Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I Didn't, But If I Had....
It was only a matter of time. The world of reality TV has decided to capitalize on Mommy Blogs. The deadline to submit applications for this "project" was Monday, and I'm certain they were flooded with wonderful and not so wonderful choices to choose from.
They wanted mommy bloggers who have a story to tell and who are interested in investing in the online community.
I started wondering....what story do I have that would be worth sharing? Am I truly invested in this online community I participate in? Heck, am I even invested in the "real life" community I pay taxes in???
I didn't submit an application for this casting call. If I had, this might have been what I told them.
I am Tooje in blogland, formerly known as Tooj. These are my children's initials, and the "E" was added when our family grew back in June. Despite the fact that this is not my government name, I seek and deliver honest and genuine interest in the written word and hope to form unique friendships with those whom I have connected. Until I surpassed 65 followers, I made a point of visiting the new posts of each and every follower, as time allowed. I might have been late to some of the parties, but I always arrived.
Why blog? First, I like to talk a lot and no one wants to listen. Second, my long term memory tends to suck and I'd like to remember some of the silly and not so silly moments with my kids. Third, I wanted a safe place to "vocalize" beliefs in a place that will allow them to shift and mature and change without the stigma of what they once were.
I began blogging during an interesting time in America, the 2008 Presidential election. It was significant for me for various reasons, but mainly because, for the first time in my life, I felt interested and engaged in something much larger than myself or immediate tangible surroundings. I also began blogging during the early months of my second child's life, a period of time that was very rough for the both of us. We didn't click right away and as a mommy, I knew that Hubs couldn't quite understand my feelings of inadequacy and discouragement. This blog and blogland created a place for me to go, chatter, read, get lost.
I am a mom, and I like to blog. But if it is points of view you're after, I have too many angles from which to come to decide how best to describe myself. You ask for our "unique online point of view", but my blog hasn't been pigeon-holed to one aspect of who I am.
I am a full-time working professional.
I am in a career that does not fulfill me.
I am from a small, white Midwestern town and yet still married a Black man.
I am shocked at people who believe that racism is dead just because they won't sling words.
I am a mother of bi-racial children but do not fear for the future. Fear is for the weak.
I am the wife of a man who constantly teaches me and who learns from me.
I am a minimalist of emotions, things, and drama.
I am a believer that life is not nearly as difficult as everyone makes it.
I am still seeking many answers to things I haven't shared with anyone.
I am NOT a dog person, but don't believe that makes me cold-hearted.
I am also NOT a cat person, fish person, hamster person, guinea pig person, or turtle person.
I am a lover of horses, however, did own cats previously, don't like to see fish get hooked for "sport", feel sorry for hamsters on wheels, accidentally killed a pet guinea pig as a young child and still tear up thinking about it, and saved three turtles from becoming road kill in the last three years alone.
I am not naive enough to think that my perspective on any one topic is unique. There have been too many people before me, pondering the same wondrous questions about life and love and happiness. The mixture of everything makes me unique, I suppose, and that's good enough for me to continue blogging circles around my square table.
p.s. This exceeded your 500 word limit and I sincerely apologize.
They wanted mommy bloggers who have a story to tell and who are interested in investing in the online community.
I started wondering....what story do I have that would be worth sharing? Am I truly invested in this online community I participate in? Heck, am I even invested in the "real life" community I pay taxes in???
I didn't submit an application for this casting call. If I had, this might have been what I told them.
I am Tooje in blogland, formerly known as Tooj. These are my children's initials, and the "E" was added when our family grew back in June. Despite the fact that this is not my government name, I seek and deliver honest and genuine interest in the written word and hope to form unique friendships with those whom I have connected. Until I surpassed 65 followers, I made a point of visiting the new posts of each and every follower, as time allowed. I might have been late to some of the parties, but I always arrived. Why blog? First, I like to talk a lot and no one wants to listen. Second, my long term memory tends to suck and I'd like to remember some of the silly and not so silly moments with my kids. Third, I wanted a safe place to "vocalize" beliefs in a place that will allow them to shift and mature and change without the stigma of what they once were.
I began blogging during an interesting time in America, the 2008 Presidential election. It was significant for me for various reasons, but mainly because, for the first time in my life, I felt interested and engaged in something much larger than myself or immediate tangible surroundings. I also began blogging during the early months of my second child's life, a period of time that was very rough for the both of us. We didn't click right away and as a mommy, I knew that Hubs couldn't quite understand my feelings of inadequacy and discouragement. This blog and blogland created a place for me to go, chatter, read, get lost.
I am a mom, and I like to blog. But if it is points of view you're after, I have too many angles from which to come to decide how best to describe myself. You ask for our "unique online point of view", but my blog hasn't been pigeon-holed to one aspect of who I am.
I am a full-time working professional.
I am in a career that does not fulfill me.
I am from a small, white Midwestern town and yet still married a Black man.
I am shocked at people who believe that racism is dead just because they won't sling words.
I am a mother of bi-racial children but do not fear for the future. Fear is for the weak.
I am the wife of a man who constantly teaches me and who learns from me.
I am a minimalist of emotions, things, and drama.
I am a believer that life is not nearly as difficult as everyone makes it.
I am still seeking many answers to things I haven't shared with anyone.
I am NOT a dog person, but don't believe that makes me cold-hearted.
I am also NOT a cat person, fish person, hamster person, guinea pig person, or turtle person.
I am a lover of horses, however, did own cats previously, don't like to see fish get hooked for "sport", feel sorry for hamsters on wheels, accidentally killed a pet guinea pig as a young child and still tear up thinking about it, and saved three turtles from becoming road kill in the last three years alone.
I am not naive enough to think that my perspective on any one topic is unique. There have been too many people before me, pondering the same wondrous questions about life and love and happiness. The mixture of everything makes me unique, I suppose, and that's good enough for me to continue blogging circles around my square table.
p.s. This exceeded your 500 word limit and I sincerely apologize.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Rest Stops Are For Sissies
I found myself on the interstate, driving 70 mph, three kids in the back. It was a hot summer Sunday evening as we traveled the hour-long trek back home from my father's place.
