Did you walk? Did you make time for yourself this week? I did! Hooray if you did, too! And if you kinda did or are planning on doing that next week! Yay! I'm so proud of you!!!! Let's report in the comment section!
So, the number of people who are interested in running the 5K in October has grown...quite a bit. I'm not sure how many of you are on a training schedule with me, or want to check in, but I'm trying to figure out if we need a separate blog for all us walkers/runners where we could all post, etc. I've even had a suggestion that we could all post "before" pictures, later to have "after" pictures when we reach our first goal. Is that of interest to anyone? It'd probably be one of those invitation only blogs so we could just talk freely including the where/when/who's of things, but I'm wondering if that's even worth the time to do. Any thoughts? Let's leave them in the comment section.
And next week, we bump up our walk time by 5 minutes! (so I guess that'd be 15-16 min for me).
See you in the comment section!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
"Dancing" Timewasters
I...don't even know how to start. I came in to check the weather just before bed and Super J was checking on something for work and before you can say, "What just happened?" we ended up practically entranced watching random youtube videos. Like this one (both Super J and I agreed the ending wasn't necessary):
And if you have a strong stomach, watch this train wreck. I mean, seriously, this is talent...in a very uncomfortable way:
Next time you have no time at all, you should "youtube" your name. I can say that there are other people who share my name who have been posted being drunk, singing, "dancing" and various other things. I'm so proud.
Like I said, what a time waster.
But here's an exit question for you: Do you think that flexi-girl had surgery to assist her because, well, that's just not normal.
And if you have a strong stomach, watch this train wreck. I mean, seriously, this is talent...in a very uncomfortable way:
Next time you have no time at all, you should "youtube" your name. I can say that there are other people who share my name who have been posted being drunk, singing, "dancing" and various other things. I'm so proud.
Like I said, what a time waster.
But here's an exit question for you: Do you think that flexi-girl had surgery to assist her because, well, that's just not normal.
Fiscal Reality Central
Taken directly from the Cato Institute:
Fiscal Reality Central
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President Obama says that "economists from across the political spectrum agree" on the need for massive government spending to stimulate the economy. In fact, many economists disagree. Hundreds of them, including Nobel laureates and other prominent scholars, have signed a statement that the Cato Institute has placed in major newspapers across the United States.Go here to read their response and see the many many MANY economists, scholars and people in the know who have signed the statement:
Fiscal Reality Central
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Miss A's Reaction
Last night, as you may recall, the...um...Tooth Fairy left Miss A her dollar's worth of coins in exchange for her tooth.
Alas, when the T.F. visits our place (especially after 11:00), she's not as creative as I know she's going to be over at Cryptic Jennifer's place (see yesterday's comments and wish that you lived over at Cryptic Jennifer's place when you were a child--unless you want more money, and then you can wish you lived at my place, though keep in mind the T.F. is NOT creative while in my house. It's like she gets a crafting brain cloud or something).
ALAS! 'Tis not so.
In any case, Miss A just got her four quarters in a little snack baggie. It was kind of an even trade because her tooth was in a big ol' plastic bag, which is (fyi) very helpful when the T.F. tries to remove the tooth from under the pillow. She just has to pull the bag, which more often than not slides noiselessly away.
But here are some things the T.F. *DID* learned during this endeavor, which I'd like to pass on to you:
*It is much harder to place a bag of coins under a pillow than a wispy dollar bill. Coins like to clink. They like to rustle whilst in their plastic snack size baggie. They like to create a small lump, a la Princess and the Pea, under the pillow. Luckily, some children are VERY SOUND SLEEPERS. Whew.
*Your child WILL be fairly distraught in the morning and will not come skipping in your room during the 4 am hour because she WON'T BE ABLE TO FIND the bag o' coins that the T.F. put into the plastic bag. Why???? Because the T.F. forgot that coins are also HEAVIER than a dollar bill and slippery-er in the snack sized, unadorned plastic bag and thus it may very well get lost in the blankets and covers.
*This may lead your child to believe that either the T.F. did NOT come or else she stole the tooth. sigh. Luckily, Daddy (who, bytheway, had fallen asleep before the T.F. had to make her decision to leave the bagged coins, and thus did not provide any input...I'm just saying) saved the day and helped her find the bag of money.
