There's nothing like a mama-hug. ~Adabella Radici
I was so excited to see Ty yesterday!!! It killed me not to rush up and love on him in front of all his friends. I didn't want to embarrass him. Brian later told me he got to hug Ty and when Brian's parents came (Unbeknownst to any of us) Ty greeted them with hugs. Ok, that's it - I went and got mine and then some more.
It was a great day, weather was beautiful, a lot of food, planned activities, etc... I have never seen so much fried chicken in my life!!! We were supposed to bring an entree and depending on your last name a side dish, salad/fruit, or dessert. There must have been 600 chickens! When we got there we visited around the campsite. I'll have you to know, Tyler and Skyler are getting along very well. Although Skyler doesn't keep all his belongs on his own side. (I told Ty to be patience since this was his first time.) We had lunch, it was amazing to see these campers put away the food they did. I did hear the food was poor. Someone commented, "How do you mess up corn!?" After lunch we headed to The Point, a rocky bluff for the boys to meditate. We got back in time to see the boat races between the troops. The boats were made out of - get this - cardboard, trash bags, duck tape and air. Our troop won for the second year in a row - AWESOME BOYS! After that, we went to the fire circle area and watched the boys perform the dance of joy. It was a really cool dance - but there was a sense of oddness watching these 14-15 year old boys dance in only loin clothes (& shorts) - then came the fancy dancers in all their Indian gear. The boys had put a lot of time effort and money into their costumes. They were very entertaining. Soon after the show it was time to leave... ALREADY? : (
Tyler had called us on Friday night w/o leaving a message of WHY he was calling. (putting us into tailspin) We were feverishly trying to get a hold of him. He finally called back and said he got a sunburn (sun screen WAS packed) and wanted to come home on Sunday as Robert wasn't being very nice. Well, as we were getting ready to leave - Ty and Robert has a little spat and Ty picked his chair up and went and sat behind his tent looking out into the lake crying. I think it was more so that he didn't want us to go. It was hard leaving him!!! We talked and he stood up and let me hug him for the longest!!! We dried his eyes and he was ok. Skyler was crying too, I think a lot of the boys were feeling it but not many showing it. I made Ty a deal - I told him I would come get him on Saturday morning. That was before I knew I needed to be there at 9am. 2 hours to get down there... yea - leaving at 7am! Holy moly!
too be cont...
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
WIPEOUT
People, this is a must see TV show. My mom and are were talking about it and it just made us both laugh so hard (and we both watched it by ourselves)! I would be interested in hosting a WIPEOUT party on Tuesday nights as this too damn funny. I think it would be more so funny if you had people to watch it with.
Wipeout
While I'm at it, let me give you a few others...
Another good one I enjoy is The Mole.
And next week marks the season finale of Hell's Kitchen.
One more, The Bill Engvall Show
Wipeout
While I'm at it, let me give you a few others...
Another good one I enjoy is The Mole.
And next week marks the season finale of Hell's Kitchen.
One more, The Bill Engvall Show
And He's Gone
A lot of parents pack up their troubles and send them off to summer camp. ~Raymond Duncan
It was an exciting morning to see Ty off. Tyler and I finished packing him last night after I got home from doing that last Wal-Mart trip and after the dryer buzzed signaling the 'whites' were dry. We triple checked his list to make sure he had all he needed. I still went to bed worrying we'd forget something. Although I still had his lunch to make and a trip to the bank for some cash.
Morning came and once the "big lunch" that was requested was made a felt a tiny bit better. In case you want to know what a "big lunch" contains - it's a PB& J (heavy on the PB, dOg even got to enjoy some), grapes, plain Lays chips, Oreos and sunflower seeds. Ran to the bank grabbed some money, apparently the teller didn't hear me ask for ones. Feeling almost complete, ran to QT (Bri's second home) to get the breakfast of champions - glazed donuts. The poor girl behind the counter had to do a drop so that we could have $20 in ones and change out a couple of 20s for 5s & 10s. Yes, he took $55 to camp, seems like a lot but it's actually for the supplies he needs to work on his merit badges. $20 of spending money which equals to $2 a day. Whoa! Big spender.
MOM - this part is for you. No worries, I'm not going to write anything embarrassing, so lower your heart rate! ; ) While at QT Angela from Dr. Hanson's office was behind me and said, "hello". Her along with all the girls from the office was heading to Branson for a dental conference. She said Kristy, Jan, Tammy were all in the car outside. So Ty & I went over and wished them well on their trip. Those girls are super pretty when they're made up and not hiding behind their scrubs and face mask!!!
We made it to the parking lot at 8:30 am and only a few scouts had arrived before us but in no time, the lot was full! This troop has everything together - it was great. There were 3 lines, one for health forms, another for medication and the last one for money. Each boy has an envelop with his name on it and they have to initial, along with the banker, anytime the take money. Boxes & supplies were loaded into various vehicles and we took pictures before everyone set off.
I went to kiss him goodbye and opened the truck door, it was Sam! Oops! Wrong door. I went around the other side - he locked me out! I told him to open up before I really embarrass him! ; ) I kissed him goodbye and watched him leave - no time for sadness, it all happened too quick.
