Well, it's official . . . before the year is out, the Boucek girls will officially be Pennsylvania girls again. The folks have been trying to get me to come home since the divorce, but my stubborn streak had to work itself out before I could see the wisdom of that decision. After three and a half years of trying to keep up with a 2700 square foot house with 13 trees in the yard, I have given up and embraced the inevitable.
The realtor thinks I should be able to get what I owe out of the house with enough left over to pay him, my boss is going to let me use my leave to postpone my term date so my health benefits carry over through the end of January and K and I are going snow tubing for her birthday.
So, after Christmas we'll be trading in the sand for ice skating, sledding, high school football that's practically a religion and a fall season that lasts for more than 4 hours. I can't wait!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Copper Boucek, 1995-2009
Copper Boucek was gently put to sleep on Monday, November 16 at the Princess Anne Veterinary Hospital in Virginia Beach, Virginia at approximately 10:20 am. Dr. Kerr was in attendance and made the process as quick and painless as possible for the patient and her owner. Copper is survived by her people, Samantha and Kaitlyn Boucek.
BIOGRAPHY-THE EARLY YEARS:
Copper was born on October 1, 1995 of questionable origin. Her early years were traumatic. She was originally raised as an indoor pet, but was turned into an "outdoor" dog before being surrendered to the Animal Assistance League shelter when she was 14 months old. I adopted Copper when she had been at the shelter less than two days. I can still see her sitting in the very first stall, quite as a mouse while everyone else was barking their heads off, looking around as if to say, "What the hell am I doing here with all of these dogs!?!" Bill and I had just bought our first house in Chesapeake, VA and I needed someone to keep me company while he was in Puerto Rico for two months and a companion for the long weeks of training and deployments that were to come.
The first day we left her alone, she went berserk and completely ripped down the entire set of vertical blinds from the front window . . . the front picture window. I'm still not quite sure how a 50 lb dogs managed to dismantle an 8 foot section of mounted blinds, but I would soon discover Copper was a dog of many talents. Apparently the trauma and/or neglect of her youth had led her to develop a severe case of Separation Anxiety - usually expressed by peeing on the pillow of whomever had pissed her off the most lately. With a king sized bed, it was not hard to tell which side of the sheets she was targeting.
We tried crate training, but apparently in addition to separation anxiety, Copper suffered from a bad case of claustrophobia. When she started getting raw spots on her "elbows" from laying in the drool (from all the panting) in the cage we considered cancelling the crate training. When she chipped one of the big pointy doggy teeth trying to chew her way out of the metal cage she was sprung for good. Many people have tried to contain her in various ways over various years, but none of them worked. I remember one time in particular that Bill's Uncle Mike and Aunt Beth tried to restrict her to the laundry room while everyone was out at Aunt Kim's new farm. Copper jumped over/chewed through/used her magical powers to get around the baby gate and proceeded to shit all over their guest room . . . . never leave a door open to a room with a bed if Copper if going to be alone in the house!
Other memorable moments from the Chesapeake years include one day when we were still crate training. There was a giant bag of Styrofoam packing peanuts next to her crate when I left for work. When I got home, there were packing peanuts all over the floor and the entire plastic bag was shredded in the dog crate, with the dog!
Then there was the time I found a bottle of red wine uncorked and spilt over the carpet under the wine rack, while the bottle was still on the bottom shelf of the wine rack. Logically I know it was probably a fermentation/pressure issue, but to this day, I'm still pretty sure Copper uncorked the wine. Probably because this was shortly after the Gingerbread Man "garnishment" on the Christmas presents under the tree disappeared . . . all 15 Gingerbread Men and Women - gone - without a piece of wrapping paper torn or a present being moved.
As we prepared to sell the Chesapeake house and move to Virginia Beach to be closer to Bill's job, Copper also managed to lock herself the closet where she attempted to dig her way out . . . after we already and an offer on the house. Anyone who's ever tried to match up mauve carpet on short notice can understand what an extreme pain in the ass that was.
BIOGRAPHY-THE BEACH YEARS:
Since I had the only dog on the planet that has no interest in swimming, the beginning of our time in Virginia Beach was pretty uneventful. Run on the beach? Awesome! Chase a ball into the surf? Sign her up! Get to the point where she can no longer touch the bottom of the ocean and actually had to swim? U-turn back to the beach. Our first house in Virginia Beach was a rental. For some reason this house inspired Copper to stop peeing on the floor, but start digging in the trash. Since we weren't overly familiar with Virginia Beach, Bill and I planned to rent for a year while we looked for a house to buy. We shortened that time span by about three months when we found out we were pregnant.
Bill was busy with training and travelling for work, so Copper hung out with me during my first trimester when I gave up caffeine and quite smoking (anyone who puts up with that deserves a medal), my second trimester where she made sure I got my exercise by "reminding" me every morning that we needed to take a walk - before I went to work, and my third trimester when I was waddling around trying to pack up the house. She travelled to PA with me for baby showers - twice - and didn't eat any of my gifts or pee on any of the baby clothes. Progress!
By the time I was 7 months pregnant, we had bought our "forever" home. There was a huge back yard with a 6 foot fence for Copper, a big man cave garage for Bill and 2700 square feet of inside for me and whatever children came along, despite the fact that I had been reassured by my OB several times that I was only carrying one. Copper made friends with the dog next door and I got down to the business of a birthin' a baby.
Bill was on deployment when I went into labor with K and I was a little worried that Copper would be jealous of this squalling human thing I was bringing home. After all, she had been my baby for 7 years. I should have saved myself some wrinkles. My two girls have been thick as thieves since the day I brought K through the front door. We had to keep the brakes on the cradle, because every time K cried, Copper would put her paws on the rail and pull herself up so she could check things out. Then she would look at me like, "Hello? Aren't you gonna do something?" When K got moved to her crib, Copper would sleep under it. When the mattress was all the way at the top, Copper could actually sit under the crib, and frequently did, to keep an ear out for problems. And if K cried for more than 5 minutes, Copper would hunt me down and let me know about it.
When K had pneumonia at 4 weeks old and had to spend a week in the hospital, Copper guarded the home front. A few months later, she pulled a Babies-R-Us shopping bag off the table, rooted a giant can of baby formula powder out of the bag, pulled the plastic lid off, somehow managed to pop the soda-can type tab (and pull the cover back a bit) and proceeded to roll the can around the floor until enough formula spilled out to leave a trail . . . she had the runs for days.
When Bill moved out of the house and wanted a divorce, Copper would jump into bed with me or nudge my arm when I was laying on the couch crying buckets. She would hang with me in the back yard while I chain smoked Marlboro Lights and wondered what my future would bring. She was a constant source of support and security. Before her hearing started to go, she was a combination doorbell and alarm system, always barking her head off when someone got within 20 feet of the house. She was great for making you feel secure and making sure door to door salesmen didn't hang out too long.
One time she pulled an entire rotisserie chicken off the counter, popped the lid off and ate the entire thing - bones and all - K and I had to find something else for dinner and Copper looked pregnant for days.
In addition to being my loyal companion for almost 13 years, Copper has been Kaitlyn's best friend for six and a half. Copper guarded her as a crying baby, happily served as a vacuum cleaner through the toddler years, never complained about having her ears pulled, her hair tugged or being dressed up as a superhero. She helped me walk Kaitlyn to the bus stop during kindergarten and, even though I usually drive K to school these days, the three of us made a final walk to the bus stop this morning. Kaitlyn knew this day was coming. She didn't know it was going to be today, but I'm pretty sure she'll handle the news okay. Whenever we've talked about it in the past, she mostly wonders how soon it will be before she can get a puppy and whether or not (based on our disastrous attempt to raise fish) the vet has a giant toilet. I'm pretty sure anyone who can make a joke when faced with such sadness is going to be okay.
So, after a final trek to the bus stop this morning, Copper and I hung out in the back yard for awhile . . . she sniffed and I chain smoked. During the 5 minute ride to the vet's office, I left the window all the way down so she could stick her head out and feel the wind in her face one last time. The staff at the vet was amazing, we were immediately sent to the back room for privacy, the technician and vet both explained the procedure, Copper was taken back for a catheter and then brought back to the room. We settled her comfortably on a blanket and Dr. Kerr administered a syringe full of saline followed by a syringe full of medicine to stop her heart. The entire thing took less than two minutes. She went peacefully while I stroked her back and Dr. Kerr and the assistant stroked her head and paws. The vet listened to her heart and gave me a nod to let me know she was gone. After I final kiss to Copper's forehead, I was gone, too.
Copper was not always a good dog. She was usually funny, always mischievous and a pain in the ass more times than not. She peed on the carpet, would steal any food that wasn't nailed down and would wander around the neighborhood if the gate happened to be open. No, she was not always a good dog . . . but she was a great friend.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Green Is Good
Never have I enjoyed that expression more than this week.
Miss K has been the only child in her first grade class to not hit 15 days of good behavior for the school year (not 15 in a row, just 15). On Tuesday, that all changed when K finally got her 15th "Green" Day. I was so proud, Grammy probably heard me in Pennsylvania.
Never mind that most of the other kids are getting their second trip to the goodie box.
Or that she only achieved this miracle after a visit to the guidance counselor with two other juvenile delinquents . . .
. . . and a conversation with her father on Sunday that included the advice, "Keep your mouth shut and your ears open."
I'm a mom which means I'm proud as a peacock despite having absolutely nothing to do with this accomplishment. To make things even better, Miss K has been on Green every day this week . . . an unparalleled feat. If she finishes out the week with a green today we're heading out to eat at a restaurant of her choosing and she can have whatever Halloween costume she wants.
Fingers crossed!
Miss K has been the only child in her first grade class to not hit 15 days of good behavior for the school year (not 15 in a row, just 15). On Tuesday, that all changed when K finally got her 15th "Green" Day. I was so proud, Grammy probably heard me in Pennsylvania.
Never mind that most of the other kids are getting their second trip to the goodie box.
Or that she only achieved this miracle after a visit to the guidance counselor with two other juvenile delinquents . . .
. . . and a conversation with her father on Sunday that included the advice, "Keep your mouth shut and your ears open."
