Thursday January 31, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Watching Liam try to drink out of a "big person's cup".  He loves to attempt to drink out of a regular cup (I can't recall Scarlet having any real interest in this).  With each swig he thoroughly soaks himself from the chin on down and each time it catches him off guard and takes his breath away.  He looks up at me with his flirty boy side smile like he can't believe how fun this is and then laughs heartily.  Again and again he does this.  It is refreshing (truly, no pun intended) how something so simple can be crazily entertaining.   At the end of this drinking business he will throw the cup and then say only the "uh" part of "uh oh".  ('Cause he can't say "oh", I suppose.)  It makes me genuinely laugh.  And this makes me smile.

Worst Part of the Day-

I think Will-O is losing his mind.  And not in the funny sense.  

Thursday January 31, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Again with the IMP crying at the gym day care. The young girl (I say "girl" as she can't be more than 17) said to me as I come to get them "I think he might be sick." And I say "OH NO! Why - does he have a fever?" And she says "no, but he cried the whole time and has lots of boogers in his nose. And so does that one (pointing to SB)." Well honey if I didn't take them out every time they had runny noses, we would about never leave the house. So I explain to her the difference between noses running clear and running mucous colored. Sigh - who are they hiring to watch the children??

Best Part of the Day - IMP played independently for over 30 minutes! It was ... HEAVENLY. And he was happy most of the day. It was so so so so nice. Maybe I can do this for awhile longer.

Wednesday January 30, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Meeting friends for a low key evening of pizza and beer a mere 9 blocks away from my home. No shots, no madness, no partial nudity.   (Maybe next week).

Worst Part of the Day-

I am realizing only as I type that this strange feeling I have had since Monday is moderate exhaustion.  

Wednesday January 30, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Probably putting the kidz to bed for the third night in a row by myself. Husband is now in MAJOR crunch time (count with me now - two weeks until the TEST.) It just wears me out after spending the whole day with them. I can barely muster the energy to get books read by the end - so then I just let SB watch a little more video. Bad, bad, bad. If someday he can't read we can blame it all on me and my laziness.

Best Part of the Day - Finalizing plans for a G-Rap visit with fun cousins to see our G-Ma. Very, very exciting. Husband will call tomorrow to confirm call schedule is okay and then I can book it. Can't wait!!!!

Tuesday January 29, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

After completing my self-defense training course (I can barely wait to kick some potential assailant ass!)  I was in the mood to tackle some of our ever increasing home improvement projects (is that strange?).  In an hour's time, I successfully repaired our upstairs bathroom sink (clear silicone caulk is my friend) and painted the inside of a large but shallow cupboard in our kitchen with magnetic paint.  I guess it was originally an ironing board cupboard, but the last owners used it as a spice cabinet and up until now we used it to house baby bottle parts.  In an attempt to de-clutter the kitchen, I plan to have this cupboard function as a bulletin board area of sorts and coat it with all craziness that could be on a fridge:  photos, fliers, invites, phone #'s, etc.  The beauty is I can close a door to hide the madness.  

Hi-yah.  Ass kicker by day, handy woman by night.    

Worst Part of the Day-

When I saw Scarlet this morning, I was giddy to ask her where she put my contact lens and case that she had magically found for me yesterday.  She was nonplussed by this and said "I don't have it anymore."   I couldn't believe it and tried to back track.  I went into the whole bit about talking to her on the phone yesterday and how she was so excited to tell me of her "surprise" and so on and so forth..."Yeah, but that was all the way yesterday--I don't have it now."  When I asked Will-O where he must have logically put the case when he saw Scarlet with it yesterday, he admitted that he saw her holding it while we talked on the phone, but hasn't seen it since.  Sigh.  Lost again.  How you tease me, Cosmos!

Tuesday January 29, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Last night (Monday) after eating some vegetable soup and drinking a seltzer, suddenly I began to feel nauseous. I ignore this as best as can. Head to bed and sometime after midnight, I have to get up to puke (husband knocks on the door "are you all right? Yes? I'm going to sleep in the other room"). It's not a good cleansing vomit - feels like more might come so I don't sleep much this night. The next morning, I'm wondering if perhaps husband o'
mine will get up and get the kiddos? Not so much. I can get around fine, but don't feel very well. I can't imagine it was something I ate (is vegetable soup the next spinach recall? I think not.) So here's some energy out to the Universe ... PLEASE DON'T LET THE BOYZ GET THIS VOMIT THANG. I BEG OF YOU!!!!!

Best Part of the Day - As usual, I'm trying to get the kiddos out the door with minimal overheating of myself (at this rate, I won't need a coat until 2011). I whip off my slippers and slide into my Danskos. I turn around to grab whichever boy is closest and there is SB in my slippers walking across the floor. For some reason seeing him in these huge bright red (ugly) slippers cracked me up. I had to actually stop what I was doing and sit down for a good laugh.

Monday January 28, 2008

Worst Part of the Day-

I had Day #1 of a self-defense class which is mandatory for my job.  It was pretty fun to learn crazy little ways to incapacitate my potential attacker, but today's 8 hours class was followed by my normal 5 hour Monday night gig.  That's right, 13 hours, baby.  I came home with Gatorade and Pedialyte as Will-O and both kids had the relentless pukey pukes all day.  Yucky. Everyone was asleep when I arrived, but the small hill of soiled bedding and clothes let me know it was a long day for all.   

Best Part of the Day-

When I called home during lunch to check on my patients, Will-O said that he had a surprise and put Scarlet on the phone.  She was thrilled to report she had found my missing contact case.  Yippee!!  I was dying to know where she had found it, but all she would reveal was "Liam magically made it appear in one of the pots and pans."  Hmmmm.  Sounds fishy.  Still, I am pleased.

Monday January 28, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Trying to get out the door to this little toddler group was HELLISH. The young IMP and I often do not see eye to eye on baby/mother relations (he wants to be held all the time, I do not wish to hold him all the time. He wants to be entertained most of the time/I don't wish to be his 24/7 entertainer). I'm trying to get them out the door so they can play with others and have a fun, fun time (okay and so I can get them out of the house), and it is full of waterworks and whining and adorable, chubby arms raised upward in my direction (the universal tot sign for "pick my ass up"). Sigh. I was so overheated by the time we got into the car that I had to take off my coat.

Best Part of the Day - Nice long naps for both kiddos - Toddler Group will do tire 'em out like that. And a slight power nap for me! Oh how sublime. And I'm thinking of signing off here and heading to bed to read. Delish. (But we'll see if that happens - I have to walk though the playroom and kitchen, both of which could use a ten minute tidy. Maybe I can shut my eyes and run for it.)

Sunday January 27, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

After hours and hours and hours of talking about our collective issues, (we are both mui good at talking about ourselves...) Will-O and I had much positive discourse about our ten years together (oh my) and where we want to go from here.  One fabulous trait about Will-O is being able to take brutal honesty/criticism while almost never becoming defensive.  He is able to say "I was wrong" WAY faster than I could--and truly mean it.  Well, he's had plenty of practice of doing bonehead things where he is compelled to do so.  Plus, why would I say I was wrong when I don't do anything wrong?  Heh heh.  Anyhee, it truly is one of his most redeeming qualities--quite literally.  It was healthy to dish and talk and listen.  I feel both of us were able to nod our heads and smile in the in the end.   Hi five.  Let's go, Team O.

Worst Part of the Day-

Leaving our temporary studio apartment (alright, it was only a hotel suite).  We were away from the kiddos for 45 hours.  That may not be long enough.  

Sunday January 27, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Thought that the boyz would sleep in as we had them up late (relatively) last night. Nope. Then the IMP decided that he didn't really need any sort of nap today. So it was a looong day.

Best Part of the Day - Had a thoroughly enjoyable chitty chat with Cousin Kristen. But alas, alas is it all the same with the majority of marriages involving small children? I decide to let nothing get me down and when husband returns home from studying, I am extra sweet. (Also hit him with the fact that I will be gone one weekend in March and one weekend in April sans little boyz.) And we both take a moment to look at the boyz are realize that they are frustrating, infuriating, and terribly, terribly hilarious. I saw a sign yesterday that said "Boy - noise with dirt on it." Cracked me up. All is well in the household.

Saturday January 26, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Pretending I am a college student.  

