Fort Worth Arts Festival

After a forewarning from a friend that the Fort Worth Arts fest was just a huge mesh of people and a waste of time ... I braved it and headed over there this afternoon with the kids.
I decided to take the TRE (train) down town to save on parking (which would have been $10 PLUS gas). The kids love it and I feel like a "cool mom" for giving them a change in routine... and I like saving the money.
The arts fest lasted at least 10 blocks, with art from all mediums. The kids actually really loved looking at the art as much as I did - and some of the artists actually encouraged them to touch their "master pieces".
There was a kids area that had crafts, face painting, a climbing wall (still not sure how "artsy" that is), music, "environmental awareness" area ... it was great.
We were there early enough in the afternoon that there wasn't a lot of people there yet. I'm glad I didn't listen to the friend who said it'd be a waste of time, we'd have missed out on a nice afternoon out.

*Ordinary Heroes*

To conclude - I ended up loving this book. As uninterested I am in the details of WW II (no disrespect to those who served - I just have a hard time accepting the evil people are capable of) I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It was based loosely on stories from various veterans the author had gathered, as well as war archives, then curved around one man. B-Man got sick this weekend, so I had to work reading the book around taking car of him - fortunately, or I would have read it non-stop.

*Ordinary Heroes*

I have only read 114 pages of 488, yet, I already love this book. Unusual for me considering it's a tale about a JAG attorney in WW II and his son who learns of his fathers activities after his father's death. I actually picked up this book with Michael in mind, figured I'd give it to him this summer. However, this afternoon as I was heading out the door to the gym I realized I didn't have any other books to read. So I grabbed it, prepared to expose myself to a couple hours of awkward reading. If you know me, you know I regularly skip over parts in books. If it's a detailed description of a place, smell, person ... eh, I could care less. This book has me enraptured. I read every word - have earmarked pages with lines I like. I even took my kids to Mc Arteries-are-Hardening for supper so they could play after and I could read ... for another 3 1/2 hours.
Some favorite thus far:
"Without being an alarmist, I call your attention to the fact I am ninety-six year old and that I no longer purchase green bananas. I look forward to meeting you soon."
"On a perpetual diet, I'm the guy at the restaurant who orders the little salad that comes topped with a tine pellet of poached salmon - before I eat the French fries off everybody else's plates."
"Who are we, but the stories we tell about ourselves, particularly if we accept them?"
"We are primitive. If we are not to be, then we require one another's assistance."

My Gym

I've bragged about my gym from the time I joined 3 years ago. Trying to describe all that is there, what is available has been nearly impossible. However, recently Lifetime added a link that allows you to see several different areas available. Add to this tour: Tennis Courts, a Sand Volleyball Court and Racquetball and Squash Courts.

And, yes, my kids are just as happy as the kids in those pictures when I go to pick them up. Surprisingly, that is not an unusual situation.

*The Memory Keepers Daughter*

First of all, let me say that I think this novel was ill named. A man should not be allowed to claim a child simply because he provided the sperm. That thought alone festered and annoyed me throughout the majority of this book. I think the author tried to help you not hate him so much for such an unspeakably horrific act throughout the book - but no, I was having none of that. He becomes this terrifically giving doctor but cannot bring himself to tell this truth to the child's mother? No. In four words: I hated this book.
After a certain situations force a doctor to birth his own children (this is back in the 60's, I guess the guys generally weren't in the delivery room then) he discovers the second born, a girl has Down Syndrome. Swiftly deciding that he doesn't want his wife to have to endure the emotional turmoil (or some other such crap) he sends the child off to a home for the mentally disturbed with the attending nurse. After experiencing a few minutes of disgust at the home, the nurse makes a life altering decision and keeps the child. Oh, did I mention that the guy tells his wife that the child died in childbirth? Yeah, I'm still mad about that part. He never even gives her the opportunity to have a voice. Spanning over 25 years this book tells the tale of the remaining family members and how the nurse builds a new life with her adoptive daughter.
I didn't find myself welling up, as two of my other friends did. I just found myself getting really worked up and angry over the whole thing. I'm glad I was able to finish it in between the rest of my activities today, I think I would have put it down and "forgot" to come back to it if I hadn't.

