It’s back! The New Years Meme! You should do it too, it’s a fun way to look back on your year.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Workwise...so many things. Personal life: lose. We had the worst race season
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Same answers as last year: I did make them and for once, I believe that I managed to at least bump into each resolution and make its acquaintance.
My resolutions for 2011:
1. Continue cooking more.
2. Continue to simplify, in every way.
3. Try to remember not to enter into melodrama of any kind. I believe Swistle referred to it as jackassery.
These resolutions worked out so well I am keeping them for 2012!!!
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, our friend Scotty whose wife gave birth to a beautiful little girl named Peyton
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not close. A few former clients from work, old-timers from my hometown. My high school best friend’s father.
5. What countries did you visit?
"Oh Canada, our home & native land.."
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Time.
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Today. Today was one of those rare just Kevin & Me days. Easter & Christmas with the kids. Kevin & the Little birthday party
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Not running screaming from my work and into the bay.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I didn’t get as much debt paid down this year, too many unexpected expenses
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I believe I was remarkably healthy this year!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Plane tickets...books...my Vegas hoodie. (same as last year)
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Barack Obama. He inherited a mess and is fixing it, all the while encouraging us to do the same.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The entire GOP
14. Where did most of your money go?
Same as last year: Bills, Racecar, Vegas trip. Mochas!
15. What did you get really excited about?
Christmas with the nephew & monkeys. Vegas!
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Adele - Rolling in the Deep
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? Happier, in the grand scheme of things.
– thinner or fatter? Thinner! again!
– richer or poorer? Richer this year, surprisingly. We've been Lucky.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent time Not. At. Work.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Working.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Eve - at my parents
Day - Next door, immersed in children's excitement and food
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Every day.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
I always have a difficult time choosing favorites. Castle, Big Bang Theory, Parenthood
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No. I'm not a hater. It's a waste of time
24. What was the best book you read?
Reading? Books? what is this that you speak of?
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Adele
26. What did you want and get?
A new-to-me truck
27. What did you want and not get?
A CPSA championship
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Watching it right now: Life As We Know It
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
43 and I went Christmas shopping
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Time. Time at home, work not so crazy busy, time to just breathe.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Casual, comfortable. I actually have some color in my closet and shoes that are not sneakers
32. What kept you sane?
Mochas. Kevin.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Craig Ferguson. Hello, my naughty monkey.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The GOP presidential nomination
35. Who did you miss?
No one that I don't usually miss.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
My new boss. She’s pretty cool
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Take one thing at a time & eventually you’ll get through
30 December 2011
29 December 2011
Mecca
My brothers each gave me a Barnes & Noble giftcard, as did Kevin. This is my favorite kind of gift, for sure. I walked into the store today with $125 worth of gift cards!
The one book I wanted really badly was Paul Carr's The Upgrade but it wasn't there. I have to order it from Amazon and then I have to decide if I want it in actual book form or on my droid. This is not a serious problem, I realize, but disappointing for sure.
I usually buy my calendar this time of year but I bought one for my birthday. I glanced at the journals but I already have too many unused ones. They sure are tempting though, aren't they? I already did the after-Christmas shopping for cards so I started with the sale racks.
Some day I am going to buy the classics and read/reread them. They had a lovely set of classics that I considered but it felt like buying homework so I continued on.
I did check my Amazon wish list for books I had saved but there wasn't really one that jumped out at me. I thought Emily Giffin had a new book out but I was wrong. Then I blanked on author names that I wanted to check.
This turned out to be a good thing though as it forced me to go one by one down each bookshelf. I did eventually remember who I wanted to look for but it didn't much help. One book that I read & loved the author only wrote one book, how unfair is that?
I must have made the security folk nervous because I kept circling and circling the same shelves. There are entire areas of the store that I am not interested in: science fiction, cookbooks, and self-help. I glanced at teen fiction and history section but it was more out of boredom than anything else.
Eventually I realized that I was carrying eight, EIGHT, books. I did some quick math and realized that I was finished shopping. This didn't stop me from checking out the magazine racks though.
Then I spotted the Nook kiosk. My cards would pay for a Nook and I enjoyed playing with one of the bigs Kindle. (great story I will share later) I looked at the stack of books then back at the Nook then back at the stack.
There is just something about holding an actual book that I can't let go. I understand the lure of having many books in a device smaller than a magazine but it's just not the same.
I don't believe that the cashier quite understood my delight/embarrassment at having a stack of gift cards and still having to pay $5.33.
The one book I wanted really badly was Paul Carr's The Upgrade but it wasn't there. I have to order it from Amazon and then I have to decide if I want it in actual book form or on my droid. This is not a serious problem, I realize, but disappointing for sure.
I usually buy my calendar this time of year but I bought one for my birthday. I glanced at the journals but I already have too many unused ones. They sure are tempting though, aren't they? I already did the after-Christmas shopping for cards so I started with the sale racks.
Some day I am going to buy the classics and read/reread them. They had a lovely set of classics that I considered but it felt like buying homework so I continued on.
I did check my Amazon wish list for books I had saved but there wasn't really one that jumped out at me. I thought Emily Giffin had a new book out but I was wrong. Then I blanked on author names that I wanted to check.
This turned out to be a good thing though as it forced me to go one by one down each bookshelf. I did eventually remember who I wanted to look for but it didn't much help. One book that I read & loved the author only wrote one book, how unfair is that?
