US!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
I hope your day is filled with the magic and joy that God intended...
More Later
A-Ro
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
On the Ninth Day of Pictures My A-Ro Gave to Me...
Since it is Christmas Eve I give you...
SANTA CLAUS!!!
GS is an Air Traffic Controller and one of the helicopter companies at the airport where he works flies Santa and his sleigh through the night sky on certain Saturdays in the month of December. It is really cool because you can't see the helicopter that is carrying this sleigh...so it really looks like Santa is "flying" through the sky.
Tomorrow I leave my warm California to go to snowy Iowa...and there is no place I'd rather be.
(Watch out Abby, Sami, JoJo, and Tyler...Aunt Amy is coming to give you some sugar!!!)
More Later
- A Ro
SANTA CLAUS!!!
GS is an Air Traffic Controller and one of the helicopter companies at the airport where he works flies Santa and his sleigh through the night sky on certain Saturdays in the month of December. It is really cool because you can't see the helicopter that is carrying this sleigh...so it really looks like Santa is "flying" through the sky.
Tomorrow I leave my warm California to go to snowy Iowa...and there is no place I'd rather be.
(Watch out Abby, Sami, JoJo, and Tyler...Aunt Amy is coming to give you some sugar!!!)
More Later
- A Ro
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
On the Tenth Day of Pictures My A-Ro Gave to Me...
A proud mama.
Look at how tall and straight my little singer stands...
Her solo jingle bell playing makes my heart swell... 
But there is something about watching my beautiful daughter dance that makes my heart burst...into tiny little pieces.
Maybe a few tears were shed...
Maybe my son rolled his eyes at me a few times...
Maybe he'll understand this kind of love one day...for his sake.
More later
-A Ro
Look at how tall and straight my little singer stands...Her solo jingle bell playing makes my heart swell... But there is something about watching my beautiful daughter dance that makes my heart burst...into tiny little pieces.Maybe a few tears were shed...
Maybe my son rolled his eyes at me a few times...
Maybe he'll understand this kind of love one day...for his sake.
More later
-A Ro
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
On the Eleventh Day of Pictures My A-Ro Gave to Me...
As a teacher I get quite a few gifts at the holidays. As a teacher at a private school many of these gifts are very nice. But sometimes I get a gift that cost very little but turns out to be my favorite one. This year was one of those years.
On the last day before break one of my students walked into my classroom and handed me a gift. I usually don't open gifts in front of the students, I just don't want the other students who didn't get me anything to feel bad. However, she insisted that I open it. The look on her face was priceless. This was a girl very excited to see me open her gift. I know that feeling as I am that girl too. I put a lot of thought into people's gifts and I cannot wait to see them open them. In fact I hate to even wait...I don't buy too early in the season for fear that I will slip up and tell people what I got them.
Anyway I open the gift and this is what I got:
She made me an ornament. A musical ornament. She worked hard to get the notes correct and even put the ever-so-important paper clip hanger on top.
She put a lot of thought into this gift.
She put a lot of work into this gift.
She made my day.
She made my holiday season.
More Later
-A Ro
On the last day before break one of my students walked into my classroom and handed me a gift. I usually don't open gifts in front of the students, I just don't want the other students who didn't get me anything to feel bad. However, she insisted that I open it. The look on her face was priceless. This was a girl very excited to see me open her gift. I know that feeling as I am that girl too. I put a lot of thought into people's gifts and I cannot wait to see them open them. In fact I hate to even wait...I don't buy too early in the season for fear that I will slip up and tell people what I got them.
Anyway I open the gift and this is what I got:
She made me an ornament. A musical ornament. She worked hard to get the notes correct and even put the ever-so-important paper clip hanger on top. She put a lot of thought into this gift.
She put a lot of work into this gift.
She made my day.
She made my holiday season.
More Later
-A Ro
Monday, December 21, 2009
12 Days of Pictures
I was having a hard time figuring out what to do about my blog while I was on break. So I decided that I would post a lot of pictures.
Because pictures make me so happy...and this time of year my happiness is most important...oh wait...that isn't quite right.
Today is Monday so here is my offering:
White Chocolate covered pretzels
Reindeer cake pops (tiara winning cake pops I might add)
Buckeyes too, but I didn't take any solo buckeye pictures
Because pictures make me so happy...and this time of year my happiness is most important...oh wait...that isn't quite right.
Today is Monday so here is my offering:
Here is what I gave to colleagues and teachers as gifts this year...
White Chocolate covered pretzels
Reindeer cake pops (tiara winning cake pops I might add)
Buckeyes too, but I didn't take any solo buckeye picturesI apologize to all the waistlines of all my friends and colleagues...but oooh these things are so good.
Bella also made every girl a pair of earrings...sorry no pics...by that time the Jolly Elf in me was quickly being replaced by Scrooge...
More Later
-A Ro
Bella also made every girl a pair of earrings...sorry no pics...by that time the Jolly Elf in me was quickly being replaced by Scrooge...
More Later
-A Ro
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Cursed Horn Honkers
I am not so naive to think that all of the people I love and care for feel the same way as I do on this subject. In other words I know that many of the people I love and care for are in fact horn honkers. This post is not meant to sway them from being horn honkers, but to vent some of my frustration with horn honkers and drivers in general. I am also fully able to admit my hypocrisy on the subject of road rage.
I know that there are many, many stupid drivers, and not so nice drivers on the road, and I am just as impatient with those kind of drivers as the next guy. However, I prefer to yell and scream and call them names in the comfort of my own vehicle as opposed to laying on the horn. It is my passive aggressive form of road rage. It really does makes me feel better without really making the other person upset...I'm telling you...win win.
I do live in Southern California...I do my share of driving on very crowded roads. I also have a 30 minute commute each way, so I am on the road a lot. But I just cannot bring myself to honk. My son tells me all the time that cars come with horns for a reason, and I tell him, they are for emergency uses only. They are not the audio equivalent of the middle finger.
Last night was the night of my Middle School holiday program, and I had a very stressful afternoon of rehearsals with a lot of middle schoolers who are just days away from winter break. Needless to say my cat herding skills were being tested, as was my patience. That being said, I went to dinner with GS, my kids, and some of my colleagues. We had a nice relaxing dinner. As I got to my car to go back to school I noticed that a car was parked directly behind me making it difficult for me to get out. I was very carefully backing out when a car came around the corner and proceeded to honk at me. Now mind you I wasn't sitting there having my nails done, I was trying to get my car out of an OBVIOUSLY precarious spot. So I looked at GS and (channeling Tyler Perry's Madea)...snapped my fingers and said "Oh, no he deh'ent"
I cannot tell you how badly I wanted to jump out of my car and walk over to this guy and ask him what his problem was with my fist. His honking at me just unnerved me and to say that I wanted to go postal on him would have been an understatement. My only fear was that since we were near my school one of my students would be passing by saying "Hey...isn't that Mrs. Roscigno dragging that man out of his truck by his ear???"
It would make people question my ability to deal with 45 Sixth Graders in one room...
Not good for my job security.
So I did what I usually do...I yelled and screamed at him from the comfort of my own car...
...it's the way I roll...sistah.
More Later
-A Ro
I know that there are many, many stupid drivers, and not so nice drivers on the road, and I am just as impatient with those kind of drivers as the next guy. However, I prefer to yell and scream and call them names in the comfort of my own vehicle as opposed to laying on the horn. It is my passive aggressive form of road rage. It really does makes me feel better without really making the other person upset...I'm telling you...win win.
I do live in Southern California...I do my share of driving on very crowded roads. I also have a 30 minute commute each way, so I am on the road a lot. But I just cannot bring myself to honk. My son tells me all the time that cars come with horns for a reason, and I tell him, they are for emergency uses only. They are not the audio equivalent of the middle finger.
Last night was the night of my Middle School holiday program, and I had a very stressful afternoon of rehearsals with a lot of middle schoolers who are just days away from winter break. Needless to say my cat herding skills were being tested, as was my patience. That being said, I went to dinner with GS, my kids, and some of my colleagues. We had a nice relaxing dinner. As I got to my car to go back to school I noticed that a car was parked directly behind me making it difficult for me to get out. I was very carefully backing out when a car came around the corner and proceeded to honk at me. Now mind you I wasn't sitting there having my nails done, I was trying to get my car out of an OBVIOUSLY precarious spot. So I looked at GS and (channeling Tyler Perry's Madea)...snapped my fingers and said "Oh, no he deh'ent"
I cannot tell you how badly I wanted to jump out of my car and walk over to this guy and ask him what his problem was with my fist. His honking at me just unnerved me and to say that I wanted to go postal on him would have been an understatement. My only fear was that since we were near my school one of my students would be passing by saying "Hey...isn't that Mrs. Roscigno dragging that man out of his truck by his ear???"
It would make people question my ability to deal with 45 Sixth Graders in one room...
Not good for my job security.
So I did what I usually do...I yelled and screamed at him from the comfort of my own car...
...it's the way I roll...sistah.
More Later
-A Ro
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Dashing Through the Random Dozen
1. Gingerbread: For or against? Discuss.
To be honest I felt for that poor, albeit conceited, Gingerbread Man...I mean he was only trying to be spared being eaten. Although, he could have been a little less "in your face" with the taunting of "Run run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread Man"...
To answer the question, love the Gingerbread Man, don't like gingerbread
2. Is it important to you to always stay (live) close to family?
It wasn't always important, but now that I realize how important it is to me I am stuck 1500 miles away.
3. Which holiday pretend character do you wish really existed?
Duh...Santa!! Just think how better the world would be if everyone tried to avoid the naughty list.
