BEST Part/ WORST Part

Sunday August 21, 2011

2011-08-22T19:39:00.001-04:00

Worst Part of the Day - Didn't get on the water until late today and then it was all rush, rush because we are heading to a concert tonight. Felt like I was in a sprint. Not super relaxing.

Best Part of the Day - Took a party bus from our neighborhood with 20 friends to the Night Ranger, Foreigner, Journey concert. Twas a blur of Raspberry Skyy Vodka, 80's songs, photo flashes, odd/funny conversations, pervert neighborman, and fun, fun, FUN. I don't know that I had one lull of conversation or laughter for the entire evening. Felt college-y. Got home around 12:30 and had to put myself right to bed.

Saturday August 20, 2011

2011-08-22T19:36:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Completed another spin class which is my new obsession (yes, yes I know I'm about five (more?) years behind the times.) Hanging at the pool with Erik and the boys - good to let the boys get some energy out.

Worst Part of the Day - Kiddos driving me CRAZY! Mucho drama and I don't wanna (deal with it.)

Friday August 19, 2011

2011-08-22T19:32:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Another (!) trip to Carowinds (the local amusement park). Erik and I took turns riding the bigger roller coasters. The Intimidator is SOOO fun - huge drop and 75 mph speeds. Whoa. Not very crowded, so kiddos got to ride lots of rides without much of a wait. But Mama was CaroWINDED by the end - really to head home.

Worst Part of the Day - Felt REALLY crappy after the amusement park trip ... heat? Roller Coaster too much? Not enough to drink? Getting sick? Felt just yuck for the entire afternoon and night.

Thursday August 18, 2011

2011-08-22T19:30:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Successful well visit for Quinn (plus got all documentation ready for Kindergarten). Then the boys and I went a friend's Country Club pool. Ahhh - I do love being served portabella mushroom sandwich on an outdoor patio. Refrained from the Margaritas though - which is odd.

Worst Part of the Day - Excellent vibe of the household is not so excellent today. Perspective please.

Wednesday August 17, 2011

2011-08-22T19:27:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Stayed and stayed and stayed at the Children's Museum here in town. Children thoroughly entertained and I chatted with some pals I haven't seen much of this summer.

Worst Part of the Day - There is lots o brother on brother hate going on. Lots of hitting and crying and tattling and whining and it drive me up a TREE. Can't take it.

Tuesday August 16, 2011

2011-08-17T20:31:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Successful Carowinds (local amusement park) trip with Erik and the boys. We got Erik his Season Pass (finally. And a good thing - it was the last day to register for the Season Pass.) Went on roller coasters and swing rides and scramblers. Erik and I even got to sneak in one big roller coaster as there was no line. Home around 4 p.m.

Worst Part of the Day - You would think two kiddos at an amusement park would be amused the entire time. Too much complaining and grumbling for my liking.
Also had to teach tonight and all I really wanted to do was take a big, long nap.

Monday August 15, 2011

2011-08-17T20:28:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Got a workout and a grocery shop in with both boys. Then home for popsicle eating and scooter riding.

Worst Part of the Day - SO Quinn has not even started school and already I'm on about three committees ... think that is not going to work for me. Must back off.

Record? By 7:20 a.m. Wes had already broken his swim trophy. Possible record?

Sunday August 14, 2011

2011-08-17T20:25:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Boating, wake surfing, got Wes up on water skiis, tubing. Then the swim team banquet at the pool which was super, duper family fun. Wes and Quinn got trophies with their names on them and were over the moon about them.
Also no more house guests for awhile! Happy to be alone with my family and reeeellllaaaxxx.

Worst Part of the Day - Had to hustle my family in off the water for the swim banquet. Erik said "put the boys in their swim suits." And I said "it's not a swim party even though it's at the pool. It's just a banquet." Nope it was a swim party. Erik ran home to get suits and we changed them up. Losin' it.

Saturday August 13, 2011

2011-08-17T20:23:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Dropped kiddos off at VBS (runs today from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Talked Erik into catching an early movie - saw Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Sad, good story, kind of silly at times. Then on the boat. Dinner at Chris and Ann's with Erik's parents and the kiddos.

Worst Part of the Day - Clarence set off our house alarm and the police came out. Nice. He is now going to be crated every time we leave :( Also Ann and I somehow got in a huge fight with Erik's dad over Arnold Schwarzenegger's infidelities. Did not end well. But I stand by my opinion (guess I'm not really supposed to have an opinion. But whatever :)

Friday August 12, 2011

2011-08-17T20:18:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Kiddos dropped at camp and adults back on the boat. I tried me some Wake Surfing and it twas a rush. I got up just fine (you use a short surf board so you don't have your feet in bindings like a Wake Board), but am still getting used to being so close to the boat and trying to ride the wake.
In the evening, the babes went to a Vacation Bible School (man I love those things) and Erik and I went to the Loco Lime for Mexican food and Margaritas. I had two GIANT jalapeno Margaritas which were AMAZING. Sigh.

Worst Part of the Day - Had to bid farewell to Alex and Kendra (they are off to a wedding in NC). Also had to start cleaning for next set of guests - Erik's parents who arrive tomorrow. Le sigh. I do love the house guests - but am feeling a bit over it.

Thursday August 11, 2011

2011-08-17T20:15:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - A little yoga at the gym and then straight on to the boat for some kid-free (thank you Kindergarten Prep Camp) fun. Have a new Wake Surfer which Alex and his gal pal Kendra tried out. Picked up kiddos and went back out on the boat. Then some grilling (portabella 'shrooms for me - so good) for din din. Ann also came over to join in the fun.

Worst Part of the Day - The childrens are being whiny, crazy, annoying types. Lots of demanding and tantrums when wish is not granted. Lots of whining (Quinn) and stomping o' feet (Wes). Very trying.

Wednesday August 10, 2011

2011-08-14T21:51:00.001-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Took babes to the library after Kindergarten Prep Camp and lucked into an African drum circle performance. Plus ice cream afterward. Man, I love the library!!
Erik home this evening and his Fayetteville gig is OVER! Hooray. Take out and cocktails with Alex and Miss Kendra.

Worst Part of the Day - Gyn appointment that took roughly four minutes. Really? Did you even look at that Health History I filled out? Don't think so. But in that four minutes she told me all looked well. So I've got that going for me.

Tuesday August 9, 2011

2011-08-14T21:49:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Had a low key day of cleaning the house, baking healthy foods, working out ... actually I had a Rescue Me marathon. Just me, myself and Denis Leary and co. Arse comfortably on the couch.
Alex and new gal pal arrived around 10:30 p.m. Hooray!

Worst Part of the Day - Too much Denis Leary and co makes me want to curb my drinking. Good think Alex is in town to curb the curbing :)

August 8, 2011

2011-08-08T22:00:00.000-04:00

Worst Part of the Day - Too hot to really go outside. It's BRUTAL out there.

Best Part of the Day - FINALLY a low key day to hang with Erik ... so very, very nice and very much needed. Finally got to watch the Series Finale of Friday Night Lights. So very good. I so enjoyed that show! (Thank you Marinel and Megan!!) Sniff, sniff - it over.

August 7, 2011

2011-08-08T21:57:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Slept in - hooray! Then chilled with friend while the boys went on the boat. Taught class at the gym. Then low key hanging out.

