Sunday March 30, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I'd say that dern Davidson vs. Kansas game. Man, I hate Kansas. And Davidson almost had 'em.

Best Part of the Day - The eleven year old daughter of a friend came over to entertain IMP and SB for over two hours. I got all three of the closets cleaned out (two trash bags of just my clothes - oh my!) I love the ridding o' the old!!! And IMP and SB were soooo pleased to hang out with a cool older woman. They both were enthralled with her and there was peace in the home.

Sunday March 30, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O and I had the kids in bed at 7:00pm and popped in a movie at 7:02pm.  La Vie En Rose. Another tragic biography of a freakily talented artiste.  Holy cats Edith Piaf had some trauma in her days.  I am quite pleased that the actress won Best Actress for her performance--good call, Academy.  Nonetheless, it pleases me to no end when I get a good flick.  We had our popcorn (with our garlic salt touch) and cozy blankets and it was fun fun.  

Ooooo, also Will-O and pal repaired our sickly fence--with Scarlet as the foreman, naturally.  

Worst Part of the Day-

I had to go to my other (real) job today.  Just when I wanted to read the paper, sip coffee and continue wearing my grandmother's flannel nightgown (you should be disturbed by that last part--this bad boy is a floor length flannel nightie that screams Grandma, and yes it was my grandma's until I took it from her closet), I had to get into nurse/work mode.   Wah.

Saturday March 29, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I was bound and determined to make this 10:55 a.m. Gymboree class for the boyz so they can run around and get out some of that energy. IMP insists on taking a 10 a.m. nap ("okay," I warn. "But it's only going to be for 40 minutes!") But I get both boyz in shoes, coats, hats (it's COLD today) and into the car. We make it to the class only four minutes late (that's early in our world) and ... there has been a power outage? No class. Boo Hiss. Erik is down in Boston having a boys weekend and I have two little ones in the car. So we head to Target. I buy them popcorn (and for one penny more get a fountain drink? No wonder moms hang out at Target. I can always happily drink a Diet Pepsi.) Then we buy some toys and head on home. Huh - this "worst part of the day" reads like one of those interview questions "what is your biggest weakness?" And you answer "OH I'm just over the top organized!" or "I just can't let anything get in my way until the job gets done. I'm almost TOO focused!" Annoying!

Best Part of the Day - I was in bed at 9:35 p.m. reading away. Sigh.

Saturday March 29, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Not having to be anywhere today.  

Will-O took Scarlet to her bud's 4th b-day this am and I lounged around with Little Li.  (Side note:  this friend of Scarlet's is named Abbey and is the cutest thing and has a little kid raspy voice which kills me.  S. refers to her as "my best friend" at her preschool.  When I asked her over a year ago what makes Abbey her best friend, she said "She's always smiling and thinks I'm funny."  That is great friend criteria.  Well it turns out Will-O and Abbey's dad played college football together!  Co-winkie.)  

Liam has fully transitioned to one nap a day and it is quite a snooze--just shy of 4 hours (love you).  

When Scarl returned home around 1pm, she was happy and excited to tell the party tales.  She relayed an incident where a boy was being "rude and bossy".  She said (I swear, it's verbatim) "I stayed tough and confident and was pleased how I did it."  Will-O corroborated this one and said "yeah, she stood her ground."  (As opposed to crying and tattling--we're now in that stage.)

Will-O left to record stuff for roughly 10 hours so there was more home-bound hanging about--just Mama and kids.  A leisurely day with no running around.   (And much bathrobe wearing). Novel.

Worst Part of the Day-

Our backyard fence has issues.  Perhaps it would make sense to an engineer or architect person (I sooo am neither) but from my perspective, the most unlikely parts of the fence have started to fall over.  A midsection here, a front part there.  And to my knowledge there has been no trauma or precipitating events (see--the ER lingo is back) to make these random parts fall down.  If I were a crazy person I would think the fence has a mind of it's own and it trying to tell me something--something ominous?  On a functional level, it is annoying as the kids were once neatly corralled in the backyard and now they could break free at any moment.  This is one more task added to the household list.

Friday March 28, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - SB loves to open the garage via the remote. He's really careful about this (although lately has been delaying opening it with a sly smile on his face as if to say "how much to let you through, lady?") Today he opens the garage door as usual and I pull in. Then I run to go grab the trash cans that are blowing in the wind and snow without taking the remote away from SB. As I'm grabbing the trash cans with my back the house - yup, the garage door closes behind me. I don't panic because the car is off and I figure SB will eventually punch the remote again. I wait and wait. I pound on the garage door. I wait. I see handle on the garage door and I click it thinking maybe this will allow me to manually open it. As soon as it clicks I think "you know - that might have locked the garage." Sure enough with my ear to the garage door I hear SB clicking away on the remote. Great timing there kiddo. Okay - I start to panic. But both boys are locked in their car seats in the car. But it's dark and cold in there. I think "I have to break a window pane." So I get myself over the fence (painful in the snow) and look for a rock. I grab one and try to break the window. Am I weak or what? I can't break it. I'm crying by this point - standing in the snow with a rock in my hand. I give myself a pep talk (well more like a face slap) - THINK OF THE CHILDREN. Then a terrible thought crosses my mind ... OH GOD did I leave the car on? I hurry over the fence and put my ear to the garage and hear nothing - just SB trying to click the remote. Okay - at least we don't have to worry about Carbon Monoxide. I head to a neighbors and they are not home. But as I'm walking away (thinking that I will grab another neighbor and ask for a ball pin hammer), she (Fiona, yes from England) pulls up. I use her phone and call Erik's office. A co-worker is dispatched. As Fiona and I wait in front of the garage - the kiddos start to whine. Then cry. Then we have full on hysterics. In ten minutes, wonderful Naomi arrives with garage door opener and key. As I thought - I had locked out the entire system with my handle pull. I open up the garage door and - RELIEF. I get the boys out of their car seats and into the house. I feel shaky for the rest of the day.

Best Part of the Day - Getting those boys out of their car seats and into the house.

Friday March 28, 2008

Worst Part of the Day-

4 hours o'rest and another longsville day at the hospital.

Best Part of the Day-

(Holy unexpectedly great day, Batman!)

Check it out:  

I had to return a car to my mother-in-law at about 6:30am (so I could get to the hosp by 7am). Of course I am running late with wet hair, no make-up and no breakfast--and little sleep.  

As I pull up to M-I-L's driveway she walks out with a gift bag.  In it are breakfast and coffee por moi as well as lunch and snacks for me to take to work.  She then drove me to work so I could finish getting ready.  I was dropped off at the front door right on time.  She was my chauffeur, my cook--my fairy godmother-in-law.  

Roughly 8 hours into my 12 hour day, I heard a hub bub near the nurses' station.  I could hear my name being called and then the clerk said loudly to me, "You are getting a surprise in a minute--Security is bringing it over from the front desk."  As I am thinking I'm not getting anything, no one even knows who I am around here, I look up and see this short and squat security guard carrying this huge thing of flowers.  What in the?!*

It took me second to realize what on earth was going on.  Will-O sent me a dozen long stem roses.  To the hospital.  The note said:  To sweeten your first week on the job."  It was a huge surprise and crazy thoughtful and sweet.   I kid you not, a tear came to my eye when I saw them. Soooo unexpected.  That darn Will-O!  