Muddy Miles

I feel like my blog is getting taken over by my fitness activities and goals. Not entirely a bad thing, just something I never would have expected - as I am no fitness buff. Even if you stretch your imagination really far.
This Saturday there is a run in Arlington called "Muddy Miles". Named such because it is a 5k off road course. The terrain is grass and mud. The course takes you up hills, down hills, across streams and through valleys. There's a forewarning "You WILL get dirty, please bring a change of clothes! There are facilities to change in." Sounds like a blast, eh? I am excited because they not only give you a shirt but a goody bag and there is food, beverage and entertainment at the finish line. Good times!
It benefits Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Texas. So not only do I challenge myself on a tough course, I give to a great foundation. Awesome!

Results

I looked at the official race results today - I came in 381st overall, 37th for my age group in the 5k. Frickin' awesome! For my first race, I am really proud of myself. Only 6 other women my age finished before I did. Kickin'!
Alma Pope (an old friend from Canada) came up from Houston and ran the 1/2 - she came in 840th overall and 49th in her age group. Once again, really impressive!

*Cheating at Solitaire*

I have come to the conclusion that I love "chick lit". When I have tried to deviate away from my one true love, I have suffered for it. Miserably. Reading shouldn't be about forcing your way through the drudgery of a book, it just shouldn't - unless you are doing it for school. I am never going to school to become some kind of literary genius, so why do that to myself?
I absolutely loved this book. Written around a single women in her mid thirties who's a famous "self-help" guru advising women on how they don't need a man to be happy (a little bit Sex in the City, but not at all ...). Just when her third book is about to hit the stands her integrity is compromised by being seen with an actor, whose agent quickly takes advantage of the situation. An adventure on how she navigates her way around learning about letting go of who she thinks she needs to be and grasping onto who she really can be.

August Rush

I know I am a wee bit behind on this movie - but that isn't a bit shock to anyone. I'm never "up" on my movie viewing. Actually, the only reason I have seen this movie is because while my mom was here we rented a Rogue (actually a very cute little cross over) which I found a Best Buy gift card in. Turns out there was $20 on it. So I purchased an iTunes card and then rented this movie along with a few others I don't really want to talk about :(
This movie was fantastic. It had me crying, it had me cheering, at one point I had goose bumps because the music was so beautiful. Yes, mom - it has a good ending. Not entirely satisfactory, but not sad at all.

*English as a Second Language*

I'm starting to think that the clearance area of my local Half Price Books is a place of beauty and unbridled knowledge. Haha, maybe I have been reading too much lately. One of the best things about getting books from this area of the store is that nothing is over $2 no matter what the initial MSRP was. Another fun idiosyncrasy I have found is that most people, like me, use their airlines stubs as book marks. Thus far I have 3 from other random people. For some reason I take get more enjoyment out of a book knowing it's been to France and back. I'm an odd duck, I know.
This book had me smiling, if not laughing through out the majority of it. The main character is a woman in her late 20's living in NY who's still not sure which direction she wants to take her life. In a dead end career and prodded by a loser ex-boyfriend she decides to go to graduate school in the UK. The author (who I think based the book on experiences she had herself ...) writes about how this woman comes to grips with who she is, how she deals with people, but never really deals with where she's going to go from there. There is way too much alcohol consumed and a few too many swear words (it is a book about adults in an adult environment...) but I really enjoyed this book.

...But I WANT it!

A lot of people, when running/walking/jogging like to know their heart rate and calories burned. I personally could care less. I mean, I KNOW I am burning calories - I'm being active, therefore, calories burned. I don't care how many. My heart rate? Whatever. My heart's pumping, I'm breathing - it all must still be good. However, I am fanatical about knowing how far I have gone and at what speed I am doing it at. Hence the reason I prefer running on the treadmill, it takes care of those pesky little task very handily. However, I discovered yesterday I love running outside. It actually makes me feel better than when I am plodding along on the treadmill at the gym. Fresh air and all I suppose.
Today I found a nice little piece of equipment I am now Jonesing to have - if I am going to start out on this epic outdoor journey. The GPS transceiver in this cool little device calculates speed and distance data. Now to figure out how to come up with $150. *sigh* OH! Mother's Day. Hmmm ... I am so divided. Guilt Jerry into a Spa retreat or this little gem. The device would be used almost daily. The Spa ... just a little luxury I yearn for. Decisions, decisions.

