So Dave was sick last week which is really unusual. He had all the symptoms of Strep Throat without actually having it. He came home on Wednesday and looked horrible. This put a damper on any plans we would have had since his throat was still sore on Saturday. We most likely would not have done anything anyway because I had a dinner party with the girls on Saturday night.
This dinner party was rescheduled from when I had strep last month. It is always so much fun to meet up with Kellie and Lynn from the 40th Birthday Trip. The dinner club also has Mary who is Lynn's sister and Meg who was Lynn's friend, but is now friends with all of us. These dinners are always so much fun and my face hurts from laughing when I go home. It kind of leaves me with an identity crisis as these people remember me at my most horrifying self, but have now seen me at what I hope is getting to be closer to my best. There is nothing quite like having someone tell you how great you are and then in the next sentence tell you that they remember when it seemed like your legs came out of your head which was capped with a really bad perm, glasses and a mouth full of braces.
On Sunday we went to the Cleveland Legofest. It was not what I expected, but I am not sure what I was expecting. All it was was a bunch of Lego's. If you were in the 12 and under set you enjoyed it. For those of us in the 40 and over set, it was a big rip-off. There was an area where you could make a car and then race it down a track. There was a city that was built by the master builders where you could build other things to into it. The boys both made a boat. As soon as you walked away a woman would come by and take your creation away. My favorite part was called the Mystery Mosaic. They gave each of us a 2" x 2" tile that had different colors on it and then we had to match those up to the Lego's on the table. Then you took your square and helped to place it in the big mosaic. One of them was the landscape of Cleveland and the second one was the different characters in Lego video games.
After we were done with the Logos we went to get something to eat at Bob Evans. (Ryan insists that it should be called Bob Ebans.) As we came out a man approached us and told us that he was out of gas and he forgot his wallet. Could we please lend him some money to get some gas so he could get home. I gave him some money and Dave thought I was crazy. I ask you, would you have given him the money? Incidentally, he did go to the gas station. I feel like I paid into the Karma bank with it. I hope one day if I need help someone will help me. You know, the whole do unto others as you will have them do unto you.
It was a fine weekend as far as they go. We made some memories for the boys and spent time together as a family. Really, what more can you ask for?
Monday, November 7, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Reaffirming Decisions
Ryan is in kindergarten and there are so many opportunities to volunteer in the classroom compared to the sixth grade. In middle school they are just as happy that you aren't there. Since I have some flexibility in my paying job I am helping out for one hour a week on Fridays. There have been times in my life where I have wondered if I made a mistake by not being a teacher instead of going into sales. Today I am confident that my decision to get a business degree was, in fact, a good one.
It is not that the kids were bad. A bit loud, but what does one expect when there are 20 kids in one room during snack time. It is not that the kids weren't cute. In fact, a few of them melted my heart. The emotions they have are so genuine and on the surface. They so want to have your attention and love that they will do almost anything to get it.
I think the thing that makes me crazy is that there is constant motion and energy. It is as if you are sitting on a bomb and if you make one false move it will erupt into a ball of chaos that will never be under control again. Ryan's teacher has been teaching for 20+ years and was immune to it. I could never be.
Tonight Ryan and I went to the family dance and basket raffle at his school. Dave is sick so he didn't have to endure the bedlam that ensued. If I had any doubts after this morning they were shattered this evening. Did you know that small kids equate dancing to running and tackling? They also think that screaming is the only acceptable form of communication. Combine that with the DJ and it was a recipe for pandemonium.
There will be a special place in heaven for people that can be elementary school teachers, most of whom truly love what they do. I am grateful for people that have that special talent and character. I am also grateful that God saw fit to lead me down a different path. I have faith that he knew I didn't have it in me.
It is not that the kids were bad. A bit loud, but what does one expect when there are 20 kids in one room during snack time. It is not that the kids weren't cute. In fact, a few of them melted my heart. The emotions they have are so genuine and on the surface. They so want to have your attention and love that they will do almost anything to get it.
I think the thing that makes me crazy is that there is constant motion and energy. It is as if you are sitting on a bomb and if you make one false move it will erupt into a ball of chaos that will never be under control again. Ryan's teacher has been teaching for 20+ years and was immune to it. I could never be.