4. Which holiday movie best represents how you feel about Christmas or life?
I'd have to stick to my good old favorite Christmas Vacation. C'mon who doesn't feel so much better about their life and holiday plans after they watch the Griswolds bumble through Christmas. Every year I am thankful that I a) don't have a squirrel in my Christmas tree b) don't have to eat a jello mold filled with cat food c) and haven't decided to kidnap my boss...see life is good!!
5. Is there a particular Christmas song that you're enjoying now? Any that you're tired of?
Mostly I love the traditional, old-fashioned songs. However my most favorite song is Mannheim Steamrollers Stille Nacht
6. What is your favorite way to remember those less fortunate at Christmastime?
I will admit that I really don't do enough. We donate to Toys for Tots and contribute to the Bell Ringers...
Lid must realize that guilt is my motivating factor...OK...I'll go out and find more to do.
7. Does it upset you to see "Xmas" instead of Christmas? How about "Happy Holidays" etc., instead of "Merry Christmas?"
I don't mind Happy Holidays, but really don't like Xmas. I have a whole rant about how silly it is to make Hanukkah as important as Christmas, but that is for another day...but probably not...
8. How many Christmas programs are you attending this month?
Well I am a music teacher so I have both of my programs, Middle School and Upper School. My daughter's program was last Saturday, and my son's youth orchestra's program was last Sunday. Wow that is a lot of holiday cheer...you'd think that I'd be more "in the spirit"...Obviously, it isn't because of lack of holiday music...
9. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Any chance of that dream becoming a reality?
We are headed to the Midwest so the chances are good...which makes me very happy...I think.
10. Tell me about a Christmas present you received as a child. Pics are always nice.
This was an easy one. My mom always tells the story of me being little probably about 3 and wanting a Barbie Country Camper. When I got it I started yelling "A Bawbee Contwee Campwer"...needless to say I have not lost any of my enthusiasm...except for Hobbit books...
11. How many Christmas parties are you attending this month?
I will be attending two...the cookie exchange from yesterday's post and my friend's parents Christmas Eve party. The Christmas Eve after my divorce I was going to be alone for the first time. My friend's family took me in and invited me to their party and my family has been on the guest list ever since. I guess we have been behaving ourselves...I am forever grateful for their kindness.
12. How do you keep yourself centered on the significance of Christmas?
I have so much to be thankful for and really don't get stressed about this season so it is really easy for me to stay focused on why we do what we do.
In summary: Its obvious that this California-Iowa-wanna-be girl really needs to get a winter coat, and possibly some snow boots. She also needs to be a little more philanthropic, and is thankful for the dictionary sitting next to her. She wishes that getting a Bawbee Contwee Campwer still floated her boat. She really misses her mom and all of Iowa. But is oh so very thankful that her holiday plans do not include the in-laws in an RV parked outside my house...thanks Clark Griswold for keeping my holidays in perspective.
More Later
-A Ro
Dirty Santa Stinks
First let me apologize for my absence from my blog...you will soon realize why.
Well now it is on...you tell a diva that she has the potential of winning a tiara and you better watch out.
So I pulled out the big guns...albeit guns that take a tremendous amount of time and effort...but the big guns none the less.
Yes...you guessed it...I made 96 reindeer cake pops (see you must now forgive my blog hiatus...it was for a good cause...a tiara.)
One of my biggest problem with the entire evening was what kind of Dirty Santa gift to bring. These ladies are the type of people who have everything. So I went to Brighton and bought a very cute bracelet.
I cannot tell you how excited I was to be going to a Dirty Santa exchange with these ladies. I couldn't wait to bring home my gift, cause I knew it was going to be good.
So I watched people open beautiful jewelry, cashmere scarves, Crate and Barrel boxes with awesome hostessware and baking dishes. I saw Sephora make-up and perfume and Coach bags.
So when it was my turn I couldn't wait to tear into my gift. I picked the prettiest gift under the tree. I opened it up...and to my dismay...I found myself staring at...
...a book...I got a hardbound copy of The Hobbit.
Now I know what you are thinking. That is a great intellectual gift, which shows class and refinement. A really classic book that I should have been excited to have.
But you fail to realize that I am the kind of person who makes 96 cake pops so that she can win a tiara. Class and refinement are not in my vocabulary.
Of course no one stole my gift probably because the only one with class and refinement at the party was the person who brought the book. So I went home with my Hobbit book in hand, sad to say, trying to figure out where she bought it so I could return it.
However, the good news is I got my tiara and my pin that says Queen of the Cookies:
And of course my Dirty Santa gift:
In a recent post I mentioned how much I disliked cookie exchange parties. Now I realize that nothing sounds better, in theory, than standing around with your friends and eating 240 dozen cookies and then taking a huge tray home to torture you the rest of the month or hours depending on the level of your will power. But we don't live our lives "in theory" now do we and a dozen cookies later feeling like you want to throw up and then take a nap makes your "in theory" about cookie parties less appealing.
However one of my most favorite people invited me to a cookie party less than 24 hours after my post, and I decided to go.
So I read my invitation carefully. It said that I needed to bring 8 dozen cookies and a $40 Dirty Santa gift. As I was wondering what to make I found out from a very good source (my hostess's daughter who is a student of mine) that there was going to be judging going on AND that the winner would win, among other things, a tiara.
Well now it is on...you tell a diva that she has the potential of winning a tiara and you better watch out.
So I pulled out the big guns...albeit guns that take a tremendous amount of time and effort...but the big guns none the less.
Yes...you guessed it...I made 96 reindeer cake pops (see you must now forgive my blog hiatus...it was for a good cause...a tiara.)
Well it worked this diva took home the prize...I won Best in Show...the top prize. I won the Cookie with the Best Holiday Spirit...otherwise known as Queen of the Cookies. I got my tiara.
One of my biggest problem with the entire evening was what kind of Dirty Santa gift to bring. These ladies are the type of people who have everything. So I went to Brighton and bought a very cute bracelet.
I cannot tell you how excited I was to be going to a Dirty Santa exchange with these ladies. I couldn't wait to bring home my gift, cause I knew it was going to be good.
So I watched people open beautiful jewelry, cashmere scarves, Crate and Barrel boxes with awesome hostessware and baking dishes. I saw Sephora make-up and perfume and Coach bags.
So when it was my turn I couldn't wait to tear into my gift. I picked the prettiest gift under the tree. I opened it up...and to my dismay...I found myself staring at...
...a book...I got a hardbound copy of The Hobbit.
Now I know what you are thinking. That is a great intellectual gift, which shows class and refinement. A really classic book that I should have been excited to have.
But you fail to realize that I am the kind of person who makes 96 cake pops so that she can win a tiara. Class and refinement are not in my vocabulary.
Of course no one stole my gift probably because the only one with class and refinement at the party was the person who brought the book. So I went home with my Hobbit book in hand, sad to say, trying to figure out where she bought it so I could return it.
However, the good news is I got my tiara and my pin that says Queen of the Cookies:
The bad news is I also took home a tray of cookies that would make the strongest dieter swoon:
But I didn't eat so much I wanted to throw up, and I got to share a kid free evening with lovely, classy, refined women...
Well at least one.
More Later
-A Ro
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Runner Wanna Be Thanks YOU!!
Dear Third House on the Left on Sycamore Street,
Thank you oh so very much for either a) leaving your holiday lights on all night or b) turning them on early in the morning. It warms my heart to run by your house so early in the morning and see those beautiful lights.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(A woman who appreciates Clark Griswold-esque Christmas lights)
Dear City of Vimi Salley,
Thank you for not fixing the street light on that dark corner of Main and First Street. You must know that I don't have enough money to put my kids through college. Thank you for your foresight.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(Plaintiff in future lawsuit)
Dear driver of the Chevy Malibu,
Thank you for a) not stopping before you turned right on red and b) not looking to your left before you did. You must have known that my heart rate was not high enough and wanted to give it a little push in the right direction.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(The woman waving and cursing at you in your rear view mirror)
Dear fellow early morning runner, I'll call you "speedy"
Thank you for waving at me as you passed me. It really made me feel part of the running "club". I like knowing there are other insane people out so very early on a very cold morning.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(The woman in the too tight running pants with the wiggly butt, I'm sorry)
Dear God it's me A-Ro,
Thank you for getting my butt out of bed this morning, it was all YOU today as I knew it was cold and my bed was warm. Thank you for holding off the rain another day so I could get my run in this morning.
Thank you also for the clear crisp sky this morning...the stars were magnificent.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(The woman who uses lame Judy Blume references in her letter to you)
***names, makes and models of cars, streets, and cities were changed to protect the innocent
More Later
-A Ro
Thank you oh so very much for either a) leaving your holiday lights on all night or b) turning them on early in the morning. It warms my heart to run by your house so early in the morning and see those beautiful lights.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(A woman who appreciates Clark Griswold-esque Christmas lights)
Dear City of Vimi Salley,
Thank you for not fixing the street light on that dark corner of Main and First Street. You must know that I don't have enough money to put my kids through college. Thank you for your foresight.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(Plaintiff in future lawsuit)
Dear driver of the Chevy Malibu,
Thank you for a) not stopping before you turned right on red and b) not looking to your left before you did. You must have known that my heart rate was not high enough and wanted to give it a little push in the right direction.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(The woman waving and cursing at you in your rear view mirror)
Dear fellow early morning runner, I'll call you "speedy"
Thank you for waving at me as you passed me. It really made me feel part of the running "club". I like knowing there are other insane people out so very early on a very cold morning.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(The woman in the too tight running pants with the wiggly butt, I'm sorry)
Dear God it's me A-Ro,
Thank you for getting my butt out of bed this morning, it was all YOU today as I knew it was cold and my bed was warm. Thank you for holding off the rain another day so I could get my run in this morning.
