I named this blog "Je Blague" because it is a way of getting away from the stresses of life or seeing the humor in the stresses of life but I am going to take a break from that and write my thoughts about the horror that happened in my home State on Monday.
I want to start by saying that yes I do know people that attended the school, one who's professor is one of the victims. As I mourn, I know my heartache can not even compare to those who are closer to the campus and the people affected.
I am enraged with NBC for airing the videos of Cho. Mainly for their reasoning. I qoute from Matt Lauer from the Today show"
"And, to be honest, there are some very big differences of opinion here within the news division as to whether we should be airing this at all. But we have made this decision because by showing some of this material, perhaps it will help us understand or answer the question -- Why? Why did this happen?"
Why did this happen?! What I would like to understand is what was going through Cho's mind, what led up to this massacre? How did this happen?
The videos, which upset the family and friends of the victms DID NOT answer this question. The question still remains. In my opinion this confirms my belief that this country has turned into reality TV. Why show it? Yes, I want to understand why he did it but I feel qoutes from the tapes and experts deciphering the tapes would have been much more informative than all this sensationalism.
I must also mention that I read an article that NBC's rating were at an all time low due to American Idol and various other shows on other networks. I truly believe the airing of these tapes were purely selfish, money grubbing reasons. It's simply sick.
Voila! That's it. I had to get that out. I promise to post something light and humerous soon.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
I'm at work and...
...very,very bored. I am the customer service and marketing rep for a local mortgage company and business is very slow this week. I really should be balancing my check book, organizing my day planner, you know doing something constructive. Instead, I'm surfing the internet and making up excuses to avoid productivity today. Then my boss, who is also bored, sends me this test:
http://www.mikescomputerinfo.com/inteltest.htm
My advice, read each question carefully, then re-read it before you answer. According to this test, I have "a bitchin' love life" and my life will "take a sudden turn for good in the next 2 weeks". Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket this week.
Happy Thursday!
Ok, ok, off I go to do something productive. If I must.
http://www.mikescomputerinfo.com/inteltest.htm
My advice, read each question carefully, then re-read it before you answer. According to this test, I have "a bitchin' love life" and my life will "take a sudden turn for good in the next 2 weeks". Maybe I should buy a lottery ticket this week.
Happy Thursday!
Ok, ok, off I go to do something productive. If I must.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Marley has a what!!!!
Yes, Marley has a boyfriend. He's a cutie too with blond hair and blue eyes. She met him at daycare.
Last week Marley was reading a book and this little boy walked up to her and tried to take it away. She refused and then taunted him with it and made him cry. On Monday she took him by the hand and led him around the classroom, I believe they did about 5 laps. When Marley had enough she let go of his hand but he kept on following her. Yesterday, Marley was sitting on one of the teachers laps. This little boy came over and sat on the lap as well and put his arm around Marley and Marley put her head on his shoulder.
She's not even two yet and Daddy's biggest fear is becoming reality. At least she knows how to call the shots!
Last week Marley was reading a book and this little boy walked up to her and tried to take it away. She refused and then taunted him with it and made him cry. On Monday she took him by the hand and led him around the classroom, I believe they did about 5 laps. When Marley had enough she let go of his hand but he kept on following her. Yesterday, Marley was sitting on one of the teachers laps. This little boy came over and sat on the lap as well and put his arm around Marley and Marley put her head on his shoulder.
She's not even two yet and Daddy's biggest fear is becoming reality. At least she knows how to call the shots!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
I love weekends
I love weekends. Marley slept until 7:30 this morning a true treat for me. I took her into the single bed and we just laid there yawning and rubbing our eyes and snuggling. We love to snuggle! Marley peeped out the window that is next to the single bed and said "tweet, tweet". It's raining, and I did not see a bird in sight. Oh well, she enjoys looking out the window into the back yard where she loves to play.
The forecast says rain and wind for the day. I'm elated. I have been so busy and now I have an excuse not to leave the house all day. Usually I'd be griping but today is a much needed day for rest and relaxation. I'll read more of my book, do a couple loads of laundry and Marley and I will immerse ourselves in a few crafty projects.
It's going to be a beautiful day despite the fact we are under a tornado watch until mid afternoon. Yikes.
The forecast says rain and wind for the day. I'm elated. I have been so busy and now I have an excuse not to leave the house all day. Usually I'd be griping but today is a much needed day for rest and relaxation. I'll read more of my book, do a couple loads of laundry and Marley and I will immerse ourselves in a few crafty projects.
It's going to be a beautiful day despite the fact we are under a tornado watch until mid afternoon. Yikes.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Why I'm not black
My Father was a diplomat. I had the pleasure growing up mainly overseas. The first six years of my life were in Africa. I was born in Nairobi although my parents were stationed in Burundi. From what I understand the hospital in Bujumbura was infested with rats. Being a new Mother myself I can understand why my Mother moved to Nairobi the last 2 weeks of her pregnancy. The Dr. did not make it to my delivery, so I was delivered by two Kikuyu nurses who had no problems with, literally, tossing me around the room as if I were a football. My Father watched in horror and tried to say something but was quickly interrupted by one of the nurses, who sharply gave her opinion of men in the labor room who were not in the medical profession. It was something like "new Father's should be seen but not heard".
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When I was 3 and 1/2 we moved to Algeria. We lived in a beautiful house in the center of Algeirs. My brother and I were not allowed to wander the streets, it was far too dangerous. Thankfully, I did have a friend who used to come over and play frequently. Her Father was a diplomat too, he was a Kenyan diplomat. One day I looked at my Mother and said "Hudja was born in Nairobi and I was born in Nairobi, so why is she black and I'm not?".
