Dear ones, since you are always dealing with people who are nervous, or hurting, or somehow uncomfortable, please do not add to the anxiety by tuning your radio station to abrasive music. I like Aerosmith as much as the next girl, and I had many of my happiest moments with 80's hair bands in the background, but when I am sitting in your waiting room, guitar riffs are the last thing I want to hear. I am partial to classical music; no matter where I am, I can settle into myself with a symphony in the background. I know I am not like everyone, though. Waiting room music should be not-noticeable. Just something creating an ambient atmosphere, conducive to relaxation.
For example, yesterday I was in urgent care with my back hurting so badly I was near tears. The radio in the office was loud, tuned to a 70's/80's station with static. Static, I tell you! It's very possible my ears started to bleed. On top of that, the nurses and office manager were opposed to looking anyone in the eye or speaking kindly. By the end of the visit, my nerves were frayed and I was weeping. Weeping, I tell you! Two summers ago I had the distinct displeasure of frequently visiting the obstetrician, where the music over the loudspeaker was tuned to a different station than the little radio the receptionists kept behind the front desk. Warring music! It was my own personal hell.
So, friends and colleagues, take heed. Some of your patients are already a little wound up and are quite noise-sensitive. Please don't make it worse by embracing static or choosing music that is too noticeable. I beg of you, use your powers for good and not evil by choosing unobtrusive music.
*Disclaimer: I am the office manager at a dentist's office, and often in control of the music, unless a certain doctor is in the office, in which case we have no choice but to listen to Clint Black or Kenny Chesney over and over. I probably frustrate our patients with my music choices, and I accept that. Moreover, I live with a non-noise-sensitive man who has no problem having the TV on, the radio on, and playing the ukelele AT THE SAME TIME. The moral of the lesson is that familiarity breeds contempt.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Emptier Nest
The house is too quiet. I miss her. Her baby brother keeps looking for her. This morning, he couldn't stop looking at photos on her, hanging on the wall. At every one, he'd point and say, "Titi?"
Lest anyone start feeling sorry for her, though, here is a photo of her with her counselor, nicknamed "Element:"
The cabin is a converted boxcar. Air-conditioned, no less. She'll be fine. Here is the view of her camp site, with Mt. Rainier in the background:
Lest anyone start feeling sorry for her, though, here is a photo of her with her counselor, nicknamed "Element:"
The cabin is a converted boxcar. Air-conditioned, no less. She'll be fine. Here is the view of her camp site, with Mt. Rainier in the background:
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Random Sunday
1) KED is at camp, now. I didn't cry when I hugged her goodbye, only because I was still frustrated from the 3 hour drive getting there. (Can you believe the camp people don't answer the phones on check-in day?) However, I did cry before we left, and that, in turn, made her cry. There were many meaningful looks at her from me today, as I tried to telepathically teach her everything she might need for a successful camp week, everything I might have overlooked lo, these 9 years we've had together. She said a quick goodbye, and skipped off to her pizza dinner. Now we're home, but my heart is 60 miles away.
2) Last night our closet started smelling of something dead or dying. We emptied out the closet, vacuumed, and refilled it. It still smells of decay, and the smell has moved toward the hallway. Yucky yuckity yuck.
3) When you grow up in a church, raised by a church musician, and you can play the piano, God sometimes taps you on the shoulder and says He needs you for a little while. As I said in my previous post, I'm only a mediocre performer, and yet He still borrows my fingers once and again. Yesterday my father-in-law told me that at his church they will be looking for a pianist soon. I've subbed there, and it's a small and low-key congregation. With some practice, I could be up to the job, and I might even learn some organ, too. I really don't want to leave St. Mary's, though, so we'd probably go to the 9 am service, then Steve and children would stay for Sunday School, while I went to the in-laws' church to play, then they would come get me. So is this really something I want to do? It's that age-old question of whether it's truly God's call or my own will. This is a toughie.
4) I got to read in church today. It was one of my favorite passages, from my favorite prophet: Isaiah 55:12: You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. So many pieces have been written with this text, and when I was standing at the lectern, it was all I could do to not sing the words! That often happens with me and Isaiah.
2) Last night our closet started smelling of something dead or dying. We emptied out the closet, vacuumed, and refilled it. It still smells of decay, and the smell has moved toward the hallway. Yucky yuckity yuck.
3) When you grow up in a church, raised by a church musician, and you can play the piano, God sometimes taps you on the shoulder and says He needs you for a little while. As I said in my previous post, I'm only a mediocre performer, and yet He still borrows my fingers once and again. Yesterday my father-in-law told me that at his church they will be looking for a pianist soon. I've subbed there, and it's a small and low-key congregation. With some practice, I could be up to the job, and I might even learn some organ, too. I really don't want to leave St. Mary's, though, so we'd probably go to the 9 am service, then Steve and children would stay for Sunday School, while I went to the in-laws' church to play, then they would come get me. So is this really something I want to do? It's that age-old question of whether it's truly God's call or my own will. This is a toughie.
4) I got to read in church today. It was one of my favorite passages, from my favorite prophet: Isaiah 55:12: You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. So many pieces have been written with this text, and when I was standing at the lectern, it was all I could do to not sing the words! That often happens with me and Isaiah.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
A Terrible Journey
At my daughter's piano lesson last night, her teacher (whom we adore) declared that K is at the beginning of "a terrible journey." I had not thought of the burden he was referring to described quite that way, but after our discussion, I think he is right.
K is a talented musician. I've made this assessment trying to be as unbiased as possible. I've been a pianist my whole life (including the first 5 years where my musical education was less formal and more familial), am the daughter of two wonderful musicians, one professional, and I've been a piano teacher for quite a while. Believe me, I've experienced the spectrum of musical giftedness. Me, I consider myself a mediocre performer, but I do have a good and critical ear. K is talented. The point her teacher was making was that because of her talent, she can get by and have a decent lesson or performance without much effort. But should she?
Do we all have those times? I could get decent grades without killing myself over assignments or reading the text. I could have an ok performance with just a little practice. How many of us had the teacher who said that we'd be great, if only we'd just apply ourselves? Sound familiar? Then I think back on my college days, and how much more I should have made of those years if only I had worked a little harder and played a little less. One could argue that there is value in play, sure, but not so much in this case.
