Ettiquette
My cell phone has a key lock option... why don't I just use that, rather than always "accidentally" calling people... so... if you get a call from me, and all you can hear is the radio and my terrible singing... just hang up and spare me the humiliation. Thanks.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Egghausted.
Easter was a huge success at our house... we ended up with about three hundred people (no lie, can you believe that?) here on Sunday - of those, about 175 kids. I had to drag Sarah Beth inside the house on Saturday night - the weather was perfect, and she apparently saw no reason for sleep. I have pictures of the egg hunt - I'll post them soon. People we had never seen before in our lives came to our house - it was amazing... controversy of the day? Well- it appears that the realtor from the neighborhood development across the street joined us to "case" the property. Dad hit the roof... proverbially, anyway. Easter just ain't Easter without escorting someone OFF your property, I guess...
Saturday night?? Well, you KNOW where this organized, responsible, always ready single mom was... WalMart, baby... . That's right - at approximately 9:30 PM on the NIGHT before Easter (duh, just like the night before Christmas) I was shopping for Easter Candy... for the SECOND time. You see, the first run was early in the week - behaving like the organzied mommy who has a list of things to do BEFORE the last minute. THAT mommy bought cute, themed stuff... Barbie candy and stuff for Jordin, Bratz (yes, I hate them morally, but what can I do) stuff for Sarah Beth... you know, the chocolate Barbie Bunny with the candy bracelet inside, the chocolate Brat with rub-on tattos..... yadda yadda yadda.. I was proud I tell you. Two stuffed animals and $20 later - I am feeling good.
Yeah. That was organized, clear headed, I've-obviously-had-enough-sleep-Rachael.
Easter was a huge success at our house... we ended up with about three hundred people (no lie, can you believe that?) here on Sunday - of those, about 175 kids. I had to drag Sarah Beth inside the house on Saturday night - the weather was perfect, and she apparently saw no reason for sleep. I have pictures of the egg hunt - I'll post them soon. People we had never seen before in our lives came to our house - it was amazing... controversy of the day? Well- it appears that the realtor from the neighborhood development across the street joined us to "case" the property. Dad hit the roof... proverbially, anyway. Easter just ain't Easter without escorting someone OFF your property, I guess...
Saturday night?? Well, you KNOW where this organized, responsible, always ready single mom was... WalMart, baby... . That's right - at approximately 9:30 PM on the NIGHT before Easter (duh, just like the night before Christmas) I was shopping for Easter Candy... for the SECOND time. You see, the first run was early in the week - behaving like the organzied mommy who has a list of things to do BEFORE the last minute. THAT mommy bought cute, themed stuff... Barbie candy and stuff for Jordin, Bratz (yes, I hate them morally, but what can I do) stuff for Sarah Beth... you know, the chocolate Barbie Bunny with the candy bracelet inside, the chocolate Brat with rub-on tattos..... yadda yadda yadda.. I was proud I tell you. Two stuffed animals and $20 later - I am feeling good.
Yeah. That was organized, clear headed, I've-obviously-had-enough-sleep-Rachael.
Then, disorganized, ADD, I'm-giving-up-the-Diet-Coke-habit-can't-think-without-caffeine-Rachael showed up. That *&%$# left the candy in the car allllllll day Saturday. Barbie Bunny looked more like Barbie Blob.
So - back out I went to REgather Easter candy. I took what was left and RAN. That place is insane. Why are parents out at 9PM on Saturday buying church clothes for Sunday? Honestly, I have never seen more dress shoe buying in all my life. And please, tell me this - is the Easter candy aisle honestly the place to STOP AND CHAT???!!!?? Noooooooo.
Anyway.... this morning was a blast - the girls were adorable - the Easter Baskets went over well. Jim joined the girls and I for church (yay) and then we went out for lunch with a huge group of family and friends.
Now, I am sleeping. For like, at least eight hours.
I have my receipt... do you think WalMart will take Barbie Blob I mean Bunny back?
Sunday Brunch x2
"They have Easter egg hunts in Philadelphia, and if the kids don't find the eggs, they get booed." -Bob Uecker
1) What is your favorite Easter decoration? (rabbit, egg, chick, etc)
CHICKS! I love them!! I don't know why - I just do... :-)
2) Do you like Easter colors or do you wish they were different?
Love Easter colors... don't really wear them that much, but hey - pink IS my favorite color.... and who can resist little girls in white Easter dresses???
3) What did you do today to celebrate Easter?
Woke up this morning, hid the girls baskets (we play this silly game every year) had family breakfast, went to church, had Easter Egg hunt with church friends, and then lunch out with family!
4) What is your best Easter memory?
Getting Wendy, my pet rabbit for Easter. Second favorite would be when "the Easter Bunny," left my sister and I a BASKET full of real baby chicks.
"They have Easter egg hunts in Philadelphia, and if the kids don't find the eggs, they get booed." -Bob Uecker
1) What is your favorite Easter decoration? (rabbit, egg, chick, etc)
CHICKS! I love them!! I don't know why - I just do... :-)
2) Do you like Easter colors or do you wish they were different?
Love Easter colors... don't really wear them that much, but hey - pink IS my favorite color.... and who can resist little girls in white Easter dresses???
3) What did you do today to celebrate Easter?
Woke up this morning, hid the girls baskets (we play this silly game every year) had family breakfast, went to church, had Easter Egg hunt with church friends, and then lunch out with family!
4) What is your best Easter memory?
Getting Wendy, my pet rabbit for Easter. Second favorite would be when "the Easter Bunny," left my sister and I a BASKET full of real baby chicks.
Sunday Brunch
"Art is making something out of nothing and selling it." -Frank Zappa
1) What is your favorite medium of visual art and why? (Examples,painting, sculpture, photography, etc.)
My favorite "medium" is photography... thought about studying it... love my camera(s) and take them everywhere...
2) What is your favorite painting? If possible, post a picture of yourfavorite painting in your blog.
THIS is my favorite painting....by Mary Cassatt. "Little Girl in a Blue Armchair" It reminds me of Jordin.
3) Who is your favorite artist?
I love, love, love Tom Everhart. And, if I ever become independently wealthy, I WILL collect his artwork...check out his work!
4) Do you have any artistic abilities of any kind?
I love to take pictures, and think I am sort of good at it... as far as painting or drawing... forget it!
5) Do you like to draw or paint?
Ha ha... see above!
"Art is making something out of nothing and selling it." -Frank Zappa
1) What is your favorite medium of visual art and why? (Examples,painting, sculpture, photography, etc.)
My favorite "medium" is photography... thought about studying it... love my camera(s) and take them everywhere...
2) What is your favorite painting? If possible, post a picture of yourfavorite painting in your blog.
THIS is my favorite painting....by Mary Cassatt. "Little Girl in a Blue Armchair" It reminds me of Jordin.
3) Who is your favorite artist?
I love, love, love Tom Everhart. And, if I ever become independently wealthy, I WILL collect his artwork...check out his work!
4) Do you have any artistic abilities of any kind?
I love to take pictures, and think I am sort of good at it... as far as painting or drawing... forget it!
5) Do you like to draw or paint?
Ha ha... see above!
Friday, March 25, 2005
Current Events.
This is not a post about me, or my girls - just so you know.
I am letting the world know my opinion about the Terri Schiavo case. Well, maybe not the world, but at least my little blog version of the world. No, just so you know, you're right - you didn't ask for my opinion - but I am offering it up anyway - blue plate special style.
I used to work for Hospice. For two years, between the ripe old ages of 23 to 24, I served as a "volunteer coordinator" for a local hospice organization in Macon. My job? R ecruit and train volunteers from the community to visit with our hospice patients and families - to offer support, encouragement, or anything else the medical staff couldn't provide. In my two short years of working there, I learned more about life and death than you can possibly imagine, and worked with some of the most compassionate people on the planet... of this you can be sure. I shed more tears, laughed harder, and smiled more than I have ever in my lifetime. The patients and I met changed my life - every single one.
Days were spent traveling from home to home, facility to facility, chatting with patients and families, or - just chatting, if the patient couldn't respond... it's an awkward thing - to chat with someone who can't chat back - but you get used to it.... it's also a horrible thing - to find yourself "trying" to encourage the family member of someone who lays before them dying. I didn't realize until I started to work there, just how controversial the idea of "hospice," truly is... people would do that cock their head to the side thing and say, "oh, how awful that must be," when they found out what I did for a living. Truly, it was awful - on some days you go home crying and angry with God - however, it was also wonderful - on other days you go home peaceful, and giving God a grateful and faithful smile.
I have seen a man who committed suicide, who could not live with his pain... I have seen a man, 32 years old, dying from cancer, and the wife who married him, knowing he was ill, wiping sweat from his brow.... I have seen the grandmother, the grandfather, the mother of young daughters, the husband and father of four... I have seen them all... trying to get right with God - just waiting... waiting to go home.
The idea of life and death is one long since debated. The "Right to Life" group - conservative republicans who believe abortion should be illegal in any form - have made their mark on the world... conservative, religious republicans, of which I am one - have a hellbent view of life and liberty - which I admire, but truly disagree with.... can abortion ever be illegal? Of course, as a mother of two small daughters - a teenager who made an appointment at a clinic to have her first pregnancy terminated (ok - hence Sarah Beth - you can see I chickened out on that one) - I feel that "life" is God's most perfect gift - and should never be taken from someone without consent of that person. Life. What an amazing word. However, even as a "pro-lifer" this doens't mean I am "anti abortion." My bottom line regarding the subject? If you make abortion illegal, will that stop abortions? No. It will simply start a new and more scary phenomenon... back alley abortions, hidden abortions - that will end the lives of more babies and mothers than any legalized abortions could ever. Making abortion illegal will never solve the problem of abortion.
