Day 12: Something I Bought Recently
I have to say this entry is so far my least favorite of the challenge. Thinking over my latest purchase is not an exciting task...groceries, gas, Pizza Hut, etc. Even if I expand my "recently" to be as broad as the time frame of the photo from Day 11, I am not sure that anyone will enjoy a blog about it.
We did buy a new house in Dec 2009 - that is big and causes a blip on the interesting scale.
Got an iPhone last fall -- I have to say that it's pretty cool. Love to video chat with the kiddos (and Chad of course) while I am on the road.
I have been introduced to this drink called Spark. I bought a big old tub of it and I really like it. It has a CRAZY TON of vitamin B but the real reason I got it -- caffeine. Yep -- one serving has 120 mg of caffeine and for those of you that don't know -- one coke has 30 mg -- a cup of coffee has 60 mg. So I just pour this miracle powder into my bottle of water in the morning and I am set for the day. Couldn't tell you the last time I bought a DDP at work! Caffeinated water -- why couldn't I have invented it?
We bought our plane tickets to St Maarten's to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary -- let the count down begin. Actually aside from the fact that it is a beach vacation (my favorite!), I am proud to say that this will probably be the cheapest thing we do for awhile. We used airline miles for the tickets and only had to pay a processing fee. We are going with the Espinozas (who will also be celebrating 10 years while we are actually there) and Jess' aunt has a house in St. Maarten so we don't have to pay for lodging.
And that is the glorified version of rifling through my wallet staring at my receipts.
I think tomorrow's entry will be just as riveting.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Current Picture of MK
Day 11: A Photo of Me Taken Recently
What is your definition of recently? I fudged on the 10 years ago photo so I guess I will fudge on the "recently" photo.
Chad captured this moment when I obviously didn't know. I have on no make up, my hair is a mess, and I am wearing an ugly shirt. Rylee (who is about four months in this picture) is not in a super cute outfit and she has the paci in her mouth. If I had known Chad was going to take a picture, I would have put a stop to it. I am so glad I didn't know.
I love this picture. I was exhausted and apparently so was she. I was back at work but still nursing in the middle of the night so me dozing when she did was common.
Poor Z, the first born, was not allowed many opportunities like these little naps. "If you rock them to sleep or let them fall asleep in your arms, they will never learn to sleep on their own!" Oh sweet boy I am sorry for both of us that I felt compelled to listen to that advice and put you in your crib at the first sign you were tired. We both missed out my little love. (As a side note - Z does sleep a heck of a lot better than Rylee -- personality or early formed sleep habits? Hmmmm)
When I look at this picture, I can still feel the warmth of her head against my cheek. I feel the soft almost velvetness of her hair on my skin. I feel her little back rising and falling with each breath. I hear the little sighs and binkie noises that come with babies sleeping. Beautiful little one.
What is your definition of recently? I fudged on the 10 years ago photo so I guess I will fudge on the "recently" photo.
Chad captured this moment when I obviously didn't know. I have on no make up, my hair is a mess, and I am wearing an ugly shirt. Rylee (who is about four months in this picture) is not in a super cute outfit and she has the paci in her mouth. If I had known Chad was going to take a picture, I would have put a stop to it. I am so glad I didn't know.
I love this picture. I was exhausted and apparently so was she. I was back at work but still nursing in the middle of the night so me dozing when she did was common.
Poor Z, the first born, was not allowed many opportunities like these little naps. "If you rock them to sleep or let them fall asleep in your arms, they will never learn to sleep on their own!" Oh sweet boy I am sorry for both of us that I felt compelled to listen to that advice and put you in your crib at the first sign you were tired. We both missed out my little love. (As a side note - Z does sleep a heck of a lot better than Rylee -- personality or early formed sleep habits? Hmmmm)
When I look at this picture, I can still feel the warmth of her head against my cheek. I feel the soft almost velvetness of her hair on my skin. I feel her little back rising and falling with each breath. I hear the little sighs and binkie noises that come with babies sleeping. Beautiful little one.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
MK Ten Years Ago
Day 10: A Photo of Me Taken Over Ten Years Ago 
I am cheating just a hair on this one. Technically this photo is 9 years, 7 months, and four days old but I am saying it is close enough - it will be 10 years August 25, 2011.
This picture captures one of the most amazing days of my life. I smiled like that ALL day long. It was more than “I was a bride” or “I felt like a princess” or the most annoying phrase “It’s MY day” (really? Is there not someone else involved????) I was so excited, overjoyed, thrilled, and stunned that I was lucky enough to marry Chad. I still have days where I wake up with the same feeling – how is it that God picked me out of everyone else to get to be married to Chad???!
God was there too. It was practically tangible – like I could reach out and touch Him or feel His embrace. He was present at our wedding. I remember standing by myself while my parents went to light the unity candle and waiting for my grand entrance, listening to Ave Maria and staring out at the fountain. My heart beating out of my chest – not from nerves but from utter happiness. It was in this moment I first felt Him. He was so close filling me with peace and hope and I could feel Him smiling as if He were just as excited as I was.
Be skeptical or say I am crazy – I frankly don’t care. He was there for Chad and me. He walked with me – He joined us together – He was there.
I work with some people that are not particularly fond of their spouses most days. I get teased quite a bit for having a fairy tale husband. It really grates on my nerves. I do think I may lose it one day and tell them “sorry their lives suck and yes I have a fantastic husband so neener neener neener – I am not going to feel bad about it.”
My husband is loving, thoughtful, creative, generous, sensitive, and smart. He also can be terse, moody, smug, and impatient. As a whole person he is beautiful and amazing – I love the whole entire package. I see the good and not as good in him and love him even more. Is he perfect – HELL NO – but he is most certainly without a doubt perfect for me.
Ten years ago, I would say we were the yin and yang – fitting snugly together like puzzle pieces with our strengths and weaknesses complimenting each other. As we have grown and changed over the last decade, the division lines have changed in our little yin/yang circle and it is slowly changing to gray. Not meaning we are one person – not at all but that we have learned to support and help each other more seamlessly. We are also more flexible and fluid in our relationship and have learned from our experiences.
I can not believe it has been 10 years. A decade. A wonderful, fascinating, and enlightening decade. Crazy how it feels tonight. Crazy how you make it alright love. With each moment the more I love you.
I am cheating just a hair on this one. Technically this photo is 9 years, 7 months, and four days old but I am saying it is close enough - it will be 10 years August 25, 2011.
This picture captures one of the most amazing days of my life. I smiled like that ALL day long. It was more than “I was a bride” or “I felt like a princess” or the most annoying phrase “It’s MY day” (really? Is there not someone else involved????) I was so excited, overjoyed, thrilled, and stunned that I was lucky enough to marry Chad. I still have days where I wake up with the same feeling – how is it that God picked me out of everyone else to get to be married to Chad???!
God was there too. It was practically tangible – like I could reach out and touch Him or feel His embrace. He was present at our wedding. I remember standing by myself while my parents went to light the unity candle and waiting for my grand entrance, listening to Ave Maria and staring out at the fountain. My heart beating out of my chest – not from nerves but from utter happiness. It was in this moment I first felt Him. He was so close filling me with peace and hope and I could feel Him smiling as if He were just as excited as I was.
Be skeptical or say I am crazy – I frankly don’t care. He was there for Chad and me. He walked with me – He joined us together – He was there.
I work with some people that are not particularly fond of their spouses most days. I get teased quite a bit for having a fairy tale husband. It really grates on my nerves. I do think I may lose it one day and tell them “sorry their lives suck and yes I have a fantastic husband so neener neener neener – I am not going to feel bad about it.”
My husband is loving, thoughtful, creative, generous, sensitive, and smart. He also can be terse, moody, smug, and impatient. As a whole person he is beautiful and amazing – I love the whole entire package. I see the good and not as good in him and love him even more. Is he perfect – HELL NO – but he is most certainly without a doubt perfect for me.
Ten years ago, I would say we were the yin and yang – fitting snugly together like puzzle pieces with our strengths and weaknesses complimenting each other. As we have grown and changed over the last decade, the division lines have changed in our little yin/yang circle and it is slowly changing to gray. Not meaning we are one person – not at all but that we have learned to support and help each other more seamlessly. We are also more flexible and fluid in our relationship and have learned from our experiences.
I can not believe it has been 10 years. A decade. A wonderful, fascinating, and enlightening decade. Crazy how it feels tonight. Crazy how you make it alright love. With each moment the more I love you.
Monday, March 28, 2011
A Shiner Sounds Good Right About Now
I travel for work. I am gone usually about five weeks of the year split across the twelve months. It really isn’t too bad – other than the self-induced guilt I feel for leaving my ultra supportive husband and two sweet innocent children.
Life before this job was worse – I traveled probably 50% of the time. I could be on the road five weeks at a time only coming home on weekends to do laundry and fly out again. One time in what can only be described as utter absurdity, I was planning a show in Vegas and another client asked me to manage their show which was just a few days later in the same venue. I had already booked my travel for the first show so I investigated changing my hotel and flight for the second. It turned out it was cheaper to actually fly home and book a second ticket. So I flew home from the first show on Tuesday and turned around on Wednesday and flew back to Vegas and checked into the same hotel I checked out of the day before. Almost comical.