*Your child may be a little nonplussed that she's received coins until she is reassured that, Oh yeah, it still adds up to the normal amount of money the T.F. normally provides. Then, all will be well.
*The T.F. may then have a realization that she could have left any of the previously mentioned monetary bills and just swapped them out of your child's penny purse (or bank, as the case may be) at a later date because, as Miss E pointed out when she found a five dollar bill this morning that I'd left on the counter during the...uh...Tooth Fairy's quest to find a dollar, that any dollar looks like a dollar--at least to Miss E who shouted, "I found a dollar!!!!" Of course, Miss A is older and more mature and more business and monetary savvy, so that might not have worked. But you never know. It's good to know, though, for Miss E.
Yes indeed. The Tooth Fairy learned alot last night. But at least Miss A left the house this morning happy, so I know in the T.F.'s heart, that's what matters.
Alas, when the T.F. visits our place (especially after 11:00), she's not as creative as I know she's going to be over at Cryptic Jennifer's place (see yesterday's comments and wish that you lived over at Cryptic Jennifer's place when you were a child--unless you want more money, and then you can wish you lived at my place, though keep in mind the T.F. is NOT creative while in my house. It's like she gets a crafting brain cloud or something).
ALAS! 'Tis not so.
In any case, Miss A just got her four quarters in a little snack baggie. It was kind of an even trade because her tooth was in a big ol' plastic bag, which is (fyi) very helpful when the T.F. tries to remove the tooth from under the pillow. She just has to pull the bag, which more often than not slides noiselessly away.
But here are some things the T.F. *DID* learned during this endeavor, which I'd like to pass on to you:
*It is much harder to place a bag of coins under a pillow than a wispy dollar bill. Coins like to clink. They like to rustle whilst in their plastic snack size baggie. They like to create a small lump, a la Princess and the Pea, under the pillow. Luckily, some children are VERY SOUND SLEEPERS. Whew.
*Your child WILL be fairly distraught in the morning and will not come skipping in your room during the 4 am hour because she WON'T BE ABLE TO FIND the bag o' coins that the T.F. put into the plastic bag. Why???? Because the T.F. forgot that coins are also HEAVIER than a dollar bill and slippery-er in the snack sized, unadorned plastic bag and thus it may very well get lost in the blankets and covers.
*This may lead your child to believe that either the T.F. did NOT come or else she stole the tooth. sigh. Luckily, Daddy (who, bytheway, had fallen asleep before the T.F. had to make her decision to leave the bagged coins, and thus did not provide any input...I'm just saying) saved the day and helped her find the bag of money.
*Your child may be a little nonplussed that she's received coins until she is reassured that, Oh yeah, it still adds up to the normal amount of money the T.F. normally provides. Then, all will be well.
*The T.F. may then have a realization that she could have left any of the previously mentioned monetary bills and just swapped them out of your child's penny purse (or bank, as the case may be) at a later date because, as Miss E pointed out when she found a five dollar bill this morning that I'd left on the counter during the...uh...Tooth Fairy's quest to find a dollar, that any dollar looks like a dollar--at least to Miss E who shouted, "I found a dollar!!!!" Of course, Miss A is older and more mature and more business and monetary savvy, so that might not have worked. But you never know. It's good to know, though, for Miss E.
Yes indeed. The Tooth Fairy learned alot last night. But at least Miss A left the house this morning happy, so I know in the T.F.'s heart, that's what matters.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Another Lost Tooth! Another Dilemma
Miss A's second loose tooth is now a piece of history. It has left the warm, moist confines of her mouth and is, currently, resting quite comfortably (I'm sure) under her princess pillow cased pillow.
Here's the kicker.
The, um, Tooth Fairy has no dollar bills. She has a five dollar bill. Mr. Tooth Fairy has a ten and in their "Oh, Crap!" Emergency Cash Stash, there is a fifty, but I do believe we can all agree that may be a wee bit on the high side for a six year old.
Thus, the kicker leads to the question: Is it tacky for the, um, Tooth Fairy to present a dollar's worth of coins if she were to put it in a ziplock plastic bag? This would be the first time such an exchange of currency has taken place.