And, really - that's what the Schiavo case has become. A platform for the religious right to demand the "right to life" for Terri. Sad? Of course. However, much like my hospice patients - I am reminded that this decision - one that is, however unfortunate - is made by her husband... her legal guardian. Just like making abortion illegal - this is not a case that can be decided, or changed, by the "legal" system. This is a personal and private matter, one that I certainly want to be sure the government is NOT involved in when relating to my personal family members.
Is Michael Schiavo "starving" his wife? Isn't he calm and unemtional? No. He's a man that has come to peace with letting his wife go - and all WE can do is pray that his intentions were just and from the heart. There is only One who truly knows Michael's heart. I don't want the government, the Supreme Court, the House, and certainly not Jeb Bush, making such decisions on my behalf... much less my own family's.
Heartbreaking for her parents? Yes. I can't even think about it being my own child without tears welling up in my eyes. We can pray for them as well... and wish them peace and the comfort of thoughts of heaven - and their daughter in a place where feeding tubes and the like aren't even known ... where health and prosperity are abundant.
This is not a post about me, or my girls - just so you know.
I am letting the world know my opinion about the Terri Schiavo case. Well, maybe not the world, but at least my little blog version of the world. No, just so you know, you're right - you didn't ask for my opinion - but I am offering it up anyway - blue plate special style.
I used to work for Hospice. For two years, between the ripe old ages of 23 to 24, I served as a "volunteer coordinator" for a local hospice organization in Macon. My job? R ecruit and train volunteers from the community to visit with our hospice patients and families - to offer support, encouragement, or anything else the medical staff couldn't provide. In my two short years of working there, I learned more about life and death than you can possibly imagine, and worked with some of the most compassionate people on the planet... of this you can be sure. I shed more tears, laughed harder, and smiled more than I have ever in my lifetime. The patients and I met changed my life - every single one.
Days were spent traveling from home to home, facility to facility, chatting with patients and families, or - just chatting, if the patient couldn't respond... it's an awkward thing - to chat with someone who can't chat back - but you get used to it.... it's also a horrible thing - to find yourself "trying" to encourage the family member of someone who lays before them dying. I didn't realize until I started to work there, just how controversial the idea of "hospice," truly is... people would do that cock their head to the side thing and say, "oh, how awful that must be," when they found out what I did for a living. Truly, it was awful - on some days you go home crying and angry with God - however, it was also wonderful - on other days you go home peaceful, and giving God a grateful and faithful smile.
I have seen a man who committed suicide, who could not live with his pain... I have seen a man, 32 years old, dying from cancer, and the wife who married him, knowing he was ill, wiping sweat from his brow.... I have seen the grandmother, the grandfather, the mother of young daughters, the husband and father of four... I have seen them all... trying to get right with God - just waiting... waiting to go home.
The idea of life and death is one long since debated. The "Right to Life" group - conservative republicans who believe abortion should be illegal in any form - have made their mark on the world... conservative, religious republicans, of which I am one - have a hellbent view of life and liberty - which I admire, but truly disagree with.... can abortion ever be illegal? Of course, as a mother of two small daughters - a teenager who made an appointment at a clinic to have her first pregnancy terminated (ok - hence Sarah Beth - you can see I chickened out on that one) - I feel that "life" is God's most perfect gift - and should never be taken from someone without consent of that person. Life. What an amazing word. However, even as a "pro-lifer" this doens't mean I am "anti abortion." My bottom line regarding the subject? If you make abortion illegal, will that stop abortions? No. It will simply start a new and more scary phenomenon... back alley abortions, hidden abortions - that will end the lives of more babies and mothers than any legalized abortions could ever. Making abortion illegal will never solve the problem of abortion.
And, really - that's what the Schiavo case has become. A platform for the religious right to demand the "right to life" for Terri. Sad? Of course. However, much like my hospice patients - I am reminded that this decision - one that is, however unfortunate - is made by her husband... her legal guardian. Just like making abortion illegal - this is not a case that can be decided, or changed, by the "legal" system. This is a personal and private matter, one that I certainly want to be sure the government is NOT involved in when relating to my personal family members.
Is Michael Schiavo "starving" his wife? Isn't he calm and unemtional? No. He's a man that has come to peace with letting his wife go - and all WE can do is pray that his intentions were just and from the heart. There is only One who truly knows Michael's heart. I don't want the government, the Supreme Court, the House, and certainly not Jeb Bush, making such decisions on my behalf... much less my own family's.
Heartbreaking for her parents? Yes. I can't even think about it being my own child without tears welling up in my eyes. We can pray for them as well... and wish them peace and the comfort of thoughts of heaven - and their daughter in a place where feeding tubes and the like aren't even known ... where health and prosperity are abundant.
Eggcited.
- approixmately 450 stuffed plastic eggs sitting on the front porch
- twenty two-liter sodas
- 3 cases of Kool Aid Jammers
- 12 wooden 3D Easter Eggs
- three tubs with 6 water guns each
- 4 bags of Play Sand in the sandbox
- 20 "prize" eggs
- 2 kids arguing over prize eggs they probably won't find
- six lanes of parking
- 1 "heated discussion" over parking design
- 200 hot dog buns
- 2 gallons of ketchup
- 250 hotdogs
- 1 grill
- five "tents"
- 1 super duper moonwalk
- 3 age appropriate egg hunting areas
- 6 Easter Lillies
- 1 wooden cross
- 1 cleaned, groomed springer spaniel
- 1 clean, cut yard
- 1.5 arguments over tree limbs in yard
- three exhausted adults
- two sleeping (but barely) children
.... and I think we are all ready for the annual Egg Hunt tomorrow... note the operative word.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Vanilla Minty Fresh
The good news is, no cavities. The bad news? On the way home, Jordin tore open the sample pack of Crest she got from Dr. Aspes and sucked it out of the pack. Apparently, she mistook it for some sort of breath freshening icing in a Jordin size pack. Oops.
Later today... Easter cookies.
Rachael
The good news is, no cavities. The bad news? On the way home, Jordin tore open the sample pack of Crest she got from Dr. Aspes and sucked it out of the pack. Apparently, she mistook it for some sort of breath freshening icing in a Jordin size pack. Oops.
Later today... Easter cookies.
Rachael
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Wondering if everything is ok in here....
(after getting Jordin in the car from "drive through lane")
Jordin (who apparently REALLY has to potty) : "Mom, I think my bladder is going to fall out."
Me (unimpressed by falling out bladder) : "Really? What will you do when that happens?"
Jordin (after contemplating for a moment) : "Make a mess."
*******
(later, while painting new living room "Toffee" color...)
The girls have left me to do the painting (no surprise here... I get out two small containers of paint and two cute little paint brushes and they are done after two strokes) to go and play "restaurant" in the back rooms of the house... they were apparently VERY happy and playing incredibly well together... as Sarah Beth must've become concerned...
SB - "Mom, is everything ok in here?"
Me - "Yes, everything is fine... why?"
SB - "It was so quiet... I just wanted to make sure we weren't getting on your nerves or anything."
Dear child of my heart... when mommy is silent and not answering questions, playing argument referee, or getting on to small children, she is always happy. Remember that.
Coming tomorrow in Mommyhood - Jordin's trip to the dentist....
and later this week... the big annual Easter Egg Hunt... and the insanity that surrounds it.
(after getting Jordin in the car from "drive through lane")
Jordin (who apparently REALLY has to potty) : "Mom, I think my bladder is going to fall out."
Me (unimpressed by falling out bladder) : "Really? What will you do when that happens?"
Jordin (after contemplating for a moment) : "Make a mess."
*******
(later, while painting new living room "Toffee" color...)
The girls have left me to do the painting (no surprise here... I get out two small containers of paint and two cute little paint brushes and they are done after two strokes) to go and play "restaurant" in the back rooms of the house... they were apparently VERY happy and playing incredibly well together... as Sarah Beth must've become concerned...
SB - "Mom, is everything ok in here?"
Me - "Yes, everything is fine... why?"
SB - "It was so quiet... I just wanted to make sure we weren't getting on your nerves or anything."
Dear child of my heart... when mommy is silent and not answering questions, playing argument referee, or getting on to small children, she is always happy. Remember that.
Coming tomorrow in Mommyhood - Jordin's trip to the dentist....
and later this week... the big annual Easter Egg Hunt... and the insanity that surrounds it.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
What Supermom does on her day OFF from work.....
Yay... a day off!! Sleeping in... breakfast in bed.... shopping.... facial.... nails...
(Oh - no wait - I think for a moment I confused my life with someone else's... someone who must have no children or a staff at her home.... I am not sure if it's just one or a combination of the two.... I'll have to research that and get back to you....)
The day started out well... waking up at six am to try and shower BEFORE waking the sleeping princesses...
(however, my children never LOOK like princesses while they sleep - I think that's a myth - children look angelic while asleep - Jordin has usually tossed the covers and stripped down at some point to nothing but her favorite pair of way, way too small Barbie underwear, which is usually exposing a butt cheek or two by morning... and Sarah Beth looks like an Eskimo under three layers of blankets and at least one appendage hanging off the bed.... I just don't know where the "cute sleeping kids" idea came from... maybe it's that lady above - her children MUST be beautiful when they sleep.... )
Um - where was I ? Oh yes... waking up.....
