When Molly joined our family five years ago, she and I instantly bonded. We have a few theories on why: 1) she was abused by a man, 2) I was the one who actually brought her home from the rescue, 3) I'm the only other girl in the house, and 4) I don't laugh at fart jokes.
Whichever the reason, when I'm at home Molly can usually be found attached to my right hip. Yes, she follows me from room to room. She even waits outside the water closet for me. But that's only because it's the only room in the house she can't fit in.
Lately, Molly's self confidence has been on the rise and she's been sleeping on her Kuranda bed in the family room rather than on the cushion in our room. But we still leave the bedroom door open in case she gets lonely.
Now when my Sweetie gets up at 5 am, Molly has decided this would be a good time to say good morning. While S is in the bathroom, Molly comes in, gives me a kiss and then curls up on her bed in our room. Little does S know that when he kisses me good-bye in the morning (while I'm still in bed half asleep) that Molly has already beaten him to it.
Maybe it's time I learn to sleep on my other side - not facing the edge of the bed.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Trouble With Bob
"Bob" is a generic name we use in our house for any Tom, Dick, or Harry. Bob is just easier to remember. But I can see how two stories back-to-back about irritating men named Bob would be confusing.
Btw, "Speedo Bob" was back at the Y tonight. Oh yes, he picked my lane to jump into. This time without even asking. He must now be under the impression that we're buddies. I was out of that pool like a shot!
I had planned on cutting my workout short because I was wheezing even though I used my inhaler. I just cut it shorter by a lap or two so I wouldn't have to see that Speedo again!
Btw, "Speedo Bob" was back at the Y tonight. Oh yes, he picked my lane to jump into. This time without even asking. He must now be under the impression that we're buddies. I was out of that pool like a shot!
I had planned on cutting my workout short because I was wheezing even though I used my inhaler. I just cut it shorter by a lap or two so I wouldn't have to see that Speedo again!
And So It Begins
I’m approaching 40 (aka getting old) and people are starting to notice.
Last night was Girls’ Night Out. I went out for drinks, dinner & dessert with two friends who also happen to be co-workers. It was a wonderful evening until we walked out of the restaurant.
A group of people were “good-byeing” outside and we walked out into the mist of them. One of the men (let’s just call him Bob), had enjoyed a few too many libations. Bob noticed my fellow redhead, LHB, first…
BOB: Oh look! A redhead!
(Pines Lake RH walks out)
BOB: Oh look! Your mother!
LHB: More like sisters.
PLRH: (to Bob) Thank you for ruining my week!
BG, the 3rd member of our party: (to Bob) Good luck getting that foot out of your mouth!
Now, I will admit that there is a nine year age difference between LHB and I. But for the math to work out… Bob would have thought either that I was 54! Or that LHB was 16!
Last night was Girls’ Night Out. I went out for drinks, dinner & dessert with two friends who also happen to be co-workers. It was a wonderful evening until we walked out of the restaurant.
A group of people were “good-byeing” outside and we walked out into the mist of them. One of the men (let’s just call him Bob), had enjoyed a few too many libations. Bob noticed my fellow redhead, LHB, first…
BOB: Oh look! A redhead!
(Pines Lake RH walks out)
BOB: Oh look! Your mother!
LHB: More like sisters.
PLRH: (to Bob) Thank you for ruining my week!
BG, the 3rd member of our party: (to Bob) Good luck getting that foot out of your mouth!
Now, I will admit that there is a nine year age difference between LHB and I. But for the math to work out… Bob would have thought either that I was 54! Or that LHB was 16!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Speedo Brief
At the local YMCA we’re a little spoiled because there is a separate section of the pool for water aerobics, swim lessons, and little paddlers. So often the lap swimmers can each have their own lane. Until now…
The summer swim team season has started and the evening lap swimmers are squished into three lanes. The lap swimmers range in ability from the tri-athletes in training to the heavily overweight people who are smart enough not to damage their joints by hitting the treadmill. I fall somewhere in between.
Last night my timing was lucky and there was a big open lane waiting for me. About halfway through my workout, a very large man (let’s just call him Bob) asked if he could share my lane. Of course. He said he would swim on one side and I’d swim on the other (instead of doing a single loop). I had to chuckle because Bob had a mesh bag containing every possible piece of swimming equipment in the Speedo catalog.
Did I mention that Bob was a very large man? Standing on the pool deck in his shorts and t-shirt he looked about 300 pounds. I wasn’t quite sure how swimming side-by-side was going to work.
I continued with my workout. The first time Bob and I passed each other, my underwater view was a bit startling. Bob was wearing an authentic “Speedo” and with his body type there wasn’t much fabric visible.
Why did he pick my lane? Why couldn’t he have joined the ripped tri-athlete in the next lane? Or how about the woman who counts her laps by moving a penny from one pile on the deck to another pile?
I told myself that I was being unkind. It’s all the same chlorine. I should be glad for Bob for doing something healthy for himself. Those thoughts got me through the rest of my workout.
Luckily, each time Bob and I passed we were swimming towards each other. But then, our timing got off. Bob was swimming breaststroke and I swimming free. I happened to glance up as I swam up behind Bob. There are just some things that are not meant to be seen by human eyes! Ick! I quickly rolled onto my back and did backstroke the rest of the way.
I still can’t get the image out of my head…
I may need to do some visualization exercises… Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig, Jason Statham, repeat.
The summer swim team season has started and the evening lap swimmers are squished into three lanes. The lap swimmers range in ability from the tri-athletes in training to the heavily overweight people who are smart enough not to damage their joints by hitting the treadmill. I fall somewhere in between.
Last night my timing was lucky and there was a big open lane waiting for me. About halfway through my workout, a very large man (let’s just call him Bob) asked if he could share my lane. Of course. He said he would swim on one side and I’d swim on the other (instead of doing a single loop). I had to chuckle because Bob had a mesh bag containing every possible piece of swimming equipment in the Speedo catalog.