I know, I know. Back in the day, we all got dimes and nickels and quarters, but here at the Zoo, Santa is cheap so the Tooth Fairy has to pick up the slack (though, seriously, 3 teeth in one month...wowzers. If this keeps up, I'm sure the T.F. will have to see if Quicken has a budget slot for that).
Well, phoeyheck. The venerable T.F. has no real choice because it's past 11:00 and she doesn't want to have to go anywhere to make change at this hour and it's really not that tragic and Miss A will be happy in either case so I guess there's no real reason to have even stressed about this except that's kinda where I'm at this week.
Alrighty then. Thanks for helping the, um, Tooth Fairy with that. She appreciates the added input.
Sweet Dreams.
Here's the kicker.
The, um, Tooth Fairy has no dollar bills. She has a five dollar bill. Mr. Tooth Fairy has a ten and in their "Oh, Crap!" Emergency Cash Stash, there is a fifty, but I do believe we can all agree that may be a wee bit on the high side for a six year old.
Thus, the kicker leads to the question: Is it tacky for the, um, Tooth Fairy to present a dollar's worth of coins if she were to put it in a ziplock plastic bag? This would be the first time such an exchange of currency has taken place.
I know, I know. Back in the day, we all got dimes and nickels and quarters, but here at the Zoo, Santa is cheap so the Tooth Fairy has to pick up the slack (though, seriously, 3 teeth in one month...wowzers. If this keeps up, I'm sure the T.F. will have to see if Quicken has a budget slot for that).
Well, phoeyheck. The venerable T.F. has no real choice because it's past 11:00 and she doesn't want to have to go anywhere to make change at this hour and it's really not that tragic and Miss A will be happy in either case so I guess there's no real reason to have even stressed about this except that's kinda where I'm at this week.
Alrighty then. Thanks for helping the, um, Tooth Fairy with that. She appreciates the added input.
Sweet Dreams.
The Book of the Face, part 2, kinda
So, remember how I said I like to put my best "face" forward online, in my blog. Well, I don't think I quite achieved that yesterday. After rereading it, I realized that I might have sounded a tad harsh about my Gladys assessment (see yesterday's post). Sorry about that.
I've been in a wee bit of a mood since Sunday that comes and goes, depending on my fatigue level. And while I do like to be in the know, these days (quite frankly) I'm too tired to really even care about it. You should see me. I'm quite bedraggled if I do say so myself. Poor Super J.
Maybe it's the weather, but I feel like I have no energy. I did get my walk in, though, thank you very much. And I cleaned out The Red Rocket. Did I tell you that Chloe, our fellow five year old carpooler that I pick up from kindergarten with Miss A, called me out because of the state of my minivan? Yep. Monday, she was like, "Your car is really messy. You need to clean it out." So true. So true. SO EMBARRASSING. You know it had to be bad for a FIVE YEAR OLD to say something.
Luckily, she was sick yesterday so that gave me some extra time to get the thing vacuumed, which I did about a half hour before I had to pick up the girls (not lucky she was sick, but lucky that she wasn't in the car on Tuesday. That's what I meant).
Shame and Embarrassment. Sadly, the motivators for many things.
So, got that done and then Miss Q had a massive blowout literally minutes before we had to leave to pick up Miss A and Chloe. Of course. Of COURSE!
I'm quite fortunate as this is the only one that I've had to deal with (she's just not the biggest filler of the ol poop pants, thank heavens. Indeed, we've been very blessed from the Poo-Back gods). It was so bad that I just chucked the onesie she was wearing, which was actually quite liberating. If only I could do that with all my childrens clothes when they got dirty. I'd have no laundry to do. I'd have naked children, but no laundry.
ANYWAY.
It undid me for the day. For some reason, I was completely discombobulated for the remainder of the afternoon and, frankly, for this evening. Good thing I could just sit and watch American Idol. Does it strike anyone else how sad all the back stories are of these wanna-be singers? Seriously? So depressing! I guess it's all about following your dream, but holy smack! That's some bad luck and stuff going on for these poor singers.
