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!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
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 . . .
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 . . .
Monday, July 28, 2008
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! :)
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! :)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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'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!
Monday, July 21, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
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 . . .
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 . . .
Friday, July 18, 2008
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 . . .
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 . . .
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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"!
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"!
Monday, July 14, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
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!
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!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
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!!!
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!!!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
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. :)
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. :)
Sunday, July 06, 2008
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 . . .
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 . . .
Friday, July 04, 2008
Thursday, July 03, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
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! :)
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! :)
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