With all the chaos after our trip, and my pc crashing, and my sudden increase in work load, I did forget to mention one thing: our littlest is now TWO! Yes, on Monday, November 20, while we were in Indianapolis actually, Izzy became officially no longer a "baby".
Thanks to the family/friends who sent gifts. I haven't been able to send thank you cards yet as I misplaced my address book in the move and heck, I don't even know where the thank you cards are, for that matter. Oops. Don't expect any X-mas cards this year either, folks!
Anyway, I finally took Izzy for her first hair cut this week. She sat like the little princess she is and didn't fuss one little bit. Well, until it was time to leave, that is, and she discovered she couldn't take the Dr. Seuss book she was "reading" with her. Darn those beauty shops wanting to keep their books and not let toddlers steal them!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Ho, Ho, Hurl
Well, I got my pc back--but not my file. So I have to recreate a database from scratch. But I've had no time to do it since I got another project handed to me that was a bit more important. I had to call up some files from storage and make copies of stuff from 2004. It was not fun. Especially when at one point it became apparent that SOMEONE in 2004 did not do their job right (and no, it wasn't me). Made for a very stressed-out Carrie for a few days there.
Mary got her report card this week. It reminded me of employee reviews now-a-days. "You see this 5 here? We're putting it down as the highest rating--but you can't actually achieve that rating. It's just there to taunt you and give us a lame-ass reason to not give you a raise." Mary actually did really great on her report card. But seriously, if they are not going to grade at a 5 point level, why the freak is the 5 even there? It's just WRONG!
John and I braved the Super Wal-Mart this weekend and loaded up the cart with all new lights and stuff with which to decorate our new house. Then John went back and got more. The problem: how on earth do you decorate a house that faces the road side-ways? Seriously, our house is built straight back off the garage, so all you see from the road is the garage. John thinks he'll have to string up lights down the front of the house (which is the side), the garage (which is the actual front), AND the back (um...the other side) in order for it to look "just right". Hmmm....maybe this year we'll just stick the animated deer out in the lawn and call it a day!
I told John that I'm a bit confused about what to do about X-mas gifts. John and I have a standing rule: gifts are optional--NOT obligational. And this is for ALL holidays, including birthdays and especially those dumb-ass hallmark holidays. If we decide to get each other something, we usually search around for something unique that we know the other person will like. But now we've got a house and stuff we actually NEED for it. John drools down the aisles at Home Depot and Lowe's every weekend. Are we really at that place in our lives now where we're going to buy each other stuff for the house and NOT for each other? So, what the heck do I get John for X-mas? A gift card? 'Cause I haven't a clue what high-powered tool he wants. Well, YUCK. How impersonal! So what do you get John for X-mas when he already owns a comb--AND a snowblower????
Mary got her report card this week. It reminded me of employee reviews now-a-days. "You see this 5 here? We're putting it down as the highest rating--but you can't actually achieve that rating. It's just there to taunt you and give us a lame-ass reason to not give you a raise." Mary actually did really great on her report card. But seriously, if they are not going to grade at a 5 point level, why the freak is the 5 even there? It's just WRONG!
John and I braved the Super Wal-Mart this weekend and loaded up the cart with all new lights and stuff with which to decorate our new house. Then John went back and got more. The problem: how on earth do you decorate a house that faces the road side-ways? Seriously, our house is built straight back off the garage, so all you see from the road is the garage. John thinks he'll have to string up lights down the front of the house (which is the side), the garage (which is the actual front), AND the back (um...the other side) in order for it to look "just right". Hmmm....maybe this year we'll just stick the animated deer out in the lawn and call it a day!