Hmmmmm. Do you think my poo-back story qualifies me to try out. Oh wait. I'm past the age limit. Ohhhhh, and I also know that there is NO WAY IN THE WORLD I'd want to be on American Idol, much less would I make it. I'm not being harsh on myself, Gentle Reader. I'm just realistic and honest. I've got a nice choir voice, a nice Primary Chorister voice (because the children DO NOT CARE how you sing as long as you will, I guess), but I do NOT have star vocal potential. And I'm okay with that. I'm just saying that I had a sad story because of the poo-back. That's all.
And now, coming back full circle to the whole Gladys post debacle, I must say that I agree with my good friend Katie about the pictures (you'll have to read her insightful comment) because that's what I'm talking about re: Gladys.
We can try out for Idol together. teehee.
I've been in a wee bit of a mood since Sunday that comes and goes, depending on my fatigue level. And while I do like to be in the know, these days (quite frankly) I'm too tired to really even care about it. You should see me. I'm quite bedraggled if I do say so myself. Poor Super J.
Maybe it's the weather, but I feel like I have no energy. I did get my walk in, though, thank you very much. And I cleaned out The Red Rocket. Did I tell you that Chloe, our fellow five year old carpooler that I pick up from kindergarten with Miss A, called me out because of the state of my minivan? Yep. Monday, she was like, "Your car is really messy. You need to clean it out." So true. So true. SO EMBARRASSING. You know it had to be bad for a FIVE YEAR OLD to say something.
Luckily, she was sick yesterday so that gave me some extra time to get the thing vacuumed, which I did about a half hour before I had to pick up the girls (not lucky she was sick, but lucky that she wasn't in the car on Tuesday. That's what I meant).
Shame and Embarrassment. Sadly, the motivators for many things.
So, got that done and then Miss Q had a massive blowout literally minutes before we had to leave to pick up Miss A and Chloe. Of course. Of COURSE!
I'm quite fortunate as this is the only one that I've had to deal with (she's just not the biggest filler of the ol poop pants, thank heavens. Indeed, we've been very blessed from the Poo-Back gods). It was so bad that I just chucked the onesie she was wearing, which was actually quite liberating. If only I could do that with all my childrens clothes when they got dirty. I'd have no laundry to do. I'd have naked children, but no laundry.
ANYWAY.
It undid me for the day. For some reason, I was completely discombobulated for the remainder of the afternoon and, frankly, for this evening. Good thing I could just sit and watch American Idol. Does it strike anyone else how sad all the back stories are of these wanna-be singers? Seriously? So depressing! I guess it's all about following your dream, but holy smack! That's some bad luck and stuff going on for these poor singers.
Hmmmmm. Do you think my poo-back story qualifies me to try out. Oh wait. I'm past the age limit. Ohhhhh, and I also know that there is NO WAY IN THE WORLD I'd want to be on American Idol, much less would I make it. I'm not being harsh on myself, Gentle Reader. I'm just realistic and honest. I've got a nice choir voice, a nice Primary Chorister voice (because the children DO NOT CARE how you sing as long as you will, I guess), but I do NOT have star vocal potential. And I'm okay with that. I'm just saying that I had a sad story because of the poo-back. That's all.
And now, coming back full circle to the whole Gladys post debacle, I must say that I agree with my good friend Katie about the pictures (you'll have to read her insightful comment) because that's what I'm talking about re: Gladys.
We can try out for Idol together. teehee.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
An Epiphany for Gladys
Do you know, Gentle Reader, who Gladys Kravitz was? She was the nosy neighbor on the series "Bewitched," forever spying on Samantha and Darren; often she couldn't believe what she was seeing (and with some of Samantha's relatives, really now, can you blame her?). But there you go.
She was funny to watch because, deep down, she made a connection: aren't we all a little like Gladys? Or at least have some Gladys moments?
Heck ya.
For the vast majority of us, it's nice to be "in the know" about stuff, isn't it? Up-to-date on things? Am I the only one? I don't think so.
Let me share with you one of my favorite quotes that I've loved since childhood: Knowing is half the battle (thank you, oh great American Hero ~G.I. Joe).