Did I mention that Bob was a very large man? Standing on the pool deck in his shorts and t-shirt he looked about 300 pounds. I wasn’t quite sure how swimming side-by-side was going to work.
I continued with my workout. The first time Bob and I passed each other, my underwater view was a bit startling. Bob was wearing an authentic “Speedo” and with his body type there wasn’t much fabric visible.
Why did he pick my lane? Why couldn’t he have joined the ripped tri-athlete in the next lane? Or how about the woman who counts her laps by moving a penny from one pile on the deck to another pile?
I told myself that I was being unkind. It’s all the same chlorine. I should be glad for Bob for doing something healthy for himself. Those thoughts got me through the rest of my workout.
Luckily, each time Bob and I passed we were swimming towards each other. But then, our timing got off. Bob was swimming breaststroke and I swimming free. I happened to glance up as I swam up behind Bob. There are just some things that are not meant to be seen by human eyes! Ick! I quickly rolled onto my back and did backstroke the rest of the way.
I still can’t get the image out of my head…
I may need to do some visualization exercises… Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig, Jason Statham, repeat.
(Images courtesy of Google Images)Rare Treat
My Sweetie just called and asked me out to lunch. Yeah! This is a rare treat because his job normally keeps him moving all over the map. But today he happens to be in town and we're meeting for lunch.
Who says Tuesday has to be ordinary?
Who says Tuesday has to be ordinary?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuttle Did It
Capt. Tuttle is the invisible person who moved into our house when the twins, Notme & Idano, moved out.
I'm sure there's someone similar living in your house...
Who drank all the milk? - Tuttle did it.
Who moved my book? - Tuttle did it.
Who took my USB cable? - Tuttle did it.
At least now I know who's been using all the toilet paper. Tuttle.
I'm hoping Tuttle can find a little bit of time in his busy schedule to fold the laundry and organize my sock drawer. Because the house elves haven't been doing a darn thing lately.
I'm sure there's someone similar living in your house...
Who drank all the milk? - Tuttle did it.
Who moved my book? - Tuttle did it.
Who took my USB cable? - Tuttle did it.
At least now I know who's been using all the toilet paper. Tuttle.
I'm hoping Tuttle can find a little bit of time in his busy schedule to fold the laundry and organize my sock drawer. Because the house elves haven't been doing a darn thing lately.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Swimming: Fitness, Therapy, or Insanity
Four weeks ago I started back to a regular swimming routine at the YMCA pool. I'm elated, perplexed, and frustrated all at the same time. Oh, yes, let's not forget sore.
I chose swimming for my rehabilitation because it's truly the only form of efficient physical activity I've ever done in my life. I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years. Swimming also has the added benefit of aiding in the control of my asthma. But more importantly, swimming is very low impact on the body's joints. Ever hear of a swimmer with a stress fracture in their tibia? Nope.
I'm elated because as soon at I hit the water, my body remembered what to do instinctively. My stroke still feels wonderful in the water. I can only do freestyle and backstroke. The spinal fusion doesn't allow the flexing for the butterfly or breaststroke kicks. But that's okay - free and back are my two favorites. Within a couple of days, I was loose enough to do flip turns. Yes, even with two rods in my back!
I'm perplexed because no matter how well my body remembers the mechanics of swimming I can't get it to go faster or farther. The years of inactivity, because the pain was too great, has taken it's toll. It will be a long road to get back to where I want to be... if that's even possible. Slowly, I am progressing. Four weeks ago I could only manage 400 yards. Today I did 900 yards. This week my goal is to hit 1,000.
I'm frustrated because after four weeks I still don't look like the Speedo swimwear models.
Just kidding.
I'm frustrated because with the increase in my activity my appetite has also increased. The bathroom scale doesn't seem to be moving in the correct direction. I think it's broken.
My Sweetie keeps insisting that I'm building muscle mass. What he doesn't seem to understand is that I don't want additional "mass" on my body. Of any kind. Period. He just needs to choose his words more carefully.
But he may have a point, because I've been craving protein like it's going out of style!
As for the insanity portion of my title... If you've ever known a competitive swimmer, you may have noticed that we're a little crazy. It might be from all the time we spend marinating in the chlorine. No matter how sore my triceps and lats get I can't wait until the next time I get in the pool. But now it means even more to me because I can remember all the time that I couldn't.
I chose swimming for my rehabilitation because it's truly the only form of efficient physical activity I've ever done in my life. I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years. Swimming also has the added benefit of aiding in the control of my asthma. But more importantly, swimming is very low impact on the body's joints. Ever hear of a swimmer with a stress fracture in their tibia? Nope.
I'm elated because as soon at I hit the water, my body remembered what to do instinctively. My stroke still feels wonderful in the water. I can only do freestyle and backstroke. The spinal fusion doesn't allow the flexing for the butterfly or breaststroke kicks. But that's okay - free and back are my two favorites. Within a couple of days, I was loose enough to do flip turns. Yes, even with two rods in my back!
I'm perplexed because no matter how well my body remembers the mechanics of swimming I can't get it to go faster or farther. The years of inactivity, because the pain was too great, has taken it's toll. It will be a long road to get back to where I want to be... if that's even possible. Slowly, I am progressing. Four weeks ago I could only manage 400 yards. Today I did 900 yards. This week my goal is to hit 1,000.
I'm frustrated because after four weeks I still don't look like the Speedo swimwear models.
Just kidding.
I'm frustrated because with the increase in my activity my appetite has also increased. The bathroom scale doesn't seem to be moving in the correct direction. I think it's broken.
My Sweetie keeps insisting that I'm building muscle mass. What he doesn't seem to understand is that I don't want additional "mass" on my body. Of any kind. Period. He just needs to choose his words more carefully.
But he may have a point, because I've been craving protein like it's going out of style!
As for the insanity portion of my title... If you've ever known a competitive swimmer, you may have noticed that we're a little crazy. It might be from all the time we spend marinating in the chlorine. No matter how sore my triceps and lats get I can't wait until the next time I get in the pool. But now it means even more to me because I can remember all the time that I couldn't.
