I shared this story with a friend at lunch today and thought it would make a wonderful blog entry. As many of you know, my husband is a police officer. A few weeks ago, his buddy responded to a call for an attempted rape in a downtown Indianapolis neighborhood. A young woman apparently got a call from this guy (on his cell phone) and said the police are outside looking at her car because it was hit while parked and the person fled the scene. She comes out of her apartment to check it out. He is standing just outside the door and he grabs her around the neck. He pushes her back inside and throws her down on the floor. Fortunately, her sister is there with her and comes out, scaring the guy off.
When the police arrive, she says she recognizes him and knows he lives in the area. She says she also knows he is on the sex offender registry website. Note to self: reason number one to study the sex offender registry for the area. Apparently, this guy who is a registered sex offender and was charged with an A-Felony rape in 1993 and received a 30-year conviction was released on parole less than a year ago.
The chase is on for the cops, searching for him to charge him with residential entry, confinement and battery. They do everything on their end to find this guy. There are warrants issued, conversations with his parole officer, extra patrols, etc. This is a big hit for a cop-they all want to catch this idiot. But, no luck.
Then, one day a few weeks ago, my husband's buddy who originally responded to the case hears on the radio that two people were killed in a car accident overnight and State Police are having a hard time locating next of kin. They give their names. It's the suspect and his girlfriend! So, he calls the State Police to fill them in and confirm its the same guy. It is confirmed.
Here is where the story gets good. They were driving (fleeing) to southern Indiana and their car crossed the median of a divided highway. They struck a tanker truck head-on. The truck driver was fine, but the other two were dead on the scene. Alcohol certainly appears to have been a factor, but upon further investigation by the police, it appears as if he was enjoying a little "road hummer" when the accident happened. No lie here--his dick was in her mouth on impact and, well...she bit it off. It's true. It isn't in the news reports, but it's true. Disgusting, sure. But, poetic justice, defined.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The Lion Killer
Okay, here is Samuel's outfit yesterday. This is not a get-up for the camera. He played like this from about 1PM until after 7PM. Here he is as he is playing lions with Phillip and their friend Mia. Phillip and Mia are the lions and Sam is the poacher. His sword as he told us, is "a lion-killer."
Massive Email Issues
Something is seriously wrong with my email and it is hardly functioning. This is a totally disaster for someone like me who LIVES through email for both work and personal communication. Any of my friends will tell you, "I hate to call you..." They all think I am so busy (which I guess I am) that they hate to call the house--so they email (yeah, all three or so of them). So, right now, I am just trying to accept what I cannot control and get by until the tech arrives sometime today (between 8-12). Wouldn't it be great if I could tell MY clients, "yeah, we can meet that day, I will be there some time between 8-12." Oh, the luxuries of a monopoly (I know what you are thinking, there are other providers than mine--okay, fine--the luxuries of an oligopoly).
Here is my day on Monday.
6:15 AM Search on Microsoft's site for a possible solution. I think I find one, print out the steps, try to implement the steps, doesn't work (on many levels).
6:45 AM Try to reach husband to have him contact his techy cop buddy who has helped me before to come over right away to help.
7:30 AM Finally page Jeff to reach him to call tech buddy. He agrees to call him.
8:30 AM Run a Virus Scan. Find three infected files and delete.
10:00AM Still haven't heard back from Jeff's buddy. Decide I must move forward with getting it fixed. Did I mention I have a huge federal grant due in about 24 hours from this point?
10:15 AM I get so frustrated, I decide to call Microsoft (it's happening in Outlook). Search on the web for number. Call--they say, that is a Dell issue because they alter the software when they install it, so call Dell.
10:30 AM I call Dell. I am triaged and sold a service package. At this point, I will pay anything to speak to a tech. But, my question was does my $219 annual service package get me English-speakers (and I am referring to ENGLISH speakers here, not learned the call interface manual in English during job training). Yes..yes...they say. Great, I will pay it. Then, she says, well there is also a call center in Thailand. It will either be Canada or Thailand.
10:35 AM I get a Dell tech who is in Canada. A native English-speaker. I occasionally heard an "eah" but I can easily translate that! He takes over the controls of my computer, which is great because this is such a weird problem, none one quite understands it when I describe it. We go through everything...I MEAN EVERYTHING. The 3-hours kind of everything. Cannot fix it. He is totally convinced it is an SBC issue with their server. He says I need to call them, very apologetically. I like this new Dell service package.
1:15 PM I call SBC. Can you see your email if you use the internet instead of Outlook, they ask. Yes, I can. Oh, then this is a Microsoft issue. Here is the number. I call it. It has been disconnected. It leaves a new number, which I call and enter a maze of prompts (of course). I get triaged again. And, again I have to buy the support. Fine. $35. Fine. But, their credit card processor malfunctions and he says, oh I will give it to you for free. Did you hear that, everybody Free and Microsoft in the same sentence FREE/MICROSOFT.
1:25 PM I talk to a very slow typing Microsoft technician. Steve (native English-speaker) is convinced early on that this is a server issue and is on SBC's end. Steve recreates my exact email account on his machine and gets the same error message. So, he says that eliminates the potential that it is a virus, spyware or anything else other than something wrong on SBC's end. Did I mention Steve was also a native English speaker?! Going to have to call SBC again he says. He explains to me that just because I can see my email on the web, doesn't mean there isn't something wrong. HE says they are two different servers.
2:30 PM I call SBC. Triaged again. Reach a tech, who is NOT a native English speaker and obviously just learned English during their on the job training for this job. Great, fine. At this point, if they can fix the problem, I don't care. It just might take more time because I have to have them repeat their instructions at least three times each time they open their mouth. This doesn't go so good. We start with "Unplug the modem." Okay, I have been on the phone with tech people for nearly four hours now. Don't you think we have already eliminated this kind of stuff? So, after an hour she says, this is a Microsoft problem. I say I won't accept that answer. She said, do you need a manager and I say yes.
3:45PM The manager gets on the phone (after holding for about six minutes) and I explain my frustration and the nature of my problem. He says, "Okay. Unplugg your modem and wait two minutes." I about died. I said, "I don't mean any disrespect here, but I have been working with technicians from three different companies for more than five hours--you name it, we have tried it." So, he agrees to reset all of my passwords. Still doesn't fix the problem. Finally, I request a human. Okay, he said but if when he gets there, he determines it is not our responsibility--that it is not related to the lines (which, come on, what are the odds they will say--yeah, it's all our fault), you could incur charges. Of how much, I asked. A minimum of $60 for a service call. Delighted, I say sounds good to me.
4:30PM Finished. All I can do now is wait for the tech.
4:45PM Start working since I have been on the phone literally all day.
11:30PM Finish my work and head to bed so I can get up at 5:30AM and start a new day.
Here is my day on Monday.
6:15 AM Search on Microsoft's site for a possible solution. I think I find one, print out the steps, try to implement the steps, doesn't work (on many levels).
6:45 AM Try to reach husband to have him contact his techy cop buddy who has helped me before to come over right away to help.
7:30 AM Finally page Jeff to reach him to call tech buddy. He agrees to call him.
8:30 AM Run a Virus Scan. Find three infected files and delete.
10:00AM Still haven't heard back from Jeff's buddy. Decide I must move forward with getting it fixed. Did I mention I have a huge federal grant due in about 24 hours from this point?
10:15 AM I get so frustrated, I decide to call Microsoft (it's happening in Outlook). Search on the web for number. Call--they say, that is a Dell issue because they alter the software when they install it, so call Dell.
10:30 AM I call Dell. I am triaged and sold a service package. At this point, I will pay anything to speak to a tech. But, my question was does my $219 annual service package get me English-speakers (and I am referring to ENGLISH speakers here, not learned the call interface manual in English during job training). Yes..yes...they say. Great, I will pay it. Then, she says, well there is also a call center in Thailand. It will either be Canada or Thailand.
10:35 AM I get a Dell tech who is in Canada. A native English-speaker. I occasionally heard an "eah" but I can easily translate that! He takes over the controls of my computer, which is great because this is such a weird problem, none one quite understands it when I describe it. We go through everything...I MEAN EVERYTHING. The 3-hours kind of everything. Cannot fix it. He is totally convinced it is an SBC issue with their server. He says I need to call them, very apologetically. I like this new Dell service package.
1:15 PM I call SBC. Can you see your email if you use the internet instead of Outlook, they ask. Yes, I can. Oh, then this is a Microsoft issue. Here is the number. I call it. It has been disconnected. It leaves a new number, which I call and enter a maze of prompts (of course). I get triaged again. And, again I have to buy the support. Fine. $35. Fine. But, their credit card processor malfunctions and he says, oh I will give it to you for free. Did you hear that, everybody Free and Microsoft in the same sentence FREE/MICROSOFT.
