Friday, February 29, 2008

Two Hours ALONE...

What to do? The smart part of my brain is saying clear out the crappy toys while I can and scrub the floors and get my car washed, the part of me who wants to be spoiled is telling me to have a facial, and the frugal self is calling for a rated R movie I have on the shelf at home.

The girl's friend's mom offered to take the girls for an afternoon and the boy will be with his girlfriend. I am really at a loss! It's been what feels like forever that I haven't had a child within a couple feet of me.

I'm wishing I had a girlfriend to just hang out with at non Starbucks coffee shop. The last time I had unexpected "freedom" I spent it shopping and bought unneeded items so I do not want to go to a mall. I'm really bad about shopping!

I'm feeling seredipitous about this little bit of pleasure. I love love love my kids, but once in a blue moon I like to just be me without attachments.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Were Did the Weekend Go?

FYI - I just reread this drivel and if you have NOTHING better to do, continue. If you have ANYTHING else to do, skip it.

I had to wake really early to get ready to take the girl to her lesson. It's so cold in there, I needed to be dressed and have dry hair. I went once with a wet ponytail and was terribly sorry. After the lesson we went to pick up her new medicine and grab a sandwich at the grocery store.

I suppose I'm a creature of habit because when I went to order the sandwiches, the menu was completely different and I almost walked out. Instead of subs, they had things like brie and roast beef. All very tasty I'm sure, but I had the order already planned in my head. The girls at the counter were confused too - asking each other "Is this the baguette or the french roll?". To make things easier on all of us, I had them use croissants.

We had lunch with the boy at home. Then I brought him over to his girlfriend's house. We did the birthday party thing for a friend and the day was over too quickly.

The next day, I wasn't feeling well so we skipped church. I took her to her other lesson and then the boy called saying he needed a new black dress shirt for concerts. So we ended up at the mall for some returns and shopping. Dinner was there too, it wasn't worth it to end up back at the grocery store.

My gas light went off and I was stuck - do I drive the 405 and pray I can make it to my regular gas station? Or get off and and try to find one that matches my gas card. You will all laugh as I admit, I drove off the freeway and made it to the gas station, but in the end, it didn't matter - I CAN'T FIND my gas card. I hate having to call and report it lost, but I will. It's probably in the seat of my car or a random packet, but I hate using cash at the gas station with kids. Do you drag them out of the car and risk someone running one over? Abandon them in the car for a couple minutes? It's a decision I hate to make. Hopefully it will turn up by much time. And I'll try not to chance the gas gauge at night.

I don't think I'm sick, but my voice is half missing. I was told to sing Marlene Dietrich songs in the office, but I don't know any. It's a raspy and froggy - my guy friend in high school called it my phone sex voice. How a gay teen knew what phone sex was like, I'll never hazard guess...

Enjoy the week!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Self Improvement

So I've been hearing great things about these workout and my only complaint is "ow!". Something is messed up in my elbow and just lifting these a couple times has irritated my shoulder, elbow and wrist. AND it was only about 10lbs... I'm feeling very pathetic.

Off to color my hair. I'm really dumb, but cannot commit 2 hours to a chair so I'm doing it myself. I'll warn you all - I am NEVER happy with the results when I do it myself. But, being my disillusioned self, I'm going to try it again. Cuz' this time will be different.

***update*** If I was born with red hair, this would be my natural color. I'm not quite sure how it happened. My only complaint is that i usually like colors in my hair that aren't found in nature, but as an instant pick me up, this should do well.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

While I'm at it...

I'm working out again (hopefully seriously). The girl and I are doing Yoga Booty Ballet. It's painful. But of course I like a little pain, so we will keep at it. Oh - the girl kicks my butt. Sad but true.

Body Double



So we were at Target and I spied an Our Generation doll. It is almost identical to the American Girl dolls at a small fraction of the price. Same size, same buck teeth...here is one of them...









So I showed the girl - I feigned excitement "Look this doll is even better!, She comes with a book, lots of clothes, WOW!".



The girl glanced up and said, "No thank you, she is not cute."



???? How does she know what is cute and what is not cute? Oh well, here is her wish. To be fair, I think part of the allure is that the doll is half white and half Asian and not many dolls (aside from Bratz) feature ethnic dolls. So I will keep hunting.





My Girlie...


Monday, February 18, 2008

The Grove and LA Farmer's Market

What a pleasant surprise! I've never been, but the girl is invited to a party and wanted to get her friend something from the American Girl store. We also needed a new dock for her shuffle and the main reason was: I've heard the food is great at the framer's market.

We arrived to an 8 floor parking garage and then sprawled out in front of us was an adult Disneyland. If you are a serious shopper, you can only leave thrilled (and broke). Between the fountain, live music, free trolley, and the Farmer's Market at the end of the line, even the kids were spellbound.

