August 28, 2007
So, Monday morning, the mothers of our area were at once wistful and breathing a collective sigh of relief. Yes, back-to-school time has arrived. My oldest, my only daughter, has returned to the same elementary school I attended. I can hardly convince myself that she's really in third grade. I keep telling myself that she'll really remember stuff from here on out (well, I've been telling myself that for some time now). The first day went pretty smoothly. She was apprehensive, but quickly grew comfortable with the familiarities. This morning, however, was another story.
See, it's been a hectic few days. We were at the beach last week, and arrived home Saturday evening. After unpacking the truck, putting everything away, and doing laundry, I was already worn out. Sunday, we had a picnic and went on a nice, couple-mile hike at Patapsco State Park. That was truly nice, except that we failed to remain on the correct trail and walked WAY out of our way. So, since we had the two little boys with us, and Cam was in flip-flops, I was pretty unnerved that we would not readily find our way back. Eventually we did, a little tired, but fine. I have NO idea how my youngest son walked that far; he's only two, after all. He's sturdy.
Anyway, so then Monday we returned to our School Schedule, which means getting up at around 6:30 rather than 10:00. That sucks. And Cam is not the easiest person in the morning. Neither am I, so we honestly make a terrible pair. I'm usually very short-tempered and want to be left alone; she usually spends considerable time verbalizing her displeasure at having awakened so early and having to get ready, and very little time actually getting ready. That usually results in frenzied anger for me, trying to get her dressed, fed, brushed, and shoved out the door. It's just not pleasant, but the first day went well.
And then there was today. Last night, I went to see Aaron Lewis play his Have Guitar, Will Travel show at Ram's Head Live. Angie, Mom (yes, my mom likes Staind-a lot), and Angie's friend/co-worker Lou went, too. I'm so glad Angie bought me the ticket, it was really, really good. However, as usual, I stood right next to the obligatory Venue Jackass. A big man, he could already see better than most. But since we were standing on the rail upstairs, he found it necessary not only to lean out over the rail, but to put his hand on his hip so that his elbow jutted out into the sight path of many, my lucky self included. SIGH. We protested his inconsideration loud enough for him to hear. My sister tapped his arm. My mother flicked her beer on him, which prompted our uproarious laughter for about ten minutes. He just would not budge for the ENTIRE show. So, to my sister's concern, I spent the better half of the show with my head on my arm, laying on the rail. She was sure I was about to pass out drunk, but really I was peering through the crook of his arm. The show was so good. Angie decided it would be in her best interest not to drive, so we ended up summoning her roomate to cart us home. I can't believe Angie left her car in the city, but kudos to her for knowing she was polluted enough that she should not drive.
Needless to say, it was a late night. And then Collin had a nosebleed in the middle of the night, so I had to get up for that, with my head still a little woozy. When the alarm went off, my eyes were sure it was two hours earlier. And then my beloved child gave me all sorts of hell, barely making it to the bus stop in time. G couldn't understand why I was "speaking harshly". See, it seems to me that it's only fair that G does a share of this morning duty. He did stay up later than me last night (God knows why), but I'm also a bit peeved that I was "punished" for going to the show. I was left a lovely sink full of dishes, dirty kids' clothes all over the bathroom and living room, etc. You ladies ever get the same treatment when you go out? Hmph. Despite my resentful feelings today, I offered to "let" him go to volleyball tonight. He didn't get to play while we were at the beach, and didn't get to play last night, since I went to the show. He also won't be able to take the kids to the park on Wednesday evenings, since they're on School Schedule. See, unlike him, I get that he needs to have recreational time. He's not an afterthought, I do actually consider his needs. He should probably take the example and run with it.
Anyway...our week at the beach was good, but too short, and it rained to much. Back to the same old grind. Come on, June 12.