1:25 PM I talk to a very slow typing Microsoft technician. Steve (native English-speaker) is convinced early on that this is a server issue and is on SBC's end. Steve recreates my exact email account on his machine and gets the same error message. So, he says that eliminates the potential that it is a virus, spyware or anything else other than something wrong on SBC's end. Did I mention Steve was also a native English speaker?! Going to have to call SBC again he says. He explains to me that just because I can see my email on the web, doesn't mean there isn't something wrong. HE says they are two different servers.
2:30 PM I call SBC. Triaged again. Reach a tech, who is NOT a native English speaker and obviously just learned English during their on the job training for this job. Great, fine. At this point, if they can fix the problem, I don't care. It just might take more time because I have to have them repeat their instructions at least three times each time they open their mouth. This doesn't go so good. We start with "Unplug the modem." Okay, I have been on the phone with tech people for nearly four hours now. Don't you think we have already eliminated this kind of stuff? So, after an hour she says, this is a Microsoft problem. I say I won't accept that answer. She said, do you need a manager and I say yes.
3:45PM The manager gets on the phone (after holding for about six minutes) and I explain my frustration and the nature of my problem. He says, "Okay. Unplugg your modem and wait two minutes." I about died. I said, "I don't mean any disrespect here, but I have been working with technicians from three different companies for more than five hours--you name it, we have tried it." So, he agrees to reset all of my passwords. Still doesn't fix the problem. Finally, I request a human. Okay, he said but if when he gets there, he determines it is not our responsibility--that it is not related to the lines (which, come on, what are the odds they will say--yeah, it's all our fault), you could incur charges. Of how much, I asked. A minimum of $60 for a service call. Delighted, I say sounds good to me.
4:30PM Finished. All I can do now is wait for the tech.
4:45PM Start working since I have been on the phone literally all day.
11:30PM Finish my work and head to bed so I can get up at 5:30AM and start a new day.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
A Warning to Some Male Readers
Male readers who know me: (that is pretty much you two, Dad and Jeff) please remember that you read this blog by choice. I think I have recently worried too much about who was reading it and what they might think (i.e. Jeff, Dad). This is way far off from my original mission with this thing. My options are start another blog and don't tell you or keep this blog, write what I want and tell you to read at your own risk. But, I still love you both! :)
It Must Be My Time of the Year
It must be my time of the year...well, actually it happens about twice a year. And, I suspect it may continue to happen the rest of my life. While I was driving home from my conference in Louisville, I was flipping through my XM stations and heard a snip-it of "Take My Breath Away." Oh, that old cheesy song, I know. Remember Top Gun? Remember the late 80s?
Well, for me, the late 80s were high school. My sophomore year, I switched from public school to a private school. I was a new kid--something I had never been (or at least didn't have any recollection of being). Shortly after I started at the new school, I met a boy--a boy who liked me. And, wow...I liked him. He had huge dimples, braces of course, and beautiful red lips with a wide smile. He worn wonderfully faded Levi's and RayBan Aviators (come on, it was the 80s-they are back, ya know). He always complemented me and confided in me. Plus, he was older. He was a Junior.
He had recently been through a bad break-up that was legendary and had driven him to some not so great "escapes" that he, with help, had recently overcome. He fought with his parents, was jealous of his sister, and often felt like he could never please anyone. Pretty typical stuff. I loved it that he shared this stuff. I loved it that he wrote me notes discussing what he might wear at Homecoming. I still have every note he ever wrote me, packed safely away...forever.
I still remember one day when he was in my room (yes, my parents used to let me have boys in my room--how crazy is that?) and he had on my favorite shirt of his, the 1988 Winter Olympics shirt and we were listening to music. "Take My Breath Away" came on. It was one of those moments for a young girl when you suddenly realize you like being a girl.
Our other song was "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel. Strange that I remember that? Maybe. We continued to go together (as we referred to it back in the day) off and on throughout high school. While this isn't something to be proud of, I think I cheated on every boyfriend I ever had with him and he cheated on every girlfriend he ever had with me. I loved him, no doubt about it. We found each other irresistible, yet I had not patience for his indecisiveness and insecurity. He had no patience for my desire to avoid his friends.
We met one year while our families were both vacationing in Florida. I spent the day with his family on Sanibel Island. My parents drove me over from Naples. After a few hours playing cards with his family, we left for a walk on the beach in the dark, knowing the day would soon end. We returned, me with sand in my hair and in "other" spots only to find my parents there-talking with his parents-both worried we had disappeared. This went on for years and I could never totally let go. He would still call me, corner me to talk, ask for my advice, complain about his girlfriends, and of course tell me he still loved me. The night before I left for college , he called and said he wanted to meet to say goodbye.
We met, in the parking lot of school. He was in tears as we said goodbye, of course so was I. Ever have that funny feeling that this is it? I thought this was probably it. I thought I would never return to Indy and he was scheduled to ship off to the service just a few weeks later. Certainly our paths would never cross again. I heard he got married while in the Navy. Then, I heard it didn't work out and he was moving back home. Funny, I was moving back home too.
I was home for a few weeks and always wanted to call him or stop by and see him where he used to work in high school (I was certain he was still working there). But, I never did. Whenever I was near, I looked like crap or I would suddenly be too afraid of what the outcome would be. But, I still thought about him all the time and hoped by some miracle I would run into him.
Soon, I got settled in Indy and my life started to take a shape of its own. I wanted to move forward instead of living in the past and I gave up on the idea of making contact. Months past, I started school again and met Jeff, who would become my future husband. I totally gave up on the notion of reconnecting with Chris, wasn't even on my radar screen. Jeff and I took a weekend trip to Philadelphia to pick up my household items I left in storage when I returned home. On the way, I called my dad from a rest-stop pay phone. I can see myself standing at it as if I was watching from across the room.
"What do you mean?" I asked. "No, there is no way it is Chris." "I really think it is, Kris." My dad said, "I'm telling you-it's him." Well, I was convinced it wasn't and I would just find out the truth when I got home. The truth is it was Chris. He was right. And, my denial meant I missed the funeral. What an awful tragedy. This one was horrific and isn't even worthy of describing. But, about twice a year, something will spark my memory of Chris and for days, sometimes even weeks later I will have dreams. Sometimes graphic, sometimes obscure, sometimes more like memories. But, they almost all end in the worst way--just like life ended for Chris. This must be my time of year because ever since hearing that song, I have had disturbing dreams and thoughts during the day that, if I focued on them, could no doubt bring me to tears.
I wish...I wish...I wish...I wish I would have seen him just one more time, I wish I wouldn't have been so vain as to focus on what I looked like and so little on what he meant to me. Certainly, I wouldn't want my life to turn out any other way than how it has. But, I would have given anything to see him again as an adult--to laugh and share in memories of our adventures and remember how ridiculously in love with each other we were. Sometimes I strain to remember his smile. Other times, his image almost haunts me.
And then I think about how small I was in his life--I think about his mom and dad, who I know loved him so very much and were always worried about him. I think about his wife, even though they were in the middle of a divorce, who knew him as a man. I think about his close friends and all the others who knew him and loved him more than I did. His death really changed me. Sounds sort of crazy, but I have never been quite the same. Sure, the nightmares, but also the inability to brush my teeth without worrying someone is behind me. The fear of opening the door to strangers, and the thought that I always hear something or someone when I am in the shower. His murder changed who I am. And, no doubt, loving Chris changed who I became.
Well, for me, the late 80s were high school. My sophomore year, I switched from public school to a private school. I was a new kid--something I had never been (or at least didn't have any recollection of being). Shortly after I started at the new school, I met a boy--a boy who liked me. And, wow...I liked him. He had huge dimples, braces of course, and beautiful red lips with a wide smile. He worn wonderfully faded Levi's and RayBan Aviators (come on, it was the 80s-they are back, ya know). He always complemented me and confided in me. Plus, he was older. He was a Junior.
He had recently been through a bad break-up that was legendary and had driven him to some not so great "escapes" that he, with help, had recently overcome. He fought with his parents, was jealous of his sister, and often felt like he could never please anyone. Pretty typical stuff. I loved it that he shared this stuff. I loved it that he wrote me notes discussing what he might wear at Homecoming. I still have every note he ever wrote me, packed safely away...forever.
I still remember one day when he was in my room (yes, my parents used to let me have boys in my room--how crazy is that?) and he had on my favorite shirt of his, the 1988 Winter Olympics shirt and we were listening to music. "Take My Breath Away" came on. It was one of those moments for a young girl when you suddenly realize you like being a girl.