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We moved back to the U.S. when I was almost 7 years old. We moved to a small town about an hour away from Washington D.C. This was my first experience with culture shock. My parents put me in the second grade in the American public school system. Boy, did I NOT fit in. I remember trying to make friends with one of the girls in my class. She reminded me of Hudja whom I missed. I quickly realized during the first week of school, she was not in anyway like my Kenyan friend Hudja. I'll never forget the day she called me an "African dog". And that was supposed to be an insult? I didn't get it, I still don't.
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Years later, I moved back to the US, this time from Paris, France. I was 19 years old and a little savvier than when I was 7. I moved back to the same town. Although I did not experience culture shock to the same intensity as the first move back to the US, it was still quit an adjustment. I felt a little like Rip van Winkle. I missed out on popular television series', there was a bit of a language barrier as well. I asked someone to pass me the hoe and couldn't understand why she started laughing. I was simply asking for a garden tool. She was nice enough to explain that there is a slang term ho, that is used for a loose woman. Oh! now I saw the humor...sort of.
While I was attending a local Community College I had a revelation. I was sitting at a table in the student lounge studying with an African American friend named Paul. I looked at him straight in the eyes and said, "I'm more African American than you are". He looked at me like I was nuts and said "What?". I repeated my statement and then said "I was born in Africa". I went back to studying while Paul was trying to regroup from his laughing fit.
During the same time frame my Father was sent to the Congo. He called one late November night, to simply say hello. It dawned on me that my Father was going to be all alone for the Holidays. So I made him a deal. I told him if he paid for the trip, I'd go. Less than a month later I was on a plane headed for the heart of Africa. The trip was fabulous, I will blog more stories at another time. The one aspect about being back in Africa was that I was made very aware that I was not black (although I was born in Nairobi). I was confined to the house or the pool at a local hotel. I was desparate to walk the streets, take in the culture but it simply was not safe. There had been some fighting, as it turns out I was there for the beginning of their civil war. Knowing I was bored, my Father told me that there was a man at the Embassy who's daughter was also visiting and would I like to meet her? I jumped at the opportunity. We went to lunch one day. She was attending a University near Washington D.C., she was my age and we found a lot of things to talk about. She asked me what I had seen or done while in Brazzaville. I told her I had not done much, I was not allowed to go outside by myself, that I was told it was not safe. It turned out that she had been all over the city and BY HERSELF! How could this be? Why was she allowed and I was not? Then it hit me, I looked at her again to confirm and realized she looked a lot like Hudja and that is why she was able to wonder the streets of Brazzaville.
***********************************************
So, I'm not black but I am African American, so to speak. Not much offends me but I do realize that words can hurt. Would a certain someone still have all his sponsers if he had used the words, "diaper* headed garden tool"?
*nappy being a British term for diaper
********************************************************
When I was 3 and 1/2 we moved to Algeria. We lived in a beautiful house in the center of Algeirs. My brother and I were not allowed to wander the streets, it was far too dangerous. Thankfully, I did have a friend who used to come over and play frequently. Her Father was a diplomat too, he was a Kenyan diplomat. One day I looked at my Mother and said "Hudja was born in Nairobi and I was born in Nairobi, so why is she black and I'm not?".
**********************************************************
We moved back to the U.S. when I was almost 7 years old. We moved to a small town about an hour away from Washington D.C. This was my first experience with culture shock. My parents put me in the second grade in the American public school system. Boy, did I NOT fit in. I remember trying to make friends with one of the girls in my class. She reminded me of Hudja whom I missed. I quickly realized during the first week of school, she was not in anyway like my Kenyan friend Hudja. I'll never forget the day she called me an "African dog". And that was supposed to be an insult? I didn't get it, I still don't.
*******************************************************
Years later, I moved back to the US, this time from Paris, France. I was 19 years old and a little savvier than when I was 7. I moved back to the same town. Although I did not experience culture shock to the same intensity as the first move back to the US, it was still quit an adjustment. I felt a little like Rip van Winkle. I missed out on popular television series', there was a bit of a language barrier as well. I asked someone to pass me the hoe and couldn't understand why she started laughing. I was simply asking for a garden tool. She was nice enough to explain that there is a slang term ho, that is used for a loose woman. Oh! now I saw the humor...sort of.
While I was attending a local Community College I had a revelation. I was sitting at a table in the student lounge studying with an African American friend named Paul. I looked at him straight in the eyes and said, "I'm more African American than you are". He looked at me like I was nuts and said "What?". I repeated my statement and then said "I was born in Africa". I went back to studying while Paul was trying to regroup from his laughing fit.
During the same time frame my Father was sent to the Congo. He called one late November night, to simply say hello. It dawned on me that my Father was going to be all alone for the Holidays. So I made him a deal. I told him if he paid for the trip, I'd go. Less than a month later I was on a plane headed for the heart of Africa. The trip was fabulous, I will blog more stories at another time. The one aspect about being back in Africa was that I was made very aware that I was not black (although I was born in Nairobi). I was confined to the house or the pool at a local hotel. I was desparate to walk the streets, take in the culture but it simply was not safe. There had been some fighting, as it turns out I was there for the beginning of their civil war. Knowing I was bored, my Father told me that there was a man at the Embassy who's daughter was also visiting and would I like to meet her? I jumped at the opportunity. We went to lunch one day. She was attending a University near Washington D.C., she was my age and we found a lot of things to talk about. She asked me what I had seen or done while in Brazzaville. I told her I had not done much, I was not allowed to go outside by myself, that I was told it was not safe. It turned out that she had been all over the city and BY HERSELF! How could this be? Why was she allowed and I was not? Then it hit me, I looked at her again to confirm and realized she looked a lot like Hudja and that is why she was able to wonder the streets of Brazzaville.