Thursday March 27, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I was paired up with the MOST delightful, energetic nurse today.  (It is a far cry from some of my nursing school days when the preceptor would be downright cruel to me.)   I have to admit I had unexpected fun being back on the ER scene.  I enjoyed meeting my new co-workers (seems like a super cool/welcoming group) and working with the patients/families.  After all of my needless anxiety, I did enjoy myself today.  And I've still got it.

Worst Part of the Day-

I left the house to go to work at 9am.  I arrived home from work at midnight.  My only sustenance today was a Snickers bar and about 9 root beers (free in the staff lounge).  Am I a chubby fifth grader on Adderall?  Good god.

Thursday March 27, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I'm still not feeling well at all. Muscle cramp in my necks, ears plugged (so weird!), sore throat, cough ... yech. And now I think it is reaching SB and Erik (I feel that IMP already had it). It's sucks to feel bad - esp when you can't sleep it off.

Best Part of the Day - The women at Erik's office throw this marketing event called Girl's Night Out once a year for all the assistants, hygienists and office workers of the local dentists (it's all about referrals). So I got to leave the house at 6 p.m. and have cocktails (alcohol kills the germs, right?) and eat dinner. It was lovely. Very unrushed and unencumbered of an event (for me as I was just a participant). And isn't it nice to come home to a clean house with the kiddos sleeping soundly in their beds? I don't know if I could ask for anything more at this point.

Wednesday March 26, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I'm having some weird illness - my ears are clogged (as if I was in an airplane or scuba diving and need to regulate), my throat is sore and I have a strain in my neck (this last one could be from evil exercise instructor making me lift all that weight). It's disorientating - I feel like I'm about to fall over (due to the ear thang).

Best Part of the Day - I had a playdate and the woman who hosted is just one of my new fave people. She is totally fierce (that's my word for really cool lady). It was sooo much fun to talk with her. And mamameg, I will be loaning FCP to her. (That's Female Chauvinist Pig, a book given to me by mamameg that I thought was thesis-like in the BEST way possible. She proved her point to me!) It twas very fun and I look forward to seeing her and her little lasses very soon. Oh and SB is also saying "purple" now - isn't that a funny one to say? ("Up" "Mama" "In" and other letters are also very popular. As is shaking his head no.)

Wednesday March 26, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Playing outside with the kids.  There is still a little snow on the ground, but it was about 55 degrees in the late afternoon.  Scarlet insisted on wearing shorts (yes, bare legs!) and we did "soccer drills" per her request.  She is a natural dribbler and she looooves when I act as her teacher, coach, etc.  I reviewed some of the basics and in my best coach talk I demanded "Let's see what you've got O'Neill!"  She did her thing loving every minute.  

When she sat at the mini table in the middle of the back yard to take a break, she asked plainly, "Isn't it time for the snow to be gone?  It's already been winter for so long."  It has been crazy long.  At least it seems like Spring is a comin. 

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O awoke on the wrong side of the bed this morn.  It started the family day off poorly.  (And I thought I would be the cranky one working the marathon dayz...)

Tuesday March 25, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - We finally made it to IMP's one year appointment (yes indeed, two months late). I think that whoever decided that "mom" should hold baby down while they stick an IV in his arm to, yes, DRAW BLOOD, is clearly not a parent. I do know that the finger prick can give a false positive on lead tests, but I'd rather take that risk. At least this time I was prepared. For SB's blood draw I was pregnant and borderline hysterical - "you want me to do what???" "You are sticking that IN HIS ARM??" This time around, one phlebotomist looked at the other and said (about IMP) "this one's a wiggler!" (Do any one year olds sit there nice and quiet? IMP's no dummy - he just had two vaccinations poked in his legs.) And the kiddos were crazy at the office and the lab - SB thinks phlebotomy is where it's at and did not wish to leave. And really shouldn't a pediatrician's office have child proofed drawers? Or should the mother be stopping the children from pulling out band aids, gauze, KY Jelly and other items? Either way - it was kind of a mess.

Best Part of the Day - My gym instructor called me out as I was trying to take weight off my barbell. It cracked me up. It made me feel like I did in the fourth grade when I was caught looking at my multiplication table (they had to cover mine with a piece of paper for the record). And I did do the chest press with the weight! Also it was fun that the IMP is in perfect health and (according to the Nurse Practitioner) in the 120th percentile for length. For the lay person (i.e. me before kids) that means he is really frickin' tall. She looked at me with a confused face and said "is the dad tall?" That made me laugh.

Tuesday March 25, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Watching Scarlet teach/encourage Liam to put his face in the water and blow bubbles.  Liam has been interested in blowing bubbles for awhile (I believe he is technically behind on this developmentally as I distinctly recall Scarlet doing this at 9 months-old with ease...ahhh second child.  He'll get it eventually.)  

In the bath tonight Liam would tap Scarlet on the shoulder/chest region and look her square in the eyes.  Cueing her to look at me, Big Sister.  He would then dip his mouth, nose, eyes in the water for a millisecond.  He would come up and look at her squarely again to see her response. To this Scarlet would cheer/clap (FAR louder than necessary, but soo dang cute) "Yea!!!  Good job, Buddy!"  Liam's response to this was to shriek even louder (this was the loudest bath in the history of time), beam with delight and clap for himself, his sister's enthusiasm and perhaps just for life in general.  I'm doing it, I'm doing it!   Well, I must be doing something!  

He never did actually blow any bubbles, but ya couldn't tell from the raucous applause..  

Worst Part of the Day-

12 hour Day #1 outside of the home has begun.  Ma lawdy.

Monday March 24, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - It might have taken me a tich longer than average to realize that the IMP has been puking once a day for about four days now. It's hard to label a child as "sick" when the child is robust and apple cheeked and only throwing up when eating once per day. But thinking back ... it's been very vomity for four days now (maybe a blog virus from mamameg? Hmmmm.) The first couple times I truly thought it was from the molars that are acomin' on in and/or the fact that the little greedy gus shoves lots of food in his face if possible. But today as Erik fed him some apple, he bent over and puked all over my leg .... as I looked down in horror and disgust, it came to me that the little sweet might have some sort of a bug. Am I on top of it or what?

Best Part of the Day - Uncle Frank dropped off Froggie Softie today. He was on his way to Vermont and stopped off to deliver the goods. Whew. IMP sat with a look of bliss and a head tilt and caressed Froggie Softie for about 20 minutes. ALSO Erik's job situation took another turn .... for the good. I do not wish to say more until it is concrete. BUT is is further south (not a great clue as most things are "further south" than New Hammi). Only Sister Sarah knows .... as we might need her to babysit.

Monday March 24, 2008

Worst Parts of the Day-

This day started annoyingly as I was prepared to begin my Travel RN madness at 8am.  I received a call at 7am to "...not go in" as my company did not receive my stinking TB skin test results in time on Friday (do they not recall 2 feet of snow on Friday?!*)  O.k. fine.  I simply trotted over to my other job. 

At 9am I received another call to "Go now...quickly to the hospital--they re waiting for you!" Ohmygod.  I rush to the new hospital like a good employee and wait in the East Entrance Waiting Area as instructed.  I'm feeling confident right when I walk in.  I verify with the not terribly friendly front desk staff that I am in the correct place.  I wait about 15 minutes and the front desk trio starts to get nervous (as I could be a security risk for Pete's sake).  I tell them I am dutifully waiting for "Cheryl".  They collectively find it fishy that I do not know of "Cheryl's" last name and none of them seems to know a "Cheryl" off-hand.  Anyway I wait and wait.  This waiting is not like the loungy waiting in the terminal for a delayed plane.  I am in ready stance. At any second I must change from pleasantly looking at passersby to my contrived smiley/new employee face.  As I wait I begin to have doubts about this whole thing (yes, again!)  In between calling my recruiter and verifying with the front desk crew multiple times (who now officially think I am up to something no good), I wait a total of 65 minutes.  Ho hum.  No Cheryl. 