I had to pee. And I'd even peed before leaving my dad's house. Call it postpartum bladder syndrome. Blame it on the water I chugged before hitting the road. I like to point the finger to Hubs. It's always best, even if he isn't present.
I made it a third of the way home and realized the urge was going to hamper my ability to see, think, and hear clearly. Those kegel exercises were holding up for the moment, but I wasn't sure it could last another forty minutes. I pressed on, though, because the idea of stopping to relieve myself wasn't an option. At all. Not in my mind.
You see, in the third row of the Mom-mobile, I had OJ passed out from his hard day's work of play. In the middle row, I had Evelyn sound asleep, facing backward, the wind blowing her little wisps of hair. Next to Evelyn, TO was sitting peacefully, trying to decide if he had to poop or if it was just a toot causing his belly to ache. He feared releasing the gas, however, due to recent past events where it wasn't just gas that was relieved into his little boy underpants.
And then Evelyn began to cry. And by cry, I mean scream like a banshee. I worried that she would wake up OJ, who would have joined her screams. That's what he does when jarred awake. I figured the only way to shut her up would be to feed her. It is times like these where formula feeding would be much easier. I could prepare or have a bottle prepared ahead of time, hand it to TO, and allow him to feed her while we continue our trek home and to the glorious toilet.
Sidenote: As a breastfeeding mom, I do feed her bottles. But when we're on the go, I rarely bring along the breast pump to pump excess milk after feedings, which is how I'd get a bottle full of milk to begin with. SO....on with the show....
Where were we? Oh yes, TO believes he has to poop, but promises to hold it. OJ is still snoring in the far row, and Evelyn is screaming at me while my bladder threatens to relax and empty. I decide to exit the interstate, pull into an empty office building parking lot, and feed Evelyn. OJ miraculously stays asleep through the quick snack and we were on the road again in eight minutes. My bladder was still screaming, so I did what any sacrificing-self-for-child's-sleep mama would do.
I slid a diaper into my panties.
Don't worry. I didn't take one of the kids' diapers. I did that last summer. No, I used an extra postpartum diaper pad that the hospital gives to mamas. I kept the two extra I had just for such an occasion, placing them in my glove compartment.
One would think I'd be ashamed of this story, but I find that by sharing it, others might be more inclined to find reasons to use the things we think we won't. A sort of recycling project, if you will.
So, I slid the diaper pad in and waited for relief. And I waited. And waited. I couldn't release it. I started to think Wow...this is truly a mind over matter experience. I'm going to be able to hold it!! I found joy in the fact that my mind would control my bladder for me and I wouldn't have to sneak in the house with a soiled diaper...from MY crotch.
And then I got angry. I had performance anxiety. I was furious that I couldn't do it! Why can't I just pee and relieve myself!? I felt like I was a high school freshman in cross country again, and couldn't perform like I had in the past. So I changed strategy.
I tried leaning back and relaxing my body. Then I realized that was silly...I never lean back when I go to the restroom, so that position was unnatural. I leaned forward. I sat up straight. I hunched. I leaned to one side. I leaned to the other.
I finally gave up and resigned myself to peeing in the toilet. At home. I just hoped that Hubs wouldn't notice the fact that I was wearing a diaper pad when I waddled in the door. I couldn't handle two humiliations in a matter of an hour. Instead, I'll put it out here for the world to know. Sharing a secret with strangers offers greater relief than peeing ever will. Toilet OR diaper.
I had to pee. And I'd even peed before leaving my dad's house. Call it postpartum bladder syndrome. Blame it on the water I chugged before hitting the road. I like to point the finger to Hubs. It's always best, even if he isn't present.
I made it a third of the way home and realized the urge was going to hamper my ability to see, think, and hear clearly. Those kegel exercises were holding up for the moment, but I wasn't sure it could last another forty minutes. I pressed on, though, because the idea of stopping to relieve myself wasn't an option. At all. Not in my mind.
You see, in the third row of the Mom-mobile, I had OJ passed out from his hard day's work of play. In the middle row, I had Evelyn sound asleep, facing backward, the wind blowing her little wisps of hair. Next to Evelyn, TO was sitting peacefully, trying to decide if he had to poop or if it was just a toot causing his belly to ache. He feared releasing the gas, however, due to recent past events where it wasn't just gas that was relieved into his little boy underpants.
And then Evelyn began to cry. And by cry, I mean scream like a banshee. I worried that she would wake up OJ, who would have joined her screams. That's what he does when jarred awake. I figured the only way to shut her up would be to feed her. It is times like these where formula feeding would be much easier. I could prepare or have a bottle prepared ahead of time, hand it to TO, and allow him to feed her while we continue our trek home and to the glorious toilet.
Sidenote: As a breastfeeding mom, I do feed her bottles. But when we're on the go, I rarely bring along the breast pump to pump excess milk after feedings, which is how I'd get a bottle full of milk to begin with. SO....on with the show....
Where were we? Oh yes, TO believes he has to poop, but promises to hold it. OJ is still snoring in the far row, and Evelyn is screaming at me while my bladder threatens to relax and empty. I decide to exit the interstate, pull into an empty office building parking lot, and feed Evelyn. OJ miraculously stays asleep through the quick snack and we were on the road again in eight minutes. My bladder was still screaming, so I did what any sacrificing-self-for-child's-sleep mama would do.
I slid a diaper into my panties.
Don't worry. I didn't take one of the kids' diapers. I did that last summer. No, I used an extra postpartum diaper pad that the hospital gives to mamas. I kept the two extra I had just for such an occasion, placing them in my glove compartment.
One would think I'd be ashamed of this story, but I find that by sharing it, others might be more inclined to find reasons to use the things we think we won't. A sort of recycling project, if you will.
So, I slid the diaper pad in and waited for relief. And I waited. And waited. I couldn't release it. I started to think Wow...this is truly a mind over matter experience. I'm going to be able to hold it!! I found joy in the fact that my mind would control my bladder for me and I wouldn't have to sneak in the house with a soiled diaper...from MY crotch.
