October 16, 2012

Another day

It was the big football game on the high school field under the lights last night. They lost. Again. The redeeming factor was that they only lost because they didn't get their extra point, but tied on touchdowns. These things matter quite a bit when you're 7.

Tonight is my only free night of the week. I'm going to try to enjoy it by cleaning up the house. With all the coming and going, it's kind of a pit and grossing me out. Wow, my blogging is exhilarating today.

Anyhow in closing, I'm no expert, but I'm going to have to call Holding on this one...

October 15, 2012

Mary and motherhood

Yesterday, C-man and I went to Holy Hill for our church's retreat to go along with the "A Year in Faith" theme. It was rainy, so not nearly as good as it could have been, made worse by the fact that they didn't have any Plan B for the kids in the rain. But I did like the chance to spend a rainy day that I probably would have wasted away doing something different.

Because recently, I have been trying to figure out ways to be a better mom. How to be more patient, how to do better stuff, and just overall, be a better person for this amazing little man. Through that, I find myself getting kind of attached to Mary. I have never been a big fan of the whole virgin birth, virginity focus. Frankly, I personally think it's a load, regardless as to what my religion preaches. So I really like the idea of this mother, who really took it all on.

Because even if you aren't into the Jesus as a messiah thing, he was a pretty important guy in his time and for history. And what she went through for him to be that was nothing short of amazing. I mean, you never hear the stories of Mary when she was dealing with mastitis from an infant Jesus who just wouldn't unlatch, or when he was a toddler Jesus getting into trouble all the time bonking his head on things he shouldn't have been doing, or the sleepless nights of a sick Jesus, or teenage Jesus sneaking out at night. But you know she went through it all and more. Because every mother does. But then she buried her adult son after he was brutally killed. Something no mother should do. And it's with that light I am finding I can relate to this woman; find comfort in her story because she was a great mother.

So it was cold and rainy, and not nearly enough for kids to do. But I'm still pretty glad we went yesterday. I'm glad I got time to spend with my baby boy, who I know won't be a baby for long, and some time to think about how I can be a better person for him.

October 14, 2012

Together again


Beerman is home, to the joy of us all. C-man slept on the couch last night just in case he would still be awake when he walked in the door. He wasn't. And I am hoping Harry will now stop munching entire toilet paper rolls in his neurotic sadness.

October 13, 2012

Whew!

C-man and I continue to paint the town red. Or whatever that expression is when you and a 7 year old are busy. We've tasted just about every frozen yogurt the northern suburbs have to offer, visited a museum, been to Chicago, have seen a movie, assembled Legos, gone to the library, played video games, and eaten way too much junk food. It's time for Beerman to come home so we can detox a bit!

October 12, 2012

C and Me


C-man and I have the day off today. He celebrated by sleeping in until 6:35. Here is to the rest of the day!

October 11, 2012

Random bits and bytes

  • C-man has a half-day at school today. I have to teach a class all day, so he's stuck in extended care until I can get out.
  • He has tomorrow off. So do I. That should be cool. He also has next Friday off. Seriously, people, that's a bit much.
  • I think we're going to go see Hotel Transylvania tonight, because he's been begging to go since it opened.
  • Beerman changed his flights, so he's coming home Saturday instead of Sunday. It's always nice when that happens.
  • I can't stop researching Greece. I am convinced we need to go over Easter break.
  • C-man hates reading, and it's becoming really stressful because he's required to read 30 minutes every night. He's asked for a Kindle for Christmas, and I'm thinking he might get one to try to help with this.
  • While crazy, I am really glad I have tomorrow off. Here comes sleeping in!

October 9, 2012

Another day, another sniffle

The leaves are falling, the weather is getting chillier, and I'm getting sick. Ugh. C-man has been sniffly and coughy and hacky. I went off my meds, much to my joints' chagrin, hoping my immune system could fight it. But when a coworker looked at me this morning and proclaimed, "Ugh, you're sick!" I realized I was losing the battle. So here's to tea and movies tonight!