To make this worse, No-show Cheryl calls my recruiter and tells her I never showed up!!  

 

Best Part of the Day-

I followed my instincts and popped in to the ER sans Cheryl.  (I was already at the hospital--I really wanted to eyeball the scene).  I introduced myself to the staff and all seem friendly and happy to have a set of new hands (potentially, we'll see about this) working with them.    

Sunday March 23, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Chasing the hurricane otherwise known as IMP around Erik's aunt and uncles. And actually Erik did it for most of the time - but it was still painful to even watch. He was into EVERYTHING and they had lots of "fine things" at exactly his level. SB was content with some french doors (just fingerprints to deal with), but the IMP! Oh my. AND we left his froggie softie there! HORRORS!!! I don't know how tomorrow will be without it!

Best Part of the Day - The Easter brunch at Erik's aunt and uncles was so fun and delish! Not to mention that we got to meet Olive (Erik's cousin's four week old baby girl!) Everyone is so nice and hospitable. And with our navigation system leading us a different way - it was only one hour and six minutes each way. WOW!!

Sunday March 23, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

We all headed to my mom and dad's for the Easter celebration.  The kids had a spectacular time running around and playing with the Aunties and Uncles, Granparentals, and Cousin Sarah. Scarlet had her standard two costume changes and way too many presents for Easter.  (I recall only getting a handful of crappy jellybeans in my day).  She also completely got into the Easter egg hunt ordeal and managed to orchestrate subsequent hunts after she found all the initial eggs, baskets, etc.  (I never thought to do that as a kid--good call, Swiss Miss.  She was in it for the chase, after all...)  Liam was precious walking from room to room in his seer sucker outfit pointing at the "doogggie" who followed him around the whole day licking snacks right out of his chubby hands.  

A fun, relaxing family day with a fantastic home-cooked meal.

Worst Part of the Day-

For some reason Will-O and I are developmentally challenged in leaving the house with the kids when we need to be somewhere at a specific time.  I often feel he is in another part of the house when I need him to load bags into the car.  He feels I am nagging and bossy throughout the entire process.  The thing is there truly is a bunch of baby stuff that needs to be prepped and brought.  We also needed to bring the makings for our dessert for the gathering.  And Easter cards/gifts.  Special non-dairy milk, snow boots for Scarlet, etc.  Alas, it is a lot.  It just seems no matter how organized I THINK we are...we are not.  We have stress when we leave the house with the kids.

Saturday March 22, 2008

Worst Parts of the Day-

Well, this was a bad day for poor 'ol me.  I haven't had this bad of a day like this in a long while.  I could handle the still feeling nauseous with a hard ball stuck at the top of my stomach when I got up at the crack of dawn with the kids (Will-O's day to sleep in, darn it.)  I could handle driving to work in the late morn when all I really wanted to curl up in a ball and just lie still.  I started to get miffed when I my key card didn't function and I stood outside my work door for 30 minutes (in 2 feet of snow with non-snow shoes on my wet little feet) making calls to see what in the world was up.  I could semi-handle the fact that the electricity was out at work and basically I could do quite little with no fax, copier or internet--let alone lights.  It was annoying that I got stuck in a snow bank when I tried to leave my nonproductive workplace.  (It is essentially a school and why would the city plow a school's parking lot on a weekend?  Yes, I know, but it still bummed me out).  I was semi-annoyed that one million people were out and about running errands this sunny, snowy day before Easter.  I exhaled a cleansing breath when I went to my pharmacy to pick-up a med  and couldn't actually take it home as they didn't have my new insurance info.  I felt physically terrible again coming home in the afternoon to hang with the kids.  Will-O had to go somewhere.  (Where did he go and how could he leave me in this state?) I remained relatively calm when Scarlet and Liam dumped a completely full box of Cheerios on the kitchen floor when I went to the bathroom to throw up.  When I saw Scarlet crushing the Cheerios and laughing, I calmly told her to stop and please help me pick up the mess.  I asked her again.  I asked her again.  I asked her again.  I may have asked her 10 times.  All she did was crush the cereal into a powder and laugh.  On the 11th time I snapped.  I screamed (possibly top of my lungs material) and told her that now it was time for the Thinking Step.  She and Liam both stared at me like I was an alien.  Scarlet went to the step and sat out her 4 minutes. I felt terrible that I raised my voice (AKA screamed my head off).  

Best Part of the Day-

When Scarlet and I had our post-Thinking Step talk back, I apologized for raising my voice (ahem) wanted to get her perspective on the whole (terrible) incident.  She was almost chipper as she said "That's o.k., Mom.  Now I know when you say 'Count of one', you don't mean 'Count of four'".  Somehow my outburst may have been effective (as opposed to emotionally scarring). Perhaps kids really do crave discipline.  

Saturday March 22, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Just not being able to get out during the middle of the day due to naps! Man - won't it be nice when we can all go out as a family? (Or perhaps when all the boyz go do something active and I sit home and read? Either way.)

Best Part of the Day - Oh that SB! He and I went to the gym this morning and then ran errands. What a trouper. Not a whine out of him. And when I came to pick him up at the gym daycare he saw me at the door, smiled and ran into my arms. He has NEVER done this before. Weird, right? But that's my Germanic boy. So it was super sweet. Then we headed out to a birthday party and he hung out with the big kids (11 year olds) the whole time. He bowled (it was that mini bowling), danced and allowed himself to be carried around. It was hilarious.

Friday March 21, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I did a little volunteer stint at The Children's Place for the first time today. My arms were aching by the end after holding Mr. IMP for about the entire time. Man - he would cry if he couldn't see me. And he's been coming to this place (well to a different room of this place) for a year now. Then in the late afternoon/evening he was soooo whiny - like the IMP of old. Finally I (so smart am I!) looked in his mouth and saw one molar just poking through the skin and one just about to break. The ones that are after the canines. Pobrecito! No wonder (and hope this goes quickly for all our sakes!)

Best Part of the Day - My hair appointment. I was told I was "beautiful" by the receptionist(and YES I KNOW she probably says this to everyone) and had "movie star hair" by the stylist (this was after it being cut, highlighted and straightened - all things I can't do in my everyday life. But still. And actually maybe that isn't so much a compliment but a comment - because isn't move star hair cut, highlighted and straighted, i.e. styled so it looks like "movie star hair?" Hmmm.) I also had my brows done and I feel like .... well like the old me who used to just zip out of work, get 'em waxed and head on back (puffy red and all). They put some sort of Aveda oil on me and I was not red at all. Amazing. I also had tea and a hand massage during the appointment. Whew - what a indulgence (and to think this was once an inconvenience before kiddos).

Friday March 21, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Liam had his 15 month check-up this morning.  He checks out perfectly.  He had a grand time in the office until he had to receive two vaccines.  He was not pleased (to put in kindly) and when the shot lady/nurse came back in the room to give us our parting papers all Liam could do was scowl at her and grunt,  "Bye bye.  Bye Bye." 

