marshall" RIGHT across the street from my office. Today is suppposedly the last day. No sightings yet, but I still have hope!
And I have my camera in my office!
Matthew McConaughey and Matthew Fox are filming "We Are Marshall" RIGHT across the street from my office. Today is suppposedly the last day. No sightings yet, but I still have hope!
And I have my camera in my office!
Monday, April 24, 2006
M2
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Okay who wants to play 20 questions???
It has to do with the world of entertainment and proximity to MOI!!
So go!!!!
Okay who wants to play 20 questions???
It has to do with the world of entertainment and proximity to MOI!!
So go!!!!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Sisterhood of the Shopping Senoras
My mom is back in town.
That dear bloggers means my wallet and my credit is usually in serious peril.
See I'm normally one of those once a quarter shoppers,only filling in my wardrobe with "MUST" haves.
"MUST" haves being clean underwear, a bra that fits, a few tee shirts, maybe if I'm feeling really crazy a pair of pants or some new "practical" shoes.
My mom???? She's all about the you "NEED" to haves.
NEED equals fun, cute, kicky things.
You know the kind of outfit or shoe or accessory that makes you twirl three times in front of the mirror, flip your hair and put your hand on your hip as it thrusts out in it's BEST catwalk imitation, purse your lips, tilt your head and consider your totally hot (or at least the flattering mirrors make you THINK you are hot) visage.
Simultaneously, my mother flits around me pulling, tucking, adjusting. Only to pull back, all Edith Head, and declare that I and the outfit are DESTINED, destined to be one.
Very Zen and funny and DANGEROUS all at the same time.
The results for todays shopathon
Zen - Ten
Funny - Eleven
DANGEROUS - Zero ( Yes zero, HOORAY for gift certificates, birthday discounts, passport customer coupons and auto discounts)
ZEN - I scored FOUR ridiciulously hot/hip pieces.
FUNNY - Laughed so hard my Mom almost made me had an accident. (She really needs to stop that....those damn Kegel exercises during my pregnancies didn't accomplish squat)
DANGEROUS - The final tally won't leave me with buyer's remose tomorrow.
And...I have dropped two dress sizes!!!!
I think I just achieved shopping Nirvanna......oooohhhhhmmmmmm.
That dear bloggers means my wallet and my credit is usually in serious peril.
See I'm normally one of those once a quarter shoppers,only filling in my wardrobe with "MUST" haves.
"MUST" haves being clean underwear, a bra that fits, a few tee shirts, maybe if I'm feeling really crazy a pair of pants or some new "practical" shoes.
My mom???? She's all about the you "NEED" to haves.
NEED equals fun, cute, kicky things.
You know the kind of outfit or shoe or accessory that makes you twirl three times in front of the mirror, flip your hair and put your hand on your hip as it thrusts out in it's BEST catwalk imitation, purse your lips, tilt your head and consider your totally hot (or at least the flattering mirrors make you THINK you are hot) visage.
Simultaneously, my mother flits around me pulling, tucking, adjusting. Only to pull back, all Edith Head, and declare that I and the outfit are DESTINED, destined to be one.
Very Zen and funny and DANGEROUS all at the same time.
The results for todays shopathon
Zen - Ten
Funny - Eleven
DANGEROUS - Zero ( Yes zero, HOORAY for gift certificates, birthday discounts, passport customer coupons and auto discounts)
ZEN - I scored FOUR ridiciulously hot/hip pieces.
FUNNY - Laughed so hard my Mom almost made me had an accident. (She really needs to stop that....those damn Kegel exercises during my pregnancies didn't accomplish squat)
DANGEROUS - The final tally won't leave me with buyer's remose tomorrow.
And...I have dropped two dress sizes!!!!
I think I just achieved shopping Nirvanna......oooohhhhhmmmmmm.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
High Five
Spring is in full glorious bloom here in Georgia. The skies are crystalline blue. The grass and trees shout for joy in technicolor green. The dogwoods suspend clouds of white flowers everywhere you look and the azaleas are pop, pop POPPING orange, red and fuschia.
In a word...............spectacular!
And in my own personal ode to happiness, I offer up my top FIVE "make me happy til I want to wiggle, giggle and dance my way across the lawn barefoot and fancy free!"
ONE I work from home all day on Fridays...can I tell you how much I love not having to get up, get dressed, put on makeup, curl my hair, blahdablahda? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
TWO My folk arrive for the week-end. They love me and think I hung the moon. Make me laugh. Make me happy. Make my kids delirously happy. YAY bring on the GiGi and PopPop
THREE My new painted canvas rug arrives tomorrow. My girlfriend who makes and designs the rugs among other things has been working her tail off so I can have it in time for my folks arrival. I designed it, she tweaked it, she says it's stunning. I am giddy at the thought!
FOUR School has been so much easier for my oldest son this week. The whys and wherefores deserve their own post at a later date, but for now, my world is considerably less chaotic. I never knew this was how normal was supposed to be.
FIVE My lilacs are blooming. Big fat purple bundles of sublime scent and color.
What are your top FIVE current odes to happiness?
Pass it on!
In a word...............spectacular!
And in my own personal ode to happiness, I offer up my top FIVE "make me happy til I want to wiggle, giggle and dance my way across the lawn barefoot and fancy free!"
ONE I work from home all day on Fridays...can I tell you how much I love not having to get up, get dressed, put on makeup, curl my hair, blahdablahda? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
TWO My folk arrive for the week-end. They love me and think I hung the moon. Make me laugh. Make me happy. Make my kids delirously happy. YAY bring on the GiGi and PopPop
THREE My new painted canvas rug arrives tomorrow. My girlfriend who makes and designs the rugs among other things has been working her tail off so I can have it in time for my folks arrival. I designed it, she tweaked it, she says it's stunning. I am giddy at the thought!
FOUR School has been so much easier for my oldest son this week. The whys and wherefores deserve their own post at a later date, but for now, my world is considerably less chaotic. I never knew this was how normal was supposed to be.
FIVE My lilacs are blooming. Big fat purple bundles of sublime scent and color.
What are your top FIVE current odes to happiness?
Pass it on!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)