I'm a mom which means I'm proud as a peacock despite having absolutely nothing to do with this accomplishment. To make things even better, Miss K has been on Green every day this week . . . an unparalleled feat. If she finishes out the week with a green today we're heading out to eat at a restaurant of her choosing and she can have whatever Halloween costume she wants.
Fingers crossed!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Checking In
Just in case anyone's wondering . . . K and I have not dropped off the face of the earth.
Between school, the dog, the house, the yard, Halloween, Monday night CCD classes, Sunday football games and just plain enjoying the heck out of spending time with each other, we are plum tuckered out.
The only big thing going on is that I'm thinking about selling the house and moving back to PA so K and I can spend more time with the family and Julie will have someone cool to hang with if the other Bouceks get stationed there. The thought of packing up 2700 square feet terrifies me, but not nearly as much as trying to maintain 2700 square feet.
In other news, K's daddy just turned 40, which means that I'm not too far behind . . . when the heck did THAT happen? I still feel like I'm in my late 20s so I'm not quite sure why I'm actually turning 37 in a few weeks.
Between school, the dog, the house, the yard, Halloween, Monday night CCD classes, Sunday football games and just plain enjoying the heck out of spending time with each other, we are plum tuckered out.
The only big thing going on is that I'm thinking about selling the house and moving back to PA so K and I can spend more time with the family and Julie will have someone cool to hang with if the other Bouceks get stationed there. The thought of packing up 2700 square feet terrifies me, but not nearly as much as trying to maintain 2700 square feet.
In other news, K's daddy just turned 40, which means that I'm not too far behind . . . when the heck did THAT happen? I still feel like I'm in my late 20s so I'm not quite sure why I'm actually turning 37 in a few weeks.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday in the Park (ok, the zoo)
Ahh, Saturday.
My incredibly considerate daughter woke up before me today, but realizing it was a "play day" she decided not to wake me up . . . until she started playing with her electric drumsticks. There is nothing like being pulled out of a sound sleep by an electronic beat to remind you that you have children. Luckily for me, she heeded my request to shut my bedroom door before the encore.
Our lazy morning included pancakes and dippy eggs (usually reserved for Sunday) and a quick trip to the post office (sans panties since it's laundry day and someone forgot to tell me she was out) to mail Uncle Brent's get well soon card. UB and his dog had a little argument with an explosive device overseas a few weeks ago and while both are fine, we figured a little love in the form of neon yellow poster board couldn't hurt. Since the post office is practically next door to the grocery store with the kiddie carts we popped it to stock up on some basics before heading home.
Twenty minutes later we were back out the door and seven hours later we are finally back home. And here I thought Saturdays were supposed to be relaxing.
My incredibly considerate daughter woke up before me today, but realizing it was a "play day" she decided not to wake me up . . . until she started playing with her electric drumsticks. There is nothing like being pulled out of a sound sleep by an electronic beat to remind you that you have children. Luckily for me, she heeded my request to shut my bedroom door before the encore.
Our lazy morning included pancakes and dippy eggs (usually reserved for Sunday) and a quick trip to the post office (sans panties since it's laundry day and someone forgot to tell me she was out) to mail Uncle Brent's get well soon card. UB and his dog had a little argument with an explosive device overseas a few weeks ago and while both are fine, we figured a little love in the form of neon yellow poster board couldn't hurt. Since the post office is practically next door to the grocery store with the kiddie carts we popped it to stock up on some basics before heading home.
Twenty minutes later we were back out the door and seven hours later we are finally back home. And here I thought Saturdays were supposed to be relaxing.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Homework is cool . . .
Kaitlyn holding up her get well soon card for Uncle Brent which will go in the mail tomorrow . . . after putting the headband and sunglasses on to do homework.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
School Days
I am happy to report that the first day of school went off without a hitch. Despite complaining that her ear hurt, K managed to get up, get dress, eat breakfast and catch the bus yesterday for her first day of first grade. When, at 2:30, my work phone hadn't rung with a call from the school nurse or the vice-principal, I considered the day a success.
We did have a slight snag when I went to pick K up from her new after school program. It's right at her elementary school, but when I tried the front doors they were locked up tighter than a drum. Figuring someone would probably call the cops if I went with my initial reaction to just leave her there until today, I went in search of a side door. I found K running around the gym, burning off all that excess energy, completely delighted that some of her friends from the old day care were there and that her teaching assistants from kindergarten were staffers.
We continued the First Day of School tradition of going out to eat and then snuck in a quick trip to Patient First where my suspicion of an ear infection was confirmed. One trip to Walgreens and almost $100 later, we were armed with a firm diagnosis, a kick ass antibiotic and a resolve to get K a new insurance plan.
Today, she argued for 20 minutes about what to wear, threw up her medicine directly after swallowing it and got chauffeured to school because we missed the bus. Two days down, 181 to go.
We did have a slight snag when I went to pick K up from her new after school program. It's right at her elementary school, but when I tried the front doors they were locked up tighter than a drum. Figuring someone would probably call the cops if I went with my initial reaction to just leave her there until today, I went in search of a side door. I found K running around the gym, burning off all that excess energy, completely delighted that some of her friends from the old day care were there and that her teaching assistants from kindergarten were staffers.
We continued the First Day of School tradition of going out to eat and then snuck in a quick trip to Patient First where my suspicion of an ear infection was confirmed. One trip to Walgreens and almost $100 later, we were armed with a firm diagnosis, a kick ass antibiotic and a resolve to get K a new insurance plan.
Today, she argued for 20 minutes about what to wear, threw up her medicine directly after swallowing it and got chauffeured to school because we missed the bus. Two days down, 181 to go.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Love Thy Neighbor . . .
Six and a half years ago I was slugging my very pregnant self all over Virginia Beach looking for a house to buy. When Bill picked this one, I thought he was crazy. It was at the top end of our budget, had a huge yard to take care off and four bedrooms, plus a room over the garage. Since at 7 months pregnant, I was quite sure I was only having one baby, I thought it was too big. When I got a second vacuum for Christmas (so I wouldn't have to lug one up and down the stairs) I relented a little. When I got to know my neighbors, I was sold.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and the people I share a fence line with have become part of mine. When I spent 5 days in Pennsylvania, I came home to a pressure washed porch and freshly weeded flower beds. When I was trying to figure out what on earth I was going to do with K for the last week before school started, everyone who could (even those without kids) pitched in a took a day. While I'm sitting here typing this on the back patio, I can hear the music from the King's house, where we spent the afternoon swimming. Just like every other weekend, the only invitation we needed was the open umbrella in their back yard. While we were there, we invited ourselves to the Lewis' on Thursday night for the Steelers opening game. Within 20 minutes it was a full fledged party, despite it being a work/school night. We will be a regular fixture there every Sunday until February because we love their company, and their 60+" flatscreen HDTV.
Six and a half years ago, I would have never dreamed of all the twists and turns my life would take between then and now. I never thought I would be 36 and divorced. Or have to figure out how to date when you rarely leave the house after 7:00. I could have never imagined that I could change a light switch by myself or fix a toilet.
Luckily, if I ever need help figuring it out, all I have to do is lean across the fence.
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and the people I share a fence line with have become part of mine. When I spent 5 days in Pennsylvania, I came home to a pressure washed porch and freshly weeded flower beds. When I was trying to figure out what on earth I was going to do with K for the last week before school started, everyone who could (even those without kids) pitched in a took a day. While I'm sitting here typing this on the back patio, I can hear the music from the King's house, where we spent the afternoon swimming. Just like every other weekend, the only invitation we needed was the open umbrella in their back yard. While we were there, we invited ourselves to the Lewis' on Thursday night for the Steelers opening game. Within 20 minutes it was a full fledged party, despite it being a work/school night. We will be a regular fixture there every Sunday until February because we love their company, and their 60+" flatscreen HDTV.
Six and a half years ago, I would have never dreamed of all the twists and turns my life would take between then and now. I never thought I would be 36 and divorced. Or have to figure out how to date when you rarely leave the house after 7:00. I could have never imagined that I could change a light switch by myself or fix a toilet.
Luckily, if I ever need help figuring it out, all I have to do is lean across the fence.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Technology is Cool, I'm a Dork
Okay, call me a dork, but I absolutely love our dentist.
Instead of chomping down on horribly uncomfortable x-ray plates while they shoot you from twelve different angles, our dentist has the neatest machine. You just stand still, stick your head on a chin rest (like the optometrist) and BOOM, the x-ray machine circles your head and takes one full set of x-rays in about 30 seconds.
Plus, it's digital, so there are no nasty chemicals to process the x-rays and by the time you park your butt in the chair for your cleaning, you can see your teeth on the tv screen.
Here are K's pearly whites . . . I love how you can see both the baby teeth AND the grown up teeth. Even her molars show up (in the back) and we won't see those for years yet. Too cool!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
I Got My Baby Back . . .
Today couldn't have been more of a Gilmore Day if it had been filmed and broadcast on the WB.
It was a whirlwind weekend and every bit of it was fun. Friday morning I dropped off the mower at the repair shop (again) and hit the road to Pittsburgh. My best friend Jennifer and I pulled into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot about 10 minutes apart, headed to her house got dolled up and headed out for a girls night on the town. I met Jennifer at freshman orientation the summer before I started college and she's been like a sister to me ever since. Meeting up with Marla, who I haven't seen since we tailgated at a Steelers game two years ago, was the perfect way to start off the night. Add in having pierogies as an appetizer option and a salad that comes with french fries on it, and you know you're in the 'Burgh. I even let Jennifer talk me into going to the crappiest bar in Pittsburgh and dancing to hip hop, but we all make sacrifices for our friends.
Saturday morning I ran Jennifer into work downtown and we hit the strip to stock up on Steeler's gear. Kaitlyn and I are now completely ready for football season as we are in possession (finally) of two black and yellow feather boas and enough temporary tattoos to last us until Superbowl Sunday. With the preliminary shopping done, I headed up to North Hills for lunch with the Bouceks where I finally got to pick up K for good. It was a very long (albeit quiet) six weeks with her gone on the Summer Fun Tour. K and I headed back downtown, got a quick tour of Jennifer's office and hit the strip to finish our shopping. At $5 a pop, we were able to complete outfit out VB neighborhood for the entire season.