Our other song was "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel. Strange that I remember that? Maybe. We continued to go together (as we referred to it back in the day) off and on throughout high school. While this isn't something to be proud of, I think I cheated on every boyfriend I ever had with him and he cheated on every girlfriend he ever had with me. I loved him, no doubt about it. We found each other irresistible, yet I had not patience for his indecisiveness and insecurity. He had no patience for my desire to avoid his friends.
We met one year while our families were both vacationing in Florida. I spent the day with his family on Sanibel Island. My parents drove me over from Naples. After a few hours playing cards with his family, we left for a walk on the beach in the dark, knowing the day would soon end. We returned, me with sand in my hair and in "other" spots only to find my parents there-talking with his parents-both worried we had disappeared. This went on for years and I could never totally let go. He would still call me, corner me to talk, ask for my advice, complain about his girlfriends, and of course tell me he still loved me. The night before I left for college , he called and said he wanted to meet to say goodbye.
We met, in the parking lot of school. He was in tears as we said goodbye, of course so was I. Ever have that funny feeling that this is it? I thought this was probably it. I thought I would never return to Indy and he was scheduled to ship off to the service just a few weeks later. Certainly our paths would never cross again. I heard he got married while in the Navy. Then, I heard it didn't work out and he was moving back home. Funny, I was moving back home too.
I was home for a few weeks and always wanted to call him or stop by and see him where he used to work in high school (I was certain he was still working there). But, I never did. Whenever I was near, I looked like crap or I would suddenly be too afraid of what the outcome would be. But, I still thought about him all the time and hoped by some miracle I would run into him.
Soon, I got settled in Indy and my life started to take a shape of its own. I wanted to move forward instead of living in the past and I gave up on the idea of making contact. Months past, I started school again and met Jeff, who would become my future husband. I totally gave up on the notion of reconnecting with Chris, wasn't even on my radar screen. Jeff and I took a weekend trip to Philadelphia to pick up my household items I left in storage when I returned home. On the way, I called my dad from a rest-stop pay phone. I can see myself standing at it as if I was watching from across the room.
"What do you mean?" I asked. "No, there is no way it is Chris." "I really think it is, Kris." My dad said, "I'm telling you-it's him." Well, I was convinced it wasn't and I would just find out the truth when I got home. The truth is it was Chris. He was right. And, my denial meant I missed the funeral. What an awful tragedy. This one was horrific and isn't even worthy of describing. But, about twice a year, something will spark my memory of Chris and for days, sometimes even weeks later I will have dreams. Sometimes graphic, sometimes obscure, sometimes more like memories. But, they almost all end in the worst way--just like life ended for Chris. This must be my time of year because ever since hearing that song, I have had disturbing dreams and thoughts during the day that, if I focued on them, could no doubt bring me to tears.
I wish...I wish...I wish...I wish I would have seen him just one more time, I wish I wouldn't have been so vain as to focus on what I looked like and so little on what he meant to me. Certainly, I wouldn't want my life to turn out any other way than how it has. But, I would have given anything to see him again as an adult--to laugh and share in memories of our adventures and remember how ridiculously in love with each other we were. Sometimes I strain to remember his smile. Other times, his image almost haunts me.
And then I think about how small I was in his life--I think about his mom and dad, who I know loved him so very much and were always worried about him. I think about his wife, even though they were in the middle of a divorce, who knew him as a man. I think about his close friends and all the others who knew him and loved him more than I did. His death really changed me. Sounds sort of crazy, but I have never been quite the same. Sure, the nightmares, but also the inability to brush my teeth without worrying someone is behind me. The fear of opening the door to strangers, and the thought that I always hear something or someone when I am in the shower. His murder changed who I am. And, no doubt, loving Chris changed who I became.
Oh, so much to blog and so little time. We moved out o f the house for three days while the floors were refinished and then, hosted Mother's Day brunch for my family. I just returned from five days away at a conference. It was the first time I have ever left my children overnight and oh...I must confess...it was pure heaven! I had a great time and the conference was useful indeed. Remodeling continues, progress is being made but not a done deal yet. One day I will post update pictures. Lots of fun outings, family events, and more. But, for now, here is a picture of my Sam...the "stuff" guy in my entry below.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Dad, Sit Back and Enjoy
Dad,
As a parent, I understand there are many things in life that your children do that you hope one day, just one day they understand why you found it so irritating, disgusting, annoying, or disrespectful. Yes, I was quite the handful. And even though we are so close, and always have been, I know there is no one on earth under the age of 15 who could get under your skin like I could.
Well--here you go. NOW, now I get it. Between the three boys there is something that happens almost every day that not only reminds me of my own behavior as a child, but also causes me to chuckle, knowing what look would be on your face if you were standing right next to me...the look of, "see--see, what it is like to parent a child like you were?" So, here are a few examples of things I know will make you laugh as you watch me in my parenting journey.
1) Samuel and Phillip both once day ate Ketchup on their PB&J sandwiches. They asked, and of course because I was always humiliated about my deep love for ketchup, I said sure (thinking they would hate it and stop). The both said mmmmm....that's good and kept right on dipping. It was so gross. I get it now, the whole ketchup thing (but, I still love it, dammit).
2) Samuel rolled on the floor of a public restroom recently when he got frustrated he couldn't go potty all by himself (the legislators who implemented ADA requirements must have never had a toddler who likes to pee by himself--tall toilets are of no use). I know I used to roll everywhere while whining and begging you to buy me something, anything even a ridiculous Rolex watch (but you almost did it..didn't you!). You would get so mad seeing me roll on the floor whining in restaurants (Dodd's Townhouse for one), department stores, furniture stores, anywhere I wanted to throw a fit I would hit the deck. Now, I cannot even imagine and watching my children do it sends my reformed germ-a-phob self into a state unlike any other.
3) Samuel (again. Bless his heart, he looks just like daddy and acts just like mommy) has more stuff than any child I have ever seen and carries it with him everywhere he goes. I so fondly remember my carry-on bags full of every art supply and colorform I owned. Oh, it would infuriate you! Or my collections and piles of things. It was often just too much for you. Now, I have a child whose bed looks like a toy chest and he cannot leave the house without a small collection of toys to carry in the car and all over the store. God forbid he looses one in the store, we must search and search until we find it.
4) Samuel (see? Again!) and his outfits. Just like my mom did, I let my kids pick out their own outfits, interfering only in the MOST sever cases. Blue socks? Who really cares. But, Samuel is like no other. Lately, he fancies wearing his bike helmet everywhere along with his rain or snow boots and his plastic backpack stuffed (and I mean stuffed) full of his favorite items. These items include his bug from his bed (favorite animal since he was a baby), a dried up marker he found outside, rocks, a car, a smaller backpack from a toy, identifier tags from outside plants, a small blue bunny from Pottery Barn Kids, and so much more.
So, Dad...Enjoy. And, I mean really enjoy because I am. I love these everyday things that connect me to you even more. I love that I see so much of myself in my child and I love it that i have the insight to be sensitive to these idiosyncrasies that are Samuel. Of course, I am sure there are things that he does that I am not sensitive to and he will encourage and nurture those in his children (I hope) and think of me every time he does--just like I think of you!
With Love,
Kris
As a parent, I understand there are many things in life that your children do that you hope one day, just one day they understand why you found it so irritating, disgusting, annoying, or disrespectful. Yes, I was quite the handful. And even though we are so close, and always have been, I know there is no one on earth under the age of 15 who could get under your skin like I could.
Well--here you go. NOW, now I get it. Between the three boys there is something that happens almost every day that not only reminds me of my own behavior as a child, but also causes me to chuckle, knowing what look would be on your face if you were standing right next to me...the look of, "see--see, what it is like to parent a child like you were?" So, here are a few examples of things I know will make you laugh as you watch me in my parenting journey.
1) Samuel and Phillip both once day ate Ketchup on their PB&J sandwiches. They asked, and of course because I was always humiliated about my deep love for ketchup, I said sure (thinking they would hate it and stop). The both said mmmmm....that's good and kept right on dipping. It was so gross. I get it now, the whole ketchup thing (but, I still love it, dammit).
2) Samuel rolled on the floor of a public restroom recently when he got frustrated he couldn't go potty all by himself (the legislators who implemented ADA requirements must have never had a toddler who likes to pee by himself--tall toilets are of no use). I know I used to roll everywhere while whining and begging you to buy me something, anything even a ridiculous Rolex watch (but you almost did it..didn't you!). You would get so mad seeing me roll on the floor whining in restaurants (Dodd's Townhouse for one), department stores, furniture stores, anywhere I wanted to throw a fit I would hit the deck. Now, I cannot even imagine and watching my children do it sends my reformed germ-a-phob self into a state unlike any other.