October 8, 2012

Kicking off the week

  • Beerman is coming home from Sacramento today. That's pretty cool.
  • I pulled up to my daily coffee shop stop, and it was closed. The barista showed up late, and the lights weren't even on. Boo. I hope it isn't a sign of things to come.
  • C-man has school pictures next week. I have a feeling this picture with his long hair and goofy teeth is going to be one for the books. I can't wait.
  • I am on a kick that I need to get to Greece. This may very well replace Brazil over Easter break.
  • Winter is coming. I already hate being cold. Which reminds me, C-man needs a new winter coat.
  • Next weekend has no plans. No football, no events, no nothing. I can hardly believe it.

October 6, 2012

A day of giggles and love

After a morning football game, of which C-man excitedly got to be the quarterback the whole game, we took the train to Chicago. I don't know what I loved more - watching him run into the train station pillar between # 9 and 10, desperately hoping to find 9 3/4; his giggles as the Egyptian cab driver raced through the streets like it was Cairo; his carefully selecting his new Hero from the Lego store; his careful selection of a WondervWoman keychain for me; his amazement of the view from the top of the John Hancock building; building the entire Bionicle in McDonalds; how he held my hand as we crossed busy streets; or his red cheeks at being tired from the day as we boarded the train. Ahhhh, a really good day with my baby love.

October 5, 2012

Slowing down, maybe

It's the weekend again. Ahhh, glorious weekend. Just when I think it's going to slow down again, it doesn't.

Yesterday was kind of fun, though. Harry got blessed at the pet blessing in honor of St. Francis of Assisi's feast day. He was looking forward to swimming in the baptismal font. But alas, the priest just sprinkled holy water on him. He wasn't much into that. (He then proceeded to toot all night long. We figured it was the devil escaping him.) Then we went to get C-man's hair trimmed. It looks a little better, but is still in his eyes because he wants to keep growing it. At least now he and Beerman have styling clay to use.

Tomorrow is C-man's first football game of the season. He adores football so much, that even though the game is at 8:30 a.m., it should be fun. We were then going to go to Chicago after. That's kind of an iffy plan now, as I am not sure if my friend will be there. I'm going to do the play-it-by-ear variety of things, and see how we feel after the game and if the 11 a.m. train is still calling our names.

But beyond all that, it is the weekend. And oh, glorious weekends, how I do adore thee. Hope you enjoy yours!

October 4, 2012

Toothless again

  • Another tooth lost. It figures, since we're heading to the Lego Store this weekend.
  • I've been late for work every day this week, because I keep stopping to take photos of the spectacular leaves. Oh well. Soon everything will be white, and it won't be a "problem".
  • I ordered my usual latte at the coffee shop and the guy tried to give me a coffee. Um...try again.
  • Waking up in the dark really stinks. Even Harry is struggling with it.
  • Tonight is the pet blessing at church. Harry is thrilled.
  • It's also hair trim night for C-man. He has school photos next week, and I just can't bear for him to take his picture with hair in his eyes.

October 3, 2012

Pumped up kicks

C-man got his pumped up kicks yesterday. He designed them ages ago, and they finally arrived. He was so excited. And other than deciding he should have made the zigs on the bottom blue, not orange, he loves them and doesn't want to take them off. Long hair and orange shoes. What's not to absolutely adore about this kid.

October 2, 2012

So it's Tuesday...

I don't have much to report. It's Tuesday. It's getting cold. And I'm waking up in the dark now. At least the leaves are pretty. Yup. I'm talking about the weather. Moving on...

October 1, 2012

Thoughts via bullets

  • C-man had his Cub Scout rain gutter regatta on Friday night. He was about .500 for wins and losses, so that was good. Better than all losses like last year.
  • Fall Fest was a great success, and we've gotten a lot of compliments since. Which is nice, because my house is still a complete disaster, and nobody has the energy to do anything about it!
  • C-man isn't feeling very well. I sent him to school anyhow. There was no fever, and while I know he isn't feeling great, I want to save those sick days for the real sick days he ends up with.
  • I'm assuming I'm going to be sick by the weekend.
  • His custom made Zig Tech shoes are scheduled to be delivered today. I'm hoping that heals the sniffles a bit.
  • We took our Christmas card photo this weekend, and it's outrageous. People are either going to laugh or send us to the mental ward. Either way, I like it.
  • C-man and I are heading to Chicago this Saturday. I'm going to try to meet up with a friend and C-man wants to go to the Lego store and Grahamwich. I aim to please.
  • My back and hip have been feeling a bit better, which is positive.
  • The fall leaves are gorgeous. I'm signed up for a retreat at Holy Hill coming up. I hope the color holds on until then!

