A Baptist Church somewhere in North Carolina:
"Don't Give Up! Moses was once a Basket Case"
And my favorite Baptist Church that I pass everyday:
"May I suggest a good book for your summer reading?"
~ God
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend
This forgotten Blog. Life has been crazy there is just too much going on! The one thing about living at the beach is visitors. My Mother came down the weekend before Mother's Day, my Mother-in-law was here the weekend after Mother's Day and my sister is visiting again, this time for 10 days. My brother-in-law is coming with his wife next weekend. So if anybody else would like to make reservations at Casa Marley it must be done soon, July 31 is our last day in the house and the month of July will be spent packing/organizing/pulling our hair out, etc. Although we will still be living at the beach, just a different one, so reservations can be made at the "new" beach beginning August 15th.
What a whirlwind of a weekend! Friday I secured a job, a place to live and saw a new "Words of Wisdom" it's the best yet and will be posted before the weeks end. Saturday, Marley and I went to the beach. The weather was gorgeous and hot but I could not convince her to get her feet wet. I can't really blame her, the water is freezing!
Marley is entering a hording phase. She must sleep with as many stuffed animals and toys that can fit in her crib, still allowing room for her to lay down. At the beach she MUST carry, her sand shovel, various toys, a sippy cup and pick up every single seashell (broken or not). Oh and Mom can not help her carry a single item, she must do this herself. Inevitably she dropped most of the items along the way, even the sippy cup that landed in the ocean and was rescued by a brave swimmer. I was allowed to carry the sippy cup after that incident.
Sunday morning was spent cooking various meals for Marley, in an attempt to get veggies inside of her. Among the hording phase, she has also decided that nothing suits her palette unless it is cheese, bananas or peanut butter. Thankfully, she did not turn up her nose to the broccoli, chicken, cheddar nuggets I made.
Sunday evening Marley went to a babysitter for the first time. The babysitter was one of the teachers at her daycare, someone Marley knew, but it was still a little traumatizing for Mom and Dad. For four hours I got to be the old me. It felt great, the trauma of dropping her off at a babysitter wore off very quickly! We had tickets to see Government Mule play in an outdoor setting. It was wonderful, it was fabulous and the weather could not have been more perfect. I picked Marley up from the babysitter at 9 p.m. and she slept until 8:30 the next morning. I could not have asked for a better scenario than that.
Monday was yet another gorgeous day so Marley and I had to go to the beach again. This time Mom remembered to bring a bucket for all the seashells, toys and sand shovel. Marley was yet again apprehensive about the waves. I still could not blame her too much the water was freezing. I did decide that she needed to get her feet wet (literally, ha ha). I started kicking, skipping and splashing in the water, Marley enjoyed watching me but she insisted on staying in the dry sand...until we found a tidal pool. That was it Marley found heaven. She jumped, skipped, splashed and then found the courage to try out the waves. The rest of the time at the beach was spent chasing Marley who was literally trying to drown herself. No more resting quietly on the beach for Mom. Maybe it wasn't such a great idea to show her how much fun the waves can be after all.
Being a relatively new Mom, I see the world very differently than I did before. There is a sense of pride and sheer happiness when your child is bringing joy to strangers who are merely observing your child exploring and at play. What surprised me the two times at the beach this past weekend was the fact that it was not the "Grandmother" types that were cooing over her, it was late teens/early twenties boys! There was one in particular that was playing in the surf on his skim board that stopped to watch Marley. He had a silly grin on his face and I thought to myself what a great Dad this guy is going to make someday.
Happy belated Memorial Day weekend!
What a whirlwind of a weekend! Friday I secured a job, a place to live and saw a new "Words of Wisdom" it's the best yet and will be posted before the weeks end. Saturday, Marley and I went to the beach. The weather was gorgeous and hot but I could not convince her to get her feet wet. I can't really blame her, the water is freezing!
Marley is entering a hording phase. She must sleep with as many stuffed animals and toys that can fit in her crib, still allowing room for her to lay down. At the beach she MUST carry, her sand shovel, various toys, a sippy cup and pick up every single seashell (broken or not). Oh and Mom can not help her carry a single item, she must do this herself. Inevitably she dropped most of the items along the way, even the sippy cup that landed in the ocean and was rescued by a brave swimmer. I was allowed to carry the sippy cup after that incident.
