When I was little my parents fought. A lot. Fueled by their mutual love of drink. Understandable, since my grandmother claims she introduced them in a bar. There are old pictures of me sitting on bar stools and feasting on lemon wedges at various bars. Once, when my parents separated for a time, we moved in with my mom's boyfriend, in a little apartment above a bar. Yes, I do have issues now with bars and drinking, thanks for asking. Anyway, the parental units had plenty of house wrecking fights back in the day. They never hurt one another, just found it necessary to scream and break things. Maturity at it's best, I tell you. One Friday night many years ago, I was at my Grandmother's house and I begged her not to send me home. Told her my parents were just going to fight all night and it scared me. I begged and cried until I made myself sick. My mother was terribly embarrassed when she picked me up, because I was really making a scene. They didn't fight that night though.
What's it like to be the family members who watch this stuff, but don't feel like they can intervene? If you had a little kid clinging to you and begging you to let her stay, and not send her home to listen to the Friday Night Fights, wouldn't your natural instinct be to agree?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I had a terrible childhood or anything. That was just one aspect of it that sucked, that's all. Overall, it was pretty darn happy.
Today is Friday, and my kids are excited that I get to stay home from work tomorrow, and that we're all going to the movies on Sunday when Daddy's off work. They think weekends at home are great.
And that makes me incredibly happy.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Ack! I Was Tagged!
Muahaha that means you must read about me, talking about... ME!
Eight Things For Which I Have A Passion: (in no particular order)
1. My boys (duh)
2. Hubs (duh)
3. Long, ridiculous conversations
4. Saving the babies
5. Tattoos, body art
6. Art, in general
7. Historican fiction
8. Shoes!
Eight Things I’d Like to do Before I Die:
1. See my children have children of their own.
2. After graduating from Ivy Leage schools.
3. Finish this dang book I started writing.
4. Act in a Shakespeare play.
5. Find my sister.
6. Retire.
7. Go back to school.
8. Visit Rome.
Eight Things I Say a Lot:
1. What??
2. Good morning, Clever Ideas....
3. Nope, fresh out of clever ideas.
4. Ummm, hello??
5. I love you more than pie...
6. I mean it! 1..2...
7. I love you, too, sweetheart
8. Aside from that, Mrs Lincoln, how did you like the play?
Eight Books I Have Read Recently:
1. Lamb by Christopher Moore
2. Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
3. Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen
4. The Last Great Dance on Earth by Sandra Gulland
5. Next by Michael Crichton
6. I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles
7. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
8. The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes
Eight Movies I Have Seen (at least) Eight Times:
1. Braveheart
2. Pulp Fiction
3. Dawn of the Dead
4. Romeo + Juliet
5. Juice
6. Jerry Maguire
7. Ocean's Eleven
8. Seven
Eight Things For Which I Have A Passion: (in no particular order)
1. My boys (duh)
2. Hubs (duh)
3. Long, ridiculous conversations
4. Saving the babies
5. Tattoos, body art
6. Art, in general
7. Historican fiction
8. Shoes!
Eight Things I’d Like to do Before I Die:
1. See my children have children of their own.
2. After graduating from Ivy Leage schools.
3. Finish this dang book I started writing.
4. Act in a Shakespeare play.
5. Find my sister.
6. Retire.
7. Go back to school.
8. Visit Rome.
Eight Things I Say a Lot:
1. What??
2. Good morning, Clever Ideas....
3. Nope, fresh out of clever ideas.
4. Ummm, hello??
5. I love you more than pie...
6. I mean it! 1..2...
7. I love you, too, sweetheart
8. Aside from that, Mrs Lincoln, how did you like the play?
Eight Books I Have Read Recently:
1. Lamb by Christopher Moore
2. Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
3. Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen
4. The Last Great Dance on Earth by Sandra Gulland
5. Next by Michael Crichton
6. I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles
7. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
8. The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes
Eight Movies I Have Seen (at least) Eight Times:
1. Braveheart
2. Pulp Fiction
3. Dawn of the Dead
4. Romeo + Juliet
5. Juice
6. Jerry Maguire
7. Ocean's Eleven
8. Seven
Monday, June 23, 2008
It's okay, Momma's Here
Last night after I'd tucked my little angels in for the night, I heard one of them get out of bed. I went down to check, and found my darling 10 year old climbing back into bed. Why? He said he needed tissue to blow his nose. Asked if he has a cold. He says no.