Tim the Marvelous Piano Teacher called this bad stewardship. (He is also a Christian.) This was a new concept to me. God gifted us with music. He placed it in our hands like a fragile bird, closed our fingers around it, looked into our eyes, and asked us to please take good care of it--indeed, to make it even better (see the parable of the talents.) Or our family motto, from Luke 12:48, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded."
Sure, we could skate by, or keep what has been given to us intact. By most standards, keeping what we've been given in good shape, and returning it as we found it, would be considered responsible and good. But as Christians, we are on a terrible, wonderful journey. We are to be grateful for our gifts, which, in K's case, is music (and so much more). Then we are to continually, joyously challenge ourselves to do better than good enough. Thank you, Tim, for teaching us that lesson, and thank you, God, for putting Tim in our lives so that we might learn.
K is a talented musician. I've made this assessment trying to be as unbiased as possible. I've been a pianist my whole life (including the first 5 years where my musical education was less formal and more familial), am the daughter of two wonderful musicians, one professional, and I've been a piano teacher for quite a while. Believe me, I've experienced the spectrum of musical giftedness. Me, I consider myself a mediocre performer, but I do have a good and critical ear. K is talented. The point her teacher was making was that because of her talent, she can get by and have a decent lesson or performance without much effort. But should she?
Do we all have those times? I could get decent grades without killing myself over assignments or reading the text. I could have an ok performance with just a little practice. How many of us had the teacher who said that we'd be great, if only we'd just apply ourselves? Sound familiar? Then I think back on my college days, and how much more I should have made of those years if only I had worked a little harder and played a little less. One could argue that there is value in play, sure, but not so much in this case.
Tim the Marvelous Piano Teacher called this bad stewardship. (He is also a Christian.) This was a new concept to me. God gifted us with music. He placed it in our hands like a fragile bird, closed our fingers around it, looked into our eyes, and asked us to please take good care of it--indeed, to make it even better (see the parable of the talents.) Or our family motto, from Luke 12:48, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded."
Sure, we could skate by, or keep what has been given to us intact. By most standards, keeping what we've been given in good shape, and returning it as we found it, would be considered responsible and good. But as Christians, we are on a terrible, wonderful journey. We are to be grateful for our gifts, which, in K's case, is music (and so much more). Then we are to continually, joyously challenge ourselves to do better than good enough. Thank you, Tim, for teaching us that lesson, and thank you, God, for putting Tim in our lives so that we might learn.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Make the World Go Away
There are times in a mommy's life when she wishes time would stop. I just had one of those moments.
Baby (21 months, big toddler boy) was having difficulty falling asleep. I attribute it to the light outside. Although it is nearly 8 pm, we're at a higher latitude and so it doesn't start getting dark until later. I went in his room, whereupon he asked for a book, which means he wants to be read to. Normally I would be happy to oblige, but it's 2 hours past his bedtime and the child doesn't need more stimulation. I picked him up out of his crib, sat in the glider (thanks, Dad, still using it!), and cradled his precious, sweaty head to my shoulder. He was silent and calm for a long time. When I lifted my head to see if he was asleep, he met my gaze and smiled his big toothy smile. I kissed his nose and his cheeks and his lips, and he made smacky-kissy sounds in return. I whispered in my sing-sing voice, "I love you," and he sung back, "I loo!"
His body relaxed, and for 15 beautiful minutes I rocked him, silently prayed for him, and worked in earnest to commit every single moment to everlasting memory. I know it's a cliche, but truly these days go so quickly. My little girl will be 9 this month, and in church today the lay eucharistic minister whispered to me, "you have a young lady on your hands." She's right: overnight, it seems, my little baby girl is halfway to 18. Next week she heads to overnight camp, 6 days far away from us. She is self-assured, confident, funny, smart, and marvelous. If I were 9, I would want to be her best friend. Instead, I have the honor of mothering her and her brother, and I thank God every day for that gift.
Baby (21 months, big toddler boy) was having difficulty falling asleep. I attribute it to the light outside. Although it is nearly 8 pm, we're at a higher latitude and so it doesn't start getting dark until later. I went in his room, whereupon he asked for a book, which means he wants to be read to. Normally I would be happy to oblige, but it's 2 hours past his bedtime and the child doesn't need more stimulation. I picked him up out of his crib, sat in the glider (thanks, Dad, still using it!), and cradled his precious, sweaty head to my shoulder. He was silent and calm for a long time. When I lifted my head to see if he was asleep, he met my gaze and smiled his big toothy smile. I kissed his nose and his cheeks and his lips, and he made smacky-kissy sounds in return. I whispered in my sing-sing voice, "I love you," and he sung back, "I loo!"
His body relaxed, and for 15 beautiful minutes I rocked him, silently prayed for him, and worked in earnest to commit every single moment to everlasting memory. I know it's a cliche, but truly these days go so quickly. My little girl will be 9 this month, and in church today the lay eucharistic minister whispered to me, "you have a young lady on your hands." She's right: overnight, it seems, my little baby girl is halfway to 18. Next week she heads to overnight camp, 6 days far away from us. She is self-assured, confident, funny, smart, and marvelous. If I were 9, I would want to be her best friend. Instead, I have the honor of mothering her and her brother, and I thank God every day for that gift.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Yes, I'm blogging about THIS
Excuse me? Why, yes, that IS me, the one with the clean refrigerator! How nice of you to notice. Oh, it was nothing. Nothing, plus one SOS pad, two rags, endless paper towels, a scrubber sponge, and two garbage bags full of old food. Other than that, it was nothing. Oh, and 45 minutes out of my life. Hello Clorox, goodbye salmonella!
Now to rid that fridge of those Henry's...
Monday, June 16, 2008
I don't want Nana to die. I know she's not on death's door, but she's now in her 80's, and each health scare brings with it more and more serious repercussions. This last time, she was very confused, and Mom thought she had had another TIA (mini-stroke). Nope. It was a urinary tract infection, and at her age, apparently, massive confusion is another side-effect. Even a few days after she was hospitalized, she still couldn't tell us the year or the name of her ex-husband, my grandfather, the father of her 5 children and spouse of 35 years.