Big D

I did it! I ran my first race today! All be it, a small portion of one - but I had to see if my legs would allow for a 5k before I start embarking upon larger goals - like a half marathon. It was super easy. I jogged the entire first mile, just to see what my legs would allow for and I did it in 12 minutes flat. When I started training to run, I was working on a 20 minute mile - huge improvement! Since 5k was the shortest of all the races being run today, ours wasn't "timed" per say, so I don't know what I placed in my age class but I felt really good about my personal results.
After running the first miles I alternated between jogging and speed walking so that my knees/hips/ankles wouldn't start protesting. I think I may have found the right combination, which pleases me to no end. I LOVED participating in this event. I loved the feeling of it. The pre-race jittery people, nervous anxiety, excitement, anticipation. The sounds. It was odd, with thousands of people there, you would expect it to be loud with talking and commotion. Before the race there was a hum about the crowd, but not loud. I ran with my iPod, but kept one ear bud popped out so I could listen to the sounds of the race. The pounding feet, the random shouts from supporters, the static over police radio, air being sucked in and puffed out as we can through a tunnel. It was one of the more rewarding sports related activities I have ever participated in. And I played on a Provincial level soccer team.
First Race: 5k
Time: 41:10
Things I had a hard time with: Keeping in mind that even though people (including children) were passing me - I was racing against my time, not theirs.
The "uphill" portions that had a breeze coming against me. Okay - so it would probably be considered more of a "slope" than a hill - but I still hated the breeze. That was barely blowing hard enough to stir the leaves in the trees. I'm a wuss.

Jon & Kate plus 8

I love this show! It appears on TLC tonight. A couple who had fertility treatments with the outcome being twin girls the first time and a set of sextuplets the second time round. I love watching the mother deal with the daily stress of kids, the fathers sense of humor throughout it all ... I have no idea why, but when it's on - I can't stop watching it! It's another one of my vices. When it comes on late night tv as I am surfing around, I'll stop every time. I was up till 2am the other day watching it. Yep, I know. I need help.

5

Since I before moved to Texas I haven't gone to the dentist once. That's more than 10 years of no dentistry; a really long time to ignore your teeth. There just hasn't been the money for things like that. Well, actually, that's not exactly true. When Jerry has had to go in to get THREE root canals, the money has been there. My biggest problem with going to the dentist is not actually going - I like going to the dentist, or at least I did when I was a kid. It was generally a pleasant experience. It's having to ask for the money to go. It really irks me.
However, I am tired of saying things for me just aren't that important when I need it just as much as my kids and Jerry. So, I buckled down and made myself a dentist appointment. It's odd how medical and dental works down here because it's more a business than a practice. I contacted a dentist on the list of approved professionals that my insurance company gave me, set up an appointment for this morning and headed on in after I dropped my kids off at school. All I was slated for this morning was a consultation, which meant that all they were going to do is take some x-rays poke around in there and let me know where we were to go from there for free, which always sounds fantastic. I was pretty confident in this as I have never had any issues at the dentist before. BAH!
First of all, from the time I walked in the building till I strolled on out - AN HOUR. They moved at a snails pace. I seriously wanted to just grab the bite strips from the tech, slap them on, zip the machine ... but noooo. It was like this woman was moving in slow motion. Moving beyond that though. When the dentist finally came in, he grunted over my x-rays ("Is everything alright?" I inquired. "Oh, everything looks great!" He replied. Liar.), poked around my mouth calling out random numbers and words (which I knew couldn't be good) then exclaimed, "For someone who hasn't been to the dentist in over 10 years - your teeth look great. However (how does a "however" come after "great"?) you have 5 little cavities in your mouth." I looked at him, totally stunned. FIVE cavities? I have never had ONE cavity before, let alone FIVE! He looks at me dubiously, "You seem to have a problem with that..."
Me, "Of course I do! I've never even had ONE cavity before, it's a shock to hear that I have FIVE."
Dentist, 'Do you chew gum?"
Me, "Yes, I go on a lot of long road trips. I chew gum instead of drinking caffeine to keep me awake."
Dentist, "Well, the gum grinds in a lot of little unwanted particles into very small spaces. AND you haven't been to the dentist in TEN years."
Me, "I know ... it's still disappointing."
Dentist, "I'm sorry to hear that."
... he's sorry to hear that? What kind of platitude is that?
So they ring up how much it will be to get the stupid things fixed ... $653. I almost choke. "Would you like my first born too?" The lady looks ready to write up the bill of sale. I am rather confused. "Does that include a cleaning?"
Lady, "Oh, you'd like a cleaning too? Let me go calculate that price...$703"
I have FIVE cavities and you don't think I should start getting my teeth cleaned too? You know, the whole preventative maintenance thing? Bunch of bologna.
I didn't get the work done today, as I still have to tell Jerry how much the damage will be. It's not like I can put it off. Don't cavities turn into worse things? Don't they get bigger or something? Either way, I'm rather annoyed. Five cavities. I wonder if they have white caps instead of those silver ones.
Ms. R will be proud of me, she's been rather distressed that I am not like other adult she knows with silver in their mouth. Apparently that made me a failure. I tried to explain to her that NOT having silver in your mouth is better ... but no, *sigh*, now I am just like all the others.