Thank you also for the clear crisp sky this morning...the stars were magnificent.
Sincerely
A-Ro
(The woman who uses lame Judy Blume references in her letter to you)
***names, makes and models of cars, streets, and cities were changed to protect the innocent
More Later
-A Ro
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Random Dozen is Comin' to Town
How much do I love this thing-a-ma-giggy...Thanks Linda...it really makes me happy!!
Go on over and link up to these Random Dozen!!
1. Which physical trait do you now accept--maybe not love, but accept--and no longer feel extremely self-conscious about?
Wow a tough one right off the bat...geez...couldn't you have just eased into it with a question like...say...what is your favorite holiday beverage...
Alright. I am the poster child for self-consciousness. So most of the things that I am self conscious about are still alive and kicking. However that man I have in my life now thinks that I am beautiful, sexy, and gorgeous...all that and a bag of chips.
Hey maybe the bag of chips thing is the problem with my self consciousness...
Anyhoo he really does adore the way I look and tells me many many times a day so if anything has helped me move off of the self conscious kick and on to other counseling needing traits it is him.
Not much of an answer but my favorite holiday beverage is eggnog by far!!!
2. This week Meredith Baxter Birney, best known as the mom on the favorite 80s sitcom "Family Ties" came out of the closet, which led me to formulate this question: Who do you think is/was the best TV mom? ?
GET OUT!!! She did?!??!?!?!? Wow!!
When I got divorced I really want to find a divorced best friend and move in together like Kate and Allie. I just loved Allie. She really had the humor and the single mother thing down pat.
3. Do you speak any foreign languages? Are there any you'd like to learn?
I took French in high school but don't speak it now. Because I was trained as an opera singer I had to learn how to pronounce all the words in French, German, and Italian. So if you show me words in those languages I can tell you how to pronounce them but will have no idea what they mean. I know that doesn't really count but it is a neat trick that cost me a lot of money that I am now paying back in student loans...so I share it as often as I can.
4. Who is your personal hero?
GEEZ another toughie!! I am suddenly have Mariah Carey singing in my head. To me the word hero evokes someone who risks life and limb to save others, or someone who has triumphed over great adversity. I know most people have another definition of that word but...that is the way I look at it. I really have a problem with just everyday people being labeled as a "heroes". I think my personal hero has yet to show himself or herself.
5. What is one holiday food that you find extremely difficult to resist over- indulging in?
One?? Well I'd have to say those iced sugar cookies...I make them and love them!!
6. Tell me about a Christmas decoration that has special meaning or sentimental value.
OK here it the heart wrenching question of the dozen. So get ready to say your collective "aaaaaw".
The angel on my tree was on my Grandparents tree ever since I was born. They named her Amy so that they could have their angel Amy on their tree. I inherited it when they died and now it is on my tree. She holds in her hand an ornament that I got when my dad died with his name engraved on it. Every time I pass my tree I look up and think of all those people.
7. How do you feel about snow?
Love it when I am in California and can look at it on TV and even go so far as to miss it and long for it.
However...
When I am in Iowa I love it for a few minutes and then can't wait to get back to California.
8. On average, how many hours of sleep do you get each night? Not that I'm jealous of any number over three or anything.
Let me tell you this...not nearly enough. The only time I can exercise is early morning...I just won't do it otherwise. So I get at most 7 hours of sleep.
9. Tell me about your first crush.
This is another hard one...I remember really liking a boy in 5th grade...but he would have nothing to do with me so I remember quickly sayin' "screw that I don't need ya" (well I was in 5th grade so I don't think I put it quite like that) In fact most of the boys I had crushes on while young really didn't want anything to do with me...oh well...their loss...
Then there was this boy I saw at my friends pool party the summer before my junior year. He played football and was tall and very handsome. He was so nice and had a great smile. He was such a gentleman and his soft curly hair was to die for...Thankfully he is the same guy who now thinks I have a great butt when it is the one thing I could chop off my body and never miss (see #1 above)
10. You're stuck in a room for 2 hours with only a chalkboard and chalk. What will you write/draw?
I would probably try to write a rhyming poem and corresponding picture...
But c'mon who really who has chalk and a chalkboard anymore...
11. Do you dress for the current temp or for the day's forecast?
In California we layer...because the temperature in the morning can vary by 20 degrees than the temperature in the afternoon. Plus the temp in my room varies by how many middle schoolers I have at one time.
12. Favorite Christmas movie is?
EASY ONE!!! Christmas Vacation!!!
But another one has come to be at the top of my list...Elf
Too funny!!
In summary: I need to put the sugar cookies (and eggnog) down and walk away if I have any chance of not being overly self conscious come Jan.1. I should pull out some reruns of Kate and Allie and take some notes. Watch Christmas Vacation so I'll know what NOT to do this holiday and of course laugh that much hated butt off. It is obvious I need to gear up for some snow and try to get a little more sleep. But most importantly I need to be thankful that one of my real high school crushes loves me back and is in my life again to keep this diva happy.
More later
- A Ro
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Oh My Aching Head
Woke up this morning with a horrible headache. It was also pouring down rain. I know there probably isn't any correlation but it just seems odd that the first rain of the season causes me to have a headache. Maybe the neurosurgeon who reads my blog can give me more insight...oh wait...I don't have a neurosurgeon who reads my blog. Anyone else have insight?
Anyone??? Anyone??? Bueller...Bueller...
Anyway the headache continued even with me throwing 2 Advil's at it. But I trudged forward and made it to school. Taught my first class, met with my colleagues to work out the details regarding our upcoming two holiday programs and corresponding assemblies. Now I love my colleagues, but this meeting did nothing to help that throbbing headache I was battling.
Thankfully the only class I had to teach after lunch was a class that I team teach. My team teacher was kind enough to offer to take the class by herself so I could go home. Andrew didn't have any more classes either so I made arrangements for Bella and hit the road. By this time my headache was causing me to start to feel a little nauseous.
I called GS to let him know that I was going home. His voice mail however, cracked me up.
I call and start to leave my message and get cut off half way through with:
I'm sorry, but your message is too short, please try again.
You have got to be kidding me. First of all I had no idea that there were rules regarding minimum length of messages. Second of all I had no patience for a computer lady interrupting me to tell me the message I wasn't even finished leaving was too short. The odd thing was that someone had to record that message in the event that someone left a message that was too short?!?!?
I came home took a three hour nap. That took the edge of my headache, however the downside to that will be that I will be up watching reruns of Taxi on Nick at Night because I cannot sleep. Maybe Disney will have on Phineas and Ferb. That show makes me laugh. They are two cartoon brothers who come up with crazy ideas and inadvertently drive their sister crazy. If you haven't seen it you must give it a try.
Maybe they can figure out why rainy days give me headaches, or at the very least figure out how to avoid being scolded by a pre-recorded message about minimum lengths of voice mails.
One can hope.
More Later
- A Ro
Anyone??? Anyone??? Bueller...Bueller...
Anyway the headache continued even with me throwing 2 Advil's at it. But I trudged forward and made it to school. Taught my first class, met with my colleagues to work out the details regarding our upcoming two holiday programs and corresponding assemblies. Now I love my colleagues, but this meeting did nothing to help that throbbing headache I was battling.
Thankfully the only class I had to teach after lunch was a class that I team teach. My team teacher was kind enough to offer to take the class by herself so I could go home. Andrew didn't have any more classes either so I made arrangements for Bella and hit the road. By this time my headache was causing me to start to feel a little nauseous.
I called GS to let him know that I was going home. His voice mail however, cracked me up.
I call and start to leave my message and get cut off half way through with:
I'm sorry, but your message is too short, please try again.
You have got to be kidding me. First of all I had no idea that there were rules regarding minimum length of messages. Second of all I had no patience for a computer lady interrupting me to tell me the message I wasn't even finished leaving was too short. The odd thing was that someone had to record that message in the event that someone left a message that was too short?!?!?
I came home took a three hour nap. That took the edge of my headache, however the downside to that will be that I will be up watching reruns of Taxi on Nick at Night because I cannot sleep. Maybe Disney will have on Phineas and Ferb. That show makes me laugh. They are two cartoon brothers who come up with crazy ideas and inadvertently drive their sister crazy. If you haven't seen it you must give it a try.
Maybe they can figure out why rainy days give me headaches, or at the very least figure out how to avoid being scolded by a pre-recorded message about minimum lengths of voice mails.
One can hope.
More Later
- A Ro
Monday, December 7, 2009
Do You Want the Good News First or the Bad News
Well the good news of the weekend was that the Pink Fuchsia Firecrackers made it into the playoffs. The bad news is they had their pretty pink soccer cleats handed to them. Their three games were a total of 12 - 0.
The bad news was that I could only watch one full game because my students were singing at our school's open house. The good news was that I only had to watch one full game because my students were singing at our school's open house.
The good news was the girls could have cared less about their losses just as long as they got to hair spray their coach Miguel's hair pink. The bad news was Coach Miguel had pink hair for the rest of the day.
The bad news was that Isabella could barely walk that evening. The good news was she was fine when she woke up this morning. Oh to be young again.
The good news is that Isabella got all her weekend homework done. The bad news is I had to hear her play her recorder all evening. Now I know I am a music teacher and I know my poor kid is not getting the attention she needs from me at home with regards to the recorder. I am such a bad music teacher mother.
