Do you know any ladies in their eighties? Yes. As in like 89, 85 etc. My Grandmothers, bless them, came to the final test in Katie and Jessica's starfish swim class. (I know, you are confused already) Okay pay attention. Katie and Jessica are 4. They like to hang out with their Great Grandmothers on a regular basis. They love old people. So when the grandmas found out today was their final swim class in this level, they asked if they could come watch. So Mom & Dad picked up Grammie Bea from the sorrority house (assisted living), Grandma Houlie drove down from West Sac and off we all went (including Grammie and Papa) to witness the glory that is the triumph of the Starfish.
So I'm sitting there with Grandma Houlie and she mentions she loves the girl's shirts they had on. I explained that they had their swimsuits on under them but these shirts are 50 proof for sunblock so it gives extra protection when they are out in the sun. She stared at me like I was speaking Arabic. She said "I don't know these words." (50 proof to Gram means something entirely different called Brandy) Huh? I tried to explain further "you know Gram, they have 50 times the sun protection so they are safer..." Still nothing. Then she says "you know, there are so many words today and I just don't know what any of them mean." So I said "that's okay Gram, we just are trying to keep them from getting a sunburn and the shirts help that." And she says, "yes, I understand the doctors are now saying you should be aware of the sun." It was then that I just felt it was best to move on.
But it got me thinking about my Grandma's vernacular versus mine. My Grandma uses these words on a regular basis: Hassock, Oleo, Pepsodent, Davenport, Pop and Word Processor. There are so many more but I can't think of them right now. One time, she was watching Katie and Jessica when they were little and Katie pooped. She took her dirty bottom over the sink to rinse it off. I showed her again where the wipes were. She stared at me with the same blank expression. After she left, I realized she had no idea what wipes were. There are so many things like that.
So Gram, next time you hop online (ha ha), you need to familiarize yourself with the following words: Twitter, Facebook, TiVO or DVR, Anthropologie, Bravo TV and Hogwarts. And I'd like to have all of your old jewelry. (sshhhh....don't tell her we now call it vintage!)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
My Favorite Things - Summer 09 Edition
I love to pretend I am Oprah. I pretend (in my mind and all by myself) that I am a middle aged woman, struggling with my weight that loves to talk to people and share information with the masses. Oh wait. Hee hee. I ALSO like to pretend that people care about what I have to say and every once in awhile I come up with my favorite things even though I have no commercial endorsements and am not giving jack away to anyone. Here we go!!!
- Roy Yamaguchi. If you don't know who Roy Yamaguchi is, I feel so sorry for you. He is the chef that invented fusion cuisine. If you don't know what fusion cuisine is, well, you probably won't appreciate the rest of this either. Roy is the owner of Roy's of Hawaii which is a chain of restaurants that combine french technique and saucing with Japanese and Hawaiian ingredients. Roy just competed on Top Chef Masters last night on Bravo. He didn't win. But I LOVE him. He is such a classy guy, he never says anything negative in interviews ever. He embodies what Aloha means to me. And his Misoyaki Butterfish is by far the best thing I have ever eaten in my entire life. It is ordered as an appetizer on his menus. However, I would order in for my appetizer, then again for my entree, then again for my side dish and again for my dessert. Then, I would go back the next day and have it again. You might have a Roy's in a city near you. These chain of upscale restaurants are open all over the country. The closest one to me in San Francisco. I'm trying to think of some reason to go to San Francisco this weekend. If you go to Hawaii, please go there. If you live in Baltimore, please go there, etc. And order the misoyaki butterfish. Even if you don't like fish. Mike and I stood lookout for each other while the other one of us licked our plate. Sometimes Mike will look at me and say Miso Butterfish. It's as good as foreplay.
- Tanning. I know! It's so bad. But see, I have a little thing coming up called my 20 year class reunion. And jiggly parts of your body just look better if they are not glowing in the dark. I consulted my cousin Susan about whether to tan or not tan, to spray or not spray or to glow or not glow. She gave me excellent advice to tan gently and then make up for it by wearing major sunscreen for the rest of the summer and next summer. I have not even had a little bit of a tan since 2001 and we did a 10 week rotation in Hawaii. So I figure this little bit of pre-event tanning balances out and I am committed to 100% sunscreen after August 8th.
- Swim Lessons. Right now, Katie and Jessica are very proud to be Starfish. They will be Seahorses in a few weeks. They love swim lessons so much and tonight they fell asleep at 4pm and we carried Jessica to her bed at 9:30 p.m and she is sleeping still. Katie got up for 30 minutes to eat some cereal and fruit and then went back to bed. They are totally worn out. I finally found a pause button for 4 year olds. It's called swimming their butts off. Go Swimming Yay!