*Sweet Thames*

Oh my. I felt like I was being dredged through the veritable open sewer system London street use to be (which is what the book is loosely written about) as I read this book. I cannot even start to discuss this book. Some would say it has "lots of atmosphere".
I say the book, written about the summer of 1849 as the cholera epidemic threatened London and the young engineer whose ideas for drainage would revolutionize the city and the perils he endures as he keeps his life afloat ... was probably the hardest read I've ever embarked upon. I had to force myself to keep reading it. Trying to open my mind to new venues has never been so painful.
I got an author signed copy though. So maybe I'll hold onto it and hope it improves in value. At least monetarily.
I think I'll go invest in some floaty romance this afternoon. After these last two books, my brain deserves something frothy.

*Mad Girls in Love*

I am at odds over this book. On one hand, the author writes wonderfully. So much so that even though I am very divided on whether I really liked this book or not - I stayed up all night (I literally got an hour of sleep) reading it. She pulls you in, captures you with the story line and holds on to you even if you want to make it just stop.
About a family of women and their misadventures, left me wondering just how crazy all of them had to be. I really don't know if I would suggest anyone read this book. Even though it caught me in a death spiral of no sleep ... I cannot say I truly enjoyed this book.

Should I Worry?

B-Man ... in Ms. R's Mexican dress, playing "mommy" to the baby. Don't look too close, he didn't have any undies on under that dress ... you just may catch a glimpse of something you'd rather not.

Have you ever

... forgot about one of your kids?
This morning after B-Man had tried to take a chunk out of Ms. R's arm, I sternly reprimanded him (over Ms. R's screeching) and sent him to his room - intending to go get him in 1/2 hour. I know it seems like a long time - but it was either that or smack him silly. That's how angry I was at him. He did it totally unprovoked. Me. Livid. Him. Still alive because I sent him away from me.
However, I got busy doing laundry, dusting, straightening ... you get the idea. An hour later I think, "The house is awful quiet, I wonder what the kids are doing ... CRAP!" Haha. Fortunately I store most of the kids books in B-Man's room. So he was juts laying there quietly looking through one of his animal books. Really, not much of a punishment if you ask me. Next time I'll put him in a corner, then maybe I won't forget him - and he won't have the opportunity to enjoy his time out.

Autism: The Musical

This special aired on HBO this week ...

(If you plan to watch it, plan to have some tissue on hand)

I know I will always be sensitive towards this topic because of the obvious, but it still stuns me to realize how deeply things like this special move me. To feel the tears welling up and pouring down my cheeks in rivers as I hear other parents echoing my sentiments. See other people struggling with the same issues I do. Knowing, even in this, I am not alone.

To see bits and pieces of your child represented in other infinitely unique and special children.
To know other children are going through, have gone through and will continue to carry on the same as your child.
Is heart breaking.

There is one line in particular in this documentary I object to venomously, it's uttered by one of the children's care takers. She says, "... it really breaks my heart when I kind of realize, wow... if he wasn't Autistic, you can just imagine the possibilities". If I were that child's mother - I'd find him another care taker. SHE may just be the one holding him back *mutters a curse word in her general direction*.

Cute:
Boy #1: "You are very smart!" (after listening to boy #2 talk about reptiles)
Boy #2: "Thanks! I always wanted to hear that..."

Sad:
Mom: What does Autism mean?
Daughter: It means something is damaged inside you

Mom: It makes me feel scared. It makes me feel responsible. It makes me feel ... sad.

Another: I want the world to welcome her and they don't ... I can try to enlighten them; but I cannot make them respect her.

Father: I always try to dream up a scenario for the future. I'm gone and she's going to be okay because ... what? What did I do now to make sure that's going to happen?