Then it was back to Jennifer's for the Steelers preseason game against the Redskins (we won't talk about that) and a nice visit with her mom who stopped by.
This morning we hit the road on schedule and had a great trip home. My mom is here for the week and luckily pulled in the driveway about an hour before we did. It will be the only hour of peace and quiet she has all week. A few hours in the neighbor's pool, some grilled cheese sandwiches and one showered kid later and we are settled in for the night.
Sometimes, life is very, very good.
It was a whirlwind weekend and every bit of it was fun. Friday morning I dropped off the mower at the repair shop (again) and hit the road to Pittsburgh. My best friend Jennifer and I pulled into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot about 10 minutes apart, headed to her house got dolled up and headed out for a girls night on the town. I met Jennifer at freshman orientation the summer before I started college and she's been like a sister to me ever since. Meeting up with Marla, who I haven't seen since we tailgated at a Steelers game two years ago, was the perfect way to start off the night. Add in having pierogies as an appetizer option and a salad that comes with french fries on it, and you know you're in the 'Burgh. I even let Jennifer talk me into going to the crappiest bar in Pittsburgh and dancing to hip hop, but we all make sacrifices for our friends.
Saturday morning I ran Jennifer into work downtown and we hit the strip to stock up on Steeler's gear. Kaitlyn and I are now completely ready for football season as we are in possession (finally) of two black and yellow feather boas and enough temporary tattoos to last us until Superbowl Sunday. With the preliminary shopping done, I headed up to North Hills for lunch with the Bouceks where I finally got to pick up K for good. It was a very long (albeit quiet) six weeks with her gone on the Summer Fun Tour. K and I headed back downtown, got a quick tour of Jennifer's office and hit the strip to finish our shopping. At $5 a pop, we were able to complete outfit out VB neighborhood for the entire season.
Then it was back to Jennifer's for the Steelers preseason game against the Redskins (we won't talk about that) and a nice visit with her mom who stopped by.
This morning we hit the road on schedule and had a great trip home. My mom is here for the week and luckily pulled in the driveway about an hour before we did. It will be the only hour of peace and quiet she has all week. A few hours in the neighbor's pool, some grilled cheese sandwiches and one showered kid later and we are settled in for the night.
Sometimes, life is very, very good.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Things I Don't Understand
Since I actually have plans to leave the house after 7:00 tomorrow, tonight should have been spent doing laundry and packing for my Pittsburgh trip on Friday. And finishing up all the stuff it's so much easier to do while K is gone.
Instead I spent the evening doing one load of laundry and not packing a thing. What can I say, I'm easily distracted. I'd love to post more, but it's 11:30 and I still need to take my trash out.
Instead I spent the evening doing one load of laundry and not packing a thing. What can I say, I'm easily distracted. I'd love to post more, but it's 11:30 and I still need to take my trash out.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Slim Pickins
I've always said that K has a far more exciting life than I could ever hope for. Well, it must be true because ever since she started the Summer Fun Tour of 2009, I haven't had spit to blog about. But to avoid losing any of the entire three people who actually read this, I figured I better post something.
When we were in school, our schedules revolved around semesters, summers and "when will Friday get here." Then we grow up and get jobs and lives and our calendar is split into two parts: work week and weekend. Then we get pregnant and have children and our frame of reference changes again. First we count by weeks, "Oh, I'm 17 weeks along." Then we switch over to months, "She's 18 months old."
Well the parent of a school-ager has a whole other frame of reference: school year and summer vacation. I can't believe how fast this one has gone.
SUMMER FUN TOUR 2009:
Weeks 1-4: Summer Camp (glorified term for "Make your kid think daycare is fun.")
Week 5: At the farm with Daddy who just got back from a two month trip
Week 6: Grammy and Pop Pop's house in the Poconos
Layover: Great weekend w/Mommy in Washington, DC
Weeks 7-8: Back at the farm for two weeks of Daddy, Nae Nae and the horses
Weeks 9-10: Pittsburgh and Camping with Grandma and Grandpa
Layover: Weekend w/Mommy in Pittsburgh
Week 11: Finally home in Virginia Beach, with Grammy visiting
Week 12: Spending various days with all her friends she missed this summer (glorified term for pawning her off on various neighbors so Mommy can go to work)
The Summer Fun Tour also included a visit with Uncle John at Daddy's house w/a Mommy and Me day thrown in because, well, four weeks is just too darn long to go with out a little love from my little one. And, we'll probably throw in a Day trip to Busch Gardens in Week 12, just because we can (and our passes expire on Labor Day).
As the Summer Fun Tour winds down (three weeks to go), I can't believe the summer flew by so fast and it's already time to pick out backpacks and school clothes. But it sure will be nice to head to Pittsburgh on Friday and bring my little LoveBug home. I'm even starting to miss watching the Disney Channel and listening to Miley Cyrus in the car.
**visit ww.facebook.com/browneyedgirls to see all the great pics of the Summer Fun Tour.
When we were in school, our schedules revolved around semesters, summers and "when will Friday get here." Then we grow up and get jobs and lives and our calendar is split into two parts: work week and weekend. Then we get pregnant and have children and our frame of reference changes again. First we count by weeks, "Oh, I'm 17 weeks along." Then we switch over to months, "She's 18 months old."
Well the parent of a school-ager has a whole other frame of reference: school year and summer vacation. I can't believe how fast this one has gone.
SUMMER FUN TOUR 2009:
Weeks 1-4: Summer Camp (glorified term for "Make your kid think daycare is fun.")
Week 5: At the farm with Daddy who just got back from a two month trip
Week 6: Grammy and Pop Pop's house in the Poconos
Layover: Great weekend w/Mommy in Washington, DC
Weeks 7-8: Back at the farm for two weeks of Daddy, Nae Nae and the horses
Weeks 9-10: Pittsburgh and Camping with Grandma and Grandpa
Layover: Weekend w/Mommy in Pittsburgh
Week 11: Finally home in Virginia Beach, with Grammy visiting
Week 12: Spending various days with all her friends she missed this summer (glorified term for pawning her off on various neighbors so Mommy can go to work)
The Summer Fun Tour also included a visit with Uncle John at Daddy's house w/a Mommy and Me day thrown in because, well, four weeks is just too darn long to go with out a little love from my little one. And, we'll probably throw in a Day trip to Busch Gardens in Week 12, just because we can (and our passes expire on Labor Day).
As the Summer Fun Tour winds down (three weeks to go), I can't believe the summer flew by so fast and it's already time to pick out backpacks and school clothes. But it sure will be nice to head to Pittsburgh on Friday and bring my little LoveBug home. I'm even starting to miss watching the Disney Channel and listening to Miley Cyrus in the car.
**visit ww.facebook.com/browneyedgirls to see all the great pics of the Summer Fun Tour.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Hanging with Rory
Today was definitely a Gilmore Day . . . probably because I got to hang with my Rory.
K has been out at the farm ever since I picked her up from my folks in DC two weeks ago and she'll be heading out this weekend for two weeks with Grandma and Grandpa B. Deciding that four weeks without seeing my LoveBug was just too long, we scheduled a Mommy and Me playdate for today.
In true Gilmore fashion, the last 24 hours included a Bachelor Auction for me (cleverly disguised as a benefit for the American Cancer Society last night), a one hour workday Friday, a road trip to see my girl, too much food at a diner (okay, Cracker Barrel), a movie and me being too technologically inept to locate the cord for my camera to actually share all the great pictures I took. I think we may even have thrown in some pop culture references for good measure.
Now if I could only go have a cup of coffee with Luke, it would be the best day ever. Of course I don't drink coffee and I don't have a Luke, so I guess the Gilmore reference ended when I left the farm. But keep your fingers crossed, I did give my number to Bachelor #1 before I left the fundraiser last night.
As an added bonus, Bill's parents and brother were all at the farm when I went to pick up my girl. It was great to visit with K's Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle John.
K has been out at the farm ever since I picked her up from my folks in DC two weeks ago and she'll be heading out this weekend for two weeks with Grandma and Grandpa B. Deciding that four weeks without seeing my LoveBug was just too long, we scheduled a Mommy and Me playdate for today.
In true Gilmore fashion, the last 24 hours included a Bachelor Auction for me (cleverly disguised as a benefit for the American Cancer Society last night), a one hour workday Friday, a road trip to see my girl, too much food at a diner (okay, Cracker Barrel), a movie and me being too technologically inept to locate the cord for my camera to actually share all the great pictures I took. I think we may even have thrown in some pop culture references for good measure.
Now if I could only go have a cup of coffee with Luke, it would be the best day ever. Of course I don't drink coffee and I don't have a Luke, so I guess the Gilmore reference ended when I left the farm. But keep your fingers crossed, I did give my number to Bachelor #1 before I left the fundraiser last night.
As an added bonus, Bill's parents and brother were all at the farm when I went to pick up my girl. It was great to visit with K's Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle John.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
It's a Birdie Kind of Day
Around here we have two kind of days . . . Gilmore days and Birdie days.
Anyone who's ever seen Gilmore Girls can figure out what a Gilmore Day is . . . it might be weird, it might even be crazy, but it's always fun. Even if we're handed lemons, somehow we make lemonade . . . usually with a lot of laughs and a little vodka.
Birdie Days are a whole different story. They're the days when I feel like Sandra Bullock's character from Hope Floats (before she gets to start sleeping with Harry Connick, Jr.). A must see for any divorced woman (if for no other reason than to give us hope that our second husbands might actually look like Harry Connick, Jr.). For anyone who hasn't seen the movie, Birdie was the homecoming queen who married the football star and went on to be his trophy wife. He dumps her on television to be with her best friend. She packs up her young daughter and moves back to her hometown with her tail between her legs to live with her crazy mother and figure out what the hell she's supposed to do with the rest of her life. Mostly she just looks around like "How the &%$# did this get to be my life?!?!?!" At one point, she just looks at her mother and says, "Mama, I used to be somebody."
Most days around here are Gilmore Days, but not today . . . today is a Birdie Day all the way.
Anyone who's ever seen Gilmore Girls can figure out what a Gilmore Day is . . . it might be weird, it might even be crazy, but it's always fun. Even if we're handed lemons, somehow we make lemonade . . . usually with a lot of laughs and a little vodka.