***********************************************
So, I'm not black but I am African American, so to speak. Not much offends me but I do realize that words can hurt. Would a certain someone still have all his sponsers if he had used the words, "diaper* headed garden tool"?
*nappy being a British term for diaper
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Crazy weather and Easter
Happy Easter everyone! I have to start this blog by griping about the weather. Last Monday it was HOT. H*O*T, hot. Did I dress appropriately, no, did I dress Marley appropriately, no. It hit 85 degrees and they were calling for mid 70's. One little boy at daycare had a flannel shirt on! The teachers did take it off, so he was sporting a bare chest with suspenders and his coveted gold necklace (yes, I know, why does a toddler have a gold necklace...beats me). Anyway, it was quit a sight!
Today was a different story. We went to an egg hunt at the Elizabethan Gardens. It was COLD, I'm talking C*O*L*D, cold. I think it hit a max of 40 degrees today and yes I saw snow flakes. The wind was whipping making the temperature feel in the 20's. From what I heard there has not been a snowflake that has fallen out of the sky in April here since 1963. Marley was dressed appropriately resembling the little boy from "A Christmas Story" although she could move and even run.
There's my gripe and now onto who, but of course Marley.
Marley has discovered that loves Easter. Not that she has any idea what it is about but she loves the baskets and the colorful plastic eggs and the stickers we have used to decorate the plastic eggs. She MUST carry this basket of eggs every where she goes.
I had Good Friday off from work, the same day they were doing the egg hunt at daycare. We had to go! They had little buckets with all the toddlers names on them and the eggs strategically placed on the playground. Marley found eight. She loves them, she spent the afternoon taking them out of her purple bucket and putting them back in. After dinner I had to reenact the egg hunt, while she was eating dinner, I hid them around the living room. After dinner, the hunt began. She found them all with a little help and all eight were placed back in her basket. Then the Mother's nightmare happened. She discovered she could open them and how wonderful the contents were. Before I knew it she had bitten into a green jelly bean. Her eyes grew wide and a glistening stream of green drool dribbled down her chin. She had found heaven! Well, until Mama decided to gather all the eggs and empty the contents before she discovered the sugary delights were in all the plastic eggs. The last thing Mama needed was an 18 month old on a sugar high.
The egg hunt at the Elizabethan Gardens was nice. The older kids had a fabulous time collecting all the eggs and not leaving many for the toddlers. Oh well...Marley did find two and thankfully they only contained stickers.
Happy Easter!!!!!!!
Today was a different story. We went to an egg hunt at the Elizabethan Gardens. It was COLD, I'm talking C*O*L*D, cold. I think it hit a max of 40 degrees today and yes I saw snow flakes. The wind was whipping making the temperature feel in the 20's. From what I heard there has not been a snowflake that has fallen out of the sky in April here since 1963. Marley was dressed appropriately resembling the little boy from "A Christmas Story" although she could move and even run.
There's my gripe and now onto who, but of course Marley.
Marley has discovered that loves Easter. Not that she has any idea what it is about but she loves the baskets and the colorful plastic eggs and the stickers we have used to decorate the plastic eggs. She MUST carry this basket of eggs every where she goes.
I had Good Friday off from work, the same day they were doing the egg hunt at daycare. We had to go! They had little buckets with all the toddlers names on them and the eggs strategically placed on the playground. Marley found eight. She loves them, she spent the afternoon taking them out of her purple bucket and putting them back in. After dinner I had to reenact the egg hunt, while she was eating dinner, I hid them around the living room. After dinner, the hunt began. She found them all with a little help and all eight were placed back in her basket. Then the Mother's nightmare happened. She discovered she could open them and how wonderful the contents were. Before I knew it she had bitten into a green jelly bean. Her eyes grew wide and a glistening stream of green drool dribbled down her chin. She had found heaven! Well, until Mama decided to gather all the eggs and empty the contents before she discovered the sugary delights were in all the plastic eggs. The last thing Mama needed was an 18 month old on a sugar high.
The egg hunt at the Elizabethan Gardens was nice. The older kids had a fabulous time collecting all the eggs and not leaving many for the toddlers. Oh well...Marley did find two and thankfully they only contained stickers.
Happy Easter!!!!!!!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Oh what a day!
I had such an amazing day yesterday! The weather has been intoxicating. Spring has sprung here in the south. Spring time is my favorite time of year. My whole world comes back to life. The flowers are pushing through the ground and the trees are beginning to bud. The rebirth of nature rejuvinates my soul.
We went to a 7 year olds birthday party yesterday. Her parents made a big deal out of it too with a moon bounce and pony rides. Since the weather was warm I was able to dress Marley in a beautiful spring dress finished with cute sandals. She looked adorable! Being a 7 year olds party Marley was the youngest but it didn't stop her from trying to be a big kid! She did her best to climb into the moon bounce. She was determined! Hubby and I had to save her a few times from the rambunctious big kids. Then Marley's dream came true, the big kids cleared out and lined up for the pony rides and the moon bounce was empty! Marley and I took off our sandals and climbed in. I have never seen my daughter have so much fun! I'd forgotten how much fun a moon bounce can be! Marley and I had a blast jumping, laughing squeeling, you name it! It was great being a kid again myself.
