See... my room has enormous height for a hotel room.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Off the Bucket List
We are SOOO blessed to have such crazy shit in the US for road trip amusement. Giant Rubberband balls, Tee Pee hotels.. you know what I am talking about...
So here I am in Michigan. I need to take the I-94 east from the airport to get to my hotel. And there it is.. the Giant Uniroyal Tire. I didn't take a picture as I was driving. But you can read about it here.
No joke.. I can't make this shit up. I was at a plaza grabbing food and you can see it from the hill I was on. God Bless this land.... I am amused.
So here I am in Michigan. I need to take the I-94 east from the airport to get to my hotel. And there it is.. the Giant Uniroyal Tire. I didn't take a picture as I was driving. But you can read about it here.
No joke.. I can't make this shit up. I was at a plaza grabbing food and you can see it from the hill I was on. God Bless this land.... I am amused.
Waiting
So i hate waiting. And here i am waiting on a plane. It's a test i tell ya. Oh.. happy travels!!! Not really
Monday, January 07, 2013
I love hotel beds
I adore hotel beds and pillows. Comfy... smushy... buy huge. I have a king bed. I am going to sleep now. In my big. Comfy. Bed.
Off I go!
I am traveling again today- the standard trip to our VA office. I've made this trip more than a dozen times I think. The Dulles Airport is not my favorite.. none are really. But it is what it is. I should bring my pedometer with me since all you do is walk in the blasted place.
With the shenanigans of the last trip, I wonder what will happen today? Delayed? More tourists sleeping shoeless on the benches? I can't wait!
With the shenanigans of the last trip, I wonder what will happen today? Delayed? More tourists sleeping shoeless on the benches? I can't wait!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Looking back at 2012 and some lessons that I have learned
2012 was an interesting year. Sucked a lot but over all it was ok. So here is what I have learned:
1) Wine is good to have on hand all the time
2) 9 year olds still wake you up at 2 am.
3) technology is really cool but way too expensive.
4) when the nail polish bottle says DO NOT SHAKE, don't toss it in your purse and hope for the best.
5) carry safety pins on you at all times
6) airports are funny places
7) its really cool to go to the rental place and see your name on the GOLD board.
8) always keep chocolate in the house or mama will get crazy
9) Dance Mom drama isn't just on TV.
10) gallstones suck
11) Google Maps on my phone = AWESOME!!
12) Wine is good.
13) Just because a tin hat tells you something doesn't mean its right.. or even true.
14) I will only use Fountain Pens if I can
15) heels suck
16) I love my Kindle
17) Vodka Tea will do fine if no wine is available
18) Coffee is a must. Don't care. coffee is good.
19) Airport terminal seats are uncomfortable
20) There are never any plugs near the bed in the hotel room. why??? I have a phone you know
21) Airport terminals need cushioned floors. Like dance studios.
22) When they say "Free WiFi" it really means sucky poor speed if you can connect at all.
23) my Husband is really cool
2013 - i promise to not bitch so much.. well.. i'll try. But some people just have it coming.
1) Wine is good to have on hand all the time
2) 9 year olds still wake you up at 2 am.
3) technology is really cool but way too expensive.
4) when the nail polish bottle says DO NOT SHAKE, don't toss it in your purse and hope for the best.
5) carry safety pins on you at all times
6) airports are funny places
7) its really cool to go to the rental place and see your name on the GOLD board.
8) always keep chocolate in the house or mama will get crazy
9) Dance Mom drama isn't just on TV.
10) gallstones suck
11) Google Maps on my phone = AWESOME!!
12) Wine is good.
13) Just because a tin hat tells you something doesn't mean its right.. or even true.
14) I will only use Fountain Pens if I can
15) heels suck
16) I love my Kindle
17) Vodka Tea will do fine if no wine is available
18) Coffee is a must. Don't care. coffee is good.
19) Airport terminal seats are uncomfortable
20) There are never any plugs near the bed in the hotel room. why??? I have a phone you know
21) Airport terminals need cushioned floors. Like dance studios.
22) When they say "Free WiFi" it really means sucky poor speed if you can connect at all.
