Sometimes it just not worth getting out of bed . . . or is it?

Judging by the title of this post, you'd probably think I'd had a really horrible day, right?

To tell you the truth, it's been quite the opposite.

One of the things I've always prided myself on is the ability to multi-task. Actually, not just multi-task, but to be a master juggler. I know most people assume this is the case with me because I'm a mom. But really, I've been like this all my life . . . especially during high school and college

Basically, I THRIVE on stress.

Today, I knew I was going to have a full day, and it certainly lived up to it's expectations. I went into it like I usually do, fretting and freaking out thinking (or assuming) something is going to go wrong that will screw up my meticulously planned day. Then, I trudge though, always TRYING to focus on the positive, and to my half-surprise, it all works out fine.

I know a lot of people would think that's setting myself to fail, when in reality, it makes my accomplishments, however small they may be, just that much more appreciated (at least by me).

So now I'm though my hump-day with a little more energy and a lot less stress . . .

Oh, and the best news is . . . I STARTED MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! YIPPEE!!! :)

I have been swallowed up by Facebook!

Okay, maybe not completely . . . but enough to yet again cause me to go for another 2 MONTHS (almost) without posting.

So much has been happening, the biggest being my job at the school and the other being my writing.

I always knew I loved working with kids. Working with them in the classroom (but not necessarily in an authoritative position) and doing things like suggesting books and such. That has never been a question in my mind. But what I didn't realize was how much I had missed it. I will freely admit that my kids have helped me in the head-honcho dept . . . and I don't feel nearly as intimidated as I did when I was 21-22 yrs old.

But at the same time, I feel like I'm in a position to make at least some small difference in these kids' lives . . . and it's putting a HUGE smile on my face! :)

Now with the writing . . .

I'm finally feeling like I'm at a place where I can really put myself out there. I now have one published piece under my belt, and it's helping with both my confidence and my willingness to put more of myself into it . . . making it a priority in my life. And it feels DAMN good!

So, here's hoping that another 2 months will NOT go by before I post again . . .

WOW! The weeks have just flown by . . .

It's hard to believe I haven't posted since August. Actually, given my long break earlier this year, it shouldn't be too surprising.

So many things have happened these past 6 weeks . . . .

- A funeral.
- Several birthdays including Kid #2's 10th!
- A new member of the family (Koko Montoya, our guinea pig).
- Soccer for Kids #2 & 3.
- A baby shower.
- An increasing comfort level with my new job.
- I quit Starbucks.
- Considerable growth in my frustration with our government.
- Girl Scouts.
- A nearly complete stoppage in my writing time.
- And nearly no exercise.

That pretty much covers the past month and a half. I'm planning to cut some of my Facebook time down and increase my blogging time, since I miss doing this!

So that's it for tonight, and hopefully I won't wait another 6 weeks to post again.

Rest in peace, Mr. Hill . . .

Last night I got a very sad phone call. It was my dad letting me know that one of his best friends, Phil Hill, had died.

Now, the news affected me with mixed emotions. I was very sad to hear a man who I associate so many happy childhood memories with, was gone. However, I knew he had been suffering from Parkinson's for quite a while and had been getting progressively worse these past 6 months or so.

The last time I spoke to him was about 6-8 months ago. I called my dad and the two of them were at lunch somewhere in LA. My dad handed me over to him so we could chat. My dad had told me he was having issues with his voice, but I hadn't realized the extent of it, until I hard him speak. Unfortunately the background noise from the restaurant made the soft tone of his voice even more difficult to understand.

Thankfully I was able to tell my dad to apologize for me to him if our conversation sounded off, but I came away from the phone call feeling so bad.

This was not the Mr. Hill I remember . . .

I remember make the trips up to Santa Monica with my dad to visit the Hills, Phil and Alma and their kids Vanessa and Derek. Vanessa and I had become friends, and I loved how Alma never minded us commandeering the living room area as our fort where we pulled off all the cushions and dedicated it as "our" area.

Then there was Phil's beloved cl umber spaniel, Chummly. The poor thing was old and blind by the time I got to spend time with him, but he always made the visits fun.

And of course there were his cars and the restoration business. When I was about 10, I decided the coolest car in the world was a 1920's era Packard that Mr. Hill had restored and given to his wife for their anniversary. The reason why it was so cool . . . it was purple!

The icing on the cake was when Phil was our personal chauffeur 15 years ago, taking Hubby and I from the church to our reception in a 1950's Bentley that was owned by another friend, Mr. Gil Nickels.

There are many, many more memories that will make up what was a pretty cool childhood and remind me just how lucky I was to have known Phil and his family.

So my thoughts are with Alma, Jennifer, Vanessa, Derek, and all the grand kids.

And to my dad, John. Thanks Dad!

I'm Addicted to Facebook . . .

And as much as I hate to admit it, I'm glad!

A few weeks ago, a good friend of mine told me about Facebook. We're having our 20th HS reunion in October and she was finding some people both from HS and her college days. So I thought, "What the hell. I'll give it a shot."

I have been having so much fun on it that it has taken over my blogging time (and one of the main reasons why I went a week and a half without posting until yesterday).

I've found a childhood friend who I haven't seen in at least 20 years!

I've also found a way to keep in contact with a number of my cousins. There is a special reason why I'm particularly thrilled about this . . . when I was growing up, my parents were the only family members who didn't live in Wisconsin. So all my extended family, including cousins, lived back there. Now, growing up during a time where the only way to keep in contact with someone was snail mail (because long-distance calls were TOO expensive), I didn't have much of an opportunity to get to know them.

In the past couple of weeks, I have visited with them more than I have in the past 5, maybe 10, years!

So I'm looking forward to more visits and deeper family ties . . .

And now, to bed . . . 'Cause tomorrow is another day!

WOW! What a week (and a half)!

It has been THE most insane week and a half of my life! There have been a lot of highs and lows. Right now though, the lows don't really matter because the highs have been AMAZING!

1 - My oldest niece, Jenna, is now a college freshman! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!! I still can't believe it! It seems like just yesterday I was getting the call from my husband (then boyfriend) telling me his sister was pregnant . . . that was 1989. Not only is she at college but she 18!! SCARY!

2 - THE KIDS STARTED SCHOOL! I know you probably think I would have posted that first, but . . . NOPE! I now officially have a 7th, 5th & 1st grader. Time is going by TOO FAST! BTW Kids #2 & 3 love their teachers and Kid #1 is enjoying Jr High (and the fact he now has a cell phone to be used only in emergencies).

3 - I started my new job! So far, so good, but it's been so weird tapping into all of my teacher skill that I haven't used in 15 years! I'm surprised (and impressed) that I remember as much as I do. I still have quite a bit of work to do in the planning department, but it's hard since we're still in the first couple weeks of school. We won't have a routine until next week.

4 - AND THE BIGGEST ONE . . . . I AM OFFICIALLY A PUBLISHED WRITER!!!!!!
Last Monday, on my way to Starbucks I stopped to pick up the mail and found an envelope from GEMS, the group that publishes Shine Brightly inside were 2 copies of the September 2008 issue and a check. Turns out I was wrong . . . my story was published THIS year NOT NEXT year.