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A few nights ago a neighbor and friend of mine stopped by and told me about a band that was going to be playing at a local restaurant. It was for a charity benefit so it started early and ended earlier than most bands normally would. Since I became a Mother, I don't go out as often as I used to. I jumped at the chance to see live music and have some adult fun.
The band is called The Screaming Orphans. I was a little afraid that they were going to be an angry chick band, thankfully they were not. The band consists of 4 sisters, Joanne, Grainne, Angela and Marie Therese Diver. Originally from Donegal, Ireland and unfortunately, to my understanding, orphans.
I almost forgot how much I love live music! This band evoked so much emotion, so much awe and envy of their talent. Their range of instruments, vocals and music repertoire. They played music from Dolly Parton, Hank, Jr, Johnny Cash, ABBA, their own songs and quit a few Irish jigs. The lead singer is also the drummer. I do not play a musical instrument, I learned at an early age that I inherited my Father's keen lack of rhythm. Watching her play made me feel like I need to practice rubbing my belly while patting my head. This band is a MUST see!
Yesterday was an amazing day. I came home at midnight and fell into bed. Thankfully Marley slept until 7:30 but I am on a third cup of coffee.....
We went to a 7 year olds birthday party yesterday. Her parents made a big deal out of it too with a moon bounce and pony rides. Since the weather was warm I was able to dress Marley in a beautiful spring dress finished with cute sandals. She looked adorable! Being a 7 year olds party Marley was the youngest but it didn't stop her from trying to be a big kid! She did her best to climb into the moon bounce. She was determined! Hubby and I had to save her a few times from the rambunctious big kids. Then Marley's dream came true, the big kids cleared out and lined up for the pony rides and the moon bounce was empty! Marley and I took off our sandals and climbed in. I have never seen my daughter have so much fun! I'd forgotten how much fun a moon bounce can be! Marley and I had a blast jumping, laughing squeeling, you name it! It was great being a kid again myself.
********************************************
A few nights ago a neighbor and friend of mine stopped by and told me about a band that was going to be playing at a local restaurant. It was for a charity benefit so it started early and ended earlier than most bands normally would. Since I became a Mother, I don't go out as often as I used to. I jumped at the chance to see live music and have some adult fun.
The band is called The Screaming Orphans. I was a little afraid that they were going to be an angry chick band, thankfully they were not. The band consists of 4 sisters, Joanne, Grainne, Angela and Marie Therese Diver. Originally from Donegal, Ireland and unfortunately, to my understanding, orphans.
I almost forgot how much I love live music! This band evoked so much emotion, so much awe and envy of their talent. Their range of instruments, vocals and music repertoire. They played music from Dolly Parton, Hank, Jr, Johnny Cash, ABBA, their own songs and quit a few Irish jigs. The lead singer is also the drummer. I do not play a musical instrument, I learned at an early age that I inherited my Father's keen lack of rhythm. Watching her play made me feel like I need to practice rubbing my belly while patting my head. This band is a MUST see!
Yesterday was an amazing day. I came home at midnight and fell into bed. Thankfully Marley slept until 7:30 but I am on a third cup of coffee.....
Monday, March 19, 2007
Southernisms
Another Baptist Church:
The Big Bang Theory? God Spoke and bang it happened.
Up for a debate anyone?
The Big Bang Theory? God Spoke and bang it happened.
Up for a debate anyone?
Perspective
I have an addiction. It's called Yahoo Answers!. It's a fabulous community. It's been the answer to all my prayers. All you have to do is ask and you shall receive. I'm mostly in the Parenting section I also wander over to the Politics section and it's always a great debate. I recently bought a used Jeep and had a million questions, so I wandered over to the Jeep section. And then there is the Travel section. Having lived many different places in my life, I feel I have some expertise in the Colorado and Paris section.
I was looking over the travel section the other day and came across a question that I still think about. The question was "How can travel change the ideas of living". My response was:
Travelling opens your eyes and mind to other cultures. When you can see a different perspective you will be more open minded and start thinking about your choices in life differently.
It was voted as best answer. I got 10 points. Ok, I cheated, I saw that the question was put to vote so I voted for my own answer and was the only one that voted.
Anyway, it's hard to answer this question in just 3 sentences. It's hard to answer this question for someone who has never experienced travel or living in another country, there's just so much more that words can not tell.
I grew up overseas and didn't know any different. So my question is "How can growing up in one place change the ideas of living?". It's all about perspective, hence my title.
I was looking over the travel section the other day and came across a question that I still think about. The question was "How can travel change the ideas of living". My response was:
Travelling opens your eyes and mind to other cultures. When you can see a different perspective you will be more open minded and start thinking about your choices in life differently.
It was voted as best answer. I got 10 points. Ok, I cheated, I saw that the question was put to vote so I voted for my own answer and was the only one that voted.
Anyway, it's hard to answer this question in just 3 sentences. It's hard to answer this question for someone who has never experienced travel or living in another country, there's just so much more that words can not tell.
I grew up overseas and didn't know any different. So my question is "How can growing up in one place change the ideas of living?". It's all about perspective, hence my title.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Southernisms Chinese Style
I haven't seen any good signs in the last couple of weeks but did run across this last night as hubby and I were ordering Chinese food. I can't believe I never noticed it before on our take out menu! By the way it's a great restaurant!
The short version:
CHINA KING: Chinese Restaurant To Take Out.
Next to Nations Merioaland Close to K-Mark-Welcome to Party Order & Banquet.