I told John that I'm a bit confused about what to do about X-mas gifts. John and I have a standing rule: gifts are optional--NOT obligational. And this is for ALL holidays, including birthdays and especially those dumb-ass hallmark holidays. If we decide to get each other something, we usually search around for something unique that we know the other person will like. But now we've got a house and stuff we actually NEED for it. John drools down the aisles at Home Depot and Lowe's every weekend. Are we really at that place in our lives now where we're going to buy each other stuff for the house and NOT for each other? So, what the heck do I get John for X-mas? A gift card? 'Cause I haven't a clue what high-powered tool he wants. Well, YUCK. How impersonal! So what do you get John for X-mas when he already owns a comb--AND a snowblower????
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Back to reality
We're back! Although apparently some of you never realized we were gone--or just were too busy doing other things (obligatory family feasts, etc.) to pay attention. Don't worry. We're not that offended. Well, much. I think JJ and Dave were actually relieved that Friday night ended up just being a "quiet" night at home as both were exhausted from their work week and unplanned baby-sitting escapades on turkey day. Just the five exta Q's there to mess up their home.....
Anyway, I'm glad we got to see the folks we did and sad we missed the folks we missed. It's getting harder and harder to do the whirlwind Indiana tour. Here is an official apology to those we missed (specifically to the Michigan folks whom it was just impossible to fit in this go-around). Maybe next time.... And please everybody don't forget that I-90 DOES run both ways. (That's how we get HOME every time). Now we've got a house and can put you up for a visit!
I came back to work Monday morning to a blue screen on my pc. It's been downhill from there. Last week was a horrendous week for my co-workers (not sure if my presence there would have made it much better or if I just would have been yet another person "dealing with the drama"). Anyway, I've been spending the last two and a half days attempting to clean up THAT mess plus get my day-to-day work done, and I STILL don't have my pc back. And the IT guy can't find a certain folder that I have to have--and I'm the only person in the company who had access to it. Uh oh.
It's hump day. Surely the next two days will be better, right?
Anyway, I'm glad we got to see the folks we did and sad we missed the folks we missed. It's getting harder and harder to do the whirlwind Indiana tour. Here is an official apology to those we missed (specifically to the Michigan folks whom it was just impossible to fit in this go-around). Maybe next time.... And please everybody don't forget that I-90 DOES run both ways. (That's how we get HOME every time). Now we've got a house and can put you up for a visit!
I came back to work Monday morning to a blue screen on my pc. It's been downhill from there. Last week was a horrendous week for my co-workers (not sure if my presence there would have made it much better or if I just would have been yet another person "dealing with the drama"). Anyway, I've been spending the last two and a half days attempting to clean up THAT mess plus get my day-to-day work done, and I STILL don't have my pc back. And the IT guy can't find a certain folder that I have to have--and I'm the only person in the company who had access to it. Uh oh.
It's hump day. Surely the next two days will be better, right?
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
You say it's your birthday?
Well, it's my birthday, too, YEAH!
Other folks who share a birthday with me:
-my step-mother
-an old friend from high school with whom I've sadly lost contact (HB, Michelle, wherever you are!)
-a co-worker (Lisa, you can share my cake with me)
-Petula Clark (Finian's Rainbow; Goodbye, Mr. Chips)
-Edward Asner (wow--miscellaneous)
And please note it is also America Recycles Day AND National Teddy Bear Day.
I'm still waiting for my honorary trash and teddy bear gifts to appear in the mail from you all.
And onto a different subject: YES, the rumor is true, and I'm pregnant. OH, GOD, NO!!!! NO! NO! NO! BITE YOUR TONGUE, DAVE!! But, yes, we ARE coming to Indiana next week. Problem is that we can't figure out where and when yet. And no clue with whom we're spending Thanksgiving day. We have four cities to visit and scattered viewing availability for our relatives/friends. (Reminds me why we haven't done this in a year.)
So, the tentative plan is: Indy, Monticello, Fort Wayne, Three Rivers.
Wait, no, no: Fort Wayne, Indy, Monticello, Three Rivers, Fort Wayne again.
Wait, NO, that won't work, either: Three Rivers, Fort Wayne, Monticello, Indy?
