1. Do I really want to hear more about the swine flu? I'm all flued out already.
2. I went to a landfill yesterday. It was a fieldtrip. The nice people there told us all the wonderful things they did to give back to nature. They showed us the wetlands they were so proud of, and the blue herons flying around, as we were standing on a pile of crap covered by grass. My daughter found a ladybug. Neither of my children has learned the lesson that lots of trash is bad. Indeed, I think they feel that lots of trash is good, because how else can you create big mountains to sit on and look down on beautiful wetlands? Hmmmmm...
3. It's week 5!!! (Of the last term that is. Soon it will be summer... and we will have park days galore and won't have a care in the world. Yippeee!!)
4. When a couple having sex in a dumpster makes it into the local news, I can't help wondering, what they're hiding from us. I mean, there have got to be some REAL news somewhere, right? Sex in a dumpster. MY GOSH! How did he manage to get her to agree to that?
5. I love early mornings... when it's just me and the birds... oh, and of course the refrigerator humming faithfully.
6. My mom was hit by a car, as she was driving to work on her motorcycle. She is bruised pretty badly, but exams at the hospital ruled out any fractures or such. She's lucky to be alive. I wish she'd stop riding motorcycles. My mom is somewhat accident-prone.
7. If I don't go to the store now, I won't have any breakfast. I believe my stomach will now take over and send me off.
8. I like my bloggy friends. Thank you.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Lettuce, and cabbage, and broccoli, oh my
Indeed, dear reader... what you see here is one of two raised beds in my garden. And you can see everything listed in the subject line. I also have spinach, and more lettuce growing at the side of my house. But the pictures didn't turn out quite as well as they should have. So you get to see only one.
In the meantime my no blog mood still has a tight grip on me, and I'm starting to think that maybe I'm sick? I mean, what the heck? Even Facebook is no longer fascinating to me. After reading everyone's status, I'm still as smart as before. Hmmmm...
I'm wondering if it's just springtime that has me in this mood, or maybe I miss Shady Lady? Not that I really have to miss her, because we chat daily, and we meet ALL the time. By the way, she still has no internet, BUT they started digging around at her house, and if all goes well, and they keep their promise, they will be there Monday to install everything. Keep those fingers crossed for Shady Lady. I believe she's going through withdrawals.
And I'm off... knitting a baby blanket for my brother's baby. Yes, I'm a nut. My sil is 13 weeks along. That means I have to get started if I actually want to finish it before the baby is born. I'm making it cream colored... since I don't know yet, what it is. Well, actually I do. But that's just a vision I had, and I can't tell anyone yet.
Have a great Sunday.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Not in a blogging mood lately... :)
Blame it on the lovely weather in our beautiful state of Oregon. Blame it on the work that needed to be done around here. Or simply blame it on my non-creative streak.
But, here's my weekend in a nutshell...
1. Yay, we finally put dirt into the raised beds. They're beautiful.
2. We went to the Parenting Beyond Belief seminar with Dale McGowan (co-author and editor of the PBB book), and it was fantastic. Dale rocks, has plenty of helpful information, and is very kind. I truly enjoyed the seminar and got some valuable information.
3. Sunday we moved Shady Lady's house, which we achieved in record time, might I add. After lunch we went home and I spent the rest of the day, planting cabbage, broccoli and lettuce starts, pulling weeds, and beautifying my yard.
After a delicious dinner on the patio we sat, drank some wine, and felt quite accomplished. We'll enjoy the next couple of days with temperatures in the high 70s, before the Oregon rain and clouds return with temperatures in the 50s according to accuweather. Ugh!
But, here's my weekend in a nutshell...
1. Yay, we finally put dirt into the raised beds. They're beautiful.
2. We went to the Parenting Beyond Belief seminar with Dale McGowan (co-author and editor of the PBB book), and it was fantastic. Dale rocks, has plenty of helpful information, and is very kind. I truly enjoyed the seminar and got some valuable information.
3. Sunday we moved Shady Lady's house, which we achieved in record time, might I add. After lunch we went home and I spent the rest of the day, planting cabbage, broccoli and lettuce starts, pulling weeds, and beautifying my yard.
After a delicious dinner on the patio we sat, drank some wine, and felt quite accomplished. We'll enjoy the next couple of days with temperatures in the high 70s, before the Oregon rain and clouds return with temperatures in the 50s according to accuweather. Ugh!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Rambling on Friday
1. I froze my gym membership for 6 months, so I can work out in the great outdoors more often. I had the best intentions this morning to go jogging. But when I woke up, it was raining cats and dogs. Oh well, another day with Maya, who still tells me to keep my ass tight (I know, she really doesn't. She says abs... but I always, always understand ass).
2. Brandi Carlile is coming to Portland. I'm so happy!
3. My front yard looks so beautiful. Even the neighbors have been commenting on all the pretty flowers. I'm such a proud gardener. ;)
4. I'm hoping to get dirt for my raised beds tomorrow. I'll even take the shovel to it. I promise, I won't stop working, until it's done.