Sunday morning was spent cooking various meals for Marley, in an attempt to get veggies inside of her. Among the hording phase, she has also decided that nothing suits her palette unless it is cheese, bananas or peanut butter. Thankfully, she did not turn up her nose to the broccoli, chicken, cheddar nuggets I made.
Sunday evening Marley went to a babysitter for the first time. The babysitter was one of the teachers at her daycare, someone Marley knew, but it was still a little traumatizing for Mom and Dad. For four hours I got to be the old me. It felt great, the trauma of dropping her off at a babysitter wore off very quickly! We had tickets to see Government Mule play in an outdoor setting. It was wonderful, it was fabulous and the weather could not have been more perfect. I picked Marley up from the babysitter at 9 p.m. and she slept until 8:30 the next morning. I could not have asked for a better scenario than that.
Monday was yet another gorgeous day so Marley and I had to go to the beach again. This time Mom remembered to bring a bucket for all the seashells, toys and sand shovel. Marley was yet again apprehensive about the waves. I still could not blame her too much the water was freezing. I did decide that she needed to get her feet wet (literally, ha ha). I started kicking, skipping and splashing in the water, Marley enjoyed watching me but she insisted on staying in the dry sand...until we found a tidal pool. That was it Marley found heaven. She jumped, skipped, splashed and then found the courage to try out the waves. The rest of the time at the beach was spent chasing Marley who was literally trying to drown herself. No more resting quietly on the beach for Mom. Maybe it wasn't such a great idea to show her how much fun the waves can be after all.
Being a relatively new Mom, I see the world very differently than I did before. There is a sense of pride and sheer happiness when your child is bringing joy to strangers who are merely observing your child exploring and at play. What surprised me the two times at the beach this past weekend was the fact that it was not the "Grandmother" types that were cooing over her, it was late teens/early twenties boys! There was one in particular that was playing in the surf on his skim board that stopped to watch Marley. He had a silly grin on his face and I thought to myself what a great Dad this guy is going to make someday.
Happy belated Memorial Day weekend!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The end of another era
If Mississippi wore her New Jersey what would Delaware?
My Grandmother would always repeat that when I was a child.
My Grandmother passed away yesterday morning, she was 96. She led such a beautiful life and I am going to miss her so much. She was such an inspiration to me and such an influence in my life. I am so lucky to have had her as my Grandmother.
I have no doubt that I will be blogging about her a lot in the weeks to come. She was truly an amazing woman.
My Grandmother would always repeat that when I was a child.
My Grandmother passed away yesterday morning, she was 96. She led such a beautiful life and I am going to miss her so much. She was such an inspiration to me and such an influence in my life. I am so lucky to have had her as my Grandmother.
I have no doubt that I will be blogging about her a lot in the weeks to come. She was truly an amazing woman.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
A Celebration of Life
My Mother has a farm in a valley nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This valley has remarkably been left untouched by the urban sprawl that surrounds it. I have fond memories of this valley, it's always been home, a place we would return to after all of our overseas travels.
I spent a portion of my childhood there. It's where I learned how to ride horses, my bike, play tennis and build forts in the woods. It's a mystical place where the aromas of spring envelop each hill, where the haze of summer give the mountains a mystical feel, the bold colors of fall feel as though you have entered a painting and the snow of winter blankets the mountains with a soft and quiet touch.
There have been a lot neighbors that have come and gone through the years but there have been a few that have made the valley their permanent home and a comforting and familiar place for me to return. As you enter the valley there is a little red house on the right where Ol' Mr. Dawson lives. You would see him every day working in his garden or simply sitting on his porch, his cane by his side. Mr. Dawson passed away several years ago and was replaced by his son who is now older in years and just like his Father works in his garden every summer and is seen sitting in his porch with his cane. As you make your way down the windy country road you will find a cemetary with headstones of the people that have given this valley it's history. Oh the stories I wish they could tell! Keep going and about a mile later you will come to my Mom's farm a gorgeous place that I wish everyone could visit. Further down you will come to a "T" interesection where three sisters live. Their family has lived in this house for many generations and are very dear to my heart. These are just a few that make this valley rich with wonderful memories and give it the uniqueness and charm that simply does not exist elsewhere.
