Macaroni and Chicken Fingers. . .

Friday Funny- If I Can't See It, It Must Be Okay...

2012-02-24T15:05:00.000-06:00

It's that time of the week- Friday Funny!

But first, a shout out to the Berg Twins- Adam and Eric. Happy 11th Birthday!

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About a week ago, I found a beautiful lock of hair in the master bath. About three inches long, it had a wonderful chestnut color and a bit of curl tapering to the end. I couldn't imagine from where it had come, as it was not my color nor The Hub's. It didn't look like either of the children's. And after Z2's hair cutting debacle a few springs ago, she knew far better than to cut her hair. Except of course, when she renewed her lesson three months ago. Nonetheless, as it did not match anyone's hair color (or so I thought), I was a bit perplexed. Just what was going on in my master bath? Hmmm.....

Last night, while getting ready for bed, I found yet another lock of hair. This one was quite thicker. I picked it up and feeling it in my hands, I knew. This was no secret girlfriend in my bathroom, but my own son's hair! "Good night!" I thought. "He's cutting his hair. What on earth?!?!" He had already fallen asleep, so the questioning would have to wait.

This morning he toddled (yes, at age 11, the first sleepy walks in the morning are still toddling) into the kitchen and sleepily snuggled into my arms.I buried my face in the crown of his head. Inhaling deeply, I rubbed my nose slightly in his hair. And that's when I felt it... the unevenness in the thickness of that thatch of hair.

"Son," I started,"Have you been cutting your hair?"

"Yep," he said, matter of factly.

"Uhm... Why?" I asked.

"It's the sticky-uppy pieces back there. I can't get them to lay down, so I'm just cutting them off. If I can't see them, I don't have to comb them."

True, but how shall we explain a bald spot at age 11?

Yours, hiding all the scissors,

Melissa

MY HERO, AMERICAN AIRLINES. YEP, YOU HEARD ME!

2012-02-22T07:33:00.001-06:00

Say what you will about American Airlines, but they pulled through for me this time. Here’s my story:

I was going through my emails the other day when I saw one from American Airlines saying that I can go ahead and check in for my flight. Hmmm, that’s strange, I think to myself, since we’re not flying for another month for spring break. So I look more closely at the itinerary and apparently I booked the flight for FEBRUARY 19th instead of MARCH 19th. CRAP! Yes, we would have been in Miami for 5 weeks instead of 1!

So I immediately got on the phone with AA and explained my situation to the rep, who told me no big deal, she can change my flights, but of course there’s a $150 change fee for each ticket. WHAT??? That’s $600 for my little family!!!

Listen (or read in this case) how the rest of our conversation went:

CSR: I’m sorry, that’s our policy.

Me (almost sobbing): Isn’t there anything you can do for me? That’s $600.

CSR: I understand Ma’am, I’m sorry.

Me: Is there somebody else there I can speak to about this?

CSR: So you’d like to speak to my…

Me (slow on the hints): What? I’m just looking for somebody who might be able to work with me on this.

CSR (CLEARLY trying to prompt me): So you’re asking to speak to my…

Me: Um, your boss?

CSR (thinking I’m a complete idiot by now): YES ma’am. Let me get a supervisor for you.

Me (wondering why in the world we had to play that little game): Great, thanks!

So her supervisor comes on the phone and I pleaded and begged and whined and she actually waved the entire amount for me. I was shocked!!!

So while I still think American Airlines nickel and dimes us on baggage fees, meals and anything else they can think of, I am grateful that they did this one thing for me, and I just may fly them again. You know, as a second choice to Southwest!

Karen

Monday Madness- Stopping the Clock

2012-02-20T21:51:00.003-06:00

It's happening again. I've tried to stop it so many different times. I've begged, pleaded, tried to bargain and bribe. But Father time refuses to be bought and my baby is aging as I type. I close my eyes and he is still 2, sitting in the grocery cart, giggling at me while I try to smother his neck with kisses. He still has the same broad smile, and the giggle has rounded out to a full belly laugh.
How did I spend 11 years? Eleven?!!?! Lots of laughs, giggles, plenty of tears, lots of games, trips to the park, zoo, beach, moments of being at odds with each other, but always coming back together and hearing him tell me, just like he did today as he got out of the car to go to a friend's house,"Don't worry Mom. I'll love you forever. Promise."