I woke up naturally at 8:30am-ish.  Glanced at the clock, recalled my freedom and went back to bed.  Had strange and vivid dreams.  Woke again around 10:30am and just laid there.  Heaven. Made coffee in the hotel room and looked up movie times online.  Ventured outside to hip and vibrant State Street and saw the Jimmy Carter documentary at a fantastic independent theater.  Yeah.  Picked up vegetarian Nepalese food "to go" and headed back to the hotel for college basketball watching and more lounging.   Took a bubble bath.  Lounging aplenty.  Joined my fellow hotel guests at a free happy hour in hotel.  (How fortuitous would that have been in college?  Free beer and wine for an hour and a half.  Woo-hoo!)  

Worst Part of the Day-

Remembering I am married.  

Will-O was being a d**k, in my book.  I was highly perplexed by this as I perceived today as uber-relaxing and wonderful.  After a verbal blow-up, he tells me he is feeling "down (I will ner understand why) and nostalgic and morose".  He tells me it is partially due to him reading The Virgin Suicides (which I just gave him and is one of my favorite books and even though the title may sound macabre, the book is black comedy meets suburban myth as told via an adult recalling his 14 year-old self's perspective--gathered mostly from guess, rumor and legend. Anyway, it really isn't morose.  It's fiction.)  

Well, I stand by what I always say which is:   if you are in a bad mood, it will infinitely help your interpersonal relations if you simply adopt the principle of stating "I'm in a bad mood for other reasons...it's not you."  This will almost always work.  Except when you are on a completely responsibility-free, stress-free weekend where you are reading books, going to independent films, and watching sports to your heart's content.  Ah yes, a getaway weekend which someone else has planned for your pleasure.  Then that line will only minimally help you.

Saturday January 26, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - We are invited to a sledding party - a co-worker of husband lives close to the ski hill here in town. And they have their own sledding hill right outside of their cozy log cabin home (right out the slider doors!) So I am running around getting all the "gear" together - ski pants, ski suits, jackets, hats, gloves, extra outfits, extra socks. Then I have to get the other stuff together too - diapers, wipes, snacks, milk. Then I wake up two kiddos from naps, put their sobbing selves in the car, pack the rest of the stuff (gifts for the hosts - s'mores and Cold Duck which is STILL left over from Thanksgiving). I call husband (who is at his office studying) and pick him up. We start up the GPS system and it can't find the sattelite. Husband looks at me and states in a mean tone "You know ... If you know we're going to use this then you can turn it on when you get in the car." I say in an even nastier tone "WELL I didn't know that we were going to be using it. Am I a mind reader?" (I didn't say the mind reader part - but should have.) We get to the party and one of the other guests is REALLY angry at her husband - she actually flips him off to his face in front of everyone. This could get ugly ......

Best Part of the Day - Once at the party - things are calmer. Although still annoyed with each other, we put this aside and have fun, fun, fun! The hill is a blast - they have inner tubes and sleds. We make s'more on their outdoor fire pit. We have appetizers and chili and salad and so much more. The boyz are really, really good. Especially SB who just loves the "big kids" at the party and plays with toys and the others. After the fun day I ask my husband "are you still all tense - or can we be nice?" And he says "I just have to get through this test." Well don't we all. Let's have another count down shall we? Seventeen days (But only 15 until he actually leaves for the test.)

Friday January 25, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Leaving my parent's house after delivering the kiddos this pm.  (It is often stressful to plan and pack for both kids--food, milk, cups, bottles--let alone the necessary tons o' things for winter wear/play-- and then pack for myself, put the 90 bags in the car and actually LEAVE the house.)  

Will-O and I are taking a weekend sans children in an attempt to relax and re-kindle.   We have not been alone together for 2 days in a row since August 2006.  I was 5 months pregnant at that time and I was highly hormonal/emotional and had a TOUGH time leaving Scarlet for the 2.5 day separation.  (Yes, it is MY issue).  So here we are 16 months later--child #2 is now 13 months-old, close friend's death 9 months ago (still unbelievable) and a crazy car accident resulting in 5 months of Will-O's rehabilitation/unemployment are some of our recent stressors--I'd say we are due for a little down time.

Worst Part of the Day-

This past Wednesday I went for my yearly eye exam and was given a pair of "fancy" (my words) contact lenses to try out for a week.  I wore them all day Wednesday; liked them a lot.  Took them out that night and put them in their case on my bedside table.

The contacts--case and all--have disappeared.  I have scoured the house high and low and they are no where to be found.  Honestly I don't mind taking hours and hours to look for anything (which I swear, I did) if the end result is finally finding it.  "Ah ha!  That's where it was!  Silly me."  It is oh so satisfying to have that last piece of the puzzle.  At this point, I may never know if Liam picked them up and threw them away, or my ghost friend moved them to tease me as a blind, mortal plaything.  They are no where to be found.  Annoying.  I am bespectacled again. 

Friday January 25, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Picture this - one SB who really doesn't like to sit and sing songs is running all around the place for the entire class. This, I feel, is really no big deal. He's a little too old for this particular class, but it works well for our time frame on Fridays. However, it's really, really obvious that I have the one child who really is not participating. No one is evil about this - it's just funny to suddenly realize that YOU have the kiddo who is kind of distracting. Anyways, it's the end of class and I get SB into the lobby area (it's really just one big room). I smell something and wonder who has the stinky kid. Then I realize that I have the stinky kid. Meanwhile, there is another class right after ours with younger tots. The teacher brings out toys for the little ones and (thankfully) locks the baby gate into the play area. So I'm gathering the diapers and wipes for SB when I see him trying to scale the baby gate to get to those TOYS. Please note that the restrooms are across the play area. Then I look at IMP and I think "what can I do here?" I can:
a. take SB and IMP across the floor (but will have to carry one under each arm)
b. carry SB across the floor and ask someone to watch the IMP (but all the other mothers are about out the door)
c. take SB and his poopy pants right home (two minute trip) and change him
OH WAIT - can't do c as the cleaning lady is there and so we need to waste some time at the grocery store.
d. Put boyz in the car and change SB as soon as we get to the grocery store.

So I can't decide - I'm frozen with indecision. I HATE to sit him down with a drrrrty diaper. Then then SB starts whining and still trying to scale the baby gate. The IMP is watching it all with thumb in mouth. So I scoop both boyz up, dress a CRYING SB in his coat and head out the door. We make it to the grocery store and go directly to the bathroom .... change up a compliant (thank GOD) SB and go about our business. Man - how bad to put him in the car with the drrrty diaper. But I still think I made the best choice for the situation.

Best Part of the Day - Trekked to Manchester to do a return at the mall there while the boyz were snug at home with the babysitter. Used my new GPS system (didn't get lost - minor miracle) and chatted with college friend Heather on the telephone earpiece. I am now (technologically) up to the year 2000.

Thursday January 24, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Touring Elm Creative Arts School.  Terribly exciting.  The lobby looks like an atrium in a modern art museum--then you hear way too many kids laughing for a museum.  On top of the basic school stuff the weekly curriculum includes gym, art, music, (hey, these are not offered at some schools anymore) dance, Suzuki violin, foreign language, drama--each grade puts on a theatrical production once a month--how fun is that?  On top of all this, starting in grade 4 they have screenwriting/play writing and film production.  Sounds kinda arty, right? Just how I like it. 

It's our top pick.  Finally something Will-O and I can agree on.  We find out yay or nay in March.  If Scarlet doesn't get in maybe I'll enroll myself.

Worst Part of the Day-

Thursday night "club" (tres elite--3 members--we drink, we discuss) canceled due to freezing cold, a business trip, and a child who hasn't eaten a stitch all day.

Thursday January 24, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - SO the babysitter can't come on Thursdays any longer due to a change in her school schedule. So I had to (gasp!) take the kiddos to the gym for this TNT class I am obsessed with. I get them settled and go to the class. The SB only cried out for about a minute and then (as reported to me) happily played the rest of the time. The IMP! OH the little one is adverse to new enviros. He cried off and on the entire hour of the TNT class. When I came to get him - his little face was streaked with crying. But we will have to solider on here - there's good in learning to deal with change.

Best Part of the Day - The tension of the household is gone. Here's how it went away:

Me (to husband): "I think we've had some miscommunications lately and I'm sorry about that."

Pause, pause, pause, pause, pause.

Him (to me): "I'm sorry too."

BREAKTHROUGH - oh how far we've come. And it only took him a hour to actually be okay with it all (prior this could take days. That Germanic stubbornness). This evening we were relaxed and normal and happy as too people who really have nothing to complain about should be. And both of us were extra kind and nice to each other. But let's begin the countdown to his test, shall we? It's Feb. 13 ... and it is weighing heavily on his mind.