23) my Husband is really cool
2013 - i promise to not bitch so much.. well.. i'll try. But some people just have it coming.
Friday, December 21, 2012
redemption and wine
The kids performed today - 2 shows. And they listened. They were quiet. The only issue was the really little ones.. they were tired and were super good for the first show and lost it for the 2nd. I can't blame them.
And the older kids relaxed a little and we cracked some jokes. This was good.
Now, I am exhausted. Work, a doctor's appointment, dress rehearsal, 2 shows and clean up. WINE!! And we do it again tomorrow at a Senior's home. I think I need a vacation.
And the older kids relaxed a little and we cracked some jokes. This was good.
Now, I am exhausted. Work, a doctor's appointment, dress rehearsal, 2 shows and clean up. WINE!! And we do it again tomorrow at a Senior's home. I think I need a vacation.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
rules for backstage
I am a backstage Mom. Not a Stage Mom. There is a clear difference. I work backstage to help with the costume changes for all the kids, call the order, make sure they smile, pin and sew when needed, tie toe shoes and tell them when they are mumbling on stage. Sure.. I praise them but I'll be damned if they go on stage and mumble. My training to put on the best possible show won't let that slide.
I have been in a number of shows in Junior High and High School. Never the star. I was an understudy.. and Chorus. Lack of Confidence was my downfall and I always preferred to not talk or be in a crowd. I helped back stage and even was the student director. Blocking, calling lines, making sure things can be heard... that's my bag. Making it seem real. I paint a mean set.
So when my kid got bit with acting/musical theatre bug, we ended up somewhere where I happen to know the studio director. She was my best friend growing up. Now she owns her own performace company - not a dance studio.. a performance company. Singing, acting, dance, play-writing design... the whole package. There is one small problem. Staffing. She can't really afford to pay for staff like you normally would. So the moms and dads help out where they can. I.. am the Backstage mom. I call the numbers, help get them ready, keep band-aids pins and tissues on me. I have been known to yell... at rehearsals. I use the Mom voice. Why? There are 2 basic rules in the theatre that need to be followed.... period.
1) You MUST be quiet in the wings and backstage. NO TALKING
2) You have to pay attention and move fast. Timing is everything.
There are more but these are the 2 the kids have the hardest time with. They are pokey and can not for the life of them keep quiet. Everything is a joke. I love them all.. but they need to learn this hard lesson. Many of them want to make performing their career. If they can't handle these 2 rules, they will never see a call back.
Some of them try and do really well. Others.. not so much.
I want nothing more for these kids to succeed. And I have to be a hard ass for them to get the idea. I don't do this because I want to... I do it because I have to. Discipline is lacking in today's kids. Harsh tones are "cruel" and you hear "why do you have to be so mean".. Stern is mean and bitchy. Well you know what, if you did what you were asked to do, I wouldn't need to correct you. They need to be obedient - the director calls the shots... not you. Little to the parents know of what happens back stage. I know some of the kids don't like me. I know some do. They call me Mom. I have seen many of them improve and get it. Others do the same antics at every show. If you don't want to play by the rules don't play.
This weekend we have 3 shows. Friday 2 are back to back with a dress rehearsal. 1 on Saturday for the Seniors.. I feel like I am wrangling cats. I think I need that on my shirt "Official Cat Wrangler"
I have been in a number of shows in Junior High and High School. Never the star. I was an understudy.. and Chorus. Lack of Confidence was my downfall and I always preferred to not talk or be in a crowd. I helped back stage and even was the student director. Blocking, calling lines, making sure things can be heard... that's my bag. Making it seem real. I paint a mean set.
So when my kid got bit with acting/musical theatre bug, we ended up somewhere where I happen to know the studio director. She was my best friend growing up. Now she owns her own performace company - not a dance studio.. a performance company. Singing, acting, dance, play-writing design... the whole package. There is one small problem. Staffing. She can't really afford to pay for staff like you normally would. So the moms and dads help out where they can. I.. am the Backstage mom. I call the numbers, help get them ready, keep band-aids pins and tissues on me. I have been known to yell... at rehearsals. I use the Mom voice. Why? There are 2 basic rules in the theatre that need to be followed.... period.