- The Farmer's Market. If I didn't have kids and a million things to do that I never get done I would totally become a localvore. That is someone who buys all their food and household items from local sources as well as patronizes all local businesses for their services. I think food is better tasting and for you if it is picked ripe and harvested or butchered locally. I think patronizing local businesses, non big box Wal-Marts and non chain restaurants is critical to our future survival. I hate when I have to go into the WalMarts. I do love the Target though. But I wish I didn't and that counts.
- New babies. Mike and Chuck set up their webcams and skyped from the hospital so Chuck could show Mike his new daughter. Katie drew her new cousin a picture and got to show it to her and Uncle Chuck over the computer. How cute is it that these two brothers set it up so they could share this day and the arrival of this beautiful baby together. It sort of made me want to have another of Mike's babies. And made me love Chuck a lot too. I love when Dad's fall in love with their daughters. I got over the baby urge very quickly as in like 5 seconds later but for a second, I had a little contraction. It was sweet. And Grace is so beautiful with a head full of curly black hair. Which makes me so happy for Amber. She has a Jessica (Emma) and now a Katie (Gracie) when it comes to hair. She'll have so much fun.
- Conan. He's just hysterical.
- Flat screen televisions. My parents just put up an awesome TV on the wall of their bedroom. It is sweet. K & J thought it was purchased just so they could watch a cartoon before naptime when they sleep at Grammie and Papas. We'll let them think that. I think a similar TV might be in my future. Although, I already love my bed too much. On the other hand, we love to have slumber parties as a family in our bed. We always order pizza and eat it together while we watch some sort of kid movie. How much more would we love our slumber parties with a big flat screen on the wall? See, it will promote family unity!
- My babysitter/Mom helper Kayla. I will do a separate post soon about Kayla. We hired her when I had surgery to help me when Mike is at work with the girls. Now she's just helping me a few hours/week because I'm still not able to do everything and I have therapy appointments and I'm trying to catch up on all the stuff that fell through the cracks over the past three months. Kayla is now part of our family, we love her so much. She is one of those people with the heart of a champion and a kindness that is so rare to find in people. She is so helpful and she made it possible for me to have had this surgery and for the girls to have their needs met. They love her so much and wish she could come over everyday. She brought her new kitten over the other day who is teensy tiny. This propelled her to hero status immediately. She is just heaven sent and I love her.
- My parents. I know I have mention how helpful they are before. But they are also so much fun and are such good friends to all of us. Katie and Jessica would prefer to play with Papa over just about anyone. And they say Grammie takes the best care of them of anyone and loves them more than anyone in the world. The girls cry when we show up to take them home from Grammie and Papas and Jessica asks to call them everyday. Katie HAS to talk to her Grammie everyday and she chats away and then says "Okay Grammie, pass over to Papa." They have just started calling my Dad "Pop" all on their own. They get to my parents and they run up and hug him and go "Hi Pop" or they get him on the phone and say "hi Pop!" It's so cute because I have no idea where they got it. They have the best time with my parents and so do Mike and I. Mike loves hanging out with my parents. He was driving home last night and called me and said "call your Mom and Dad and find out what they want for dinner from L&L. I'll swing by on my way home and pick up dinner for them and take it over and hang out with them and the girls for awhile." (They had the girls at their house) Even though I had told Mike I'd go pick up the girls, he preferred to hang out with my Mom and Dad on his own. He has met them for dinner and hung out with them tons since I had surgery. I'm very thankful we are all such good friends at that my husband loves my parents and vice versa. It sure makes life so much easier and happier.
- New CoverGirl Lip Stain. Go right now to Walgreens or Rite Aid. Find a color that is one shade darker than your actual lip color. If you wear more pink, red and blue go with one shade darker on the pinker side. If you wear more tan, brown or green go with one shade darker on the bronze or neutral side. This stain is not a lipstick. It gives just a hint of color to your lips and makes them stand out but looks like you have nothing on. The stain lasts forever (at least 4 or more hours) and it just gives your face a bit of color so you don't look washed out. You can put some on your finger and use it on your cheeks too if the color works. I would not recommend using it for lipstick when you want a glam look. It's perfect for slapping on when you are having a no makeup day. Most days I will brush a little bronzer, some mascara and lip stain and that's it because I have no time to do my make up.