WHOO HOO!!!!!!!!!

So that in a nutshell has been my week . . . and what a roller coaster it has been!

Now hopefully I can pull myself away from Facebook long enough to keep this updated! :)

Why I love TIVO . . . reason #27

Finally! A chance to talk some baseball!

Ever since we got our TIVO a few years back, I have been loving it! Tonight was perfect example . . .

The Giants are in the middle of a road trip right now, and I'm so happy because this year the team has a better record on the road as opposed to be at home (but disregard the 4-game sweep we just went through in Houston). Tonight they started a 3 game stretch in Atlanta. I will preface this by saying I can't stand the Braves (almost as much as I can't stand the Yankees and Red Sox). I'm one of those people who hate teams who spend, or who have spent, ungodly amounts of money to buy penants and thus creating an unfair advantage.

This is why I'm ecstatic the Braves are going down in flames this year, and the Rays are on top of the AL East.

Anyway, I got the rare opportunity to watch the Giants game from the beginning. It was a great game, but because Hubby is gone and Kid #2 has a friend sleeping over, I had numerous interruptions.

Thanks to TIVO, I got to move things along in the game without missing much. I don't usually pause live tv and then watch it, but it sure made things easier for me tonight.

And like I said before I got to watch a great game . . . and Matt Cain got some run support, FINALLY!

Oh . . . and we signed Buster Posey today! This youth movement just keeps getting better and better!

WHOO HOO!!!

We have just crossed over into . . . The Braces Zone! And why I miss my kids' preschool . . .

It's official! Kid #2 now has braces . . .


If you can't tell . . . yes, those are baby blue and baby pink bands she has AND the brackets are in the shape of hearts. You heard me right, hearts!

I can't even begin to tell you how envious I am of kids nowadays and all the different choices they have. Bands, colors, designer brackets, and the big one . . . NO HEADGEAR!

When we started this process, my daughter was really nervous, but once I explained to her what I had to go through (starting braces at 13, 2 1/2 years of wires & metal, and did I mention the headgear?).

The more I told her what I had to go through, the easier she felt and she got through yesterday like a champ! I was so proud of her!

Now, about my preschool . . .

Today Kid #3 got the rare opportunity of a playdate (most of his friends have working parents so these were scarce during the last school year and into the summer), so I picked his friend up at our old preschool where all three of my kids went.

As I was driving over there, I realized that 10 years ago last month, was when I registered Kid #1 there for school (at that time they were taking kids starting at 18 months, and he was 20 months). I walked in and both the director and office manager greeted all of us very warmly.

They marveled at the all the kids' growth and how old they were getting, then the director tells me, "It's amazing how much they've all grown, but you look the same!"

The office manager agreed, "You do! You look exactly the same!"

I don't blush, but I'm guessing I turned at least a slight shade of pink and thanked them.

Now all I can do is hope that when I go to my 20th HS reunion in October, they'll think the same thing.

But if they don't . . . oh well . . . at least my preschool ladies, who have seen me through some pretty tough times with all three kids, still think I still look 27.

I'll take it! :)

Top four reasons I gained 5 pounds on vacation . . .

With everything going on with my poor dog and then my exciting news, and now getting prepared for the last week of summer vacation (with Hubby leaving for Oregon and fretting over my new job), I haven't talked at all about my trip to Wisconsin.

So to give a little overview, I prepared a list . . .

#4 - The Bear Trap restaurant!

Yes Virginia, there is fine dining in the great north woods! They have the BEST fried cheese curds in the whole state of Wisconsin, AND their best meal is a Garlic Stuffed Tenderloin that is so tender . . . my mouth is watering just thinking about it! Thankfully we only ate there once and that's why it's #4 on my list.

#3 - Trembley's

I think the picture speaks for itself . . .

#2 - My stupid head cold!

Thanks to my head cold I couldn't go on my daily nature walk (and it kept me out of the lake too - which really sucked!)

AND . . .

My #1 reason . . . DARI-MAID!

Land O'Lakes' answer to the local greasy spoon. There is no way you can pass by this place without having at least one soft-serve ice cream treat. And that's what I did . . . every day for a week! They also have wonderful Pizzaburgers (although I didn't partake in them this year).

So there you have it . . . and ever since then it's been fresh fruit, veggies and walking every day!

But isn't that what vacations are all about? :)

Somewhere my Grandma is smiling . . .

And for a very, very good reason. Last Thursday I received an email from the Senior Editor of Shine Brightly Magazine to let me know they would like to publish one of my short stories.

I know you can't see, but insert a vision on me doing a HAPPY DANCE right now!

The reason for this post's title is when I first decided to start writing 15 years ago, my Grandma was one of my biggest cheerleaders. One of her dreams was to be a writer. She even had a story published when she was a girl. But after she finished school, she got married and raised 7 children. She thought the opportunity for her to be a writer had passed her by.

I was always very close with my Grandma, mostly because we were so much alike.

But actions speak louder than words. She always talked about becoming a writer, but never pursued it.

Every time when I would get frustrated by a rejection, or suffer writer's block, I would think of my Grandma to remind myself that even if I never succeeded, at least I was trying.

Well that trying has given me my first publishing credit come September 2009.

Thanks Grandma! :)

We're home . . .

But it's been an emotional roller coaster ever since. Before the craziness of July started, I noticed our 7 yr old Black Lab had been chewing on her tail and hind quarters. I took her to the vet and found out her anal glands were abnormal and possibly cancerous.

On Monday I spent most of the day with the kids at UC Davis where they have a wonderful vet hospital. We have been taking Sadie there since last summer because of some other issues she had been having (this poor dog has been through so much this past year!).

After several tests, we got the bad news . . . she does have cancer.

Good news - we caught it pretty early so it hasn't spread to her lymph glands or her chest.
Bad news - She will die from this at some point, regardless of our efforts (surgery & chemo).

This is what I've been dealing with these past three days on top of trying to get back into the swing of things . . . including me going back to work at 4:15 AM tomorrow.

So, it's time for bed and hopefully I'll have time for a longer post tomorrow.

What I've read this summer . . . Vol. 4
The True Darcy Spirit - Elizabeth Aston

Yay! My first adult book for the summer!

Being the Anglophile and HUGE fan of Jane Austin that I am, I decided to read outside her realm and some of the "sequels" that have been written in her style. Originally I read the first book in this series, Mr. Darcy's Daughters a couple of years ago. When I saw this book last year, I tried to read it, but due to unexpected circumstances (a massively delayed flight in Chicago and the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) I didn't get a chance to finish it.

Well this summer I did.

It was difficult to get through the first 5 or so chapters due to the situations that come up for the heroine, Cassandra Darcy. I used to thrive on those types of situations when I was younger (part of the reason why I LOVED Jane Eyre when I read it in the 8th grade), but now they just make me drag my feet.

However, once I got through them, I breezed through the rest of the book.

It was truly fascinating to read more about this time period and the caste structure that determined British (and indeed many others) society.

What was also fun to read was the different take of the original story of Pride and Prejudice compared to another author who wrote a different "sequel" - Mr. Darcy's Diary which I read earlier this year. Which in itself was a wonderful book.

So, if you love Pride and Prejudice, this is for you. Although I would definitely suggest reading Mr. Darcy's Daughters first.