Went for a walk after dropping the girls at school... 1.5 miles... which is no big deal, really .... Planet Smoothie and Target on the way home.... hmmm... what to get the girls for their Easter Baskets... no idea .... note to self - think about this later....
Came home and showered, worked on more business stuff for a while and listened to mom complain about a paint color used on a home decorating show... damn show.... I look to see what is bothering her so badly - and realize I have just purchased this same color and painted at least two walls of my living room this color... how long hs it been since she visited?? Note to self.... give mother valium before displaying chocolate color paint in living room; prepare to admit poor taste in color upon her issuance of opinion on the matter...
Make healthy lunch (oh yes, grilled chicken and steamed veggies... yuck but filling) and eat while making list of phone calls to make before I pick up the little darlings from school... call Jordin's doctors office to make four year well check appointment (shutup, I know it's been a year) so she can have proper immunization form for school; must call next week.... great... one more week of my child living without vitally important immunization... watch her come down with chicken pox or something like that just to spite me this week....
Email Jim and work out weekends through Memorial Day... well, really I let him tell me what he wanted to do ... you know, around his exams and social calendar... I would HATE to have a life or anything like that... Jim decides that he will join us at family egg hunt this weekend (you know, sometimes things come out of my mouth before I even realize what I am saying) AND at church on Easter Sunday. FABULOUS. I am SO excited to have more "family" time.
Stuff 45 pastel plastic easter eggs purchased at Target this morning with Reese's cups for Jordin's class hunt on Friday... realize that I am very meticulously matching foil color to egg color... yikes...
Pick up girls from school. Jordin first - she calls carpool the "drive through lane," and is always thrilled to NOT stay after school. Is this my child they are putting in the car? Funny. I remember dropping her off with neat, combed hair and stain free clothing, both her shoes tied, her bookbag zipped, and oh yes - a jacket on... this child you're giving me back looks like she lives in a zoo... hmmm... well, keep her anyway. (Jordin by the way, despises these jokes I make with her... she starts crying and saying, "it's me mommy - Rebecca Jordin..." I must be inflicting YEARS of needed therapy later everytime I do this to her)
Take Jordin to gas station for a treat, since I feel bad for making her cry, again.... she picks out candy for her (Berry Skittles) and Sarah (Reese's Pieces Mini) and a Sprite. She tries to pick beer, but I won't let her. Quick, painless... and simple. Sarah Beth would have taken at least an hour to choose candy and would have needed the bathroom at least twice.
Pick up Sarah Beth in carpool. She of course, learned "nothing" today and "doesn't remember" what her favorite part of the day was.... her day was (surprise) "fine." She does however, become very converstational in telling me about how she needs money for the bookfair next week. WOW... she needs money? Jordin give Sarah candy with look of pride on her face... Sarah Beth gets "evil sugar overload" eye.....
Veg with girls at home for about an hour... force Jordin to dress herself for dance class.. torture, I know - making a five year old put on her own tights and leotard... and shoes?!?! Convince SB to stay with Mimi while I take Jordin to dance class... arrive five minutes late, sit down and read magazine.... quiet....
Meet Mimi, Pa, and SB at Atlanta Bread Company for dinner. Mimi offers to buy girls Easter Shoes... I don't complain... head to Target after dinner, pick up two cardigans (12.99 ea) for Sunday... no matching colors... :-( Mom sees two cute canary yellow tennis dresses (9.99 ea) and insists the girls have one... matching set... Jordin immediatley breaks into Copacabana in the middle of the store....
Pick out Sunday shoes... Jordin goes for glittery pink tennis shoes (way, way cute) and SB gets the white loafers with pink piping. Mom makes better on her throw-me-right-under-the-bus-to-buy-the-yellow-dresses-move and offers to buy Jordin an extra pair of shoes... we go for the pink glittery dress shoes... no surprise there.
Jordin tells me she smells something bad... I don't, however DO notice a huge brown stain across the back of her dance pants... in complete horror, we rush to the bathroom to investigate... where she informs me she doesn't really smell anything, and that yes, she sat on her chocolate cookie at dinner... fabulous.
Come home... bathe .... pajamas... help SB finish school project.... bedtime....
Blog.
Bedtime.....
:-)
Rachael
Yay... a day off!! Sleeping in... breakfast in bed.... shopping.... facial.... nails...
(Oh - no wait - I think for a moment I confused my life with someone else's... someone who must have no children or a staff at her home.... I am not sure if it's just one or a combination of the two.... I'll have to research that and get back to you....)
The day started out well... waking up at six am to try and shower BEFORE waking the sleeping princesses...
(however, my children never LOOK like princesses while they sleep - I think that's a myth - children look angelic while asleep - Jordin has usually tossed the covers and stripped down at some point to nothing but her favorite pair of way, way too small Barbie underwear, which is usually exposing a butt cheek or two by morning... and Sarah Beth looks like an Eskimo under three layers of blankets and at least one appendage hanging off the bed.... I just don't know where the "cute sleeping kids" idea came from... maybe it's that lady above - her children MUST be beautiful when they sleep.... )
Um - where was I ? Oh yes... waking up.....
Went for a walk after dropping the girls at school... 1.5 miles... which is no big deal, really .... Planet Smoothie and Target on the way home.... hmmm... what to get the girls for their Easter Baskets... no idea .... note to self - think about this later....
Came home and showered, worked on more business stuff for a while and listened to mom complain about a paint color used on a home decorating show... damn show.... I look to see what is bothering her so badly - and realize I have just purchased this same color and painted at least two walls of my living room this color... how long hs it been since she visited?? Note to self.... give mother valium before displaying chocolate color paint in living room; prepare to admit poor taste in color upon her issuance of opinion on the matter...
Make healthy lunch (oh yes, grilled chicken and steamed veggies... yuck but filling) and eat while making list of phone calls to make before I pick up the little darlings from school... call Jordin's doctors office to make four year well check appointment (shutup, I know it's been a year) so she can have proper immunization form for school; must call next week.... great... one more week of my child living without vitally important immunization... watch her come down with chicken pox or something like that just to spite me this week....
Email Jim and work out weekends through Memorial Day... well, really I let him tell me what he wanted to do ... you know, around his exams and social calendar... I would HATE to have a life or anything like that... Jim decides that he will join us at family egg hunt this weekend (you know, sometimes things come out of my mouth before I even realize what I am saying) AND at church on Easter Sunday. FABULOUS. I am SO excited to have more "family" time.
Stuff 45 pastel plastic easter eggs purchased at Target this morning with Reese's cups for Jordin's class hunt on Friday... realize that I am very meticulously matching foil color to egg color... yikes...
Pick up girls from school. Jordin first - she calls carpool the "drive through lane," and is always thrilled to NOT stay after school. Is this my child they are putting in the car? Funny. I remember dropping her off with neat, combed hair and stain free clothing, both her shoes tied, her bookbag zipped, and oh yes - a jacket on... this child you're giving me back looks like she lives in a zoo... hmmm... well, keep her anyway. (Jordin by the way, despises these jokes I make with her... she starts crying and saying, "it's me mommy - Rebecca Jordin..." I must be inflicting YEARS of needed therapy later everytime I do this to her)
Take Jordin to gas station for a treat, since I feel bad for making her cry, again.... she picks out candy for her (Berry Skittles) and Sarah (Reese's Pieces Mini) and a Sprite. She tries to pick beer, but I won't let her. Quick, painless... and simple. Sarah Beth would have taken at least an hour to choose candy and would have needed the bathroom at least twice.
Pick up Sarah Beth in carpool. She of course, learned "nothing" today and "doesn't remember" what her favorite part of the day was.... her day was (surprise) "fine." She does however, become very converstational in telling me about how she needs money for the bookfair next week. WOW... she needs money? Jordin give Sarah candy with look of pride on her face... Sarah Beth gets "evil sugar overload" eye.....
Veg with girls at home for about an hour... force Jordin to dress herself for dance class.. torture, I know - making a five year old put on her own tights and leotard... and shoes?!?! Convince SB to stay with Mimi while I take Jordin to dance class... arrive five minutes late, sit down and read magazine.... quiet....
Meet Mimi, Pa, and SB at Atlanta Bread Company for dinner. Mimi offers to buy girls Easter Shoes... I don't complain... head to Target after dinner, pick up two cardigans (12.99 ea) for Sunday... no matching colors... :-( Mom sees two cute canary yellow tennis dresses (9.99 ea) and insists the girls have one... matching set... Jordin immediatley breaks into Copacabana in the middle of the store....
Pick out Sunday shoes... Jordin goes for glittery pink tennis shoes (way, way cute) and SB gets the white loafers with pink piping. Mom makes better on her throw-me-right-under-the-bus-to-buy-the-yellow-dresses-move and offers to buy Jordin an extra pair of shoes... we go for the pink glittery dress shoes... no surprise there.
Jordin tells me she smells something bad... I don't, however DO notice a huge brown stain across the back of her dance pants... in complete horror, we rush to the bathroom to investigate... where she informs me she doesn't really smell anything, and that yes, she sat on her chocolate cookie at dinner... fabulous.
Come home... bathe .... pajamas... help SB finish school project.... bedtime....
Blog.