NO: bun, bun, patty, ketchup, SHOE.
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!
*sigh* Screw it. We're staying here and ordering Chinese.
Other folks who share a birthday with me:
-my step-mother
-an old friend from high school with whom I've sadly lost contact (HB, Michelle, wherever you are!)
-a co-worker (Lisa, you can share my cake with me)
-Petula Clark (Finian's Rainbow; Goodbye, Mr. Chips)
-Edward Asner (wow--miscellaneous)
And please note it is also America Recycles Day AND National Teddy Bear Day.
I'm still waiting for my honorary trash and teddy bear gifts to appear in the mail from you all.
And onto a different subject: YES, the rumor is true, and I'm pregnant. OH, GOD, NO!!!! NO! NO! NO! BITE YOUR TONGUE, DAVE!! But, yes, we ARE coming to Indiana next week. Problem is that we can't figure out where and when yet. And no clue with whom we're spending Thanksgiving day. We have four cities to visit and scattered viewing availability for our relatives/friends. (Reminds me why we haven't done this in a year.)
So, the tentative plan is: Indy, Monticello, Fort Wayne, Three Rivers.
Wait, no, no: Fort Wayne, Indy, Monticello, Three Rivers, Fort Wayne again.
Wait, NO, that won't work, either: Three Rivers, Fort Wayne, Monticello, Indy?
NO: bun, bun, patty, ketchup, SHOE.
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!
*sigh* Screw it. We're staying here and ordering Chinese.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Flickr account
Just downloaded the whole camera onto flickr. It still needs to be organized, but hey, at least the pics are out there.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47576375@N00/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47576375@N00/
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
The Ballerina, The Obi-Wan, and the Hatless Witch and their Lame Adventures in Trick-or-Treating
Our kids have been pretty spoiled in trick-or-treating years' past. We've always gone with our daycare provider and close friend Leona, her husband, and their two daughters. Usually in Scottsville, but one year we did go to a mutual friend's neighborhood in Henrietta. Both places were great. LOTS of kids, LOTS of lit-up houses, pretty low on the traffic--not to mention the fun of hanging out with good friends. This year Leona and Co. Decided to go to their church party instead of the neighborhood scene. No problem. John and I have a new house and new neighborhood to check out. I did get a little antsy last week and almost called our Henrietta friend to "bum a ride" on their neighborhood. I mean, our area has very few sidewalks, NO street lights, and our particular street has more older folks about than young families. But, what better way to learn things about your new neighborhood/neighbors then to go around in the dark demanding candy from them?
I got off work a few minutes early, raced home, threw a pizza in the oven, and threw the costumes on the kids. We gulped down our food, and then we set out around 6-ish.
The very first house we hit is our next-door neighbor (of course). After adoring our cute kids in their cute costumes, she warned us right off the bat, "Did anyone tell you we just don't get a lot of trick-or-treaters out here?" The second house, we got tons of exclamations of "Wow! We actually got some trick-or-treaters this year?" (And almost acquired a new pet as their dog followed us right out to the street.) The third house: "OMG, where did YOU come from?! We NEVER get trick-or-treaters. No, seriously, where did you come from?!" (Had to explain that we'd just moved in last summer.)
We saw all of two trick-or-treating groups (each with two kids and one parent) while we were out (and one of them were from the third house we'd hit--and I think they were still in awe of us). John and I decided to try a different tract of homes close by. We walked over to a nicer, they-so-make-more-money-than-we-do tract: you would have heard the crickets if they weren't already gone for the winter! Plenty of lit up houses, but NO trick-or-treaters!
All told, we were out about an hour. I'm sorry, but it's just no fun to go out on Halloween without seeing a bunch of other kids in their costumes. And it's no fun going down a road with no sidewalks when you're toting a (almost) 2-year old in a stroller. And even though it IS fun for your (almost) 7-year old to brandish a flashlight since there are no street lights, it is NOT fun to pick up all her candy in the grass after the THREE times she tripped in the dark.