Worst Part of the Day - Erik's parents showed up unexpectedly (to me) this afternoon. And not that I didn't want to see them - just had NO idea they would be coming over. So we went to a late (7 p.m.) dinner and all four kiddos were fried (the other Reitter boys had just gotten off an airplane - so it twas chaos). I was tired from the jampacked Saturday and in no mood to deal with naughty boys in a a restaurant setting and guess who got to sit next to them? Sigh, sigh, sigh. Turned out fine in the end (after ice cream and iPods were doled out), but not after giving me a headache.

August 6, 2011

2011-08-08T21:54:00.000-04:00

Worst Part of the Day - Again with the jam packed day!

Best Part of the Day - The jampackedness was all fun. Boating in the morning. Then dropped boys off at a birthday party (another friend then picked them up for a sleepover). Adults went off to the Whitewater Center's Canopy Tour (a four plus hour zip line, bridge crossing, ladder climbing outside adventure deal). Then home to shower up and then out to dinner. By the time we got to some Daniel Tosh stand up (on Netflix instant watch), we were all pretty tired.

August 5, 2011

2011-08-08T21:51:00.000-04:00

Worst Part of the Day - It downpoured for three plus hours - and I mean DOWN to the POURED. There were flash flood alerts and people had rivers where their streets should be and there was arc building. I, of course, got caught in in (getting groceries, getting gas) and looked like I had just stepped out of the shower. Also in whirlwind mode of getting ready for the babysitter and the guests who are arriving tonight and the work dinner for Erik. A bit much. Usually one of those things would be a bit much for me.

Best Part of the Day - Good work dinner. Successful babysitter. Easy airport pickup of the pals. Whew.

August 4, 2011

2011-08-08T21:48:00.000-04:00

Best Part of the Day - Not driving in a car. Erik home this evening for a family reunion (sans Clarence who is still at Camp Alex) in Charlotte.

Worst Part of the Day - HOW can there be so much laundry and mail?? Astounding. Also feel slightly hungover from my caffeine/sugar overload yesterday. Blah. And DAMN it's HOT here - like Africa hot. Sultry, sweaty, steamy.

August 3, 2011

2011-08-08T12:48:00.001-04:00

Worst Part of the Day - Packing, packing, packing (and then still forgetting items) the minivan. Then driving, driving, driving the minivan. Also had a slight issue finding the first (!) highway to get on home. (It's a wonder I can make it to the end of the street.)

Best Part of the Day - My mom took the boys to the farmer's market and then out to breakfast while I packed. No traffic, lots of cruise control and (mostly) happy kiddos for the long drive home. Began at 11:40 a.m. and arrived at 1:10 a.m. Then had to come down from the caffeine/sugar buzz I had acquired on the road. Sigh - sad to leave Michigan, but damn good to be home.

Bad Mama - While leaving a McDonald's, I had four little white cups filled with catsup for the boys' Happy Meals. We were crossing the parking lot to the car and Quinn came up and squeezed my hand and, yep, the catsup went EVERYWHERE. All over my hand, his hand, his shorts .... so I started to yell "WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT????" And he looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said "I was just trying to hold your hand." Sigh.

Thursday August 4, 2011

2011-08-05T14:20:00.003-04:00

Best Part of the Day-
Met parentals and parental friends out for din/drinks in cutesie-pie downtown Delafield. Pleasant. (Sad that daughter of parentals' friends did not make it.)

Worst Part of the Day-
Realllllllly super tired after all of this summer socializing. Must clean home and go for run...

Liam-the-Sweet:
I purchased some back-to-school work books for each kiddo. Scarlet has multiplication stuff and Liam just your basic letter and name writing. His had some write-on, wipe-off boards as he is very excited about writing at this phase. After I gave the workbooks, Scarlet kind of tossed hers to the side and Liam went about completing each and every page as I made dinner. After (I kid you not) 40 solid minutes of hard work I asked him to take a break and have some lemonade. His reply: "I'm working so hard, so I can get into kindergarten." Sweetsie. Little does he know it is a state requirement.

Wednesday August 3, 2011

2011-08-05T14:16:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-
Went to Cuz K's for din and then Miss S. stayed for an older cousins sleep over. I was especially pleased to have her spend time with cousin 9 year-old Chloe--one cool kid. All great kids!

Worst Part of the Day-
No bites on the home sale after 8 weeks on the (crappiest eva) market. Have lowered the price as low as I wanna go. Am considering being a landlord...doh.

Tuesday August 2, 2011

2011-08-05T14:10:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-
Cranked out the 12 mile bike and 3 mile run after my 9 hour work day.
Was invited last minute to Brewer game with friend who works at Harley. Sat and ate on Harley Deck and took in America's past time.

Worst Part of the Day-
Billy is being annoying. After much discussion if we should take the kids to the WI Dells waterparks this month, I decided that I really do not want to go in his company. I was going to explain it to the kids like this: We were going go altogether, but now I may take you guys somewhere fun and then another time dad will take you somewhere fun!
Instead Billy told Scarlet, "Mom won't let me come with you to the Dells." Huh.

Monday August 1, 2011

2011-08-05T13:57:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-
The blog is back. Whew.
The hospital job is going quite well. I have unknowingly climbed the ladder and now have seniority and are somewhat sharing RN Charge duties with a co-worker I trained when I was about 2 months into the job. (o.k, 2 long-time RN's also quit...) Now myself and co-worker are running the show to help this robust practice rake it in....on sheer organizational skills and common sense alone. Word.

Worst Part of the Day-
Still recovering from 20 year high school reunion Saturday night. (Not a lot of drinking--just a whole lotta chatting. Stayed up until the morning light.)

August 2, 2011

2011-08-05T07:08:00.000-04:00

Worst Part - last full day in Michigan. So not wanting to pack!! And the drive back is upon me :(

Best Part - Double workout, pedicure, jewelry party with mom and the boys (played with Hoekman grandchildren), Hunger Games discussion with Cousin Jeff (he works in Holland now so stays overnight at the cottage from time to time). That's my last full day in Michigan.

August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T20:22:00.000-04:00

We're baaaack.

Best Part - Lovely, relaxin' day at the MVP pool in Holland, Michigan. Since there are Lifeguards galore and shallow levels and a shady position for me ... I can actually relax and read. The boys can get dumped on by buckets, spray each other with shooting water, slide down a water slide, play mini golf, basketball, or on a playground. All in a safe enclosed area. Sigh. So Erik and I lounged. I finished up with Katniss and the Hunger Games trilogy. Can't wait for the movie (me and the tweens and Erik and sista Sarah).

Worst Part - Dropped Erik off at the airport and then realized I needed gas. Then realized I had forgotten my wallet. So I had to drive 35 minutes back to the cottage with no a/c in 94 degree weather. Stopped at a gas station with $3.15 in change from the car and my purse and got me .85 gallon of gas (attendant didn't even bat an eyelash.) I was glowing by the time I made it back (and stuck to the seat).

Wednesday April 13, 2011

2011-04-18T23:08:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Finally completed my annual performance evaluation at job #1 today. It reminds me that I love this job!!

Worst Part of the Day-

Why can't I do solely job #1???