WOW – that was quite a tangent. Now back to our story. Being in the trade show business there is this phrase tossed around – “Code of the Road.” Essentially meaning “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.” I hate it. I know I am uptight but this goes beyond my uptightness. The way some of my colleagues behave on the road is embarrassing and disgusting. Am I judging? Absolutely. Just because you are on a trip for business without your spouse doesn’t mean your marriage vows don’t count. Just because the company is picking up the tab doesn’t mean you have to drink yourself to oblivion and be unable to function the next day at your JOB! I bring this up because it seems to be an expectation that we (those in the trade show business) go out and party while at a show.
I have just returned from 8 days on the road. Most of the staff went out on Friday to celebrate getting our show open but I chose not too. Chad asked me if I was the only fuddy duddy on the trip – for the record I was not. I didn’t go because I was spent. The week before I left, I worked long days and then at the show my days were generally 10 to 12 hrs long. At dinner (which was at 8pm after starting work at 7am), trying to psych myself up for going out so I wouldn’t be a killjoy, I found myself on the verge of tears. I wasn’t fighting back tears because something was wrong or my feelings were hurt. I was just tired. I could not dig deep enough to find the energy to go to the bar with the staff. I hated it but I just couldn’t.
One of our vendors confronted me. “Why don’t you drink? You never drink. Why don’t you ever drink?” I have to say I was stunned, pissed, and unsure of how to respond. I mumbled “I drink but I am just tired.” I sounded like some high school student trying to deflect peer pressure instead of replying with something like “what a crappy intrusive inaccurate ignorant question to ask jackass!” I was seething after that – what if I was an alcoholic? What if I had a medical issue? It wasn’t any of his freaking business.
But my beloved husband always helps me process. He pointed out that perhaps my over reaction to the question was because maybe the vendor hit too close to home. Chad said that while saying I never drink is not true – saying I rarely drink is completely accurate.
My first thought in my head after Chad’s statement was defensive – recalling a situation that happened in January at my last show where I did drink at the staff dinner and although I did not get drunk I still ended up throwing up in the sink (classy right?!) in my hotel room the next morning while trying to pack to head to the airport. Then as if I am being punished for my poor choice the evening before, I have to sit next to our director of HR on the flight home. She looked at me and said that I didn’t look well and maybe I was catching something. I tried to eat a bagel to keep my stomach in check but could only take one bite for fear of getting sick again. I passed out as soon as the flight took off – apparently another concerning fact for our HR director. It took me until nearly dinner time for my headache to go away.
I let this swirl and swish in my brain – rarely drinking – what is my deal? I am not against drinking (heck I am an Irish Catholic – I don’t know life without it!) and we have alcohol in the house. I have more than enough stupid drunk MK stories and if you slip Leigh Anne a $20 she will share them. But Chad is right – rarely do I have a beer with dinner or drink a cocktail. I have my business social drink – cranberry and vodka – that I will nurse all through the event/dinner/party. It is not very often that I will drink to a buzz and even rarer that I will get drunk.
I have been self analyzing and come up with this – 15% of my issue is functioning the next day and 85% of my issue is control.
The Next Day: On the road, I think this is completely understandable. I usually have to be on the floor by 7am the next day and being hung over is not fun. Even when I drink just a little, I usually drag and have a dull headache the next day so put that on top of tired makes for a crabby MK. Even at home, the idea of my children waking me up early keeps me sober.
Control: I think I have a need to be in completely control. I don’t know when this happened. Early in my career I would drink on the road – I even was one of those that showed up to work still buzzing from the night before (not proud of that mind you!) and now the thought of that horrifies me. Is it years in this industry that have jaded me? Is it watching people I respect make total idiots of themselves in front of employees and customers? Is it seeing a married person make out with someone they are not married to? Is it that I am too old? Do I not trust myself to keep from looking like a moron? While I can’t identify exactly what it is (I am sure Chad has an interesting take on this) I do know it is about control.
And those that say peer pressure to drink only happens in high school are full of crap. The pressure to drink while on a trip for me is unrelenting. Except now I think I have said no so often I may have actually beaten them down. That is until I get the question – Why don’t you drink? There is that moment where I want to show them I know how to do a shot or slam a beer. And then I think about what time I have to get up the next morning and politely decline.
Life before this job was worse – I traveled probably 50% of the time. I could be on the road five weeks at a time only coming home on weekends to do laundry and fly out again. One time in what can only be described as utter absurdity, I was planning a show in Vegas and another client asked me to manage their show which was just a few days later in the same venue. I had already booked my travel for the first show so I investigated changing my hotel and flight for the second. It turned out it was cheaper to actually fly home and book a second ticket. So I flew home from the first show on Tuesday and turned around on Wednesday and flew back to Vegas and checked into the same hotel I checked out of the day before. Almost comical.
WOW – that was quite a tangent. Now back to our story. Being in the trade show business there is this phrase tossed around – “Code of the Road.” Essentially meaning “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.” I hate it. I know I am uptight but this goes beyond my uptightness. The way some of my colleagues behave on the road is embarrassing and disgusting. Am I judging? Absolutely. Just because you are on a trip for business without your spouse doesn’t mean your marriage vows don’t count. Just because the company is picking up the tab doesn’t mean you have to drink yourself to oblivion and be unable to function the next day at your JOB! I bring this up because it seems to be an expectation that we (those in the trade show business) go out and party while at a show.
I have just returned from 8 days on the road. Most of the staff went out on Friday to celebrate getting our show open but I chose not too. Chad asked me if I was the only fuddy duddy on the trip – for the record I was not. I didn’t go because I was spent. The week before I left, I worked long days and then at the show my days were generally 10 to 12 hrs long. At dinner (which was at 8pm after starting work at 7am), trying to psych myself up for going out so I wouldn’t be a killjoy, I found myself on the verge of tears. I wasn’t fighting back tears because something was wrong or my feelings were hurt. I was just tired. I could not dig deep enough to find the energy to go to the bar with the staff. I hated it but I just couldn’t.
One of our vendors confronted me. “Why don’t you drink? You never drink. Why don’t you ever drink?” I have to say I was stunned, pissed, and unsure of how to respond. I mumbled “I drink but I am just tired.” I sounded like some high school student trying to deflect peer pressure instead of replying with something like “what a crappy intrusive inaccurate ignorant question to ask jackass!” I was seething after that – what if I was an alcoholic? What if I had a medical issue? It wasn’t any of his freaking business.
But my beloved husband always helps me process. He pointed out that perhaps my over reaction to the question was because maybe the vendor hit too close to home. Chad said that while saying I never drink is not true – saying I rarely drink is completely accurate.
My first thought in my head after Chad’s statement was defensive – recalling a situation that happened in January at my last show where I did drink at the staff dinner and although I did not get drunk I still ended up throwing up in the sink (classy right?!) in my hotel room the next morning while trying to pack to head to the airport. Then as if I am being punished for my poor choice the evening before, I have to sit next to our director of HR on the flight home. She looked at me and said that I didn’t look well and maybe I was catching something. I tried to eat a bagel to keep my stomach in check but could only take one bite for fear of getting sick again. I passed out as soon as the flight took off – apparently another concerning fact for our HR director. It took me until nearly dinner time for my headache to go away.
I let this swirl and swish in my brain – rarely drinking – what is my deal? I am not against drinking (heck I am an Irish Catholic – I don’t know life without it!) and we have alcohol in the house. I have more than enough stupid drunk MK stories and if you slip Leigh Anne a $20 she will share them. But Chad is right – rarely do I have a beer with dinner or drink a cocktail. I have my business social drink – cranberry and vodka – that I will nurse all through the event/dinner/party. It is not very often that I will drink to a buzz and even rarer that I will get drunk.
I have been self analyzing and come up with this – 15% of my issue is functioning the next day and 85% of my issue is control.
The Next Day: On the road, I think this is completely understandable. I usually have to be on the floor by 7am the next day and being hung over is not fun. Even when I drink just a little, I usually drag and have a dull headache the next day so put that on top of tired makes for a crabby MK. Even at home, the idea of my children waking me up early keeps me sober.
Control: I think I have a need to be in completely control. I don’t know when this happened. Early in my career I would drink on the road – I even was one of those that showed up to work still buzzing from the night before (not proud of that mind you!) and now the thought of that horrifies me. Is it years in this industry that have jaded me? Is it watching people I respect make total idiots of themselves in front of employees and customers? Is it seeing a married person make out with someone they are not married to? Is it that I am too old? Do I not trust myself to keep from looking like a moron? While I can’t identify exactly what it is (I am sure Chad has an interesting take on this) I do know it is about control.
And those that say peer pressure to drink only happens in high school are full of crap. The pressure to drink while on a trip for me is unrelenting. Except now I think I have said no so often I may have actually beaten them down. That is until I get the question – Why don’t you drink? There is that moment where I want to show them I know how to do a shot or slam a beer. And then I think about what time I have to get up the next morning and politely decline.
An MK Pet Peeve
Day 9: Pet Peeves
I remember some where along the way hearing that the things that annoy you the most in others is usually a trait you possess. As I have grown older and met more people, I find that statement to be more true than not. I think this is why my mom and I will have tension in a visit – what bugs me about her turns out to be something that I actually do too and then I get even more annoyed. Sick little cycle in our relationship. I fear the same will be happen between Rylee and me unless she is able to break the pattern. Considering she loves pink, tutus, and sparkles, there may be some hope of that.
