Tuesday April 29, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - IT IS STILL RAINING. Before I had kids I would have LOVED a stay at home rainy day. Now it's like a little bit o' hell.

Best Part of the Day - Got to the gym. Buzzed around Target which was sooo much fun. Made dinner for Erik's birthday (which was one week ago). How weird - I haven't made dinner in ..... well a long time. In bed by 10 p.m.

PLEASE O PLEASE NO RAIN TOMORROW.

Monday April 28, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - It is a raining. Raining HARD. I think SB might have SAD (which I don't actually believe in. Call me judgemental - but I can't buy it. Maybe it's the Irish in me? After all, those peeps don't see the sun for months. Then again, they do drink a lot. Hmmm.) We made it to the Toddler Group but SB was just being ornery. Oh my. I think it may just be 2 and a halfness. Of course IMP was happy pappy.

Best Part of the Day - I got lots and lots of errands done. Even (o so proactively) called Charlotte, NC (where we are most probably moving come summer) and checked in on preschools and possible further speech services for SB. The woman was soooo cool on the phone. She actually lived in NH for awhile. I'll be receiving a packet in the mail. Also later this day, IMP was playing a full body version of Peek-A-Boo. He would exaggeratedly turn his whole body toward me. Then he snuck up on me and gave me a kiss on the lips. I swear it was sooo adorable. Especially adorable as SB is very stingy with kisses.

P.S. Yes - we are pobably now moving to Charlotte, NC. Crazy, no? I'm psyched about it! Erik is freaking out (as best he can freak out under his cool exterior).

Monday April 28, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I took the kids on a frivolous errand and out to lunch as Will-O was in Chicago for the day.  (Quite frankly it was too chilly for the park and I knew this contrived errand would kill some time before little guy went down for a nap--is that bad?  I was way too tired to try arts and crafts today...)

The kids were VERY well-behaved.  Liam waves and says hiiiii to everyone he sees when in public--I forgot about this stage and how legitimately thrilled he becomes when he makes eye contact with another human and then how he really gets jacked when the human knows how to say hi and wave back. Wow.  

Scarlet even rode in the cart (pretty much unheard of since she turned 9 months-old).  As we traveled down the clothing aisle in the girls' section, all of a sudden Scarlet asked me to stop.  She pointed to a a super cute dress that had a tiny matching dress attached to it.  She asked what the mini dress was all about and I guessed that it is for the little girl to dress her doll in it so they can be twins.  (You know I must quote...) I'm thinking that is kind of a sweet marketing idea for the matchy-matchy preschool crowd.  Scarlet replies, "You've got to be kidding me.  Is that necessary for life?"   Well, no--none of this madness is necessary for life--it's shopping, for heaven's sake.

The outing was a success.  

Worst Part of the Day-

Jeez, I can see how teachers get burnt out.  I've been doing a 6 week unit on Healthy Eating and Nutrition for my Monday night class.  My plan was to start with unhealthy eating/eating disorders and then move to the hows and whys of healthy food choices--seemed reasonable on paper.  

I was showing a fantastic documentary called "Thin" done by HBO films that follows 3 women and it is hard core (one of the women even dies after the filming--it is intense and riveting throughout.  Tonight we finished the film and we were having talk back about it.

It seemed like half the class just wasn't grasping the basic concept of what healthy vs. unhealthy eating is (ah, duh).  The other half of the class now thinks it's cool to have an eating disorder and will definitely be puking up their lunch tomorrow.  I don't think this is a highlight of my teaching career.

Sunday April 27, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Found out this morn that my older brother and his wife will be having a babe late this year!!!!  Oh my!  I shrieked with delight when I heard this fantastic news.  I am thrilled for them as they will be tremendous parents.  And how great to have another young one in the mix--and the kiddos get to have the cousin factor introduced (you know how I love my cousins!)  Now's my chance be the cool auntie...

Hurrah for procreation.

Worst Part of the Day-

Today is the one year anniversary of death of one of Willo's best buds from college--as well a great, fun friend to both of us since we moved back here.  Ahhh the craziness that ensued...   

It is still surreal that he is gone.  Where are you, Bart?!  Missing you.  

Boo for death.

(How poetic--life and death...)

Sunday April 27, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Awoke to rain and a slight chill in the air. Ugh - was hoping to get these boyz to a playground. Then it felt like either Erik or I was in a bad mood at one (or more) points during the day. Also I hooked up my new camera to our computer and it took more than a hour (!) to download the correct software. Then after I got it all set up, it took LONGER to put the pictures in folders how I want them. Hooray for new technology.

Best Part of the Day - The kiddos slept in until almost 7 a.m. and I slept in until 8:30 a.m. Erik brought me up a coffee and then I lounged in bed reading this outrageously shallow chick-lit type book. I did start on my office - it doesn't look like I made much of a dent, but a huge bag of stuff in now in the recycling bin. Later in the day (after it stopped raining) we took the kiddos on a bike ride. Well Erik and I took a bike ride - the two boyz rode in sweet style in a gently used cart behind Erik's bike. SB thought it was hilarious to go over bumps.

Saturday April 26, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Something is up with SB. He might be getting sick? He is really moody and just kind of 'off'. I feel bad for him but also can't STAND THE WHINING. Of course IMP is in perfect spirits. Do they plan this in some way? SB also woke up at 6 a.m. and IMP slept until 7 a.m. (this is a FIRST for our 5:45 a.m. boy). Again - do they plan this???