I don't think I'll have time to miss him since Brian has planned for us to stain the deck and fence. I already told him I was scared to work with him because I don't want him yelling at me for not doing it his way! (mind you I said his way and not right way!!! :) )
Well, I have the 10 day forecast posted here at my cube, it looks like Ty is going to have some great weather if it stays like they predict. Tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest at 90 then cooling off in the low to mid 80s. Of course, I'll check as they update it daily. Until tomorrow -
In my best Miyagi voice, "Stain the fence" (up and down and up and down)
It was an exciting morning to see Ty off. Tyler and I finished packing him last night after I got home from doing that last Wal-Mart trip and after the dryer buzzed signaling the 'whites' were dry. We triple checked his list to make sure he had all he needed. I still went to bed worrying we'd forget something. Although I still had his lunch to make and a trip to the bank for some cash.
Morning came and once the "big lunch" that was requested was made a felt a tiny bit better. In case you want to know what a "big lunch" contains - it's a PB& J (heavy on the PB, dOg even got to enjoy some), grapes, plain Lays chips, Oreos and sunflower seeds. Ran to the bank grabbed some money, apparently the teller didn't hear me ask for ones. Feeling almost complete, ran to QT (Bri's second home) to get the breakfast of champions - glazed donuts. The poor girl behind the counter had to do a drop so that we could have $20 in ones and change out a couple of 20s for 5s & 10s. Yes, he took $55 to camp, seems like a lot but it's actually for the supplies he needs to work on his merit badges. $20 of spending money which equals to $2 a day. Whoa! Big spender.
MOM - this part is for you. No worries, I'm not going to write anything embarrassing, so lower your heart rate! ; ) While at QT Angela from Dr. Hanson's office was behind me and said, "hello". Her along with all the girls from the office was heading to Branson for a dental conference. She said Kristy, Jan, Tammy were all in the car outside. So Ty & I went over and wished them well on their trip. Those girls are super pretty when they're made up and not hiding behind their scrubs and face mask!!!
We made it to the parking lot at 8:30 am and only a few scouts had arrived before us but in no time, the lot was full! This troop has everything together - it was great. There were 3 lines, one for health forms, another for medication and the last one for money. Each boy has an envelop with his name on it and they have to initial, along with the banker, anytime the take money. Boxes & supplies were loaded into various vehicles and we took pictures before everyone set off.
I went to kiss him goodbye and opened the truck door, it was Sam! Oops! Wrong door. I went around the other side - he locked me out! I told him to open up before I really embarrass him! ; ) I kissed him goodbye and watched him leave - no time for sadness, it all happened too quick.
I don't think I'll have time to miss him since Brian has planned for us to stain the deck and fence. I already told him I was scared to work with him because I don't want him yelling at me for not doing it his way! (mind you I said his way and not right way!!! :) )
Well, I have the 10 day forecast posted here at my cube, it looks like Ty is going to have some great weather if it stays like they predict. Tomorrow is supposed to be the hottest at 90 then cooling off in the low to mid 80s. Of course, I'll check as they update it daily. Until tomorrow -
In my best Miyagi voice, "Stain the fence" (up and down and up and down)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Outcome...
A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. ~Douglas Pagels
I went home an talked to Ty yesterday and to my disbelief - no - not disbelief - but to my surprise - Tyler simply said, "OK". WOW! Just like that he was fine with it. Please don't let me lead you to believe there wasn't disappointment and it was over that quick. But rather than reiterate what I said yesterday to you. I just expressed to Ty that Skyler needed some guidance and the adult leaders saw that Ty was the best fit. I think that made Tyler feel good. All that responded knows Ty's a great kid with a big heart.
I've struggled to help build Tyler confidence really not knowing how to do that. Something I learned this week was to show him he's a good person. If Ty is in a situation that's going south call him out to "help" me with something. That tells him, "I'm needed; People depend on me to be; Or They think I am a good leader." I am certainly going to try and use this approach from now on.
To answer Dom's question: His parents are divorced and it's his dad that is raising both him and his sister, although the dad is just a big kid himself. He hasn't "grown up" yet and has his own set of priorities.
On the lighter side - not really as it's crunch time!!! Tonight we pack! Oh boy, I hope I have remembered everything he'll need. I am even making on last Wally trip after work this evening.
This morning I sent his care package - Spiderman comic book, Pringles, beef jerky, goldfish, and some Go Tarts. I hope he's surprised!
ONE LAST THING -
I have gotten into the habit of deleting chain e-mails but today I received one that I just couldn't ignore -
God has seen you struggling (with something), God says it's over. A blessing is coming your way. If you believe in God send to ten people, please don't ignore, you are being tested.
After yesterdays event, I couldn't help pass it on. When I read this, it made me feel at peace. I know it will all be well.
PEACE
I went home an talked to Ty yesterday and to my disbelief - no - not disbelief - but to my surprise - Tyler simply said, "OK". WOW! Just like that he was fine with it. Please don't let me lead you to believe there wasn't disappointment and it was over that quick. But rather than reiterate what I said yesterday to you. I just expressed to Ty that Skyler needed some guidance and the adult leaders saw that Ty was the best fit. I think that made Tyler feel good. All that responded knows Ty's a great kid with a big heart.
I've struggled to help build Tyler confidence really not knowing how to do that. Something I learned this week was to show him he's a good person. If Ty is in a situation that's going south call him out to "help" me with something. That tells him, "I'm needed; People depend on me to be; Or They think I am a good leader." I am certainly going to try and use this approach from now on.