I must have made the security folk nervous because I kept circling and circling the same shelves. There are entire areas of the store that I am not interested in: science fiction, cookbooks, and self-help. I glanced at teen fiction and history section but it was more out of boredom than anything else.
Eventually I realized that I was carrying eight, EIGHT, books. I did some quick math and realized that I was finished shopping. This didn't stop me from checking out the magazine racks though.
Then I spotted the Nook kiosk. My cards would pay for a Nook and I enjoyed playing with one of the bigs Kindle. (great story I will share later) I looked at the stack of books then back at the Nook then back at the stack.
There is just something about holding an actual book that I can't let go. I understand the lure of having many books in a device smaller than a magazine but it's just not the same.
I don't believe that the cashier quite understood my delight/embarrassment at having a stack of gift cards and still having to pay $5.33.
You know where to find me
28 December 2011
Step Away from the Tree
I have defrocked the house with the exception of the Christmas tree. It's always the last thing to be put away each year. My mother has always said that it's bad luck to take it down prior to New Year's Day but I'm not so sure.
This year I just going to wait until the feeling of delight upon seeing it is gone. If that's tomorrow or February, then I'm good with that. (Kevin, perhaps, not so much)
Last year I decided that I was bored with our tree decorations. We had kind of an old fashioned tree with country kitsch. Many of the ornaments were gifts from the school, from either the families or the staff.
Also, I have a few ornaments from our mutual pasts. There is a pair of horses & a Christmas elf that was Kevin's before me. I believe they were his mothers at one time. I have a set of brass bells and the angel from my past life. I like the blend of old and new.
However, my eye kept being drawn to the sparkly ornaments in the stores. Michael's has a great selection as does Macys and JC Penneys. It was fun to browse then hope that the ornaments were still there after Christmas.
So it was fun to open the box and discover the new ornaments I had purchased but not been hung yet. I repeated the tradition this year as well. Now I will have a handful of ornaments to discover next year.
I've gone all Karma Chameleon with the new sparklies: red, green, and gold. Gone are the snowflakes, the gold ribbons, and random ornaments that don't match yet somehow go together. There is an ornament featured in a Hallmark movie that I really admired. I kept an eye out for it or something similar and I finally found one from last years after-Christmas sales.
I believe I've reached the saturation point though. I am not sure that I can fit another ornament onto the tree. I might have to get a back-up tree if I keep this up; which is a shame because I've created a lovely tradition of buying an ornament on my birthday. I also enjoy searching through the remnants of the Christmas shelves during the week of New Years to keep the after holiday blahs at bay.
Like yesterday when I finally purchased the church ornament I've coveted for years and the initial ornaments at Target that I never could justify buying.
So, we'll see. I might take it down tomorrow or I might enjoy it until it is eligible to become a Valentines Day tree. Or, more likely, I find it in the yard when Kevin can't take it one minute more. (:-D
In the meanwhile, I think I'll just avoid the after-Christmas sales until next year.
This year I just going to wait until the feeling of delight upon seeing it is gone. If that's tomorrow or February, then I'm good with that. (Kevin, perhaps, not so much)
Last year I decided that I was bored with our tree decorations. We had kind of an old fashioned tree with country kitsch. Many of the ornaments were gifts from the school, from either the families or the staff.
Also, I have a few ornaments from our mutual pasts. There is a pair of horses & a Christmas elf that was Kevin's before me. I believe they were his mothers at one time. I have a set of brass bells and the angel from my past life. I like the blend of old and new.
However, my eye kept being drawn to the sparkly ornaments in the stores. Michael's has a great selection as does Macys and JC Penneys. It was fun to browse then hope that the ornaments were still there after Christmas.
So it was fun to open the box and discover the new ornaments I had purchased but not been hung yet. I repeated the tradition this year as well. Now I will have a handful of ornaments to discover next year.
I've gone all Karma Chameleon with the new sparklies: red, green, and gold. Gone are the snowflakes, the gold ribbons, and random ornaments that don't match yet somehow go together. There is an ornament featured in a Hallmark movie that I really admired. I kept an eye out for it or something similar and I finally found one from last years after-Christmas sales.
I believe I've reached the saturation point though. I am not sure that I can fit another ornament onto the tree. I might have to get a back-up tree if I keep this up; which is a shame because I've created a lovely tradition of buying an ornament on my birthday. I also enjoy searching through the remnants of the Christmas shelves during the week of New Years to keep the after holiday blahs at bay.
Like yesterday when I finally purchased the church ornament I've coveted for years and the initial ornaments at Target that I never could justify buying.
So, we'll see. I might take it down tomorrow or I might enjoy it until it is eligible to become a Valentines Day tree. Or, more likely, I find it in the yard when Kevin can't take it one minute more. (:-D
In the meanwhile, I think I'll just avoid the after-Christmas sales until next year.
27 December 2011
Cell Phone for Christmas
Kevin never loses anything, never. It's a strange & wonderful thing about him. So, it was surprising when he told me that he had lost his cell phone at his brothers on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. He said, bless his heart, that they had looked for almost an hour before he came in to tell me. He was so disappointed.
Unfortunately the kids were at their dads so we couldn't enlist them for help. Without them, four of us walked the driveway searching in vain. To add insult to injury, this is Washington State so there are leaves on the ground, making it impossible to find something in a black plastic case.