Best Part of the Day - Had a cookout with two other couples and their kiddos. Our neighborhood is perfect for their kids as it is bike/scooter friendly. It was so much fun. SB clapped and jumped up and down when they came over. Much food and beer and fun. IMP and SB just loved, loved having the 'big kids' over. And IMP ate an entire bowl of Amy's pesto tortellini which cracked everyone up. OH will I be sad when he hits the picky eating stage. I asked if they could all please come over every day at 4 p.m. It would make life so much easier!

Friday April 25, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - SB loves to open and shut the door to the backyard. I don't let him do this. Uncle Joe (while here last week) let him do it to his heart's content. Now he's not allowed again and this did not go over too well. There was much pouting and much crying and finally we all to head in-doors. Geez.

Best Part of the Day - The babysitter came at 3 p.m. and Erik and I headed out. We hit the gym for a hour and then ran errands. And it was a perfect time - we shopped for clothes, mailed a package, did some returns. It felt very leisurely and fun. We arrived home at 6 p.m. to put the kiddos to bed. Then assembled our grilled chix salads and watched 'Lost' and then some of 'There Will Be Blood'. What a nice afternoon/evening.

Friday April 25, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

An idyllic afternoon/eve.  I put Liam down for his nap (thank the lord) and Scarlet and I hung out in the backyard.  We designated it "Girls Day"--Scarlet helped my clean the garage a bit and we got out all of the summer toys and even the baby pool.  Since I didn't have to work at the ER tonight I promised her we could watch The Muppets Take Manhattan and have a popcorn picnic.  After Liam went down this eve it turned into "Girls Night".   We didn't even finish the whole 94 minute movie when Scarlet declared she was tired.  As I tucked her into bed she said, "Thanks for the best day of my life, Mom."  No, thank you my sweet.

Worst Part of the Day-

Pushing Liam to his limit.  Will-O had taken the kids this morn to the Y while I went to work. Our original plan was to meet for lunch and then all head home together.  We were a bit off schedule (yes, my delay as things always get crazed when I am trying to walk out the work door. Today the girls claimed to have the Chicken Pox, bumps down there, a toothache and a migraine...ah people, I have a lunch date...)

Our little Liam usually goes down for his nap between 11:30 and noon.  Will-O picked me up close to 1pm and everyone was famished.  Liam was obviously DONE so we took the lunch to go (much to Scarlet's chagrin--she loooves the restaurant dining experience.  "But why do I miss out on my privelege just because Liam is tired???"  Because you are no longer an only child, dear.)  Needless to say there was palpable stress in the car as Liam screamed "nigh nigh" the entire way home.  I reminded myself and Will-O to NOT veer from the L's schedule in the near future.   The boy doesn't ask for much, let's not deny his noontime snooze.

Thursday April 24, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I've been meaning to clean up (and clear out) my office since Monday. It still has not happened and it is now giving me anxiety to just walk through the door. It's the type of anxiety that makes me want to take some lithium though - not the type that is actually motivating me to clean it up. I don't like that feeling at all. Good thing I can't get my hands on any lithium (I'd probably let IMP have some too).

Best Part of the Day - Oh it's the Molly/Erik wedding anniversary! And Erik was so very, very sweet about it. He actually said "I don't need to work out today - I can just hang out with you." (That's a BIGGIE for Erik as he is addicted to working out for some very strange reason. You have to take your compliments were you can get 'em.) At 6 p.m. I was thinking about walking down that aisle and I was glad to be feeding kiddos instead.

Wednesday April 23, 2008

Best Part of the Day - It's Erik's birthday today and everyone in the household is in a grand mood. We met pals at the park (it was already 80 degrees by 10:30 a.m.) and then I took a trip to the grocery store with the boyz for some ingredients for ice cream pie for the birthday boy.

Worst Part of the Day - While I know he isn't turning seven - I still think it was a LAME-O birthday for Erik. Will try to do better next year. It just kind of snuck up on me. Also by the time we made it out to dinner (Steph came over to take care of the kiddos and we all ended up talking), it was pretty late (close to 10 p.m.) I don't like that too much.

Thursday April 24, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

The kids go to the sitter on Thursdays, so clearly there is down time por moi.  I get to relax a bit prior to work.  I read a book for the first time in MONTHS today.  And I dare say I snuck in a cat nap.

Worst Part of the Day-

I felt more tired than usual.  See--when I get a taste of the sleep nectar it has been known to backfire on me.

Wednesday April 23, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I booked my plane ticket for my next solo (sans kids, sans spouse) outing.  I thought I was just going to assess prices and times and boom--there was a reasonable fare with flying times I needed.  (Gotta love kayak.com).   I will be meeting a best college friend and we will be sharing a hotel and ultimately be "dates" at our mutual friend's wedding in about 6 weeks.  Refreshing to have a getaway on the books.

Worst Part of the Day-

I have a little kink in the right side of my neck (yes, my standard kink--it seems to rear itself when I am stressed.  What in tarnation would I be stressed about?)  I need to book my magician massage therapist ASAP.

Tuesday April 22, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - At the playground today I was talking to a woman I know from the Toddler Group. She was telling me how her son had been sick most of the winter and eventually had a seizure from a high temperature. I was gasping at this when suddenly she said "OH! IMP!" That kiddo had managed to find the one weak spot of the fenced in area and was headed through it. Directly after the fence is a sidewalk and then there is a BUSY, BUSY four lane road. I grabbed him as he made it to the sidewalk. It is still giving me shivers - I just kept looking at him for the rest of the day. It really felt like tragedy averted. Note to self - survey landscape prior to turning your back.