Bedtime.....
:-)
Rachael
Tuesday... is it THAT time again?
10 Things You're Good At
1. writing... sometimes
2. reading stories with "the voices"
3. being disorganized
4. dressing Barbie and Polly Pocket... and I am learning Bratz...
5. sewing (oh dear God, yes it's true)
6. snuggling (I don't know if a five and eight year old perspective count... but hey - a compliment is a compliment)
7. "thinking of new time outs" (this one is a direct quote from Sarah Beth, when asked what mommy was good at)
8. "being pretty" (damn, Jordin is such a suck up)
9. cooking (I love to)
10. making lists... even though I rarely accomplish anything on them
10 Things You're Good At
1. writing... sometimes
2. reading stories with "the voices"
3. being disorganized
4. dressing Barbie and Polly Pocket... and I am learning Bratz...
5. sewing (oh dear God, yes it's true)
6. snuggling (I don't know if a five and eight year old perspective count... but hey - a compliment is a compliment)
7. "thinking of new time outs" (this one is a direct quote from Sarah Beth, when asked what mommy was good at)
8. "being pretty" (damn, Jordin is such a suck up)
9. cooking (I love to)
10. making lists... even though I rarely accomplish anything on them
Sunday, March 20, 2005
I watched cartoons this morning with the girls.
It was scary.
Doesn't anyone remember The Cartoon Express? What happened to Magilla Gorilla? What happened to Space Ghost?
I grew up watching the classics. I am a classic. Things like Jimmy Neutron (ok, I would kill the kid if he was that much smarter than me), Spongebob Squarepants (endearing, yet - unnerving) and The Fairly Oddparents (ick.. ick) just don't do it for me. There is something about computer animated pixaresque cartoons that make my skin crawl. I mean, tonight - all in a 1.5 hour timespan - Jimmy Neutron and friends traveled back in time to ancient Egypt, saved the tomb of King whatever, Spongebob went on strike from his job as a frycook and burned down the whole restaurant, only to get his job BACK at the end, and - Timmy Turner saved the world from the Pixies, who apprently took over FairyLand for a shortlived overthrow of the fairy government.
WHAT?
Yeah. How about some Fraggles? What about The Smurfs? Anybody?
The Fraggles greatest troubles were visitng The Great Trash Heap, and how Red might fill the pool with water again... Blue (remember her?) was the resident Hippie who promoted peace and friendship... and as a kid - your highlight - always the postcard from Traveling Matt. Dang, I loved the Fraggles. My dad always watched them with me.
The Muppet Show? I lived for it... SB and J have no idea who Kermit is - or Miss Piggy - much less details of their troubled relationship.... Janet Jackson was a guest, even John Denver... how can you go wrong with James Taylor and Kermit singing, "It's Not Easy being Green"...? You just can't.
And SUPERFRIENDS? Who could forget SuperFriends? Apache Chief, Aquaman, Batman, Vulcan, Black Cyborg, Green Lantern, Superman, Robin and the Flash? (sigh)
Oh well... I guess times, they are "a changin'," and I am just getting old... animated sea sponges just don't do it for me the same way Gonzo and Fozzie did - and could never warm my heart they same way Wembley and the gang did every weeknight.... we've moved into this world of silly animation and plotless, dumb cartoons that have somehow captured the attention of my girls...
... and now, Dora's having a baby sister. Oy. Just when you get used to something.
Rachael
It was scary.
Doesn't anyone remember The Cartoon Express? What happened to Magilla Gorilla? What happened to Space Ghost?
I grew up watching the classics. I am a classic. Things like Jimmy Neutron (ok, I would kill the kid if he was that much smarter than me), Spongebob Squarepants (endearing, yet - unnerving) and The Fairly Oddparents (ick.. ick) just don't do it for me. There is something about computer animated pixaresque cartoons that make my skin crawl. I mean, tonight - all in a 1.5 hour timespan - Jimmy Neutron and friends traveled back in time to ancient Egypt, saved the tomb of King whatever, Spongebob went on strike from his job as a frycook and burned down the whole restaurant, only to get his job BACK at the end, and - Timmy Turner saved the world from the Pixies, who apprently took over FairyLand for a shortlived overthrow of the fairy government.
WHAT?
Yeah. How about some Fraggles? What about The Smurfs? Anybody?
The Fraggles greatest troubles were visitng The Great Trash Heap, and how Red might fill the pool with water again... Blue (remember her?) was the resident Hippie who promoted peace and friendship... and as a kid - your highlight - always the postcard from Traveling Matt. Dang, I loved the Fraggles. My dad always watched them with me.
The Muppet Show? I lived for it... SB and J have no idea who Kermit is - or Miss Piggy - much less details of their troubled relationship.... Janet Jackson was a guest, even John Denver... how can you go wrong with James Taylor and Kermit singing, "It's Not Easy being Green"...? You just can't.
And SUPERFRIENDS? Who could forget SuperFriends? Apache Chief, Aquaman, Batman, Vulcan, Black Cyborg, Green Lantern, Superman, Robin and the Flash? (sigh)
Oh well... I guess times, they are "a changin'," and I am just getting old... animated sea sponges just don't do it for me the same way Gonzo and Fozzie did - and could never warm my heart they same way Wembley and the gang did every weeknight.... we've moved into this world of silly animation and plotless, dumb cartoons that have somehow captured the attention of my girls...
... and now, Dora's having a baby sister. Oy. Just when you get used to something.
Rachael
Friday, March 18, 2005
Going to drop girls off to Jim... SB comes home tomorrow at lunch, and then Jordin and Jim head for the Atlanta Ballet and Snow White... . Have a good weekend! ;-)
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Changes
(everything does)
So.
Blame it on my weekend without children.. the first one in a while.
Blame it on my complete lack of sleep at the current moment.
Blame it on anything you want.
This weekend, I had a revelation.
(I know, I know - I have them so often it's losing it's effect... however, what's the fun of a blog if I can't share every epiphany with my audience...?)
Let me start by telling you this.
My children have enough clothes to open a small boutique.We They have clothes we haven't even worn yet - that were bought because they were oh-so-adorable or because they were 2.99 at Old Navy. We They have clothes that they will NEVER wear... ever. The girls have shoes to last well into the summer - and flip flops from last year they never wore. For Jordin, it's almost worse, as she has boxes of clothes that I put away when Sarah Beth outgrew them; most of them she only wore once. I am in no way trying to be boastful or bragging or whatever. It's really, really just ridiculous.
(I don't think I have a matching pair of socks much less more than three pairs of shoes)
I realize this every time I walk into the girls room.... you can't decide WHAT they are going to wear, as there is too much. 9 out of 10 outfits are matching - the girls have this trademark matching thing going - as if I am the first mom in the history of motherhood to come up with that. They don't leave the house without perfect hair, matching socks, and their shirts tucked in... (no thanks to former spouse, Jordin is actually a tiny bit nuts about tucking in her shirt.. for Sarah Beth - it's all about the belt... you wear the same one no matter WHAT...)
They are the most health conscious kids I know. I am not kidding. Sarah Beth and Jordin LOVE to drink water - carry a bottle around with them - hate soda, love fresh fruit and vegetables, and really don't eat a lot of processed nasty food. They skate, they rollerblade, they bike, they play soccer, Jordin dances, Sarah Beth is learning to skateboard.... they know exercise... and love it. Grammy and Mimi have the two of them so doped up on vitamins that they are literally never sick.... ever. They can tell you about protein and vitamin C and sugar and Splenda and how bad Diet Coke is killing mommy. (ok, well, maybe they're a little overboard)
And so, I have finally realized I spend A LOT of time and effort taking care of them. Of course I do... that's what mommies do. However, I am spending no time and effort on me... and it's becoming distressing. Very. I really do look tired... and - turning twenty seven... the last thing I want to do is look... oh my... OLD. And how do I look old at twenty six? Oh, let me count yon ways... I don't get enough sleep (what mommy does), don't EVER go shopping for myself (hello, what is style, exactly?)... and have forgotten the meaning of the word, e-x-e-r-c-i-s-e...(Rach, you are NOT sixteen anymore...) what?
So... while you know I will always be Supermom... and continue to have the cutest kids on this blog.. I have to make some changes. I have to. My life is killing me. A plan? I am always devising plans... here's the latest - in TO DO list form....
Things to do for ME
(everything does)
So.
Blame it on my weekend without children.. the first one in a while.
Blame it on my complete lack of sleep at the current moment.
Blame it on anything you want.
This weekend, I had a revelation.
(I know, I know - I have them so often it's losing it's effect... however, what's the fun of a blog if I can't share every epiphany with my audience...?)
Let me start by telling you this.
My children have enough clothes to open a small boutique.
(I don't think I have a matching pair of socks much less more than three pairs of shoes)
I realize this every time I walk into the girls room.... you can't decide WHAT they are going to wear, as there is too much. 9 out of 10 outfits are matching - the girls have this trademark matching thing going - as if I am the first mom in the history of motherhood to come up with that. They don't leave the house without perfect hair, matching socks, and their shirts tucked in... (no thanks to former spouse, Jordin is actually a tiny bit nuts about tucking in her shirt.. for Sarah Beth - it's all about the belt... you wear the same one no matter WHAT...)