Birdie Days are a whole different story. They're the days when I feel like Sandra Bullock's character from Hope Floats (before she gets to start sleeping with Harry Connick, Jr.). A must see for any divorced woman (if for no other reason than to give us hope that our second husbands might actually look like Harry Connick, Jr.). For anyone who hasn't seen the movie, Birdie was the homecoming queen who married the football star and went on to be his trophy wife. He dumps her on television to be with her best friend. She packs up her young daughter and moves back to her hometown with her tail between her legs to live with her crazy mother and figure out what the hell she's supposed to do with the rest of her life. Mostly she just looks around like "How the &%$# did this get to be my life?!?!?!" At one point, she just looks at her mother and says, "Mama, I used to be somebody."
Most days around here are Gilmore Days, but not today . . . today is a Birdie Day all the way.
Monday, July 27, 2009
On the Road Again
The ability to run all over God's creation is the only thing I like about summer. Hate the heat, hate the crowds at the beach, love the liberal leave policy, four day work weeks and no school schedule to work around (the absence of homework ain't too bad either).
In the 5 weeks since school's been out, K had three weeks at summer camp followed by one week with her dad and one week with my folks. She pencilled me in for a visit in DC this past weekend before heading back to her dad's. She'll be there for two weeks, then back to PA for two weeks with Grandma and Grandpa.
I plan to pick her up in the 'Burgh so we can troll downtown and restock our exhausted stash of Steeler's bling before football season kicks off. We're out of temporary tattoos and apparently, it's near impossible to find a black and yellow boa outside of southwest PA . . . trust me on this, we've been looking for year and a half.
If I ever get the pictures off the camera, y'all (yes, Julie, I said "y'all") will love our adventures as much as we did. Let just say, if you've got to be stuck in traffic on I-95, it helps if you're next to a pickup decorated as a giant red lobster.
In the 5 weeks since school's been out, K had three weeks at summer camp followed by one week with her dad and one week with my folks. She pencilled me in for a visit in DC this past weekend before heading back to her dad's. She'll be there for two weeks, then back to PA for two weeks with Grandma and Grandpa.
I plan to pick her up in the 'Burgh so we can troll downtown and restock our exhausted stash of Steeler's bling before football season kicks off. We're out of temporary tattoos and apparently, it's near impossible to find a black and yellow boa outside of southwest PA . . . trust me on this, we've been looking for year and a half.
If I ever get the pictures off the camera, y'all (yes, Julie, I said "y'all") will love our adventures as much as we did. Let just say, if you've got to be stuck in traffic on I-95, it helps if you're next to a pickup decorated as a giant red lobster.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
If you want to make Him laugh . . .
One of my favorite expressions is, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."
Another is "I don't believe in revenge . . . karma is a bigger bitch than I could ever be."
Opposite ends of the scale I know, but both relevant to this point in my life.
Plans: When I got married 14 years ago, two weeks after graduating from college, I planned on being married for 50 years. When I was pregnant with my daughter I planned on watching her grow up in a solid family. I imagined her father and I sitting at her wedding and remembering all of the highlights we had of raising her together . . . her first day of school, learning to ride a bike, drive a car . . . the first time she fell in love. When K had her first Christmas, I bought brand new stockings to hang by the chimney, with an extra one or two so there'd be matching ones just in case any little brothers or sisters came along.
If I've learned one thing over the last six years it would be that God not only has a wicked sense of humor, but that the plans He has for us are probably better than the ones we had for ourselves.
I will not be married for 50 years. I made it to 10 and even that's a stretch since my ex had pretty much checked out of the marriage shortly after (if not before) my daughter was born.
I will not sit at K's wedding with her Dad sharing memories of all the things we did with her growing up. There aren't any.
I hang our two stocking by the fireplace every year, but I don't think about the brothers and sisters K will have. Instead, I think about the Christmas between the separation and the divorce. The one where I went to get the decorations out of the closet and spent an hour crying when I realized I no longer needed any extra ones, or even the ones I had.
When I got divorced I planned on spending the next 14 years getting my shit together and focusing on my kid with the hopes that by the time she went off to college she would be prepared for life and I would be a smoking hot 48 year old with no obligations and my choice of men (since all the other women my age would have let themselves go to pot of course).
Well, that plan is hitting the scrap pile too. My new plan is to just throw it all out there to the universe and see what happens. As of now, I am open to any and all of the possibilities that could come my way.
I love my house, and my life in Virginia, but tomorrow I am looking at a house about 1/2 a mile down the road from my folk's place in PA. There's probably not a chance in hell I'll be able to make the switch, but I'm checking it out anyway.
The first year after my divorce I had absolutely no interest in getting within 10 feet of anything that had a penis. The year after that, I started dipping my toe into the man pool, but had horrible results . . . forget about a blog, the details of those non-experiences could fill up an entire book. This past year, I stuck my whole foot in the dating pool and while I actually HAD my first date in almost 20 years, it was a total bust. So I've finally decided, screw wading into the dating pool. This year I'm diving in head first. Yep, I'm biting the bullet and finally signing up for an online dating site. As soon as I finish filling out 800 or so questions, I will officially be on the market. It must be true . . . I read it on the Internet!
There are a few other changes I've started to make, regarding finances and other things to just generally get my life in order. I have no idea what is in store for me over the next year. It may be a smaller house, a better job or a good man, but I have great faith that it will be better than the hand I've been dealt in the past.
And as for karma? I pretty sure she owes me big and it's about time for her to pay up, with interest.
Another is "I don't believe in revenge . . . karma is a bigger bitch than I could ever be."
Opposite ends of the scale I know, but both relevant to this point in my life.
Plans: When I got married 14 years ago, two weeks after graduating from college, I planned on being married for 50 years. When I was pregnant with my daughter I planned on watching her grow up in a solid family. I imagined her father and I sitting at her wedding and remembering all of the highlights we had of raising her together . . . her first day of school, learning to ride a bike, drive a car . . . the first time she fell in love. When K had her first Christmas, I bought brand new stockings to hang by the chimney, with an extra one or two so there'd be matching ones just in case any little brothers or sisters came along.
If I've learned one thing over the last six years it would be that God not only has a wicked sense of humor, but that the plans He has for us are probably better than the ones we had for ourselves.
I will not be married for 50 years. I made it to 10 and even that's a stretch since my ex had pretty much checked out of the marriage shortly after (if not before) my daughter was born.
I will not sit at K's wedding with her Dad sharing memories of all the things we did with her growing up. There aren't any.
I hang our two stocking by the fireplace every year, but I don't think about the brothers and sisters K will have. Instead, I think about the Christmas between the separation and the divorce. The one where I went to get the decorations out of the closet and spent an hour crying when I realized I no longer needed any extra ones, or even the ones I had.
When I got divorced I planned on spending the next 14 years getting my shit together and focusing on my kid with the hopes that by the time she went off to college she would be prepared for life and I would be a smoking hot 48 year old with no obligations and my choice of men (since all the other women my age would have let themselves go to pot of course).
Well, that plan is hitting the scrap pile too. My new plan is to just throw it all out there to the universe and see what happens. As of now, I am open to any and all of the possibilities that could come my way.
I love my house, and my life in Virginia, but tomorrow I am looking at a house about 1/2 a mile down the road from my folk's place in PA. There's probably not a chance in hell I'll be able to make the switch, but I'm checking it out anyway.
The first year after my divorce I had absolutely no interest in getting within 10 feet of anything that had a penis. The year after that, I started dipping my toe into the man pool, but had horrible results . . . forget about a blog, the details of those non-experiences could fill up an entire book. This past year, I stuck my whole foot in the dating pool and while I actually HAD my first date in almost 20 years, it was a total bust. So I've finally decided, screw wading into the dating pool. This year I'm diving in head first. Yep, I'm biting the bullet and finally signing up for an online dating site. As soon as I finish filling out 800 or so questions, I will officially be on the market. It must be true . . . I read it on the Internet!
There are a few other changes I've started to make, regarding finances and other things to just generally get my life in order. I have no idea what is in store for me over the next year. It may be a smaller house, a better job or a good man, but I have great faith that it will be better than the hand I've been dealt in the past.
And as for karma? I pretty sure she owes me big and it's about time for her to pay up, with interest.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, Monday
Surprisingly getting to work by 6:30 this morning was not all that difficult. Apparently when you don't have to haul a six year old out of bed or think about breakfast, you can get from the bed to the car in under 40 minutes. The first of my four 10 hour days is officially completed.
Another upside is no traffic and a great parking spot. I made it to work in 5 minutes and leaving at 5:00 while everyone else was waiting for 5:30 wasn't too bad either.
Tonight I've got a hot date with the washing machine, the treadmill and my beloved DVR. Since K is coming home Thursday night instead of Friday I'm trying to get a jump start on packing for the PA trip Friday. I'm looking forward to spending a few days with the folks and seeing all the relatives at the O'Neal Family Reunion on Saturday. K is looking forward to an entire week of being spoiled by Grammy and Pop Pop.
Another upside is no traffic and a great parking spot. I made it to work in 5 minutes and leaving at 5:00 while everyone else was waiting for 5:30 wasn't too bad either.
Tonight I've got a hot date with the washing machine, the treadmill and my beloved DVR. Since K is coming home Thursday night instead of Friday I'm trying to get a jump start on packing for the PA trip Friday. I'm looking forward to spending a few days with the folks and seeing all the relatives at the O'Neal Family Reunion on Saturday. K is looking forward to an entire week of being spoiled by Grammy and Pop Pop.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
What a Life!
The Boucek girls are having the best weekend ever.
Friday after camp, K headed to the farm for a visit with her Dad. He got back a week later than expected and she's coming home a day earler than anticipated, but she is over the moon anyways (which isn't hard to imagine since she's been bouncing off the walls all week).
To add icing on the cake, Daddy and R had a special surprise for her when she got there . . . a pony! . . . . yes, a p-o-n-y. I can't wait to see pictures and K is delighted to have someone her size to play with. A dog may be man's best friend, but I think pony trumps dog for a six year old girl.
I got back earlier than expected from the drop off and somehow scored an extra ticket to the Trace Atkins/Toby Keith concert at the Amphitheater last night. Being raised a country girl, I can't think of a better way to spend the night than having two sexy cowboys sing to me. If there had been a tractor or a cow, I may have fainted dead away.
