Well, Kevin is officially a student now. He’s been through orientation, which he described as “boring.” Tomorrow is his first day of classes. He’s taking 15 credit hours and will be working 20 hours a week. So, needless to say, his schedule will be hectic.
I’m a terrible wife – I shouldn’t have planned it this way – but I’ll be gone his first week of school. Meredith and I will be visiting my family in Long Beach. I’m a nervous wreck whenever I think about taking a very mobile and independent 14-month-old on an airplane by myself!
Kevin has offered me no consolation. He has already told me that it will be awful and he would be nervous too, if he were me. (We both know our child very well.)
My plan is to bring lots of books – she’s really into books right now – and lots of snack foods that I normally don’t give her, which she’ll love. For instance, store bought cookies.
My hope is that if she starts causing a scene on the airplane, she’ll stop dead in her tracks at the sight of a cookie. (Did I say I know my child?)
Now that I think about it, maybe I should go buy lollipops too. It would probably take her a long while to finish off a lollipop. A lollipop could potentially buy me loads of precious time!
My parents are going to be so fortunate to experience a week with their sugared-up granddaughter!!
I’m really looking forward to spending time with my family this next week. At the same time, it’s been hard to get both mentally and physically ready for it since it’s coming on the heels of our moving and Kevin beginning his studies.
But, ready or not, here we come LBC!
[As an aside, I’m also wondering, with the new anti-terrorism regulations banning liquid in carry-on luggage, if I’ll be allowed to bring bottles of milk and water for Meredith. Here’s hoping!]
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
There you have it ...
The world's largest pig. I have seen it with my very eyes at the Indiana State Fair.
Do you realize that pretty much everything they serve at the fair is fried? This year they even had fried twinkies, fried oreos, and fried peanut butter cups. I didn't try any of those. I did eat my first elephant ear, however.
Anyway, we had a lot of fun. Meredith loved all the animals, of course.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
New 'Hood
We got all our stuff moved into the new place on Saturday. Whenever we move I’m always reminded how nice it is to have true friends – people who care enough, and are kind enough, to give up their otherwise-free Saturday, sweat profusely, and deal with back pain for a few days in order to help you out. Moving is one thing in life that you definitely cannot do on your own. Thanks friends!
Life is very different now. Our last house was nestled in the quiet suburbs. It was bright and open and fairly new. This house is located in the bustling city. It is smaller, older and feels more closed-in but it also has more character. (Like Jon said, "Take a look at those iron grate air vents!")
At first I was disappointed that we weren’t going to live in the suburbs again. I really loved my old life in Roseville, California. But I know if I sit around and rue my old life too much I’m going to miss out on the good times that I can have here, in Broad Ripple, in the next two years. This will probably be my last chance to live in the city. I’m going to capitalize upon it and make the most of it. It’s going to be fun.
Today I took Meredith on a walk down several city blocks to get some lunch. We’ve been eating leftover pizza for days now, since I haven’t had time to grocery shop yet. I took one look at the last slice of pizza in the fridge and made an executive decision to hit up the town and seek another option.
I must say that it’s more interesting to stroll in the city than in the suburbs – especially where, in our old neighborhood, all the houses looked alike. In this new neighborhood all the houses are unique. Plus, there’s just a lot more happening. There are more people to watch and more activities going on.
I’m looking forward to many more exploratory strolls in my future. In the meantime, I have lots of boxes sitting around, calling my name.
Oh, and in the midst of all our busyness – unpacking, settling in, Kevin trying to order school textbooks, trying to hook-up our new washer and dryer, etc., etc., Kevin has mysteriously come down with a bad case of poison ivy. Since he hasn’t done yard work in a while, we are puzzled at how he got it. But anyway, his hands and arms have been burning and itching since Sunday. Poor guy.
Life is very different now. Our last house was nestled in the quiet suburbs. It was bright and open and fairly new. This house is located in the bustling city. It is smaller, older and feels more closed-in but it also has more character. (Like Jon said, "Take a look at those iron grate air vents!")
