Happy leap year day! I don't know how others feel about the 29th of February. Maybe nobody really notices it except for us NERDS...I've always wondered about people who were born on this day...whether they think it is cool or a complete rip off...
For me, today reminds me of my dad and our shared interest in time, and time travel.
I love the way my father explains things. He has the wonderful ability to take even the most complicated subject and explain it (at least to me) in a way that not only makes perfect sense, but funny and memorable.
I had the great idea of making it a family tradition to do something wild and absolutely out of the ordinary for Leap Day.... Mason thought it was a great idea too. But neither of us could come up with something that would have been fun for both boys and unique enough to call it special. Plus Mason is still gone.
Maybe when the boys are older and we all are bogged down in routines we will resurrect the idea of Leap Day Fun.... take the day off from work and school, got to an unknown restaurant in a part of town (or a completelydifferent down) go see a live show, build something, create something .... DO something....maybe we'll even call it the official RHK Leap Day of Fun!
* = This is a Scottish fantasy about a town that disappears into the Highland mist and returns for only one day every one hundred years
2.29.2008
2.28.2008
Addiction
Watching TV today I was reminded of something I had learned a long time ago... but wanted to share with all of you.
“Addiction is not defined by the amount consumed or frequency of use.... but by the consequences”.
If you have things happen as a result of drugs and/or alcohol... then there is a problem.
You can be an alcoholic even if you’ve never called in sick to work.... never driven drunk....never beat your kids or your spouse. You can be an alcoholic even if you drink just on the weekends or at parties. You can be an alcoholic as a stay at home mom or the president of the bank.
Here is my message to those who are living with someone with whom things may not be quite right:
If you think there is something wrong.... you are probably right no matter what anyone on the outside says. Just because no one else sees it but you doesn’t mean that it is not happening. You are not crazy; there is nothing wrong with you. Don’t ignore your gut feeling just because you are too afraid of what that means. Protect yourself, educate yourself... love yourself.
“Addiction is not defined by the amount consumed or frequency of use.... but by the consequences”.
If you have things happen as a result of drugs and/or alcohol... then there is a problem.
You can be an alcoholic even if you’ve never called in sick to work.... never driven drunk....never beat your kids or your spouse. You can be an alcoholic even if you drink just on the weekends or at parties. You can be an alcoholic as a stay at home mom or the president of the bank.
Here is my message to those who are living with someone with whom things may not be quite right:
If you think there is something wrong.... you are probably right no matter what anyone on the outside says. Just because no one else sees it but you doesn’t mean that it is not happening. You are not crazy; there is nothing wrong with you. Don’t ignore your gut feeling just because you are too afraid of what that means. Protect yourself, educate yourself... love yourself.
2.27.2008
Back in Time
Mason left for Korea yesterday and called me this morning to say that he arrived. He left at 11:00am flew 14 hours and arrived the same day! That is as close to time travel as this family has seen.
I AM SO jealous!
2.25.2008
meh
That is my new word.... meh - pretty much sums up how I am feeling lately. Sort of ambivalence with lack of enthusiasm.
We don't know where we are going. We don't when we are going. And there is some speculation that we may not be going at all.
Tristan is now sick. Puking up random things in the middle of the night....hot dogs were the first to go.... didn't discover it until the morning... YUCK!
I did trim his hair yesterday - His first haircut. Just the back and sides, not much of a change... wasn't much there to work with.
The house is a constant wreck. I find myself wanting to just sit around and watch mindless TV... so I do, which means I don't do all the things I should... so then I get behind in what needs to be done which makes me feel overwhelmed, which makes me want to sit around and watch mindless TV... which I do.... you can see where this is leading ....
Mason leaves tomorrow for South Korea.... I am so envious... I know he isn't really that excited... but I think he will get a kick out of it once he is there.