Tonight Ryan and I went to the family dance and basket raffle at his school. Dave is sick so he didn't have to endure the bedlam that ensued. If I had any doubts after this morning they were shattered this evening. Did you know that small kids equate dancing to running and tackling? They also think that screaming is the only acceptable form of communication. Combine that with the DJ and it was a recipe for pandemonium.
There will be a special place in heaven for people that can be elementary school teachers, most of whom truly love what they do. I am grateful for people that have that special talent and character. I am also grateful that God saw fit to lead me down a different path. I have faith that he knew I didn't have it in me.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
How About Those Apples
As I have mentioned about 100 times, I have given up pop and most processed sugar. Okay, except for the five candy bars I had today. The kids shouldn't have left it on the kitchen counter if they didn't want me to eat it. I had to sample one of each kind. Can you believe that they hardly got any Reece's Peanut Butter Cups? Anyway, in place of donuts and cookies I have been eating fruits, mainly apples, bananas and grapes.
When we were little we lived in a neighborhood where most of the people that lived there built their houses. There were three houses on the street that had kids, and the rest had grandkids that would come visit. In one of those houses lived Mrs. Harmon. How do I tell you what she meant to me? First, she was the person that watched my sisters when my parents went to the hospital to have me. I have known her literally since the day I was born. She was as close to a grandparent that I had after all of mine had passed away. I could go down to her house to "talk politics" with her. She would listen to me talk for however long I wanted, and she never once made me feel like I was wasting her time or that she had something better to do.
If we had a problem, we could call her at any time and she would do her best to help us. We called her once to find out how to get black grease out of our brand new carpet. She found a way. She would encourage us to drive her car when she would be out of town so the battery wouldn't die. I am pretty sure it wouldn't have had a problem for the two weeks she was in Texas visiting her real grandkids. She knew the competition for a car in a house with four girls. In short, she would have done just about anything for us. She had an amazing laugh that I can still hear today. Her smile was infectious and she had an energy that made anyone around her feel warm. We were loved.
The other thing that Mrs. H had was an apple orchard in her back yard. We would play outside all day in the summer and if we got hungry we would grab an apple or two. We would run down to her house before the bus came and grab one for our lunch. As I have been eating these apples the last few weeks I think of her every time. I was so lucky to have her in my life, and I still feel loved every time I eat one. Thanks Sherri and Melissa for sharing her with us. She was loved very much.
When we were little we lived in a neighborhood where most of the people that lived there built their houses. There were three houses on the street that had kids, and the rest had grandkids that would come visit. In one of those houses lived Mrs. Harmon. How do I tell you what she meant to me? First, she was the person that watched my sisters when my parents went to the hospital to have me. I have known her literally since the day I was born. She was as close to a grandparent that I had after all of mine had passed away. I could go down to her house to "talk politics" with her. She would listen to me talk for however long I wanted, and she never once made me feel like I was wasting her time or that she had something better to do.
If we had a problem, we could call her at any time and she would do her best to help us. We called her once to find out how to get black grease out of our brand new carpet. She found a way. She would encourage us to drive her car when she would be out of town so the battery wouldn't die. I am pretty sure it wouldn't have had a problem for the two weeks she was in Texas visiting her real grandkids. She knew the competition for a car in a house with four girls. In short, she would have done just about anything for us. She had an amazing laugh that I can still hear today. Her smile was infectious and she had an energy that made anyone around her feel warm. We were loved.
The other thing that Mrs. H had was an apple orchard in her back yard. We would play outside all day in the summer and if we got hungry we would grab an apple or two. We would run down to her house before the bus came and grab one for our lunch. As I have been eating these apples the last few weeks I think of her every time. I was so lucky to have her in my life, and I still feel loved every time I eat one. Thanks Sherri and Melissa for sharing her with us. She was loved very much.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Halloween Wrap-up
It is not a secret that I am not the biggest fan of Halloween. When I was little it fell during the height of allergy season and I was usually too sick to go trick or treating, or one of my sisters were and we would carry an extra bag for her. People that didn't know us really well would think we were just trying to get extra candy. I am also the youngest of four kids so it seemed like I was always getting the costumes that were on the edge of death, and not in a good halloweeny way. I am sure that this is not the case, but I had youngest kid syndrome.