Liam Quote:

Liam was drawing a picture and I could tell something fun (and circular) was going on as he kept making wide circle after wider circle. He explained, "I'm drawing a roller coaster that we're going on over and over and over--and then we throw up." Huh.

Tuesday April 12, 2011

2011-04-18T23:05:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

It was super duper nice out today. Scarlet planned out our dinner menu: Veggie burgers, baked beans, Ruffles and pickles. Ab fab.

Worst Part of the Day-

Changes on the horizon: our lead RN at the hospital is resigning and there is dissent among the lower ranks (like me.) There is a feel of unease and I am feeling downright wily (maybe it's this summer-like weather...) Changes are a'comin.

Monday April 11, 2011

2011-04-18T22:59:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

My sitter was able to help out immensely with dinner, bath and bed as I had to go from one job to the next (tis Monday afterall) and I thankya!

Worst Part of the Day-

Scarlet awoke with fever and sore throat, stomach ache, etc at 5am. No biggie, I'll just call school, my work, the sitter(s)...eeegads I have no phone! I ended up Skype calling most places and looking up the numbers I hadn't memorized via the world wide web. Challenges abound, but are nothing when one has wireless internet as their bestie. (Still blew.)

Sunday April 10, 2011

2011-04-18T22:57:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Playing War with Liam. He's a natural card shark.

Worst Part of the Day-

A whole lotta driving in the hot, hot sun. It was over 70 degrees and everyone in the world was out in their hot rod driving the streets.

Phoneless status remains.

Saturday April 9, 2011

2011-04-10T22:31:00.003-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Successfully collected school fundraiser items without Liam freaking out. Excellent.

2. Dropped kidlets off to respective places for an overnight: Scarlet to Cuz K.' for big kid stuff--movie theater action, bowling, etc. and Liam to my parents' for the first Liam only visit. All is well.

3. Easy breezy drive to central Wisconsin and sweet as pie students in CPR class. (Added bonus is: was not late for my own dang class.)

4. Friend, H. picked me up from hotel and we met da males out for dinner/drinks. An excessive amount of drinks rounded out the night and a wee bit of head shaking hijinx ensued in the wee AM hours. Huh.

Worst Part of the Day-

In the spirit of the Megan before MamaMeg, I left my phone at a bar. I believe I left it on the bar. I did catch it as soon as we entered bar #3, but still. Phoneless for a few days.

Friday April 8, 2011

2011-04-10T22:15:00.003-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Seriously?? FNL-Season 5 just arrived in my mailbox. The amount of excited that I am about this clearly highlights my issues.

2. I have been poring over a book of short stories for some weeks. Margaret Atwood's Death by Landscape is crazy, crazy, wazy excellent.

Worst Part of the Day-

As I have my CPR madness tomorrow I am getting the kiddies all packed for an overnight and my bad self all packed up. Shitskis there are a ton of bags for 1 night.

Thursday April 7, 2011

2011-04-10T22:10:00.002-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

1. My sweet sitter picked Liam up from his daytime sitter and then made us all dinner as I was delayed at hospital for not one, but two emergency cases. It was SOOOOO g.damned refreshing to know all was being taken care of.

2. I rolled the dice on doin something on a weeknight and it all worked out. The 3 of us went to Cuz K.'s for a super duper pleasant eve of kids playin and adults sippin. Nice.

Worst Part of the Day-

I think I just broke up with a male suitor via fb. The future is now.

Wednesday April 6, 2011

2011-04-10T22:08:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

I did an extra 5-ish hours at the hospital job and a good time was had by all.

Worst Part of the Day-

Where is my cook? My manny?

Tuesday April 5, 2011

2011-04-10T21:54:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Took the girls at job #1 on a field trip--to McDonald's. They needed to pick a heart healthy item and give a mini-presentation on why the item was a healthy choice. It was pretty great. And FYI-the McD's salads look pretty dern fair.

Worst Part of the Day-

I'm pretty sick of wearing a winter coat. It is gross and cold and yicky. What up, springtime?

Monday April 4, 2011

2011-04-10T21:50:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

My hospital peeps--HI-larious. We laughed and laughed and laughed.

Worst Part of the Day-

Trying to get all of the pieces in place to teach a CPR class (3 hours away) at the end of this week. Sheesh. This may be a bit of a cluster.

Sunday April 3, 2011

2011-04-10T21:47:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Went straight from parental home to workout. Nice n easy.

Side note: Always phenomenal to see the kids with their aunts and uncles. Alli and Sean had Scarlet doing sit-ups and a full punching bag workout. She was in heaven.

Worst Part of the Day-

I seriously need to get going on upcoming Book Club book, The Unwanted. Doh.

Saturday April 2, 2011

2011-04-10T21:39:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Met Sean, Alli and friends at my parents' home for a dinner gathering. Festive and fun as always. One of Sean's grade school buds was there with his wife and 2 sons (4 yrs and 1.5 years) and these little guys were super sweet boys and excellent players with my 2 rugrats.

Worst Part of the Day-

For some odd reason I am always to last to turn in for the night in a house full of people. Maybe it's some weird control thing--I cannot rest til all others are snoozin.

Friday April 1, 2011

2011-04-03T20:53:00.002-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

Done with the day/week. Movie Night=Brother Bear 2. My things have changed.

Worst Part of the Day-

Had to collect both kiddies from respective sitters and then take them to job #1 to see a new admission. Both kids were relentlessly sassy and non-listening. It was seriously annoying. All I wanted to do was go home get into the flannels and lay the hell down. No foolin.

Kid Quotes:

Liam has a new fascination with playing cards as he loves to play War, Crazy 8's or Go Fish (which he calls Gold Fish) as of late. My mom gave him a deck of cards that is from her mom (his Great Grandma). Today Liam's sitter asked him about the cards and Liam replied, "These are from my Great Grandma (pause pause pause)...she's dead." I quickly interjected, No, no, she's not dead! And Liam said, "I mean she's almost dead." What the???

Thursday March 31, 2011

2011-04-03T20:46:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

My mom did a surprise visit and helped me with a lil kitchen clean up that took 4 minutes of her time but it really helped.

Worst Parts of the Day-

1. Seriously f-ing hectic getting out the door this morn. Even though I have majorly improved with swinging the whole 2 kids out the door at 7am kinda thing, today it seriously blew. Scarlet and I were in a tiff as if she were 16. No matter how early I am up and how organized I think I am there is still a crunch time that consists of 9 minutes of hell.

2. Busy as heeeeeeel day at hospital job. The work kept piling and piling.

3. I was unable to meet for Cousin S. B-Day drinks...

Wednesday March 30, 2011

2011-04-03T20:37:00.003-04:00

Best Part & Worst Part of the Day-

Because I was scheduled to be on call with Dr. Sloooooowwww Joe this eve, I had planned (just in case) for Scarlet to go home from school with a friend. This was a major great move as we had a late case at the hospital/emergency so I had to stay laaaate. I had to call Will-O's mom and quick beg of her to pick up Liam from his sitter. Stra--essss. It is always so stressful for me to stay late! Most normal people are just irritated about staying late at work. I am pretty much freaking out as I have to pick up 2 little people and get them fed, homeworked and in bed! F@*k.

Happy Birthday to Cousin Sarah!! Wishing you a fab fun day and year. Super duper glad you are in the 'Kee (with me!)