1) You MUST be quiet in the wings and backstage. NO TALKING
2) You have to pay attention and move fast. Timing is everything.
There are more but these are the 2 the kids have the hardest time with. They are pokey and can not for the life of them keep quiet. Everything is a joke. I love them all.. but they need to learn this hard lesson. Many of them want to make performing their career. If they can't handle these 2 rules, they will never see a call back.
Some of them try and do really well. Others.. not so much.
I want nothing more for these kids to succeed. And I have to be a hard ass for them to get the idea. I don't do this because I want to... I do it because I have to. Discipline is lacking in today's kids. Harsh tones are "cruel" and you hear "why do you have to be so mean".. Stern is mean and bitchy. Well you know what, if you did what you were asked to do, I wouldn't need to correct you. They need to be obedient - the director calls the shots... not you. Little to the parents know of what happens back stage. I know some of the kids don't like me. I know some do. They call me Mom. I have seen many of them improve and get it. Others do the same antics at every show. If you don't want to play by the rules don't play.
This weekend we have 3 shows. Friday 2 are back to back with a dress rehearsal. 1 on Saturday for the Seniors.. I feel like I am wrangling cats. I think I need that on my shirt "Official Cat Wrangler"
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
travel
I have booked travel for 2 back to back trips. Both trips I leave on a Monday and come home on a Thursday. This shall be my test of sanity. If I can pull this off.. wait. If Tim and Erin and I can pull this off, we are in the clear.
Back to back.. gee. But it is what is it is. And I hope for more Airport entertainment. I love Airport entertainment. People amuse me when I'm travel. I always seem to be the person that seems to know what is going on, where things are. I have "that face". I need to remember to bring my earphones...plug them in and not turn them on.
Time to earn some miles and get over my travel anxiety. I managed to drive in Malvern PA (and get lost a few times but I have GPS now so its all good). I can do this. I can.
Back to back.. gee. But it is what is it is. And I hope for more Airport entertainment. I love Airport entertainment. People amuse me when I'm travel. I always seem to be the person that seems to know what is going on, where things are. I have "that face". I need to remember to bring my earphones...plug them in and not turn them on.
Time to earn some miles and get over my travel anxiety. I managed to drive in Malvern PA (and get lost a few times but I have GPS now so its all good). I can do this. I can.
i want a cookie
In the Pre-Christmas hustle and bustle, I haven't been writing. I plan to but never seem to get back to the blog to write. Work is in full swing and I'll be traveling soon so that whole change to the normal is taking over. Not to mention the fact E is performing this season with her Performing Company. This means extra rehearsals. And who can forget the cookies and shopping.. apparently me. With my travel at the beginning of this month, all of that got pushed to this week. Thank God for online shopping.
The cookies are done - chocolate chips and peanut butter blossoms. Enough for us.
The shopping is done - waiting on one package
the Family baking will be Saturday and Sunday - that is if the world doesn't end on Friday.
But in all of this craziness, I was blessed to sit for 30 minutes with my husband and watch Flash Gordon. We giggled. We made fun of it. It was the best. I love those moments.. he's so awesome. Of course now I can't stop singing the song and re-casting the movie in a current remake. How cool would it be to have that movie redone with CGI.
I digress.
It's time to get a move on at 7:15am - kid to school and start working. School Concert is tonight.. whee!!!
The cookies are done - chocolate chips and peanut butter blossoms. Enough for us.
The shopping is done - waiting on one package
the Family baking will be Saturday and Sunday - that is if the world doesn't end on Friday.
But in all of this craziness, I was blessed to sit for 30 minutes with my husband and watch Flash Gordon. We giggled. We made fun of it. It was the best. I love those moments.. he's so awesome. Of course now I can't stop singing the song and re-casting the movie in a current remake. How cool would it be to have that movie redone with CGI.
I digress.
It's time to get a move on at 7:15am - kid to school and start working. School Concert is tonight.. whee!!!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
thankful
Today is Thanksgiving. For me, it is 2 days off from work which I am very thankful for. It is not a HUGE deal for dinner - just a bigger turkey and more sides... and dessert. Mom is cooking for which I am VERY thankful.