And then I got angry. I had performance anxiety. I was furious that I couldn't do it! Why can't I just pee and relieve myself!? I felt like I was a high school freshman in cross country again, and couldn't perform like I had in the past. So I changed strategy.
I tried leaning back and relaxing my body. Then I realized that was silly...I never lean back when I go to the restroom, so that position was unnatural. I leaned forward. I sat up straight. I hunched. I leaned to one side. I leaned to the other.
I finally gave up and resigned myself to peeing in the toilet. At home. I just hoped that Hubs wouldn't notice the fact that I was wearing a diaper pad when I waddled in the door. I couldn't handle two humiliations in a matter of an hour. Instead, I'll put it out here for the world to know. Sharing a secret with strangers offers greater relief than peeing ever will. Toilet OR diaper.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday Mumbles
It's another Monday morning. We're more than halfway through maternity leave now and wondering if I'll have the energy to return to work.
1. I saw a news bit once about a woman who found a snake in her dryer. Made its way there via pipes or something. Is it weird that once in awhile, I get freaked out by anything "household" that could have a pipe to the outside? When I pee in the middle of the night, I sometimes think some snake or rat will jump up and bite my ass. Or when I turn on the bathtub, one will fall out onto my hand as I test the water temperature.
2. Speaking of getting bitten, poor OJ and bug bites. Whenever we go outside for a length of time and not just a walk to the car, we spray him with bug spray. So what do the bugs do yesterday? Eat his face. He can't win.
3. Speaking of winning, TO is really bad at losing. Don't know where he gets that from.
4. No matter how much you try to not let "changes in lifestyle" like marriage or children affect your other relationships, they do. Sometimes they make them better, stronger....sometimes they weaken the ties and allow them to drift.
5. Neither of my boys can eat their oatmeal and watch cartoons at the same time very well. They appear deathly afraid that by looking down to scoop a bite, they'll miss some very important detail of Dora's adventure.
6. Did I ever mention here that I have found a few more strands of LIGHTER than normal color strands of hair on my head? It's probably time to be thinking about what color I'd like ALL of my hair to look. No, I'm not above it. You should try having four kids in the house and NOT lose your mind, or at least your natural color!
7. I'm soliciting crock pot recipes from all of you. If you have one, could you email it to me at:
toojmama@gmail.com
I would like to do more of these when I return to work, and have a limited arsenal right now.
8. On the topic of food, does anyone else have a kid with really active bowels? I sometimes worry that TO has belly issues with as many times as he poohs a day. He just alerted me that he needs to eat more raisins since his turds came in more than one piece. He informed me it was one really huge poop and one medium sized one. At least he's in touch with his body.
9. TO had a friend over from school yesterday and they wanted to play Twister. And they did. And then she wanted to be the spinner because she kept falling down first. So she spun and we had a family affair on the Twister mat, Hubs and me , TO and OJ. Hubs used his body to knock all of us over. Cheater.
10. I just had to tell TO to stop touching his penis and not a minute later I had to tell OJ to get his hand out of his butt. Seriously. Boys are gross.
LINKED UP Monday Mumbles:
Michelle
1. I saw a news bit once about a woman who found a snake in her dryer. Made its way there via pipes or something. Is it weird that once in awhile, I get freaked out by anything "household" that could have a pipe to the outside? When I pee in the middle of the night, I sometimes think some snake or rat will jump up and bite my ass. Or when I turn on the bathtub, one will fall out onto my hand as I test the water temperature.
2. Speaking of getting bitten, poor OJ and bug bites. Whenever we go outside for a length of time and not just a walk to the car, we spray him with bug spray. So what do the bugs do yesterday? Eat his face. He can't win.
3. Speaking of winning, TO is really bad at losing. Don't know where he gets that from.
4. No matter how much you try to not let "changes in lifestyle" like marriage or children affect your other relationships, they do. Sometimes they make them better, stronger....sometimes they weaken the ties and allow them to drift.
5. Neither of my boys can eat their oatmeal and watch cartoons at the same time very well. They appear deathly afraid that by looking down to scoop a bite, they'll miss some very important detail of Dora's adventure.
6. Did I ever mention here that I have found a few more strands of LIGHTER than normal color strands of hair on my head? It's probably time to be thinking about what color I'd like ALL of my hair to look. No, I'm not above it. You should try having four kids in the house and NOT lose your mind, or at least your natural color!
7. I'm soliciting crock pot recipes from all of you. If you have one, could you email it to me at:
toojmama@gmail.com
I would like to do more of these when I return to work, and have a limited arsenal right now.
8. On the topic of food, does anyone else have a kid with really active bowels? I sometimes worry that TO has belly issues with as many times as he poohs a day. He just alerted me that he needs to eat more raisins since his turds came in more than one piece. He informed me it was one really huge poop and one medium sized one. At least he's in touch with his body.
9. TO had a friend over from school yesterday and they wanted to play Twister. And they did. And then she wanted to be the spinner because she kept falling down first. So she spun and we had a family affair on the Twister mat, Hubs and me , TO and OJ. Hubs used his body to knock all of us over. Cheater.
10. I just had to tell TO to stop touching his penis and not a minute later I had to tell OJ to get his hand out of his butt. Seriously. Boys are gross.
LINKED UP Monday Mumbles:
Michelle
Friday, July 23, 2010
Funny Faces Friday
I think it's time to add another alliteration to my blog. We've got the Mumbles on Monday and now we're going to have Funny Faces on Friday. I've made a point to have the boys make silly faces and capture it on the camera.
The reason?
Whenever you WANT a good picture of the kids, they tend to make silly faces or outright refuse to smile nicely. They are always being asked to smile nicely, I think. So to even it out? Silly time. They get to make faces or be goofy and they KNOW the camera is on them. I snap and they review. They LOVE to review, seeing the picture on the camera display.
And then?
They politely smile and give me a good picture. It's win-win. Here's the first go-round of Funny Faces. Feel free to join in!
The reason?
Whenever you WANT a good picture of the kids, they tend to make silly faces or outright refuse to smile nicely. They are always being asked to smile nicely, I think. So to even it out? Silly time. They get to make faces or be goofy and they KNOW the camera is on them. I snap and they review. They LOVE to review, seeing the picture on the camera display.