Next year we're driving to Scottsville. Or Henrietta. Even if no one invites us!
I got off work a few minutes early, raced home, threw a pizza in the oven, and threw the costumes on the kids. We gulped down our food, and then we set out around 6-ish.
The very first house we hit is our next-door neighbor (of course). After adoring our cute kids in their cute costumes, she warned us right off the bat, "Did anyone tell you we just don't get a lot of trick-or-treaters out here?" The second house, we got tons of exclamations of "Wow! We actually got some trick-or-treaters this year?" (And almost acquired a new pet as their dog followed us right out to the street.) The third house: "OMG, where did YOU come from?! We NEVER get trick-or-treaters. No, seriously, where did you come from?!" (Had to explain that we'd just moved in last summer.)
We saw all of two trick-or-treating groups (each with two kids and one parent) while we were out (and one of them were from the third house we'd hit--and I think they were still in awe of us). John and I decided to try a different tract of homes close by. We walked over to a nicer, they-so-make-more-money-than-we-do tract: you would have heard the crickets if they weren't already gone for the winter! Plenty of lit up houses, but NO trick-or-treaters!
All told, we were out about an hour. I'm sorry, but it's just no fun to go out on Halloween without seeing a bunch of other kids in their costumes. And it's no fun going down a road with no sidewalks when you're toting a (almost) 2-year old in a stroller. And even though it IS fun for your (almost) 7-year old to brandish a flashlight since there are no street lights, it is NOT fun to pick up all her candy in the grass after the THREE times she tripped in the dark.
Next year we're driving to Scottsville. Or Henrietta. Even if no one invites us!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween!
One screwdriver to remove plates expiring TOMORROW: $6.99
Bi-annual vehicle registration: $72.00
Having to go renew the registration at the DMV in your Halloween costume: PRICELESS
Bi-annual vehicle registration: $72.00
Having to go renew the registration at the DMV in your Halloween costume: PRICELESS
The longest day of the year
You Hoosiers had the first taste of the "fall back" time change Sunday. When I was younger and kid-free, I loved this time change. Extra hour of sleep--yes! Well, when you have kids, they don't understand the time change. Kids wake you up at 7:00am--even if it's the 7:00am that was YESTERDAY and not today. So, I have to get up "early" Sunday morning, and somehow make it through the whole "extra hour" day. You wouldn't think one extra hour would be much (especially when it technically happened at 2:00am and NOT 7:00am). Well, when kids are on a schedule, and you're trying to get them to change it by that much, an hour is a long freakin' time! I mean, what do you DO with an extra hour?
So I pulled up my sleeves and tackled that extra hour with a thankless task: housecleaning. Just to make it somewhat more bearable, I got the kids involved--with bribery! I made up a list of kid-friendly jobs, and for each task they accomplished, they got a piece of candy. I've never seen Keith and Mary less whiny or more helpful! Why didn't I think of this sooner?
And why all the housecleaning? Because I'm finally having "the girls" over to the house this Friday for a buy-some-crap party. Personally, I usually avoid these parties like the plague--except the one *I'm* giving--the kind where the wares are FOOD items. Only invite me to parties with food, folks! Anyway, John and I are in panic mode 'cause the house just doesn't quite seem ready yet, and we'd really like to buy new furniture before we invite people over. But you know what? If we waited until we could afford new furniture, we wouldn't be having people over until the kids were out of college! IF then!
So, the kids and I wore ourselves out cleaning (while John wore himself out with bagging leaves and mowing). What depresses me is that the house is already on its way to becoming a mess again. Despite my best efforts, I'll still be doing that last-second panic cleaning Friday night at 6:59, opening the door breathless to my guests at 7:00.
WHY, OH WHY did I do it?! Oh well. It'll be fun to have some people over for a change.