Boy: (the first words he's able to communicate, at 11 years old, via a typing voice box)
"Mom, I'd like to put you on the spot."
"Be more of a listener."

B-Man's Famous!

...well, in Wood County ... for those who read the Wood County Co-Op Electric mag. So, essentially ... 10 people will get to see B-Man's debut. And you!
On Thursday when we went out to Wayne and Linda's a lady from Wood County Co-Op Electric was there interviewing them on their very efficient home. Their monthly electric bill, which includes water heating, AC and all the other regular stuff only comes to around $120. Which, for a 2700 sf house is really impressive ... apparently.
After the interview she wanted pictures of various aspects of the house - one of them being the "on demand" water heater. B-Man was more than willing to pose beside it ;)

2 Hours & $20

On Monday my aunt Viv sent me a message saying she and my aunt Val were coming to Dallas for a convention on Tuesday and asked how close I was. I've had a few relatives come to Texas - but none of them have come to a city within four hours of where I live. So when I discovered they were going to be coming to Dallas - which is practically next door, I exctiedly informed her that I am only about 30 minutes from down town Dallas.
The aunts called me Wednesday to find out what my schedule was, I shuffled a few things around and said I could be over there within an hour. They gave me the address they were given on their reservation and I scrambled to run over to their hotel. Before I left they had said they were going to grab something to eat while they were waiting for me, so when I got to the address they had given me I didn't think much of it. Figured they'd had to go to a restaurant a little further away than they anticipated, got a slow server ... something. After waiting for 45 minutes, making several trips to the room, asking the front desk to call their room with no dice. I gave up. Hoping they had ran into someone interesting to talk to at supper or something, I headed home. Moments after I walked in the door, I get a call. It's the aunts asking where I am. I explain where I had been and they are like, "Oh... we're staying at ..." They had apparently got an upgrade to the sister hotel beside the hotel I had been waiting in. They had read off the address to the hotel they had their initial reservation with, not the one they were staying in. *sigh* (one hour in traffic ... and $10 in gas)
Yesterday afternoon they call me again to see what I was doing before 8pm. I was supposed to be going to a dinner for parents with Autistic children, but Jerry had failed to get the tickets (which I was not aware of till I asked him about it yesterday afternoon when I heard him making plans for the evening). So I already had a babysitter lined up ... and a couple hours to burn. So I told them I was going to stop by the place where the dinner was happening to see if I could slip in, but would give them a call around 6:15 to let them know what was happening. As it turned out I was unable to get into the dinner, so I called them on my way into Dallas. I was unable to get in contact with them on either the hotel phone or aunt Viv's cell - but figured they were out by the pool ... or something. So I headed on in ... checked at the front desk to make sure they were indeed checked into this hotel, knocked on their door, called aunt Viv's cell phone again, checked the hotel restaurant, went out by the pool. No dice. I waited till I had to be home for the babysitter, wrote the aunts a note and headed home. (one hour in traffic ... and another $10 in gas)
*Sigh*

Yes We Can

Because I have given up the opportunity to vote by not becoming a citizen of the United States (I feel that would be unpatriotic and ungrateful to the great country I grew up in) I feel that I should not have a strong voice when it comes to politics and candidates. That does not mean that I am not paying attention to the candidates, the debates, other peoples opinions, how things are evolving, the byplay that occurs daily. This afternoon as I have been laid way low with the hinting of another sinus infection I was wandering around political ads and came upon one I particularly liked. Not that I throw my support behind this particular man ... but the video is well put together.

Easter

This year the kids and I spent Easter long weekend out at the Crabb's (Jerry joined us Saturday evening). It was a nice weekend, I got to nap a bit, have someone fuss over food, and an extra couple eyes to keep track of the kids.
I've decided against perpetuating the Easter Bunny myth. It bothers me that Santa takes away so much of the true spirit of Christmas, but you cannot rightfully take Santa away from kids. That would just be mean spirited. However, in my estimation, there is nothing magical or special about the Easter bunny. Therefore, when the kids get up Easter morning, there is a nice pile of presents for them, a new outfit and a bit of candy - but they are aware that mom and dad have bought it for them. Then after church we have an Easter egg hunt. This year, since we were out in Quitman, we joined Pat & Lon's (Lon is Wayne's uncle who lives right next door) Grandkids and Great Grandkids in their Easter festivities.