Nana is very competitive, and will knock your ball out of the park in croquet with no apologies. She has an acidic wit, and can cut deeply if it's directed at you. She started a preschool in Ohio that is still going strong, 50 years later. She is funny, strong, devoted, fashionable, and my nana. She was always nicer to me than to my brother, adding to my forever feeling guilty over his getting the raw end of things.
She's a complicated woman, and I love her very much. I've never lost anyone I love, which probably adds to my fear of losing her. With all the craziness, I know she loves me very much, and not just because I'm the mother of her only two great-grandchildren. Every time I see her, I feel like there is a little bit less of her here with us. One day, she'll be all the way gone.
Nana is very competitive, and will knock your ball out of the park in croquet with no apologies. She has an acidic wit, and can cut deeply if it's directed at you. She started a preschool in Ohio that is still going strong, 50 years later. She is funny, strong, devoted, fashionable, and my nana. She was always nicer to me than to my brother, adding to my forever feeling guilty over his getting the raw end of things.
She's a complicated woman, and I love her very much. I've never lost anyone I love, which probably adds to my fear of losing her. With all the craziness, I know she loves me very much, and not just because I'm the mother of her only two great-grandchildren. Every time I see her, I feel like there is a little bit less of her here with us. One day, she'll be all the way gone.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Grateful
Today, I am feeling so grateful for so many things.
1. I am very glad I work only part time. I'm healthier, my family is less harried, and we had time to take a bike ride after school yesterday.
2. I'm grateful for the sunshine today! It was KED's Brownie's pool party today, and it was actually warm. Since I had to be the one mommy in the pool (due to my toddler wanting to play in the "bath"), at least I wasn't freezing.
3. I get to see my good friend Kara on Saturday with my other buddies, Shelly and Valerie! Yipee!
4. Thank heavens I don't live in Cedar Rapids like poor Kara and the rest.
5. I'm so pleased that KED has had another successful year at school. Tomorrow is her last day of 3rd grade, and while I have some frustrations at what wasn't taught or attended to this year, she feels darn good about her year.
1. I am very glad I work only part time. I'm healthier, my family is less harried, and we had time to take a bike ride after school yesterday.
2. I'm grateful for the sunshine today! It was KED's Brownie's pool party today, and it was actually warm. Since I had to be the one mommy in the pool (due to my toddler wanting to play in the "bath"), at least I wasn't freezing.
3. I get to see my good friend Kara on Saturday with my other buddies, Shelly and Valerie! Yipee!
4. Thank heavens I don't live in Cedar Rapids like poor Kara and the rest.
5. I'm so pleased that KED has had another successful year at school. Tomorrow is her last day of 3rd grade, and while I have some frustrations at what wasn't taught or attended to this year, she feels darn good about her year.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I'm Home, Alive, Dry, and Famous!
I spent last weekend in Madison, Wisconsin with my oldest and best friend, Ruthie. We had a great, great time, and oh my gosh, we laughed like nuts! It felt so good to be myself again. Here's a quickie-poo synopsis of my weekend:
Friday
After flying all night, I arrived safe and sound. We played with her precious boys whom I absolutely, hopelessly adore, went out to dinner, and then she and I went to see Sex & the City. I got to drink a cosmo in the theatre. Can we please bring a place like that here?
Saturday
Stardom. We went to see What D'ya Know at the U of W Madison campus. Lo and behold, the host picked lil ole ME to interview in the first hour! And yes, that's RUTHIE you hear in the 2nd hour playing the quiz!!! We're NPR divas! We had to fight off the throngs of fans the whole rest of the day.
Later in the day, I was treated to a tornado warning. Truly I was only beginning to get the full midwestern experience. I was giddy, they were blase. Why on earth weren't they more excited about this?
Sunday
Because then they have to deal with weather like this:
That's right, my friends: flooding. Roads were filled with water, cars were floating by. Somehow the very courageous Ruthie managed to get me to the airport, circumventing the many washed-out roads. It took 3 hours. It was NOT fun.
All in all, it was a fun, warm, funny, nurturing, dramatic trip. I was so glad I went! It was totally worth it. In the meantime, my prayers are with those left in the midwest dealing with these floods. When your life is truly affected, your perspective changes. Ruthie, I hope your carpets dry out soon!
Friday
After flying all night, I arrived safe and sound. We played with her precious boys whom I absolutely, hopelessly adore, went out to dinner, and then she and I went to see Sex & the City. I got to drink a cosmo in the theatre. Can we please bring a place like that here?
Saturday
Stardom. We went to see What D'ya Know at the U of W Madison campus. Lo and behold, the host picked lil ole ME to interview in the first hour! And yes, that's RUTHIE you hear in the 2nd hour playing the quiz!!! We're NPR divas! We had to fight off the throngs of fans the whole rest of the day.Later in the day, I was treated to a tornado warning. Truly I was only beginning to get the full midwestern experience. I was giddy, they were blase. Why on earth weren't they more excited about this?
Sunday
Because then they have to deal with weather like this:
That's right, my friends: flooding. Roads were filled with water, cars were floating by. Somehow the very courageous Ruthie managed to get me to the airport, circumventing the many washed-out roads. It took 3 hours. It was NOT fun.All in all, it was a fun, warm, funny, nurturing, dramatic trip. I was so glad I went! It was totally worth it. In the meantime, my prayers are with those left in the midwest dealing with these floods. When your life is truly affected, your perspective changes. Ruthie, I hope your carpets dry out soon!
Monday, June 09, 2008
49 Things
This is from Sibyl, and I thought I would post it here, since the creative spark hasn't hit me recently.
50 Things.
1. Do you like bleu cheese?
Oh, yes
2. Have you ever smoked heroin?My gosh, no!
3. Do you own a gun?I personally do not own a gun. I suspect my spouse has one hidden in the garage somewhere, though, and that really freaks me out.