The bad news was I didn't get my grocery shopping done because of soccer and the open house on Saturday. The good news was I had to shop on Sunday which meant GS got to go with me...I love shopping with him, and it is more than me not having to push the cart or carry the groceries in...it's true...I swear.
OK read this one very carefully. The bad news was we almost got run off the road by a completely camouflaged Jeep Liberty. The good news was Andrew cracked me up by saying "The good news about owning that car is you think you can drive around invisible. The bad news is it's stupid."
The bad news is I didn't finish putting away all my laundry. The good news is that God willing I will have another day tomorrow.
More Later
-A Ro
The bad news was that I could only watch one full game because my students were singing at our school's open house. The good news was that I only had to watch one full game because my students were singing at our school's open house.
The good news was the girls could have cared less about their losses just as long as they got to hair spray their coach Miguel's hair pink. The bad news was Coach Miguel had pink hair for the rest of the day.
The bad news was that Isabella could barely walk that evening. The good news was she was fine when she woke up this morning. Oh to be young again.
The good news is that Isabella got all her weekend homework done. The bad news is I had to hear her play her recorder all evening. Now I know I am a music teacher and I know my poor kid is not getting the attention she needs from me at home with regards to the recorder. I am such a bad music teacher mother.
The bad news was I didn't get my grocery shopping done because of soccer and the open house on Saturday. The good news was I had to shop on Sunday which meant GS got to go with me...I love shopping with him, and it is more than me not having to push the cart or carry the groceries in...it's true...I swear.
OK read this one very carefully. The bad news was we almost got run off the road by a completely camouflaged Jeep Liberty. The good news was Andrew cracked me up by saying "The good news about owning that car is you think you can drive around invisible. The bad news is it's stupid."
The bad news is I didn't finish putting away all my laundry. The good news is that God willing I will have another day tomorrow.
More Later
-A Ro
Friday, December 4, 2009
Happiness Is...
My sister in law sent me this picture this morning. Totally cracked me up. It really made my day. He really has it all covered:- No pants...I mean really in the grand scheme of things pants are WAY overrated.
- Sunglasses in case of bright sun gotta protect those beautiful eyes.
- Rain boots in case of severe flooding...BTW the no pants thing really helps out in that area as well. Nothing is more uncomfortable in a flood than wet pants...this way of thinking totally solves that problem.
- A pajama shirt...solves the problem of deciding what shirt to wear. Just roll out of bed and your day has officially begun.
- A sword in case you need to fight off a dragon...or mom trying to put you down for a nap.
- The cowboy hat. 'Cause whether sunny or rainy you must look cool when you are slaying dragons.
- And that smile just might make mom give up on that nap.
I love my JoJo...
More Later
-A Ro
Thursday, December 3, 2009
If You Don't Like Babies Avert Your Eyes
My heart is breaking into a million pieces.
My new neice Abby got to go visit her Nana's house in Iowa over the Thanksgiving break. She got to visit all of her aunts and uncles
I need to get my hands on that BABY!!!
I need to see that sweet girl with the hair that go so long and now gets to hold a "real" baby instead of her pretend babies
And this big boy who justs need a high five and someone to be Optimus Prime and play play play.
My new neice Abby got to go visit her Nana's house in Iowa over the Thanksgiving break. She got to visit all of her aunts and uncles ...except for me.
...I was stuck in California.
I need to get my hands on that BABY!!!I need to see that sweet girl with the hair that go so long and now gets to hold a "real" baby instead of her pretend babiesI need to give her a big hug and a kiss
And that little boy...with the beautiful smile...he needs his Aunt Amy.
And this big boy who justs need a high five and someone to be Optimus Prime and play play play....Don't worry guys
...I'm coming home
...I've got my plane ticket and am marking off the days on my calendar
...I'm bringing your cousins and GS who need to see you guys too.
I'll even do a midnight feeding and change your diapers...
...anything for you, Abby.
More Later
- A-Ro
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Random Dozen
1. Which Wizard of Oz character are you most like?
If you have read my blog in the past few days you know that due to the burnt hole in my kitchen table I am in great need of a brain. However, I would like to say that I am Glenda the Good Witch, cause she really has the good dress, a wand and that awesome tiara, but I must say that being so far away from home I am most like Dorothy. You don't know how many situations this Iowa girl living in California has been in which has caused me to say "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore" Most of those have occurred on a beach or the highway.
2. When you're deciding what you're going to wear each morning, which item do you select first? Why?
I pick the bottoms first, cause "Baby Got Back" and I need to analyze the bottoms before I decide on a top. My students would say that I pick my jewelry first. I have been known to get a great piece of jewelry as a present and go out and buy an outfit to go around it. I know so crazy...
3. What kind of animal do you think the world could live without?
rats...big hairy rats...
4. How many Christmas trees are in your home?
One...and I love it oh so much!!
Do I need to get more??? I thought one was the norm...am I no longer normal??...don't answer that.
5. Would you prefer to be emotionless if it mean you didn't have to feel a heartbreak?
I have felt such immense heartbreak, but I have also felt such immense love and feeling that love was worth all the heartbreak.
You can now do your collective "aaaaaaw"
6. Do you ever experience holiday let-down or depression?
Yes and I am really sad to say that as soon as the Starbucks cups go back to normal I get really sad. I am a child of consumer economics...sad I know.
7. Do you like Michael Jackson's music?
I love Michael Jackson's music. Black and White is my favorite song. I love the morphing section at the end...we all thought that was so "magical"...old hat by today's standards. I have memorized the fun head dance they all do. The end of this video was SOOO controversial it was the video of him in the back alley and he well...grabs his...well...family jewels...
8. Why is it that we never judge people who have their teeth fixed for cosmetic reasons, but every other cosmetic procedure has a stigma?
Braces as a teenager should not considered cosmetic but a necessary ritual that one must go through. So you can't blame those guys...However, adults with veneers...kind of make me giggle.
9. Enjoy horseback riding?
Love it...wish I could do it more often. But let me tell you when you ride a horse you hurt in places that weren't meant to hurt...I'm just sayin'
10. Shoes--practical or stylish?
Stylish all the way. I wish that I was a practical girl when it comes to shoes, but I am a vain diva and don't care who knows it.
11. What was the name of your first pet? Feel free to post a pic.
Heidi a lovable German Shepard. You can pretend it isn't past my bedtime and I went and hunted down a pic of my dog that I had to give up in 3rd grade, but you could also Google Image German Shepard and that was pretty much her.
12. What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done?
25.5%
In summary: I really need to go get a wand and a tiara, and obviously another Christmas tree. I enjoy having my heart broken as long as there are Starbucks Christmas cups to console me. I am praying I never need veneers. I need to find my elves and get crackin', but mostly I really need to find that yellow brick road, cause Toto I'm not in Kansas anymore!
More Later
- A Ro
Monday, November 30, 2009
Neither Siskel or Ebert Just Distracted
I am slowly recovering from the Thanksgiving Weekend Popcorn Incident, as we are now calling it. Although I am still fearful that we will develop black lung at some point due to the inhalation of severely burnt popcorn. I'll of course keep you updated.
Why is it that popcorn leaves a lasting smell? Even when it isn't burnt you know when you enter a room if someone has popped popcorn. But, Whoa Susanna if you burn it...man it stinks for days.
As I am trying to avoid all talk about the Thanksgiving Weekend Popcorn Incident and the resulting hole in my kitchen table I started remembering that the kids and I saw a great movie last Wednesday and I thought I'd tell you about it...hopefully distracting me from my kitchen table woes.
It was called The Blind Side and it stars Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.
Why is it that popcorn leaves a lasting smell? Even when it isn't burnt you know when you enter a room if someone has popped popcorn. But, Whoa Susanna if you burn it...man it stinks for days.
As I am trying to avoid all talk about the Thanksgiving Weekend Popcorn Incident and the resulting hole in my kitchen table I started remembering that the kids and I saw a great movie last Wednesday and I thought I'd tell you about it...hopefully distracting me from my kitchen table woes.
It was called The Blind Side and it stars Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.
Now as you can see from this picture Tim Mc Graw and I are close, but don't let my bias cause you to think that I only liked the movie because it stared my BFF.
It was a really good movie. It tells the true story of Michael Oher a teenage homeless student who is taken in by the Tuohys, a wealthy family whose children go to the same school Michael does. It is a feel good story about what it does to someone when you give. Both the giver and the receiver's lives are changed forever. If you decide to go grab the Kleenex...you'll need it. My son and daughter loved it too.
On a sillier note GS and I cuddled up on the couch and watched Hitch Friday night. An older movie starring Will Smith, Eva Mendez, and Kevin James. We put it in our queue a while ago from Netflix and forgot about it until it showed up in our mailbox. We just decided we needed to just watch it and move on. I am telling you it was high-larious. Will Smith and Kevin James are so funny. I think I just love Will Smith. His movies are so diverse. He goes from playing a crazy go get up alien fighter in Independence Day to a desperate giving man in Seven Pounds. Don't think for a minute that I actually saw either of those movies. If you know anything about me you know that I only like movies that star Chevy Chase and have the word vacation in the title, (with the exception of movies that star my BFF Tim.) So I actually have only seen the funnier Will Smith movies, but the trailers and previews of those other films have impressed me. Maybe one day when I grow up and become a big girl I'll be able to see those other movies.
...but first I'll have to figure out how to pop popcorn on my stove without ruining every piece of furniture I own.
...a girl can hope.
More Later
...but first I'll have to figure out how to pop popcorn on my stove without ruining every piece of furniture I own.
...a girl can hope.
More Later
-A Ro
It Just Takes One Thing
How is it that it just takes one thing to totally put the kibosh on a great day??