Tuesday March 29, 2011

2011-04-03T20:31:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

1. On the way to work I hit up a local recycle place I found online and turned in my weekend's worth of random building and plumbing craziness. I recycled and they gave me $$$. What the?

2. Super productive day at job #1. This damn job is sooooo frickin fun (and easy!)

Worst Part of the Day-

I could not have been more exhausted when I got home. Splitting headache, my friends. It is almost too much to even put the dishes away. I feel great all day and then around 6:30pm I am seriously ready for slumber. What up??

Monday March 28, 2011

2011-04-03T20:25:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

1. I went in to my local Honda dealer this morn and said, "I will be the best customer you've ever had...I don't care about color, year or type of car. I need to leave in 1 hour with something." Chrissy P. sweetly went as my support man and within 1.85 hours I drove out with a safe and new vehicle. So fun to be a powerful American.

2. The kids and I Skyped with Will-O. It was quiet terrific for them to see and be seen. Skyping is nuts. The future is now.

Worst Part of the Day-

I had to have my sitter cover my Monday night doc rounds (as my baby daddy remains at sea). Both kids were kinda pills and refused to sleep until I returned. Come on, now.

Sunday March 27, 2011

2011-04-03T20:15:00.004-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Why is this a Best Part??? I cleaned out crazy weird stuff from the unfinished part of the basement. A ton of junk and building & plumbing supplies from the previous owners I presume. Out, out, out. Why do I care about this?? Cause I'm movin out, out, out!

2. So clearly I underestimated the whole Craig's list and Sklyark madness. Today was my first car-less day since I lived in Chicago pre-children. There is a fabulous sense of freedom in not having a damn car. It felt great. I swear if it were June I would be that woman who bikes her kids around everywhere.

3. Watched The Tillman Story. My lord.

Worst Part of the Day-

Being on call. I did not get called yet all day you have to be in the insta-ready mode at all times. It is zapping. Being on call sans car just means I had to have my running shoes in insta-ready mode as well. And my hat and mittens. It is stupidly chilly today. Geez.

Saturday March 26, 2011

2011-04-03T20:10:00.002-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Wonderfully graciously my mom met me to collect the kiddies for an overnight. It was amazingly helpful--as always.

2. Sold #2 car--withing 50 minutes of posting the ad on Craig's List. Holy cats, people! Do ya know this is not a Mercedes?? It's a seafoam green Skylark. Regardless, sold.

Worst Part of the Day-

1. Went to both jobbies this fine cold day.

2. Waaaaay too sleepy to meet out for wine this eve.

3. Fielding literally 31 calls regarding the selling of crappy car #2...zoinks.

Friday March 25, 2011

2011-03-27T19:42:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Being home with the kidz this eve. We were all snuggled up and watched something cheesy on my laptop in my poofy comforter...loves. I was on call for hosp job and no calls were to this nurse lady!

Also I decided to try to learn Pachelbel's Canon in D on the piano. At 10pm.

Worst Part of the Day-

I always feel bad right at the end and seem to " over tip" my babysitter right at the last minute. I seriously cannot control myself. It's like a tic.

Thursday March 24, 2011

2011-03-27T19:39:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Only job #1!!!! Sorry, it is the lamest of the lame diddy lame lame Best Parts in the land. But it's true. It is sooooo much darn easier.

Worst Part of the Day-

Alright, now I need to gear up to sell car #2. Let's go!

Wednesday March 23, 2011

2011-03-27T19:35:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

I'm picking up a short hospital shift on my usually "off" Wednesdays as a co-worker is on maternity leave. Today I worked 9a-2p. It was downright fun.

Worst Part of the Day-

I did have to go into job #1 after the downright short shift. I was able to scoop up Miss S. from the bus and off we went.

Tuesday March 22, 2011

2011-03-27T19:25:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

An easy breezy day at job #1. Snuck away to meet my mom for lunch at Cafe Hollander and had a successful Health Class with the girls. I had them create a poster contest in honor Health Health and they did a bang up job.

Worst Part of the Day-

I'm having issues with male, Ned F. He is officially buggin.

Scarlet Quote:

My girl is really growing up. We had a perfect morning and I got her off to the bus in all smiles. As she was shutting the car door she said, "Have a great day, Mom. I hope your class goes well today." I responded how thoughtful her comment was and said, "I wouldn't think you would remember about my class at this hour" (it is 6:57am). She replied, "Everyone who knows you knows Tuesdays are your Health Class days." Oh really. My darlin girl.

Monday March 21, 2011

2011-03-27T19:14:00.002-04:00

Best Partz of the Day-

1. Planned ahead (for once!) and took a vacation day from hosp job. Booked massage at fave Aveda spa. My lordie, it was divine. Sipped that addicting Aveda tea in a thick ass robe.

2. Ate in peace at chain Mexican place. To my heart's content. One thing about going outta town is it really highlights the fact that I eat something every 45 mins. I felt like I didn't eat all weekend (per my quota.)

Worst Part of the Day-

1. I took Miss S. with me to job #1 on a swing by/check in. Had ta do it.

Scarlet Quote:

"China must be the most creative country! Everything is made there...keychains, purses, clothes, toys...my goodness." We then had a discussion dissecting creative vs industrious. And what it means to find as cheap labor as poss...

Sunday March 20, 2011

2011-03-27T12:30:00.001-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

1. A long beach walk with buddies. Found shells for kidlets. Relaxin.

2. Thrilled to see and smooch on these kiddies of mine. We all snuggled up in one bed. My lovies.

Worst Parts of the Day-

1. Feeling a bit (really just a bit) to leave my college peeps. SOOOOOOO MUCH fun was had. Maybe I haven't had fun in a long while--it was seriously marvelous.

2. Plane home delayed and delayed due to thunderstorms. Yes, yes, I wanna be safe n' all...just really wanted to get home. Felt kinda bad that my dad was waiting an hour + longer at the airport waiting on lil ol me (he didn't seem to mind as he listened to b-ball on the radio the whole time...)

Saturday March 19, 2011

2011-03-27T12:08:00.003-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Went for a multi-mile run in the morn (the canopy trees, oh my!), then played an hour of tennis with friend, T. Soooo fun.

2. Lounged in pool with friends in the afternoon--with a few drinks--nothing excessive. Fun in da sun!!

3. Wonderfully fab wedding reception and a lot bit of madness.

Worst Parts of the Day-

1. In hindsight we (16 of us) were being a tad inappropriate at the pool (with others' chilluns present--eeek.) I had a bikini malfunction and then friends made up a (very loud) inappropriate, (but really funny at the time) rap about it.

2. Had my annual cigarette....and threw up. Might be done with that icky gross phase. Blech.

Friday March 18, 2011

2011-03-23T22:08:00.002-04:00

Best Parts of the Day-

1. Cuz K. picked me up and delivered me to the airport this morn. Golly gee I haven't been dropped at an airport in quite some time=luxury.

2. Flying to FLorida without a hitch and arriving at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island. Ahhhh. Seeing friends from M.U. that I have not seen in an 8-15 year range. We lounged at the pool and caught right up with much laughter=refreshing. I love, love these peeps!

3. Singular martini=yum.

Worst Part of the Day-

Went all the way to Amelia Island to dine with my Milwaukee friends at an Applebee's for din. Fried cheese sticks=dumb.