At first I was disappointed that we weren’t going to live in the suburbs again. I really loved my old life in Roseville, California. But I know if I sit around and rue my old life too much I’m going to miss out on the good times that I can have here, in Broad Ripple, in the next two years. This will probably be my last chance to live in the city. I’m going to capitalize upon it and make the most of it. It’s going to be fun.
Today I took Meredith on a walk down several city blocks to get some lunch. We’ve been eating leftover pizza for days now, since I haven’t had time to grocery shop yet. I took one look at the last slice of pizza in the fridge and made an executive decision to hit up the town and seek another option.
I must say that it’s more interesting to stroll in the city than in the suburbs – especially where, in our old neighborhood, all the houses looked alike. In this new neighborhood all the houses are unique. Plus, there’s just a lot more happening. There are more people to watch and more activities going on.
I’m looking forward to many more exploratory strolls in my future. In the meantime, I have lots of boxes sitting around, calling my name.
Oh, and in the midst of all our busyness – unpacking, settling in, Kevin trying to order school textbooks, trying to hook-up our new washer and dryer, etc., etc., Kevin has mysteriously come down with a bad case of poison ivy. Since he hasn’t done yard work in a while, we are puzzled at how he got it. But anyway, his hands and arms have been burning and itching since Sunday. Poor guy.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Under the weather ...
Meredith was sick with the flu two days ago and then gave it to me. Yesterday was the worst. I had a work deadline, had the flu, Meredith was in full-swing energy plus a little crabby with her teething, plus I had started doing laundry that morning and God forbid I should stop doing laundry once I’d already started.
I never thought the day would end.
Today I’m better but am still a little bit drained. This morning I was lying on the couch with absolutely no energy as Meredith pranced about, taking advantage of my immobility and exploring new territories. I watched, through heavy eyelids, as she scattered bread on the floor, took books out of the shelf, and unfolded a pile of laundry.
You know, when you’re sick there are a lot of things you really don’t care about when, otherwise, you would.
I hadn’t planned on falling asleep but was awaked out of a deep stupor to the sound of my cell phone announcing: “To complete this call …” She had found a way to turn the speaker on – that’s the only reason I heard it.
In a daze, at first I couldn’t locate where she was. Finally, following the sound of the phone, I climbed upstairs to find her sitting on the landing, a guilty look on her face. She knows she’s not supposed to play with my cell phone. (The picture of her, below, is an old phone – THAT one is okay.)
I looked at the “call history” and discovered that she’d made five different phone calls. Thankfully none of them were to 9-1-1. It looks like she called somewhere in Austin, Texas and somewhere else in Greensboro, North Carolina. One of the numbers she dialed had upwards of a dozen digits. I can only hope that our next phone bill doesn’t reveal that she made a call to Pakistan.
I never thought the day would end.
Today I’m better but am still a little bit drained. This morning I was lying on the couch with absolutely no energy as Meredith pranced about, taking advantage of my immobility and exploring new territories. I watched, through heavy eyelids, as she scattered bread on the floor, took books out of the shelf, and unfolded a pile of laundry.
You know, when you’re sick there are a lot of things you really don’t care about when, otherwise, you would.
I hadn’t planned on falling asleep but was awaked out of a deep stupor to the sound of my cell phone announcing: “To complete this call …” She had found a way to turn the speaker on – that’s the only reason I heard it.
In a daze, at first I couldn’t locate where she was. Finally, following the sound of the phone, I climbed upstairs to find her sitting on the landing, a guilty look on her face. She knows she’s not supposed to play with my cell phone. (The picture of her, below, is an old phone – THAT one is okay.)
I looked at the “call history” and discovered that she’d made five different phone calls. Thankfully none of them were to 9-1-1. It looks like she called somewhere in Austin, Texas and somewhere else in Greensboro, North Carolina. One of the numbers she dialed had upwards of a dozen digits. I can only hope that our next phone bill doesn’t reveal that she made a call to Pakistan.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Dinner Break
You can probably guess what we’ve been up to … painting, painting, and more painting. Whenever we can squeeze in a few hours, we run to the house and paint.