Friday, April 24, 2009
The King & The Librarian
At a morning meeting one day this week, a common colleague came up in the conversation. We all know this person to be a tad bit quirky in the stereotypical librarian sense. But it wasn't until someone warned to NEVER, EVER mention Elvis, that we all paused.
Finally, the question was asked...
"Why?"
As I sipped my tea, I expected the response, "Because she'll talk your ear off".
Instead the reply was, "She thinks he's still alive".
I choked and spilled hot tea on my cream-colored trousers. While blotting my leg with napkins I asked if she was serious.
Yep.
Later I noticed that the dollar-store, floral-print napkin left a very pretty Impressionist-styled blotch on my pants. I hope Tide can handle this one.
Oh, in case anyone is interested, The King currently resides in an undisclosed, trailer park somewhere in south Florida.
Finally, the question was asked...
"Why?"
As I sipped my tea, I expected the response, "Because she'll talk your ear off".
Instead the reply was, "She thinks he's still alive".
I choked and spilled hot tea on my cream-colored trousers. While blotting my leg with napkins I asked if she was serious.
Yep.
Later I noticed that the dollar-store, floral-print napkin left a very pretty Impressionist-styled blotch on my pants. I hope Tide can handle this one.
Oh, in case anyone is interested, The King currently resides in an undisclosed, trailer park somewhere in south Florida.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Bard's Birthday
Let me be upfront. My Sweetie, the boys, and I are all goof balls. That being said…
I love Shakespeare and totally not in an academic sense. I think he was a goof ball too. I’ve been attracted to his plays ever since we read Julius Caesar freshman year in high school. How can one man write so many lines of prose in iambic pentameter? Did he naturally talk that way? I love his raunchy sense of humor. Isn’t it amazing that his plays still have appeal after 400 years? Did you know that his birth day and death day are on the same date? Today – April 23. You’ve got to admire the guy for pulling off that planning and organizational feat! Then there’s the whole conspiracy theory that Sir Francis Bacon actually authored Shakespeare’s plays – that just makes me giggle.
In order to get the boys interested in Shakespeare, I purchased the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) on DVD. Three men perform all of Shakespeare’s plays in 90 minutes. It’s a riot. English teachers may cringe but the Reduced Shakespeare Company presents the plays in a fun and entertaining way. Truly I believe the way they were originally intended. The Histories are performed as a football game, all 16 Comedies are condensed into one, and there’s even a rap song. Hey, whatever it takes, right? My kids can quote Shakespeare… correctly.
In honor of the Bard’s birthday, below is a brief biography of Shakespeare as performed by the RSC.
Note: I apologize for the technical difficulty. I spent so much time patting myself on the back that I actually was able to embed a video clip that I didn't realize that it was too big!
I love Shakespeare and totally not in an academic sense. I think he was a goof ball too. I’ve been attracted to his plays ever since we read Julius Caesar freshman year in high school. How can one man write so many lines of prose in iambic pentameter? Did he naturally talk that way? I love his raunchy sense of humor. Isn’t it amazing that his plays still have appeal after 400 years? Did you know that his birth day and death day are on the same date? Today – April 23. You’ve got to admire the guy for pulling off that planning and organizational feat! Then there’s the whole conspiracy theory that Sir Francis Bacon actually authored Shakespeare’s plays – that just makes me giggle.
In order to get the boys interested in Shakespeare, I purchased the Reduced Shakespeare Company (RSC) on DVD. Three men perform all of Shakespeare’s plays in 90 minutes. It’s a riot. English teachers may cringe but the Reduced Shakespeare Company presents the plays in a fun and entertaining way. Truly I believe the way they were originally intended. The Histories are performed as a football game, all 16 Comedies are condensed into one, and there’s even a rap song. Hey, whatever it takes, right? My kids can quote Shakespeare… correctly.
In honor of the Bard’s birthday, below is a brief biography of Shakespeare as performed by the RSC.
Note: I apologize for the technical difficulty. I spent so much time patting myself on the back that I actually was able to embed a video clip that I didn't realize that it was too big!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Bumber Stickers & Auto Decals
Today is Earth Day and I should probably write about something earth-friendly but in truth, I’m not that well-prepared.
So instead I’ll share my observations on bumper stickers…
Oops! My apologies if I accidentally offend someone. It is not my intention!
Here are some I like…
“Kenobi ’08, He’s our only hope” – Both political & humorous… very rare. Plus it requires a little bit of thought.
“Visualize Whirled Peas” – I love the simple imagery of this one. Must be since I live with boys and it’s gross. However, I do not support the mocking of World Peace.
“Stop Plate Tectonics” – I love the parody it makes of utterly ridiculous bumper stickers.
“Save the Ta-tas” – I used to have this magnet until it fell apart. Note to self: buy a new one!
“Well-behaved women rarely make history” – I better start misbehaving soon!
“If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a Veteran.”
“Save the South, teach a Yankee to drive” - I would actually prefer this one if it said, “Save Florida, teach a Snowbird how to drive”
“The last American out of Miami, bring the flag”
Here are some I don’t care for…
“My child is an honor student at…” – Great! Wonderful! Do you know that you’re advertising where your child goes to school??? Hello, sexual predators!
“My Golden Retriever is smarter than your honor student” – That is just mean. Goldens are easily trained dogs and will do anything for food. Also, as a previous owner of a Golden, I can tell you that they aren’t smart enough to come in out of the rain. Perhaps the bumper sticker should read, “My Golden Retriever behaves better than your child”. Now that I would believe.
“Kerry / Edwards” – C’mon people, that was two elections ago. Get out the Goo-Gone and get on with your lives.
Then there are the cars that I see daily on my commute to work…
The one that really draws attention is the “Nightmare Before Christmas” Prius. I’m not kidding. The entire car is decked out in decals for the movie. The license plate even reads an abbreviated form of “nightmare”.
These few are paradoxical...
The POS car with the sticker “Meat isn’t Green” and the driver has a lit cigarette hanging out the window.
The woman who cut me off, gave me the finger, and she had a “Jesus fish” on her car. Both Christian and classy.