Across the road from my Mother's, there is another farm where the family has lived for two generations now. It's a farm, fully equipped with grapevines, a pond and a tennis court and where I learned to play tennis. I have fond memories of Heirloom. Which brings me to the story of Charlie.
Charlie is a fabulous musician. An eccentric man who is a truly gifted artist. He has such a love for life, his music, truly loves the people that have come in and out of his life over the years. I feel truly lucky to have had him as my neighbor as a child and a friend now that I am an adult.
I saw Charlie last August. I was visiting my Mother and decided I needed a Charlie fix. Charlie and I had a good chat and as usual the time flew. When I was getting ready to leave he handed me a couple of cd's of his music. I have thoroughly enjoyed and treasure these cds.
I'm sad to say that Charlie passed away last Thursday which leaves my heart heavy today. I never e-mailed him to tell him how much I enjoy his music. Truly my loss.
Today is his 53rd birthday. Happy birthday Charlie and to your twin brother Jim. To everyone who was more fortunate than I to be an everyday companion to Charlie, I'd like to say my thoughts and prayers are nowhere else but with you today.
Here's one of Charlie's songs for you to enjoy
I spent a portion of my childhood there. It's where I learned how to ride horses, my bike, play tennis and build forts in the woods. It's a mystical place where the aromas of spring envelop each hill, where the haze of summer give the mountains a mystical feel, the bold colors of fall feel as though you have entered a painting and the snow of winter blankets the mountains with a soft and quiet touch.
There have been a lot neighbors that have come and gone through the years but there have been a few that have made the valley their permanent home and a comforting and familiar place for me to return. As you enter the valley there is a little red house on the right where Ol' Mr. Dawson lives. You would see him every day working in his garden or simply sitting on his porch, his cane by his side. Mr. Dawson passed away several years ago and was replaced by his son who is now older in years and just like his Father works in his garden every summer and is seen sitting in his porch with his cane. As you make your way down the windy country road you will find a cemetary with headstones of the people that have given this valley it's history. Oh the stories I wish they could tell! Keep going and about a mile later you will come to my Mom's farm a gorgeous place that I wish everyone could visit. Further down you will come to a "T" interesection where three sisters live. Their family has lived in this house for many generations and are very dear to my heart. These are just a few that make this valley rich with wonderful memories and give it the uniqueness and charm that simply does not exist elsewhere.
Across the road from my Mother's, there is another farm where the family has lived for two generations now. It's a farm, fully equipped with grapevines, a pond and a tennis court and where I learned to play tennis. I have fond memories of Heirloom. Which brings me to the story of Charlie.
Charlie is a fabulous musician. An eccentric man who is a truly gifted artist. He has such a love for life, his music, truly loves the people that have come in and out of his life over the years. I feel truly lucky to have had him as my neighbor as a child and a friend now that I am an adult.
I saw Charlie last August. I was visiting my Mother and decided I needed a Charlie fix. Charlie and I had a good chat and as usual the time flew. When I was getting ready to leave he handed me a couple of cd's of his music. I have thoroughly enjoyed and treasure these cds.
I'm sad to say that Charlie passed away last Thursday which leaves my heart heavy today. I never e-mailed him to tell him how much I enjoy his music. Truly my loss.
Today is his 53rd birthday. Happy birthday Charlie and to your twin brother Jim. To everyone who was more fortunate than I to be an everyday companion to Charlie, I'd like to say my thoughts and prayers are nowhere else but with you today.
Here's one of Charlie's songs for you to enjoy
I'll SeeYou Again
So many years are passing right before my eyes
So many roads I might have taken
But the rides been a good one living it day to day
Of all the good things
I'm glad you came my way
*************
Chorus
I trusted you and
you never let me down and
it's lovely
you turned my life around
I'll see you again
I know where I'm going and
I know where I've been
Today or tomorrow
Good times and sorrow
I'll see you again
**********
A river rushes through the canyon
slows into the wild
Almost still it seems so peaceful
But the power in the journey
Makes it deeper atthe end
Never thought I'd make it
I'm glad you've been my friend
Chorus
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Words of Wisdom
This is the same Baptist Church that I pass everyday taking Marley to daycare. They haven't had anything funny lately, I've been a little disappointed because I truly enjoy the giggles. So here you go....
