Monday June 30, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

This morn I delivered Scarlet to "Aunt" Alli so she could have her much awaited "Chicago Fun Trip".  Alli is highly energetic and had a packed agenda planned:  puppy play (they recently got a new Golden pup), a tennis lesson with Uncle Sean, pool time, then to the store to gather ingredients to make dinner, then eating, planting flowers, bath, movie time, and sleep over shenanigans.  Scarlet was thrilled from the onset of this idea and last night packed 2 suitcases for the adventure complete with bathrobe, slippers, sun hat, swimming goggles, purses, various shoes, outfits for any weather, a movie, books, notebooks--it was crazy how much stuff she thoughtfully laid out and stuffed in her Pepto-Bismol pink bags.  

I got a call tonight reporting Scarlet was excellent all day and even declared to Alli "this was the best day of my life!"  (She does have a bunch o' best days, but this is a good sign!)  It is refreshing to receive such a good report as well as to know she is in fantastic/loving hands. Cleansing exhale.

Worst Part of the Day-

I detest Chicago traffic.  I met Alli in the 'burbs to lighten her driving load.  On the way home I went about 5 miles in 1 hour.  What is the hold up, peeps?   Liam was a trooper spending many an hour in his car seat this afternoon.   At one point along the drive he started saying "hot hot hot" and I absently repeated "hot hot hot".   Then I looked at him in the rear view mirror and saw his hair was wet with sweat and plastered to his little head as he was caught in a sunny spot--sorry my Little (low maintenance) Man.  

Sunday June 29, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - IMP seems to have ANOTHER diaper rash - poor kiddo. What sensitive skin this lad has! It gets so bad for him!

Best Part of the Day - My dad and I took the boyz out to breakfast. It was not relaxing nor calm, but it still was very fun. The kiddos enjoyed their funny face pancakes and I enjoyed my Denver Omelet. Also Cousin Kristen called and we will be meeting up soon which makes me VERY happy! And my mom and I have a Ladies Night Out tonight with some cottager moms and daughters which should be kid-free fun.

Sunday June 29, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

The kids and I picked up "Uncle Mike" at the airport this morning.  Yea!  Soooo good to see him and catch up after 6-ish months of him being way out west.  I promptly slotted him for the baby sitting shift of 11a-3p as I had a quick and easy 4 hour ER shift.  It was great to be able to skip off to work with Uncle Mike and the kids in the backyard with the Slip and Slide in high gear.  Liam is in full talking mode and will pretty much repeat anything you say (watch your mouths, people).  It was so dear to hear him saying "Mi-ke" over and over.  

Also we watched The Other Boleyn Sister this eve and it was delightful to bond through ripping on Natalie Portman (and this was by far the best acting/accent consistency I've seen from her...)

Worst Part of the Day-

It's true that I have had and always will have issues with cellular telephones...

Apparently my phone fell out of my work bag as I was entering the car for work today.  It sat in wet grass for 5 hours and now will not turn on.  This phone is under 2 weeks old...crap-ola.  

Saturday June 28, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Erik left for NC. It left me feeling bereft. Yes, bereft. This took me by surprise as I take most separations in stride - but this one felt different. Perhaps because he is starting the adventure without me.

Best Part of the Day - Take two whiny kiddos who are missing their dad, throw them in a wagon and take them to a playground. Hilarity and hijinks ensue - then all of a sudden it is time for din din. Also went to bed at 8:45 p.m. Lovin' every minute of that.

Saturday June 28, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

1).  I got to spend time with the kids today with no jobs to run off to.  Will-O went to Chicago this afternoon, so there is also the blessed element of time and space "alone".  I did some gardening which is unexpectedly fun and relaxing while the kids ran around and checked out the backyard scene (that heavens they don't get sick of that!)  

2).  Will-O and I had our 5th conversation of 2008 and it went quite well.  I did most of the talking and it was good to calmly and maturely vent and he did a commendable job of truly listening.  We agree that we want a household that is full of love and respect.  Whew.  

Worst Part of the Day-

It was so hard to get the show on the road today.  The original plan was for me to go to work (regular work) in the morn and then take Will-O to the train so he could go to a mandatory recording session in Chicago until Monday eve.  It was difficult to get out of the door.  Once back home I found out Will-O opted for a later train and then missed one due to procrastination (he has issues with that).  I was being driven crazy with impatience.  I just wanted to check off the Will-O en route to Chicago item on my checklist...

 

Friday June 27, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I snuck down to Summerfest to see one of Will-O's side projects this evening.  Good to be out. Perfect breezy temperate night.  Saw a rainbow.  Got carded-ha!  

Worst Part of the Day-

At around 4pm today I felt so exhausted I thought I was going to fall over.   My cheeks became hot and flushed and I felt it would be unsafe to drive in this condition.  Odd.

Thursday June 26, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

We found a new babysitter after years of mild looking.  This one seems perfect.  A mature teenager who (came highly recommended) is fantastic with the kids!  She is in some kind of Gifted and Talented program and apparently she gets all the lead roles in her high school plays--she is energetic!  Scarlet said about her "I really love her--she plays with us and is silly."  At long last.  

Worst Part of the Day-

The kids went to their regular Thursday sitter during the day and then new sitter picked them up until I got home from hospital around 8pm (7a-7p shift arrrgh) as Will-O was n/a due to music schedule madness.  The kids seemed to have fun 'n games, but I was semi-concerned the whole day about other people caring for our offspring ALL DAY.  Yes, I know billions of couples both work and caregivers take care of the kids each weekday...I am just not use to it.  Must I relinquish?  It is challenging.

Also, I had to miss my beloved book club due to my emotional issue of needing to see the chitlins for a few minutes before bed.  I just could NOT do it.

Friday June 27, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Oh Lord and Lands did the children wake up le miserable after afternoon naps. Whew.

Best Part of the Day - As the wails and general misery grew, Erik and I shuttled the chitlins to the beach. All misery immediately ceased as the boyz made merry in the sand and surf of Lake Michigan. There were plenty of playmates (friends of mine and their boys - it sure seems to be all boys around here) and toys and sandy messes to be made. And the use of outdoor voices was fun in the sun. The only tears were when we removed them - and even then the tears were more of a "it's not fair" gentle wail. Summertime bliss.