I have so many things I could add to this list. But I'm so tired. I am now going to retire for the night. Do you think the girls are going to wake up super early cuz of the whole nap marathon thing? ugh. Better go grab some winks.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Friendship - a tribute to my friend Amelia Snelling
Every once in awhile, someone does something so nice for you that it brings tears to your eyes and makes you examine what it means to be a true friend. First, you need to get to know my friend Amelia.
I met Amelia while we were stationed in Nebraska during Mike's residency. Amelia's boyfriend, Dustin, was one of the Air Force family medicine residents along with Mike. The other girls were married to their spouses and Amelia was the "girlfriend". She was totally in love with Dustin and was so excited to meet and make some "couple" friends. We discovered we both loved English and Creative Writing. Amelia is a mid western girl through and through. She is open hearted, sincere, kind and we celebrated her engagement, her wedding and we prayed for her to be able to have a baby. All the residents graduated and we found ourselves going our separate ways. Soon, we got the fabulous news that baby Nathan was on his way. We held our breath and prayed some more while Amelia struggled with a pregnancy that had some very real risk of premature delivery. Thankfully, Nathan was born healthy and happy and is the cutest baby boy I have ever seen in my life. Honestly, the kid is gorgeous. Blond hair, great skin that is the perfect tan color even though he is a baby and obviously does not have a tan and these blue eyes that just jump out of his face. He smiles and my uterus contracts. And I am not a baby gushy person. This kid is just that cute. Dustin, Amelia's husband, just deployed to the desert. She is currently going through what is one of the most painful and lonely and difficult times anyone can ever go through. I think of her often. I pray for her daily. Even though I suck at emailing, calling and just all around being an attentive friend.
Amelia doesn't have my hermit and neglectful character faults. She is attentive to her friends, expresses her love for them and is generally just always there for everyone. Because I have been down in the dumps and literally "down", Amelia sent a care package to me. Inside held a treasure trove of her favorite books. Quirky novels by Nebraska authors, a book of poetry that I have poured over and a couple other fabulous reads. She had to order the books from more than one source, so she gathered them and mailed the package herself. However, the thing I treasure the most from her package was the letter tucked inside. It was handwritten and started with "Dearest Amy, ". She went on to explain why each of the books meant so much to her and what she thought I would like in each. She said she missed me and closed with the words "With Much Affection". She included a picture of Nathan.
This act of kindness bestowed upon me by my friend meant a lot to me. I think the best thing anyone can give anyone is a book. The only thing better to give someone is a letter. I felt loved and that I was not crippled and sick and boring and a party pooper. These feelings have been overwhelming my heart as of late. I think I'm lucky to have Amelia in my life. If any that read this could include safety for Dustin in your prayers I think that would be awesome. We are having a residency reunion of sorts in September. Amelia will be there without Dustin. I am determined to send her to take a nap or walk on the beach or get a massage while we play with Nathan. (Maybe all three) My other friend Ingrid will be there too. Her husband just got home from Afghanistan after a dangerous and difficult assignment. I am so happy for her that I cannot put it in words. I feel lucky to be the spouse of a military member. I feel honored to be among these women and so many others I have met and grown to love over the years. For all of you who have been there for me I just wanted to say thanks. And to Amelia, I just wanted to say thanks for reminding me what type of friend I need to become.
I met Amelia while we were stationed in Nebraska during Mike's residency. Amelia's boyfriend, Dustin, was one of the Air Force family medicine residents along with Mike. The other girls were married to their spouses and Amelia was the "girlfriend". She was totally in love with Dustin and was so excited to meet and make some "couple" friends. We discovered we both loved English and Creative Writing. Amelia is a mid western girl through and through. She is open hearted, sincere, kind and we celebrated her engagement, her wedding and we prayed for her to be able to have a baby. All the residents graduated and we found ourselves going our separate ways. Soon, we got the fabulous news that baby Nathan was on his way. We held our breath and prayed some more while Amelia struggled with a pregnancy that had some very real risk of premature delivery. Thankfully, Nathan was born healthy and happy and is the cutest baby boy I have ever seen in my life. Honestly, the kid is gorgeous. Blond hair, great skin that is the perfect tan color even though he is a baby and obviously does not have a tan and these blue eyes that just jump out of his face. He smiles and my uterus contracts. And I am not a baby gushy person. This kid is just that cute. Dustin, Amelia's husband, just deployed to the desert. She is currently going through what is one of the most painful and lonely and difficult times anyone can ever go through. I think of her often. I pray for her daily. Even though I suck at emailing, calling and just all around being an attentive friend.