Since Halloween was a big deal for Dave's family growing up, and I want my kids to have all the experiences youth has to offer, I try to make the effort for the kids. Each year I let the kids pick their ideal costumes, and if I can get it at a reasonable price I will do it.
This year Colin decided he wanted to be a Tootsie Roll. Have we established that I am not the crafty mom? In case we haven't, I am not that mom, in fact, I am the antithesis of that mom, but I was up to the challenge.
I went to the fabric store and scouted out my options and decided that felt was the way to go. $7 later and I was on my way. It might be a good time to point out that I went to the store right after the step class. My face was as red as the red felt that I needed for the costume.
I made the costume while Dave took the boys to get their hair cut. I measured the black felt and made sure that it was not too long for Colin so he wouldn't step on it. I sewed the white and red stripes together and then sewed them on the black. Here is where it proves that I am not the crafty mom. I didn't take into account that this would add about 10 total inches to the length of the costume making it about 4.5 feet tall. Colin is around 5 feet tall and I hadn't sewn on the straps yet. Heck, Dave would have been too short for it. It would have fit Shaquille O'Neal. I cut it apart and took out a big chunk and then took an inch off the top and the bottom and started again. Some blood (I stuck my finger with a pin, and Max got in the way) sweat, and swearing later, and this is what we ended with:
Since Halloween was a big deal for Dave's family growing up, and I want my kids to have all the experiences youth has to offer, I try to make the effort for the kids. Each year I let the kids pick their ideal costumes, and if I can get it at a reasonable price I will do it.
This year Colin decided he wanted to be a Tootsie Roll. Have we established that I am not the crafty mom? In case we haven't, I am not that mom, in fact, I am the antithesis of that mom, but I was up to the challenge.
I went to the fabric store and scouted out my options and decided that felt was the way to go. $7 later and I was on my way. It might be a good time to point out that I went to the store right after the step class. My face was as red as the red felt that I needed for the costume.
I made the costume while Dave took the boys to get their hair cut. I measured the black felt and made sure that it was not too long for Colin so he wouldn't step on it. I sewed the white and red stripes together and then sewed them on the black. Here is where it proves that I am not the crafty mom. I didn't take into account that this would add about 10 total inches to the length of the costume making it about 4.5 feet tall. Colin is around 5 feet tall and I hadn't sewn on the straps yet. Heck, Dave would have been too short for it. It would have fit Shaquille O'Neal. I cut it apart and took out a big chunk and then took an inch off the top and the bottom and started again. Some blood (I stuck my finger with a pin, and Max got in the way) sweat, and swearing later, and this is what we ended with:
After all that work I have to say that I am pretty happy with the result. It is adjustable so Colin could wear his heavy coat. (It was freezing here, as usual.) It will also be the go-to costume for any time I have to dress up in the future. Maybe I should also take this time to tell you how much I hate to dress up. You will have to take my word for it that Colin was cute since I am still resolved not to post any pictures of my kids faces on this blog.
Now on to Thanksgiving. Food and Family is a holiday I can get behind!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Step II
So, I went back to step aerobics class again, and again have lived to tell about it. There is no question that I have little to no coordination. This time we had a new teacher and I was kind of excited. This woman did not look like someone that should be leading a step class because she had a little bit of heft to her. I was wrong. This woman had it going on. Halfway through she said, "You in the back, you have to learn your feet before you learn your arms." That wasn't one bit humiliating.
I missed Zumba class because of the Halloween parties and now I am volunteering on Fridays for Ryan's class so I am going to have to limit it to Tuesdays at 6:30. Starting next week.
I missed Zumba class because of the Halloween parties and now I am volunteering on Fridays for Ryan's class so I am going to have to limit it to Tuesdays at 6:30. Starting next week.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Stepping Up
Last week I decided that I needed to face this winter head on so I went to see a chiropractor that looks at your total body and lifestyle and has a proven record of helping people with anxiety and depression like I do. I figured it couldn't hurt and I didn't have anything to lose.