Thursday March 17, 2011

2011-03-23T22:03:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Happy St. Pat's Day! Happy (91st) Birthday to my dear, sweet ol' Grandma!!!

I was somehow organized enough to get St. Paddy's gifts to the teachers and sitters in my life as well as my hospital co-workers. Since this was my last day o' workin before (a really mini-getaway), the air was light and cheerful.

Worst Part of the Day-

Since it was my last workin day before the mini vaca, I had to go to both jobs, pack both kids and just make sure it was all in place. Whew.

Wednesday March 16, 2011

2011-03-23T19:24:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Gettin er done, done, done. Calmly and methodically packed for my lil trip. (I would be surprised if I forgot even one tiny thang.) I was called off early for hospital job which allowed me to swing to job #1 and be waayyy more on top of the situation.

Worst Part of the Day-

Felt achey and super weird in the late day. Please no!

Tuesday March 15, 2011

2011-03-15T21:10:00.003-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Went to post office, mentally packed for Florida, nailed down child care for weekend, paid bills online, worked out--all by 11am. Went to Job #1. Nice n easy.

Worst Part of the Day-

The kids were a bit non-listening. Am I just crabby?? Still tired?

Found out today that Will-O's 3 month sailing trip has officially doubled in length. He will be gone 6 months! That is a chunk of time. He will then be in L.A. for a spell starring in a reality show. I kid you not. I just hope Scarlet doesn't get in trouble at school for telling more "tall tales". Somehow it's all true. Weird, but true.

Monday March 14, 2011

2011-03-15T21:01:00.003-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

1. Cuz S. came over this eve to assist with kidlets while I went to my Monday night work meeting. It was good to see her and chat a moment and sip a few cc's of wine.

2. Hospital job was fun today.

Worst Part of the Day-

No school again for Scarlet. Both kids were super duper tired and a bit crabby this wee morn (a product of late Pizza Night and the dumb ol daylight savings switcheroo.) It was brutal getting them up, dressed, fed and out the door by 7am. BRUTAL. I love faking that I (the world's worst morning person!) am excited to be up and out the door. Love it. I also love doing it over and over without a break for months on end. Do I sound bitter?? Still tired, perhaps.

Sunday March 13, 2011

2011-03-15T20:56:00.003-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Slept past 7am.

More working out. Thank the gods.

Worst Part of the Day-

Ran out of gas!

Parentals came to my aid (after 3 cute and helpful males also came to rescue...)

Noteworthy:

Invited Friend M. to Sunday Night Pizza Night. The kids were kinda nuts and show-offy and loud and interruptive and up WAAAAAAY too late. This is why I don't go out at night. I wanna go to bed at 8pm and I definitely want the kids in bed before that.

I am seriously tired.

Saturday March 12, 2011

2011-03-15T20:52:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Working out. Thank the gods.

Worst Part of the Day-

SOOOOOO exhausted. (Am I ill? Am I just tired or do I feel chills and achiness?)

Had to go to job #2 this early eve.

Got pulled over by policia for some dumb tail light thing.

Though kids were at parentals' home, all of these factors took major wind out of my sails for 2nd annual St. Pat's gathering in Madison...

Friday March 11, 2011

2011-03-15T20:40:00.003-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Can you say, "Parents Night Out Party?" From 5p-9p the kids ran, jumped, played & arts n' crafted. I went to second job, cleaned my home, did 3 loads of wash and went grocery shopping at the terribly non-cost effective local Walgreens. Thank you.

Worst Part of the Day-

I AM EXHAUSTED.

No school: Both kids played all day at the O'Neill cousins' while I worked at the hospital. It was a mild day so they were outside running and on the trampoline and pogo stick for hours. I was a little nervous to send them for more non-stop party action this eve (especially after Liam's week o' illness) but we were paid and signed up for months...let's go!

Cuteness Factor:

Clearly I sign the kids up for each and every Parents Night Out party at the Y, so the kids are old hats with this dealie. Tonight Liam changed into a button-down shirt, vest and clip-on tie and rose-colored sunglasses. He stated, "Now I'm ready for my party!" Channeling Uncle Mike as a 4 year-old. Oh my.

Thursday March 10, 2011

2011-03-15T20:29:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

A grade school friend of my brother, Sean's, is some kind of mathematical wiz who is trying to win the Euro Millions (he lives in London) via a math formula, probability, etc. Anyhoo, yesterday I signed up to help him out ($10/month...what's $10 to this millionaire?) and obviously to win the Euro Millions. Today I won $40. Huh. If I didn't know him personally I would think it's a lil odd. My lucky day?

Check out Seed Codes: http://www.seedcodes.com/2.html

Worst Part of the Day-

The kids were a little rude and crazy and weird when our sitter was ready to leave. What up??

Wednesday March 9, 2011

2011-03-15T20:22:00.002-04:00

Best Part of the Day-

Walked into a Best Buy on my lunch hour and bee lined to the small appliances. Before a friendly sales man could ask to assist me, I had the cutest little Dyson ball ya ever did see in my boney witch hands. Total minutes of my Best Buy experience=8. Total time to setup new vacuum=1 minute. Fun!

Worst Part of the Day-

Liam went to bed for the night at 5:15pm. This little lad has been fighting something fierce since Sunday. Fever continues nightly only after sundown.

Tuesday March 8, 2011

2011-03-09T11:30:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Got my car professionally detailed. Lookin sooo fancy. Both kids commented, "It smells like Grandma Sally's car." Which means it is clean and fresh like a retired person who has time for such shenanigans--and sans crushed cereal and crap everywhere due to sans kids.

Worst Part of the Day-
My beloved and the first material possession I had truly cared about in my adult life (it made me know I was a fairly normal American) has died today. A key part of my luscious Dyson vacuum cracked and had to be put out to the trash today. Alas.
Within the same hour as the Dyson death two drinking glasses got knocked over and smashed. I live in a demolition.

Scarlet Quote:
Scarlet was reading an Arthur book and commented that one of the rabbits in the book "looked fat." Immediately I gave my rote answer that we do not comment on people's shapes and sizes. She snapped back, "Mom, this is a fictional book. I mean, it's a cartoon, not a person." I had to half smile but still stuck to my guns. We don't comment on the shapes and sizes of animals or cartoons...

Monday March 7, 2011

2011-03-08T15:56:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Was able to pick Scarlet up from school and scooped Liam up early from the sitter ('cause I knew that Motrin would be a failin soon!)

Worst Part of the Day-
I had to work the early shift at the hospital and it was a bit nuts when Sally O. came over at 6:30am to assist with morning stuff . Liam had been up since 3am burning alive with fever and there was no Motrin or Tylenol to be found in the home!! I had Sally bring the stash I had brought to her house over the summer--cause I just can't run off to Walgreens by my bad self. Liam was fussing, Scarlet was crabby and the lunches were not made and I had to leave! I did what had to be done: dosed Liam up with OTC meds and sped off to help other sick people. Sorry little man! Icky morn.

Liam Quote:
Oddly fever does not make Liam crabby. He gets more cuddly than his usual pretty darn cuddly self. At 3am when he awoke burning hot and red cheeked, he said in his Bronx accent, "Mom, do you think it would be ok if I had a sip of water?" Of course, my lad, have a whole glass. Then he said, "I still love you, Mom. I still do." Even after all we've been through, my son??" I am so pleased.