The woman in the blue Highlander who tailgates me through the neighborhood every morning and then finally floors it and passes me. If she’s in that much of a hurry, then her “Om” sticker isn’t doing anything for her inner peace. Plus, somehow I don’t think her “Namaste” sticker is really honoring me.
Sorry, Gropius, I know you wanted to blog on bumper stickers. But I couldn’t wait any longer. Tag! You’re it!
So instead I’ll share my observations on bumper stickers…
Oops! My apologies if I accidentally offend someone. It is not my intention!
Here are some I like…
“Kenobi ’08, He’s our only hope” – Both political & humorous… very rare. Plus it requires a little bit of thought.
“Visualize Whirled Peas” – I love the simple imagery of this one. Must be since I live with boys and it’s gross. However, I do not support the mocking of World Peace.
“Stop Plate Tectonics” – I love the parody it makes of utterly ridiculous bumper stickers.
“Save the Ta-tas” – I used to have this magnet until it fell apart. Note to self: buy a new one!
“Well-behaved women rarely make history” – I better start misbehaving soon!
“If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a Veteran.”
“Save the South, teach a Yankee to drive” - I would actually prefer this one if it said, “Save Florida, teach a Snowbird how to drive”
“The last American out of Miami, bring the flag”
Here are some I don’t care for…
“My child is an honor student at…” – Great! Wonderful! Do you know that you’re advertising where your child goes to school??? Hello, sexual predators!
“My Golden Retriever is smarter than your honor student” – That is just mean. Goldens are easily trained dogs and will do anything for food. Also, as a previous owner of a Golden, I can tell you that they aren’t smart enough to come in out of the rain. Perhaps the bumper sticker should read, “My Golden Retriever behaves better than your child”. Now that I would believe.
“Kerry / Edwards” – C’mon people, that was two elections ago. Get out the Goo-Gone and get on with your lives.
Then there are the cars that I see daily on my commute to work…
The one that really draws attention is the “Nightmare Before Christmas” Prius. I’m not kidding. The entire car is decked out in decals for the movie. The license plate even reads an abbreviated form of “nightmare”.
These few are paradoxical...
The POS car with the sticker “Meat isn’t Green” and the driver has a lit cigarette hanging out the window.
The woman who cut me off, gave me the finger, and she had a “Jesus fish” on her car. Both Christian and classy.
The woman in the blue Highlander who tailgates me through the neighborhood every morning and then finally floors it and passes me. If she’s in that much of a hurry, then her “Om” sticker isn’t doing anything for her inner peace. Plus, somehow I don’t think her “Namaste” sticker is really honoring me.
Sorry, Gropius, I know you wanted to blog on bumper stickers. But I couldn’t wait any longer. Tag! You’re it!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Book Club Revisited
The book club I joined at work is going well. I’m reading books that I normally wouldn’t have selected. Which is both good and not so good. I do find that I read the books too fast and then I have three weeks or so to wait until the discussion. So I end up reading other books in between. I need to pace myself better. The best part of the club is listening to the other members’ opinions and perspective on the novels. It’s so much different than discussing literature in high school or college. No one is worried about having the “wrong” answer because so such thing exists. That kind of freedom of expression is wonderful, wouldn’t you agree?
The book we most recently discussed was “The Jane Austen Book Club”. The founder of our little club saw the movie version and that was her inspiration for forming the club. I have to admit that I’m not a Jane Austen fan. While I enjoy the movie adaptations of her novels, actually reading them makes me want to poke my eyes out. Okay, maybe that isn’t a fair statement. I’ve tried reading “Pride and Prejudice”. Twice. I’ve wanted to poke my eyes out each time. The paragraph-length sentences drive me nuts and there are five “Miss Bennetts”! How are you suppose to keep them all straight? I love the Bronte sisters so why can’t I handle Miss Austen?
I digress… I found “The Jane Austen Book Club” to be a bit pedestrian. It just didn’t blow-up my skirt. However, I did take a chance on the DVD and enjoyed it. This is one of those few instances in which the movie is better than book. So in that spirit I decided to give Miss Austen another try. This past weekend I purchased “Persuasion” and I’ll read that as my filler book until our next meeting.
Our current selection is “Water for Elephants” which takes place in a circus during the Great Depression. When it was pulled out of the pot, everyone turned to look at me. They all had a look of “oh-no, not clowns” on their faces. Thankfully, clowns are barely even mentioned in the book since the story line revolves around the animals.
If you’ve ever read Stephen King’s “IT”, you would understand my fear. That is the scariest freaking book on the planet!!!
The book we most recently discussed was “The Jane Austen Book Club”. The founder of our little club saw the movie version and that was her inspiration for forming the club. I have to admit that I’m not a Jane Austen fan. While I enjoy the movie adaptations of her novels, actually reading them makes me want to poke my eyes out. Okay, maybe that isn’t a fair statement. I’ve tried reading “Pride and Prejudice”. Twice. I’ve wanted to poke my eyes out each time. The paragraph-length sentences drive me nuts and there are five “Miss Bennetts”! How are you suppose to keep them all straight? I love the Bronte sisters so why can’t I handle Miss Austen?
I digress… I found “The Jane Austen Book Club” to be a bit pedestrian. It just didn’t blow-up my skirt. However, I did take a chance on the DVD and enjoyed it. This is one of those few instances in which the movie is better than book. So in that spirit I decided to give Miss Austen another try. This past weekend I purchased “Persuasion” and I’ll read that as my filler book until our next meeting.
Our current selection is “Water for Elephants” which takes place in a circus during the Great Depression. When it was pulled out of the pot, everyone turned to look at me. They all had a look of “oh-no, not clowns” on their faces. Thankfully, clowns are barely even mentioned in the book since the story line revolves around the animals.
If you’ve ever read Stephen King’s “IT”, you would understand my fear. That is the scariest freaking book on the planet!!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Homesick
I’m a Yankee living in the South. It dawned on me the other day that I’ve lived in the South almost half my life. With the exception of college, I lived in the same house in Pines Lake from the day I came home from the hospital to the day I got married at age 22. Since then, I’ve lived somewhere or another south of the Mason-Dixon line until I finally settled in south Florida (which really isn’t too Southern).