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Archives-And Four Becomes Three 8/9/2007
August 9, 2007
So, I wrote this blog the other night, and in all my finesse, deleted it. *sigh* I wanted to tell you about the dinner I made...chipotle cinnamon rubbed (thanks for the suggestion, Nathan) pork chops, twice baked cheddar & bacon potatoes, zucchini pancakes (yay, the kids liked them!), corn on the cob & cinnamon apples. Yes, I made it all myself "from scratch". [From starch, maybe...yes, it was a bit of a starchy meal, but it was so good.] I'm trying to do more of that, lately, because I'm tired of eating out of a box. I made a similar meal for a lady from church who has two boys 3 and under, and is pregnant with twins...and is on complete bedrest. Ah, I remember those days...and I had no other children at that time, so I don't know how she's dealing with her two boys. She's worried for the twins, that they'll have to go to the NICU. I remember those days, too. She's far enough along that even if they do, it'll be a short stay. Man, my baby fever is just crazy! Why do I still want one more? It makes no good sense at all. Perhaps I should go visit her in another two months, when she has all the babies and is so tired she doesn't know what to do with herself. And her poor belly...the physical carrying of the two little bodies, I can tell, would be torturous. Even one is, towards the end. I can't imagine the stretch marks she'll earn. On the other hand, if a baby brings much joy to a family, twice that with two. I just wish I could be at peace with "only" having three, plus one with wings.
I also made pico de gallo, which is probably inedible, for all the jalapenos I put in it. I ate the crap out of that stuff while I was in Mexico...with the fresh guacamole and fresh tortilla chips. My wisdom tooth has recently been infected AGAIN, so I ought not eat any tortilla chips. So, the pico sits in my fridge, waiting for someone brave enough to eat it. G is not...he will not eat vegetables in salsa form unless they have been liquified. Tonight I am also making a white cake with peanut butter filling and chocolate frosting. I should probably farm that out to my sister and mother, so I won't be "forced" to eat it all.
I think one of our goldfish is dying. I expect to find him floating in the near future, as he's not swimming quite right these days. We also have an aggressor, which G insists we should flush. He is pretty mean. Who knew a goldfish would be so territorial, or whatever his problem is?
I took Cam shopping for her school stuff this evening. I can't believe it's so close. Next week, we are on vacation, thank God. Then it's back to school, already! I'm SO not ready to resume waking up at 6:30am. Then we'll have Collin's party, and then I have to have my wisdom teeth removed. I'm so anxious about it I could turn inside out. I'd rather have five more labors & deliveries. Honestly, I'd rather have any other kind of surgery. I think the greatest fear is being awake for the whole thing. I really don't care to be traumatized in that fashion.
Update...the poor fishy is dead. Now there are three. Even though he was a carnival fish, I'm sad to see him go. Nobody likes the final flush. The cake was good, but very rich. I'm thinking it will be better once it has been refrigerated...I'm weird, I like cold cake (as long as the chilling doesn't dry it out). I guess it's good that it's rich...that will prompt me to eat smaller portions of it. I'm still going to give some to whoever stops by my house in the next couple of days. :)
So, I wrote this blog the other night, and in all my finesse, deleted it. *sigh* I wanted to tell you about the dinner I made...chipotle cinnamon rubbed (thanks for the suggestion, Nathan) pork chops, twice baked cheddar & bacon potatoes, zucchini pancakes (yay, the kids liked them!), corn on the cob & cinnamon apples. Yes, I made it all myself "from scratch". [From starch, maybe...yes, it was a bit of a starchy meal, but it was so good.] I'm trying to do more of that, lately, because I'm tired of eating out of a box. I made a similar meal for a lady from church who has two boys 3 and under, and is pregnant with twins...and is on complete bedrest. Ah, I remember those days...and I had no other children at that time, so I don't know how she's dealing with her two boys. She's worried for the twins, that they'll have to go to the NICU. I remember those days, too. She's far enough along that even if they do, it'll be a short stay. Man, my baby fever is just crazy! Why do I still want one more? It makes no good sense at all. Perhaps I should go visit her in another two months, when she has all the babies and is so tired she doesn't know what to do with herself. And her poor belly...the physical carrying of the two little bodies, I can tell, would be torturous. Even one is, towards the end. I can't imagine the stretch marks she'll earn. On the other hand, if a baby brings much joy to a family, twice that with two. I just wish I could be at peace with "only" having three, plus one with wings.