We took a break on Saturday evening to go to a dinner for all the attorneys and spouses at Kevin’s firm. (It took me a while to get the paint out of my hair but, fortunately, I got ready in time! I’m a very messy painter.)
Anyway, the dinner was held at an Italian restaurant downtown. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much food in all my life. We were served appetizers, wine, bread and dipping oil, soup or salad, a main course, dessert, and selections from a full coffee bar.
It was really good to meet more people from his firm. The people at the dinner were all really kind and friendly to me. Some of them were really funny, too.
We’re thankful that God has provided such a good job for Kevin.
Oh, and I don’t think I ever really put this on my blog, because things were hectic at the time, but his firm has told him he could work as many hours as he wants while he’s in school. Having this type of flexibility will be such a blessing!
We took a break on Saturday evening to go to a dinner for all the attorneys and spouses at Kevin’s firm. (It took me a while to get the paint out of my hair but, fortunately, I got ready in time! I’m a very messy painter.)
Anyway, the dinner was held at an Italian restaurant downtown. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much food in all my life. We were served appetizers, wine, bread and dipping oil, soup or salad, a main course, dessert, and selections from a full coffee bar.
It was really good to meet more people from his firm. The people at the dinner were all really kind and friendly to me. Some of them were really funny, too.
We’re thankful that God has provided such a good job for Kevin.
Oh, and I don’t think I ever really put this on my blog, because things were hectic at the time, but his firm has told him he could work as many hours as he wants while he’s in school. Having this type of flexibility will be such a blessing!
Friday, August 04, 2006
You make me “hap-PY” when skies are grey …
Meredith continues to learn more words on a daily basis and more songs on a weekly basis.
Whenever we ask her if she can sing “You are My Sunshine” she bursts out singing “Hap-PY.”
Whenever we ask her if she can sing “Head and Shoulders” she lifts her little toes and sings: “Toes.” She also knows the hand-motions to this song.
She always obliges us with six or seven different animal sounds, on command – including "What does a baby say?" ("Waaa, waaa.")
And we can never eat a piece of fruit shaped like a ball without her squealing and yelling “Ball.” She can spot a grape, blueberry, cherry, etc. from a mile away!
Whenever we ask her if she can sing “You are My Sunshine” she bursts out singing “Hap-PY.”
Whenever we ask her if she can sing “Head and Shoulders” she lifts her little toes and sings: “Toes.” She also knows the hand-motions to this song.
She always obliges us with six or seven different animal sounds, on command – including "What does a baby say?" ("Waaa, waaa.")
And we can never eat a piece of fruit shaped like a ball without her squealing and yelling “Ball.” She can spot a grape, blueberry, cherry, etc. from a mile away!
Thoughts on Anniversaries
Yesterday was our four-year anniversary. Last night over dinner we talked about how each anniversary we’ve experienced so far has come at a really busy time for us.
During our first, second, and fourth anniversaries, we’d either just moved or were planning to move within weeks. During our third anniversary, we were just learning to adjust to life with a newborn!
I think I appreciate anniversaries more now than I used to.
We’re not (quite) as sappy as we used to be but our love is equally deep and much more mature and knowing. The days seem to fly by a little faster and I appreciate having a special day, an anniversary, to just dwell on each other and our mutual love.
Our love and our relationship is something I think about every day but an anniversary provides a special excuse to reminisce even further.
Marrying Kevin is pretty much the best thing I ever did.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
The Jelly-Body Trick: An Essential Stunt for Kids with Controlling Parents
Meredith has learned a classic childhood trick. It’s the jelly-body trick.
Whenever she’s running free and doesn’t want to be picked-up and constrained, she lifts her arms and her body becomes limp. Usually there’s some screaming and wailing that goes along with it too.
If I’m not properly on guard, this trick works pretty well – she’s able to slither right through my arms and successfully regain her freedom.
This handy trick was employed by my darling daughter at Best Buy last night. (We, of course, made the initial mistake of letting her get out of the cart.)