Everything comes with a price though and I was hating life at 6:00 this morning when my alarm went off to remind me to throw a lawn chair in the car and head to the rec center to wait in line with all the other crazy mamas to register K for the after school program at her elementary school for the fall. It was all worth it when, three hours later, we were signed on the dotted line. The things we do for our children.
The icing on my cake was getting to know the three other moms next to me in line. Following a page from Julie's book I got all their names and I'm sure we'll be Facebook friends before the weekend is out. Cool moms are hard to find, so I've learned to grab em when I see em.
Friday after camp, K headed to the farm for a visit with her Dad. He got back a week later than expected and she's coming home a day earler than anticipated, but she is over the moon anyways (which isn't hard to imagine since she's been bouncing off the walls all week).
To add icing on the cake, Daddy and R had a special surprise for her when she got there . . . a pony! . . . . yes, a p-o-n-y. I can't wait to see pictures and K is delighted to have someone her size to play with. A dog may be man's best friend, but I think pony trumps dog for a six year old girl.
I got back earlier than expected from the drop off and somehow scored an extra ticket to the Trace Atkins/Toby Keith concert at the Amphitheater last night. Being raised a country girl, I can't think of a better way to spend the night than having two sexy cowboys sing to me. If there had been a tractor or a cow, I may have fainted dead away.
Everything comes with a price though and I was hating life at 6:00 this morning when my alarm went off to remind me to throw a lawn chair in the car and head to the rec center to wait in line with all the other crazy mamas to register K for the after school program at her elementary school for the fall. It was all worth it when, three hours later, we were signed on the dotted line. The things we do for our children.
The icing on my cake was getting to know the three other moms next to me in line. Following a page from Julie's book I got all their names and I'm sure we'll be Facebook friends before the weekend is out. Cool moms are hard to find, so I've learned to grab em when I see em.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Gotta Love a Waterpark
K has spent the first three weeks of summer vacation at "camp" and we are both loving every minute of it. The first two weeks included field trips to the movies and this week had a field trip to Ocean Breeze Water Park. K was delighted to pass the swim test upon arrival so she didn't need to wear a life vest. I was thrilled that she already had a good base tan since, despite loading her up on waterproof sunscreen before she left, she probably got a little too much sun on the shoulders.
The other great thing about a waterpark is that it will plum tucker a six year old out . K was asleep by 7:30.
I should have used my extra hour to be productive, but instead I hunkered down on the couch for a "What I Like About You" marathon. I love Jennie Garth and Amanda Bynes but somehow missed the entire last season of the show when it was on tv in the 90's. I'm not sure how I survived life before DVR but I may have to start hiding the remote.
The other great thing about a waterpark is that it will plum tucker a six year old out . K was asleep by 7:30.
I should have used my extra hour to be productive, but instead I hunkered down on the couch for a "What I Like About You" marathon. I love Jennie Garth and Amanda Bynes but somehow missed the entire last season of the show when it was on tv in the 90's. I'm not sure how I survived life before DVR but I may have to start hiding the remote.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Happy Birthday America
What a great honor it is to be an American and enjoy all the pleasures and freedoms that entails.
To me, there is nothing more American than enjoying the heck out of your family and friends. So far this weekend, we've been pretty darn successful at both.
After a nice long bath for K to scrub off all the lovely body art she created (on herself) yesterday morning, we finished some chores and headed up to Busch Gardens for rollercoasters and fireworks. There is absolutely nothing better in the world than "Fun Fridays," days when K and I pick something, well fun, and set out on our adventure. We don't get the chance to do it every week, but that just makes the ones we do get more special.
After sleeping in this morning, we puttered around a bit and then headed to the Haws for their Annual 4th of July picnic. It was much easier when Chris and Jenn lived next door, but the addition of a pool made the drive to the new house worthwhile.
Four hours and several wrinkles appendages later, we headed home for quick showers. Then is was time to deck out in our 4th of July gear and head to Scott and Melissa's to watch the fireworks over the lake. Apparently a little neighborly competition makes for one hell of a show.
After the fireworks, we headed down the street to Billy and Holly's picnic where there were sparklers galore and K was in absolute heaven. We had a quick stop at the neighbors scheduled in for the drive home, but K (and her mother) were just plum tuckered out. But with K tucked up in bed and me sitting in the backyard, I can hear the music and catch whisps of conversation from the neighbors we were supposed to visit, so I guess I'm still enjoying the heck out of my family and friends.
To me, there is nothing more American than enjoying the heck out of your family and friends. So far this weekend, we've been pretty darn successful at both.
After a nice long bath for K to scrub off all the lovely body art she created (on herself) yesterday morning, we finished some chores and headed up to Busch Gardens for rollercoasters and fireworks. There is absolutely nothing better in the world than "Fun Fridays," days when K and I pick something, well fun, and set out on our adventure. We don't get the chance to do it every week, but that just makes the ones we do get more special.
After sleeping in this morning, we puttered around a bit and then headed to the Haws for their Annual 4th of July picnic. It was much easier when Chris and Jenn lived next door, but the addition of a pool made the drive to the new house worthwhile.
Four hours and several wrinkles appendages later, we headed home for quick showers. Then is was time to deck out in our 4th of July gear and head to Scott and Melissa's to watch the fireworks over the lake. Apparently a little neighborly competition makes for one hell of a show.
After the fireworks, we headed down the street to Billy and Holly's picnic where there were sparklers galore and K was in absolute heaven. We had a quick stop at the neighbors scheduled in for the drive home, but K (and her mother) were just plum tuckered out. But with K tucked up in bed and me sitting in the backyard, I can hear the music and catch whisps of conversation from the neighbors we were supposed to visit, so I guess I'm still enjoying the heck out of my family and friends.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Fun Friday
I love three day weekends. Apparently K decided they're fun, too.
. . . and it's only 9:30 in the morning.
Yep, I think she's got a future in the body art industry.
. . . or as a plastic surgeon . . . she loosks like she's prepped and ready to go.
It amazes me what a creative child can do in 15 minutes.
If the long weekend starts out like this, I can't wait to see how it ends up.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Curiouser and Curiouser
It has been one of those weeks where everything is so weird at times it feels like I've actually fallen down a rabbit hole. And not just because an Internet search on how to spell curiouser and curiouser led to the discovery that "Alice in Wonderland" returns an unusually large amount of hits for porn sites.
Yes, that's an actual Rabbit Hole from the back yard. Luckily I have not actually fallen into it yet.
The week started with me accepting a friend request from my ex-husband girlfriend on Facebook and will end with an incredibly hot guy finally spending the weekend at my house . . . to visit my friend Erin.
And for some reason, I can't stop singing "Last Christmas" by Wham in my head.
Could my life be any stranger. Or should I say curiouser?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Winning Isn't Everything
If I ever start to wonder if I spent too much time working and not enough time with my daughter, I will look back at this post and laugh.
Due to the holiday on Friday, we're back to a "normal" 8:00 -5:00 schedule this week. No extra hours needed to make up for the time we're "encouraged" to take off on Fridays the rest of the summer to save energy.
K looked a little annoyed with me when I loaded her into the car after picking her up from Summer Camp so I asked her what was wrong. "I didn't win." she pouted as she strapped on her seat belt.
What didn't she win?
The daily contest to see who's the last kid picked up at the end of the day.
I told her I'd try to do better next week.
Due to the holiday on Friday, we're back to a "normal" 8:00 -5:00 schedule this week. No extra hours needed to make up for the time we're "encouraged" to take off on Fridays the rest of the summer to save energy.
K looked a little annoyed with me when I loaded her into the car after picking her up from Summer Camp so I asked her what was wrong. "I didn't win." she pouted as she strapped on her seat belt.
What didn't she win?
The daily contest to see who's the last kid picked up at the end of the day.
I told her I'd try to do better next week.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Weekend Fun
One of the main reasons I did not move back to PA after my divorce was that I just plain love my neighbors and Virginia friends. A quick look back at this weekend shows why.
After working half a day Friday (with no air conditioning . . gotta love summer "energy conservation Fridays), I picked K up early from camp and we came home, threw on the suits and were in the neighbors pool by 3:30.
By 5:00, Mary had gone to pick up pizza and by 6:00 I had run over to my house to grab the mojitos and mint. Around 7:00 I went back to the house to pick up more mojito mix and K's pajamas. After swimming until the sun went down, K got a wardrobe change and settled on the couch with the Disney Channel while Erin and I hung around poolside with the Kings . . . until midnight. When I was about to fall asleep on the bar, Erin grabbed her car to chauffeur me and an unconscious K the whole two houses back home. It was the perfect end to a very long week.
As if the weekend wasn't good enough, we got an invitation to see Shakespeare in the Park for Saturday night from the Joslins. Kristin is one of the first friends I met when we moved here in 1996. Her husband Rick was Bill's supervisor at his first SEAL Team and not even my divorce from Bill or their four year stint in Germany has lessened the affection. Although with the demands of working full time and rising a child (me) and owning a chocolatier business and raising three boys (her), it seems like we talked more when she lived in Germany. They have been back for over a year and we don't see each other nearly enough so getting together was icing on the cake to an already great weekend. Throw in some Shakespeare (I'm a fan), actual cake (a given at the Joslin's), some of Kristin's superb chocolates left over from an event last weekend and two and a half hours of sitting on a blanket under the stars eating fruit, drinking wine and watching community theater with a child who actually sat still and (mostly) stayed quiet and I was in absolute hog heaven. If the the single handyman Rick told me about asks me out or fixes the wood rot on my trim, I can die a happy woman tomorrow.
Toil and trouble . . . K after the play with one of the three witches from MacBeth.
And of course, unlike her mother, she met single, employed men her age while we were out.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Summer Time: Part II
It just doesn't get any better than this . . .
K tuckered out from summer camp and in bed early.
Erin bringing mint over to catching up over mojitos on the patio.
Condensed summer work week means only working until 12:3o tomorrow.
Life is good.
K tuckered out from summer camp and in bed early.
Erin bringing mint over to catching up over mojitos on the patio.
Condensed summer work week means only working until 12:3o tomorrow.
