Sunday, September 19, 2010
My Ballerina
Abby started pre-ballet classes yesterday. She was so excited! I snapped a few pictures of her before we left home. They need no explanation... Enjoy.
Friday, September 10, 2010
This 'n That
Despite my best intentions, I was too tired to blog last night. There is something about getting up at 5:30 and not being able to take an afternoon nap that really makes me appreciate an early bedtime.
I thought I'd share a few things that happened over the past couple of days. Here they are in no particular order:
1) On Wednesday I had to have a new-hire physical. After filling out lots of paperwork and bending and reaching and reading eye charts and visiting the restroom, I realized the point of the appointment was to make sure I wasn't a druggie and to make sure I didn't have a pre-existing injury.
At one point during the exam, the physician assistant commanded, "Put your chin on your chest and look at the ceiling." Just as an aside, I hate to brag, but if there is anything that I do well, it is following directions. Given that I am an outstanding instruction follower, I did exactly as she said. I put my chin on my chest and dutifully strained my eyeballs in the direction of the ceiling. I don't know about you, but it was physiologically impossible for me to see the ceiling with my chin on my chest. I wondered, "Gee, what in the world is she testing me for? Is she checking my peripheral vision?"
Growing quite concerned that I might be failing the "test," I glanced over to her and noticed that she was performing the tasks she wanted me to do. This cheerful-yet-poor-direction-giver was holding her head all the way back looking at the ceiling. I realized that I, too, was supposed to have my head reclined, and I started laughing hysterically. She looked at me and said, "You're not the first person to misunderstand. I wish I knew how to put it better." I told her, "Maybe you could say, 'Put your chin on your chest and NOW tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.'"
Thankfully, as Chip pointed out, I've been deemed healthy enough to communicate internally (that's my job, internal communications). I think my job started already - after all, I did teach her how to communicate her directions a little more clearly.
2) Driving down Main Street yesterday I noticed something awful. Being the grammar nut that I am, I spot errors a mile away. This particular error was only about thirty feet away: a sign over a cafe that read "RESTUARANT". My initial reaction was, "Hmm, I guess restaurant is a commonly misspelled word." After meditating on the difficulty of spelling that particularly ominous word, it dawned on me that not only did someone mispell the word, they actually had it made into a fancy sign, and then they proudly displayed it for all the world to see. My question is this: Who does the editing for sign companies? I understand people may make a mistake when ordering the sign, but shouldn't the sign maker correct any mispellings before making the erroneous word a permanant fixture for someone's business? Ghastly.
3) I realized that standing in long lines is a perfect opportunity to laugh and to laugh hard and to laugh without any particular reason - right, Amanda?
4) Mandarin collars don't look that great on me.
5) I realize I am not the trendiest person in the world (or even in my house), but I do try to add a few pieces of present-day flair to my wardrobe. I went to Target yesterday and found a clearance-priced scarf rack. I picked out two brightly colored scarves and headed to the check-out. In line behind me was a 30-something, beautiful, trophy wife-esque woman with her pre-pubescent daughter. The dark-haired goddess looked at the scarves I had put on the conveyer belt, and said, "Oh, are those scarves on clearance?" I said, "Yes! Aren't they great?" I just knew I had hit the jackpot with these obviously awesome scarves. Then my heart sank. She turned to her tween and said, "Aren't these the kind of scarves you girls like? Maybe you'll get some in your Christmas stocking." Gee, I can't wait to wear my scarves to work! I ought to be the youngest looking gal around.
6) I am quite convinced that my stomach has a black hole. I am always hungry. (And I'm sure you're wondering, but the answer is NO.)
7) I admire Chip for lots of reasons. One reason in particular is his way of dealing with Abby. He will stand up to her. It's not that I'm afraid to stand up to her, it's just that it's sometimes easier not to fight her over every little detail. Take this morning, for example. Abby insisted on wearing a pair of shoes that her Daddy bought her, which unfortunately are about a half-size too big. Instead of fighting her, I sent her off to school in her big girl shoes, but I made sure her normal shoes were in her backpack.
8) I love Mighty Taco, but after last night's post-preschool nightmarish meltdown in our corner of the restaurant, I'll think twice about ever going there again.