As soon as her little feet hit the ground she started running around the store like a wild woman, relishing every ounce of independence.
The girl probably ran for two miles, thanks to the jelly-body trick, before Kevin finally grabbed her and we took her out of the store kicking and screaming.
Really, she’s not normally an out-of-control monster but last night she was tired and original-sin came out in full force.
My prayer is that her strong willpower will be shaped and molded to live for the Lord vs. her own ambitions.
In the meantime, I’m going to have to learn better grasp-and-hold maneuvers to counter the Jelly-Body.
[Note: Having a strong-willed child is payback for my own childhood, I'm sure.]
Whenever she’s running free and doesn’t want to be picked-up and constrained, she lifts her arms and her body becomes limp. Usually there’s some screaming and wailing that goes along with it too.
If I’m not properly on guard, this trick works pretty well – she’s able to slither right through my arms and successfully regain her freedom.
This handy trick was employed by my darling daughter at Best Buy last night. (We, of course, made the initial mistake of letting her get out of the cart.)
As soon as her little feet hit the ground she started running around the store like a wild woman, relishing every ounce of independence.
The girl probably ran for two miles, thanks to the jelly-body trick, before Kevin finally grabbed her and we took her out of the store kicking and screaming.
Really, she’s not normally an out-of-control monster but last night she was tired and original-sin came out in full force.
My prayer is that her strong willpower will be shaped and molded to live for the Lord vs. her own ambitions.
In the meantime, I’m going to have to learn better grasp-and-hold maneuvers to counter the Jelly-Body.
[Note: Having a strong-willed child is payback for my own childhood, I'm sure.]
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Gotta Place!
Well, we’re happy to report that our house hunt has finally come to an end. We’ve opted to lease a place north of downtown for the next two years. It’s a three bedroom with a basement – I’m not sure how many square feet but we’re fairly sure we can squeeze all our furniture in there! Our fingers are crossed!
It’s located in an area called Broad Ripple and there’s a grocery store, library, post office, a playground park, and lots of coffee shops within walking distance. What more could I ask for?
We get the keys on Friday and plan to move in less than two weeks. It will be nice to get settled in before Kevin starts school.
In the meantime, we’re picking out paint colors. Kevin says he wants to go “trendy.” Last night he marked a bunch of pages in a home decorating book I got from the library, indicating what colors he thinks fit that category.
I’m sure we can agree on something.
It’s located in an area called Broad Ripple and there’s a grocery store, library, post office, a playground park, and lots of coffee shops within walking distance. What more could I ask for?
We get the keys on Friday and plan to move in less than two weeks. It will be nice to get settled in before Kevin starts school.
In the meantime, we’re picking out paint colors. Kevin says he wants to go “trendy.” Last night he marked a bunch of pages in a home decorating book I got from the library, indicating what colors he thinks fit that category.
I’m sure we can agree on something.
The Beast
I love roller coasters. How I love them! Kevin is good to indulge me every couple of years. So, last Saturday we went to King’s Island in Cincinnati.
King’s Island is home to the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, The Beast. The Beast was the last ride we went on before heading home.
It was nighttime when we rode it and it wound us through numerous wooded areas and two long, dark tunnels. It was awesome! I now have a new respect for wooden roller coasters.
Of course Kevin says I just love an excuse to scream. This is probably partly true. But I also love the experience, the out of control feeling, and the thrill.
For the record, though, I really do hate those rides where you’re hanging upside down, suspended in the air, for 60 seconds. I went on one of those (The Tomb Raider) by “mistake” because it was an indoors ride and I didn’t know what I was getting into. I closed my eyes and prayed for it to be over the entire time!
Once, while hanging upside down, I peeked to see what was beneath me and there were red swirling lights (a lava pit) and red-colored water squirting up at me. Something reminiscent of Hell, for sure.
We also went to the water park and had two races with Andrew and Alaina. (There were four water slides next to each other and we raced head first, on mats on our bellies.) I came in last every time. But it was fun. And I’m really okay with losing. Really.