NOTE: Erik put IMP's shoes on the wrong feet. Out of practice or just losing it (like me)?

Thursday June 26, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - SB might be having a tich of an adjustment. He was a crying, whining mess today. Very painful. Also Erik in a snit of a mood -but I'm not asking about it. I'll just let him stew.

Best Part of the Day - Took the kids to the pool and it was so fun to see them enjoying the water. They had these buckets that would fill with water and then dump into the pool - SB just loved it. A good balmy day to be at the pool.

Wednesday June 25, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Got up early from the hotel and headed off. A semi-gross meal of Wendy's was lunch. So tired. Reading a magazine toward the end of the trip and missed the exit to the cottage. So had to rely on own direction skills (which I don't have any of). Got a tich lost. Not nice comments from Erik (not helping). Finally made it! Whoo Hoo!

Best Part of the Day - Arriving at the cottage. Cousin Amy had sat with the kids and all was better than well. So great to see them!! Went out for dinner with mom, Erik, Amy and the kids. And it was not that painful (in fact, went rather well.)

NOTE - I put IMP's shoes on the wrong feet! Out of practice or overtired??

ALSO - remember drunk grandmother story where SB got knocked over on the scooter? Well while at dinner she came by to say 'hi' and after she left Erik said "now how did she get those raccoon eyes? That could be symptomatic of blah blah blah." My mom and I just look at each other and then I tell him the story. And he said "yeah, I can see why you didn't tell me that." Then later he said "let's make a pact. No more dunken people taking our kids for rides." Agreed.

Tuesday June 24, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - We leave tonight. The inevitable scramble of getting the last minute stuff done. Errands and cleaning and organizing and the like. And then just leaving and having the huge drive ahead of us. And I left my wedding rings in NH. Sh#$ - how will I get those thangs back??

Best Part of the Day - The drive was not sooo bad. Lots of good and funny conversation with Erik. All seems well with the world and we found a hotel no problemo. Now it's fun to think about seeing the kiddos.

ALSO - my dad came through hip surgery no problem. Whew!!!!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - The break is just about over. We leave tomorrow night for Michigan. I am relaxed - but would love a couple more days. Sigh. Am missing the kids - but in more of a theoretical way.

Best Part of the Day - One hour massage! Bliss!

Wednesday June 25, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I had a good chat with my mom concerning life, love, partnerships and relationships.  It was more like a conversation with a wise friend than with a mom.   Huh.

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet's preschool had an ice cream social this afternoon and it sounded like a grand idea. The plan was for Will-O to drop us off for 40 minutes or so to allow us to "socialize with ice cream" while he went grocery shopping.  Too bad I forgot I was dealing with little chitlins--not adults who want to sit and enjoy and be leisurely and chat.  The kids devoured their respective mini-sundaes in about 45 seconds and then ran around screaming for the next 39 minutes. 

Also the dog had a delectable diarrhea issue on our (light-ass) living room carpet.   Note-Will-O is NOT a poop kinda guy (human or animal).  I spent over 20 minutes (on hands and knees) position on that sucker.

Tuesday June 24, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Rode my bike toward the lake to play beach volleyball with my co-workers.  Quite fun.  Must say I haven't "bumped" since roughly 5th grade gym class.  

Worst Part of the Day-

After riding to the game, playing for maybe an hour and then riding home, my legs (and lungs) were dead.  Just how in tarnation am I going to do the triathlon in under 3 weeks??  My training thus far has consisted largely of biking around town, abstaining from drinking alcohol and working craisins amounts of hours.  I may need to step it up about 90 notches.  I am slightly worried.

Monday June 23, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

1.  Received a hour massage--divine

2.  My mom had the kids all day and they had a blast with her

3.  My health class went really well tonight as I am doing a unit on Healthy Summer Fun (these girls are used to picking up loser guys in a park every summer day...)  I took the girls on a "power walk", showed them some basic stretches, we then did cartwheels and handstands in a field and ended with log rolls down a hill.  

Worst Part of the Day-

MAJOR tension with Will-O as he:

1.  Slept all day (literally from morning til night)

2.  Did not mow the lawn or do any household duties

3.  Wondered why I am "cold" to him

Sunday June 22, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

The ER was insanely busy, but I worked with a very fun crew.

Worst Part of the Day-

I told a friend we would dog sit her golden retriever for a week.  The dog was billed as good with kids.  The damn thing keeps knocking Liam on all fours and trying to hump him.  Each time this happens before I can quickly rectify the situation, Liam looks up from his defiled position like what in the hell?  

Saturday June 21, 2008

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam crying his eyeballs out while I was walking out the door to go to the hospital.  Tears were streaming down his red cheeks while he screamed "No, Mama, no!"   This kills.

Best Part of the Day-

Halfway done with the hospital gig.  (But who's counting?)

Friday June 20, 2008

Worst Part of the Day-

Instead of being able to flop down in bed after working oodles o' hours, I came home to hear Scarlet screaming/crying.  (She is not a crier, people.)  She was sobbing and saying that her ears hurt "soooo bad!"  Neither Motrin or Tylenol touched the awful pain and I was up with her until the morning light (dad snoozed without issue) when we went to the pediatrician at 8:15am.  She was SOBBING in the waiting room!  It was terrible.  The doctor said she of course had a double ear infection and topped it off with "one of the worst, most red/bulging cases I've seen in a while" looking at me like I was kinda a slacker mom to wait all night with a miserable kid.   The doc said that it's amazing the left ear did not "perforate" (sounds yicky) due to the pressure as that can cause temporary hearing loss and also prolong an infection.  On the way to pick up the antibiotics Scarlet all of a sudden stopped moaning and said "the pain is gone, Mom" and I looked at her in my rear view mirror only to see blood and a clear liquid oozing from her left ear.  Ah ha--now the sucka has perforated, indeed.  At this time my child is deaf (albeit temporarily) in her left ear.  Awesome way to start the day.

Best Part of the Day-

I rode my bike to the Brewer game to meet some friends.  Though about 80 people said I looke exhausted, it was still pretty fun to be out.

Sunday June 22, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Had to go and help gimpy ole Erik clean out his office. It actually wasn't that bad - just kind of a time suck.