And then?
They politely smile and give me a good picture. It's win-win. Here's the first go-round of Funny Faces. Feel free to join in!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
It's Me...It's Them...No, Me...
You don't have to be a parent to feel that tug of war. It tugs at your time, your energy, your mind and heart and soul. If you have any inkling of concern for others, you feel that tug.
What is the right balance between time for me, and time for we? Have you ever been so caught up with your life and routine that you fail to even recall the last time you did something alone? Again, you don't have to be a parent to understand exactly what I'm saying.
Back when I was single and Hubs was a distant speck in my future, I allowed family and friends to monopolize my time. I don't mean that as a derogatory dig at family and friends. I thought I had to say yes to every opportunity and everyone. Family holiday gathering? Sure. Family visiting from out of town? Okay, I'll be there. Birthday for a cousin? All day? Count me in. Night on the town with a girlfriend? I'll drive. Your man said what?? I'm listening. So and so is in for one night only? Let's do dinner.
It all adds up.
When I was younger, I enjoyed being on the go so much I failed to see the quality in being alone. When I was alone, I felt like my social life might be teetering on extinction. I HAD to get out. DO something. LIVE.
Now that I'm that old, married friend, my friends probably feel like I'm neglecting them, like I don't get out. I'm not, and I do. It's just that I'm doing it with three or four children in tow, often with Hubs lurking nearby. I still don't stop and breathe more slowly, look around, enjoy the scenery as a person, alone with her thoughts. I'm probably always talking, instructing, bossing and harping. I look around but only to ensure kids aren't getting hit by cars or falling down stairs. The scenery consists of scouting the child friendly area, not admiring a lovely flower.
It's important to realize this about myself. It's important to change it. I was "alone" with EJ Friday through Tuesday, and I told myself that was my "me" time. Really? Friday through Sunday I was at my father's with EJ, never alone. Monday and Tuesday I was home with EJ, but that's not technically alone either.
Part of this will just "be par" for the next year since I choose to nurse my babes. That's okay. But soon, I will need to be ALONE alone. With my quiet thoughts or loud rejoices. With my body as mine and not the babe's or Hubs', for that matter. With laughs surrounding adult humor.
I realized why it's been so hard to blog about something significant lately, and it's because my thoughts are completely absorbed in baby/child/family fluid. They're soaked in diapers and dishes and laundry and toys and Yo Gabba Gabba and budgeting. I'm part of a We. Forever, since I joined this world, I've been part of a We. I wouldn't change anything about that. What makes life interesting is finding the Me through all of the We that I experience.
Have you found your Me? Did you have it, and lose it? There's room for both in our lives, be sure to make the time.
What is the right balance between time for me, and time for we? Have you ever been so caught up with your life and routine that you fail to even recall the last time you did something alone? Again, you don't have to be a parent to understand exactly what I'm saying.
Back when I was single and Hubs was a distant speck in my future, I allowed family and friends to monopolize my time. I don't mean that as a derogatory dig at family and friends. I thought I had to say yes to every opportunity and everyone. Family holiday gathering? Sure. Family visiting from out of town? Okay, I'll be there. Birthday for a cousin? All day? Count me in. Night on the town with a girlfriend? I'll drive. Your man said what?? I'm listening. So and so is in for one night only? Let's do dinner.
It all adds up.
When I was younger, I enjoyed being on the go so much I failed to see the quality in being alone. When I was alone, I felt like my social life might be teetering on extinction. I HAD to get out. DO something. LIVE.
Now that I'm that old, married friend, my friends probably feel like I'm neglecting them, like I don't get out. I'm not, and I do. It's just that I'm doing it with three or four children in tow, often with Hubs lurking nearby. I still don't stop and breathe more slowly, look around, enjoy the scenery as a person, alone with her thoughts. I'm probably always talking, instructing, bossing and harping. I look around but only to ensure kids aren't getting hit by cars or falling down stairs. The scenery consists of scouting the child friendly area, not admiring a lovely flower.
It's important to realize this about myself. It's important to change it. I was "alone" with EJ Friday through Tuesday, and I told myself that was my "me" time. Really? Friday through Sunday I was at my father's with EJ, never alone. Monday and Tuesday I was home with EJ, but that's not technically alone either.
Part of this will just "be par" for the next year since I choose to nurse my babes. That's okay. But soon, I will need to be ALONE alone. With my quiet thoughts or loud rejoices. With my body as mine and not the babe's or Hubs', for that matter. With laughs surrounding adult humor.
I realized why it's been so hard to blog about something significant lately, and it's because my thoughts are completely absorbed in baby/child/family fluid. They're soaked in diapers and dishes and laundry and toys and Yo Gabba Gabba and budgeting. I'm part of a We. Forever, since I joined this world, I've been part of a We. I wouldn't change anything about that. What makes life interesting is finding the Me through all of the We that I experience.
Have you found your Me? Did you have it, and lose it? There's room for both in our lives, be sure to make the time.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Mug Shots
Here are some of the mug shots copied and pasted from the website where I can view them and order more. Shhhhh. Don't tell.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday Mumbles
Hm, Monday. Every Monday that rolls around means I'm that much closer to having to return to work. We need to figure out how to make the weeks slow down, and then stop altogether. Suggestions welcome.
1. I went to have lunch with my sister (the one who works, not the one still in school and is pseudo working - see: internship) on Friday. The pseudo working sis also came to have lunch. We lunched in working sis's on-site cafeteria and met some of her co-workers. Oh, did I mention that working sis and pseudo working sis are twins? Every step we took in that place had people looking at them like aliens invaded. Are twins REALLY that unique? It was amusing.
2. Two words for all of you - CRUISE CONTROL. Use it. Morons. Okay, that was five words.
3. I always wonder about the necessity of helmets when driving motorcycles. If you crash and burn on the highway, the rest of you is going to get SCREWED UP, and the likelihood that your brain won't be scrambled from the impact is slim, I'd think. Can you deduce that motorcycles scare me a bit?