Sunday March 6, 2011

2011-03-08T15:48:00.004-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
1. Had dinner at my parentals' home. Delish fettucini alfredo. Wine.
2. Snuggling with the kiddies at bed. We were all in one big pile of blankets.

Worst Part of the Day-
1. Little Liam is on day#2 of fever, cough and general yickiness.
2. Received an email from Will-O telling me he knows he has been a jack ass (fine) and asking me to give him another chance (non-fine). I replied with a long, detailed email about how he was 8-9 years tooooo late with the apology/epiphany and went on to tell how Scarlet's school conference was and how how Liam has recently been crying for him and has been wearing Will-O's winter hat and says, "this smells like dad." Will-O's response, "meet me in Acapulco the first week of April." Oh to the My.
3. Got called in to the hospital for 2 cases and we almost dropped a 90 year-old patient!!

Saturday March 5, 2011

2011-03-08T15:45:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
1. Kiddies at parentals' home for overnight!
3. Purchased new running shoes (my once per 2 years expenditure)
2. Home post-full day o' working. Watched the documentary, Babies, whilst drinking some Sutter Home from a small plastic bottle. Huh.

Worst Part of the Day-
Just the standard running around and working 2 jobs on a Saturday. Lame.

Friday March 4, 2011

2011-03-08T15:42:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Sunggling up with the kiddies this eve. Watched Despicable Me with the kids. LOVED IT. Cried. Scarlet now wants to be a professional voice over artist.

Worst Part of the Day-
I am on call this weekend. Please don't call!!!

Thursday March 3, 2011

2011-03-08T15:37:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
I had Scarlet's school conference this afternoon. She shines scholastically, but what was most delightful was seeing her with her classmates. Her very diverse (race, economic, etc) beautiful classmates. They are sweetest bunch.

Worst Part of the Day-
So. I received a subpeona in the mail requiring my presence in a courthouse 3o miles away. All for the stealing of the Skylark last summer. Apparently they found the man and the State of Wisconsin had me on the star witness list. Zoinks. It was kinda nerve wracking and a hike midday. They will pay me $16 for my time. And not $16/hour.
When I saw the man who stole the car, I reallyjust wanted to tell him he could have it for $16. This is soooo not worth it.

Wednesday March 2, 2011

2011-03-08T15:29:00.003-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
I love you, Job#1. You are sooo easy and flexible and fun. Smooch, smooch, smooch.

Worst Part of the Day-
Scarlet has broken another piece of furniture with her constant jumping and gymnastics (so far the total is: 2 beds, 2 chairs.) Jeez.

Best Part of the Worst Part-
Scarlet and I have started a wonderful communication re: her behaviors. We have an agreement that she tell me the HONEST TRUTH about why she does things (like jump on furniture when she knows darn well she should not.) She will verbalize, "I just wanted to do something bad..." This has prompted me to let her know, "I get it! I was once a wild child!" She gets a huge kick out of my rebellious youth stories...then clean ones. The best part of all this is that she can at age 7 connect the fact that jumping on furniture, breaks it, makes more work to clean it up and replace, etc and ultimately lets down someone (i.e. Mom). She is able to see that her actions can hurt others even if she doesn't intend to. She is more evolved than her parent, ahem.
So our deal is if "she just want to do something bad", let me know. I'll get some old junk for you to beast on. And then 50 laps in the backyard.

Tuesday March 1, 2011

2011-03-08T15:21:00.003-05:00

Note: I needed several weeks of no blog to see if I really needed this blog. Turns out I do. I missed you bestpartworstpart...

Synopsis of 6-ish weeks: Will-O remains sailing the high seas (I was called by Scarlet's school to discuss her "lying" as she reported to her teachers that her dad is on a sailing trip for 5 months. Sorry, Teach, this is the whole truth...) I am doing my best to channel super duper mom (freak), kids are flourishing in the much more calm home. The worst part: I am doing it ALL solo. The best part: I am doing it all on my own terms.

Best Part of the Day-
Sold one of my crappy cars. Put out a sign, 2 hours later it was gone. Whew.

Worst Part of the Day-
Technical difficulties at work whist trying to teach a unit on Heart Health. Twas annoying.

Monday January 3, 2010

2011-01-13T12:30:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
School is back in session! The kids had 11 days of parties and gatherings each day. Oh my. They had the kind of winter break you should only get being a freshman in college.
Anyhoo, my real best part was the fact that I was at job #1 (not hospital) so I could more manageably get the kids off to their respective AM spots. Whew.

Worst Part of the Day-
Scarlet is refusing to go to her after-school care. She is adamantly refusing. Must decide on sitter ASAP.

Sunday January 2, 2010

2011-01-13T12:25:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Interviewing sitters with Scarlet. She is a trip. She was asking about CPR certification. I just wanted to make sure the sitter doesn't text during her appointed working hours.
Think I found a goodie!

Worst Part of the Day-
I had Sally watch the kids while I attended a last minute work meeting quite near her home. I feel bad (all the time) about others watching my kids and that they secretly hate doing it...
I rushed to get them and also feel bad about the amount of rushing I seem to do on a daily basis.

Saturday January 1, 2011

2011-01-13T12:22:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
More lounging and then met Cuz Shell and her daughter at a movie right smack in the middle of the Rose Bowl. (Just couldn't bear to watch it as I was planning on being there...) We saw Gulliver's Travels and the kids and grown-ups were pleased. Anything with Jack Black is more than tolerable.

Worst Part of the Day-
It is seriously f-ing bitter cold and windy outside.

Happy Dern New Year, friends (and foe.)

Friday December 31, 2010

2011-01-13T11:56:00.003-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
I decided, what the heeeel, and took the day off with the kids. Since my only other day off was Christmas, I just did it. We had a blast just lounging and playing with toys that will soon get old. Delights.
Against my better judgement (last year I thought--I am an independent female, I have been going to social gatherings alone for 7 years, what the heeel?! I can do out solo on NYE. Little did I recall, New Years Eve of all eves, is a night for snuggly couples--never did I feel such a pit of alone-ness than at midnight as I watched the functional couples smooch at the strike of 12...eeeegads), so being a social being, I did decide to join other humans and headed to gathering of adults with kids. The kids played and did their thing alllll night.

Worst Part of the Day-
Also against my better judgement, I let the kids (my 7pm bedtime kids!) stay up and at the mad social gathering until midnight! They were all going strong at 10:30pm so I thought--let's try it.
I carried a sobbing Liam out at 12:02 and both kids zonked in their respective car seats on the way home. Good way to end this wayward year. Good riddance.

Thursday December 30, 2010

2011-01-13T11:48:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Will-O's last night here prior to high sea adventure. I picked up Chinese take-out for everyone's fave place and sat down to have a peaceful meal together.

Worst Part of the Day-
All of the events that ensued as we sat down for our last family din for quiet some time: it included melodrama, alcohol, blood, tears, inappropriate words and Will-O not being allowed to stay over his last night. i.e. the MOST dramatic night with Will-O (with numerous night of drama which to compare...)
I wipe my hands of you, sir. Happy travels.