4. Your favorite song right now?"New Soul" by Yael Naim
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
No, I like having problems solved.
6. What do you think about hot dogs?I like them, as long as I don't think too much about what they're made of.
7. Favorite Christmas song?Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. Give me goosebumps.
8. What do you like to drink in the morning?Sugar free vanilla, non-fat, 140 degree latte. (High maintenance? Me?) Except in the summer, then it's straight-up iced tea.
9. Can you do push ups?Yes
10. How much money is in your bank account?enough
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?1. My ring that I always wear on my right hand that Steve made for me with Kathryn's birthstone (which my father gave to me). 2. My necklace with Benjamin's birthstone that Steve had made for me for my last birthday.
12. Favorite hobby?Travelling, or quilting.
15. One trait you hate about yourself?To lazy to excercize vigorously every day
16. Middle Name?Elizabeth. Like the town in New Jersey
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?-Madison was so much fun!
-I hope the link to the radio show is up and running now so I can hear myself tonight.
-My eyes are so tired.
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
-A pink cowboy hat
-Water for the plane
-Wine on the plane
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?water, lattes, Caffeine Free Diet Coke
20. Current worry right now?Ben's teeth are starting to look like he's a bottle-drinker, and it's going to be hard to get him off the bottle.
21. Current hate right now?Being tired today.
22. Favorite place to be?
Wherever my children are.
23. How did you bring in the New Year?At the Johnson's house, with the Lloyds and another family.
24. Where would you like to go?
West Africa, especially the Congo
25. Name three people who will complete this?Valerie. Maybe Ruthie
26. Do you own slippers?
Abso-bloomin-lutely. I really dislike bare feet on bare floors.
27. What kind of shirt are you wearing?a light green striped light sweater with a matching tank underneath
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?Never tried it. I do like flannel sheets, though.
29. Can you whistle?Yes, one note, with great concentration and effort. 30. Favorite color?Probably blue. Or red.
31. Would you be a pirate?Nah.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower?Rise and shine and give God the glory glory...
33. Favorite girl's name?Kathryn
34. Favorite boy's name?Benjamin
35. What's in your pocket right now?Keys and mascara
36. Last thing that made you laugh?Just about anything that Ruthie said this weekend.
37. Best bed sheets as a child?Bambi sheets. Which I still have.
38. Worst injury you've ever had?Last year's broken leg.
39. Do you love where you live?Steilacoom is the best place in the world. I love it. I love the people and the beaches and everything.
40. How many tvs do you have in your house?2
41. Who is your loudest friend?Steve. He's not obnoxious usually, but he has a really loud speaking voice, and he's content with lots of sounds going on around him (radio + ukelele + Kathryn on the piano + tv = crazy Amy)
42. How many dogs do you have?1 German Shepherd named Sidda Lee (points for you if you know where that name came from)
43. How many cats do you have?none, just our 3 angel kitties in heaven.
44. What is your favorite TV show?Lost
45. What is your favorite candy?Smarties or Sour Patch Kids
46. What is your favorite Sports Team?Mariners
47. What song do you want played at your funeral?The entire Durufle Reqiuem
48. What were you doing 12 AM last night?Settling in at home after getting back from Wisconsin.
49. What was your first thought as you awoke this morning?Yay! I'm waking up next to my little girl, who is waking me with kissies all over my face!
50 Things.
1. Do you like bleu cheese?
Oh, yes
2. Have you ever smoked heroin?My gosh, no!
3. Do you own a gun?I personally do not own a gun. I suspect my spouse has one hidden in the garage somewhere, though, and that really freaks me out.
4. Your favorite song right now?"New Soul" by Yael Naim
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
No, I like having problems solved.
6. What do you think about hot dogs?I like them, as long as I don't think too much about what they're made of.
7. Favorite Christmas song?Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. Give me goosebumps.
8. What do you like to drink in the morning?Sugar free vanilla, non-fat, 140 degree latte. (High maintenance? Me?) Except in the summer, then it's straight-up iced tea.
9. Can you do push ups?Yes
10. How much money is in your bank account?enough
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?1. My ring that I always wear on my right hand that Steve made for me with Kathryn's birthstone (which my father gave to me). 2. My necklace with Benjamin's birthstone that Steve had made for me for my last birthday.
12. Favorite hobby?Travelling, or quilting.
15. One trait you hate about yourself?To lazy to excercize vigorously every day
16. Middle Name?Elizabeth. Like the town in New Jersey
17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?-Madison was so much fun!
-I hope the link to the radio show is up and running now so I can hear myself tonight.
-My eyes are so tired.
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday?
-A pink cowboy hat
-Water for the plane
-Wine on the plane
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink?water, lattes, Caffeine Free Diet Coke
20. Current worry right now?Ben's teeth are starting to look like he's a bottle-drinker, and it's going to be hard to get him off the bottle.
21. Current hate right now?Being tired today.
22. Favorite place to be?
Wherever my children are.
23. How did you bring in the New Year?At the Johnson's house, with the Lloyds and another family.
24. Where would you like to go?
West Africa, especially the Congo
25. Name three people who will complete this?Valerie. Maybe Ruthie
26. Do you own slippers?
Abso-bloomin-lutely. I really dislike bare feet on bare floors.
27. What kind of shirt are you wearing?a light green striped light sweater with a matching tank underneath
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets?Never tried it. I do like flannel sheets, though.
29. Can you whistle?Yes, one note, with great concentration and effort. 30. Favorite color?Probably blue. Or red.
31. Would you be a pirate?Nah.
32. What songs do you sing in the shower?Rise and shine and give God the glory glory...
33. Favorite girl's name?Kathryn
34. Favorite boy's name?Benjamin
35. What's in your pocket right now?Keys and mascara
36. Last thing that made you laugh?Just about anything that Ruthie said this weekend.
37. Best bed sheets as a child?Bambi sheets. Which I still have.
38. Worst injury you've ever had?Last year's broken leg.
39. Do you love where you live?Steilacoom is the best place in the world. I love it. I love the people and the beaches and everything.