To answer Dom's question: His parents are divorced and it's his dad that is raising both him and his sister, although the dad is just a big kid himself. He hasn't "grown up" yet and has his own set of priorities.
On the lighter side - not really as it's crunch time!!! Tonight we pack! Oh boy, I hope I have remembered everything he'll need. I am even making on last Wally trip after work this evening.
This morning I sent his care package - Spiderman comic book, Pringles, beef jerky, goldfish, and some Go Tarts. I hope he's surprised!
ONE LAST THING -
I have gotten into the habit of deleting chain e-mails but today I received one that I just couldn't ignore -
God has seen you struggling (with something), God says it's over. A blessing is coming your way. If you believe in God send to ten people, please don't ignore, you are being tested.
After yesterdays event, I couldn't help pass it on. When I read this, it made me feel at peace. I know it will all be well.
PEACE
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
What would you do?
"A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent." - Boy Scout Law
Tyler leaves for Scout camp in 2 days. 2 days! We have been talking about this for weeks and I have been subsiding his fears with excitement of how much fun he will have when he gets there. He and a boy named Sam have paired up to share a tent for the 10 days. They too have been very excited about bunking together. There was a scout meeting last night (that we missed due to a baseball game) and there was a dilemma discussed.
Let me set the scene for you, there is a certain Scout in our troop that is down right mean and is unclean. This boy joined Scouts last year and has felt like an outsider since, this is why I think he acts out - even though the other boys have made an attempt to welcome him. The first camp out this kid attended - his tent STUNK! The second night of the camp out the 2 boys that slept in that tent BEGGED not to sleep in there again with him. This boy has also threatened to hit Ty not to long ago and Brian instructed Ty to 'knock his ass out'.
OK, since I've drawn you a small picture... here's the dilemma - he doesn't have a tent mate and they want Ty to switch.
My heart is torn. I want Ty to be happy, to enjoys his first year at camp and go through with the plans that he made. Why should he have to give up his original plans? Then again, I feel awful when I say 'no'.
'Pig pen' is God's child too. He needs to be shown love. Jesus wouldn't turn his back on him and we are to live by Jesus's example.
BUT then don't label me as a doormat either. All these parents attending last nights meeting could have stepped up and offered their boy to change tent assignments. After saying, "they don't spend a lot of time in the tents anyway." But they didn't.
Why burden me with this? I'm so upset about this right now - I can't even put all my thoughts down. I apologize if it seems I'm rambling.
I know Tyler is mature enough to handle this, I feel like there was a reason behind this why it came down to Tyler. If only Tyler could befriend and be a leader to him and the other boys for stepping up to the plate when he was needed...
Tonight I am going home to talk with over with Tyler and get his take on it. As I see it right now, not a whole lot of the boys are living by the Scout Law.
What's your take? What would you do? If you are reading this, please leave a comment and offer some advice.
Tyler leaves for Scout camp in 2 days. 2 days! We have been talking about this for weeks and I have been subsiding his fears with excitement of how much fun he will have when he gets there. He and a boy named Sam have paired up to share a tent for the 10 days. They too have been very excited about bunking together. There was a scout meeting last night (that we missed due to a baseball game) and there was a dilemma discussed.
Let me set the scene for you, there is a certain Scout in our troop that is down right mean and is unclean. This boy joined Scouts last year and has felt like an outsider since, this is why I think he acts out - even though the other boys have made an attempt to welcome him. The first camp out this kid attended - his tent STUNK! The second night of the camp out the 2 boys that slept in that tent BEGGED not to sleep in there again with him. This boy has also threatened to hit Ty not to long ago and Brian instructed Ty to 'knock his ass out'.
OK, since I've drawn you a small picture... here's the dilemma - he doesn't have a tent mate and they want Ty to switch.
My heart is torn. I want Ty to be happy, to enjoys his first year at camp and go through with the plans that he made. Why should he have to give up his original plans? Then again, I feel awful when I say 'no'.
'Pig pen' is God's child too. He needs to be shown love. Jesus wouldn't turn his back on him and we are to live by Jesus's example.
BUT then don't label me as a doormat either. All these parents attending last nights meeting could have stepped up and offered their boy to change tent assignments. After saying, "they don't spend a lot of time in the tents anyway." But they didn't.
Why burden me with this? I'm so upset about this right now - I can't even put all my thoughts down. I apologize if it seems I'm rambling.
I know Tyler is mature enough to handle this, I feel like there was a reason behind this why it came down to Tyler. If only Tyler could befriend and be a leader to him and the other boys for stepping up to the plate when he was needed...
Tonight I am going home to talk with over with Tyler and get his take on it. As I see it right now, not a whole lot of the boys are living by the Scout Law.