5. My daughter is having conversations with herself on Animal Crossing. She reminds me of myself, when I clean the house. I frequently talk to myself. Weirds me out.
6. Blue Eyed Boy is the master of all LEGO Star Wars players. Now if only he was also the master of all basket ball dribblers. ;) He's just not getting it quite right.
7. It never ceases to amaze me how things shift... friendships... relationships. It would be interesting to study this. Or is there anything to study? Maybe not. I think it's interesting to look around me and feel the dynamic shift.
8. I really want to knit a sweater. Especially after my mom, who picked up knitting after a 20 year break, and knitted two sweaters in three weeks. That's just not fair.
9. My laptop keyboard is freaking out. It types = signs infinitely, and sometimes the only way to stop, is to close the document completely. Freaky! I need a new keyboard.
10. I want a cool phone without paying any money. Any ideas? I'm thinking Blackberry or iphone. Anyone? Universe? Cellphone Goddess?? (I promise, I'll never ask for anything ever again. NOT!)
11. Toothless Fairy is 8 going on 18. I'm starting to think that Gina's little group thingy sounds good. But dang, $50 a month??? Seriously? What did I freeze my gym membership for then?
12. I want to learn how to trade. I want to be come self-sufficient. It's a shame that I've lived in this country for 9 years, and I don't know anything. If I was to be on my own, I would drown without other people's help. Is that just sad? Things here are so different from Germany. I lived there just fine on my own.
13. The IRS lost our tax return. Seriously. They sent it to someone, and that someone hasn't returned or rejected it. But, that someone is NOT us. It could take up to 6 weeks to figure this out. Of course! If it were us who had to make the payment, they would give us all of two weeks. Ho is that possible?
14. Off to basketball with Blue Eyed Boy.
Happy Friday.
2. Brandi Carlile is coming to Portland. I'm so happy!
3. My front yard looks so beautiful. Even the neighbors have been commenting on all the pretty flowers. I'm such a proud gardener. ;)
4. I'm hoping to get dirt for my raised beds tomorrow. I'll even take the shovel to it. I promise, I won't stop working, until it's done.
5. My daughter is having conversations with herself on Animal Crossing. She reminds me of myself, when I clean the house. I frequently talk to myself. Weirds me out.
6. Blue Eyed Boy is the master of all LEGO Star Wars players. Now if only he was also the master of all basket ball dribblers. ;) He's just not getting it quite right.
7. It never ceases to amaze me how things shift... friendships... relationships. It would be interesting to study this. Or is there anything to study? Maybe not. I think it's interesting to look around me and feel the dynamic shift.
8. I really want to knit a sweater. Especially after my mom, who picked up knitting after a 20 year break, and knitted two sweaters in three weeks. That's just not fair.
9. My laptop keyboard is freaking out. It types = signs infinitely, and sometimes the only way to stop, is to close the document completely. Freaky! I need a new keyboard.
10. I want a cool phone without paying any money. Any ideas? I'm thinking Blackberry or iphone. Anyone? Universe? Cellphone Goddess?? (I promise, I'll never ask for anything ever again. NOT!)
11. Toothless Fairy is 8 going on 18. I'm starting to think that Gina's little group thingy sounds good. But dang, $50 a month??? Seriously? What did I freeze my gym membership for then?
12. I want to learn how to trade. I want to be come self-sufficient. It's a shame that I've lived in this country for 9 years, and I don't know anything. If I was to be on my own, I would drown without other people's help. Is that just sad? Things here are so different from Germany. I lived there just fine on my own.
13. The IRS lost our tax return. Seriously. They sent it to someone, and that someone hasn't returned or rejected it. But, that someone is NOT us. It could take up to 6 weeks to figure this out. Of course! If it were us who had to make the payment, they would give us all of two weeks. Ho is that possible?
14. Off to basketball with Blue Eyed Boy.
Happy Friday.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Clarifying a few things
In response to the wonderful comments to my last post, I'd like to clarify a few things. Thank you all for your thoughtful comments. I appreciate every single one of them.
I agree with those who say, that you have to let them go at some point, and hope they will remember the values you taught them as they were growing up. I know this. When I say, hold on to them, I am not saying to put them in a golden cage or put a collar with a short leash on them. I know all about teenage resentment, trust me. I have a daughter, who is almost 15. She lives with her father in Germany. We are currently not on speaking terms, because she decided I'm the most awful, horrible mother on the planet. I have told this child, she will always have an open door here. I'm always there, when she needs me. It's all I can offer, and I hope with all my heart, that she will take me up on the offer and return, when she's ready.
So, yes, we do have to let them go... to a certain degree! But we have the option to hold on to them in a positive way. By keeping the communication strong, by showing them, that while we're willing to let them "go", we're always around... and in my case that means I'll be keeping close tabs on my children as well. Yes, when they're 19, I can no longer be the watchful parent... but when they're 14, I can, and I will.