Worst Part of the Day-

My lawd, the snow.  Roughly 2 feet is falling on us and I am not pleased.  (So sad to think that we ate dinner outside only 2 days ago...)

Also, yes the GI bug.  I have not thrown up (as I will myself to anything but THAT), BUT I am not well.  All I can do to ward off the nausea is lie still.  Very very still.  (And that is not very realistic in this household).

Thursday March 20, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - The job thang for Erik seems very, very up in the air. And it's stressful - should we stay or should we go (now). There are so many pros and cons to every city/opportunity - it's truly a situation of too many choices. We have to nail something down soon ... but it is a challenge to figure it all out. Sigh.

Best Part of the Day - Good things abound today. IMP did not cry during the gym daycare time. Both boyz napped for over two and a half hours (and I napped for one hour. It was so dreamy - I haven't done that since my parents were here in November and I was sick. I LOVED it.) I filled out my NCAA brackets (dern you Winthrop!) And Erik and I ate pasta and watched Lost (we are still two behind - no spoilers please!) And I was in bed snoozing away by 10 p.m. Whoo Hoo.

Thursday March 20, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

My mom came in to help me paint and complete a household project this morn.  It was fun to have such an energetic assistant.  (Attitude really is 90% the battle!)  We had a chance to talk (kids go to a baby sitter's on Thursdays) and finished the technically simple tasks in no time.  To celebrate our success we went out for a yummy Mexican lunch right down the street.   Enjoyable and productive--what a concept!

Worst Part of the Day-

I have now concluded that there is a GI bug going around the town.  (I deduce quickly after 1 child, 1 co-worker, 1 mother-in-law and 1 friend starts vomiting out of nowhere.)   

After getting the kids to bed tonight, I went to meet out some peeps for a drink or two.  (And little did I know it really would only be for one drink).  Mid-way through fun and casual chit chat (see--out of nowhere!), one of our party starts looking pale and then needs to rush to the bathroom.  She there begins her GI battle.  She was really hurting and needed her husband to pick her up.   Let me tell you--this was not due to wine consumption either!  Something is up.

Please Universe--spare me!

Wednesday March 19, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - It's snowing. Yes, snowing. But I packed up the kiddos anyways and took them to the gym (I'm starting a new spinning class at the urging of one of my instructors - "you need cardio!" BUT I HATE CARDIO - okay, I'll try it.) I'm feeling pretty good in the class (Hell - you can adjust your own resistance and she told me to take it easy as it's my first class. Must obey instructor.) About 20 minutes in - a worker appears at the door. IMP has been wailing since I left. Sigh. Had to leave. I held his shaking little body and felt him relax. SB looked nonplussed and continued to play. When does sibling empathy kick in? OH MAN. It still counts, right?

Best Part of the Day - Erik and I went out for Hibachi. If you ever want a leisurely meal - go Hibachi. You can't rush (which we usually do as he is one fast eater!) and there seemed to be so much to talk about. Plus it's dinner and a show. It was really fun and someone else put the kiddos to bed. We also went to the local ice cream place and picked up some treats for the kiddos of our babysitter (and ourselves). Then just prior to falling asleep, Erik says "I'll get up with the kids tomorrow." Deeelish.

Wednesday March 19, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

It was quite mild today, so we were all in the backyard doing our family thing late this afternoon.  It was downright refreshing to see the kids just walking about and looking around. Ahhh, nature--automatic entertainment for the kids.  (I had almost forgotten about that?!) Will-O and I repaired a portion of our fence that blew down (um 3 months ago) and it felt good to start to get things in order (Plus, I love the power drill--Will-O honestly doesn't know how to use it so every time I effortlessly drill something he smiles at me like I am really some kind of Renaissance woman!)  

At Scarlet's urge we brought out some of the "summer toys" and even our little kid picnic table and chairs from the garage.  Liam eyed up the set and marveled at their smallness.  Just my size!  He would repeatedly sit in one of the chairs and then stand right back up--like an adult with OCD who couldn't get it quite right.

Scarlet was a great helper and wiped down the table/chair surfaces with about 95 baby wipes.  I am starting to see why people had 6+ kids back in the day--little helpers/free labor.  If I had 4 other kids ranging in age from 5-9 years, we would have had the backyard in tip top shape within the hour.  With every ball and toy smelling as fresh as a cleanly wiped baby's bum.

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam is still battling his gastro-intestinal bug.   He is not yet fully back in his game.  Boo.

Tuesday March 18, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

A highly productive day at work (oooo, how I cherish the checking off of one's list!!)

Also, Will-O won first place in the "Lips Contest" at Scarlet's preschool.  This is very funny to me since he has been proclaiming he would win ever since he kissed his entry form (which was standard in this contest, not just Will-O's flamboyant way..)

Worst Part of the Day-

Little Liam is under the weather with some GI issue.  He has it from both ends and is one unhappy little guy.  Every time he has some output (to put it nicely) he looks at me with a furrowed brow that seems to say "You've got to be kidding me?  Not again!"  

Tuesday March 18, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I felt totally drained during my little work out today - that barbell was too dern heavy to lift it seemed. Maybe a nap would have been a better use of my time .... also a comment from Erik left me annoyed. But I also feel that I am being very, very sensitive at this time. Still, I must honor my annoyed-ness.

Best Part of the Day - G-Ma seems to be feeling MUCH better. My mom and Cousin Kristen both chatted with her and said that she was totally lucid and happy to talk. She only remembered part of our visit - and was thoroughly annoyed that she was "sick" while we were there. I left her a message and will try her back tomorrow. So glad to have her back among the talkative!

- Also the kiddos and I brought balloons and cake to Erik's office today to celebrate his passing o' the boards. He had not told anyone in the office (typical Erik!), so I figured that I would (typical me!) It was fun. Although hard to get SB to give up those amazing balloons.

Monday March 17, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I realized that taking a break from the kiddos gave me HUGE perspective. IMP was such a difficult baby that I had not been able to shake that image from my head. It struck me that after leaving the two with my parents for four days and Erik for three days - that something was wrong with ME (I assumed both parties would be cranky, annoyed and tired, as I had been. And while I do it for longer - still it is marked to me when parents and husband are downright giddy about the experience.) So I realized that much of my frustrations were coming from ME. Yesterday was bliss and nothing had changed but my attitude. Wish I could have figured this out earlier ... but it's hard to see the forest for the trees at times (I think I finally understand that little cliche.) I know that it can be tough - but these kiddos are also pretty easy going and very FUN. Who knew?

Best Part of the Day - Seeing the kiddos and getting to hang out with them. Also had a fun St. Patty's Day dinner out with friends - very low key and fun stuff.

Erik's Worst Part of the Day - The Orthopod thinks he blew out his ACL (due to MRI results which others think are not as conclusive ... i.e. the radiologist and my dad)

Erik's BEST Part of the YEAR - HE PASSED HIS ORAL BOARDS!!!! Now he is Board Certified and no more tests for ten years. HOORRAAAYYY for Erik!

Monday March 17, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O was acting as my advisor today as we discussed my issues/concerns about my upcoming travel assignment.  I enjoyed his comment/philosophy of "the more we talk about it, the less scary it will become."   Hopefully.  It feels good to lean on him.  

(Also, the kids were awesome today!!)

Worst Part of the Day-

I am feeling downright anxious (anxi-oso)  about starting my temporary job in one week from today.  It will be A LOT and I don't know if I am up to it (i.e 60+ hours a week away from the kids, etc) but it's a coming at me with a quickness.  AHHH...