I also made pico de gallo, which is probably inedible, for all the jalapenos I put in it. I ate the crap out of that stuff while I was in Mexico...with the fresh guacamole and fresh tortilla chips. My wisdom tooth has recently been infected AGAIN, so I ought not eat any tortilla chips. So, the pico sits in my fridge, waiting for someone brave enough to eat it. G is not...he will not eat vegetables in salsa form unless they have been liquified. Tonight I am also making a white cake with peanut butter filling and chocolate frosting. I should probably farm that out to my sister and mother, so I won't be "forced" to eat it all.
I think one of our goldfish is dying. I expect to find him floating in the near future, as he's not swimming quite right these days. We also have an aggressor, which G insists we should flush. He is pretty mean. Who knew a goldfish would be so territorial, or whatever his problem is?
I took Cam shopping for her school stuff this evening. I can't believe it's so close. Next week, we are on vacation, thank God. Then it's back to school, already! I'm SO not ready to resume waking up at 6:30am. Then we'll have Collin's party, and then I have to have my wisdom teeth removed. I'm so anxious about it I could turn inside out. I'd rather have five more labors & deliveries. Honestly, I'd rather have any other kind of surgery. I think the greatest fear is being awake for the whole thing. I really don't care to be traumatized in that fashion.
Update...the poor fishy is dead. Now there are three. Even though he was a carnival fish, I'm sad to see him go. Nobody likes the final flush. The cake was good, but very rich. I'm thinking it will be better once it has been refrigerated...I'm weird, I like cold cake (as long as the chilling doesn't dry it out). I guess it's good that it's rich...that will prompt me to eat smaller portions of it. I'm still going to give some to whoever stops by my house in the next couple of days. :)
Archives-July Outings & Traditions 8/1/2007
August 1, 2007
So, I'm a little bitter that I didn't get to see Pete Yorn & Guster last night at Wolftrap. *sigh* However, we did attend the 100th year of the Glen Burnie Carnival. Excuse me, the Big Glen Burnie Carnival...because, well, you know, that's tradition around here. It's all still there: the same games, "corn bingo", the rickety old Zipper, the Tilt-A-Hurl. And of course, the trip wouldn't be complete without a souvenir GB Carnival plastic cup to put in my kitchen cabinet. We ate the $7.50 pizza (you know, for a whole pizza) and the $1 french fries. I even had the 2oz crabcake, which is barely large enough to cover a Saltine...just because I had to see what that was like. It wasn't bad, for carnival food. Nothing like my crabcakes, of course, but decent $2.50 food. Anyway, the kids enjoyed the crap out of it, and it was actually a nice evening-not too hot, breezy, and best of all, not too crowded. It's always like homecoming, going there...I always see people I went to school with or whatever. The kids want to go back on Thursday, because we didn't get to do half the things we wanted to do. It's considerably more expensive, now that I have three children...even though each ride still costs $1 and the games are cheap. G and I decided that corn bingo is probably the most lucrative business there. You can play three cards at a time for $1, and it takes, what, 5 minutes for someone to call bingo? The corn markers cost nothing, and they've been using the same cards for probably 50 years. Not to mention that you don't have to stand in line to do it. We also agreed with the bingo guy that there should be beer (and wine, of course) sold at the bingo stand. On the other hand, the GB carnival attracts enough of Glen Burnie's finest as it is, without the addition of alcohol.