Luckily, Kevin has a work cell phone so he has a back-up. Droids have back up assist so his contacts & stuff were all saved in the ether somewhere. I called Verizon (again: let's hear it for Verizon customer service!) to see if there was any way they could pinpoint where it was. Unfortunately, no but it was worth asking.
On Christmas morning Kevin told the kids that if they found his cell phone, he would give them $20. Unfortunately for Kevin, Santa had more influence than he did.
We opened gifts with six kids. We had supervision of the boy Littles. Kevin had one and I had the other.
They were So Excited when they opened "cell phones" from their stockings! "Look Unca Kevin! I have a cell phone!" They were so excited and being five, they didn't understand that they were pretend.
After presents, Nephew suggested that we could find a replacement on CraigsList. I wouldn't have ever thought of that. We searched, Nephew made a few texts & calls and within an hour Kevin had found a phone. They would meet in town in an hour & Kevin would have a much cooler phone than the one he had.
The kids were playing in their room with all their loot when one of the Boy Littles came out, looking downright heartbroken. "I'm sorry, Kevin." We both panicked a little, thinking he'd done something wrong. "Why are you sorry, buddy?" Kevin asked him.
"Well, I'm sorry because I can't call you. This phone doesn't work. It's not real."
Kevin expressed dismay and disappointment. "That sucks, buddy."
Boy Little replies, in the saddest tone ever "I know, right?"
Oh my God. Our hearts broke into a million little pieces. Kevin said it was a good thing that he didn't have his phone because he would have given him his.
It's wrong to buy a five-year-old (or three of them) a cell phone, right? Right?
Unfortunately the kids were at their dads so we couldn't enlist them for help. Without them, four of us walked the driveway searching in vain. To add insult to injury, this is Washington State so there are leaves on the ground, making it impossible to find something in a black plastic case.
Luckily, Kevin has a work cell phone so he has a back-up. Droids have back up assist so his contacts & stuff were all saved in the ether somewhere. I called Verizon (again: let's hear it for Verizon customer service!) to see if there was any way they could pinpoint where it was. Unfortunately, no but it was worth asking.
On Christmas morning Kevin told the kids that if they found his cell phone, he would give them $20. Unfortunately for Kevin, Santa had more influence than he did.
We opened gifts with six kids. We had supervision of the boy Littles. Kevin had one and I had the other.
They were So Excited when they opened "cell phones" from their stockings! "Look Unca Kevin! I have a cell phone!" They were so excited and being five, they didn't understand that they were pretend.
After presents, Nephew suggested that we could find a replacement on CraigsList. I wouldn't have ever thought of that. We searched, Nephew made a few texts & calls and within an hour Kevin had found a phone. They would meet in town in an hour & Kevin would have a much cooler phone than the one he had.
The kids were playing in their room with all their loot when one of the Boy Littles came out, looking downright heartbroken. "I'm sorry, Kevin." We both panicked a little, thinking he'd done something wrong. "Why are you sorry, buddy?" Kevin asked him.
"Well, I'm sorry because I can't call you. This phone doesn't work. It's not real."
Kevin expressed dismay and disappointment. "That sucks, buddy."
Boy Little replies, in the saddest tone ever "I know, right?"
Oh my God. Our hearts broke into a million little pieces. Kevin said it was a good thing that he didn't have his phone because he would have given him his.
It's wrong to buy a five-year-old (or three of them) a cell phone, right? Right?
26 December 2011
23 December 2011
News & Notes - All is Calm
Wooosh, that's the month of December passing me by.
How is everyone doing this lovely holiday season? Other than being a little overwhelmed with the work/life balance, I'm doing well.
I was radioactive yesterday. My laptop wouldn't boot so I borrowed one from work but I have to write an essay to be published about the history of our YWCA in exchange.
Work had more of it's own surprises: a broken stove, a broken vacuum,a grandfather clock that was donated but needed transportation and an alarm beeping from our phone system. On top of the to-do list I already had because I'm officially on vacation until January 4th.
2012 will be interesting, workwise. My job responsibilities are changing & increasing so that will be fun. I'm a little anxious about it but mostly looking forward to the challenge. I made it through this year with all the changing responsibilities, why not try something new?
Today I slept in, glorious! then went into town to finish shopping. We were mostly finished but for two things that I forgot: stocking stuffers for the kids and groceries. You know, the little stuff. We're going to need food over the next four days or so! I also managed to wrap all of Kevin's presents into one box so I needed to think of something small to give him. Yes, I realize that I could just unwrap the box but that's crazy talk.
I returned home with the intention of doing my regular Saturday chores so that I could relax but I was stuck in "If you give a mouse a cookie" mode. I needed to start laundry. I needed to make the bed before I could fold the laundry. Then Kevin called so I ended up putting him on speakerphone so I could try to accomplish something, anything. Then i remembered that I forgot candy for the girls at the mocha stand & the mailman.
And so the afternoon went. Now I have all the presents wrapped except for the big kids. Our Christmas cards went out on Monday. Our bills are paid and my chores are nearly finished. Kevin is snoozing in his chair while I write this. WHEW!
I didn't find the Target wrapping paper so I'm guessing it was just for the commercial. I did find some Snoopy paper though so that makes me happy.
Oh, I've been meaning to ask: what is up with the mardi gras colored Christmas decorations? did you notice it? Especially in Target, they had decorations of teal, lime, and fucshia. Michaels did as well so I missed a memo somewhere.