Best Part of the Day - Went to see Sex and the City with two gal friends (Erik and the other males saw The Happening. He keeps giving M. Night chance after chance. I have given up on him for now.) It was good - but kind of emotional and there were some easy forgivings going on. But still - highly enjoyable and fun to see. Then we went to dinner afterward without a care in the world (for the moment). So fun.

Saturday June 21, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - We had slept over at our hosts home (this was planned ahead of time as they live kind of far out) and then had to head home (all sweaty and smelling o' campfire) to clean our house for the Open House. We got a lot done but then just kind of tooled around the city while the Open House occurred. AND I did not see any signs for the other homes having an Open House so I am not too hopeful of the prospects ....

Best Part of the Day - Well we got three different visitors to our Open House. So that is good news. After showering and resting - Erik and I went to see Iron Man. It was really good - some hilarious parts and good CG and FX (if indeed those are the correct terms). The ending cracked me up - I laughed for a bit on it. Then we grabbed food from the local burrito place and came home to watch Fear Itself (which was not very fearful).

Friday June 20, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - It seems the homes around the corner from us are having an Open House tomorrow ... we have yet to have a "public" Open House. So I e-mailed our Realtor and we are going to try and capitalize on their traffic (just put up some signs and balloons on the corner.) But this worries me ... I mean, in this market, with so many homes for sale in our little area .... we need someone who is really working to sell this place.

Best Part of the Day - The contractor showed up right on time today and fixed the flashing on our house. Hooray! Then I went to get my hair cut and colored with nary a care in the world - no waiting on the babysitter, no checking the time, just carefree hair cutting. Then we went to a dinner party aka goodbye party in Chi-Town (that's Chichester, not Chicago peeps). They have a neat log cabin home with tons of acreage and we did bring Clarence who happily roamed about. The dinner was delish and tons of beverages were served. Then we all sat bug free (maybe the citronella tiki torches?) around the fire. It was relaxed fun in the (kind of) woods.

Thursday June 19, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I ate twice doing my hospital shift.  Unprecedented.

Worst Part of the Day-

I made a poor call at work by not putting a patient on a heart monitor when she went down to cat scan....aahhhhh.  I had a gut feeling that this lady had more to her story than just the gash on her forehead and I didn't follow my gut!  (I was too rushed to follow the gut...)  Basically her heart stopped while she was in cat scan.  Dear god.  It was a cluster to have a code blue in that room.  The long and short of it is, this patient did live and is "fine", but her friggin heart stopped on my watch--without any cardiac monitoring!!!  I will not make that mistake again.

Thursday June 19, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I thought that running errands would be so carefree without children either with me or waiting at home. Then I realized, errands are never really carefree they are just a necessary (or at times unnecessary) time suck. I went to work out at 9 a.m. and then ran errands until noon. Boooo. Then I had another moving dude come over to give me an estimate (yes, it's a little cart before the horse, but it never hurts to be prepared.) That took another hour. Boooo.

Best Part of the Day - Another spontaneous outing - movie and then dinner this time (Erik ze gimp still can't do much activity so we are limited in our options). We saw The Hulk which was pretty good. I mean, pretty good for what it was. Good effect, decent story, 25 minute action scenes. Maybe too many action movies in a row - starting to close my eyes during them to blur the action. But the sheer spontaneousness of it was the best part - decide and then just go. Novel.

Note - kiddos are doing well in Michigan. Mom seems cheery and in good spirits (prior to me leaving she kept saying "eight days. Yup, eight days." I think just trying to get it to sink in. But all sounds well.

Wednesday June 18, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - We need some black out blinds in our bedroom - man is the sun bright in the manana. This makes me think
a. the sun didn't shine for many months here in NH
b. I was awake before the sun could get high enough in the sky to wake me (the cries of babes did wake me instead)

Best Part of the Day - Dinner and movie date. Da Da DAAA DAAA Da Da DA. Indiana Jones. While it was a tich "for the Boomers" (and lawdy I hate them boomers. As a group - not as specific people.) I enjoyed it immensely. I thought it was fun and I had no problem suspending belief for the shoot 'em up scenes (usually I'm like "OH RIGHT NOT ONE BULLET HIT THE HERO IN A 25 MINUTE GUN FIGHT???? But I was okay with it in this movie as I knew damn well Indy was not going to die.) For me, this movie did not disappoint. And there were some funny insider moments so it made me feel like I was part of the gang. Lame, but true.
Also met Erik for lunch and then met with a contractor to try and fix our flashing. We had a contractor who came over seven weeks ago and said "oh yeah, I'll do it." And then just never did it. I hate contractors. As a group - not as specific people. Hope to get this one punched out.
ALSO made massage appointments for Erik and I. It is a gift certificate for Erik, but I figured that I was owed a finder's fee for finding it and using it before our NH departure.

Wednesday June 18, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O and I dissected our respective calendars (he is CRAZY busy all of one sudden!)  It was very fun (in a geeky, I-wanna-make-out-with-organizers kinda way).  We have everything color-coded and highlighted open slots where we need child care (through August, ahem).  We are on it.  Will-O even said afterward: "I am on cloud nine about this."  Yeah, baby--you will see the beauty that is organization and order!

Worst Part of the Day-

Amidst all of the schedule coordinating, Will-O and I had planned to do a joint work-out late this afternoon.  Since we had agreed upon it earlier today, I felt obliged to do it even though as we were readying (we were behind schedule, but I was trying to be flexible) and my gut instinct told me it was getting too late for dinner and the whole night time routine madness.  

Wow did the madness ensue.  At the end of the day Liam was starving and couldn't understand why he couldn't take Little Johnny's goldfish crackers from the Kidcare cubby next to his. Scarlet was bouncing off the walls.  (I forgot Will-O can workout for HOURS, when I am more of a hour and done kinda gal).  Dinner was served (to screaming and crying little people) after the time they are usually in bed.  

Note to self:  Follow the gut.  Follow the gut.  Stick the routine.

Tuesday June 17, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Hate the packing. This trip is especially weird as I will be returning to Michigan in days. And yes, I did make another trip to the grocery store today. When will it end? Will we ever be stocked up??