Best Part of the Day - I finally set up my iPod. Erik gave it to me for Christmas and it has been just sitting in the office. It was fun to play around with it. Then I ended up burning a mix CD of children's songs. I think it will work better than using a iTrip because Erik's always seems to be static-y. I have to say that some of the songs are really annoying - but easy to fast forward.

Tuesday April 22, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Unexpectedly receiving a box in the mail from Cousin M.  Hurrah--gently used clothes from her closet.  (Have I been receiving her hand me downs for decades now?)  I am often minimizing my own closet and giving away--I almost forgot how fun it is to be on the receiving end.  Thank you! 

Worst Part of the Day-

Feeling like I am rushing around to no avail..

I was late picking Scarlet up from preschool and received an adult slap on the wrist (so to speak) from the school director stating "You know you have been late several times..."  Eeek.  

Also I was a few minutes late for the ER job.  Good golly.  (Thank heavens it was a complete zoo in there and no one even took notice.)  Hard to slap someone on the wrist in a war zone, I guess.

Monday April 21, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

It is joyous to be able to be outside and let the kids play and roam free (within the confines of the fenced in yard).  Who knew the kids (3 years apart) would wholeheartedly PLAY so nicely together at this juncture?  I could always picture them at 20 and 23 hanging out cooly, but this is unexpected.   

At one point Scarlet called out from her seat at the picnic table, "Liam, don't I get a hug today?"  Liam stared at her blankly for a second and then ran into her arms and made his contrived "awww" sound that accompanies his cuddles.   Little loves.

Worst Part of the Day-

It was an awful, awful, slamming, crazy shift in the ER this evening.  Short staffed coupled with tons of critical patients does not make for a medically satisfying day at work.   

Monday April 21, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Erik's driver's license expires tomorrow. SO guess who told him one and a half years ago to "get a new license?" And guess who said "you're on your own" last week when he realized the expiration was uponh him? And guess who spent a hour tracking down a utility bill (already paid online by me) for him? Sigh. Severe laid-backness has a definite DOWNSIDE.

Best Part of the Day - It was sunny and 70 and we were outside for most of the day. It is gorgeous weather.

Sunday April 20, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Holy cats---sleeping the hell in and being alone in my own home.  

I did so much with my newly designated Day of Freedom.  I completed 2 mini home projects, cleaned out drawers, did laundry efficiently and in peace, watched There Will Be Blood, took a nap, took a walk, AND went to work.  Whew.  (Thank you, Mom and Dad--it all works out in the end).

Worst Part of the Day-

I had my parents drop off the kids at my job as it would be a few minutes closer for them. Scarlet occasionally goes to work with me so she knows the deal and it is VERY do-able to have here there.  Liam has not gone to work with me since he was a wee one who would sleep through staff meetings in his infant carrier.  He was an adorable terror today.  He wanted (as all 16 month-olds do) to run through the halls and explore every nook.   At one point it took me over 9 minutes to fax 3 papers because I had to keep interrupting myself to save him from imminent danger in the work place--cords, non-secured book shelves, reams of paper stacked twice his size.  

Please mark my words that he will not be going to work with me for even a minute until he is 3 years-old. 

I left sweating and winded.  

Saturday April 19, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Meeting peeps out for a friend's birthday.  Lots of laughs, fantastic conversation and many a mojito.

Worst Part of the Day-

I had arranged for my parents to watch the kids today and overnight as Will-O had work stuff in Chicago and I had plans to go out (in addition to decompressing from my long ass work week).  

As always, my mom told me she of course would love to watch the kids, but they had a wedding to attend during the day.  She gave me the option of getting a sitter for the wedding time or said I could just come and hang with the kids until they returned home.   She said "they wouldn't be long" and I never thought to clarify an exact time.  As they were leaving for the wedding around 1:45pm, my mom said, "See you around 9."  9 pm?, I wondered.  Huh.  I guess my day of freedom was more like watching the kids at my parents' house.  

Lesson learned:  Will clarify the specifics next time.  Will opt for the sitter.  

Friday April 18, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Going to sleep.

Worst Part of the Day-

I am pretty sick of working so darn late.  At roughly 9pm (I still had 2 + hours left in my shift),  a giant wave of exhaustion swept over me.  All of a sudden I was clumsy, uncoordinated.  I dropped about my pen, my phone, an entire chart in about 10 seconds.  I did not want to engage in any small talk, work talk of any kind.  I was done.

Sunday April 20, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Getting up sooo early to get to the airport. Then getting lost on the way to the airport (with Erik borderline FREAKING out. We did have a nice chat later on about that.) Then ... the flight delay. Two hours.

Best Part of the Day - Arriving home. Joe, Stacy and Sarah were all there so we did get to hang out for a short while. It was nice to have them all there. After they left, Erik and I took the boys to the library and then the playground. They are now all clean and ready for bed. Hooray!

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!

Saturday April 19, 2008

Best Part of the Day - Slept in until TEN A.M. OH MY! Then caught our nephew Jack's soccer game. After that we went to Chris and Ann's house and from there we went to their work-in-progress lake house. It is on a gorgeous piece of land! THEN the babysitter arrived for Jack and Carson and Chris, Ann, Erik and I went out for amazing sushi. We were headed to a comedy club when ....

Worst Part of the Day - a frantic phone call to Ann from the babysitter. Carson (3 year old) had split his head getting out of the tub and it seemed to be deep. So we hightailed it back to their house. My stomach turned - it was DEEP. We all went to the ER and by midnight the sweet petite had a Frankenstein stitch in his sweet little forehead. They did not sedate him - just numbed the spot and had people hold him down. I waited in the waiting room. I can't watch that stuff - I don't have the stomach for it.