They are referring to The Wright Brother's National Memorial, which in fact is not located in Kitty Hawk but Kill Devil Hills ( now thar ya dun lurned somtin').
The the kicker was: We put pupu in your platter! (Ok I confess, it was not on the menu I made that one up as I was giggling).
The short version:
CHINA KING: Chinese Restaurant To Take Out.
Next to Nations Merioaland Close to K-Mark-Welcome to Party Order & Banquet.
They are referring to The Wright Brother's National Memorial, which in fact is not located in Kitty Hawk but Kill Devil Hills ( now thar ya dun lurned somtin').
The the kicker was: We put pupu in your platter! (Ok I confess, it was not on the menu I made that one up as I was giggling).
Monday, March 05, 2007
Last weekend
On Thursday, Marley and I headed to Virginia with my sister to visit the Grandmothers and to pick up a new/used vehicle for me. It was an exhausting visit. Nana's house is NOT babyproof with the exposed outlets and valuable trinkets strategically placed all over the house. Besides the fact that Marley was wide eyed and to all the untouchables it was a good visit.
We were able to spend a few hours with hubby's Mom, aka Grandma, on Saturday. Grandma wanted to go toy shopping and spoil her Granddaughter. We found a Kmart and headed straight to the toy section. Grandma picked out an Elmo doll and handed it to Marley. Of course Marley fell in love with it and we knew it was going to be placed in the cart. This particular Elmo doll teaches children to dress and undress, which is Marley's favorite past time these days. Here's a link. (I'd make it pretty on my blog but I am not yet so computer savvy)http://www.kmart.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=175650&destName=null&Ntt=elmo&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&N=271&Nty=1
This doll got my approval until the next day.
The next morning, I took Elmo out of all of his packaging and handed him to my wide eyed toddler. She unzipped Elmo's jacket and Elmo says "Is it hot in here or is it just Elmo". Nana and I stopped and looked at this so seemingly innocent toy and burst out laughing. Seriously what is he trying to teach my daughter?!
We were able to spend a few hours with hubby's Mom, aka Grandma, on Saturday. Grandma wanted to go toy shopping and spoil her Granddaughter. We found a Kmart and headed straight to the toy section. Grandma picked out an Elmo doll and handed it to Marley. Of course Marley fell in love with it and we knew it was going to be placed in the cart. This particular Elmo doll teaches children to dress and undress, which is Marley's favorite past time these days. Here's a link. (I'd make it pretty on my blog but I am not yet so computer savvy)http://www.kmart.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=175650&destName=null&Ntt=elmo&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&N=271&Nty=1
This doll got my approval until the next day.
The next morning, I took Elmo out of all of his packaging and handed him to my wide eyed toddler. She unzipped Elmo's jacket and Elmo says "Is it hot in here or is it just Elmo". Nana and I stopped and looked at this so seemingly innocent toy and burst out laughing. Seriously what is he trying to teach my daughter?!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Speaking of Marley
Toddlers are so much fun!!!!! The tiniest little things just make them laugh hysterically. They are learning so many things and still mastering so many objects like a zipper.
They informed me at daycare today that not only has Marley mastered the zipper on her sweater but she has also learned how to take off her clothes. I had a feeling, she spent a good portion of the weekend zipping and unzipping. I only wish I could have seen her stripping in the middle of the daycare center then running around naked while the teachers were chasing her trying to put her clothes back on her. Oh the FREEDOM!
They informed me at daycare today that not only has Marley mastered the zipper on her sweater but she has also learned how to take off her clothes. I had a feeling, she spent a good portion of the weekend zipping and unzipping. I only wish I could have seen her stripping in the middle of the daycare center then running around naked while the teachers were chasing her trying to put her clothes back on her. Oh the FREEDOM!
Southernisms
I don't seem to be travelling as much these days with it being winter and the fact that winter also took me from being a stay at home Mom to being in the work force again. I pass only one church each day as I take Marley to daycare. This Baptist church is quit clever the majority of the time and I also feel that winter has not brought very many worshipers. So the Southernism is......
"Calling all Men, Women and Children to sit in slightly used pews"
"Calling all Men, Women and Children to sit in slightly used pews"
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Why I don't wear skirts
If you don't live in the north east, like me, all you have to do is turn on the news to see the havoc the blizzard is reaking. It takes me back to the time hubby and I lived in high country of Colorado.
When we first married we decided to move to Colorado. I'd never been so we decided to take a vacation there for me to see it. I was hooked immediatly! Although I spent all my teen years in Paris, France I love the great outdoors. Give me a tent, some food, a good book or two and a beautiful lake and I could stay for a week. I also love to ski, so without hesitation we began the plans to move to the high country of Colorado.
The one thing I did not anticipate were the long winters, nine months to be exact. We bought a house that sat at 11,600 feet and our commute to work was over a mountain pass with a lot of switch backs. The first winter proved to be interesting but I was up for the challenge. I had never driven in the snow before and all the locals convinced me that I should buy a car with 4-wheel drive and a manual transmission. I'd also never driven a stick before. Thankfully I mastered the stick before the snow started flying.
I have many, many stories of my adventures with the house at 11,600 and our commute over the mountain pass. I will only tell this one for now, hence the title to this blog.
