A few months ago, Diet Coke launched a new ad campaign. They had people walking around, talking about different things people could do, then adding, "Because I Can". One ad featured a woman who said, "If you want to run a marathon, I mean, that sounds super hard, but OK." I adored the ad because a) I LOVE Diet Coke. And b) because I was training for a marathon.
At age 48, I ran a 5k with my son. I decided I didn't hate it and that to prepare for my upcoming 50th birthday, I would run a 5k race every month for a year. So, I did. Then I decided I should run a half marathon before turning 50. So, I did! Then I decided I should run a full marathon, 26.2 miles, before turning 51. That's when the Diet Coke ads came out. That's when I started saying, "Because I Can". I even wrote "Because I Can" on my arm to motivate me during my marathon.
In November of 2017, I started training for the marathon. I signed up for a May race. I had 6 months to go from being able to run 13.1 miles, to 26.2 miles. Because I Could. I followed my training schedule pretty closely. I used the training plan Rundisney puts out. It has you running 3 days a week and allows for walk breaks. I set my goal... 4:44. I choose that goal time because that is the average marathon finish time for women.
I learned a lot about my body, my abilities, running in general, and recovery. I learned how much practicing something does help. I shaved off two minutes from my fastest one mile sprint. I learned that running a marathon is largely a mental game, and that I self sabotage. My mind gives out long before my body. I learned that I am a salty sweater. I could feel salt on my face post run. I left salt marks on my black clothing. The worst was the salt I sweat would rub against my sports bra, leaving sores all around my mid section. Glide became a must. I also kept getting blisters on my feet, until I read a blog that suggested applying Aquaphor to your feet before putting on socks. This was a huge discovery and has changed my pre-run routine. It's amazing! I learned about a muscle in your buttocks region called the piliformis. When inflamed it puts pressure on your sciatica. It seems to take a long time to heal once bothered. I haven't been patient enough to let it fully heal. I learned the value of rest days, and to enjoy stretching. I invested in a foam roller. I became conscientious about the food I was eating, and started viewing it as fuel. I drank more water. I could feel a difference in my runs if I wasn't as hydrated, or had eaten some junk. I learned to remember sunscreen application, but still have odd tan lines from running pants and sports bras. I took better care of my feet, and kept my toenails short (only scoring one black toenail in 6 months of training!) I learned that carrying a handkerchief was easier and more durable than Kleenex. Chapstick is a must carry during runs, and gummy bears are a favorite energy supplier for long runs. I discovered that paying $24.95 for a single pair of socks may sound outrageous, but the added arch support they provided was worth the price. I invested in a pair of recovery shoes (Made by Oofas) and while they aren't cute, they are so incredibly comfortable. They made a HUGE difference after long runs.
The two weeks before the race, I only took walks, no running. My piliormis muscle was very achy and I didn't want to anger it further. I stretched daily. Focused on my nutrition and hydration. Race day arrived. I left the house at 3:30am to get a good parking spot. I was ready.
I found a pacer group that was going to finish in 4:45. I ran with them for 14 miles. Then I fell back. I had trained for running two miles, walking one minute, and the group never walked. I just couldn't hang with them. Several things happened then; once I separated from the group, I felt alone. I noticed the drizzling rain, and that I was cold and my knee hurt. Then I just kept walking instead of running. Then my brain would get bored and remind me how dumb this was to attempt at age 50. Miles 16 to 20 were a real struggle. Not physically, my lungs were not tired. My feet were only slightly achy. My back felt fine. My shoulders ached from being cold from the rain, but otherwise, physically I felt good! At mile 20 I decided to use the porta potty, thinking emptying my bladder would give me one less thing to think about. SURPRISE! My period started. I was unprepared. So now I'm in a porta potty, (something I usually try to avoid at all costs.) on mile 20 of a marathon, and my period is here with no protection. I folded up toilet paper like a pad, and left the porta potty. Only 6 more miles...
I walked and ran for 2 miles, when I suddenly had a burst of energy. I ran the last 4 miles. I think I smiled for that whole time...mainly grateful I survived miles 16-20. I finished 27 minutes slower than my goal. I was pretty disappointed. It took several days to forgive myself and accept that finishing something I started, and completing a marathon, where still big accomplishments. That was the moment I knew I'd train for another marathon.
My take way is that next time I will run the race the way I trained, taking my walk breaks earlier. I will engage in conversation with ANYONE starting at mile 16 to hopefully keep my mind occupied, and I will tie a jacket around my waist in case of inclement weather to avoid the sore shoulders from being cold.
The most important lesson I learned is that it's OK for me to take time out to do something just for me. The pride I had in myself for completing the race was a new and exhilarating feeling. For a week, I told anyone I encountered about my achievement. It's funny how many times you can sneak "I just ran a marathon" into a random conversation. I was just SO proud! I can't wait until the next race...
Monday, July 9, 2018
Monday, June 1, 2015
I Would Walk 500 Miles
"I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 hundred more, just to"*...win a contest. I learned something recently about myself that really surprised me. I am very competitive. (I am also a great procrastinator, which may be why I jumped into this walking thing...keep reading...)
My work decided to have a little step challenge. Interested people could wear pedometers, record their steps, submit them weekly. The goal was to get to 400,000 steps in just short of 6 weeks. A cute display was posted in the hallway. It looked like a mountain and had different step markers on it. (50,000 steps, 100,000 steps, etc.)They handed out a paper athletic shoe to decorate. I didn't like the way it looked, so I colored mine on the reverse side, and added a real ribbon for a lace. I also did some quick math. The American Heart Association recommends everyone take 10,000 steps a day. So, I would need 40 days to get to the top of the mountain. No problem. The "contest" was running for exactly 40 days. I could finish this!
I knew from previously wearing a pedometer, that I walked about 8,000 steps on a work day, and about 2,500 steps on the weekends. I started by parking further out in parking lots, taking stairs instead of elevators, walking during my recess duty stints (I work at an elementary school), taking the long way to get anywhere, making two trips up the stairs or in from grocery shopping. I just started walking more whenever possible. That first week, I had accumulated 99,108 steps by 9pm Sunday! That was way over my original goal! But, there was also a problem. I was so close to 100,000 steps. So, I did what any OCD type would do, I walked the halls of my house until I was at 100,000. I proudly turned in my step count on Monday and waited to see where my paper shoe would be on the mountain.
Well, my shoe was the highest on the mountain! As I was admiring my cute shoe, facing the opposite direction of everyone else's (because I used the backside of the drawing...), a student asked me if the shoes were heading up or down the mountain. I told him "Up." He said "Looks like only one is going that way!" Made my day, and I made up my mind that I liked this challenge. Game on!
My son attends the same school that I work in. He noticed my backwards shoe on the mountain too. He liked that it was being the leader.
The next week some interesting things happened. I decided I needed to walk 100,000 steps again this week. I made the goal of 15,000 steps a day. I became very good at knowing how many steps certain walks were in my neighborhood. I found an extra hour to walk everyday. I started drinking more water. I was sleeping better. I was happier. My son and I enjoyed an hour of uninterrupted talk time every night, because he would ride his bike with me as I walked. I also had some achy muscles.
The achy muscles subsided during week three, and my shoe stayed on top of the mountain climb. I finished week three with over 300,000 steps. Then, a strong competitor went on vacation. She walked, and walked and walked. Because many of us have "Fitbits", we could keep track of each others daily totals and didn't have to wait for the weekly totals to be posted on the mountain. On Friday of week 4, I was behind by 7,000 steps. I had to make them up over the weekend.
Here's what I need to mention...I think I became obsessed with this step challenge because what I REALLY needed to do was prepare for my daughter's high school graduation. By "prepare" I mean, we were painting the exterior of our house, and re-landscaping the entire backyard. I was also trying to make a t-shirt quilt and a photo album for her. Uh-huh, I was focusing on the step challenge because the reality of my daughter graduating was just too much. Too much out of my control, too many feelings, too much to do. But walking, I could do that. So, this 7,000 step deficit, two weekends before graduation, not a great thing...but, giving up my lead after three weeks on top? No way! So, I woke up early over the weekend, got my steps in (including one day of 21,000 steps) and managed to stay on top.
I kept close tabs during week five on my competitors. And week six, last week, was the week of graduation. I was physically, and emotionally exhausted. I turned in my final totals today and I am awaiting the results. I think I climbed the highest on the mountain. I think I conquered the challenge. Even if I didn't though, I have walked 250 miles in the last 40 days. I found an hour everyday that I never before knew existed. I spent quality time with my son. I gained 5 pounds (OK, not a good thing...but, it happened), and I just plain feel better.
The official challenge is over, so I'm not working as hard to get a certain number of steps each day, but, I am trying to keep moving, trying to walk an hour each day after work. I'm hoping to continue drinking more water, maybe that will eventually lead to me eating better. Baby steps. I'll still walk 500 miles, but my baby steps will just take me a bit longer to get there.
* Excerpt from The Proclaimers song
My work decided to have a little step challenge. Interested people could wear pedometers, record their steps, submit them weekly. The goal was to get to 400,000 steps in just short of 6 weeks. A cute display was posted in the hallway. It looked like a mountain and had different step markers on it. (50,000 steps, 100,000 steps, etc.)They handed out a paper athletic shoe to decorate. I didn't like the way it looked, so I colored mine on the reverse side, and added a real ribbon for a lace. I also did some quick math. The American Heart Association recommends everyone take 10,000 steps a day. So, I would need 40 days to get to the top of the mountain. No problem. The "contest" was running for exactly 40 days. I could finish this!
I knew from previously wearing a pedometer, that I walked about 8,000 steps on a work day, and about 2,500 steps on the weekends. I started by parking further out in parking lots, taking stairs instead of elevators, walking during my recess duty stints (I work at an elementary school), taking the long way to get anywhere, making two trips up the stairs or in from grocery shopping. I just started walking more whenever possible. That first week, I had accumulated 99,108 steps by 9pm Sunday! That was way over my original goal! But, there was also a problem. I was so close to 100,000 steps. So, I did what any OCD type would do, I walked the halls of my house until I was at 100,000. I proudly turned in my step count on Monday and waited to see where my paper shoe would be on the mountain.
Well, my shoe was the highest on the mountain! As I was admiring my cute shoe, facing the opposite direction of everyone else's (because I used the backside of the drawing...), a student asked me if the shoes were heading up or down the mountain. I told him "Up." He said "Looks like only one is going that way!" Made my day, and I made up my mind that I liked this challenge. Game on!
My son attends the same school that I work in. He noticed my backwards shoe on the mountain too. He liked that it was being the leader.
The next week some interesting things happened. I decided I needed to walk 100,000 steps again this week. I made the goal of 15,000 steps a day. I became very good at knowing how many steps certain walks were in my neighborhood. I found an extra hour to walk everyday. I started drinking more water. I was sleeping better. I was happier. My son and I enjoyed an hour of uninterrupted talk time every night, because he would ride his bike with me as I walked. I also had some achy muscles.
The achy muscles subsided during week three, and my shoe stayed on top of the mountain climb. I finished week three with over 300,000 steps. Then, a strong competitor went on vacation. She walked, and walked and walked. Because many of us have "Fitbits", we could keep track of each others daily totals and didn't have to wait for the weekly totals to be posted on the mountain. On Friday of week 4, I was behind by 7,000 steps. I had to make them up over the weekend.
Here's what I need to mention...I think I became obsessed with this step challenge because what I REALLY needed to do was prepare for my daughter's high school graduation. By "prepare" I mean, we were painting the exterior of our house, and re-landscaping the entire backyard. I was also trying to make a t-shirt quilt and a photo album for her. Uh-huh, I was focusing on the step challenge because the reality of my daughter graduating was just too much. Too much out of my control, too many feelings, too much to do. But walking, I could do that. So, this 7,000 step deficit, two weekends before graduation, not a great thing...but, giving up my lead after three weeks on top? No way! So, I woke up early over the weekend, got my steps in (including one day of 21,000 steps) and managed to stay on top.
I kept close tabs during week five on my competitors. And week six, last week, was the week of graduation. I was physically, and emotionally exhausted. I turned in my final totals today and I am awaiting the results. I think I climbed the highest on the mountain. I think I conquered the challenge. Even if I didn't though, I have walked 250 miles in the last 40 days. I found an hour everyday that I never before knew existed. I spent quality time with my son. I gained 5 pounds (OK, not a good thing...but, it happened), and I just plain feel better.
The official challenge is over, so I'm not working as hard to get a certain number of steps each day, but, I am trying to keep moving, trying to walk an hour each day after work. I'm hoping to continue drinking more water, maybe that will eventually lead to me eating better. Baby steps. I'll still walk 500 miles, but my baby steps will just take me a bit longer to get there.
* Excerpt from The Proclaimers song
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Christmas, in June?
It's 1:oo in the morning. In June. What's on my mind? Christmas cards.
I was thinking about if it is still proper to sign my son's name to birthday and Christmas cards. He graduated from college, lives in another state, and is financially independent. I can't even claim him on income taxes, so can I, or should I, sign his name on cards?
By not signing his name, will people wonder,"What happened to DJ? " or will they realize it was time to let him sign his own cards. Will they think he's rude when he doesn't sign a card, because he likely won't send one? Such a dilemma.
Which turns to the next 1:00 in the morning worry. The Christmas card photo. We just returned from a family vacation. It was the first time all four of my kids were together in a year. I must have had them pose two dozen different times for a potential Christmas card photo. They were good sports. At least until I tried to get a photo of the six of us. The kids would not cooperate! It would go like this; someone would take a photo because I asked them to, I'd look at the photo,I would hate how I looked, ask them to try another. Not a big deal. I don't know why the kids fought it so much. We only "tried again" twice, or six times,(ok, once it was ten times) each 'session' I had us all pose, over the four days. So, I may or may not have a nice, all of us together, Christmas card photo.
Here's something else my 1:00 in the morning thoughts have alerted me to...that family vacation? Yeah, that was my entire family. All 13 of us. Parents, brothers, sisters in law, a niece, plus my group. Did I worry about the 13 of us? No. Not until 1:00 in the morning, 10 days later. It wasn't until now, that I stopped to think that it's been, hmmm, I don't even know, maybe four years since the 13 of us have been all together? Wow. That's awful. And that brings me to this 1:00 in the morning thought...when did I get so "it's all about me?"
This is kind of an ugly truth about me, I think I have always been like that. Not in a "the world revolves around me" way, or a "what's in it for me" way, but just thinking about me, worrying about me. Not to the exclusion of others, but certainly, not putting others first. Not even being aware of others and their daily stuff. Being a parent, I do put my kids and their needs before mine, (Unless I'm on a plane, then my oxygen mask goes on before theirs.) but, it's about me more in the way that I always try to relate other people's stories to me. I thought this showed that I was interested, and could understand what they were saying. Mainly it's just annoying, and I try to make a conscience effort to not do that as much anymore. Mostly, my tongue bleeds a lot.
So, now I'm feeling bad that I didn't make a bigger deal about all 13 of us being together, that I was simply focused on the six of us getting a Christmas card photo taken. I don't even know if I sign my son's name to a Christmas card that I'm not even going to send out for six months. And now it's quarter after one, I'm all alone , and I need, I need to stop quoting song lyrics and go to sleep. The alarm is set to go off in four and a half hours.
P.S. Can you do a "P.S." in a blog?