So I sent little Belly upstairs to sleep in his own room, and asked GB what was wrong. He says, of course, "nothing." I took his still small hand in mine and looked him in the eye. Told him that I know him better than anyone else in the world, and I know something's wrong. Asked him to come down off his bunk bed to talk to me.
As soon as he sat down next to me he started crying. Bawling. While he let that out, I held him and rocked him, stroked his hair. Finally he takes a few deep breaths and tell me that he hears of so many murders and bad things.... then he dissolves into tears again.
My big hearted child! Concerned for the world! I hugged him tight and said that's a very big concern for such a small person, to worry about the whole world.
Then he looks up and barely squeaks, "But I'm afraid it's going to happen to me"
That made my heart stop.
I gave every reassurance I could to explain to him that he was safe. We live in a quiet neighborhood, he goes to a private school. But I have an internal disclaimer button that makes me say things like, "Yes, bad things happen. But they get reported on the news because they're rare and extreme, NOT because they're common. Just because we have 24 hour news networks doesn't mean we should WATCH the news all the time." Just last week I asked my husband if it's possible they're too sheltered being in private school. The alternative is not even an option though, because it's the polar opposite. On Friday night I took the kids out at after 9pm to catch fire flies. (We have a strict catch and release policy) and I was commenting to hubs afterwards that I'm so happy we live in a relatively quiet area, and on a nice calm street so I can do these things and not worry about anyone's safety. And even with all these precautions, my son is afraid he's going to be killed? Is THIS what our world has become?
In the end, after telling him that mom and dad will always protect him, and that he must always rely on his instincts is something doesn't feel right or makes him nervous, I gave him one last bit of advice.
"Always live your life in such a way that you're one of the good guys. Be smart, watch out, and help others. Because the good guys always win."
Some days though, I wonder about that last part.
So I sent little Belly upstairs to sleep in his own room, and asked GB what was wrong. He says, of course, "nothing." I took his still small hand in mine and looked him in the eye. Told him that I know him better than anyone else in the world, and I know something's wrong. Asked him to come down off his bunk bed to talk to me.
As soon as he sat down next to me he started crying. Bawling. While he let that out, I held him and rocked him, stroked his hair. Finally he takes a few deep breaths and tell me that he hears of so many murders and bad things.... then he dissolves into tears again.
My big hearted child! Concerned for the world! I hugged him tight and said that's a very big concern for such a small person, to worry about the whole world.
Then he looks up and barely squeaks, "But I'm afraid it's going to happen to me"
That made my heart stop.
I gave every reassurance I could to explain to him that he was safe. We live in a quiet neighborhood, he goes to a private school. But I have an internal disclaimer button that makes me say things like, "Yes, bad things happen. But they get reported on the news because they're rare and extreme, NOT because they're common. Just because we have 24 hour news networks doesn't mean we should WATCH the news all the time." Just last week I asked my husband if it's possible they're too sheltered being in private school. The alternative is not even an option though, because it's the polar opposite. On Friday night I took the kids out at after 9pm to catch fire flies. (We have a strict catch and release policy) and I was commenting to hubs afterwards that I'm so happy we live in a relatively quiet area, and on a nice calm street so I can do these things and not worry about anyone's safety. And even with all these precautions, my son is afraid he's going to be killed? Is THIS what our world has become?
In the end, after telling him that mom and dad will always protect him, and that he must always rely on his instincts is something doesn't feel right or makes him nervous, I gave him one last bit of advice.