Sunday March 16, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I hated leaving the cousins. Hated leaving G-Ma. It made me feel very, very, very sad.

Best Part of the Day - Coming home to an IMMACULATE house. I mean it was as clean as after the cleaning lady comes. WHOA!!!!!! Way to go Erik! I also did enjoy getting to see Cousin Kristen's baby boyz - what dolls!

Saturday March 15, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I think that sometimes when you are trying to improve yourself you don't think of the way it can affect others (and often you should not - but there must be a balance.) I feel that I tend toward the "passive aggressive" temperament. So I've been tempering that lately with outright statements of what can only be considered unwashed truthfulness. I think I need to back off a bit. I don't want to be passive aggressive. But at the same time I don't want to be constantly confronting people. Like the rest of my life I need some balance.

Best Part of the Day - After seeing G-Ma in a bit better state of consciousness (along with getting to see Cousin Terry), the cousins went out on da town. Weeellll - not so much out on the town. Boy are we old - we searched high and low for an eatery WITHOUT an Irish Band (we like to talk to much), second-hand smoke or a line. Finally we happened upon Charley's Crab. The food was divine! The conservation - heartbreaking hilarity. Fritz and Mary joined us and it was SO .... MUCH .... FUN!

Sunday March 16, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Seeing the kiddos!!!  Seeing Will-O!  Many smiles and shrieks of delight were happening tonight.  Will-O did an outstanding job of tending to the kids, keeping up with the house stuff AND having a super fun, stress-free time of it all.  Hurrah!  

Worst Part(s) of the Day-

Synopsis:  Rejecting the contents of one's stomach.  Departing.  Waiting.  

#1  I threw-up in a plastic grocery bag on the way to brunch.  Even worse, the bag also had in it my recently purchased vitamin caps and moisturizing Beauty Fluid from the drug store.   Boo hiss.

#2  Leaving the girls'/grandma getaway.  Wah.

#3  Having a mechanical issue with the airplane to head me out of MI.  Waited in the 'port for hours and hours...Come on, now.

#4  Freshly bathed and pj'd Little Liam threw-up (many, many ounces) of his dinner and drink on the way home from the airport.  My poor sweet!  (His poor car seat).

Saturday March 15, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Vacillating moments of lucidity on behalf of my grandma.  At one point she looked at me squarely and it was clear she recognized me (or something about me was familiar at the very least).  She then told me I had beautiful eyes.  Why thank you.  I told her I had her eyes.  She smiled at that.  She is doing slightly better today.   

For the second consecutive day she fell fast asleep at the hands of 3 granddaughters.  We massaged her into peace.  It felt good to be able to comfort her on the most basic level.  Good ol' human touch.

Worst Part of the Day-

Misinterpretation.  One of the cousins cornered me and pointedly asked (very non-passive aggressively, but assertively) if I was upset with her from months prior.  She sensed tension from our last meeting (in late October '07).  I explained that the very palpable tension she felt was NOT directed at her or anything to do with her but other factors present that eve.  We discussed.  I think the air is clear now.  It does sadden me that for months she was sitting on the feelings produced from a communication breakdown.  ('Cause she can do no wrong in my book--let it be known!)

Friday March 14, 2008

Worst Part of the Day -  Just prior to my flight, I had a phone call from Cousin Kristen regarding our G-Ma (who we are going to visit).  I guess she barely acknowledged Kristen and her boyz when they visited her and would not talk.  When Cousins Megan and Kristen picked me up at the airport, we went straight to G-Ma's place.  She didn't even look like herself. She did speak to us, but not much.  It was looking at someone impersonating our G-Ma.   I was in tears and at one point thought I was going to excuse myself.  It's like it's not even her.  It's really sad.

Best Part of the Day - OH THE COUSINS.  We had so much fun (even after our sad visit with G-Ma).  It's best to share these things I suppose.  We laughed and ate Mexican and watched Marquette lose (even that was more fun with the lasses).  Now we're hanging out looking at photos and chatting at the hotel.  Bliss!

     

Thursday March 13, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Just the general getting ready to go issues - last minute laundry, last minute grocery shopping, last minute tidying, last minute schedule for the babysitter (and for Erik - that kind of cracks me up. But he does love the schedule and is not home with them during weekdays, but still kind of funny.)

Best Part of the Day - I'd have to say my workout (is that weird? Am I becoming one of those women? I think if I could stop eating so many Graham Bees I might be - but no chance of that). It was hard, but good. The woman who teaches it is sweet but a total hard ass. She won't let you stop (if no one was watching me - I'd stop. That's why I can't do home videos - I end up just sitting on the floor watching away.) Also IMP now sits in this tunnel (it is folded up so it makes a high circle with good lumbar support) and "reads" - it's really hilarious. He just started doing it just a couple days ago and Brown Bear, Brown Bear is his fave. So we read it 20 times day (probably more). But he never "read" before - so I LOVE it.

Thursday March 13, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Playing with my Little Li (my Asian son).  Will-O took Scarlet swimming this early evening in her new suit (with built-in inflatables to help her remain buoyant in the water...when she tried it on today for the first time she said "Hey I've got real low breasts-tez like the old ladies" as this suit creates a swelling around her midsection.  Oh ma lordie.)  Anyhoo, this allowed Liam and I to have some serious one on one.  We played, we wrestled and we laughed and laughed. He loves to try to do a somersault and really just roll around.  My good sweet golly, he is as fun-loving as they come! 

Worst Part of the Day-

I went to do the second urine/drug test this morning.  The lab tech was surly from the start. She was also blaring some sort of Christian radio station the entire time (honestly, this was WAY too loud for a work place!).  The word "Bible" was said over and over...  After she scrutinized my i.d.  "When were you born?"  she almost yelled at me.  Maybe she was irritated because my b-day is the day after Christmas thus slighting our Saviour--I will never know, but she was p.o.'d about that.  

She then told me to put my "personal items" in this super small box before I went into the bathroom.  I had my coat and scarf and work bag, etc. so I asked her what she meant exactly by "personal items".  She was annoyed by this question and said "Anything that's yours." Obviously this box was too small for even my work bag, let alone 'anything that is mine', so I had to get clarification.  "Anything of value."  Huh.  I told her I had nothing of real value and didn't need to use the lock box.  She looked at me like I was inept.  "You have to place your personal items in the box or you can't do the test."  It took me a moment to understand who I was dealing with--then I threw my car keys in there.  ("Bible" and "redemption" were screaming from that crazy radio this whole time!) 

As we are walking to the bathroom she asked, "What's under your shirt?"  Ahhh, nothing.  My fat gut from having 2 kids.  Out of nowhere she poked me in the belly and through my shirt her gloved fingers hit the metal fastener of my jeans.  (Oh my.  Let me be prepared next time and I will flex the abs for ya.)

As we stood by the counter and she flipped through my chart and barked "Dilute?  Why was it dilute last time?"  Good god, I don't know.  Perhaps because I am a vegetarian who lives cleanly and is not on the fast track to diabetes and heart disease???  Of course, I say none of this.  This lab tech clearly is incensed by me and says "If it's dilute this time that will not be good for you.  Uh uhh, no, no, no."  WHY?  Because I had coffee this morning and it acts as a diuretic thus diluting my urine???  