3) Samuel (again. Bless his heart, he looks just like daddy and acts just like mommy) has more stuff than any child I have ever seen and carries it with him everywhere he goes. I so fondly remember my carry-on bags full of every art supply and colorform I owned. Oh, it would infuriate you! Or my collections and piles of things. It was often just too much for you. Now, I have a child whose bed looks like a toy chest and he cannot leave the house without a small collection of toys to carry in the car and all over the store. God forbid he looses one in the store, we must search and search until we find it.
4) Samuel (see? Again!) and his outfits. Just like my mom did, I let my kids pick out their own outfits, interfering only in the MOST sever cases. Blue socks? Who really cares. But, Samuel is like no other. Lately, he fancies wearing his bike helmet everywhere along with his rain or snow boots and his plastic backpack stuffed (and I mean stuffed) full of his favorite items. These items include his bug from his bed (favorite animal since he was a baby), a dried up marker he found outside, rocks, a car, a smaller backpack from a toy, identifier tags from outside plants, a small blue bunny from Pottery Barn Kids, and so much more.
So, Dad...Enjoy. And, I mean really enjoy because I am. I love these everyday things that connect me to you even more. I love that I see so much of myself in my child and I love it that i have the insight to be sensitive to these idiosyncrasies that are Samuel. Of course, I am sure there are things that he does that I am not sensitive to and he will encourage and nurture those in his children (I hope) and think of me every time he does--just like I think of you!
With Love,
Kris
Friday, May 05, 2006
Cookbook
I just got another batch of my cookbook printed if there is anyone who didn't get one and wanted one from the first run. You may remember, it is full of easy recipes from Cooking Light, Food & Wine, and Everyday Food for busy moms--I have tested them all and they really are easy, and yummy.
Someone said to their friend that shared, "All she did is cut out recipes and photocopy them." Ah, it may look like that, but I did much more than that. As I just mentioned, I have tested all of them. Plus, I provide you time-saving tips and side dish serving suggestions. There is a whole section in the back about batch cooking, including a complete grocery shopping list for each batch (1/2 a Saturday yields at least 6 tasty and healthy meals for your family). There is a reference section about what tools to stock your kitchen with, substitutions, freezer life of foods, and where to go for help or other ideas. Plus, she is right...I cut them out, glued them, and photocopied them. Way more work than it sounds like when you have three small kids, your own business, and are actually cooking the meals in the book.
Anyway, if you wanted one and didn't get one, let me know.
Someone said to their friend that shared, "All she did is cut out recipes and photocopy them." Ah, it may look like that, but I did much more than that. As I just mentioned, I have tested all of them. Plus, I provide you time-saving tips and side dish serving suggestions. There is a whole section in the back about batch cooking, including a complete grocery shopping list for each batch (1/2 a Saturday yields at least 6 tasty and healthy meals for your family). There is a reference section about what tools to stock your kitchen with, substitutions, freezer life of foods, and where to go for help or other ideas. Plus, she is right...I cut them out, glued them, and photocopied them. Way more work than it sounds like when you have three small kids, your own business, and are actually cooking the meals in the book.
Anyway, if you wanted one and didn't get one, let me know.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Fellow Moms, I Need Some Advice
Two things at issue: 1) Night-time potty training and 2) Iron deficiency. As you know, I have three children, so there isn't much that we haven't dealt with before. But here are two new issues.
First, night-time potty training. Samuel wants to stop wearing pull-ups at night and of course, we are all for it. Yet, he rarely wakes up with a dry pull-up. Supporting his desire to try, we let him go without pull-ups for the past few nights. Like day-time potty training, I sometimes think they need to feel wet to make a full connection, so we were fully willing to try this.
It has only been two nights, but both nights haven't gone as I expected. Both nights, he peed but never woke up. My question is, do I keep going and let him try or do we go back to the pull-ups? To me, this is a sign he just isn't ready. Samuel was difficult to potty train and I think that a delayed night-time training is sort of predictable given his personality. I expected that once he peed in the middle of the night, he would come and wake me up for a change. Nope. He sleeps right through it. What to do?
Second, our pediatrician always orders blood work at the 18 month checkup. Oddly enough, #3 came back with an iron deficiency. I of course, am trying to figure how I caused this. Jeff took him to the appointment where she shared the results of the blood test. She gave him the impression that this was no big deal and would easily be corrected with drops. They said it is due to rapid growth and is apparently common in this age group (hence the routine test). Now, we are supposed to give him iron drops for three months twice a day. She told Jeff to hide the drops in a drink or food. I did once. Then, I read the information that the pharmacy attached.
They always paint a "worse-case" scenario with those prescription information sheets, but this is nuts and now I don't want to give it to him. For example, here is a sentence from the information, "Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under the age of 6." Has anyone every had a child with an iron deficiency? Did you give them the drops? Is there another way to increase iron that is safer? She is usually pretty open to my trying alternative approaches to solve problems.
Feedback, please!
First, night-time potty training. Samuel wants to stop wearing pull-ups at night and of course, we are all for it. Yet, he rarely wakes up with a dry pull-up. Supporting his desire to try, we let him go without pull-ups for the past few nights. Like day-time potty training, I sometimes think they need to feel wet to make a full connection, so we were fully willing to try this.
It has only been two nights, but both nights haven't gone as I expected. Both nights, he peed but never woke up. My question is, do I keep going and let him try or do we go back to the pull-ups? To me, this is a sign he just isn't ready. Samuel was difficult to potty train and I think that a delayed night-time training is sort of predictable given his personality. I expected that once he peed in the middle of the night, he would come and wake me up for a change. Nope. He sleeps right through it. What to do?
Second, our pediatrician always orders blood work at the 18 month checkup. Oddly enough, #3 came back with an iron deficiency. I of course, am trying to figure how I caused this. Jeff took him to the appointment where she shared the results of the blood test. She gave him the impression that this was no big deal and would easily be corrected with drops. They said it is due to rapid growth and is apparently common in this age group (hence the routine test). Now, we are supposed to give him iron drops for three months twice a day. She told Jeff to hide the drops in a drink or food. I did once. Then, I read the information that the pharmacy attached.
They always paint a "worse-case" scenario with those prescription information sheets, but this is nuts and now I don't want to give it to him. For example, here is a sentence from the information, "Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under the age of 6." Has anyone every had a child with an iron deficiency? Did you give them the drops? Is there another way to increase iron that is safer? She is usually pretty open to my trying alternative approaches to solve problems.
Feedback, please!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Happy Birthday--TO ME!
Today is my birthday. Yes, I am a Taurus (couldn't you tell?). I want to include some great shots of our celebration last night. My dad and his wife were still in town, so we did the official celebrating last night. Today was simply a regular day, but inside I felt extra special. Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday cards, email wishes and other wishes. Here we are before our feast begins...this picture got fuzzy. Not sure how, but somewhere between here and there (still learning how to use the new fancy digital camera).
The rain subsided early this morning and the sun made an appearance by late afternoon. I can count on both hands the number of times it has rained on my birthday in my life. Now I am 34. My mom still moans when she talks of my long and difficult birth. But, for me it was all worth it! What a great life--I mean really. Not in some oh, look how happy my life is bullshit blog way, but in real way. This past year has been incredibly exceptional. I have met some great people who have truly made a difference in my life and who have brought me to a new place. I am enjoying this journey through life. Here is my birthday dinner spread prepared 100% in secret by Jeff (I know the picture placement is sort of random--just trying to keep it interesting). Salad, pulled pork sandwiches, yummy chips, beans--what more could a girl ask for?!? How about an end to our remodeling projects (not a hint, Dad. Just a wish.) I am sure you can spot signs of "temporary" conditions all around.
The dinner was great. It was the only real food I ate yesterday, besides oatmeal cookies. Over the past two days, I ate two full bags of oatmeal cookies that were a gift from my grandmother. I shared two with Andrew and three with Sam. Everything else was mine. Not to go off on a tangent here, but I have gained five pounds in the past few weeks. I am on a real stretch of sweets. Thanks to Very Mom I have decided I am definitely a sugar addict, despite my otherwise healthful eating habits and keen attention to "freshness." I may be happy and lovin' life, but I am still a work in progress--no doubt.
And here was the finishing touch to my birthday feast--a Dairy Queen ice cream cake! We toasted with Champaign to my birthday, my dad and Ineke's (his wife) new house, and Ineke's citizenship (last week she became a citizen of the US--she is Dutch). I still hate Champaign.
Obviously, I am not the only one who feels so passionate about the Dairy Queen cake! Happy Birthday to me!
Friday, April 28, 2006
I have tried, really I have
First, before I begin making a million excuses for not blogging recently, meet my new Mini-Me. This is our new Cooper S. So fantastic. Next, look at my baby now riding shotgun on the Gator. That is big brother (#1) and #3 holding on, being an obedient passenger.