Friday April 18, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Getting up early with cigar/booze breath. And then the driving, tours of offices and interviewing. Boo Hiss.

Best Part of the Day - They cut us loose at noon - HOORAY!!! Erik went off to hang out with his brother while I (drum roll please) took a three hour nap. I pulled the shades, relaxed into the Westin's Heavenly Bed and passed the hell out. I've been dreaming of this moment for months and it was even better than imagined!!!

Thursday April 17, 2008

Best Part of the Day - Left this afternoon for a long weekend in Charlotte, NC. Erik is doing an interview for a fellowship and so we are making a little fun out of it. Also (of course) so fun to see Sister Sarah and leave the kiddos in such good care.

Worst Part of the Day - Too heavy of a meal followed by more booze and then cigars until midnight. What is this - grad school? Yech.

Wednesday April 16, 2008

Best Part of the Day - A fun dinner out with some gals. It was one of the friend's b-days and so we headed out to this restaurant for some cocktails, dinner and good conversation. It's always so fun to be OUT of the house!

Worst Part of the Day - Well (ahem) the dinner was so fun and the conversation so fabulous that when Sister Sarah called from the airport (45 minutes away) to say "I'm here!" Well ... I was still talking at the restaurant!! FOR SHAME! I felt sooo bad!! Then after FINALLY getting her - we got a little lost on the way home. Sigh, sigh, sigh. How DOES someone get lost with a GPS system anyways??

Thursday April 17, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet looooves gymnastics and was practicing her cartwheels in the living room.  I was making breakfast so I had my back to her while I scrambled eggs.  I could hear her tumbling about.  After one landing she aksed "Did you see that, Mom?  I did it."  I told her I didn't see it as I was facing the stove.  She replied, "Well keep cooking and just use the eyes in the back of your head."  Is this something out of Chicken Soup for the Soul?  Whatever it is, I am pleased to announce my words are sticking.  She kills.

Worst Part of the Day-

Job #1 was fine and good.  Job #2 was fine and good...all until I was just about to leave.  An unresponsive 10 month-old was brought in by her mom.  Mom said she couldn't wake her for 4 hours.  The baby looked oxygen-deprived; it was really scary.  After trying to figure out what had happened, it turned out that dad has an opiate problem...somehow little babe ingested some of his stash.  So it's horrifying enough when your baby is in the ICU with a drug overdose--but it gets much, much worse when the hospital calls the dad to tell him the status and the dad gets scared and runs away--leaving his other 2 kids, ages 6 years and 8 years, alone in the home.

The baby was still alive and stable (but not out of the woods) when I left close to 1am.

Wednesday April 16, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I went to get my hair did.  I always feel so hip and fresh while I sip organic coffee as Aveda products are being massaged into my head.

Worst Part of the Day-

Today was the first day that I did not get to see Liam for more than 5 minutes.  I was out the door to take Scarlet to preschool and then to pick up the pieces of the pharmacy fiasco at job #1, then to the hair appointment, then back to job#1 for paperwork, then scooped up Scarlet, home for 3 minutes to change into scrubs and out the door until after midnight.  Whew.  When I got home Will-O whispered, "Guess what Liam can do now?   Climb out of his crib."  Aw man.  My baby is officially a toddler.  Am I missing it all?  

Tuesday April 15, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O and I had a talk.  Dialogue is good.  (We still do need some space, though.)

Worst Part of the Day-

While working it at the the hospital this evening, I heard an overhead page with my name included.  (This is not normal).  It was the PM Supervisor at my other (real) job calling to tell me there was an emergency as there were no night-time meds for the residents!!!  We are changing pharmacies this coming Friday so our old (crappy and annoying) pharmacy was refusing to send meds.  (Ahem, the deal is not to take effect for 4 more days, ya schmucks!)  Anyhoo, it was challenging to deal with one job's emergency while you are in your other job's emergency room.  Eeek.

Tuesday April 15, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - IMP has decided that 5:45 a.m. will work as a wake up time. I'm thinking ... not so much. Six ayem is legal in this household. But don't think of that as the time you MUST get up. Please feel free to sleep until seven and then forgo the morning nap. Wouldn't that work out best for all of us? Also IMP did bite it at the playground and now has a HUGE sore on his chinny, chin, chin.

Best Part of the Day - Getting out to the playground and letting those boyz run and run. The weather was PERFECT - about 62 and sunny. Loved it!!

Monday April 15, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - SB a tich whiny at our little Toddler Group. I think he is over sitting in circles and singing songs. Sigh. How to tell him that this will be expected of him for a couple more years to come?

Best Part of the Day - Taxes are electronically filed. Whew. Now we can go on not thinking about it for another 354 days (that will be about when we start thinking "oh shit - we have to file taxes.") Also scheduled lawn service which makes me very, very happy. Also - Bret chose Ambre over Daisy on Rock of Love II. And we still have the reunion show to look forward to! (And truly probably a season three.)

Monday April 15, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I only had to go to one of my jobs today.   Woo-hoo.  How delightfully relaxing.  (It's amazing how one simply adapts to rushing around and never actually sitting the hell down.)

Worst Part of the Day- 

1.  Will-O is officially bugging me.   I need a wee bit of space and he needs time out of the home.

2.  Someone broke into our garage and stole a huge-ass Craftsman tool set (this thing is as tall as I am--and at least 2 grand.  Sheesh.)

BestWorst-

The thieves did not steal my luscious bike.  