Kevin now shares my (our) love of Target. Before he was meh about it but he had to do some Christmas shopping and he really liked it there. It's too bad I don't take him shopping with me more often but it's expensive when he goes!
I've discovered socks from REI. I was given a few pair...wool and wool-esque...and I'm in love. With poor circulation, my feet are always cold and these socks are magic.
I have a gift card for Walmart, Starbucks, and Barnes & Noble. I'm looking forward to next week when I can go shop without the holiday pressure.
I think I hear birthday brownies calling my name. I hope that Christmas finds you merry & bright. Take some time to sit back and enjoy the moment.
Merry Christmas!
How is everyone doing this lovely holiday season? Other than being a little overwhelmed with the work/life balance, I'm doing well.
I was radioactive yesterday. My laptop wouldn't boot so I borrowed one from work but I have to write an essay to be published about the history of our YWCA in exchange.
Work had more of it's own surprises: a broken stove, a broken vacuum,a grandfather clock that was donated but needed transportation and an alarm beeping from our phone system. On top of the to-do list I already had because I'm officially on vacation until January 4th.
2012 will be interesting, workwise. My job responsibilities are changing & increasing so that will be fun. I'm a little anxious about it but mostly looking forward to the challenge. I made it through this year with all the changing responsibilities, why not try something new?
Today I slept in, glorious! then went into town to finish shopping. We were mostly finished but for two things that I forgot: stocking stuffers for the kids and groceries. You know, the little stuff. We're going to need food over the next four days or so! I also managed to wrap all of Kevin's presents into one box so I needed to think of something small to give him. Yes, I realize that I could just unwrap the box but that's crazy talk.
I returned home with the intention of doing my regular Saturday chores so that I could relax but I was stuck in "If you give a mouse a cookie" mode. I needed to start laundry. I needed to make the bed before I could fold the laundry. Then Kevin called so I ended up putting him on speakerphone so I could try to accomplish something, anything. Then i remembered that I forgot candy for the girls at the mocha stand & the mailman.
And so the afternoon went. Now I have all the presents wrapped except for the big kids. Our Christmas cards went out on Monday. Our bills are paid and my chores are nearly finished. Kevin is snoozing in his chair while I write this. WHEW!
I didn't find the Target wrapping paper so I'm guessing it was just for the commercial. I did find some Snoopy paper though so that makes me happy.
Oh, I've been meaning to ask: what is up with the mardi gras colored Christmas decorations? did you notice it? Especially in Target, they had decorations of teal, lime, and fucshia. Michaels did as well so I missed a memo somewhere.
Kevin now shares my (our) love of Target. Before he was meh about it but he had to do some Christmas shopping and he really liked it there. It's too bad I don't take him shopping with me more often but it's expensive when he goes!
I've discovered socks from REI. I was given a few pair...wool and wool-esque...and I'm in love. With poor circulation, my feet are always cold and these socks are magic.
I have a gift card for Walmart, Starbucks, and Barnes & Noble. I'm looking forward to next week when I can go shop without the holiday pressure.
I think I hear birthday brownies calling my name. I hope that Christmas finds you merry & bright. Take some time to sit back and enjoy the moment.
Merry Christmas!
I'll Take Smart Assery for $100, Alex
Every once in a while I watch Jeopardy. As the child of alcoholics, I can kick ass on "Potent Potables". (yes, I'm aware that's horrifying) and I do well with pop trivia, literature, and some history. I do, however, suck at the "in the form of a question" thing.
Anyway, the final Jeopardy question category was NFL. I laughed out loud at the expressions of fear and dismay of the contestants. The question had me yelling at the television: "What NFL franchise began in the mid 1970's and both the team & city begins with the same first three letters?"
Again, the contestants looked horrified and disappointed. "That's so EASY!" I'm yelling at the television. "Seattle Seahawks!"
As the contestants rejectedly revealed their answers, or lack thereof, I felt myself turn into one of the kids next door, yelling "Burn! Nerd!"
Yeah, I'm a great influence on small children.
Anyway, the final Jeopardy question category was NFL. I laughed out loud at the expressions of fear and dismay of the contestants. The question had me yelling at the television: "What NFL franchise began in the mid 1970's and both the team & city begins with the same first three letters?"
Again, the contestants looked horrified and disappointed. "That's so EASY!" I'm yelling at the television. "Seattle Seahawks!"
As the contestants rejectedly revealed their answers, or lack thereof, I felt myself turn into one of the kids next door, yelling "Burn! Nerd!"
Yeah, I'm a great influence on small children.
21 December 2011
Quote of the Day
People take different roads seeking fulfillment & happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they have gotten lost.
~ H Jackson Brown Jr.
19 December 2011
Brad Pitt Could Be My Dad
So I was walking through the Bon....fine, Macys. whatever...after choosing some ornaments to buy myself for my birthday when I see/hear a group of Macys employees working on a display.
It turns out they were talking about Tom Selleck. the youngest of the group said "He's hot, even if he's old, I'd like me some Tom Selleck."
Reflexively I said aloud "Owwww" and she looked at me. "What? he is old! he's like my grandpa!"
"Omg, not helping!" I said, while thinking "F*&king OW". I laughed while I said it so she continued:
"Well, he is. He's older than you! People older than you can be attractive. Take Brad Pitt! He's like 43 and could be my DAD but he's really hot."