Of course, his main suggestion was to give up pop. Good Lord, I don't smoke, I rarely drink, I have no bad habits but my Polar Pop which, even though it holds 32 ounces, I fill it all the way up with crushed ice and then fill it up with about 12 ounces of Coke, the equivalent of a can a day. Can I have no fun in my life?
I am now on day five of little to no coke. I have to tell you that I have been kind of cranky, but I am feeling better. I have also cut out cookies and bread. Oh, and M&M's and donuts.
I addition, he said that I needed to keep exercising. Today my friend Emily and I went to the gym to play racquetball. I took it in college and thought it would just come right back. She played tennis and thought that we could make it work. We were wrong. I took my racket from college that has not been used in about 15 years. Let me tell you what happens to a racket that has not been used in 15 years. The grip disintegrates in your hand. At first I couldn't understand why my hands looked like I had been working in the garden, but I quickly realized that the grip was missing. Who knew?
After a half an hour Emily suggested that Power Step class was starting and maybe we should give it a try. I told her that I have never taken an aerobics class in my life, and was rhythmically challenged, but I would give it a whirl.
I ran track all through high school and was in good shape when I went to college so I never joined in when my roommates would go to these classes. I knew I would make a fool of myself and couldn't see how this would benefit me in any way. The one time they talked me into it I tripped on the step outside of my apartment and scraped my knee. I took this as a sign from God himself that I was not cut out for this type of exercise and went back home. Here I am, a 40 year old woman, and thought that this would be a fine idea.
Let me tell you, it was a BAD IDEA! I thought it would be okay because the instructor had said they didn't do a lot of complicated choreography. I did okay as we were marching in place. I was fine while we did the stretching. I was even hanging in there while they did the step up and down, and then it all went horribly wrong.
First let me say that I was standing behind a woman that had the definition of BUNS OF STEEL. You could bounce quarters off that behind. She also had TWO STEPS. That means that she made the step higher to work harder. I was trying to follow what she was doing and still maintain an upright position. They started to do this "L" move that I still can't figure out. Turns out that was the easiest move they did. I can't even tell you what the other things were. I alternated between marching in place and laughing out of control. I managed to move the entire time, and not take anyone else down with me.
Tomorrow I am going to try Zumba for beginners and seniors. You might want to stay away so I don't hurt you with my attempts at dancing.
Of course, his main suggestion was to give up pop. Good Lord, I don't smoke, I rarely drink, I have no bad habits but my Polar Pop which, even though it holds 32 ounces, I fill it all the way up with crushed ice and then fill it up with about 12 ounces of Coke, the equivalent of a can a day. Can I have no fun in my life?
I am now on day five of little to no coke. I have to tell you that I have been kind of cranky, but I am feeling better. I have also cut out cookies and bread. Oh, and M&M's and donuts.
I addition, he said that I needed to keep exercising. Today my friend Emily and I went to the gym to play racquetball. I took it in college and thought it would just come right back. She played tennis and thought that we could make it work. We were wrong. I took my racket from college that has not been used in about 15 years. Let me tell you what happens to a racket that has not been used in 15 years. The grip disintegrates in your hand. At first I couldn't understand why my hands looked like I had been working in the garden, but I quickly realized that the grip was missing. Who knew?
After a half an hour Emily suggested that Power Step class was starting and maybe we should give it a try. I told her that I have never taken an aerobics class in my life, and was rhythmically challenged, but I would give it a whirl.
I ran track all through high school and was in good shape when I went to college so I never joined in when my roommates would go to these classes. I knew I would make a fool of myself and couldn't see how this would benefit me in any way. The one time they talked me into it I tripped on the step outside of my apartment and scraped my knee. I took this as a sign from God himself that I was not cut out for this type of exercise and went back home. Here I am, a 40 year old woman, and thought that this would be a fine idea.
Let me tell you, it was a BAD IDEA! I thought it would be okay because the instructor had said they didn't do a lot of complicated choreography. I did okay as we were marching in place. I was fine while we did the stretching. I was even hanging in there while they did the step up and down, and then it all went horribly wrong.