I sure hope so.

Yours, trying to keep it together,

Melissa

Sunday Silly

2012-02-19T07:53:00.001-06:00

We were sitting at the dinner table. Miraculously, everyone liked what I had prepared and we were happily eating our barbequed chicken. As is our dinner time ritual, we began going around the table talking about the high and low of our day. When The Hubs got to Z2, he commented on her outfit. She was looking particularly cute that evening, in all of her 8 year old girlishness. As of late, her dressing choices have been a bit of a point of contention. We've hit that point in dressing where the child wears the same three shirts every single week and will ask you to wash them over and over (to which I refuse to comply, as she has more than enough clothing for two-three weeks). Of course, as she habitually wears the same clothing, it becomes worn and shapeless, much to The Hubs chagrin. For me, as long as its clean and she's covered and the colors are within the same vein, it's a battle I'd rather not pursue. I mean, why bring it on any earlier? She'll figure it out soon enough.

"Oh, mom," she said,"Could you please wash my XYZ shirt for my skit tomorrow?" Before I could reply, The Hubs cut in. "No. No she will not. I'm over that shirt, Z2. It was cute when you you were in 1st grade, but not so much in 3rd grade."

She looked at me and rolled her eyes. With complete calm and matter-of-factness, she turned to The Hubs and said," I can't even pretend to think that you would understand the complications of a third grade girl's closet."

I supressed my laughter (well, I tried, anyway). A bit taken aback, he asked her," And why is that, my dear?"

"Honestly, Dad. You wear polos. you work on computers all day. How could you possibly know?" She cut her eyes back at me with a Cheshire grin.

Uhm, how old is she?

Yours, wondering what it's going to be like when she learns how to drive,

Melissa

Separate Birthday Parties?

2012-02-15T20:53:00.001-06:00

I suppose I should count myself lucky. For 10 years we’ve been able to combine the boys’ birthday parties into one big one. You know, being twins and all, it just made sense. But this year, our luck ran out. They wanted two different parties this time. One wanted a winter tubing party at our local (fake) snow “mountain” while the other wanted a paint ball party when it gets warmer. And it’s not like we couldn’t invite one to the other’s party, right? So really, they’re each getting 2 parties. Hardly seems fair! (Really, I think they planned this out, but I’m keeping that opinion to myself!)

So here’s what we’re doing this year: we’re letting them each invite 2 friends to each party. Yes, they are both getting 2 parties, but they’re like mini parties! Oh, and goody bags? At 11 years old, I’m DONE with those! Actually, I was done with those last year. I figure I’m spending enough on the parties, they can give ME a goody bag!

Oh, and really? I’m pretty much done with parties, too! I have a feeling that they’re getting ready to outgrow them. I know I have!

Karen

Monday Madness: It takes a DEADLINE.

2012-02-13T14:44:00.000-06:00

We were sitting on the couch, The Hubs and I. Resting from beginning his latest project, he asked,"When are you going to believe me when I say that I am going to do something?"

"What do you mean?" I replied, slightly confused. "You usually do... when you say you are going to..."
We had just finished taking out the wet bar and tearing down the wall that separated the living room and kitchen. He made me karate kick the dry wall down. I felt like Sif from Thor.

However, when the project was started, he was not in such a good mood. He was frustrated that the bar had not been packed. Having been through this type of thing before, I simply got brought him some necessary items and then said,"I'm going to get out of your way, but I'll be in the dining room working on my class prep if you need anything." A wise wife knows when to go in the other room, keep herself occupied and pray. It came out later that he was angry with me for not being ready to work on the bar. Of course, I didn't know that he planned on working on it at that exact moment (reading minds is not one of Sif's Goddess attributes) and so he was angry with me that I had not done what he had asked me to do.

Or did he? I recall him asking,"Honey, can you pack up the bar?" a few days ago. "Well, yeah. I can get that done." I said. "Okay," he said and walked away.
There was no mention of when. No words such as,"I'd like to take the wetbar out on Sunday afternoon and I will need it to be packed up by then."

When he explained that to me as we were sitting on the couch, that that's what he had MEANT when he asked if I could... meaning to do it right away... I couldn't help but giggle.