At this point I'm just laughing and trying to squash the impulse to shove her into the sweaters.
I am exactly 43 today.
She sincerely said "You're not as old as either of those. You don't look old!"
Nice try, little girl. I am still stinging from the Brad Pitt comment.
It was a nice birthday, even if I was unintentionally insulted by a preschooler.
It turns out they were talking about Tom Selleck. the youngest of the group said "He's hot, even if he's old, I'd like me some Tom Selleck."
Reflexively I said aloud "Owwww" and she looked at me. "What? he is old! he's like my grandpa!"
"Omg, not helping!" I said, while thinking "F*&king OW". I laughed while I said it so she continued:
"Well, he is. He's older than you! People older than you can be attractive. Take Brad Pitt! He's like 43 and could be my DAD but he's really hot."
At this point I'm just laughing and trying to squash the impulse to shove her into the sweaters.
I am exactly 43 today.
She sincerely said "You're not as old as either of those. You don't look old!"
Nice try, little girl. I am still stinging from the Brad Pitt comment.
It was a nice birthday, even if I was unintentionally insulted by a preschooler.
15 December 2011
In 10 Minutes
I walked into the bank for work and was rick-rolled. As soon as I opened the door, all I could hear was "Never Gonna Give You Up".
The kindergartener teller laughed politely when I mentioned it so that was equally embarrassing and funny.
As I was leaving, a very attractive guy in a suit was walking toward me so I smiled at him...it is the holidays after all. Turns out he was also leaving so I held the door open for him. He thanked me pleasantly which increased his attractiveness.
I continued down the sidewalk while he cut through the parking lot. Not paying attention, as usual, I slipped off the curb and stumbled. I muttered aloud "Well done, me, falling off the curb".
Mr Attractive kindly inquired if I was okay. I laughed & admitted that I'm just a klutz. Then it occurred to me was that it was instant karma for flirting with an attractive guy whilst being married.
It's been cold here so I stopped at the mocha stand to buy a hot chocolate. What's that shiny light on the dash? I asked myself. Yep, out of gas. again, well done me.
I did make it back to the office in one piece. I had my doubts. A lot can happen in ten minutes.
The kindergartener teller laughed politely when I mentioned it so that was equally embarrassing and funny.
As I was leaving, a very attractive guy in a suit was walking toward me so I smiled at him...it is the holidays after all. Turns out he was also leaving so I held the door open for him. He thanked me pleasantly which increased his attractiveness.
I continued down the sidewalk while he cut through the parking lot. Not paying attention, as usual, I slipped off the curb and stumbled. I muttered aloud "Well done, me, falling off the curb".
Mr Attractive kindly inquired if I was okay. I laughed & admitted that I'm just a klutz. Then it occurred to me was that it was instant karma for flirting with an attractive guy whilst being married.
It's been cold here so I stopped at the mocha stand to buy a hot chocolate. What's that shiny light on the dash? I asked myself. Yep, out of gas. again, well done me.
I did make it back to the office in one piece. I had my doubts. A lot can happen in ten minutes.
14 December 2011
Feliz Navidad Cha Cha Cha
The littles very first Christmas program was Monday night. They were so excited to see almost a whole row of just their family. It was fun to attend, although it felt like I was closer to the grandparents ages than the parents.
They did pretty well. Girl little flashed the "Loser" sign, twice. Boy Little P sung and danced, and Boy Little C just looked miserable. He's more of a sports, hulk smash, guy than a Broadway guy.
The school they attend is multilingual. To reflect that, the kids sung one carol in English & one in Spanish. It was actually quite adorable.
We also visited their classroom and met their teacher, which was lovely. They were so excited to show us where they sit, their cubbie, their art, the fish, etc. We chatted with the teacher and offered sympathy & support for having triplets in her class (her first!).
It was just one more lovely experience that the littles have brought us.
They did pretty well. Girl little flashed the "Loser" sign, twice. Boy Little P sung and danced, and Boy Little C just looked miserable. He's more of a sports, hulk smash, guy than a Broadway guy.
The school they attend is multilingual. To reflect that, the kids sung one carol in English & one in Spanish. It was actually quite adorable.
We also visited their classroom and met their teacher, which was lovely. They were so excited to show us where they sit, their cubbie, their art, the fish, etc. We chatted with the teacher and offered sympathy & support for having triplets in her class (her first!).
It was just one more lovely experience that the littles have brought us.
Yelling at the Television
Today is apparently International Yell At Your Television Day. Did you notice?
*SOMEONE* (bff C) said I needed to watch The Virgin Diaries so being the friend that I am, I set it on the dvr even after seeing the commercials and being emotionally scarred for life.
I understand that reality television finds the lowest common denominator when it comes to casting but Oh My Gah. Where do they find these people? While it didn't feel scripted (though I am sure that it is) I cannot conceive that these people actually exist. Not the virgin part, but the complete lack of knowledge of human affection or interaction.
Say that they only watch network television, PBS, or Christian programming, they still feature kissing. Even commercials feature kissing. Disney channel, I am sure, shows kissing. How do these people not know, even a little bit, how to do something as simple and as a human as kiss?
Don't watch the show as it has no redeeming qualities other than perhaps a conversation starter. (such as finding out that *someone* didn't even watch the whole thing :-) Kevin just kept saying "This is why premarital sex is a good idea!"