Chad, while being the most perfect husband for me, does possess habits and quirks that may not always gel with my mood. However, I have to put it in perspective – I do crap all the time that even I find annoying, so to even point out something he may do that I might find slightly irritating seems a bit hypocritical. The fact that he has not called me out on some stuff I do – leaving shoes everywhere, leaving half folded clean laundry on the couch or on a chair for the whole week, talking to him when he is trying to read, shedding hair in our bathroom, letting the kids eat dessert when they clearly have not eaten their dinner, etc – is shocking. He may go mental one day and explode when I ask – “have you seen my keys? I swear I left them in my purse.” Knowing that my list of maddening habits is a mile long, how can I in good conscience ask him to please put dirty dishes in the left side of the sink and not the right side with the disposal? (He already knows this one – not a passive aggressive message here!)
Why this very typical long introduction? Because when selecting a pet peeve to discuss, I didn’t want to make it something that my children will read and say – “ummm Mom – you do this all the time.”
So what can really set me off that I know 100% I do not do – flick cigarette butts. I do not get why people throw their cigarette butts on the ground or flick them out their car window. Completely unnecessary! Most people would never even consider throwing their McDonalds’ wrappers on the road or dropping their empty Starbucks cup on the ground but a cigarette butt is tossed without a care. While I understand the cigarette might still be hot – too bad! You decided to smoke then figure out a way to deal with it until it is cool enough to toss in the trash.
Please understand that while I am not a fan of smoking, and in all honesty probably not a very tolerant person of smoking, I am not writing a tirade about smoking. Some of the people dearest in my life are smokers and while I am not crazy about the smoke, I love the people with all my heart. I even asked one such sweet smoker why the littering. She couldn’t answer. She agreed it is littering and she said she makes every effort to dispose of it properly but she doesn’t always get that chance.
When I am driving and I see someone flick their butt out their window, I (in a very nerdy/goofy move) mentally fling that butt back into their car. As if I had some magic power to move objects, I stuff that butt back into their lap and make them jump like a hot potato.
Spending time and energy on something I can’t control seems a bit ridiculous. I mean I can get truly bent out of shape and go postal when I see the butt flick. But isn’t that kind of what a pet peeve is– something you can not control that just crawls under your skin and gnaws at you. Irritating isn’t it?
I remember some where along the way hearing that the things that annoy you the most in others is usually a trait you possess. As I have grown older and met more people, I find that statement to be more true than not. I think this is why my mom and I will have tension in a visit – what bugs me about her turns out to be something that I actually do too and then I get even more annoyed. Sick little cycle in our relationship. I fear the same will be happen between Rylee and me unless she is able to break the pattern. Considering she loves pink, tutus, and sparkles, there may be some hope of that.
Chad, while being the most perfect husband for me, does possess habits and quirks that may not always gel with my mood. However, I have to put it in perspective – I do crap all the time that even I find annoying, so to even point out something he may do that I might find slightly irritating seems a bit hypocritical. The fact that he has not called me out on some stuff I do – leaving shoes everywhere, leaving half folded clean laundry on the couch or on a chair for the whole week, talking to him when he is trying to read, shedding hair in our bathroom, letting the kids eat dessert when they clearly have not eaten their dinner, etc – is shocking. He may go mental one day and explode when I ask – “have you seen my keys? I swear I left them in my purse.” Knowing that my list of maddening habits is a mile long, how can I in good conscience ask him to please put dirty dishes in the left side of the sink and not the right side with the disposal? (He already knows this one – not a passive aggressive message here!)
Why this very typical long introduction? Because when selecting a pet peeve to discuss, I didn’t want to make it something that my children will read and say – “ummm Mom – you do this all the time.”
So what can really set me off that I know 100% I do not do – flick cigarette butts. I do not get why people throw their cigarette butts on the ground or flick them out their car window. Completely unnecessary! Most people would never even consider throwing their McDonalds’ wrappers on the road or dropping their empty Starbucks cup on the ground but a cigarette butt is tossed without a care. While I understand the cigarette might still be hot – too bad! You decided to smoke then figure out a way to deal with it until it is cool enough to toss in the trash.
Please understand that while I am not a fan of smoking, and in all honesty probably not a very tolerant person of smoking, I am not writing a tirade about smoking. Some of the people dearest in my life are smokers and while I am not crazy about the smoke, I love the people with all my heart. I even asked one such sweet smoker why the littering. She couldn’t answer. She agreed it is littering and she said she makes every effort to dispose of it properly but she doesn’t always get that chance.
When I am driving and I see someone flick their butt out their window, I (in a very nerdy/goofy move) mentally fling that butt back into their car. As if I had some magic power to move objects, I stuff that butt back into their lap and make them jump like a hot potato.
Spending time and energy on something I can’t control seems a bit ridiculous. I mean I can get truly bent out of shape and go postal when I see the butt flick. But isn’t that kind of what a pet peeve is– something you can not control that just crawls under your skin and gnaws at you. Irritating isn’t it?
Monday, March 14, 2011
QPM? or Parent's Priviledge?
It is another day of firsts. Zachary got his first fillings at the dentist.
It has always struck me how empty the place is. They've got this perfectly good lobby chock full of amenities going to waste. Slow day maybe? After several trips there, I've found that it is always that way. Maybe business isn't that great? I started to realize that I am one of the few parents that doesn't go back with their kid. I guess it makes sense- the Plano helicopter moms hovering over their children while every molar is checked. I do it too in other venues; but not during novacaine shots? So- let the guilt pile on... the cold-hearted daddy leaves his kid to find his own way in the pediatric dental world. Did I mention it was his first day to face the drill?
Then again- maybe not.
Z has always gone back there on his own. I think he takes pride in the fact that this is one big kid thing he owns and has to himself. I did ask several times if he wanted me to go... to which he replied, "No, Daddy; I can do this." I am proud of him- all the nurses kept calling him a trooper. He never once complained or griped.
Oh by the way- the nurse kept coming back to give me updates every so often (perhaps perplexed that she couldn't do the play-by play on the scene?!)
So- I will happily sit back and enjoy the custom coffee bar... somebody has to, right?
It has always struck me how empty the place is. They've got this perfectly good lobby chock full of amenities going to waste. Slow day maybe? After several trips there, I've found that it is always that way. Maybe business isn't that great? I started to realize that I am one of the few parents that doesn't go back with their kid. I guess it makes sense- the Plano helicopter moms hovering over their children while every molar is checked. I do it too in other venues; but not during novacaine shots? So- let the guilt pile on... the cold-hearted daddy leaves his kid to find his own way in the pediatric dental world. Did I mention it was his first day to face the drill?
Then again- maybe not.
Z has always gone back there on his own. I think he takes pride in the fact that this is one big kid thing he owns and has to himself. I did ask several times if he wanted me to go... to which he replied, "No, Daddy; I can do this." I am proud of him- all the nurses kept calling him a trooper. He never once complained or griped.
Oh by the way- the nurse kept coming back to give me updates every so often (perhaps perplexed that she couldn't do the play-by play on the scene?!)
So- I will happily sit back and enjoy the custom coffee bar... somebody has to, right?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Something MK Craves
DAY 8: Something I Crave
I crave playing soccer. Let me clarify - I crave playing soccer well.
Craving to me usually creates images of ice cream or affection or attention. But when I truly thought about it I realized I don't just miss playing soccer -- I crave it.
I started playing soccer in the fall of 1978 on the Honey Bears. From that time until we moved to Kansas City almost every Saturday in the spring and fall required a trip out to Indian Springs Sports Complex. It was next to the Arkansas river and made for some cold games. But even today on sunny days that are just on the side of cool with some humidity in the air make me thing -- perfect soccer weather.
I played during college and grad school and even joined a team when I moved to the metroplex. At one point here in the Metroplex, I was playing on four teams at one time - one outdoor competitive, one indoor competitive, one indoor over 30 non-competitive, and an indoor co-ed competitive.
When I got pregnant with Zachary, I played until I was four months along and then took a hiatus. I didn't know that would be the beginning of the end of my nearly 30 years of playing soccer. I went back to soccer nearly a year after Z was born and I sucked so very very bad.
I must back up a little bit to add this information. While I played soccer for many MANY years and had some very amazing coaches, I never have possessed the natural ability of some of my teammates. I always justified it that what I lack in skill I make up for in passion. So while I could hold my own on the field, I was not the player that drew all the attention and I was fine with it.
So back to the "I sucked" comment -- I mean I REALLY sucked. In my brain, I knew what to do but the time it took for the command to travel from my brain to my foot was so long that I would miss the ball or not turn quick enough. It was mentally and emotionally painful. To be sooo bad at something I loved so much was too much to handle. I quit for good at the end of the season. I haven't played since.
Chad has asked about me going back and has gently encouraged me to find a team. And I miss it!! I CRAVE it but I don't want to go back and not connect with the ball or make stupid mistakes just because my body is not listening quick enough. Did I give up too soon? I think Chad believes so but I also don't think people understand how humiliating it is fall on your face at something you are so passionate about with no real hope of ever being where you were. Leave them as the glory days and not pull a Brett Favre.
But I have to say that I really do crave it. I want the high of playing. I think the longing is stronger these day with Zachary playing. He has a coach doing real drills and teaching real skills. I love going to the field on Saturdays and I am acutely aware of how much I miss playing.