*** Also - SB said clearly "up" when we were playing in the bath this evening. Cool. Then (of course) IMP said it clearly as well.

Wednesday January 23, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Researching elementary schools with Will-O this afternoon.  It was more exciting than I would have thought to read up on the various schools and sift through what would be the best fit for our (relatively) soon to be Kindergarten girl.  (There are some fantastic schools from which to apply--that is cool.)  We will take three tours tomorrow.  

Worst Part of the Day-

I was a few minutes late to pick Scarlet up from preschool as I was being completely hosed by a new resident in our facility.  I was trying to squeeze in an admission before leaving (which is normally doable).  This girl A.) would not stop talking about nonsense, yet was not answering any of my questions.  B.)  she was telling complete B.S. when she was yapping away  C.)  I was buying all of it.

I let her quite literally shed tears on my shoulder as she disclosed (she never tells anyone these things...) her 7 pregnancies resulting in 1 child now who was adopted immediately--she never got to hold him.   She is 17, mind you.  And this was just the beginning of story after story.  As I walked out of the room feeling thoroughly compassionate and dedicated to my work, I passed my supervisor in the hall who casually mentioned "A lot of histrionics, right?  Did I tell you she is a pathological liar?"  Oooooo.  I've been had.  Golden Globe, baby.  

Wednesday January 23, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - There is major tension (still) in the household. I think my husband is being an a-hole. But then again, I think I'm being an a-hole. Weirdly, we are both being very polite. Strange'.

Best Part of the Day - I got the boyz out after ONE WEEK of being cooped up in the house. They were delirious with joy at the Gymboree. We stayed for over two hours! It's kind of loosey goosey there as they had to close two other locales and merge - so there are tons of classes, but not many attendees. The class right after ours features one girl named Haley who is 2.8 years old. You would think she is 5. No joke - her speech is perfect, she is in the 99% in height, and when she throws a slight age appropriate tantrum I always think "man, why is she acting like that?" Then I have to re-adjust. But SB has a total kid-crush on her. Whatever she does, he does. She likes to lay under the parachute with her legs in the air. SB watches this and then does the exact same thing. It cracks me up. SB just looks at her like she is the coolest thang around. Haley's mom is also a teacher at Gymboree so she always encourages me to stay. We got home around 11:35 - the IMP could barely keep his eyes open. Got lunches together and both were in bed by just after noon. And both slept until 3 p.m. Ta Da!

Tuesday January 22, 2008

Worst Part of the Day-

These days Tuesday nights are to be Tae Kwon Do nights for Scarlet and me.  My mom wanted to come and witness our lesson (perhaps more so she could gather material for "funny Scarlet stories" to tell her buds.)  Tonight I had Scarlet put the uniform on at home so we could avoid the locker room shenanigans--she is really into locker rooms--picking out a locker, opening it over and over, putting her belongings in one by one as she declares what is going in:  "now my scarf, here are my socks..."--the whole process takes many, many minutes.  Not great when we are rushing to join a class that's starting in one minute.  

Even with the uniform on, Scarlet was still allured by the dank little locker room tonight.  She said she needed to store her pink and completely empty backpack in there.  I instructed her to not go in.  She started to whine.  I told her sternly "it's time for the class."  She started to freak.  Sassiness is soooo not a part of the Tae Kwon Do deal.  I said would we have to leave if she was going to act inappropriately.  She could not pull it together.  We had to excuse ourselves.  All dressed up and no where to go.

She fell asleep on the way home.

Best Part of the Day-

I got to skip Tae Kwon Do!  Just kidding.

Scarlet made me a "valentine" that says "hi mom" in her preschool scrawl.  It's pretty cool. Plus, it's my first valentine of the season.  (She also drew Will-O a picture of a cat and it is seriously far better than I could do right now).  

Tuesday January 22, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - This morning I awoke at the usual 6 a.m. hour waiting for one of the two boyz to cry out (they usually take turns - I swear! It's almost every other day one will wake up just after 6 a.m.). I heard the little one (IMP) for a moment and then nothing more. So I wait and wait and hear .... nothing. And I lay there - fully awake. Just waiting. I think "I should shower." But I just wait. I can't fall back asleep, so I just wait. Then at 7:06 a.m. (OKAY so maybe I dozed off a little), I hear both boyz almost in unison babbling and kicking and yelling out. Man - I wish I could have just slept through until then. Bummer.

Best Part of the Day - The babysitter arrived at 3:00 p.m. Then the dude arrived to fix the dryer arrived at 3:05 p.m. (the timer won't work - and it's even still under warranty - amazing!) I leave minutes later with nothing to really do until my 4:45 TNT class. I pop into Old Navy to return some thangs and discover ... cashmere sweaters on supersale for $32. I love me some cashmere, so I picked up a bunch. At the register, they come up as $16! Using my stellar math skills, I realize it's 50% off. Wowsers. Such a deal.

Monday January 21, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

1.  Finding $38 in a purse I haven't used in months.  There were mostly singles, too, so it seemed like I stumbled upon an old mob stash.  I'm rich!

2.  Played in Hollywood set-like snow with Scarlet this evening.  It was non-stop snowing huge, light flakes and it was somehow insulating because it felt like a balmy 35 degrees.  It was only 7:45 pm, but Scarlet thought it was crazy to be "out playing in the middle of the night".  God bless it. 

Worst Part of the Day-

Poor me as I am still a'working at this midnight hour.  I did get to teach my health class early today as there was no school due to MLK jr.'s day and all, so in theory that should have shaved hours off my day.  Somehow no.  It continues to be a winter wonderland in these parts, so after work I shoveled our walk and our next door neighbor's (who is a dear and a delight and in her 80's; it is seriously takes mere minutes more and kind of fun to be so gol darn neighborly).  After getting the kiddos in bed, I paid a bunch of bills and did some organizing, but as I sit here now I have penetrating thoughts of "there is so much I must do!"  I am really too tired to bathe my bad self right now, let alone work.  Sleeepppy.

Monday January 21, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - The family has been cooped up. The husband has been cooped up studying. The boyz have been cooped up with their never ending colds. And, I - oh I am just trying to hold it all together. So tempers are high and no one feels very jolly. Sigh. Maybe tomorrow I can get these boyz outta here.

Best Part of the Day - While grocery shopping, I had a most excellent chat with my college pal Jill. Although I looked like a Sybil-type due to my new tres nerdy earpiece - it was crystal clear and I could lift the jugs o' milk without missing an iota of the talk. We have a plan to chit chat once per month, and so far, so good. It's so nice to be back in touch with her! It made a pleasant ending to the day.

Sunday January 20, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Eating this homemade chocolate cream cheese muffin as I type.  Oh my.  I feel like that lame cartoon character Kathy who moans in ecstasy while eating chocolate and says things like "this tastes so good it can't be legal".

I'm gonna have another.

Worst Part of the Day-

How do I put this?  We had a small gathering to watch the Packer playoff game.  7 adults and 5 children total.  I love every single one of the guests.  The kids ran around and around and around.  (Which is a good thing).  The not so good part that was the wrestling, getting injured, falling down, screaming, crying, blaming and then of course, the "I don't like you anymore" bit and then more tears because of hearing those words.  Whew.  Not a ton of listening and truly a lot of weeping--from mostly my child, alas--for 6 hours.  I think it is normal kid stuff, but sheesh.  I feel like an 80 year-old man who wants to shout "Quiet!!!  Now go do a puzzle. Without talking."  

Instead I'll eat another chocolate cream cheese muffin.

Sunday January 20, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I was sooo excited to have darling husband come home and tell him that it was ON for a Jacksonville wedding sans kiddos (my parents will come to babysit). Looking back, perhaps it was not the best time to demand he come up with a time schedule as he is walking in the door from seven straight hours of studying trying to get to a DVR'd Patriots/Chargers game. So miscommunication ensues and voices begin to be raised. But then we both calmly step away as one of the children enter the room in innocent wonderment of drama. I'm still pissy about it though - I ask you, how can I be proactive and organized when dealing with a stalemate?

Best Part of the Day - The SB was a doll today. I witnessed him gently patting IMP's head twice, he also offered several toys directly to the IMP, he listened when I told him not to do things several times, he tried cucumbers and salad, he kissed dad goodnight (usually very stingy with smooches, will receive but not give), and then went to sleep without a peep. Simply adorable!