And how many times in real life (at playgroups or at lunch, etc.) have I found myself just busting in on a conversation between two of my friends who were chatting casually without me and enter that ol' conversation as if I was part of it from the beginning. Or had that done to me. Yes, sometimes it's annoying. And I'm sure when I do it, probably rather rude. But sometimes it's (let's be honest!) juicy and oh so fun!!!
And how do I know this is true? One word (interestingly made of two words...like two friends connecting): Facebook.
I'd like to say I'm kinda a private person, but then I have to laugh at that incredibly hypocritical statement (HELLO! Blog much, Miss L?). I do, however, like to put my best face forward, so to speak...at least, online. And on a "need to know" kind of basis. Because I'm a weirdo (and a weather sissypants...I hate these changes in weather!!!! Ahem. I digress). That's why I blog. If you want to know about me, you've got to read (and sometimes read and read and read because I do go on and on).
But on Facebook, where networking is THE driving factor, everyone who is friendly with you can see what you are doing, who you are talking to, what you are discussing, the pictures you have posted, and can comment on any or all of it, whether you want them to or not. I'm relatively new to Facebook, but even I get caught up catching up with friends--whether they want me to or not--and the immediacy of whatever they are doing in those delightful (but often insightful) little snippets. I bring all this up because it dawned on me the other day:
I am Freakin' Gladys Kravitz because of Facebook.
Ack! It's true. I love Facebook because it appeals to my Gladys-nosy-neighbor lovin' heart. Oh the shame. But I kinda like it. I've seen my nieces recital pictures and pictures of friends new babies and renewed connections with dear friends from my college years and, well, stuff like that. And I would not have been able to do that without the ol' Book of the Face.
So, if you are on Facebook and we are friends, Gentle Reader, please don't be offended if I comment on some random thing. It's just my way of checking in on you and letting you feel my love and concern (and sometimes my mirth, all things considered). And I promise I won't be offended either, cause it's a two way street over there...unless of course, you say something really ugly or something that merits ridicule, in which case you best come read my blog because I'm sure I'll be discussing it here for all my other friends and posterity to read about.
Because knowing is, after all, half the battle.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Joy Cometh in the Morning
First thing this morning, Miss E tapped me on the shoulder to wake me up, excitedly showing me the dollar bill that the Tooth Fairy left under her pillow. And when I say first thing, I'm not kidding. I looked at the clock as I sent her back to bed.
It was 4:23 a.m.
That's excitement for that first lost tooth and first Tooth Fairy visit, let me tell you.
It was 4:23 a.m.
That's excitement for that first lost tooth and first Tooth Fairy visit, let me tell you.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Walking, Teeth
Tomorrow starts my official walking starting point. 10 minutes for me and for anyone else who is just starting out. We report on Friday! Wahoo!!!! Remember, we are initially working for getting into the habit. So, 10 minutes. This week. Three days. 10 minutes. You can do this. We'll talk on Friday. If you miss a day, just start up on the next assigned day. Okay, that's all I'm saying about that.
On a more personal note, I was in a bad place in my head today. Seriously. I just want to get that on record because I know I was. I wanted to run away. But to where, because seriously, all my favorite people are here. And really, what would I do with myself? I can feel sorry and bad for myself in the comfort of my own home...I don't need to go any other place for that. Sigh. It is amazing how The Crazies can get to you at 4am when you've had bad sleep for a few days and a few triggers have been pulled and buttons pushed on your inner turmoil of issues. Ugh. Anyway. Thanks to a nap (after church) and to Kristan for being in the "Mothers' Lounge" at church at just the right time for a vent-fest. She was right...it didn't do much for Miss Q who didn't want to take a nap, but it did alot for me.
And while I have brought up the subject of the Mothers' Lounge at church (aka: the nursing room), can I just say that we need a new chair or two in the lounge...or at least to clean that thing that's there...or get it a fresh seat cover or SOMETHING. It's gross. Those of you who have sat there know exactly what I'm talking about. Ew. It's getting shamefully threadbare as well. I take an extra blanket with me to put it over the headrest because who knows when it was last attended to. I'm just saying, that lice experience has messed me up about certain things, and I'd love to see something done about that. So remind me next time the EQ's are supposed to clean the building and Super J signs up. Maybe someone can at least vacuum the chair. Okay. Enough about that.