I really like to write. I have found that I do better with writing when the inspiration hits me though, not writing notes and going back to it. (I have piles of craft projects that "I'll get back to")but, at 1:00 in the morning, turning on the computer seemed too hard. Queue my new 'smart phone'! Yes, I finally made the leap to a fancy smart phone and it has this wonderful "memo" function and I could type this whole thing into it at 1:00 in the morning with little effort! (Even better, it looks like I may be able to SPEAK into it and it will type! But at 1:00 in the morning that may have creeped out my family.)
Anyway, last night I went to bed at 10:30, and woke up to horrendous noises that turned out to be snoring. (It's OK, he thinks the problem was he was sleeping on two pillows, so tonight he is going to try one pillow under his head and one over his face. It's fine.)Then I remembered my dream. It involved my grandparents cleaning out their garage and giving me a trailer hitch. My grandparents passed away in 1986 and 1991. (For the record, Dream Dictionary could not find anything about "deceased grandparents" or "trailer hitch".) And this is a perfect example of it all being about me...I can remember the dates because I had just moved with my parents across country when my Grandma passed away in 1986, and my Grandpa passed away months before my son was born. My other Grandpa died December 7th, the year September 11th happened. Do I know that year? No, I do not. Horrible. It is embarrassing. I think I am a caring, kind person, but this trait must get repaired. In the meantime, I need to figure out if DJ's name goes on the Christmas card, and maybe get back to some of those craft projects...right after I take a nap!
I was thinking about if it is still proper to sign my son's name to birthday and Christmas cards. He graduated from college, lives in another state, and is financially independent. I can't even claim him on income taxes, so can I, or should I, sign his name on cards?
By not signing his name, will people wonder,"What happened to DJ? " or will they realize it was time to let him sign his own cards. Will they think he's rude when he doesn't sign a card, because he likely won't send one? Such a dilemma.
Which turns to the next 1:00 in the morning worry. The Christmas card photo. We just returned from a family vacation. It was the first time all four of my kids were together in a year. I must have had them pose two dozen different times for a potential Christmas card photo. They were good sports. At least until I tried to get a photo of the six of us. The kids would not cooperate! It would go like this; someone would take a photo because I asked them to, I'd look at the photo,I would hate how I looked, ask them to try another. Not a big deal. I don't know why the kids fought it so much. We only "tried again" twice, or six times,(ok, once it was ten times) each 'session' I had us all pose, over the four days. So, I may or may not have a nice, all of us together, Christmas card photo.
Here's something else my 1:00 in the morning thoughts have alerted me to...that family vacation? Yeah, that was my entire family. All 13 of us. Parents, brothers, sisters in law, a niece, plus my group. Did I worry about the 13 of us? No. Not until 1:00 in the morning, 10 days later. It wasn't until now, that I stopped to think that it's been, hmmm, I don't even know, maybe four years since the 13 of us have been all together? Wow. That's awful. And that brings me to this 1:00 in the morning thought...when did I get so "it's all about me?"
This is kind of an ugly truth about me, I think I have always been like that. Not in a "the world revolves around me" way, or a "what's in it for me" way, but just thinking about me, worrying about me. Not to the exclusion of others, but certainly, not putting others first. Not even being aware of others and their daily stuff. Being a parent, I do put my kids and their needs before mine, (Unless I'm on a plane, then my oxygen mask goes on before theirs.) but, it's about me more in the way that I always try to relate other people's stories to me. I thought this showed that I was interested, and could understand what they were saying. Mainly it's just annoying, and I try to make a conscience effort to not do that as much anymore. Mostly, my tongue bleeds a lot.
So, now I'm feeling bad that I didn't make a bigger deal about all 13 of us being together, that I was simply focused on the six of us getting a Christmas card photo taken. I don't even know if I sign my son's name to a Christmas card that I'm not even going to send out for six months. And now it's quarter after one, I'm all alone , and I need, I need to stop quoting song lyrics and go to sleep. The alarm is set to go off in four and a half hours.
P.S. Can you do a "P.S." in a blog?
I really like to write. I have found that I do better with writing when the inspiration hits me though, not writing notes and going back to it. (I have piles of craft projects that "I'll get back to")but, at 1:00 in the morning, turning on the computer seemed too hard. Queue my new 'smart phone'! Yes, I finally made the leap to a fancy smart phone and it has this wonderful "memo" function and I could type this whole thing into it at 1:00 in the morning with little effort! (Even better, it looks like I may be able to SPEAK into it and it will type! But at 1:00 in the morning that may have creeped out my family.)
Anyway, last night I went to bed at 10:30, and woke up to horrendous noises that turned out to be snoring. (It's OK, he thinks the problem was he was sleeping on two pillows, so tonight he is going to try one pillow under his head and one over his face. It's fine.)Then I remembered my dream. It involved my grandparents cleaning out their garage and giving me a trailer hitch. My grandparents passed away in 1986 and 1991. (For the record, Dream Dictionary could not find anything about "deceased grandparents" or "trailer hitch".) And this is a perfect example of it all being about me...I can remember the dates because I had just moved with my parents across country when my Grandma passed away in 1986, and my Grandpa passed away months before my son was born. My other Grandpa died December 7th, the year September 11th happened. Do I know that year? No, I do not. Horrible. It is embarrassing. I think I am a caring, kind person, but this trait must get repaired. In the meantime, I need to figure out if DJ's name goes on the Christmas card, and maybe get back to some of those craft projects...right after I take a nap!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
The One With The Clever Title
Some very real things have happened today. So real, that I had to take off my bracelet and write about them.
I woke up this morning and got ready for the day, just like usual. Except today I had my volunteer shift at my son's school for his running club. Afterwards, I was distracted by one of my favorite couples, and we chatted about my oldest child's successes and screw ups, and the lovely weather. We were interrupted by the school's fire drill (we were standing outside in the aforementioned lovely weather.) As the people I was chatting with and I decided to part ways before being mobbed by the students and teachers fleeing the building for the fire drill, I ran into another one of my favorite people, one of my youngest's teachers. Her and I chatted about her recent hair color change, and the little pompom critters she is making and handing out for quiet behavior.
My son has earned a quiet critter, and had spent the weekend creating a house and a cage for the critter. He also made a few more pompom critters. They have consumed quite a bit of his time. So, I had to thank the teacher for her creativity. The fire drill didn't last as long as my free time, or my chatting gene. I walked home.
I thought about how to spend my day on the short walk. I decided to watch some taped episodes of "Sex and the City". I am newly obsessed with the show. I didn't watch it when it originally aired. (Starting in 1998!) I have watched all six seasons, plus both movies, in the last several weeks. I had found the complete series of dvd's at a garage sale this summer. Even though I have all the dvd's, I was thrilled to find out that the show airs for two hours daily on TV. I'm recording it. I don't know why. I am obsessed. I also thought about what was I going to have for lunch.
I decided to have a peanut butter and jelly. I know, original. I keep my bread in the freezer, so I popped two slices in the toaster, and proceeded to get out the butter and jelly. Once in the fridge, some leftovers caught my eye. I decided that sounded yummy. I heated up the leftovers. It wasn't until later, when I could smell something burning, that I remembered I was going to have PB&J. My brain is going to mush.
Yesterday I found a sombrero for my dog. He is a chihuahua. Today, while watching reruns of "Sex and the City" that I watched only a few weeks ago, I crocheted a striped poncho for my dog, to match his sombrero.
I couldn't help but wonder, when one spends a morning chatting and watching reruns and crocheting her dog a poncho, is it time to find a job? Or is it OK to spend your day considering your lunch options and waiting to accumulate lives on Candy Crush?
Well, that's a bummer. When Carrie Bradshaw asks her computer a question like that, she materialises in amazing shoes at a diner with her friends...I'm still here, barefoot, looking at a kitchen sink full of dishes.
But seriously, maybe it's time, once again, to look for a job. The problem is this, ten years ago (yikes! I can't believe it's been that long ago!) I had a great job. The hours were perfect, it was close to home, I liked the work and loved the people I worked with. Then I got pregnant and we moved across the country. (Not because of the pregnancy, it was just a coincidence.) Since having that great job, all others compare to it. I have had seven jobs over the past ten years...nothing has even come close to the great job. Do we only get one great job in a lifetime?
I am not opposed to working, but my available hours are limited. My kids are off for a week in October (which means I need to be off for a week in October.) They are off for a week in November. And, the deal breaker for a job right now, I need a week off in December for my oldest's college graduation. I know many retail places are hiring right now, to prepare for the Holiday shopping season, and I like working retail, it's even what I went to school for, but a week off ten days before Christmas? Deal breaker.
I do have to wonder, do I want a job for me, or because society makes me think I need one? That is something to ponder. I like being an old-fashioned, stay at home mom, even on the mostly boring days. Oh, never mind that, my bank account says it's time to get a job. It's too bad Carrie Bradshaw can't hire me to organize her closet.
I woke up this morning and got ready for the day, just like usual. Except today I had my volunteer shift at my son's school for his running club. Afterwards, I was distracted by one of my favorite couples, and we chatted about my oldest child's successes and screw ups, and the lovely weather. We were interrupted by the school's fire drill (we were standing outside in the aforementioned lovely weather.) As the people I was chatting with and I decided to part ways before being mobbed by the students and teachers fleeing the building for the fire drill, I ran into another one of my favorite people, one of my youngest's teachers. Her and I chatted about her recent hair color change, and the little pompom critters she is making and handing out for quiet behavior.
My son has earned a quiet critter, and had spent the weekend creating a house and a cage for the critter. He also made a few more pompom critters. They have consumed quite a bit of his time. So, I had to thank the teacher for her creativity. The fire drill didn't last as long as my free time, or my chatting gene. I walked home.
I thought about how to spend my day on the short walk. I decided to watch some taped episodes of "Sex and the City". I am newly obsessed with the show. I didn't watch it when it originally aired. (Starting in 1998!) I have watched all six seasons, plus both movies, in the last several weeks. I had found the complete series of dvd's at a garage sale this summer. Even though I have all the dvd's, I was thrilled to find out that the show airs for two hours daily on TV. I'm recording it. I don't know why. I am obsessed. I also thought about what was I going to have for lunch.
I decided to have a peanut butter and jelly. I know, original. I keep my bread in the freezer, so I popped two slices in the toaster, and proceeded to get out the butter and jelly. Once in the fridge, some leftovers caught my eye. I decided that sounded yummy. I heated up the leftovers. It wasn't until later, when I could smell something burning, that I remembered I was going to have PB&J. My brain is going to mush.
Yesterday I found a sombrero for my dog. He is a chihuahua. Today, while watching reruns of "Sex and the City" that I watched only a few weeks ago, I crocheted a striped poncho for my dog, to match his sombrero.
I couldn't help but wonder, when one spends a morning chatting and watching reruns and crocheting her dog a poncho, is it time to find a job? Or is it OK to spend your day considering your lunch options and waiting to accumulate lives on Candy Crush?
Well, that's a bummer. When Carrie Bradshaw asks her computer a question like that, she materialises in amazing shoes at a diner with her friends...I'm still here, barefoot, looking at a kitchen sink full of dishes.
But seriously, maybe it's time, once again, to look for a job. The problem is this, ten years ago (yikes! I can't believe it's been that long ago!) I had a great job. The hours were perfect, it was close to home, I liked the work and loved the people I worked with. Then I got pregnant and we moved across the country. (Not because of the pregnancy, it was just a coincidence.) Since having that great job, all others compare to it. I have had seven jobs over the past ten years...nothing has even come close to the great job. Do we only get one great job in a lifetime?
I am not opposed to working, but my available hours are limited. My kids are off for a week in October (which means I need to be off for a week in October.) They are off for a week in November. And, the deal breaker for a job right now, I need a week off in December for my oldest's college graduation. I know many retail places are hiring right now, to prepare for the Holiday shopping season, and I like working retail, it's even what I went to school for, but a week off ten days before Christmas? Deal breaker.
I do have to wonder, do I want a job for me, or because society makes me think I need one? That is something to ponder. I like being an old-fashioned, stay at home mom, even on the mostly boring days. Oh, never mind that, my bank account says it's time to get a job. It's too bad Carrie Bradshaw can't hire me to organize her closet.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Ready Or Not, Here We Go!
We decided to spend our summer vacation in Nashville,Tennessee. We decided to purchase tickets for the Country Music Festival (CMA's) for my husband and I, our four kids, and our oldest child's girlfriend. We decided to do this right before LP field was sold out. We bought the last seven tickets that were together. All other seats in the stadium were onesies or twosies. The tickets were in the very, last, row of the stadium. Let me repeat that...the VERY.LAST.ROW of a stadium that the NFL team, the Tennessee Titans, play their games. (We did have a great view of the river,downtown Nashville and the belly buttons of birds.) We bought the tickets, then waited patiently for three and a half months.
The wait gave me enough time to wonder what my son's girlfriend would be like. He is 21 and this is his first girlfriend. They have been dating for 7 months or so and we have yet to meet her. (He goes to school several states away.) It also gave me enough time for all the 'pre-vacation' nonsense. I had time to cancel the mail, stop the newspaper, book a suite at the local doggy kennel, mapquest our route, find someone to water my flowers, someone to take care of our pet hedgehog,and book a few nights in a hotel. It gave me time to make lists about what to pack; the travel T.V., the GPS, snacks, ear plugs, the water bottle/fan thing, sunscreen, and my Mom's belated Mother's Day gift. It gave me enough time to make a list of reminders; to put trash in trash bags, instead of trash cans the week before our departure, turn out the lights, close the windows, flush toilets (you only make THAT mistake once!) and go to the bank (I needed cash for a Cracker Barrel shopping spree).
The few days before our trip, I cleaned the house, as if I was expecting company. I love coming home from a vacation to a clean house. That way, all I have to worry about upon coming home, is the mountain of laundry that somehow fit into the suitcase when it was clean, and now becomes a struggle to contain. I was ready. And also nervous. This trip prep was going smoothly. I was packed, cleaned, and otherwise prepared, at 6pm, the night before. This has never happened before. Ever. The next morning, I packed the van, with ease. It wasn't like the usual jigsaw puzzle of trying this piece and that piece. It just all fit. I can't tell if I am just getting good at this, or if it all went smoothly because I had cleaned and packed for five instead of six, or if it all was easier because I only had to pack for my youngest and I, supervise packing for two teenaged daughters and pray my husband would take enough underwear and clothing that matched to get through our trip. The ease in which the trip started gave me an eerie feeling for the first several hours of the trip. Thankfully, a nap in the car put me at ease.
I mentioned that we were driving, right? I mentioned the car ride was 18 HOURS, right? Let me clarify, 18 hours EACH WAY. To put that in perspective, that is long enough for me to read 4 books and take several naps. It is long enough for my son to have watched the entire first season of Hannah Montana (4 discs) and at least 6 other movies, plus wear out his DS (video game) battery twice, complete three sticker books and take a few naps. Let me also let you know, driving through Kansas is very dull. A word of advice if you plan on driving through Kansas; make sure you have a full tank of gas and a full tummy. Places to fuel your vehicle and body are few and far between...and never where you WANT or NEED them to be. At each stop for food, gas or bathroom breaks, we would do what we called "The Car Trip Tango". We saw several variations by other weary travelers, but most all versions included toe touches, hip rotations (think Spongebob's "Bring it around town") and arm windmills.
We arrived safely to my parents home near Nashville after the second day of driving. They live in an adult only community. After dinner that night, we went for a walk, my parents and my crew of 5. A neighborhood watch golf cart pulled up and asked my Dad if we had a permit for the parade. Funny! Except, it's kind of the story of my life...especially at the grocery store. Me and my parade of children.