September 30, 2012

Fall fest aftermath

Our annual Fall Fest was last night. Wild games of capture the flag after the foam swords were properly personalized and decorated, of course. That was followed by an amazing Greek dinner courtesy of Beerman complete with flaming cheese and ouzo. It all wrapped up with popcorn in front of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief while the parents continued to laugh and have a great time. It was so much work, but such a great time to strengthen friendships with such great people, adult and child alike. We are truly so blessed with such a great group of friends, that it really makes it all worthwhile.

September 28, 2012

Whew

Oh my goodness, I have been swamped. Work has been nuts. And home is crazy. Fall Fest is tomorrow. The Cub Scout rain gutter regatta tonight. Whew. Good stuff. Just no time for anything else! Have a great weekend!

September 26, 2012

Bookish

It was one of my resolutions this year to read all of the books that are on the Kansas City Library's exterior. (Okay, it's actually the library's parking garage, but we're not going to be that picky) It was also on the list to get a picture in front of it when I was there again. Well, I was there last month and took this picture, but forgot to post it. Which is okay, since I've kind of forgotten to read most of the books, too. Darnit. I just have not been reading a lot lately. I can't seem to get into a book long enough, which really is unusual for me. And a bit disconcerting. Too much TV. Not enough books. It's a bad streak I've had going. Especially since C-man is protesting reading so much.

And so, as September moves into October, I'm having an Octoberlution - to read again. My brain could really use it!

September 25, 2012

Moving forward

Right now, people all around the world are moving about with their daily routines. I'm getting up while others are eating dinner. But everything is moving forward, sometimes with laughs, sometimes with tears. I'm not sure if I find it comforting or sad that we keep moving on like this, but I always find it so humbling.

September 24, 2012

Anything and everything

We had a lovely weekend. There were really peaceful moments where I sat down at the museum and watched C-man try to catch butterflies. And now I'm at work, living one of the craziest-busy weeks I've had in ages. But none of the rest feels quite blog-worthy lately. Maybe it's the weather. But I'm feeling less chatty lately. So carry on. I'll try to think of something witty soon.

September 21, 2012

The weekend is here! The weekend is here!

It's Friday. And beyond C-man's football practice, we don't have a lot of plans for the weekend. And I'm beyond thrilled. I'm hoping to get our Christmas card photo taken. I have big plans that I hope turns out. The lawn needs mowing. And we have to get ready for next weekend's Fall Fest activities. Ahhh, it should be a nice break.
*************
My favorite quote of the week: "You can't austere yourself into a higher GDP" -Lloyd Blankfein, CEO Goldman Sachs

September 20, 2012

Having heart


I am in Newark today. I am often someplace or another for work. It is something I take in stride most often. But after talking to C-man on the phone last night, and not being able to get him off the phone because he missed me, I can't wait to get home. Thankfully, I am not flying American this week, so there is a shot that I will get there yet tonight. I miss my boys.

September 18, 2012

A toast to Tuesday

I really do love the local beer gardens. I think I need to get back to Munich.

September 17, 2012

Here goes another one

  • C-man did NOT want a "kid" sitter (his term) last night while we went to Beerman's work event, because he did NOT want a stranger in the house. I got him a junior in high school boy (nephew of a friend) to hang with him. When we got home, C-man was watching Thor after having eaten pizza in front of the TV, and was soooo jacked up, he can't wait for Drew to come back again. At least that's positive.
  • My pain has been subsiding. Except at night, of course, which is sort of hellish on the sleep. But the getting better is a positive thing. I think I'm going to wear some Thermacare things on the plane this week.
  • I have to go to Newark for 2 days this week. Seriously. Newark. Even the name is icky.
  • The Brewers 2013 schedule is out. The Brewers play the Mets in September. That has some possibilities for a stadium visit. Although if we go to NYC, C-man is going to want to see a Yankees game, too, which would require us being there on a Thursday. Otherwise, maybe we'll see Pittsburgh.
  • Beerman and I discovered the AMC show Hell on Wheels on Netflix. Why haven't I heard of this show before?
  • I've also only just discovered Rescue Me. A bonus, since it started in 2004!
  • And, of course, L'Shana Tova! to all who celebrate. May it be a sweet new year to you!