Tulips

I have a feeling my tulips are on their last hurrah. Though they have been opening and closing daily with the temperature they have started ever so slowly to lose their peddles. Which really makes me very sad. Tulips, for all their looks don't last nearly long enough. I think next year I'll invest in some hearty daffodils.

*The Pilot's Wife*

I found this book in the most unusual (for me) way - browsing through the clearance rack at 1/2 Price Books. I have been very determined lately to read more than romance novels. Not that I have turned my back on romance novels altogether, of course. They are my reward for reading a "different" kind of book. Ones that I am not embarrassed by the embracing couple on the cover and have to hide when I am in public. Though this was on "Oprah's Book Club" list - which means by principle I wouldn't generally ready it, the theme of the book intrigued me.

"How do you ever know you know a person?" is the general theme echoed throughout this book. The question many people probably ask themselves every day in interactions they have with others is hit head on in this interesting book. This story follows a woman after she discovers the plane her husband was piloting exploded over the ocean. How she deals with the information that develops from him not being able to manage his life anymore... essentially.

I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, with vivid imagery and interesting characters.

Linda

Jerry's mom, Linda Kay, is such an oddity to me because she is so full of blatant contradictions. Maybe more people in my acquaintance are - I just notice it the most in her because I associate closely with her quite frequently. For all my head shaking at her and her ways, I love her. She is kind hearted, generous, thoughtful, fun to be with, willing to ally herself with an idea even when she knows it's the "wrong" side to take. Linda never does anything in a grandiose type way, that would hint that you should be grateful for what she is doing for you. More matter of fact and is always so flustered when you notice what she has done.
This afternoon as I was unpacking my bag here at their place in Quitman I happened to glance over at a bedside stand in my room. It has a few random nick knack type items on it - along with a teddy bear I gave her in way of sharing the surprise of my pregnancy with Ms. R. It's just your regular run of the mill teddy with a sweater proclaiming, "I (heart) Grandma". I remember the look on her face as she sat across the table from me and pulled it out of the gift bag, puzzled ... astonished ... then pure glee. She was so excited for us! That was the first time I felt anything but apprehension since I discovered I was pregnant. She was the first person to express true delight over the pregnancy. Because of the strained situation surrounding Jerry and I at the time - which, I admit, Linda was not aware of ... but my family was - there had not been the same excited reaction from my family. Or myself for that matter. It was more, "Oh, baby ... what have I brought you into?"
I am so blessed to have her in my life and the lives of my kids. She dotes on all of us ... especially Ms. R. I love having her live only a couple hours away, so I can have a close relationship with her and Ms. R gets to grow up with a granny she can paint her finger nails with, winningly convince to buy her ridiculous items her mother would never consider, snuggle and watch musicals with... among numerous other things I never had the opportunity to experience.

Play Day

A lady who recently moved into my ward needed a babysitter for her son this week because she was heading out of town for a teaching/conference type thingy. She initially booked Jenna, but their family decided to head down to the Alabama Gulf Coast. So I offered to take over the job because, as Jerry says, I'm a sucker. I don't think I'm so much a sucker as being willing to help out others when they are in tight spots.
The baby is right around 17 months. I had TOTALLY forgotten what it was like to have a baby around. They are so ... full of tears, so unable to do things for themselves, so into every thing, so putting every thing in their mouth-ish ... Today he was coming down with something because he was intensely cranky. Unless I was holding him, he was crying. I had apparently put that memory out of my head too. His dad came by early to pick him up; which, I admit, I was a little grateful for. I wasn't losing my patience, but my arms ached.
Hazel and her four girls came over this afternoon for a play day. It's always awesome to have them over, her girls play really well with my kids. No fights, no tears. Just fun for the kids and a lot of time to chat for Hazel and I. As we were going our separate ways her parting comment to me was, "Thanks Krista, talking with you is better than going to a psychologist..." Which made me laugh. I've always known I was good at talking but my listening skills have never been praised. Not that I'm not a good listener ;)

Spring Cleaning

Yesterday we started our Spring Cleaning. Yep, this year I get to say "we" - my kids pitched in! As I was starting in on scrubbing down the window sills with both kids perched beside me enraptured, B-Man chirping, "Thank you mom!" (which in B-Man speak means, "Give it to me now!")as he reached for the scrub brush - I figured, "why not?"