9) There is a bicycler in the area who wears a yellow shirt and who has a trigger-happy middle finger. And he likes to use it. And he used it on me. Silly bicycle man...don't mess with ladies in cars...
'Til next time.
I thought I'd share a few things that happened over the past couple of days. Here they are in no particular order:
1) On Wednesday I had to have a new-hire physical. After filling out lots of paperwork and bending and reaching and reading eye charts and visiting the restroom, I realized the point of the appointment was to make sure I wasn't a druggie and to make sure I didn't have a pre-existing injury.
At one point during the exam, the physician assistant commanded, "Put your chin on your chest and look at the ceiling." Just as an aside, I hate to brag, but if there is anything that I do well, it is following directions. Given that I am an outstanding instruction follower, I did exactly as she said. I put my chin on my chest and dutifully strained my eyeballs in the direction of the ceiling. I don't know about you, but it was physiologically impossible for me to see the ceiling with my chin on my chest. I wondered, "Gee, what in the world is she testing me for? Is she checking my peripheral vision?"
Growing quite concerned that I might be failing the "test," I glanced over to her and noticed that she was performing the tasks she wanted me to do. This cheerful-yet-poor-direction-giver was holding her head all the way back looking at the ceiling. I realized that I, too, was supposed to have my head reclined, and I started laughing hysterically. She looked at me and said, "You're not the first person to misunderstand. I wish I knew how to put it better." I told her, "Maybe you could say, 'Put your chin on your chest and NOW tilt your head back and look at the ceiling.'"
Thankfully, as Chip pointed out, I've been deemed healthy enough to communicate internally (that's my job, internal communications). I think my job started already - after all, I did teach her how to communicate her directions a little more clearly.
2) Driving down Main Street yesterday I noticed something awful. Being the grammar nut that I am, I spot errors a mile away. This particular error was only about thirty feet away: a sign over a cafe that read "RESTUARANT". My initial reaction was, "Hmm, I guess restaurant is a commonly misspelled word." After meditating on the difficulty of spelling that particularly ominous word, it dawned on me that not only did someone mispell the word, they actually had it made into a fancy sign, and then they proudly displayed it for all the world to see. My question is this: Who does the editing for sign companies? I understand people may make a mistake when ordering the sign, but shouldn't the sign maker correct any mispellings before making the erroneous word a permanant fixture for someone's business? Ghastly.
3) I realized that standing in long lines is a perfect opportunity to laugh and to laugh hard and to laugh without any particular reason - right, Amanda?
4) Mandarin collars don't look that great on me.
5) I realize I am not the trendiest person in the world (or even in my house), but I do try to add a few pieces of present-day flair to my wardrobe. I went to Target yesterday and found a clearance-priced scarf rack. I picked out two brightly colored scarves and headed to the check-out. In line behind me was a 30-something, beautiful, trophy wife-esque woman with her pre-pubescent daughter. The dark-haired goddess looked at the scarves I had put on the conveyer belt, and said, "Oh, are those scarves on clearance?" I said, "Yes! Aren't they great?" I just knew I had hit the jackpot with these obviously awesome scarves. Then my heart sank. She turned to her tween and said, "Aren't these the kind of scarves you girls like? Maybe you'll get some in your Christmas stocking." Gee, I can't wait to wear my scarves to work! I ought to be the youngest looking gal around.
6) I am quite convinced that my stomach has a black hole. I am always hungry. (And I'm sure you're wondering, but the answer is NO.)
7) I admire Chip for lots of reasons. One reason in particular is his way of dealing with Abby. He will stand up to her. It's not that I'm afraid to stand up to her, it's just that it's sometimes easier not to fight her over every little detail. Take this morning, for example. Abby insisted on wearing a pair of shoes that her Daddy bought her, which unfortunately are about a half-size too big. Instead of fighting her, I sent her off to school in her big girl shoes, but I made sure her normal shoes were in her backpack.
8) I love Mighty Taco, but after last night's post-preschool nightmarish meltdown in our corner of the restaurant, I'll think twice about ever going there again.
9) There is a bicycler in the area who wears a yellow shirt and who has a trigger-happy middle finger. And he likes to use it. And he used it on me. Silly bicycle man...don't mess with ladies in cars...