What's your take? What would you do? If you are reading this, please leave a comment and offer some advice.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Movies, Movies, Movies
O Lord, help me not to despise or oppose what I do not understand. ~William Penn
Thank you again to Dom, who shares his thoughts with me on movies persuading me to take a look. If it weren't for him, I'd miss out on some great films. One being The Kite Runner. Aside from the wonderful story, it opened my eyes wider to the people of the Middle East. I am ashamed to say I have let myself become prejudice against these people. I think a lot of it has to do with the 9/11 attacks and my own monsters of anxiety. Rather than learn about the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan,and etc - I let my fears shut it out of my mind. I have become the person I despise!!! I hear that Americans are hated for what we are as the world only sees what is published on TV. I get so upset because we are not all like that, we have differences among us. SHAME ON ME! I have done exactly that, I have only seen one side and have based a horrible opinion on that. I know better - know their are good people all over this world. And I know movies are all 'Hollywood' - but I believe there is some truth to what I had seen. I had seen that people once had happiness there, they too were ran out of their homes, fleeing from the war & Taliban. I'm saddened to see they live in fear daily. My ignorance has been shattered, I hold these fellow humans in higher regard. After watching the movie I thought about what every child wishes for - world peace. I thought it would be nice but something I don't think we'll ever see.
Other's movies I watched. I think I mentioned Lars and the Real Girl and California King. All good movies - all with a sweet message.
I'm out -
Thank you again to Dom, who shares his thoughts with me on movies persuading me to take a look. If it weren't for him, I'd miss out on some great films. One being The Kite Runner. Aside from the wonderful story, it opened my eyes wider to the people of the Middle East. I am ashamed to say I have let myself become prejudice against these people. I think a lot of it has to do with the 9/11 attacks and my own monsters of anxiety. Rather than learn about the people of Afghanistan, Pakistan,and etc - I let my fears shut it out of my mind. I have become the person I despise!!! I hear that Americans are hated for what we are as the world only sees what is published on TV. I get so upset because we are not all like that, we have differences among us. SHAME ON ME! I have done exactly that, I have only seen one side and have based a horrible opinion on that. I know better - know their are good people all over this world. And I know movies are all 'Hollywood' - but I believe there is some truth to what I had seen. I had seen that people once had happiness there, they too were ran out of their homes, fleeing from the war & Taliban. I'm saddened to see they live in fear daily. My ignorance has been shattered, I hold these fellow humans in higher regard. After watching the movie I thought about what every child wishes for - world peace. I thought it would be nice but something I don't think we'll ever see.
Other's movies I watched. I think I mentioned Lars and the Real Girl and California King. All good movies - all with a sweet message.
I'm out -
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Had to throw this one in there...
Stac sent this to me - I called her to tell her she made me choke on my coke when I read this - but she was too busy to answer my call! ; )
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
OPEC sells oil for $136.00 a barrel.
OPEC nations buy U.S. grain at $7.00 a bushel.
Solution: Sell grain for $136.00 a bushel.
Can't buy it? Tough! Eat your oil!
Ought to go well with a nice thick grilled fillet of camel ass!!,
Have a nice rest of the day !
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
OPEC sells oil for $136.00 a barrel.
OPEC nations buy U.S. grain at $7.00 a bushel.
Solution: Sell grain for $136.00 a bushel.
Can't buy it? Tough! Eat your oil!
Ought to go well with a nice thick grilled fillet of camel ass!!,
Have a nice rest of the day !
August Rush
Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night. ~Glade Byron Addams
My good friend, Dom, let me borrow a few of his movies yesterday. August Rush, The Kite Runner, Lars and the Real Girl and King of California. Last night I made a point to sit down and watch a movie. Everyone else was outside playing or visiting - I too wanted to go outside but I haven't sat down and watched a movie that I wanted to in a long time. Lately it's been a movie that Tyler chooses or Spike TV, Food network, or some other reality show that Brian likes to watch. Tonight - it was all about me!
With that I choose to watch August Rush whiling painting my nails! (Something else I haven't done in a long long while) I was very excited to watch it since it's been on my list to see since before it came out to theatres last year. I like Keri Russell (and now Jonathan Rhys Meyers and his sexy accent and mesmerising eyes!) And I absolutely fell in love with the way Reese is spelled - quick give me a dog or a child so that I can use that name too. Having just watched P.S. I Love You (wait - didn't I just say I haven't watched a movie in a while? OK, I must have let this one slip my mind. But that too was over Memorial Day weekend so it's been a while! ; )) I'm beginning to enjoy hearing these lovely accents in movies even though one is from Scotland and the other from Ireland. - I'm not picky!
I'm not great like Dom when it comes to writing reviews for movies because I know that I'm going to jump around (my ADD kicks in) even before I begin to write. Therefore if you are interested in the plot click the link above. I'm afraid that I'll mention spoilers so my preference is to discuss a movie with people that have already seen it. Ty did start out watching it with me but after 15 mins - he was done - It was moving too slow for him. I liked the movie but didn't love it as much as I thought I was going to. I felt some parts moved too slow and others they didn't take enough time in. From the preview I thought Wizard (play by Robin Williams) was going to be a nice guy. Far from it - I can't like him playing a rotten creep! I like him as Mork or Mrs Doubtfire... This movie had me on an emotional roller coaster. We're talking Mamba baby and I've never ridden that. Headaches & stomach turning... I was completely exhausted after the 2 hour experience (big sigh). And the ending?! What the hell!?
Damn straight - I felt I was left hanging. There was so much more they could have added to. Maybe it's me, maybe I missed the point. Not that I missed the point of the movie but I think I was looking for more of a love story. - It's a love story in a sense - but not the story I had preconceived in my head. Oh yes, the water works were on. (Quick somebody send me an e-mail survey so that I can mark that last night was the last time I cried) All in all it was a good movie. I think I'm going to watch Lars and the Real Girl next. My nails need a second coat.