September 16, 2012

Festing

We hit up the local Oktoberfest last night with some friends. C-man enjoyed the carnival games, and made his experience with a BB gun pay - he shot every can in the gun game. It was a good time. No Munich, but a good time, nonetheless.

September 15, 2012

Tug of war


I feel myself slipping into a bit of a depression with this pain. It is a constant tug-of-war between keeping my mind sane and my body free-ish of pain, because one always leads to the other for me. I want to work out to improve my physical health and mind, but the pain is so great right now, I know it will make things worse in the short-term.

And so, I sit in the sun today in an attempt to make one of the two better. Now if the Brewers would give us a win.

September 14, 2012

Fridaylicious



  • The PT did some crazy stuff yesterday that helped. I am still not well, though.
  • Maybe wine at wine club will help.
  • I found a babysitter for Sunday night. And after that one accepted, so did two others. It figures. But better that than no one at all!
  • C-man starts Cub Scouts tonight. Beerman was hoping he would want to quit, but he is so thrilled to be a Wolf, there is no chance at that.
  • Ahhh... I am so glad for the weekend.

September 13, 2012

Painful


I have been in such excruciating pain. It has been a long time since I have been this miserable. Thank God for Vicodin at night. On a good note, the evenings have given the most beautiful light during my walks to try to feel better. At least there is that.

September 12, 2012

Randomly hump day-ish

I'm so thankful C-man is doing so well in school this year. Last year was a nightmare. This year, a total non-event. Thank God.

My work has been kind of crazy busy lately. And between my life getting in the way of work (physical therapy, Harry needs a groom, kid has parent-teacher night, I can't sit because my back $#@* hurts so bad), I've been ornery. I don't know how I'm going to fly to Newark next week.

If an unknown filmmaker makes a crazy film nobody even knows exists, will all of Libya riot? And will a crazy pastor in Florida get on that bandwagon and get lots of press about it? The answer is apparently yes on both accounts. The world confounds me.

I still don't have a babysitter for Sunday night. Stupid Sunday school night event. Argh.

C-man starts football season next weekend. I can't believe it's starting already. He is thrilled, of course. Except for the part about not being able to hit people. That part disappoints him.

I've been on the Vicodin lately for my back. Just change my middle name to Favre.

I finished the first 4 seasons of True Blood. Season 5 doesn't come out on demand until next year. I need a new obsession.

September 11, 2012

Today

I have to work a full 5-day week this week. It's been a while since I've done that. I'm hoping that yesterday took the yuk of the whole week (Harry was sick all over the carpet, a mouse died somewhere in our laundry chute area and we can't get at it without ripping the wall apart, and my shoulder has started hurting again), and that it is headed up from here.

We have two Oktoberfest parties this weekend. My, how I miss the real Oktoberfest. I never did get good pictures of it when we were there. I was too new to my camera, and probably had too many of those tasty steins to make any of it work out well. Just one more reason to go back, I guess. Well, that, and the fact that I should have bought that dirndl I really liked but didn't think I'd have a use for. I'd totally wear it now.

Someone brought in donuts today to celebrate the September birthdays. I really have no willpower when it comes to donuts. Now I have a sugar headache. Someday I'll learn. Today, not so much.

September 10, 2012

Fortunately

This weekend, I re-planted our geocache in the park because the container got stolen. (Who steals a container but leaves all the stuff on the ground behind?!) It was a beautiful opportunity to walk along the beach, since Beerman was working on the fish tank and C-man was at a birthday party. It was just me and the sand and the waves. And my camera, of course. I live a fortunate life. Sometimes, it's good to take a moment to remember that.

September 9, 2012

Hey, what's up?

Oh yeah. Chicken butt.

September 7, 2012

Fun stuff like that

Some days we ride the sky gliders and box each other's shadow. I love stupid fun like that.

September 6, 2012

Da doo doo doo. Da dah dah dah.