"Honey," I said, choosing my words cautiously,"Just because you asked if I could, doesn't really imply to me that you want me to do it right away. I need a deadline. I am inspired by DEADLINES. Just because I didn't do it right away does not mean I don't believe you. It just means I didn't know when you wanted it done because you didn't tell me."

Yet ANOTHER clear example of the gap in communication that exists between The X Chromosome People and The Sif.

Yours, wondering if that gap might ever be bridged,

Melissa

Time WHATament???

2012-02-08T08:51:00.001-06:00

Yeah, so Melissa called me out last week. I didn’t blog. Of course, neither did she, so I don’t feel so bad. (Actually, I feel worse because that means nobody blogged here, but we’ll just be moving on now.) At least she had a valid excuse – she had a nasty head cold. Me? Well, I just plain forgot!

I’m having a little problem with Time Management lately. Now that I’m back at work, albeit part-time, I’m finding it a little difficult to work everything in that I’m used to doing. You know, lunches with girlfriends, working out, watching Dr. Phil (Yes, I watch Dr. Phil, my one REAL afternoon vice. And no, I can’t watch it at night because my husband will make fun of me!), working on The Caregiver Organizer, shopping, and all that important stuff! Okay, well SOME of it’s important!

I guess that’s the problem. I’m not really prioritizing the way I should be. And though I KNOW that in my head, I’m just not there yet in my actions. You know what I mean? I think I’m so overwhelmed with my disorganization right now, that any time I try to dig out, I bury myself even deeper. It’s not a good feeling, believe me!

So I’m leaving tomorrow for 3 days of Weight Watchers training away from home. This will be awesome! Three entire days of nothing else to think about but learning how to be the best leader they have! And when I get home, I can look at everything else with a fresh outlook.

Hmmm, maybe I can even start with those taxes!

Karen

Monday Madness- The Times, They Are a Changin'!_

2012-02-06T17:06:00.000-06:00

Monday, Monday, Monday.... today I considered calling in, just to rest from this cold, but that would have made me one in 7 million people who will call in the day after Superbowl (YAY Giants!). I figured it was probably not a good idea and that I should soldier through. I'm hoping to save a day off for something a little more fun, anyway. :D

I'm hitting one of those transitional periods in life. When isn't one in transition, really? But these are more apparent, lately. I've finally registered my son for Middle School. I cried. I couldn't help it. It's not that I want him to stay little forever. Friends assure me that the teen years will take care of any feelings of "Please don't grow up and leave me!". But right now, it's hard to see that.

On the other end, I was sitting in a meeting today and my cell phone buzzed. I looked down and saw it was my mother. I didn't hesitate. I answered it right away. Wait. When did THAT happen? I mean, when did I start looking down at the caller ID and wondering if everything was okay when I saw that it was her? And I'm beginning to fill in more lines in our book- The Caregiver Organizer for MY Aging Parents.
Did it ever seem possible that our parents would age? I'm handling it about as well as I'm handling Middle School registration. I'm holding on for dear life and trying to soak up every single minute. I'm answering the phone. I'm making myself call more often. I'm making sure I'm home by the time the kids get home so I can have time with them and also taking them to see my parents more often.

Oh the circle of life. I know it's a reality. Today it just seems a little more prominent. So I'll enjoy every moment I can and teach my children to do the same.

And now, time to go get the Lola-nator who's gotten into a cloth bookmark and is trying to eat it while being chased and yelled at by Z2. Yes, I'll even enjoy THIS moment.

Yours, soaking it all in,

Melissa

Saturday Sass

2012-02-04T22:15:00.002-06:00

I know, I know... something happened and both Karen and I went a week without blogging. She's been busier than Christmas and I've had a nasty head cold. My lips swell and chap when the cold is severe. Suffice to say, my lips are bigger than Angelina Jolie's on collagen shots. I'm really hoping to be better come Monday. I promise we'll get back to normal next week!

Yours, blowing my nose again,

Melissa

Random Thoughts of Friday Fun

2012-01-27T15:03:00.001-06:00

I have to say, it's Friday and I'm feeling random. That's a dangerous place for me to be, because everything turns funny. I lack focus completely and laugh at everything.