I have tried to post several times since my last post, but something always happens. First, the site went down for maintains while I was working on it (before I saved it). Then, something funky with my pictures, they just wouldn't appear when I tried to upload them, yet they appeared in my Kodak program. Finally, I have been interrupted or redirected by my own distractions or those of others. For example, here is a quick recap of my day Thursday.
1) Up to work at 5:30AM.
2) Kids wake up, I get ready and take them to Granny's in Greenfield.
3) I have a meeting south and east of Greenfield with a potential client.
4) Run home from that begin pricing garage sale stuff with Jeff.
5) Run to Lowe's with Jeff to get supplies for postage stamp garden we will start this year with the boys.
6) Return to Lowe's to find garage salers attending the "preview sale" for our Friday & Saturday sale. I had that in the ad, but Jeff suggested I take it out. Yet, he left it when he placed the ad and I didn't know it.
7) Price some more.
8) Off to Tennis for an hour.
9) Stop in Office Depot for materials for garage sale signs.
10) Meeting after tennis with current client.
11) More pricing (still in tennis gear).
12) More pricing, more pricing, more pricing (everything done except maternity clothes).
13) Shower #2 of the day.
14) Dress for a fundraiser of a client's that evening.
15) Drive to the event (30 minutes) to meet colleagues joining me.
16) Drive home with the idea that I will organize more stuff--but too, too tired.
17) Pass out.
Stash a few work phone calls in there and monitoring email. Things remain crazy around here. Here is the line up for tomorrow (a Saturday).
1) Jeff is off.
2) Work on grant due in three days that I haven't even started in the morning.
3) Day two of garage sale.
4) Electrician coming to create five outlets in office and kitchen as well as wire under-counter lighting.
5) Max coming to work in the yard--creating the postage stamp garden base, weeding, etc.
6) Phillip has a baseball game.
7) Jeff needs to go to the liquor store to stock up on descent wine (down to only 2-buck Chuck, which certainly has its place).
8) My dad and his wife are in town (staying with us).
9) Two friends and their families are coming over for turkey-burgers on the grill.
10) I need to make a salad for dinner.
11) I need to prepare the turkey burgers for dinner (yes, I have a secret recipe for this).
12) Whatever doesn't sell in the garage sale after tomorrow needs to be boxed up and immediately delivered to Goodwill (some going to Damien Center).
I did enjoy the first day of the sale. We just relaxed, I read a book and the kids played. Very nice--beautiful day. That ought to do it. Off for a big bowl of popcorn. A real post should be coming soon. But, really, who knows. I guess I cannot make any promises. Two pictures of the progress on the kitchen and my office.
1) Jeff is off.
2) Work on grant due in three days that I haven't even started in the morning.
3) Day two of garage sale.
4) Electrician coming to create five outlets in office and kitchen as well as wire under-counter lighting.
5) Max coming to work in the yard--creating the postage stamp garden base, weeding, etc.
6) Phillip has a baseball game.
7) Jeff needs to go to the liquor store to stock up on descent wine (down to only 2-buck Chuck, which certainly has its place).
8) My dad and his wife are in town (staying with us).
9) Two friends and their families are coming over for turkey-burgers on the grill.
10) I need to make a salad for dinner.
11) I need to prepare the turkey burgers for dinner (yes, I have a secret recipe for this).
12) Whatever doesn't sell in the garage sale after tomorrow needs to be boxed up and immediately delivered to Goodwill (some going to Damien Center).
I did enjoy the first day of the sale. We just relaxed, I read a book and the kids played. Very nice--beautiful day. That ought to do it. Off for a big bowl of popcorn. A real post should be coming soon. But, really, who knows. I guess I cannot make any promises. Two pictures of the progress on the kitchen and my office.
Friday, April 21, 2006
What are YOU doing today?
Here is a look inside my house today (well, actually most of the pictures are from yesterday, but more of the same today). Another remodeling project underway at our house.
By the way, I was completely disappointed by the number of comments on my last blog post. Two people? Are you serious? Is that everyone who reads my blog? I cannot believe no one else had suggestions of other blog sites to check out. I love the two people who commented and I am glad they read my blog, but come on people--comment, already!
By the way, I was completely disappointed by the number of comments on my last blog post. Two people? Are you serious? Is that everyone who reads my blog? I cannot believe no one else had suggestions of other blog sites to check out. I love the two people who commented and I am glad they read my blog, but come on people--comment, already!
This is my living room, which is currently home to everything out of my kitchen cabinets (with the exception of the items I stuffed in my pantry). Plus, some of the contents of my office (which is office, mud room, media storage, and kitty-stuff room). It gets worse...
This is my dining room, which is also my office and the rest of the kitchen. My office has been in here for about three weeks as they installed my new travertine floor and we waited for my dad's arrival to install my office cabinets. Do you notice an absence of a door? Oh, work has been fun the last few weeks!
More office shots.
I tried and tried to scan hard copy photos of our original kitchen (as it was when we moved in), then after we did the first remodel for some good before and afters, but I was unsuccessful, it is a task that is apparently beyond my technical skill. But, work has begun--
Max was here ripping out cabinets while I went to the airport to pick up my dad. When we returned, he literally dropped his suitcase and started cutting into the granite. Dust, dust, dust.
The biggest challenge now past--the sink (an undermount with granite). He did it! Without removing the sink basin or cracking the granite. He is a genius for sure.
End of day one, lots of progress made. No water, no microwave, no dishwasher. But, the refrigerator works! And, by the end of the day today, I expect they will have all of those things back in working order.
More pictures later today or tomorrow...
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Every morning, I enjoy my first cup of coffee while scanning my bookmark blogs for updates. But, I need some more. I only have a few good ones, and like me, the bloggers are busy and don't update every day. Some mornings, I can be done with my blog routine in less than a minute flat. This is good in the sense that it quickly moves me to my real work, but bad because it quickly moves me to my real work.
I love, love my friend Anne's blog, Everyday Family. I check this one every day for sure. Anne is a mother of two young children (our boys go to school together) and an amazing photographer. Plus, they own their own small business so she is familiar with juggling work, home, kids, etc. She posts pictures of their family life and often interesting thoughts and experiences. Her photos often take me to far off places...a great way to start the day! By the way, she is also a professional photographer, check out her amazing work at www.fotowonder.com.
I also visit Very Mom every day. I have never met her, but this is on my top three for sure. She is hilarious in addition to being open, honest and sometimes down right crude. I discovered this one from another friend's blog (see...if I could every figure out how to add links to my blog, people would probably use them). She has three small children, her own business and apparently lives in the middle of nowhere--somewhere close to Utah. She apparently has a huge following. Sometimes, she will have over 150 comments on a single post. I don't think I have had more than four during my entire bloglife.
I check in on the life of my brother and sister-in-law + kids by visiting her blog each morning. My brother and I exist in very different worlds and both have busy families, so this is a nice way to stay connected; even if it is often the extent of our communication. She just had a baby (which makes three) so I also keep up on his development through the blog.
I love to check out Mother Anarchy. Again, I have never met her and I am not even sure how I discovered this one, but she is way off the chart for me. So, of course I enjoy reading her blog and snooping around her website. I check in every once in a while with Mad Suburban Dad. Someone told me this was really funny, but I am not convinced (yet, I still visit). I also check in with the Crazy Bloggin' Canuck. She visited my blog once and left a comment. She is/was a writer, has a little girl and is pregnant with her second. I enjoy following her adventures with parenting and marriage.
Finally, oh my dear Emily. Every day I check in to see if some magic has occurred overnight, if tiny elves have broken in her house (hey, maybe that is why your hardrive crashed--maybe they were working away while you were on vacation) and updated her poor neglected blog. Yeah, yeah, she has been busy. But, I need to know how you rearranged your furniture, your latest crafty kids projects, and who has the croup. I suppose I could just call and find out this things, but really it is so much more fun to read them in my pajamas at 5:30AM while enjoying my first cup of coffee. Soon...soon it will again be Halloween and she can just change the date and forge ahead in 2006. Emily, don't try and go back--just move forward!
So, that is my daily blog list. See? It isn't too long, so if even just one or two don't update (and I know of at least one that won't be updated..uhhummm), it could take just a matter of minutes or less. Where is the joy, the revelation, the inspiration? Help me. Do you have blogs on your daily list that you would recommend? Please share them with me so I can check them out as I look to expand my daily routine.
I love, love my friend Anne's blog, Everyday Family. I check this one every day for sure. Anne is a mother of two young children (our boys go to school together) and an amazing photographer. Plus, they own their own small business so she is familiar with juggling work, home, kids, etc. She posts pictures of their family life and often interesting thoughts and experiences. Her photos often take me to far off places...a great way to start the day! By the way, she is also a professional photographer, check out her amazing work at www.fotowonder.com.