I have a deep-rooted personal connection with where I grew-up, hence the name of my blog. It’s who I am. All of my dreams take place in the house in Pines Lake and the surrounding areas. I shared this with my sister once and she told me that I have issues. Well, if my “issues” include a happy childhood , then I’m okay with that.
Living in south Florida is lovely. The weather and the wildlife are the best features. Truly, I would never want to move back to the North but there are many things that I miss such as: swimming in a fresh water lake, fall leaves, rolling in real grass, rocks, and azaleas. Yes, the bougainvillea in Florida are exquisite but the ephemeral beauty of azaleas, rhododendrons, and weeping cherry trees make them that much more precious.
While growing up, our house adjoined a 30-acre commercial nursery. We were allowed to play in there to our hearts’ content as long as we stayed on the paths and didn’t touch the plants. A few years after I left Pines Lake, the owners of the nursery bequeathed the property to the township as a botanical garden. While surfing the internet the other day, I found these photos taken by volunteers who maintain the property.
If your childhood playground looked like this, wouldn’t you be homesick at this time of year also???
Photo by Betsy Hays ©
Photo by Betsy Hays ©
Photo by Bob Shine ©
I have a deep-rooted personal connection with where I grew-up, hence the name of my blog. It’s who I am. All of my dreams take place in the house in Pines Lake and the surrounding areas. I shared this with my sister once and she told me that I have issues. Well, if my “issues” include a happy childhood , then I’m okay with that.
Living in south Florida is lovely. The weather and the wildlife are the best features. Truly, I would never want to move back to the North but there are many things that I miss such as: swimming in a fresh water lake, fall leaves, rolling in real grass, rocks, and azaleas. Yes, the bougainvillea in Florida are exquisite but the ephemeral beauty of azaleas, rhododendrons, and weeping cherry trees make them that much more precious.
While growing up, our house adjoined a 30-acre commercial nursery. We were allowed to play in there to our hearts’ content as long as we stayed on the paths and didn’t touch the plants. A few years after I left Pines Lake, the owners of the nursery bequeathed the property to the township as a botanical garden. While surfing the internet the other day, I found these photos taken by volunteers who maintain the property.
If your childhood playground looked like this, wouldn’t you be homesick at this time of year also???
Photo by Betsy Hays ©
Photo by Betsy Hays ©
Photo by Bob Shine ©Friday, April 17, 2009
What a Week!
It's been a busy week but it's not over yet. I'm so tired that if I closed my eyes right now, I would nod off. Somehow I need to make it through the day. More caffeine will be required!
This week has been overwhelming at home and at work - both emotionally and physically. I commented on Gropius' blog this morning that sometimes I just get an overwhelming feeling of overwhelmingness. Does that even make sense?
This Mom gig is tough. It's also the best job in the world and I wouldn't change it for anything. But I mistakenly thought that once the boys could complete their evening routines without my help, that I could coast a little bit. Instead I've "traded-up" to a different set of responsibilities.
Take a look at homework for example... it's been YEARS since we've completed a school project with glitter-glue. But now I'm proofreading research papers and discussing Constitutional Amendments. I truly enjoy working with the boys. But at times I pause and wonder, "How did we get here so fast?"
For the record: My kids are the only ones in their classes with their own copies of the MLA Handbook (thanks to their pestering mother) and all Algebra questions go through Dad.
This week has been overwhelming at home and at work - both emotionally and physically. I commented on Gropius' blog this morning that sometimes I just get an overwhelming feeling of overwhelmingness. Does that even make sense?
This Mom gig is tough. It's also the best job in the world and I wouldn't change it for anything. But I mistakenly thought that once the boys could complete their evening routines without my help, that I could coast a little bit. Instead I've "traded-up" to a different set of responsibilities.
Take a look at homework for example... it's been YEARS since we've completed a school project with glitter-glue. But now I'm proofreading research papers and discussing Constitutional Amendments. I truly enjoy working with the boys. But at times I pause and wonder, "How did we get here so fast?"
For the record: My kids are the only ones in their classes with their own copies of the MLA Handbook (thanks to their pestering mother) and all Algebra questions go through Dad.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Painful But Worth It
Back in February I mentioned that Mr. A was running for junior class representative. It's not a student government position - more of a community service leadership position. The contest for the boys is called "Mr. Mustang". The equivalent contest for the girls is the "Miss LW Ranch" pageant.
Last night I was lucky enough to have the privilege to pay $7 to attend the Miss LWR pageant.
Try to image American Idol touring with Dancing with the Stars in rural Florida: High School Musical Edition.
I felt guilty sitting there watching this pageant thinking to myself how degrading it was for the girls. The boys didn’t have to perform. Then I realized that these girls were having a blast! They were singing and dancing up a storm. They were awful! But bless their hearts, they were having fun. Plus, I have to give them credit for getting up on that stage. I never would have done it!
Why did I choose that for my evening’s entertainment? Because the contestants for Mr. Mustang were dressed up in tuxedos (donated by a local formal wear shop) and were used as props to escort the Miss LWR contestants during the evening wear portion of the competition. Also, the Mr. Mustang results were announced just before Miss LWR was crowned.
During intermission I informed Mr. A that if he didn’t win anything, he owed me $7 and a bottle of Advil.
Luckily for him, he won! Yeah!
And another proud moment for me as a mom!
Last night I was lucky enough to have the privilege to pay $7 to attend the Miss LWR pageant.
Try to image American Idol touring with Dancing with the Stars in rural Florida: High School Musical Edition.
I felt guilty sitting there watching this pageant thinking to myself how degrading it was for the girls. The boys didn’t have to perform. Then I realized that these girls were having a blast! They were singing and dancing up a storm. They were awful! But bless their hearts, they were having fun. Plus, I have to give them credit for getting up on that stage. I never would have done it!