Best Part of the Day - Watching GiGi take both boyz (one in stroller and one on foot) for a walk to the post office and then to the playground. Um - that is a LOT to do. But all went peaceful and well for her.
On the plane I had an Exit Row to myself. And both planes were on time. And I read and read and read and it was relaxing.
Erik picked me up, we got Panera and watched some NBA stuff.

Monday June 16, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Why OH Why do I keep having to go to the grocery store? I can't imagine what it is going to be like when these babes are teens - our grocery bill is going to be $1000's per month, I swear.

Best Part of the Day - Took SB to the gym and once again he loved it. My workout class left me shaky all over. Methinks me will be sore as sh#$ manana.
Also after giving IMP a sink bath (which he enjoyed instead of hating as in days prior) we walked down to the lower level of the cottage to find Ray, Ginny and SB engrossed in the Disney classic Bambi. I watched for a minute and it seemed rather lame to me - but I was shushed by all. Did you know Bambi's gal is named Filene? I wonder if she likes to shop.

Tuesday June 17, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Sitting in local coffee shop with Scarl downing the scrumptious caffeine that sustains my being. (She only had an a apple juice).   A date--just the girls, as she says.

Most Annoying Part of the Day-

Good golly I broke down and purchased a new cell phone...despite the fact that it is probably sitting in my hometown's airport 'lost and found'...I am just sick of being out of touch and I don't have time to go searching.

Worst Part of the Day-

I had a very non-therapeutic moment with one o' the "troubled" girls with whom I work.  I simply wasn't connecting and I really wasn't in the mood to be super duper empathetic (caring). She was VERY blah and negative and obviously quite depressed (wait, maybe this is just standard teenager behavior).  Every question I asked was met with "nothing" "no one" "no".  What do you want to be when you grow up?  Nothing.  What do you like to do with your friends?  Nothing.   Did you do anything over the weekend that was enjoyable?  No.  

My old man persona wanted to say, "Look here kid--you got it good, o.k.?  You're young, you're healthy,  you're American--now quit complaining and get to work!"   Perhaps all she needed was a hug--I couldn't be all warm and fuzzy today.

(I honestly don't think I'll have a problem with that tough love thing if my chitlins need that kind of madness when they turn into sullen teens.)  See ya teenager, I'll be over here resting.  

Monday June 16, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I gave Scarlet the "don't talk to strangers" talk.  Of course she has heard this bit in preschool and briefly from Will-O and I, but she asked about it today and I thought it was a perfect opportunity to exbound.  Will-O and I are not into the scare tactics of all strangers are going to harm you!   Plus, our highly social daughter who begs to meet and talk to new people wouldn't buy that anyway.  After our short discussion about most people being good/decent and a small group being naughty, she said "I get it, Mom--some people have thunderstorms in their minds, but most people have rainbows in their minds." Good, she does get it.

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam awoke seven times in the night.  (I swear he does not have an immune deficiency...)  He didn't have a fever, but was crying his little eyeballs out and was VERY clingy.  He was hanging on me for dear life.  It was clear something was up.  He kept pulling at his right ear and I was certain it was a painful ear infection.  He slept on my chest for rest of the night which means I did not sleep a wink.  Akin to caring for a newborn.  Poor bud.  (Sleepy mama).

Sunday June 15, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - IMP took a crap nap and was whiny and weepy for about a hour and a half today. Whew it exhausted me.

Best Part of the Day - Got to spend father's day with my father (poor Erik! But he did get in his pre-game nap for the NBA finals at least). Had a relaxing (kind of) morning with Sister Sarah before she took off for Swill City.

Saturday June 14, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - We head over to family friends cottage for lovely, child friendly dinner party. There is much for the kiddos to do - sandbox, closet full o' toys, slider door (for SB - heh, heh.) The party begins at 5:30 p.m. and there is much fun with limited meltdowns (two small ones by my child). The appetizers are fab, dinner is fatty divine and the wine (clearly) is flowing for the grandparents. All fine - I like a cocktail as much as the next person. Let loose peeps. The younger peeps (four toddler types, Sister Sarah, Katie and Matt) are all in the front of the cottage watching and helping the toddler types ride bikes and scooters. This is mostly falling to Matt to help (adorably he is a redhead and so shines to IMP who also shows signs of being the redhead type). IMP is up on a toddler scooter and Matt is running him in circles. I remark to Kate "good thing Erik isn't here - he'd FREAK over no helmets." Then the grandparents come out - they are laughing at IMP and SB on the scooter. I put down my beer and give SB a ride. He loves it. Then family friend Grandma decides to give SB a ride. Weeelll - let's just say "don't drink and scoot." Toward the end of the ride it is clear she is not holding the scooter securely. We all kind of start yelling and she falls (with a THUD) and nails her face and the side of SB's head. Blood is GUSHING out of her. The bridge of her nose looks like a prizefighter. She will surely have two black eyes in the mornings. SB has a rather large scrape and bruise on his little head. Kate looks at me (after it's all said and done) and just rolls her eyes. Oh my.

Best Part of the Day - Sister Sarah and I took the kiddos to the pool and it was really nice. SB did like to stand at the deep end and do slow laps around the pool and IMP was a little reckless - but other than that it was fun to chat and have lunch and just watch them play. Nice!
Also had a hilarious game of TV Trivial Pursuit with mom and Sister Sarah. It was dated about 1991 so the questions were all "Arsenio Hall" or "Mary Tyler Moore" or "Some lame-o show from 1961 that lasted one season." But my stomach did hurt from laughing (especially as we would "ding the whimsy" (aka some whimsical chime hanging above my head at the cottage) for each pie piece won.

Friday June 13, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Sister Sarah is to arrive early tonight as she got off at noon (that's central time, but still). However, she gets stuck in traffic. Wah, wah, wah. So parentals and I (after much, much and way too much discussion) decide to nix going out to eat and get take out. Fine - but then it takes (no joke) over a hour to find menu, pick items (dad doesn't like Hawaiian pizza, mom does, but mom doesn't want pizza and so on). So Sarah walks in and we still have not ordered! Whoa. Then lovely friends o' parents stop by (the cottage is much like a 50's neighborhood - in a good way. People are always stopping by to chat, drop off goodies, borrow a cup o' suga. Seriously). Well friends and parents are literally having four different conversations at the same time. Sarah and I have to plug our ears at one point.