Now . . . onto my next book . . .

I am really excited . . . and really bummed!

No, I'm not talking about the Giants not doing anything before the trade deadline (except trade away our former 2nd baseman, Ray Durham).

Although I have a number of thoughts about the Giants . . . but I'll save that for another time.

What I'm talking about is this upcoming weekend. We made the drive down from the Northwoods to Madison this afternoon, and apart from wanting to duct tape my children to the roof of the car by the time we arrived at the hotel, it was a good drive (and I finished my next book, which I'll try to review tomorrow).

I'm really happy to be back in Madison. I love this city and I'm looking forward to seeing some family tomorrow, in addition to the huge 90th birthday party we're celebrating for my Grandpa on Saturday!

However, I can't help but think if I wasn't here right now, I'd be in LA getting prepared for the SCBWI National Conference.

This will be the first time since 2004 I won't be attending . . . and I'm incredibly bummed about it.

Ever year I have attended the LA Conference, I've experience something new and different. From coming out of my shell a little more, to meeting new and fascinating people. Last year in particular was amazing and I was looking forward to building on that . . .

But, it wasn't meant to be . . . there will be another Conference next year. Plus it gives me an extra year of work and writing accomplished.

The whole reason why we're having this party is because my Grandpa is the first male on his side of the family to hit this milestone and he thinks that's pretty damn special.

And to tell you the truth . . . so do I!

Yes, Zicam is my best friend . . .

I know I mentioned the sickness issues Kid #2 had before we left for vacation, but what I didn't say was Kid #3 had been sick with a cold.

My hope what to make sure I didn't get what #2 had, so what happened . . .

I got a nasty head cold courtesy of #3!

The sneezing every 5 minutes on Sunday should have been my first warning. I know when I get a cold, that's the first thing sign. But I didn't listen.

When I woke up yesterday all stuffed up, I made a trip to the local pharmacy to find an old friend . . . zicam.

I am NOT a taking-drugs kind of person. I have to have a headache for 2 days before I'll consider taking a OTC pain reliever. However, after talking to my doctor a year or so ago, she had suggested I try it, stating the wonderful results a number of her other patients had had.

Thanks to my own wonderful results, it's one of the few meds I have in my medicine cabinet.

So ever since yesterday I've been taking it every 3-4 hours (in addition to sucking down as much water as possible). This morning I was feeling really crappy, until I stopped fighting my body and took a 1-2 hour nap.

Now I'm feeling one step up from crappy, and I think I'm over the hump.

I hope . . . I hope . . . I hope . . .

What I've read this summer . . . Vol. 3 (FINALLY!)
Eight Cousins - Louisa May Alcott

As you can see, I finally got my most recent book finished and it was Eight Cousins by LMA. When I took my kids to the library at the beginning of the summer, I had the overwhelming urge to check out one of my all time favorite authors.

One of my favorite memories was walking the 30-40 minute trip to my local library when I was around 10 to 12 years old. I discovered all sorts of great authors, but one stuck out in my mind the most, Louisa May Alcott.

Looking though the different areas in the children's section at my local library, I came across the book Eight Cousins which I believe is one of the few books of hers I had never read. So naturally, that's what I picked.

Unfortunately with everything going on with GS Camp, in addition to the language issue I mentioned earlier, it took me A LOT longer then I expected to read it, but here's what I thought:

The book itself is very sweet. I really enjoyed the transformation of the main character, Rose, but found her uncle to be quite an interesting character as well.

One of the things I found interesting, is that one of the major rules that has been pounded into my head these past four years, is the concept of point of view and staying strictly within the confines of the main character (ie; the entire story is told through that one character's point of view).

However, in this book, the POV includes all the characters and their feelings and expressions (I"m spacing out on the specific word for it). Interestingly enough, I didn't find it confusing, and it made me wish I could find a way to use it in my writing.

Anyway, for a MG novel, it was a fun read . . . not necessarily PC (if you find her descriptions regarding the 'chinamen' in the book you'll know what I mean), but if you read it in the context of when it was published (around 1860) it could be overlooked.

I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Rose in Bloom, but not until I read some other books this summer.

Happy Reading! :)

Greetings from the Great Northwoods of Wisconsin!

As you can tell, we made it and all in one piece . . . thankfully . . . but not without some unexpected fun!

I was pretty nervous about Kid #2. She still hadn't eaten much in the morning on the 23rd, and was still grumbling about her stomach. But by the time we left to meet Hubby at his parents' house, she had eaten some, and was telling me she was feeling much better.

YIPPEE!!!

Then we were waiting for Hubby to arrive. He was supposed to be finishing up on a file for a client . . . but it took him MUCH longer than he expected. The next thing I knew, we were only 2 hours away from our flight, and we were still a 1/2 an hour to 45 minutes away from SFO! I ended up driving like a bat-out-of-hell to get us there (while he was on the phone the whole time). BUT, we made it to the airport, had parked, and checked in with about 10 minutes to spare before they started boarding our flight.

WHEW!!!

The flight itself was uneventful, as was the drive up here. Even though we didn't get to our destination until 3 AM on the 24th.

Poor Hubby spent the first 2 days stuck to the phone trying to get his client dealt with in California. Thankfully, everything worked out as of yesterday, and he's finally getting a chance to relax.

For me, however, I've spent most of my time what I usually do when I'm here on vacation . . . running around with the kids. The difference is, this year, Kids #1 & 2 are more independent so I'm not feeling like I need to hover over their every move.

Of course, that doesn't yet work with Kid #3 . . . yet.

Unfortunately, the cabin I'm staying in doesn't have Internet access, so I have to go to the cabin next door. That's why I'm not updating until now.

The good news is, I'm all set for a new "What I've read this summer . . ." and I'll post that tomorrow.

In the mean time . . . it's on to the Dari-Maid!

T-13 hours and counting . . .

I'm almost there . . . in 13 hours we will be at the airport to go on our vacation.

My mind is ready, but my body is not.

I've just finished packing (for the most part), have gone through what books I'm bringing to read, and praying that Kid #2 does NOT wake up in the middle of the night blowing chunks. The poor thing has been laying about all day with stomach cramps, not eating anything, and missing her friend's birthday party.

Thank you Mr. Stomach Flu!

I'm just hoping neither of the boys wake up with a similar affliction . . .

I will have some internet access, but it will be sporatic so I'm not sure how often I will be posting during the next 10 days, but I'll be back in full force on August 3rd.

Have a good couple of weeks!

I am a spectre in my own home . . .

At least that's how I've been feeling these past two days. The days have been dragging and I'm trying hard to keep everything together just long enough for us to get on our plane to Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Yesterday was awful! All three kids were acting like something out of a bad horror movie! At one point I had gone into one of my Starbucks stores, where I was greeted with warm smiles and happy hellos.

Little did they know I was about to lose it right then and there. I almost did until one of the guys looked at me and his conversation went from, "How's it going! I haven't seen you for a while!" to "Are you okay? What's wrong . . . you look so sad!"

I try very hard to be a cheery person. That's part of the reason I've worked in retail for so long, and since I've been working at Starbucks, I've been accused on several occasions of being too happy too early in the morning. So when I have people on the outside asking me questions like this . . . it's not a good thing.