I also visit Very Mom every day. I have never met her, but this is on my top three for sure. She is hilarious in addition to being open, honest and sometimes down right crude. I discovered this one from another friend's blog (see...if I could every figure out how to add links to my blog, people would probably use them). She has three small children, her own business and apparently lives in the middle of nowhere--somewhere close to Utah. She apparently has a huge following. Sometimes, she will have over 150 comments on a single post. I don't think I have had more than four during my entire bloglife.
I check in on the life of my brother and sister-in-law + kids by visiting her blog each morning. My brother and I exist in very different worlds and both have busy families, so this is a nice way to stay connected; even if it is often the extent of our communication. She just had a baby (which makes three) so I also keep up on his development through the blog.
I love to check out Mother Anarchy. Again, I have never met her and I am not even sure how I discovered this one, but she is way off the chart for me. So, of course I enjoy reading her blog and snooping around her website. I check in every once in a while with Mad Suburban Dad. Someone told me this was really funny, but I am not convinced (yet, I still visit). I also check in with the Crazy Bloggin' Canuck. She visited my blog once and left a comment. She is/was a writer, has a little girl and is pregnant with her second. I enjoy following her adventures with parenting and marriage.
Finally, oh my dear Emily. Every day I check in to see if some magic has occurred overnight, if tiny elves have broken in her house (hey, maybe that is why your hardrive crashed--maybe they were working away while you were on vacation) and updated her poor neglected blog. Yeah, yeah, she has been busy. But, I need to know how you rearranged your furniture, your latest crafty kids projects, and who has the croup. I suppose I could just call and find out this things, but really it is so much more fun to read them in my pajamas at 5:30AM while enjoying my first cup of coffee. Soon...soon it will again be Halloween and she can just change the date and forge ahead in 2006. Emily, don't try and go back--just move forward!
So, that is my daily blog list. See? It isn't too long, so if even just one or two don't update (and I know of at least one that won't be updated..uhhummm), it could take just a matter of minutes or less. Where is the joy, the revelation, the inspiration? Help me. Do you have blogs on your daily list that you would recommend? Please share them with me so I can check them out as I look to expand my daily routine.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Memories of Spring
I have many fond memories of spring when I was growing up. My birthday is May 2, so by now I was always well into planning for my parties. Kelly shepherd's birthday was May 4 and she was way more popular that I was. So, I always had to check with her to ensure we didn't schedule for the same day. I never kidded myself, I knew whose party people would choose.
In my adolescence, spring also meant yard-boy season. Yes...yard-boys. The house I grew up in sat on about an acre of land. We had extensive landscaping, walking paths, a pool and hot tub. This spelled lots of spring prep work (my dad always promised the pool to be open by my birthday). And, because my parents were always working, it called for a seasonal yard-boy. Many came and went, but my favorite was two summers when Cory Geltz took the job.
I was indeed a late bloomer. Lots of my friends wore bras, liked boys, and discussed the impending arrival of their periods. Not me. I remember being in 7th grade and a boy trying to snap my bra strap, only to discover I didn't have one on--which was even more humiliating than having the strapped snap. But, that spring my boobs were just budding, and my hormones starting to race. Then, along came Cory and all of the sudden I knew I was on the path to becoming a woman.
Cory was my brother's best friend's older brother. He went to Indiana University and was in Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He never wore his shirt and always had a nice tan that highlighted his six pack and the well-defined muscles on his back. He arrived at work in his black Trans Am. It had an awesome gold eagle on the hood with the t-tops always out. He had a big smile with very white teeth and sandy blonde curly hair. After a few hours of work, he would start to sweat and I would stand by waiting for my call to duty. I knew it was only a matter of time before Cory would request sugar water.
He let me make his secret drink every day in his old Gatorade jug. Just a scoop of white sugar and water was all I had to do. He knew I was crazy about him and treated me like a little sister. I loved it and I was certain one day he would return to pick me up for a date. He was gorgeous. but, he was soon replaced a few summers with my brother's dumb friends, or eventually my friends. But, I will always remember drooling out the window watching Cory sweat.
Now, I look out the window and see all the work that awaits me in my own yard. Mulch, remodeling, patched sidewalks and patios, new flowers, trimmed trees and more. It is overwhelming. I tell myself it is only April and it will all eventually get done, but where is Cory Geltz when you need him?
In my adolescence, spring also meant yard-boy season. Yes...yard-boys. The house I grew up in sat on about an acre of land. We had extensive landscaping, walking paths, a pool and hot tub. This spelled lots of spring prep work (my dad always promised the pool to be open by my birthday). And, because my parents were always working, it called for a seasonal yard-boy. Many came and went, but my favorite was two summers when Cory Geltz took the job.
I was indeed a late bloomer. Lots of my friends wore bras, liked boys, and discussed the impending arrival of their periods. Not me. I remember being in 7th grade and a boy trying to snap my bra strap, only to discover I didn't have one on--which was even more humiliating than having the strapped snap. But, that spring my boobs were just budding, and my hormones starting to race. Then, along came Cory and all of the sudden I knew I was on the path to becoming a woman.
Cory was my brother's best friend's older brother. He went to Indiana University and was in Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He never wore his shirt and always had a nice tan that highlighted his six pack and the well-defined muscles on his back. He arrived at work in his black Trans Am. It had an awesome gold eagle on the hood with the t-tops always out. He had a big smile with very white teeth and sandy blonde curly hair. After a few hours of work, he would start to sweat and I would stand by waiting for my call to duty. I knew it was only a matter of time before Cory would request sugar water.
He let me make his secret drink every day in his old Gatorade jug. Just a scoop of white sugar and water was all I had to do. He knew I was crazy about him and treated me like a little sister. I loved it and I was certain one day he would return to pick me up for a date. He was gorgeous. but, he was soon replaced a few summers with my brother's dumb friends, or eventually my friends. But, I will always remember drooling out the window watching Cory sweat.
Now, I look out the window and see all the work that awaits me in my own yard. Mulch, remodeling, patched sidewalks and patios, new flowers, trimmed trees and more. It is overwhelming. I tell myself it is only April and it will all eventually get done, but where is Cory Geltz when you need him?
Thursday, March 30, 2006
I Am Such a Looooser!
I am such a loooooser...really, I am. What happened to me?!? I really was cool once upon a time (I think, well maybe). But, now I seem to have stooped to a new level of looser-ism.
Okay, first I am getting my haircut and telling my hairdresser about this girl who doesn't use diapers on her children. It is called elimination communication. Way over my line, but whatever. My hairdresser asks, "So how do you know this person? I was left with no alternative answer (I am not a good liar on the fly and even a worse liar with time to consider) but to say, "Oh, I don't really know her know her. I read her blog ever day, you know...I check in to see what is going on in her life." And, her reply was of course, "so, this is a total stranger?" Feeling like I really shouldn't have shared this interesting tidbit about Mother Anarchy's interesting approach to addressing bodily functions with her babies, I replied, "Well, yes." My hairdresser obviously isn't in to blogs.
And, that--the word hairdresser. That isn't what they are called, is it? See, I am such a looser. Maybe I should say stylist. Just ask Emily about the time I asked her something about "buddy-chatting" only to learn that it is now referred to as instant messaging, or the really cool way to say it--IM. I think I am really operating in my own world and protecting myself from those things I don't understand. I have got to find a way to know what is cool.
I think maybe I am just getting older. Not old, but you know, older. I don't understand most of the shows on MTV now (except for Laguna Beach, I mean duh...hot Stephen trying to decide between rich and thin Kristin and slightly more intelligent and super super rich LC). I haven't even seen the last few seasons of Real World and am bored by the RR/RR Challenge within seconds.
I think this is the precursor, to the precursor of the stage where you are an old woman and let out big farts every time you go pee in a public restroom. So there you have it. My future looks good: I will let big farts as I share randomnesses of my friends, who I don't even know with strangers in public restrooms. Oh, my future looks good!!
Okay, first I am getting my haircut and telling my hairdresser about this girl who doesn't use diapers on her children. It is called elimination communication. Way over my line, but whatever. My hairdresser asks, "So how do you know this person? I was left with no alternative answer (I am not a good liar on the fly and even a worse liar with time to consider) but to say, "Oh, I don't really know her know her. I read her blog ever day, you know...I check in to see what is going on in her life." And, her reply was of course, "so, this is a total stranger?" Feeling like I really shouldn't have shared this interesting tidbit about Mother Anarchy's interesting approach to addressing bodily functions with her babies, I replied, "Well, yes." My hairdresser obviously isn't in to blogs.