Saturday January 19, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet has been in manic whiny mode so it was muzac to my ears when she was invited to a play date and then dinner with her "cousin" (really my cousin's son) Cale.  She was gone from the hours of 3pm-9pm.  Good cleansing breath.  

I was doubly pleased to hear the report that she was on her best behavior the entire time Excellent manners during dinner and entertained her fellow diners with her comedic one liners and banter that make grown ups chuckle.  "Did she just say THAT?!"  Ha ha ha ha.

And somehow no whining.  Thank heavens.   

Worst Part of the Day-

It was literally 1 degree Fahrenheit today.   I took Scarlet to the hardware store to find something caulk or adhesive-related to attempt to fix a bathroom sink that is pulling away from the wall.  

So we ran our errand "just the girls", as she says, in this ridiculous cold.  We were efficient in finding what I thought we needed.  As soon as we returned home we went to work.  She was holding and I was caulking.  Scarlet loves to help so was pleased as punch to repeat how "the girls" were getting things done and fixing the house.  Look at us!

Well, well.  Somehow it didn't do the job.  I need to let Scarlet know that "the girls" need to find someone who knows how to do this type of (I'm sure quite basic) task.  

Saturday January 19, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I ascribe to a schedule in regard to the children. Just from reading that sentence you probably are thinking, what a psycho - but it's total self preservation. If you asked "oh what time do your boyz go to bed?" I could launch into a brief bedtime synopsis - dinner at 6 p.m., baths at 6:18 p.m., video for IMP at 6:30 p.m., bedtime for IMP at 7:00 p.m., video for SB at 7:00 p.m., six books for SB at 7:30 p.m., bedtime at 7:48 p.m. You may think "whoa, overly anal and organized." Unfortunately I'm neither, I just need to know when I'm done. Anyways, Saturdays usually consist me going to the gym in the morning and then taking both boyzs to the local Gymboree for some good ol' fashioned "let's tire the sam hill out of them". Since both boyz noses are running (quite amazingly, really, if you are into very thick green snot) and they sound as if they are going to make me go on a Marlboro Red run, we could not leave the house. I did get in the yoga class and thank GOD because ... well ... the SCHEDULE WAS THROWN ALL TO HELL. Deep, deep breathing now. In through the nose, out the mouth. Now this has not happened in months because the activities keep us on track. So when IMP wanted to take a nap at 10:45 a.m. (and by this I mean he could not keep his head up or his eyes open), I had to lay that kiddo down. I won't bore you with my morning schedule, but needless to say we were waaaay off. And so I had no break from kiddos the entire day and both are still under the weather and feeling cooped up I am sure. It was kind of a bummer for all of us. I mean how am I supposed to watch my DVR'd shows if they won't nap simultaneously?

Best Part of the Day - Does red wine and chocolate count? Good.

Friday January 18, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

1.  After my half-buzzed shift of home care nurse, I figured out Will-O was taking his pain medication ER, not IR.  Ah ha.  I am slow.  ER is of course extended release and IR is immediate release.  Extended release really does nothing for acute pain.  (He thought they were the same as they were the same name and milligrams...easy mistake).  Also, he had received a local given anesthetic to numb the knee which fooled him into thinking he had no pain--all day.  When that wore off...eek.  

2.  Liam--in all his gushy, drooly, smiley baby ways.  I looooove him.  Today (and most) he laughed and played and napped and ate--so gol diggity easy!  (I better watch my mouth).

3.  One of the girls at the residential treatment facility was being discharged today.  She came in to say goodbye.  She came to the facility months ago, perhaps September.   When she came to us she was riddled with anxiety and insecurity;  she couldn't speak without sobbing or shaking. She had been a drug addict since age 10 and did drugs with her parents!!!  She had recently given birth to a somehow health baby girl.  Today she was calm, centered, well-spoken, assured. Well, sober. Rehabilitation has occurred.  She said "I just wanted to tell you that you saved my life."  It's true, we did.  We hugged and I wished her luck.  She said "I just can't stop smiling--I've never been this happy."  I believe it.  

One down, millions to go.

Worst Part of Day-

Scarlet will not cease the whining today.  I thought we were done with all this!!!  Perhaps she is in her Neo-Whine Period.  It is hard to take.  

If she asks for a a juice and I tell her "no" her response should not be to throw her head back and shrill "whhhhhyyyyyy?"  We've gone through the accepted responses:  "oh well" (the one I preach), "aw man" (the one I practice) and "that's a bummer"  (makes me laugh).   No whining is accepted.  No asking why.  I'm getting hard core.  (I may lose it.)

Friday January 18, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - The family dog, Clarence, is a gentle beast (part Great Dane/part Chocolate Lab), until the doorbell rings. Then he is an insane beast who jumps, barks and slobbers on you no matter if you are a "dog person" or not. This dog has been quite a bit for me - in fact, I really didn't want to get him. I was ten weeks pregnant with the first child when our BELOVED Border Collie died. I thought that it was a good time to not have a dog as the baby was due in September and we would be moving the following June. However, I did not expect to be sucker punched by a normally stoic husband who was cuddled up with the dead dog's collar muttering "nothing makes me feel better except going to the pound and looking at the dogs." So there I was taking home Clarence against my better judgement. And it has been trying to say the least. However, Clarence's best feature and one redeeming quality is that the babies can do ANYTHING to him and he just sits there. I've witnessed one of them poking his eye socket (I did put a stop to it) and he just sat there. The pull ears, pull his mouth, sit on him ... no reaction. Anyway, after much neglect to this poor animal we (oh wait, ME) finally got him a vet appointment. Turns out our beast has Lyme Disease!!! There is a vaccination for this - but I had NO idea! But I guess that canines can carry the disease and only a small percentage will show actual symptoms. Still. Poor guy. Here's hoping he's one of the lucky to not show the symptoms. Makes me feel bad.


Best Part of the Day - We went to dinner for IMP's first birthday. Both boyz were PERFECT (although SB didn't eat much - he is still not feeling well). IMP enjoyed grilled cheese, fries, dad's clam chowder and then a hot fudge sundae. He used the spoon for awhile until he figured out it was faster with his hands. It was an easy, low key, and dare I say, relaxing, birthday dinner.

Thursday January 17, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Meeting out Cousin Sarah and Friend Tom at Hooligan's this pm...reminded me of my previous life on the good ol' east side--yummy Bloody Mary's and way too late of nights.  (Watched M.U. get killed, but it was still fun).  Covered a range of topics from standard bar fare to vastly inappropriate.  Shenanigans.  I may or may not be typing slightly buzzed...

Worst Part of Day-

Will-O had his last surgical procedure from the car accident this morning.  He had the temporary hardware removed from his knee cap fracture and had long-term stuff put in (technically speaking).  He went in at 5am and I picked him up close to 1pm.  An outpatient procedure as they say.  He was chipper and jolly all afternoon.  We were both glad to be done with the surgeries from his accident!!  Hurrah.  He was not in pain--it was miraculous.  I made lunch, he ate heartily; he made dinner for the whole fam and we all ate to our hearts' content.  I put Liam down at 7pm and he demanded "you go out--we're fine."  I left at 7:30pm and all family members were nestled in their beds.  

I received a call from Billy near midnight saying he was in a ton of pain and the meds weren't helping.  He said to hurry home because he needed help.  I felt terrible to be in a loud bar chatting about silly things like porn and "motor boats".  I rushed home to find him really in bad shape.  I gave him medicine and an ice pack and water and massaged him for awhile.  I still feel bad that I left...

Thursday January 17, 2008

Worst Part of Today - You know those ads for diet pills? The ones with the before and after photos of the same person? The before photo always shows the person as a pasty, slouchy, love handeled, flabby thighed type. I tried on a bathing suit at Target today. Man, did I look like a "before". I couldn't stare too long though - I read somewhere that teenage boys run the security cameras in stores and I didn't want to give them too bad a scare.

Best Part of the Day - IMP's birthday is today!!! We made it one year. And I'll tell you - the year was not easy. There were times I thought we might just have to give him back. The IMP cried for about the first four months and to this day has moments of the "nothing is wrong, so why is he weeping?". But he is also a hilarious show off, freakishly strong and outrageously coordinated. And OH - the big blue eyes. He takes a while to warm up to new places, but once he's comfortable, there is no stopping him. He's also very snuggly which I think is an excellent attribute in a bebe. So here's to the IMP! MANY, MANY happy returns little one.