But today should be a day of giving thanks.. so her goes.
I am thankful for the following (in no particular order)
my Husband and child
my mom
my brother, his wife and my nephew
all of Tim's siblings, the spouses and all the kids.
Ribbon and Mr. Teeny Tiny Butt
that we have a roof over our heads
that we have food in our belly
that i have coffee
we are mostly healthy
we have jobs
we have friends who think of us as family
that my neighbor looks out for me
we have health care
we have freedoms some don't
and I am thankful for the men and women who fight for those freedom.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone...
But today should be a day of giving thanks.. so her goes.
I am thankful for the following (in no particular order)
my Husband and child
my mom
my brother, his wife and my nephew
all of Tim's siblings, the spouses and all the kids.
Ribbon and Mr. Teeny Tiny Butt
that we have a roof over our heads
that we have food in our belly
that i have coffee
we are mostly healthy
we have jobs
we have friends who think of us as family
that my neighbor looks out for me
we have health care
we have freedoms some don't
and I am thankful for the men and women who fight for those freedom.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone...
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Red red
wine!! I do love a nice glass of red sweet wine. So tonight, the night before Thanksgiving, I am thankful for living in a state where we make great red sweet wine in a box. It may seem petty and selfish but if you know me.. you'll understand. Bring a box of Banty.. and everything will be better.
CHEERS!!
CHEERS!!
All I want for Christmas is...
nothing. Yes, I sound like my Mom. But there is nothing that I want for Christmas. There is nothing I need either. But new paint brushes are nice, linen too, some blank journals, a book, a new friendly garden gnome, candles, ooh, wine or chocolate, something hand made....these are little tokens of friendship, family and love. I don't expect any of them but they are always things that make me smile. yes, I love garden gnomes and statues for outside.
All I've heard for the last week from Erin is "Oohh! I want THAT for Christmas...." Her list is long. And expensive. Does she need anything? No. Would it be nice if she got a new Monster High doll or game? Sure.. but do we really need any of it? No. Does she expect them? sure. This year, I'd love to be able to make the presents.. but time barely allows me to do what I have to do for the holidays. Will she get any of it? Some.. but she will only get a few items.. small ones and her big gift. and cookie dough.
In this age of STUFF, I think we have forgotten the simple things. Its getting worse.. the bigger TV, the faster phone, the newest gadget. Erin called iPhones overrated. AWESOME... but then she turns around with this list of STUFF. STUFF!! ARRG!!! I really need to think about this... this season of giving . I think its time for a change. what that is.. I don't know. Just thinking out loud really. I guess I've reached a whole new level of "Its all be done before"... but there will be cookie dough.
All I've heard for the last week from Erin is "Oohh! I want THAT for Christmas...." Her list is long. And expensive. Does she need anything? No. Would it be nice if she got a new Monster High doll or game? Sure.. but do we really need any of it? No. Does she expect them? sure. This year, I'd love to be able to make the presents.. but time barely allows me to do what I have to do for the holidays. Will she get any of it? Some.. but she will only get a few items.. small ones and her big gift. and cookie dough.
In this age of STUFF, I think we have forgotten the simple things. Its getting worse.. the bigger TV, the faster phone, the newest gadget. Erin called iPhones overrated. AWESOME... but then she turns around with this list of STUFF. STUFF!! ARRG!!! I really need to think about this... this season of giving . I think its time for a change. what that is.. I don't know. Just thinking out loud really. I guess I've reached a whole new level of "Its all be done before"... but there will be cookie dough.
Monday, November 05, 2012
On the road again..
I'm traveling today to VA for business. My original flight was scheduled to leave at 6am. I have a meeting at 2 that I need to be at so early is always the option. So I wake up to a text message at like 2:30am indicating my flight is CANCELLED. WTF??!!!
After a cup of coffee and a phone call to my travel person at work, I'm booked for an 11:15 flight to a different airport in hopes I'll get there just in time.
NO SUCH FREAKING LUCK!! I get a text and email... Congratulation.. this flight is DELAYED until like 1:30pm. Hello? Excuse me??