Life is good.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Summer Time
The adorable wolf cubs (and trainer) at Busch Gardens.
K's regular day care costs an arm and a leg for full day "camp" over the summer and we'd usually have to pay half price tuition for the weeks we're not even there. Since we were only supposed to have 3 "free" weeks this summer, I made an executive decision back in May to ditch daycare and sign K up for the Parks and Rec Summer Camp.
Our very long "First Weekend of Summer" included Friday's trip to Busch Gardens, Saturday's sleepover at Gracie's and 4 hours in the King's pool without floaties or a vest on Sunday. It ended with K falling asleep in the shower at 6:15 Sunday night. After 12 hours of sleep, she was well rested for her first day of "Camp" on Monday.
There was a little anxiety in the car Monday morning as K finally realized she might not know anyone and she confused "camp" with "camping" and thought I was dropping her off for the week with nothing but her lunch. She was delighted to hear I would be back by 5:30.
Apparently Summer Camp is a euphemism for "let the kids runs around the gym and just make sure they don't kill each other." Kaitlyn loves it. No homework, no schoolwork, just playing with three trips to the playground a day. Today included a field trip to the movie theatre to see "Up." I wish I were 6 again.
I love that my mini-me always tries to see the glass half full. Turns out, she didn't know a soul at summer camp, but rather than be bummed, she's delighted she made 7 new friends (3 on Monday and 4 on Tuesday . . . not sure how that works, but I'll take it). She is one of the first three kids there in the morning and one of the last two or three picked up, but rather than pout, she turns it into a contest and is delighted when she "wins" because her mommy is the last one there.
Next year I hope to have a job that allows me to spend the summer home with K. But it's nice to know if that doesn't happen we'll both be taking our lemons and making lemonade.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Fun Friday
I knew the 1st Annual Woo Hoo School's Out for Summer Fun Friday would be a hit, but I had no idea how BIG of a hit. I took a vacation day today and (surprisingly) K actually let me sleep in until 8:00.
A quick trip the post office box showed that my new debit card had NOT arrived in time for us to sign up for the EZ pay option at Busch Gardens today, which would have cost us a whopping $12/month total. . . for both passes. But I promised K if she actually made it out of kindergarten that we would celebrate in style, and a deal is a deal. Sooo, today I blew $120 cash on two Fun Passes . . . that's the equivalent of our entire monthly entertain budget (and then some) . . . and it was worth every penny.
And loved every minute of the whole damn day.
A quick trip the post office box showed that my new debit card had NOT arrived in time for us to sign up for the EZ pay option at Busch Gardens today, which would have cost us a whopping $12/month total. . . for both passes. But I promised K if she actually made it out of kindergarten that we would celebrate in style, and a deal is a deal. Sooo, today I blew $120 cash on two Fun Passes . . . that's the equivalent of our entire monthly entertain budget (and then some) . . . and it was worth every penny.
To make a long story short, we got the park around 11:00 this morning and they were kicking us out when the doors closed at 10:00 p.m. I got away with spending only about $30 on food and drinks all day, the Fun Passes will get us in the door through Labor Day, K grew enough over the winter to add another roller coaster to her list and the addition of a Sesame Street section (with a splash area) gave me a chance to rest and take some pictures while she enjoyed some rides she could do herself.
The only downside to the day was that I didn't realize the roller coaster went in a full upside down loop, ran through a pitch black cave and would be a bit scary to ride in the dark or that people would pay good money (okay 25 cents) to use the squirters and completely drench us on or first trip through the Roman Rapids. Since we couldn't get any wetter, we took a second.
And loved every minute of the whole damn day.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
School's Out for Summer
It's hard to believe, but today is K's last day of kindergarden . . . as of 12:00 she will officially be a first grader.
It's been quite a year. And we almost made it out of kindergarden without a disclipinary file . . . almost. At this point, I'm delighted we made it at all. Getting both of us where we need to be by 8:00 a.m. on a daily basis is quite a challenge. Tomorrow we are enjoying the kickoff of the Annual Woo-Hoo School's Out for Summer Fun Friday Trip to Busch Gardens. Something tells me getting out of the house before 8:00 for that will not be a problem.
Since I'm feeling nostalgic, here's a look at her first and last day of kindergarden. As you can see, we were waayyyy more together in September.
First Day of School (left) Last day of School (right)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Bunnies and Turtles and Bugs, Oh My!
Spring has definitely sprung around here.
A few weeks ago Copper discover a bunny nest in the back yard where a tree used to be. Fortunately I was able to save the second baby she pulled from the nest and she is now allowed only supervised visitation in the back yard until all four legged creatures are able to actually run.
Last week while I was cutting the grass, she proudly strutted through the yard with something else in her mouth . . . a turtle. Kaitlyn and I decided "Lucky" would be far happier in the woods about a block from our house and walked him down. He was not very happy about the adventure.
Yes, that is Lucky, minutes from his escape trying to bite the hand that frees him.
Then on Saturday, we were visited by a baby bunny on the front porch. Unfortunately by the time K got to the side of the house, it had run into the flower bed and hid under the lilies. We found the bunny AND another turtle. The bunny headed to the back yard and Tur-Tur joined Lucky in the woods.
K and Sianna hanging with Tur-Tur on the way to his reunion.
Animal Week was (hopefully) topped of yesterday when the school nurse called to inform me that I needed to pick K up from school. Her teacher had sent her down with an itchy head and the nurse found some not-so-nice lice. While I was delighted to have the afternoon off of work, I was not thrilled to spend $25 at the drugstore and two hours combing through K's hair. Miss Kate was not a fan of the process either, but she did enjoying counting the "nats" that we found (all 6 of them). Another two hours was spent removing all the stuffed animals in K's room (5 trash bags) that needed to be sealed up for at least two weeks, both our beds had to be stripped and sprayed, sheets washed in hot water and carpets vacuumed. On the up side, I'm pretty sure this is the cleanest K's room has been since she moved into a big girl bed four years ago.
Since K loves to lay on the couch (and we're not sure when the bug love started), tonight will be Clean the Living Room Night. More bagging, spraying and vacuuming. Hell, I may even break out the steam cleaner while I'm on a roll. If the dog hasn't peed in the toy room today, we might look down right respectable by bedtime.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Too Much Fun
Note: Excerpted from the e-mail I sent my boss and coworkers at 2:00 this morning . . .
"Apparently Kaitlyn had a little too much fun in the sun (and the pool) over the Memorial Day weekend. She's been complaining about her ear hurting since Tuesday and I assummed it was just a little extra water shaking around from all of her swimming.
She woke up screaming around 11:30 p.m. and a quick trip to the ER confirmed a nasty ear infection. Thanks to the 24 hour Walgreens she's already been dosed with Motrin for the pain, an antibotic for the internal ear infection and some very tickle inducing ear drops for the external ear infection. Since she had a three hour nap before we headed out for our nighttime adventure, she thoroughly entertained the ladies in the pharmacy with a lively song and dance routine in the waiting area at 1:00 a.m. Since I did not have a three hour nap, I will definitely be sleeping in."
Update: 9:00 p.m. I ought to mention the impromptu floor show at Walgreens was promtped by the fact that their pharmacy security monitor allowed Miss K to watch herself "on tv" to her endless delight. After four doses of ear drops, three medicine plungers of bubble gum flavored antibotics and a good amount of Motrin, all seems to be well today. K made it to her afternoon kindergarten class and I made it to work by 1:00.
"Apparently Kaitlyn had a little too much fun in the sun (and the pool) over the Memorial Day weekend. She's been complaining about her ear hurting since Tuesday and I assummed it was just a little extra water shaking around from all of her swimming.
She woke up screaming around 11:30 p.m. and a quick trip to the ER confirmed a nasty ear infection. Thanks to the 24 hour Walgreens she's already been dosed with Motrin for the pain, an antibotic for the internal ear infection and some very tickle inducing ear drops for the external ear infection. Since she had a three hour nap before we headed out for our nighttime adventure, she thoroughly entertained the ladies in the pharmacy with a lively song and dance routine in the waiting area at 1:00 a.m. Since I did not have a three hour nap, I will definitely be sleeping in."
Update: 9:00 p.m. I ought to mention the impromptu floor show at Walgreens was promtped by the fact that their pharmacy security monitor allowed Miss K to watch herself "on tv" to her endless delight. After four doses of ear drops, three medicine plungers of bubble gum flavored antibotics and a good amount of Motrin, all seems to be well today. K made it to her afternoon kindergarten class and I made it to work by 1:00.
Friday, May 15, 2009
It's a Girl's Night
One of the only things I like about being divorced is the fact that my home is now Estrogen Central. Even the dog has "girly bits." No "shakers" here.
Mother's Day was absolutely lovely. We started early with a Mother's Day Tea at K's morning kindergarten class. My sweet girl escorted me from the hall into the classroom after presenting me with a lovely Kentucky Derby style hat . . . made out of paper. She proceeded to serve me cookies on a custom made place mat where she had recorded all my vital statistics . . . apparently I am 30 years old I weigh 40 pounds. I wore the hat back to the school administration building where it was duly admired during my trek around the building for the mail run.
While K often tells me I am "the best mommy in the world" (except of course when I am the WORST), this was they first year she really got Mother's Day. I woke up hearing "Happy Mother's Day" coming out of a smiling face holding a bouquet of lillies she had pilfered from a friend's house the night before. Of course she had shoved 12 flowers into ONE bud vase, but I guess that was all she could find without asking me and ruining the surprise. After hitting late church, we puttered around the house and yard and ended our day with a picnic in the treehouse. To quote Phinneas and Ferb, "It was the best day ever."
Tonight we have added even more estrogen to the mix as K's friend Gracie finally convinced her mother and I that a sleepover was a good idea. Before the pizza was even out of the oven, the girls had a knockdown, dragout pillow fight on K's bed. Actually, I'm pretty sure it was before Gracie's mom even left the house.
If we survive the night, I'll share details and pictures tomorrow.
Update: 10:30 p.m.
After a round of storytelling about Princess Kaitlyn, Princess Gracie and the wonderful gift of friendship, both girls are ALMOST asleep . . . of course since K hasn't cleaned her room in about a month, they are sleeping in my bed. I'll be bunking upstairs in K's room should any mommy emergencies arise. Also, according to Princess Gracie's story, my new name is Queen Steakerella and K is Princess MacandCheesa.