I agree with those who say, that you have to let them go at some point, and hope they will remember the values you taught them as they were growing up. I know this. When I say, hold on to them, I am not saying to put them in a golden cage or put a collar with a short leash on them. I know all about teenage resentment, trust me. I have a daughter, who is almost 15. She lives with her father in Germany. We are currently not on speaking terms, because she decided I'm the most awful, horrible mother on the planet. I have told this child, she will always have an open door here. I'm always there, when she needs me. It's all I can offer, and I hope with all my heart, that she will take me up on the offer and return, when she's ready.
So, yes, we do have to let them go... to a certain degree! But we have the option to hold on to them in a positive way. By keeping the communication strong, by showing them, that while we're willing to let them "go", we're always around... and in my case that means I'll be keeping close tabs on my children as well. Yes, when they're 19, I can no longer be the watchful parent... but when they're 14, I can, and I will.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What do you expect?
I've heard it over and over... moms of teens complaining that they don't know a thing about their children. They don't know what their kids are doing, who they're doing it with, and they're surprised to find out about them having sex, or smoking, or worse, that they're pregnant. There is a case up and down the news about a 14 year old girl, who was pregnant, gave birth and killed her child, all without her parents' knowledge. According to the parents they knew nothing. They didn't know she had sex, they didn't know, she was pregnant, and they didn't know she had just delivered a baby in her room, when she came out telling them, that she was bleeding excessively and had to go to the hospital.
Yes, this is an extreme case, and a very sad one. The life of a young girl is ruined, and the life of an innocent baby girl is lost.
And I'm asking parents, what do you expect? You send your children off to school (no, I don't condemn public schools!!), and you leave it up to their peers to be there for them. All their little secrets, all their problems are being discussed with their friends, not YOU. Fourteen year olds turn into parents. They give advice to each other, and your children stop coming to you.
Yes, the teen years are difficult. Hormones are raging. They are children who want to be adults. And it's easy to just leave them alone and hope they'll come out of it unharmed after a few years.
You let your children go, instead of holding on to them. You hand responsibility over to teachers, to friends, heck, to the internet even. They'll hang out in chatrooms with strangers, where they'll receive advice for their problems.
You may ask, how to get through to them. My answer is, not to let go to begin with. You will never know everything. They will always have secrets. They'll always tell their latest little crush to their friends first. But if you manage to keep the communication strong, and if you show your children through words and actions, that they are always safe talking to you first, they WILL come to you with the real problems.
I can't predict my kids' future. I don't know what they'll do. But I will do everything in my power to show them, that I am always, always, always the first person and the best person to talk to, when something happens. I could never forgive myself, if my daughter kept a big secret from me, that impacts her life in a negative way. Yes, this takes a lot of work. But that's what I signed up for when I had children. They will be my responsibility until they're ready to go out in the world by themselves. And even then I hope to keep a relationship with them, that allows them to come to me with whatever problems they may encounter.
So far this works for me. My 8 year old is simply unable to keep any secrets from me. She has such an urge to talk to me about everything. And while sometimes her news are... well... a little troubling, we always work through them and after our conversations I tell her, how happy I am that she talked to me about it. And her relief is always great. Don't let go of your children. Hold on to them. They need you much more than you know.
Yes, this is an extreme case, and a very sad one. The life of a young girl is ruined, and the life of an innocent baby girl is lost.
And I'm asking parents, what do you expect? You send your children off to school (no, I don't condemn public schools!!), and you leave it up to their peers to be there for them. All their little secrets, all their problems are being discussed with their friends, not YOU. Fourteen year olds turn into parents. They give advice to each other, and your children stop coming to you.
Yes, the teen years are difficult. Hormones are raging. They are children who want to be adults. And it's easy to just leave them alone and hope they'll come out of it unharmed after a few years.
You let your children go, instead of holding on to them. You hand responsibility over to teachers, to friends, heck, to the internet even. They'll hang out in chatrooms with strangers, where they'll receive advice for their problems.
You may ask, how to get through to them. My answer is, not to let go to begin with. You will never know everything. They will always have secrets. They'll always tell their latest little crush to their friends first. But if you manage to keep the communication strong, and if you show your children through words and actions, that they are always safe talking to you first, they WILL come to you with the real problems.
I can't predict my kids' future. I don't know what they'll do. But I will do everything in my power to show them, that I am always, always, always the first person and the best person to talk to, when something happens. I could never forgive myself, if my daughter kept a big secret from me, that impacts her life in a negative way. Yes, this takes a lot of work. But that's what I signed up for when I had children. They will be my responsibility until they're ready to go out in the world by themselves. And even then I hope to keep a relationship with them, that allows them to come to me with whatever problems they may encounter.