King’s Island is home to the world’s longest wooden roller coaster, The Beast. The Beast was the last ride we went on before heading home.
It was nighttime when we rode it and it wound us through numerous wooded areas and two long, dark tunnels. It was awesome! I now have a new respect for wooden roller coasters.
Of course Kevin says I just love an excuse to scream. This is probably partly true. But I also love the experience, the out of control feeling, and the thrill.
For the record, though, I really do hate those rides where you’re hanging upside down, suspended in the air, for 60 seconds. I went on one of those (The Tomb Raider) by “mistake” because it was an indoors ride and I didn’t know what I was getting into. I closed my eyes and prayed for it to be over the entire time!
Once, while hanging upside down, I peeked to see what was beneath me and there were red swirling lights (a lava pit) and red-colored water squirting up at me. Something reminiscent of Hell, for sure.
We also went to the water park and had two races with Andrew and Alaina. (There were four water slides next to each other and we raced head first, on mats on our bellies.) I came in last every time. But it was fun. And I’m really okay with losing. Really.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
What would summer be without a trip to the Fair?
Last night we went to the Boone County Fair. We went mainly to show Meredith the advertised “3,000 animal exhibits.”
It was an interesting experience for me since the only other “county” fairs I’d been to are the L.A. County Fair and the Orange County Fair. Both of these fairs are gigantic. It was fun to go to a much-smaller fair for a change.
I think some people in the family thought that, since I grew up in Los Angeles, I’d never seen a cow before. In order to set the record straight, the L.A. County Fair has numerous animal exhibits, including cows, pigs, goats, chickens, etc. Who would’ve thought?
At the L.A. County fair, you can “learn to milk a goat, sample some of the freshest ice cream around, and meet an assortment of friendly barnyard animals.”
In fact, “last year, over 60 animals were born during the Fair.” At the L.A. County fair you can “visit an array of baby animals and their parents living pastures, just as they would on the farm.”
Don't ask me where the farm is in L.A. where all these animals come from but, apparently, it exists somewhere.
Actually, I have a distinct childhood memory of my mother buying me “fresh” unprocessed milk from a stand at the fair. The stand was strategically located near the smelly cow barn.
My sisters and I would’ve rather died than drink that milk.
That is one thing about growing up in L.A. – maybe you’ve seen cows before but you’d like to think that milk comes from a machine instead. Eggs too.
But, back to last night … I think the most fun part was a show they had going on called “The Fair Factor.” It was a take-off of “The Fear Factor” show.
The contestants had to eat something called “1,000 Year Old Eggs.” These apparently are a delicacy in Asian cultures. They are preserved duck eggs and, when cracked open, look like black jelly. The first contestant kept gagging and gagging.
Kevin was disgusted and left but I, personally, thought it was very funny.
It was an interesting experience for me since the only other “county” fairs I’d been to are the L.A. County Fair and the Orange County Fair. Both of these fairs are gigantic. It was fun to go to a much-smaller fair for a change.
I think some people in the family thought that, since I grew up in Los Angeles, I’d never seen a cow before. In order to set the record straight, the L.A. County Fair has numerous animal exhibits, including cows, pigs, goats, chickens, etc. Who would’ve thought?
At the L.A. County fair, you can “learn to milk a goat, sample some of the freshest ice cream around, and meet an assortment of friendly barnyard animals.”
In fact, “last year, over 60 animals were born during the Fair.” At the L.A. County fair you can “visit an array of baby animals and their parents living pastures, just as they would on the farm.”
Don't ask me where the farm is in L.A. where all these animals come from but, apparently, it exists somewhere.
Actually, I have a distinct childhood memory of my mother buying me “fresh” unprocessed milk from a stand at the fair. The stand was strategically located near the smelly cow barn.
My sisters and I would’ve rather died than drink that milk.
That is one thing about growing up in L.A. – maybe you’ve seen cows before but you’d like to think that milk comes from a machine instead. Eggs too.
But, back to last night … I think the most fun part was a show they had going on called “The Fair Factor.” It was a take-off of “The Fear Factor” show.