Wednesday January 16, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

The definite highlight of the day was watching Scarlet on the evening news.  Her preschool was making Valentines' for the soldiers in Iraq and Fox 6 was on the scene.  Interestingly Scarlet has been on t.v. 3 times in her 4 years and the first time was exactly 1 year ago when Fox 6 came to her preschool to do the exact same bit.   Last year she manhandled her way onto camera basically pushing a classmate aside to correct the reporter "we're not making Valentines' for the soldiers--they're for the TROOPS!"   

This time Scarlet must have comprehended that not all kids are on the news--at least not every day.  The whole family was giddy as we crammed together to wait and wait and finally scream "there you are!"  Liam knew something was up and kept clapping and saying "yay!"  Fun, fun, fun.

Worst Part of the Day-

Right after preschool, but before her television appearance, Scarlet ran upstairs claiming to need to use the bathroom.  She came down in record time with the entirety of her bangs lopped off.  All.  To the scalp.  Another 10 second amateur haircut (she's done this once before.)  It looks a bit like Charlize Theron's character in Monster.  Very late '80's dyke-ish--spiky top with long sides.  I simply ask her where she found the scissors and iterated why little girls cannot cut their own hair, blah, blah, blah.  Without responding "ok, mom" or "I know" or "I'm sorry", she plainly says "Well now you can see my baby blues!   And I don't need any barrettes." Yeah well...

Billy walked in an hour later and didn't notice.  When I hinted to him to take notice of "something different in her forehead area",  you could see the recognition in his face and then with a smile he said "I love it, Scarlet.  You did a good job."  

Sigh.  I can see her baby blues.   

Wednesday January 16, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Is the horse dead yet? I'm still beating away. Both kids are sick. Both have the snottiest noses (constant running) and heartwrenching coughs. IMP sounds like he's a three pack a day smoker. Pobrecitos.

Best Part of the Day - That it is NOT January 16, 2007. On that date we had just closed on our house, I was three days from my due date for IMP, and the movers were to show up on January 17, 2007 early in the morning. I think back and SHUDDER. The moving, the ten month pregnant feel, the 16 month old to care for, the 15 degree temperature, the HOPE I didn't go into labor before the moving got done (I did make a check list for my mom who was in to help just in case). I think back on one year ago and am SO GLAD to not be there!!! And isn't that nice to be pleased where you are (even if it is because the one year past was so HELLISH.)

Tuesday January 15, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet and I went out to eat after our second Tae Kwon Do class.  How novel to be able to go to a public place and relaxingly hang with my daughter.  No tantrums, no tears.  She is a full-on kid now.  She picked out the booth, carried the drinks and went to get napkins.  Each time she said, "Don't worry--I got it, Mom."  This is a welcome change from what would have happened one year ago.  (Well, we wouldn't have gone 1 year ago as I was still recovering from PTSD as a result of  her 15 month-old to 3.5 year-old self).

Worst Part of the Day-

Going to Tae Kwon Do was a little depressing.  First off, I was 1 hour early for the class because I read the schedule wrong (my land, I studied that thing for minutes, too!)  I walked around in my 4 sizes too big crisp uniform realizing there are so many rules (which is why kids do well, I suppose):  bow to the flags, no idle chat, talk in low tones, count in Korean, say Pil-Sung to all black belts.  Oh mylanta.  I started to get the sinking feeling that this is just another one of the crazy things I try and do not stick to...ballroom dance, various yogas, kick boxing, watercolor.   The realization that I am a bit of a slacker when it comes to classes really hit me tonight. (What can I do?  My rebellious nature makes me want to skip, skip skip all classes--even classes I enjoy!  It's not normal.)  I simply want to be fluent in Spanish without studying for years and yeah, I'll admit it--I want to be a black belt (without following all these darn rules).    I'm going to force myself  to enjoy this process.  At least for 6 months (because I already paid for it.)

Pil-Sung!  

Tuesday January 15, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Oh the little IMP is sick. Not really sick - just a (continued) cold with congestion and cough (sounds like a commercial). He's les miserables (petite style). Poor sweet. But alas - he is not being so sweet. He's acting like a sick one year old -which is to say he is moaning, whining, pouting and tearing up at the slightest glance or happenstance. Baby Tylenol is helping somewhat. But only time can cure this one.

Best Part of the Day - I'll have to say that today did have a couple of good points. The babysitter came a hour early (to make up for yesterday). Old Navy was having a MEGA sale and I got some (future and present) jackets for the boyz for (literally) dollars. Cousin Kristen and I had a most excellent and funny chit chat. AND my TNT (that's Tight n' Toned people) class was filled with old Michael Jackson faves (PYT, Rock with You) - man he was good! I remember staring at this very photo for hours. Oh Michael! I would have Rocked with you!! But not so much now.

Monday January 14, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Today I rid the home of almost all chemical-laden plastic containers:  kids dishes, sippy cups, even the ever-useful Glad containers that I love.   (More of my New Years' plan).  Plastics with #'s 1, 2 or 5 are thought to be ok--just look in the little recycle triangle on the bottom--throw away plastic #3 and 7 as they are known baddies.

I must admit that Arnold Schwarzenegger (yes, I had to look up that spelling) has done some darn good things as Gov'na.  (That's right, I'm saying it.  Though I still think he's a handsy Austrian.)  I enjoyed reading awhile ago that he had made staff members turn off lights when they weren't using rooms in the capitol.  I love it--common sense.

I am soooo for the couple of bills he has passed banning harmful chemicals in kids toys, baby products, etc.  I always thought it was a joke when toy commercials would gleefully claim "and it's non-toxic!"  Well, duh--it's a child's toy.  What kind of deranged company would make toys toxic?  Oh yeah, American-owned ones.  But it seems only Schwarz. has taken steps to pass bills to regulate the selling of toys that can cause illness.  Right on.  Maybe it's his Euro background 'cause I believe all of Europe and many other countries have already banned this type of thing, but only one U.S. state.  Ho hum.

Sorry to blab.  Check out:  www.environmentcalifornia.org and look for children's health for more.  And get cleaning.  It's for the kids!

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O and I are having issues.    

Monday January 14, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - THE FREAKIN SNOW!!! It ruined all my plans. I couldn't get the kiddos out to Toddler Group (a hour and a half of letting them sing, dance, snack and play with other kiddos that is three minutes from my home and makes them o so happy and tired. It last right up to lunch time. Purrrrfect.). So the morning was loooong. Then the babysitter (who comes from 3 -5 on Mondays) called to cancel because of the roads. So I had to reschedule the dog's vet appt (isn't it glam to have all this free time with the babysitter?). The babies had lunch/nap early because of all the crabbiness that comes with being stuck inside!!!

Best Part of the Day - Darling, darling husband arranged for a co-worker's husband to come over and snow blow our driveway, mail area and path to front porch. BONUS - he brought his two daughters who entertained SB and IMP for a hour. The driveway is clear, the mailbox is clear (we know THAT needs to happen) and the path is clear. Plus the afternoon flew by with the help of his daughters making SB laugh. Ahhhhhhhhhh - bliss!!!

Sunday January 13, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Must rest.  Getting ready for bed at 7:45pm:  I'm in the flannels, robe, rag wool socks and scrunchy--very '93.  

A funny quip from this morning:  Scarlet informed me she was planning her 5 year-old birthday party (for October, mind you...I do believe she starts her party planning about this time of year).  She stated that she is interested in Chuck E. Cheese where "a kid can be a kid".  As I guessed she must have just seen a commercial for this to spout out the hooky motto and all, I asked her to expound on why Chuck E. Cheese as opposed to other establishments.  She said plainly "well you can relax and I can play--they take care of it all."  God love her.  

Worst Part of the Day-

Perhaps Scarlet is overtired today.  She is soooo not listening.  She is animated and trying to be funny at all times, but the jokester thing is getting to me today.  Needing to tell her things over and over and over is truly trying my patience.  (This could be more than partially due to the fact that I was the second to last person to leave the after bar party...what were we thinking?!  I really wasn't drinking, but I walked in the house at 5:40 this morn--zoinks.)  Tae Kwon Do, I am counting on you to do your centuries old thing with listening skills.  Let's do this.  

Sunday January 13, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Probably from about 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. IMP has a slight cold and you would think he had emphysema (she said with no trace of maternal instinct). 2.4 year old is amusing himself by running his play car into the dog. Chaos ensues. Much crying, snotting and general misery.