4. On the other hand, why WOULDN'T you wear a helmet? Bug guts alone would make me want one.
5. I had plans on Friday to be gone all day but to return home that evening. In the middle of the night Thursday, TO decided to wake up and sound like he had croup. A visit to the doc's office at noon confirmed it. Hubs had taken him and had OJ with him too. They all stayed together for the weekend and I had to keep Evie away, so we crashed at my dad's. With barely a change of clothes, no deodorant or hair junk for me.
6. Evelyn got her mug shot at JCPenney portrait studio Saturday afternoon. She looked cute. I might be biased.
7. I have my six week check-up tomorrow. Hubs will think that means he gets the "green light"...you know...for THAT. I am going to remind him that I actually have until Thursday, to be technical about it. Not that it'll do any good. Wish me luck.
8. I might have been the last normal person on Earth who hadn't seen the Bourne Trilogy. Well, I saw it. Love Matt Damon. Love the trilogy. Love Matt Damon and Julia Stiles. Love Matt Damon.
9. I should get motivated to clean or do laundry. Eh.
10. Fine. I'll do it. But only because I want clean underwear.
1. I went to have lunch with my sister (the one who works, not the one still in school and is pseudo working - see: internship) on Friday. The pseudo working sis also came to have lunch. We lunched in working sis's on-site cafeteria and met some of her co-workers. Oh, did I mention that working sis and pseudo working sis are twins? Every step we took in that place had people looking at them like aliens invaded. Are twins REALLY that unique? It was amusing.
2. Two words for all of you - CRUISE CONTROL. Use it. Morons. Okay, that was five words.
3. I always wonder about the necessity of helmets when driving motorcycles. If you crash and burn on the highway, the rest of you is going to get SCREWED UP, and the likelihood that your brain won't be scrambled from the impact is slim, I'd think. Can you deduce that motorcycles scare me a bit?
4. On the other hand, why WOULDN'T you wear a helmet? Bug guts alone would make me want one.
5. I had plans on Friday to be gone all day but to return home that evening. In the middle of the night Thursday, TO decided to wake up and sound like he had croup. A visit to the doc's office at noon confirmed it. Hubs had taken him and had OJ with him too. They all stayed together for the weekend and I had to keep Evie away, so we crashed at my dad's. With barely a change of clothes, no deodorant or hair junk for me.
6. Evelyn got her mug shot at JCPenney portrait studio Saturday afternoon. She looked cute. I might be biased.
7. I have my six week check-up tomorrow. Hubs will think that means he gets the "green light"...you know...for THAT. I am going to remind him that I actually have until Thursday, to be technical about it. Not that it'll do any good. Wish me luck.
8. I might have been the last normal person on Earth who hadn't seen the Bourne Trilogy. Well, I saw it. Love Matt Damon. Love the trilogy. Love Matt Damon and Julia Stiles. Love Matt Damon.
9. I should get motivated to clean or do laundry. Eh.
10. Fine. I'll do it. But only because I want clean underwear.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wordless Wednesday
Here is TO at his T-ball pizza party.
Poor OJ. He told me NOT to take the photo.
Here is our special little E.T.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday Mumbles
Happy Monday everyone. Anyone have any full, complete thoughts to formulate an entire post? No? Me either. That's why we mumble.
1. When we left Mom's yesterday, I grabbed a can of Coke for the ride. As I loaded up the kids, Mom's little pooch Jasper jumped in my car and thought he was going too. We shooed him out, we got on the road, I popped open my can of soda. Eww. Something smelled like wet dog. I sniffed my fingers. Nope. I shrugged, took another drink. Eww. Again. I sniffed my can. GROSS. His paw must have stepped on it or something. Ewww. My can smelled like wet dog.
2. While driving, I played "I Spy" with the clouds. Ever do that? Stare at the clouds until an image appears? Yesterday I saw a mermaid, two women giving birth, a bear kneeling in prayer, and a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz flying through the sky. No lyin'.
3. Babies have sleep cycles. They tend to run in 45 minute increments. Because babies don't REALLY "sleep like a baby" but instead startle easily and reflex "jump", it causes sleep issues. Especially for moms who want them to sleep. Well, Evelyn will go down for a nap and nearly on the dot, 45 minutes later, she awakens. If I don't jump to her crying, she can typically sooth herself back to sleep. She did just that yesterday in the car ride. at 3:55pm she went to sleep. At exactly 4:40pm, she whimpered and opened her eyes. At 4:44pm, she was back to sleep with no interference from me.
4. When potty training TO, I'd put him in a diaper for longer car rides. He'd tell me he had to pee and I'd respond that he could use his diaper. He wouldn't. Refused. Cried for me to stop so he could pee like a big boy. OJ? I put him in a diaper for the ride yesterday. He had to pee. I said to use his diaper. He smiled and said, "Okay!"
5. Talking to Hubs last night, we were recalling a wedding we attended back in 2005. We laughed about how one of our friends who rode along with us because his wife was out of town got.....well...enjoyed himself. A lot. And then hung his head out of my car window and barfed on the way home. What I had forgotten was that Hubs equally enjoyed himself, and when we returned home, I left him in the car, in the garage to sleep. I wasn't upset, I think I just pretended I couldn't wake him up. This story made me laugh.
6.
These are the bibs and burp cloths that I received from Foxy, as gifts for Evelyn. Aren't they snazzy?
7.
Here's the apple blanket, purple blanket, crayon roll, and sling bag that I've gotten from Emily. Aren't they snazzy, too? Oh, and Em? With regard to my "real" name, some know it...some don't. Just depends on if I ever had to email them! When they find out, most say they never pictured me being a ______. Funny how we create images when none are provided. :)
8. Dropping the boys off at daycare, I sometimes see this one mom hanging out in the parking lot, always on the phone. I assume she's killing time between drop-off and work. My problem with her? She's always smoking. In a daycare parking lot. With her windows down so the kids who have to park next to her car have to breathe it in. Annoying.
9. My five year old knows how to program the Directv timer on the shows he wants to watch. Problem? He hasn't "taken the time" to figure out how to take the timers off. So everyday at noon, my TV is changing to Yo Gabba Gabba. You'd think I'd stop to figure out how to turn the timer off, wouldn't you? You'd be wrong.