'Til next time.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Strawberry Island
Discouraged.
I've felt discouraged before, but until yesterday, I had never experienced discouragement in its purest form.
Chip was post-call yesterday, the kids were in child care, and I, having not started work yet, was at home. We wanted to take "advantage" of being child-free, so Chip and I decided to have one last hurrah before I start work.
We loaded up the kayaks and headed down to the marina with the intentions of paddling over to Strawberry Island. In my mind I pictured our kayaking adventure to be quite leisurely, and after disembarking, we'd spend a nice quiet afternoon basking in the sun.
After we arrived at the marina it dawned on us what an incredibly windy day it was. The water was very choppy, choppier than anything I'd ever kayaked in. I kept telling Chip, "I trust you! I just don't know if this is a good idea being that it is so windy." I followed that up with a silent prayer, "Lord, you know we are crazy. Please keep us safe."
Talk about fast water! Once we entered the current, we were quickly carried downstream, and we almost missed our island target. I admit I did stop to answer my cell phone out in the middle of the water (I thought it was the child care center calling). It was my mom [Hey, Mama!]. Although it was very nice to hear her voice, I became quite discouraged as to how far I had floated downstream while on the phone. I panicked, redirected myself, and paddled like crazy against the current.
I thought it was hard getting to the island, and I didn't know how in the world we were going to paddle upstream against the current and against the near-gale winds. I tried not to think about it, and we spent the next couple of hours fishing and relaxing.
I've felt discouraged before, but until yesterday, I had never experienced discouragement in its purest form.
Chip was post-call yesterday, the kids were in child care, and I, having not started work yet, was at home. We wanted to take "advantage" of being child-free, so Chip and I decided to have one last hurrah before I start work.
We loaded up the kayaks and headed down to the marina with the intentions of paddling over to Strawberry Island. In my mind I pictured our kayaking adventure to be quite leisurely, and after disembarking, we'd spend a nice quiet afternoon basking in the sun.
After we arrived at the marina it dawned on us what an incredibly windy day it was. The water was very choppy, choppier than anything I'd ever kayaked in. I kept telling Chip, "I trust you! I just don't know if this is a good idea being that it is so windy." I followed that up with a silent prayer, "Lord, you know we are crazy. Please keep us safe."
Talk about fast water! Once we entered the current, we were quickly carried downstream, and we almost missed our island target. I admit I did stop to answer my cell phone out in the middle of the water (I thought it was the child care center calling). It was my mom [Hey, Mama!]. Although it was very nice to hear her voice, I became quite discouraged as to how far I had floated downstream while on the phone. I panicked, redirected myself, and paddled like crazy against the current.
I thought it was hard getting to the island, and I didn't know how in the world we were going to paddle upstream against the current and against the near-gale winds. I tried not to think about it, and we spent the next couple of hours fishing and relaxing.
While relaxing on the beach, I kept staring at the ominous place at which I knew we had to paddle back toward. It didn't look that far, but I knew it would take a miracle to get us back there. I took a picture of the marina; you can barely make it out in this photo, but it is located right in front of that distant building.
Because it was the kids' first day in child care, I was especially anxious to pick them up on time. I didn't know how long it would take us to get back to the Jeep, but I allowed us at least an hour. We packed up and left the island at 3:10.
At first things went really well. "Hey, this current isn't so bad," I thought. I kept looking to the right and watching all the buildings I was passing so that I could keep track of my progress.
Then I saw it. I called it the Americana building because it was painted red, white, and blue. For the life of me, I could not get past that American building. Chip noticed that I was struggling, so he shouted, "Head toward that green buoy!" I took heed and noticed that it did get easier to paddle now that I had redirected myself.
The green buoy got closer and closer and closer and then I finally reached it. But to my dismay, the stinking Americana building was STILL in the same spot. In other words, I was making progress, just not in the direction in which I needed to be making progress. I looked to my right (the direction of the marina), and I noticed that the marina was even further away.
We finally reached a stone wall and headed our kayaks toward the marina. I was thankful that I didn't have to look at that Americana building anymore.