First let me say that I was standing behind a woman that had the definition of BUNS OF STEEL. You could bounce quarters off that behind. She also had TWO STEPS. That means that she made the step higher to work harder. I was trying to follow what she was doing and still maintain an upright position. They started to do this "L" move that I still can't figure out. Turns out that was the easiest move they did. I can't even tell you what the other things were. I alternated between marching in place and laughing out of control. I managed to move the entire time, and not take anyone else down with me.
Tomorrow I am going to try Zumba for beginners and seniors. You might want to stay away so I don't hurt you with my attempts at dancing.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Being Fully Present
Yesterday was one of those days that the kids have off of school for no apparent reason. I think it had to do with conferences or something like that. Dave took the day off too, so we decided that we would go to Fun and Stuff which is a local place where you can do a bunch of things like laser tag. I decided that I was going to go and be fully present and participate in every activity that the kids wanted to do, even if it killed me.
The first thing we did when we got there was go on the Krazy Kars. They are round bumper cars so not only can you ram into your loved ones and various strangers in the 15 and under crowd, you can also spin around and make yourself sick. It was pretty fun. As I was being crashed on all sides I had the thought that the new chiropractor I had started to see would not be amused.
The next thing we did was go sign up for Laser Tag. To Colin, this is the BEST! THING! EVER! I have played with him a few times, but it has been a few years. I have a confession to make. When I am put in competitive situations, I can not be held responsible for my actions. I get a little bit crazy. Once we were playing a holiday version of Trivial Pursuit with my in-laws. I believe I went a bit overboard when I was yelling at my team because they did not know the colors of the candles in the advent wreath off the top of their heads.(The answer is pink and purple in case you had a burning desire to know.) Another time we were playing Monopoly with Dave's 80 something aunt and I plotted to bankrupt her so I could win. I am not proud of my behavior so I often avoid situations that unleash the beast.
During the first game of Laser Tag I was able to keep myself in check. I made a respectable showing and stayed close to Colin's score. It was when we went back later in the day that things got kind of ugly. There were four kids that were in the 11 to 12 year old set that were talking smack. They were acting like typical tweeners on their own for the day. I was doing fine until they started trash talking me. It was at that point that it was game on! I took no prisoners and cornered one kid and shot until I was out of shots. He said "geeze, I am just a kid". Again, I am not proud of my behavior.
Dave decided that he wanted to roller skate. If Dave was going to do it, by God I was too. That is, until I had my skates on and stood up. I made it about 10 feet and decided that a broken bone was not worth being fully present, and common sense took over. I have not skated in about 30 years. Yesterday was not the time to start. Dave and Colin made it around the rink and Ryan and I went off to do some arcade bowling.
When we met back up Colin wanted to do the Rock Wall. He is really good at it and makes it look kind of easy. You guessed it, I tried it, too. I made it about a quarter of the way up, but my hands got sweaty and I was having a hard time finding a good place to put my feet. Having big feet does not help when climbing the rock wall. Have I mentioned how big my feet are? Big! I can now cross that off my bucket list.
Colin did this thing where you had to try to make it across a room without breaking a laser beam. He was really good at it. The whole time he was crawling and bending and jumping his way through, I couldn't help but sing the "Mission Impossible" theme song in my mind. I am sorry to say that 24 hours later it is still stuck there.
Finally, we went outside to the go-carts. I am now disclosing that I am a graduate of the BMW test track driving school. You know, the one in South Carolina. Yep, That one. The Real One! Lets also remember the beast had been unleashed in Laser Tag. Also, I had the two person car because Ryan is still too short to drive on his own so he rode with me. The first time we rode, I had a bad car. Ryan was fine with this because he is not a speed demon. We were out for a leisurly ride waving as people lapped us. It was the second time that got a little heated. You guessed it, the laser tag kids were there. I had a fast car. I got to go first and after about three laps around the track I started to pass people. I approached the LT kids and they were not about to be passed by me. They swerved in front of me to prevent me from passing. They bumped me on the turns. I decided to be the adult and back off. Again, they started with the trash talk. I guess they had not learned their lesson so I had to school them on go-cart driving. There are some advantages to being behind. I stalked them until the last lap and then passed on the first turn. They ate my exhaust the whole way around.