*Lost Boys*

The librarian at Rhiannon's school is part of a book club. She always tells me all about the books the are involved in and suggests I read various "goodies". A while back they were reading the book "Lost Boys" by Orson Scott Card, she was inspired to talk to me about it because we have discussed our religions and the main family in the book is Mormon. She really encouraged me to read this book, I kind of agreed half heartedly, not really wanting to read it after she had described it to me. However, when she was done she rented from her public library again with the express purpose of borrowing it to me. Feeling guilty enough for showing interest in a book that even from the description I was repelled by, I broke down and read it.
About a Mormon family (that fact plays a roll in various characters lives - though never depicts the religion in a bad light) who moves to a southern town for a job. The events that play out through the book leave a mother who is already paranoid even more paranoid of the world in general. If you like creepy books and endings so sad you're weeping copious amounts ... this book is for you.

Afraid

... that Ms. R's nickname will be RhiRhi. Already at school, her teacher writes "Rhi" on her art work. I know this is probably because she's trying to whip through it quickly ... but I still kind of grit my teeth together. However, I don't think Ms. R will be the one to perpetuate the nickname game. When I hear people ask her what her name is she will correct them over and over again until they get it right, almost yelling at the near the third correction. Very reassuring to a mother who hates it when people shorten names. This afternoon when she got into the car she asked me, "Mom, my nick name is Buettercup, right?" Which made me laugh, because that is what I call her fairly often. I derived it from the Princess Bride ... of course because Ms. R is a girlie little princess. And "princess" just seemed to generic.
I think I'm babbling ... I'm off to bed!

*Every Waking Moment*

In general, I avoid suspense like the proverbial plague. I don't enjoy suspense, to me the feeling really isn't fun. It's right up there with horrified. Sensation I'd rather not experience often.
However, while my mom was down here she read a book called, "Every Waking Moment" and encouraged me to read it after she was done. I vehemently refused, even when she said it was "romantically suspenseful" (knowing I am a sucker for romance). Suspense isn't romantic! It's scary and nerve racking and worrisome. None of those emotions are enjoyed by this particular reader. She left it here when she went home so I could take it to the Half Price Book store and get a little credit from it towards another book.
The other night I really didn't feel like watching tv, playing a game on the computer, or aimlessly doing anything else useful. So I picked up the book, prepared to dislike it. It was a page turner!
About a lady in an abusive relationship who needs to flee with her young son. It made me feel like I was reading the book to a movie I couldn't quite put my finger on.

Bella at Midnight

I was surfing through some other people's blogs the other day and one of people's blog I read had posts of books the author had read as she read them along with her review of the book. I think this is a great way to learn more about people, as well as a fantastic way to find new books. Obviously if you know the person, you'll know if you're going to like the kind of books they read or not.
I started picking up random books at Rhiannon's library while I was shelving a while back and mentioned to the librarian that I would love to borrow a few, as they seemed really good. She was more than delighted to open me my own account (which I didn't have to have my picture taken for ...) so I could take out books when ever I wanted.
On Thursday I borrowed the book "Bella at Midnight". I liked the write up and thought it would be a fun little book to read - remember, Rhiannon's school only goes up to the fifth grade. However, I quickly found myself deeply involved in this book.
About a knights daughter who is sent to live with peasants in the (possibly) 18th century and the ramifications of the choices she and those around her have on events. It's a really good book, a lot better than I was expecting. The author introduced words that I haven't read in adult books about this time era. From here on in, I will place an asterisks beside the entries that are entirely about books, so you can skip them if you'd like.

For mom ...

They're growing GREAT, despite the stinking snow ;) ... I think next year, I'll grow more, as the tulips seem rather sparse. I haven't seen any of the seeds we planted popping through yet. How long do I have to wait? Maybe gardening isn't for me after all - with all the patience that is required before the reward.

Tagged by Jenie...

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.

C. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 other people and posts their names and leaves a message on their blog letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog to get directions.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

From the time I graduated high school till I got married it all sort of blends together. I was in Banff first, then moved to Calgary, then to Lethbridge, then back to Coaldale, up to Edmonton ... then down to Texas. So ten years ago ... I was ... in one of those places? Probably living in my parents basement suite, working two jobs, hating life in general.

2. 5 things on my to do list:
a) Renovate the house, so that I can finally like living here
b) Move (haha, kind of contradicts the first one, eh?)
c) Get a job I like in the next 2 years
d) Take up a hobby. Not sure what that will be yet.
e) Learn more about Autism so I can further B-Man's at home learning

3. What snacks do I enjoy?
I love a good tangelo, if someone else will peel it for me.
Ranch flavored rice cakes. I can devour a whole bag by myself.
4. What would you do if you were instantly a billionaire?
Start it all over again.