"Don't make me come down there" ~ God
"Don't make me come down there" ~ God
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Marley the next Houdini or a Circus Clown
Marley is quit a toddler these days. I read that children really reach the "terrible twos" at 18 months and so far I see what they mean. Lucky for me she has not had too many tantrums but she is a strong willed child. Life has become interesting between discipline and trying to supress the urge to burst out laughing.
Stunt #1: The dryer. Our laundry room is around the corner from the kitchen. Our dryer is a front loader. I was doing the dishes and saw Marley go into the laundry room. I had the Motherly instinct saying she's up to something... so I peeked around the corner and what did I see? Nothing, absolutely nothing and that nothing included Marley. It took me a moment when I realized she was in the dryer, with the door shut. When I opened the door to get her out she squealed with delight that I had found her.
Stunt#2: We have a tall end table between the sofa and the wall. I was in the kitchen again, this time trying to make her dinner. I looked over and she had climbed onto the table, was standing on it and did a belly flop onto the sofa. Again, she squealed with delight and started climbing back onto the side table. Again another big no, no. I went over to grab her off the table and right before I could get her she tried her belly flop again, this time she missed. Half of her hit the sofa and the other half rolled onto the floor. I panicked a little and picked her up. She was fine, in fact she was laughing and wanted to do it again.
This child is giving me gray hairs.....
Stunt #1: The dryer. Our laundry room is around the corner from the kitchen. Our dryer is a front loader. I was doing the dishes and saw Marley go into the laundry room. I had the Motherly instinct saying she's up to something... so I peeked around the corner and what did I see? Nothing, absolutely nothing and that nothing included Marley. It took me a moment when I realized she was in the dryer, with the door shut. When I opened the door to get her out she squealed with delight that I had found her.
Stunt#2: We have a tall end table between the sofa and the wall. I was in the kitchen again, this time trying to make her dinner. I looked over and she had climbed onto the table, was standing on it and did a belly flop onto the sofa. Again, she squealed with delight and started climbing back onto the side table. Again another big no, no. I went over to grab her off the table and right before I could get her she tried her belly flop again, this time she missed. Half of her hit the sofa and the other half rolled onto the floor. I panicked a little and picked her up. She was fine, in fact she was laughing and wanted to do it again.
This child is giving me gray hairs.....
Friday, April 27, 2007
Spring/Summer Fashions
Spring time can be a little tricky. I'm never sure what to wear. One day it's rainy and in the 50's the next it's sunny, humid and in the 80's. My closet is a mess! I have t-shirts mixed in with my cashmere.
I'm realizing that I need to go shopping. I literally do not have any clothes to wear to work! Last summer I did not work, I was home with Marley. My wardrobe consisted of shorts and t-shirts. The summer before that I was pregnant, my wardrobe consisted of maternity clothes. Which brings me to this years fashions. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that this years trend may make the maternity stores go out of business?
Here's a preview appropriately labeled:
I'm realizing that I need to go shopping. I literally do not have any clothes to wear to work! Last summer I did not work, I was home with Marley. My wardrobe consisted of shorts and t-shirts. The summer before that I was pregnant, my wardrobe consisted of maternity clothes. Which brings me to this years fashions. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that this years trend may make the maternity stores go out of business?
Here's a preview appropriately labeled:
First Trimester
Second Trimester
Third trimester
Second Trimester
Third trimester
Seriously though, I could be saving a lot of money on clothes if these were the "in-style" two summers ago!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Welcome spring time and the stomach flu!
It's spring here and the weather is simply gorgeous! I have been itching to take off my shoes and walk the beach, feeling the warm sand in between my toes. I had this weekend packed full of fun outdoor activities with Marley, then she got sick.