They are the most health conscious kids I know. I am not kidding. Sarah Beth and Jordin LOVE to drink water - carry a bottle around with them - hate soda, love fresh fruit and vegetables, and really don't eat a lot of processed nasty food. They skate, they rollerblade, they bike, they play soccer, Jordin dances, Sarah Beth is learning to skateboard.... they know exercise... and love it. Grammy and Mimi have the two of them so doped up on vitamins that they are literally never sick.... ever. They can tell you about protein and vitamin C and sugar and Splenda and how bad Diet Coke is killing mommy. (ok, well, maybe they're a little overboard)
And so, I have finally realized I spend A LOT of time and effort taking care of them. Of course I do... that's what mommies do. However, I am spending no time and effort on me... and it's becoming distressing. Very. I really do look tired... and - turning twenty seven... the last thing I want to do is look... oh my... OLD. And how do I look old at twenty six? Oh, let me count yon ways... I don't get enough sleep (what mommy does), don't EVER go shopping for myself (hello, what is style, exactly?)... and have forgotten the meaning of the word, e-x-e-r-c-i-s-e...(Rach, you are NOT sixteen anymore...) what?
So... while you know I will always be Supermom... and continue to have the cutest kids on this blog.. I have to make some changes. I have to. My life is killing me. A plan? I am always devising plans... here's the latest - in TO DO list form....
Things to do for ME
- get hair CUT (this mane of mine is way, way too long and blah... I mean, if I have a headful of reddish hair... why keep it pulled back in a bun or ponytail all the time... it's pointless and takes a lloooooonnngggg time to dry... )
- get out of the house stop turning down friends on the weekends and get the hell out of here... (happy, Kell? You made THE LIST girl)
- give up Diet Coke as the girls and Grammy tell me, it is, after all, making me lose my short term memory and grow a huge brain tumor all at the same time... which can't be good for hair and nail growth
- drink more water water? What's that?
- go to doctor I can't even tell you the last time I was there.....
- take vitamins
- exercise every day
- go to bed at decent hour
- spend more time on things I love to do that have nothing to do with kids
- finish painting at the house and MOVE IN
- get over relationship with Jim - be more like ex wife and less like best friend
- buy myself at least something to add to wardrobe once a month
- get better at golf (I suck currently... Sarah Beth has better game than me)
- actually finish school and quit bitching about it
Ok. This is ONLY the beginning... I'll keep you updated... the revelation has now officially begun.... and I am off for EIGHT hours of sleep.
Rach
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Sunday Brunch
"I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem tohave been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myselfin now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell thanordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered beforeme." -Isaac Newton
1) Have you ever swam in the ocean? If so, which ones?
Yes. The Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.... is that really an ocean?
2) Have you ever been snorkeling or scuba diving?
My dad and I certified (SCUBA) when I was twelve years old... I was the youngest diver to ever do my check out dives at Ginny Springs, Florida... I almost killed my dad when trying to pass the "buddy breathing" part of the test... what can I say? My trips diving with my dad are some of my most treasured memories. We've been to the Cayman Islands, the Florida Keys, Ginny Springs, Crystal River (to see the Manatees) and lots of other places... :-)
3) Do you like traveling by boat and have you ever?
I have never "traveled" by boat to anywhere special - only out to dive sites or on deep sea fishing days (ick)
4) Do you believe that Atlantis existed?
Yes. I do... read this. :-)
5) If you could live on the coast of any of the oceans, which ocean andwhich coast?
Fiji.. in the South Pacific... see you there! ;-)
"I do not know what I may appear to the world; but to myself I seem tohave been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myselfin now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell thanordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered beforeme." -Isaac Newton
1) Have you ever swam in the ocean? If so, which ones?
Yes. The Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.... is that really an ocean?
2) Have you ever been snorkeling or scuba diving?
My dad and I certified (SCUBA) when I was twelve years old... I was the youngest diver to ever do my check out dives at Ginny Springs, Florida... I almost killed my dad when trying to pass the "buddy breathing" part of the test... what can I say? My trips diving with my dad are some of my most treasured memories. We've been to the Cayman Islands, the Florida Keys, Ginny Springs, Crystal River (to see the Manatees) and lots of other places... :-)
3) Do you like traveling by boat and have you ever?
I have never "traveled" by boat to anywhere special - only out to dive sites or on deep sea fishing days (ick)
4) Do you believe that Atlantis existed?
Yes. I do... read this. :-)
5) If you could live on the coast of any of the oceans, which ocean andwhich coast?
Fiji.. in the South Pacific... see you there! ;-)
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Friday, March 11, 2005
The TO DO list continues
Tonight:
Tonight:
pack girls and deliver them to Jim at Grammy's housedrive home in complete and blissful silencescan business logo; email files to web gurusleep (yay, I LOVE this one)
Saturday:
meet friend's mom at 9AM for coffee to plan surprise birthday party- travel to Sam Flax to pick out/up presentation materials
- redo menus from catering company (retype, redesign)
pick up Jordin's new ballet shoes and tights from dance storefind all three dance costumesfor picturesmeet Jim at 3:30 to prep Jordin (makeup and hair)- dance pictures/parents meeting at 5PM
- meet for dinner post pictures
- talk to Jim about school-choice for next year (damn redistricting)
- makeup Sunday School lesson for preschoolers and craft... yuck.
Ho Hum.
Rachael
TGIF
I am so very glad Friday is here. Sorry for not posting much this week - I am a little disenchanted with life currently, which tends to stifle my creativity. You know how it goes. However, for the first time in three weeks, Jim is taking the girls for the night and most of tomorrow - finally found time to fit it in his busy law school social calendar... and I am so glad. I love them to pieces and everything - but it sucks being mommy alllllll the time. I think I have forgotten how to be anything else... yeah - I am pretty sure that's a fact - considering I have no clothes outside of jeans and work clothes ... and, when given a "night off" I would rather stay at home and do absolutley nothing rather than do anything else. Maybe I am just too scared. Whatever. I don't know what my problem is. Anyone?
So, Sarah Beth is finally home - Jordin is elated - we have dance pictures tomorrow (oh dear God, a whole post for another time) and - yes, happy happy - the girls are coming home tomorrow night. Jim is flying down to Florida to spend his Spring Break with his dad. Oh - and, how could I forget - I am overobsessing (oh yes, a Rachaelism that existed waaaay before kids) on why someone won't return my emails... someone I haven't seen in - well, YEARS - and yet I am like, losing sleep over it. Whatever, Rachael. I really, really need a life.
Back to middle school.
Rachael
I am so very glad Friday is here. Sorry for not posting much this week - I am a little disenchanted with life currently, which tends to stifle my creativity. You know how it goes. However, for the first time in three weeks, Jim is taking the girls for the night and most of tomorrow - finally found time to fit it in his busy law school social calendar... and I am so glad. I love them to pieces and everything - but it sucks being mommy alllllll the time. I think I have forgotten how to be anything else... yeah - I am pretty sure that's a fact - considering I have no clothes outside of jeans and work clothes ... and, when given a "night off" I would rather stay at home and do absolutley nothing rather than do anything else. Maybe I am just too scared. Whatever. I don't know what my problem is. Anyone?
So, Sarah Beth is finally home - Jordin is elated - we have dance pictures tomorrow (oh dear God, a whole post for another time) and - yes, happy happy - the girls are coming home tomorrow night. Jim is flying down to Florida to spend his Spring Break with his dad. Oh - and, how could I forget - I am overobsessing (oh yes, a Rachaelism that existed waaaay before kids) on why someone won't return my emails... someone I haven't seen in - well, YEARS - and yet I am like, losing sleep over it. Whatever, Rachael. I really, really need a life.
Back to middle school.
Rachael
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Rachaels most recent iTunes.....
Since You've Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson
One Two Step, Ciara (it's a Jordin must have)
Get Right, Jennifer Lopez
Naked as We Came, Iron and Wine
Love and some Verses, Iron and Wine
Pirate looks at 40, Jack Johnson (my sister and her surfboard)
Signs, Snoop and Justin Timberlake (gotta be able to hang with the middle schoolers)
Since You've Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson
One Two Step, Ciara (it's a Jordin must have)
Get Right, Jennifer Lopez
Naked as We Came, Iron and Wine
Love and some Verses, Iron and Wine
Pirate looks at 40, Jack Johnson (my sister and her surfboard)
Signs, Snoop and Justin Timberlake (gotta be able to hang with the middle schoolers)
Democratic Training 101
(or, Sarah Beth teaches Pa how to get noticed in Washington)
Sarah Beth and Pa are in the final hours of theirtrip brainwashing adventure in Washington. Today, Sarah Beth was quoted as saying that the Postal Museum was "interesting." This was the "big" night - "Congressional Dinner." Sarah Beth was the only under twenty one year old in attendence apparently, and carried herself quite well. She ate the clams and shrimp without protest, and carried her ice cream dish around the room with her as she mingled. Would someone please tell me who taught my child to say, "it's so nice to meet you" ? Oh yes - I almost forgot about her degree in Fletcher Charm. So anyway. Apparently the child was so well behaved, charming and gracious (you have heard her Macon, Georgia accent haven't you?) that they were invited to a small breakfast in the morning with some congressional people and John Kerry. Dang. Pa does all this lobbying, golfing, and so on for the democratic cause and all he had to really do was take his granddaughter to Washington to get noticed. They even bumped their flight till later tomorrow to attend. I told Sarah Beth to be sure and wear the cute hat I packed for her... and those great earrings. Imagine.
This ought to take years to undo. Damn.