Amelia doesn't have my hermit and neglectful character faults. She is attentive to her friends, expresses her love for them and is generally just always there for everyone. Because I have been down in the dumps and literally "down", Amelia sent a care package to me. Inside held a treasure trove of her favorite books. Quirky novels by Nebraska authors, a book of poetry that I have poured over and a couple other fabulous reads. She had to order the books from more than one source, so she gathered them and mailed the package herself. However, the thing I treasure the most from her package was the letter tucked inside. It was handwritten and started with "Dearest Amy, ". She went on to explain why each of the books meant so much to her and what she thought I would like in each. She said she missed me and closed with the words "With Much Affection". She included a picture of Nathan.
This act of kindness bestowed upon me by my friend meant a lot to me. I think the best thing anyone can give anyone is a book. The only thing better to give someone is a letter. I felt loved and that I was not crippled and sick and boring and a party pooper. These feelings have been overwhelming my heart as of late. I think I'm lucky to have Amelia in my life. If any that read this could include safety for Dustin in your prayers I think that would be awesome. We are having a residency reunion of sorts in September. Amelia will be there without Dustin. I am determined to send her to take a nap or walk on the beach or get a massage while we play with Nathan. (Maybe all three) My other friend Ingrid will be there too. Her husband just got home from Afghanistan after a dangerous and difficult assignment. I am so happy for her that I cannot put it in words. I feel lucky to be the spouse of a military member. I feel honored to be among these women and so many others I have met and grown to love over the years. For all of you who have been there for me I just wanted to say thanks. And to Amelia, I just wanted to say thanks for reminding me what type of friend I need to become.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Summer Lovin' Happened So Fast
It is really the SEVENTH of JULY? When I was a kid, this was already the time I started to get sad about returning to school! Where did the summer go? I still have my red wool coat on the back of my desk chair! How did we get to the lazy days of summer when it was just winter? I guess when you have surgery and are in bed for over two months, time sorta gets away from you. It's sad, but I realized the summer was upon me when I realized the Bachelorette has almost made her final choice of boy. And The Office has been over for like ever already. It's true, summer is almost a memory.
Due to this fact, I thought I better share some quick updates of what has been going on in our lives. You know what's been going on with me. I've been sitting, laying down and watching TV. I have not been blogging because I feel like there has been nothing to share. How many posts can I write about the excitement of changing my sheets and reading another Debbie Macomber book? Not many. However, last week I got the green light to drive and to walk short distances. This has opened the world to me once again. I have been driving and taking the girls places and making memories that I have missed making. Even though I am slow and it hurts A LOT, it is so nice to have freedom. It made me EXTRA grateful this past 4th of July. Freedom took on a whole new meaning. I thought a lot about having the ability to walk, speak, drive and enjoy my life in the way I choose. Many women in this world do not have this luxury. I am so thankful for this blessing. My knee is popping and clicking which is not good. I checked in with my therapist today and she said I needed to call my surgeon because it feels like there is a lip of bone that my knee is having to pop over in order to bend. It hurts when it pops into place. I hope this is something that will go away as things settle into place.
Katie and Jessica have had a very busy summer. They went on vacation with Grammie and Papa to the beach. They went last year and it is becoming a tradition. They take Tony the trailer (Papa & Grammie's RV) and they visit Capitola and Santa Cruz. This year, they toured the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. They told me that they wished they could still be on vacation and that they had THE BEST TIME EVER. They have spent loads of time with Grammie and Papa since I've been down. I am so thankful for my parent's willingness, ability and love of all things Katie and Jessica. It helps us so much and brings so much joy to two little girls. Today, the girls learned how to make home made bread with Grandma Meeker. She brought over a loaf tonight with some freezer jam and the girls had three pieces because it was THEIR bread that THEY made. They were so proud. The most excitement they've had in a long time occurred today when they discovered that the ducks that have been living in Grammie and Papa's swimming pool had ducklings in the past two days and seven baby ducks are living in my parents backyard. The girls have been talking non stop about the baby ducks and how we are going to save them and make sure they are okay and feed them and help their mama. They called Papa as soon as they woke up from their naps to check on their duckies and ask what they could do to help. Katie sang softly to them at the window because she said she was "watching over them". I really hope nothing happens to those ducklings.