Best Part of the Day - One delicious, uninterrupted, restful two hour NAP!!!!

Sunday June 15, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

We had an action-packed day of a fun park, go karts, batting cages (this is Will-O's day!) and finally swimming.  The swimming was super fun 'cause Scarlet is mostly independent in the water and Liam absolutely loves it all.  Scarlet buddied up with two 7 year-old girls (she plays so well with girls of that age..she also lies and tells them she is 7--that may be a problem.) Liam laughs the whole time in the water and seems to have very good natural instincts about when to close his mouth to avoid the potential mouthfuls.   

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet was big time stalling when it was time to get out the pool.  Just one more jump, one more face in the water, one more backfloat, the other 7 year-olds don't have to leave... Well the fibbing 4 year-old does.  I was totally done with the stall tactics and starving so I took Liam with me to shower and change while Will-O handled Little Miss.  (It was Father's Day, afterall--I needed to let the him show off his fatherly pool extraction technique:  powerfully lifting her out of the water and effortlessly carrying her to the locker room while she said one more...) 

 

Liam kept running out of the locker room when I was not yet done changing---ahhh.  First I had to run out in only a towel to find him oogling at the basketball players in the gym.  He did this 3 more times at different stages of my dressing.  Finally when I was dressed he ran toward the pool and stopped one inch from the egde while everyone in the pool (except for Scarlet who was still playing) screamed in unison "the baby!"  Afterward one well-intending woman said to me "You just turn your back for a second..."  The thing is I didn't even turn my back for a nano-second--I was watching him the whole time, he just took off like a bat out of hell as I was shoving wet swim wear in the bag.   He gave me a heart attack-like scare with that one and the feeling lasted about an hour.   Jeez, buddy--I need a leash for you.  

Saturday June 14, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I finally had a moment to pick-up some beautiful, fresh flowers for our backyard.  Things really look better when flowers are around!  Also I picked out the tree I am getting Will-O for Father's Day...it is, no less, a Willow!  Shhhh.

Worst Part of the Day-

I have not worked on my Father's Day card yet for Will-O--ya know, something creative and cutesy and from the heart--complete with pics of he and the kids and some kind of funny poem...better do it now (though I would love to zonk out).

Friday June 13, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O gave me the MOST DIVINE massage when I got home after my long-ass shift at the hospital.  (Everything is achin' after 13 hours of walking around caring for the sick and dying...)  It was unsolicited (hurrah!) and healing (yipee). 

Also, I am one quarter done with my current ER assignement!  Woo-hoo.

Worst Part of the Day-

Much tension trying to leave the house to get to work (on time and showered and fed) this morn.

Thursday June 12, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I didn't have to work in the ER today.  Though I went to my other job, the day was relaxing.  I ate more than one meal, I went to the bathroom when I had the urge...ahhhh...the simple pleasures.

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet has one of her viral coughs that she gets about every 3 months.  It's a loud, barky, non-productive one that is incessant.  She looked/sounded pretty miserable around 4pm so I gave her one of the Triaminic cough chews I had.  The label states "May cause drowsiness in some children.  May cause excitability in some children."  To say it caused excitability in my child is an under statement.  She has been chattering and dancing non-stop since 4:30pm like a mini cracked-out ballerina.  

Currently it is 9:30pm and she is still amped up (and coughin!).  I had to go into her room to tell her to settle down a minute ago and saw this scene:  With full princess regalia over her night gown, she was out of bed standing at one of the half-opened windows.  She had lifted the window shade and was waving and yelling out, "Good night, World!   Good night, America!   See you tomorrow.  I will miss you!!!"   (This child is typically snoozing by 7:30pm.)  No more Triaminic, thanks.

Thursday June 12, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Neither boy took a good nap today and so it twas HELL for the afternoon. SB (you know the one in the big boy bed) was actually out of the bed and in a high windowsill when I went to check on him. And the heat, my god, the heat. It's like Afrikka hot.

Best Part of the Day - Took SB to the health club and he was good as gold - in fact, as he ran through the door of the childcare facility he didn't even look back. Huh. When I came back to get him he was watching some older kids do Dance Dance Revolution with intense interest (probably thinking "you don't look like my mama when she dances arond the house.") Also had some most excellent Michigan Bing Cherries today - nobody, but nobody, does cherries like Michigan.

NOTE: My mom is presently at a Sex and the City viewing party with 10 of her pals. Isn't that funny/weird/makes me feel a little pathetic??

Wednesday June 11, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Hmmmm - perhaps the no nap yesterday has affected the SB a tich? He was (literally) throwing himself on the ground in almost three year old dramatic fashion. His wails were louder than I've ever heard them (even the IMP looked at him in amazement). He laid down for a nap (in the big boy bed - I think it's a go) at 1:00 p.m. and I had to wake him up at 4:30 p.m.

Best Part of the Day - As IMP napped, SB and I toured the MVP health club. It is AMAZING. The childcare room has two Wii's, a shoot 'em basketball hoop and games, toys, coloring stations, project stations ... amazing. Parents receive a pager when they drop off the kiddos. The club itself is brand new, huge and totally state of the art (not like my little Gold's I must say). So we joined up - good to have a place to bring the kiddos during the heat of the summertime.
Also went out to dinner with parents and the kiddos - and they did really well. (This is, of course, relative as my kiddos don't do great while out to eat.) But IMP actually sat nicely for 45 minutes and ate a ton. SB did have two meltdowns over ... well I have no idea. I hear that the 3's are harder than the 2's. Whew. But both boyz went to bed really well - SB is all good with that big boy bed (I know I keep mentioning it - but I really thought it was going to be an issue.)

Wednesday June 11, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Lying in my comfy, comfy bed.

Worst Part of the Day-

I went to the airport after obscenely long hours in the ER in an attempt to locate my cell phone that I have apparently left there last week (not in the car afterall...) No luck. No one seemed to know what I was talking about at the "lost and found" despite the fact that they called to say it was there--and I guess it didn't help that I do not know the brand name of the phone.  Come on peeps, it's a black flip-up, it might be a Motorola--it has a lot of scratches on it...arrrgh. I remain phone-less.