This made me laugh out loud this morning, a joke my mom sent me... (I hope she knows better if Ty ever came to her with this questions! ;))
Grandmas Don't Know Everything
He'd been playing outside with the other kids for a while when he
came into the house and asked her, 'Grandma, what's that called
when two people sleep in the same room and one is on top of the other?'
She was a little taken aback, but she decided to just tell him the
truth. 'It's called sexual intercourse, darling.'
Little Tony just said, 'Oh, OK,' and went back outside to play
with the other kids.
A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily, 'Grandma, it
isn't called sexual intercourse. It's called bunk beds. And Jimmy's
mom wants to talk to you.'
My good friend, Dom, let me borrow a few of his movies yesterday. August Rush, The Kite Runner, Lars and the Real Girl and King of California. Last night I made a point to sit down and watch a movie. Everyone else was outside playing or visiting - I too wanted to go outside but I haven't sat down and watched a movie that I wanted to in a long time. Lately it's been a movie that Tyler chooses or Spike TV, Food network, or some other reality show that Brian likes to watch. Tonight - it was all about me!
With that I choose to watch August Rush whiling painting my nails! (Something else I haven't done in a long long while) I was very excited to watch it since it's been on my list to see since before it came out to theatres last year. I like Keri Russell (and now Jonathan Rhys Meyers and his sexy accent and mesmerising eyes!) And I absolutely fell in love with the way Reese is spelled - quick give me a dog or a child so that I can use that name too. Having just watched P.S. I Love You (wait - didn't I just say I haven't watched a movie in a while? OK, I must have let this one slip my mind. But that too was over Memorial Day weekend so it's been a while! ; )) I'm beginning to enjoy hearing these lovely accents in movies even though one is from Scotland and the other from Ireland. - I'm not picky!
I'm not great like Dom when it comes to writing reviews for movies because I know that I'm going to jump around (my ADD kicks in) even before I begin to write. Therefore if you are interested in the plot click the link above. I'm afraid that I'll mention spoilers so my preference is to discuss a movie with people that have already seen it. Ty did start out watching it with me but after 15 mins - he was done - It was moving too slow for him. I liked the movie but didn't love it as much as I thought I was going to. I felt some parts moved too slow and others they didn't take enough time in. From the preview I thought Wizard (play by Robin Williams) was going to be a nice guy. Far from it - I can't like him playing a rotten creep! I like him as Mork or Mrs Doubtfire... This movie had me on an emotional roller coaster. We're talking Mamba baby and I've never ridden that. Headaches & stomach turning... I was completely exhausted after the 2 hour experience (big sigh). And the ending?! What the hell!?
Damn straight - I felt I was left hanging. There was so much more they could have added to. Maybe it's me, maybe I missed the point. Not that I missed the point of the movie but I think I was looking for more of a love story. - It's a love story in a sense - but not the story I had preconceived in my head. Oh yes, the water works were on. (Quick somebody send me an e-mail survey so that I can mark that last night was the last time I cried) All in all it was a good movie. I think I'm going to watch Lars and the Real Girl next. My nails need a second coat.
This made me laugh out loud this morning, a joke my mom sent me... (I hope she knows better if Ty ever came to her with this questions! ;))
Grandmas Don't Know Everything
He'd been playing outside with the other kids for a while when he
came into the house and asked her, 'Grandma, what's that called
when two people sleep in the same room and one is on top of the other?'
She was a little taken aback, but she decided to just tell him the
truth. 'It's called sexual intercourse, darling.'
Little Tony just said, 'Oh, OK,' and went back outside to play
with the other kids.
A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily, 'Grandma, it
isn't called sexual intercourse. It's called bunk beds. And Jimmy's
mom wants to talk to you.'
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
10 Days of Kid Free
What I like about camping is you can get really dirty. Either you're all by yourself, so no one else sees you, or everyone you're with is just as dirty as you are, so nobody cares. ~Anonymous former Boy Scout
Last night I took Ty to his Boy Scout swim party while a few of us first year parents nestled in chairs around the table in a corner of the pool patio learning from a Veteran Scouter about Scout camp at Bartle. This isn't the first time hearing all this information either. But each time, it's information overload and a little something new comes out of the talks too.
I think I am more anxious about this than Ty is. We received a 30+ page handbook regarding the 10 day excursion and it still doesn't cover it all. I scribbled in my note book to make sure to pack a rug for the tent floor and a broom to sweep out the creatures. Don't forget to send a care package - they love it. Pack it full of comic books, snacks, camera, a letter, pre-addressed postcards, etc. Send postcards everyday. Let the boys decorate their camp boxes... HUH?!?! Ty leaves in 9 days. I have so much to do. I need to go to Wal-mart in a bad way. Oh yes, and there's this test they do in the water that requires them to have pants (2 sizes to big), button up long sleeve shirt with collar, belt and shoes they can jump in the pool with. It's a survival test and the shirt and/or pants need to be able to hold air. Sounds impossible to me.
Ty is starting to get nervous, I hope it subsides once he gets down there and starts having fun with his buddies. He's worried about the ticks, raccoons, and coyotes. Although it was his buddies talking that made him concerned about these pest. This will be his first year without me going with him. I keep telling him about when I was his age I went to camp without my parents and had the best time! I was so excited I couldn't sleep that night.