So I pulled up my sleeves and tackled that extra hour with a thankless task: housecleaning. Just to make it somewhat more bearable, I got the kids involved--with bribery! I made up a list of kid-friendly jobs, and for each task they accomplished, they got a piece of candy. I've never seen Keith and Mary less whiny or more helpful! Why didn't I think of this sooner?
And why all the housecleaning? Because I'm finally having "the girls" over to the house this Friday for a buy-some-crap party. Personally, I usually avoid these parties like the plague--except the one *I'm* giving--the kind where the wares are FOOD items. Only invite me to parties with food, folks! Anyway, John and I are in panic mode 'cause the house just doesn't quite seem ready yet, and we'd really like to buy new furniture before we invite people over. But you know what? If we waited until we could afford new furniture, we wouldn't be having people over until the kids were out of college! IF then!
So, the kids and I wore ourselves out cleaning (while John wore himself out with bagging leaves and mowing). What depresses me is that the house is already on its way to becoming a mess again. Despite my best efforts, I'll still be doing that last-second panic cleaning Friday night at 6:59, opening the door breathless to my guests at 7:00.
WHY, OH WHY did I do it?! Oh well. It'll be fun to have some people over for a change.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Perfect Post!
I had the perfect post to the blog the other day. It was witty, informative, and lacked spelling errors. It had a kinda stream of consciousness about it--that you could actually understand. I was very proud of that post. And then clicked on "publish". And then I got a network error. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Now the perfect post is just another one of those coulda-been moments. You all would have been impressed with my post--I just know it. And now I know I can NEVER, EVER recreate it. This brain can only spew out that kind of greatness once in a great while. It has to do with the rotation of the planets, the phases of the moon, and the percentage of sleep deprivation on which I'm currently running. I'll never get that perfect moment again.
I gotta remember to save these things first....
Now the perfect post is just another one of those coulda-been moments. You all would have been impressed with my post--I just know it. And now I know I can NEVER, EVER recreate it. This brain can only spew out that kind of greatness once in a great while. It has to do with the rotation of the planets, the phases of the moon, and the percentage of sleep deprivation on which I'm currently running. I'll never get that perfect moment again.
I gotta remember to save these things first....
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Painting lessons
1. If you choose a very, very dark blue color, don't be lazy--put up a coat of primer first.
2. When painting the ceiling, use long, continuous lines of color.
3. IF you buy the "how to paint, ya moron" book, actually read it and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.
2. When painting the ceiling, use long, continuous lines of color.
3. IF you buy the "how to paint, ya moron" book, actually read it and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Please don't patronize my kid
Last night when I picked up Mary after work, her day care provider told me that Mary was reading to the other kids. "She's making it up," Debbie says, "but it's nice that she enjoys reading to the other kids like that." I looked at her kind of funny for a second. I mean, Mary loves to pretend, but I've never really known her to "make up" what she's reading. Mary then came upstairs and showed me her new library book. As Mary and I were talking about the book and her reading to the other kids, I guess the provider finally got clued in. "You mean she WASN'T pretending? She can really read that? She's in first grade, and she can already read chapter books?! Wow!" I admited that sometimes Mary does need help with a word here or there, but yes, the child CAN read chapter books already.
PRETENDING, INDEED. HMPH!!!
PRETENDING, INDEED. HMPH!!!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Walk for Awareness
Sunday morning, I partook in the Breast Cancer Walk for Awareness here in town. Several girls from my department/building here at work decided to go since several co-workers/friends have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I brought Mary Anne and put Izzy in the stroller, and we wore our pink. It was a beautiful, perfect fall morning (apparently it's rained for this event for many years past). Mary was a little trooper and walked the whole time with minimal whining. After the mid-point, she was even jogging back and forth along the sidewalk. She really had a lot of fun.