The other day I tried taking some home movies. My camera flashed a message saying I needed to clean the heads. So I went out and bought a head cleaner tape.... it was just a hair too big for my camera and therefore wouldn't work. After driving all around town looking for another brand of tape (hoping it would be the correct size) I ordered one online. Keep your fingers crossed that it works.... This all translates into me not taking any video for the past month or so. I feel like I am missing the opportunity to capture so much....
Speaking of capturing so much. Since I became a You Tube post-er I abandoned my old movie making software for Microsoft Movie Maker. Come to find out that you can't burn your movies from MMM to DVD! WTF!!??? Now I have a years worth of movies with no way to put them on DVD.... like I have time to redo all of them!
meh - the Golden Girls are on.........
2.23.2008
Just for fun
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk.
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe.
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
Not sure who put this list together.... seems odd to have all those computer questions - but I thought this would be fun anyway..... 6 hours of D & D? really?
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk.
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe.
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
Not sure who put this list together.... seems odd to have all those computer questions - but I thought this would be fun anyway..... 6 hours of D & D? really?
2.22.2008
More JFK
Almost exactly one year since my pilgrimage to Dealey Plaza there is a new show on the History Channel - The Kennedy Assassination: Beyond Conspiracy. Most of their information was the same as Peter Jennings's 2003 TV Special with one addition; the debunking of Oliver Stone's film JFK (back and to the left).
I was very happy to see this particular issue addressed. So many people now- a-days learn their history from movies and no film did more to mess up facts in the American public's head than this piece of trash. (except maybe Pearl Harbor) Of course without this film we wouldn't have Seinfeld’s "magic loogy" episode which I get a kick out of every time I see it.
But that just further proves my point. You are watching a TV show about a fake movie based on some real events. The truth gets distorted.
And that, it VERY dangerous.
I was very happy to see this particular issue addressed. So many people now- a-days learn their history from movies and no film did more to mess up facts in the American public's head than this piece of trash. (except maybe Pearl Harbor) Of course without this film we wouldn't have Seinfeld’s "magic loogy" episode which I get a kick out of every time I see it.
But that just further proves my point. You are watching a TV show about a fake movie based on some real events. The truth gets distorted.
And that, it VERY dangerous.
2.19.2008
Braden makes a decision
Today in the car Braden tells me
"When I am a grown-up I can drive big cars.... it will be white on the outside, brown inside with stripes and red stickers and when it is done painting it will be finished. It's name Oct-Dish..... that is it middle name..... his last name Ay-tree-sinus. I will drive it when I get tall like dad.
Well, okay then!
"When I am a grown-up I can drive big cars.... it will be white on the outside, brown inside with stripes and red stickers and when it is done painting it will be finished. It's name Oct-Dish..... that is it middle name..... his last name Ay-tree-sinus. I will drive it when I get tall like dad.
Well, okay then!
Out of touch...
Even though our moving plans are on hold right now we are still getting the house ready. Fixing stuff that needs to be fixed, painting trip and base boards .... and since I have been watching Desgined to Sell like crazy I have started to get the itch to accessorize the house.
I SUCK at accessorizing... ANYTHING ... whether it be me or my house.
I wear the same earrings everyday, I have 4 stock necklaces... I can't get use to braceletts so I just wear my watch or nothing... I would LOVE to be able to.... Go to Dillards and mill around the jewlery counters picking out pieces and mixing it up....
So yesterday's task of wandering through Hobby Lobby trying to find vases, candles, flowers etc made my head hurt.
PLUS the one thing I really wanted was a napkin holder.... which apparently they don't make any more. When I inquired about one I was told that "oh, we just don't have any... people use bowls and stuff like that... not really a real holder"
Of course... how silly of me!
2.16.2008
2001: a far out trip
Turner Classic Movies is hoasting 31 nights of Oscar... which for us translates into FREE MOVIES!!!! So we have been DVRing a whole bunch of flicks. One of them is 2001: A Space Oddessy. I saw this movie in my highschool film class but didn't remember much about it (except for the 10 minute 'trip' through space - that is a FUNKY experience on the big screen).