We also recently went to Artscape, which was fun, but we got there late. Man, did it bring back memories!!! The smells, well, you know, after the nasty Bourbon Street-esque smells, were devine. All those foods, and I couldn't wait to eat. About a block away, I smelled the jerk chicken, which I am a sucker for. I immediately decided that while it would be hard to choose if I really looked around, jerk chicken was what I wanted. It was to be served with red beans & rice (the Jamaican style, not the New Orleans style) and sauteed cabbage/veggies. My mouth was literally watering, and I was starving. I stood in that line for no less than 45 minutes, I'm not kidding. It may have been an hour. I kept looking to see if they were actually slaughtering chickens and cleaning them out of the back of their truck. Little did I know, their jerk chicken is marinated, grilled, taken off the grill to be seasoned and cut up, returned to the grill, then removed and re-seasoned and re-grilled again. G had time to find his food, get drinks, and feed the boys while Cameron and I stood there, sweating to death and shifting our weight from one foot to the other. We listened to the real Jamaican ladies in front of us, colorfully insulting the catering staff in their sing-songy accents. Finally we got our food, and it was darn good, but not worth the wait and the frickin' $12 I spent on it.
Then there were the mojitos, which I was really excited to find. I asked G to get one for me, and he brought it back, commenting on drinking a salad. Yes, there was real mint in it. Too bad there was no real rum in it. Needless to say, I promptly switch to Zima. At least, per the bottle, there's 5% alcohol by volume in that, right?
No really good bands played this year (well, none on the day I was there). I saw a band, I think it was called Fools and Horses, which also played with Cowboy Mouth a few weeks ago. They were ok. I even recognized one of their songs.
I did see some good art, but it's kinda hard to get close to the stalls, what with that big honkin' double stroller I have and all. It's also weird to see my generation, including artsy people, with children in tow. Next year I hope to see some more, maybe even buy something good. G and I saw some lamps that we liked, which he assured me he could easily make. We'll see if he does. Heck, maybe it will be us in one of those stalls next year. Or maybe I'll apply for a temporary liquor license and sell real mojitos. Or jerk chicken without the 40 minute wait. Or maybe I'll just go early and stay late, and have more fun.
I can't believe it's August already. Enjoy your last month of summer!
So, I'm a little bitter that I didn't get to see Pete Yorn & Guster last night at Wolftrap. *sigh* However, we did attend the 100th year of the Glen Burnie Carnival. Excuse me, the Big Glen Burnie Carnival...because, well, you know, that's tradition around here. It's all still there: the same games, "corn bingo", the rickety old Zipper, the Tilt-A-Hurl. And of course, the trip wouldn't be complete without a souvenir GB Carnival plastic cup to put in my kitchen cabinet. We ate the $7.50 pizza (you know, for a whole pizza) and the $1 french fries. I even had the 2oz crabcake, which is barely large enough to cover a Saltine...just because I had to see what that was like. It wasn't bad, for carnival food. Nothing like my crabcakes, of course, but decent $2.50 food. Anyway, the kids enjoyed the crap out of it, and it was actually a nice evening-not too hot, breezy, and best of all, not too crowded. It's always like homecoming, going there...I always see people I went to school with or whatever. The kids want to go back on Thursday, because we didn't get to do half the things we wanted to do. It's considerably more expensive, now that I have three children...even though each ride still costs $1 and the games are cheap. G and I decided that corn bingo is probably the most lucrative business there. You can play three cards at a time for $1, and it takes, what, 5 minutes for someone to call bingo? The corn markers cost nothing, and they've been using the same cards for probably 50 years. Not to mention that you don't have to stand in line to do it. We also agreed with the bingo guy that there should be beer (and wine, of course) sold at the bingo stand. On the other hand, the GB carnival attracts enough of Glen Burnie's finest as it is, without the addition of alcohol.