I did however get through the day and used my frustration to get out nearly 1,100 words on my novel in about 1 1/2 hours . . . which is pretty good for me.

At least that ended that day on a high note.

Today had it's ups and downs . . . the kids did have to endure not one but two doctor's appointments and for the most part they did well, but when we got home, Kid #1 and #3 were at each other's throats again.

Maybe it's a brother thing. I know I got into knock-down-drag-out fights with my brother, but even still I don't remember my mom getting that involved with them.

Maybe that's a clue for me.

The only child who WASN'T being obnoxious at any point in time today was Kid #2. Tonight I gave her a big hug and thank you for being so helpful. She appreciated it and I hope that means more of that behavior from that side of my kid-world.

But what I find the most frustating above all else is lack of listening skills in my home. It honestly makes me feel like I am a spectre, that I don't exist in my own home.

And what makes me even more frustrated is that the kids are not the only ones guilty of this. Hubby is just as bad as the kids.

I know my husband works hard and this past year has been really bad professionally and economically, however . . . on his request I made a "Honey-Do" list for him. On that list are only 5 things.

I made this list nearly a year ago . . . and only one thing has been crossed off.

When I left tonight to get some writing done (only 600 words tonight - 1 hour of work), for the first time in a really, really long time, I wanted to run away from home.

Of course, I didn't, but the fact that I wanted to so badly scared the crap out of me!

So now I have one more day until vacation . . . and I hoping to get through it . . .

Without making a run for it!

Proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks . . .






So these are my lanyards that I was mentioning yesterday . . .

Now I haven't made any of these in about 20 years. When we first started at camp on Monday, my girls kept asking me, "When do we get to make lanyards?"

Lanyards? What are those?

When the girls took me to the beehive (our main meeting area) and showed me what they were, it finally occured to me.

Erica showed me how to do a two-string one where you make it twist to the side. Then one of my 14-yr old leadership girls showed me her 3 and 4 string ones. I asked her how she did it and she showed me.

The picture above shows what I completed during camp. When I showed my leadership girl my 4 string one (the one it the blue/glitter/white/clear) on Friday she exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, you just made this one? That the best first-time one I've seen!"

High praise indeed!

So of course the first thing Kid #2 wanted to do today was go to Michael's and buy lanyard string.
While we were at the checkout the lady commented, "I'm so amazed . . . we have sold so much lanyard materials today."

I told her, "That's because Girl Scout camp just ended yesterday."

She replied, "Ah, I knew there had to be a good reason."

So this gives me one more thing to do on the plane ride to Wisconsin.

Oh, and Kid #1 came home safely from BS camp today . . . filthy, smelly, and VERY happy to be home!

Now I'm off to work on more lanyards . . .

Somewhere I can hear Gloria Gaynor singing . . .

I HAVE SURVIVED!!!!

Yes . . . exactly 5 hours ago I, the weary warrior, trudged home with Kids #2 & 3 in tow after surviving one entire week (including 2 nights) at Girl Scout Day Camp!

What words come to my mind as I try to describe this experience?

Exhausted? Exhilarated? Relieved?

How about all three!

This has certainly been one of THE most interesting experiences I have ever had. And for all the fretting and worrying and everything else I was doing just about a week ago, I can honestly say I'm glad I did it.

Would I do it again? Maybe . . . . I have only been home for 5 hours, and I'm not sure how sunburned, windburned and sore I'll be tomorrow. However, as of right now, my answer is a definite maybe.

I do have to say the only reason why I survived as well as I did was because of my very capable and dear friend Erica. Not only was she coming off a family camping trip to be with me at GS Camp, she was feeling like crap . . . and STILL she stuck it out with me. Everything from helping the girls when they were cooking, to keeping them in line when things got dicey, to bringing me a mocha from my store at 6:45 in the morning!

Without her I would have been up crap-creek without a paddle! She not only made the camping part bearable, she made it fun!

Especially when we spent half and hour trying to get our girls to settle down at lights-out time only to find ourselves visiting and giggling just as much afterwards!

So here's to you Mrs. Krabbs! Your faithful side-kick Bucky will be eternally grateful!!!!

Now, what were my favorite parts of camp? The camp songs (even though I only knew one from my GS days), the skits on the nights we camped out, and . . . the lanyards (more on that later).

What didn't I like? Dealing with the drama that goes along with 9-10 year old girls (and there was A LOT).

It's times like this I wish my community had had a GS program as involved as this one, and it reminds me why I love living where I do. Now, it's time for a hot shower, a good face washing and a much need teeth-brushing!

More about the lanyards tomorrow . . .

A Perchance to dream . . .

I should be sleeping right now, but I had to write one more entry since I'll be out of touch until sometime on Friday.

Day Camp is still moving along, but it sucks to know that I'm a boring Girl Scout leader. Today I started helping the girls with a badge I thought they could earn. Unfortunately this afternoon when they were rating the "yeah's" and the "yuck's", my badge-earning activity was considered a "yuck" by pretty much everyone in the troop.

What what it I said yesterday about not running a unit next year?

Oh well, as they say, No good deed ever goes unpunished . . .

Anyway, the reason for my post title is my hope that I will actually sleep tonight and not be plagued by my "weird dreams". Last night I had a hard time falling asleep, but when I finally did (sometime after 1 AM), all I had were these strange dreams.

The irony is, last week when I was working at Starbucks, I was talking to a couple of co-workers about our favorite psychology theorists (one of the other guys just graduated from my Alma Mater with a Psych degree too). I told him I liked Jung because of his theories on dreams.

A lot of my life is played out in my dreams . . . like the time I was getting my wisdom teeth out, but made the mistake of watching Nightmare of Elm Street with one of my best friends. All of the sudden I was having nightmares about Freddy. However, when I figured out it was because I was stressed out about getting my teeth out . . . the nightmares stopped.

Then there's my reoccuring tornado dreams that always happen when I'm particularly anxious (although I haven't had one of those in a while!).

The thing is, I do have good dreams, I just wish I would remember them as well as the bad. And hopefully once this week is over, sweet dreams will be filling my head again.

Oh, one "yeah" for me today . . . I got to make my first lanyard in 20 years! WHOO-HOO

Hope the rest of the week is all "yeah's" and no "yuck's"!

One day down, 4 more to go . . .

So just as I thought, today wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The girls got along pretty well, and out Leadership girls (the HS girls who help us) are great with them.

I feel like tomorrow should run pretty smoothly . . . but we'll see.

Happily I got a quick phone call from Hubby this afternoon. Kid #1 is doing great at BS camp. He had a hard time falling asleep last night since because he was missing me and his brother and sister (and home in general), but he's hanging out with his friends and getting a chance to work on some stuff he wouldn't have had the chance to do otherwise. I'm so proud of him!

I did come to the realization that the only way I can do this again is if Kid #2 isn't in my unit. She and I had some butting of heads this afternoon and as usual it has to do with meer fact that my presence is there.

Basically she would be sulking nearly as much if I wasn't there.

So I think this will be my first, and last, time I will be working at Day Camp.

Now . . . all I have to do is get through the camping part, and I'll be all set!