To add insult to injury, the following program was Toddlers & Tiaras. After watching Living Dolls years ago, I know that my threshold for child pageants is incredibly low, if non-existent. I have never wished for an airplane ticket, a gun, and an empty credit card so hard in my life.
I refuse to watch any show featuring child pageants because I believe they shouldn't be legal. (pageants, not the shows but really, the shows too) I honestly believe that it's porn. Adults are dressing up small children as adults for their own personal enjoyment. That is a fetish, not a hobby or a competition.
While switching shows on the dvr, we could hear & see the show playing. It caught my attention because the girl on the stage wasn't a girl, she was a baby. A baby. She had clearly just learned to walk and as a result, she fell. Flat on her face, bum in the air, fell. She started to cry, because she's a BABY.
The attendant, because "mom" is in the audience, leaves her be to see if she'll recover "properly" and continue. Because she's a BABY, she does not. So the attendant half-assed consoles her. All I can think is "Don't touch that baby you skeevy excuse for a human" then the camera pans to the "mom".
She's appearing worried, not because her baby has just face planted but because HER DIAPER WAS SHOWING. "It's okay because in these circumstances, you can't help but have the diaper show."
Meanwhile you pathetic excuse for a human being, your baby is STILL CRYING.
I use the eff word. I'm no prude but it's not normal for me to use it regularly or loudly. I found myself yelling "SHUT THE F*&K UP YOU HORRIBLE PERSON!!!"
I startled myself, and certainly startled Kevin. I switched it immediately because I just don't need that sh*t in my brain. I don't want to support that "industry" in way, shape, or form.
Moral of the story: reality television finds the lowest common denominator and glorifies it. We have to stop watching it, especially and specifically when children are featured.
*stepping off my soapbox now*
*SOMEONE* (bff C) said I needed to watch The Virgin Diaries so being the friend that I am, I set it on the dvr even after seeing the commercials and being emotionally scarred for life.
I understand that reality television finds the lowest common denominator when it comes to casting but Oh My Gah. Where do they find these people? While it didn't feel scripted (though I am sure that it is) I cannot conceive that these people actually exist. Not the virgin part, but the complete lack of knowledge of human affection or interaction.
Say that they only watch network television, PBS, or Christian programming, they still feature kissing. Even commercials feature kissing. Disney channel, I am sure, shows kissing. How do these people not know, even a little bit, how to do something as simple and as a human as kiss?
Don't watch the show as it has no redeeming qualities other than perhaps a conversation starter. (such as finding out that *someone* didn't even watch the whole thing :-) Kevin just kept saying "This is why premarital sex is a good idea!"
To add insult to injury, the following program was Toddlers & Tiaras. After watching Living Dolls years ago, I know that my threshold for child pageants is incredibly low, if non-existent. I have never wished for an airplane ticket, a gun, and an empty credit card so hard in my life.
I refuse to watch any show featuring child pageants because I believe they shouldn't be legal. (pageants, not the shows but really, the shows too) I honestly believe that it's porn. Adults are dressing up small children as adults for their own personal enjoyment. That is a fetish, not a hobby or a competition.
While switching shows on the dvr, we could hear & see the show playing. It caught my attention because the girl on the stage wasn't a girl, she was a baby. A baby. She had clearly just learned to walk and as a result, she fell. Flat on her face, bum in the air, fell. She started to cry, because she's a BABY.
The attendant, because "mom" is in the audience, leaves her be to see if she'll recover "properly" and continue. Because she's a BABY, she does not. So the attendant half-assed consoles her. All I can think is "Don't touch that baby you skeevy excuse for a human" then the camera pans to the "mom".
She's appearing worried, not because her baby has just face planted but because HER DIAPER WAS SHOWING. "It's okay because in these circumstances, you can't help but have the diaper show."
Meanwhile you pathetic excuse for a human being, your baby is STILL CRYING.
I use the eff word. I'm no prude but it's not normal for me to use it regularly or loudly. I found myself yelling "SHUT THE F*&K UP YOU HORRIBLE PERSON!!!"
I startled myself, and certainly startled Kevin. I switched it immediately because I just don't need that sh*t in my brain. I don't want to support that "industry" in way, shape, or form.
Moral of the story: reality television finds the lowest common denominator and glorifies it. We have to stop watching it, especially and specifically when children are featured.
*stepping off my soapbox now*
Quote of the Day
“This wasn't just plain terrible, this was fancy terrible. This was terrible with raisins in it.” ~ Dorothy Parker
11 December 2011
10 December 2011
Lazy Girl
I have a former co-worker who claims that full moons have no effect whatsoever on human behavior. To that, I am calling BS whilst flipping her off with both hands and laughing maniacally! This week was crazy, in very literal terms. Three paranoid schizophrenics, six police officers, & one trespassing order is my effed up version of the 12 days of Christmas.
Today I am determined to sit here in this doggone recliner and watch mindless made-for-tv holiday movies until it is time to go to bed. No chores. No shopping. Nothing.
Except our Christmas cards, of course. But they're so far away, down the hall in my office. I just don't think I can make it that far and all the way back. Not without chocolate, and more coffee. Even then, I am not quite so sure.
But we've received three cards already, including one typically horrific annual Christmas letter and photo.
We'll see how it goes. Today I am not promising anything to anyone other than my eternal devotion to my living room.
Today I am determined to sit here in this doggone recliner and watch mindless made-for-tv holiday movies until it is time to go to bed. No chores. No shopping. Nothing.