We also recently went to Artscape, which was fun, but we got there late. Man, did it bring back memories!!! The smells, well, you know, after the nasty Bourbon Street-esque smells, were devine. All those foods, and I couldn't wait to eat. About a block away, I smelled the jerk chicken, which I am a sucker for. I immediately decided that while it would be hard to choose if I really looked around, jerk chicken was what I wanted. It was to be served with red beans & rice (the Jamaican style, not the New Orleans style) and sauteed cabbage/veggies. My mouth was literally watering, and I was starving. I stood in that line for no less than 45 minutes, I'm not kidding. It may have been an hour. I kept looking to see if they were actually slaughtering chickens and cleaning them out of the back of their truck. Little did I know, their jerk chicken is marinated, grilled, taken off the grill to be seasoned and cut up, returned to the grill, then removed and re-seasoned and re-grilled again. G had time to find his food, get drinks, and feed the boys while Cameron and I stood there, sweating to death and shifting our weight from one foot to the other. We listened to the real Jamaican ladies in front of us, colorfully insulting the catering staff in their sing-songy accents. Finally we got our food, and it was darn good, but not worth the wait and the frickin' $12 I spent on it.
Then there were the mojitos, which I was really excited to find. I asked G to get one for me, and he brought it back, commenting on drinking a salad. Yes, there was real mint in it. Too bad there was no real rum in it. Needless to say, I promptly switch to Zima. At least, per the bottle, there's 5% alcohol by volume in that, right?
No really good bands played this year (well, none on the day I was there). I saw a band, I think it was called Fools and Horses, which also played with Cowboy Mouth a few weeks ago. They were ok. I even recognized one of their songs.
I did see some good art, but it's kinda hard to get close to the stalls, what with that big honkin' double stroller I have and all. It's also weird to see my generation, including artsy people, with children in tow. Next year I hope to see some more, maybe even buy something good. G and I saw some lamps that we liked, which he assured me he could easily make. We'll see if he does. Heck, maybe it will be us in one of those stalls next year. Or maybe I'll apply for a temporary liquor license and sell real mojitos. Or jerk chicken without the 40 minute wait. Or maybe I'll just go early and stay late, and have more fun.
I can't believe it's August already. Enjoy your last month of summer!
Archives-Midnight Musings July 13, 2007
July 13, 2007
How can it be Saturday again already? I am so sick of working every single weekend--working Friday night, and then right back in on Saturday morning. Now, I really shouldn't complain, because I only work *outside the home* for about 15 hours (three days) per week. However, I do have a full-time job here at home. G thinks it's all cake, how I go on walks at the park, take "field trips" to petting zoos, etc. I was pretty sure he got a taste of what it's really like while I was in Mexico. Anyway, it just seems like the summer is flying by at an alarming rate. One more month, and the kids will be getting ready to go back to school. One more month, and I'll be back to getting up early every day. Kinda makes homeschooling sound like an attractive option.
So, Matt & Christi are moving in a couple of days. I still can't believe they're going. The older I get, the more I cherish my friends and family, and therefore do not wish to be far away from them. In fact, I'd really hate to move somewhere brand new and start all over again without anyone at all. I think G's going to be really depressed when his best friend is gone. On the other hand, I might be able to get him to spend more time with me!
We took the pacifier away from the baby. He breaks my heart, asking for it. He's really a more babyish boy than the other two were at this age. I just don't know how I'm going to console him while we're out...it's so convenient to pop in the paci when he's fussing in the dr's office or whatever. Seems like the other two, we could reason with a little more than him. I'm waiting for Terrible Two-style tantrums to ensue. I guess it's better in the long run, but I'm of the opinion that no one goes to college-or even elementary school-with one, so it's not that big a deal to me...especially when they only have it at bed time. G was more interested in taking it away from him than I was.
I just received notification about my (ahem) 15 year reunion. Um, that's a little bit scary!!! First of all, it's at La Fontaine Bleu (blech). They said, 'I know, but it was the cheapest thing around'. Secondly, I'm not sure anyone from my little (and I do mean little) group of friends will be there. There are a few people I would like to see, but that's about it. What do you think? Did you go to yours? Would you go?
So, tomorrow we're having a fire to send Matt & Christi off. I'm only expecting a handful of people, but it should be fun (if I can stay awake!). I have a habit of staying up too late on Friday, getting up early on Saturday, having a couple of drinks and then passing out sitting up. It's rather embarrassing, really. I will try to stay awake, at least for the majority of the evening. Hey, at least if I pass out, then I don't have to clean up, right?
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