Why did I choose that for my evening’s entertainment? Because the contestants for Mr. Mustang were dressed up in tuxedos (donated by a local formal wear shop) and were used as props to escort the Miss LWR contestants during the evening wear portion of the competition. Also, the Mr. Mustang results were announced just before Miss LWR was crowned.
During intermission I informed Mr. A that if he didn’t win anything, he owed me $7 and a bottle of Advil.
Luckily for him, he won! Yeah!
And another proud moment for me as a mom!
I'm So Proud
Last night G-Man was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. That in itself is enough to make a mother proud.
But I’m just as proud that G-Man was able to resist the urge to light his arch-nemesis’ hair on fire with his candle (she was standing directly in front of him). Let’s put it this way, we often compare G-Man to Calvin from “Calvin & Hobbes” and he definitely has a “Susie Derkins” in his life.
With the exception of 5th grade, “Susie” has been in G-Man’s class every single year. She’s a snotty little child and has tormented G-Man ever since kindergarten. One day we came a across her in the grocery store and she informed G-Man that, “Your mother is UGLY!”. I replied, “Well, your mother didn’t teach you manners”.
Overall, it was a successful evening. No one was burned and I was able to congratulate G-Man twice over… especially for not listening to his “inner Calvin”.
Btw, who’s idea was it to give 86 seventh-graders lit candles and stand them on risers???
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Now I Don't Feel So Bad
This morning I remembered a story my mother has told me many times…When I was about 18 months old, I slipped and fell. No crying. My parents thought I was fine. But then they noticed that I wouldn’t put any weight on my foot. After TWO days, they finally decided to take me to the doctor. Yep, my foot was broken.
I guess it happens to the best of us.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Why I feel like the most horrible mother in the world today
Earlier this spring Mr. A started track practice. Almost right away he complained of shin splints. I reminded him to stretch properly before practice, ice down after practice, and to basically “suck it up”.
A few weeks ago Mr. A noticed a “squishy” bump on his leg. I thought it may be a torn ligament so I told him lay off running and I made an appointment with Dr. G. Of course, it took two weeks to get an appointment. The lump turned out to be a harmless lipoma (fat deposit) but since it caused pain Dr. G though it might be pressing on a nerve and ordered an MRI. Another one week wait for that appointment.
The MRI showed that the lipoma is still harmless but is bulging because of the edema in Mr. A’s leg. The edema is caused by the stress fracture in his tibia. Yep, that’s right, a fracture in his leg.
The cure is simple. Crutches for 6 weeks. No need for a cast but absolutely no weight on his left leg. The good news is that he can swim – just no hard push-offs.
Do you have any idea how bad I feel??? I thought he was being a wuss and I told him to suck it up. I feel awful!
A few weeks ago Mr. A noticed a “squishy” bump on his leg. I thought it may be a torn ligament so I told him lay off running and I made an appointment with Dr. G. Of course, it took two weeks to get an appointment. The lump turned out to be a harmless lipoma (fat deposit) but since it caused pain Dr. G though it might be pressing on a nerve and ordered an MRI. Another one week wait for that appointment.
The MRI showed that the lipoma is still harmless but is bulging because of the edema in Mr. A’s leg. The edema is caused by the stress fracture in his tibia. Yep, that’s right, a fracture in his leg.
The cure is simple. Crutches for 6 weeks. No need for a cast but absolutely no weight on his left leg. The good news is that he can swim – just no hard push-offs.
Do you have any idea how bad I feel??? I thought he was being a wuss and I told him to suck it up. I feel awful!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Weekend Wrap-Up
Here's the weekend wrap-up in photos. It was a busy weekend and I didn't get bored. In other words, no photos of my feet.
Someone has a sense of humor. But any self-respecting Star Wars geek knows that "Hutt" is spelled with two T's.
The power went out for a while so we decided to go on a family photo shoot.
We found a Sandhill Crane nesting. After 12 years in Florida, this is the first time I've seen a Sandhill's nest!
Mr. A practicing to become a National Geographic photographer.
G-Man "chillaxing".
My orchid that smells like cinnamon red hot candies came into bloom.
Someone has a sense of humor. But any self-respecting Star Wars geek knows that "Hutt" is spelled with two T's.
The power went out for a while so we decided to go on a family photo shoot.
We found a Sandhill Crane nesting. After 12 years in Florida, this is the first time I've seen a Sandhill's nest!
Mr. A practicing to become a National Geographic photographer.
G-Man "chillaxing".
My orchid that smells like cinnamon red hot candies came into bloom.Thursday, April 9, 2009
Peace Be With You
The above photo isn't the greatest in the world but I love it. This image perfectly expresses how my life has felt the past few weeks... crazy, disordered, wild, vibrant, colorful. But at the same time the natural beauty of this image gives me a sense of peace.
I wish everyone a peaceful Easter weekend.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Fair Warning
The Snowbirds may be leaving but that doesn't mean the Florida roads are safe again.
Mr. A passed the test for his learner's permit this morning.
Yikes!
Mr. A passed the test for his learner's permit this morning.
Yikes!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
What Do You Do at a Stoplight?
There are 19 traffic lights between my house and my office (one way). I know because I counted. On a good day only about 50% of them are red. If you think about it, that’s a lot of time I spend sitting at red lights. Sure, I do my core strengthening exercises but I get bored while just sitting there. I need some entertainment. This is what I do:
During tourist season I count the out-of-state plates and compare the ratio to the FL plates at the same stoplight. Yes, I do the math and figure out the percentage. These are long lights. Then I wonder what a snowbird from Ontario is doing on the road at 7:30 a.m.
During non-tourist season I count the specialty FL plates. This one doesn’t involve math – it’s just straight counting. Do you realize how many specialty plates FL has??? I’ve gotten up to 35 different plates in one day.
I wave to anyone with a US Navy specialty plate.
I read everyone’s bumper stickers. Then I wonder why people stick them to the paint on their cars when they’re called bumper stickers. Plus I’ve come up with a few humorous sayings on my own. Maybe I should start a home business.