I felt accused of something (not just because of that freaking radio shouting "Sinner!" over the air waves...).  My hand was actually shaking when I was finally alone in the bathroom.  I did think to myself  "please don't be dilute, please somehow be dark amber in color like most dehydrated Americans..."  

I did what I had to do and it looked passable.  If I fail now it will be at the sabotaging hands of the Evangelical Christian lab tech who wants me to burn in hell.   Damnation.  

Wednesday March 12, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - We didn't get out today - a Gymboree glass we usually get to on Wednesday mornings got switched. So it was looonnnggg and snowing outside so we couldn't even take a walk and I didn't really get out of my pj's and I felt .... yucky. I got to keep it movin' don't stop or I will end up a greasy, gross mess.

Best Part of the Day - SB was pranking all sorts of people on my cell phone today (and babbling in his jargon to them). So I got all sorts of fun messages back from the people he had pranked. A great way to keep in touch with peeps in my phone directory.

Wednesday March 12, 2008

Worst Part of the Day-

Yesterday I received an email from my travel nurse company stating the drug test I took a few days ago (while on vacation, mind you!) came back "dilute".  They said I would have to do another one within 24 hours.  Huh.  On my way home from working, picking up Scarlet from preschool and taking her to the store, I thought I could take her to the lab to give yet another urine sample.  We drove and drove and I could not find this darn lab via Mapquest.  After 4pm, I felt had to get home--Scarlet was sick of running errands and getting whiney and I was late for my afternoon snack.  I may get chastised for not following the "24 hour" rule, but my heavens--there will be no drugs in my system--sue me if I am well-hydrated!

I am getting to feel like I should NOT have said yes to this travel nurse thing.  I am running around a ton for this.

Best Part of the Day-

I came home to a sparkling clean home with dishes and laundry done--AND a freshly bathed happy Liam.  That was awful nice, Will-O.!

   

Tuesday March 11, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Erik still in a baaaddd mood - could it be because the TEST results are being mailed in mid March? At least he is keeping his mood to himself - it is not spilling over to the rest of us. But it still feels like a storm cloud looming above my sunny picnic. I'm just hoping it doesn't start to thunderstorm.

Best Part of the Day - Had a very nice and calm morning. My parents were still here and so while showered, the kiddos were fed. Must be what it's like to have a nanny. Got tons of laundry done and unpacked my entire suitcase. Whew - that feels better! It had to be done as I have to pack again for Friday's trip to GR to see G-Ma with the cousinz.

Tuesday March 11, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Sitting peacefully after kids have gone to bed.

Worst Part of the Day-

I haven't been able to get in to see my hair colorist due to our schedules not aligning.  (She is a rocker who went to New Orleans to record an album for a few weeks--me just running around like a freak; we have not connected.)  

I decided to try to this Aveda Institute near my home.  I love Aveda, it's close, why not? Essentially I was assigned a student of the institute (who graduates this month).  Anyhoo, it took HOURS for her to finish.  After 3 hours I told her that I had to pick up my daughter from preschool in a hour and she looked at me like I was crazy and said "Well we have another hour, at least."  Good golly.  Eventually her instructor came over and helped pick up the pace and I left with a wet head rushing to pick-up Scarl--I was a bit late too.  Also it cost me MORE than my usual colorist.  Boo.  

Monday March 10, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Getting ready for bed at 9:30pm.  I am beat down.

Worst Part of the Day-

Mondays are longy-longsville.  I found myself at work a ton today.  I popped in to check my mailbox and return some calls this morning.  This "pop in" turned into hours as it was uncharacteristically nuts in there.  One of the usually more reasonable residents became highly upset and kicked through an emergency glass door.  Ho hum.  Just when I thought I could quietly sift through a big pile of "to do" stuff, I had to put down my pen and chase her outside in the snow (come on, now!) and pull her off of a fence so she couldn't run away.  All in a day's work, I guess.

When I came home from my evening work at 9:15-ish pm the house was atypically in a shambles.

Monday March 10, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Just a long travel day and Erik was being a real drag (to use a 70's word - but it fits). He was very pouty and non-talkative and for once I decided I was not going to play into it (as he likes to say "it's okay to be in a bad mood." And that is true - BUT it doesn't have to steal my sunshine.)

Best Part of the Day - So good to see the kiddos. BIG smiles from SB and IMP was running around laughing. My parents had a blast with them and all was well and calm in the house.

Sunday March 9, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - OH that time change!! Screwing me out of a hour on vacation! Also in our hotel room some PARTY PEOPLE were having some fun next door. Sigh - it made me feel old and didn't let us get to sleep until the wee hours.

Best Part of the Day - Lazy, lazy day (and not too hung over even though I imbibed many glasses of red wine last night). Lunch with Erik and Alex and then dropped off Erik at his kite boarding lesson. Then I lazed about. Then friends had a cookout for us - so much fun! And I have to say that the 3 year old girl who was there - amazing! She sat in a chair for two hours and listened to the adults and then quietly played. Erik and I were amazed - not like our little monsters.

Sunday March 9, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

We are home!  Liam is napping, at long last.  Scarlet and Will-O went to a play that our friend's child is starring in.  

I sit here staring at a ton of unpacked luggage (thus heaps of laundry) and it is not so bad because it is quiet (and clean) in here.  

Worst Part of the Day-

I will be pleased to not take Liam on an airplane for some time.  The poor kid just CANNOT settle down if he is not in the confines of his crib.  Once again this boy as been up for a crazy amount of consecutive hours.   He thinks the outside world is all one elaborately planned party in his honor.  

Again he had the reddest cheeks in the land when we arrived to airport here.  Two women commented on his cheeks (they are THAT red) and thought he might have a rash.  No rash, ladies...just a Irish boy who loves to party.

Saturday March 8, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Crazy/random running into people from long ago. 

Here's the deal: Scarlet still invites many people to her upcoming (October, yes, I know) birthday party.  Her list of invitees for her 4th B-day party crossed all age, race, sex, and class barriers.  The 5 year-old party she is planning is much more elite:  kids only.   She still abides by the "come one, come all" philosophy and invites every child she sees.  So today at the nondescript restaurant (shall remain nameless), I am allowing Liam to roam free in a quiet section in the back for a few minutes before our food comes.  Scarlet accompanies us for a bit but sprints straight for the table with 2 cute little girls (with mom and dad.)  She says her well-rehearsed blanket statement about the birthday party, when it is, who she is and who Liam is, etc.   As I am leaning awkwardly to tend to Liam, the mom of the girls says to me "You look familiar".  I look at her for a second and she doesn't seem familiar, but smile and then have to chase after Liam who is running to the condiment storage area. (Ahh, ketchup everywhere.) When I come back to get Scarlet, she is still chatting away and tells me she just met Sophie who is almost 5 and Stella who is almost 4.  This time the dad at the table looks right at me and says "I think I know you from somewhere."  All I have to do is really look up and...

Well I'll be darned.  At a chain place on a family getaway we run into my aunt's ex-boyfriend of 13 or so years.  (That means I knew him for at least 12 of those years.  That's a long time!  Also, he had a slamming beach pad in the Florida Keys so I made sure we were buds.  Kidding--he really is a good guy.)   So Will-O and I and ex-boyf and his wife chat for a bit while our kids run around playing and screaming with delight.  We joked that the last time the 4 of us saw each other it was 8 years ago (at the fantastic beach house) and we drank wine all night in pre-marriage, pre-kid fashion.   As we were leaving and rounding up the kids we talked about how much has changed in those 8 years.  Ex-boyf smiled and said, "The party is sure over."   Yes sir-ree.  

