I'm having an "ADHD" moment and cannot organize my thoughts to save my life. (And, no, I'm not mocking. Son#1 and I have both been formally diagnosed with ADHD, but I digress...)
Last night, Son#1 hollers from another room that his little brother - for the first time - just peed standing up!!!! (Little brother turned 4 last month and was potty trained this past December.) "Woo Hoo!" says Dear Hubby. Before getting too excited, I just wanted to clarify: Exactly *where* did he pee? (I'm a stay home mom to 3 boys, so I know to ask these things.) Fortunately, it was in the proper place. WOO HOO, You go, boy!!!
I'm finally getting ready to re-do my bedroom. I bought new bedding so now I can paint my walls. I have a bad habit of doing that: selecting a color from my bedding for the walls. A year later, I'll be bored with the bedding, start shopping again and have to re-paint the walls another color. And of course, since I'm repainting the master bedroom, I just have to repaint the master bath, which started out "builder's beige" as I call it, then pale green, then periwinkle. I think I'll go with a different shade of pale green. This is the last room of the house that needs sprucing up.
I wish I had a scanner so I could share a photo. I took all 3 boys to have their picture taken at WalMart a few weeks back and just picked up the photos yesterday. The photo session was a huge chore. Son#1 is a really nice looking kid, but cannot 'fake' smile at all. Saying "cheese" results in a grimace. Otherwise, he ends up with this little look where he's showing some teeth, but not exactly a smile. He also has a tendency to blink (he gets it from my mom). Son#2 is a ham - very photogenic. Son#3 takes nice pictures, but at age 4, he's not very cooperative. We were there over an hour (fortunately no one else came by). I finally got a decent shot for the package. I let Son#1 look serious. I also ordered two poses - one is a nice brotherly shot. The other is identical except the older two were making funny faces. The photographer suggested it just to break the ice, but I ended up liking the shot and ordering a few prints. It really captures their essence, y'know?
Today's Deep Thought:
Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
I've Been Tagged!
~D tagged me in her blog, so here it goes:
A) Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Student worker, UNO University Police
2. Signmaker, JCPenny
3. Administrative Assistant for a trade association
4. Executive Secretary for McDonald's Corp.
B) Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
2. Notting Hill
3. Never Been Kissed
4. Waking Ned Devine
C) Four places you have lived:
1. New Orleans, LA
2. Ida, Michigan
3. Annandale, Va
4. Mandeville, LA
D) Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Lost
3. Seinfeld
4. Friends
E) Four places you have been on vacation in the last five years:
1. Gulfport, MS
2. Alexandria, VA (7 times)
that's it....
F) Four websites I visit daily:
1. eBay
2. my blog
3. the Washington Post online
4. friends' blogs
G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. sushi rolls (not raw)
2. boiled seafood
3. Thai
4. chocolate
H) Four places I would rather be right now: (Only four???)
1. Tuscany, Italy
2. Scotland
3. Ireland
4. London, England
I have no one left to tag (via blog)!
A) Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Student worker, UNO University Police
2. Signmaker, JCPenny
3. Administrative Assistant for a trade association
4. Executive Secretary for McDonald's Corp.
B) Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
2. Notting Hill
3. Never Been Kissed
4. Waking Ned Devine
C) Four places you have lived:
1. New Orleans, LA
2. Ida, Michigan
3. Annandale, Va
4. Mandeville, LA
D) Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Lost
3. Seinfeld
4. Friends
E) Four places you have been on vacation in the last five years:
1. Gulfport, MS
2. Alexandria, VA (7 times)
that's it....
F) Four websites I visit daily:
1. eBay
2. my blog
3. the Washington Post online
4. friends' blogs
G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. sushi rolls (not raw)
2. boiled seafood
3. Thai
4. chocolate
H) Four places I would rather be right now: (Only four???)
1. Tuscany, Italy
2. Scotland
3. Ireland
4. London, England
I have no one left to tag (via blog)!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Am I Ever Gonna Grow Up?