We were one of the first groups to start the trek, so on the return trip, we got to see the mass of people just starting out. It was just incredible all the women there and all the pink. I'm glad I went, I'm glad I took the girls, and I plan on making this a tradition.
We were one of the first groups to start the trek, so on the return trip, we got to see the mass of people just starting out. It was just incredible all the women there and all the pink. I'm glad I went, I'm glad I took the girls, and I plan on making this a tradition.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Some progress
One step forward:
We can finally fit the mini-van in the garage! Yay! Just a few more things to rearrange/stash in the basement, and the car will be able to enjoy our new home, too. Whew!
And now for the two steps back:
John started painting Keith's room. He gets one coat on the ceiling and decides "I don't like it". So we're putting our heads together trying to visualize how we want this room to look. But that blue he already put on the ceiling is very, very dark. Methinks we may have to prime before we can paint a lighter color up there! AUGH!!!!
We can finally fit the mini-van in the garage! Yay! Just a few more things to rearrange/stash in the basement, and the car will be able to enjoy our new home, too. Whew!
And now for the two steps back:
John started painting Keith's room. He gets one coat on the ceiling and decides "I don't like it". So we're putting our heads together trying to visualize how we want this room to look. But that blue he already put on the ceiling is very, very dark. Methinks we may have to prime before we can paint a lighter color up there! AUGH!!!!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Can I brag a little? (OK, a LOT?)
Last night John went to Curriculum Night at Mary's school. John signed up for bringing cups and peppermints to the future winter activities, signed up for the winter parent/teacher conference, and then got to talk to the teacher for a bit about Mary. The teacher told John that Mary is making the transition to the new school wonderfully (she's apparently well-liked by the other kids in her class). The teacher also said that she was "blown away" by Mary's reading and drawing skills. John and I know that the kid reads well--she moved on to reading Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein with no problems last year--and we even know she's pretty artistic. The fridge is constantly filled with her drawings and colorings, and she's always arranging her toys in little "dioramas" on her dresser or in the play room. But I guess it just doesn't hit you until you compare her little drawings to all the other kids in the class that wow--she really IS advanced for her age. She can draw horses, unicorns, whales, dolphins, lions, etc.--and she puts immense detail into them. Mrs. W. mentioned that Mary must have had a great kindergarten teacher. And yes, she did! And not to knock Mrs. G. (who was great, indeed), but I think a chunk of the credit needs to go to the day care provider Mary had since she was six months old. No way I could ever find anyone to measure up to Leona, and that's the reason why I'm willing to drive an extra half hour out of my way every day to keep Keith and Izzy there. She's irreplaceable; she's the best!
But let's not take credit away from our girl. Mary definitely is a good, quick learner. I hope she can keep up the drive in the many, many years of schooling to come!
You go, girl!
But let's not take credit away from our girl. Mary definitely is a good, quick learner. I hope she can keep up the drive in the many, many years of schooling to come!
You go, girl!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Update
Keith's room is still not painted.
The garage is still full of crap.
BUT, we did manage to get a ton of yard work done. John did most of it, but the kids and I helped when we could. We're pulling weeds and cutting down annuals and raking up leaves (already? aw, man!) and trying to figure out how to shape the yard for the spring. It's blatantly obvious that the previous owners only mowed and that was it. We've gotten confirmation on that from the neighbors on both sides. Apparently, the previous owner used to set his mower on the lowest possible setting so that he wouldn't have to mow as often. The poor tree roots have taken quite a beating--but so did his mower. One neighbor told us that the guy had to take his mower in to be fixed a few times for running over those tree roots! It's exhausting, but I'd still rather be outside doing all the yard work than inside doing laundry or dishes (or painting!) or whatever.
Mary Anne is going to take violin lessons! The school offers them free of charge and encourages kids to start this young, as it's apparently easier to teach them at a younger age. We have no idea if Mary will take to the violin any better than dance, but she seems interested, and it's worth a shot. We're taking her tonight to get her fitted and rent her "new" violin.