WHOO-HOO!!

Okay . . . I haven't forgotten the next installment of "What I've read this summer", I just haven't had time to finish the book (and I have to re-check it out of the Library tomorrow). Don't worry, I'll do plenty of catching up when we leave next week for Wisconsin!

Here we go . . .

So tomorrow I start something I totally wasn't expecting to ever take on . . . Girl Scout Day Camp!

A couple of years ago Kid #2 went and she had a blast! My friend, and Co-leader in crime Erica, had helped out and told me all the great things they did.

Last year, because of schedule conflicts, neither Erica or I (or our daughters) participated. Since we had survived our 1st year as Junior GS's I figured, what the heck . . . I'll run a unit!

What the hell was I thinking?

As I've stated in past posts, I was suffering from can't-say-no-itis this past school year, and unfortunately it spilled into the summer.

I'm trying really hard to be all excited and stuff about this, but honestly, I'm not.

Now I'll admit that due to my overly-anxious nature, I have a tendancy to look at situations half-empty if they're out of my comfort zone. (ie - Going to Cancun last year, starting work again after 6 1/2 years out of the work force, etc.) So there's a part of me that knows that my feelings are just par for the course . . .

But it doesn't make getting on the horse any easier.

The good news is I went from a unit of 13 girls to 10 girls. I think someone upstairs saw my situation and said, "I need to make this a little easier for her." The bad news is, on Wed. and Thurs. nights, we're camping at the site.

And as much as I wish I was a camping person (or that I had the skills), I'm not. Luckily for me, Erica is and that will also help.

On top of that, Hubby left this morning with Kid #1 for Boy Scout Camp. Hubby will be back on Wednesday, and Kid #1 won't be back until next Saturday.

What really stinks about that is not only will I miss them both terribly . . . but I'll have even less time to write (glad I got another 800 words in yesterday - but it looks like my deadline isn't going to be met!)

It's going to be a long and interesting week!

I am SO not ready for this . . .

Okay, so this heading could apply to couple different things that are going on in my life right now (ie - Girl Scout Camp).

Unfortunately, that's not it.

No . . . the above heading has to do with my almost 10-yr-old daughter (Kid #2) and . . . BOYS!

A couple of months ago I wrote a post about seeing two male mallard ducks chasing after a female, well I think my girl has just become a mallard duck.

It's been horribly hot up here in Nor. CA. and my kids had been bugging me to go swimming. We have two community pools in our city, the one on the west side is quite small (and further away) but the one on our side of town is nice and large. Unfortunately all of the summer camps use it this time of year so it can be an absolute ZOO!

Anyway, I had noticed quite a few kids from our school at the pool. I recognized one of the boys from my daughter's class was there (Kid #1 is friends with him too) and he was hanging out with another boy who didn't go to our school, but who I vaguely recognized.

About 10 minutes into our time there, I'm noticing that these boys are watching her. Not glaring at her, but the very subtle I'm-looking-at-you-so-you-don't-know-I'm-looking -at-you-look.

Now I was a psychology major in college and very familiar with Freud's psycho-sexual stages of development. Technically . . . she still supposed to be in the latency stage! However it appears the boys are not.

And it's TOTALLY freaking me out!!!

Okay, I know I can't get too weirded out because I'd had crushes starting in Kindergarden so I know Freud isn't right about everyone . . .

But this is still weirding me out!

And like I said before, I'm NOT ready for this!!!

21 years and counting . . .

Yesterday was a banner day for Hubby and me. 21 years ago yesterday in a log cabin in Northern Wisconsin, my Hubby held my hand for the first time and we discovered we had feelings for each other.

Now I explain this date to people as when we started "dating" but really it was a lot more than that.

It was the start of an incredible journey that continues to this day. I would rate that summer against any young adult novel I've read and have teased Hubby that someday it will be the background for one.

Someday . . .

Last week one of my co-workers (who is about to endure a bi-coastal relationship with her boyfriend) asked me if I was still madly in love with my husband. The first thing out of my mouth without even thinking was . . . yes, absolutely.

The thing is, I've gone through A LOT of changes since July 9th 1987. Since then I've become:

- a wife, a mother, a writer, a teacher, an accountant, a financial manager, a referee, a Giants fan and so much more.

I'd like to think that even though I haven't changed, I know for a fact I have. When I see pictures from that time I see a totally different person from the 16 year old who went away during summer vacation to get away from California, high school, and her parents but who found her soulmate at a most unexpected time with a most unexpected person.

Here's to the journey . . . may it continue for a long, long time to come.

It's been a nostalgic kind of day . . .

Not the whole day, but it certainly started that way.

I went out for a walk this morning (One of my NY resolutions I've actually been able to stick with - especially the past 3 months) and noticed it was a particularly hazy today.

Thanks to all the fires going on here in Northern CA, our air quality has been pretty crappy, although it A LOT better than it was a couple of weeks ago.

Anyway, I headed out and noticed a familiar smell. It's not one I've noticed in quite a while, but it's very familiar because I used to smell it virtually everyday throughout High School.

The smell of smog.

I grew up in So CA, Orange County to be exact, and our air quality was not the best in the world. It didn't always used to be like that. When my parents moved down there in the mid-1970's the air was great considering we have moved from the San Fernando Valley. Of course we were also covered in farm land (strawberries and oranges were plentiful) and there wasn't a building taller than 3 stories as far as the eye could see.

At the beginning of the urban sprawl (around 1979) I started going to school in Laguna Beach so the air quality there was always good (except for the occasional brush fire like the one in 1981).

But when I started HS back in my hometown the air quality started to shift. It wasn't unusual to have it be nice in clear in the morning (my view of the Saddleback Mtns from my bedroom window was completely unobstructed), to have a pale gray haze covering them by the afternoon.

Since I was a runner in HS and played soccer for three years, I spent a great deal of time outside during that time of the day.

And it was not fun!

I knew a number of girls (other athletes) who developed asthma during this time. Although I never got that bad, I had good days and bad days.

Today would have been considered a bad day.

But what really brought me back was walking down a main street by my house where there was a patch of Honeysuckle and tons of Pill bugs (I used to collect them - much to my mom's chagrin) crawling all over the sidewalk in front of me.

The combination of all those things made me feel like I was 9 years old again.

And although I could have done without the smog . . . everything else was pretty cool. :)

I'm half way there . . . almost!

Now that the long 4th of July weekend is behind me (which was VERY relaxing I might add), it's time to look forward to the rest of the summer. July is usually the busiest time for us since that's when we have the bulk of our camp/vacation time going on.

This is my last free week until the first week in August!

During this week I need to prepare for 2 (okay, 3) major things going on, Girl Scout/Boy Scout camp and then VACATION! Thankfully GS/BS camp are going on during the same week so at least that's taking care of two birds with one stone (more on that later), but then 4 days later we leave for Wisconsin for 10 days.

YIPEE!!!!

I am SO looking forward to going away this year. Last year we were there for 2 1/2 weeks, and although I loved being back there, it's just too long for me to be away from home. 10 days is perfect! Most of that time is spent at a lake in the Northern part of the state, and then the rest with family in Madison.

The most exciting part is, my Grandpa's turning 90 and we're having a big party for him!