When necessary, I change my clothes.
Sometimes I get so into the Disney movie playing in the minivan in front of me that I don’t realize that the light has turned green.
I wave to children (they wave back) and make faces at dogs (they wag back).
I people watch… I see people talking on the phone, texting, shaving, applying make-up, smoking, drinking, eating, reading the paper, opening mail, and yes, picking noses. Ew! But no one else changing clothes. Am I the only one?
I also sing along to the radio. But I only belt out the songs when the windows are completely up. My 15-yr-old has accused me of “booty dancing”. I don’t do that… anymore. One day when I was much younger I really made the day of an older gentleman in a Corvette.
During tourist season I count the out-of-state plates and compare the ratio to the FL plates at the same stoplight. Yes, I do the math and figure out the percentage. These are long lights. Then I wonder what a snowbird from Ontario is doing on the road at 7:30 a.m.
During non-tourist season I count the specialty FL plates. This one doesn’t involve math – it’s just straight counting. Do you realize how many specialty plates FL has??? I’ve gotten up to 35 different plates in one day.
I wave to anyone with a US Navy specialty plate.
I read everyone’s bumper stickers. Then I wonder why people stick them to the paint on their cars when they’re called bumper stickers. Plus I’ve come up with a few humorous sayings on my own. Maybe I should start a home business.
When necessary, I change my clothes.
Sometimes I get so into the Disney movie playing in the minivan in front of me that I don’t realize that the light has turned green.
I wave to children (they wave back) and make faces at dogs (they wag back).
I people watch… I see people talking on the phone, texting, shaving, applying make-up, smoking, drinking, eating, reading the paper, opening mail, and yes, picking noses. Ew! But no one else changing clothes. Am I the only one?
I also sing along to the radio. But I only belt out the songs when the windows are completely up. My 15-yr-old has accused me of “booty dancing”. I don’t do that… anymore. One day when I was much younger I really made the day of an older gentleman in a Corvette.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Back in the Saddle Stitch
Okay, that was a really bad pun. But it made me giggle so I had to use it.
After a year's hiatus due to my back injury, surgery, and recovery, I am now back to quilting. My favorite creative outlet - or therapy. Whichever term you prefer.
My friend asked me to make a baby quilt for friends of hers that are expecting a girl at the end of the month. She didn't want to spend a lot of money. So I was able to make the quilt below with scraps and fabric that I already had in my stash.
The quilt is made with hand-dyed batik fabric. I love using this type of fabric in baby quilts because it gets softer and softer with each washing. The fabric and batting are both 100% cotton.
After a year's hiatus due to my back injury, surgery, and recovery, I am now back to quilting. My favorite creative outlet - or therapy. Whichever term you prefer.
My friend asked me to make a baby quilt for friends of hers that are expecting a girl at the end of the month. She didn't want to spend a lot of money. So I was able to make the quilt below with scraps and fabric that I already had in my stash.
The quilt is made with hand-dyed batik fabric. I love using this type of fabric in baby quilts because it gets softer and softer with each washing. The fabric and batting are both 100% cotton.
Friday, April 3, 2009
I Feel Like a Rockstar!
"The angry young band from Dublin"
That's how I first heard U2 described back in 1983 when I fell in love with their music. All the other girls in junior high were drooling over Journey and I couldn't stop singing "Sunday, Bloody, Sunday".
Even though I'm not musically inclined, my life has always had a soundtrack playing in the background. "Where the Streets Have No Name" is my favorite song and will forever remind me of the independence I found my freshman year in college. Back in 2000 when I woke up and realized that I needed a divorce, I went out and bought both The Best of U2 CDs. Some how doing that gave me strength. It gave me a part of myself back. All That You Can't Leave Behind saw me through my divorce. The music of U2 has evolved through the years and has always seemed to fit my life. I can honestly say that no other band has stayed in my heart for so long.
In 2005 I made the scary decision to see U2 in concert. I had wanted to for 20 years but could never do it. Why so scary? Because I'm terrified of crowds - especially indoors. My Sweetie and I bought tickets to the Vertigo tour and it took 2 tranquilizers to get me in the door. I truly had a blast! When I saw all the families there with children the same age as our own I made a promise to the boys to take them the next time.
Next time has arrived.
U2 is only playing ONE date in the entire state of Florida. Lucky for us it's the same place where the Super Bowl was this year and only about 45 minutes away. Tickets go on sale Monday at 9 am.
But wait, there's more! I signed up for the fan club and yesterday morning waiting in my inbox was a promo code to buy pre-sale tickets. Yeah!!!! I already bought my tickets! No agonizing over the weekend! No trying to play TicketMaster's games while at work on a Monday morning at the same time trying to convince my boss that I'm doing social media marketing! Double Yeah!!! That's why I feel like a Rockstar! My 20-some-odd-year love affair with four Irish guys has finally paid off!
Since I bought four tickets, I had to go for the cheap seats. But from the looks of U2's stage design and huge LED monitors I don't think we'll miss a thing on stage. The really cheap tickets were general admission on the field. Yea right. That's a panic attack waiting to happen. Me in a mosh pit while trying to keep an eye on two kids. Reserved seating seemed much safer. But I'm still considering handcuffing myself to the boys. Then I'll take the tranquilizers.
P.S. - If anyone from SRQ Magazine happens to stumble across this post, here's a tip... When you have someone review an album, please make sure that the reviewer was a least born when the band was formed. First of all, the reviewer stated that one of his favorite U2 albums was Pop. That's the album that even the band members admittedly regret ever making. The person who reviewed No Line On The Horizon mentioned that:
"No Line does still have plenty of opportunities for older U2 fans
to relive the beauty of U2s-gone-past".
Hey! If Bono, The Edge, Adam, and Larry can still rock, then us "older" fans can too.