Sunday April 14, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Apparently Sunday night in the ER is declared "Sunday Dinner" as all staff brings food and pot lucks the heck out of that.  A tiny bit o' fun if ya haffta be workin.

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O is on another downward turn regarding his mood.  I'm gonna start charting to see just how stable this fella is.

Sunday April 13, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Before I had children I had lots of ideas of how it would be. How we would do indoor crafts together and take walks to the park and visit the library to choose books. WOW! We haven't yet been to the library! Why don't we take the boyz and pick out books and give them the amazing experience of showing where your tax dollars can actually do some GOOD. Okay - so maybe I was overshooting on the lesson a bit - but still it could be fun to pick out books. Well .... IMP found it fun to remove CD's and DVD's from their neatly appointed places (at children's eye level of course! It's the children's room!) and then chuck them as hard as he could at the floor. SB refused to choose any books and instead played with the toys or ran down the aisles. It was ... a mess. But at least it was in a place where it was to be expected. Another pre-children daydream exploded in real time.

Best Part of the Day - Before bed, SB is clean and calm and sitting in my lap. I read all three books to him two times each as he points out the pictures and letters. And I have to say it was exactly how I imagined it before I had children.

True Story - My glasses have been missing for a week and a half. I was trying to convince myself that they were somewhere in the car or that the universe was telling me to get Lasik. But really I know deep down that I probably just left them somewhere. Erik is doing lawn work and suddenly comes in with ... my glasses! Missing a screw - but otherwise intact. WHAT were they doing outside in the backyard? It took me a minute to figure it out (okay - it took two hours for it to come to me). They must have been on my head when I was hopping the fence after SB closed the garage. Then they fell off my head and in my panic, I didn't notice. The funny thing is Erik didn't even seem all that surprised they were out there.

Saturday April 12, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - It twas the last Gymboree .... EVAH (not a misspelling - that's how they speak up here). There were people with cameras and lots of emotion going on (and it was fun to watch stoic Erik react to that. "There are people CRYING in the lobby," he stage whispered in dumbfoundment.) I laugh now - but who will be crying on the first rainy day when we have nowhere to go? Um - that would be ME.

Best Part of the Day - It had to be close to 60 degrees today! We were in the yard, went for a walk (the neighbors are out in force with the mandatory two kid and dog brigade) and reveled in no coat wearing. Deeeelish. Erik went to a movie tonight (I dare say he is having a bro-mance) and I had the house to myself. It was rather lovely!

Ode/Obit to my Camera - You worked so well for four straight years
Through parties, weddings and births
Now our time together is through
Please know I savored your worth.

Your battery life was second to none
Your focus clear and true.
I never even lost your lens cap
Okay! So it was attached to you.

I'll miss your Canon excellence
And your telephoto lens and shutter
But a new camera is on it's way
And you know I can't stand the clutter!

You had a great sense of humor
Very sneaky, like a spider to a fly
Like all those times for no reason
You gave everybody red eye.

The new camera is sleek and compact
Not like your bulky-ass self
So I'll probably lose it in days
"Has anyone seen my new Canon Elph?"

So goodbye sweet camera, goodbye
I hope that you find peace.
Perhaps you'll soon be recycled
And I can wear you as a fleece.

Canon Power Shot G5
Born 1/24/2004 Died 4/7/2008

Saturday April 12, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O let me sleep in today.  (A charming gesture...Scarlet did stomp into my room no less than 10 times/hour making up inane things to declare at the top of her lungs.)  Still, it rocked.

Worst Part of the Day

It was challenging leaving the house today for work.  The kids were crawling on top of me (Liam is officially in toddler mode as he climbs on top of all tables, chairs, countertops, etc--it is equally maddening and cute) and whatever else is more than a foot off the ground as I was attempting to get ready.  I swear I just needed 4 minutes of uninterrupted readying time.   I dare say Will-O was reading on the couch during this mild chaos.  

Friday April 11, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O had to do recording stuff for a new project this eve.  It allowed me to have a relaxing social time at home--2 buds came over (as I was homebound) and we had wine and snackens.  The kids were up for a spell and then went down fairly easily at their appointed times.  Good clean fun on a Friday.

Worst Part of the Day-

Why does my child have to arise at the crack of dawn?  It is brutal.

Friday April 11, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Could it be the stupid (on his part this time) argument with Erik? Or was it when SB smacked his head against my lip and had me in tears (it looks like I botoxed one side of my mouth)? Or the incessant rain? Or doing three loads of laundry and there is still more to go? Or the fact that we got a babysitter tonight to go to some other kid's play?? UGH!

Best Part of the Day - I do have to say that after our argument Erik really (really) did feel like he was in the wrong (this doesn't happen often folks. And truly sometimes he is right. But this time - he knew he was wrong, admitted it and we moved on (somewhat).

Thursday April 10, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Uh oh. The Gymboree in NH in closing! Yup - they received an offer on their building and they are taking the money and running. Good thing it's almost spring so we can just head to the park because we have a good amount of toddler energy around here that needs an outlet of running, jumping, screaming, stomping, crashing .... And the last class is this very Saturday!
Also I dropped off Chris, Ann and the boys at the airport today - hard to see them go. It was really, really fun to have them visit.

Best Part of the Day - The Speech Path and OT were so happy with SB's progress today. The OT had not seen him for six weeks and was floored at his improvements in speech and body position. I'm not fully convinced of the "body position" deal - but I also seem improvements in him and it's nice to have people really cheering for your kid.