Concerts ran Thursday through Sunday night. There were also daytime concerts and plenty of places to win t-shirts, can koozies, key chains and other things that you never knew you needed. We left Nashville with a duck call from Duck Dynasty, 8 pens, 4 rubber ducks, 14 keychains, 8 pairs of sunglasses, 11 koozies, 10 dog bones, 3 pairs of boxer briefs, 15 t-shirts, 2 frisbees, 17 pairs of socks and a variety of other items. We love the "swag"!
The first night of concerts, Thursday, meant we got to see Luke Bryan! My daughters were chanting "Bring out Luke! Bring out Luke!" My youngest would insert "Skywalker". We got to see Taylor Swift, my son watched her the whole time, eyes glued to the binoculars (remember...very, last, row), and she brought out Tim McGraw. We got to see Miranda Lambert, who was incredible, and The Zac Brown, who brought out Kenny Rogers and Kid Rock. It was an awesome show. We got to bed around 1:30am. I just wanted to sleep the next day, but my lovely teenage daughter reminded me that "If we were in Disneyworld, you would be up early." True enough...so we pressed on to gather more swag before Friday night's concert.
Most people in the stadium have four day passes, which mean they are there for the whole festival, sitting in the same seats. There was a group of "20 somethings" sitting in front of us. One young man thought my youngest child was awesome. He turned around frequently to 'fist bump' him and tell him how great the person on stage was. Once he said "Buddy, grow up to be better than us." My son responded "Do you mean,'Don't be drunk?'" My seven year old is brilliant.
Friday night brought Kip Moore and Hunter Hayes to the stage. My son kept referring to Hunter Hayes as "The one that looks like Anakin." (We have a slight Star Wars obsession on our hands...). We also saw Lady Antebellum. They put on a great show. Little Big Town brought out Sheryl Crow. The last act that night was Blake Shelton. Amazing! Before Blake could take the stage, my youngest had a meltdown. I can't really blame him, it was 11:30 at night, he was sleep deprived, we had walked around all day, and concerts aren't really the top thing to do when you are seven. It was interesting though that the tantrum was prompted because I had switched seats with my youngest, which meant I was sitting next to my oldest's girlfriend now, not my little guy. He just wanted to be next to the girlfriend. She was a very good sport about my little guy's interest in her. After the tantrum, and before Blake took the stage, my little guy learned to do "the wave" in the stadium and asked many, many, many, MANY times over the next two nights if we could do it again.
Saturday in town, we spotted the family from the T.V. show Duck Dynasty. We were even fortunate enough (?) to collect a T-shirt,a duck call and four rubber ducks from them! They were promoting their Christmas album, out in October. They have good agents.
Someone who probably fired their agent was Lenny Kravitz. He was the surprise guest at Saturday's concert. He is a great musician, and performer... if he has the right audience. For the record, the CMA crowd is NOT the right audience. He did a 30 minute set. Half of that was on one song, with Lenny in the crowd trying to get us to sing along..only we didn't know the words. He left the stage flipping us all off...with both hands. I'm sure he had words for his agent. I imagine they weren't kind.
I am wondering what people did at concerts before iphones. I am wondering how we all survived concerts without getting our "tweets" on the jumbotron. The world is nutty...
Along with Lenny on Saturday, we heard Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, and Kelly Clarkson (who brought out Jason Aldean and Trisha Yearwood. I was holding my breath that maybe Garth Brooks would come out, but nobody paid attention to me, in the VERY LAST ROW and there was no Garth.)The night ended with Keith Urban and fireworks. My youngest slept through all that.
Sunday night we saw Gary Allan, then an announcement was made regarding the incoming bad weather. All other performers had to cut their 30 minute sets to two songs. WHAT??? I was glad our safety was being considered...but WHAT??? So, Brad Paisley sang two songs, one with Charlie Daniels. The Band Perry sang two songs. (They were SO good. I want to go see them again.) Jake Owen sang one song, then threw his guitar on the stage and walked off before he could soak in the applause. I think he was pretty irritated. The night closed with Carrie Underwood. She sang four songs in what appeared to be her 'last day of vacation' clothes (all the things left in your suitcase that haven't been worn yet.) It's unclear if she sang four songs to defy the rules of cutting your set to two songs, or if she 'stole' one song from Jake Owens time, or what...but, even four songs wasn't her full set. At least she sang "Before He Cheats."
Aside from all my kids being together, at my parents house, and meeting my son's girlfriend, the highlight of the trip was my youngest daughter winning better tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights concerts. We happened to be in the right place at the right time, and were approached by the right people. They asked if we were interested in "Maybe meeting someone" as they filmed a commercial. We had to sign press releases. We were at the Pepsi booth (I am SO sorry Diet Coke...) and a game was being played. We were just watching the game, about 10 feet from the stage. At one point, the people in charge, paired up the audience (us) with the people playing the game. If your 'person' won, you would also win. The prize was two tickets...22 rows off the stage. (In other words...MUCH better than the VERY LAST ROW). To make this long story a smidge shorter, my daughter's person won, and Blake Shelton himself presented the tickets. We did not get a photo opp. with him, but we stood very close to him. Mr. Shelton posted a video on youtube from the event...we are in it! We are hoping it will air on T.V. the night the CMA fest is televised...August 12th. My daughter went on to also win a "Photo Fast Pass" that allowed her to bypass the LONG line of people walking the front of the stage to get pictures. We wanted her to buy us a Powerball ticket with all that luck...but she is only 16.
We have been home for a week. The dog has regained the weight he lost at the spa, the mail has been opened, the laundry has been done. The suitcases are unpacked, but piles of things to be put away are plentiful. Vacation hangovers are tough to shake.
The wait gave me enough time to wonder what my son's girlfriend would be like. He is 21 and this is his first girlfriend. They have been dating for 7 months or so and we have yet to meet her. (He goes to school several states away.) It also gave me enough time for all the 'pre-vacation' nonsense. I had time to cancel the mail, stop the newspaper, book a suite at the local doggy kennel, mapquest our route, find someone to water my flowers, someone to take care of our pet hedgehog,and book a few nights in a hotel. It gave me time to make lists about what to pack; the travel T.V., the GPS, snacks, ear plugs, the water bottle/fan thing, sunscreen, and my Mom's belated Mother's Day gift. It gave me enough time to make a list of reminders; to put trash in trash bags, instead of trash cans the week before our departure, turn out the lights, close the windows, flush toilets (you only make THAT mistake once!) and go to the bank (I needed cash for a Cracker Barrel shopping spree).
The few days before our trip, I cleaned the house, as if I was expecting company. I love coming home from a vacation to a clean house. That way, all I have to worry about upon coming home, is the mountain of laundry that somehow fit into the suitcase when it was clean, and now becomes a struggle to contain. I was ready. And also nervous. This trip prep was going smoothly. I was packed, cleaned, and otherwise prepared, at 6pm, the night before. This has never happened before. Ever. The next morning, I packed the van, with ease. It wasn't like the usual jigsaw puzzle of trying this piece and that piece. It just all fit. I can't tell if I am just getting good at this, or if it all went smoothly because I had cleaned and packed for five instead of six, or if it all was easier because I only had to pack for my youngest and I, supervise packing for two teenaged daughters and pray my husband would take enough underwear and clothing that matched to get through our trip. The ease in which the trip started gave me an eerie feeling for the first several hours of the trip. Thankfully, a nap in the car put me at ease.
I mentioned that we were driving, right? I mentioned the car ride was 18 HOURS, right? Let me clarify, 18 hours EACH WAY. To put that in perspective, that is long enough for me to read 4 books and take several naps. It is long enough for my son to have watched the entire first season of Hannah Montana (4 discs) and at least 6 other movies, plus wear out his DS (video game) battery twice, complete three sticker books and take a few naps. Let me also let you know, driving through Kansas is very dull. A word of advice if you plan on driving through Kansas; make sure you have a full tank of gas and a full tummy. Places to fuel your vehicle and body are few and far between...and never where you WANT or NEED them to be. At each stop for food, gas or bathroom breaks, we would do what we called "The Car Trip Tango". We saw several variations by other weary travelers, but most all versions included toe touches, hip rotations (think Spongebob's "Bring it around town") and arm windmills.
We arrived safely to my parents home near Nashville after the second day of driving. They live in an adult only community. After dinner that night, we went for a walk, my parents and my crew of 5. A neighborhood watch golf cart pulled up and asked my Dad if we had a permit for the parade. Funny! Except, it's kind of the story of my life...especially at the grocery store. Me and my parade of children.
Concerts ran Thursday through Sunday night. There were also daytime concerts and plenty of places to win t-shirts, can koozies, key chains and other things that you never knew you needed. We left Nashville with a duck call from Duck Dynasty, 8 pens, 4 rubber ducks, 14 keychains, 8 pairs of sunglasses, 11 koozies, 10 dog bones, 3 pairs of boxer briefs, 15 t-shirts, 2 frisbees, 17 pairs of socks and a variety of other items. We love the "swag"!
The first night of concerts, Thursday, meant we got to see Luke Bryan! My daughters were chanting "Bring out Luke! Bring out Luke!" My youngest would insert "Skywalker". We got to see Taylor Swift, my son watched her the whole time, eyes glued to the binoculars (remember...very, last, row), and she brought out Tim McGraw. We got to see Miranda Lambert, who was incredible, and The Zac Brown, who brought out Kenny Rogers and Kid Rock. It was an awesome show. We got to bed around 1:30am. I just wanted to sleep the next day, but my lovely teenage daughter reminded me that "If we were in Disneyworld, you would be up early." True enough...so we pressed on to gather more swag before Friday night's concert.
Most people in the stadium have four day passes, which mean they are there for the whole festival, sitting in the same seats. There was a group of "20 somethings" sitting in front of us. One young man thought my youngest child was awesome. He turned around frequently to 'fist bump' him and tell him how great the person on stage was. Once he said "Buddy, grow up to be better than us." My son responded "Do you mean,'Don't be drunk?'" My seven year old is brilliant.
Friday night brought Kip Moore and Hunter Hayes to the stage. My son kept referring to Hunter Hayes as "The one that looks like Anakin." (We have a slight Star Wars obsession on our hands...). We also saw Lady Antebellum. They put on a great show. Little Big Town brought out Sheryl Crow. The last act that night was Blake Shelton. Amazing! Before Blake could take the stage, my youngest had a meltdown. I can't really blame him, it was 11:30 at night, he was sleep deprived, we had walked around all day, and concerts aren't really the top thing to do when you are seven. It was interesting though that the tantrum was prompted because I had switched seats with my youngest, which meant I was sitting next to my oldest's girlfriend now, not my little guy. He just wanted to be next to the girlfriend. She was a very good sport about my little guy's interest in her. After the tantrum, and before Blake took the stage, my little guy learned to do "the wave" in the stadium and asked many, many, many, MANY times over the next two nights if we could do it again.
Saturday in town, we spotted the family from the T.V. show Duck Dynasty. We were even fortunate enough (?) to collect a T-shirt,a duck call and four rubber ducks from them! They were promoting their Christmas album, out in October. They have good agents.
Someone who probably fired their agent was Lenny Kravitz. He was the surprise guest at Saturday's concert. He is a great musician, and performer... if he has the right audience. For the record, the CMA crowd is NOT the right audience. He did a 30 minute set. Half of that was on one song, with Lenny in the crowd trying to get us to sing along..only we didn't know the words. He left the stage flipping us all off...with both hands. I'm sure he had words for his agent. I imagine they weren't kind.
I am wondering what people did at concerts before iphones. I am wondering how we all survived concerts without getting our "tweets" on the jumbotron. The world is nutty...
Along with Lenny on Saturday, we heard Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, and Kelly Clarkson (who brought out Jason Aldean and Trisha Yearwood. I was holding my breath that maybe Garth Brooks would come out, but nobody paid attention to me, in the VERY LAST ROW and there was no Garth.)The night ended with Keith Urban and fireworks. My youngest slept through all that.
Sunday night we saw Gary Allan, then an announcement was made regarding the incoming bad weather. All other performers had to cut their 30 minute sets to two songs. WHAT??? I was glad our safety was being considered...but WHAT??? So, Brad Paisley sang two songs, one with Charlie Daniels. The Band Perry sang two songs. (They were SO good. I want to go see them again.) Jake Owen sang one song, then threw his guitar on the stage and walked off before he could soak in the applause. I think he was pretty irritated. The night closed with Carrie Underwood. She sang four songs in what appeared to be her 'last day of vacation' clothes (all the things left in your suitcase that haven't been worn yet.) It's unclear if she sang four songs to defy the rules of cutting your set to two songs, or if she 'stole' one song from Jake Owens time, or what...but, even four songs wasn't her full set. At least she sang "Before He Cheats."
Aside from all my kids being together, at my parents house, and meeting my son's girlfriend, the highlight of the trip was my youngest daughter winning better tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights concerts. We happened to be in the right place at the right time, and were approached by the right people. They asked if we were interested in "Maybe meeting someone" as they filmed a commercial. We had to sign press releases. We were at the Pepsi booth (I am SO sorry Diet Coke...) and a game was being played. We were just watching the game, about 10 feet from the stage. At one point, the people in charge, paired up the audience (us) with the people playing the game. If your 'person' won, you would also win. The prize was two tickets...22 rows off the stage. (In other words...MUCH better than the VERY LAST ROW). To make this long story a smidge shorter, my daughter's person won, and Blake Shelton himself presented the tickets. We did not get a photo opp. with him, but we stood very close to him. Mr. Shelton posted a video on youtube from the event...we are in it! We are hoping it will air on T.V. the night the CMA fest is televised...August 12th. My daughter went on to also win a "Photo Fast Pass" that allowed her to bypass the LONG line of people walking the front of the stage to get pictures. We wanted her to buy us a Powerball ticket with all that luck...but she is only 16.
We have been home for a week. The dog has regained the weight he lost at the spa, the mail has been opened, the laundry has been done. The suitcases are unpacked, but piles of things to be put away are plentiful. Vacation hangovers are tough to shake.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Rolling In The Deep
I enjoy music. I enjoy singing along to the radio. I enjoy singing the words as I hear them, which means sometimes I get the words wrong. I rarely stop to think about the meaning of lyrics, or the mood of the song writer when the song was first written. I merely enjoy the beat of the music and hearing the words (as I hear them, not always as written.) So, all that gibberish leads me to this; I don't know what Adele is exactly singing about when she croons "Rolling In The Deep", but what I think of is life as I know it right now...and right now I am rolling in the deep crap.
Let's recap; my husband was transferred from Pittsburgh to Denver in January 2011. Our house went on the market in February of 2011 and it finally sold in March of 2012. My son goes to college in Georgia. My oldest daughter is a senior in high school. My next child is a freshman in high school and my youngest is in Kindergarten. My life is crazy all by it's self, without outside influences, but for the sake of this pity party, let's add some influences.
The high school in Denver said my daughter had to be in attendance for an entire semester before they would let her graduate. That meant she had to be there around Thanksgiving. So, when the house finally sold in March, we had no choice but to have her remain in Pittsburgh to have her graduate here. (Which was fine because that is what I wanted for her anyway...) BUT, staying meant I needed a place to live, with my kids, and my two cats. So, I started looking for rentals. Then I had this crazy idea...I asked my neighbor if we could move in with her and her kids and dog. Oh, I forgot to mention, my husband has been traveling back and forth between Pittsburgh and Denver since January 2011, and as of March 2012, he had to move there. Anyway, my neighbor was gracious enough to humor me and she let me, three kids and two cats move in with her, her three kids and her dog. It has been pure bliss for 10 weeks. Ok, maybe not bliss, but two moms, and six kids under one roof is tricky. It HAS been an easy transition though. My neighbor ("Big Mama") and I get along very well. We co-parent well. We have each other's backs. We always have someone to talk to, someone to help out. It has been very nice. (Except now there are four females 'synching' their monthly gift from Mother Nature. For that week we all roll in chocolate, tears and major attitude.)