I ran into an old acquaintance that I haven't seen in years. She's a very nice person, but boy, did she seem....old. It's not that she looked particularly wrinkled or anything, but she just seemed...matronly. In fact, it wasn't any one thing, but the overall package: the clothes, the hair, the makeup (or lack of).
It got me wondering, when does this happen? At what point do we decide to ditch the Manolo Blahniks (well, if you're Carrie Bradshaw) and opt for "sensible" shoes? When does one decide to go for the no-maintenance haircut? I'm not talking low-maintenance, but rather literally wash-n-go hair. I'm certainly no fashion plate sitting here in my jeans and t-shirt, but at what point will polyester pants become attractive to me?
Which begs the question: is she 'old' or am I 'young'? Am I destined to be one of those nutty old ladies who look so ridiculous dressing decades younger than they are? I used to chuckle at those women when I'd see them at the mall. Now I applaud their spirit. (Is this the first step?)
No Red Hat Society for me, bring on the Blue Jeans, White Tank w/ VBL Society! I'm kidding, mostly. I've spent my life trying to avoid Visible Bra Lines, so I'm not about to start now. But you get my point?
I debated this a few years ago when I got the idea that women of a certain age really have a difficult time pulling off long hair. That was before I grew mine past my shoulders, though.
When will or should my wardrobe grow up? Am I too narcissistic to become matronly? Or will I be the woman who tries too hard to look young? Who should my fashion muse be? Hmmmm....
Deep Thought of the Day:
He who laughs last...thinks slowest.
It got me wondering, when does this happen? At what point do we decide to ditch the Manolo Blahniks (well, if you're Carrie Bradshaw) and opt for "sensible" shoes? When does one decide to go for the no-maintenance haircut? I'm not talking low-maintenance, but rather literally wash-n-go hair. I'm certainly no fashion plate sitting here in my jeans and t-shirt, but at what point will polyester pants become attractive to me?
Which begs the question: is she 'old' or am I 'young'? Am I destined to be one of those nutty old ladies who look so ridiculous dressing decades younger than they are? I used to chuckle at those women when I'd see them at the mall. Now I applaud their spirit. (Is this the first step?)
No Red Hat Society for me, bring on the Blue Jeans, White Tank w/ VBL Society! I'm kidding, mostly. I've spent my life trying to avoid Visible Bra Lines, so I'm not about to start now. But you get my point?
I debated this a few years ago when I got the idea that women of a certain age really have a difficult time pulling off long hair. That was before I grew mine past my shoulders, though.
When will or should my wardrobe grow up? Am I too narcissistic to become matronly? Or will I be the woman who tries too hard to look young? Who should my fashion muse be? Hmmmm....
Deep Thought of the Day:
He who laughs last...thinks slowest.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
If I Had My Life To Live Over
This was written by the late, great Erma Bombeck:
If I had my life to live over....
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my childten and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have never bought anything just because it was practical, would show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love yous"...more "I'm sorrys"...but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Deep Thought:
A day without sunshine is like . . . night.
If I had my life to live over....
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my childten and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have never bought anything just because it was practical, would show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love yous"...more "I'm sorrys"...but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it...live it...and never give it back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Deep Thought:
A day without sunshine is like . . . night.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
New Year's Resolutions: Update
Here's an update for my resolutions for 2006:
1) lose weight - I've lost four pounds this past week, for a total of...four pounds. I really didn't start trying in earnest until last week. I've begun counting Weight Watchers points, altho' I haven't joined WW. I'm using my sister-in-law's books from last winter. Giving up chocolate for Lent is helping, I think. I also began working out two weeks ago to a Pilates DVD I really like. It's a series of 10 minute workouts. Most days, I combine two of the workouts. Even on my worst day, though, I can squeeze in a 10-minute workout.
2) drink more water - not too good here...