5. 3 bad habits
a) I easily get addicted to the point of almost obsession with new things, ie: Genealogy, computer games, websites
b) I think about the past too much
c) I can see the positive more easily in others than I can in myself

6. 6 places I lived

Coaldale
Banff
Calgary
Edmonton
Bedford
Hurst

7. 5 Jobs I've had

A: Chef's Assistant - Sandman Inn catering
B: Cashier - Stop 'n' Go
C: Hostess - Hard Rock Cafe
D: Sandwich Artist - Mom's Subway
E: Assistant Manager - Roots Canada Outlet8. 5 things people don't know about me
a) I hate cleaning. I love a clean house, though - so I do it. Often.
b) My biggest fear came to reality when B-Man was diagnosed with Autism. I'm dealing with it, but I still cry over it. Often
c) I can easily forgive (if not forget) a wrong done to me, but if you mess with my kids - I'll take off your head. And remember it for the rest of your natural life.
d) I wish every day that my family lived closer to me.
e) I've had my ears pierced three times. Not three piercings. Three times ... in the same place. I keep forgetting to wear earrings and they grow over and I have to start all over again.


All right now its someone elses turn:
Nikki
Becka
Dawn
Mandy
...Michael?
I tag you, and anyone else who wants to share personal information.

Pizza Night

I'm diligently trying to start random traditions with my kids, as I think they are important. I like the feeling they invoke in me as I reflect back on my childhood; I'd like to give my children this same gift.
Therefore, I recently started a new tradition - Pizza Night. You know, the old stand by. Buy all the pizza fixings and let the kids make them themselves, delight in the process of deciding what they want on it, ect. Both my kids are generally under foot as I am making supper, because obviously mom is doing the funnest thing IN THE WORLD. So having a night when it's all about them making their own supper is really fun for all of us ... and easy on me ;)

Friday Nights ...

are the night I let my kids stay up a little bit later, eat snack foods and sleep in my bed. I've discovered since I started this little tradition my kids come to my bed less often during the rest of the week (I didn't say they stopped altogether) and Ms. R really looks forward to Fridays. This week we found America's Funniest home Videos as we were channel surfing and I paused for a minute to see what their reactions would be. They LOVED it! Their responses to the home videos made it even more amusing for me. B-Mans favorite video was of a boy riding his bike off a ramp and into a body of water (I'm still not sure why that's funny) and Ms. R's fav was of some guys driving a golf cart into a tree. Letting them stay up late Friday night came in handy Saturday night with the time springing forward - as they were both so tired they were asleep before 7:30 and had no problem waking up for church this morning (... 8:30A.M. roll call).

Snow Day

At least THEY engoyed the snow

Snow. In March. Yuck.

2:30p.m

3:30p.m. ... and it's STILL falling!

Two Days ... Sea World

Big 29

Hey! I know it's been a while, but my mom has been here visiting! I hate wasting time writing things down I could be doing them instead. Especially when i have someone to do them with!
My mom got here on the 19th (it's a tradition we started the year I moved down to Texas) so she could celebrate my birthday with us. She brought me down the most touching, fabulous gift; if you scroll a few entries back I talked about wanting one of the bowls my grump Jones had made when he was alive and how I have unsuccessfully been giving my dad hints that I want one of his. My mom read that entry - unbeknown to me, she also had one of his bowls. That she gave to me for my birthday. *Me, opening the present, sobbing*. I know to some, it's just a bowl. But to me, it's a piece of my grump. A piece of his hard work, ingenuity, intelligence and love. That I can hold onto, touch, look at ... remember a really fun man. We went out to Texas Land and Cattle because I figured I actually wanted my kids to eat. When we went out to Sushi last year, we had to stop at a McD's on the way home to feed my kids something.
I have been talking about wanting more out of my Ipod than the one I have. One that holds more songs, has more battery, can play movies, ect. I use it when I go to the gym every day - and I need that to make it through my half marathon training! I find it easier to jog six miles when I have some distraction. So, surprisingly, Jerry got me a new IPOD for my birthday (he was actually listening when I talked.... can you imagine?). One that hold movies, songs, pictures, pod casts, ect. Most excellent! I've already watched two movies on it, I love it!