This daughter (the oldest one) has had a sinus infection since October. She has been on several rounds of antibiotics. We have gone to allergists and E.N.T.'s. She still has a sinus infection. I hate seeing her feel sick. She thinks she is dying. I don't know what is wrong, or how to fix it, but I assure you, I think about it ALL THE TIME. I also think about how strange the house (when we someday have one again...) will be without two of my peeps in it.
A week before we closed on our house, my college aged son called to tell me he had just rolled his car three times down an embankment. He said he was fine, car was totaled. He had a pretty bad concussion for nearly a month. The amount of worry connected with this was inexplicable. The amount of stress I felt was through the roof. I seriously don't know how I have any hair left at all. That was two months ago. My son bought another car yesterday. I feel like I can't breathe, the worry, the concern. Add to that, I haven't seen him since Christmas. He couldn't come 'home' for the summer because we don't have a home. He doesn't know where he is going to live, or call 'home' after we move. He isn't sure where to title and license his new car. I have tremendous guilt over this. I feel like I have inadvertently kicked him out of the nest. If only he knew how much sleep I lose with the guilt, with the worry. I hate that we are moving so far from where he chose to go to college. I hate that he is growing up, even though that is what he is supposed to do. I like my birds in the nest with me. I like them to soar with the eagles by day, and nest with their mother at night.
My freshman age daughter asked to dye her hair pink. I let her. Her hair is really pink. I am self conscious about it. I don't want people to judge her based on her choice of hair color. She is not doing so well in a couple of her classes. I worry that she will have trouble adjusting to the move. I worry that her grades here will prohibit her from getting the classes she wants at the new school. She said her grades are poor because she hasn't been turning in home work. Then she asks when she can have a cell phone. Hmm, why can't she see the correlation between behavior and rewards/consequences? I feel guilty that everyone has a cell phone except her. She lays on the guilt trip about being able to stay in touch with her friends here when we move. I can see that without a cell phone it will be tricky. Oh, and without the facebook that I took away. Guess she may have to go old school and use a real phone, or God forbid, pen and paper.
My husband is choosing the house we will buy in Denver. I am admittingly, a control freak. This is a hard thing to give up, choosing a house to live in. I just can't tear myself away from my kids here, and Big Mama's kids, long enough to look for a house. Trying to organize things here for a week long house hunting trip seems overwhelming, something had to give...this was a big something.
My brain hurts seeing all this in print. All the things I am rolling in. The ingredients to my pity party. Of course, that all adds to my guilt. My life is good. I have healthy, pretty happy kids. They are smart and funny and polite. They are growing up and doing what they are supposed to do, becoming who they are supposed to be. I have a husband who goes to work everyday and brings home a paycheck that supports all of us. I have Big Mama who opened her home to us for four months. Life is good.
Time to be the rock, and set aside the rolling.
Let's recap; my husband was transferred from Pittsburgh to Denver in January 2011. Our house went on the market in February of 2011 and it finally sold in March of 2012. My son goes to college in Georgia. My oldest daughter is a senior in high school. My next child is a freshman in high school and my youngest is in Kindergarten. My life is crazy all by it's self, without outside influences, but for the sake of this pity party, let's add some influences.
The high school in Denver said my daughter had to be in attendance for an entire semester before they would let her graduate. That meant she had to be there around Thanksgiving. So, when the house finally sold in March, we had no choice but to have her remain in Pittsburgh to have her graduate here. (Which was fine because that is what I wanted for her anyway...) BUT, staying meant I needed a place to live, with my kids, and my two cats. So, I started looking for rentals. Then I had this crazy idea...I asked my neighbor if we could move in with her and her kids and dog. Oh, I forgot to mention, my husband has been traveling back and forth between Pittsburgh and Denver since January 2011, and as of March 2012, he had to move there. Anyway, my neighbor was gracious enough to humor me and she let me, three kids and two cats move in with her, her three kids and her dog. It has been pure bliss for 10 weeks. Ok, maybe not bliss, but two moms, and six kids under one roof is tricky. It HAS been an easy transition though. My neighbor ("Big Mama") and I get along very well. We co-parent well. We have each other's backs. We always have someone to talk to, someone to help out. It has been very nice. (Except now there are four females 'synching' their monthly gift from Mother Nature. For that week we all roll in chocolate, tears and major attitude.)
This daughter (the oldest one) has had a sinus infection since October. She has been on several rounds of antibiotics. We have gone to allergists and E.N.T.'s. She still has a sinus infection. I hate seeing her feel sick. She thinks she is dying. I don't know what is wrong, or how to fix it, but I assure you, I think about it ALL THE TIME. I also think about how strange the house (when we someday have one again...) will be without two of my peeps in it.
A week before we closed on our house, my college aged son called to tell me he had just rolled his car three times down an embankment. He said he was fine, car was totaled. He had a pretty bad concussion for nearly a month. The amount of worry connected with this was inexplicable. The amount of stress I felt was through the roof. I seriously don't know how I have any hair left at all. That was two months ago. My son bought another car yesterday. I feel like I can't breathe, the worry, the concern. Add to that, I haven't seen him since Christmas. He couldn't come 'home' for the summer because we don't have a home. He doesn't know where he is going to live, or call 'home' after we move. He isn't sure where to title and license his new car. I have tremendous guilt over this. I feel like I have inadvertently kicked him out of the nest. If only he knew how much sleep I lose with the guilt, with the worry. I hate that we are moving so far from where he chose to go to college. I hate that he is growing up, even though that is what he is supposed to do. I like my birds in the nest with me. I like them to soar with the eagles by day, and nest with their mother at night.
My freshman age daughter asked to dye her hair pink. I let her. Her hair is really pink. I am self conscious about it. I don't want people to judge her based on her choice of hair color. She is not doing so well in a couple of her classes. I worry that she will have trouble adjusting to the move. I worry that her grades here will prohibit her from getting the classes she wants at the new school. She said her grades are poor because she hasn't been turning in home work. Then she asks when she can have a cell phone. Hmm, why can't she see the correlation between behavior and rewards/consequences? I feel guilty that everyone has a cell phone except her. She lays on the guilt trip about being able to stay in touch with her friends here when we move. I can see that without a cell phone it will be tricky. Oh, and without the facebook that I took away. Guess she may have to go old school and use a real phone, or God forbid, pen and paper.
My husband is choosing the house we will buy in Denver. I am admittingly, a control freak. This is a hard thing to give up, choosing a house to live in. I just can't tear myself away from my kids here, and Big Mama's kids, long enough to look for a house. Trying to organize things here for a week long house hunting trip seems overwhelming, something had to give...this was a big something.
My brain hurts seeing all this in print. All the things I am rolling in. The ingredients to my pity party. Of course, that all adds to my guilt. My life is good. I have healthy, pretty happy kids. They are smart and funny and polite. They are growing up and doing what they are supposed to do, becoming who they are supposed to be. I have a husband who goes to work everyday and brings home a paycheck that supports all of us. I have Big Mama who opened her home to us for four months. Life is good.
Time to be the rock, and set aside the rolling.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Yours, Mine and Ours
Yesterday was the start of week three of "Adventures with Big Mama". We celebrated by going to Sam's Club. I'll get back to that...but let me catch you up a bit first.
Our first week here, my husband was also here. Our house hadn't closed yet, but it was mostly packed, so it just was easier to stay at Big Mama's. She and my husband got up in the morning and went to work, I got all the kids off to school, then went back to my house (four doors away) and finished packing my belongings. After school I got the kids off the buses and headed back to Big Mama's to start dinner. The week ended with the closing on the sale of our house, and us officially being "homeless".
The second week of our stay started with my husband moving to Denver. The rest of the week is a blur. Constant movement of Big Mama working, kids going to school, kids homework and activities, housework, meals for eight people, dishwasher and washer/dryer constantly running. We had so many nitty gritty details to work out. Dinners consisted of the food left in my freezer.
I learned many things last week. I learned I really can stay awake from 5:30 am until 11:30 pm. (Previously I had been waking up from 5:30 am - 6:30 am with my older kids, then going back to sleep until my little guy woke up around 8:30am.) I learned that although I know I am a control freak, I learned just how MUCH of a control freak I am. I learned how strict I must seem to unsuspecting children. I learned how structured I must seem to unsuspecting Big Mama's. I learned how flexible (and inflexible) I am and can be.
I have also overlooked many things. I have overlooked the fact that my little guy, age 6, is probably acting up because most of his belongings are in boxes on a truck, he just moved out of the only home he can remember (we moved in when he was 6 months old), his dad has moved far away, and the rules in Big Mama's house are different than the rules at our house. He also went from being the youngest of four kids, to being the second youngest of six (seven if/when my college son comes here). All of this must be so confusing to him. I have overlooked that I should have better prepared him for this move and all the changes.
I had a chat with my daughters (ages 18 and 15). They were upset about the little kids coming into their room and touching their stuff. I told them since we were going to live here for four months, that I thought they should treat Big Mama's three kids like siblings, not like friends or neighbors. That means that sometimes the girls are super loving to Big Mama's kids, and other times...well, not so much. I decided that I too should treat Big Mama's kids like they were my kids, not daycare kids or neighbors . If I treat them kinder, more patiently than I treat my own kids, I am going to have a rebellion on my hands. I checked into some rules in Big Mama's house, told her some of mine, and we reached a verdict...rules are good. I have permission to yell, redirect, time-out, her kids. She has permission to do the same to mine. It is a hard thing to get used to. I used to teach preschool, and can handle the firm, but kind thing. To discipline someone else's kids is a funky feeling. But, we all are living together, it's best if kids know my limits, Big Mama's limits and what will happen if the limits are pushed. I have also found myself hollering at Big Mama's kids for the way they treat Big Mama. She is a hard working, single mom. She is tired and doing so much. Her kids take advantage of her exhaustion. It bothers me.
I enjoy the role of housewife. I enjoy it so much that I willingly have taken over the role at Big Mama's house. Part of me is so excited to have a "new" house to clean and organize, and have more kids to take care of. Part of me feels like I could potentially be digging a hole for Big Mama to climb out of when I move away from here in four months. I think I need to take a lesson from Jesus...perhaps I should teach Big Mama to fish instead of providing the fish. But, to pass on my neurosis about cleaning and list making...is that really fair?
Sunday, Big Mama and I agreed we needed groceries. We had previously discussed splitting the grocery bill, and sharing cooking duties. So, we headed to Sam's Club with the two youngest kids in tow. (My oldest daughter was at work and my other daughter stayed at the house with Big Mama's two oldest.) We (meaning Big Mama) put the two boys in the front seat of the cart. She pushed the cart around Sam's as I grabbed a few things on my list, and she grabbed a few things on her list. The real fun occurred as her and I discussed (sometimes loudly, sometimes from one end of the aisle to the other) which items we jointly needed or wanted and which items which children would or would not eat. After a few rounds of such discussion, we became slightly self conscious of this. We wondered what people were thinking, as we were also referring to each other as Big Mama and Little Mama. Now, we weren't afraid people would think of us as a couple, it's just that we aren't. We decided that looks our gay couple friends may sometimes get are sometimes uncomfortable. Of course, it may all really be like Dr. Phil says "You wouldn't care what people thought of you, if you realized how little they did." and nobody really thought anything. It could be that although we don't really care if people think Big Mama and I are a couple, it would be awkward, since we aren't. We are at this point, something though. We just aren't sure how to define two women living in the same house, sharing household duties, grocery bills and child rearing. When we got to checkout at Sam's, we asked the woman there to ring up my pile. Then Big Mama's pile. Then our pile, which we needed to pay with two forms of payment. I sure would like to know what the cashier was thinking. (If she was thinking anything.) I also wonder what the cable guy thought when he came over and both of us went to the door. We are surely providing the neighborhood something to talk about. We are also proving that although it may not always TAKE a village to raise a child, having someone have your back is really nice, and that family comes in all shapes, sizes and varieties.
Some notable fun parts...One morning Big Mama's two year olds diaper leaked overnight. He had been sleeping in her bed. I stripped her bed and washed the sheets for her. To do that, I had to first fold the laundry that was in the dryer. I told Big Mama not to be weirded out, but that I had folded her underwear. This led to a conversation about underwear choices and how I wore boring, white, cotton undies. Next thing I knew, she bought me three pairs of pretty undies. This Friday night for some reason, Big Mama, my 18 and 15 year olds and I were all wound up. We were dancing around the kitchen making dinner while the little kids played outside. We were laughing and joking and having a great time. I hope we have many more Friday nights like that. Saturday morning I was sewing a hole in my son's stuffed animal. Big Mama asked if I could repair a hole in one of her son's animals. This led to a wild goose chase looking for the holey critter. After several minutes, the two year old said "I show you Mama" and led her to the (second story) bedroom window. He had thrown out all the bedding, many stuffed animals, a few books, games, a piggy bank and any clothing that was around, all out the window. Dangerous and scary, for sure...but led to a few chuckles too. After Sam's Club, Big Mama, the little boys and I went through McDonald's drive thru. Big Mama grabbed the Diet Coke she was handed so hard, the top popped off and the entire thing spilled into her lap and all over her car. After cleaning that up, she dripped ketchup on her pants. After a hysterical bout of laughter I told her "I can't take my girlfriend anywhere." It's going to be a fun four months.
Our first week here, my husband was also here. Our house hadn't closed yet, but it was mostly packed, so it just was easier to stay at Big Mama's. She and my husband got up in the morning and went to work, I got all the kids off to school, then went back to my house (four doors away) and finished packing my belongings. After school I got the kids off the buses and headed back to Big Mama's to start dinner. The week ended with the closing on the sale of our house, and us officially being "homeless".
The second week of our stay started with my husband moving to Denver. The rest of the week is a blur. Constant movement of Big Mama working, kids going to school, kids homework and activities, housework, meals for eight people, dishwasher and washer/dryer constantly running. We had so many nitty gritty details to work out. Dinners consisted of the food left in my freezer.
I learned many things last week. I learned I really can stay awake from 5:30 am until 11:30 pm. (Previously I had been waking up from 5:30 am - 6:30 am with my older kids, then going back to sleep until my little guy woke up around 8:30am.) I learned that although I know I am a control freak, I learned just how MUCH of a control freak I am. I learned how strict I must seem to unsuspecting children. I learned how structured I must seem to unsuspecting Big Mama's. I learned how flexible (and inflexible) I am and can be.
I have also overlooked many things. I have overlooked the fact that my little guy, age 6, is probably acting up because most of his belongings are in boxes on a truck, he just moved out of the only home he can remember (we moved in when he was 6 months old), his dad has moved far away, and the rules in Big Mama's house are different than the rules at our house. He also went from being the youngest of four kids, to being the second youngest of six (seven if/when my college son comes here). All of this must be so confusing to him. I have overlooked that I should have better prepared him for this move and all the changes.