Will I ever go back? Satisfy that craving? If Z keeps playing, I may find myself testing the waters but if he decides not to play I may continue to live in denial and deprivation. That is until Rylee is old enough to play.
I crave playing soccer. Let me clarify - I crave playing soccer well.
Craving to me usually creates images of ice cream or affection or attention. But when I truly thought about it I realized I don't just miss playing soccer -- I crave it.
I started playing soccer in the fall of 1978 on the Honey Bears. From that time until we moved to Kansas City almost every Saturday in the spring and fall required a trip out to Indian Springs Sports Complex. It was next to the Arkansas river and made for some cold games. But even today on sunny days that are just on the side of cool with some humidity in the air make me thing -- perfect soccer weather.
I played during college and grad school and even joined a team when I moved to the metroplex. At one point here in the Metroplex, I was playing on four teams at one time - one outdoor competitive, one indoor competitive, one indoor over 30 non-competitive, and an indoor co-ed competitive.
When I got pregnant with Zachary, I played until I was four months along and then took a hiatus. I didn't know that would be the beginning of the end of my nearly 30 years of playing soccer. I went back to soccer nearly a year after Z was born and I sucked so very very bad.
I must back up a little bit to add this information. While I played soccer for many MANY years and had some very amazing coaches, I never have possessed the natural ability of some of my teammates. I always justified it that what I lack in skill I make up for in passion. So while I could hold my own on the field, I was not the player that drew all the attention and I was fine with it.
So back to the "I sucked" comment -- I mean I REALLY sucked. In my brain, I knew what to do but the time it took for the command to travel from my brain to my foot was so long that I would miss the ball or not turn quick enough. It was mentally and emotionally painful. To be sooo bad at something I loved so much was too much to handle. I quit for good at the end of the season. I haven't played since.
Chad has asked about me going back and has gently encouraged me to find a team. And I miss it!! I CRAVE it but I don't want to go back and not connect with the ball or make stupid mistakes just because my body is not listening quick enough. Did I give up too soon? I think Chad believes so but I also don't think people understand how humiliating it is fall on your face at something you are so passionate about with no real hope of ever being where you were. Leave them as the glory days and not pull a Brett Favre.
But I have to say that I really do crave it. I want the high of playing. I think the longing is stronger these day with Zachary playing. He has a coach doing real drills and teaching real skills. I love going to the field on Saturdays and I am acutely aware of how much I miss playing.
Will I ever go back? Satisfy that craving? If Z keeps playing, I may find myself testing the waters but if he decides not to play I may continue to live in denial and deprivation. That is until Rylee is old enough to play.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
MK's Favorite Photo
DAY 7: Favorite Photo
I knew immediately which photo I wanted to use but in searching the many boxes for it (had to scan it in) I came across a few others to share.
There is a part of me that feels I should actually be posting a picture of Chad (one of my favorites is Chad and his puppy Gretchen -- Chad knows the one) or perhaps one of my children but I love so many pictures of them and couldn't possibly narrow it down.
Instead I am posting a picture of my dad. For my 21st birthday, my father gave me an album he put together of pictures of him through the ages. Starting with his baptism through my high school years. He labeled each picture with a number and provided a guide with the album that described what was going on in the photo. It is a treasured gift.
It holds the following pictures:
My Mom at the piano in 1969 -
My Dad's OCS Graduation Photo in December 1963 -
My Dad getting ready to make his last jump in the Army - Kontum, Vietnam Jan or Feb 1967 -
-
My favorite though is this shot of him taken in Okinawa December 1964 - he had just returned from his first tour in Vietnam -
I am so very proud of my father and his service in the military -
I Love You Dad and Thank You
He was a Special Forces Green Beret and his lone tattoo is the parachute airborne symbol on his upper arm. It is faded and blue now but it always reminds me of how important the military was to him. I look at this picture and think he looks like a total bad-ass!
So I am picking a picture that fills me with pride, love, and a little awe and know that is how my father will love to be remembered.
I knew immediately which photo I wanted to use but in searching the many boxes for it (had to scan it in) I came across a few others to share.
There is a part of me that feels I should actually be posting a picture of Chad (one of my favorites is Chad and his puppy Gretchen -- Chad knows the one) or perhaps one of my children but I love so many pictures of them and couldn't possibly narrow it down.
Instead I am posting a picture of my dad. For my 21st birthday, my father gave me an album he put together of pictures of him through the ages. Starting with his baptism through my high school years. He labeled each picture with a number and provided a guide with the album that described what was going on in the photo. It is a treasured gift.
It holds the following pictures:
My Mom at the piano in 1969 -
My Dad's OCS Graduation Photo in December 1963 -
My Dad getting ready to make his last jump in the Army - Kontum, Vietnam Jan or Feb 1967 -
-
My favorite though is this shot of him taken in Okinawa December 1964 - he had just returned from his first tour in Vietnam -
I am so very proud of my father and his service in the military -
I Love You Dad and Thank You
He was a Special Forces Green Beret and his lone tattoo is the parachute airborne symbol on his upper arm. It is faded and blue now but it always reminds me of how important the military was to him. I look at this picture and think he looks like a total bad-ass!
So I am picking a picture that fills me with pride, love, and a little awe and know that is how my father will love to be remembered.
Another One for the Therapist
I remember in the mid-1980s Dennis Miller on Not Necessarily the News doing a bit about words that should appear in the dictionary but don’t. These words were called Sniglets – my dad seemed to love them. For some odd reason I distinctly remember the one Prindle – the gear indicator in your car (PRNDL). Not sure why my brain holds on to that.
So that random introduction leads to this little story. Back in January, I had loaded up the kids in the car to go somewhere and as I start to back out, I realize my phone was sitting on the counter. Not able to function without my phone, I threw the car in park, left it running, jump out of the car, into the house, got my phone and ran back to get in the car.
I get it – lots of things wrong with this scenario:
1. Left the kids in the car
2. Left the car running
3. Left the kids in the car with the car running
The car could have been stolen and they could have been kidnapped or the car could have slipped out of gear or I could have fallen while running back into the house and cracked open my head-passed out and not been able to make it back to the car and they would have been strapped in for hours by themselves in a running car that could have been stolen or slipped out of gear. Fine – dial CPS. They can’t make me feel any worse about the situation than my son does.
This moment in my life that at the time I thought was maybe not the smartest move but more or less harmless is haunting my son. He actually has nightmare about this. He came bawling to Chad one night about the car not being in the park gear.
I should have known when I got back in the car and he has the big saucer eyes. And starts with “Why did you do that? You shouldn’t have done that. Why would you leave us like that?” After nearly six years with this boy – why didn’t I see this was going to be trouble?
I did not address it properly – I made light of it saying don’t worry the car was in park you are just fine. Did not satisfy him. So over the nearly month and a half since the incident he has learned how to tell if the car is in park – he can see Chad’s gear selector from his seat but mine is between the two front seats so he checks as he gets out of the car.
He asks as soon as we get in the door if the car is on P (mind you he JUST CHECK himself as he got out of the car), he asks Chad if his car is on P when Chad gets home, he will ask during dinner, he will ask as soon as he wakes up in the morning – Is the car still on P?
Nearly every time we are in the car we go through some scenario – what happens if the car isn’t in P and you left the keys in the car but you are somewhere else? What if I am in the car and it isn’t in P and you are not here? What if the car falls out of P? What if you think you put the car in P but you really didn’t? AAGGHHHHHH!
At some point, I guess Chad has shown Z where the emergency brake is in each of our cars to try and ease some fear but Zachary is relentless in processing this whole situation. When he cries about it all I can think is – DAMN PHONE! It is the phone’s fault I left it on the counter after all.
A part of me is just unfeeling uncaring mom – get over it already seriously! I think that part is trying to hide the part of me that is suffering from guilt and concern. Why does this bother him so much? What does his paranoia/worry/obsession mean? Where does it come from? Is it a sign of a bigger emotional issue?
Oh and I see the irony here. I am paranoid/worried/obsessed about his paranoia/worry/obsession – vicious cycle. Mentally exhausting. Yes all over leaving the car running to go into the house to grab my freakin phone.
Maybe it is just a six year old thing? I haven’t been able to convince myself of that yet but I am working on it.
I am sure there is a sniglet here somewhere: a word defined as mom’s paranoia causes son’s paranoia that fuels mom’s obsession which adds to son’s obsession; usually ends in expensive therapy for both parties.
So that random introduction leads to this little story. Back in January, I had loaded up the kids in the car to go somewhere and as I start to back out, I realize my phone was sitting on the counter. Not able to function without my phone, I threw the car in park, left it running, jump out of the car, into the house, got my phone and ran back to get in the car.
I get it – lots of things wrong with this scenario:
1. Left the kids in the car
2. Left the car running
3. Left the kids in the car with the car running
The car could have been stolen and they could have been kidnapped or the car could have slipped out of gear or I could have fallen while running back into the house and cracked open my head-passed out and not been able to make it back to the car and they would have been strapped in for hours by themselves in a running car that could have been stolen or slipped out of gear. Fine – dial CPS. They can’t make me feel any worse about the situation than my son does.
This moment in my life that at the time I thought was maybe not the smartest move but more or less harmless is haunting my son. He actually has nightmare about this. He came bawling to Chad one night about the car not being in the park gear.
I should have known when I got back in the car and he has the big saucer eyes. And starts with “Why did you do that? You shouldn’t have done that. Why would you leave us like that?” After nearly six years with this boy – why didn’t I see this was going to be trouble?