Mike has been either taking care of us or working. He has found out what being responsible for his job, patients and clinic along with figuring out what is for dinner, buying shoes that fit growing feet, transitioning winter to summer kids clothes, running the house, doing ponytails and braids, reading books, maintaining the cars, the dishes, the mail and bills and not getting any sleep is like. I feel so sorry for Mike right now. He's done so great and has had the best attitude. He hasn't complained or made me feel bad once. I have kept my mouth shut as I have watched the girls exit the house in striped shorts and polka dot shirts and tangled hair and faces with peanut butter and jelly smeared on them. I have said thanks when I ate seven straight nights of take out and cereal for breakfast and lunch. He has been juggling so many things and keeping it all running. We are all alive and even though life is disorganized and messy and sort of out of control, the girls are more in love with their Dad than ever because he has spent so much time with them. They are a lot closer to him and they rely on him in new aspects of their lives. I think it is rare that any parent that works FT gets to take significant time away from work and care for their family. It has made all of us a closer unit. The girls have been needed to help out and they are having so much fun drying dishes, setting the table, putting things away and helping prepare meals. It's amazing how much they've been able to do for themselves. Mike has a natural tendency to "teach" them how to do something where I have a natural tendency to just "do" it for them. It's been good for them to learn some independence. They are proud of themselves and working together to accomplish little things like folding laundry and picking up their room.
We went to a great 3rd of July celebration at Grammie Bea's new Assisted Living place. I have received a lot of email asking how she's doing with her Alzheimer's and moving to the Assisted Living community and out of her home. I'm so pleased to report that she is loving her new apartment and life at The Meadows. The staff are amazingly kind and wonderful. Her apartment is so cute and she is making so many friends and attending so many activities. She loves having her meals provided and visiting with "the girls" at her table. When I ask her how she is doing she says "I cannot lie. I LOVE IT!" This is so wonderful and truly a blessing from God. My Grandma is not a person who accepts change easily or generally looks on the bright side of life. So to see her so giddy and truly happy is such a joyful sigh of relief to all of us that love her.
We spent the 4th at my parents enjoying a BBQ, swimming and fireworks. We had brunch that morning with our friends Jen and Ray. Ray was Mike's best man and Jen was one of my bridesmaids, yet they did not know each other at the time we got married. They met at our wedding but did not date for a few years later. They ended up happily married and have four beautiful kids. It was fun to see them and catch up at my favorite place Boulevard Bistro. Then, I took the girls to Toys R Us for a shopping spree. We hadn't done a girls shopping trip since my surgery so we had so much fun picking out toys for the pool and a few additions to their doll house. We then went summer shoe shopping and joined the rest of my family for the BBQ and swimming/playing with our new pool toys and fireworks. I HATE the sort of fireworks you do yourself. They always make me so nervous and I had such awful experiences as a kid getting scared of fireworks. I like the kind you look up in the sky at that are set off by professionals. We had some of each this year so my stress level was only at about a six out of ten. Not too bad.
We are looking forward to our new niece Gracie-Bell being born this week to Chuck and Amber. We are waiting for her to be born any day. Technically, she could be born any time in the next two weeks but we want her to be born soon. I'm so excited to have a new little baby girl in our family. I wish I could go out and help Amber with the kids and the new baby but given my level of mobility, she would end up with a 4th kid (me) to take care of. We are praying that Gracie arrives safely and healthy.
The rest of the summer will be exciting. Swim lessons, our 2oth class reunion, camping, our 17th wedding anniversary, my birthday, Mike's residency class reunion (beach house in South Carolina-HOLLAH) and preparations for a Meeker boy elk hunting trip. It should be a fun few months. I love having 4 year olds. This is my favorite age so far. They are sweet, easy, loud, fun, creative, curious and they sing and dance everywhere they go. Life is good right now. Hopefully, I can begin to give Mike a little rest as I am able to do more.
Due to this fact, I thought I better share some quick updates of what has been going on in our lives. You know what's been going on with me. I've been sitting, laying down and watching TV. I have not been blogging because I feel like there has been nothing to share. How many posts can I write about the excitement of changing my sheets and reading another Debbie Macomber book? Not many. However, last week I got the green light to drive and to walk short distances. This has opened the world to me once again. I have been driving and taking the girls places and making memories that I have missed making. Even though I am slow and it hurts A LOT, it is so nice to have freedom. It made me EXTRA grateful this past 4th of July. Freedom took on a whole new meaning. I thought a lot about having the ability to walk, speak, drive and enjoy my life in the way I choose. Many women in this world do not have this luxury. I am so thankful for this blessing. My knee is popping and clicking which is not good. I checked in with my therapist today and she said I needed to call my surgeon because it feels like there is a lip of bone that my knee is having to pop over in order to bend. It hurts when it pops into place. I hope this is something that will go away as things settle into place.