Rachael
(or, Sarah Beth teaches Pa how to get noticed in Washington)
Sarah Beth and Pa are in the final hours of their
This ought to take years to undo. Damn.
Rachael
Blah
I was having a bad day. Then I found this link (*thanks middleschool fans*). The fourteen year olds in my life know how to make me smile, what can I say? Just don't TELL them I think they're cool.
I was having a bad day. Then I found this link (*thanks middleschool fans*). The fourteen year olds in my life know how to make me smile, what can I say? Just don't TELL them I think they're cool.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Sunday, March 06, 2005
Washington CD update
Update on the Washington trip: Flight arrived safely in DC (or, CD as Jordin refers to it). Sarah Beth took approximately four or five pictures on the plane, and read to page thirty of her "Because of Winn Dixie" book. Upon asking her what her favorite part of the flight was (you know, it being her very first and all) she replied... "I don't know," and quickly moved on to telling me about her concerns over whether or not she'll have enough film in one disposable camera. We had this discussion approximatelythree five hundred times before she left. About 498 of those happened before we left WalMart with the camera. Later in the day, another update from Mimi included the news that Sarah Beth has been in the bathroom alot - apparently on a secret mission to check out all public facilities in DC, and make a report to children who torture their parents and grandparents with this practice everywhere.
Maybe they have a secret website or something.
Rachael
Update on the Washington trip: Flight arrived safely in DC (or, CD as Jordin refers to it). Sarah Beth took approximately four or five pictures on the plane, and read to page thirty of her "Because of Winn Dixie" book. Upon asking her what her favorite part of the flight was (you know, it being her very first and all) she replied... "I don't know," and quickly moved on to telling me about her concerns over whether or not she'll have enough film in one disposable camera. We had this discussion approximately
Maybe they have a secret website or something.
Rachael
Saturday, March 05, 2005
So far, so good. SB, Mimi and Pa left ontime for their flight this morning. Jordin and I slept until almost nine, and then went to McD's in our PJ's and shared hotcakes. We have two birthday parties today and a baby shower. We also need to buy new tap shoes. I am sure, somehow - by some small miracle - we'll have time to do it all.
Right.
Rachael
Right.
Rachael
Friday, March 04, 2005
Withdrawal
Less than twenty four hours till SB leaves for DC. We just finished last minute shopping for new books, socks and Game Boy Game. She cashed in her rolled coins and has almost $55.00 pocket money... pretty impressive for an eight year old and her piggy bank. Usually, we call that the "beach money," as she always rolls up a bunch before she heads to the beach house with her dad in the summer. I let her have it now... just for fun. Her teacher has made her promise to "take good field notes" while she is away - so, I bought her a disposable camera as well. Currently, she is out exchanging shoes with Pa - apparently, the old and very wise "Pa" has a hard time buying shoes that actually FIT the child. Could I have returned them? Oh indeed. However, my dad "can handle it," he says, "after all, I've been doing this for years," he brags.
Right. And that's why her shoes don't fit properly.
Rachael
Less than twenty four hours till SB leaves for DC. We just finished last minute shopping for new books, socks and Game Boy Game. She cashed in her rolled coins and has almost $55.00 pocket money... pretty impressive for an eight year old and her piggy bank. Usually, we call that the "beach money," as she always rolls up a bunch before she heads to the beach house with her dad in the summer. I let her have it now... just for fun. Her teacher has made her promise to "take good field notes" while she is away - so, I bought her a disposable camera as well. Currently, she is out exchanging shoes with Pa - apparently, the old and very wise "Pa" has a hard time buying shoes that actually FIT the child. Could I have returned them? Oh indeed. However, my dad "can handle it," he says, "after all, I've been doing this for years," he brags.
Right. And that's why her shoes don't fit properly.
Rachael
Thought for the day
as told by high schoolers
Me to shall remain nameless senior : So, you're how old?
Senior boy : Twenty. (smirking)
Me: Are you serious?
Senior boy : Yeah, why? You wanna go out or something?
Me: (loud laughter) Try again, sweetie.... to someone besides me.
Senior: That's ok, Ms. Fletcher - I'd rather do the librarian anyday.
Great.
Wisdom imparted by the minds of twenty something seniors who should have graduated two years ago.
Rachael
as told by high schoolers
Me to shall remain nameless senior : So, you're how old?
Senior boy : Twenty. (smirking)
Me: Are you serious?
Senior boy : Yeah, why? You wanna go out or something?
Me: (loud laughter) Try again, sweetie.... to someone besides me.
Senior: That's ok, Ms. Fletcher - I'd rather do the librarian anyday.
Great.
Wisdom imparted by the minds of twenty something seniors who should have graduated two years ago.
Rachael
Thursday, March 03, 2005
I just all blogged out. Between finding all my cool pretty dumb canned post topics and completley alienating an old and dear friend - I think my blogging mind is just worn out. I have completely procrastinated packing SB for the Washington trip... she leaves in 48 hours... we have too small shoes to return that she and "Pa" bought together... clothes to wash and weather to check. On top of all this excitement (yes - this makes my dull little life mildly exciting) Jordin and I are visiting old friends in Macon this weekend - which means more packing, laundry washing, and car clean outing. I am so excited.
At the high school today again. Boo. Those kids are just big and mean and spoiled. My favorite part of the day? My favorite smartass (who I had already had a little "discussion" with this morning) got busted in the lunchroom for "dipping." Disgusting. He had to swallow it.... I mean, I guess he didn't have to - but I still compleltey enjoyed that look on his face that was worse than death itself. Ha ha ha darlin... and don't call ME darlin' anymore, k?
XXOX
Rachael
At the high school today again. Boo. Those kids are just big and mean and spoiled. My favorite part of the day? My favorite smartass (who I had already had a little "discussion" with this morning) got busted in the lunchroom for "dipping." Disgusting. He had to swallow it.... I mean, I guess he didn't have to - but I still compleltey enjoyed that look on his face that was worse than death itself. Ha ha ha darlin... and don't call ME darlin' anymore, k?
XXOX
Rachael
Thursday Threesome
I seem to be addicted....
:Onesome: Tell about your morning routine. What time does your alarm clock go off? Do you hit the snooze button more than you should? Do you head straight for the coffee or the shower?
Ahhh... the morning "routine" is never routine... the "alarm" (Jordin) crawls into my bed like clockwork every morning at about five thirty. By six-thirty, she is talking up a storm to her very sleepy mommy, who is usually incoherent and just agreeing to whatever Jordin says. Soon, the chatter becomes annoying and after several "tuck ins," (Jordin tucking the covers around my neck... yes, cute but annoying after the fifteenth time) we get up. Sarah Beth is *not* a morning girl... it takes a while and several wake up calls to get her rolling. Up the stairs we go for breakfast - even though PopTarts are the breakfast of champions - I try to make them eat a *hot* breakfast at least once or twice a week. They are amazed that I can boil water... so, instant oatmeal is a plus. I shower, they dress and brush and priss - and we're off. This all must happen by 7:35, as my oldest child breaks out in a sweat if the threat of being someone besides the first person in her class each day looms.
:Twosome: What's on the schedule for the day? Do you schedule every minute or just go with the flow?
Hahahaha... what does "schedule every minute" mean, anyway? Since quitting my work-like-a-dog-sixty-hour-a-week-job in the *city* (Buckhead for all you Atlantans) we have forgotten the word "schedule" at our house... and it's just plain fabulous. I used to squeeze twenty five hours out of the normal day, calling for doctors appointments and teeth cleanings on my lunch, between this bride and that.... now, I keep a paper planner and a pencil, and the world is ok with me.
:Threesome: What do you do to maintain your sanity in this hectic world? Do you find time to yourself each day to meditate, or wait till everyone's tucked in for the night to log onto the computer or settle in with a book? Or, do you run off to the gym and maintain your body while maintaining your mind?
Since becoming a single mom - meditation is found in the most unique of places... watching the girls eat breakfast while I sip coffee from the handpainted preschool mug I've had for eight years, sitting on the porch swing and listening to my eight year old read aloud... watching Jordin pirouette and shuffle step during dance class... those are the everyday moments. On my walks (when they are asleep or away) I do most of my "getting right" with the world - cry - pray- figure out where to go next... and, on vacations - I sit on the beach with my favorite book and my camera - and watch my five year old dance on her stage, with her favorite audience (the ocean). I don't need a "time" each day for my zen - I find it in the everyday moments of life. That keeps me sane.
I am, however, known to always have two things - which somehow have come to "identify" me ... my camera and my notebook... in it, I am always writing the next thing - the old story, the new mommyism, or another email to an old friend... :-)
OK!!! I promise! No more "canned" posts for a while. I will try to go back to the business of being Rachael. Whatever that business is, I am not quite sure. Let you know when I find out. :-)
Rachael
I seem to be addicted....
:regularlyscheduledmaintenence:
:Onesome: Tell about your morning routine. What time does your alarm clock go off? Do you hit the snooze button more than you should? Do you head straight for the coffee or the shower?
Ahhh... the morning "routine" is never routine... the "alarm" (Jordin) crawls into my bed like clockwork every morning at about five thirty. By six-thirty, she is talking up a storm to her very sleepy mommy, who is usually incoherent and just agreeing to whatever Jordin says. Soon, the chatter becomes annoying and after several "tuck ins," (Jordin tucking the covers around my neck... yes, cute but annoying after the fifteenth time) we get up. Sarah Beth is *not* a morning girl... it takes a while and several wake up calls to get her rolling. Up the stairs we go for breakfast - even though PopTarts are the breakfast of champions - I try to make them eat a *hot* breakfast at least once or twice a week. They are amazed that I can boil water... so, instant oatmeal is a plus. I shower, they dress and brush and priss - and we're off. This all must happen by 7:35, as my oldest child breaks out in a sweat if the threat of being someone besides the first person in her class each day looms.