Wednesday April 9, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I keep my kids on this schedule every single day. Today we said "f#$k the schedule" and guess who actually got f&*cked in the process? That would be me and Erik. We went to Portsmouth, NH to drop off Erik's brother's rental car (they flew the now defunct Skybus Airline here on it's very last day of operation .... so many new plans had to be made) and went to the Children's Museum. (P.S. No more children's museums for a year please!) It was all fine until it was time to leave and SB threw a tantrum. And I do mean a tantrum. I've never seen anything like it (from him). He ended up running away and smacking his head on the sidewalk. UGH. Now - this kiddo should have eaten 90 minutes prior and been sleeping for 60 minutes. So there you have it.

Best Part of the Day - On Chris and Ann's last night we went to HIBACHI. Dinner and a show. It was really, really fun - full of vino and good conversation and stir fry fun. Then off to Friendly's (yes, Friendly's) for ice cream sundaes. It was really, really some good ice cream (I had Coffee Toffee. It was divine.) I'm sad they are leaving - we had a really excellent time and they were excellent guests!

Wednesday April 9, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I am sitting down.  My dogs are barkin.

Worst Part of the Day-

I didn't really get to see Scarlet today.  We passed in the hallway as she was coming in from preschool and I was heading out the door.  (Is this how it is for millions of Americans?)  It doesn't seem to phase her, but it kinda bums me out a little.  Ho hum.

Tuesday April 8, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Work was actually...dare I say fun?  Huh.  

Worst Part of the Day-

I have this strange feeling that I forgot to do something.  Hopefully it's not something critical that I forgot to do on/about a patient--or leaving Liam in his car seat all night long.  Hopefully it's something along the lines of forgetting to return a movie to the video store.  The annoying thing about this feeling of forgetting is that I can't remember.  Duh.

Monday April 7, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - You know how I hate that Kansas b-ball team? Well I hear they won the national championship. I don't know as I refused to watch the last two minutes. They can win it, but I don't have to watch it.

Best Part of the Day - Chris, Ann, Erik and I took Jack and SB down to Boston to the Children's Museum. (SB and Carson stayed behind with Steph as neither is feeling all that well.) Jack and SB just LOVED it - it was an easy trip there and back, no tantrums, all smiles and good times. SB seemed overjoyed to be there and Jack helped him out with all sorts of exhibits. It was darling and such easy fun.

Sunday April 6, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I'm feeling a bit bloated and want to do a juice fast of some sort. However, I know the eating frenzy will continue with Erik's brother and wife. So I'll just have to try and keep it to a minimum.

Best Part of the Day - Breakfast at Luna (in DC) with Stacia and Bobbi was so delish and relaxed and fun. And I was so happy to get home to see the baby boyz and the family. Very, very nice. We ended up going out for dinner (Steph came over to babysit) and it was fun, fun (and boozy and fatty! Guess I'm not keeping it to a minimum.)

Saturday April 5, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Has to be missing Erik's brother, wife and kiddos in NH. I'm HATING that I'm missing even part of the time with them.

Best Part of the Day - It was a very nice and well timed out day. Stacia, Bobbi and I were up and showered on time to grab coffees and a last minute present and then head out of VA for the baby shower for Val. The shower did last a TICH long - but Val is an energetic pregnant lady and you can't help but die laughing at her opening gifts. During the shower, an old boss apologized to me for being such a monster. I did accept the apology as it makes an interesting ending to one of my favorite work stories. But as these events took place ten years ago - it does seem a bit late. After the shower we loaded up on beer, cheese, chip and other thangs from the Whole Foods and headed back to our hotel room to hang out, eat and watch a movie (27 Dresses which SUCKED!!!! SO, SO, SO BAD!) Good laz-a-bout time.

Monday April 8, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Midway through my 8 hour hospital shift I was told to go home.  They had somehow overbooked staff and I was free to go.   Woo-hoo.  I did not stick around to make sure they had counted correctly.  Later.

Worst Part of the Day-

Poor Littlest Li.  He has fully recovered from his viral illness, as the young ones do--quickly and easily, and we were playing in the backyard this morning.   Scarlet was in and out of the garage gathering her gardening tools and buckets and whatnot.   As I was walking over to close the door to the garage so Liam could not go in and get filthy, somehow he had his little hand by the door frame when a huge gust of wind slammed the door shut.  His baby thumb got slammed in the damn door!  

The poor dear boy.  Thank heavens for the malleable bones of the wee ones.  He has an abrasion and a bruise to show for it, but nothing broken.   

Best Part of the Day-

My mom came over to babysit Liam while Will-O and Scarls and I went to a 5 year-old b-day party brunch.  The birthday girl is a bud of Scarlet's and the parents are friends of ours, so it worked out beautifully as a social outing for all.  The kids had a grand time chasing each other outside while the adults sipped delish mimosas inside.     

Worst Part of the Day-

In the wee early hours this morn I heard Liam screaming from his crib.  He is not typically a night-time screamer so I knew something was up.  As soon as I picked him up, I could feel his burning hot body and sweaty head.  He had thrown up all over the whole kit and kaboodle of his crib.  I changed him while he wailed away.  He just kept dry heaving and farting and crying while I held him close.  My poor babes...

Saturday April 5, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

My darn daughter--she is a riot to hang with.   I took her to run errands and then thought I would stop in my other job.  She looooves to come to work with me and be my "helper".  Of course she knows how to swipe my key card to enter the building and even which key on the ring opens the side door.  As I give vaccines to the kids she stands next to me with gloves hanging on her hands and says to the shot recipient "now just relax, take a deep breath--good job" and puts on the bandaid after the poke.   Today after roughly 3 minutes of work she declared we needed to take a "work break--we deserve it" and put her feet up on the desk like a cop in a movie.  