Things should be great . . . as long as we don't get stranded (or almost stranded) in Milwaukee on the way home.

Last year we had 6 hour delay in O'Hare and didn't leave for CA until after 1 in the morning. Unfortunately, Kids #1 & 2 were completely wired, but luckily Kid #3 was out like a light from 10PM until we got home, and I got 1/3 of the way through Harry Potter #7 (that I had started reading earlier that day after a day trip to visit Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN).

So this should be an interesting week . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!!!

Since I only have four minutes until July 5th, I just thought I sneak this in since my 4th was very quiet this year!

Hope everyone had a good one! :)

An open letter to all retail sales people . . .

disclaimer: I'll start off by saying, I am in no way bashing anyone who works in retail with this post.

Dear Mr. Nordstom shoe salesman,

I wanted to send this out to you in the cosmic universe that is the internet in hopes of expressing my profound confusion at your behavior with me today while I was shopping at your store.

I had come into your store in the hopes of finding a pair of shoes that would match some outfits that I had purchased at another store. I rarely get a chance to go shopping by myself, and was looking forward to a relaxing browse around your department.

You were extremely helpful in pointing out some very nice shoes that were very close to what I was looking for. And when I mentioned that $235 for a pair of thong sandles were a little out of my price range, you didn't bat and eye and were very kind to show me some others I could afford.

It was also very nice of you to arrange to have the right size shipped to my home at no cost to me.

What I don't understand was why, after I told you I was using gift cards (that I had received as presents) to pay for the shoes that you suddenly developed a nervous issue regarding my purchase. Particularly regarding the subject of returning the shoes.

I never expressed an interest in returning them, nor did I ask about a returns policy because I rarely return items (especially if I have tried them on, etc.)

On top of that, when I explained to you, very calmly I might add, that I understood there might be some issues regarding a return and that I was fine with that, you proceeded to get more jumpy and began treating me like a child who doesn't know how to keep track of things like receipts/gift cards/etc.

I have spent nearly my entire working career in retail in many areas including: food, clothing, and furniture . . . and I would never, and I mean NEVER have treated a customer the way you treated me today.

I have two words of advice for you . . . Lighten up!

Thank you!

What I've read this summer . . . almost.

I had hoped to finish my most recent book by tonight, but unfortunately due to some unexpected situations (ie - yesterday's post) and the fact that I'm having some difficulty getting through the language, I've had to give myself some more time.

No, I'm not reading an edgy YA, but a book that was written nearly (or over) 150 years ago.

And that's all the hint I'm giving about that.

Speaking of yesterday's post, today went much more smoothly and the frosting on the cake is . . . I'm getting 3 days off!

Hubby is leaving with all three kids for Oregon on Thursday and getting home Saturday night! Yes, it is over the 4th of July holiday (but I'm working at Starbucks) and I will miss them terribly . . .

However, this is much needed and well deserved!

DARN IT! :)

If you can hear screaming . . . it's probably me!

I know this is nothing new to all you parents out there that our kids can be a handful. Actually they can be far more than that at times.

Well today it was one of those times for me.

When I think about my childhood, I marvel about how lucky I was to grow up in the 70's and 80's when technology was still in it's infancy. I was more content to read Judy Blume or create barbie houses and make up stories with my dolls than to sit glued to my Magnavox Odyssey game consol.

Not that those things didn't cause other issues, like me stealing money from my best friend to buy a Blueberry Muffin doll . . . but that's a story for another time.

Yesterday Kid #1 received a very generous gift card from his Aunt for his 6th Grade graduation. Now being the red-blooded, 11 1/2 yr old gamer that he is, he wanted to spend it on . . . you guessed it, video game equipment.

So this afternoon I took all three kids to Game Crazy. Kid #2 was even nice enough to forgo stopping at the grocery store for her lunch so her older brother could take care of the giftcard that was rapidly burning a hole in his pocket. When we got there, it turned out that everything he was looking for was either out of stock or on backorder. He was told by the sales associate that there would be more but he'd have to come back in a couple of days.

He wouldn't have any of it!

First he bugged me about his allowance he was owed and I told him I didn't have the papers in from of me so I didn't know how much he was owed. Then he started in on me about coming back to the store later today so he could look for something else. I told him if he dropped the attitude and changed his behavior I would consider it.

That wasn't good enough.

We left Game Crazy and went to the store because Kid #2 had been very patient. As we got out of the car, Kid #1 asks me if he can get something to drink. I told him as long as it wasn't soda that was fine. He suggested Gatorade, I said no (too much sugar). He asks if he can get anything and I told him yes, but nothing with sugar.

Get get in the store and what does he ask for? A diet soda.

At this point my blood pressure has shot up about 20 points and he's digging in to argue with me.

My arguement back at him was . . . when I give you an answer, accept it and move on. It doesn't mean to badger me until I change it to what you want to hear. Accept it and move on.

The thing is, it's not just him. It's all three of them. I know it's not necessarily the advanced technology that's doing this but I'm finally to the point where I wish I could destroy this concept of 'instant gratification' that is so ingrained in their heads. I need to destroy it or it's going to destroy me.

One of the many reasons why I left So. Cal. was because of this mindset. I never thought I was going to have to deal with it in my own home.

So after many apologies from all three, they're outside right now swimming in their little pool, enjoying the finally smoke-free air, and getting along.

It's these moments I have to hold onto and remind myself it was all worth it.

Sorry for the venting . . . thanks for listening. :)

He may be smart, but he's still 6 . . .

It's been a banner week for Kid #3! He learned how to tie his shoes (YEA!), found out he can ride a bicycle w/o trainers (DOUBLE YEA!), and yesterday he spent the day at his best friend's house . . . without mom!

However, even with all this excitment going on, every once in a while I still get reminded that even though my baby is no longer a baby, he's still a little kid.

This summer I've been allowing the kids to stay home alone for about an hour or so while I get some writing work done (since we have no home office and I can't focus w/o being reminded that something needs to be done/put away/cleaned).

The kids know the rules when I'm gone and Kid#1 and #2 need to pay special attention to Kid #3.

But when I got back from my work time yesterday, Kid #2 comes out to tell me that Kid #3 decided to beat the world's record for staring into a flashlight . . .

OH MAN!

So I calmly ask him why he did it, he answered, "I thought it was a good idea."

Me: "Did Kid #1 tell you not to do it?"

Kid #3: "Yes,"

Me: "Did Kid #2 tell you not to do it?"

Kid #2: "Yes I did Mom!"

Me to Kid #3: "Have the purple spots gone away yet?"

How did I know to ask that? :)

Kid #3: "Yes Mommy."

Me: "Just remember kiddo, if you keep doing that, the purple spots won't go away. And it would be really hard for you to play basketball and baseball when all you see are spots."

Kid #3: "Okay Mommy."

Me: "So no more flashlight?"

Kid #3: "No more flashlight."

Some time you just need to hit them where they live . . . and hide all the flashlights :)

What I've read this summer . . . Vol 2
Stargirl - Jerry Spinelli

For this week I read the other book I had borrowed from Kid #1's teacher, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. I had been wanting to read a book by Mr. Spinelli for a long time, and since the teacher had just received this as a lit book and hadn't read it yet, I thought, what the heck.