I had a chat with my daughters (ages 18 and 15). They were upset about the little kids coming into their room and touching their stuff. I told them since we were going to live here for four months, that I thought they should treat Big Mama's three kids like siblings, not like friends or neighbors. That means that sometimes the girls are super loving to Big Mama's kids, and other times...well, not so much. I decided that I too should treat Big Mama's kids like they were my kids, not daycare kids or neighbors . If I treat them kinder, more patiently than I treat my own kids, I am going to have a rebellion on my hands. I checked into some rules in Big Mama's house, told her some of mine, and we reached a verdict...rules are good. I have permission to yell, redirect, time-out, her kids. She has permission to do the same to mine. It is a hard thing to get used to. I used to teach preschool, and can handle the firm, but kind thing. To discipline someone else's kids is a funky feeling. But, we all are living together, it's best if kids know my limits, Big Mama's limits and what will happen if the limits are pushed. I have also found myself hollering at Big Mama's kids for the way they treat Big Mama. She is a hard working, single mom. She is tired and doing so much. Her kids take advantage of her exhaustion. It bothers me.
I enjoy the role of housewife. I enjoy it so much that I willingly have taken over the role at Big Mama's house. Part of me is so excited to have a "new" house to clean and organize, and have more kids to take care of. Part of me feels like I could potentially be digging a hole for Big Mama to climb out of when I move away from here in four months. I think I need to take a lesson from Jesus...perhaps I should teach Big Mama to fish instead of providing the fish. But, to pass on my neurosis about cleaning and list making...is that really fair?
Sunday, Big Mama and I agreed we needed groceries. We had previously discussed splitting the grocery bill, and sharing cooking duties. So, we headed to Sam's Club with the two youngest kids in tow. (My oldest daughter was at work and my other daughter stayed at the house with Big Mama's two oldest.) We (meaning Big Mama) put the two boys in the front seat of the cart. She pushed the cart around Sam's as I grabbed a few things on my list, and she grabbed a few things on her list. The real fun occurred as her and I discussed (sometimes loudly, sometimes from one end of the aisle to the other) which items we jointly needed or wanted and which items which children would or would not eat. After a few rounds of such discussion, we became slightly self conscious of this. We wondered what people were thinking, as we were also referring to each other as Big Mama and Little Mama. Now, we weren't afraid people would think of us as a couple, it's just that we aren't. We decided that looks our gay couple friends may sometimes get are sometimes uncomfortable. Of course, it may all really be like Dr. Phil says "You wouldn't care what people thought of you, if you realized how little they did." and nobody really thought anything. It could be that although we don't really care if people think Big Mama and I are a couple, it would be awkward, since we aren't. We are at this point, something though. We just aren't sure how to define two women living in the same house, sharing household duties, grocery bills and child rearing. When we got to checkout at Sam's, we asked the woman there to ring up my pile. Then Big Mama's pile. Then our pile, which we needed to pay with two forms of payment. I sure would like to know what the cashier was thinking. (If she was thinking anything.) I also wonder what the cable guy thought when he came over and both of us went to the door. We are surely providing the neighborhood something to talk about. We are also proving that although it may not always TAKE a village to raise a child, having someone have your back is really nice, and that family comes in all shapes, sizes and varieties.
Some notable fun parts...One morning Big Mama's two year olds diaper leaked overnight. He had been sleeping in her bed. I stripped her bed and washed the sheets for her. To do that, I had to first fold the laundry that was in the dryer. I told Big Mama not to be weirded out, but that I had folded her underwear. This led to a conversation about underwear choices and how I wore boring, white, cotton undies. Next thing I knew, she bought me three pairs of pretty undies. This Friday night for some reason, Big Mama, my 18 and 15 year olds and I were all wound up. We were dancing around the kitchen making dinner while the little kids played outside. We were laughing and joking and having a great time. I hope we have many more Friday nights like that. Saturday morning I was sewing a hole in my son's stuffed animal. Big Mama asked if I could repair a hole in one of her son's animals. This led to a wild goose chase looking for the holey critter. After several minutes, the two year old said "I show you Mama" and led her to the (second story) bedroom window. He had thrown out all the bedding, many stuffed animals, a few books, games, a piggy bank and any clothing that was around, all out the window. Dangerous and scary, for sure...but led to a few chuckles too. After Sam's Club, Big Mama, the little boys and I went through McDonald's drive thru. Big Mama grabbed the Diet Coke she was handed so hard, the top popped off and the entire thing spilled into her lap and all over her car. After cleaning that up, she dripped ketchup on her pants. After a hysterical bout of laughter I told her "I can't take my girlfriend anywhere." It's going to be a fun four months.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The New And Improved Brady Bunch
My house finally sold. It went on the market February 28, 2011 after my husband was transferred for work the month before. I needed a month to clean and "declutter" the house before the "For Sale" sign was posted.
I don't mind having the house on the market. I don't mind the showings, having random strangers wander around my house, opening closets and cabinets. I don't really mind the cleaning beforehand. Showings are disruptive and stressful and the cleaning is always rushed. But really, I don't mind...as long as the showings aren't during dinner time. Or before noon. Or on the weekends. OK, I actually hate every, single part of having my house on the market.
I had "decluttered" my house so well that we had no spring clothing out. Or games. Or movies. After six months of wearing the wrong season clothing, and being bored, I decided to unpack some of my clutter. We hired a different real estate agent, NOT a Realtor. (For the record, there IS a difference...Realtor's have a Code of Ethics they have to follow. This is an IMPORTANT difference. I speak from experience.)
Anyway, the house got an offer with all the clutter present. After six intense weeks of negotiations and packing, we closed on the house. My belongings are now all on a truck headed from Pennsylvania to Colorado. My husband is also heading for Colorado. He has been traveling between the two states for the last year, but will now remain in Colorado, awaiting our arrival. The kids and I will be staying in Pennsylvania until the end of the school year. My oldest daughter is a senior in high school and I wanted her to graduate with the people she has spent the last six years of school with. Well, and the high school in Colorado wouldn't let her graduate unless she was there for an entire semester, and that boat sailed around Thanksgiving.
So, we will head to Colorado in late June or early July. My daughter will have enough time to settle into her new bedroom, then pack to get ready for life in the dorms. Such adventures!
The dilemma became where would the kids and I hang our hats for the next four months? Apartment? That meant packing, moving, unpacking, twice. Hotel? Too expensive. Bum a couch from the neighbor? Perfect! (What? you've never considered that??)
I found a gracious neighbor (on the first try!) who allowed myself, three of my kids, AND my two cats to live with her and her, her three kids and her dog for FOUR, WHOLE, MONTHS! It's like we are remaking the Brady Bunch...two lovely ladies, one short and brown haired, one tall and blond. Six kids (ages 18, 15, almost 10, 7,6 and almost 3...plus one who might come home from college), two cats, a and dog. All we need is Alice.
My neighbor, A.K.A. Big Mama (she's the tall, blond one) works as a nurse, so I help with the kids before and after school. I also like to take over making dinner and the housework. I think I was a 1950's housewife in a former life. I'm just missing the pearls, an apron and fresh baked cookies. (And maybe a cocktail and cigarette. Oh, and I don't play Bridge...)
It's been a week with our new living arrangement. So far, so good. At least for me. Big Mama may see it differently. We barged into her life, bringing more chaos and cats. We have rearranged furniture. And closets. We took over two bedrooms, which meant her youngest got bumped into his brothers room (or Big Mama's bed...). We (and by "we" I mean "I") even rearranged her spice cabinet. Actually I MOVED the spices to a completely new and different location. I rearranged her laundry room. And Pantry. I should probably admit that I am slightly OCD about organization. I may also be somewhat of a control freak.
My neighbor is amazing for accepting us. I am not sure I would be so accepting and accommodating. I sure as heck wouldn't let anyone rearrange my spice cabinet. She and her kids have and will always hold a place in my life, and my heart.
Here is the New and Improved Brady Bunch Song...
Here's a story, of a short lady, who was overwhelmed with selling her house. She had four kids (one is in college) and two cats as well.
Here's a story, of a tall blond lady, who was living with three kids on her own. Then the bold, old, shorter lady, said "Can we please barge in?"
So the one day when the Shorty's moved in with the Tall-y's, they knew they were much more than a crowd. So this group of six kids and two mothers, decided they were a family. (A family, a family, (come on, sing a long!) that's the way, they became a fam-i-ly...)
I don't mind having the house on the market. I don't mind the showings, having random strangers wander around my house, opening closets and cabinets. I don't really mind the cleaning beforehand. Showings are disruptive and stressful and the cleaning is always rushed. But really, I don't mind...as long as the showings aren't during dinner time. Or before noon. Or on the weekends. OK, I actually hate every, single part of having my house on the market.
I had "decluttered" my house so well that we had no spring clothing out. Or games. Or movies. After six months of wearing the wrong season clothing, and being bored, I decided to unpack some of my clutter. We hired a different real estate agent, NOT a Realtor. (For the record, there IS a difference...Realtor's have a Code of Ethics they have to follow. This is an IMPORTANT difference. I speak from experience.)
Anyway, the house got an offer with all the clutter present. After six intense weeks of negotiations and packing, we closed on the house. My belongings are now all on a truck headed from Pennsylvania to Colorado. My husband is also heading for Colorado. He has been traveling between the two states for the last year, but will now remain in Colorado, awaiting our arrival. The kids and I will be staying in Pennsylvania until the end of the school year. My oldest daughter is a senior in high school and I wanted her to graduate with the people she has spent the last six years of school with. Well, and the high school in Colorado wouldn't let her graduate unless she was there for an entire semester, and that boat sailed around Thanksgiving.
So, we will head to Colorado in late June or early July. My daughter will have enough time to settle into her new bedroom, then pack to get ready for life in the dorms. Such adventures!
The dilemma became where would the kids and I hang our hats for the next four months? Apartment? That meant packing, moving, unpacking, twice. Hotel? Too expensive. Bum a couch from the neighbor? Perfect! (What? you've never considered that??)
I found a gracious neighbor (on the first try!) who allowed myself, three of my kids, AND my two cats to live with her and her, her three kids and her dog for FOUR, WHOLE, MONTHS! It's like we are remaking the Brady Bunch...two lovely ladies, one short and brown haired, one tall and blond. Six kids (ages 18, 15, almost 10, 7,6 and almost 3...plus one who might come home from college), two cats, a and dog. All we need is Alice.
My neighbor, A.K.A. Big Mama (she's the tall, blond one) works as a nurse, so I help with the kids before and after school. I also like to take over making dinner and the housework. I think I was a 1950's housewife in a former life. I'm just missing the pearls, an apron and fresh baked cookies. (And maybe a cocktail and cigarette. Oh, and I don't play Bridge...)
It's been a week with our new living arrangement. So far, so good. At least for me. Big Mama may see it differently. We barged into her life, bringing more chaos and cats. We have rearranged furniture. And closets. We took over two bedrooms, which meant her youngest got bumped into his brothers room (or Big Mama's bed...). We (and by "we" I mean "I") even rearranged her spice cabinet. Actually I MOVED the spices to a completely new and different location. I rearranged her laundry room. And Pantry. I should probably admit that I am slightly OCD about organization. I may also be somewhat of a control freak.
My neighbor is amazing for accepting us. I am not sure I would be so accepting and accommodating. I sure as heck wouldn't let anyone rearrange my spice cabinet. She and her kids have and will always hold a place in my life, and my heart.
Here is the New and Improved Brady Bunch Song...
Here's a story, of a short lady, who was overwhelmed with selling her house. She had four kids (one is in college) and two cats as well.
Here's a story, of a tall blond lady, who was living with three kids on her own. Then the bold, old, shorter lady, said "Can we please barge in?"
So the one day when the Shorty's moved in with the Tall-y's, they knew they were much more than a crowd. So this group of six kids and two mothers, decided they were a family. (A family, a family, (come on, sing a long!) that's the way, they became a fam-i-ly...)
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Sticks and Stones
When I was a kid, all the parents taught their kids to say "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." It wasn't exactly true, the words still hurt your feelings, but the thought is a nice one, that words can't hurt you.
The technology of today has many, many benefits. It helps in all areas of our daily lives. Technology also has it's down side. Spoken words can hurt feelings, but they are usually said once, maybe in anger or in teasing. Typed words are repeated over and over and over. Typed words tend to be harsher than spoken words. It's easier to say harsh words in type than it is to say those words face to face.
My daughter is a freshman in high school. Yesterday a friend of hers committed suicide. It seems this boy was bullied. Bullying isn't something new, it happens in communities all over. You hear the stories on the news. It's sad. It's not right. Freshman should not be going to funerals for friends.
Are we as parents so busy with our daily life that we don't realize our kids are hurting? Are we so distracted that we don't notice our kids harassing another kid? Have we as a society put such a stigma on asking for help, that kids simply try to handle things themselves? Have we given our kids so much, so instantly, that they want a quick solution to end their teenage pain? Have we allowed teasing to go so far that kids feel tortured? We need to find a solution. Too many young people are mistreating others. Too many young people are ending their lives too early.
Sticks and stones will most definitely break bones. But what we are learning is that words can kill. Choose your words carefully. Hug your kids. Tell the people in your life you love them.
The technology of today has many, many benefits. It helps in all areas of our daily lives. Technology also has it's down side. Spoken words can hurt feelings, but they are usually said once, maybe in anger or in teasing. Typed words are repeated over and over and over. Typed words tend to be harsher than spoken words. It's easier to say harsh words in type than it is to say those words face to face.
My daughter is a freshman in high school. Yesterday a friend of hers committed suicide. It seems this boy was bullied. Bullying isn't something new, it happens in communities all over. You hear the stories on the news. It's sad. It's not right. Freshman should not be going to funerals for friends.
Are we as parents so busy with our daily life that we don't realize our kids are hurting? Are we so distracted that we don't notice our kids harassing another kid? Have we as a society put such a stigma on asking for help, that kids simply try to handle things themselves? Have we given our kids so much, so instantly, that they want a quick solution to end their teenage pain? Have we allowed teasing to go so far that kids feel tortured? We need to find a solution. Too many young people are mistreating others. Too many young people are ending their lives too early.
Sticks and stones will most definitely break bones. But what we are learning is that words can kill. Choose your words carefully. Hug your kids. Tell the people in your life you love them.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A Tale of Two Colleges
Once upon a time, a young girl, full of wonder, hopes and dreams, spent hours thinking about her future. She thought about getting married and having a family. She thought about the family growing up. She thought about her children's milestones. She thought about their first steps, first teeth, losing those teeth, riding a bike, first kisses, first heartbreaks, high school graduations, and heading to college.
What this young girl never thought about were road blocks. Or detours.
Once upon a more recent time, the young girl became an older woman. She had a young lady of her own. This young lady was filed with intelligence, determination and dreams. This young lady was named Morgan. She has a smile that was infectious. She had brains and beauty. She wanted it all and I could see no reason why she shouldn't have it all. Of course, this would make a weak story...
Morgan grew up quickly, even for a fairy tale. She suddenly turned 18 and was in her last year of high school. Her father had a good job. He worked hard to provide for the family. He worked so hard that his company thought he could be of better use in another town, all the way across the countryside from where his family currently resided. Now this little family was always up for an adventure! However, the timing of this adventure was tricky.
Morgan had spent much of her energy in the community. She wanted (and deserved) to be celebrated in this community for her high school graduation. Although Morgan is a friendly soul and makes new friends quickly, now was not the right time to do so. The move to a new village could jeopardize this celebration. This move also complicated the desire to go to college.
As you may know, college is a competitive market. There are many, many choices. Choosing a college has many factors. College size, male to female ratio, cost, location, and available studies need to be considered. Now, our fair maiden had chosen a college, a very good fit for her, in her current little countryside. It had everything she was looking for...but it was in the old countryside, not the new village. This perfect little college was now no longer a feasible choice.
While all this graduation and college thought was going on, the hard working king of the family had to move without his family to the new village. He established residency in the new village in an attempt to assist the fair maiden Morgan in choosing a college in the new village.