She ate a snack with the residents and then gave them an unsolicited nutrition lesson and included how "organic is the way to go and apples are a better choice for a healthy body--duh." She ended her speech (I must quote 'cause it's just the way it went down) "ya never know when diabetes might strike."   Oh ma lord.

It is pleasing when your offspring legitimately makes you laugh.  This child kills me.

Worst Part of the Day-

Just before leaving work a resident told me she had a medical issue to discuss.  I set Scarlet up with a coloring project and took the girl into my office to talk.   After only a few moments, Scarlet burst in the door.  I bent down to tell Scarlet that it will only be another minute and to go out and continue coloring.   Scarlet said "I just wanted a hug."  So we hugged and I gave her a kiss on the cheek and told her it would only be another minute.  As Scarlet went back to coloring, I asked the resident to excuse the interruption and continue telling her concerns.  At this point the resident started welling up and said "You are a good mom.  I never had anyone bend down and talk to me the way you just did.  I never had anyone interact with me the way you just did.  I bet when your daughter is scared, she can call out your name and you come running and then she isn't scared.  I never had that."  

Though I know it is the truth in thousands of kids' lives, it is astounding to hear it first hand.  It is the sad reminder of what is so basic and almost flippant in our home on a daily basis is not present even once in many of these kids' lives.  How can they stand a fighting chance?  

Friday April 4, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Leaving the madness of the hospital (even before midnight--yippee!).  I shoved popcorn and pretzels (promptly pilfered from the EMS room where these items are free for well, EMS peeps and starving nurses) in my mouth as I sped out of the parking lot.  Thank heavens I could eat and drive.

Worst Part of the Day-

A long, tiresome day caring for the sick and dying...

Friday April 4, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - THE SNOW!!!! There was snow this morning and I was so scared that my flight was not going to get out. Big, fat flakes. Then it turned to heavy rain. But it was warm enough that no ice formed. And I got to the airport right on time and the plane was also right on time. Hooray!!

Best Part of the Day - The whole day!!! Valerie picked me up from the airport and we got lunch and chatted. Then we made it to the hotel and Bobbie met up. Then Stacia came. We got some drinks and an AMAZING tapas dinner and margaritas!!! It was so much fun to see the ladies and have some child-free fun!!

Thursday April 3, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Arguing with the tax lady (and she did call back to say that I was correct on the issue we were at odds on). Cleaning,cleaning, cleaning the home (and then re-cleaning). OH I can't wait for the NC Reitters to arrive so I can stop tidying! I'm sooo tired and can't wait to stop this nonsense!

Best Part of the Day - Getting packed for DC!!! Can't wait! Also, as Erik was leaving SB looked at him and said "bach". And I thought he was saying "bad". But then he pointed at Erik's coat and said "bach" again and it was clear he was saying "black!" It was so amazing!!! Lots of cheers for SB. The Speech Path said today that he IS talking - or he thinks he is talking. So we're hoping to hear some more words soon!!

Thursday April 3, 2008

Best Part of the Day

Will-O dropped the kids off at the sitter's and then came home to wait for his band buddy to pick him up.  We sat and talked for 20 minutes or so--which is sad to say but we have not had an uninterrupted conversation in MONTHS.  (I do recall one in January.)  We are on the go like all other couples with little ones--whatevs.

Will-O relayed a story about walking home late night (or wee early) in our old Chicago neighborhood.  I usually have heard all of his stories (over and over and over), but his was a new one for me.  He told how he was coming home from an after party following one of his shows.  It was roughly 4am and no none else was on the street.   All of a sudden he saw a guy on the opposite side of the street and though Will-O is typically not afraid of other males, he could tell that this guy was up to no good.  The next thing he knew the dude was right behind him asking "Ya got any money?"   Instead of feeling any tension, Will-O proclaims he felt a sense of calm and looked at the fellow straight in the eyes.  (He had about $500 in his pocket as he had just played a show).  Will-O said "For once I do have money.  But I need it.  If you need a little I can help you."   Will-O went on to pull out a wad of cash (I know--dumb) and give this guy a ten dollar bill and then they started talking.  Somehow they had a moment.  As Will-O was talking to him as a real person he wished him better days soon.  When Will-O next looked at his unlikely friend, there were tears streaming down the dude's cheeks.  He then thanked Will-O and left.   Heavy.

Worst Part of the Day-

Another long day at the office.  I had an ICU patient in the ER--a very interesting case of a fit as a fiddle 53 year-old man who came in with extreme chest/back pain.  And this was the real deal. They guy was pale as hell and vomiting and in obvious excruciating pain.   A CAT scan showed a tear in his aortic valve which would need surgery immediately.  Anyhoo, I was at his bedside for 3 hours straight giving meds, helping out diagnostic tests, assisting the OR team, talking to his family, etc.   It was a big, critical deal!  Whew.  When he finally got shipped up to the OR, I thought for sure now I could eat and go to the bathroom.  No such luck.  I  kept getting socked with more and more.  Another day without food or drink.  Such is the ER way, I suppose.

Wednesday April 2, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I'm trying to tie up all loose ends before leaving for DC on Friday. Erik's brother, wife and two boys arrive Friday night (I KNOW - and it's my fault for the dual planning. It's just that I got the dates I could do the DC baby shower to the planner and then promptly forgot about it ... so then (of course!) the two events overlap. BUT the fam will be in until Thursday, so I'll only miss them for a day and a half.) Anyhoo - I had to run to the store tonight to get dips and special sodas and special foods and treats for the visitors. And normally I LOVE this part of the planning - thinking about what someone would really like to eat and drink while visiting. (And I did kind of like it once I got to the store.) But really I wanted to sit at home and not have to run about the town.