So I thought I would watch it again with the hopes that I would "get it" this time around.
Um.... not so much... until Mason turned me on to this site he found: http://www.kubrick2001.com/ it explains - quite well - the point and plot of the movie... which was perfect.
I would have been lost without it. Same goes for Primer and Mulholland Drive... both of which I recommend BTW
So I thought I would watch it again with the hopes that I would "get it" this time around.
Um.... not so much... until Mason turned me on to this site he found: http://www.kubrick2001.com/ it explains - quite well - the point and plot of the movie... which was perfect.
I would have been lost without it. Same goes for Primer and Mulholland Drive... both of which I recommend BTW
2.15.2008
Stuff White People Like
Some how I stumbled onto this site a week or so ago. I am pretty sure it is completely satirical in nature and it is promoting humor and good fun. Sure, some of the stuff goes too far and some have argued that 'stuff yuppies like' would be a more accurate title. Nevertheless I found myself laughing out loud to MOST of the posts which hit a bit close to home.
Here is my list: (the blog is updated daily - so these are just the ones I have read to date)
#2 religions that their parents don't belong to
#3 film festivals
#5 farmers markets
#6 organic food
#7 diversity
#8Barack Obama
#9 making you feel bad about not going outside
#10 wes anderson movies (this one had me rolling on the floor)
#12 non profit organizations
#15 yoga
#17 hating their parents (well, not any more)
#18 awareness (OMG hilarious!)
#19 traveling
#24 wine
#26 new york city
#28 not having a tv (oh I am such a faker!)
#29 80s night
#32 vegetarianism
#33 marijuana (yeah I said it...)
#34 architecture
#35 the daily show/colbert report (watched them both since the beginning)
#37 renovations
#40 apple products (ever since I bought the ipod I am hooked)
#41 indie music (do you own a copy of Paul's Boutique?)
#43 plays
#48 whole foods (co-ops)
#49 vintage
#51 living by the water (again this post found me on the floor)
#53 dogs
#57 juno (haven't seen it but once I do I am sure that I will LOVE it)
#59 natural medicine
#63 expensive sandwiches
#66 recycling
now I know that this stuff is stero-typical and really not all that true... I just thought it was so funny in how it seemed to nail the absurdity of some of my passions... a good lesson in humility... anyway - what do you all think?
Is this pure fun or do you think it could also be insulting?
and for a bonus......
top ten hip hop songs white people love
Here is my list: (the blog is updated daily - so these are just the ones I have read to date)
#2 religions that their parents don't belong to
#3 film festivals
#5 farmers markets
#6 organic food
#7 diversity
#8Barack Obama
#9 making you feel bad about not going outside
#10 wes anderson movies (this one had me rolling on the floor)
#12 non profit organizations
#15 yoga
#17 hating their parents (well, not any more)
#18 awareness (OMG hilarious!)
#19 traveling
#24 wine
#26 new york city
#28 not having a tv (oh I am such a faker!)
#29 80s night
#32 vegetarianism
#33 marijuana (yeah I said it...)
#34 architecture
#35 the daily show/colbert report (watched them both since the beginning)
#37 renovations
#40 apple products (ever since I bought the ipod I am hooked)
#41 indie music (do you own a copy of Paul's Boutique?)
#43 plays
#48 whole foods (co-ops)
#49 vintage
#51 living by the water (again this post found me on the floor)
#53 dogs
#57 juno (haven't seen it but once I do I am sure that I will LOVE it)
#59 natural medicine
#63 expensive sandwiches
#66 recycling
now I know that this stuff is stero-typical and really not all that true... I just thought it was so funny in how it seemed to nail the absurdity of some of my passions... a good lesson in humility... anyway - what do you all think?