Like laughing at my husband who is on a sales call with a client and he says,"Let's look at the "Tonto Knife". " Now, there actually is a style of knife called Tonto. But of course, I didn't know that. I burst our laughing because, in my mind, Tonto from The Lone Ranger pops into my head saying "How."

Hey- remember on Monday when I was loving that second cup of coffee? That night.... I dreamed I was a Ninja Spider Monkey. I. KNOW- Coolest. Dream. Ever.

EVER!

Let me suffice to say, I was kicking butt and taking names in my dream complete with the spiffy tail of a spider monkey. No one could stop me!

And then this afternoon I tried to stand up from the sofa. I had my laptop and my toes got caught up in the chord and I had to catch my self from doing a face plant. He's been teasing me about it all afternoon.

I guess that's what I get for giggling at him at the wrong times. I'll let your imagination run with that one.

Yours, pledging to remain random for the rest of the day,

Melissa

The Timetable On GUILT!

2012-01-25T09:18:00.001-06:00

Is there an expiration on Guilt? Because there should be. I grew up Jewish, so already I have the corner on Guilt, but then I’m a Mom, so add another dose on top of that. My late husband was Catholic (yes, that in itself added Guilt to my life, that I married non only a non-Jew, but a Catholic), so I learned, and adopted, Catholic Guilt (which, I must admit, goes head to head with the Jews on the Guilt meter).

I have it from all directions, folks. It’s inescapable!

So why am I bringing this up? My niece is having her Bat Mitzvah this weekend and one of our cousins is coming in town who my sisters and I haven’t seen in probably a good 20 years or so. We can’t wait. We are SO excited to see her! But my excitement is tempered by one small (huge to me) incident that happened in 1986 that I still feel Guilty about.

Yes, you heard me right…1986. She’s probably forgotten all about it, but I haven’t. 26 years I’ve been carrying this around with me (did I do the math right?). So what do I do? Do I bring it up and apologize? Do I ignore it? I can’t ignore it. It’s like an elephant in the room that nobody can see but me. But it’s there! I have to bring it up. Okay, it’s settled, I’m apologizing for it.

Okay, thanks for letting me work that out! I have SO many other things that I feel Guilty about, at least that will be one less item on The Guilt List!

Guilt Sucks!

Karen

Monday Madness- Ode To Caffeine

2012-01-23T22:13:00.001-06:00

Dear Starbucks Coffee Machine in the Breakroom, (thank you, Jeff Cook!)

You are unbelievable. I am in awe of you. Because I am switching my second morning cup of coffee to an afternoon cup of brew, I made incredible progress through the madness of Monday. Not only did I complete that astronomical registration deposit, but I registered more students, came home, made dinner, packed lunches, did the dishes, folded three baskets of laundry, graded a ton of papers and if I wanted to, still have a little bit left in me to practice guitar. And that was all after 2 PM.

Oh cup of coffee, how you inspire me to do things I thought were only superhuman feats. But with you in hand, I am Wonder Woman. (And once you read the linked article by clicking on the phrase"cup of coffee" above, you will understand why I'm still a busy bee...)

Yours, wondering how I will now power down to sleep,

Melissa

Saturday Sass

2012-01-21T16:35:00.001-06:00

It's been quite a week. One would think things would slow down after Christmas, but some of the kids' activities are ramping up. Swim meets, Boy Scouts, Pinewood Derby, Middle School transition. But hey- I'm a mom. It's what I do.

This morning was Z2's first swim meet with her current team. All of the parents have to work jobs (or take the buy-out option, and well, not happening in the B House!) so I signed up to be a timer. It actually made the meet go pretty quickly because you have to be so focused for the entire thing. Yep- 6 hours of timing laps. (Yes, you did read SIX hours.I may have to reconsider that buyout option.)

So I'm timing all these kids and start comparing times. And my mind begins to drift (HEY- I can only stay completely focused for so long!) into the intricacies of swimming time edges- various suits, swim caps, goggles... and that's when I notice something. All of the swimmers had super smooth skin. As in hairless. Even the boys.