In my case I was having a great day, no an absolutely fabulous day until I burnt a hole in my kitchen table. This horrible wish-I-could-be-Superman-and-fly-around-the-world-and-turn-back-time-moment happened 45 minutes before bedtime. Yep 45 minutes until I could have put my head on the pillow with a good feeling...but nope.
First lets look at the good stuff:
I have been starting to pop a big batch of popcorn each Sunday night...it is a good for you snack that lasts us the week...you know nibble here and there instead of the aforementioned brownies. Stupid MSN did a story on how microwave popcorn is bad for you cause of the "chemicals"...I should know better and realize that it really isn't the microwave popcorn that is going to do me in considering I still use Splenda like it is going out of style. However, to be more "healthy" I decided to buy some "real" popcorn and do it in a pan on the stove. Bella loves it too cause she gets to watch it pop. I'm telling you it was cheap entertainment until this new "healthy" snack caused me to burn a hole in my kitchen table.
So...(I am guessing you probably know where this is going...but indulge me)
I popped the batch and it was perfect...smelled wonderful so I turned "off" the burner to let it finish popping...now I KNOW that you know where this is going. Instead of turning off the burner I turned it up full blast. I could go into the "old" gas stove without any markers about hi and low, but I have lived with this stove for almost 5 years and would be a rich woman if I had a nickle for every time I mistakenly turned it up full blast instead of off...so really no excuses. I saw it was burning and smoking and probably going to burn my house down so I grabbed the pan to throw it outside and it started, of course, to burn my fingers so I threw the pan on the nearest flat surface...yes we have finally come full circle...onto my kitchen table.
So there. I realize I could go tell you about the 10 places in this story where I went wrong, but my nostrils are currently full of that horrible burnt popcorn smell and I feel a little faint.
And now I must go scour a very expensive pan...full of burnt oil and a layer of black popcorn...
...and go buy microwave popcorn
...and a new sander to refinish my kitchen table
...and call my therapist
More later
-A Ro
In my case I was having a great day, no an absolutely fabulous day until I burnt a hole in my kitchen table. This horrible wish-I-could-be-Superman-and-fly-around-the-world-and-turn-back-time-moment happened 45 minutes before bedtime. Yep 45 minutes until I could have put my head on the pillow with a good feeling...but nope.
First lets look at the good stuff:
- got my carb-loaded body out of bed for my 5.5 mile run
- perfect running weather
- went out for a nice no kids breakfast with GS
- worked on my crossword puzzle while eating oatmeal
- cleaned my house
- made brownies
- put up the garland on my banister
- finally got the kids school pictures cut up
- did all the laundry and put it all away
- burnt a hole in my kitchen table
I have been starting to pop a big batch of popcorn each Sunday night...it is a good for you snack that lasts us the week...you know nibble here and there instead of the aforementioned brownies. Stupid MSN did a story on how microwave popcorn is bad for you cause of the "chemicals"...I should know better and realize that it really isn't the microwave popcorn that is going to do me in considering I still use Splenda like it is going out of style. However, to be more "healthy" I decided to buy some "real" popcorn and do it in a pan on the stove. Bella loves it too cause she gets to watch it pop. I'm telling you it was cheap entertainment until this new "healthy" snack caused me to burn a hole in my kitchen table.
So...(I am guessing you probably know where this is going...but indulge me)
I popped the batch and it was perfect...smelled wonderful so I turned "off" the burner to let it finish popping...now I KNOW that you know where this is going. Instead of turning off the burner I turned it up full blast. I could go into the "old" gas stove without any markers about hi and low, but I have lived with this stove for almost 5 years and would be a rich woman if I had a nickle for every time I mistakenly turned it up full blast instead of off...so really no excuses. I saw it was burning and smoking and probably going to burn my house down so I grabbed the pan to throw it outside and it started, of course, to burn my fingers so I threw the pan on the nearest flat surface...yes we have finally come full circle...onto my kitchen table.
So there. I realize I could go tell you about the 10 places in this story where I went wrong, but my nostrils are currently full of that horrible burnt popcorn smell and I feel a little faint.
And now I must go scour a very expensive pan...full of burnt oil and a layer of black popcorn...
...and go buy microwave popcorn
...and a new sander to refinish my kitchen table
...and call my therapist
More later
-A Ro
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Well it could be if I could just figure out how to regulate my blood sugar after this weekend of carb loading, too bad I am not an endurance athlete...but if I wanted to be I've got the diet all planned out!!
...crazy aside...if anyone knows what kind of plant that is in the background please let me know. I got it as a gift last week and have no idea what to do with it. It came with no instructions. It looks like a big onion lying in a bunch of moss. Not guaranteeing if I know what it is that I won't kill it, but it stands a better chance of survival if I actually know what to do with it.
...and of course macaroni and cheese and crescent rolls for my son. This is his Thanksgiving dinner...
Now the scalloped pineapple is a dish that my mother made each year. I would tell you the recipe, but I would have to make you all sign a waiver stating that you would only make it for Thanksgiving each year. If you don't sign the waiver you might be tempted to make it once a month or daily. Then you would need to go unpack your fat clothes...I am telling you it is that good!!
...both in the kitchen...(please excuse that 14 year old who likes to peel potatoes, but hates to have his picture taken...who's wacked out kid is that...oh yeah...mine.We had a very nice Thanksgiving day. I cooked for just the four of us. I had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes (PW Cooks style), sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, scalloped pineapple, homemade from scratch oatmeal knot rolls, and pumpkin pie.
...crazy aside...if anyone knows what kind of plant that is in the background please let me know. I got it as a gift last week and have no idea what to do with it. It came with no instructions. It looks like a big onion lying in a bunch of moss. Not guaranteeing if I know what it is that I won't kill it, but it stands a better chance of survival if I actually know what to do with it....and of course macaroni and cheese and crescent rolls for my son. This is his Thanksgiving dinner...We really just enjoy each others company...
...and at the dinner table. (now he looks like he is a contestant on a game show...go figure)
Bella makes me pull out place mats from my kids preschool days. Here is Andrew's turkey hand...notice the nice neat feathers and the very precise turkey.
Here is Bella's notice the very abstract feathers and the complete disregard for following the norm...that's my girl.Still seeing that their hands used to be so little choked me up a bit...
We started out Friday with putting up our Christmas tree...I just love this activity. It is fun for us all to pull our our special ornaments that we have collected over the years and remember each one.
Such an amazing start to an amazing season!!
More later
- A Ro
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Are You Ready?
I don't mean is your menu set...although you probably should know what you are fixing by now.I don't mean have you gone to the grocery store...because in my case it really doesn't matter, I will have forgotten something.
I don't mean are you packed and ready to go if you are traveling...because I don't care how organized you are toothbrushes are still only a couple of bucks at any grocery store.
I don't mean is your house clean enough for your guests...if they truly love you they won't look under the bed or in the closets.
I don't mean is your cooking schedule figured out so that the rolls that take 2 hours to rise aren't started while someone is carving the turkey.
And I CERTAINLY don't mean are you ready for the amount of stress that tomorrow might bring. Stress over the amount of dirty dishes there will be, the lack of room in your refrigerator, or in my case oven, for all that food, or feelings of guilt for having that second helping of pumpkin pie or third.
What I DO mean is are you ready to be thankful for the food on your table, the loved ones surrounding you, and the abundant blessings that you have in your life.
Because people...that is what is REALLY important this Thanksgiving Day...all the rest will either be forgotten or turned into hilarious stories people will laugh about for years to come...either way it is ultimately a win win.
Enjoy your day
More Later
- A Ro
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Random Dozen...Turkey Style
Lid over at 2nd Cup decided to do her weekly Random Dozen early this week. I really respect her for this...'cause if it were me I would have just skipped it...but not our Lid...
I stuck to my guns and kept her home for two reasons: 1. Because of the aforementioned rule and 2. Because I certainly did not want to drive the 2 hours to go get her when she got tired of swabbing the deck and the amount of fun she was having didn't outweigh the fact that she still was a little sick. I ain't no dumb guy.
Without further ado; the Random Dozen...Turkey Style!!
1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinary adventurous?
In my humble opinion Thanksgiving is not the time to be creative in the kitchen. Did the original settlers say "Hey I wonder what it taste like if we didn't have turkey, but mushed these soybeans into a loaf...hey we could call it Tofurkey"?? I didn't think so...When I was a vegan vegetarian I just didn't eat the turkey...but I still cooked the traditional dinner.
2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")
I am thankful for my two children and my amazing GS...
OK who am I kidding...I am thankful for my new Kitchen Aid Mixer!!! Thinking about having Thanksgiving tomorrow just so I can pull that bad boy out and mix me up some mashed potatoes!!
3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.
The way I feel every time I walk into my classroom and see my students eager to get down to work, and the new beginning I am given each and every day
4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.
The first time I cooked Thanksgiving dinner for GS. We had just reconnected and he couldn't go home, so we invited him to join us. I was so nervous and he made me feel so at ease. He pitched and it seemed like this was the way it was supposed to be. Now it just is.
5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?
I send someone out to the store because I have forgotten something...it is a good year when I don't have to send someone out twice. This year GS told me that maybe today since I was home with sickly Bella I should pull out my recipes and make sure I don't need anything. I told him he would be bored if I did that...ha ha.
6. Do your pets get any left-overs?
nope...unless something inadvertently falls on the floor.
7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?
We go around the table and tell something that we are thankful for.
8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?
FOOTBALL BABY!!!
9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?
My stuffing still comes from a box. I know a cook like me...but it is just what we do. So unless Stove Top started sneaking freeze dried oysters in their red boxes...no oysters for me.