Best Part of the Day - It was a rough morning. The 2.4 year old "checked" his little brother once (put in the corner in "time out" by mom), twice (put in the corner in "time out" by mom), and thrice (put in the corner in "time out" by DAD who is not f*&king around anymore.) He is wanting to spank, I say no. So after the trauma and drama - we sat down and had a compromise. I did see that 2.4 year old "got it" when dad put him in time out. There was a marked difference in 2.4 year old demeanor during dad's time out. I can't be so gentle (maybe his borderline laughing should have clued me in). That is hard - but I (hope) it will pay off in the long run. So the good part was parents talking things through during a stressful time .... I think with just a tiny push from either one of us, it could have turned into a verbal smack down. However, I hope this ends soon.

Saturday January 12, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will happen soon as I am leaving the house to meet a friend in a few minutes--yes, in a relaxed social setting. With alcohol.  How terribly exciting!!  I will either be out for and hour OR be the last to leave the afterbar party.  Heh heh.  

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O had about 5 guys over to watch the Packer playoff game.  Even though I was not involved with this gathering (hosting, planning--o.k. I didn't even know this was to occur...), somehow I ran around watching the kids, making meals, getting drinks and cleaning (and even vacuuming an huge tin of popcorn that was spilled) while others milled about, watched and cheered.  How the hell did that happen?  The interesting part of this is that I don't perceive Will-O to be an active part of the problem today--it is simply how it went down.  Huh.  I am too pooped to analyze it now.

Saturday January 12, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Okay, this is outrageously lame. But it's nice to know that there are some good days where not much goes wrong. I've been watching Freaks and Geeks and was supposed to have received the season finale today. But there is somehow a "short wait" for it, and (gasp!) I received another movie instead. So I had to (gasp with me now) actually read during the kiddos naps. Poor ole me. And the book I'm reading is kind of dumb. I want to get 'er done and back to the library. Man, I should be writing a book!

Best Part of the Day - Without any prior conversation .... husband o' mine got up with 2.4 year old (first one up) and then got IMP out of bed as well. So delish to sleep in. And then I briefly made an appearance with quick kisses in the general direction of the young ins' as dad fed them breakfast and I ran out the door to my 8:15 yoga class. Ahhhhh - Namasté indeed. The Light of God in me recognizes that you are trying your best to help and therefore you rock and will receive many blessings (and possibly even a back rub).

Friday January 11, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Playing with the kiddos.  How fun it is to simply play (also part of my New Years plan)...and hear the hearty belly laughs and shrieks of delight of the kids.  At least two people think I am seriously funny.  

Worst Part of the Day-

It's Murphy's Law that the one morning Will-O is gone both kids wake 1 1/2 hours earlier than usual.  Arrrrrrgh.  Extra worse as I stayed up til 1 am watching my beloved FNL.    

Friday January 11, 2007

Worst Part of the Day - So 2.4 year old has picked up the nasty little habit of "checking" (think hockey) his little brother. He usually does this while the little one is walking in front of him, but will also do it right to his face. 2.4 year old's hands are at his side and he uses just his chest to knock the little on to the floor. Now this is done because falling is very funny. He has a big smile on his face and laughs as the little one falls. So at least it's not malicious, but very annoying just the same. We're at Zero Tolerance on this - meaning every time we see it, there is a time out. We're at Gymboree this morning and he does it to the little brother once, but then not again. However, at the end of the class when they are all running under the parachute (OH how amazing that is EVERY SINGLE TIME), the 2.4 year old purposely checks a little girl named Ruby. There is a slight collective gasp. I yank him out of there to the lobby. He is non-plussed. I am unclear as to how to convey to this child that this is wrong. We're working on it.

Best Part of the Day - Got to go out on a date. Left at 6 p.m. (so didn't have to feed or bathe or dress children for bed). Went to a movie (Golden Compass) and dinner (Hermanos). So much FUN!! Great conversation and a relaxed time (Please note that I did stick it to husband regarding "planning." And that was fun too.)

Thursday January 10, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

My husband (will call Will-O in this blog) left for Chicago for 1.5 days.  Ahhh, some space por moi.  To not sound like suuuch a beeeyatch, Will-O has been home bound for MONTHS after being hit by a drunk driver this past September (on his birthday, no less).  He broke 5 bones and suffered some soft tissue injuries.   So he has one more surgery next week and really is doing well with his recovery.  

So tonight I can spread out and do what I wish...Friday Night Lights--here I come.

Worst Part of the Day-

I have stated how much I love my job.  I work with "at risk" teenage girls.  They used to be called "wayward girls" years ago.  I now know they are simply girls who have wayward parents. Today I had to give counseling to a very sweet, smart, screwed up kid who recently disclosed her father has been having sex with her weekly for years.   (And I shook this man's hand when she first came to our facility...)  The majority of girls we work with have been sexually abused by a family member, so this is not terribly shocking (albeit abhorrent, maddening, vomit-inducing).  The kicker is that this girl stated today "I don't know if I can press charges, because then I will have no one.  He's still my dad and I love him and I want him in my life."  Ummmm. Whoa.   As humans we do whatever we have to do for what we view as acceptance and love.  

Thursday January 10, 2008

Best Part of the Day -
"I'm having trouble managing the mansion. What I need is a wife." Governor Ella Grasso

I was an efficiency machine today. And I was a nice one - like Arnold in T2. The babysitter was perfectly on time. I got gas for the car and Diet Pepsi on sale on the way to workout. There was even this car parked in my way and I didn't freak out. I just re-entered the gas station and found the owner and asked him to move it. And everyone in the little gas station was so nice and friendly. OH my. After the workout, I:

1. Mailed two packages and picked up a package at the post office (due to the non-delivery of my mail for five days)
2. Picked up dry cleaning (not for me, of course. These days I would never wear something I thought could be ruined by water and soap.)
3. Returned two pairs of little boy boots to LL Bean (2.4 year old would not put his feet in them).
4. Went produce/hoity toity grocery shopping at the nice grocery store
5. Returned a bag full o' clothes to Target
6. Went low brow shopping at Wal-Mart
7. Recycled all my plastic bags at Wal-Mart

I was cheerful and chatty and felt very satisfied with my errands. Even realizing that I was (truly) channeling Ginny (my mom), it didn't stop my pleasure with the minor victory over my to do list.

Worst Part of the Day - I hate to end on a bad note ... but it follows in the timeline. I get done with the last of the errands and head home. The babysitter has been with the boyz from 8:30 a.m. to noon. I arrive home, grab some grocery bags and walk through the door to find ....... some type of granola bar ALL over the kitchen floor. Seems 2.4 year old had thrown it all over and the babysitter was making him pick it up. Fine. But where is the kid? Oh she had put him up in bed for a time out. Okay .... but then why had she not finished cleaning? I mean no way that he can hold a broom and dustpan or work the vacuum which is the ONLY way this stuff is going to disappear. I agree with him cleaning part of it up, but then it is the adults turn. Not to mention that this is not just one throw of food - it looks like ten throws. I check on they boy and he is asleep. Clearly she was not going to clean this up!!!! After she leaves, I get out the broom and dustpan and then out comes my vacuum cleaner (which I do live for - but maybe not so much at that moment). I wonder, should a babysitter be this frustrating? Must ask others and find out.

Wednesday January 9, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I am now a white belt.  Scarlet and I started Tae Kwon Do today and it feels good.  I love the principles of martial arts and have always been interested in trying.  I became fascinated when I saw an add in our local parenting magazine.  It said something along the lines of "Do you want your child to listen to you on the first time?  Do you want to double your child's concentration while you get a work-out?"  I say good marketing and yes, yes and yes.  Plus, the outfits are pretty cool.   And you really do say "hi-yah!"  Who knew?  

Worst Part of the Day-

Going to a spookily popular mall (every single day it is jam packed) to return some clothes I have recently purchased.   Yes, of course I have the receipt.  Yes, I have the items.  No I cannot return the items, the clerk states.  Because I don't have my driver's license!   I purposely left my wallet in the car in a conscious effort to not be tempted to buy extraneous gadgets or those crazy/cheap/cute clothes at Forever 21.  (Seriously, the most fun and hip sweatshop clothes on the planet=Forever 21.)   Alas.  I am not sure what a driver's license has to do with returning clothes, but it didn't happen.  