Best Part of the Day - Had a very fun playdate with three other kiddos and two very cool moms. The house is from the 1700's and has some GORGEOUS features, i.e. the door hinges are etched to match the doorknobs! And they are doing some amazing work on it - tiling the bathroom, sanding the floors, painting rooms. But I'm glad to not live in a fixer-upper at this point. I think that our 2001 cookie cutter house does us just fine right now.

Wednesday April 2, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

This is a toughy.  I watched Atonement on my laptop while I should have been snoozing this late morn while Liam napped.  Thought it was riveting for 4/5's and then well, fine.  I give it a strong "B".

Worst Part of the Day-

I met a nurse who reminded me of my yicky nursing days of yesteryear.   Upon shaking her hand I could tell she instantly that she was insecure and wanted desperately to hate my guts.   She is the type of person who talked about people behind their backs when she was a wee one in preschool and will continue until the day she dies.  Caddy-cadsville.

Tuesday April 1, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Erik arrives home unexpectedly for lunch. He says "oh I think I really messed up today." I am busy trying to feed two children who appear to have not had food in weeks - the tears, the pouting, the whining. "What?" I say. "Well," he continues. "I took one of the office staff to task for another mess up and Scura (the partner) told me 'you obviously don't want to be here, so just leave." At this, I stop what I am doing and stare at him. "So" he says. "I don't know if that means just for today or forever or what. I think I really f#$ked up." I am trying to digest this while continuing to feed the kiddos. "We might have to sign that crappy contract after all," he finished. Okay - my head is spinning. And then (yes, you saw it coming, but I did not) "APRIL FOOLS!" It made me mad as I am the reigning April Fools prankster. Boo Hiss!! But is was a good one and I was impressed.

Best Part of the Day - I think I got all of our tax information ready .... this is absolutely EARLY for us. We usually like to wait until the day before ... can't they make taxes easier?? I just HATE it.

Tuesday April 1, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I pulled a great April Fool's on my parents....I have been known for the occasional April Fool's prank so I knew I had to make it a good'un.  I called my parents home in the middle of the day knowing they would be out.  They still have the old school answering machine so I knew it would work.  I sounded upset.  I went on to say how I got sent home from my new nursing job as I made a grave medication error.  I even said "I think I almost killed a patient..."  I requested my dad to call me ASAP as I needed his legal services.  Just as I was about to say "oh yeah and one more thing...April Fool's!!" my dad picked up the phone.  Apparently he had just walked in and heard the entire message and he was really worried (AKA fooled good).  Well in the next breath I gave away the prank and needless to say he was relieved and VERY fooled.  (I did nail the performance, if I dare say...)  Fun times with pranks.

Worst Part of the Day-

My mom's version of the above prank:

My mom works at a school so gets home at roughly 4pm.  She of course listened to the answering machine upon arriving home as usual and heard my somber message.  Unfortunately she didn't have the pleasure of hearing the "oh yeah and another thing--April Fool's!" part as when my dad picked up the phone it stopping the recording.   She called me about 5 times and offered to come over and talk, etc.  She was REALLY worried.  She sat on the fact that her daughter may have killed a patient until 6:30pm when my dad got home and broke the news of the prank.  I felt bad as I was at work in this time period and clearly was not able to pick up messages.  So basically I really freaked her out for 2 + hours.  When she heard of the April foolin she called back and said "that was a mean one."  Ooopsies.

All in the name of good clean fun.

Monday March 31, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Might I have an ear infection? It's weird that one is still really plugged up - it feels really weird. I think I might self-medicate on a Z-Pack.

Best Part of the Day - Oh we are having visitors (Erik's brother, wife and two boyz) and so I'm on a TEAR. The sheets in the guest room have been changed, the fridge was cleaned inside and out, the pantry was reorganized, the linen closet spruced up, the office tidied. It's weird how walking into a clean office makes a HUGE difference. I ought to keep it spic n' span for me and not just for appearances.

Monday March 31, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

In a 3 hour time slot between my current 2 jobs, I met the fam at mother-in-law's for an early din (roughly 4 pm).  The kids have a blast there playing with Grandma's cool toys and exploring the different digs.   At one point Scarlet asked if she could use her binoculars (why do older folks always have binoculars sitting out in the living room?) and she went outside to seek adventure in the woodsy back yard.  It was sweet to look out at her using the binoculars--she looked like she had been using them for years to track the mating rituals of the robin or some such thing.  When she came back inside she proclaimed "I am obsessed with these!"   Perhaps she will be tracking some creature sooner than I ever thought.

M-I-L's home is only minutes from the hospital so it truly was relaxing--yummy Thai food and a great reprieve from the work thang.  

Worst Part of the Day-

It's broken record time.  Mondays are my late late.  Tonight we had rounds with our Psychiatrist and I was so sleepy I was feeling giddy.  Giddy is perhaps fine in most work environments but here it was bordering on inappropriate.  I was basically slap happy.  It is not quite therapeutic to burst out laughing when an emotionally disturbed teen is telling how they know they have magic powers and can do anything.  The doctor was asking this magic powers resident to clarify what she meant.  She said something like "I know I can do anything..I don't need school or parents...I need to go smoke me some blunts and I will be a pediatric.  I will be a pediatric!"  When the doc asked what she meant by 'pediatric', she said "you know a doctor for kids--a pediatric."  I did have to leave the room.  Couldn't hold back... (Bad, sleepy nurse.)