:Twosome: What's on the schedule for the day? Do you schedule every minute or just go with the flow?
Hahahaha... what does "schedule every minute" mean, anyway? Since quitting my work-like-a-dog-sixty-hour-a-week-job in the *city* (Buckhead for all you Atlantans) we have forgotten the word "schedule" at our house... and it's just plain fabulous. I used to squeeze twenty five hours out of the normal day, calling for doctors appointments and teeth cleanings on my lunch, between this bride and that.... now, I keep a paper planner and a pencil, and the world is ok with me.
:Threesome: What do you do to maintain your sanity in this hectic world? Do you find time to yourself each day to meditate, or wait till everyone's tucked in for the night to log onto the computer or settle in with a book? Or, do you run off to the gym and maintain your body while maintaining your mind?
Since becoming a single mom - meditation is found in the most unique of places... watching the girls eat breakfast while I sip coffee from the handpainted preschool mug I've had for eight years, sitting on the porch swing and listening to my eight year old read aloud... watching Jordin pirouette and shuffle step during dance class... those are the everyday moments. On my walks (when they are asleep or away) I do most of my "getting right" with the world - cry - pray- figure out where to go next... and, on vacations - I sit on the beach with my favorite book and my camera - and watch my five year old dance on her stage, with her favorite audience (the ocean). I don't need a "time" each day for my zen - I find it in the everyday moments of life. That keeps me sane.
I am, however, known to always have two things - which somehow have come to "identify" me ... my camera and my notebook... in it, I am always writing the next thing - the old story, the new mommyism, or another email to an old friend... :-)
OK!!! I promise! No more "canned" posts for a while. I will try to go back to the business of being Rachael. Whatever that business is, I am not quite sure. Let you know when I find out. :-)
Rachael
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
One more TEN ON TUESDAY
Ten Words/Phrases You Love to Use
1) I don't even have time for this
'2) beginning every sentence with 'Like...'
3) ending every sentence with 'ya know?'
4) Jordin, where are your shoes?
5) WHAT EVER
6) Are you SERIOUS?
7) Sarah Beth... are you losing your mind?
8) (to my middle schoolers) Because I am NOT your mama, that's why
9) Jordin... where ARE your shoes?
10) Were ya raised in a barn? (another middle school favorite)
Ten Words/Phrases You Love to Use
1) I don't even have time for this
'2) beginning every sentence with 'Like...'
3) ending every sentence with 'ya know?'
4) Jordin, where are your shoes?
5) WHAT EVER
6) Are you SERIOUS?
7) Sarah Beth... are you losing your mind?
8) (to my middle schoolers) Because I am NOT your mama, that's why
9) Jordin... where ARE your shoes?
10) Were ya raised in a barn? (another middle school favorite)
Ten on Tuesday
Ten Songs that bring back memories and why.....
from the good people at TEN ON TUESDAY
1. "A Whole New World," from Aladdin. This was my first "real" dance with a *boy*.... it was at homecoming my freshman year of high school. I went to the dance with Robert; the first *real* boyfriend. I was wearing a HUGE dress, lots of pink lamae', way way too overdressed for the occasion. Naturally, the only picture I have of the occasion I sent to Robert, probably to never be seen again. I will always, always remember this moment... :-)
2. "Today," by The Smashing Pumpkins Today is the greatest/day we'll ever know/can't live for tomorrow/... This was one of the first CD's I bought. During my sophomore and junior years of high school, I rode to school with my best friend, Tinian. EVERY DAY we listened to this song. I really don't know why, other than the fact it simply became a morning ride tradition. There was something about being in that car with the windows rolled down on a warm spring morning listening to that song.... loved it. The whole CD sort of became iconic to me - as it was the first I bought, lots of songs on it remind me of sentimental things.
3. "Cannonball", by The Breeders Sitting in a wishing well/blown to hell/crash/I'm the last splash Ever want to know how I learned Jason (*the boy*) existed? It was this damn cassette tape that started my whole infatuation with him.... last day of school of 10th grade, going out with his best friend, yet could not get enough of this mysterious new kid. Best friend wants to borrow said music from new kid, so - I am volunteered to "run in" and get the tape. In that little ten minute interval, I make it my plan to land the new kid. The rest is history... well, sort of. I actually don't think I really like the song, but it still reminds me of one particular sunny day, on the brink of being sixteen, and owning the world.
4. "Iris," by the Goo Goo Dolls ..you bleed just to know you're alive/ and I don't want the world to see me/ cause I don't think that they'd understand /where everything's meant to be broken/ I just want you to know who I am Even though we are now happily divorced, there is no denying how "much" of my teenage years I spent with Jim. We *learned* a lot from each other in those days, and shared much more than we knew we should. I was busy trying to lose the "good girl" reputation, drowning the pain of losing *the boy* and he was just trying to hang on during the wild, wild ride that was his freshman year at Georgia. All those mornings waking up in Russell Hall made me feel this false sense of knowing everything, getting away with way, way too much. And, as much as I hate to admit it, I wouldn't trade those days or experiences for anything. This song was "always" on the radio in Athens - sort of our own version of an unintentional theme song.
5. "Right Here Waiting,"by Richard Marx ... Oceans apart/day after day/and I slowly go insane/where ever you go/what ever you do/ I will be right here waiting for you Funny story. Sweet, precious memory. I had this amazing, amazing crush during the eigth grade... on a boy much, much shorter than me... an amazing, long lasting, precious friendship emerged from such crush... and we became the BEST of friends. I can think of only a few people that I have loved as much in my lifetime as I have loved him. It was my first taste of what a true friendship was, and was one of the only to stand the test of middle and high school, and even a few years after. We used to make these "tapes" of our favorite songs and mail them back and forth to each other during the summer - before the days of drivers licenses and our own cars. This song, no matter what else changed on the tape, remained a constant. He even played it at my wedding. And, as much as it puts a lump in my throat to hear it... our lives have taken their seperate paths - his in one way and mine in a direct opposite. We always want to try to rekindle our friendship - but we are too seperate now to know where to begin... No matter how different our lives become, I will always love him just as much as I did then... and this will always, always remind me of every hysterical, sad, serious, silly, perfect moment we shared. Since then - my most magical moment in life (since my girls) was our chance meeting at the mall - holding his baby girl. :-)
6. "Cumbersome," Seven Mary Three (sigh) /I have become /cumbersome /to my girl / too heavy/ too light/ to black/ or too white/ too wrong /or too right/today or tonight/cumbersome My friend Jason bought this CD on a night he and (now wife) Kelly were fighting. I know this because the two of them were my best friends - and we spent the entire night driving around with this CD in Jason's truck. Bigger than that, really - is how it will now alllllwaaaays remind me of all of our times we spent together. I remember both before they knew the other one existed. I remember counseling Kelly in our fabulous days in summer school on whether she "should" or "shouldn't." I remember too many nights with both *Jasons* causing whatever little bit of trouble we could find ... we were very *risque* and all slept over at my house when the parents were away, went to proms together... everything. They were (and are) a huge part of my life... and this song will always remind me of that night - and every other memory. *love you Kell* Oh, and incidentally, thanks to my advice... Kelly DID.
7. "Meet Virginia," by Train She doesn't own a dress/her hair is always a mess/catch her stealin she won't confess/she's beautiful ...meet Virginia/she never compromises/loves babies and surprises/wears high heels when she exercises/ain't that beautiful/...well she wants to be the Queen/...I can't to/...meet Virginia.... This song was immensely popular when I was pregnant with Jordin. I loved it. Still do. So much so, that I came about two minutes away from naming Jordin, Virginia. I thought it was a great song about a crazy girl with a strong personality, afraid of nothing... I still love Train music... ;-)
8. "Champagne Supernova," by Oasis ...slowly walkin down the hall /faster than a cannonball /where were you when we were gettin high /Some day you will find me/Caught beneath the landslide/In a champagne supernova in the sky This song was *the* song the year I graduated from high school. Again, one of those unintentional songs that I remember being on the radio at a *few* memorable moments that year.... on the way to a secret meeting with *the boy* after leaving senior prom... in the background when I finally, finally kissed *the crush*..... heard when sitting quietly in the room of one of my dearest friends, after finding out she was pregnant..... and, most memorably, it was on the radio the morning I drove to graduation. I guess it will always be synonymous with my senior year, and everything that happened then.
9. "Carolina in my Mind," by James Taylor in my mind I'm goin to Carolina/ can't you just see the sunrise /can't you hear the moon rise... seem a little strange to find on my list? Well, it's one of the most important. If nothing else, Jim is a sweet daddy to his girls. When Sarah Beth was only two, we began that great experiment that is now filed away under special memories... you know, living together in a little tiny house, just trying to make things work. Sarah Beth loved her daddy just as much then as now - and it was his job, per her request, do "sing" at bedtime... he always sang this to her. I remember standing outside the room, waiting for a kiss and hug from *the girl*, and hearing him sing to her. She was so sweet and small then... and we were so, so innocent of what lie ahead of us.