The boy ditched us with his girlfriend. The girl isn't a doll kid. The two babies she has lay in the bottom of her cradle and on top are dinosaurs and stuffed animals. So I had no trepidation as we strode in the big doors. And then the girl booked it. Hands on everything - shouting out lovely sentiments about these dolls. She walks up to me with two in her hands and starts picking up clothing. I was in shock! My little darling wanting a doll? In the hidden recesses of my mommyness, I wanted to buy them all for her. Common sense and a limited budget kicked in and I had to remind her that we were they to get her friend a little birthday gift not to have a second Christmas. She looked so dejected that I told her if she read several of the books and if she still wanted one, she had to wait for her birthday.

The food at the Farmer's Market is scrumptious. The girl and I split nachos. These were amazing, and then the boy had fish and chips and his girl had crepes. When we were done with lunch, we had ice cream. We popped into the Apple store to get a new dock, Barnes & Noble to get the girl her American Girl books (she picked Jess and Ivy) and we rode the trolley up and down the street.

I got home exhausted but the boy and his girl wanted to go to a party so I dropped them off. So girlie and I snuggled as she read me the first chapters of her new books. As she drifted off to lala land she announced..."I really want the Jess doll..."

For those of you in the know - there are annual dolls that are only out for a year. And then, they are gone forever (okay, I suppose eBay). And Jess is a girl of the year - two years ago. So now I have a month and a half to find the doll. I'm obsessive, so I won't be really content until I have her socked away. It's a weirdness that I suppose they can medicate me for, but part of me thinks feeling the "itchiness" of the search feels good.

The boy is suffering - he skipped a grade so ALL of his friends are driving or getting their permits. He won't be able to drive until his senior year. So this birthday really sucks for him. And now that his ipod dream has come true and his belt made of bullet shells in his closet, he is going to be lost trying to come up with his perfect birthday gift. For the record, the kids are 9 years and 5 days apart do we have "birthday week". Sort of like a spring Christmas.

Anyway for all you California tourists, The Gove is a great spot to visit. And don’t go unless you REALLY want to spend money.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

I hate this week.

Sunday night the girl sat up, screamed her feet were hot and promptly threw up all over the bed, herself and me.

Monday's trip to LA was cancelled because even though she seemed better, I wanted her to rest up.

Tuesday night she woke up screaming her ear hurt. She has had earaches in the past, but never felt them so of course I was worried sick.

Today, Wednesday, we find another ear infection and wheezing in her chest. Another antibiotic and now an inhaler. Poor kid. I don't know if I've mentioned it, but she is now almost 6 and still 39lbs. There isn't a lot of her to be sick. I really worry when she has no appetite.

She really wanted to deliver her Valentine's to her activity group so we dropped them off and then left. She fell asleep at 4 and is still asleep. Her brother agreed to drop off her Valentine's in the morning. Hopefully, her teacher will put the girl' received cards in a bag until Tuesday. She is very sad to miss the class party. And to be honest, I'm very sad for the girl.

What does Valentine's Day mean to me? Pretty much nothing except I cook a nicer dinner. I'm making the kids a rack of lamb. They adore lamb and because of the cost, it's a rare treat.

Ah, but what does the 15th mean???? It's my Lie-Day. I'm 29 (again). I love my birthday, but I was a little melancholy this year so I signed up to watch a bunch of preteens at a school dance. I'm not sure what I was thinking aside from I don't really want to be 29 again - I just want to be 29 without the "again" and the easiest way to forget my old age would be to watch a gym full of kids trying to make out. Of course, if she is sick, I'll have to cancel out and stay home with my munchkin. And maybe the boy will stay home for my birthday too, and I'll be perfectly content.

On top of all of this, I'm suffering by having a jury duty week. Everyday I have to call in at 5 to see if I have to show up the next day. It's hard to plan a life (example: having a sick kid) with calling in for jury duty. And I have a sinking suspicion my number will be up Friday. Woohoo! A birthday-jury duty-sick kid day. I'm not bitter. My only hope is that because Monday is a holiday, all of the judges and lawyers will be leaving town early.

Friday, February 8, 2008

A Hundred Dollars Later

My brother is empowering and energizing.

After he left, I hit up Home Depot. I have to repair the drawers in a dresser and the pull out drawers in the kitchen. I brought in the broken pieces and figured out the replacements, bought an electric nail/staple gun, an extension cord, an new antenna for the television, a surge suppressor for the tv/dvd/vhs/wii/and lamp, a hook for hanging up the hairdryer, a collection of screws and nails, and more of those hollow drywall plastic things.

After I reinforce the drawers and put in new guides, I am going to go all crazy Martha Stewart with the 3 in 1 nail gun.

On Thursday on my lunch break I picked up poison for outside, some for the pantry, and those electronic insect repellants. I am tired of little ant invasions and I am really tired of finding spiders all over the place.

I could just be crazy because for the past two nights I have been up till 2am and normally, I'm a 10 o clock lights out girl.

Woohoo! Three day weekend!

Yippee! He showed up!