Except our Christmas cards, of course. But they're so far away, down the hall in my office. I just don't think I can make it that far and all the way back. Not without chocolate, and more coffee. Even then, I am not quite so sure.
But we've received three cards already, including one typically horrific annual Christmas letter and photo.
We'll see how it goes. Today I am not promising anything to anyone other than my eternal devotion to my living room.
07 December 2011
News & Notes
Do any of you watch Glee? If not, why not? (:-D
They sung the slow version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and whoever thought of that arrangement is GENIUS. I was in high school when that song was Top 40 and it was crazy popular. To hear an ennui version one would think I would hate it but I love it more.
Tresemme and I broke up. I thought it was long-term but when it started washing the color out of my hair & pulling it then we had to break it off. (It was tangling & breaking when combing it out)
Also, another bathroom related topic: have any of you used the Suave Body Wash that is Cucumber/Melon scent? Don't. Just Don't. It smells like fruity adult beverage vomit.
My next Christmas goal is Christmas cards. I am going to sit down in front of Hallmark Channel this weekend and do them in one batch. In previous years I try to do two batches but that has only been about 90% successful.
Kevin's mom has suddenly aged. It's worrisome. She's basically healthy, she's just aged. The difficult part is we think that she has actually gotten to the not-being-left-alone stage of life. She doesn't enjoy going out to dinner much anymore either, which is huge. We thought it was anxiety or even depression but we're starting to notice the revert to childish behavior that the elderly develop. This is going to be a difficult transition.
I was chatting with our lovely college-age intern just now and it came up that people her age don't often watch the older, syndicated sitcoms and thus many cultural references are unfamiliar to them. (think Seinfeld, Friends) This is bumming me out, actually probably more than it should.)
So, Kevin has almost, nearly, dared me to go across the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver. It is 450 feet long across a canyon and 230 feet above the river. It is decorated for the holidays so it would be in the dark when we went.
I am carefully considering it. If it were a solid bridge then no problem but it's a suspension bridge and that gives me pause. HOWEVER, I refer to my own post days ago about not letting fear make my decisions so there's that.
But it's freaking expensive! $25 per person. We will see.
I hope your week is going well, poppets!
They sung the slow version of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and whoever thought of that arrangement is GENIUS. I was in high school when that song was Top 40 and it was crazy popular. To hear an ennui version one would think I would hate it but I love it more.
Tresemme and I broke up. I thought it was long-term but when it started washing the color out of my hair & pulling it then we had to break it off. (It was tangling & breaking when combing it out)
Also, another bathroom related topic: have any of you used the Suave Body Wash that is Cucumber/Melon scent? Don't. Just Don't. It smells like fruity adult beverage vomit.
My next Christmas goal is Christmas cards. I am going to sit down in front of Hallmark Channel this weekend and do them in one batch. In previous years I try to do two batches but that has only been about 90% successful.
Kevin's mom has suddenly aged. It's worrisome. She's basically healthy, she's just aged. The difficult part is we think that she has actually gotten to the not-being-left-alone stage of life. She doesn't enjoy going out to dinner much anymore either, which is huge. We thought it was anxiety or even depression but we're starting to notice the revert to childish behavior that the elderly develop. This is going to be a difficult transition.
I was chatting with our lovely college-age intern just now and it came up that people her age don't often watch the older, syndicated sitcoms and thus many cultural references are unfamiliar to them. (think Seinfeld, Friends) This is bumming me out, actually probably more than it should.)
So, Kevin has almost, nearly, dared me to go across the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver. It is 450 feet long across a canyon and 230 feet above the river. It is decorated for the holidays so it would be in the dark when we went.
I am carefully considering it. If it were a solid bridge then no problem but it's a suspension bridge and that gives me pause. HOWEVER, I refer to my own post days ago about not letting fear make my decisions so there's that.
But it's freaking expensive! $25 per person. We will see.
I hope your week is going well, poppets!
05 December 2011
Transferable Skills
I have gone to school & have years of experience in Early Childhood. Beyond Psych 101 that I took as a senior in high school, I've only studied Child Psychology.
Working with adult women, as it works out, has many transferable skills from the ECE world.
New changes in my job has stretched my limits and mind in dealing with mental illness. Nothing like having two paranoid schizophrenics triggering each other for about a 30-day period to test your limitations.
I've learned that a person has to really trust their gut. Like Oprah says: trust those whispers (that aren't from paranoid schizophrenics) and act accordingly. If you feel in danger, disengage. If you feel like someone needs help, they probably do, perhaps a listening ear, perhaps a boundary, perhaps assurance that there is someone paying attention to their well-being.
Sometimes people just want to be left the hell alone. This seems to be the case with some people with mental illness. There are a handful that really do seem to just want to be left alone with their illness. I think that needs to be honored too. I believe some are just lost souls that will never find recovery. It's sometimes tough to be at peace with that, for everyone involved.
An instructor reminded us that sometimes we assume too quickly. Maybe that person isn't an ass, isn't a slut, or isn't just fun all the time. Often there are underlying explanations for their behavior. (this immediately made me think of the freshman in college, taking Psych 101, and diagnosing all their friends & family)
Recognizing also that sometimes people just are jerks. There's always room for that, right? And that mental illness or personality disorders are not an excuse for asshat behavior but a reason to help us "normal" folk cope with them.