The contestants had to eat something called “1,000 Year Old Eggs.” These apparently are a delicacy in Asian cultures. They are preserved duck eggs and, when cracked open, look like black jelly. The first contestant kept gagging and gagging.
Kevin was disgusted and left but I, personally, thought it was very funny.
It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!
I think I was born in the wrong era. The Jazz Kitchen was amazing – the most fun I’ve had in a while.
Probably my favorite part was the vocalist who showed up toward the end of the evening. His voice was incredible and the songs were so fun. He sang “There Will Never Be Another You,” “Angel Eyes,” etc. And the swing dancing was fun to watch too. I think I’ve finally talked Kevin into taking lessons with me. So, next time we go to the Jazz Kitchen it will be even MORE fun. Stay tuned …
Probably my favorite part was the vocalist who showed up toward the end of the evening. His voice was incredible and the songs were so fun. He sang “There Will Never Be Another You,” “Angel Eyes,” etc. And the swing dancing was fun to watch too. I think I’ve finally talked Kevin into taking lessons with me. So, next time we go to the Jazz Kitchen it will be even MORE fun. Stay tuned …
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Meeting, greeting, and running around ...
I feel like I spent the entire weekend running around. We went to meet little Brody Sawyer, born a week ago Monday. He’s adorable. I love holding newborns. New life never ceases to amaze me.
Kevin went golfing – two days in a row! When he was done on Saturday we went to see a house for rent. We were almost ready to put a deposit on it and then Kevin had second thoughts, wondering if it was going to be too small. So, long-story-short, we’re still in the market. (We saw three houses last night, we’ll see one more tonight, and three more on Thursday night!)
This house-hunting business is getting physically exhausting (with all the running around, squeezing in appointments) and emotionally exhausting (‘cuz I just want to find a place to call my own and lay my head for the next two years).
On Sunday, we went to Michael and Heather’s house for dinner – even though Heather was scheduled to be induced and give birth the next day! (Heather, I think you’re amazing or crazy or something!) We're looking forward to meeting little David LeFebvre in a few days. Did I mention I love newborns?
Then we rushed to go meet Ronald and Karen for coffee – they were heading through town from a family reunion. I think it’d been more four years since I saw either of them. It was nice to touch base again.
On Sunday night we finally got a chance to meet Megan’s boyfriend. His name is K.C. and he’s very tall. He’s also funny and we like him. But we knew that we’d probably like him since Megan likes him so well.
Tonight we’re all going to the Jazz Kitchen in Broad Ripple, an artsy district here in town.
But, of course, since we’ll have a whopping 15 minutes to spare, we’re going to swing by another rental house on the way.
Sigh … Kill me now.
Kevin went golfing – two days in a row! When he was done on Saturday we went to see a house for rent. We were almost ready to put a deposit on it and then Kevin had second thoughts, wondering if it was going to be too small. So, long-story-short, we’re still in the market. (We saw three houses last night, we’ll see one more tonight, and three more on Thursday night!)
This house-hunting business is getting physically exhausting (with all the running around, squeezing in appointments) and emotionally exhausting (‘cuz I just want to find a place to call my own and lay my head for the next two years).
On Sunday, we went to Michael and Heather’s house for dinner – even though Heather was scheduled to be induced and give birth the next day! (Heather, I think you’re amazing or crazy or something!) We're looking forward to meeting little David LeFebvre in a few days. Did I mention I love newborns?
Then we rushed to go meet Ronald and Karen for coffee – they were heading through town from a family reunion. I think it’d been more four years since I saw either of them. It was nice to touch base again.
On Sunday night we finally got a chance to meet Megan’s boyfriend. His name is K.C. and he’s very tall. He’s also funny and we like him. But we knew that we’d probably like him since Megan likes him so well.
Tonight we’re all going to the Jazz Kitchen in Broad Ripple, an artsy district here in town.
But, of course, since we’ll have a whopping 15 minutes to spare, we’re going to swing by another rental house on the way.
