You know why January the 17th is such a great birthday? No, it's not because you'd have to join the polar people club to have a pool party like those June birthday people can. And it's not because you can have your party on any day of the week since it's Summer Vacation like those July and August people can. It's not even because it's right after Christmas no one wants to do a party right after Christmas- especially not me.
It's because in all of my whole educational career, I've only gone to school on my birthday 2 times. Yep, just twice. I love having a birthday that's frequently an observed holiday.
It totally makes up for the fact that my life has not in any way shape or form done what I planned for it to do by the ripe ole age of 30. Those other 3 or 4 kids I'd planned to have, no big deal- my birthday is an observed holiday. Going to dental hygiene school instead of med school, as planned- so what? My birthday is an observed holiday.
See how it goes and makes things just right, that observed holiday birthday. Don't you wish you had an observed holiday birthday too?
We, and when I say we- it really means I'm the intermediary and that is all, are helping some neighbors diagnose the problem with their swamp cooler. I'm much better at humans you know.
Just ask Dr. K, who now knows exactly how to prescribe valtrex for shingles, it's all in my little head you know. I mean, sure it's in the special physician's desk reference book too, but my head is much gray-matterier anyway. It's a good thing I filled in today.
Anyway back to the swamp cooler, the thing must be fixed. I don't know how they survived today- as it's edging toward 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Popsicles can only take you so far, cold air is essential I tell you. Otherwise the alternative is wallowing in pools of your own sweat, and that is just gross. and smelly. and not very cool either.
Dx: broken fan belt thingy.
Rx: get a new one stat.
I forgot to tell you about the shoes, those shoes to be exact. Those ruffles sang to me as I passed by them in the store, I couldn't resist. I've found new muscles in my upper legs and hips that never before have been used- the shoes found them, as I am not accustomed to wearing high-heeled foot wear on a regular basis. But aren't they lovely, and worth the sore muscles? I think so- all three and one half inches of those heels. I think they are the most uncomfortable, but loveliest shoes I own.
And I was taller than my mama in those shoes (at5'10" I'm the shorty in the family!) something I never dreamed I'd see.
Did I mention they were on sale? Yes, on sale.
Oh Target store how I love thee and thy shoes, especially on sale, and thy wide clean aisles and the dollar spot. I don't believe there is a more perfect store in all of creation.
I think in my attempt to impress The Schroeder's family, I may have made my life much much harder. See I was in charge of food for the family Easter party- so what did I do? I delegated is what, it's a new and useful tool that I have discovered through my calling. My fantastic neighbor, and home teacher John made this smoker, I know he made the sucker- and magically when you put meat inside and wait a few hours, out comes the most amazing and tasty food known to man. So I took said food to the in-law's for the party, and now everyone is nominating me to be the forever in charge of food lady.
Yes I know everyone practically gorged themselves on the ribs and pulled pork- the side dishes went nearly untouched- but that doesn't make me want be in charge every time. Compliments forever- sure I'll take them, known as the best family party food ever- absolutely. I'm happy to be the sister in law cook of legends, but I don't want to do it all of the time. It's a hard line to walk I tell you.
Maybe if I would have made it clear the I wasn't in any way shape or form responsible for the tastiness of the food I may have been ok, but how do you not accept compliment after piled on compliment, it's just not graceful or tactful (and I'm so known for my tact). Even after I explained how John really did all of the work and let me 'help' only because I felt bad about him doing it all- even though I really didn't do anything of real use, to no avail. So no0w I have to figure out how to undo this mess. Maybe next time I'll show up with cereal and milk- that might do the trick.
I had the most painfully awkward, and thankfully short, visit of my life- and it was with my own grandma. We've never been particularly close, but now that I'm an adult, maybe especially that I'm an adult {and in a healthy marriage} I find that we have less and less to even talk about. It makes me kind of sad.
Then I realized just how lucky I am that my own child has the most fabulous and practically perfect grandmas ever. I couldn't tailor them to be any better. My friends and I were talking after a fantastic GNO, about things-kids, babysitters, etc, etc, etc. and the subject came up as to where the Girl Child was going to stay while Schroeder and I were on trek. I so got to brag it up that my mother-in-law essentially put dibs on getting to keep her while we were gone, and that she would be highly offended if we asked anyone else first- and that she has the most fun things planned already so we'd better just comply so as not to mess with the plans. did I mention she is turning 75 this year-a year older than my own grandma even. She is A-ma-zing I tell you.
Then there is my own momma, seriously the most patient with Em ever. She lets her 'help' sew projects and teaches her how to make her own projects-without a hint of frustration when she has to explain it 2 or 3 more times. She accepts early Saturday morning phone calls while I'm still in bed-and chats with her for as long as Emma wants to talk. She laughs at all of Emma's jokes, and most of them are 2nd grade jokes if you get my drift. and when she comes to visit-Em climbs into bed with her every night, and she doesn't even kick her out.
How on earth did I get so lucky to have 2 perfect grandmas for my kid? So I -maybe slightly pridefully- think I have some bragging rights about this one.
Valentines day was cute and sweet in elementary school; there's a class party and you pass out hand made notes into the darling little mail boxes. Somehow it became too commercialized and lame. oh, I'll still give my family little notes and treats, and I'm sure I'll receive some in return. I just don't expect to have 2 dozen red roses show up at my door, or a diamond bracelet to make it's way to my wrist.
I'm so sick of the Kay commercials, and the like, that espouse that if you don't but an expensive gift for every occasion you won't get any lovin {kissing or otherwise} A car with a huge red bow on top is not romance people.
A well planned, meaningful date {in or out} is where it's at. *ehem-wink wink* Schroeder
"I can't buy you nice things, like big diamond rings, but that don't mean much anyway-
I will write you a song, that's how you'll know my love is still strong, and you'll know from the song that I just can't go on without you" -plain white t's
The Girl took a 3 hour test today, and reallyI had debated whether or not to have Girl child take the test at all {it was for our school district's pull out program}. She came to me with the flyer and asked to take it- how could I say no to that right? But I wondered if it would be a good thing for her or if it would be one more thing to stress her out about school -like we need more of that.
Then I went to the survey that must be completed pre-test, and I tell you what that sucker almost described the girl to a T. Aware of the emotions of others-check, asks complex questions-check, concerned and aware of world events-check. This may just be the thing that makes school happy for her. They asked for examples and I have to admit I did brag just a bit on the personality and emotional awareness type questions, ok a lot but I couldn't restrain myself...
So I'll share with you too. What's that-you're dying to know? I knew you would be.
This kid- wow! 2 years ago she gave her piggy bank savings to primary children medical center pennies by the inch thing, her entire piggy bank. last year she gave a big bag full of change to her school's fund raiser for the homeless shelter in our city, this year she gave what she had left of her Christmas money for Haiti to our church. She is an awesome kid and she reminds me to be generous, I really am a lucky mom.