I may not get to be a Girl Scout leader this year! Absolutely no one showed up for recruitment night. It's getting tough. The schools no longer allow the Girl/Boy Scouts to advertise via flyers going home, so they have to depend on posted signs, advertisements in the papers, and word-of-mouth to get kids in. In fact, I didn't even know about recruitment night. We don't get a newspaper, and since Mary is bussed, we never drive by the school to see the signs. If I hadn't been so diligent about contacting council every other day about the status of a troop for Mary and me, I would never have known about it. I may have to stick Mary in an already existing troop in Penfield or possibly lead last year's Scottsville troop. Those poor girls still don't have a leader, so I am definitely needed there. We'll see how things unfold....
The garage is still full of crap.
BUT, we did manage to get a ton of yard work done. John did most of it, but the kids and I helped when we could. We're pulling weeds and cutting down annuals and raking up leaves (already? aw, man!) and trying to figure out how to shape the yard for the spring. It's blatantly obvious that the previous owners only mowed and that was it. We've gotten confirmation on that from the neighbors on both sides. Apparently, the previous owner used to set his mower on the lowest possible setting so that he wouldn't have to mow as often. The poor tree roots have taken quite a beating--but so did his mower. One neighbor told us that the guy had to take his mower in to be fixed a few times for running over those tree roots! It's exhausting, but I'd still rather be outside doing all the yard work than inside doing laundry or dishes (or painting!) or whatever.
Mary Anne is going to take violin lessons! The school offers them free of charge and encourages kids to start this young, as it's apparently easier to teach them at a younger age. We have no idea if Mary will take to the violin any better than dance, but she seems interested, and it's worth a shot. We're taking her tonight to get her fitted and rent her "new" violin.
I may not get to be a Girl Scout leader this year! Absolutely no one showed up for recruitment night. It's getting tough. The schools no longer allow the Girl/Boy Scouts to advertise via flyers going home, so they have to depend on posted signs, advertisements in the papers, and word-of-mouth to get kids in. In fact, I didn't even know about recruitment night. We don't get a newspaper, and since Mary is bussed, we never drive by the school to see the signs. If I hadn't been so diligent about contacting council every other day about the status of a troop for Mary and me, I would never have known about it. I may have to stick Mary in an already existing troop in Penfield or possibly lead last year's Scottsville troop. Those poor girls still don't have a leader, so I am definitely needed there. We'll see how things unfold....
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Like thieves in the night--or the plain sight of day
Izzy being somewhat unresponsive to the Sesame Street and Spongebob stickers I bought her after the first day of potty training, I made the bold switch to Hershey's Kissables. I blame my day care provider--that was all SHE had around the house when Izzy decided to suddenly try becoming a "big girl". I don't know that many girls who will respond to stickers after having chocolate as an inducement.
Anyway, I bought two little bags: one for the kitchen for potty #1, one for the upstairs bathroom, for potty #2. Izzy is doing much better for me at home, but there are still times here and there where I'm changing more diapers than I'm handing out candy. No big deal. But yesterday I happened to notice that the package of Kissables looked suspiciously "flat." Hmmm.... Sure enough, it was completely empty.
Any time candy goes missing in the house, I immediately know who the big culprit is. "MARY!" Sure enough, she shamefacedly admitting to eating all of Izzy's potty candy AND even sneaking some of the candy out of the bathroom. Well, now I know why Mary kept jumping up and wanting to cheer Izzy and give Izzy the little reward every time she used the potty. Little sneak.
At dinner, John and I made her feel bad enough about stealing from her little sister and told her that (once again) she won't be getting any candy for awhile (maybe we need to try something else, 'cause the little thief never seems to learn her lesson). And just to make sure, we asked Keith if he happened to be taking any of Izzy's candy. Nope. Not that there was any doubt. Keith is so happy-go-lucky you can't even imagine the thought even entering his head.