Katie and Jessica have had a very busy summer. They went on vacation with Grammie and Papa to the beach. They went last year and it is becoming a tradition. They take Tony the trailer (Papa & Grammie's RV) and they visit Capitola and Santa Cruz. This year, they toured the Monterrey Bay Aquarium. They told me that they wished they could still be on vacation and that they had THE BEST TIME EVER. They have spent loads of time with Grammie and Papa since I've been down. I am so thankful for my parent's willingness, ability and love of all things Katie and Jessica. It helps us so much and brings so much joy to two little girls. Today, the girls learned how to make home made bread with Grandma Meeker. She brought over a loaf tonight with some freezer jam and the girls had three pieces because it was THEIR bread that THEY made. They were so proud. The most excitement they've had in a long time occurred today when they discovered that the ducks that have been living in Grammie and Papa's swimming pool had ducklings in the past two days and seven baby ducks are living in my parents backyard. The girls have been talking non stop about the baby ducks and how we are going to save them and make sure they are okay and feed them and help their mama. They called Papa as soon as they woke up from their naps to check on their duckies and ask what they could do to help. Katie sang softly to them at the window because she said she was "watching over them". I really hope nothing happens to those ducklings.
Mike has been either taking care of us or working. He has found out what being responsible for his job, patients and clinic along with figuring out what is for dinner, buying shoes that fit growing feet, transitioning winter to summer kids clothes, running the house, doing ponytails and braids, reading books, maintaining the cars, the dishes, the mail and bills and not getting any sleep is like. I feel so sorry for Mike right now. He's done so great and has had the best attitude. He hasn't complained or made me feel bad once. I have kept my mouth shut as I have watched the girls exit the house in striped shorts and polka dot shirts and tangled hair and faces with peanut butter and jelly smeared on them. I have said thanks when I ate seven straight nights of take out and cereal for breakfast and lunch. He has been juggling so many things and keeping it all running. We are all alive and even though life is disorganized and messy and sort of out of control, the girls are more in love with their Dad than ever because he has spent so much time with them. They are a lot closer to him and they rely on him in new aspects of their lives. I think it is rare that any parent that works FT gets to take significant time away from work and care for their family. It has made all of us a closer unit. The girls have been needed to help out and they are having so much fun drying dishes, setting the table, putting things away and helping prepare meals. It's amazing how much they've been able to do for themselves. Mike has a natural tendency to "teach" them how to do something where I have a natural tendency to just "do" it for them. It's been good for them to learn some independence. They are proud of themselves and working together to accomplish little things like folding laundry and picking up their room.
We went to a great 3rd of July celebration at Grammie Bea's new Assisted Living place. I have received a lot of email asking how she's doing with her Alzheimer's and moving to the Assisted Living community and out of her home. I'm so pleased to report that she is loving her new apartment and life at The Meadows. The staff are amazingly kind and wonderful. Her apartment is so cute and she is making so many friends and attending so many activities. She loves having her meals provided and visiting with "the girls" at her table. When I ask her how she is doing she says "I cannot lie. I LOVE IT!" This is so wonderful and truly a blessing from God. My Grandma is not a person who accepts change easily or generally looks on the bright side of life. So to see her so giddy and truly happy is such a joyful sigh of relief to all of us that love her.
We spent the 4th at my parents enjoying a BBQ, swimming and fireworks. We had brunch that morning with our friends Jen and Ray. Ray was Mike's best man and Jen was one of my bridesmaids, yet they did not know each other at the time we got married. They met at our wedding but did not date for a few years later. They ended up happily married and have four beautiful kids. It was fun to see them and catch up at my favorite place Boulevard Bistro. Then, I took the girls to Toys R Us for a shopping spree. We hadn't done a girls shopping trip since my surgery so we had so much fun picking out toys for the pool and a few additions to their doll house. We then went summer shoe shopping and joined the rest of my family for the BBQ and swimming/playing with our new pool toys and fireworks. I HATE the sort of fireworks you do yourself. They always make me so nervous and I had such awful experiences as a kid getting scared of fireworks. I like the kind you look up in the sky at that are set off by professionals. We had some of each this year so my stress level was only at about a six out of ten. Not too bad.
We are looking forward to our new niece Gracie-Bell being born this week to Chuck and Amber. We are waiting for her to be born any day. Technically, she could be born any time in the next two weeks but we want her to be born soon. I'm so excited to have a new little baby girl in our family. I wish I could go out and help Amber with the kids and the new baby but given my level of mobility, she would end up with a 4th kid (me) to take care of. We are praying that Gracie arrives safely and healthy.