40. How many tvs do you have in your house?2
41. Who is your loudest friend?Steve. He's not obnoxious usually, but he has a really loud speaking voice, and he's content with lots of sounds going on around him (radio + ukelele + Kathryn on the piano + tv = crazy Amy)
42. How many dogs do you have?1 German Shepherd named Sidda Lee (points for you if you know where that name came from)
43. How many cats do you have?none, just our 3 angel kitties in heaven.
44. What is your favorite TV show?Lost
45. What is your favorite candy?Smarties or Sour Patch Kids
46. What is your favorite Sports Team?Mariners
47. What song do you want played at your funeral?The entire Durufle Reqiuem
48. What were you doing 12 AM last night?Settling in at home after getting back from Wisconsin.
49. What was your first thought as you awoke this morning?Yay! I'm waking up next to my little girl, who is waking me with kissies all over my face!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Benediction
My baby brother is a law school graduate! I'm so darn proud of him I could burst.
Speaking of, I almost did burst... laughing, that is. The benediction at graduation (the day before Pentecost, I get it) began like this:
"Dear God, you are the arsonist of our hearts..."
Seriously? Did he just say arsonist of our hearts? Yes, yes, he did indeed. And yes, we, a religious family, all four generations of us there present, totally died laughing.
Amen.
PS: We love Heather, baby brother's girlfriend. We love her for many many reasons, but the icing on the cake is that on mother's day, when Nana, Mom, and I all ordered oatmeal for brunch, Heather swooped in and ordered oatmeal, too, without knowing that we all had! She's totally a fit. And she loves Sondheim.
Speaking of, I almost did burst... laughing, that is. The benediction at graduation (the day before Pentecost, I get it) began like this:
"Dear God, you are the arsonist of our hearts..."
Seriously? Did he just say arsonist of our hearts? Yes, yes, he did indeed. And yes, we, a religious family, all four generations of us there present, totally died laughing.
Amen.
PS: We love Heather, baby brother's girlfriend. We love her for many many reasons, but the icing on the cake is that on mother's day, when Nana, Mom, and I all ordered oatmeal for brunch, Heather swooped in and ordered oatmeal, too, without knowing that we all had! She's totally a fit. And she loves Sondheim.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Spooning
Dear Universe,
Where have all my spoons gone? I have plenty of soup spoons, salad and dinner forks, and butter knives. But where are my spoons? Two summers ago I noticed I was running low on these spoons, so I ran out to The Bon, paid an exorbitant amount for the spoons in my pattern, waited 3 weeks, and obtained 6 replacement spoons to fill that far-right spot in the drawer. Here it is, fewer than 24 months later, and all that's left is one spoon and two shark spoons (aka grapefruit spoons). What the heck is going on here, universe? Are the cereal gremlins raiding my silverware drawer? Is my husband packing good silverware in the kids' lunchboxes? I remember once at Hoover Elementary school I accidentally dumped a home-spoon in the garbage. I realized my mistake right away, but was too grossed out by the thought of rummaging through ick to do anything about it. I still feel guilty about it, of course. Even with that misdeed, when I am at my mom's house, her spoon-slot runneth over!
Universe, as soon as you have an answer for me, please contact me right away. I'll be the one with bloodly lips from eating my cereal with shark spoons.
Yours cordially,
Amy
Where have all my spoons gone? I have plenty of soup spoons, salad and dinner forks, and butter knives. But where are my spoons? Two summers ago I noticed I was running low on these spoons, so I ran out to The Bon, paid an exorbitant amount for the spoons in my pattern, waited 3 weeks, and obtained 6 replacement spoons to fill that far-right spot in the drawer. Here it is, fewer than 24 months later, and all that's left is one spoon and two shark spoons (aka grapefruit spoons). What the heck is going on here, universe? Are the cereal gremlins raiding my silverware drawer? Is my husband packing good silverware in the kids' lunchboxes? I remember once at Hoover Elementary school I accidentally dumped a home-spoon in the garbage. I realized my mistake right away, but was too grossed out by the thought of rummaging through ick to do anything about it. I still feel guilty about it, of course. Even with that misdeed, when I am at my mom's house, her spoon-slot runneth over!
Universe, as soon as you have an answer for me, please contact me right away. I'll be the one with bloodly lips from eating my cereal with shark spoons.
Yours cordially,
Amy
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Observant Mommy
It was after bathtime, and my sweet little guy was running around in the nude. What does any self-respecting scrapbooker do? She takes photos!
Photo #1:
Oh, the sweet baby! Photo #2 is equally sweet, but I didn't notice the details until I had printed out the photo just now:
HE PEED ON MY WALL!!! And darn if he doesn't look proud of himself for it!
Photo #1:
Oh, the sweet baby! Photo #2 is equally sweet, but I didn't notice the details until I had printed out the photo just now:
HE PEED ON MY WALL!!! And darn if he doesn't look proud of himself for it!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Freaky Food
I don't know why, but today I've been thinking about what a wierdo I am. There are so many food quirks I have, and I'm so pleased that Steve knows most of them, so I don't really have to explain myself anymore. Here are a few:
* I adore Lucky Charms.
* I really like hot tea (particularly Irish Breakfast), but only if I can have 2 ice cubes in it.
* I really like iced tea, too, but without any ice. Unless it's a super-hot day, then ice is acceptable.
* The best breakfast, in my opinion, is room temperature iced tea and an old fashioned donut.
* I prefer red wine to white.
* My favorite food ever is my mom's veggie spaghetti. I'll give you the recipe sometime.
* When I eat spaghetti, I use my fork and knife to cut "slices" about 1" apart, all in one direction (left to right). Then I turn the plate 1/4 turn and do the same, so it's all criss-cross and in perfectly manageable bite-sized pieces. This does not apply to veggie spaghetti.
* I'm not a fan of drinking milk. It kind of grosses me out, UNLESS I'm eating veggie spaghetti or sometimes with pizza.
* Scrambled eggs are icky, unless prepared by me or my mom. Otherwise, they turn my stomach something awful.
* Rice Chex is not yummy plain or with bananas. It is only yummy with fresh strawberries.