3) drink less Diet Coke - I'm down to 32 oz a day, instead of my usual 44 oz. It's a wonder I haven't grown a third arm from my forehead with all the chemicals that stuff contains!
4) pick a hobby and stick with it for the entire year - My neighbor taught me to make beaded jewelry and I had fun with that, but I haven't done much lately. I need to stock up on my supplies. I wouldn't say I've given up yet...
Our family resolutions are:
1) less yelling - this past weekend was a tough one...better this week
2) pray the rosary as a family once a week - oops!
3) set aside time at least once a week to play a board game as a family - not regularly, so this is still a work-in-progress.
Finally, today's Deep Thought:
Save the whales. Collect the whole set.
1) lose weight - I've lost four pounds this past week, for a total of...four pounds. I really didn't start trying in earnest until last week. I've begun counting Weight Watchers points, altho' I haven't joined WW. I'm using my sister-in-law's books from last winter. Giving up chocolate for Lent is helping, I think. I also began working out two weeks ago to a Pilates DVD I really like. It's a series of 10 minute workouts. Most days, I combine two of the workouts. Even on my worst day, though, I can squeeze in a 10-minute workout.
2) drink more water - not too good here...
3) drink less Diet Coke - I'm down to 32 oz a day, instead of my usual 44 oz. It's a wonder I haven't grown a third arm from my forehead with all the chemicals that stuff contains!
4) pick a hobby and stick with it for the entire year - My neighbor taught me to make beaded jewelry and I had fun with that, but I haven't done much lately. I need to stock up on my supplies. I wouldn't say I've given up yet...
Our family resolutions are:
1) less yelling - this past weekend was a tough one...better this week
2) pray the rosary as a family once a week - oops!
3) set aside time at least once a week to play a board game as a family - not regularly, so this is still a work-in-progress.
Finally, today's Deep Thought:
Save the whales. Collect the whole set.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Chuck Norris
I was listening to a radio interview with Chuck Norris and the DJ asked him about the website that popped up listing "facts" about Chuck Norris. I had never heard of the site, but then it got a mention in next week's TV Guide. Mr. Norris really has a sense of humor about it and shared a few of his favorites with the radio listeners.
Here is a link: www.chucknorrisfacts.com and below are a few of MY favorites:
1. When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
2. Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
3. Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
4. When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.
5. There is no such thing as global warming. Chuck Norris was cold, so he turned the sun up.
6. Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
7. Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
8. Chuck Norris is not hung like a horse... horses are hung like Chuck Norris.
9. Chuck Norris invented black. In fact, he invented the entire spectrum of visible light. Except pink. Tom Cruise invented pink.
10. Chuck Norris once ate an entire bottle of sleeping pills. They made him blink.
Here is a link: www.chucknorrisfacts.com and below are a few of MY favorites:
1. When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.
2. Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
3. Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
4. When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn’t lifting himself up, he’s pushing the Earth down.
5. There is no such thing as global warming. Chuck Norris was cold, so he turned the sun up.
6. Chuck Norris can lead a horse to water AND make it drink.
7. Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
8. Chuck Norris is not hung like a horse... horses are hung like Chuck Norris.
9. Chuck Norris invented black. In fact, he invented the entire spectrum of visible light. Except pink. Tom Cruise invented pink.
10. Chuck Norris once ate an entire bottle of sleeping pills. They made him blink.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Seven Songs (I've been tagged!)
From ~D: "List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they are any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to."
Okay, I'll play along:
1) "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin
2) "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, or Guns 'n Roses
3) "Stupid Girls" by Pink (the lyrics make me chuckle)
4) "Fat Bottom Girls" by Queen (it's my workout song as I try to slim my own fat bottom)
5) "Something in the Air" by Tom Petty
6) "St. Augustine in Hell" by Sting
7) "She" by Elvis Costello (he SO gets me! ha ha)
Unfortunately, I don't know seven bloggers to tag, but I will pass it around via email. Fun one, ~d, thanks!