So there is a chance now it will be earlier.. it's now listed at 1:05pm. Better.. not great. But what can I do? Nothing. But drink coffee, surf the net, do some work and wait. Yep. Wait. At least I have a rocking chair. And an outlet.
More to come in this freaking adventure I call work.
After a cup of coffee and a phone call to my travel person at work, I'm booked for an 11:15 flight to a different airport in hopes I'll get there just in time.
NO SUCH FREAKING LUCK!! I get a text and email... Congratulation.. this flight is DELAYED until like 1:30pm. Hello? Excuse me??
So there is a chance now it will be earlier.. it's now listed at 1:05pm. Better.. not great. But what can I do? Nothing. But drink coffee, surf the net, do some work and wait. Yep. Wait. At least I have a rocking chair. And an outlet.
More to come in this freaking adventure I call work.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Dear South Park High students crossing Southside,
Do you see that pole on the corner? See the button? It says "Press to cross..." PRESS IT!!! Cars will not stop for you. If you press the magic button, the light will turn red in your favor... then you can safely cross the road. And oh... cross at the corner... NOT THE FREAKING MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!! And you wonder why cars don't stop...
Thanks,
Concerned driver...
PS... fuzzy pj bottoms are not appropriate for school. GET SOME REAL PANTS!
Do you see that pole on the corner? See the button? It says "Press to cross..." PRESS IT!!! Cars will not stop for you. If you press the magic button, the light will turn red in your favor... then you can safely cross the road. And oh... cross at the corner... NOT THE FREAKING MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!! And you wonder why cars don't stop...
Thanks,
Concerned driver...
PS... fuzzy pj bottoms are not appropriate for school. GET SOME REAL PANTS!
Saturday, October 06, 2012
The next level of Hell
The whole puberty question came up again today. So I went for it... while I was driving home. Why? I keeled over with cramps and the girl child was concerned that I would need to go to the hospital. Since she had gone with Tim for his gall stone attack, she thought I was going to die.
Nope. Not dying.. just wanting to ripe my uterus out for a bit.
So I took the whole medical route on what happens.. every damn month. She has heard the terms but didn't know what they were. Now,.. she knows. Her big question to me.. why I never said I was going through the pain each month. She doesn't like to see me in pain so she felt bad. Because she hangs out with a lot of older girls at her performance studio... the "its that time of the month" has been tossed around. Now, she knows what it means.
Some will say,.. "she's only 9! Why are you bringing this up with her?" Here's why.. 1)she's in a training bra. 2) she's heavy for her age like I was. 3) I was like 10/11 when I got it.. I do not need her freaking out when it happens. I'm just glad I'm over this hurtle... one more to go. I'm gonna hunt down a drink.. I need it.
Nope. Not dying.. just wanting to ripe my uterus out for a bit.
So I took the whole medical route on what happens.. every damn month. She has heard the terms but didn't know what they were. Now,.. she knows. Her big question to me.. why I never said I was going through the pain each month. She doesn't like to see me in pain so she felt bad. Because she hangs out with a lot of older girls at her performance studio... the "its that time of the month" has been tossed around. Now, she knows what it means.
Some will say,.. "she's only 9! Why are you bringing this up with her?" Here's why.. 1)she's in a training bra. 2) she's heavy for her age like I was. 3) I was like 10/11 when I got it.. I do not need her freaking out when it happens. I'm just glad I'm over this hurtle... one more to go. I'm gonna hunt down a drink.. I need it.
Friday, October 05, 2012
No sweetie, its called Hell.
A delightful conversation with my kid as we drove home from dance last night
Erin: Mom, do girls go though Puberty?
Me: Yes. Why?
Erin: I thought it would be called something different.
Me: (trying not to laugh). Nope, same name as the boys. Some of the same stuff happens too.. hair in funny places. We get the whole boob thing and some other stuff too (thinking to myself - please don't ask.. please don't ask... )
Erin: It must tickle to shave your underarms.....
Oh the joys of being a Mom.
Erin: Mom, do girls go though Puberty?
Me: Yes. Why?
Erin: I thought it would be called something different.