10.Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?
You know just when you believe something about history someone goes and tells you it isn't true...so who the heck knows...Columbus didn't discover America...We really didn't land on the moon...There is no Santa Claus...life is just a never ending bubble burst for me.
11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?
PUMPKIN PIE BABY!!! Two of them sitting in my fridge just itching to be covered in whipped cream and devoured...it's gonna be hard to wait.
12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!)
I know I should, but I don't...
In summary: I need to stop making fun of Tofurkey, get over the newness of my Kitchen Aid mixer, have some strong words with my history teacher, maybe expand my Thanksgiving shopping list to include more that Turkey and Stove Top Stuffing, and get some PETA pamphlets, because clearly I need some animal empathy.
Have a Great Thanksgiving!!!
More Later
- A Ro
But first an update:
This is what happens when schools enforces a policy that a child has to be fever free for 24 hours before they can return to school.
I'm telling you a lot of though went into this fort. In fact I would venture to say that she spent more time designing and building this fort than she actually spent in it.
Granted she would have much rather been at school and on her field trip then in this fort. Today I am telling you I did whatever I could to make her happy...thankfully she didn't ask me for a new puppy because it would have been hard to say no to her today. She really wanted to go on that field trip and she really was feeling much better this morning and she knew that she was probably well enough to go on said field trip but...I stuck to my guns and kept her home for two reasons: 1. Because of the aforementioned rule and 2. Because I certainly did not want to drive the 2 hours to go get her when she got tired of swabbing the deck and the amount of fun she was having didn't outweigh the fact that she still was a little sick. I ain't no dumb guy.
Without further ado; the Random Dozen...Turkey Style!!
1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinary adventurous?
In my humble opinion Thanksgiving is not the time to be creative in the kitchen. Did the original settlers say "Hey I wonder what it taste like if we didn't have turkey, but mushed these soybeans into a loaf...hey we could call it Tofurkey"?? I didn't think so...When I was a vegan vegetarian I just didn't eat the turkey...but I still cooked the traditional dinner.
2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")
I am thankful for my two children and my amazing GS...
OK who am I kidding...I am thankful for my new Kitchen Aid Mixer!!! Thinking about having Thanksgiving tomorrow just so I can pull that bad boy out and mix me up some mashed potatoes!!
3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.
The way I feel every time I walk into my classroom and see my students eager to get down to work, and the new beginning I am given each and every day
4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.
The first time I cooked Thanksgiving dinner for GS. We had just reconnected and he couldn't go home, so we invited him to join us. I was so nervous and he made me feel so at ease. He pitched and it seemed like this was the way it was supposed to be. Now it just is.
5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?
I send someone out to the store because I have forgotten something...it is a good year when I don't have to send someone out twice. This year GS told me that maybe today since I was home with sickly Bella I should pull out my recipes and make sure I don't need anything. I told him he would be bored if I did that...ha ha.
6. Do your pets get any left-overs?
nope...unless something inadvertently falls on the floor.
7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?
We go around the table and tell something that we are thankful for.
8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?
FOOTBALL BABY!!!
9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?
My stuffing still comes from a box. I know a cook like me...but it is just what we do. So unless Stove Top started sneaking freeze dried oysters in their red boxes...no oysters for me.
10.Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?
You know just when you believe something about history someone goes and tells you it isn't true...so who the heck knows...Columbus didn't discover America...We really didn't land on the moon...There is no Santa Claus...life is just a never ending bubble burst for me.
11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?
PUMPKIN PIE BABY!!! Two of them sitting in my fridge just itching to be covered in whipped cream and devoured...it's gonna be hard to wait.
12. Do you feel for the turkey?? (This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!)
I know I should, but I don't...
In summary: I need to stop making fun of Tofurkey, get over the newness of my Kitchen Aid mixer, have some strong words with my history teacher, maybe expand my Thanksgiving shopping list to include more that Turkey and Stove Top Stuffing, and get some PETA pamphlets, because clearly I need some animal empathy.
Have a Great Thanksgiving!!!
More Later
- A Ro
Monday, November 23, 2009
And Bella Makes Two
Nothing messes up big plans like a sick 9 year old. The sick 14 year old is a little easier to navigate because he can stay home by himself. Granted the house is a little worse for the wear, but at least I can work and keep Bella's schedule of soccer and art classes. Although Bella could run our household single-handedly she would have a hard time giving herself all that much needed love and attention that 9 year olds need to get better. She has exactly what Andrew had but she has a low grade fever.
Saturday night we had plans to see our schools production of Macbeth, which Bella filmed a cameo as an apparition in the fourth act. Needless to say that sitting through that particular Shakespeare tragedy with a splitting headache might not be such a great idea.
But the big problem is tomorrow. The fourth graders were going to go on an all day field trip to the ocean to pretend to be deck hands on a real schooner. They get to do what real sailors do. According to Isabella she has been looking forward to this trip "her whole life". She was looking forward to the 2 hour bus ride because "she never gets to just talk with her friends". She just "doesn't know how she will be able to get over this". Now I don't know about you but nothing screams fun like going to the cold ocean pretending to be sailors. I am pretty sure that their lives back then didn't involve buffets, little drinks with umbrellas, and cruise directors named Julie. Nevertheless, she wants to go and she is broken up about it.
Now I know that you are doing the math. Andrew got sick and now Bella. You are thinking that I am next. I'll have you know that I have avoided all sickness so far this year. It is odd because I don't have a spleen and doctors have told me that I am more susceptible to getting sick. The reason I don't have a spleen is a whole other post that I'll bore you with later. As my doctor always tells me I am the healthiest person he knows who is about ready to fall apart. He just doesn't know that I cannot fall apart yet. I have things I need to finish...
...like my children's scrapbooks, losing 15 pounds, and figuring out an easy way to clean my ceiling fans.
I think I am going to be around a long time
...however next week I could be sicker than a dog.
...I'll keep you posted.
More Later
-A Ro
Saturday night we had plans to see our schools production of Macbeth, which Bella filmed a cameo as an apparition in the fourth act. Needless to say that sitting through that particular Shakespeare tragedy with a splitting headache might not be such a great idea.
But the big problem is tomorrow. The fourth graders were going to go on an all day field trip to the ocean to pretend to be deck hands on a real schooner. They get to do what real sailors do. According to Isabella she has been looking forward to this trip "her whole life". She was looking forward to the 2 hour bus ride because "she never gets to just talk with her friends". She just "doesn't know how she will be able to get over this". Now I don't know about you but nothing screams fun like going to the cold ocean pretending to be sailors. I am pretty sure that their lives back then didn't involve buffets, little drinks with umbrellas, and cruise directors named Julie. Nevertheless, she wants to go and she is broken up about it.
Now I know that you are doing the math. Andrew got sick and now Bella. You are thinking that I am next. I'll have you know that I have avoided all sickness so far this year. It is odd because I don't have a spleen and doctors have told me that I am more susceptible to getting sick. The reason I don't have a spleen is a whole other post that I'll bore you with later. As my doctor always tells me I am the healthiest person he knows who is about ready to fall apart. He just doesn't know that I cannot fall apart yet. I have things I need to finish...
...like my children's scrapbooks, losing 15 pounds, and figuring out an easy way to clean my ceiling fans.
I think I am going to be around a long time
...however next week I could be sicker than a dog.
...I'll keep you posted.
More Later
-A Ro
Friday, November 20, 2009
Baby Come Back
Not to be confused with Baby GOT Back...although I have looked in the mirror a few times lately and I do have some "back"...but that is a topic for another day!!
Now the song I reference today is how I feel. GS has gone to Iowa to visit his kids and take care of some business...and quite frankly...I want him to come back!! I know he'll be back late tomorrow night, but that is not NOW.
I would like to think of myself as an independent woman who doesn't need a man in her life...and if push came to shove I think I COULD be that kind of woman, but at this point I have an amazing man in my life and, quite frankly, I need him back.
...this has nothing to do with the fact that tonight is garbage night which means I will have to empty all the garbage cans haul it out to the bin and then haul the bins to the street.
...OK maybe a little.
BUT I miss so many more things.
I miss my good night and good morning kisses.
I miss seeing his smiling face when he walks in the door after a long days work.
I miss holding hands just because we like to be near each other.
I miss seeing my daughter's face when she hears the garage door open and realizes her object of tormenting is home.
I miss having a cooking partner...his job consists of chopping, stirring, and closing all the kitchen cabinets behind me...and sometimes the refrigerator door. I guess my dad was right when he would ask me if I lived in a barn.
I miss talking to him.
I miss the easy going personality that keeps me grounded and happy.
I miss catching him looking lovingly at me.
OK I am a diva and I admit that I need the constant attention and stroking he gives me...I am spoiled and if he doesn't come home quickly I am going to throw a good old fashioned temper tantrum...
...it won't be pretty.
...Allegiant Air, you better get my GS home safely and on time!!!
More Later
-A Ro
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Doctor Doctor Give Me the News
My boy has been under the weather. His symptoms are severe headache and sore throat. No fever...how do I know...I put my lips to his forehead and just knew.
Now my son doesn't believe that I can tell if he has a fever. He thinks that my "I just know" explanation isn't good enough. I told him that I would bet him if I took 100 kids some with fever and some without I could pick out the ones with fever with 99% accuracy.
He thinks I am full of it.
I think we need to call Myth Busters.
Anyway he stayed home on Monday. He felt like he needed to go to school on Tuesday, but I ended up taking him home before lunch...and he woke up feeling worse today so I finally took him to the doctor.