Isn't that crazy?

Worst Part of the Day-

I think it is gross if one household doesn't recycle.   But when it is an entire city I am bummed out.  I 'm talking to you, Chicago, Phoenix and now, Hilton Head (the ones I know first hand).  

I had our week's worth of garbage all set to go and divied up into the standard paper, glass, and plastic and the front desk guy looked at me like I was a hippie in a co-op (I wish) and said to "throw it all in the dumpster, 'cause we don't do that here."

It should be a federal mandate for all U.S. cities.   How can a dent be made, if not?  And, honestly it's fun, it's easy... it's recycling.   

Saturday March 8, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Well - we didn't make it to the actual ceremony because we were lazing around with the Golls. And there were some girls creating some drama at the wedding that just made me think "this is a wedding - hold it together!" Sometimes weddings bring out the worst in people!

Best Part of the Day - We had spent the night at our friend's (the Golls) and there place is so perfectly set up for guests! Erik and Chris went off for Erik's kiteboarding lesson and Rayhana and her five month old baby girl and I headed out for shopping and lunch (very cliched - but o so fun!) I found these Sephora gift certificates and thought there MIGHT be something on them - and there was some ca$h. So it was like free money and I went to town. Had a great lunch (their baby is an ANGEL - I've never seen anything like it. Even better than the laid back SB as a bebe.) Then we lounged at their house and then went to Alex's place (which is Erik's and my old place - so fun to be there again!) The wedding was REALLY nice with most excellent red wine and fun people to talk to. Some drama (as stated above), but I was not in any involved in it. The bride and groom were glowing and happy and sweet. All good.

Friday March 7, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - All is perfect! No complaints!!

Best Part of the Day - Such a nice day! Slept in, had coffee, ate at Biscotti's with Alex and
Erik, went shopping, visited the Golls (such a nice house and sweet, sweet baby girl!), went to Rehearsal Dinner, met up with Golls and Dow and Noel, had cocktails at Square One and then home with the Golls and to bed! Lovely, lovely day!

Friday March 7, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

We rode bikes to and from the local children's museum.  This afternoon/eve was their First Friday Family Night so it was free admission as well as food/drinks.  It is a super cute and clean, though small interactive play space for young kids.  It was a carnival theme with games and prizes and the whole deal.  The kids played so well and happily (perhaps because they hadn't seen any real toys in almost a week!)  Family fun, indeed.

 

Worst Part of the Day-

Our bike ride home was a rainy and tearful one.  Liam cried for about 3 miles of our 5.7 mile trip home.  It broke my heart to hear his little sobs for many minutes in a row.  He wasn't hurt, it wasn't the rain, he was simply a tired ol boy and did NOT want to be in that bike seat.  Wah.  

Thursday March 6, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - The travel day was not hard - just long and the planes are such tight squeezes and it's weird how USAir now makes you board the plane about 30 minutes prior to take off. So you sit for even longer than really necessary (and I know it's to expedite the flight - but I'd still rather be the person who gets on and has the plane door shut behind them.) But we made it to Jax with no delays - hooray!

Best Part of the Day - I really felt good today about my travel planning. Not that I was all packed and ready to go - but I was just really relaxed about it. Usually I would have not left the house until it was time to leave for the flight, but today I worked out, ran to the store, took both boyz to Gymboree and there was still loads of time to shower, finish packing and get to the airport. I loved it!!! Also met up with Erik's brother Alex and had beers and good food late night - so lovely!!

Thursday March 6, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I took a jog (I can never say that word without feeling a little phony).  I took a run on the beach this evening just before sunset.  Wowie.  I seriously could live in a beach community.  I'm all about it.  

Worst Part of the Day-

I needed to Fed-Ex some forms for my new travel nurse assignment.  One would assume there are Fed-Ex drop-off boxes every block or two in most cities.  Not in this community of leisure.  I took Scarlet with me in the morning on a search via car and came up empty handed.  The whole family went on bikes this afternoon in a sporty Fed-Ex hunt.  We finally found one, but for heaven's sake--3 hours of my precious vacation day was spent searching for a work-related purpose.  Anti.

Wednesday March 5, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Parents delayed on their place trip in Newark.

Best Part of the Day - Parents are here!!!

Wednesday March 5, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Realizing NOTHING can keep me from this blog!!

When I called the front desk to officially "log off" from this Internet racket, they were confused and after many minutes of being on hold the man said "Well, it looks like you got a free week because we never wrote you down."  See--God love the south! 

Also...we rented bikes today.  Each bike had a child seat on the back (as Scarlet very uncharacteristically did not want a tandem--shocking).  We all had a great time on the woodsy bike paths and then rode on the beach (hardened sand, mind you, very easy).  It seemed like a beautiful fall day in the Midwest.  

Worst Part of the Day-

This is not very vacation-y, but all week I have been hounded by my travel nurse company to do a contract (at home, no where fancy) and the hounding continues today.  I made an off-handed comment to my travel nurse recruiter that I MAY start doing assignments once Liam was 12 months-old.  Did she ever remember that comment?!   I have turned down 4 assignments since Will-O's accident and now I am feeling obligated to do another.  Obligated to keep my foot in the door with the whole travel nurse thing, to keep my ER skills up, obligated to pay my bills, blah blah blah.  

Yesterday I threw out 3 very high maintenance conditions (knowing they would never be met, thereby getting me off the hook).   I found out today that they are meeting all 3 conditions.  At this point I really do have to take it (or I will appear emotionally unstable as it is a super deal). There is a nursing shortage--people are getting desperate!

It causes me anxiety and I'm a little freaked out to add another variable into our home life.   It would throw off my currently fantastic work schedule, the family schedule, THE KIDS, my precious sleep--and just when my social life and workout world were picking up...just when things were getting calm.

Thanks to this free Internet I officially said "yes" this afternoon.  Eeek.  It's only 8 weeks.  

Tuesday March 4, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - The babysitter was 30 minutes late which kind of screwed up my little leisurely grocery store run. And then when I asked her (again) "okay - so we are all good for the two Friday mornings when I need you to be on time because plane flights are involved?" She looked at me as if I had two heads and both were saying something completely foreign. So I prod "remember - I gave you that piece of paper with the two dates on times on it?" Ah yes - she recalls being handed the paper. "Did you write it in your calendar?" Again with the blank stare. Okay. "Want me to write it down again for you?" An emphatic nod. Really - I am just talking into the air these days. No one is listening.

Best Part of the Day - It's one day closer to Wednesday which is one day closer to Thursday which is the day we leave for Florida. Hooray. Hooray Hoorah!

Tuesday March 4, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

For the first time since the birth of Liam (now 14 months-old), I think I am feeling relaxed.  I swear I even have less noticeable under eye circles and facial wrinkles...ahhh.  (I say less noticeable 'cause you know once they are here, they are here to stay).