Tuesday June 10, 2008

Worst Part of the Day-

Dudes, I am back on the ER scene.  When I was high on god knows what, I said "yes" to another 4 week contract and today was day 1.   It was a madhouse in there.  I worked 12 hours and did not get to eat until I was driving home.  What have I done?   

Best Part of the Day-

Day 1 of ER madness was surprisingly fun in its own sick way.  There is something about it I do enjoy.  

Monday June 9, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I am in love with my little gorgeous man (Li to the B). Though I loved him to bits upon his newborn arrival, he was kinda a funny looking babe--a hunched over little old man meets forest creature. Today when we played outside I was wowed with his soft brown curls, his long baby lashes, those huge dark eyes (and of course his chilling disposition never hurt). Sweet lover boy.

Worst Part of the Day-

At 3am (12 hours after my GI bout began many states away) Liam woke up with a strange sounding cry. I picked him up and felt (once again--how many "bugs" can a little guy get in a year?) a burning hot body. Immediately he started heaving and puked on a combo of my shoulder and my ponytail. I stayed up with him for about an hour cuddling and trying to get him to swig the beloved Motrin. (Maybe my GI issue wasn't due to the wedding's open bar...point to ponder...)

Tuesday June 10, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Starting the trip with the gas tank on empty is no way to begin a sojourn to the airport that is already stressful to begin with (plus we had to turn off the a/c which left me sweating in my light travel sweater). Mild fight with Erik regarding gas tank. Like I had NOTHING else on my mind. Checking in - fine. Security - a breeze. Getting on the plane? Cluster f$#k. IMP melting down. SB suddenly frightened of boarding. I just lifted the two of them up and down the aisle I went. (We were on Southwest and isn't it weird that no one sat in my row? heh heh. Hell - I didn't want to sit in my row.) IMP only placated with Oreo cookies (the 'golden' kind). Then the plane starts to move and both kiddos FREAK out - IMP is actually throwing himself against me. Then we're in the air and things calm down a bit (thanks to the DVD playa' on a continual loop of Blues Clues.) IMP breaks out in the weepies about every fifteen minutes until he finally falls asleep in exhaustion. Then we finally land and we get to the baggage claim and I still can't get a hold of my dad (I've been trying him for 15 minutes now). A nice woman watches the kiddos as I lug the 4 (!) bags to the front doors of Midway Airport. After getting the kiddos to the front door, I realize that I have to cross the street to get to passenger pick up. Uh oh. Still no call from dad. Could he have forgotten his cell phone? Forgot about the time change? SB runs into the road and I about bowl over a man as I run for him. A kindly Go Bus operator helps me with my bags and refuses a tip "get something for them" he says pointing to the boyz. Hmmm - like maybe a leash? FINALLY Dad calls back. Seems his phone was on vibrate. He picks us up two minutes later and we head to Michigan. Sigh.

Best Part of the Day - Arriving at the cottage!!! The boyz are in heaven looking at all the 'new' stuff. And SB slept in a big boy bed (after I slept there with him for 45 minutes until he fell asleep). Bliss to be done with that dreaded plane ride!

Monday June 9, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Just the packing and the stressing over taking the boyz on the plane to Michigan. Being my scheduled self - I hate what can happen when we break the schedule. Oh man - here's hoping no one throws a tantrum (including me). And that no one says to me "you really should discipline that child" because I will probably smack that person and end up with a lawsuit.
Up late doing last minute things and watching (ahem) the Greek marathon on ABC Family.

Best Part of the Day - Had our last Toddler Group which was very, very nice. Also had a little going away dinner for the boyz at Friendly's with some of Erik's co-workers. I did say (just a day ago) that we were no longer taking them out to eat. But when you let children wander a bit and bring a DVD player, all is well with the world. They lasted from 5:30 to 7:30 and THAT is a record.

Also continue my obsession with Facebook.

Sunday June 8, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Weeding, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, on the knees kitchen floor cleaning .... it was so great when we were done. But I was a sweaty mess by the end. Then we took the boyz for ice cream at an outisde venue so we could tie up the dog. What a cluster - with Erik being the gimp, it is waaay too hard to manage kids, parking lot, ice cream .... didn't I just say no more going out to eat?
And I am ready to ship these kiddos out to Michigan ( heh, heh Ray and Ginny are in for it! Be afraid, be very afraid. Just kidding - it will probably be good for all of us to get a change of scenery.)

Best Part of the Day - I know I'm late to this party but I am OBSESSED with facebook!! People tried to tell me about it but I had NO IDEA how it really and truly worked. You can be a total snoop into people's lives (I found out a pal is newly pregnant! Heh, heh I can't wait to call her!) And you can peek at photos and walls and the like - I know, I know, this is very four years ago, but onward with the revolution!

Saturday June 7, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Well this is good and bad - the Realtor called and we have a showing tomorrow at 3 p.m. Begin the marathon cleaning session - man, these kids make it messy, messy here.
Also IMP crying at the gym childcare today! UGH!!

Best Part of the Day - Got out the new kiddie pool that has shooting streams of water. So hilarious to watch the boyz out there. It took SB 20 minutes before getting the courage to run through it - so adorable. A good way to end the muggy, hot, hot day!

Friday June 6, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - It was our last shift volunteering at the Children's Place. It was mildly sad - but even more sad is the fact it is RAINING. Went to lunch with Gwyn and her two girls and my boyz were good for about ten minutes. WELL it was very close to nap time but STILL. No more lunches out until either Erik gets un-gimped or they turn five. Also it's still raining!

Best Part of the Day - Last day for our babysitter today. That's been a love/hate thing. But overall she's done a good job. I hit the gym and ran carefree errands. SB did break her phone - which we then paid for. Note - don't let almost three year olds play with cell phones.

Thursday June 5, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - Last day with our Speech Path today. (I say "our" - I have to say that I do consider her "ours".) I always try to 'mark' these 'lasts' in my head which I think is kind of weird because then I remember them as forcefully 'marked'. It's kind of like taking too many pictures and then only recalling the events from pictures.