The rest of the summer will be exciting. Swim lessons, our 2oth class reunion, camping, our 17th wedding anniversary, my birthday, Mike's residency class reunion (beach house in South Carolina-HOLLAH) and preparations for a Meeker boy elk hunting trip. It should be a fun few months. I love having 4 year olds. This is my favorite age so far. They are sweet, easy, loud, fun, creative, curious and they sing and dance everywhere they go. Life is good right now. Hopefully, I can begin to give Mike a little rest as I am able to do more.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A FULL BLOWN CONFESSION (about stuff nobody would ever care about)
Okay, let's just get it out there. I have gone over to a bad place. See, I've been home a lot since surgery. I've been sitting around. I quickly burned through my reading list and found myself out of new material as I await a delivery from Amazon. So what's a girl to do with that much time on her hands? Can't cook. Oh darn. Can't clean. Shoot. The only thing left is for me to do is to form unhealthy attachments to characters on reality TV right? Let's explore shall we?
Jon and Kate. Jon. Kate. Honestly, I feel sick in my stomach about this family. I have watched since the beginning. At first I identified with Jon and Kate: a couple thrilled with the birth of their twin girls, tried for one more baby, controlling chick full of bossiness toward all. What's not to love? I always turned to Jon and Kate when I felt like my life with the twins was hard, because here was someone who had it WAY harder. I got parenting tips from Kate ranging from how to get kids to and from the car safely in a busy parking lot, schedules for kids, dressing your kids alike so you can find them easily in public and not putting names on backpacks so strangers can't approach your child by name. Now, I find myself disgusted by Jon and his big diamond earrings and Harley Davidson and NYC apartment and excitement to start a new chapter of his life. I am disappointed in Kate for not realizing that fame and money has corrupted her family. Kate and Jon are Christians and have always said "when this doesn't work for our family anymore the cameras will go." But their marriage started to fall apart and they continued. In fact, they increased their public exposure. And now that their family has completely fallen apart, the cameras continue to roll. Kate is obviously super tan, sporting bigger and more perky boobs and a flatter tummy, Jon's hair plugs are full of gel and their bleached teeth glow as they sneer when speaking of each other. And the bottom line is there are 8 real live kids at the heart of this mess. Two 8 year old girls that can read the tabloid headlines and go to school where I'm sure kids are cruel. The disintegration of a family is one of the saddest things I can think of. And I feel just sick and sad. I told you, UNHEALTHY ATTACHMENT TO REALITY TV. Don't judge, I warned you ahead of time.
Now on to Jillian. If you don't know who Jillian is just stop reading because you are going to majorly judge me by the end of this post and you just should quit while we can still be friends. Okay so Jillian the Bachelorette. I actually threw a pillow at my TV on Monday night. This was the beginning of when I realized I had gone over to the bad place. Kicking off Jake and keeping Wes is the stupidest thing I've ever seen someone do on TV. Jake is the perfect guy and was by far and away, the best guy on the whole show. Wes is a scumbag who is using her. She must feel really dumb now that she's watching the show and watching how she got played by Wes. I hope Jake gets to be the next Bachelor because I think he is a big slice of dreamy. Mike is fully aware of my TV crush on Jake and he even watched Monday night with me and suffered along side of me as Jake tried to warn Jillian about Wes and she didn't listen. Girls can be so dumb sometimes. DON'T JUDGE ME.
Michael. What would I have done without the Thriller album? I can remember dancing for hours in my parents living room before they got home from work to this album. My mom had enormous Klipsch speakers as tall as me and even though I was only allowed to turn to volume to 4, I would blast it at 7 while I danced and pretended I was on stage while singing Beat It. I would pretend I was a zombie in the thriller video. Do you remember MTV announcing they were going to premier the full length version and waiting and waiting for it then calling all your friends when it was over to talk about how amazing it was? Remember Vincent Price in it? I know Michael was most likely a very disturbed man, but seriously, his impact on music and dance? Bigger than anyone EVER. Just watch an N Sync video, check out Brittany or Miley or any dance numbers anyone ever has done since 1985. They all start out in the Thriller formation. It's iconic.
Farrah. My cousin Bo had a dog named after Farrah when we were little. He and his brothers had the classic poster of Farrah in their room alongside a pin up of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. When I think of Farrah, I think of times spent with my cousin, going to the park, going camping, colored shoelaces, ditto jeans and a comb in my back pocket. And lots and lots of hairspray.