Is this pure fun or do you think it could also be insulting?
and for a bonus......
top ten hip hop songs white people love
2.14.2008
Radom Thoughts and Updates
Braden has been sick all week with the flu. His temperature ranges from 100 - 105 daily... and he has been watching a DVD called Mighty Machines on a constant loop that's been fun :-(
We have started (and when I say we I mean Mason does the work and I watch American Idol) work on the house to get it ready to sell... the kitchen is completely dismantled. I keep telling myself... just a few more days ;-)
Speaking of American Idol: I was really upset they let Josiah go. I mean I know he was cocky and full of himself. But he was really GOOD and since he is young I think he would have really benefited from the experience that the show provides, and we as the public would have benefited from his presence too.
AND: I finally purchased my first ever AI contestant CD. Blake's Audio Daydream. For the 2.50 download purchase price it was worth the money.... it was very eclectic and each song sounded different. But after a few listens I have found myself humming along. It is very produced, not raw...multi layered which took some getting use to... All in all a good effort worth the 2 bucks.
Speaking of getting ready to sell: we just got word that our moving plans have been put on hold.... so we may not move as soon as we think.... (still working on the house just in case).
Recently I stumbled across a few articles regarding Walgreens pharmacies and prescriptions being filled incorrectly. It all stems from a shortage of pharmacists and the corporate office trying to keep cost down. Naturally as I stood there today filling a prescription that is all I could think of.
On a happier note: A few months back I was at the eye doctor’s waiting room. I was flipping through a magazine called Wondertime. I really liked it. So much so that when Christmas came around I put it on my list. My first issue came a week or so ago... and then a back issue ( you know how new subscriptions are always a bit wacky at first). Well, let me just tell you I LOVE IT!!! LOVE IT!!!! Its funny, relevant, doesn’t assume that I am a complete idiot AND it has a very multi-racial look about it. Lots of different ethnicities and people of color to appear (I am no expert) very balanced. The price range for the stuff that they write about (kids projects, clothes etc) are pretty affordable. Nothing like COOKIE (don’t even get me started) but enough unique so that I don’t feel like I am reading Parenting Parents or Child or whatevertheheck they are called. Anyway, point is I love it – I feel like it was meant just for me and what I need... finally the marketing people are getting their act together ! LOL
BTW - how flippin' glad are you that the writers strike is over? Lady T any comments? New episodes of The Office! RIGHT ON!
Oh – yeah – Happy Valentine’s Day – and right – Happy Birthday to ME!
We have started (and when I say we I mean Mason does the work and I watch American Idol) work on the house to get it ready to sell... the kitchen is completely dismantled. I keep telling myself... just a few more days ;-)
Speaking of American Idol: I was really upset they let Josiah go. I mean I know he was cocky and full of himself. But he was really GOOD and since he is young I think he would have really benefited from the experience that the show provides, and we as the public would have benefited from his presence too.
AND: I finally purchased my first ever AI contestant CD. Blake's Audio Daydream. For the 2.50 download purchase price it was worth the money.... it was very eclectic and each song sounded different. But after a few listens I have found myself humming along. It is very produced, not raw...multi layered which took some getting use to... All in all a good effort worth the 2 bucks.
Speaking of getting ready to sell: we just got word that our moving plans have been put on hold.... so we may not move as soon as we think.... (still working on the house just in case).
Recently I stumbled across a few articles regarding Walgreens pharmacies and prescriptions being filled incorrectly. It all stems from a shortage of pharmacists and the corporate office trying to keep cost down. Naturally as I stood there today filling a prescription that is all I could think of.
On a happier note: A few months back I was at the eye doctor’s waiting room. I was flipping through a magazine called Wondertime. I really liked it. So much so that when Christmas came around I put it on my list. My first issue came a week or so ago... and then a back issue ( you know how new subscriptions are always a bit wacky at first). Well, let me just tell you I LOVE IT!!! LOVE IT!!!! Its funny, relevant, doesn’t assume that I am a complete idiot AND it has a very multi-racial look about it. Lots of different ethnicities and people of color to appear (I am no expert) very balanced. The price range for the stuff that they write about (kids projects, clothes etc) are pretty affordable. Nothing like COOKIE (don’t even get me started) but enough unique so that I don’t feel like I am reading Parenting Parents or Child or whatevertheheck they are called. Anyway, point is I love it – I feel like it was meant just for me and what I need... finally the marketing people are getting their act together ! LOL
BTW - how flippin' glad are you that the writers strike is over? Lady T any comments? New episodes of The Office! RIGHT ON!