"Always live your life in such a way that you're one of the good guys. Be smart, watch out, and help others. Because the good guys always win."
Some days though, I wonder about that last part.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
M.I.A.
I've been neglecting you, my dear blog. Here's some randomness to make up for it...
*Wendy's coke & frosty floats are my favorite new thing.
*I bought a great Nine West suit at Loehmann's for only $89. And a cute pair of summer platforms for $4.50.
*I'm a bargain whore.
*Belly keeps saying "tele-ke-NEAT-sis" instead of telekenesis.
*He used to say "fock-ee" instead of coffee.
*I gave my kids donuts and milk for breakfast today. It's my day off, I don't feel like playing short order cook.
*My dog is filthy.
*I've really got to do laundry today.
*Our dish receiver went out. Again.
*Lost everything on DVR.
*I freakin hate our dish provider.
*Someone asked how often I'm asked about my tattoos. The answer is, "Every day." CNN just did a report about how many offices are not tattoo friendly. My office is, but I also haven't had a raise in 3 years. It's a rotten trade off.
*Last week I took a math test and an Excel test.
*Scored higher on math.
*TOTALLY surprised me.
*We have new flooring in our family/multimedia room. I love it.
*My cousin's baby shower is next weekend. I wish I could be there.
*It's in Florida.
*Alien Ant Farm has a new album coming out in July.
*I'd just inquired about them a week ago.
*Same thing happened with 3 Doors Down. I asked about a new album and *bam!* There is it.
*My husband asked if I'd inquired about Nirvana....then said, Nevermind.
*Yes, it was a joke. He's a very funny guy, my husband.
*Wendy's coke & frosty floats are my favorite new thing.
*I bought a great Nine West suit at Loehmann's for only $89. And a cute pair of summer platforms for $4.50.
*I'm a bargain whore.
*Belly keeps saying "tele-ke-NEAT-sis" instead of telekenesis.
*He used to say "fock-ee" instead of coffee.
*I gave my kids donuts and milk for breakfast today. It's my day off, I don't feel like playing short order cook.
*My dog is filthy.
*I've really got to do laundry today.
*Our dish receiver went out. Again.
*Lost everything on DVR.
*I freakin hate our dish provider.
*Someone asked how often I'm asked about my tattoos. The answer is, "Every day." CNN just did a report about how many offices are not tattoo friendly. My office is, but I also haven't had a raise in 3 years. It's a rotten trade off.
*Last week I took a math test and an Excel test.
*Scored higher on math.
*TOTALLY surprised me.
*We have new flooring in our family/multimedia room. I love it.
*My cousin's baby shower is next weekend. I wish I could be there.
*It's in Florida.
*Alien Ant Farm has a new album coming out in July.
*I'd just inquired about them a week ago.
*Same thing happened with 3 Doors Down. I asked about a new album and *bam!* There is it.
*My husband asked if I'd inquired about Nirvana....then said, Nevermind.
*Yes, it was a joke. He's a very funny guy, my husband.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
R.S.V.P!
www.wineplz.com/2008/06/13/fundraiser-for-mid-west-flood-victims
Please check out Colleen's blog, buy something awesome, and help the Midwest flood victims. I found a FABULOUS necklace on there.
Yesterday on the way home Golden Boy and I witnessed a nasty exchange between a rude bus driver and a woman who didn't speak English. It made me ashamed of my fellow humans. 3 Spanish speaking people quickly intervened and cleared up the issue (the woman had been short $0.20 on her fare, and the driver threatened to throw her or one of her kids off the bus!) but the damage was done.
Which reminds me... back in the day, like, when London Fog jackets were all the rage, my dad had a jacket that had a tiny tag that said R.S.V.P and when I asked him what it meant, he said, "Respect Spanish Verbal People" !
Please check out Colleen's blog, buy something awesome, and help the Midwest flood victims. I found a FABULOUS necklace on there.