Wow. I had no idea how difficult going against the current and the wind would be. There were literally times when I was paddling but going NOWHERE.
Enter discouragement.
I cannot tell you how many times I looked at that stone wall to my left and screamed to Chip, "I'm gonna climb up that wall! This is not fun!" He just laughed and came paddling by me at like 100 mph (or would it be knots per hour?) with a silly grin on his face. Stinker.
Suffice it to say that we did make it back to the Jeep. We arrived at 3:45. It only took 35 minutes to get back. Incredible. Thank you, Lord.
Strawberry Island. I went. I saw. I won't be back.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
First Day Jitters
Well, I did it. I think I did it pretty well. No tears. Not yet.
The day started with me greeting Abigail with a cheerful, "Good morning, my beautiful preschooler!" She was all smiles. I must have heard her say, "I can't wait to go to school!" a dozen times this morning.
Abby reminds me so much of myself - it would be flattering, but knowing me, it is really kind of scary. She wouldn't eat any breakfast this morning. I was the same way as a child; I couldn't eat anything in the morning because it made my stomach hurt. She kept saying, "I'll eat at school." She did agree to pose with her backpack for me though.
The day started with me greeting Abigail with a cheerful, "Good morning, my beautiful preschooler!" She was all smiles. I must have heard her say, "I can't wait to go to school!" a dozen times this morning.
Abby reminds me so much of myself - it would be flattering, but knowing me, it is really kind of scary. She wouldn't eat any breakfast this morning. I was the same way as a child; I couldn't eat anything in the morning because it made my stomach hurt. She kept saying, "I'll eat at school." She did agree to pose with her backpack for me though.
Of course I had to take a picture of William to commemorate his first day at daycare! He was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
I found myself driving more slowly than usual down Main Street. I knew the inevitable drop-off was coming. Thoughts like "Will they cry?" "Will they like their teachers?" "Am I doing the right thing by going back to work?" and "Can I really do this?" ran through my head. Just about the time I was starting to convince myself that my children would be fine, we pulled into the school's parking lot. Abby was really excited! I was really apprehensive!
We took William to his room first. I set his things down in his crib and plopped him on the floor. I could tell he was ready to explore (and tear things up!). This is how I left him:
We then went to Abby's classroom. Her teacher had just arrived, and she explained that the kids hang out in the room next door and have breakfast with their friends, and then she comes to get the children once she's ready. Abby was not happy with the news that she'd have to leave her classroom. She kept saying, "I don't want breakfast! I want to stay here!" We hung Abby's backpack on her hanger, and I managed to get a picture of the not-so-happy preschooler:
I finally got Abby to the room next door, but I couldn't convince her to eat anything. I must have left the excited preschooler in the car because now all I saw was this little girl clinging to her Mama saying I don't want to stay! So hard. I knew how she felt. I know her behavior is totally normal, but I can't help but think she has a small dose of my anxiety. I PRAY she outgrows any anxiety she might have! Bless her heart.
The teacher in the room told Abby that she has a "waving window." I said, "Okay, Abby. I'm gonna go outside and wave goodbye to you!" I hugged her and almost ran out of the room. I wasn't sure what kind of girl I'd see at the window.
Thankfully, she was all smiles.
We waved and waved to each other.
I can't wait to wave hello to her this afternoon.
Friday, September 3, 2010
School Daze
I cannot believe my baby girl is starting preschool. It seems like only yesterday she was as small as William is now. My little girl is growing up. *sniff, sniff*
Next Tuesday Abby and William will start attending their child care/preschool. I met with the center's director on Tuesday, and I went back with the kids today. Abby really, really enjoyed herself. She got to meet her teacher, Miss Tina, and she even made new friends! It was so cool seeing all the little girls flock to Abby. They had to check out the new girl. So sweet.
I had a hard time getting Abby to come home with me. She had a great time playing out on the playground. After enticing her back in the building, we checked out her classroom. Her eyes were wide with wonderment. The first thing she noticed was the fish bowl! She loves fish. I'm sure feeding the fish will be one of the duties the kids will take turns doing. How fun.