After some negotiating, list making, phone calls, video viewing and soul searching, the maiden decided to apply to two colleges in the new village. We will call them "Plan B" and "The Back-up Plan".
The Back-up Plan responded quickly to her application. They noticed her good grades and gave her a scholarship. Morgan was happy. Then we looked at a map and saw that The Back-up Plan was over the river and through the woods and then past the Troll bridge. It was at least a half day's journey from our new village. We also noticed that the Back-up Plan considered Morgan an outsider, not a member of the village, so they wanted to have her pay extra riches to attend.
At this point, the very loyal, very organized Queen, the mother of Morgan, sent a messenger to The Back-up Plan explaining the series of (unfortunate) events that had led us to the doors of The Back-up Plan. She explained how the King has been living in the village for quite some time even though his adoring family lived across the way, awaiting their home to be purchased by another beautiful family. The Back-up Plan was very kind. They were very helpful. They saw the predicament the young maiden was in and agreed to only take the typical amount of riches from a family from the village, not the inflated amount of riches from an outsider family. This brought a good deal of joy to the family.
Now, Plan B took longer to answer the maiden's application. In fact, it took several messengers and telegrams to get Plan B to respond at all. After what seemed like an entire harvest season, the maiden finally heard that Plan B was also interested in her attendance at their University. This was very good news! But, as happened previously, she soon realized that Plan B also wanted to charge her many more riches than the average villager because Plan B felt Morgan was an outsider.
The lovely Queen once again sent a messenger. She explained to Plan B the turmoil in the family's life. She explained the actions The Back-up Plan had taken. She hoped Plan B would be able to see the quandary surrounding this fair maiden and see that her family had taken every possible step to ensure the maiden would be a villager by the time classes started. Plan B was not so friendly. Plan B has lots of hoops and dances and paperwork that needed to be sorted out and worked through before they would consider investigating the family's plea to be considered a villager so that the fair maiden can attend Plan B. Have I yet mentioned that Plan B is where the young maiden would really like to go? Have I mentioned that Plan B is merely a hop, skip and a jump plus a rocks throw from the new village?
In the end,regardless of Plan B's decision, the fair maiden Morgan, her siblings, the hardworking King and the lovely Queen, will all live happily ever after. Morgan will still be attending college. We just don't know the distance she will need to travel and the extent of riches we will need to accumulate to get her there.
In this fairy tale we have learned that there is never a "right" time. That things worthwhile are never easy. That every detour and road block is a learning experience. Mostly we have considered how very much the lovely Queen will miss the fair maiden as she continues her journey towards her own dreams.
What this young girl never thought about were road blocks. Or detours.
Once upon a more recent time, the young girl became an older woman. She had a young lady of her own. This young lady was filed with intelligence, determination and dreams. This young lady was named Morgan. She has a smile that was infectious. She had brains and beauty. She wanted it all and I could see no reason why she shouldn't have it all. Of course, this would make a weak story...
Morgan grew up quickly, even for a fairy tale. She suddenly turned 18 and was in her last year of high school. Her father had a good job. He worked hard to provide for the family. He worked so hard that his company thought he could be of better use in another town, all the way across the countryside from where his family currently resided. Now this little family was always up for an adventure! However, the timing of this adventure was tricky.
Morgan had spent much of her energy in the community. She wanted (and deserved) to be celebrated in this community for her high school graduation. Although Morgan is a friendly soul and makes new friends quickly, now was not the right time to do so. The move to a new village could jeopardize this celebration. This move also complicated the desire to go to college.
As you may know, college is a competitive market. There are many, many choices. Choosing a college has many factors. College size, male to female ratio, cost, location, and available studies need to be considered. Now, our fair maiden had chosen a college, a very good fit for her, in her current little countryside. It had everything she was looking for...but it was in the old countryside, not the new village. This perfect little college was now no longer a feasible choice.
While all this graduation and college thought was going on, the hard working king of the family had to move without his family to the new village. He established residency in the new village in an attempt to assist the fair maiden Morgan in choosing a college in the new village.
After some negotiating, list making, phone calls, video viewing and soul searching, the maiden decided to apply to two colleges in the new village. We will call them "Plan B" and "The Back-up Plan".
The Back-up Plan responded quickly to her application. They noticed her good grades and gave her a scholarship. Morgan was happy. Then we looked at a map and saw that The Back-up Plan was over the river and through the woods and then past the Troll bridge. It was at least a half day's journey from our new village. We also noticed that the Back-up Plan considered Morgan an outsider, not a member of the village, so they wanted to have her pay extra riches to attend.
At this point, the very loyal, very organized Queen, the mother of Morgan, sent a messenger to The Back-up Plan explaining the series of (unfortunate) events that had led us to the doors of The Back-up Plan. She explained how the King has been living in the village for quite some time even though his adoring family lived across the way, awaiting their home to be purchased by another beautiful family. The Back-up Plan was very kind. They were very helpful. They saw the predicament the young maiden was in and agreed to only take the typical amount of riches from a family from the village, not the inflated amount of riches from an outsider family. This brought a good deal of joy to the family.
Now, Plan B took longer to answer the maiden's application. In fact, it took several messengers and telegrams to get Plan B to respond at all. After what seemed like an entire harvest season, the maiden finally heard that Plan B was also interested in her attendance at their University. This was very good news! But, as happened previously, she soon realized that Plan B also wanted to charge her many more riches than the average villager because Plan B felt Morgan was an outsider.
The lovely Queen once again sent a messenger. She explained to Plan B the turmoil in the family's life. She explained the actions The Back-up Plan had taken. She hoped Plan B would be able to see the quandary surrounding this fair maiden and see that her family had taken every possible step to ensure the maiden would be a villager by the time classes started. Plan B was not so friendly. Plan B has lots of hoops and dances and paperwork that needed to be sorted out and worked through before they would consider investigating the family's plea to be considered a villager so that the fair maiden can attend Plan B. Have I yet mentioned that Plan B is where the young maiden would really like to go? Have I mentioned that Plan B is merely a hop, skip and a jump plus a rocks throw from the new village?
In the end,regardless of Plan B's decision, the fair maiden Morgan, her siblings, the hardworking King and the lovely Queen, will all live happily ever after. Morgan will still be attending college. We just don't know the distance she will need to travel and the extent of riches we will need to accumulate to get her there.
In this fairy tale we have learned that there is never a "right" time. That things worthwhile are never easy. That every detour and road block is a learning experience. Mostly we have considered how very much the lovely Queen will miss the fair maiden as she continues her journey towards her own dreams.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Muppet Connection
Several years ago, my family decided to boycott large family Thanksgivings. The hassle of remembering which side of the family to visit, arranging eating around kids nap times, and dragging potty training kids to grandma's, lost all the festive, holiday spirit that was supposed to be involved in Thanksgiving. We instead made a turkey and all the trimmings with just our family of 5 (now 6).
We start our Thanksgiving day by watching the parade on T.V., then we go see a movie, then come home and start cooking. We started this about fifteen years ago. As the kids grew, sometimes we skipped the movie in favor of playing board games. Or sleeping, when they hit the teenage years. This year though, we went back to going out to a movie.
I heavily rallied to go see The Muppet Movie. I am a BIG fan of the Muppets, specifically, Miss Piggy. Fourteen years ago, my family went to Disney World and I saw Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog and had my photo taken with them. I cried. Real tears streamed down my face. I love Miss Piggy. I was the mother of three children, crying because I got to see Miss Piggy.
The movie today brought back a flood of memories; watching the Muppet Show with my dad (the John Denver "Grandma's Feather Bed" is a favorite), going to the premier of the first Muppet Movie, which happened when I was in 7th grade. I got all dressed up, including my first pair of pantyhose. I remember the excitement seeing Kermit ride that bike.
The new movie has all the regular cast of Muppets. It is about adult brothers who are the Muppets biggest fans. It could have starred me. I could have been the inspiration behind the movie. The one character passed out when Kermit said he was a personal friend. I understand that.
I watched the movie with a smile on my face. I danced to the music. I have to go get the soundtrack. I loved that the movie featured a song from the first movie (I got goosebumps when it started) and music from the 80's. It even had a rendition of a current chart topping song that made my 6 year old boogie in his seat.
I embarrassed my kids by laughing out loud (very loud) several times. Sometimes I was the only one laughing in the theatre. I wish I had gone to see the movie with my dad. I am sure he also laughed out loud. I thought the movie was delightful. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD.
We start our Thanksgiving day by watching the parade on T.V., then we go see a movie, then come home and start cooking. We started this about fifteen years ago. As the kids grew, sometimes we skipped the movie in favor of playing board games. Or sleeping, when they hit the teenage years. This year though, we went back to going out to a movie.
I heavily rallied to go see The Muppet Movie. I am a BIG fan of the Muppets, specifically, Miss Piggy. Fourteen years ago, my family went to Disney World and I saw Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog and had my photo taken with them. I cried. Real tears streamed down my face. I love Miss Piggy. I was the mother of three children, crying because I got to see Miss Piggy.
The movie today brought back a flood of memories; watching the Muppet Show with my dad (the John Denver "Grandma's Feather Bed" is a favorite), going to the premier of the first Muppet Movie, which happened when I was in 7th grade. I got all dressed up, including my first pair of pantyhose. I remember the excitement seeing Kermit ride that bike.
The new movie has all the regular cast of Muppets. It is about adult brothers who are the Muppets biggest fans. It could have starred me. I could have been the inspiration behind the movie. The one character passed out when Kermit said he was a personal friend. I understand that.
I watched the movie with a smile on my face. I danced to the music. I have to go get the soundtrack. I loved that the movie featured a song from the first movie (I got goosebumps when it started) and music from the 80's. It even had a rendition of a current chart topping song that made my 6 year old boogie in his seat.
I embarrassed my kids by laughing out loud (very loud) several times. Sometimes I was the only one laughing in the theatre. I wish I had gone to see the movie with my dad. I am sure he also laughed out loud. I thought the movie was delightful. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD.
Friday, October 21, 2011
A Man Walks Into A Bar...
You learn many things from your siblings. My brothers taught me how to swear (they just made me SO mad!) and to hide my bras (they showed all the neighbor kids). You learn how to take turns, be patient and how to collaborate in making your parents crazy. As adults, my brothers have become friends to me and my children. They have willing ears and sound advice.
I am anxious to see the relationships my kids will have as adults. I hope they will enjoy each others company. I hope they are important to each others spouses and children. I hope they come visit their mother all at the same time.
While I wait for them all to reach adulthood, which will be a LONG wait as I have a nearly six year old, I observe things they have learned from each other. My daughters talk fashion, accessorizing, hair and makeup. They argue often. They share a room so are learning valuable lessons in time management and personal space.
Some lessons are not so positive. For instance, once one kid decides they don't like potatoes, suddenly, no kids like potatoes. Well, until one smart kid realizes how they get props from mom for eating potatoes.
Siblings are also your first taste of competition. Kid #1 was not good at spelling, so kid #2 became an awesome speller. Kids #1 and 2 are not good at math, so kid #3 works very hard to be stellar in math. Good healthy sibling competition, good for the report card!
This all brings me to child #4. His siblings were 14, 12 and 9 years old when he was born. They have been singing and reading to him since he came home from the hospital. They play board games with him, so he understands rules, waiting your turn and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. OK, he needs some work on that last one. Because his siblings are so much older, he also knows how to cheat. Because he watches "Survivor" with his sister, he knows about alliances. He understands strategy and choosing the best teammate.
From his siblings, my youngest has learned lyrics to songs, jokes, pick up lines (His favorite is "Good thing I have a library card because I am checking you out.") and dance moves. He dresses and talks like a teenager. Sometimes it is so preciously cute. Other times it is rather scary. When he was three, he went to his well appointment at the doctor wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and flip-flops. Even the doctor laughed about his teenage influence. He cracks us up singing Justin Bieber, Maroon 5 and Katy Perry. He has learned incredible wit and comedic timing. He is not afraid to stand up for himself and throw a few insults your way. (Isn't that how we all deal with siblings?) It's just funny to see a (now) 6 year old and a near 20 year old arguing. For the record, the six year old usually throws such zingers at his older brother that the older brother concedes.
The most recent influence of older siblings came in this exchange:
Doug (the six year old) came home from school and said "Mr. Jones (the principal, whose name I changed for privacy) came into our class today and said 'You are my favorite afternoon kindergarten class.' I laughed because we are the ONLY afternoon kindergarten class. Mr. Jones said 'See, he gets it!' and it was funny."
After retelling the story a few times, Doug's older sibling influence is blatantly obvious. If he tells you the story now it goes like this:
"So, Mr. Jones walked into our class (dramatic pause) and said 'You are my favorite afternoon kindergarten class.' And it was funny because we are the only afternoon kindergarten class. Ba-dump-chhh"
Seriously, the kid is hilarious and every time he talks, or moves I see the influences of his siblings. It makes my heart so happy and makes me look forward to watching their growing relationships from siblings to (hopefully) friends.
By the way, the joke goes like this:
A man walks into a bar...and says "OW!" ba-dump-chhh!
I am anxious to see the relationships my kids will have as adults. I hope they will enjoy each others company. I hope they are important to each others spouses and children. I hope they come visit their mother all at the same time.
While I wait for them all to reach adulthood, which will be a LONG wait as I have a nearly six year old, I observe things they have learned from each other. My daughters talk fashion, accessorizing, hair and makeup. They argue often. They share a room so are learning valuable lessons in time management and personal space.
Some lessons are not so positive. For instance, once one kid decides they don't like potatoes, suddenly, no kids like potatoes. Well, until one smart kid realizes how they get props from mom for eating potatoes.
Siblings are also your first taste of competition. Kid #1 was not good at spelling, so kid #2 became an awesome speller. Kids #1 and 2 are not good at math, so kid #3 works very hard to be stellar in math. Good healthy sibling competition, good for the report card!
This all brings me to child #4. His siblings were 14, 12 and 9 years old when he was born. They have been singing and reading to him since he came home from the hospital. They play board games with him, so he understands rules, waiting your turn and sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. OK, he needs some work on that last one. Because his siblings are so much older, he also knows how to cheat. Because he watches "Survivor" with his sister, he knows about alliances. He understands strategy and choosing the best teammate.
From his siblings, my youngest has learned lyrics to songs, jokes, pick up lines (His favorite is "Good thing I have a library card because I am checking you out.") and dance moves. He dresses and talks like a teenager. Sometimes it is so preciously cute. Other times it is rather scary. When he was three, he went to his well appointment at the doctor wearing jeans, a sweatshirt and flip-flops. Even the doctor laughed about his teenage influence. He cracks us up singing Justin Bieber, Maroon 5 and Katy Perry. He has learned incredible wit and comedic timing. He is not afraid to stand up for himself and throw a few insults your way. (Isn't that how we all deal with siblings?) It's just funny to see a (now) 6 year old and a near 20 year old arguing. For the record, the six year old usually throws such zingers at his older brother that the older brother concedes.
The most recent influence of older siblings came in this exchange:
Doug (the six year old) came home from school and said "Mr. Jones (the principal, whose name I changed for privacy) came into our class today and said 'You are my favorite afternoon kindergarten class.' I laughed because we are the ONLY afternoon kindergarten class. Mr. Jones said 'See, he gets it!' and it was funny."
After retelling the story a few times, Doug's older sibling influence is blatantly obvious. If he tells you the story now it goes like this:
"So, Mr. Jones walked into our class (dramatic pause) and said 'You are my favorite afternoon kindergarten class.' And it was funny because we are the only afternoon kindergarten class. Ba-dump-chhh"
Seriously, the kid is hilarious and every time he talks, or moves I see the influences of his siblings. It makes my heart so happy and makes me look forward to watching their growing relationships from siblings to (hopefully) friends.