* McCann's Steel Cut oatmeal is the bomb. Yummers, yum, yum. I will take just about any kind of oatmeal, and the more kinds of fruit I can put on it, the better. The best oatmeal I ever had included raisins, fresh blueberries, fresh strawberries, fresh bananas, and it was delicious. NO MILK IN MY OATMEAL!!! That's just disgusting.
* I never drink the last few sips of my latte. You can't see the bottom of the cup, and you just never know what's lurking down there.
* I always love malt vinegar on my fries.
* Given the choice, I really prefer to drink with a straw. A little more sanitary that way, methinks.
That's all I can think of in these 5 minutes, just off the top of my head. Am I the only one with these oddities, or do you, too, have Food Freakiness? Please share! (Especially you, Lesley.)
* I adore Lucky Charms.
* I really like hot tea (particularly Irish Breakfast), but only if I can have 2 ice cubes in it.
* I really like iced tea, too, but without any ice. Unless it's a super-hot day, then ice is acceptable.
* The best breakfast, in my opinion, is room temperature iced tea and an old fashioned donut.
* I prefer red wine to white.
* My favorite food ever is my mom's veggie spaghetti. I'll give you the recipe sometime.
* When I eat spaghetti, I use my fork and knife to cut "slices" about 1" apart, all in one direction (left to right). Then I turn the plate 1/4 turn and do the same, so it's all criss-cross and in perfectly manageable bite-sized pieces. This does not apply to veggie spaghetti.
* I'm not a fan of drinking milk. It kind of grosses me out, UNLESS I'm eating veggie spaghetti or sometimes with pizza.
* Scrambled eggs are icky, unless prepared by me or my mom. Otherwise, they turn my stomach something awful.
* Rice Chex is not yummy plain or with bananas. It is only yummy with fresh strawberries.
* McCann's Steel Cut oatmeal is the bomb. Yummers, yum, yum. I will take just about any kind of oatmeal, and the more kinds of fruit I can put on it, the better. The best oatmeal I ever had included raisins, fresh blueberries, fresh strawberries, fresh bananas, and it was delicious. NO MILK IN MY OATMEAL!!! That's just disgusting.
* I never drink the last few sips of my latte. You can't see the bottom of the cup, and you just never know what's lurking down there.
* I always love malt vinegar on my fries.
* Given the choice, I really prefer to drink with a straw. A little more sanitary that way, methinks.
That's all I can think of in these 5 minutes, just off the top of my head. Am I the only one with these oddities, or do you, too, have Food Freakiness? Please share! (Especially you, Lesley.)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
I'm Getting Old!
I bought a new computer today. While it is exciting and fun, and I think my new MacBook is the prettiest piece of technology since the iPod I bought 3 years ago, it ages me. I have so much to learn with this new contraption! Strangely, it's not my increasing numbers of gray hairs, nor my dwindling patience, and not even my sagging body that makes me feel old. It's my steep learning curve with this new computer. It's not nearly as intuitive as learning used to be. I pride myself on being tech-savvy. Three weeks ago I built a website from scratch, something I had never done before! My bosses ask me to fix their email problems, thinking I'm the greatest thing since drag-and-drop, but here I have what is supposed to be a very simple thing and I'm a crazy mess! How do I get my email folders? How do I get my Palm calendar to synch with iCal, and my Palm contacts to synch with this Address Book? And perhaps most importantly, why isn't my iTunes synching all my music? [If you know the answers to these questions, please email me pronto!] In a few months, I will have mastered this, I'm sure, and believe me, I'll be all puffed up with pride from this accomplishment as much as any other achievement. It's really all about the little things in life.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The Definition of Delight
At this very moment, as I write this, Steve is serenading our daughter while she takes a shower. He is strumming his baritone ukelele and together they are belting out "When the Saints Go Marching In." It sounds like this:
"Oh when the saints... (K: Oh when the saints!)... go marching in... (K: Marching in!)... Oh when the saints go marching...[pause for chord change]...in (K: Yes they march!)!"
There is much gesticulating that goes along with this performance. It is the most wonderful concert I have ever heard.
"Oh when the saints... (K: Oh when the saints!)... go marching in... (K: Marching in!)... Oh when the saints go marching...[pause for chord change]...in (K: Yes they march!)!"
There is much gesticulating that goes along with this performance. It is the most wonderful concert I have ever heard.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Slacker Mom No More
Have you heard of slacker moms before? Ever since I saw something on TV about them, it's really rubbed me the wrong way. I remember watching the program--whatever it was--with my mother, and she asked me which camp I fell into. The depiction of alpha moms was definitely NOT me. I feel no pressure whatsoever to shuttle my kids to this activity and that, day in and day out. I do lose field-trip permission slips. My home is rarely tidy (clean from dirt, yes, tidy, no). My 17-month-old has never taken a swimming lesson, enjoyed a mommy-and-me gym class, or learned a foreign language. However, if I follow the definition laid out by USA Today, I do have some alpha mom characteristics: I am well-educated, I surf the web for solutions to household problems, I use technology to better organize our life together, and yes, my daughter gives out hand-made valentines every year. I think, however, my issue lies with the intent of these so-called alpha moms. I'm all for giving my child every opportunity, but I refuse to run myself ragged in pursuing this goal.
The term "slacker mom" is so very derogatory. If I were to identify myself as such, I would be admitting that I do not put very much care into parenting, the most important role I have ever had. Sometimes slacker moms are referred to as "good enough moms," and even that casts a shadow of under-par parenting. I picture a mother changing her baby's diaper. She tosses the soiled diaper aside, doesn't really bother with the wipes, loosely attaches the velcro tabs, and declares, "eh, good enough." She rinses off the dishes in the sink and stacks the plates that still have egg stuck on them and thinks to herself, "eh, good enough." To me THAT is a slacker mom, and that is certainly not me or my like-minded friends.