Okay, I'll play along:
1) "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin
2) "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, or Guns 'n Roses
3) "Stupid Girls" by Pink (the lyrics make me chuckle)
4) "Fat Bottom Girls" by Queen (it's my workout song as I try to slim my own fat bottom)
5) "Something in the Air" by Tom Petty
6) "St. Augustine in Hell" by Sting
7) "She" by Elvis Costello (he SO gets me! ha ha)
Unfortunately, I don't know seven bloggers to tag, but I will pass it around via email. Fun one, ~d, thanks!
Thursday, March 02, 2006
What Was I Thinking??!!
I found myself asking that question a lot yesterday.
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and like many dutiful Catholics, I went to Mass. I took Son#3, who just turned 4, with me. That was hell. He's not a fan of church to begin with - too much sitting still and having to use his 'very quiet voice'. About ten minutes in, he starts asking loud enough for many to hear, "Is it almost over?" For those of you familiar with Ash Wednesday mass, you know it tends to go on and on and on ... Then he starts with, "This is boring!" What made me think it would be a good idea to sit in the 3rd row? Or to bring him in the first place?
To those folks who thought my son was amusing: Thanks a lot! Your chuckling only encouraged him, you know. To those who kept shooting disapproving glances: Get over yourselves! You were four once too, you know (even if it was a hundred years ago).
Then yesterday I get a phone call from Son #2's teacher. She had an afternoon appointment that day and had to leave school early. The substitute she had line up called in sick so would I please, please, please serve as 'class sitter' for the last hour of the day? I thought, might be fun and I am co-room mom after all. My father-in-law who lives a few blocks away was available to stay with Son#3 and meet Son#1's bus, so off I went! The teacher had a little list of activities (Landmark Bingo, Word Search puzzles, and a couple of other games) which was very helpful. It *was* fun, but OY VEY! It was one of the longest hours of my life, topped only by childbirth.
Every now and then when trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, the idea of teaching pops into my mind. Note to self: THEY WILL EAT YOU ALIVE!!!
Finally, I won't even go too deeply into the fact that while I was class-sitting at the school, I should have been at home cleaning the house for company that was coming over later that evening.
Oh yeah, did I mention that I gave up chocolate for Lent?
What was I thinking?!!
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and like many dutiful Catholics, I went to Mass. I took Son#3, who just turned 4, with me. That was hell. He's not a fan of church to begin with - too much sitting still and having to use his 'very quiet voice'. About ten minutes in, he starts asking loud enough for many to hear, "Is it almost over?" For those of you familiar with Ash Wednesday mass, you know it tends to go on and on and on ... Then he starts with, "This is boring!" What made me think it would be a good idea to sit in the 3rd row? Or to bring him in the first place?
To those folks who thought my son was amusing: Thanks a lot! Your chuckling only encouraged him, you know. To those who kept shooting disapproving glances: Get over yourselves! You were four once too, you know (even if it was a hundred years ago).
Then yesterday I get a phone call from Son #2's teacher. She had an afternoon appointment that day and had to leave school early. The substitute she had line up called in sick so would I please, please, please serve as 'class sitter' for the last hour of the day? I thought, might be fun and I am co-room mom after all. My father-in-law who lives a few blocks away was available to stay with Son#3 and meet Son#1's bus, so off I went! The teacher had a little list of activities (Landmark Bingo, Word Search puzzles, and a couple of other games) which was very helpful. It *was* fun, but OY VEY! It was one of the longest hours of my life, topped only by childbirth.
Every now and then when trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, the idea of teaching pops into my mind. Note to self: THEY WILL EAT YOU ALIVE!!!
Finally, I won't even go too deeply into the fact that while I was class-sitting at the school, I should have been at home cleaning the house for company that was coming over later that evening.
Oh yeah, did I mention that I gave up chocolate for Lent?
What was I thinking?!!
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