I have only one word for this book . . . WOW!

Stargirl is a Middle Grade novel, but I was thrown off at first because the novel takes place in high school and not many MG novels do. In fact this book breaks a lot of rules and that's a very good thing!

The main character goes through an amazing transformation through his relationship with a girl who is so vivid, who's character just pops out at you and holds onto you until the end.

By the second to the last chapter I was in tears. At first I thought it was a hormonal thing, but I came to find out it was Mr. Spinelli's incredible writing.

In the end, the thing that struck me the most was how Stargirl affects Leo and his outlook on the world. I could very much relate to that feeling as I have had several people in my life who have affected me in that same way, including a couple of special people these past few months.

And that was the reason why I was crying.

I highly recommend this book and would read it again in a heartbeat!

Until next week . . . Happy Reading! :)

Oh to be in the mind of a six-year-old boy . . .

Kid #3 - "Mommy! There's a spider in the bathroom! A big one!"

Me: "Where is it?"

Kid #3 - "Next to the toliet!"

Me: "Okay, I'll be there in a minute!"

30 seconds later . . . .

Kid #3 - "It's okay mommy!"

Me - "What's okay?" I ask as I walk into the bathroom to the sound of a flushing toliet.

Me - "Why is it wet next to the toliet?" I bend over to smell a strong urine odor . . . and a small dead spider.

Kid #3 - "The spider's dead Mommy." He tells me as I'm trying very hard to to laugh.

Me - "That's fine sweetie, but next time let me take care of it . . . you don't need to drown it. Okay?"

Kid #3 - "Okay Mommy."

It's nice to know he has no problem killing spiders . . .

Yes, I am a rabid baseball fan . . .

Last night I finally got to do something I've been waiting 3 months for . . . going to a Giants game. Unfortunately going to a baseball game for me is not easy. AT&T Park is just over an hour away (without traffic) and not only are the tickets expensive, but buying food also costs a small fortune!

Thankfully Hubby got tired of listening to me whining about going so he set us up with some very nice seats, and we sat with the guys we got the tickets from (one of whom works at my grocery store).

Right off the bat I'm hooping it up and enjoying the atmosphere. About half way through the first inning a gal sits next to me. I say hi and can see she's in her late teens/early 20's. Soon after she sat, I'm cheering our players, yelling out their names and stuff, and I start to get the distinct feeling this girl's not liking my enthusiasm. Out of the corner of my eye I can see she moving around a bit and her body language was screaming, "What's up with her?"

You know what? I didn't care and I hooped it up even more! It was one of the funniest thing I have ever experienced!

Unfortunately our ballpark isn't just a ballpark, it's considered a "destination point" for every Tom, Dick, and Harry who decides to visit San Francisco. I once had to listen to two guys behind me planning their trip the following day to the Wine Country while I was trying to watch the game. Very annoying!

It almost makes my consider moving to the American League and become an A's fan . . .

Ah . . . NO! I don't think so!

So now I'm looking forward to my next Giants game even more! :)

What I've read this summer . . .
Flipped - Wendelin Van Draanen

One of the things I've decided to do this summer to help my kids reading (and my blogging) is to do some summer reading and then review it. I'm hoping to read a book a week so next Monday I'll have another installment.

Now I read all kinds of books, but I have to admit most of what I'll be reading are children's lit (call it my own form of market research).

So this week's book is Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen. It's a Middle Grade novel that good for 5th graders and up. I borrowed the copy I read from Kid #1's teacher and she has used it in her 6th grade literature groups.

In a nutshell . . . I LOVE THIS BOOK! The chapters go back and forth in a he said/she said fashion so the book it told through the point of view of both main characters. I first read it a couple of years ago. I got so caught up in it I blew off my in-laws (who I had invited to dinner) and sat on the couch to finish it. I hadn't felt that excited about a book since I had stayed up until midnight to finish Harriet The Spy when I was 10!

A few months ago I had lent my copy to a friend of mine and that's why I had to borrow the copy I read. Since it's such an easy read, I decided to start the summer with it.

I've already started on my next book . . . if you've read this book, let me know! If you haven't and decide to, ENJOY!!! :)

CONGRATULATIONS JENNA!!!!!

I have to give a shout-out to my niece Jenna who graduated yesterday from Monte Vista HS! I know the past 4 years have been interesting, tough, and frustrating at times but I know you've come out a better person for it!

I'm proud of you!!!

Love, Auntie Lisa :)

The snowball has finally flown off the mountain . . .

Here I am, back again! Usually the last two months before school gets out are truly a killer and this year was no exception. Some of the high points:

- Kid #1 is officially a 7th grader! Yes, my Pumpkin graduated from elementary school on the 4th and we are both so excited! I'm so proud of him and I know next year is going to be great for him!

- Kid #2 got through 4th grade and developed into a social butterfly. Sweet Pea has always been the kind of kid who holds people at arms length (especially new ones) but this year, rather than having just one or two girls coming over on a regular basis, she rapidly expanded her friend base and I her choice of friends have been great (I hope this continues through JH and HS).

- Kid #3 had a great first year in Kindergarden! His teacher (who was new to our school this year) was wonderful! He finished up his first year in Little League and still amazes me with the way he gets so much enjoyment being out on the field. We are so ready for 1st grade!

- My main reason for not blogging much the past two months is because I have been having two incredibly creative months with my writing, so rather than writing here, I've been pouring all my energy into that part of my life and I'm hoping by the end of the year I will be seeing some definite results. As much as I have missed doing this, I'm hoping this summer to do more of both. :)

- My other reason for not blogging has to do with my new job! In February I got hired by our school district as a full inclusion aide for one of our special needs children. Originally I had been paired up with a little girl with physical issues and have spent the past 2 months working with her. I was incredibly excited about this and have had the most wonderful time getting to know her and her family. Unfortunately I found out around Memorial Day that another aide with more seniority had decided to take on the little girl herself since her child was going into 5th grade (I'm presuming this is to help with her own job security since she will have more time with this little girl). So I was offered the opportunity to work with another child with cognitive challenges. After thinking about it long and hard I decided to accept. It's going to be a MAJOR challenge, but I think I'm up to it.

I had several people ask me if I was angry or bitter about being "removed" from my original child, and although I was suprised and a little hurt, it helped to hear from both the little girl's mom and teacher that they were disappointed to hear I wouldn't be working with her because of the relationship I had developed with her in those two short months.

But I've always tried to live by the motto, "Everything happens for a reason."

Hubby is still trudging along in the trenches of the mortgage world (like everyone else in his situation). But I know everything will work out for the best based on the above-mentioned motto.

I am still working at Starbucks . . . and loving it!

That's it for now . . . more to come later.

I should be asleep right now, but . . .

This is why I don't drink caffeine after 5pm or any other time during the day! It's bad enough that I'm wired because of the events of today, but then I had a diet soda with my dinner (which I didn't eat until 7:30 tonight).

Now, I can't sleep.

I'm actually not in the mood to discuss today right now even though it was a good one. I got some WONDERFUL news regarding my health (YEA!), and until tonight, my Giants had won 3 games . . . IN A ROW! (I DESPERATELY NEED TO GO TO A GAME!!!!)