10. Time for me to tune into something else - Matlock! One half of my "old people's porn", as Hubs says. The other half? The Golden Girls. :)
1. When we left Mom's yesterday, I grabbed a can of Coke for the ride. As I loaded up the kids, Mom's little pooch Jasper jumped in my car and thought he was going too. We shooed him out, we got on the road, I popped open my can of soda. Eww. Something smelled like wet dog. I sniffed my fingers. Nope. I shrugged, took another drink. Eww. Again. I sniffed my can. GROSS. His paw must have stepped on it or something. Ewww. My can smelled like wet dog.
2. While driving, I played "I Spy" with the clouds. Ever do that? Stare at the clouds until an image appears? Yesterday I saw a mermaid, two women giving birth, a bear kneeling in prayer, and a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz flying through the sky. No lyin'.
3. Babies have sleep cycles. They tend to run in 45 minute increments. Because babies don't REALLY "sleep like a baby" but instead startle easily and reflex "jump", it causes sleep issues. Especially for moms who want them to sleep. Well, Evelyn will go down for a nap and nearly on the dot, 45 minutes later, she awakens. If I don't jump to her crying, she can typically sooth herself back to sleep. She did just that yesterday in the car ride. at 3:55pm she went to sleep. At exactly 4:40pm, she whimpered and opened her eyes. At 4:44pm, she was back to sleep with no interference from me.
4. When potty training TO, I'd put him in a diaper for longer car rides. He'd tell me he had to pee and I'd respond that he could use his diaper. He wouldn't. Refused. Cried for me to stop so he could pee like a big boy. OJ? I put him in a diaper for the ride yesterday. He had to pee. I said to use his diaper. He smiled and said, "Okay!"
5. Talking to Hubs last night, we were recalling a wedding we attended back in 2005. We laughed about how one of our friends who rode along with us because his wife was out of town got.....well...enjoyed himself. A lot. And then hung his head out of my car window and barfed on the way home. What I had forgotten was that Hubs equally enjoyed himself, and when we returned home, I left him in the car, in the garage to sleep. I wasn't upset, I think I just pretended I couldn't wake him up. This story made me laugh.
6.
These are the bibs and burp cloths that I received from Foxy, as gifts for Evelyn. Aren't they snazzy?7.
Here's the apple blanket, purple blanket, crayon roll, and sling bag that I've gotten from Emily. Aren't they snazzy, too? Oh, and Em? With regard to my "real" name, some know it...some don't. Just depends on if I ever had to email them! When they find out, most say they never pictured me being a ______. Funny how we create images when none are provided. :)8. Dropping the boys off at daycare, I sometimes see this one mom hanging out in the parking lot, always on the phone. I assume she's killing time between drop-off and work. My problem with her? She's always smoking. In a daycare parking lot. With her windows down so the kids who have to park next to her car have to breathe it in. Annoying.
9. My five year old knows how to program the Directv timer on the shows he wants to watch. Problem? He hasn't "taken the time" to figure out how to take the timers off. So everyday at noon, my TV is changing to Yo Gabba Gabba. You'd think I'd stop to figure out how to turn the timer off, wouldn't you? You'd be wrong.
10. Time for me to tune into something else - Matlock! One half of my "old people's porn", as Hubs says. The other half? The Golden Girls. :)
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Happy Sunday
We're sitting here at my mom's house, hanging out. We being the kids and myself, one of my sisters, and one of my brothers. My brother is still sleeping, my sister just showered, and I'm on the computer. None of these are big surprises.
TO and OJ are playing table tennis....on the Wii. Okay, so OJ isn't really "playing", he's just holding a remote and copying every single thing that TO does. If TO does well and starts bouncing around cheering, OJ bounces and cheers too. If TO instructs his Mii to react a certain way, OJ yells at the television too.
Mom is cooking. No surprise here either. She always fixes us food when we come. It's like we're back to being twelve again. LOVE it. She's making biscuits and gravy for the big kids. The little kids got pancakes this morning.....and donuts.
Life can be really simple. And sometimes this is the best way to have it. I've always been a bit of a minimalist, dropping things from my life that are unnecessary. Sitting here, I realize I need to drop a few more things. Grudges against Hubs, for example. Over-analyzing the kids, their play, their attitudes. I need them to relax and enjoy more and not worry about upsetting me. I get so consumed "getting things done" and "doing" that I sometimes forget to NOT do, and have fun. I am actively making mental notes to change that. Today.
Sunday's a good day to start such an endeavor, don't you think?
TO and OJ are playing table tennis....on the Wii. Okay, so OJ isn't really "playing", he's just holding a remote and copying every single thing that TO does. If TO does well and starts bouncing around cheering, OJ bounces and cheers too. If TO instructs his Mii to react a certain way, OJ yells at the television too.
Mom is cooking. No surprise here either. She always fixes us food when we come. It's like we're back to being twelve again. LOVE it. She's making biscuits and gravy for the big kids. The little kids got pancakes this morning.....and donuts.
Life can be really simple. And sometimes this is the best way to have it. I've always been a bit of a minimalist, dropping things from my life that are unnecessary. Sitting here, I realize I need to drop a few more things. Grudges against Hubs, for example. Over-analyzing the kids, their play, their attitudes. I need them to relax and enjoy more and not worry about upsetting me. I get so consumed "getting things done" and "doing" that I sometimes forget to NOT do, and have fun. I am actively making mental notes to change that. Today.
Sunday's a good day to start such an endeavor, don't you think?
Friday, July 9, 2010
Curiosities
Do you ever watch TV or see things when you're out and about and wonder....HOW is it that....?
I've been watching a LOT of TV lately. Don't hate. I'm also being sucked dry via boob valve by a very strong little girl. Tit for tat, don't you think? Okay, so I like really bad puns too.
Anyhow.....let's discuss undergarments for a moment, shall we? Bras, and bra straps. Maybe I'm just not girly enough to know all the tricks, but the women on television always appear to have the smoothest boobage and undergarments around. It's like they don't even have straps on the bras, or bras on at all! HOW do they do that? I get the whole seamless cup part, but the straps....and the clasps that shorten and lengthen the straps, those can't lay flat. These women and commercials make me angry.