I did not address it properly – I made light of it saying don’t worry the car was in park you are just fine. Did not satisfy him. So over the nearly month and a half since the incident he has learned how to tell if the car is in park – he can see Chad’s gear selector from his seat but mine is between the two front seats so he checks as he gets out of the car.
He asks as soon as we get in the door if the car is on P (mind you he JUST CHECK himself as he got out of the car), he asks Chad if his car is on P when Chad gets home, he will ask during dinner, he will ask as soon as he wakes up in the morning – Is the car still on P?
Nearly every time we are in the car we go through some scenario – what happens if the car isn’t in P and you left the keys in the car but you are somewhere else? What if I am in the car and it isn’t in P and you are not here? What if the car falls out of P? What if you think you put the car in P but you really didn’t? AAGGHHHHHH!
At some point, I guess Chad has shown Z where the emergency brake is in each of our cars to try and ease some fear but Zachary is relentless in processing this whole situation. When he cries about it all I can think is – DAMN PHONE! It is the phone’s fault I left it on the counter after all.
A part of me is just unfeeling uncaring mom – get over it already seriously! I think that part is trying to hide the part of me that is suffering from guilt and concern. Why does this bother him so much? What does his paranoia/worry/obsession mean? Where does it come from? Is it a sign of a bigger emotional issue?
Oh and I see the irony here. I am paranoid/worried/obsessed about his paranoia/worry/obsession – vicious cycle. Mentally exhausting. Yes all over leaving the car running to go into the house to grab my freakin phone.
Maybe it is just a six year old thing? I haven’t been able to convince myself of that yet but I am working on it.
I am sure there is a sniglet here somewhere: a word defined as mom’s paranoia causes son’s paranoia that fuels mom’s obsession which adds to son’s obsession; usually ends in expensive therapy for both parties.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
MK's Fun Fact
DAY 6: A Fun Fact
I am actually a pretty good public speaker. Both my degrees are in communications and I did study public speaking as a part of that but as a side note this discipline is not entirely made up of writing and giving speeches.
I did at one time actually contemplate trying to become a speech writer. I could be the woman behind the words but let someone else take the credit. Its just I am not as skilled at creating the speech as I am at giving it.
Weirdly enough I dread the process of preparing for the speech or play or public display. I am not focused - I procrastinate - nerves - butterflies - I almost hate doing it until...Lights On and ACTION - the wildest thing happens. Something takes over and I am in a different place. I imagine this is what athletes refer to as "The Zone." I am comfortable and calm and do what I need to do with no hesitation.
I did a run thru of my thesis defense with my grad professor chair the morning of my defense. I was distracted and incoherent and seemingly unprepared. That afternoon during my public defense I was polished, concise, and professional. My prof told me later she had a mini panic attack after rehearsal. Because her name was associated with mine and I looked clueless she almost recommended that I not present that day. She said I was a completely different person in my defense - in fact she then asked me to present my research at a conference in Chicago.
So this leads me to my fun fact - While still living in Tulsa, I participated in regional speech competitions and placed first three years in a row - humorous and dramatic prose.
Ok so maybe it isn't a fun fact but it is a random fact that most people do not know about me.
I am actually a pretty good public speaker. Both my degrees are in communications and I did study public speaking as a part of that but as a side note this discipline is not entirely made up of writing and giving speeches.
I did at one time actually contemplate trying to become a speech writer. I could be the woman behind the words but let someone else take the credit. Its just I am not as skilled at creating the speech as I am at giving it.
Weirdly enough I dread the process of preparing for the speech or play or public display. I am not focused - I procrastinate - nerves - butterflies - I almost hate doing it until...Lights On and ACTION - the wildest thing happens. Something takes over and I am in a different place. I imagine this is what athletes refer to as "The Zone." I am comfortable and calm and do what I need to do with no hesitation.
I did a run thru of my thesis defense with my grad professor chair the morning of my defense. I was distracted and incoherent and seemingly unprepared. That afternoon during my public defense I was polished, concise, and professional. My prof told me later she had a mini panic attack after rehearsal. Because her name was associated with mine and I looked clueless she almost recommended that I not present that day. She said I was a completely different person in my defense - in fact she then asked me to present my research at a conference in Chicago.
So this leads me to my fun fact - While still living in Tulsa, I participated in regional speech competitions and placed first three years in a row - humorous and dramatic prose.
Ok so maybe it isn't a fun fact but it is a random fact that most people do not know about me.
Monday, March 7, 2011
MK's Favorite Quote
DAY 5: Favorite Quote
I feel like quotes are used by those looking for ways to express themselves -- this is not a bad thing but in the same way I find songs to be inspirational or expressions of feelings I have - quotes can do the same.
I went through a very quote filled period of my life -- most of the 90s actually. College and Grad School. Do not know if that is truly relevant or if it speaks to the self searching I was doing at that time. Looking for anything to guide me - move me - show me some meaning.
I have a quote of the day calendar on my desk at work that my mom gives me every year - Wild Words from Wild Woman - not nearly as scandalous as it sounds.
I have two friends (shout out to Britta and Michelle) that communicate via quotes - funny, inspirational, thought provoking, and random. Just have to watch their Facebook posts to see what they have to say that day. I usually can find a thing or two to take away from it.
Random quotes I remember:
A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle...Gloria Steinem
Take time to live,
Take time to love,
Take time to do anything you are thinking of
Take time...
Time rolls on...
Lou Gramm (this is actually from a song - does that count?)
I don't need a diet. I need a tapeworm. ...can't remember
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart... Helen Keller
My most favorite person to quote - Martin Luther King Jr.:
However for my favorite quote I must turn to the quote that sees me through it all and it is a Bible verse. I get that Bible verses are easily manipulated and tossed one way or another to seem like one's perspective is right and the other person is wrong. It can be very dangerous to pull a Bible verse out of context and turn it into a mantra. Yet I do pull this one out and let it stand on it's own:
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans not full of woe but for you to prosper. Plans for hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
With a promise like this how can I not enjoy my life and not worry about the future -- it is in His hands after all.
I feel like quotes are used by those looking for ways to express themselves -- this is not a bad thing but in the same way I find songs to be inspirational or expressions of feelings I have - quotes can do the same.
I went through a very quote filled period of my life -- most of the 90s actually. College and Grad School. Do not know if that is truly relevant or if it speaks to the self searching I was doing at that time. Looking for anything to guide me - move me - show me some meaning.
I have a quote of the day calendar on my desk at work that my mom gives me every year - Wild Words from Wild Woman - not nearly as scandalous as it sounds.
I have two friends (shout out to Britta and Michelle) that communicate via quotes - funny, inspirational, thought provoking, and random. Just have to watch their Facebook posts to see what they have to say that day. I usually can find a thing or two to take away from it.
Random quotes I remember:
A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle...Gloria Steinem
Take time to live,
Take time to love,
Take time to do anything you are thinking of
Take time...
Time rolls on...
Lou Gramm (this is actually from a song - does that count?)
I don't need a diet. I need a tapeworm. ...can't remember
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart... Helen Keller
My most favorite person to quote - Martin Luther King Jr.:
- Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend.
- Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.
- Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
- In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
- Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.
- Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
- Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
However for my favorite quote I must turn to the quote that sees me through it all and it is a Bible verse. I get that Bible verses are easily manipulated and tossed one way or another to seem like one's perspective is right and the other person is wrong. It can be very dangerous to pull a Bible verse out of context and turn it into a mantra. Yet I do pull this one out and let it stand on it's own:
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans not full of woe but for you to prosper. Plans for hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
With a promise like this how can I not enjoy my life and not worry about the future -- it is in His hands after all.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
MK's Favorite Book
DAY 4 - Favorite Book
Another easy one for me but you still have to read through a long narrative before we get to it.
I miss reading. At one time in my life, I was never without a book - starting from pretty young like grade-school young. Maybe it is genetic - my Grandma Leonard, my dad, my mom, all avid readers staying up late at night just to get an extra chapter in before bed.
I actually joined a book club in Junior High -- the ten books for penny and buy five more at full price. Don't remember ever paying for the books...hmmm.
I remember in the fourth grade going to the library and checking out three different books on juvenile diabetes -- no clue why but I learned a lot and was a little freaked out by the kids giving themselves insulin shots.
Point is - I loved to read and found anyway possible to do it and I am a little bitter that I have only read one book (Wicked) in the past year. I am not going to turn this into a poor me poor me so sorry to be me I haven't been reading post but I have to say that I am inspired to make it a priority again. I continue to digress...
Childhood favs: Little House series, Chronicles of Narnia, Bridge to Terabithia, Where the Red Fern Grows, Great Brain series, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables series, anything Beverly Cleary or Judy Blume
I really enjoyed American Lit as a teenager - good thing since I had it twice. American Lit was covered as a sophomore at Bishop Kelley in Tulsa and then we moved to KC and it was covered as a junior at Park Hill. So I had classes on the same books twice and I genuinely read most of them twice.
Had British Lit twice too but not as big a a fan -- I think reading Great Expectations soured me. I read that book in the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th grade -- enough. When it is the kids turn to read it, I am leaving that all up to Chad.