Best Part of the Day - Once again IMP in the childcare at the gym was happy, happy, joy, joy. It makes it soooo much easier when he's not weeping (perhaps it's the 'gym snacks' I let them take along? Mini Nilla Wafers, Animal Crackers, things they don't get at home .... bribery? Yes.)

Sunday June 8, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Getting picked up at the airport by Will-O and kidz.  So good to smooch them after a fabulous weekend.

Worst Parts of the Day-

It seems sneakily coincidental that after my 65 beers yesterday that I would feel yucky today.  (I am always willing to openly admit to hangover...).  However, I was awoken at 3am with GI distress that continued on for about 12 hours.  A fever was added to the fun and games just as I was boarding the plane.  I was bragging last night about how I haven't had a fever or diarrhea since the 4th grade and bam--here I have both--odd.  (I did not know the cosmos could work so gol darn quickly to make me eat my words.)  

Ah ha--now I understand why people with diarrhea want to take Immodium AD prior to getting on an airplane--the commercials all make perfect sense now.  After a 2 hour plane delay and then shivering/sweating/fever/chills cycle while sitting next to a potbellied man who did not want to get up to let me by every 10 minutes,  I was glad to say adios to the travel day.

Also, turns out the cell phone was not in the car all along--wah, wah, wah.  Mysterious.

Saturday June 7, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Wow is it refreshing to be with and catch up with college friends.  I have not laughed this much or this consistently in years.  All of a sudden I am that hilarious, relaxed person again--and each person I talk to is a legit stand-up comic.  Everyone seems fantastique and healthy and well-adjusted to our mid-thirties responsibilities!  This dang M.U. bunch is good peeps.

Worst Part of the Day-

My mom status of the last 4.5 years must not offer much opportunity for me to sit in the back seat of cars.  On the way to the wedding ceremony today I sat in the back of our rental to accommodate two of the long-legged males.  I promptly felt woozy and nauseous--classic car sickness symptoms that I have not experience since grade school...blah.

Friday June 6, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I flew solo to Cleveland for a college friend's wedding festivities.   It is wonderbar to travel so lightly.  I met my good friend at the airport and we rented the car without a hitch and now are settling in the luxurious hotel as I type.  (Isn't fun how hotels have those pillowy, thick, wonderful comforters now?!)  Everything so far is going swimmingly.

Worst Part of the Day-

I must have left my cell phone in the car just as I got dropped off at the airport.  (I was charging it in the car...)  No phone for me this weekend.  So odd to not be able to call anyone at any moment. So early '90's...

Thursday June 5, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O remains in Chicago, so I took the kidlets to their standard Thursday sitter this morning. Instead of rushing to the job ('cause really I didn't NEED to be there until the afternoon), I experienced quiet, calm in the home--yes, you know it--alone.  Weee.  I started the packing process for my trip tomorrow, paid bills and did my favorite thing which is general organizing. Feeling good!  Yeah for dorkiness!

Worst Part of the Day-

All of this organizing made me skip the scheduled workout today.  Come on, now...

Wednesday June 4, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - My normal Wednesday plan of playground (aka let the Wild Things run) was thwarted by the rain and the slight (dare I say) chill in the air. We were inside ALL day and it was cabin fever by the end. Rain, rain go away, indeed!

Best Part of the Day - Erik and I started Blade Runner (Director's Cut - it was wait listed forever on Netflix) and I am totally into it. (Okay - not into enough to keep watching it after 9:45 p.m. But I can't stop thinking about it.) I bet Sean Young wishes that movie were just premiering, heh heh. But really - at heart I'm a total fanboy, scifi geek. Except I don't like comic books, so maybe I can't truly be a fanboy.

Wednesday June 4, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

As Liam approaches 18 months, all of a sudden I am acutely aware of the fact that Scarlet was potty-trained (well pee pee-trained) at 18 months-old with somehow with very little of the training part.  (Yes, I hear of boys being waaaayy later than the girls in this department). 

Today I put a pair of "big boy" undies on Liam and made a big deal about it with a lot of loud talking about "potty" and a lot more clapping and smiling than usual.  He seemed to think these Hulk undies were pretty cool.  Right away he ran to look at himself in the mirror.  Big grins and lots of grabbing at self (cliched male).  He wore them post-nap for about an hour and it was obvious that he was highly pleased with the whole thing.  He kept them dry as he strutted around the house; they were super cute and baggy on his lil legs!  I was starting to get a bit nervous as time marched on so at about 1.5 hours sans-diaper I made a production about all of us going to use the bathroom.  Before I could stop him he pulled the Hulk business down and peed on the bathroom floor.  Could it be that he was catching on to some of this training groundwork???  We shall see.

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O is our household grocery shopper.  (He is far superior than I with all of that!)  However, atypically he purchased a powdered drink called "Orange Breakfast Drink".  I have no idea about the breakfast significance; this is Roundy's version of Tang, perhaps.  It has roughly 65 ingredients.  It is not organic, it is not natural in any way, there can't be anything healthy about this drink.  It is delectable and I cannot stop swigging it.  I've had over 64 ounces of this madness today and cannot stop.   I have not had straight water in 2 days...

Tuesday June 3, 2008

Best Part of the Day - I threw a little going away party for ... well, for us. It is against my nature to throw such a party as I rather like to slink outta town with limited fanfare. But I'm trying to become more of an "inviter" (also invited people to the bbq on Saturday all on my own) for the children. Just because I would like to live a hermit-like existence does not mean they should be subjected to mom-inflicted pre-preschool social ostracization. Erik is a natural inviter - not even having to think about it before gathering a group together. But I am not so much. Nonetheless, it was a fun, fun party with eight adorable toddlers that was full of unhealthy snacks, pizza, watermelon and cookie cake. SB LOVES having people over and also LOVES cookie cake. Well, that's one like dad and one like mom.

Worst Part of the Day - Buggy and Muggy. Welcome Summer!

***ALSO a special shout out to Gold's for putting the A/C on during our workout class today. It made a WORLD of difference!! But doing multiple jumping jacks?? Those are for women who haven't had babies (or had C's).

Tuesday June 3, 2008

Worst Part of the Day-

I had to get a tooth extracted.  It's not a wisdom tooth, but a way back tooth that has been causing crowding and general annoyance for me for years despite my getting a beautiful gold crown on the sucka...