Fast forward to two hours later. It's way past bedtime, and I'm trying frantically to get Mary and Keith to bed. They've got their jammies on, they've brushed their teeth, and I'm trying to corral them onto the couch for their bedtime story. I hear rustling in the bathroom as I walk by. Sure enough, there is a little thief sneaking a piece of candy. But no! Not the properly shamed child #1 (still too soon for even that expert thief to try again). No! It's the innocent! The middle child who apparently realized what his life of innocence was costing him--no candy! Cripes! If we hadn't discussed it at the dinner table, he never would have been the wiser!
WHAT HAVE WE CREATED?!
Anyway, I bought two little bags: one for the kitchen for potty #1, one for the upstairs bathroom, for potty #2. Izzy is doing much better for me at home, but there are still times here and there where I'm changing more diapers than I'm handing out candy. No big deal. But yesterday I happened to notice that the package of Kissables looked suspiciously "flat." Hmmm.... Sure enough, it was completely empty.
Any time candy goes missing in the house, I immediately know who the big culprit is. "MARY!" Sure enough, she shamefacedly admitting to eating all of Izzy's potty candy AND even sneaking some of the candy out of the bathroom. Well, now I know why Mary kept jumping up and wanting to cheer Izzy and give Izzy the little reward every time she used the potty. Little sneak.
At dinner, John and I made her feel bad enough about stealing from her little sister and told her that (once again) she won't be getting any candy for awhile (maybe we need to try something else, 'cause the little thief never seems to learn her lesson). And just to make sure, we asked Keith if he happened to be taking any of Izzy's candy. Nope. Not that there was any doubt. Keith is so happy-go-lucky you can't even imagine the thought even entering his head.
Fast forward to two hours later. It's way past bedtime, and I'm trying frantically to get Mary and Keith to bed. They've got their jammies on, they've brushed their teeth, and I'm trying to corral them onto the couch for their bedtime story. I hear rustling in the bathroom as I walk by. Sure enough, there is a little thief sneaking a piece of candy. But no! Not the properly shamed child #1 (still too soon for even that expert thief to try again). No! It's the innocent! The middle child who apparently realized what his life of innocence was costing him--no candy! Cripes! If we hadn't discussed it at the dinner table, he never would have been the wiser!
WHAT HAVE WE CREATED?!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Locke siting at Myrtle Beach
My step-father has an uncanny resemblance to a certain, strange character on a popular TV show....
I'm so "tarred"
...as my Grandma would say.
Due to the belief that I'm over-worked (and let's not forget under-appreciated!), I'm forcing myself to go to bed early every night. I've noticed my work skills depreciate as my stress levels go up and my sleep quotient goes down. So, I've done absolutely NOTHING this week (How could I? I've been nodding off on the couch before I even get the kids put to bed!). Meanwhile, John has finally officially finished all the paint, trim, and touch-ups on the girls' room. I'm supposed to mop the floors tonight, but unless I suddenly get a burst of energy before 8:30 tonight (when the kids go to bed, and I'm free) then that floor will just have to WAIT.
We start Keith's room this weekend. Wonder if that will also take another month? And possibly a trip to some sort of shrink for some high quality meds?
Due to the belief that I'm over-worked (and let's not forget under-appreciated!), I'm forcing myself to go to bed early every night. I've noticed my work skills depreciate as my stress levels go up and my sleep quotient goes down. So, I've done absolutely NOTHING this week (How could I? I've been nodding off on the couch before I even get the kids put to bed!). Meanwhile, John has finally officially finished all the paint, trim, and touch-ups on the girls' room. I'm supposed to mop the floors tonight, but unless I suddenly get a burst of energy before 8:30 tonight (when the kids go to bed, and I'm free) then that floor will just have to WAIT.
We start Keith's room this weekend. Wonder if that will also take another month? And possibly a trip to some sort of shrink for some high quality meds?
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