Yesterday on the way home Golden Boy and I witnessed a nasty exchange between a rude bus driver and a woman who didn't speak English. It made me ashamed of my fellow humans. 3 Spanish speaking people quickly intervened and cleared up the issue (the woman had been short $0.20 on her fare, and the driver threatened to throw her or one of her kids off the bus!) but the damage was done.
Which reminds me... back in the day, like, when London Fog jackets were all the rage, my dad had a jacket that had a tiny tag that said R.S.V.P and when I asked him what it meant, he said, "Respect Spanish Verbal People" !
Monday, June 16, 2008
Indentured Servant
Today Golden Boy is here at my office. He's got his own cubicle behind mine, and a portable dvd player. Right now he's watching Drop Dead Fred. Having him here makes my day incredibly fun. We went to lunch together and ate in the grass (something most adult co-workers are not inclined to do!) I introduced him to the big boss today as my indentured servant. Which is funny, since he doesn't yet know what that means :)
Yesterday we went to breakfast and the movies to celebrate Father's Day. When we were almost done with breakfast, an older gentleman came over to our table. He said he and his wife had been watching us, and he just wanted to compliment our well behaved children. Wha...?! I mean, Thank you! That was nice :)
Then DH allowed Belly to pick up a skateboard at his favorite store (Target) I didn't really want to spend $35 on the board/helmet/pads, but I gave in. When we got home he got all his protective gear on and he went at it. OH MY! He's such an adorable little skater boy! No fear, that one. He learned to pop the board up with one foot, jump on with the other, then start gliding back and forth. I think the other kids were jealous - including his older brother. Maybe some time this week I can snap a pic of him in all his skater tot glory.
Friday, June 13, 2008
I *heart* Ethel
My, oh my. Went to meet a friend after work yesterday. Typically we'd meet for drinks but yesterday I had a different plan. There's a new ethel's open near my work....
$36 later I came out with Intelligensia coffee, amazing chocolates and toffee. I think good toffee is as important as good sex. It's THAT important. And a $4 chocolate covered strawberry for the hubs. PB&J chocolates for Belly. Golden Boy isn't so much into chocolates, so he had the peanut butter cups.
To. Die. For.
The story is that in the early 1900's, Ethel Mars and her husband started making chocolate candies in their home. They eventually sold out to a large company - remember Mars Bars?! - and a smaller operation with specialty candies was started up by their son. If you haven't been to ethel's, find the closest one and go NOW! And if you spend $30, you get a free chocolatey gift. Does it get any better??
(Oh yes, and it was great seeing my friend again, too!)
Sooo today is Friday the 13th. That new M Night Sham.. Shamla....Shama-lama-ding-dong movie is coming out, with Mark Wahlberg. I'm so there.
Wow, I'm such a shameless consumer today. Would you like to know about my outfit, too?? Dress $5, Goodwill. Sweater $5, Goodwill. Bag $12, Chinese Laundry. Shoes $110, BCBG. Priorities - I have 'em!
$36 later I came out with Intelligensia coffee, amazing chocolates and toffee. I think good toffee is as important as good sex. It's THAT important. And a $4 chocolate covered strawberry for the hubs. PB&J chocolates for Belly. Golden Boy isn't so much into chocolates, so he had the peanut butter cups.
To. Die. For.
The story is that in the early 1900's, Ethel Mars and her husband started making chocolate candies in their home. They eventually sold out to a large company - remember Mars Bars?! - and a smaller operation with specialty candies was started up by their son. If you haven't been to ethel's, find the closest one and go NOW! And if you spend $30, you get a free chocolatey gift. Does it get any better??
(Oh yes, and it was great seeing my friend again, too!)
Sooo today is Friday the 13th. That new M Night Sham.. Shamla....Shama-lama-ding-dong movie is coming out, with Mark Wahlberg. I'm so there.
Wow, I'm such a shameless consumer today. Would you like to know about my outfit, too?? Dress $5, Goodwill. Sweater $5, Goodwill. Bag $12, Chinese Laundry. Shoes $110, BCBG. Priorities - I have 'em!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)