It was April, Easter weekend to be exact. I had a bridal shower to go to and I had to travel over the mountain pass. It was a beautiful morning, unseasonably warm (about 50 degrees) for a high country April morning. I decided to dress up for this bridal shower. I had a skirt that I hadn't worn yet so I was quite excited to get all dolled up and feel like a girl. I dressed, drove over the pass and had a fabulous time at the bridal shower. When it was time to leave, I walked outside to find 3 feet of heavy, wet spring snow lying on the ground. In the 3 hours of the bridal shower it had snowed 3 feet! I could barely walk to my car because of my cute, no traction shoes that I was wearing. I found my snow boots in my car and promptly changed my shoes, then proceeded to brush off my whole car.
I had to go to the grocery store as well. It was Easter weekend and we were having friends and neighbors over the next day. I drove to the grocery store and while I was shopping I overheard an employee apologizing that he was late for work. He said that the pass was a mess, there were cars spinning out and in ditches everywhere. I walked up to him and told him I had to drive home over the pass, did he think I was going to make it. He said yes as long as I had 4-wheel drive and drove slowly.
I finished my grocery shopping, walked out to my car and had to brush off about another foot of wet, heavy spring snow and began my journey home. I was in a long line of cars that were behind a snow plow, slowly ascending the pass. As we were approaching the summit the line of cars stopped for a brief moment when the traffic started moving again the car in front of me started spinning tires. It was a 4-wheel drive vehicle that was not engaged in 4-wheel drive! Idiots! and yes their tags were from out of state. They started sliding backwards, there was a cliff right next to me so I had to think quickly. I maneuvered around them barely missing on coming traffic. Thankfully, they found the momentum to move forward. I reached the summit and began to descend, again very slowly and behind a long line of cars. As I was descending it must have snowed at least another foot and all the new snow that accumulated on the roof of my car slid onto my windshield. I couldn't see! I couldn't tell where I could even pull over to get the snow off of my car! So, I rolled down my window and stuck my head out to see the car in front of me. I finally made it to the bottom of the pass and pulled over. I got out to clean off my windshield in approximately 4-5 feet of snow. Do you have any idea how cold snow is when you are wearing a skirt?! I was cursing the whole time I was cleaning off the windshield. Thankfully I made it home, unloaded the groceries and poured my self a glass of wine vowing that I would never wear a skirt again.
When we first married we decided to move to Colorado. I'd never been so we decided to take a vacation there for me to see it. I was hooked immediatly! Although I spent all my teen years in Paris, France I love the great outdoors. Give me a tent, some food, a good book or two and a beautiful lake and I could stay for a week. I also love to ski, so without hesitation we began the plans to move to the high country of Colorado.
The one thing I did not anticipate were the long winters, nine months to be exact. We bought a house that sat at 11,600 feet and our commute to work was over a mountain pass with a lot of switch backs. The first winter proved to be interesting but I was up for the challenge. I had never driven in the snow before and all the locals convinced me that I should buy a car with 4-wheel drive and a manual transmission. I'd also never driven a stick before. Thankfully I mastered the stick before the snow started flying.
I have many, many stories of my adventures with the house at 11,600 and our commute over the mountain pass. I will only tell this one for now, hence the title to this blog.
It was April, Easter weekend to be exact. I had a bridal shower to go to and I had to travel over the mountain pass. It was a beautiful morning, unseasonably warm (about 50 degrees) for a high country April morning. I decided to dress up for this bridal shower. I had a skirt that I hadn't worn yet so I was quite excited to get all dolled up and feel like a girl. I dressed, drove over the pass and had a fabulous time at the bridal shower. When it was time to leave, I walked outside to find 3 feet of heavy, wet spring snow lying on the ground. In the 3 hours of the bridal shower it had snowed 3 feet! I could barely walk to my car because of my cute, no traction shoes that I was wearing. I found my snow boots in my car and promptly changed my shoes, then proceeded to brush off my whole car.
I had to go to the grocery store as well. It was Easter weekend and we were having friends and neighbors over the next day. I drove to the grocery store and while I was shopping I overheard an employee apologizing that he was late for work. He said that the pass was a mess, there were cars spinning out and in ditches everywhere. I walked up to him and told him I had to drive home over the pass, did he think I was going to make it. He said yes as long as I had 4-wheel drive and drove slowly.
I finished my grocery shopping, walked out to my car and had to brush off about another foot of wet, heavy spring snow and began my journey home. I was in a long line of cars that were behind a snow plow, slowly ascending the pass. As we were approaching the summit the line of cars stopped for a brief moment when the traffic started moving again the car in front of me started spinning tires. It was a 4-wheel drive vehicle that was not engaged in 4-wheel drive! Idiots! and yes their tags were from out of state. They started sliding backwards, there was a cliff right next to me so I had to think quickly. I maneuvered around them barely missing on coming traffic. Thankfully, they found the momentum to move forward. I reached the summit and began to descend, again very slowly and behind a long line of cars. As I was descending it must have snowed at least another foot and all the new snow that accumulated on the roof of my car slid onto my windshield. I couldn't see! I couldn't tell where I could even pull over to get the snow off of my car! So, I rolled down my window and stuck my head out to see the car in front of me. I finally made it to the bottom of the pass and pulled over. I got out to clean off my windshield in approximately 4-5 feet of snow. Do you have any idea how cold snow is when you are wearing a skirt?! I was cursing the whole time I was cleaning off the windshield. Thankfully I made it home, unloaded the groceries and poured my self a glass of wine vowing that I would never wear a skirt again.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentine's Day
I guess I'm feeling a little guilty (although I'm still gritting my teeth) about my last entry. It is Valentine's Day, so here are a few quotes:
Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.
Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown in "Peanuts"US cartoonist (1922 - 2000)
There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.