By the way, the joke goes like this:
A man walks into a bar...and says "OW!" ba-dump-chhh!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
An Hour With Doug
My youngest son, Doug, is nearly 6 years old. The time has sped by. He has three teenaged siblings who spend a great deal of time with him, so he has much more exposure to music, words, and other 'teenage' stuff than most six year olds. I have often said that I wished I videoed a day with him because he says such funny things. Things you would not expect a nearly six year old to say. Things that when I relate stories about him, I think are hard to believe actually happened.
Our house is up for sale. We had a showing today and needed to leave the house for an hour. Doug and I headed to Target. (Who can't waste an hour in Target?) This was how our hour went...
We passed a mom with a new baby in the cart. Doug oohed and ahhed. He LOVES babies. He said "We should have another baby. I know Dad said 'No', but we should have another baby. They are so cute and babies like me!" I tell him that we aren't having any more babies, that Dad doesn't want more and that I am getting too old. A few aisles later he says "How about when Dad dies, then you can have another baby because Dad won't be able to control what you do."
He rode on the bottom of the cart. I mean the underneath bottom, like where you put the pop cases. He laid down flat on his tummy and rode around the store. He said it was like a rollercoaster. I would normally never allow this, but I am stressed, and I just wanted to get through the store. People gave us a variety of looks. Some smiled, some scowled. Yeah, I know, my parenting skills are questionable. Now, imagine him riding like that in the cart, talking about when his dad dies we can have another baby. Did I mention yet that he only knows how to speak in a very loud voice?
As we get ready to leave, he wants to be the leader. Then we have to wait to leave without anybody else by us. I couldn't figure this out...UNTIL he puts his hands up, in a fashion similar to Yoda, and says "Open Sesame" and then the (automatic) doors open. He was so proud of himself. All the way to the car he explains how he just opened the doors with his powers. I ask him "How did you do that?" He says "A magician never reveals his secrets." Once we are in the car he asks "Do you really think I opened the doors? You know they open for everyone, right?" So I tell him that yes, I know the doors open for everyone, but that I thought the "Open Sesame" was fun. He says " You'd be pretty dumb if you thought I opened them by magic." To this I chuckle and say "Doug, I wish everyone could spend one day with you to see how funny you are." He answers with "Don't forget how smart and handsome I am too."
The CD in the car starts playing "Fat Bottom Girls". We both start singing along. Doug says "When they say 'Fat Bottom Girls' I point to you because you're a girl and you have a fat bottom. Do you think that's rude to say? 'Cause you really are a girl and your bottom is kinda fat."
He then switched topics to Halloween costumes. Thankfully we live close to Target, the conversation had definitely turned 'boyish'. He thinks he should be a rabbit for Halloween and leave a pile of raisins on people's porches. "Because rabbit poop looks like round raisins."
As he was reaching for the door handle to get out of the car he says "Hmm, I'm either becoming a real man, or there's dirt on my hand." WHAT? Apparently there was something on his hand that was either dirt, or "man hair" on his knuckles. It was probably grease from the wheels of the cart.
That was my hour with Doug. His conversations jump around. He makes many observations. He makes my heart happy and my head spin. In case you want to know, he isn't going to be a rabbit for Halloween. He is going to be a skunk. He wants me to look for 'fart perfume' to go with his costume.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
You Can't Stop the Beat
My very first concert was The Osmonds. I was crazy for Donny and Marie. I saved my babysitting money and bought tickets. My best friend and both our moms also went. We had floor seats. My friend and I had bought matching outfits to wear to the concert and we went to Magic Pan before hand for delicious crepes. Maybe I am mixing some of those events...maybe the matching outfits was for something else...I am old and my memories are getting condensed. Anyway, the concert was great! It was right after Donny Osmond's first child was born and they would flash random baby photos up on the big screen. I stood on my chair and screamed. That was seventh grade. I probably would behave pretty much the same if I saw the Osmonds in concert now.
I haven't been to many concerts. I love to go to them, they have great people watching. But, they are loud and crowded and expensive. I am thinking about the concerts I have been to and realize that the people I have seen live, didn't make the 30 Day Song Challenge. Interesting. I guess that is not entirely true...I have seen Garth Brooks, and Sugarland, and they made the Challenge cut. Now that I am sitting here thinking about concerts, I have been to more than I thought...I just haven't been for quite a long time! The Jets, Kool and the Gang, Janet Jackson, Starship, Night Ranger...Can you guess what decade I went to concerts? Then I started listening to country music...Randy Travis, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Lorrie Morgan. Then I had kids. I have seen Barney and Sesame Street Live! We also went to the Country Music Festival in Nashville a few years ago and saw loads of great acts. I can't wait to go to that again! I have managed to squeeze in a few Jimmy Buffet concerts too.
My son wanted to go to a Family Values Concert a few years ago. I told him to call my younger brother and ask him to go. I didn't think I could handle that. Way too much head banging music. So, my son and my brother went. They had a good time. They saw things that would have made the mom in me cringe. My son is now 19, he doesn't need an adult to drive him to concerts anymore. Of course, he doesn't listen to as much head banging stuff anymore either.
I ended the last blog with Day 16 of the 30 Day Challenge. I imagine you all had sleepless nights wondering how the remainder of the challenge was answered. The thing is, Day 17 is a song you hear often on the radio and I listen to so many different stations regularly that I don't have a good answer. I even asked my daughter "What song do I hear on the radio?" Seems silly for me not to know, but the truth is, aside from listening to a big variety of stations, I also typically have a very chatty 5 year old in the car with me so the music is background music. Or, I have teenage daughters in the car who have their ipods plugged into the car radio. Or, on the rare occasion I am in the car alone, I turn the radio off. As much as I love music, sometimes I just need to have silence. When I listen to music in the house, it is rarely the radio, usually I listen to a cd or my ipod.
Day 18- a song that you wish you heard on the radio. I love the soundtrack to Chicago. My favorite song is Roxie. So, that is my final answer. I wish I heard Roxie on the radio.
Day 19- a song from your favorite album- This Love by Maroon 5. The album is Songs About Jane. I saw a thing on T.V. about Maroon 5 once and how they were this up and coming band. A few days later I was at a friends house and her younger brother said "You have to hear this" and it was Maroon 5. I went out and bought the cd the next day. It's best listened to loud.
Day 20-a song you listen to when you're angry. Well, I guess when I'm angry I would want to listen to something fun to make me un-angry. Something that would make me smile. Raise Your Glass by P!nk, Pray for You by Jaron and the Long Road and Good to Mama by Queen Latifah (from Chicago) are all songs that I like to sing and make me smile. They also all make the cut for my running soundtrack.
I think we have pretty much established that I like music. The next couple days cover songs you listen to when you're happy, when you're sad. When I'm happy I can listen to about any song. When I'm sad, and I want to stay sad, I would listen to Feel My Love by Garth Brooks or Woman's Work by Kate Bush. They are mellow songs that could keep you down if you're down. Woman's Work was in the movie She's Having a Baby with Kevin Bacon. The scene they use the song in makes my husband cry...and he rarely cries. Good use of music in a movie.
When I got married my husband and I danced to I believe in Love by Don Williams for our first dance. I swear the dj used the extended version and that the song played for 10 minutes. I would encourage all engaged people to take dance lessons before their first dance. It will make extended songs much more bearable. Day 23's challenge is a song you want(ed) played at your wedding. I married someone with the last name Green. I really, REALLY wanted to dance to Kermit the Frog singing It's Not East Being Green, but the dj said he couldn't find it. Pfffttt! It would have been awesome.
Day 24- a song you want played at your funeral. How about this...songs I DON'T want played at my funeral...Ding Dong the Witch is Dead. Or Celebration by Kool and the Gang.
I don't know about songs at my funeral...do I want something upbeat, to celebrate my life? Do I want something like Holes in the Floor of Heaven by Steve Wariner or Lorrie Morgan's If You Came Back from Heaven? Or, do I want to stick with my families traditional Silent Night? No really, for some reason, at my uncle's funeral, the family all belted out Silent Night. It was beautiful really, but I can't hear the song at Midnight Mass without crying.
Day 25- a song that makes you laugh. My son does a pretty good rendition of Baby by Justin Beiber. His new song is Moves like Jagger by Maroon 5. His performances make me laugh. I also find Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off by Joe Nichols and You Don't Have To Take Your Clothes Off by Jermaine Stewart
kind of funny. Again, if a psychologist reviewed my choices in songs I am probably sending some pretty strong messages. This time it must be that to me nudity is funny.
For this next song, I wish I had prepared an audio clip. A song you can play on an instrument. I can play Heart and Soul on the piano, and The Saints Go Marching In and The Entertainer on the clarinet. I really wish I had prepared a performance for you. The next challenge is a song you WISH you could play. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's would be awesome if I could play it on the guitar. Actually, I would love to play any song on the guitar. I imagine sitting around a campfire playing and singing. Or maybe in a classroom filled with little kids playing Skip To My Lou. I would love to play the guitar. I would also love to be able to sing (well) And I am Telling You ala Jennifer Hudson. My family wishes that too. In the meantime, I'll just keep practicing.
Day 28- a song that makes you feel guilty. Martina McBride's This Ones for the Girls. There is a line about the laugh lines on your face making you who you are...blah, blah, blah. The laugh lines on my face make me feel old. They make me look old. I don't like them. I do suppose that laugh lines are better to have than frown lines though.
Day 29-a song from your childhood. I love the song Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head by B.J. Thomas. I don't know why I like it or when it was introduced to me, but I remember the song. I even had a wind up music box with the song playing in it. I still sing it if I go outside on a rainy day, which happens much more frequently here in Pittsburgh than it did in Denver.
Day 30-your favorite song from this time last year. I suspect someone young wrote this challenge. I don't remember what I had a few nights ago for dinner. I sometimes forget to cook dinner until the kids complain. A song from a year ago? Ha! I googled 'Top songs of 2010'. Out of the top 10, I recognized two songs as being ones I liked and sang. California Girls by Katy Perry and Need You Now by Lady Antebellum. My 5 year old sings both of these well.
This concludes the 30 day song challenge. Hooray! It would be interesting to take some of the days challenges and repeat them every few years to see how much your taste in music grows and changes. I am clearly stuck pretty solidly in the 80's , or in country music. I already realize I didn't mention Carrie Underwood at all. Too bad. Her songs Last Name and Before He Cheats are fun. More of those tough broad songs.
As you drive around town with the girl/guy you love, look for love in all the wrong places, go 'round the cobbler's bench, or whatever else you do today, make it a good day. And turn up the radio!
I haven't been to many concerts. I love to go to them, they have great people watching. But, they are loud and crowded and expensive. I am thinking about the concerts I have been to and realize that the people I have seen live, didn't make the 30 Day Song Challenge. Interesting. I guess that is not entirely true...I have seen Garth Brooks, and Sugarland, and they made the Challenge cut. Now that I am sitting here thinking about concerts, I have been to more than I thought...I just haven't been for quite a long time! The Jets, Kool and the Gang, Janet Jackson, Starship, Night Ranger...Can you guess what decade I went to concerts? Then I started listening to country music...Randy Travis, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Lorrie Morgan. Then I had kids. I have seen Barney and Sesame Street Live! We also went to the Country Music Festival in Nashville a few years ago and saw loads of great acts. I can't wait to go to that again! I have managed to squeeze in a few Jimmy Buffet concerts too.
My son wanted to go to a Family Values Concert a few years ago. I told him to call my younger brother and ask him to go. I didn't think I could handle that. Way too much head banging music. So, my son and my brother went. They had a good time. They saw things that would have made the mom in me cringe. My son is now 19, he doesn't need an adult to drive him to concerts anymore. Of course, he doesn't listen to as much head banging stuff anymore either.
I ended the last blog with Day 16 of the 30 Day Challenge. I imagine you all had sleepless nights wondering how the remainder of the challenge was answered. The thing is, Day 17 is a song you hear often on the radio and I listen to so many different stations regularly that I don't have a good answer. I even asked my daughter "What song do I hear on the radio?" Seems silly for me not to know, but the truth is, aside from listening to a big variety of stations, I also typically have a very chatty 5 year old in the car with me so the music is background music. Or, I have teenage daughters in the car who have their ipods plugged into the car radio. Or, on the rare occasion I am in the car alone, I turn the radio off. As much as I love music, sometimes I just need to have silence. When I listen to music in the house, it is rarely the radio, usually I listen to a cd or my ipod.
Day 18- a song that you wish you heard on the radio. I love the soundtrack to Chicago. My favorite song is Roxie. So, that is my final answer. I wish I heard Roxie on the radio.
Day 19- a song from your favorite album- This Love by Maroon 5. The album is Songs About Jane. I saw a thing on T.V. about Maroon 5 once and how they were this up and coming band. A few days later I was at a friends house and her younger brother said "You have to hear this" and it was Maroon 5. I went out and bought the cd the next day. It's best listened to loud.
Day 20-a song you listen to when you're angry. Well, I guess when I'm angry I would want to listen to something fun to make me un-angry. Something that would make me smile. Raise Your Glass by P!nk, Pray for You by Jaron and the Long Road and Good to Mama by Queen Latifah (from Chicago) are all songs that I like to sing and make me smile. They also all make the cut for my running soundtrack.
I think we have pretty much established that I like music. The next couple days cover songs you listen to when you're happy, when you're sad. When I'm happy I can listen to about any song. When I'm sad, and I want to stay sad, I would listen to Feel My Love by Garth Brooks or Woman's Work by Kate Bush. They are mellow songs that could keep you down if you're down. Woman's Work was in the movie She's Having a Baby with Kevin Bacon. The scene they use the song in makes my husband cry...and he rarely cries. Good use of music in a movie.
When I got married my husband and I danced to I believe in Love by Don Williams for our first dance. I swear the dj used the extended version and that the song played for 10 minutes. I would encourage all engaged people to take dance lessons before their first dance. It will make extended songs much more bearable. Day 23's challenge is a song you want(ed) played at your wedding. I married someone with the last name Green. I really, REALLY wanted to dance to Kermit the Frog singing It's Not East Being Green, but the dj said he couldn't find it. Pfffttt! It would have been awesome.
Day 24- a song you want played at your funeral. How about this...songs I DON'T want played at my funeral...Ding Dong the Witch is Dead. Or Celebration by Kool and the Gang.
I don't know about songs at my funeral...do I want something upbeat, to celebrate my life? Do I want something like Holes in the Floor of Heaven by Steve Wariner or Lorrie Morgan's If You Came Back from Heaven? Or, do I want to stick with my families traditional Silent Night? No really, for some reason, at my uncle's funeral, the family all belted out Silent Night. It was beautiful really, but I can't hear the song at Midnight Mass without crying.
Day 25- a song that makes you laugh. My son does a pretty good rendition of Baby by Justin Beiber. His new song is Moves like Jagger by Maroon 5. His performances make me laugh. I also find Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off by Joe Nichols and You Don't Have To Take Your Clothes Off by Jermaine Stewart
kind of funny. Again, if a psychologist reviewed my choices in songs I am probably sending some pretty strong messages. This time it must be that to me nudity is funny.