Oh – yeah – Happy Valentine’s Day – and right – Happy Birthday to ME!
2.13.2008
Another Good-bye
There have been many changes in our lives recently... but there is one I have yet to write about until now. It's been almost a month since Braden let go of Steve.
Good ol' Steve. Anyone and everyone who ever knew Braden for the past 4 years knew Steve. He was included in photos and even had a few pictures drawn of him now and again.
Steve. Braden's constant companion. He has been everywhere with us. Quietly supporting Braden.
His wonderful lovey that HE named for the lead character in Blues Clues. ("Stee... Stee...." he would say)
But life changed on the evening of January 15th 2008. The day before, we had just returned home from a 10 day visit to St Louis. Braden had been given many gifts on this trip, but ONE stood out from the crowd. A stuffed Scooby-Doo toy that Grandma had given him. He attached to it immediately, taking Scooby everywhere.
I had an idea. Remembering that the best time to change a habit or routine or start something new is when you return from a trip. 1) because of the developmental leaps a child has when exposed to other people and different surroundings and 2) I feel that the normal routine is so 'off' anyway that changing things up won't be as dramatic as it normally would.
I set my plan into motion that night. We brushed teeth, washed hands and face, went potty , read books and then jumped right into bed. I talked up Scooby the whole time. We said prayers, I turned the light off and walked out the door. NO STEVE! He didn’t even ask for him.
A few nights later Braden inquires as to Steve’s whereabouts. I say something dismissive like “I don’t know honey... we haven’t finished unpacking...” which satisfied him. A week went by and one more time Braden asked again.... and then................................nothing..............
3 weeks into all of this Braden got out his photo album with a bunch of pictures of the family. Half way through my heart stopped.... there it was a picture of him and Steve... I panicked for a bit wondering what was going to transpire...... “Look Mamma.... Steve”...... he smiles and turns the page.
And with that... it’s all over.
Good ol' Steve. Anyone and everyone who ever knew Braden for the past 4 years knew Steve. He was included in photos and even had a few pictures drawn of him now and again.
Steve. Braden's constant companion. He has been everywhere with us. Quietly supporting Braden.
His wonderful lovey that HE named for the lead character in Blues Clues. ("Stee... Stee...." he would say)
But life changed on the evening of January 15th 2008. The day before, we had just returned home from a 10 day visit to St Louis. Braden had been given many gifts on this trip, but ONE stood out from the crowd. A stuffed Scooby-Doo toy that Grandma had given him. He attached to it immediately, taking Scooby everywhere.
I had an idea. Remembering that the best time to change a habit or routine or start something new is when you return from a trip. 1) because of the developmental leaps a child has when exposed to other people and different surroundings and 2) I feel that the normal routine is so 'off' anyway that changing things up won't be as dramatic as it normally would.
I set my plan into motion that night. We brushed teeth, washed hands and face, went potty , read books and then jumped right into bed. I talked up Scooby the whole time. We said prayers, I turned the light off and walked out the door. NO STEVE! He didn’t even ask for him.
A few nights later Braden inquires as to Steve’s whereabouts. I say something dismissive like “I don’t know honey... we haven’t finished unpacking...” which satisfied him. A week went by and one more time Braden asked again.... and then................................nothing..............
3 weeks into all of this Braden got out his photo album with a bunch of pictures of the family. Half way through my heart stopped.... there it was a picture of him and Steve... I panicked for a bit wondering what was going to transpire...... “Look Mamma.... Steve”...... he smiles and turns the page.
And with that... it’s all over.
First known picture of Steve in late spring of 2004
Last picture taken of Braden and Steve June of 2007
The many photos of Steve!