Friedrich Nietzsche, "On Reading and Writing"German philosopher (1844 - 1900)
The best proof of love is trust."
-Joyce Brothers
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!
Smooch, smooch.
Nothing takes the taste out of peanut butter quite like unrequited love.
Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown in "Peanuts"US cartoonist (1922 - 2000)
There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.
Friedrich Nietzsche, "On Reading and Writing"German philosopher (1844 - 1900)
The best proof of love is trust."
-Joyce Brothers
Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!
Smooch, smooch.
Mr. Mom
Hubby was laid off from his job at the end of last year. As devastating as it felt then things are much better now. He will be going back to work in a couple of weeks and we are also contemplating a move as well.
How has Hubby been doing these past several weeks? Well, it been kind of interesting for me. He goes to the grocery store, cleans the house and has dinner prepared. I know, I know, you think I'm spoiled, right? Well, think again.
When we decided to cohabit many years ago we set a ground rule. I won't touch your laundry if you don't touch mine. This was after a cashmere sweater of mine ended up on the regular cycle in hot water then the dryer. I'm not even sure my Barbie doll from my youth would have been able to wear it. I decided to do laundry one day and put his t-shirts in the dryer. Although the t-shirts were not ruined he preferred that they be hung dry. So fair enough I do my laundry and you do yours.
As the years have gone by the rule is still in effect but I have the chore of all the household laundry and Marley's as well. No big deal, I'd rather do it then have the cashmere sweater incident again. All has gone well until yesterday. Hubby decided that he would "help" with the household laundry. The fabric shower curtain in the guest bathroom had not been cleaned in awhile (although it did not need it). So in all of his "helpfulness", he forgot to read the tag that said DRY CLEAN ONLY. This mangled, obviously shrunk mess is hanging in the guest bathroom until I have the time to purchase another.
Let's see what else has happened. Oh yes, my beautiful, one of a kind coffee mug ended up in 60 pieces as well. I don't collect knick nacks, stamps, coins, etc but the one thing I do collect is pottery because it's beautiful artwork that is functional. I found this coffee mug in Breckenridge Colorado made by a local artist. It truly was a one of a kind. It has been on the top of my most prized possession list for 6 years. There have been a few other things as well, such as going waaayyy over budget on the grocery bill. At this rate we may as well eat out every night. But things are fine..... (as I grit my teeth).
Oh well, at least the house is vacuumed every day......(I really hope he goes back to work sooner than 2 weeks).
How has Hubby been doing these past several weeks? Well, it been kind of interesting for me. He goes to the grocery store, cleans the house and has dinner prepared. I know, I know, you think I'm spoiled, right? Well, think again.
When we decided to cohabit many years ago we set a ground rule. I won't touch your laundry if you don't touch mine. This was after a cashmere sweater of mine ended up on the regular cycle in hot water then the dryer. I'm not even sure my Barbie doll from my youth would have been able to wear it. I decided to do laundry one day and put his t-shirts in the dryer. Although the t-shirts were not ruined he preferred that they be hung dry. So fair enough I do my laundry and you do yours.
As the years have gone by the rule is still in effect but I have the chore of all the household laundry and Marley's as well. No big deal, I'd rather do it then have the cashmere sweater incident again. All has gone well until yesterday. Hubby decided that he would "help" with the household laundry. The fabric shower curtain in the guest bathroom had not been cleaned in awhile (although it did not need it). So in all of his "helpfulness", he forgot to read the tag that said DRY CLEAN ONLY. This mangled, obviously shrunk mess is hanging in the guest bathroom until I have the time to purchase another.
Let's see what else has happened. Oh yes, my beautiful, one of a kind coffee mug ended up in 60 pieces as well. I don't collect knick nacks, stamps, coins, etc but the one thing I do collect is pottery because it's beautiful artwork that is functional. I found this coffee mug in Breckenridge Colorado made by a local artist. It truly was a one of a kind. It has been on the top of my most prized possession list for 6 years. There have been a few other things as well, such as going waaayyy over budget on the grocery bill. At this rate we may as well eat out every night. But things are fine..... (as I grit my teeth).
Oh well, at least the house is vacuumed every day......(I really hope he goes back to work sooner than 2 weeks).
Monday, February 12, 2007
As a full blooded Democrat I just simply could not resist!
E-mail from my brother
1) (On an infant's shirt): Already smarter than Bush.
2) 1/20/09: End of an Error
3) That's OK, I Wasn't Using My Civil Liberties Anyway
4) Let's Fix Democracy in This Country First
5) If You Want a Nation Ruled By Religion, Move to Iran
6) Bush. Like a Rock. Only Dumber.
7) You Can't Be Pro-War And Pro-Life At The Same Time
8) If You Can Read This, You're Not Our President
9) Of Course It Hurts: You're Getting Screwed by an Elephant
10) Hey, Bush Supporters: Embarrassed Yet?
11) George Bush: Creating the Terrorists Our Kids Will Have to Fight
12) Impeachment: It's Not Just for Blowjobs Anymore
14) America : One Nation, Under Surveillance
15) They Call Him "W" So He Can Spell It
16) Which God Do You Kill For?
17) Cheney/Satan '08
18) Jail to the Chief
19) Who Would Jesus Torture?
20) No, Seriously, Why Did We Invade
21) Bush: God's Way of Proving Intelligent Design is Full Of Crap
22) Bad president! No Banana.
23) We Need a President Who's Fluent In At Least One Language
24) We're Making Enemies Faster Than We Can Kill Them
26) Rich Man's War, Poor Man's Blood
27) Is It Vietnam Yet?