Mother's Day was absolutely lovely. We started early with a Mother's Day Tea at K's morning kindergarten class. My sweet girl escorted me from the hall into the classroom after presenting me with a lovely Kentucky Derby style hat . . . made out of paper. She proceeded to serve me cookies on a custom made place mat where she had recorded all my vital statistics . . . apparently I am 30 years old I weigh 40 pounds. I wore the hat back to the school administration building where it was duly admired during my trek around the building for the mail run.
While K often tells me I am "the best mommy in the world" (except of course when I am the WORST), this was they first year she really got Mother's Day. I woke up hearing "Happy Mother's Day" coming out of a smiling face holding a bouquet of lillies she had pilfered from a friend's house the night before. Of course she had shoved 12 flowers into ONE bud vase, but I guess that was all she could find without asking me and ruining the surprise. After hitting late church, we puttered around the house and yard and ended our day with a picnic in the treehouse. To quote Phinneas and Ferb, "It was the best day ever."
Tonight we have added even more estrogen to the mix as K's friend Gracie finally convinced her mother and I that a sleepover was a good idea. Before the pizza was even out of the oven, the girls had a knockdown, dragout pillow fight on K's bed. Actually, I'm pretty sure it was before Gracie's mom even left the house.
If we survive the night, I'll share details and pictures tomorrow.
Update: 10:30 p.m.
After a round of storytelling about Princess Kaitlyn, Princess Gracie and the wonderful gift of friendship, both girls are ALMOST asleep . . . of course since K hasn't cleaned her room in about a month, they are sleeping in my bed. I'll be bunking upstairs in K's room should any mommy emergencies arise. Also, according to Princess Gracie's story, my new name is Queen Steakerella and K is Princess MacandCheesa.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Spring Has Sprung
Well, after reading Julie's latest post, I realized that I skipped blogging for the entire month of April and decided it was past due time for an update.
It never even occured to me to place the lawnmower on the list of things that could possibly break because they're older than dirt, apparently I should have. With only half the front yard cut and the parts of the back up to my calves, the old girl finally gave out. I guess 5 years of knocking "gumballs" around the back yard with no TLC fnally caught up with her. Luckily when I was at Rick and Kristen's for Easter, Mr. Rick clued me in to a great repair shop where they fixed us up for the whopping high price of $35. Sometimes life is good.
K spent the entire Spring Break on the farm with her dad chasing horses and I got a well deserved break where I did NOT clean half the stuff I planned to while she was gone. It was delightful. The tick she brought back as a souvenier was not. Luckily a pair a tweezer and a quick flush down the toilet took care of that.
The weekend after spring break saw K travelling again as she headed to the midWest for a wedding with her dad. She is quite the seasoned traveller and even the 8 hours they were stuck in the Chicago airport on the way home didn't phase her. Her life continues to be far more exciting than mine.
I spent last Friday morning "observing" K's am kindergarten class to get some perspective on the problems she has been having in school. Of course she was a perfect angel and completed all of her work on time, so it didn't really serve the purpose, but it was fun to eat lunch with her in the courtyard and she was beyond thrilled to pick a friend to join us.
Soccer is going good and we are both making some new friends there. Work is the same old, same old, but with all the budget cuts floating around I'm delighted to have a steady job close to home and almost okay with the fact that we are not getting raises this year.
My social life still lags far behind my daughters, but I have been spending a lot of time with my good friends and neighbors, found a new babysitter, actually went to a movie that was not rated G, and have been reexploring some possibilites on other fronts. Things are definitely looking up.
It never even occured to me to place the lawnmower on the list of things that could possibly break because they're older than dirt, apparently I should have. With only half the front yard cut and the parts of the back up to my calves, the old girl finally gave out. I guess 5 years of knocking "gumballs" around the back yard with no TLC fnally caught up with her. Luckily when I was at Rick and Kristen's for Easter, Mr. Rick clued me in to a great repair shop where they fixed us up for the whopping high price of $35. Sometimes life is good.
K spent the entire Spring Break on the farm with her dad chasing horses and I got a well deserved break where I did NOT clean half the stuff I planned to while she was gone. It was delightful. The tick she brought back as a souvenier was not. Luckily a pair a tweezer and a quick flush down the toilet took care of that.
The weekend after spring break saw K travelling again as she headed to the midWest for a wedding with her dad. She is quite the seasoned traveller and even the 8 hours they were stuck in the Chicago airport on the way home didn't phase her. Her life continues to be far more exciting than mine.
I spent last Friday morning "observing" K's am kindergarten class to get some perspective on the problems she has been having in school. Of course she was a perfect angel and completed all of her work on time, so it didn't really serve the purpose, but it was fun to eat lunch with her in the courtyard and she was beyond thrilled to pick a friend to join us.
Soccer is going good and we are both making some new friends there. Work is the same old, same old, but with all the budget cuts floating around I'm delighted to have a steady job close to home and almost okay with the fact that we are not getting raises this year.
My social life still lags far behind my daughters, but I have been spending a lot of time with my good friends and neighbors, found a new babysitter, actually went to a movie that was not rated G, and have been reexploring some possibilites on other fronts. Things are definitely looking up.
Monday, March 23, 2009
If It Ain't One Thing . . .
Well, I can think of a lot of different words to describe the last four weeks, but "interesting" is probably a much nicer way to put it than my first choice, which starts with cluster and rhymes with duck. The end of February did not bring the closing of The Never Ending Refinance (which started at Thanksgiving), but rather another request for even more paperwork. I have given the lovely folks at Chase until the end of March to wrap it up or I will need to start looking for other lenders or start packing up the U-Haul to move back in with the folks. Of course, I am constantly amazed at how much stuff one and a half people can accumulate in six years, so I guess moving is absolutely out of the question . . . I am far too lazy to pack.
March kicked off with a bang when the hot water heater sprung a leak . . . fortunately it's in the garage (not the attic, like a lot of them around here) . . . unfortunately my wallet is $800 lighter. . . I guess 15 years was just a little too much for the old girl to take. Now we're just waiting to see which of the other past-it's-prime parts goes next. My guess is the roof or the heat pump/AC . . . I really need to start sleeping with a handyman.
On the plus side, one of K's horses at her dad's finally had her baby and while we didn't win either the Name the Baby or Guess the Due Date game, we DID get to see litle Nemo when he was three days old . . . K had her "hospital bag" all packed and ready to go for a week . . . it was far too adorable for words.
I am hoping that's all the excitement we'll have for awhile. For now, soccer season is gearing up, the house hasn't fallen down around our ears yet, the car still runs and I get to wake up each morning to snuggles from the sweetest 6 year in the world . . . I guess it just doesn't get any better than that.
March kicked off with a bang when the hot water heater sprung a leak . . . fortunately it's in the garage (not the attic, like a lot of them around here) . . . unfortunately my wallet is $800 lighter. . . I guess 15 years was just a little too much for the old girl to take. Now we're just waiting to see which of the other past-it's-prime parts goes next. My guess is the roof or the heat pump/AC . . . I really need to start sleeping with a handyman.
On the plus side, one of K's horses at her dad's finally had her baby and while we didn't win either the Name the Baby or Guess the Due Date game, we DID get to see litle Nemo when he was three days old . . . K had her "hospital bag" all packed and ready to go for a week . . . it was far too adorable for words.
I am hoping that's all the excitement we'll have for awhile. For now, soccer season is gearing up, the house hasn't fallen down around our ears yet, the car still runs and I get to wake up each morning to snuggles from the sweetest 6 year in the world . . . I guess it just doesn't get any better than that.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Young Love . . .
I'm embarassed to say my six year old has a better social life than I do, but it's the truth. When we were going through her Valentine's stash Friday night, in addition to the usual Hannah Montana valentines, I found the following note . . .
Now despite my lack of appreciation for folks who've been known to simply go by "W" and my lack of success with men named William, I have to say I was absolutely tickled to come across the note from her "boyfriend."
Now despite my lack of appreciation for folks who've been known to simply go by "W" and my lack of success with men named William, I have to say I was absolutely tickled to come across the note from her "boyfriend."
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Mission Accomplished
Yesterday was a big day for the Boucek girls. K had her very first sleepover and I got to meet Bill Clinton. The events were, respectfully, the best things to happen to us all week.
Due to my overnighter in Richmond, K spent the night with the neighbors. She has fallen asleep there before, but always got picked up late at night and woke up in her own bed. My big girl made it through her milestone with flying colors. We are thinking about hosting a sleepover on Saturday with one of her friends from school and I am seriously hoping we have made the first step towards reciprocal sleepovers, which in turn means I may actually get to leave the house after 7:00 p.m. more than twice a year.
My night in Richmond was wonderful. I went to an annual Democratic fundraiser which has most aptly been described by one of my friends as a dysfunctional family reunion. It lived up to the hype.
Former President Bill Clinton gave the keynote address before they even served dinner. He was awesome. While I failed in my attempt to score tickets to the VIP reception before dinner, just being in the same room as Bill made the trek worthwhile. Love him or hate him, the man gives a hell of a speech. My night got better when I hit the rope line after his speech and, in addition to several close up photos, I got to shake the man's hand. None of my pictures actually included me and Bill together, but I did manage to get in the background of someone else's shot and after stalking her through the crowd back to her table, I'm hopeful she will remember to e-mail me a copy as promised.
Once things settled down, my new Congressman (whom I adore) got a chance to speak as he introduced our senior Senator, Jim Webb (who I also adore due to his habit of being a straight shooter and his unwaving support of veterans . . . including being the man behind the new GI Bill).
As if my night wasn't good enough, I got to spend the next two hours with my friends Dominic, Brent, Anna and Sean attending several receptions for our statewide candidates followed by a trek down the block to crash the after party of our junior Senator (and former Governor), Mark Warner. The evening was topped off hanging out in the hotel lounge until closing with several old (and some new) friends. Since I only get to dress up and act like a real grown up about 4 nights a year, it was delightful to make the most of it.
Oh, and as a side note, I managed to look absolutely stunning in my polka dot dress. This dress not only got me my first date in 19 years when I wore it New Year's Eve, it also scored me two free drinks from a nice union guy last night. I'm now thinking of wearing it every time I leave the house.