He arrived in bigness. He has a huge SUV, raised up high, LOUD music and well, he just has a loud presence. It's good though - it's just him.

The girl just stood there with huge eyes not quite believing he was there. But five minutes later she was on his lap and SO proud of her very cool uncle. He would have called, but he lost his phone and didn't have my number. :P He has more phone issues...

We were sad he didn't bring his dog but cheered up with a trip to Costco where the boy received an 8gig nano. Later we walked the downtown area and he got a belt made of empty bullet shells and a couple tee shirts that I had to inspect for school. It's a given that the belt isn't for school - ever. The zero tolerance policy could inconvenience his future.

The girl couldn't find anything she really wanted - she is too big for baby stuff and too little for big girl stuff and even a new pair of uggs couldn't be found. But to be honest she was just thrilled to be with him.

Uncle is VERY stylish. At 33 he is living the unmarried life and does his own thing - snowboarding, scuba diving and managing a nightclub. You can tell he is just one of those busy guys who waits 18 months to he his sister (ha - no guilt trip for him). As quickly as he arrived, he left 18 hours later after a breakfast with his sister (that's me!).

Life feels too quiet with him gone.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Unexpected Guests and Peace & Quiet

I left my cell at home and i'm expecting an important phone call so during lunch I went home and picked it up. I had every intention of going to Home Depot, but ended up sprawled on the couch eating lunch and having some apple juice. I never have 100 percent alone time anymore and it was heavenly to have a hot meal and rest. Today is a typical perfect day, the sun is bright, there is a cool breeze and the air smells like snow while it's about 65 degrees out.

So what was the call about? My brother (whom I have not been able to talk to for a year) decided to take my call. I asked for a fax number so he would sign some documents and he said he would be here today or tomorrow and sign them in person. What a nice surprise! He lives out of state (or maybe technically I live out of state) and he is a big, loud, cocky guy who the kids adore to pieces. The boy already has a shopping list I think...boots and an i pod, ha!

I haven't told the girlie because he is...unreliable... and she would be devastated if he doesn't show, so, instead she will be marjorly surprised. He said he isn't staying with us and then mentioned he was staying with us so we shall see. Anyway, long story short, he is going to call for directions. Maybe.

Everyone needs a crazy younger brother or uncle in their lives!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Making Dreams Come True

I love five year olds. They have many dreams that are easy to make come true. They are still a little young to ask for a pony, car or for the lead in a school play. I love to play the part of the wish granter. Probably because I know soon enough I won't be able to have a hand in it.

There is this silly movie that is out (and advertised as one week only). Yes, roll your eyes - it's the Hannah Montana 3D movie concert. We arrived hours in advance as Fandango advised us that even though we bought tickets we were not guaranteed seats. We checked out the shopping and then got in line. The line had already started two hours before the show started.

The line was filled with girls 4-14. Most were in costume with Hannah Montana hair and clothing. When we were let into the theater, girls started screaming. It got louder once the movie started. Girls were singing and dancing in front of their chairs and in the aisles. For my five year old, it was the most exciting place to be.

I'm not a fan of pop music and I don't have the Disney channel, but for some reason the little girl likes her and as her mom, I feel on occasion I have to bite the bullet and let the girl be starstruck for an evening.

Friday, February 1, 2008

A Tongue Lashing

At work we have a committee. It is meant for bringing staff concerns to the big wig. I think all companies have this sort of thing. Upward Communication, blah blah blah. Only it never quite works out that way and it's really Bitchfest 2008. Or in the case of this history, Bitchfest 2006.

I was appointed secretary because it was leaked out that I was already taking minutes (though, they were secret minutes and never to be given to those not on The A List). I decided to spice it up by writing it in the way the meeting occurred - like a dialog. Everything true and well, maybe not flattering. But fact full with perfect quotations.

Basically, I wrote exactly what happened at the Bitchfest meeting. I didn't realize it, but some never saw it as a Bitchfest and took the whole thing seriously.

After it was distributed, I got called into a minor bigwig’s office for a verbal yet polite tongue lashing. I retired from my secretarial position because I allowed subjectivity to become part of the meetings history and as I told her everything I write is subjective. I have always thought the lashing was polite because it could easily have ended up in print later.

conversations:

With the boy this morning -

I am usually SO careful but we were both being smart asses and I let him out of the car. Because we were so silly, I forgot myself and shouted after him "I love you!". His face was priceless. Here he is, 5'11", in his black jeans that look painted on, his leather jacket and bangs flat ironed to his chin and braces and he smiles and says, "I'm going to kill you for that." Luckily, I'm not almost 15 with a mom who professed her love to her son in the school parking lot.

With the girl (5) last night:

Mom, when are we going to LA again?
Why do you want to go to LA?
LA is like a vacation. I need a vacation.
Me too honey, me too.

With her weekend lesson cancelled I might take her to LA. If the boy and his girl want to tag along, why not? I could take the girl to see Hannah Montanna and the teens can rove Melrose. how much trouble could they possible get into?