And, that--the word hairdresser. That isn't what they are called, is it? See, I am such a looser. Maybe I should say stylist. Just ask Emily about the time I asked her something about "buddy-chatting" only to learn that it is now referred to as instant messaging, or the really cool way to say it--IM. I think I am really operating in my own world and protecting myself from those things I don't understand. I have got to find a way to know what is cool.
I think maybe I am just getting older. Not old, but you know, older. I don't understand most of the shows on MTV now (except for Laguna Beach, I mean duh...hot Stephen trying to decide between rich and thin Kristin and slightly more intelligent and super super rich LC). I haven't even seen the last few seasons of Real World and am bored by the RR/RR Challenge within seconds.
I think this is the precursor, to the precursor of the stage where you are an old woman and let out big farts every time you go pee in a public restroom. So there you have it. My future looks good: I will let big farts as I share randomnesses of my friends, who I don't even know with strangers in public restrooms. Oh, my future looks good!!
Friday, March 24, 2006
Feng Shui
So, you may be wondering about the entry below with the pictures...Feng Shui. Well, here is the short version. My dad and his wife have decided to move to Indiana. They sold their house in Miami in just six days. He came to Indiana this week to find a house and found one. She stayed back in Miami, as she was busy with work. She is an incredible artist, who is fortunate enough to make her living as an artist. My dad, in his infinite wisdom and abililty to pick out winners, found a house and purchased it in less than 24 hours of arriving in Indiana.
He is very excited about this and invites me over to see the house. But, he cautions me not to act "too excited" and give away the deal he just closed. The house is adorable. Very charming, warm and obviously well-cared for. With just one owner, it is immaculate. And, it is in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town. The house has a warm spirit and was no doubt a house of love. It has a beautiful back yard where I can see my kids running in the summers with Grandpa Keith and Oma.
He returns to Miami and tells his wife of his purchase. This beautiful creature, who I deeply admire, is a unique combination of a tall and thin Dutch woman who has converted to Judaism and is a strong believer and interpreter of Feng Shui. What a combo, right? But, what a woman (and I am not just saying that because she may be reading!). Well, turns out they had seen this house once before when it was on the market for a short time around Thanksgiving. She remembers it (perhaps a little wrong) and is deeply concerned about its fundamental Feng Shui. A hill in the backyard--bad news. An "L" shape--bad news. All Feng Shui can be counteracted, but this issue has divided the happy Hoosier-bound couple.
I sent the pictures below to try and reassure her of the house's great appeal and warm feel. But, I don't think it helped.
He is very excited about this and invites me over to see the house. But, he cautions me not to act "too excited" and give away the deal he just closed. The house is adorable. Very charming, warm and obviously well-cared for. With just one owner, it is immaculate. And, it is in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town. The house has a warm spirit and was no doubt a house of love. It has a beautiful back yard where I can see my kids running in the summers with Grandpa Keith and Oma.
He returns to Miami and tells his wife of his purchase. This beautiful creature, who I deeply admire, is a unique combination of a tall and thin Dutch woman who has converted to Judaism and is a strong believer and interpreter of Feng Shui. What a combo, right? But, what a woman (and I am not just saying that because she may be reading!). Well, turns out they had seen this house once before when it was on the market for a short time around Thanksgiving. She remembers it (perhaps a little wrong) and is deeply concerned about its fundamental Feng Shui. A hill in the backyard--bad news. An "L" shape--bad news. All Feng Shui can be counteracted, but this issue has divided the happy Hoosier-bound couple.
I sent the pictures below to try and reassure her of the house's great appeal and warm feel. But, I don't think it helped.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Bikini Season in the Near Future
Dinner last night: Domino's Pizza
Dinner tonight: Popcorn (Jeff is at the Pacer's game)
Bikini season is fast approaching. While I am not feeling a need to loose a huge amount of weight, I am in need of some serious toning. I play tennis once a week, but that really isn't enough to reign in the thighs on this girl. So, back to the gym. Well...sort of gym.
My favorite is Curves. Yes Curves. Here is why.
1) I am often the youngest person in there and I as continue to age (and come to the realization that people in their twenties are no longer "my age") this a good thing.
2) I move faster than most people in there, which makes me feel extra fit (even if I am not).
3) There is no childcare available. They were on to me when I would go to the YMCA, and always wanted to go-an extra twenty minutes loading in and out of the car, ten minutes signing in and out of childcare, and ten more minutes explaining in the lobby why we were not going swimming.
4) It is quick, easy (or as hard as you want it to be), and still feels like a workout. Oh yes, I will be sore tomorrow.
5) Everyone is really nice (well, almost everyone). The exercise area is set up in a circle and you rotate stations every thirty seconds. Throughout the whole workout, everyone chats and it certainly makes the time go by quick for people like me who are incredibly board with exercise.
6) Did I mention no childcare? This is just for me--alone. So, if you read and subscribe to Dr. Lair's "The Proper Care and Feeding of a Husband" this place probably isn't for you. And, my therapist keeps telling me Dr. Laura isn't for me...But it is so weird, I just have to listen and always end up feeling a bit inadequate as a mother, wife, sister, daughter by the end-really, I swear she hates women).
7) They all talk about how "skinny" I am and how they cannot believe I have three kids. Well, this is nice, but really it is just because they are all old, can't see, and are often incredibly out of shape.
8) I am in and out in under 30 minutes, including my commute. They sell this as a 20-some minute workout, and it is. No conforming to a schedule, fighting for a good spot and having to watch some buff bitch smoke me in crunches.
9) No mirrors. Yes, no mirrors. I can't see me! And, chances are most of the people in there can't see me either. No need to wear cute workout clothes or even shave my legs. Anything goes.
10) No childcare. Goodbye--I am leaving and you are NOT coming under any circumstances, no matter how many times you ask, how much you whine, or how guilty I feel that I worked too much yesterday. Ahhh...
I joined February 28, 2005 (baby #3 about 4 months old at the time). I went back in today for the first time in a while and got measured and weighted. They ran a report and here are the results. Since joining, I have lost 30.5 inches on my body (bust, arms, hips, abdomen, thighs) and 24 pounds. My percent body fat (which they measure with a device that I just cannot believe is accurate) was 33.5% and is now 21%, and probably still dropping since I just quit nursing two months ago. My BMI went from 24.5 to 20.7 today.
Keep in mind, it was not the primary source of my weight loss over the past year. But, I enjoy it and feel it--it is quick, fast-paced, and cheap ($29/month)! Oh, and no childcare.
Dinner tonight: Popcorn (Jeff is at the Pacer's game)
Bikini season is fast approaching. While I am not feeling a need to loose a huge amount of weight, I am in need of some serious toning. I play tennis once a week, but that really isn't enough to reign in the thighs on this girl. So, back to the gym. Well...sort of gym.
My favorite is Curves. Yes Curves. Here is why.
1) I am often the youngest person in there and I as continue to age (and come to the realization that people in their twenties are no longer "my age") this a good thing.
2) I move faster than most people in there, which makes me feel extra fit (even if I am not).
3) There is no childcare available. They were on to me when I would go to the YMCA, and always wanted to go-an extra twenty minutes loading in and out of the car, ten minutes signing in and out of childcare, and ten more minutes explaining in the lobby why we were not going swimming.
4) It is quick, easy (or as hard as you want it to be), and still feels like a workout. Oh yes, I will be sore tomorrow.
5) Everyone is really nice (well, almost everyone). The exercise area is set up in a circle and you rotate stations every thirty seconds. Throughout the whole workout, everyone chats and it certainly makes the time go by quick for people like me who are incredibly board with exercise.
6) Did I mention no childcare? This is just for me--alone. So, if you read and subscribe to Dr. Lair's "The Proper Care and Feeding of a Husband" this place probably isn't for you. And, my therapist keeps telling me Dr. Laura isn't for me...But it is so weird, I just have to listen and always end up feeling a bit inadequate as a mother, wife, sister, daughter by the end-really, I swear she hates women).
7) They all talk about how "skinny" I am and how they cannot believe I have three kids. Well, this is nice, but really it is just because they are all old, can't see, and are often incredibly out of shape.
8) I am in and out in under 30 minutes, including my commute. They sell this as a 20-some minute workout, and it is. No conforming to a schedule, fighting for a good spot and having to watch some buff bitch smoke me in crunches.
9) No mirrors. Yes, no mirrors. I can't see me! And, chances are most of the people in there can't see me either. No need to wear cute workout clothes or even shave my legs. Anything goes.
10) No childcare. Goodbye--I am leaving and you are NOT coming under any circumstances, no matter how many times you ask, how much you whine, or how guilty I feel that I worked too much yesterday. Ahhh...