2.07.2008
Finally
Finally I have been tagged. I have never been tagged before... I hope I can live up to the hype! BTW - Thanks Jen!
8 things I'm passionate about:
1. My Kids - duh! All at the same time I feel such a responsibility towards them and thoroughly enjoy spending time with them.
2. My Friends - they are my lifeline family and support.
3. Being educated everyday -understanding our world - what makes us all tick- understanding history.
4. Animal and environmental rights - some one once said that the best judge of a civilization/society is how they treat the less fortunate... I think this extends to those entities that really have "no voice"
5. Nutrition and food - understanding the link of total health and what we shove in our mouths. Making sure my children and instilled with better eating habits than I was.
6. being the best ME I can be. I hope that each year I grow and change and mature ...
7. My Computer - silly I know... but hey I've got to be honest
8. Music.... it totally surrounds me, defines me, and explains me
8 things I want to do before I die:
1. Travel to Italy, back to France, Japan and China, Australia and New Zealand and when and if it ever gets safe Morocco and Egypt... oh and of course Tibet! Maybe India....
2. start my own personal organization business... if I can only come up with a name....
3. buy a beach house on the coast of Maine – and visit each summer
4. watch my children grow up and achieve their dreams
5. live in a totally eco friendly sustainable home
6. have a flat (or at least moderately flat) tummy
7. assist in a live birth that is not my own – but where I am not incharge (no side of the road emergencies please)
8. come to terms and be at peace with my life and my death
8 things I say often:
1. Dude
2. Come talk to me where I can see your face (to Braden when he is mumbling to me in the next room)
3. go lie down ( to the dogs)
4. what time are you coming home? (to Mason)
5. how big is Tristan? SO big! / Peek a Boo (tied)
6. God Bless
7. What are you thinking about (to Mason)
8. Do we have to loose a privilege? (when B is making a bad choice)
8 artists I never tire of listening to:
1. Beastie Boys
2. Joni Mitchell
3. Madonna
4. Moby
5. U2
6. Beatles
7. Cyndi Lauper Annie Lennox Alanis Morissette Enya (tied)
8. White Stripes
8 TV shows you love:
1. Psych
2. The Office
3. Seinfeld
4. Classic Simpsons (season 2-6)
5. Law and Order
6. The Golden Girls The Cosby Show (tied)
7. My So Called Life
8. any show with dancing
8 things that attract me to my friends:
1. They can hold their own ground
2. They are patient
3. They are funny – humorous too !
4. They “get” me
5. They think I am funny
6. They educate me
7. They don’t let me take myself too seriously
8. They are fun to be with...
8 Things I learned in 2007:
1. every baby is different
2. there is a reason we don’t live with our parents after we are all grown up
3. you can make it through anything with good friends and a supportive family (like, let’s say – your husband being gone for 8 months)
4. Take that vacation – figure out how to pay for it later
5. no one really cares how often you scrub your floor
6. I do have a voice! (thanks blog)
7. I really really really don’t like fire ants
8. I don’t have to be in charge!
I tag Tasha!
8 things I'm passionate about:
1. My Kids - duh! All at the same time I feel such a responsibility towards them and thoroughly enjoy spending time with them.
2. My Friends - they are my lifeline family and support.
3. Being educated everyday -understanding our world - what makes us all tick- understanding history.
4. Animal and environmental rights - some one once said that the best judge of a civilization/society is how they treat the less fortunate... I think this extends to those entities that really have "no voice"
5. Nutrition and food - understanding the link of total health and what we shove in our mouths. Making sure my children and instilled with better eating habits than I was.
6. being the best ME I can be. I hope that each year I grow and change and mature ...
7. My Computer - silly I know... but hey I've got to be honest
8. Music.... it totally surrounds me, defines me, and explains me
8 things I want to do before I die:
1. Travel to Italy, back to France, Japan and China, Australia and New Zealand and when and if it ever gets safe Morocco and Egypt... oh and of course Tibet! Maybe India....