Better get on with making my Wal-Mart list!
Last night I took Ty to his Boy Scout swim party while a few of us first year parents nestled in chairs around the table in a corner of the pool patio learning from a Veteran Scouter about Scout camp at Bartle. This isn't the first time hearing all this information either. But each time, it's information overload and a little something new comes out of the talks too.
I think I am more anxious about this than Ty is. We received a 30+ page handbook regarding the 10 day excursion and it still doesn't cover it all. I scribbled in my note book to make sure to pack a rug for the tent floor and a broom to sweep out the creatures. Don't forget to send a care package - they love it. Pack it full of comic books, snacks, camera, a letter, pre-addressed postcards, etc. Send postcards everyday. Let the boys decorate their camp boxes... HUH?!?! Ty leaves in 9 days. I have so much to do. I need to go to Wal-mart in a bad way. Oh yes, and there's this test they do in the water that requires them to have pants (2 sizes to big), button up long sleeve shirt with collar, belt and shoes they can jump in the pool with. It's a survival test and the shirt and/or pants need to be able to hold air. Sounds impossible to me.
Ty is starting to get nervous, I hope it subsides once he gets down there and starts having fun with his buddies. He's worried about the ticks, raccoons, and coyotes. Although it was his buddies talking that made him concerned about these pest. This will be his first year without me going with him. I keep telling him about when I was his age I went to camp without my parents and had the best time! I was so excited I couldn't sleep that night.
Better get on with making my Wal-Mart list!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Ouch! Don't Touch Me There!
“Sunburn is very becoming, but only when it is even - one must be careful not to look like a mixed grill”
I used to not burn. I was the darkest white girl in a 12 state radius. Ask anyone I grew up with. My grandma Rose used to call me 'brown bear'(with a white ass). It was great, I didn't even have to try! It made my friends envious.
In 1995 I went to Florida to visit my uncle and his family. I came back black. People I worked with didn't even recognize me. I was in Brian's brothers wedding - it was held in a tent in the back of their parents house. There's a picture of me walking down the isle and all you can see are my teeth!
Never mind that I haven't sunbathed in 12 years. I thought I was immune to sunburns. Uh yea, not so much! Saturday I started power washing the cedar fence at 10am, excited that I would be able to even out my baseball tan. Time didn't feel like it was flying by as it was already 2pm when we decided to stop for the day. I could tell I was getting sun but I didn't realize just how much sun I got!!! That afternoon I took a shower - a cold shower that felt wonderful. I have been aching since. I have blisters on my neck and back. Yesterday my dad and Brian were teaching Tyler how to "flick" a person with a quick flick of the pointer and middle finger across the forearm. Persuading him to flick me on my back. Quickly, I threatened them back to using their God given senses. It kills for anyone to slightly touch it. I barely was able to survive Brian putting Aloe on it this morning. I even thought a light weight dress would ease the pain. Nope - the collar goes right across the area irritating it more so. Tomorrow will be day 3 - I hope the pain will start going away.
Other than that this weekend we didn't have any ball. Friday I went to a friends house to scrapbook. Other events on Saturday was taking dOg to get groomed, washing him again when he got home, begging him for forgiveness as he didn't like his second bath, taking Ty to Borders and Blockbuster, dinner at 54th St Grill, grocery store, making a cheesecake. Sunday I was up at 7am making a chocolate sheet cake, cleaning the kitchen, laundry, celebrating Father's Day at my grandpa's with our family, playing spoons, watching Alvin and the Chipmunks, playing GI Joe with Ty (I wanted to dress them like I used to do with Barbie - but Ty told me he liked the way they were already dressed!!!)
Ty bought a new book this weekend called "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers. It's a story about a 17 year old kid being shipped off to Vietnam. I think it's a little old for him. He's laying in bed with us last night reading aloud, "watch out, you could get a social disease that will rot your twinkie right off." Now mind you, he's not the greatest reader and had trouble with the bolded words and didn't read it with fluency and mistaken twinkie for twinkle. So I reread it aloud and Brian and I shoot a look at each other and it wasn't 2 seconds Tyler was giggling like a little school girl! I told him we probably should put that book up but it's made him more eager to want to read it. So far we've come across the words - damned, hard ass, faggots, and now Twinkies. And this is a Scholastic book!
I used to not burn. I was the darkest white girl in a 12 state radius. Ask anyone I grew up with. My grandma Rose used to call me 'brown bear'(with a white ass). It was great, I didn't even have to try! It made my friends envious.
In 1995 I went to Florida to visit my uncle and his family. I came back black. People I worked with didn't even recognize me. I was in Brian's brothers wedding - it was held in a tent in the back of their parents house. There's a picture of me walking down the isle and all you can see are my teeth!
Never mind that I haven't sunbathed in 12 years. I thought I was immune to sunburns. Uh yea, not so much! Saturday I started power washing the cedar fence at 10am, excited that I would be able to even out my baseball tan. Time didn't feel like it was flying by as it was already 2pm when we decided to stop for the day. I could tell I was getting sun but I didn't realize just how much sun I got!!! That afternoon I took a shower - a cold shower that felt wonderful. I have been aching since. I have blisters on my neck and back. Yesterday my dad and Brian were teaching Tyler how to "flick" a person with a quick flick of the pointer and middle finger across the forearm. Persuading him to flick me on my back. Quickly, I threatened them back to using their God given senses. It kills for anyone to slightly touch it. I barely was able to survive Brian putting Aloe on it this morning. I even thought a light weight dress would ease the pain. Nope - the collar goes right across the area irritating it more so. Tomorrow will be day 3 - I hope the pain will start going away.