I wasn't entirely surprised by this. I knew that was the norm in some sports, but had not considered it for swimming. From there, it tripped my mind into personal hygiene, because you know me and my super sensitive nose. (And YES! My collegiate class of 16 is in a room that holds 12. Thank goodness my colleague switched with me. Seriously, I need to bake him a carrot cake or something.) But that's when I noticed it. Of all the sports my children could be in... the one for which I WILL be signing up my son.... swimmers do not have that nasty sports B.O.!

Finally! A sport my nose can take. YAY!

Yours, wondering how I'll break the news to Z1 that he's trading in his cleats for trunks,

Melissa

TIME FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL ALREADY???

2012-01-18T21:11:00.001-06:00

I can’t believe it! I went to Middle School curriculum night tonight. Seriously? First of all, it’s only January. How can I think about next school year already? But more importantly, HOW CAN I SEND MY BABIES TO MIDDLE SCHOOL???

What if they get lost? What if the older kids pick on them? What if they can’t open their locker? What if they forget if it’s an “A” day or a “B” day? What if they don’t make any friends? What if, what if, what if…???

Okay, I admit that MAYBE I’m projecting some of my own fears here. Yes, perhaps my middle school days were less than perfect. (Of course, back in those days, we just called it Junior High School, and it went from 7th grade to 9th grade.) Truth be told, I was painfully shy in school and had very few friends. I wouldn’t relive those years now for any amount of money.

But still, they seem so small, so young. And the 8th graders seem so, well, large! I’m sure I felt the same way when they were in Kindergarten and I looked at the 5th graders.

I guess I’m just not ready for this yet. Such a big step for me. Whoops, I mean for them!

Karen

Tuesday Tidbit- Different Dream Parenting

2012-01-17T09:17:00.001-06:00

Good morning, dear readers. Or is it? If your house is anything like mine, sometimes the morning routine can be a challenge. Today was no exception. Not yet a tween and already we're having to squash some real attitude. That attitude, coupled with the temper tantrum of a young child, can be quite fierce. This morning it included door slamming (for which said door will be removed by evening time), yelling, and some mean spirited insults. I didn't think we would get to this until we hit the teenage years. Heaven help me!

For some, every single morning is different than they dreamed it would be. Parenting a special needs child presents its own unique challenges. Where I sometimes wish my little Zs would simply be quiet, somewhere, there is a mom (special needs or not) wishing they could hear just one or two words from their child. Or when I'm tired of doing something and I think,"They're old enough! They should be doing this themselves by now!, there is a parent who has been and will continue to do every little thing for their precious one.

Jolene Philo, author of Different Dream Parenting, searched for ways to manage her own experience with son Allen. The big realization for her- she wasn't alone. Twelve to fifteen percent of children born in the US will spend time in the neo-natal intensive care unit (according to the March of Dimes). That's a lot of babies... and a lot of parents. As that parent, it's overwhelming and the repeating question is,"What now?"

With over 25 years experience as an educator and parent of a special needs child, Jolene has written not only about her experience, but compiled some practical resources and aids for the parents. She's done a lot of the thinking for them, guiding through various difficult situations. As well, she centers in on her faith as her mainstay in living her journey with Allen. It's a book full of wisdom, practical advice, faith and comfort. It can be found here on Amazon. Her website: http://www.differentdream.com/ She writes a beautiful blog and addresses not just life with the special needs child, but marriage and siblings and, well LIFE!

This may not be you or your journey. But I'll bet you have someone in your circle who's walking this journey now. Check it out for them.

Yours, choosing to focus on the JOY of the journey,

Melissa

Friday Funny- Guess We'll Know By Christmas

2012-01-13T07:16:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, friends of mine had a babysitting emergency. The place they were going was right by my house, so when they asked, I said,"Sure! We'll have a great time. Z2 will be home and she'll be glad to help." So later that evening, in comes Baby.

Baby is about 18-20 months old and an absolute delight. If you could come up with a picture of what joy looks like, it would be this child. She is the embodiment of childhood wonder and magic. We spent the next hour and a half walking in circles, giggling, playing with The Lolanator, playing the piano and having a grand time.

About an hour into it, Z2 looks at me and says,"Mom, I really want a baby sister."

Me: Well, honey, I think I've decided I'm not having any more babies. I really like the two that I have. I don't need anymore new babies.