Now doctors are funny to me. Andrew's only symptoms were headache and sore throat...no fever...thank you very much!! He feels around...looks around...and decides he doesn't have strep throat but has a virus...the catch all I have no idea what is wrong diagnosis.
The whole time Andrew is being very grown up. He is talking to the doctor, asking good questions and being very articulate. I think to myself...my little boy is growing up.
UNTIL
The doctor sees that he hasn't had his flu shot yet.
Andrew starts to whine, and beg for mercy. Suddenly the word mommy starts to creep back into his vocabulary.
Needless to say he hates needles. He completely rationalizes that it doesn't really hurt, but the needle is what gets him every time. Finally the large male nurse comes in to give him the shot and is rolling with laughter by the time he is done at the way my 14 year old son is acting.
I held his hand...promised him ice cream and all was well.
My favorite point was the nurse saying take a deep breath and starts to count to 3 but sticks the needle in him after 1...such a smart guy.
THEN...
Andrew asks the doctor to look at this bump he has on the webbing between the thumb and forefinger. The doc pokes and looks and decides it is a wart and he can take care of it right there.
I swear I noticed a twinkle in the docs eyes when he realizes that he gets to get out the can of liquid nitrogen and freeze off this wart. He gets to play with chemicals...probably the one reason he went to med school and became a doctor...that and the paycheck. Andrew also gets very interested in this as well.
Then Andrew asks the question that all patients ask "Will this hurt?" And the doctor tells the lie that all doctors must tell "Maybe a little, but not much".
Do they do this on purpose? Can they not bear to tell their patients the truth?
Nope I think is it a strategic plan to keep the calm until it is to late...they ain't no dumb guys they know how it works, especially pediatricians...and we mothers appreciate their ability to lie like dogs.
Well with Andrew he kept the calm and was sort of looking forward to watching this science experiment unfold.
UNTIL
The liquid nitrogen was placed on his wart. Again Andrew started squirming, calling for his mommy, and almost kicked the doc in the family jewels. And I did want any good mom would do...I laughed my butt off. It was absolutely hilarious to watch him act SO un-teenage like.
That was the best spent $15.00 I have spent in a long time...I'm just sayin'
All the way home Andrew was telling me how much it hurt and that I would never understand that kind of pain...
I gave him his pity party moment, but what he fails to realize is that the reason I can tell if he has a fever with the touch of my lips is because I gave birth to him...
...a long painful birth.
...with plenty of needles.
...and other things we won't go into.
More Later
-A Ro
Now my son doesn't believe that I can tell if he has a fever. He thinks that my "I just know" explanation isn't good enough. I told him that I would bet him if I took 100 kids some with fever and some without I could pick out the ones with fever with 99% accuracy.
He thinks I am full of it.
I think we need to call Myth Busters.
Anyway he stayed home on Monday. He felt like he needed to go to school on Tuesday, but I ended up taking him home before lunch...and he woke up feeling worse today so I finally took him to the doctor.
Now doctors are funny to me. Andrew's only symptoms were headache and sore throat...no fever...thank you very much!! He feels around...looks around...and decides he doesn't have strep throat but has a virus...the catch all I have no idea what is wrong diagnosis.
The whole time Andrew is being very grown up. He is talking to the doctor, asking good questions and being very articulate. I think to myself...my little boy is growing up.
UNTIL
The doctor sees that he hasn't had his flu shot yet.
Andrew starts to whine, and beg for mercy. Suddenly the word mommy starts to creep back into his vocabulary.
Needless to say he hates needles. He completely rationalizes that it doesn't really hurt, but the needle is what gets him every time. Finally the large male nurse comes in to give him the shot and is rolling with laughter by the time he is done at the way my 14 year old son is acting.
I held his hand...promised him ice cream and all was well.
My favorite point was the nurse saying take a deep breath and starts to count to 3 but sticks the needle in him after 1...such a smart guy.
THEN...
Andrew asks the doctor to look at this bump he has on the webbing between the thumb and forefinger. The doc pokes and looks and decides it is a wart and he can take care of it right there.
I swear I noticed a twinkle in the docs eyes when he realizes that he gets to get out the can of liquid nitrogen and freeze off this wart. He gets to play with chemicals...probably the one reason he went to med school and became a doctor...that and the paycheck. Andrew also gets very interested in this as well.
Then Andrew asks the question that all patients ask "Will this hurt?" And the doctor tells the lie that all doctors must tell "Maybe a little, but not much".
Do they do this on purpose? Can they not bear to tell their patients the truth?
Nope I think is it a strategic plan to keep the calm until it is to late...they ain't no dumb guys they know how it works, especially pediatricians...and we mothers appreciate their ability to lie like dogs.
Well with Andrew he kept the calm and was sort of looking forward to watching this science experiment unfold.
UNTIL
The liquid nitrogen was placed on his wart. Again Andrew started squirming, calling for his mommy, and almost kicked the doc in the family jewels. And I did want any good mom would do...I laughed my butt off. It was absolutely hilarious to watch him act SO un-teenage like.
That was the best spent $15.00 I have spent in a long time...I'm just sayin'
All the way home Andrew was telling me how much it hurt and that I would never understand that kind of pain...
I gave him his pity party moment, but what he fails to realize is that the reason I can tell if he has a fever with the touch of my lips is because I gave birth to him...
...a long painful birth.
...with plenty of needles.
...and other things we won't go into.
More Later
-A Ro
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Random Dozen...sorta.
Oh yes...you guessed it...it is that time of the week. Lid's Random Dozen.
Here goes nothin':
1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
I know this sounds very violent and I am sure says something about my psyche that I want to keep hidden, but I want to be a kick boxer. Not that I want to hurt another human being in that way, but I just LOVED those classes and really felt great kicking the heck out of that bag.
hmmm I WAS going through a divorce at the time...coincidence or Freudian concept...you be the judge...
2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?
Nope if it looks good and is in a good price range I pull the trigger...
3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?
Christine Thirty-fourth street...OK that's not going to get me too far.
4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
Since I am a music teacher I would have to say favorite food, but I need to lose 15 pounds so I have had very little luck giving up food in any way shape or form, it seems. Could someone just poof pizza off the planet...then maybe I'd have some luck.
5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?
Spotty and more ripe...however GS needs them almost green. This works out great...he gets the bananas at the beginning of the week and I get them towards the end...plan...and if neither of us get to them...BANANA MUFFINS...its a win win baby!!
6. Your favorite tree is?
Weeping Willow...does that make me a melancholy person??? Barbara Walters would have a hey day with that answer.
7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?
-75...in other words if you tell me what button to push I am good, but leave me to figure it out I am up a creek without a USB port.
8. Has H1N1 touched your family?
nope...(she says as she knocks on her desk.) I have had many students with it but not me or my kids...(she says knocking harder on her desk.)
9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?
I question EVERYTHING.
hmmm I wonder if I answered this question OK?
10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?
I'm a happy happy dog...(she says as she turns her head slightly to look at you lovingly)
11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
Just did a post on this yesterday...here...(she says hiding her head in shame)
12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?
It doesn't matter, the line I am in will be slower than all the rest. My only advice to you is don't pick the lane I am in.
In summary: I need to come to terms with the fact that something in me wants to be a kick boxer, this might be a good thing because with a name like Christine Thirty-fourth street I certainly won't be an actor. Don't copy my major gut instinct purchases (and lets hope it isn't something techie 'cause I won't know what to do with it) but most important don't stand in line behind me when I am purchasing it.
Hey...I just realized that my need to summarize my random dozen makes them not so random...
...that's me, I need things all nicely tied up in a pretty package.
What does that say about me? (she says in a typical questioning way)
More Later
-A Ro
Here goes nothin':
1. If you could master one sport, what would it be?
I know this sounds very violent and I am sure says something about my psyche that I want to keep hidden, but I want to be a kick boxer. Not that I want to hurt another human being in that way, but I just LOVED those classes and really felt great kicking the heck out of that bag.
hmmm I WAS going through a divorce at the time...coincidence or Freudian concept...you be the judge...
2. When you make a major purchase, do you go with your gut instinct, or do you do research to make an informed decision?
Nope if it looks good and is in a good price range I pull the trigger...
3. There is an old kids' game that says you can find out what your movie star name would be by using your middle name as your first name and the name of the street you grew up on as your last. What is your movie star name?
Christine Thirty-fourth street...OK that's not going to get me too far.
4. Would you rather give up your favorite music or your favorite food?
Since I am a music teacher I would have to say favorite food, but I need to lose 15 pounds so I have had very little luck giving up food in any way shape or form, it seems. Could someone just poof pizza off the planet...then maybe I'd have some luck.
5. There are two types of banana preferences. One is pristine yellow, almost to the point of being green; the other is spotty and more ripe. Which is your preference?
Spotty and more ripe...however GS needs them almost green. This works out great...he gets the bananas at the beginning of the week and I get them towards the end...plan...and if neither of us get to them...BANANA MUFFINS...its a win win baby!!
6. Your favorite tree is?
Weeping Willow...does that make me a melancholy person??? Barbara Walters would have a hey day with that answer.
7. On a scale of 1-10, how tech savvy are you?
-75...in other words if you tell me what button to push I am good, but leave me to figure it out I am up a creek without a USB port.
8. Has H1N1 touched your family?
nope...(she says as she knocks on her desk.) I have had many students with it but not me or my kids...(she says knocking harder on her desk.)
9. Are you an analytical person, or do you just accept things the way they are without questioning or scrutinizing?
I question EVERYTHING.
hmmm I wonder if I answered this question OK?