One of the suggested methods of communicating is strangely much like improvisational acting, using the "Yes, and..." response. The mental image that this gave me nearly did me in. Also, speak slowly and add long pauses, much like Forest Gump. (aren't these great? a comedian could have an hours worth of material here easily)
It occurred to me that these suggestions are applicable to us "normal" folk as well when it comes to communicating. Along the same line of my ECE skills & education being helpful in working with adults. These are good communication skills to use with everyone and not necessarily just with our friends with the tinfoil hats.
Working with adult women, as it works out, has many transferable skills from the ECE world.
New changes in my job has stretched my limits and mind in dealing with mental illness. Nothing like having two paranoid schizophrenics triggering each other for about a 30-day period to test your limitations.
I've learned that a person has to really trust their gut. Like Oprah says: trust those whispers (that aren't from paranoid schizophrenics) and act accordingly. If you feel in danger, disengage. If you feel like someone needs help, they probably do, perhaps a listening ear, perhaps a boundary, perhaps assurance that there is someone paying attention to their well-being.
Sometimes people just want to be left the hell alone. This seems to be the case with some people with mental illness. There are a handful that really do seem to just want to be left alone with their illness. I think that needs to be honored too. I believe some are just lost souls that will never find recovery. It's sometimes tough to be at peace with that, for everyone involved.
An instructor reminded us that sometimes we assume too quickly. Maybe that person isn't an ass, isn't a slut, or isn't just fun all the time. Often there are underlying explanations for their behavior. (this immediately made me think of the freshman in college, taking Psych 101, and diagnosing all their friends & family)
Recognizing also that sometimes people just are jerks. There's always room for that, right? And that mental illness or personality disorders are not an excuse for asshat behavior but a reason to help us "normal" folk cope with them.
One of the suggested methods of communicating is strangely much like improvisational acting, using the "Yes, and..." response. The mental image that this gave me nearly did me in. Also, speak slowly and add long pauses, much like Forest Gump. (aren't these great? a comedian could have an hours worth of material here easily)
It occurred to me that these suggestions are applicable to us "normal" folk as well when it comes to communicating. Along the same line of my ECE skills & education being helpful in working with adults. These are good communication skills to use with everyone and not necessarily just with our friends with the tinfoil hats.
04 December 2011
Santa's Helper had a Busy Day
I went shopping a little bit this morning. I started early while everyone else were still in church, being the heathen that I am. While I don't enjoy being up early on a Sunday, I really don't enjoy holiday crowds.
I am finished shopping for the littles. It is nearly impossible to find something that isn't violent, computer based, or commercial. I finally found two Fisher Price dinosaur sets for the boy littles. I caved a little bit on girl little and bought a Polly Pocket set.
Now I have two nine-year-olds and one eight-year-old to shop for. Again, the struggle to get them actual toys instead of what's on the shelves. I think I'm going to go to the book store for the two eldest.
Shopping for my mom is easy. She requested the new Susan Boyle CD. (I know...sigh...) I am repeating last years present: a pretty box, the cd, a picture of us, cozy socks, and some Lindt candy. It's my favorite kind of gift to give: lots of little fun things together.
I also discovered that I ordered the wrong book for Kevin. Gah! Especially since the wrong one is already here and I already ordered the dvd's he wanted. Oh and it's three times more expensive. So, fun.
Now I just have to buy for my brothers and the bigs then I'm finished. I have to wait until I go on vacation the week before Christmas so that will be interesting. At least it gives me a few weeks to think about it.
I'm not complaining though. I am lucky to have such problems: having to buy presents for my family and the ability to buy them.
How are you doing with your gifts? anything fun or creative?
I am finished shopping for the littles. It is nearly impossible to find something that isn't violent, computer based, or commercial. I finally found two Fisher Price dinosaur sets for the boy littles. I caved a little bit on girl little and bought a Polly Pocket set.
Now I have two nine-year-olds and one eight-year-old to shop for. Again, the struggle to get them actual toys instead of what's on the shelves. I think I'm going to go to the book store for the two eldest.
Shopping for my mom is easy. She requested the new Susan Boyle CD. (I know...sigh...) I am repeating last years present: a pretty box, the cd, a picture of us, cozy socks, and some Lindt candy. It's my favorite kind of gift to give: lots of little fun things together.
I also discovered that I ordered the wrong book for Kevin. Gah! Especially since the wrong one is already here and I already ordered the dvd's he wanted. Oh and it's three times more expensive. So, fun.
Now I just have to buy for my brothers and the bigs then I'm finished. I have to wait until I go on vacation the week before Christmas so that will be interesting. At least it gives me a few weeks to think about it.
I'm not complaining though. I am lucky to have such problems: having to buy presents for my family and the ability to buy them.
How are you doing with your gifts? anything fun or creative?
02 December 2011
Spam
The blog fortunately gets very little spam. I am usually very quick to delete it.
This one is so funny to me that I have to leave it:
This one is so funny to me that I have to leave it:
I found this is an informative and interesting post for I think it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.
In fact your creative writing ability has inspired me.
This is a lovely comment, if it weren't left by a Company Name who I shan't repeat. Or if it weren't left on a post that included a picture of a dog stuffy on a toilet.
Oh, interwebs, how I love you so.
01 December 2011
Quote of the Day
“We can choose to enjoy the magic of this time of year. We may not always get to choose the people and circumstances around us, but we always have a choice about how we relate to them.”
— Mike Robbins
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