So far this works for me. My 8 year old is simply unable to keep any secrets from me. She has such an urge to talk to me about everything. And while sometimes her news are... well... a little troubling, we always work through them and after our conversations I tell her, how happy I am that she talked to me about it. And her relief is always great. Don't let go of your children. Hold on to them. They need you much more than you know.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Saturday Ramblings
1. Muslim children with Easter baskets on their way to the local Easter Egg Hunt make me smile and give me hope for future generations. :)
2. Note to self: Last Minute Easter shopping in hopes of finding good deals always backfires. You don't get what you want. You buy a bunch of crappy candy, and while you do make some deals, you don't feel quite right about it.
3. As I was shopping for crappy candy at Target I saw a woman I know from the MOMS Club. I left my chapter a couple of years ago, and let's just say, I wasn't the most popular person there. No, I didn't do anything horrific. As a matter of fact I had only the best intentions, when I tried to get the club a little more active. Well, it kind of backfired at me, and leaving the chapter was the best solution. So much for the background story. Today, just as I recognize D. in the crappy candy section, she looks, turns away from me and disappears with lightning speed in the next aisle. I wasn't thinking anything of it and followed her to say hello. I reached the aisle probably 5 seconds after her... and she was gone. Nowhere to be seen. Wow! She made a run for it, didn't she? (I swear I am really nice!!!)
4. Two screaming children, a piano, a miniature electric guitar, and a Nintendo DS most definitely create enough noise for me to want to get rid of everything in the house that creates any kind of sound... including the children! ;)
5. Cleaning the house is great. Cleaning the house right before a birthday party sucks. Because you know, that in about three hours it will be a disaster zone.
6. Beerfest could be fun, if you could actually go to it.
Oh dear, it's 1:15pm... Shortly the house will be filled with 5 year olds. Breathe, Uti, breathe!!
2. Note to self: Last Minute Easter shopping in hopes of finding good deals always backfires. You don't get what you want. You buy a bunch of crappy candy, and while you do make some deals, you don't feel quite right about it.
3. As I was shopping for crappy candy at Target I saw a woman I know from the MOMS Club. I left my chapter a couple of years ago, and let's just say, I wasn't the most popular person there. No, I didn't do anything horrific. As a matter of fact I had only the best intentions, when I tried to get the club a little more active. Well, it kind of backfired at me, and leaving the chapter was the best solution. So much for the background story. Today, just as I recognize D. in the crappy candy section, she looks, turns away from me and disappears with lightning speed in the next aisle. I wasn't thinking anything of it and followed her to say hello. I reached the aisle probably 5 seconds after her... and she was gone. Nowhere to be seen. Wow! She made a run for it, didn't she? (I swear I am really nice!!!)
4. Two screaming children, a piano, a miniature electric guitar, and a Nintendo DS most definitely create enough noise for me to want to get rid of everything in the house that creates any kind of sound... including the children! ;)
5. Cleaning the house is great. Cleaning the house right before a birthday party sucks. Because you know, that in about three hours it will be a disaster zone.
6. Beerfest could be fun, if you could actually go to it.
Oh dear, it's 1:15pm... Shortly the house will be filled with 5 year olds. Breathe, Uti, breathe!!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Rambling on...
1. My blogroll is so long, it takes me a good two hours to read every last blog post. I haven't been able to do this quite yet. Will have to postpone to this evening. I should become a professional blogger and just stay online all day long.
2. I decided to start running again. It's good for me. Now I just need to drag my lazy ass out the door, which is a problem, because I have to read blogs. Decisions, decisions? Do I read? Do I run? Reading wins today. Besides, it's cold and wet out there.
3. I'm out of bread, my family is stirring upstairs, and unfortunately they won't get any breakfast. There will be a riot. I know it.
4. You can now read my genius brain farts at Portland Family. Just click on Our Blogs. Of course I'll let you all know when there is a new post. Right now it's just my intro.
5. Blue Eyed Boy's birthday party is tomorrow. I forget what time. I have no clue what cake to bake. I'm so not ready for birthday party fun. I think I'll hide and wait until it's over. And really, who came up with the fabulous idea of party favors? A guest at a birthday party should not receive a gift. Seriously, people... I think I'll take with German tradition. NO PARTY FAVORS! Sorry if you hate me now. It's a recession!
6. For those who asked: Rational Sunday School is a program my husband and I started, for secular families in the greater Portland area. We meet every other Sunday for a lesson on evolution, ethics, building character, Darwin Day etc. We wrap up with a craft and snacks. Why did we do it? Well, when you ask believers, why they go to church, their #1 answer is "community, friendship, support". They can pray anywhere. They don't need a church for it. Church fills another gap... and us evil atheists don't have that community. So we started our own group. No, we're not trying to take over the world. :) We do try to do good things. We've raised money to buy a bed for a poor child. We donated toys and goods to the Ronald McDonald house and the Oregon Food Bank. You get the idea. :)
7. I am so not ready for Easter! Yes, we celebrate Easter. No, we don't celebrate Jesus. But last time I checked, there was no Easter Bunny in the Bible, so I think I'm safe? ;) I don't like hiding Easter eggs all over the place. In Germany we hide little Easter baskets with a chocolate bunny and some other goodies. That's it.