Z2: What if I prayed real hard, Mom?

Me: Sweetheart, you would have to pray AWFULLY hard, especially since you would be canceling out prayers that Mommy has been praying for a long time.

Z2: I would REEEEEEALLLY like to have a baby sister by this Christmas.

Guess we'll know by Christmas who prays hardest.

Yours, considering that Bible verse that says to "pray without ceasing",

Melissa

LET IT SNOW…FINALLY!!!

2012-01-12T09:18:00.001-06:00

Okay, I admit it, it’s not much. But here it is, January 12th, and we finally have some snow in St. Louis. With the exception of one very small and brief snowfall last month, this is our first snow of any significance. However it’s only about 2 inches. Baby stuff, to be sure, but enough to make my kids happy. (Except that they have to go to school today.) (Whew!)

I was listening to NPR yesterday and they were reporting on a town in Alaska who has gotten over FIVE FEET of snow so far this year. They finally had to call in the National Guard to help dig them out. Not only were they having problems keeping up with the snow removal, but they were running out of places to PUT the snow once they removed it! This woman’s snow pile between her house and her neighbor’s house was TALLER than their houses! CAN YOU IMAGINE???

Yet, I’m sure that there are people here in St. Louis complaining about our measly little 2 inches of snow.

It’s all relative, people!

Karen

Houston, We've Struck a Nerve!

2012-01-09T20:28:00.001-06:00

Well, apparently my husband (nor some of the husbands of the wives in my book club group) are not the only ones who need guidance in the gift department. Your responses have been fun to read. Some of them have been sent to me via email and I had to swear not to post them (although one of them, I might have to because it was just. too. good.).
To honor such a tremendous response, I felt it would be appropriate to continue with the saga-Return to the Doghouse. Click here to see Donny's continued all too familiar shenanigans. All I can say is, at least he owns it.

Yours, wondering where I could get a doghouse like THAT!

Melissa

Worst GIfts EVER!

2012-01-06T12:15:00.004-06:00

For today's Friday Funny, I'm hoping that you, my dear readers and friends, will be willing to contribute. In the Christmas gift department, I fared pretty well this year. This might be because, well, we did a lot of shopping as a family this year and I just picked out some things. It's not that this will happen every year, but to be honest, I was just really tired and over scheduled and went with the flow. Might as well. It certainly saved us time spent on returns. We only had to return one item this year, and that was due to size, not style.

There have been years, however, where the gifts have completely missed the mark. We got to talking about those at book club the other night. And it reminded me of my waffle iron. My lunchbox ice cubes freezer things. Some clothing items I would never choose. And it also reminded me of this video: Avoid The Doghouse!

So click on the video title and watch. And in the comments section, post your worst. gift ever. I can't wait to read some of these!

Yours, thankful we've progressed beyond those early Christmas gift years,

Melissa

HERE’S TO 2012!!!

2012-01-04T08:50:00.001-06:00

As much as it’s a little bit of a let down when the holidays are over, it’s also kind-of nice to get back to the normal routine, don’t you think? I’m a little sick of all the junk food, the Christmas songs, the mess in the house, and yes, the kids being home! I long for peace and quiet again in my home. (Is that bad?)

I also long for getting back to the gym and shedding those holiday pounds. I can’t wait to get all those decorations back into the attic. I’m ready to start working on Spring Break plans. (By the way, only 99 days until The Sister’s Trip 2012!)

But most of all, I’m SO excited to start my new adventure this year, working at Weight Watchers!!! I am officially now a WW employee and have started my training to be a leader. Just think, I have the potential to INFLUENCE PEOPLE’S LIVES. Isn’t that an amazing thing to be able to say?

So here’s my 2012 challenge to you: Influence somebody’s life this year for the better. A friend, a relative, a neighbor, a stranger, a child, or all of the above. Through words, actions, donations, however you can, whatever they need, find a way. You can do it. It doesn’t have to be huge. Lots of influences are small, yet meaningful.

Give it some thought and let me know how you’re doing.

Karen

Merry Christmas One and All!

2011-12-21T10:25:00.001-06:00

It's those last few days before Christmas. Last night I stayed up until 2:30 AM. Call me crazy, but the cards are finished and all of my wrapping (uhm, at least for the presents that have been purchased!) is complete. Now, on to my dwindling list.