William had a good time, too. He enjoyed watching all the big kids play on the playground. The babies have their own outdoor play space; it's grassy unlike the big kids' space. William also enjoyed meeting his teacher, Miss Denise. I'm sure he'll be making friends of his own, too. :)
This program is quite expensive, but I know it's where the kids are supposed to be. It was my prayer that God close all doors except one. Well, with every phone call I made, it was clear that God shut many doors. I even called a place and left a message. I never heard back. Thankfully, my decision was very clear cut. And I'm confident in the decision.
In addition to outdoor play time, the kids learn Spanish, computers, karate, music, math, and science. Throughout the year the kids will go on field trips, have pony rides, have a petting zoo visit, and have important community people visit. And I get to participate in all of this via a live web-cam!
It's hard letting go. I don't think the reality has set in just yet. I will definitely miss all those hair-pulling, stressed-beyond-words moments. Maybe. Just maybe. Maybe not.
Enjoy "school," Little Miss Abigail. And bootsie-boo, enjoy your day filled with singin' and swingin' and playin'. Mama loves you both.
Next Tuesday Abby and William will start attending their child care/preschool. I met with the center's director on Tuesday, and I went back with the kids today. Abby really, really enjoyed herself. She got to meet her teacher, Miss Tina, and she even made new friends! It was so cool seeing all the little girls flock to Abby. They had to check out the new girl. So sweet.
I had a hard time getting Abby to come home with me. She had a great time playing out on the playground. After enticing her back in the building, we checked out her classroom. Her eyes were wide with wonderment. The first thing she noticed was the fish bowl! She loves fish. I'm sure feeding the fish will be one of the duties the kids will take turns doing. How fun.
William had a good time, too. He enjoyed watching all the big kids play on the playground. The babies have their own outdoor play space; it's grassy unlike the big kids' space. William also enjoyed meeting his teacher, Miss Denise. I'm sure he'll be making friends of his own, too. :)
This program is quite expensive, but I know it's where the kids are supposed to be. It was my prayer that God close all doors except one. Well, with every phone call I made, it was clear that God shut many doors. I even called a place and left a message. I never heard back. Thankfully, my decision was very clear cut. And I'm confident in the decision.
In addition to outdoor play time, the kids learn Spanish, computers, karate, music, math, and science. Throughout the year the kids will go on field trips, have pony rides, have a petting zoo visit, and have important community people visit. And I get to participate in all of this via a live web-cam!
It's hard letting go. I don't think the reality has set in just yet. I will definitely miss all those hair-pulling, stressed-beyond-words moments. Maybe. Just maybe. Maybe not.
Enjoy "school," Little Miss Abigail. And bootsie-boo, enjoy your day filled with singin' and swingin' and playin'. Mama loves you both.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Damage Control
There is a commercial that warns of the damage cigarettes cause. They are very graphic, showing severely damaged eyeballs and aortas clogged with goop. Each time Abby sees these commercials she shouts, "Damage!" Now each time she sees a person smoking she shouts, "Mommy, that person is smoking damage!" It can be quite embarrassing, especially if she points while shouting.
On Friday we took Jay and Lauren downtown to see Buffalo's waterfront. We were enjoying the "civilized" weather when all of a sudden our peaceful walk was interrupted by shouts of "Damage! There's damage!" Apparently there was damage every two feet or so. Abby insisted on pointing and shouting at every cigarette she saw on the ground.
Here are a couple of pictures of my very own damage police. Notice her scowl and pointed toe stomping the damage:
On Friday we took Jay and Lauren downtown to see Buffalo's waterfront. We were enjoying the "civilized" weather when all of a sudden our peaceful walk was interrupted by shouts of "Damage! There's damage!" Apparently there was damage every two feet or so. Abby insisted on pointing and shouting at every cigarette she saw on the ground.
Here are a couple of pictures of my very own damage police. Notice her scowl and pointed toe stomping the damage:
After pointing out all the damage, Abby cooled off with a push-up, which she later admitted to being her favorite part of the day.
Welcome to Buffalo!
We were very excited to welcome Jay and his soon-to-be wife, Lauren, to our home last week. They arrived on Thursday, and Abby, William, and I met them at the airport. Abby was SO excited to see them - she even had a sign, which she excitedly held upside down. The week went by too quickly... Here are a few pictures we snapped along the way:
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