8. Do I sound negative this morning? It's really not intended that way. I'm actually in a good mood. No, really!
9. No, not everything in Germany is better than in America. I swear. I like Americans much better. I do! It's just that I don't like party favors and Easter with plastic eggs.
10. When I look out the window, I see a beautiful cherry tree covered with white blossoms, and apple tree with tiny green leaves, and a bunch of wet shoes. Spring in Oregon. Gotta love it.
11. My little seedlings are growing. They're so beautiful. Can't wait to eat my vegetables. :)
12. We signed Blue Eyed Boy up for basketball. He missed three classes the last season. And he already missed the first class this season (because we were unaware, that the class started LAST week!) We so totally suck at keeping track of our shit.
13. Come to think of it, I think I'll buy a birthday cake this year. Ugh! Bad, bad mommy!
14. They're all up now. Must pretend to be a good mommy. Happy Friday everyone.
14.
2. I decided to start running again. It's good for me. Now I just need to drag my lazy ass out the door, which is a problem, because I have to read blogs. Decisions, decisions? Do I read? Do I run? Reading wins today. Besides, it's cold and wet out there.
3. I'm out of bread, my family is stirring upstairs, and unfortunately they won't get any breakfast. There will be a riot. I know it.
4. You can now read my genius brain farts at Portland Family. Just click on Our Blogs. Of course I'll let you all know when there is a new post. Right now it's just my intro.
5. Blue Eyed Boy's birthday party is tomorrow. I forget what time. I have no clue what cake to bake. I'm so not ready for birthday party fun. I think I'll hide and wait until it's over. And really, who came up with the fabulous idea of party favors? A guest at a birthday party should not receive a gift. Seriously, people... I think I'll take with German tradition. NO PARTY FAVORS! Sorry if you hate me now. It's a recession!
6. For those who asked: Rational Sunday School is a program my husband and I started, for secular families in the greater Portland area. We meet every other Sunday for a lesson on evolution, ethics, building character, Darwin Day etc. We wrap up with a craft and snacks. Why did we do it? Well, when you ask believers, why they go to church, their #1 answer is "community, friendship, support". They can pray anywhere. They don't need a church for it. Church fills another gap... and us evil atheists don't have that community. So we started our own group. No, we're not trying to take over the world. :) We do try to do good things. We've raised money to buy a bed for a poor child. We donated toys and goods to the Ronald McDonald house and the Oregon Food Bank. You get the idea. :)
7. I am so not ready for Easter! Yes, we celebrate Easter. No, we don't celebrate Jesus. But last time I checked, there was no Easter Bunny in the Bible, so I think I'm safe? ;) I don't like hiding Easter eggs all over the place. In Germany we hide little Easter baskets with a chocolate bunny and some other goodies. That's it.
8. Do I sound negative this morning? It's really not intended that way. I'm actually in a good mood. No, really!
9. No, not everything in Germany is better than in America. I swear. I like Americans much better. I do! It's just that I don't like party favors and Easter with plastic eggs.
10. When I look out the window, I see a beautiful cherry tree covered with white blossoms, and apple tree with tiny green leaves, and a bunch of wet shoes. Spring in Oregon. Gotta love it.
11. My little seedlings are growing. They're so beautiful. Can't wait to eat my vegetables. :)
12. We signed Blue Eyed Boy up for basketball. He missed three classes the last season. And he already missed the first class this season (because we were unaware, that the class started LAST week!) We so totally suck at keeping track of our shit.
13. Come to think of it, I think I'll buy a birthday cake this year. Ugh! Bad, bad mommy!
14. They're all up now. Must pretend to be a good mommy. Happy Friday everyone.
14.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Home again
So Sunday night Ogre decided it was time for our first camping trip this year. And because we're flexible and homeschoolers, the kids and I agreed, this was a fabulous idea. We packed our stuff and left Monday morning... which happened to be the beginning of an awesome day of mid 70s temperatures. We drove to Cape Lookout at the Oregon coast. What a lovely time it has been.
We enjoyed a gorgeous day at the beach, followed by another one of those breathtaking sunsets...
Yesterday Blue Eyed Boy turned 6, and naturally he received everything Star Wars... Light sabers, Star Wars LEGOs, and a LEGO Star Wars Wii game. We spent most of our day outside, hiking at the beach or in the forest, following elk tracks, collecting rocks (we found some beautiful crystals) and learning about geodes, lava rocks, and more. We found the bones of a large bird, and after checking out the bones, feathers, and the shape of its head, decided it must have been a bald eagle.