Anyhoo the tooth is out and I feel like a cartoon character--here I sit with a swollen cheek cradled with an ice pack.  Owie.

Best Part of the Day-

Scarlet cherishes the nurse role.  Running up and down steps to retrieve ice packs, V-8, Motrin, etc. seems to energize her little being.  After each task she returns to me slightly out of breath, but hugely smiling as she is so pleased to be, well, helping.  She is a huge help.  And mostly because of her natural willingness to help.   God love it when it's not like pulling teeth (heh heh) to get some help around this joint.

Monday June 2, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - I took the boyz to this "new" (well, "new" to us) program this morning. It is like preschool for your kiddos, but you stay with them. It was a neat set up - but trying to "control" IMP is like trying to control a baby hurricane. Oh man. Then when it was time to clean up and sing - SB threw a fit. IMP was actually cool with this and sat himself right up in the leader's face trying to clap along. SB was not pleased at being told he could no longer use all the toys around him. Then (whew!) we went out to the playground - but after 15 minutes (and IMP throwing sand) it was time to head back in. Um - SB not so happy about that either. He actually threw himself to the ground. So there I was carrying both of them out to the minivan as SB screams. So pleasant.

Best Part of the Day - Erik is a foul mood when he comes home from work. But I take the boyz outside and give him some down time (watching Seinfeld reruns). When we come back in - his spirits are much better and he is able to vocalize how annoying life is for him right now. No fighting, just some talking it out. Very mature-like.

Sunday June 1, 2008

Worst Part of the Day - At 10 a.m. just as I am about to get my lazy self dressed and take the boyz to the playground, the phone rings. It is our Realtor - "I know it's last minute and you have two small children, but do you want to show the house at noon?" I check in with Quality Control (aka Erik. Heh heh.) and he agrees to a showing. So as the kiddos watch tv, tv and more tv - I rush frantically around the house cleaning, organizing and throwing things into drawers. By the time I'm done, the house is spotless and we are all (including the dog) in the minivan with nowhere to really go (and I am unwashed in a dirty white tank top. Yuck). So we head to the playground, go get iced coffees and head home. It was EXHAUSTING!

Best Part of the Day - The house is spotless. Just like as if no people lived there.

Monday June 2, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O and I had a "date" during the day. We worked out and then went to the cutest lunch place. It is a family run restaurant with amazing food and the ambience is always fresh and calming. It holds unexpected charm as it sits on the grounds of an 1850's homestead of about 90 peaceful acres, yet it is less than 200 yards from a Home Depot and a bazillion bustling chain places that have become our Americana.

Today's date was a combo of business and pleasure as Will-O and I are beginning a trial of weekly meetings where we are to go over the family calendar and any odds and ends we've been meaning to discuss, but don't. It went highly well! Also, we had our fourth conversation of 2008--that went well, too. Progress. It is a process.

Worst Part of the Day-

It is an oddity that mom and I have had two communication breakdowns in the last 6 weeks.

She called me a few weeks ago to ask if Scarlet had a "Grandparents' Day" at preschool as many other teachers had this day to attend and she really wanted to go to one. Truth be told, she whispered, she wanted a day off. I told her that we had Scarlet's kindergarten thing covered, but I could certainly make up a grandparents day and she could certainly perform her grandparental duty at that time. She told me "Great, I would love to watch the kids." I thought it was clear that today was under the auspice of a fake grandparents' day. But this morn my mom showed up dressed and ready to attend a real Grandparents' Day with me while the kids stayed home. Needle off the record--well, there isn't any.

I know she had fun making up her own (way better than her friends', I tell ya!--Liam sobbed when she left...) G-ma day with the kids, but we gotta stop the communication breakdowns.

Sunday June 1, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Will-O had to record  in Chicago tonight, so I told Scarlet that after Liam was down for the night she could stay up late and we would roast marshmallows.  HOLY CATS!!  She was so jacked up about this.  I also told her she had to help me pick up the downstairs before we could get the grill ready.  This put my girl into serious work mode.  She was like a little robot cleaning girl.  Never before had toys and animals been thrown in the baskets so quickly.  She even wiped the counters and table down.  Whew.  

We went to the side yard and I gave her a quick debriefing in fire safety--she loved it all.  She collected "the best" roasting sticks and we cooked to perfection a half a bag of the sticky goodness.  At the end, (there was no whining--weeee) with a combo of soot and burnt marshmallow on her cheek, she declared "Now I know it's summer!"   

Worst Part of the Day-

I have had to sit down and begin a "to do" list for some time now.  I really thought it was going to be today...it wasn't.

Saturday May 31, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

I had a work outing today at La Fuente--in our southside/Hispanic neighborhood.  Delicioso margaritas and pretty darn funny (buzzed up) co-worker hilarity.  After the hoopla, I had a drink with friends and that was great--ah, to sit and drink and talk....

Worst Part of the Day-

Will-O had a rehearsal tonight and I was to be home at 7:30pm.  Oh ma lanta---did I feel bad when I strolled in at 8:59pm.  I was trying to call him on my way home--to no avail as he did not answer his phone, but I honestly felt REALLY bad for being late.   I would've been mad, mad if he were 1.5 hours late to relieve me--Will-O really was just concerned and thought something happened as I am rarely ever THIS late.  (But how concerned could he have been to not have his cell on--heh heh).

Friday May 30, 2008

Best Part of the Day-

Wowsers--so fun.  Will-O and I had a New Parent Luncheon at Scarlet's (to-be) new school in the fall.  It was exciting to see other parents of K-4 kiddos and meet the highly enthusiastic staff.  There are currently 3 classes of K-4 kids.  One class did a song and dance bit, one did singing with instruments (amazing with glockenschpiel and the kids sang in a round) and one class did a theater piece.  It literally brought tears to my eyes--these kids were so dang precious.  It is refreshing to see teachers who seriously live for their important and challenging jobs.

Worst Part of the Day-

I had my once a month book club tonight.  It really is as much a book club as it is a gourmet cooking club.  I whipped up an easy roasted asparagus/goat cheese pasta salad with fresh chives.  Organic, fresh---and WAY too salty.  Boo for this cook.