More favs from the recent years: John Grisham books, Harry Potter series, Memoirs of a Geisha, DaVinci Code & Angels and Demons
I will select To Kill a Mockingbird as my favorite. I read it for the first time between freshman and sophomore year. I pick this one for it's content, for the feelings and thoughts it stirred in my brain, for the fact that I have read it over and over, and for its ability to stick with me now 20+ years after reading it. Images from the book float clear in my mind as if I were there - the courtroom, the tree, the ham costume, all of it.
Time to find that library card.
Another easy one for me but you still have to read through a long narrative before we get to it.
I miss reading. At one time in my life, I was never without a book - starting from pretty young like grade-school young. Maybe it is genetic - my Grandma Leonard, my dad, my mom, all avid readers staying up late at night just to get an extra chapter in before bed.
I actually joined a book club in Junior High -- the ten books for penny and buy five more at full price. Don't remember ever paying for the books...hmmm.
I remember in the fourth grade going to the library and checking out three different books on juvenile diabetes -- no clue why but I learned a lot and was a little freaked out by the kids giving themselves insulin shots.
Point is - I loved to read and found anyway possible to do it and I am a little bitter that I have only read one book (Wicked) in the past year. I am not going to turn this into a poor me poor me so sorry to be me I haven't been reading post but I have to say that I am inspired to make it a priority again. I continue to digress...
Childhood favs: Little House series, Chronicles of Narnia, Bridge to Terabithia, Where the Red Fern Grows, Great Brain series, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables series, anything Beverly Cleary or Judy Blume
I really enjoyed American Lit as a teenager - good thing since I had it twice. American Lit was covered as a sophomore at Bishop Kelley in Tulsa and then we moved to KC and it was covered as a junior at Park Hill. So I had classes on the same books twice and I genuinely read most of them twice.
Had British Lit twice too but not as big a a fan -- I think reading Great Expectations soured me. I read that book in the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 12th grade -- enough. When it is the kids turn to read it, I am leaving that all up to Chad.
More favs from the recent years: John Grisham books, Harry Potter series, Memoirs of a Geisha, DaVinci Code & Angels and Demons
I will select To Kill a Mockingbird as my favorite. I read it for the first time between freshman and sophomore year. I pick this one for it's content, for the feelings and thoughts it stirred in my brain, for the fact that I have read it over and over, and for its ability to stick with me now 20+ years after reading it. Images from the book float clear in my mind as if I were there - the courtroom, the tree, the ham costume, all of it.
Time to find that library card.
Friday, March 4, 2011
MK's Favorite TV Show
DAY 3: Favorite TV Show
While I am a TV junkie, this task was actually quite easy for me. But seeing that I can’t simply put a two sentence blog post out there (what fun would that be?), I’ll ramble for a little bit.
In my youth, I was a Facts of Life obsessed girl from the days of Molly Ringwald all the way through the not great years of George Clooney and Cloris Leachman. I remember the original Must See TV of Cosby Show, Family Ties, and Cheers. I also had a thing for St. Elsewhere.
When my mom went back to work and Jamey and I were home by ourselves, I was completely sucked into soap operas. Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives, Another World, and then Guiding Light. From 11 am to 3 pm, I watched that trash and was completely into it. My Grandma Lee found out and told me she used to watch Guiding Light so that one became my favorite. I stopped watching religiously in college but I when I heard Guiding Light was leaving the air after being the longest running soap, I DVR’d the final two weeks of the series. Chad did not get it. He didn’t make fun too much but was amused that the characters I loved as a teenager were still on the show.
Shows I will stop to watch now:
Friends
Iron Chef America
Dirty Jobs
M.A.S.H.
Phineas and Ferb
Shows I currently DVR:
House
CSI
CSI – New York
Criminal Minds
How I Met Your Mother
But my absolute favorite show right now is The Amazing Race. I love it because it’s a great show and also because that is my only scheduled couple time with Chad. Every Sunday we DVR the show and wait until the kids are in bed. We snuggle up on the couch and watch. We decide which detour we would do and critique every move – good and bad -- the racers make. We come to the conclusion after every show: Because we love each other we will never be on the show together!
While I am a TV junkie, this task was actually quite easy for me. But seeing that I can’t simply put a two sentence blog post out there (what fun would that be?), I’ll ramble for a little bit.
In my youth, I was a Facts of Life obsessed girl from the days of Molly Ringwald all the way through the not great years of George Clooney and Cloris Leachman. I remember the original Must See TV of Cosby Show, Family Ties, and Cheers. I also had a thing for St. Elsewhere.
When my mom went back to work and Jamey and I were home by ourselves, I was completely sucked into soap operas. Young and the Restless, Days of Our Lives, Another World, and then Guiding Light. From 11 am to 3 pm, I watched that trash and was completely into it. My Grandma Lee found out and told me she used to watch Guiding Light so that one became my favorite. I stopped watching religiously in college but I when I heard Guiding Light was leaving the air after being the longest running soap, I DVR’d the final two weeks of the series. Chad did not get it. He didn’t make fun too much but was amused that the characters I loved as a teenager were still on the show.
Shows I will stop to watch now:
Friends
Iron Chef America
Dirty Jobs
M.A.S.H.
Phineas and Ferb
Shows I currently DVR:
House
CSI
CSI – New York
Criminal Minds
How I Met Your Mother
But my absolute favorite show right now is The Amazing Race. I love it because it’s a great show and also because that is my only scheduled couple time with Chad. Every Sunday we DVR the show and wait until the kids are in bed. We snuggle up on the couch and watch. We decide which detour we would do and critique every move – good and bad -- the racers make. We come to the conclusion after every show: Because we love each other we will never be on the show together!
Prayers for Cooper
Back in January, I notice one of my Facebook friends (Olivia) had her status as “Pray for Cooper – a friend of mine’s son is very sick…” and I didn’t read the rest. I have a very hard time when people are sick but children rip me apart. Such innocence being in such pain that they do not understand.
So I did a quick mental shout to heaven – God you know what that family needs – please take care of them and Cooper.
Well Olivia’s posts were getting more and more frequent and each one with more dire news than that last. Again, being the expert at avoidance, I just threw out a generic prayer and went about my business.
In the middle of February, Olivia’s post said Cooper Going Home. So assuming good news, I allowed myself to click on Cooper’s mom’s blog - http://cotaforcooperk.com/blog to read about him coming home. I missed the word hospice in the coming home statement.
I could not stop the tears reading about this four year old boy with Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome. His body’s mitochondrial DNA could not support his organs and in January it attacked his last healthy vital organ – his heart.
There are gut wrenching entries from a mother who has brought her four year old son home to die. They moved his bed to the living room, surrounded him with his brothers and sister and tried to make each day special. Cooper’s mom was so torn – not wanting her son to die but not wanting him to suffer. She said in one entry –
The last couple of entries Cooper’s mom asked that we pray that Cooper stop fighting and let go. Pray that he go to sleep and find himself in God’s arms.
Cooper passed away last night.
I know the next prayers to say – prayers for peace and mercy and comfort for Cooper’s family. There are no words to say to this family but there are prayers. I don’t know the Knight family but they have touched my life and their hearts stay in my prayers.
Some will say but look at how lucky you are. I knew how lucky I was before Cooper died.
Some will say doesn’t it put things in perspective – your life isn’t so bad. You know what – this isn’t a freakin competition on who has more heartache or who’s heartache is worse. I know with every fiber of my being how blessed I am to have Chad, Zachary, and Rylee. A job I love. An amazing home. Obviously plenty of food. I thank God everyday for these gifts and know that part of life is that you never know what tomorrow holds.
I will not compare my life to theirs – I don’t think that is how it works.
I just have not been able to shake this feeling of helplessness and almost ridiculousness at saying prayers for Cooper. Laying in bed at night, staring at the ceiling trying to form words into a prayer or conversation with our Heavenly Father. I never did find the words. My prayer was simply Cooper God – Cooper.
So I did a quick mental shout to heaven – God you know what that family needs – please take care of them and Cooper.
Well Olivia’s posts were getting more and more frequent and each one with more dire news than that last. Again, being the expert at avoidance, I just threw out a generic prayer and went about my business.
In the middle of February, Olivia’s post said Cooper Going Home. So assuming good news, I allowed myself to click on Cooper’s mom’s blog - http://cotaforcooperk.com/blog to read about him coming home. I missed the word hospice in the coming home statement.
I could not stop the tears reading about this four year old boy with Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome. His body’s mitochondrial DNA could not support his organs and in January it attacked his last healthy vital organ – his heart.
There are gut wrenching entries from a mother who has brought her four year old son home to die. They moved his bed to the living room, surrounded him with his brothers and sister and tried to make each day special. Cooper’s mom was so torn – not wanting her son to die but not wanting him to suffer. She said in one entry –
There is just not a good answer to any of this for any of us. No matter what, it ends in heart ache and pain and the worst thing imaginable.Pray for Cooper – Pray for Cooper – It weighed me down. Pray for Cooper. What do you pray??? What do you say to God about this boy??? What words are right? What words work? What words??? What prayer?? I just found myself yelling up to heaven COOPER! Lord heavenly Father – COOPER!
The last couple of entries Cooper’s mom asked that we pray that Cooper stop fighting and let go. Pray that he go to sleep and find himself in God’s arms.
Cooper passed away last night.
I know the next prayers to say – prayers for peace and mercy and comfort for Cooper’s family. There are no words to say to this family but there are prayers. I don’t know the Knight family but they have touched my life and their hearts stay in my prayers.