28) Bush Doesn't Care About White People, Either
29) Where Are We Going? And Why Are We In This Handbasket?
30) You Elected Him. You Deserve Him.
32) Impeach Cheney First
34) When Bush Took Office, Gas Was $1.46
35) The Republican Party: Our Bridge to the 11th Century
1) (On an infant's shirt): Already smarter than Bush.
2) 1/20/09: End of an Error
3) That's OK, I Wasn't Using My Civil Liberties Anyway
4) Let's Fix Democracy in This Country First
5) If You Want a Nation Ruled By Religion, Move to Iran
6) Bush. Like a Rock. Only Dumber.
7) You Can't Be Pro-War And Pro-Life At The Same Time
8) If You Can Read This, You're Not Our President
9) Of Course It Hurts: You're Getting Screwed by an Elephant
10) Hey, Bush Supporters: Embarrassed Yet?
11) George Bush: Creating the Terrorists Our Kids Will Have to Fight
12) Impeachment: It's Not Just for Blowjobs Anymore
14) America : One Nation, Under Surveillance
15) They Call Him "W" So He Can Spell It
16) Which God Do You Kill For?
17) Cheney/Satan '08
18) Jail to the Chief
19) Who Would Jesus Torture?
20) No, Seriously, Why Did We Invade
21) Bush: God's Way of Proving Intelligent Design is Full Of Crap
22) Bad president! No Banana.
23) We Need a President Who's Fluent In At Least One Language
24) We're Making Enemies Faster Than We Can Kill Them
26) Rich Man's War, Poor Man's Blood
27) Is It Vietnam Yet?
28) Bush Doesn't Care About White People, Either
29) Where Are We Going? And Why Are We In This Handbasket?
30) You Elected Him. You Deserve Him.
32) Impeach Cheney First
34) When Bush Took Office, Gas Was $1.46
35) The Republican Party: Our Bridge to the 11th Century
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Just call me Goober Chicken Dippin-Dippin Tush
Huh?! You ask. Well this is why. Don't laugh at me until you've done your own.
MY NEW NAME IS IN THE SUBJECT.....DON'T LAUGH UNTIL YOU FIND OUT WHAT YOUR NEW NAME IS!!!
We all need a little stress-reliever! This only takes a minute. Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. Here is your dose of humour...Follow the instructions to find your new name. And don't go all adult - a senior manager is now known far and wide as Dorky Gizzardsniffer!The following is excerpted from a children's book, Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants, by Dave Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names...
So:-1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your New first name:
a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy
2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:
a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle
3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice
Thus, for example, George W. Bush's new name is: Fluffy Chucklefanny.And remember that children laugh an average of 146 times a day; adults Laugh an average of 4 times a day. Put more laughter in your life.
MY NEW NAME IS IN THE SUBJECT.....DON'T LAUGH UNTIL YOU FIND OUT WHAT YOUR NEW NAME IS!!!
We all need a little stress-reliever! This only takes a minute. Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. Here is your dose of humour...Follow the instructions to find your new name. And don't go all adult - a senior manager is now known far and wide as Dorky Gizzardsniffer!The following is excerpted from a children's book, Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants, by Dave Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names...
So:-1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your New first name:
a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy
2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:
a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle
3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice
Thus, for example, George W. Bush's new name is: Fluffy Chucklefanny.And remember that children laugh an average of 146 times a day; adults Laugh an average of 4 times a day. Put more laughter in your life.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Southernisms
Baptist Church-Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina:
"Soul Food served here"
Funeral home Nags Head, North Carolina:
"We want to URN your business"
clever ain't it
"Soul Food served here"
Funeral home Nags Head, North Carolina:
"We want to URN your business"
clever ain't it
Friday, January 19, 2007
Marley update
Wow! It's been a month since my last entry! Bad me.
Marley is turning 16 months on Sunday. I can't believe how time is flying. She is losing her babyesqueness (can I play that word in Scrabble?)rapidly. It's bitter sweet.
Hubby is in Virginia clearing out our storage unit this week (so glad it's him and not me) so it's just been my Bug and me. Our routine in the evening is bath, pj's, snuggle on the couch with a sippy cup of milk, clean up the toys, book and bed. On Wednesday night, after the sippy cup of milk, I was throwing her toys into one of the baskets. I noticed Marley was at the other basket, my first thought was she is emptying the contents. Boy did I not give my Bug the benefit of the doubt. She was putting her toys into the basket! After she finished she went over to her Legos Princess Carriage and began putting all the Legos pieces back in. When all the pieces were in the carriage she rolled it under the coffee table, gave me a look that said "Ok Mom, it's time for bed".
Marley is turning 16 months on Sunday. I can't believe how time is flying. She is losing her babyesqueness (can I play that word in Scrabble?)rapidly. It's bitter sweet.
Hubby is in Virginia clearing out our storage unit this week (so glad it's him and not me) so it's just been my Bug and me. Our routine in the evening is bath, pj's, snuggle on the couch with a sippy cup of milk, clean up the toys, book and bed. On Wednesday night, after the sippy cup of milk, I was throwing her toys into one of the baskets. I noticed Marley was at the other basket, my first thought was she is emptying the contents. Boy did I not give my Bug the benefit of the doubt. She was putting her toys into the basket! After she finished she went over to her Legos Princess Carriage and began putting all the Legos pieces back in. When all the pieces were in the carriage she rolled it under the coffee table, gave me a look that said "Ok Mom, it's time for bed".
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