On a familial note, about 10 days ago, Miss A lost one of her two loose teeth and the other is starting to get that "just danglin'" kind of attribute which freaks me out, and just today, Miss E lost one of hers. Yep. Came literally skipping into our room this morning, filled with GLEE and PRIDE and JOY. She'd just YANKED the thing, don't you know! And it came out! And that blood running down her chin???? We just ignored that and got her some water to swish her mouth out and were very happy for her. She was, needless to say, very excited. Her first lost baby tooth. Very exciting, indeed. The Tooth Fairy's one busy girl at our house these days.
And on a completely irrelevant note, we ate at Burger King on Saturday for a quick lunch. I don't know if it was because I haven't eaten there in forever, or if we were just very hungry (which we were) after our lovely date at the museum (the older girls are taking art classes at the City's Museum and are loving it, and this Saturday I got to go with Super J for a date with him...and Miss Q, of course; afterwards we were dashing to a b-day party at a skating rink for Miss A [who had a ball...all these parties at "places" are starting to make our home parties or even the party at the pizza place seem L.A.M.E! ....ohthepeerpressure!] and rolled through the drive-thru for a quick lunch) but man-o-man! Super J and I were both impressed with how tasty their burgers were. I don't know if anyone can beat McDonald's fries, but we certainly enjoyed the flame broiled Whoppers' goodness (and now you know why I have to walk on the treadmill more. lol).
Alrighty then.
Have a great start to the week, Gentle Reader.
On a more personal note, I was in a bad place in my head today. Seriously. I just want to get that on record because I know I was. I wanted to run away. But to where, because seriously, all my favorite people are here. And really, what would I do with myself? I can feel sorry and bad for myself in the comfort of my own home...I don't need to go any other place for that. Sigh. It is amazing how The Crazies can get to you at 4am when you've had bad sleep for a few days and a few triggers have been pulled and buttons pushed on your inner turmoil of issues. Ugh. Anyway. Thanks to a nap (after church) and to Kristan for being in the "Mothers' Lounge" at church at just the right time for a vent-fest. She was right...it didn't do much for Miss Q who didn't want to take a nap, but it did alot for me.
And while I have brought up the subject of the Mothers' Lounge at church (aka: the nursing room), can I just say that we need a new chair or two in the lounge...or at least to clean that thing that's there...or get it a fresh seat cover or SOMETHING. It's gross. Those of you who have sat there know exactly what I'm talking about. Ew. It's getting shamefully threadbare as well. I take an extra blanket with me to put it over the headrest because who knows when it was last attended to. I'm just saying, that lice experience has messed me up about certain things, and I'd love to see something done about that. So remind me next time the EQ's are supposed to clean the building and Super J signs up. Maybe someone can at least vacuum the chair. Okay. Enough about that.
On a familial note, about 10 days ago, Miss A lost one of her two loose teeth and the other is starting to get that "just danglin'" kind of attribute which freaks me out, and just today, Miss E lost one of hers. Yep. Came literally skipping into our room this morning, filled with GLEE and PRIDE and JOY. She'd just YANKED the thing, don't you know! And it came out! And that blood running down her chin???? We just ignored that and got her some water to swish her mouth out and were very happy for her. She was, needless to say, very excited. Her first lost baby tooth. Very exciting, indeed. The Tooth Fairy's one busy girl at our house these days.
And on a completely irrelevant note, we ate at Burger King on Saturday for a quick lunch. I don't know if it was because I haven't eaten there in forever, or if we were just very hungry (which we were) after our lovely date at the museum (the older girls are taking art classes at the City's Museum and are loving it, and this Saturday I got to go with Super J for a date with him...and Miss Q, of course; afterwards we were dashing to a b-day party at a skating rink for Miss A [who had a ball...all these parties at "places" are starting to make our home parties or even the party at the pizza place seem L.A.M.E! ....ohthepeerpressure!] and rolled through the drive-thru for a quick lunch) but man-o-man! Super J and I were both impressed with how tasty their burgers were. I don't know if anyone can beat McDonald's fries, but we certainly enjoyed the flame broiled Whoppers' goodness (and now you know why I have to walk on the treadmill more. lol).
Alrighty then.
Have a great start to the week, Gentle Reader.
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