I need to back track a little. For the last couple of weeks Marley has been defiant about going to bed. Naps on the weekends have been lasting a total of 20 minutes before she would start screaming again. I looked through all my parenting books, checked babycenter.com and even logged into Yahoo Answers to find out what to do. I tried staying with her until she fell asleep but each time she would wake up and find me not there, the whole thing would start over. I tried the crying out method, checking on her every ten minutes. It would take two hours for her to finally settle down. I even broke down and let her fall asleep on the couch while hubby and I went on with our evening. Friday night, I decided we needed to be consistant and I opted for the crying out method. Well, in the midst of the ten minute intervals Marley had thrown up all over her crib, on the carpet and the walls of her room. Boy did I feel GUILTY. When I went in to check on her she was at the opposite end of her crib, screaming. She saw me, then pointed at the vomit and said "oops". That was it, I looked at hubby and said "the crying out method is no longer an option, I'm back at square one". After we gave Marley a bath, cleaned her room, I put her back in her crib and left the door to her room open and she was out in five minutes. Granted she was exhausted but I finally realized that she simply did not want the door to her room closed, she didn't want to feel secluded. Nap time and bed time have been a joy since. I've been slapping my forhead for the last few days saying "duh" to myself. How flippin' simple!
The Friday night episode turned out to be a horrible stomach flu that lasted five days. Poor Marley couldn't keep anything down on Saturday except for Pedialyte. Sunday she would not drink anything and slept all day. This worried me, so we went to the ER. Thankfully her CO2 levels were good but they gave her fluids anyway. It turned out, not surpising of course, she caught this nasty bug at daycare. It wiped out most of the kids at daycare as well as the owner. As the note on the front door said "...thankfully, we are at the tail end of the stomach flu and look at the bright side, at least the kids are sharing". I'm only now starting to see the humor in that statement.
Being home with Marley for five days straight gave me some time to do one of my favorite "time wasters", surfing the internet. I came across a wonderful blog called "A Reluctant Mother". She is a stay at home Mom with two strong willed girls. I am really enjoying the reading. She has fabulous tips, she doesn't sugar coat the trials of being a stay at home Mom either and I find myself bursting with laughter at some of the stories. I had to link her blog to mine.
Happy Thursday!
I need to back track a little. For the last couple of weeks Marley has been defiant about going to bed. Naps on the weekends have been lasting a total of 20 minutes before she would start screaming again. I looked through all my parenting books, checked babycenter.com and even logged into Yahoo Answers to find out what to do. I tried staying with her until she fell asleep but each time she would wake up and find me not there, the whole thing would start over. I tried the crying out method, checking on her every ten minutes. It would take two hours for her to finally settle down. I even broke down and let her fall asleep on the couch while hubby and I went on with our evening. Friday night, I decided we needed to be consistant and I opted for the crying out method. Well, in the midst of the ten minute intervals Marley had thrown up all over her crib, on the carpet and the walls of her room. Boy did I feel GUILTY. When I went in to check on her she was at the opposite end of her crib, screaming. She saw me, then pointed at the vomit and said "oops". That was it, I looked at hubby and said "the crying out method is no longer an option, I'm back at square one". After we gave Marley a bath, cleaned her room, I put her back in her crib and left the door to her room open and she was out in five minutes. Granted she was exhausted but I finally realized that she simply did not want the door to her room closed, she didn't want to feel secluded. Nap time and bed time have been a joy since. I've been slapping my forhead for the last few days saying "duh" to myself. How flippin' simple!
The Friday night episode turned out to be a horrible stomach flu that lasted five days. Poor Marley couldn't keep anything down on Saturday except for Pedialyte. Sunday she would not drink anything and slept all day. This worried me, so we went to the ER. Thankfully her CO2 levels were good but they gave her fluids anyway. It turned out, not surpising of course, she caught this nasty bug at daycare. It wiped out most of the kids at daycare as well as the owner. As the note on the front door said "...thankfully, we are at the tail end of the stomach flu and look at the bright side, at least the kids are sharing". I'm only now starting to see the humor in that statement.
Being home with Marley for five days straight gave me some time to do one of my favorite "time wasters", surfing the internet. I came across a wonderful blog called "A Reluctant Mother". She is a stay at home Mom with two strong willed girls. I am really enjoying the reading. She has fabulous tips, she doesn't sugar coat the trials of being a stay at home Mom either and I find myself bursting with laughter at some of the stories. I had to link her blog to mine.
Happy Thursday!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
I must write about Tech
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.
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.
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".
********************************************************
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
********************************************************
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.
********************************************
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)