It was cold yesterday, but somehow you don't mind so much, when you're out in the cold all day.
We returned home late this afternoon and went out for our traditional Olive Garden birthday dinner. Blue Eyed Boy loves the singing and candles. Yes, I like it too. I love to watch his face... I love to see his eyes light up.
Happy Birthday, my boy. (Oh, I should add, that it was also our 9th wedding anniversary. Yes, Blue Eyed Boy was born exactly three years after we got married. Yes, our anniversary tends to be less important, when our son is bouncing off the walls.)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Spring has sprung ramblings
1. My back hurts, my abs hurt, my arms hurt, my legs hurt. No, it wasn't an especially good workout with Maya (my Wii coach). It was good old fashioned digging in the dirt, planting seeds and putting together two rather large raised beds. We have lettuce, spinach, onions, and carrots outside. Inside we have tomatoes, cantaloupe, and brussels sprouts. I sewed a bunch of flower seeds too. We'll put squash, beans, peas, and more tomatoes into the raised beds. Today I'm pooped.
2. Unfortunately I don't get a chance to be pooped and hang out all day. I have to cook a German meal for a family, who has won this last year at the Village Home auction. I have absolutely zero desire to spend the one day of spring, when it's going to be 70F out there, in the kitchen, cooking all afternoon. I am not just a little annoyed by that.
3. I am also the teacher of our Rational Sunday School. Rational Sunday School was started by my husband and myself for secular families. We're teaching ethics, evolution, and other interesting things, and today we'll talk about what we'll be remembered for, and learn about Thomas Edison. Yes, all while it's beautiful and sunny out. I DON'T WANNA!!
4. I really think we should have dinner with friends at least once a month. I'll aim for just that. Be prepared for invitations, people.
5. Shady Lady, we did drink the ice wine... and it was kind so-so. Ask Evonne, she'll agree.
6. Someone asked me, and here's the answer... NO, I did not make the noodle knot with my tongue.
Yep, and that's pretty much it. I will now go and buy all the things I need for the friggin' dinner, and hopefully I'll get as much done as possible, so I won't have to actually spend ALL afternoon in the kitchen, slaving away for people I don't know. (That rules out a career choice right there, doesn't it?)
2. Unfortunately I don't get a chance to be pooped and hang out all day. I have to cook a German meal for a family, who has won this last year at the Village Home auction. I have absolutely zero desire to spend the one day of spring, when it's going to be 70F out there, in the kitchen, cooking all afternoon. I am not just a little annoyed by that.
3. I am also the teacher of our Rational Sunday School. Rational Sunday School was started by my husband and myself for secular families. We're teaching ethics, evolution, and other interesting things, and today we'll talk about what we'll be remembered for, and learn about Thomas Edison. Yes, all while it's beautiful and sunny out. I DON'T WANNA!!
4. I really think we should have dinner with friends at least once a month. I'll aim for just that. Be prepared for invitations, people.
5. Shady Lady, we did drink the ice wine... and it was kind so-so. Ask Evonne, she'll agree.
6. Someone asked me, and here's the answer... NO, I did not make the noodle knot with my tongue.
Yep, and that's pretty much it. I will now go and buy all the things I need for the friggin' dinner, and hopefully I'll get as much done as possible, so I won't have to actually spend ALL afternoon in the kitchen, slaving away for people I don't know. (That rules out a career choice right there, doesn't it?)
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Forgive me for staring at you
I love beautiful people. Not super model beautiful people. Most supermodels are part plastic, and on magazine covers we all know the great miracles computers can do. A little more here... a little less there... et voila, you have the perfect human being.
But no, it's not that kind of beauty I'm talking about.
I'm talking about beautiful people I encounter all around me. My friends (specifically Shady Lady at Wicked. I was just blown away by how beautiful she looked in her dress and with her make up), my family, but also strangers. I met a friend this morning, who walked into the building at Village with her yoga mat... and she glowed, she was beautiful, and she looked very happy. I stared at her, because I thought, "Wow, how beautiful is she."
Another time I saw a dad at Hallmark. He stood in front of the birthday cards with his daughter, picking out cards for "mommy's birthday". This man was so beautiful to me, the way he was holding his card, reading it, and at the same time he was helping his daughter decide, which card she wanted. I stood right around the corner and watched that little scene, and I was so fascinated and in love with both of them.
I thoroughly enjoy watching people, and I go out of my way to tell them that I think they're beautiful, if I feel they are okay hearing it. I love eyes, and lips, I quite enjoy a face full of freckles. I took belly dancing lessons, and one of the teachers was a young woman with a funky hairdo and butterfly tattoos up and down her back. She was gorgeous, and I couldn't help staring at her. :)
So, if you ever meet me, and you find I'm staring at you, you're probably right. I am. The reason is quite likely that I find you beautiful.
But no, it's not that kind of beauty I'm talking about.