Some will say but look at how lucky you are. I knew how lucky I was before Cooper died.
Some will say doesn’t it put things in perspective – your life isn’t so bad. You know what – this isn’t a freakin competition on who has more heartache or who’s heartache is worse. I know with every fiber of my being how blessed I am to have Chad, Zachary, and Rylee. A job I love. An amazing home. Obviously plenty of food. I thank God everyday for these gifts and know that part of life is that you never know what tomorrow holds.
I will not compare my life to theirs – I don’t think that is how it works.
I just have not been able to shake this feeling of helplessness and almost ridiculousness at saying prayers for Cooper. Laying in bed at night, staring at the ceiling trying to form words into a prayer or conversation with our Heavenly Father. I never did find the words. My prayer was simply Cooper God – Cooper.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
MK's Favorite Movie
Day 2: Favorite Movie
I think my dad would say my favorite movie is Gone with the Wind based on an obsession I had in the 8th grade.
My son says my favorite is Star Wars, X-Men 2, and Fantastic 4. I am not really sure why -- probably because he personnally likes those or at least thinks he does. He just told me he thinks I really like Speed Racer too.
My friend Karla thinks it is Titanic because when we were roommates she came home and caught me crying at the end of the movie. Embarrassing and true that I cried but definitely NOT my favorite. She still brings up that incident claiming I am a closet Titanic freak.
Sentimentally, I could select Shakespeare in Love because that was the movie Chad and I saw on our first date.
Chad will tell you my favorites are Legally Blonde and Miss Congeniality.
Movies I stop and watch when they are on TV even though we own the DVDs:
OK – yeah Legally Blonde and Miss Congeniality
50 First Dates
Harry Potter – any of them
True Lies
O Brother Where Art Thou
Princess Bride
Oceans 11
Twister
Lake House
Movies I like a lot but don’t own:
Best In Show
Dogma
Amelie
Stand By Me
The Truman Show
The Last Emperor
The Man in the Moon (before Reese was Reese!)
Johnny Dangerously
Movies I am sad to admit I have not seen:
Usual Suspects
Blind Side
Brokeback Mountain
Momento
It’s a Wonderful Life
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Crash
Rear Window
Little Miss Sunshine
Bad Santa
I can not thank Chad enough for having me sit down and watch Shawshank Redemption. Amazing movie. I would almost put that as my favorite but that would not be fair to him especially since I have not seen it as many times as it deserves to be seen.
What I find intriguing about my lists of seen vs. not seen is how “fluffy” the movies I watch are compared to the list of more cerebral ones I have not. Obviously movies are an escape for me (and the rest of the world) but apparently I don’t want to commit too much brain power to it.
I wish I could have a cool movie like The Big Lebowski or Jamey’s favorite Pulp Fiction but the truth is I have never seen neither.
So I contimplated Bend it Like Beckham as a front runner but I am thinking I just have to suck it up, admit it, and own it - I like cheezy chic flicks especially if they star my female celebrity crush Sandra Bullock.
With a touch of redness in the face, I blush when I will select While You Were Sleeping as my favorite movie. It introduced me to Sandra Bullock and is the epitome of Rom/Com Chic Flick.
While I wish my kids could think I am cooler and enjoy thought provoking cinema, I must be honest and say I am the perfect candidate for any movie starring Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, and of course Sandra Bullock.
I am a sucker for a happy ending.
I think my dad would say my favorite movie is Gone with the Wind based on an obsession I had in the 8th grade.
My son says my favorite is Star Wars, X-Men 2, and Fantastic 4. I am not really sure why -- probably because he personnally likes those or at least thinks he does. He just told me he thinks I really like Speed Racer too.
My friend Karla thinks it is Titanic because when we were roommates she came home and caught me crying at the end of the movie. Embarrassing and true that I cried but definitely NOT my favorite. She still brings up that incident claiming I am a closet Titanic freak.
Sentimentally, I could select Shakespeare in Love because that was the movie Chad and I saw on our first date.
Chad will tell you my favorites are Legally Blonde and Miss Congeniality.
Movies I stop and watch when they are on TV even though we own the DVDs:
OK – yeah Legally Blonde and Miss Congeniality
50 First Dates
Harry Potter – any of them
True Lies
O Brother Where Art Thou
Princess Bride
Oceans 11
Twister
Lake House
Movies I like a lot but don’t own:
Best In Show
Dogma
Amelie
Stand By Me
The Truman Show
The Last Emperor
The Man in the Moon (before Reese was Reese!)
Johnny Dangerously
Movies I am sad to admit I have not seen:
Usual Suspects
Blind Side
Brokeback Mountain
Momento
It’s a Wonderful Life
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Crash
Rear Window
Little Miss Sunshine
Bad Santa
I can not thank Chad enough for having me sit down and watch Shawshank Redemption. Amazing movie. I would almost put that as my favorite but that would not be fair to him especially since I have not seen it as many times as it deserves to be seen.
What I find intriguing about my lists of seen vs. not seen is how “fluffy” the movies I watch are compared to the list of more cerebral ones I have not. Obviously movies are an escape for me (and the rest of the world) but apparently I don’t want to commit too much brain power to it.
I wish I could have a cool movie like The Big Lebowski or Jamey’s favorite Pulp Fiction but the truth is I have never seen neither.
So I contimplated Bend it Like Beckham as a front runner but I am thinking I just have to suck it up, admit it, and own it - I like cheezy chic flicks especially if they star my female celebrity crush Sandra Bullock.
With a touch of redness in the face, I blush when I will select While You Were Sleeping as my favorite movie. It introduced me to Sandra Bullock and is the epitome of Rom/Com Chic Flick.
While I wish my kids could think I am cooler and enjoy thought provoking cinema, I must be honest and say I am the perfect candidate for any movie starring Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, and of course Sandra Bullock.
I am a sucker for a happy ending.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
MK's Favorite Song
DAY 1: Favorite Song
Music has a special place in my life. I find music usually can express what I am feeling and while I am not the writer or creator the song it can NAIL IT for me. It can be a cathartic release or an inspiration or an accompaniment to a road trip. I LOVE MUSIC and generally have it on all the time – in my car, in my office, anywhere I can. A certain song can also bring up vivid memories or pull up an image in my mind of a person or place.
While I am sure most people would say the same thing, for me it feels like I have an intense relationship with music. I wish I could scribble down my feelings and have them be an expression of my heart or stand up and belt out with passion a song that was a view into my thoughts but while I can play Fur Elise on the piano - I can’t sing.
So I live vicariously through the music on the radio or on my phone. Chad has introduced me to a wider range of tunes and opened my taste up to include some music I would never have thought to listen to. Chad has always liked the more Indie type bands and music.
To pick just one favorite song does not seem possible – there are so many to choose from and all with special meaning.
I always think of my brother Jamey when I hear The Devil Went Down to Georgia and Rambling Man because he had a Southern Fried Rock album he used to listen to when he was very little. I think he would find it amusing that I would pick these two songs out of the gazillion songs he has on hard drive. Jamey is like Chad in that he has a wide appreciation for music.
The instrumental Peter and the Wolf will forever conger up images of my mom when she was in her twenties and early thirties. She would play this record (yep on a record player) when we were home and busy around the house.
Jet Song / Maria / I Feel Pretty – the entire West Side Story soundtrack makes me think of my father. For all his military he-man testosterone-ness, he has a beautiful appreciation of the arts. He thoroughly enjoys operas, symphonies, ballets, and musicals. He and my mother made sure I saw as many performances that came through Tulsa as possible – Carmen, Nutcracker, Aida, etc.
I immediately think of Leigh Anne and her ex-boyfriend when I hear My Own Worst Enemy from Blink 182 – not sure she is thrilled about that however Closer to Fine – actually anything by the Indigo Girls, Patsy Cline, or bluegrass makes me think of her too.
Hold On To the Night – Junior Prom
Centerfold – 1982 Early MTV
Feel Like Making Love – College Float Trips
Neon Moon – Silver Bullet Bar Columbia, MO
YMCA – Roller skating in grade school
Gettin Jiggy With It – RA #18
Escape The Pina Colada Song – Broken Arrow and Disco Duck Records
Shameless – Dreaming of Chad before I knew who he was
Blue October’s Hate Me is a song that make me sad but in a therapeutic way. It is hard to explain - I do not know Justin’s pain first hand but something about the song comes through me like I can feel it. Dave Matthew’s Grey Street does something similar but not as strongly. I can play these songs when I am in a funk and it just resonates.
To pick one song that makes me think of Chad is hard – the obvious choice is Crush NOT Crash but Crush by Dave Matthews – it is how Chad proposed and our first dance at our wedding. It is a song that is beyond special to me. But there are so many others some of which I bet he doesn’t even realize – Just Wait, Flagpole Sitta, Shimmer, Slide, Summons, Who Am I?, Calling You (he knows this one – it’s my ringtone for him), I Alone, La Vie Boheme/Seasons of Love/Over the Moon, and on and on. Side note: what is important to know here that it isn’t always the lyrics that make me think of him but the song may be part of a bigger scene in my mind.
So after all this rambling – (Look Jamey I am a Rambling Woman!) to pick one favorite I don’t know how so I went with what I would want at my funeral. Chad and I have had this discussion and while I like the Some Where Over the Rainbow by the Hawaiian guy I will pick Louie Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World. I know there is a mix of the Some Where Over the Rainbow and the What A Wonderful World but for this exercise I am picking the pure version of What A Wonderful World. Cheezy but true.