2. start my own personal organization business... if I can only come up with a name....
3. buy a beach house on the coast of Maine – and visit each summer
4. watch my children grow up and achieve their dreams
5. live in a totally eco friendly sustainable home
6. have a flat (or at least moderately flat) tummy
7. assist in a live birth that is not my own – but where I am not incharge (no side of the road emergencies please)
8. come to terms and be at peace with my life and my death
8 things I say often:
1. Dude
2. Come talk to me where I can see your face (to Braden when he is mumbling to me in the next room)
3. go lie down ( to the dogs)
4. what time are you coming home? (to Mason)
5. how big is Tristan? SO big! / Peek a Boo (tied)
6. God Bless
7. What are you thinking about (to Mason)
8. Do we have to loose a privilege? (when B is making a bad choice)
8 artists I never tire of listening to:
1. Beastie Boys
2. Joni Mitchell
3. Madonna
4. Moby
5. U2
6. Beatles
7. Cyndi Lauper Annie Lennox Alanis Morissette Enya (tied)
8. White Stripes
8 TV shows you love:
1. Psych
2. The Office
3. Seinfeld
4. Classic Simpsons (season 2-6)
5. Law and Order
6. The Golden Girls The Cosby Show (tied)
7. My So Called Life
8. any show with dancing
8 things that attract me to my friends:
1. They can hold their own ground
2. They are patient
3. They are funny – humorous too !
4. They “get” me
5. They think I am funny
6. They educate me
7. They don’t let me take myself too seriously
8. They are fun to be with...
8 Things I learned in 2007:
1. every baby is different
2. there is a reason we don’t live with our parents after we are all grown up
3. you can make it through anything with good friends and a supportive family (like, let’s say – your husband being gone for 8 months)
4. Take that vacation – figure out how to pay for it later
5. no one really cares how often you scrub your floor
6. I do have a voice! (thanks blog)
7. I really really really don’t like fire ants
8. I don’t have to be in charge!
I tag Tasha!
2.04.2008
Going Back.... it's been so long
After almost a year of being away and out of the loop, Braden and I went back to church yesterday. There were many reasons why we got out of the habit of going to church... but the main reason was T.... and MOPS - okay, that's two main reasons.
Tristan doesn't do well with the nursery and it was too hard on him having 2 back to back no morning nap, scream the whole time days. I didn't have an option of NOT going to MOPS so church got the boot.
For a while after Mason got back we tried to get all four of us out the door, which proved difficult. Once you get out of the habit of something it sometimes is hard to get back in the swing of things. So now Mason has agreed to stay at home with T which leaves me and Braden free to go back to church!
I am SO glad that I did. From the sermon to the new class that I went to I felt like I was being spoken to directly. It re-energized me and got me excited about church and God again. I tried to silence my little voice in the back of my head which deconstructs and analyzes everything and just let the word wash over me. - Which is hard. I feel like I disagree with so much that is said by other people that I feel like I don't belong. But last Sunday in the new class I heard voices like mine and it made me feel at home...
Tristan doesn't do well with the nursery and it was too hard on him having 2 back to back no morning nap, scream the whole time days. I didn't have an option of NOT going to MOPS so church got the boot.
For a while after Mason got back we tried to get all four of us out the door, which proved difficult. Once you get out of the habit of something it sometimes is hard to get back in the swing of things. So now Mason has agreed to stay at home with T which leaves me and Braden free to go back to church!
I am SO glad that I did. From the sermon to the new class that I went to I felt like I was being spoken to directly. It re-energized me and got me excited about church and God again. I tried to silence my little voice in the back of my head which deconstructs and analyzes everything and just let the word wash over me. - Which is hard. I feel like I disagree with so much that is said by other people that I feel like I don't belong. But last Sunday in the new class I heard voices like mine and it made me feel at home...
2.03.2008
Quotable Bert
While sitting in traffic at a red light:
"Hey momma, who is that guy over there"
not looking " I don't know, do you recognize him?"