When my daughter was 4, she was invited to several birthday parties of friends. We've all heard those stories of going overboard with birthday parties, and it's true that some of these parties were wa-a-a-y over the top. However, the one I remember most was at my friend's house, although at the time we were not yet close friends, as we are now. She provided some backyard activities for the children and had made her own birthday cake. It was a simple double-layered round cake with yellow frosting, and birthday candles. The children had a wonderful time, and I was always impressed that this mother felt no need to impress the other mommies with a facade of perfection. In the 4 years since that party, I have learned about other ways that this family has opted for simpler pleasures and disdain for doing something just for appearances. It strikes me as even more impressive, since their family hob-nobs with some of the most high-powered families in the state... names you would probably know. Just the same, their family focus is on God, charity, and family, not country clubs and the latest fashions.
Lest you think that I am choosing for my family an unsocial, isolated existence, let me clarify. We seek balance in work and play. Daughter does well in school, but we do not send her to tutors hoping she will be the best. She participates in martial arts, but we do not send her to a trainer to lift weights or run laps to hone her skills. She takes piano lessons, but practice time is never a war, and we do not require perfection. Next month, students across the state will be taking the WASL, and the school has done a good job of completely stressing out the kids over it. Steve advised our panicky child, "You're eight years old. You're a kid. Despite what school people say, this test is not a big deal this year. Just do your best, and that is fine with us, we are proud of you no matter what." (Three years ago I was an official scorer of the test, so I do have some insight about its inner workings. She will do well on it.) At home, we are all about unstructured play time, family togetherness, books, and imagination. If any one of us is getting too stressed out by life, we all slow down, eat, and engage in pajama time. Sometimes this means we skip a lesson or a class. I believe in my heart of hearts that it is not early achievement that will make my children successful in life (whatever definition of "successful" you wish to use), it is a more internal structure guided by a loving family that enjoys spending lots of time together. Recent research confirms my gut instincts. As it turns out, she really does guide herself to do her very best. When she has extra energy to burn, she does as many sit-ups and push-ups (on her knuckles!) as she can do--completely unprompted by us, because Lord knows, she doesn't see daddy and mommy performing calesthenics at 8pm. We can't get her away from the piano, as she is always trying out new pieces and practicing the old ones, which leads her to more satisfying lessons.
If I am a "slacker mom" because I do not run my children hither and yon every day of the week, or because I am satisfied to play the American Girl 300 Wishes game with Daughter rather than organize my own paperwork, then so be it. I am now hoping to rename "slacker mom" with something more descriptive of why we are the way we are. The leading contender is:
COWABLE (Concerning Ourselves With A Balanced Life Evermore)
Please tell me you have a better idea!
The term "slacker mom" is so very derogatory. If I were to identify myself as such, I would be admitting that I do not put very much care into parenting, the most important role I have ever had. Sometimes slacker moms are referred to as "good enough moms," and even that casts a shadow of under-par parenting. I picture a mother changing her baby's diaper. She tosses the soiled diaper aside, doesn't really bother with the wipes, loosely attaches the velcro tabs, and declares, "eh, good enough." She rinses off the dishes in the sink and stacks the plates that still have egg stuck on them and thinks to herself, "eh, good enough." To me THAT is a slacker mom, and that is certainly not me or my like-minded friends.
When my daughter was 4, she was invited to several birthday parties of friends. We've all heard those stories of going overboard with birthday parties, and it's true that some of these parties were wa-a-a-y over the top. However, the one I remember most was at my friend's house, although at the time we were not yet close friends, as we are now. She provided some backyard activities for the children and had made her own birthday cake. It was a simple double-layered round cake with yellow frosting, and birthday candles. The children had a wonderful time, and I was always impressed that this mother felt no need to impress the other mommies with a facade of perfection. In the 4 years since that party, I have learned about other ways that this family has opted for simpler pleasures and disdain for doing something just for appearances. It strikes me as even more impressive, since their family hob-nobs with some of the most high-powered families in the state... names you would probably know. Just the same, their family focus is on God, charity, and family, not country clubs and the latest fashions.
Lest you think that I am choosing for my family an unsocial, isolated existence, let me clarify. We seek balance in work and play. Daughter does well in school, but we do not send her to tutors hoping she will be the best. She participates in martial arts, but we do not send her to a trainer to lift weights or run laps to hone her skills. She takes piano lessons, but practice time is never a war, and we do not require perfection. Next month, students across the state will be taking the WASL, and the school has done a good job of completely stressing out the kids over it. Steve advised our panicky child, "You're eight years old. You're a kid. Despite what school people say, this test is not a big deal this year. Just do your best, and that is fine with us, we are proud of you no matter what." (Three years ago I was an official scorer of the test, so I do have some insight about its inner workings. She will do well on it.) At home, we are all about unstructured play time, family togetherness, books, and imagination. If any one of us is getting too stressed out by life, we all slow down, eat, and engage in pajama time. Sometimes this means we skip a lesson or a class. I believe in my heart of hearts that it is not early achievement that will make my children successful in life (whatever definition of "successful" you wish to use), it is a more internal structure guided by a loving family that enjoys spending lots of time together. Recent research confirms my gut instincts. As it turns out, she really does guide herself to do her very best. When she has extra energy to burn, she does as many sit-ups and push-ups (on her knuckles!) as she can do--completely unprompted by us, because Lord knows, she doesn't see daddy and mommy performing calesthenics at 8pm. We can't get her away from the piano, as she is always trying out new pieces and practicing the old ones, which leads her to more satisfying lessons.
If I am a "slacker mom" because I do not run my children hither and yon every day of the week, or because I am satisfied to play the American Girl 300 Wishes game with Daughter rather than organize my own paperwork, then so be it. I am now hoping to rename "slacker mom" with something more descriptive of why we are the way we are. The leading contender is:
COWABLE (Concerning Ourselves With A Balanced Life Evermore)
Please tell me you have a better idea!
Saturday, February 09, 2008
S'mores
Based on my 8 year old daughter's oh, so pithy comments, it looks like we have all the ingredients we need for s'mores:
"Mom, your buns look like marshmellows. [insert my disgusted look here] Not the big ones, just a bunch of little ones."
"My buns are like crackers because they are so hard and boney."
Her prayer the other night: "Dear God, please help me sleep like dark chocolate tonight."
"Mom, your buns look like marshmellows. [insert my disgusted look here] Not the big ones, just a bunch of little ones."