Wednesday December 29, 2010

2011-01-06T15:24:00.002-05:00

Theme of the Day: Shots

Best Part of the Day-

Liam had his 4 year-old Well Child Check this AM and he was a trouper. Three vaccines in the arms and not a peep from this one. After we went out for breakfast sandwiches (and coffee por moi) and he was a prince. He sat, we chatted, he had exemplary manners. As we were finishing our high protein meal he said, "This is a great date, Mom." The best I may have ever been on, my sweets.

Worst Part of the Day-

I am paying the fiddler for my wild child behaves last night. Really, Mama Meg? Shots on a Tuesday?!*

Also, Brother Mike leaving in the AM for his ol life back west. He and parentals stopped by this eve to bid farewell...much holiday fun was had!

Tuesday December 28, 2010

2011-01-06T15:21:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Met out Cuz S., Brother Mike and Friend Mark for a Mexican din and many, many drinks this fine Tuesday eve. Ummmm, v. fun and funny as usual.

Worst Part of the Day-
Wishing I could squeeze in a massage or 10 in the next days...

Monday December 27, 2010

2011-01-06T15:17:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
My hospital peeps threw me a surprise lil party at lunch. It was pretty sweet and also complete with a cheesecake from infamous Simma's in Wauwatosa. Aw shucks. Also I blew one of my younger (he's maybe 28-29) co-workers away when I divulged my chronological age. He was agasp. He thought I was 31 at the most. Tee-hee.

Worst Part of the Day-
I have absolutely no back up plan in place for childcare for when my Baby Daddy is gone-ski in mere days. Denial is fun.

Sunday December 26, 2010

2011-01-06T15:09:00.003-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
It is my special day of birth! These were the highlights:
1. Sledding with kids and Uncle Mike at 9am. Winter fun!
2. Played tennis with my dad and Uncle Mike at noon. Holy cardio fun, Batman. It was a blast.
3. Went to gathering at Cuz K.'s (not nec for my special day) and saw fun family types. Enjoyment and kids and funny b-day cards and calls.

Worst Part of the Day-
I have birthday trauma (it is getting better, or perhaps I am able to gain perspective since I have experienced actual trauma in my recent years...) I forgot how old I was. Told people I was 36. I am not. I feel 36.

Saturday December 25, 2010

2011-01-06T14:55:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
The males watched the kids whilst the lasses went to see Black Swan. Interesting. And always awesomely awesome for me to go to the movie theater.

Worst Part of the Day-
Will-O.

Merry Christmas to my Christians friends!!

Friday December 24, 2010

2011-01-06T14:47:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Barb did a marvelous job of keeping the Gast family Christmas Eve cocktail party alive and kickin. A great spread, Cold Duck, kids a runnin and the adults all feeling pleasant. Relaxing, yet jovial.

Worst Part of the Day-
I had to work a jam packed 8am-1pm and then rush to get kids to Christmas Eve paegent. I was unshowered and gross as I drove to Oconomowoc thinking I would somehow get a shower and throw on something black and velvety. Will-O was showered, shaved, in a suit and a really sharp dress coat at 2pm and was going to follow us in his car as he would leave after the kids' program. About 5 minutes into our 45 minute drive west I got a text from Will-O saying he was feeling down and alone and would not make it. HUH??? But you didn't work all day (or year) and you are showered and dressed and ready and you just told the kids "see you at the church in an hour..."
I texted back, "But here's the thing--it's not about you, it's about the kids. It's Christmas." I got no reply.

Best Part of the Worst-
The kids didn't seem to notice or ask even once where their father was. Either a good sign or a horrible one.

Thursday December 23, 2010

2011-01-06T14:45:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
No calls tonight per my on call status. My lordie.

Worst Part of the Day-
A bad ass crazy day at l'hospital the day before Christmas Eve. Usually we do 5-6 cases/day Today we did 12. I left near 8pm...sleepy and coughing and barely have a speaking voice.

Wednesday December 22, 2010

2011-01-06T14:37:00.002-05:00

Best Parts of the Day-
I had 20 odd people over for Liam's official 4 year-old b-day celebration tonight. It was such fun and the house was abuzz with positive energy and holiday spirit. Kids running and adults chatting it up with organic juice boxes and wine going on down. Liam was beyond priceless with his sheer love of all of his presents (another great thing about being a minimalist...he was genuinely pumped about each and everything he received. ) He opened presents like a madman, but beamed at the end and gave a shout out to the group, "Thank you all for my presents!!" At bedtime he stated, "This was the best day of my yife." Too cute.

Also, Alli and Barb had the kids all day so I could clean and prep for party. Exceedingly helpful. Also, also, Will-O knew he was an inexcusable jackass last night (and perhaps figuring he has 8 more days of doing any chores as a family man) and as a result he shoveled and helped with some party prep without my asking.

Worst Part of the Day-
I also had to go to work even though all I wanted was to party prep and then go get a pedicure or take a small napper.

Tuesday December 21, 2010

2011-01-06T14:30:00.003-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Finished up shopping for our Adopt-a-Family this eve. My kids did such an amazing job with this. We have the most delightful and thoughtful gifts for "our" family despite the whirlwind and mad traffic outside. Must get a wrappin!

Worst Part of the Day-
Will-O was being inappropriate and I asked him to leave. He wouldn't leave so I took the kids to my parents'. Sean, A-Lo, Brother Mike and the parentals were having a late din so what the hell??? We joined at 9pm on a Tuesday. Not how I usually roll, but wow--things are a changin.

Best Part of the Worst-
Sooo fun to have my supremely "normal" and vastly supportive family to hold me up in these times. The kids had a blast driving in the middle of the night and another blast seeing the aunt and uncles and grandparents...

December 20, 2010

2011-01-06T14:26:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
My best boy of the world turns 4 years-old today. Love, love, love to my big ol Liam boy!!
We had a mini-party in the home with just Will-O, Scar, Liam and mama. He opened presents from us and he had an absolute ball.

Worst Part of the Day-
Will-O walked out of the house mid party. He said, "Obviously this isn't working..." and just left. The kids were perplexed, but truly not as perplexed as normal kids would be if a normal dad left in the middle of one of his kid's b-day celebrations. Par for this annoying course.

December 19, 2010

2011-01-06T14:23:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Very little action for the on call hospital weekend. Pretty set for the swiftly approaching holiday. Thank heavens I like to focus on experiences as opposed to things.

Weirdest Part of the Day-
Apparently the boat was purchased and Will-O is leaving for the high seas December 31 until April 1. I am sensing this is not an April Fool's thing either.

Saturday December 18, 2010

2010-12-21T13:34:00.003-05:00

Worst Part of the Day-
The kids will be a part of the Christmas paegent at my parents' church on Christmas Eve. This morning was the rehearsal. The kids were soooo poky at getting up and dressed and out the door (needed to be to church 45 minutes away by 9am) that I found myself bribing with McDonald's breakfast sandwiches...ick. We were almost a full 30 minutes late to meet my mom who was so graciously helping with the transport due to my on call status...eeek.

Best Part of the Day-
I did not get called in as I suspected (the weekend prior to Christmas??) so I got more done between the hours of 9am and 1pm than I thought possible. Note: the peeps are not shopping in droves before 10am...

The kiddies are pumped to be in the Christmas play. Liam will be a sheep and Scarlet will be the star. She also loves to say she will be the "star in the play." Excellent!