10. Is your personality more like that of a dog, cat, or Koala?
I'm a happy happy dog...(she says as she turns her head slightly to look at you lovingly)
11. Do you keep in touch with friends you made years ago?
Just did a post on this yesterday...here...(she says hiding her head in shame)
12. You are checking out at a grocery store. In the express lane, there are more people than the regular lanes, but of course, their load is less than those in the regular lanes. Which lane do you choose (assuming you qualify for the express lane) and why?
It doesn't matter, the line I am in will be slower than all the rest. My only advice to you is don't pick the lane I am in.
In summary: I need to come to terms with the fact that something in me wants to be a kick boxer, this might be a good thing because with a name like Christine Thirty-fourth street I certainly won't be an actor. Don't copy my major gut instinct purchases (and lets hope it isn't something techie 'cause I won't know what to do with it) but most important don't stand in line behind me when I am purchasing it.
Hey...I just realized that my need to summarize my random dozen makes them not so random...
...that's me, I need things all nicely tied up in a pretty package.
What does that say about me? (she says in a typical questioning way)
More Later
-A Ro
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Friendship
Good friends are really hard to find. No one appreciates this more than me. When I moved out to California I left an entire network of friends. In fact, I have always been on the go my whole life. When I graduated high school I moved two hours away to go to college. When I graduated college I moved 1200 miles away for Grad School. After six years living there I moved to Arkansas with my new family. After six years of living there I moved to California. I make friends...I leave...they disappear. Not that it is their fault...it is mostly mine. I tend to be focused on my new environment and push forward not really looking back. I have, through Facebook, caught a few of them and reconnected, but it really isn't the same. Some thankfully like GS have wandered their way back into my life and his case permanently just when I needed him most, saving my life.
I have lost so many dear friends due to circumstances...I miss them.
However, there is one very special friend who has not disappeared. He works very hard at keeping me in his life, and I appreciate it more than he will ever know. We met in High School and have stayed in touch since. He always had this uncanny way of knowing just when to call. He called me just after I found out my grandpa died. He called me just after I found out my dad died. He is always just where I need him. He cared for me during times when I didn't particularly care for myself, and never gives up on me or our friendship. He sends me a birthday card each and every birthday without fail. I am talking a real deal stamped and snail mailed birthday card. He makes time to have lunch with me each time I am in Iowa.
Now I know at times I am not the best friend in the world. Like I said before my life has an uncanny way of overwhelming me and I barely put one foot in front of the other to walk my way through it. Most friends fall by the wayside and get inadvertently put on the back burner. Not him...not Jason. Thankfully he always pops up and reminds me of how much I care for him and how much I appreciate his friendship. Not many friends can say they have been a constant in your life for almost 25 years. I am lucky to know him and call him my friend, and it is due to his hard work.
Except I have done something horrible...
...something that I promised myself I would not do AGAIN this year.
I forgot his birthday...I did...I know...unforgivable...unthinkable...just plain wrong.
I admit my shortcomings and I just hope that he can forgive me and keep working hard to keep me around.
Happy Birthday Jason!! I sent you a little something in your e-mail (if the internet Gods are being kind) to use for a Dolphin something or other for Schula. I can't wait to meet him.
Thank you for being my friend.
More Later
- A Ro
I have lost so many dear friends due to circumstances...I miss them.
However, there is one very special friend who has not disappeared. He works very hard at keeping me in his life, and I appreciate it more than he will ever know. We met in High School and have stayed in touch since. He always had this uncanny way of knowing just when to call. He called me just after I found out my grandpa died. He called me just after I found out my dad died. He is always just where I need him. He cared for me during times when I didn't particularly care for myself, and never gives up on me or our friendship. He sends me a birthday card each and every birthday without fail. I am talking a real deal stamped and snail mailed birthday card. He makes time to have lunch with me each time I am in Iowa.
Now I know at times I am not the best friend in the world. Like I said before my life has an uncanny way of overwhelming me and I barely put one foot in front of the other to walk my way through it. Most friends fall by the wayside and get inadvertently put on the back burner. Not him...not Jason. Thankfully he always pops up and reminds me of how much I care for him and how much I appreciate his friendship. Not many friends can say they have been a constant in your life for almost 25 years. I am lucky to know him and call him my friend, and it is due to his hard work.
Except I have done something horrible...
...something that I promised myself I would not do AGAIN this year.
I forgot his birthday...I did...I know...unforgivable...unthinkable...just plain wrong.
I admit my shortcomings and I just hope that he can forgive me and keep working hard to keep me around.
Happy Birthday Jason!! I sent you a little something in your e-mail (if the internet Gods are being kind) to use for a Dolphin something or other for Schula. I can't wait to meet him.
Thank you for being my friend.
More Later
- A Ro
Monday, November 16, 2009
I'm a Putzer and I Don't Care Who Knows it
I admit it...I love to putz...I love not having an agenda and just doin' what I want. The only problem I have is afterwards I feel like I haven't accomplished much.
...I am getting over that part...
So this weekend was much to do about putzing. I did have some scheduled events but had some free time as well.
Friday Bella, GS, and I putzed to dinner at Macaroni Grill.
BTW - Macaroni Grill has now implemented a new menu complete with portioned controlled meals and nutritional information. I was very impressed. I had a large bottle of San Pelligrino and the Lasagna for about 640 calories...not counting the little bit of bread I ate...c'mon who counts bread.
After Macaroni Grill we putzed around the mall. We happened to be at the mall for the lighting of the Christmas tree and the "snow" (aka a bubble blower showering us with little bubbles...it is how we Californians do "snow") It was really nice even though it was crowded. We then went to Starbucks, as I told you on Saturday.
BTW - As I posted on Saturday morning I was confused why someone would wait in a drive through in a long line when they could just go into the lobby. The Bug pointed out that she likes to wait in the drive through because she can just sit in her car and listen to a book on tape. Then the light bulb when off **ding**. Not everyone in the world has two impatient kids who when in the car can only seem to find the words "are we there yet?"....wow a whole new world has been opened up to me, she says singing Aladdin...a whole new world that I will have to wait about 9 years for.
Saturday morning I got up and leisurely ran 3 miles just to get my blood moving.
BTW - I find that when I get my morning exercise in I eat healthier during the day...coinsidence or carefully divine master plan?
Then off to Bella's last regularly scheduled soccer game, which they won!! I would have pictures but I can't find that pesky camera cord that attaches your camera to your computer. Then registered her for Spring season soccer. I was fully prepared to stand in long line, but YIPEE...no line. The putzing gods were in my favor. The rest of the day...I putzed. I cleaned a little, I went to the market, I started some laundry, I worked on some paperwork that I needed to complete, and I took time for my favorite coffee/tea shop. I also treated to myself to my favorite sushi place before going to my favorite store...TARGET!! All in all a very nice Saturday.
Sunday morning I got up to do my long 6 mile run and I felt like I putzed through that as well. I swear there were 140 knot winds pushing against me (actually I have no idea if 140 knots is very strong...it sounds strong though...) Sunday afternoon was my son's orchestra concert (again I have pictures...but alas!!...see above) He was wonderful and it was nice to sit in the audience and be entertained!!
So you can just call me Arthur Putzerelli, or Putz-de-Leon. I should win a Putz-litzer Prize, or...
...I could just hush up now and go on with my day.
OK...done.
More Later
-A Ro
...I am getting over that part...
So this weekend was much to do about putzing. I did have some scheduled events but had some free time as well.
Friday Bella, GS, and I putzed to dinner at Macaroni Grill.
BTW - Macaroni Grill has now implemented a new menu complete with portioned controlled meals and nutritional information. I was very impressed. I had a large bottle of San Pelligrino and the Lasagna for about 640 calories...not counting the little bit of bread I ate...c'mon who counts bread.
After Macaroni Grill we putzed around the mall. We happened to be at the mall for the lighting of the Christmas tree and the "snow" (aka a bubble blower showering us with little bubbles...it is how we Californians do "snow") It was really nice even though it was crowded. We then went to Starbucks, as I told you on Saturday.
BTW - As I posted on Saturday morning I was confused why someone would wait in a drive through in a long line when they could just go into the lobby. The Bug pointed out that she likes to wait in the drive through because she can just sit in her car and listen to a book on tape. Then the light bulb when off **ding**. Not everyone in the world has two impatient kids who when in the car can only seem to find the words "are we there yet?"....wow a whole new world has been opened up to me, she says singing Aladdin...a whole new world that I will have to wait about 9 years for.
Saturday morning I got up and leisurely ran 3 miles just to get my blood moving.
BTW - I find that when I get my morning exercise in I eat healthier during the day...coinsidence or carefully divine master plan?
Then off to Bella's last regularly scheduled soccer game, which they won!! I would have pictures but I can't find that pesky camera cord that attaches your camera to your computer. Then registered her for Spring season soccer. I was fully prepared to stand in long line, but YIPEE...no line. The putzing gods were in my favor. The rest of the day...I putzed. I cleaned a little, I went to the market, I started some laundry, I worked on some paperwork that I needed to complete, and I took time for my favorite coffee/tea shop. I also treated to myself to my favorite sushi place before going to my favorite store...TARGET!! All in all a very nice Saturday.
Sunday morning I got up to do my long 6 mile run and I felt like I putzed through that as well. I swear there were 140 knot winds pushing against me (actually I have no idea if 140 knots is very strong...it sounds strong though...) Sunday afternoon was my son's orchestra concert (again I have pictures...but alas!!...see above) He was wonderful and it was nice to sit in the audience and be entertained!!
So you can just call me Arthur Putzerelli, or Putz-de-Leon. I should win a Putz-litzer Prize, or...
...I could just hush up now and go on with my day.
OK...done.
More Later
-A Ro
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