Men in make-up. See: Adam Lambert. Seriously, can't women have one vain thing that's theirs alone? Men always used to complain that women were taking everything....the right to vote, learn to drive trucks, entering the work force....but now they're taking OUR things. Clothes, hair, make-up. Can't anyone just be satisfied with what they have?
Wipeout contestants. Has anyone seen this show? The boys and I love it. LOVE. But my concern is where in the hell they get their contestants. I have yet to see a "normal" one and I'm wondering if they are instructed to put on an act or if, EEK, that's really "THEM". No matter, my favorite part of the show are the hosts and their commentating. Tune in if you haven't yet this summer. It's on Tuesdays AND Thursdays, at least for now. Laugh with me, will you?
I've been watching a LOT of TV lately. Don't hate. I'm also being sucked dry via boob valve by a very strong little girl. Tit for tat, don't you think? Okay, so I like really bad puns too.
Anyhow.....let's discuss undergarments for a moment, shall we? Bras, and bra straps. Maybe I'm just not girly enough to know all the tricks, but the women on television always appear to have the smoothest boobage and undergarments around. It's like they don't even have straps on the bras, or bras on at all! HOW do they do that? I get the whole seamless cup part, but the straps....and the clasps that shorten and lengthen the straps, those can't lay flat. These women and commercials make me angry.
Men in make-up. See: Adam Lambert. Seriously, can't women have one vain thing that's theirs alone? Men always used to complain that women were taking everything....the right to vote, learn to drive trucks, entering the work force....but now they're taking OUR things. Clothes, hair, make-up. Can't anyone just be satisfied with what they have?
Wipeout contestants. Has anyone seen this show? The boys and I love it. LOVE. But my concern is where in the hell they get their contestants. I have yet to see a "normal" one and I'm wondering if they are instructed to put on an act or if, EEK, that's really "THEM". No matter, my favorite part of the show are the hosts and their commentating. Tune in if you haven't yet this summer. It's on Tuesdays AND Thursdays, at least for now. Laugh with me, will you?
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Features
The type of feature I'm talking about today isn't the yummy muscles on Roberto from The Bachelorette. Nor is it the pretty cheekbones my kids inherited from Hubs. The features today are the virtual displays of gift-giving goodness. Shop for yourself, shop for someone else. Please take some down time to go visit these five links and say hi to my friends for me.
Feature 1: Emily
Emily is a friend of mine from home. We go back to elementary school, and even attended the glorious University of Kansas together. We stretched through periods of different paths and interests, but FB, in its wonderful wisdom, reconnected us and I've been thrilled to get reacquainted with her once more. She recently found a love of sewing and because she can't store all of her goodies at home, she opened up an Etsy store. I personally have two blankets, a sling bag, and a crayon roll and plan on purchasing a shoulder bag in the near future. Hey Em, do you still have the pink circle material for a shoulder bag to match my sling, or should I lust after another pattern?
Feature 2: Foxy
Foxy is from the fox den. I found her one day trampling through Blogland. I loved her sense of humor and the comments we leave for one another instantly felt like we'd been friends forever. I have a feeling she's "that type" of gal, though....makes everyone feel special, is genuine and honest, and ridiculously funny. She's got a passion for knitting and makes adorable gifts. In the very near future, I will be in possession of two bib and burb cloth sets!!
Feature 3: Dorkys Ramos
Dorkys is a chic, single New York City gal but secretly lusts after my Midwest, domesticated life. Okay, or she doesn't. BUT she has been known to give away rather awesome treats, and I've been on the receiving end of a few. Chocolate, anyone? Pampering bath and girly goodies? Yup, They are/were mine. She's currently got a give-away going on until Friday, when she'll announce the winner. It's a bit racier than, say....chocolate bars, but everyone needs a bit of sweet AND spice, right? Pop over and enter!
Feature 4: ChaCha
Cha Cha is another blogger that I stumbled upon when I was comment hopping, I believe. She is a very talented, make-me-sick, DIY'er. I think the only thing this crafty, hands-on chick and I have in common is that we both enjoy running. Other than that, she's got me beat with computers, household remodeling, and piano playing. In fact, her give away is something that she SAW somewhere and decided she could make herself. And now that she's made it, she decided to give it away! Check her out.
Feature 5: April
My last feature is April. Lovely April Kennedy. She is another fantastic blogger who I stumbled upon in my trek around Blogland. I instantly fell in love with her candid, witty, familial blog and feel like a long but still lost member of her family, especially now that I can literally wear some of her clothes. She has occasional "blog sales", which are virtual garage sales where she posts closet items that she feels like purging. She purged, I bought. But she also makes. Check out her Etsy site and browse around. I love her rings. I need one.
Feature 1: Emily
Emily is a friend of mine from home. We go back to elementary school, and even attended the glorious University of Kansas together. We stretched through periods of different paths and interests, but FB, in its wonderful wisdom, reconnected us and I've been thrilled to get reacquainted with her once more. She recently found a love of sewing and because she can't store all of her goodies at home, she opened up an Etsy store. I personally have two blankets, a sling bag, and a crayon roll and plan on purchasing a shoulder bag in the near future. Hey Em, do you still have the pink circle material for a shoulder bag to match my sling, or should I lust after another pattern?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewsupersweet
Feature 2: Foxy
Foxy is from the fox den. I found her one day trampling through Blogland. I loved her sense of humor and the comments we leave for one another instantly felt like we'd been friends forever. I have a feeling she's "that type" of gal, though....makes everyone feel special, is genuine and honest, and ridiculously funny. She's got a passion for knitting and makes adorable gifts. In the very near future, I will be in possession of two bib and burb cloth sets!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/downwithknit
Feature 3: Dorkys Ramos
Dorkys is a chic, single New York City gal but secretly lusts after my Midwest, domesticated life. Okay, or she doesn't. BUT she has been known to give away rather awesome treats, and I've been on the receiving end of a few. Chocolate, anyone? Pampering bath and girly goodies? Yup, They are/were mine. She's currently got a give-away going on until Friday, when she'll announce the winner. It's a bit racier than, say....chocolate bars, but everyone needs a bit of sweet AND spice, right? Pop over and enter!