Because I Don't Have a Yellow Ribbon
My best friend's husband is on his way to Kuwait for one long year. The US Army sent him on heavens only knows how many deployments over the course of 20 years. I could try to list the ones I know: Saudi Arabia, Haiti, Afghanistan, Iraq...How do you say good-bye to the love of your life for one year? I don't know how she does it. But I do know that she's one of the strongest women I know.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Moses Supposes His Toses Were Roses
While sorting through the photos I have taken in the past few months, I noticed a trend. Apparently, when I'm bored, I tend to take photos of my feet. No, I don't have a foot fetish. But you have to admit that it's better than picking my nose.
I took this photo while locked out of our hotel room at the Don Cesar. Someone at the front desk didn't comprehend the definition of late checkout and turned off our room key at 12 noon rather than 4 pm. Btw, an entire hallway of that carpeting is enough to make you dizzy.
I took this photo at Mr. A's Induction Ceremony for National Honor Society. Yes, even moms get bored at those things. I really like the monochromatic color scheme of this shot.
Why watch TV when I can take photos of my feet?
I took this photo while locked out of our hotel room at the Don Cesar. Someone at the front desk didn't comprehend the definition of late checkout and turned off our room key at 12 noon rather than 4 pm. Btw, an entire hallway of that carpeting is enough to make you dizzy.
I took this photo at Mr. A's Induction Ceremony for National Honor Society. Yes, even moms get bored at those things. I really like the monochromatic color scheme of this shot.
Why watch TV when I can take photos of my feet?Marcia, I hope this made you smile. I know today is a rough day for you. xoxoxo
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
My Sweetie aka The Craziest Man on the Planet Who Loves Me Just the Way I Am
Just look at that smile - you know he's a great guy!In 2002, seven years ago this week, my Sweetie and I went on our first date. Before I agreed to our lunch date I was very upfront with S. At the time, I was in the middle of a drawn-out divorce that I had planned and prepared for two years. Yes, I’ll say it again, I planned for my divorce for two years. I had two young sons ages 5 & 8 that I needed to provide for and I wanted to keep my house. All of that requires planning and resources.
S was a bachelor. He had never been married and no kids. Why was he interested in me? I wasn’t even looking for a romantic relationship. I was living day-to-day and felt like a I had a fingernail’s grasp on my sanity.
Our lunch date lasted two hours. I was reserved, restrained, reticent, and all those other restrictive words. He was nervous as heck and couldn’t stop fidgeting. After lunch I thought that was the end of it.
That evening I kept replaying the date in my head and found myself smiling and wondering about the strange sensation I kept experiencing. Then it finally dawned on me! I really liked this guy and I was happy. I had to tell someone! My mom was in Amish quilt country and incommunicado so I actually called my sister. Something I never do.
On our third date, I fell totally head over heels in love. Within a month S was in the same category as my children… someone I couldn’t live without. One year later we were engaged. How many people take their children with them while shopping for engagement rings??? The following year in 2004, the boys walked me down the aisle and my Sweetie & I were married.
My Sweetie sold his house and moved into ours so we wouldn’t have to change the boys’ schools. I think we had at least two of everything! We had lots of garage sales and then bought “our” own things.
S jumped into fatherhood with both feet. He’s a natural. In May 2006, he legally adopted the boys and we finally all had the same last name. We celebrate that special day every year on May 30th.
The adoption process was painful and long. We had to do a “diligent search” for my ex-husband. There are about 27 items that the State of Florida requires. (I’m not kidding) After the divorce, I bought him out of his portion of the equity of the house. As soon as he got that check, he dropped off the face of the earth. No alimony, no child support, no visits, no phone calls, no letters, no birthday presents, etc… Now you know why I planned my divorce for so long. I had to be sure that I could stand on my own financially.
In the long run, the absence of that other person has been a blessing. My Sweetie is the boys’ first, true, and only dad. And what a wonderful dad! As the years go by, I see the boys pick-up my Sweetie’s expressions and mannerisms. If I hadn’t been there personally, I would swear that they were both immaculate conceptions.
S is the Love of My Life. He is my anchor. He is crazy for taking on an “instant family”. He is my partner is raising two wonderful young men. He is my WOW!
S was a bachelor. He had never been married and no kids. Why was he interested in me? I wasn’t even looking for a romantic relationship. I was living day-to-day and felt like a I had a fingernail’s grasp on my sanity.
Our lunch date lasted two hours. I was reserved, restrained, reticent, and all those other restrictive words. He was nervous as heck and couldn’t stop fidgeting. After lunch I thought that was the end of it.
That evening I kept replaying the date in my head and found myself smiling and wondering about the strange sensation I kept experiencing. Then it finally dawned on me! I really liked this guy and I was happy. I had to tell someone! My mom was in Amish quilt country and incommunicado so I actually called my sister. Something I never do.
On our third date, I fell totally head over heels in love. Within a month S was in the same category as my children… someone I couldn’t live without. One year later we were engaged. How many people take their children with them while shopping for engagement rings??? The following year in 2004, the boys walked me down the aisle and my Sweetie & I were married.
My Sweetie sold his house and moved into ours so we wouldn’t have to change the boys’ schools. I think we had at least two of everything! We had lots of garage sales and then bought “our” own things.
S jumped into fatherhood with both feet. He’s a natural. In May 2006, he legally adopted the boys and we finally all had the same last name. We celebrate that special day every year on May 30th.
The adoption process was painful and long. We had to do a “diligent search” for my ex-husband. There are about 27 items that the State of Florida requires. (I’m not kidding) After the divorce, I bought him out of his portion of the equity of the house. As soon as he got that check, he dropped off the face of the earth. No alimony, no child support, no visits, no phone calls, no letters, no birthday presents, etc… Now you know why I planned my divorce for so long. I had to be sure that I could stand on my own financially.
In the long run, the absence of that other person has been a blessing. My Sweetie is the boys’ first, true, and only dad. And what a wonderful dad! As the years go by, I see the boys pick-up my Sweetie’s expressions and mannerisms. If I hadn’t been there personally, I would swear that they were both immaculate conceptions.
S is the Love of My Life. He is my anchor. He is crazy for taking on an “instant family”. He is my partner is raising two wonderful young men. He is my WOW!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