I'm talking about beautiful people I encounter all around me. My friends (specifically Shady Lady at Wicked. I was just blown away by how beautiful she looked in her dress and with her make up), my family, but also strangers. I met a friend this morning, who walked into the building at Village with her yoga mat... and she glowed, she was beautiful, and she looked very happy. I stared at her, because I thought, "Wow, how beautiful is she."
Another time I saw a dad at Hallmark. He stood in front of the birthday cards with his daughter, picking out cards for "mommy's birthday". This man was so beautiful to me, the way he was holding his card, reading it, and at the same time he was helping his daughter decide, which card she wanted. I stood right around the corner and watched that little scene, and I was so fascinated and in love with both of them.
I thoroughly enjoy watching people, and I go out of my way to tell them that I think they're beautiful, if I feel they are okay hearing it. I love eyes, and lips, I quite enjoy a face full of freckles. I took belly dancing lessons, and one of the teachers was a young woman with a funky hairdo and butterfly tattoos up and down her back. She was gorgeous, and I couldn't help staring at her. :)
So, if you ever meet me, and you find I'm staring at you, you're probably right. I am. The reason is quite likely that I find you beautiful.
And the winner is...
Oh, wait, that's not how you start such a thing, is it now? You say something about how difficult it was to choose a winner, you thank everyone for participating, you encourage those who didn't win to try again next time.
But to tell you the truth, it really wasn't THAT difficult. When I saw the winner's response I knew that she was going to be the winner. The second and third prizes were almost equally easy to determine. And soooo without further adieu I present to you the winners of the book and chocolate contest. :)
The book goes to Nicole Ibarrondo, because she hasn't read a real book in two years! And she is desperate: I don't care if it's a cookbook, a self-help book, even a book on how to spray windex properly...just give me something not written by Dr.Seuss!That is true and real drama. And the book, might I add, is the perfect way to go back to adult literature. An easy and pleasant read. But I warn you... you may get stuck with it and forget all about, you know... Dr. Seuss.
Some of the chocolate goes to the Writing Goddess, because (2) my oldest son is flying 2500 miles away from me tomorrow and my apron strings are already fraying and I am going to be sobbing the moment he can't see me anymore. Yikes!!! This calls for a chocolate fix of the best kind.
And the other part of the chocolate will go to Evonne. Not only does she have a twitching arm, and surprise visits from her mother, but also the people who drive in front of me on the way home from work are all idiots. Besides, Evonne has two people vote for her. How can I say no to this winner?
Congratulations, winners! Thank you all for participating. I had fun. I hope you did too.
Thank you, for de-lurking, thank you for adding me to your blogrolls... I will reciprocate sometime today... after the stress of the day wears off and I feel like a human again.
If the winners would kindly leave an e-mail address for me in the comment section? Remember to write it with a dot instead of a . and an at instead of an @. Just playing it safe here. :)
But to tell you the truth, it really wasn't THAT difficult. When I saw the winner's response I knew that she was going to be the winner. The second and third prizes were almost equally easy to determine. And soooo without further adieu I present to you the winners of the book and chocolate contest. :)
The book goes to Nicole Ibarrondo, because she hasn't read a real book in two years! And she is desperate: I don't care if it's a cookbook, a self-help book, even a book on how to spray windex properly...just give me something not written by Dr.Seuss!That is true and real drama. And the book, might I add, is the perfect way to go back to adult literature. An easy and pleasant read. But I warn you... you may get stuck with it and forget all about, you know... Dr. Seuss.
Some of the chocolate goes to the Writing Goddess, because (2) my oldest son is flying 2500 miles away from me tomorrow and my apron strings are already fraying and I am going to be sobbing the moment he can't see me anymore. Yikes!!! This calls for a chocolate fix of the best kind.
And the other part of the chocolate will go to Evonne. Not only does she have a twitching arm, and surprise visits from her mother, but also the people who drive in front of me on the way home from work are all idiots. Besides, Evonne has two people vote for her. How can I say no to this winner?
Congratulations, winners! Thank you all for participating. I had fun. I hope you did too.
Thank you, for de-lurking, thank you for adding me to your blogrolls... I will reciprocate sometime today... after the stress of the day wears off and I feel like a human again.
If the winners would kindly leave an e-mail address for me in the comment section? Remember to write it with a dot instead of a . and an at instead of an @. Just playing it safe here. :)
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Uhm... what I really wanted to say.... Random Ramblings
1. People, sorry to ruin it for you, but today is April 1st. Watch out for the pranksters out there. It was 6:10am when the first one tried to tell me she's moving back to Alaska! HA!!! Not with me, DUDE! I am so not falling for it this year. Nope!!
2. Concerning my last post, I am, indeed, a very nice wife (the husband confirms this, and I swear the frying pan over his head has absolutely nothing to do with it). I always try to be supportive and understanding. And unlike what I've told Shady Lady yesterday, I know that people change. I am not some shallow weird chick, who can't stand a few extra pounds. NOT SO! But yes, I'd like my man to try as hard as I do, to stay in shape. :) Because yes, I am not doing it for myself only, but also because I want to look good for him.