Sigh … Kill me now.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Niceness Goes Around
Today I complemented the worker behind the deli counter when she gave me exactly one pound of sliced turkey, no more and no less. “Wow, right on the nose! You’re good,” I smiled.
The lady beamed.
I wondered if anyone had ever told her she's good at weighing turkey before.
Then she looked at Meredith and asked me if I would like a slice of cheese or a piece of salami for the baby.
Yes, of course! Meredith had happened to be really fussy at the time and I was relieved that she had something to occupy herself for the next five minutes.
I probably wouldn’t have necessarily struck up a conversation with the lady behind the deli counter except that I noticed she looked particularly tired and weary.
This little interchange really touched me. It was rewarding to connect with a stranger and share little kindnesses with each other.
The lady beamed.
I wondered if anyone had ever told her she's good at weighing turkey before.
Then she looked at Meredith and asked me if I would like a slice of cheese or a piece of salami for the baby.
Yes, of course! Meredith had happened to be really fussy at the time and I was relieved that she had something to occupy herself for the next five minutes.
I probably wouldn’t have necessarily struck up a conversation with the lady behind the deli counter except that I noticed she looked particularly tired and weary.
This little interchange really touched me. It was rewarding to connect with a stranger and share little kindnesses with each other.
Sickness and Discipline
Lately Meredith has been under the weather. That, combined with the fact that she’s getting a boatload of teeth all at once, has resulted in her being especially fussy, needy, and clingy.
I’ve enjoyed the opportunities to cuddle with her, actually. She’s typically not a very cuddly baby by nature.
The other day we sat out on the backyard swing for about an hour. Every time a bumble bee buzzed by, she would lift her finger and say, “bug.”
Then, last night, she sat on the couch with me for 30 minutes and we watched one of those home-improvement shows. I couldn’t believe she sat there for that period of time! What happened to my bouncy daughter?
I’ve had a hard time being discerning with her, the last few days, when it comes to the issue of discipline. I feel really badly she’s in pain and have been catering to her a lot. Today I feel like she’s been taking advantage of this situation and has been bratty, knowing she can get away with it.
Sigh ... Knowing how and when to discipline a sick child is more challenging than I realized.
I’ve enjoyed the opportunities to cuddle with her, actually. She’s typically not a very cuddly baby by nature.
The other day we sat out on the backyard swing for about an hour. Every time a bumble bee buzzed by, she would lift her finger and say, “bug.”
Then, last night, she sat on the couch with me for 30 minutes and we watched one of those home-improvement shows. I couldn’t believe she sat there for that period of time! What happened to my bouncy daughter?
I’ve had a hard time being discerning with her, the last few days, when it comes to the issue of discipline. I feel really badly she’s in pain and have been catering to her a lot. Today I feel like she’s been taking advantage of this situation and has been bratty, knowing she can get away with it.
Sigh ... Knowing how and when to discipline a sick child is more challenging than I realized.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Caught by Grandma
You may remember that I wrote, a while ago, about cutting Grandma Cazzell’s hair. I thought it was funny – definitely a different experience for me to be called over, without a moment’s notice, to serve a new client with my amateur hair snipping skills.
Well, apparently, an extended family member read about it on my blog. I didn’t realize that she knew my blog existed, mind you. It’s amazing how these things get around.
And then, when this extended family member was visiting grandma the other day, she mentioned it to grandma, who was probably mortified to discover that her hairstylist-client-confidentiality privileges had been violated and her personal life had been discussed online.
The next day grandma asked my mother-in-law about it. I can only imagine the look on her face when she asked, "Can just ANYONE read Amy’s blog?"
So, I got caught by grandma, whom I thought I could “safely” talk about since she doesn’t even use the internet.
[It's getting to the point that I can't talk about anyone anymore! How fun is that? How am I supposed to get material for this blog, anyway?]
Sometimes I get into the mindset that the only people who read my blog are the people who comment on my blog.
Apparently this isn’t true – not for me, not for you, not for anyone who cares to share their thoughts on the internet.