Other than that this weekend we didn't have any ball. Friday I went to a friends house to scrapbook. Other events on Saturday was taking dOg to get groomed, washing him again when he got home, begging him for forgiveness as he didn't like his second bath, taking Ty to Borders and Blockbuster, dinner at 54th St Grill, grocery store, making a cheesecake. Sunday I was up at 7am making a chocolate sheet cake, cleaning the kitchen, laundry, celebrating Father's Day at my grandpa's with our family, playing spoons, watching Alvin and the Chipmunks, playing GI Joe with Ty (I wanted to dress them like I used to do with Barbie - but Ty told me he liked the way they were already dressed!!!)
Ty bought a new book this weekend called "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers. It's a story about a 17 year old kid being shipped off to Vietnam. I think it's a little old for him. He's laying in bed with us last night reading aloud, "watch out, you could get a social disease that will rot your twinkie right off." Now mind you, he's not the greatest reader and had trouble with the bolded words and didn't read it with fluency and mistaken twinkie for twinkle. So I reread it aloud and Brian and I shoot a look at each other and it wasn't 2 seconds Tyler was giggling like a little school girl! I told him we probably should put that book up but it's made him more eager to want to read it. So far we've come across the words - damned, hard ass, faggots, and now Twinkies. And this is a Scholastic book!
Friday, June 13, 2008
ITW In Washington D.C.
No man is above the law and no man below it. ~Theodore Roosevelt
Last week I spent in D.C. for work. International Telecom Week is a conference where all telephone companies come together to discuss sales business. But rather than bore you with all those details, I'll entertain you with the highlights...
I traveled with a co-worker, Topher, and while sitting in the airport waiting for our plane a lady thought he was my 12 year old son. So all week long, I was "mom".
Monday as we were leaving the "Hinckley" Hilton (This is where Pres. Reagan assassination attempt took place, along with ITW conferences and where I stayed) for lunch I lost my footing on the edge of the sidewalk and went down attempting to do the perfect face plant in front of the 300+ foreigners taking a smoke break! Damn that hurt. My manager and colleague were genuinely concerned as asked if I was alright. I immediately stood and commented that I was glad to have done it in front of everyone - I would have hated a wasted fall and not amusing people with a good laugh. There was a nice Jewish man who helped pick up my purse and belongings that went sailing across the sidewalk. I wanted so badly to say, "God bless you." And why is it when you fall does it always happen in slow motion?! It's like you have time to think, "Oh, shit this is going to hurt and there's not a damn thing I can do about it!" Needless to say, I walked with a ghetto limp the rest of the trip.
Monday evening Topher and I walked the area and it didn't take long for me to figure out DuPont Circle was one of DC's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered centers. I witnessed a man being hit on by another man and hearing, "But I know I would cheat on you..." Eww. I went into my first gay book store, Lambda Rising. Topher was quick to tell me he was out of his element - so was I but I wasn't broadcasting it! I got an education that night, the magazines I saw! Goodness! We were having a great time looking at these scent of a scandle candles cracking up at the names. I was asked if I wanted to try on some jewelry just for fun - I declined - I'm not ready to take that next step! ; ) A few doors up was Human Rights Campaign store, they had a shirt that made me laugh 'Marriage...is so gay'. I would have bought it if it wasn't $30! As we walked further I was offered a palm reading and a Tarot card reading. Call me old fashion but, no thank you! D.C. also is crowded with homeless people, it's sad to see. People shaking their cups at you for money or seeing them sleeping on the sidewalk. Last year I saw make shift homes made out of shopping cards and trash down in the entrance of the subways. It really humbles the heart.
Tuesday night we attended the ultimate party of ITW hosted by Telefonica (a Latino company) and do they know how to throw a party! First off, not just anybody can attend. They require bracelets and invitation and those are few and far between. A few of us scored and were bussed out to the Kennedy center. They always have a live band, open bar, great food, amazing atmosphere with special lighting effects. This year they had professional dancers. I liked watching them. Between numbers they would grab someone from the crowd. I went out and danced with one of them! The terrace was opened and between rainstorms we'd go out to catch a breath of fresh air. I loved the view!!! You can see a few memorials and watch the planes come in for landing. But 11:30 p I was done though. The others headed on to another party at Cafe Citron. They teach Salsa there and I went last year. It's crowded and loud. I had too many encounters with sweaty bodies last year that I didn't want to go back.
Wednesday was our team celebration dinner and the weather was bad. {There was a tornado south of DC that afternoon and with kids being in school (till June 20th) they were in lock down.} I was one of the first to arrive at the dinner and the bartender and I were talking. I mention I was from the midwest and then was asked how to handle a storm like these as there was a second storm coming and it was forecasted to be worse than the first. I don't know if it was worse, I'm from the midwest! I wasn't worried. But because of the storms getting a taxi back to the hotel was awful. We waited more than 30mins. I was exhausted and just wanted to be in bed.