10. "Copacabana" by Barry Manilow ..at the copa /copacabana/ the hottest spot north of Havana /at the copa /they fell in love WHAT?!?!? You must be seriously questioning my music taste now... but, have you met my daughter, *the diva*? Jordin has one favorite song, and this is it. We spent a year, yes a year, singing this EVERY WHERE we went, and even taught her a few little shimmeys to go a long with her adorable three year old self being Lola. We still call her Lola to this day - and I finally pried the red sparkly "Lola shoes" off her feet about a year ago, two sizes too small. I think things like this are precious - and this will forever remind me of her childhood.
Dang. This was fun. ....whew... glad that emotional recap of my life is over.... now, I need some serious therapy....
XXOX
Rach
Ten Songs that bring back memories and why.....
from the good people at TEN ON TUESDAY
1. "A Whole New World," from Aladdin. This was my first "real" dance with a *boy*.... it was at homecoming my freshman year of high school. I went to the dance with Robert; the first *real* boyfriend. I was wearing a HUGE dress, lots of pink lamae', way way too overdressed for the occasion. Naturally, the only picture I have of the occasion I sent to Robert, probably to never be seen again. I will always, always remember this moment... :-)
2. "Today," by The Smashing Pumpkins Today is the greatest/day we'll ever know/can't live for tomorrow/... This was one of the first CD's I bought. During my sophomore and junior years of high school, I rode to school with my best friend, Tinian. EVERY DAY we listened to this song. I really don't know why, other than the fact it simply became a morning ride tradition. There was something about being in that car with the windows rolled down on a warm spring morning listening to that song.... loved it. The whole CD sort of became iconic to me - as it was the first I bought, lots of songs on it remind me of sentimental things.
3. "Cannonball", by The Breeders Sitting in a wishing well/blown to hell/crash/I'm the last splash Ever want to know how I learned Jason (*the boy*) existed? It was this damn cassette tape that started my whole infatuation with him.... last day of school of 10th grade, going out with his best friend, yet could not get enough of this mysterious new kid. Best friend wants to borrow said music from new kid, so - I am volunteered to "run in" and get the tape. In that little ten minute interval, I make it my plan to land the new kid. The rest is history... well, sort of. I actually don't think I really like the song, but it still reminds me of one particular sunny day, on the brink of being sixteen, and owning the world.
4. "Iris," by the Goo Goo Dolls ..you bleed just to know you're alive/ and I don't want the world to see me/ cause I don't think that they'd understand /where everything's meant to be broken/ I just want you to know who I am Even though we are now happily divorced, there is no denying how "much" of my teenage years I spent with Jim. We *learned* a lot from each other in those days, and shared much more than we knew we should. I was busy trying to lose the "good girl" reputation, drowning the pain of losing *the boy* and he was just trying to hang on during the wild, wild ride that was his freshman year at Georgia. All those mornings waking up in Russell Hall made me feel this false sense of knowing everything, getting away with way, way too much. And, as much as I hate to admit it, I wouldn't trade those days or experiences for anything. This song was "always" on the radio in Athens - sort of our own version of an unintentional theme song.
5. "Right Here Waiting,"by Richard Marx ... Oceans apart/day after day/and I slowly go insane/where ever you go/what ever you do/ I will be right here waiting for you Funny story. Sweet, precious memory. I had this amazing, amazing crush during the eigth grade... on a boy much, much shorter than me... an amazing, long lasting, precious friendship emerged from such crush... and we became the BEST of friends. I can think of only a few people that I have loved as much in my lifetime as I have loved him. It was my first taste of what a true friendship was, and was one of the only to stand the test of middle and high school, and even a few years after. We used to make these "tapes" of our favorite songs and mail them back and forth to each other during the summer - before the days of drivers licenses and our own cars. This song, no matter what else changed on the tape, remained a constant. He even played it at my wedding. And, as much as it puts a lump in my throat to hear it... our lives have taken their seperate paths - his in one way and mine in a direct opposite. We always want to try to rekindle our friendship - but we are too seperate now to know where to begin... No matter how different our lives become, I will always love him just as much as I did then... and this will always, always remind me of every hysterical, sad, serious, silly, perfect moment we shared. Since then - my most magical moment in life (since my girls) was our chance meeting at the mall - holding his baby girl. :-)
6. "Cumbersome," Seven Mary Three (sigh) /I have become /cumbersome /to my girl / too heavy/ too light/ to black/ or too white/ too wrong /or too right/today or tonight/cumbersome My friend Jason bought this CD on a night he and (now wife) Kelly were fighting. I know this because the two of them were my best friends - and we spent the entire night driving around with this CD in Jason's truck. Bigger than that, really - is how it will now alllllwaaaays remind me of all of our times we spent together. I remember both before they knew the other one existed. I remember counseling Kelly in our fabulous days in summer school on whether she "should" or "shouldn't." I remember too many nights with both *Jasons* causing whatever little bit of trouble we could find ... we were very *risque* and all slept over at my house when the parents were away, went to proms together... everything. They were (and are) a huge part of my life... and this song will always remind me of that night - and every other memory. *love you Kell* Oh, and incidentally, thanks to my advice... Kelly DID.
7. "Meet Virginia," by Train She doesn't own a dress/her hair is always a mess/catch her stealin she won't confess/she's beautiful ...meet Virginia/she never compromises/loves babies and surprises/wears high heels when she exercises/ain't that beautiful/...well she wants to be the Queen/...I can't to/...meet Virginia.... This song was immensely popular when I was pregnant with Jordin. I loved it. Still do. So much so, that I came about two minutes away from naming Jordin, Virginia. I thought it was a great song about a crazy girl with a strong personality, afraid of nothing... I still love Train music... ;-)
8. "Champagne Supernova," by Oasis ...slowly walkin down the hall /faster than a cannonball /where were you when we were gettin high /Some day you will find me/Caught beneath the landslide/In a champagne supernova in the sky This song was *the* song the year I graduated from high school. Again, one of those unintentional songs that I remember being on the radio at a *few* memorable moments that year.... on the way to a secret meeting with *the boy* after leaving senior prom... in the background when I finally, finally kissed *the crush*..... heard when sitting quietly in the room of one of my dearest friends, after finding out she was pregnant..... and, most memorably, it was on the radio the morning I drove to graduation. I guess it will always be synonymous with my senior year, and everything that happened then.
9. "Carolina in my Mind," by James Taylor in my mind I'm goin to Carolina/ can't you just see the sunrise /can't you hear the moon rise... seem a little strange to find on my list? Well, it's one of the most important. If nothing else, Jim is a sweet daddy to his girls. When Sarah Beth was only two, we began that great experiment that is now filed away under special memories... you know, living together in a little tiny house, just trying to make things work. Sarah Beth loved her daddy just as much then as now - and it was his job, per her request, do "sing" at bedtime... he always sang this to her. I remember standing outside the room, waiting for a kiss and hug from *the girl*, and hearing him sing to her. She was so sweet and small then... and we were so, so innocent of what lie ahead of us.
10. "Copacabana" by Barry Manilow ..at the copa /copacabana/ the hottest spot north of Havana /at the copa /they fell in love WHAT?!?!? You must be seriously questioning my music taste now... but, have you met my daughter, *the diva*? Jordin has one favorite song, and this is it. We spent a year, yes a year, singing this EVERY WHERE we went, and even taught her a few little shimmeys to go a long with her adorable three year old self being Lola. We still call her Lola to this day - and I finally pried the red sparkly "Lola shoes" off her feet about a year ago, two sizes too small. I think things like this are precious - and this will forever remind me of her childhood.
Dang. This was fun. ....whew... glad that emotional recap of my life is over.... now, I need some serious therapy....
XXOX
Rach
Lunch
"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch." -Orson Welles
1) Do you take your lunch hour at work?
Yes. Of course. You mean skip the lunch hour and spend another hour with middle schoolers? Pass. I'll take on the lunchroom anyday.
2) What is your favorite place to eat lunch at?
Ha ha ha... in the lunchroom, of course. However, when not at school, I love to sit at Atlanta Bread Company and watch people....:-)
3) What do you usually eat for lunch?
I am a huge salad fan. As a general rule, I do usually skip the normal school fare for a salad....
4) Do you have anyone that you eat lunch with on a regular basis?
Yes. 25-28 middle schoolers full of teen angst and some mean food throwing skill... I have never seen tater tots fly like they do in a middle school lunchroom... with precise aim.
5) If not eating, what do you usually do on your lunch hour?
Read... check my email... blog.... watch "The Young and the Restless..."
"Ask not what you can do for your country. Ask what's for lunch." -Orson Welles
1) Do you take your lunch hour at work?
Yes. Of course. You mean skip the lunch hour and spend another hour with middle schoolers? Pass. I'll take on the lunchroom anyday.
2) What is your favorite place to eat lunch at?
Ha ha ha... in the lunchroom, of course. However, when not at school, I love to sit at Atlanta Bread Company and watch people....:-)
3) What do you usually eat for lunch?
I am a huge salad fan. As a general rule, I do usually skip the normal school fare for a salad....
4) Do you have anyone that you eat lunch with on a regular basis?
Yes. 25-28 middle schoolers full of teen angst and some mean food throwing skill... I have never seen tater tots fly like they do in a middle school lunchroom... with precise aim.
5) If not eating, what do you usually do on your lunch hour?
Read... check my email... blog.... watch "The Young and the Restless..."
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