And finally the most embarrassing thing to admit ever. I am excited for Big Brother to start and I have started watching Lifetime for Women television. I told you, I think I might be headed for actual therapy.
I have so much more to get off my chest. I have engaged in some pretty spectacularly bad behavior since going under the knife on May 1st. But I think I shall stop for now. I have a hair appointment in an hour and the amount of gray hair on my head is worthy of a confession of it's own. So until next time, where I will reveal how much dead skin is on my feet since I have not had a pedicure in three months. I know you can't wait for too many details about THAT!!!
Jon and Kate. Jon. Kate. Honestly, I feel sick in my stomach about this family. I have watched since the beginning. At first I identified with Jon and Kate: a couple thrilled with the birth of their twin girls, tried for one more baby, controlling chick full of bossiness toward all. What's not to love? I always turned to Jon and Kate when I felt like my life with the twins was hard, because here was someone who had it WAY harder. I got parenting tips from Kate ranging from how to get kids to and from the car safely in a busy parking lot, schedules for kids, dressing your kids alike so you can find them easily in public and not putting names on backpacks so strangers can't approach your child by name. Now, I find myself disgusted by Jon and his big diamond earrings and Harley Davidson and NYC apartment and excitement to start a new chapter of his life. I am disappointed in Kate for not realizing that fame and money has corrupted her family. Kate and Jon are Christians and have always said "when this doesn't work for our family anymore the cameras will go." But their marriage started to fall apart and they continued. In fact, they increased their public exposure. And now that their family has completely fallen apart, the cameras continue to roll. Kate is obviously super tan, sporting bigger and more perky boobs and a flatter tummy, Jon's hair plugs are full of gel and their bleached teeth glow as they sneer when speaking of each other. And the bottom line is there are 8 real live kids at the heart of this mess. Two 8 year old girls that can read the tabloid headlines and go to school where I'm sure kids are cruel. The disintegration of a family is one of the saddest things I can think of. And I feel just sick and sad. I told you, UNHEALTHY ATTACHMENT TO REALITY TV. Don't judge, I warned you ahead of time.
Now on to Jillian. If you don't know who Jillian is just stop reading because you are going to majorly judge me by the end of this post and you just should quit while we can still be friends. Okay so Jillian the Bachelorette. I actually threw a pillow at my TV on Monday night. This was the beginning of when I realized I had gone over to the bad place. Kicking off Jake and keeping Wes is the stupidest thing I've ever seen someone do on TV. Jake is the perfect guy and was by far and away, the best guy on the whole show. Wes is a scumbag who is using her. She must feel really dumb now that she's watching the show and watching how she got played by Wes. I hope Jake gets to be the next Bachelor because I think he is a big slice of dreamy. Mike is fully aware of my TV crush on Jake and he even watched Monday night with me and suffered along side of me as Jake tried to warn Jillian about Wes and she didn't listen. Girls can be so dumb sometimes. DON'T JUDGE ME.
Michael. What would I have done without the Thriller album? I can remember dancing for hours in my parents living room before they got home from work to this album. My mom had enormous Klipsch speakers as tall as me and even though I was only allowed to turn to volume to 4, I would blast it at 7 while I danced and pretended I was on stage while singing Beat It. I would pretend I was a zombie in the thriller video. Do you remember MTV announcing they were going to premier the full length version and waiting and waiting for it then calling all your friends when it was over to talk about how amazing it was? Remember Vincent Price in it? I know Michael was most likely a very disturbed man, but seriously, his impact on music and dance? Bigger than anyone EVER. Just watch an N Sync video, check out Brittany or Miley or any dance numbers anyone ever has done since 1985. They all start out in the Thriller formation. It's iconic.
Farrah. My cousin Bo had a dog named after Farrah when we were little. He and his brothers had the classic poster of Farrah in their room alongside a pin up of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. When I think of Farrah, I think of times spent with my cousin, going to the park, going camping, colored shoelaces, ditto jeans and a comb in my back pocket. And lots and lots of hairspray.
And finally the most embarrassing thing to admit ever. I am excited for Big Brother to start and I have started watching Lifetime for Women television. I told you, I think I might be headed for actual therapy.
I have so much more to get off my chest. I have engaged in some pretty spectacularly bad behavior since going under the knife on May 1st. But I think I shall stop for now. I have a hair appointment in an hour and the amount of gray hair on my head is worthy of a confession of it's own. So until next time, where I will reveal how much dead skin is on my feet since I have not had a pedicure in three months. I know you can't wait for too many details about THAT!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