I have to say the day was an all around success. We had a great time as a family and had a ton of laughs and fun. I think we created some good memories for the kids, and I got to see pure joy on their faces. Their giggles are music to my soul. I am happy to report that the beast is captured back in the cage and hopfully won't unleash itself again for a long time.
The first thing we did when we got there was go on the Krazy Kars. They are round bumper cars so not only can you ram into your loved ones and various strangers in the 15 and under crowd, you can also spin around and make yourself sick. It was pretty fun. As I was being crashed on all sides I had the thought that the new chiropractor I had started to see would not be amused.
The next thing we did was go sign up for Laser Tag. To Colin, this is the BEST! THING! EVER! I have played with him a few times, but it has been a few years. I have a confession to make. When I am put in competitive situations, I can not be held responsible for my actions. I get a little bit crazy. Once we were playing a holiday version of Trivial Pursuit with my in-laws. I believe I went a bit overboard when I was yelling at my team because they did not know the colors of the candles in the advent wreath off the top of their heads.(The answer is pink and purple in case you had a burning desire to know.) Another time we were playing Monopoly with Dave's 80 something aunt and I plotted to bankrupt her so I could win. I am not proud of my behavior so I often avoid situations that unleash the beast.
During the first game of Laser Tag I was able to keep myself in check. I made a respectable showing and stayed close to Colin's score. It was when we went back later in the day that things got kind of ugly. There were four kids that were in the 11 to 12 year old set that were talking smack. They were acting like typical tweeners on their own for the day. I was doing fine until they started trash talking me. It was at that point that it was game on! I took no prisoners and cornered one kid and shot until I was out of shots. He said "geeze, I am just a kid". Again, I am not proud of my behavior.
Dave decided that he wanted to roller skate. If Dave was going to do it, by God I was too. That is, until I had my skates on and stood up. I made it about 10 feet and decided that a broken bone was not worth being fully present, and common sense took over. I have not skated in about 30 years. Yesterday was not the time to start. Dave and Colin made it around the rink and Ryan and I went off to do some arcade bowling.
When we met back up Colin wanted to do the Rock Wall. He is really good at it and makes it look kind of easy. You guessed it, I tried it, too. I made it about a quarter of the way up, but my hands got sweaty and I was having a hard time finding a good place to put my feet. Having big feet does not help when climbing the rock wall. Have I mentioned how big my feet are? Big! I can now cross that off my bucket list.
Colin did this thing where you had to try to make it across a room without breaking a laser beam. He was really good at it. The whole time he was crawling and bending and jumping his way through, I couldn't help but sing the "Mission Impossible" theme song in my mind. I am sorry to say that 24 hours later it is still stuck there.
Finally, we went outside to the go-carts. I am now disclosing that I am a graduate of the BMW test track driving school. You know, the one in South Carolina. Yep, That one. The Real One! Lets also remember the beast had been unleashed in Laser Tag. Also, I had the two person car because Ryan is still too short to drive on his own so he rode with me. The first time we rode, I had a bad car. Ryan was fine with this because he is not a speed demon. We were out for a leisurly ride waving as people lapped us. It was the second time that got a little heated. You guessed it, the laser tag kids were there. I had a fast car. I got to go first and after about three laps around the track I started to pass people. I approached the LT kids and they were not about to be passed by me. They swerved in front of me to prevent me from passing. They bumped me on the turns. I decided to be the adult and back off. Again, they started with the trash talk. I guess they had not learned their lesson so I had to school them on go-cart driving. There are some advantages to being behind. I stalked them until the last lap and then passed on the first turn. They ate my exhaust the whole way around.
I have to say the day was an all around success. We had a great time as a family and had a ton of laughs and fun. I think we created some good memories for the kids, and I got to see pure joy on their faces. Their giggles are music to my soul. I am happy to report that the beast is captured back in the cage and hopfully won't unleash itself again for a long time.
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