When I am at peace and my heart is open to view the world with all of its beauty and glory and I can see God in the people that surround me and feel His love with every breath – it is that song. That is the legacy I want to leave my children and when they hear this song they think of good things and me.
It is a wonderful world – it is just some days it is easier to remember than others.
Music has a special place in my life. I find music usually can express what I am feeling and while I am not the writer or creator the song it can NAIL IT for me. It can be a cathartic release or an inspiration or an accompaniment to a road trip. I LOVE MUSIC and generally have it on all the time – in my car, in my office, anywhere I can. A certain song can also bring up vivid memories or pull up an image in my mind of a person or place.
While I am sure most people would say the same thing, for me it feels like I have an intense relationship with music. I wish I could scribble down my feelings and have them be an expression of my heart or stand up and belt out with passion a song that was a view into my thoughts but while I can play Fur Elise on the piano - I can’t sing.
So I live vicariously through the music on the radio or on my phone. Chad has introduced me to a wider range of tunes and opened my taste up to include some music I would never have thought to listen to. Chad has always liked the more Indie type bands and music.
To pick just one favorite song does not seem possible – there are so many to choose from and all with special meaning.
I always think of my brother Jamey when I hear The Devil Went Down to Georgia and Rambling Man because he had a Southern Fried Rock album he used to listen to when he was very little. I think he would find it amusing that I would pick these two songs out of the gazillion songs he has on hard drive. Jamey is like Chad in that he has a wide appreciation for music.
The instrumental Peter and the Wolf will forever conger up images of my mom when she was in her twenties and early thirties. She would play this record (yep on a record player) when we were home and busy around the house.
Jet Song / Maria / I Feel Pretty – the entire West Side Story soundtrack makes me think of my father. For all his military he-man testosterone-ness, he has a beautiful appreciation of the arts. He thoroughly enjoys operas, symphonies, ballets, and musicals. He and my mother made sure I saw as many performances that came through Tulsa as possible – Carmen, Nutcracker, Aida, etc.
I immediately think of Leigh Anne and her ex-boyfriend when I hear My Own Worst Enemy from Blink 182 – not sure she is thrilled about that however Closer to Fine – actually anything by the Indigo Girls, Patsy Cline, or bluegrass makes me think of her too.
Hold On To the Night – Junior Prom
Centerfold – 1982 Early MTV
Feel Like Making Love – College Float Trips
Neon Moon – Silver Bullet Bar Columbia, MO
YMCA – Roller skating in grade school
Gettin Jiggy With It – RA #18
Escape The Pina Colada Song – Broken Arrow and Disco Duck Records
Shameless – Dreaming of Chad before I knew who he was
Blue October’s Hate Me is a song that make me sad but in a therapeutic way. It is hard to explain - I do not know Justin’s pain first hand but something about the song comes through me like I can feel it. Dave Matthew’s Grey Street does something similar but not as strongly. I can play these songs when I am in a funk and it just resonates.
To pick one song that makes me think of Chad is hard – the obvious choice is Crush NOT Crash but Crush by Dave Matthews – it is how Chad proposed and our first dance at our wedding. It is a song that is beyond special to me. But there are so many others some of which I bet he doesn’t even realize – Just Wait, Flagpole Sitta, Shimmer, Slide, Summons, Who Am I?, Calling You (he knows this one – it’s my ringtone for him), I Alone, La Vie Boheme/Seasons of Love/Over the Moon, and on and on. Side note: what is important to know here that it isn’t always the lyrics that make me think of him but the song may be part of a bigger scene in my mind.
So after all this rambling – (Look Jamey I am a Rambling Woman!) to pick one favorite I don’t know how so I went with what I would want at my funeral. Chad and I have had this discussion and while I like the Some Where Over the Rainbow by the Hawaiian guy I will pick Louie Armstrong’s What A Wonderful World. I know there is a mix of the Some Where Over the Rainbow and the What A Wonderful World but for this exercise I am picking the pure version of What A Wonderful World. Cheezy but true.
When I am at peace and my heart is open to view the world with all of its beauty and glory and I can see God in the people that surround me and feel His love with every breath – it is that song. That is the legacy I want to leave my children and when they hear this song they think of good things and me.
It is a wonderful world – it is just some days it is easier to remember than others.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Borrowing Stu's Theme That He Borrowed
So my blog guru Stu is borrowing a theme from another blogger he follows which is 30 posts in 30 days:
Day 01 — A favorite song
Day 02 — A favorite movie
Day 03 — A favorite TV show
Day 04 — A favorite book
Day 05 — A favorite quote
Day 06 — A fun fact about me
Day 07 — A favorite photo
Day 08 — Something I crave
Day 09 — Pet peeves
Day 10 — A photo of me taken over ten years ago
Day 11 — A photo of me taken recently
Day 12 — Something I bought recently
Day 13 — Something I want to buy
Day 14 — An old photo
Day 15 — My celebrity crush
Day 16 — A favorite food
Day 17 — A photo of my family
Day 18 — A baby photo
Day 19 — A fun memory
Day 20 — A hobby of mine
Day 21 — A favorite recipe
Day 22 — A favorite joke
Day 23 — A video
Day 24 — A travel story
Day 25 — A favorite photo
Day 26 — A funny (true) story
Day 27 — A child I love
Day 28 — A place I love
Day 29 — A person I love
Day 30 — Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
While I know there is absolutely NO WAY I will post everyday for 30 days, I found this an interesting challenge. I thought it would be a unique way for our kids (cuz aren't they the reason we write this blog) to get insight into their parents. So I am including Chad in on this. I think he needs to take the 30 day challenge but doesn't have to do it in 30 days. Don't you LOVE when I volunteer you Chad?
So the next 60 posts should be Chad and my responses to the above.
Hopefully Stuart you will remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! Not that I am just cheating by copying you!
Day 01 — A favorite song
Day 02 — A favorite movie
Day 03 — A favorite TV show
Day 04 — A favorite book
Day 05 — A favorite quote
Day 06 — A fun fact about me
Day 07 — A favorite photo
Day 08 — Something I crave
Day 09 — Pet peeves
Day 10 — A photo of me taken over ten years ago
Day 11 — A photo of me taken recently
Day 12 — Something I bought recently
Day 13 — Something I want to buy
Day 14 — An old photo
Day 15 — My celebrity crush
Day 16 — A favorite food
Day 17 — A photo of my family
Day 18 — A baby photo
Day 19 — A fun memory
Day 20 — A hobby of mine
Day 21 — A favorite recipe
Day 22 — A favorite joke
Day 23 — A video
Day 24 — A travel story
Day 25 — A favorite photo
Day 26 — A funny (true) story
Day 27 — A child I love
Day 28 — A place I love
Day 29 — A person I love
Day 30 — Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
While I know there is absolutely NO WAY I will post everyday for 30 days, I found this an interesting challenge. I thought it would be a unique way for our kids (cuz aren't they the reason we write this blog) to get insight into their parents. So I am including Chad in on this. I think he needs to take the 30 day challenge but doesn't have to do it in 30 days. Don't you LOVE when I volunteer you Chad?
So the next 60 posts should be Chad and my responses to the above.
Hopefully Stuart you will remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! Not that I am just cheating by copying you!
Well They Kind of Are
WARNING: This story does not translate into text well but because when it happened I laughed so hard I had watery eyes I had to share.
Z received a gluttonous amount of gifts for his birthday. A gentle reminder of how blessed we are with generous friends and family but Zachary wasn’t kidding when he said he needed a present aisle designated in the house.
With the large amount of gifts there were a few duplications, not nearly as much as you would think but enough to warrant a trip to Target to return items and let him pick out a few different things. I must admit I am even embarrassed to put on here the dollar amount he had to shop with considering the pile of presents still sitting in the “aisle” at our home.
On our way home, Z wanted to open one of the toys he had selected. I told him that it was fine but beware if it had little parts. He proceeded to open one and then said “ah man! It has stupid wires.” I laughed a little – those twist tie things that hold toys onto packaging are a pain in the tookus. This challenge would keep him busy.
A few minutes later he said “Mom, I can’t get these stupid wires off.” I responded with an “I am driving so either keep trying or wait until we get home. And PLEASE stop calling them stupid.”
He paused and quietly said “But that is what Auntie C said they were called – stupid wires.”
Z received a gluttonous amount of gifts for his birthday. A gentle reminder of how blessed we are with generous friends and family but Zachary wasn’t kidding when he said he needed a present aisle designated in the house.
With the large amount of gifts there were a few duplications, not nearly as much as you would think but enough to warrant a trip to Target to return items and let him pick out a few different things. I must admit I am even embarrassed to put on here the dollar amount he had to shop with considering the pile of presents still sitting in the “aisle” at our home.
On our way home, Z wanted to open one of the toys he had selected. I told him that it was fine but beware if it had little parts. He proceeded to open one and then said “ah man! It has stupid wires.” I laughed a little – those twist tie things that hold toys onto packaging are a pain in the tookus. This challenge would keep him busy.
A few minutes later he said “Mom, I can’t get these stupid wires off.” I responded with an “I am driving so either keep trying or wait until we get home. And PLEASE stop calling them stupid.”
He paused and quietly said “But that is what Auntie C said they were called – stupid wires.”
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