Friday December 17, 2010

2010-12-21T13:30:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
The kids had a holiday party at the Y from 5p-9p. It was an eve of crafts, bounce house, running around and pizza. I was somewhat worried as my kids are generally in bed by 8-ish, so I was stunned to see them happily making Christmas ornaments and thoroughly not wanting to leave at 9pm. The both fell asleep on the way home.

Worst Part of the Day-
I am the most tired that I may have ever been. I am also on call for hospital job tonight and this whole weekend. Can I pray to the gods that no one calls me???

Thursday December 16, 2010

2010-12-21T13:23:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Made Brother Mike come with me to job #1 Christmas party. The first portion is a play the girls put on (totally amazing) then there's a dinner and Christmas caroling and a Santa sighting. The little kids of the staff get a giant kick. Liam was putting his nearly 4 year-old flirt moves on all the teenage girlies. He could do his telltale clasping of their face in his hands and says some funny gibberish and have them all dying of laughter...
Afterward there is the staff par-tayyy. After several adult bevs, Mike and I sang some karaoke and had a lil fun. (I always forget I love a microphone.)

Worst Part of the Day-
I felt EXHAUSTED all day/night (like almost ill and exceedingly brain fried...) Also more stress when I came home from work and wanted Will-O to have the kids dressed in their holiday party garb as I had minutes and we had to head to the play. STRESS. I hate it. I had to apologize to Mike cause I could just feel the dysfunctionality oozing. Of course he, like everyone, understands. It is what it is.

Wednesday December 15, 2010

2010-12-21T13:18:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Brother Mike came over this evening to spend the night. Enjoyable to sip wine and chat.

Worst Part of the Day-
Really wished Will-O was not present for my Brother Mike time. It seemed so tense in the room...

Tuesday December 14, 2010

2010-12-21T13:12:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
AM-Getting my hair did.
PM-Brother Mike in from Portland for the holidayz...so fun to see him! The kids were going bananas to see him. Liam kept referring to him as "Uncle Sean" or "Uncle Joe". Pretty great.

Worst Part of the Day-
So we are "adopting" a family from a local domestic violence shelter for my health class at job #1. Tonight our class time consisted of us starting our holiday shopping for our family. It is a young mom and 2 girls--ages 6 and 10. The girls with whom I work REALLY got into it and did a great job, but everyone in the world seemed to be driving the streets and running into stores. Hustle and bustle madness.

Monday December 13, 2010

2010-12-21T13:03:00.002-05:00

Best Part of the Day-
Done with hospital job early schmerly! Went to other job and got done 2 hours earlier than usual. Met Cuz S. out for "a drink" which meant 2 martinis each...super duper fun. (And Cuz S. saved me arse cheeks as she baked up some goodies for PTA bake sale tomorrow=yippee!

Worst Part of the Day-
So Will-O has been walking around down in the dumps for days-weeks (yes, he detests holidays--yes, he has depression issues.) Then today he was eerily up. He was smiley and happy...I thought he was a little drunk, actually. Then he told me: "I have this once in a lifetime opportunity...I'm going to sail around the world for 3 1/2 months for a documentary film. I leave New Years Day." Huh. New Years Day, like in 2 weeks? Must be nice to know your children are supreme care whilst you freely sail the high seas. Oh, and he has never sailed before...
Standard ops.

Tuesday December 14, 2010

2010-12-15T18:46:00.000-05:00

Worst Part of the Day - Lot's o' driving today - packed all four boys up good n' early to get the nephews to school by 7:30 a.m. Then had to pack my two plus a pal of theirs in order to pick them up in the afternoon. Then again with the homework! Jack started to give me grief about it .... then he settled in and promptly completed about a hour and 20 minutes of spelling, math and story writing (in German!) Okay - so I again dangled a Pokemon movie as a reward - but that kiddos got it done!!
Erik bummed to leave for work - we're bummed to see him go :(

Best Part of the Day - Chris and Ann arrived early to pick up their kiddos looking tan and well rested. Nice.

Monday December 13, 2010

2010-12-15T18:42:00.000-05:00

Best Part of the Day - Got all four boys up and dressed and breakfasted. Then left my two with Erik and took the other two to their German school. It's a haul, but we made it on time. Back at home, Erik had an appointment, so I took Wes to the gym and then SuperTarget ... this time he had a hot chocolate and he (of course) lived for it.

Worst Part of the Day - Man, I'm going to hate it when my kiddos have homework. I never knew how much it blew for the parents ... or it this a recent phenomenon?? I don't recall having much homework as a 3rd grader, nor my parents really stressing about it. I remember a couple big projects, that's about it. But Jack did well settling in and completing his tasks (I dangled Pokemon movie as a reward if he got it done).

Sunday December 12, 2010

2010-12-15T18:38:00.000-05:00

Best Part of the Day - Lazy, rainy and cold day - great for being inside and reading the newspaper and chatting.

Worst Part of the Day - Lazy, rainy and cold day - terrible for four boyz who need to run and jump and play and who were getting a little tired of each other. They ate all meals in shifts today - and at totally random times. There was no order or schedule - just a "whatever" type of day. Still all went well and we got them to bed by 7:15 p.m. They all conked out quickly.
Also forgot my wallet (that's three times in one week) and could no complete some necessary grocery shopping.

Saturday December 11, 2010

2010-12-15T18:36:00.000-05:00

Worst Part of the Day - Went to pick up my two nephews who are spending the next several days with us while their lucky parents vacation in Mexico. Unfortunately, I got caught up in Thunder Road Marathon traffic (I SWEAR the finish line was at their friend's house). A 25 minute drive turned into a hour and fifteen minutes. Double sigh. But I scooped them up and we hiked on home.

Best Part of the Day - All four boyz played nicely together and limited drama. Got them to bed around 8 with limited hijinks.

Friday December 10, 2010

2010-12-15T18:33:00.000-05:00

Best Part of the Day - Took kiddos to the children's museum with Erik. They do love that place and it's good, clean fun that keeps them occupied for hours.

Worst Part of the Day - Began the movie Gorky Park .... confused by it so far. Sables? Hmmm. But do believe William Hurt as a Russian which is odd.

Thursday December 9, 2010

2010-12-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

Best Part of the Day - Erik home! I do enjoy having all the boys under one roof. I also do enjoy watching some Survivor and sipping tea. Crazy times, crazy times.

Worst Part of the Day - Boys are stinky. It's not a generalization if it's true.

Wednesday December 8, 2010

2010-12-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

Best Part of the Day - Swim lessons are going swimmingly. So great to see the boyz improve! Q can now doggie paddle and Wes is actually using his arms and legs and stroking. Nice.

Worst Part of the Day - I'm pushing for a holly jolly Christmas. Am I the only one?

Tuesday December 7, 2010

2010-12-15T18:26:00.000-05:00

Best Part of the Day - Picking up odds and ends at my leisure - zen-a-rific.

Worst Part of the Day - Too cold to get littles outside and they seemed rather stir crazy.

Monday December 6, 2010

2010-12-15T18:24:00.000-05:00

Best Part of the Day - Erik had an appointment so Wes and I had a little one on one time together. We shopped through Super Target and he munched this bento box type thing with chicken salad, crackers, carrots and grapes. Most easy easy to take just one ... anywhere.

Worst Part of the Day - No tennis for the littles - too dern cold outside.