Me: (trying not to laugh). Nope, same name as the boys. Some of the same stuff happens too.. hair in funny places. We get the whole boob thing and some other stuff too (thinking to myself - please don't ask.. please don't ask... )
Erin: It must tickle to shave your underarms.....
Oh the joys of being a Mom.
Thursday, October 04, 2012
Pros and Cons
I have worked from home now for nearly a year. And I love it. But there are some Pros and Cons to it.
Pros:
I don't need to shower and do my hair right away when I start my day
World's shortest commute
Don't need to worry about driving in the snow
I can do the laundry while I work.
I have a full kitchen for lunch
I can open the windows
I can step away for fresh air
My kid can take the bus home
I can take a nap on my lunch hour
Cons:
I drink way too much coffee
I tend to work later than I really should
Oh..shiny - distractions can happen
Frequent interruptions from a cat and kid
I talk to myself way too much
Would I go back to working in an office? Nope. I like being a Work at Home Mom. And I'm thankful I can do it.
Pros:
I don't need to shower and do my hair right away when I start my day
World's shortest commute
Don't need to worry about driving in the snow
I can do the laundry while I work.
I have a full kitchen for lunch
I can open the windows
I can step away for fresh air
My kid can take the bus home
I can take a nap on my lunch hour
Cons:
I drink way too much coffee
I tend to work later than I really should
Oh..shiny - distractions can happen
Frequent interruptions from a cat and kid
I talk to myself way too much
Would I go back to working in an office? Nope. I like being a Work at Home Mom. And I'm thankful I can do it.
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
New jeans.. thrifty style
I'm about 10 pounds shy of my next weight goal. I've lost 20 pounds so far and want to loose 30 more. I can totally do it but it will take time. No fast loss here.. saggy skin is something I want to avoid. I also want to have my body realize the new smaller size is actually NORMAL. So far its working. But my jeans are way too big. Like falling off my butt big. I've used a belt but it looks dumb. The pants are just plain too big. Its not a bad thing.
I know deep down I can get really good jeans and clothes at AmVets and the Salvation Army. But it was something I never really did in earnest. Sure, I'd go and browse and find a skirt or maybe something for Erin. But to buy new (to me) clothes for a purpose? Yes. When its $5 for a pair of Lee jeans that run anywhere from $25-$40... HOW CAN I BE SO FREAKING BLIND!??!!! And there were a ton of brand name jeans (in really small sizes) from Banana Republic, Apple Bottom Jeans and Aeropostale.
So 2 pairs of $4.98 jeans came home with me.. a size 12. Granted, its the stretchy jean fabric but they are 12s and they fit. I DON'T CARE!! This is huge for me.
With School pictures coming up, I got Erin a new shirt and skirt.. each was $3.98. New outfit for $8. Screw the mall. I got voted best Mom. So next paycheck she gets $20 to spend - the task, New Pants. She's already planning on trying to get as much as she can. When I start to travel, I'll need new pants so it will be a bit until then as I don't want too buy dress pants then find they don't fit.
Oh AmVets.. you rock.
I know deep down I can get really good jeans and clothes at AmVets and the Salvation Army. But it was something I never really did in earnest. Sure, I'd go and browse and find a skirt or maybe something for Erin. But to buy new (to me) clothes for a purpose? Yes. When its $5 for a pair of Lee jeans that run anywhere from $25-$40... HOW CAN I BE SO FREAKING BLIND!??!!! And there were a ton of brand name jeans (in really small sizes) from Banana Republic, Apple Bottom Jeans and Aeropostale.
So 2 pairs of $4.98 jeans came home with me.. a size 12. Granted, its the stretchy jean fabric but they are 12s and they fit. I DON'T CARE!! This is huge for me.
With School pictures coming up, I got Erin a new shirt and skirt.. each was $3.98. New outfit for $8. Screw the mall. I got voted best Mom. So next paycheck she gets $20 to spend - the task, New Pants. She's already planning on trying to get as much as she can. When I start to travel, I'll need new pants so it will be a bit until then as I don't want too buy dress pants then find they don't fit.
Oh AmVets.. you rock.
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