Thursday was the day we visited The Holocaust Memorial Museum. If you ever get a chance, I would suggest going. It took me 4 hours to go through it. I worked with a Jewish lady when I first started Sprint and I remember her telling me her thoughts regarding it. It impressed me so that I have wanted to go ever since. It's emotional - somber. My eyes were widened and had thoughts go through my mind that really never occurred to me. My heart goes out to all who were subjected.
I would have liked to have heard my grandpa's memories as he was there and had seen the disgust. Though I don't think that's something he'd care to talk about. I tried bringing it up with him yesterday, Father's Day, as I spoke my thoughts and reactions to what I'd seen. Even though he listened and didn't say anything I could tell memories went through his mind as his eyes told me. As I get older and understand more - that's something I can respect. I know that certain memories can trigger uneasy feelings that we don't want to think about we'd rather forget. For me, that's ok.
Last week I spent in D.C. for work. International Telecom Week is a conference where all telephone companies come together to discuss sales business. But rather than bore you with all those details, I'll entertain you with the highlights...
I traveled with a co-worker, Topher, and while sitting in the airport waiting for our plane a lady thought he was my 12 year old son. So all week long, I was "mom".
Monday as we were leaving the "Hinckley" Hilton (This is where Pres. Reagan assassination attempt took place, along with ITW conferences and where I stayed) for lunch I lost my footing on the edge of the sidewalk and went down attempting to do the perfect face plant in front of the 300+ foreigners taking a smoke break! Damn that hurt. My manager and colleague were genuinely concerned as asked if I was alright. I immediately stood and commented that I was glad to have done it in front of everyone - I would have hated a wasted fall and not amusing people with a good laugh. There was a nice Jewish man who helped pick up my purse and belongings that went sailing across the sidewalk. I wanted so badly to say, "God bless you." And why is it when you fall does it always happen in slow motion?! It's like you have time to think, "Oh, shit this is going to hurt and there's not a damn thing I can do about it!" Needless to say, I walked with a ghetto limp the rest of the trip.
Monday evening Topher and I walked the area and it didn't take long for me to figure out DuPont Circle was one of DC's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered centers. I witnessed a man being hit on by another man and hearing, "But I know I would cheat on you..." Eww. I went into my first gay book store, Lambda Rising. Topher was quick to tell me he was out of his element - so was I but I wasn't broadcasting it! I got an education that night, the magazines I saw! Goodness! We were having a great time looking at these scent of a scandle candles cracking up at the names. I was asked if I wanted to try on some jewelry just for fun - I declined - I'm not ready to take that next step! ; ) A few doors up was Human Rights Campaign store, they had a shirt that made me laugh 'Marriage...is so gay'. I would have bought it if it wasn't $30! As we walked further I was offered a palm reading and a Tarot card reading. Call me old fashion but, no thank you! D.C. also is crowded with homeless people, it's sad to see. People shaking their cups at you for money or seeing them sleeping on the sidewalk. Last year I saw make shift homes made out of shopping cards and trash down in the entrance of the subways. It really humbles the heart.
Tuesday night we attended the ultimate party of ITW hosted by Telefonica (a Latino company) and do they know how to throw a party! First off, not just anybody can attend. They require bracelets and invitation and those are few and far between. A few of us scored and were bussed out to the Kennedy center. They always have a live band, open bar, great food, amazing atmosphere with special lighting effects. This year they had professional dancers. I liked watching them. Between numbers they would grab someone from the crowd. I went out and danced with one of them! The terrace was opened and between rainstorms we'd go out to catch a breath of fresh air. I loved the view!!! You can see a few memorials and watch the planes come in for landing. But 11:30 p I was done though. The others headed on to another party at Cafe Citron. They teach Salsa there and I went last year. It's crowded and loud. I had too many encounters with sweaty bodies last year that I didn't want to go back.
Wednesday was our team celebration dinner and the weather was bad. {There was a tornado south of DC that afternoon and with kids being in school (till June 20th) they were in lock down.} I was one of the first to arrive at the dinner and the bartender and I were talking. I mention I was from the midwest and then was asked how to handle a storm like these as there was a second storm coming and it was forecasted to be worse than the first. I don't know if it was worse, I'm from the midwest! I wasn't worried. But because of the storms getting a taxi back to the hotel was awful. We waited more than 30mins. I was exhausted and just wanted to be in bed.
Thursday was the day we visited The Holocaust Memorial Museum. If you ever get a chance, I would suggest going. It took me 4 hours to go through it. I worked with a Jewish lady when I first started Sprint and I remember her telling me her thoughts regarding it. It impressed me so that I have wanted to go ever since. It's emotional - somber. My eyes were widened and had thoughts go through my mind that really never occurred to me. My heart goes out to all who were subjected.
I would have liked to have heard my grandpa's memories as he was there and had seen the disgust. Though I don't think that's something he'd care to talk about. I tried bringing it up with him yesterday, Father's Day, as I spoke my thoughts and reactions to what I'd seen. Even though he listened and didn't say anything I could tell memories went through his mind as his eyes told me. As I get older and understand more - that's something I can respect. I know that certain memories can trigger uneasy feelings that we don't want to think about we'd rather forget. For me, that's ok.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Goodness!
I've been gone for awhile and couldn't even remember my log in! Ok, now that I am in. Just real quick - I'd been busy catching up all I missed while I was in DC so I haven't had the time to write although I have stories to tell! Hopefully I can write later in the day...
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