It can be hard to remember why we do this every single year. But as the stress piles on over the next 48, remember, this is a season about giving. Every Christmas story holds that eternal truth.... more blessed to give than to receive. May you have a very, Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year!

Melissa

PS- Karen and I will return after the New Year. Have a wonderful Christmas Break!

Friday Fun- Bringing Home Christmas

2011-12-16T09:33:00.002-06:00

Christmas is a week away! Amazing how exciting that phrase can be for children, yet strike terror in the heart of adults who still have a long list of things to get accomplished. :) (Uh, that would be me, but what's new, right? Flying by the seat of my pants seems like my way of life this year!)And while I know this is supposed to be the day of the week where I characteristically poke fun at myself or tell you of my latest shenanigans, I have to share this article with you. Read it all the way down. It's completely worthy of it.
This, my friends, is exactly what Christmas is all about -reaching out and giving. Seeing beyond ourselves an into the life of someone else. Making life brighter and offering hope, even just a glimmer for a moment. Helping people believe that there is good in the world, and we are not a completely lost and hopeless cause. Christmas is about our most basic of human needs- to love and be loved.
May we all reach out in some way this Christmas!

Yours, keeping my eyes open,

Melissa

…SAID THE YOUNG TO THE OLD!!!

2011-12-14T07:46:00.001-06:00

I was in the locker room the other day, talking to a friend of mine, when something came up that led to the fact that I am old enough to be her mother. A teenage mother, yes, but her mother nonetheless!

And then she said something to me that I’ve heard several times before. She said, “Oh Karen, you don’t look 49, you look great!” It was at that moment that I realized that that statement really isn’t the compliment I always thought it was. That’s what young people say to old people when they want them to feel better about being old!

No, really! Think about it. What else are they going to say? “WOW! You’re 49? Really? You ARE old enough to be my mother! Holy Cow!!! Here, sit down, you must be exhausted from that walk in from the parking lot. Can I get you anything?”

Of course they aren’t going to say that! They’re going to say how great I look…for my age. That’s like saying that dress looks great…on me. (It would look hideous on anybody else, but you can pull it off, Karen!) A left-handed compliment at best if you think about it!

Ha ha! Okay, I’ll cut those youngsters some slack and let them “compliment” me if it’ll make them feel better. But I don’t promise anything once I turn 50!!!

Karen

Tuesday Trails

2011-12-13T13:11:00.001-06:00

Rabbit trails, that is. I'm the queen of it. My students are always trying to get me to rabbit trail. I think they make it a game of bets. But I'm on to them. I've got their number now! Of course, I just gave the rest of my final exams...

I know I didn't blog yesterday. I think I'm rebelling. Life has been full of so many deadlines and appointments and lists and tasks lately that yesterday I just refused to blog. Oh, I tried, but to no avail. this must be a symptom of something deeper, no?

Nevertheless, now that finals are done and I'm not doing any services or performances until Christmas Eve, it's time for The Great Dig Out. I would take a picture of my office, but it's a little embarrassing. There are at least six piles of something to be sorted and completed. I can't help it. I try to keep it tidy, but when I get really busy as I have been lately, it just all goes into it's separate pile. I know right where everything is, it just doesn't look very nice.

Maybe while I'm sorting, I'll do some life sorting as well... Hmmmm.....

Yours, feeling extra contemplative on this rainy day,

Melissa

Friday Funny- O Christmas Tree, Poor Christmas Tree!

2011-12-09T08:26:00.000-06:00

Christmas Tip #438

I thought this might be a helpful tip for our dear readers. Let's just say I know this is true from personal experience.

If you have wood floors, and an ornament falls from the tree, it will break. When it shatters everywhere, naturally you will want to clean it up. You may use a broom, but more than likely a vacuum.

When you get the vacuum, you will need to use the attachment in order to get all the shards up. When you use that attachment, be very, very careful that you don't accidentally suck up the tree skirt that is wrapped and buttoned around the bottom of that tree as if it grew there.

Because artificial Christmas trees have a tendency to slide on wood floors. And they slide fast. Just sayin'.

Yours, taking a break from cleaning up under the Christmas tree,

Melissa