Wednesday January 9, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - My sweet 2.4 month old has decided to become a 2.4 year old. Sigh. Please let this be a short phase. He is ramming his little scooter into the furniture and the walls, "checking" (think hockey) his little brother so he falls, tossing his new "computer" to the floor, flinging yogurt all over the floor when I leave the kitchen for one minute, not wanting us to brush his teeth (when just two days ago he had noooo problem with it). It is trying my patience and my sanity.

Best Part of the Day - Probably putting the 2.4 year old to bed.

Tuesday January 8, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

My job is fantastic as I can make my own hours (aside from my mandatory marathon Monday eves).  So Tuesdays I plan to take Scarlet (4 years) to preschool from 8am to 1pm.  It is 2 minutes from where I work.  My plan is then to work from 8-ish to 11 and then shop, run errands, pedicure, whatev.  Liam is to be home with Billy during this time.  This is all new since the New Year if it seems odd that I am speaking in "my plan is to..." 

Today I worked diligently from 8-10:30am and then went to get a massage.  Ahhh. 

I have been going to a massage therapist named Carol for a few months as I had a crazy kink deep in my right neck that would come every month or so and give me what I call "painful robot neck".  From my point of view, Carol is a magician of sorts and whatever she does helps me greatly.   She would say that she listens to one's body and incorporates energy work, chakra therapy and cranial sacral into her massages.  Don't be fearful of the new agey words--it works.

Worst Part of the Day-

Let's continue the timeline of the day:

I pick Scarlet up around 1pm.  It takes here awhile to leave her preschool 'cause she loves it so. After much stalling and hugging all the kids she will see tomorrow, we leave around 1:35 and rush home to meet my brother Mike who is moving to Portland, OR today.  His flight is this evening and he and my dad are stopping over for a minute so I can say goodbye.  At 2:15 we give Young Michael many firm pats on the back, wish him well, and I head to the pediatrician with Liam for his 12 month check-up.  Scarlet is freaking out because she can't tag along as she looooves the doctor and all things medical.

It is a good Dr. visit (easy for me to say...Liam receives 3 vaccines and has blood drawn) as he is up to snuff on the developmental fun and games.  

Despite the poking and prodding, Liam seems happy so I chance it and take him to our local health food market to pick up a few things.  He totally rocks in the store and we are outta there with a quickness.  When we walk in the house we are greeted by an excited Scarlet and Billy who are interested in the appointment.  I run out to the car to get the groceries.  Scarlet follows me as she wants to help with everything (precious).  Plus she knows there's Pirate's Booty in the car and she's addicted (who isn't?)  I don't give Billy any specific instruction to watch Liam 'cause that's needless to say in the world of 2 kids--it's man to man defense--I have Scarlet, he should have Liam, right?  One minute later I walk in with my arms full of groceries and see Liam smiling and standing inches from our basement steps.  As I am stating (yelling) "Billy, are you watching him?", Liam slips and falls down a half flight of stairs.  (They are carpeted, but my god!).  I am instantly NOT calm and get very intense and say to Billy "you've got to watch him!" as we both rush to console the crying babe and check him out.  Billy says to me "I think it was your angry aura that made him fall".  Huh.  Maybe I do detest the new agey ones after all.  

So whether it was Scarlet who left the kitchen door to the basement open in her desire to help carry in the groceries, whether I should have dove to catch him the minute I saw him, or whether Billy turned his back for one second...perhaps it's pointless to play the blame game. Thankfully Liam was not hurt at all.  (My lawd it was scary, though). 

As I read over his 12 month-old safety checklist from the doctor tonight, it certainly mentions baby gates, child-proofing and preventative measures.  Funny, it does not mention a thing about avoiding "angry aura".  

Thanks for letting me set the stage.  The bottom line is my neck ache is 10 times worse now than it was this morn.

Tuesday January 8, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Well, we are two for two regarding the "stupidly expensive and stupidly impractical" glasses. This is how it went down - I am VERY (well kind of) careful with my tea cup as I know it is of INTENSE interest to the little ones. I put it up on a shelf when I leave the room or bring it with me (usually, that is). Again, I'm watching some political commentary on the NH primary and IMP is walking out of the room. Suddenly I'm thinking "oh better check on SB." SB is sitting at the kitchen table, holding his softie and drinking his milk. This takes all of 2 seconds. I turn and see IMP heading for my tea cup. Before I can even say "STOP" or "NO!!" There is a huge crash as glass shatters (it really was loud) and IMP is covered in (lukewarm - thank goodness) tea. He is freaked out, but fine. The cup - not so much.

I am glad that nothing happened to the little one - man is he is quick. Now he does smell like Darjeeling, which is not an altogether unattractive scent.

BEST PART OF THE DAY - It was most definitely voting in today's NH primary. There was so much excitement in the air. It felt like there was a sporting event going on. It really reminded me of watching the election results in DC in 2000. Back then I was sitting in a bar watching returns with a bunch of young men and women and it felt .... AMAZING. (I also walked home from that bar thinking Al Gore had won ... how shocked and dismayed was I the next morning.) Today had the same feeling - people getting excited because they care about issues and candidates and change. It was great to be around this positive energy regarding politics.

Monday January 7, 2008

Best Part of the Day-
Today worked out to be a good 'un--a day with both kiddos at home. I refrained from my natural (some may say complusive) urges to constantly pick up toys and clean (part of my New Years' resolution to just let some of the madness go...) and this was a decent technique to produce a fairly relaxing, dare I say, loungey, day. When Liam took his afternoon nap, I snuck in an unprecedented cat nap while Scarlet snuggled with me and watched PBS Kids. The house is a PIT, mind you, but my underye circles are ever so less evident.

Worst Part of the Day-
Well, well. Poor me. Monday is my marathon day as I do the stay-at-home-mom gig until 5:30pm-ish and then from 6-10p-ish I do the nurse thang. Eveyone was a bit crazy at work tonight. (I guess that's pretty un-PC as I work with kids with psychological problems.) Ho hum. The worst part is the fact that the 11 o'clock hour is approaching and I am still working...but am I actually working if I am writing this???

Monday January 7, 2008

WORST PART OF THE DAY - As I sit in the chair watching ten minutes of political news this morning (the New Hampshire primary is tomorrow and yes I'm VERY interested), my older son comes to sit by me with a vent cover. These vents are a real pain. Both boyz take off the covers (they are in the floor) and then put things down the vent (IMP does this) or play with them to see how they work (SB does this).

So the vent covers look like this - heavy and metal. So I'm sitting watching some political news and the older son comes to sit by me with a vent cover in his hand. I'm thinking "man, those dern vent covers again. But he's right next to me, so at least I can see what he is doing." So I'm watching Hilary who is smiling ear to ear and you just know she is dying inside after Iowa. Suddenly the younger son comes up to the chair and spies the vent cover in SB's hands. He reaches for it, SB jerks it away from him toward me just as I'm about to take a sip of calming Earl Grey tea.


The vent cover has a direct hit on my tea glass and this scares the hell out of me as the cup I was holding is now a jagged mess. I yelp and I (forgive me) swear. The boyz just look at me like "what?" Seriously, they do not react. There I sit with tea all over me and the chair and my cup broken beyond repair (this only matters because these cups are stupidly expensive and stupidly impractical for someone as clumsy as me with two toddler types running around.) And the last tea bag of Earl Grey. Boo hoo for me. What an annoying start to the day!


BEST PART OF THE DAY - has to be (drum roll PLEASE!!!!) my mail finally got delivered!!! I came home around 5 p.m. and checked the mailbox, but nothing was in it. Sigh. Then as I was turing on the front porch light so husband won't break his neck in the pitch darkness that is New England in January, I spy .... a HUGE HEAPING PILE OF MAIL on the front porch! HOORAY! Funny thing is - most of it was junk mail and catalogues. But there was a lovely birth announcement, several Christmas cards and two personal notes. And my two Freaks and Geeks Netflixes (I see a nice long night of 80's high school dramedy and red wine). Ahhh - all is at peace until the next snowstorm!!!

Sunday January 6, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

It occurred to me only today that I can use my laptop to watch dvd's (duh).  It is perfect as my new personal, bedroom t.v.--2 inches away from my blind eyes.  Lovin' it!

Worst Part of the Day-

I stayed up way too crazy late watching my newest guilty pleasure:  Friday Night Lights-Season 1. I watched episode after episode after episode like a little junkie.  It's true--I'm hiz-ooked.  Darn you, Riggins!  (Love you, laptop.)