  •  I'm told I have disc problems in my back. Something I kind of knew but was ignoring. I'm going to keep ignoring it, because that's sure to make it go away.
  • Well, I'm not totally ignoring it. I am getting physical therapy to try to figure out how to mitigate the pain.
  • Papaya seeds taste like, well, let's just say they taste really bad. Worse even the second day. I'm going to try to make a smoothie with them in to see if it helps diminish the nasty.
  • Not having a vacation day scheduled for almost 3 months is kind of depressing. I may have to do something about that on one of C-man's Fridays off school for a teacher something-or-other.
  • I have a haircut appointment for later today. Ahhh, that's exciting. C-man's school photos aren't until next month, so I'll wait until then to force him go. The bangs, at least, have to get trimmed.
  • In the meantime, I've ordered his Thor Halloween costume. He's so proud that he doesn't even need a wig.
  • The Fall Fest game is going to be 'capture the flag' this year. C-man thinks he should have swords for it. I ordered foam ones to test. We'll see...
  • I thought we were going to have First Communion prep all year, but I guess it doesn't start until December. That's a bit of a relief, at least.
  • Kind of a bummer that First Communion will be on my birthday.
  • The local frozen yogurt shop opened Tuesday. We've been twice. Any bets on whether we'll go for the trifecta tonight?
  • While quite left-leaning political, I just have to... Because THIS VIDEO is too depressingly funny not to share.

September 5, 2012

Schtuff

  • C-man adored day 1 of 2nd grade and earned a "point". Apparently this teacher isn't punitive in her punishment, but heavy on praising the good stuff. It seems like a good fit for C-man.
  • Let's hope the next 179 days go as well.
  • We celebrated by getting frozen yogurt at the newest shop by the house. Yum!
  • A friend of ours told me they have plans over Fall Fest this year but is going to change them so he can come. It's official. The party has turned into a can't-miss event of the season.
  • Beerman had to fly to Colorado and back today. I had to buy him Carhartt shirts for him to go. Don't ask.
  • I watched Dr. Oz the other day. I shouldn't do that. It was a show on fatigue being commonly caused by parasites. The solution is to eat 1/4 C of papaya seeds with a teaspoon of honey every day for a week. I've convinced myself I need to try this.
  • Papaya seeds are disgusting, awful, and bitter.
  • I'm getting pressured to support the Komen walk through work. I have no interest in supporting the foundation, but it's becoming a political nightmare to say that. I keep avoiding the questions. It'll be nice when September is done.
  • I've taken to checking the major news networks on their reporting of both conventions. The differences in headlines alone is really entertaining.
  • Someone mentioned pancakes today. Now I can't stop thinking about pancakes. Breakfast for dinner!

September 4, 2012

Unbelievable.

This morning I waved goodbye to my kid as he left home to be a 2nd grader. He made his bed, brushed his teeth, got dressed (even tucked in his shirt) with no reminders. It's hard to believe my kid's in 2nd grade. (This kid will make his first communion this year already! How is that even possible?)
It's such a difference from the very first day of K4 when he was scared out of his mind to get on the bus and wasn't sure if he'd make any friends. Now he races to the bus where he's got a whole gaggle of friends waiting for him with their own big Chiclet-toothed smiles, saving him a seat.
I am more blessed than I ever thought possible with this child.

September 3, 2012

9 days off

After 9 days off, I've decided that I could really get used to this life of leisure. But alas, today is the end of that, and it's time to go back and pay for the next one. Tomorrow, I will have a 2nd grader. How the time does fly when you're having fun.

September 2, 2012

Boring stuff

I've been doing laundry and pulling weeds and making new yogurt and unpacking and driving to Target to buy gym shoes for the kid. (Side rant - This child needs gym shoes that aren't worn outside. All said and done, I have to buy this kid a brand new pair of shoes that he will wear and then outgrow at some point before the end of the year. All before he wears them a grand total of 40 hours!) At least I got to listen to a fun Brewers game while doing it. The good news is it's giving Harry time to recover. The poor old dog hasn't moved much today, he's so hungover. (He's also still stinky in spite of taking him directly to the dog wash yesterday and their having used the extra deodorant shampoo on him!) Anyhow, that's a lot of nothing to tell you that I'm not lakeside pre-s'mores fire anymore. Thankfully, there's still one more day left of this bliss.

September 1, 2012

Home again

With a stinky, wet dog and a happy kid who is ready to play with kids his own age in tow, we are headed home. Somewhere within the unpacking and laundry and getting Harry bathed, we need to try on last year's school uniforms to see if they still fit after the summer growth spurt. My goodness, it is hard to believe summer is truly at an end. We have so much to be thankful for, though, so it is hard to be sad about anything right now. Maybe just a little wistful. Yes, let's go with wistful.