For this next song, I wish I had prepared an audio clip. A song you can play on an instrument. I can play Heart and Soul on the piano, and The Saints Go Marching In and The Entertainer on the clarinet. I really wish I had prepared a performance for you. The next challenge is a song you WISH you could play. Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's would be awesome if I could play it on the guitar. Actually, I would love to play any song on the guitar. I imagine sitting around a campfire playing and singing. Or maybe in a classroom filled with little kids playing Skip To My Lou. I would love to play the guitar. I would also love to be able to sing (well) And I am Telling You ala Jennifer Hudson. My family wishes that too. In the meantime, I'll just keep practicing.
Day 28- a song that makes you feel guilty. Martina McBride's This Ones for the Girls. There is a line about the laugh lines on your face making you who you are...blah, blah, blah. The laugh lines on my face make me feel old. They make me look old. I don't like them. I do suppose that laugh lines are better to have than frown lines though.
Day 29-a song from your childhood. I love the song Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head by B.J. Thomas. I don't know why I like it or when it was introduced to me, but I remember the song. I even had a wind up music box with the song playing in it. I still sing it if I go outside on a rainy day, which happens much more frequently here in Pittsburgh than it did in Denver.
Day 30-your favorite song from this time last year. I suspect someone young wrote this challenge. I don't remember what I had a few nights ago for dinner. I sometimes forget to cook dinner until the kids complain. A song from a year ago? Ha! I googled 'Top songs of 2010'. Out of the top 10, I recognized two songs as being ones I liked and sang. California Girls by Katy Perry and Need You Now by Lady Antebellum. My 5 year old sings both of these well.
This concludes the 30 day song challenge. Hooray! It would be interesting to take some of the days challenges and repeat them every few years to see how much your taste in music grows and changes. I am clearly stuck pretty solidly in the 80's , or in country music. I already realize I didn't mention Carrie Underwood at all. Too bad. Her songs Last Name and Before He Cheats are fun. More of those tough broad songs.
As you drive around town with the girl/guy you love, look for love in all the wrong places, go 'round the cobbler's bench, or whatever else you do today, make it a good day. And turn up the radio!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Music Makes the World Go 'Round
There is always music playing at our house.The older kids have ipods, and stereos. We have a thing-a-ma-jig in the car to hook your ipod into so that you can listen to it in the car. We even have radios in the bathrooms. Sometimes, the music just plays in my head and nobody else can hear it. Often, someone in the house is singing. Always, there is singing in the car...unless my husband is also in the car.
My ipod is full. It has 6500 songs on it. When I want to put new music on it, I have to delete songs. I have a huge variety of music on my ipod. I have oldies, country, 80's (It really is it's own genre isn't it?). I have children's music like Barney, Backyardigans and Laurie Berkner. I have enough Christmas music to listen to a different song for 3 entire days. I even have some rap/crap thanks to my daughters. Those are usually my 'go-to' songs when I need to delete something to make room for something new...usually from GLEE.
Someone on facebook passed around this 30 Day Song Challenge. The idea was to post a different song every day for 30 days. Each day there was a different category, or topic, or question to answer. I started doing the challenge, but burned out quickly because I figured it was quite dull for others to read my boring, fairly mainstream taste in music. Actually, it was just too hard for me to post a song without some background. Some songs just carry loads of memories, or at least a story. Anyway, I gave up on the 30 day challenge. But, I thought it would make a nice blog. I mean who doesn't want to read all about why I like certain songs? It will make such riveting reading!
Day One of the challenge was a toughy. "Your favorite song". How do you pick your favorite? I have several favorites. I actually think one song is my favorite, then hear another one and think, "Oh yeah, that's my favorite!" Favorite is tough. I settled on Respect by Aretha Franklin or I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. If a psychologist evaluated that, I think it probably says something about me. Perhaps I yearn to be a tough broad.
Day Two is easy...least favorite song...If I Die Young by The Band Perry. It may have a beautiful melody, but I do not want to think about people dying young. It creeps me out. The lyrics say"If I die young, bury me in silence, lay me down on a bed of roses." When my daughters sing the song, I change the lyrics and sing loudly to "If you die young, your mama would cry so hard, she'll lie down and cry for da-ays". Someone said I should think about how you can be viewed young at any age. I don't buy that. The song is creepy.
Day Three. A song that makes you happy. Mostly, listening to music makes me happy. Especially listening to GOOD music, loud, while dancing. Even happier if you are cooking or cleaning or with friends and family. So, if I had to pick a song that makes me happy, I would pick What If I Loved You by Joey Gian. It's kind of big band type music.
A song that makes you sad is Day Four's challenge. Another easy one...Trace Adkins' song you're Gonna Miss This. I was not really a Trace Adkins fan. I find him too raunchy for my taste. I am also not a long hair on men fan. But, Trace Adkins was on Celebrity Apprentice and he appears to have a good heart. Then he sang this song. I honestly teared up. I will miss all the chaos kids bring. Even the bad days, the ones you are up all night with pukey kids. I will miss it.
Day Five is when I stopped the challenge on facebook. A song that reminds you of someone. For me that song is Hello by Lionel Ritchie. It reminds me of the guy I dated in high school. For my birthday, he gave me flowers with a card that said "Hello, is it me you're looking for?" To this day I think that is still the most romantic thing a guy has ever given me. Of course, I messed this up. He had purchased tickets to see Lionel Ritchie on my birthday, but I broke up with him to date someone else, who later dumped me. Isn't high school fun? The romantic guy and I did get back together for awhile...then he went away to college and I moved far, far away. It's amazing how many times your heart can break and heal.
It's a Small World is the answer. What was the question? A song that reminds you of somewhere. My second answer would be Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger. I love that song. (Not enough to be my favorite). I ripped off a toe nail dancing to that song once. I had on white Keds and was dancing like crazy and next thing I know, blood is soaking through my shoe. Still, a great time.
A song that reminds you of a certain event is the challenge for Day 7. Aren't there several songs that can place you back to a certain event? I chose three songs. I just couldn't pick one over the other. They are all fantastic memories. You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall and Oates was the song for senior kick line on pom pom in high school. I can remember practicing. I can remember performing. I can remember people saying they couldn't believe how high I kicked. (It was the adrenaline.) I can remember it all with fondness.
At my closest high school friends wedding I got up on stage and sang Friends In Low Places (by Garth Brooks) acapella. The band at her wedding didn't play any country music the whole night. So I made my own...with the microphone...on stage. That was one fun night. I mean a REALLY fun night.
The other song that takes me to a certain moment is 1999 by Prince. During the musicals in high school, we would all be back in the makeup room with that song blaring. 1999 seemed so far away at that time (1985!). I was surrounded by people I adored. Also, it was due to a Prince concert and a bet that I even got back together with romantic boyfriend. Yep, good memories that launch me back in time with that song!
Gretchen Wilson may end up as a one hit wonder, but she is the singer of Redneck Woman...a song I know all the words to. If I ever get to go sing karaoke, that is the song I want to sing. I have even practiced my dance moves. Am I a redneck woman? No. But I would say I have certain redneck tendencies... I also know all the words to Patsy Cline's Crazy. I love to sing it at the top of my lungs in the car. Or the shower. But I would NOT sing that for karaoke. You are welcome.
Day Nine is a song you can dance to. Wait. You mean there are songs you can't dance to? Interesting. The Hokey Pokey? Cotton Eyed Joe? Electric Slide? Macarena? I don't know...I dance to everything. Just don't look when I try to dance to rap...I am a white girl and while I have moves, they are not rap dance moves. I have junk in my trunk, but not rap suitable junk. I have the rhythm, but not the blues. I could be in the movie, "White Girls Can't Dance." But, I do get an 'A' for effort, and joy received from dancing.
Day Ten..wow, this is long. Perhaps this will be a three part blog. Keeping readers attention, that is the challenge! Appropriately, the song is one that makes you fall asleep. Hmm. Could we put this blog to music? I chose Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World. I also find Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole quite soothing and relaxing.
Day 11- a song from your favorite band. Harder to Breathe by Maroon 5. Day 12- a song from a band you hate. Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy by Big and Rich. Yuck to the song and the band. Day 13- a song that is a guilty pleasure. Younger Men by K.T. Oslin and Hillbilly Bone by Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton. Oh how I enjoy those songs! I sing, and dance and have a big old smile on my face. If those songs pop up on my ipod I repeat them several times. They are also on my playlists when I run. Good songs.OK, they probably aren't good songs, but they are fun to listen to.
I enjoy My Chemical Romance's song Teenagers and Reliant K's song Sadie Hawkins Dance. (Day 14- a song that no one would expect you to love) Their songs are a surprise even to me. I think they pop up in the alternative genre, but I do like them. Surprise!
Day 15- a song that describes you. Short People (Randy Newman), Good Golly Miss Molly (Little Richard) and Goody Two Shoes (Adam Ant). Was that too obvious? Should I have looked for a deeper meaning?
I used to listen to Soak up the Sun by Sheryl Crow all the time. We had even changed the lyrics to use for our answering machine for a while. Now, the song irritates me. (Day 16, a song that you used to love but now hate)
OK, I will finish this later. The dryer is beckoning me. The good news is it's time to crank up the music, and dance while I fold.
My ipod is full. It has 6500 songs on it. When I want to put new music on it, I have to delete songs. I have a huge variety of music on my ipod. I have oldies, country, 80's (It really is it's own genre isn't it?). I have children's music like Barney, Backyardigans and Laurie Berkner. I have enough Christmas music to listen to a different song for 3 entire days. I even have some rap/crap thanks to my daughters. Those are usually my 'go-to' songs when I need to delete something to make room for something new...usually from GLEE.
Someone on facebook passed around this 30 Day Song Challenge. The idea was to post a different song every day for 30 days. Each day there was a different category, or topic, or question to answer. I started doing the challenge, but burned out quickly because I figured it was quite dull for others to read my boring, fairly mainstream taste in music. Actually, it was just too hard for me to post a song without some background. Some songs just carry loads of memories, or at least a story. Anyway, I gave up on the 30 day challenge. But, I thought it would make a nice blog. I mean who doesn't want to read all about why I like certain songs? It will make such riveting reading!
Day One of the challenge was a toughy. "Your favorite song". How do you pick your favorite? I have several favorites. I actually think one song is my favorite, then hear another one and think, "Oh yeah, that's my favorite!" Favorite is tough. I settled on Respect by Aretha Franklin or I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. If a psychologist evaluated that, I think it probably says something about me. Perhaps I yearn to be a tough broad.
Day Two is easy...least favorite song...If I Die Young by The Band Perry. It may have a beautiful melody, but I do not want to think about people dying young. It creeps me out. The lyrics say"If I die young, bury me in silence, lay me down on a bed of roses." When my daughters sing the song, I change the lyrics and sing loudly to "If you die young, your mama would cry so hard, she'll lie down and cry for da-ays". Someone said I should think about how you can be viewed young at any age. I don't buy that. The song is creepy.
Day Three. A song that makes you happy. Mostly, listening to music makes me happy. Especially listening to GOOD music, loud, while dancing. Even happier if you are cooking or cleaning or with friends and family. So, if I had to pick a song that makes me happy, I would pick What If I Loved You by Joey Gian. It's kind of big band type music.
A song that makes you sad is Day Four's challenge. Another easy one...Trace Adkins' song you're Gonna Miss This. I was not really a Trace Adkins fan. I find him too raunchy for my taste. I am also not a long hair on men fan. But, Trace Adkins was on Celebrity Apprentice and he appears to have a good heart. Then he sang this song. I honestly teared up. I will miss all the chaos kids bring. Even the bad days, the ones you are up all night with pukey kids. I will miss it.
Day Five is when I stopped the challenge on facebook. A song that reminds you of someone. For me that song is Hello by Lionel Ritchie. It reminds me of the guy I dated in high school. For my birthday, he gave me flowers with a card that said "Hello, is it me you're looking for?" To this day I think that is still the most romantic thing a guy has ever given me. Of course, I messed this up. He had purchased tickets to see Lionel Ritchie on my birthday, but I broke up with him to date someone else, who later dumped me. Isn't high school fun? The romantic guy and I did get back together for awhile...then he went away to college and I moved far, far away. It's amazing how many times your heart can break and heal.
It's a Small World is the answer. What was the question? A song that reminds you of somewhere. My second answer would be Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger. I love that song. (Not enough to be my favorite). I ripped off a toe nail dancing to that song once. I had on white Keds and was dancing like crazy and next thing I know, blood is soaking through my shoe. Still, a great time.
A song that reminds you of a certain event is the challenge for Day 7. Aren't there several songs that can place you back to a certain event? I chose three songs. I just couldn't pick one over the other. They are all fantastic memories. You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall and Oates was the song for senior kick line on pom pom in high school. I can remember practicing. I can remember performing. I can remember people saying they couldn't believe how high I kicked. (It was the adrenaline.) I can remember it all with fondness.
At my closest high school friends wedding I got up on stage and sang Friends In Low Places (by Garth Brooks) acapella. The band at her wedding didn't play any country music the whole night. So I made my own...with the microphone...on stage. That was one fun night. I mean a REALLY fun night.
The other song that takes me to a certain moment is 1999 by Prince. During the musicals in high school, we would all be back in the makeup room with that song blaring. 1999 seemed so far away at that time (1985!). I was surrounded by people I adored. Also, it was due to a Prince concert and a bet that I even got back together with romantic boyfriend. Yep, good memories that launch me back in time with that song!
Gretchen Wilson may end up as a one hit wonder, but she is the singer of Redneck Woman...a song I know all the words to. If I ever get to go sing karaoke, that is the song I want to sing. I have even practiced my dance moves. Am I a redneck woman? No. But I would say I have certain redneck tendencies... I also know all the words to Patsy Cline's Crazy. I love to sing it at the top of my lungs in the car. Or the shower. But I would NOT sing that for karaoke. You are welcome.
Day Nine is a song you can dance to. Wait. You mean there are songs you can't dance to? Interesting. The Hokey Pokey? Cotton Eyed Joe? Electric Slide? Macarena? I don't know...I dance to everything. Just don't look when I try to dance to rap...I am a white girl and while I have moves, they are not rap dance moves. I have junk in my trunk, but not rap suitable junk. I have the rhythm, but not the blues. I could be in the movie, "White Girls Can't Dance." But, I do get an 'A' for effort, and joy received from dancing.
Day Ten..wow, this is long. Perhaps this will be a three part blog. Keeping readers attention, that is the challenge! Appropriately, the song is one that makes you fall asleep. Hmm. Could we put this blog to music? I chose Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World. I also find Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole quite soothing and relaxing.
Day 11- a song from your favorite band. Harder to Breathe by Maroon 5. Day 12- a song from a band you hate. Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy by Big and Rich. Yuck to the song and the band. Day 13- a song that is a guilty pleasure. Younger Men by K.T. Oslin and Hillbilly Bone by Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton. Oh how I enjoy those songs! I sing, and dance and have a big old smile on my face. If those songs pop up on my ipod I repeat them several times. They are also on my playlists when I run. Good songs.OK, they probably aren't good songs, but they are fun to listen to.
I enjoy My Chemical Romance's song Teenagers and Reliant K's song Sadie Hawkins Dance. (Day 14- a song that no one would expect you to love) Their songs are a surprise even to me. I think they pop up in the alternative genre, but I do like them. Surprise!
Day 15- a song that describes you. Short People (Randy Newman), Good Golly Miss Molly (Little Richard) and Goody Two Shoes (Adam Ant). Was that too obvious? Should I have looked for a deeper meaning?
I used to listen to Soak up the Sun by Sheryl Crow all the time. We had even changed the lyrics to use for our answering machine for a while. Now, the song irritates me. (Day 16, a song that you used to love but now hate)
OK, I will finish this later. The dryer is beckoning me. The good news is it's time to crank up the music, and dance while I fold.
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