At least all I have tomorrow is a Little League game for Kid #3, and work in my garden that is now in full bloom and smells wonderful!

And hopefully I'll get some writing work done. Last weekend I was at a writers conference in Davis, and I had a picture book manuscript critiqued by an editor from Random House. She gave me some great positive feedback and some very constructive criticism. So I spent yesterday afternoon reworking it so I can get it ready to send to Scholastic Books (as per her suggestion).

In the meantime, I have four manuscripts (1 non-fiction and 3 fiction magazine pieces) sitting on my counter constantly reminding me that I need to send them. With any luck, tomorrow will be that day.

Maybe . . .

WE FINALLY WON ONE!!!!

Yes, that's right, my Giant's finally won a game at home last night! I knew things were going to suck for a while, but I honestly thought San Diego was ahead when I turned on the TV . . . it wasn't until we lost the lead in the 8th inning that it occured to me that we were winning to begin with!

How scary is that?!

Everything turned out well in the end . . . after two shut-out innings from Brad Hennessy (#9 and 10), one of our guys got a walk-off HR to win it.

Here's the funny part . . . it was our catcher, Bengie Molina.

I say funny because 6 years ago, Bengie was on the team that I will forever hate . . . the ANGELS!

Yes, 2002 World Series . . . I will say no more about that subject!

Anyway, I have always been happy that we got Bengie, and last night just reaffirmed my reasons why.

Let's hope tonight's game is just as exciting, or at least has the same outcome! :)

How to know when spring has sprung . . .

I saw the most interesting thing yesterday that helped to remind me exactly what season it is. As I was driving down a busy street I saw a female mallard duck flying very erratically (and not very high) with not one, but TWO males in hot pursuit.

If I ever see the same thing happen with my daughter . . . I'm going to faint!

HAPPY SPRING!!! :)

I kinda feel like I'm jumping into the deep end of the pool . . .

That's how this week has been feeling since SB has been over. The rest of last week was good, doing different things with the kids and finishing up with my 5 yr old nephew spending the night on Thursday so I could take all the kids to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield on Friday.

I opened at Starbucks, so I got home around 9am. By the time we got there it was about 11am. I'm thinking, "This is easy! We'll take the tour, buy some 'Belly Flops', get some lunch and go home. But what do they say about 'The best laid plans . . . ?' When we pulled up to the building, the line for the tour was out the side of the building next to a sign that said . . .

"Your approximate waiting time from this point is one hour. Sorry for the inconvenience."

ONE HOUR? For a 40 minute tour?

So we pitched the tour idea, bought our 'Belly Flops', tried some different flavors in the tasing line, and had a so-so luch at the Jelly Belly Cafe.

A good, and very sugary, time was had by all!

I would post some pics except I can't seem to place my pics where I want to in the text. I'll have to work on that.

In the meantime, we're back to the daily grind of everyday . . . with only about 2 months left until SUMMER!

YIPEE!!!! :)

Since variety is the spice of life . . . .

I've decided it was time to change things up a little with . . . a new layout! I'm still not sure how to import different ones from other places so I'm having to play with what Blogger gives me.

So, what do you think?

For being Spring Break, it's been an amazingly easy week (of course I say that now, but knowing my kids it could all go to hell in a hand-basket tomorrow). Part of that easiness has been me making a specific effort to do something different with them everyday.

Monday - went to Davis, CA to take my poor dog (who has had a whole host of health issues since last summer) to UC Davis for a check-up. The kids did pretty well . . .

Tuesday (today) - we went out to breakfast at IHOP and this afternoon we went to the movies. Went to see Horton Hears a Who. I have only three words to describe that movie . . .

IT . . . WAS . . . AWESOME!

Highly recommend it to everyone. Jim Carrey and Steve Carell were perfect as was Charles Osgood as the narrator, but the one who stole the show was Carol Burnett as the Kangaroo!

Tomorrow is hump day (plus it's Basketball/Little League day) so we'll see how everything goes.

HAVE FUN!!! :)

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME BASEBALL?

Not only am I ready . . . I'm chomping at the bit!

Last Saturday things were pretty crazy (as usual), Kid #1 had a basketball game, my Dad and Stepmom were up for the day and Kid #3 had a birthday party (that I had to buy the gift for that morning).

I had just finished lunch at Chili's and was taking #3 to the party at Chuck E Cheese's when I got in Hubby's car . . . turned on the ignition . . . and low and behold I heard the sweet voice of Mr. Jon Miller the voice of the Giants (Yea!).

Then I was pleasantly suprised to hear another voice . . . Mr. JT Snow (Double YEA!).

For those of you who have no idea who this person is, JT was the 1st baseman for the Giants from 1997 until 2005, when the managment decided to let him go (even though we didn't have a suitable replacement at the time) . Since then he was with the Red Sox for half a season and then retired.

He is part of the reason why I have the #6 on my Giants jersey (the other part is Robby Thompson who was one of the best 2nd basemen the Giants ever had). Both men represent two of the most important baseball games I have ever been to . . . Game #5 of the NLCS when we beat the Cubbies to win the penant in 1989, and Game #5 of the 2002 World Series.

He was also the first Giant that Kid #3 talked about constantly. If I had a nickel for everytime he told me, "Look Mommy, I'm JT." when he was between the ages of 2 and 4 . . .

Kids #1 & 2 were always Bonds fans . . . but not my little guy. At least not until JT left.

Anyway . . . I love Spring Training because there's always hope. And this year I have a lot of it. Not because I think we're going to do incredibly well or anything, but because it'll give our young guys (and there's a lot of them), the opportunity to work their butts off and not have to worry.

There are expectations . . . but not the usual kind.

It's our new era! As they said in 1986 . . . "You're gonna like these kids!" and I already do!

So let's PLAY BALL! :)

HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Thanks to my one of my best friends (Hi KATH!), here are some fun Easter toons!

So Have I dropped off the end of the earth or what!?

No, I haven't, but this school year has turned out to be quite challenging with all the extracuricular activites all three kids have been in.

Kids #2 and #3 have discovered sports! Up to this point, Kid #2 has only shown interest in playing soccer, but this year, she decided to play soccer . . . then basketball . . . and now softball! I was expecting this kind of craziness from Kid #3 since he's been wanting to play sports since he was a year and a half, but not from my daughter!

Do EVEN get me started on the whole Girl Scouts thing, but let me put it this way . . . last Friday I came home after our meeting, called my co-leader and asked her, "Can I be done with this now?"

I know part of that is the post - cookies fallout . . .

Overall though, 2008 is turning out to be a VERY interesting year. In January, I went through massive denial when Kid #3 had his 6th birthday on the 27th. HIS 6TH BIRTHDAY!! I simply could NOT accept that my baby was turning 6! It just affirmed the fact that I am no longer in baby mode . . . permanently!

And if that wasn't enough, I'm having my 20th high school reunion this year!

I'll save that for another post at another time . . .

Same for my predictions on the Giants this year . . . except to say how happy I am that Mr. Bonds is not in our clubhouse this year! It the year of the kid!!!

Anyway, I'm back . . . and hopefully I will never have another big lapse like that again!