I joined February 28, 2005 (baby #3 about 4 months old at the time). I went back in today for the first time in a while and got measured and weighted. They ran a report and here are the results. Since joining, I have lost 30.5 inches on my body (bust, arms, hips, abdomen, thighs) and 24 pounds. My percent body fat (which they measure with a device that I just cannot believe is accurate) was 33.5% and is now 21%, and probably still dropping since I just quit nursing two months ago. My BMI went from 24.5 to 20.7 today.
Keep in mind, it was not the primary source of my weight loss over the past year. But, I enjoy it and feel it--it is quick, fast-paced, and cheap ($29/month)! Oh, and no childcare.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Let Me State the Obvious
Dinner last night: Rigatoni with Mushroom Sauce, Salad and Bread
Let me just start this long-overdue entry by stating the obvious. It snows in Indiana. Yes, its true and you may be shocked.
Much of northern Indiana is in the snowbelt (seen in this picture from NASA to the right) and is prone to lake-effect snows. The rest of the state is just in the rust belt, the bible belt, and the big belt because some many Hoosiers are grossly overweight. Because of the close proximity to the snowbelt, it seems intuitively obvious to me that we are "close enough" to expect that snow is part of our regular progression through the four-seasoned calendar year. But, apparently not so. For many Hoosiers, a snowy day could be considered a natural disaster.
Now, I have thought long and hard about this and inquired with friends, family and older and wiser colleagues. The fact is, it hasn't always been like this. Back in the day, snow was a normal part of life in Indiana. When I was a child, school was rarely canceled. Businesses certainly didn't close in a snow storm, and the stores tended to be business as usual. And, on the verge of turning 34, I can remember many winters in Indiana, and only a handful of those were without any snow at all. Most had at least two big storms, some even blizzards. Everyone else in the state seems to have forgotten about our previous experience with snow.
Here is how it works in 2006. A few days before the predicted snow fall, the buzz begins. "Getting a big storm" the teller at the bank says, "gonna ruin my weekend plans" the checkout girl at the grocery complains. "Have you seen the forecast lately, they are saying ten inches," says the UPS guy. Everyone is abuzz with information, facts, and opinions about this predicted storm. It consumes the community. People rush to the grocery store to stock up on crappy food, like bacon that doesn't need to be refrigerated (what is with that? If you eat that...whoever you are...please leave me a comment and tell me why). The shelves are empty and provisions are prepared.
I am all for preparation (uhhm...Katrina...hello? We were in Florida during Katrina, anyone who didn't prepare-chose not to-there was no escaping the local media attention the severity of that storm...unless you are Ray Nagin). Back to the snow--Schools send out notices to watch WTHR for closings or listen to WIBC for their announcement of a delay. People prepare. Then we wait. Soon it begins. The closings, that is-not the snow (at this point, it hasn't even started yet). Nonessential activities are cancelled. No class at PJ's Beauty College, Missionettes cancelled, no Little League meeting. Emails begin arriving rescheduling meetings for fear of the morning or evening rush hour commute in snow.
Then, the interruption in regularly scheduled programming to bring the latest predictions from the storm center, apparently located in the core of the earth. Six, twelve, ten, wait now maybe only three inches. The snow begins to fall. Plows prepare. More cancellations-schools, gyms, churches, daycares, and service agencies (sorry folks, the trip to Argosy Casino is off).
Everyone is encouraged to stay off the roads, unless they must travel. The snow is still falling. Some disregard the warnings and brave the elements. Do you know who they are? Most of them are one of three people. 1) the idiot who still buys American cars that are rear-wheel drive. Hmmm, I just cannot figure out why GM is loosing so much money. 2) the idiot who bought the world's largest SUV-but in 2-wheel drive instead of four-wheel drive. 3) the idiot who has four-wheel drive and thinks it makes them better drivers on ice. If you are one of those idiots...well, your just an idiot. Live broadcasts continue from the storm center.
This is pretty much how it wraps up in Indiana (especially during March storms)..."Well, the storm appears to be breaking up and the snow showers are tapering off and we expect to see a high tomorrow of 62 degrees." Looks like we will end up with a total around four inches. A far cry from the six to ten they predicted. But, wow! That sure was exciting...not.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Peter Pan Leaves Me in the Poor House
Tuesday night, I took Phillip and my mom to see Cathy Rigby's farewell tour of Peter Pan at Clowes Hall. A beautiful production and we had fantastic seats. Phillip was clearly taken by the magic of theatre. I have waited a long time for that moment. When I was growing up, live theatre was part of our life. My parents took me to see almost every major production that came to town. I had never heard of places like Beef & Boards, but had tenth row seats to see a Broadway production at Clowes. REAL theatre (sorry Beef & Boards fans...its descent community theatre, but I talkin' the big guns).
We saw shows in Indianapolis, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. I even saw Starlight Express in London. So, for me, this moment is completing the circle. Taking my child to the theatre like my parents did with me. And, sharing this moment with my mom was extra special. Phillip may have been a little less "in awe" because of today's numerous opportunities to introduce kids to performance through this insane live shows--Disney on Ice, Elmo's World, Dora, etc.
Yes, we did it. We took Phillip to Toy Story on Ice when he had just turned three. He loved it. Then, we took him to Nemo on Ice when he was four and we swore we would never take them again (for the most part). The tickets are outrageous and the shows, well...sort of stupid. And, the worst part is that the focus is rarely on the show, but instead on the crap they sell. Flashlights for $20, t-shirts, giant snowcones for $12 in plastic cups that will break in two weeks, and the dreaded cotton candy wrapped up neatly in more overpriced plastic crap.
Somehow, we always convinced him to stick with the t-shirts. And, of course we have to get a matching one for Sam who is already pissed he didn't get to come. So, I brought extra cash along with me to Peter Pan because this, THIS was special and t-shirt would certainly be a must for Phillip (which means Sam, too). And...guess how much those "must" t-shirts were? Size 4-6 (kids)--a mere $30 each! I almost got Andrew a black one so he too could be included, but the smaller size was still $20--really, that is two outfits at the Carter's store (the potential for six outfits for the price of Phillip and Sam's shirts).
Most importantly, Phillip had a life-long fantasy come true. My mom bought him, and Sam, one of those hand-held things with the flashing lights inside that spin around (they always have these at Disney on Ice and we always say "no" launching into the, "that junkie toy will be broken in ten minutes"). Did I mention they were $15 each? Yes, $15. That might trump what they sell for at the Disney shows. So far, though, they are still working!
It was a wonderful night and well worth the "investment" to experience that with Phillip. The next night was our 9th wedding anniversary and Jeff and I enjoyed dinner out--never once talking about the kids! It was wonderful. Gee, I sort of had a social life this week!?!
We saw shows in Indianapolis, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. I even saw Starlight Express in London. So, for me, this moment is completing the circle. Taking my child to the theatre like my parents did with me. And, sharing this moment with my mom was extra special. Phillip may have been a little less "in awe" because of today's numerous opportunities to introduce kids to performance through this insane live shows--Disney on Ice, Elmo's World, Dora, etc.
Yes, we did it. We took Phillip to Toy Story on Ice when he had just turned three. He loved it. Then, we took him to Nemo on Ice when he was four and we swore we would never take them again (for the most part). The tickets are outrageous and the shows, well...sort of stupid. And, the worst part is that the focus is rarely on the show, but instead on the crap they sell. Flashlights for $20, t-shirts, giant snowcones for $12 in plastic cups that will break in two weeks, and the dreaded cotton candy wrapped up neatly in more overpriced plastic crap.
Somehow, we always convinced him to stick with the t-shirts. And, of course we have to get a matching one for Sam who is already pissed he didn't get to come. So, I brought extra cash along with me to Peter Pan because this, THIS was special and t-shirt would certainly be a must for Phillip (which means Sam, too). And...guess how much those "must" t-shirts were? Size 4-6 (kids)--a mere $30 each! I almost got Andrew a black one so he too could be included, but the smaller size was still $20--really, that is two outfits at the Carter's store (the potential for six outfits for the price of Phillip and Sam's shirts).
Most importantly, Phillip had a life-long fantasy come true. My mom bought him, and Sam, one of those hand-held things with the flashing lights inside that spin around (they always have these at Disney on Ice and we always say "no" launching into the, "that junkie toy will be broken in ten minutes"). Did I mention they were $15 each? Yes, $15. That might trump what they sell for at the Disney shows. So far, though, they are still working!
It was a wonderful night and well worth the "investment" to experience that with Phillip. The next night was our 9th wedding anniversary and Jeff and I enjoyed dinner out--never once talking about the kids! It was wonderful. Gee, I sort of had a social life this week!?!
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