http://dryastoast.blogspot.com/2010/07/monday-giveaway-booty-parlor.html
Feature 4: ChaCha
Cha Cha is another blogger that I stumbled upon when I was comment hopping, I believe. She is a very talented, make-me-sick, DIY'er. I think the only thing this crafty, hands-on chick and I have in common is that we both enjoy running. Other than that, she's got me beat with computers, household remodeling, and piano playing. In fact, her give away is something that she SAW somewhere and decided she could make herself. And now that she's made it, she decided to give it away! Check her out.
http://thunderfingers.blogspot.com/2010/07/manila-rope-monkey-fist-giveaway.html
Feature 5: April
My last feature is April. Lovely April Kennedy. She is another fantastic blogger who I stumbled upon in my trek around Blogland. I instantly fell in love with her candid, witty, familial blog and feel like a long but still lost member of her family, especially now that I can literally wear some of her clothes. She has occasional "blog sales", which are virtual garage sales where she posts closet items that she feels like purging. She purged, I bought. But she also makes. Check out her Etsy site and browse around. I love her rings. I need one.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/funkyvintagekitchen
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 4 - Part 1
This is how Evelyn spent her entire Saturday. ENTIRE. She would not wake up for more than ten minutes to visit with my mom's family. But she certainly looked cute while being ornery.
TO poses with his Uncle Jimmy before the reunion race Saturday morning. Apparently it was a two thumbs up kind of experience. Silly mom dressed him in all black. Good thing it wasn't THAT warm yet.
Here's my little runner. This was taken about 200 yards from the one mile marker, where he cut out and decided to end his first race.
TO and OJ had some fun on Friday running through sprinklers with their grandma.
This is a BBQ joint in my college town where we travel frequently to visit family. Can you read their sign? "We rub our meat daily." I couldn't resist the photo. I giggled about this all day.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Monday Mumbles
Egads! It's nearly 6pm (my time) and I'm just now typing up my Mumbles. But let me just say this in my defense - I JUST returned home at 5:30 after leaving the house before noon on Friday. I've been AWAY for a LONG time.
1. Happy 4th. I hope you all had a great weekend, great holiday, great food, great fun. We did.
2. I also hope that none of you "lost" your keys (note: when typing keys I first accidentally typed kids....subconscious slip???) like I did. I went to find my keys this morning at my dad's so I could load up and head home, IN THE MORNING, but my keys were nowhere to be found. I feared Hubs did the ol' "grab both sets and go" ordeal. AGAIN.
3. I'm sticking with the fact that it's his fault, but the keys WERE located at my dad's. It's possible it was his fault, but blame could not be verified. When in doubt, point.
4. It's official. Evelyn is a wonderfully perfect baby so far. Typically being away from the house for a night or two can drain a new Mom. At least it always did me with the boys. But her? My oh my, she was a peach. Every single day.
5. On Saturday morning, we attended a cross country reunion run for my high school. Alum runners, current runners, and potential runners (read: old people, high schoolers, junior high schoolers) get together to run/jog the two mile course that we practiced on during our running years and then we visit afterward. WELL, being 3 weeks postpartum, I opted NOT to run. So did doctor's orders. I casually mentioned to TO that he should jog if he wanted to. Well he DID. He jogged an entire mile! I was so proud of him. Picture to come. :)
6. Admission: I am loving this season's Bachelorette. HUGE Roberto fan. HUGE. Yum.
7. Right now? I want to go to the store and buy the following: white powdered donuts, ice cream, brownie mix, pop tarts, and cupcakes. And then sample them all tonight.
8. My family likes games. Board games. I really enjoy Scattergories and Trivial Pursuit, although I'm not very good at either.
9. I will be watching the Bourne/Matt Damon trilogy this week. My brother has the movies and I borrowed them for the week. Never seen them, but I do love me some Matt Damon. Good Will Hunting, anyone?
10. I think I took a lot of good photos during our four day weekend away from the house. I can't wait to upload them and browse. :) Happy Monday night!
1. Happy 4th. I hope you all had a great weekend, great holiday, great food, great fun. We did.
2. I also hope that none of you "lost" your keys (note: when typing keys I first accidentally typed kids....subconscious slip???) like I did. I went to find my keys this morning at my dad's so I could load up and head home, IN THE MORNING, but my keys were nowhere to be found. I feared Hubs did the ol' "grab both sets and go" ordeal. AGAIN.
3. I'm sticking with the fact that it's his fault, but the keys WERE located at my dad's. It's possible it was his fault, but blame could not be verified. When in doubt, point.
4. It's official. Evelyn is a wonderfully perfect baby so far. Typically being away from the house for a night or two can drain a new Mom. At least it always did me with the boys. But her? My oh my, she was a peach. Every single day.
5. On Saturday morning, we attended a cross country reunion run for my high school. Alum runners, current runners, and potential runners (read: old people, high schoolers, junior high schoolers) get together to run/jog the two mile course that we practiced on during our running years and then we visit afterward. WELL, being 3 weeks postpartum, I opted NOT to run. So did doctor's orders. I casually mentioned to TO that he should jog if he wanted to. Well he DID. He jogged an entire mile! I was so proud of him. Picture to come. :)
6. Admission: I am loving this season's Bachelorette. HUGE Roberto fan. HUGE. Yum.
7. Right now? I want to go to the store and buy the following: white powdered donuts, ice cream, brownie mix, pop tarts, and cupcakes. And then sample them all tonight.
8. My family likes games. Board games. I really enjoy Scattergories and Trivial Pursuit, although I'm not very good at either.
9. I will be watching the Bourne/Matt Damon trilogy this week. My brother has the movies and I borrowed them for the week. Never seen them, but I do love me some Matt Damon. Good Will Hunting, anyone?
10. I think I took a lot of good photos during our four day weekend away from the house. I can't wait to upload them and browse. :) Happy Monday night!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)