"Yeah..."
"Really? Who does he look like"
"a construction worker"
"oh..." I reply
"why does he have all those fire magazines?"
now I pause, realizing that I should have been paying more attention to the conversation - a construction worker? fire magazines? think think think...
"OH! do you mean the newspaper lady, wearing the orange vest?"
"Yeah... ...she's a lady? but she has a cap on...."
"Yeah well, some ladies wear caps..."
"Oh..."
"Hey momma, who is that guy over there"
not looking " I don't know, do you recognize him?"
"Yeah..."
"Really? Who does he look like"
"a construction worker"
"oh..." I reply
"why does he have all those fire magazines?"
now I pause, realizing that I should have been paying more attention to the conversation - a construction worker? fire magazines? think think think...
"OH! do you mean the newspaper lady, wearing the orange vest?"
"Yeah... ...she's a lady? but she has a cap on...."
"Yeah well, some ladies wear caps..."
"Oh..."
15 months
Loves: Teletubbies, Fuzzy Fuzzy Fuzzy (in mommas lap), throwing sippys (and bites of food) on the floor, walking behind his push-cart, listening to his voice echo in the garage, getting kisses on the forehead from his big brother, BEING CARRIED
No Love For: missing naps, keeping a sippy in the crib, sleeping in the car, being bored, being ignored, walking
2.02.2008
I love it
I was just reading Lisa's Blog about how she hates February, and she posted about how all these other people hate February.
As I mentioned earlier I hate January... but February I like....
Nay I dare say I LOVE! And apparently I love February for all the reasons people hate it.
I love that it is short: that means we are just that much closer to spring break.
Mason gets paid twice a month... no matter the length of the month so we have less time between pay checks! LOVE that.
PLUS that whole 3 day holiday shoved in there! A perfect opportunity to take a mini road trip vacation!
I LOVE Valentine's Day: and not just because its my birthday. I love the pink and the red, the hearts and the cards. I send Valentines to all my friends each year... I don't think the holiday has to be reduced to just hetero couples... I love a lot of people ... sometimes I even love my family :-)
I love Ground Hog Day, I mean really - how cute is that whole bit.... I love the MOVIE too!
I love the fact that some years it has more or less days. Learning about the calendar and how that was all created to keep us "at the right time" is fascinating.... I have fond memories of my dad telling me about it. And Come on...how cool would it be to have a mysterious birthday that would only show up every 4 years.... kinda like Brigadoon. How big of a party would you throw? I mean it would just be awesome!
I love the fact that all my tax paperwork has arrived and I can file and get our refund... (and pay off our trip to Key West ! :-)
I especially love February this year... January was quite hard around the ol' Stewart house that February is a welcomed sight!
As I mentioned earlier I hate January... but February I like....
Nay I dare say I LOVE! And apparently I love February for all the reasons people hate it.
I love that it is short: that means we are just that much closer to spring break.
Mason gets paid twice a month... no matter the length of the month so we have less time between pay checks! LOVE that.
PLUS that whole 3 day holiday shoved in there! A perfect opportunity to take a mini road trip vacation!
I LOVE Valentine's Day: and not just because its my birthday. I love the pink and the red, the hearts and the cards. I send Valentines to all my friends each year... I don't think the holiday has to be reduced to just hetero couples... I love a lot of people ... sometimes I even love my family :-)
I love Ground Hog Day, I mean really - how cute is that whole bit.... I love the MOVIE too!
I love the fact that some years it has more or less days. Learning about the calendar and how that was all created to keep us "at the right time" is fascinating.... I have fond memories of my dad telling me about it. And Come on...how cool would it be to have a mysterious birthday that would only show up every 4 years.... kinda like Brigadoon. How big of a party would you throw? I mean it would just be awesome!
I love the fact that all my tax paperwork has arrived and I can file and get our refund... (and pay off our trip to Key West ! :-)
I especially love February this year... January was quite hard around the ol' Stewart house that February is a welcomed sight!
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