"My buns are like crackers because they are so hard and boney."
Her prayer the other night: "Dear God, please help me sleep like dark chocolate tonight."
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Epiphany
I caught a glimpse of how I want to die earlier this month.
At church on Epiphany, I was a lay reader for the "ugly service." That is to say, the service I usually try to avoid because the music is so campfire that I cringe. Still, I love the people of our parish. The preaching is good and the congregation is about a loving a family as you will ever find. I want to be a lay reader more than I dislike the ugly service, and I understand a little more, now, why I was placed there on that January morning.
Frank and Nikki also attend that service. They have been married nearly 60 years, and are so darn cute. They are short (everyone seems short to my 5'9 1/2"), always impeccably dressed, and have attended our parish for a very long time. I was fortunate to have served on altar guild with Nikki for a period of time, where we had long conversations about children and marriage as we executed our holy housekeeping. Sadly, with age comes changes. Nikki is now starting to lose her memory, and Frank is starting to feel the effects of some as-of-yet undiagnosed illness.
On January 6, they were sitting two rows behind us. I heard Frank breathing heavily, and when I glanced behind me, he looked unusually pale. Still, Nikki was not outwardly concerned, so I really had no reason to be. During communion, Nikki served as a LEM (lay eucharistic minister) up at the altar. My family approached to receive, and on the way back, I noticed that Frank had stayed seated, and his eyes were closed. My gut grew tighter. I watched another friend, also serving, approach Frank in the pew to serve him in his place. The piano was playing "O, Little Town of Bethlehem" gently and quietly. Frank could not be woken. Several men (including one of our EMTs) lowered Frank to the floor, and the rest of us stayed on the kneelers praying hard. I remember Nikki rushing past me, gasping a desparate, "Oh, no." She sat near him for a time, then allowed herself to be comforted by friends in the back.
Frank did wake up, and even smiled. The ambulance finally arrived, and he was hospitalized for a few days, and released with no explanation for this episode. While it was happening, I did pray for him, for his soul, for Nikki, and I put myself in his place. If it were my time to die, I would rather it not be so public, but then again, what a lovely and peaceful way: among your extended church family (and our congregation really does feel like a family), hearing piano music (after 31 years playing the piano I am still desparately in love with the sound of piano music), with prayers guiding your path to heaven.
At church on Epiphany, I was a lay reader for the "ugly service." That is to say, the service I usually try to avoid because the music is so campfire that I cringe. Still, I love the people of our parish. The preaching is good and the congregation is about a loving a family as you will ever find. I want to be a lay reader more than I dislike the ugly service, and I understand a little more, now, why I was placed there on that January morning.
Frank and Nikki also attend that service. They have been married nearly 60 years, and are so darn cute. They are short (everyone seems short to my 5'9 1/2"), always impeccably dressed, and have attended our parish for a very long time. I was fortunate to have served on altar guild with Nikki for a period of time, where we had long conversations about children and marriage as we executed our holy housekeeping. Sadly, with age comes changes. Nikki is now starting to lose her memory, and Frank is starting to feel the effects of some as-of-yet undiagnosed illness.
On January 6, they were sitting two rows behind us. I heard Frank breathing heavily, and when I glanced behind me, he looked unusually pale. Still, Nikki was not outwardly concerned, so I really had no reason to be. During communion, Nikki served as a LEM (lay eucharistic minister) up at the altar. My family approached to receive, and on the way back, I noticed that Frank had stayed seated, and his eyes were closed. My gut grew tighter. I watched another friend, also serving, approach Frank in the pew to serve him in his place. The piano was playing "O, Little Town of Bethlehem" gently and quietly. Frank could not be woken. Several men (including one of our EMTs) lowered Frank to the floor, and the rest of us stayed on the kneelers praying hard. I remember Nikki rushing past me, gasping a desparate, "Oh, no." She sat near him for a time, then allowed herself to be comforted by friends in the back.
Frank did wake up, and even smiled. The ambulance finally arrived, and he was hospitalized for a few days, and released with no explanation for this episode. While it was happening, I did pray for him, for his soul, for Nikki, and I put myself in his place. If it were my time to die, I would rather it not be so public, but then again, what a lovely and peaceful way: among your extended church family (and our congregation really does feel like a family), hearing piano music (after 31 years playing the piano I am still desparately in love with the sound of piano music), with prayers guiding your path to heaven.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Me and Wierdness
OK, Mel, I'm taking the challenge. This is because I seem to have NO time to maintain a thought long enough to write about it, and this is a challenge I can accomplish in small bursts of time.
“THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the “6 weird things about you.” People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says “you are tagged” in their comments and tell them to read your blog.”
1. When I have to go to the bathroom really, really badly, my teeth hurt.
2. I cannot fall asleep in an unmade bed. I must climb between sheets that have been neatly tidied, preferably with hospital corners.
3. I never have cake on my birthday, which is in December. Only lemon meringue pie.
4. When I was pregnant with our second child, I didn't know I was pregnant until I was 4 months along and happened to go my doctor to find out why I was gaining so much weight.
5. When I was baptized as an infant, I cried so loudly that the minister forgot the rest of the service.
6. I like my (unsweetened, no lemon) iced tea to be not very cold. Room temperature is fine with me. And iced tea with an old-fashioned donut is the perfect breakfast.
“THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the “6 weird things about you.” People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says “you are tagged” in their comments and tell them to read your blog.”
1. When I have to go to the bathroom really, really badly, my teeth hurt.
2. I cannot fall asleep in an unmade bed. I must climb between sheets that have been neatly tidied, preferably with hospital corners.
3. I never have cake on my birthday, which is in December. Only lemon meringue pie.
4. When I was pregnant with our second child, I didn't know I was pregnant until I was 4 months along and happened to go my doctor to find out why I was gaining so much weight.
5. When I was baptized as an infant, I cried so loudly that the minister forgot the rest of the service.
6. I like my (unsweetened, no lemon) iced tea to be not very cold. Room temperature is fine with me. And iced tea with an old-fashioned donut is the perfect breakfast.
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