Side bar:  We took a 6-ish mile drive to Harbour Town/Sea Pines today and walked around enjoying the quaint boardwalk and little shops spelled "shoppe".   There is a lighthouse there and it's super cutesy/nautical fun.  I spotted the huge tree and mini stage where my youngest brother, Mike, wowed and won a child singing contest when he was (yikes) 4 years-old. (Speaking of wrinkles, that was 21 years ago!)  I so clearly remember the night he won.  We watched happily while other kids got hand picked to go up on stage and sing something like Mary Had a Little Lamb and I'm a Little Teapot, etc..   We must have had our family energy going because the host of this contest said "Ok, one more..." and all of a sudden Mike was on stage.  We were freaking out.  He was wearing these crappy kid sunglasses and just grabbed the microphone while he grinned away.  When the host asked what he was going to sing, Mike said "Do you know Twist and Shout by the Beatles?"  (Memorized from watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off over and over--perhaps inappropriate for a 4 year-old, no?).  Nonetheless, he nailed it, the crowd went mad and he won the grand prize--which much to my dad's chagrin was not a recording contract--but a t-shirt.  

Scarlet jumped up on that stage tonight (sans any REAL audience--just us) and did her thing as she channeled Uncle Mike's 4 year-old self.  Too darn funny. 

Worst Part of the Day-

I just found out that this internet access is not a complimentary amenity of the condo.  It is costing $19.95/day.  Jeez Louise.  I may have to sign off of this blog business until we hit our pre-plane hotel on Saturday.  Too rich for my blood. 

Monday March 3, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - We head to a Toddler Group every Monday morning at this wonderful place called The Children's Place. Over 30 years ago some tired mamas got together and decided that they needed a safe and fun place for themselves and other tired mamas (and papas) to drop off their kiddos. So this place offers cheap, limited (2 to 3 hours a day) child care for children from six weeks to about six years of age. It's AMAZING - well run in with super fun toys and activities with limited staff and lots of volunteers. The Toddler Group is a most excellent way to spend two hours while showing kiddos how to take turns, play with others, eat snack while not running around (mine are JUST getting this one), sing songs, dance and so on. Also there is a little "discussion time" which is always interesting. Anyhoo - one of the women who helped to run this group left to take another job. The other woman is now so stressed out over running this group (!), that she said if they can't find anyone to help her the group is going to disband. NOW the group pretty much runs itself. All she has to do is get snack (which could either be cut out or delegated) and choose some songs to sing. There is also a one song dance part with a song played on a CD player. But I promise you this woman said "I CAN'T run the CD player! You have to open the little thingy, and put the CD in and then find the right song and .... it's just too much." While the other mamas soothed her, I was looking at her with sheer disgust. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? I also recall being baffled by CD players - in 1985, that is. PLEASE. I think my friend Gwen and I might just offer to run the group. Gollleeegeeee is my nice way of saying "YOU SUCK."

Best Part of the Day - I was muy productive. Got all sorts of errands run (with kids in tow which I am anti) and it felt like I had actually accomplished something today. And it was fun to firm up plans for our Jacksonville visit. It should be fun. Parents arrive Wed and we leave Thursday! HOORAY!

Monday March 3, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Holy cats.  It is gorgeous here: the weather, the beach, the ocean.  Even Liam gasped when we walked down to the beach to watch the sunset.  Wow--natural beauty!!

Worst Part of the Day-

I'm a little sleepy head today, but refuse to sit down for one instant on such a beautiful day (drilled into my head throughout childhood in the Midwest...)

Sunday March 2, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

We are here.   It is gorgeous; sunny and high 60's in the shade.  Pleasantville.  There is a little man-made stream/river/creek? right outside our condo.  It is pleasing to hear the water rippling from the balcony.  The grounds have a perfect playground area steps away--the kiddos much enjoyed this afternoon.  Two delightful 11 year-old boys (local HH Islanders) gave me the lowdown:  "yes ma'am"ing the whole time they told me the real deal of the beach, the traffic and where to eat.  "If there's anything you need just come hollering and you'll find us" is what one of them said upon our departure.   (How do they know the ins/outs of traffic and WHERE shall I come hollering?)  God love the south!

We lounged, napped (Liam took a 5 hour power nap!), and ate like vacationers.  My beeyatchy-ness is dissipating.  (It is a process).

Worst Part of the Day-

It must be revisited that Little Liam did not fall into a slumber until wee late.  I rocked him (while he sobbed with the brightest red cheeks ya ever did see) until roughly 3:30am. Unprecedented for this guy who typically can't stay up until 7pm.   Someone was wound up!

Of course, Scarlet did wake at her normal 6am--chipper as can be.  Now someone else was wound up (and it wasn't me.)  She was jacked up about the palm trees and couldn't believe I didn't tell her that our vacation was in a jungle!  I looked a tad strung out on our morning "nature adventure" while the boys snoozed.

Sunday March 2, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I go to the gym with SB. He is just lovely at the gym daycare (it's really a treat for him - the TV is on with a video the whole time! Whoo hoo.) After the gym I head to the grocery store to pick up a few items (how much milk can we go through?? It's amazing. I shop and check out with no problems. (with sweet IMP happily chomping on some yogurt covered rasins - so good!) I head for the car and hmmm it's not there. Well I must have missed it. I walk around that dern parking lot for ten minutes in the freezing cold wind thinking "should my child really be out in this?" when suddenly I happen upon the car. I swear I did not park there! Am I being Punk'd? (Wait - they don't Punk regular people do they now?) Am I going crazy??

Best Part of the Day - Erik and I went to an indoor rock climbing place. After a bit of trouble (I do have some spacial issues regarding the knot tying! and isn't it helpful when your husband says "oh it's EASY" after getting it on the first try. and boy did I kind of freak out the first time up), all went well. And I made it to the top of the wall three times after conquering my fear. I don't know that I would EVER want to do it outside ... but you never know! A different way to spend the afternoon sans kiddos.

Saturday March 1, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O and Scarlet scadaddled this afternoon so I could organize, pack for 3, do 4 loads of laundry and clean the entire house prior to take-off.  (Kind of a lame "best", yes I know).

Worst Part of the Day-

Airline and airport woes are so tired now--it can barely ever be good writing to convey.  We've all been there and it is ANNOYING any way ya slice it.  To sum up our evening:  2 delayed flights, 1 luggage mishap, no stroller (so we both had a disgruntled sherpa look about us) and a bitchy/smirky United woman who said things like "you need to calm down" when we didn't say/do anything to infer craziness (and right when we were about to miss a connection.)  You catch my irritated drift.  

This was a recipe for me being overly critical of someone.  Who will I choose?  Will-O.   I did think (and still do) he was "that guy" who talks extra loud in public (think Gast family) so others could hear his conversations.  (My eyes may have rolled.)  Also he was being extra flaky.  After he asked me during flight #2 "Where are we going again?" and at baggage claim "What does our luggage look like again?", I was about to ask him if he knew what my name was.  Alright, it was late and bee-yatch was in da house.  

Liam did not sleep a wink from 4pm til about 3am--he did has a blast at the airplane party but in the end could NOT settle his geeked out self down.  I believe he was yearning for the safe confines of his crib.  No can do.  Twin Bed City for the next 8 days, Sugar Pop.  

(See no one like to hear about travel headaches...so cliche.)

Saturday March 1, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - My gym classes were cancelled due to the weather (10 inches of snow, snow, snow). That was a bummer.

Best Part of the Day - We took the boyz "sledding" - sooo funny. SB kept purposefully falling off his sled and dying laughing. He had so much fun. The IMP's expression didn't change the entire time - no crying, no laughing, just big eyes and lots of thumb sucking. SB threw a fit when we made him come inside. And the dog even pulled SB's sled for a bit - but then he went on strike and refused to move. "I am not a husky," he proclaimed.