Due to my overnighter in Richmond, K spent the night with the neighbors. She has fallen asleep there before, but always got picked up late at night and woke up in her own bed. My big girl made it through her milestone with flying colors. We are thinking about hosting a sleepover on Saturday with one of her friends from school and I am seriously hoping we have made the first step towards reciprocal sleepovers, which in turn means I may actually get to leave the house after 7:00 p.m. more than twice a year.
My night in Richmond was wonderful. I went to an annual Democratic fundraiser which has most aptly been described by one of my friends as a dysfunctional family reunion. It lived up to the hype.
Former President Bill Clinton gave the keynote address before they even served dinner. He was awesome. While I failed in my attempt to score tickets to the VIP reception before dinner, just being in the same room as Bill made the trek worthwhile. Love him or hate him, the man gives a hell of a speech. My night got better when I hit the rope line after his speech and, in addition to several close up photos, I got to shake the man's hand. None of my pictures actually included me and Bill together, but I did manage to get in the background of someone else's shot and after stalking her through the crowd back to her table, I'm hopeful she will remember to e-mail me a copy as promised.
Once things settled down, my new Congressman (whom I adore) got a chance to speak as he introduced our senior Senator, Jim Webb (who I also adore due to his habit of being a straight shooter and his unwaving support of veterans . . . including being the man behind the new GI Bill).
As if my night wasn't good enough, I got to spend the next two hours with my friends Dominic, Brent, Anna and Sean attending several receptions for our statewide candidates followed by a trek down the block to crash the after party of our junior Senator (and former Governor), Mark Warner. The evening was topped off hanging out in the hotel lounge until closing with several old (and some new) friends. Since I only get to dress up and act like a real grown up about 4 nights a year, it was delightful to make the most of it.
Oh, and as a side note, I managed to look absolutely stunning in my polka dot dress. This dress not only got me my first date in 19 years when I wore it New Year's Eve, it also scored me two free drinks from a nice union guy last night. I'm now thinking of wearing it every time I leave the house.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Celebrity Stalker
I am a celebrity stalker. Not celebrities as in Paris Hilton, but the real people who make a difference, politicans and other public officials.
A quick visit to the "Mics Political Pics" album on my facebook page will attest to this. I have shaken hands with our new President and I've met (and had my picture taken with) John Edwards (before the scandal), Wesley Clark, Helen Thomas, and George Stephanopolis. Two of the three current Democratic candidates for Governor, Brian Moran and Terry McAulliff have been to my house. Our new Congressman, Glenn Nye, met most of the party faithful for the first time at the VB Dems Holiday party at my house in 2007 and K lost her first tooth at one of his house parties. Yes, I am a celebrity stalker and love every minute of it.
This afternoon I am heading to Richmond for the state party's annual Jefferson Jackson Day diner. I wasn't going to go this year because tickets are steep , the economy sucks and my refinance is taking waaaay longer than expected. All that changed when I got the call that former President Bill Clinton was this year's speaker. Needless to say, I whipped out my checkbook and signed up. Love him or hate him, this man is my Beatle.
Bill Clinton was the first president I ever voted for and despite his ups and downs I remain a huge fan to this day. So this afternoon K is headed to the neighbors and I'll be headed to Richmond, throwing on my blue dress (okay, blue, white and black . . can't be too obvious) and anxiously awaiting a call that someone has found me a ticket to the VIP reception where I can meet the man himself. If nothing else, I'll enjoy a nice dinner with good friends and a great speaker and then knock people out of the way to get a good spot on the rope line for the chance to get a handshake and, if I'm lucky, a picture with the man.
Note: Please excuse misspelled names . . . I haven't had my caffeine yet)
A quick visit to the "Mics Political Pics" album on my facebook page will attest to this. I have shaken hands with our new President and I've met (and had my picture taken with) John Edwards (before the scandal), Wesley Clark, Helen Thomas, and George Stephanopolis. Two of the three current Democratic candidates for Governor, Brian Moran and Terry McAulliff have been to my house. Our new Congressman, Glenn Nye, met most of the party faithful for the first time at the VB Dems Holiday party at my house in 2007 and K lost her first tooth at one of his house parties. Yes, I am a celebrity stalker and love every minute of it.
This afternoon I am heading to Richmond for the state party's annual Jefferson Jackson Day diner. I wasn't going to go this year because tickets are steep , the economy sucks and my refinance is taking waaaay longer than expected. All that changed when I got the call that former President Bill Clinton was this year's speaker. Needless to say, I whipped out my checkbook and signed up. Love him or hate him, this man is my Beatle.
Bill Clinton was the first president I ever voted for and despite his ups and downs I remain a huge fan to this day. So this afternoon K is headed to the neighbors and I'll be headed to Richmond, throwing on my blue dress (okay, blue, white and black . . can't be too obvious) and anxiously awaiting a call that someone has found me a ticket to the VIP reception where I can meet the man himself. If nothing else, I'll enjoy a nice dinner with good friends and a great speaker and then knock people out of the way to get a good spot on the rope line for the chance to get a handshake and, if I'm lucky, a picture with the man.
Note: Please excuse misspelled names . . . I haven't had my caffeine yet)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
It Was Only in My Dreams . . .
Apparently, K has inherited her mother's overinflated sense of self worth. For a little background, I should probably explain that in the back of my brain, everyone is secretly in love with me. My date from three weeks ago hasn't called? He was just in awe of my awesomeness. My first real boyfriend (who is now married with two kids) only dated girls who looked like me after we broke up when I went to college because, well, he's still secretly in love with me. The guy from work who doesn't ask me out despite the fact that I used to stop in his office for small talk at least twice a day for a week? Obviously intimitated. The old friend from college who's always delighted to talk to me when we see each other online? Just biding his time before he asks me out. You probably get the point.
With all the pressures kids will face as they grow up (especially girls), I believe they need three things: lots of love, a good sense of humor and great self-esteem. Apparently, I have done a bang up job of instilling all three in my daughter. As we were driving home from daycare yesterday, out of the blue K informed me that she was the most popular kid in her class. When I asked which one (she has three), she exclaimed "All." Needless to say, I just about wet myself laughing when she followed up with "My teachers didn't tell me that, I just know it."
Ever since then the Debbie Gibson song (circa 1986) keeps playing in my head . . . "Love . . . as real as it may see-ee-eee-m . . . it was only in my dreams . . ."
Yes, I realize that I am delusional and apparently it's hereditary. Quite honestly, I couldn't be happier.
With all the pressures kids will face as they grow up (especially girls), I believe they need three things: lots of love, a good sense of humor and great self-esteem. Apparently, I have done a bang up job of instilling all three in my daughter. As we were driving home from daycare yesterday, out of the blue K informed me that she was the most popular kid in her class. When I asked which one (she has three), she exclaimed "All." Needless to say, I just about wet myself laughing when she followed up with "My teachers didn't tell me that, I just know it."
Ever since then the Debbie Gibson song (circa 1986) keeps playing in my head . . . "Love . . . as real as it may see-ee-eee-m . . . it was only in my dreams . . ."
Yes, I realize that I am delusional and apparently it's hereditary. Quite honestly, I couldn't be happier.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
And We're Off
Well, I've had so much fun becoming addicted to Julie's blog that I've finally decided to start my own. Like her, I'll place my disclaimer up front . . . you will probably be bored silly, but this is our life.
For those of you who don't know me that well, I'm a divorced Catholic pro-choice mom. I live in southeastern Virginia with my smart, adorable, witty and amazing 6 year old daughter . . . and yes . . . those are all traits she gets from her mother.
In addition to the Steelers winning a record 6th Superbowl on Sunday, the highlight of our weekend was K getting her picture in the paper decked out in her football gear. Needless to say, she was delighted and had to show everyone in line at the supermarket and even more delighted when they fussed over her appropriately. Yes, the princess is a ham.
Monday required a self imposed 2 hour delay for both of us to recover from the 12 heart attacks we suffered during the big game. K not only slept in her jersey, but insisted on wearing it to school as well. Luckily, we used all of our temporay Steeler's tattoos during the playoffs, so at least she didn't go to kindergarten with a football helmet on her cheek.
Today was another short day due to K's first dentist appointment. Yes, at 6 years old, she has been to the eye doctor twice, but managed to make it this long before seeing the dentist. In all fairness, I have excellent teeth, but horrible eyes.
She loved the denist (especially seeing her digital x-rays on the tv screen, which I have to admit, was pretty cool since they included BOTH her baby and "big kid" teeth on top of each other). The only down side was the discovery that one of her pierced ears had become infected (after THREE months trouble-free). Of course we discoved this in the waiting room when we took her earring out and were treated to massive amount of goo and blood. If nothing else, she should always remember her first trip to the dentist.
For those of you who don't know me that well, I'm a divorced Catholic pro-choice mom. I live in southeastern Virginia with my smart, adorable, witty and amazing 6 year old daughter . . . and yes . . . those are all traits she gets from her mother.
In addition to the Steelers winning a record 6th Superbowl on Sunday, the highlight of our weekend was K getting her picture in the paper decked out in her football gear. Needless to say, she was delighted and had to show everyone in line at the supermarket and even more delighted when they fussed over her appropriately. Yes, the princess is a ham.
Monday required a self imposed 2 hour delay for both of us to recover from the 12 heart attacks we suffered during the big game. K not only slept in her jersey, but insisted on wearing it to school as well. Luckily, we used all of our temporay Steeler's tattoos during the playoffs, so at least she didn't go to kindergarten with a football helmet on her cheek.
Today was another short day due to K's first dentist appointment. Yes, at 6 years old, she has been to the eye doctor twice, but managed to make it this long before seeing the dentist. In all fairness, I have excellent teeth, but horrible eyes.
She loved the denist (especially seeing her digital x-rays on the tv screen, which I have to admit, was pretty cool since they included BOTH her baby and "big kid" teeth on top of each other). The only down side was the discovery that one of her pierced ears had become infected (after THREE months trouble-free). Of course we discoved this in the waiting room when we took her earring out and were treated to massive amount of goo and blood. If nothing else, she should always remember her first trip to the dentist.
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