Also, I am pathetically VERY sore from Yoga for Athletes...sheesh.

Sunday January 6, 2008

WORST PART OF THE DAY - I am hating the "wespeak". When someone says "we" but they really mean "you". Sooo we have a babysitter come today, so husband and I can hang out. Well none of the movies seem to be in the right timeframe and I didn't lay out dinner (usually at 6 p.m. for the boyz). So I'm uncomfortable having the babysitter stay late. Truly - husband pouts. Then he says "WE really need to plans these things if we're going to do them." Oh planning like calling and scheduling the babysitter, as I (of course) did. I say "I'm happy to just hang out with you. We can go get coffee and chat." And he states "I should have just studied today." Wellll that's nice. So I give in and call the babysitter and give her instructions and we go to see the movie he wants. ENABLER or COMPROMISER? I say enabler. And really what is up with the superhero virus infected people in I Am Legend? That really annoyed me.

** IN ALL FAIRNESS - husband is very stressed over a huge test he is taking in mid-February. But I still think he could suck it up a tich more.

BEST PART OF THE DAY - After the movie we came home to a happy, laughing and fed SB (2.4 years old) playing with his babysitter. So having the babysitter stay late turned out to be a good thing. Hopefully next time WE'LL plan things better.

Saturday January 5, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

As part of my birthday present from my mom, she invited me to a workout and breakfast "on her".  So at 8:00 this morn I met Babs at her fancy, hip health club and we did our thing for an hour in a "Yoga for Athletes" class.  (There's a TON of downward dog in this class).  Afterward we had a leisurely talk at a nearby coffee place (also simultaneously fancy and hip).  It was refreshing and relaxing.  The best part of this best part:  I left the house before the kiddos were awake (thus no tears upon leaving) and did not rush through anything.  A fantastic start to the day. 

Worst Part of the Day-

O.K. both of these involved my mom.  I didn't see that coming.

I found out my mom 's current Christmas card (which she purposely did not send to me and wanted to keep me from ever seeing--as she knows I am anti her using my image without my consent in her cards...) includes a photo of me 6-months pregnant.  Yes, from last year.  

Does it makes sense that her 2006 Christmas card had a family photo taken in October 2006, yet her 2007 card has a picture taken in September 2006?  The worst part of this worst (and admittedly kinda dumb) part is that Babs does not understand why I am anti this.  An irksome part of this is the Cahills are all together A LOT and there are numerous photos taken at each gathering so she can't truthfully use the old "I don't have any pictures of us all together" whine. So what could be her rationale for utilizing a picture showcasing Billy on his way to drunk, Mike not looking at the camera and me puffy/pregnant with my now one year-old son?  Cause Babs is looking good.  Well it's her card.  And my blog.  Let it be known I am anti.

 

Saturday January 5, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - So the mail issue continues. After all the shoveling I did yesterday, my husband says (gallantly) "I'll get you your mail." And this very morning he goes out and shovels for about 35 minutes. I looked at this chivalrous effort with a critical eye. "I don't think it's enough." He replied with some gusto "OH it's enough." At about 4:15 p.m. today I hear the mail truck. I look out my window and watch as the mail truck pulls up to the mailbox, slides and then pulls away. With IMP up taking a well needed nap and SB (sweet boy 2.4 years old) playing with a "computer", I run out the door. I catch the mailwoman at the next mailbox. I ask "was that path not good enough?" She replies "it's almost good enough, but I still can't get through." I say with an ever increasing volume "we haven't had mail for four days and we don't have a snowblower and I shoveled for three hours yesterday and my husband shoveled for a hour today." (Tich hyperbolic, but I'm trying to get NETFLIX here.) The mailwoman puts a hand to her heart and said "oh I'm so sorry, there is nothing I can do." So I say "well, can I get my mail?" She said "oh I'd give it to you, but it's 'on hold' at the post office." I tell her I'm filing a complaint and thank her and run back to the house. SB and the dog are waiting at the window - probably wondering why they live with such a crazy person. Then I think "THEY WERE NEVER EVEN PLANNING ON DELIVERING MY MAIL AS IT WASN'T EVEN IN THE TRUCK" (yes I'm a little slow on the uptake these days.) I jot off a complaint to the USPS and calm myself down. A big thaw (50 degrees - whoo hooo) is acomin' so I think this will all be moot very soon ... until the NEXT snowfall. Maybe I need to buy that snowblower NOW.

BEST PART OF THE DAY - SB is not really talking and most kiddos his age are chatting away. We've had the speech path come in for about seven months now. Today he was repeating letters and sounds and saying "mama" on command. I can't wait to hear what's in that head of his!! We also snuggled while he watched a DVD prior to bed and he is soooo sweet in those footie pj's.

Friday January 4, 2008

Worst Part of the Day (hands down)-

Liam must be teething because he had 2 dirty diapers this morning. Atypically I gave him a bath after breakfast and put him down for his morning nap in only a diaper. (Don't worry, his room is nice n' toasty.) I heard him squawking about 30 minutes into it, but thought "oh just let him settle on his own". An hour later I went in to wake him and was surprised to see and smell a naked poopy baby resting soundly. That's right, he had pooped, taken off his dirty diaper (why sleep with that on?) logically tossed it to the side, proceeded to wipe poop on his sheets, crib, etc. and then sleep peacefully in the filth. What a wonderful nap that must have been! I have learned my lesson to never put diaper-only clad babe in crib...



Best Part of the Day-

If I can see the forest for the trees, I believe Liam has learned to say and comprehend the word "dirty" as it relates to diaper--"dee dee" in Liam speak--as I repeated it over and over while cleaning up the yummy mess for 20+ minutes while Scarlet laughed in the background.

A Side Note

The movie "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" made me feel like a bad mom. Here is this woman with ten kids, no money and a drunk of a husband in the (women are high strung and can't do much of anything) 1950's. So the kids will spill stuff all over the floor and she just smiles and states "it's actually a good thing." The husband drinks away all the money for milk and she just knows it's because he's unhappy due to an accident years and years and years before. She can't even go and meet with her other prizing gal pals due to one incident after the other and she just enjoys what she can. This is based on a true story ... and it makes me feel bad. Toward the end of the movie, they are about to lose the house. Her husband (who has drank away the moola for the mortgage) comes in the bedroom to comfort her and she says "if you can't stand to see me upset. Then just leave." And you know what? He leaves. Oh my. And then she stays with him the rest of her life and just doesn't do much of ANYTHING (never goes beyond Ohio or Indiana aside from one trip to Dallas.) But maybe she was so good because she was constantly in "survival mode" - much like the first generation of immigrants who work really, really hard just for the IDEA of grandkids living a better life. Either way - I do respect the way she made the best out of a really bad situation. I can try and emulate that - and hope that maybe once, just once she lit up with frustration and screamed at the top of her lungs. That would make me feel much better about me.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I'm having a fight with my mailman (mailpeople really - it's never the same person). Evidently that motto they have (the sleet, rain, dark of night one) has a little asterisk that reads "except in New Hampshire." It's been snowing and snowing and snowing here and our mailbox is located toward the curb. Anyone living in a snowy area can tell you what a plow does to your shoveling when it comes barreling down your street. So our mailbox is boxed in by about five feet of ice and snow. After not receiving mail for two days - I sucked it up and shoveled. And I shoveled and I shoveled. And I rested (because I am weak and not prone to much cardio activity). Then I shoveled some more. The mail truck passed me on the other side of the street and I thought "there! You SEE me!! I am TRYING." (Why did I not just ask for my mail? Pride, I suppose.) Later in the day I jauntily set out for the mail. Guess what I found? Just some snow. No mail. My husband arrives home laughing. "What the hell did you do to that mailbox. No wonder they didn't deliver the mail." And here I thought he was supposed to be on my side. Seems I left a pile in the direct path of the mail car. But WHERE was I supposed to put it? And could they not just go around that and see my shoveled out mailbox? Clearly not. No Freaks and Geeks Netflix for me. And I am SORE, by the way.

Best Part of the Day - Second Son (I'll call him IMP in this blog. He's 11.5 months old) finished off the last of his formula this morning. He then took to whole milk like a champ! If I could pass on one bit of advice to anyone in this world - it would be to become a more flexible person. Not like yoga flexible (although that is good too) - but flexible toward new things. I think it makes for a smoother, happier life for you and those around you. So here's to IMP - thanks for being flexible. I'll try to learn from you!