In the meantime, (you can bet your bottom dollar) guess whose hair I'll never be cutting again?
Well, apparently, an extended family member read about it on my blog. I didn’t realize that she knew my blog existed, mind you. It’s amazing how these things get around.
And then, when this extended family member was visiting grandma the other day, she mentioned it to grandma, who was probably mortified to discover that her hairstylist-client-confidentiality privileges had been violated and her personal life had been discussed online.
The next day grandma asked my mother-in-law about it. I can only imagine the look on her face when she asked, "Can just ANYONE read Amy’s blog?"
So, I got caught by grandma, whom I thought I could “safely” talk about since she doesn’t even use the internet.
[It's getting to the point that I can't talk about anyone anymore! How fun is that? How am I supposed to get material for this blog, anyway?]
Sometimes I get into the mindset that the only people who read my blog are the people who comment on my blog.
Apparently this isn’t true – not for me, not for you, not for anyone who cares to share their thoughts on the internet.
In the meantime, (you can bet your bottom dollar) guess whose hair I'll never be cutting again?
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Things Not Heard in the Real NFL Draft...
...but were actually said during our fantasy football draft:
- “How many wide receivers do I need?”
- “What team am I again?”
- “I’ll take Braylon Edwards.”
“You heard he’s injured, right?”
“Well then, on second thought…”
“Once you take your hand off the piece, you can't undo your pick.” - “I'll take Larry Johnson.”
“Someone else already drafted him.” - “I'll take Larry Johnson.”
“Dude, he's already on your team!” - “Can I phone a friend?”
Monday, July 17, 2006
It's beginning to look a lot like football ...
I still can’t believe it but I’ve been dragged into the whole Fantasy Football craze. All the guys under 40 from our church were planning to do it this year so one of the wives decided that the gals should have a “Chic League” and participate too.
I’m still not sure how “into” it I’ll be – I keep saying I’m doing it for the social factor only. I enjoy watching football but I’m just not into all the stats and stuff. It seems like, if you’re going to win Fantasy Football, you have to really know the stats and keep on top of it every week. Or just be lucky, I suppose.
One good thing is that it will give me an excuse to learn more about the sport. A second benefit is that it will give Kevin and I something to chat about and be competitive about. You can never have enough competition, you know.
The draft itself was fun (but got really tedious towards the end). We all met at the Falks’ house – the girls were upstairs and the guys were downstairs.
I really wish I had a camera. They guys were hysterical. They had the room configured to accommodate all their laptops plus a phone to conference-call a friend. (All the extra leaves were put in the dining room table to do this.) They were constantly smack-talking and then hurrying to go talk with someone else about strategy. They were rushing around everywhere, acting like little boys who were getting their first puppy. It was cute.
During their break, all the guys rushed upstairs. Each guy ran to his wife to look at her list of players and see who SHE had drafted. Somehow I think that Kevin is going to keep better tabs on my players than I will.
Here is an example of how the girls’ draft differed from the guys’ draft:
The guys: “Oh yeah, he played for the Ravens last year!”
The girls: “Plaxico. What a weird name. Okay, I’ll take him.”
Blueberries Galore
On Friday I tried my hand at something new … blueberry picking.
For the first twenty minutes I felt like Martha Stewart. I paused often to take in the lush scenery, chatted nonchalantly with friends, and only picked the plumpest and most beautiful berries for my bucket.
During the next twenty minutes it decided to rain. At that point I felt more like a plantation worker, madly dashing up and down the rows of bushes to get my quota. It was quite comical, actually. The ground became muddy, we were all soaking wet, and we were running about throwing every kind of blueberry in our buckets, including stems, leaves and even a few bugs.
But then the sun came out again. At that point we had most of the blueberries we wanted but decided to continue picking for more, and to try and dry off a little.
At the end of the day, it was a win-win situation. Not only did I enjoy the experience, I also have nearly 20 pounds of blueberries in my freezer, designated for future pies, tarts, and muffins.
This blueberry picking thing is going to have to become an annual tradition, I think.
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