3. Will someone PLEASE go back a page or so to participate in the contest? What's the purpose of a contest and three prizes, when all of three people are playing? Come on, people. I am giving away a book and chocolate. What's wrong with you? If Black Friday gets you all giddy, then certainly a little contest, for which you can stay at home, in your bed even, should have you jumping up and down. The drawing is tonight. Get with it!
4. My kitchen looks like crap. I told you he only cleans up half of it. I told you!
5. My search for a butler has been unsuccessful. As soon as I tell people it's an unpaid position, and they're doing it out of sheer goodness of their hearts, they run.
6. I have to admit that children's noise is aggravating to me. Sitting at Village in the nursery with 7 kids running around and making a ton of noise, had my toenails roll up, and by the time I left at 3pm I was ready for a drink, that I couldn't get because it was only 3pm. I never thought this would happen to me. I feel like I'm turning into my mother.
7. I wish, first time pregnant women were smart enough to call actual mothers for advice, rather than their friends who just had a miscarriage and will freak out on you on the phone, when you tell them you have spotting in your 8th week of pregnancy. Needless to say, all is well with the little bean... and I made her promise, that while it's wonderful that she has dear friends close by, she needs to consider talking to me or my mom or her own mom first.
8. I also wish, I could give all the knowledge I have after three pregnancies to her.
9. I own a fork and a spoon that used to belong to my brother when he was a baby 31 years ago. They're still in great shape, so I'm sending them to him. The circle closes. How beautiful is that?
10. I bought eye cream yesterday.
11. Toothless Fairy, "Mom, you are the most beautiful woman ever." Blue Eyed Boy, "When I get married the woman has to look just like you." Toothless Fairy, "Even when you're old and wrinkly, you'll still be the most beeeeauuutiful woman ever." These kids have good taste. ;) Oh wait, I'm supposed to be humble. Awe... thanks, kiddos. You are the most beeeeautiful kids ever. (I mean that. They totally are!)
12. Now, someone please hand me my shield. I must be cautious of April foolsters.
If anyone gets the feeling that I'm in a bit of a funk today, you are absolutely correct. I am.
2. Concerning my last post, I am, indeed, a very nice wife (the husband confirms this, and I swear the frying pan over his head has absolutely nothing to do with it). I always try to be supportive and understanding. And unlike what I've told Shady Lady yesterday, I know that people change. I am not some shallow weird chick, who can't stand a few extra pounds. NOT SO! But yes, I'd like my man to try as hard as I do, to stay in shape. :) Because yes, I am not doing it for myself only, but also because I want to look good for him.
3. Will someone PLEASE go back a page or so to participate in the contest? What's the purpose of a contest and three prizes, when all of three people are playing? Come on, people. I am giving away a book and chocolate. What's wrong with you? If Black Friday gets you all giddy, then certainly a little contest, for which you can stay at home, in your bed even, should have you jumping up and down. The drawing is tonight. Get with it!
4. My kitchen looks like crap. I told you he only cleans up half of it. I told you!
5. My search for a butler has been unsuccessful. As soon as I tell people it's an unpaid position, and they're doing it out of sheer goodness of their hearts, they run.
6. I have to admit that children's noise is aggravating to me. Sitting at Village in the nursery with 7 kids running around and making a ton of noise, had my toenails roll up, and by the time I left at 3pm I was ready for a drink, that I couldn't get because it was only 3pm. I never thought this would happen to me. I feel like I'm turning into my mother.
7. I wish, first time pregnant women were smart enough to call actual mothers for advice, rather than their friends who just had a miscarriage and will freak out on you on the phone, when you tell them you have spotting in your 8th week of pregnancy. Needless to say, all is well with the little bean... and I made her promise, that while it's wonderful that she has dear friends close by, she needs to consider talking to me or my mom or her own mom first.
8. I also wish, I could give all the knowledge I have after three pregnancies to her.
9. I own a fork and a spoon that used to belong to my brother when he was a baby 31 years ago. They're still in great shape, so I'm sending them to him. The circle closes. How beautiful is that?
10. I bought eye cream yesterday.
11. Toothless Fairy, "Mom, you are the most beautiful woman ever." Blue Eyed Boy, "When I get married the woman has to look just like you." Toothless Fairy, "Even when you're old and wrinkly, you'll still be the most beeeeauuutiful woman ever." These kids have good taste. ;) Oh wait, I'm supposed to be humble. Awe... thanks, kiddos. You are the most beeeeautiful kids ever. (I mean that. They totally are!)
12. Now, someone please hand me my shield. I must be cautious of April foolsters.
If anyone gets the feeling that I'm in a bit of a funk today, you are absolutely correct. I am.
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