Tomorrow we head to beautiful Boone, NC to see my wittle bitty baby cousin Benjamin get married. OK, so he's not so itty bitty anymore. That would be weird. He's all grown up, teaches high school and is getting hitched to a super-smart mountain gal who also teaches at the same school.
The kids are beside themselves with excitement. They've never been to a wedding before, so they're not sure what to expect. They've had their outfits planned for weeks. All they really know is they're going to get to see two people kiss in public, and at some point some yummy snacks will be involved.
It also doesn't hurt that Boone is smack-dab in the middle of the NC mountains, which should be gorgeous with autumn color right now. And, we'll also get to see some sweet aunts, uncles and cousins.
So today, with road trip plans swimming in my mind, here are the comforting words that keep popping in my head:
Tradition.
Family.
Pumpkin latte (you KNOW I will stop for one).
The team store, where I'm sure hubs will get an App State sweatshirt.
Fried chicken (From the Daniel Boone Inn---duh!).
Cinnamon Pear jam from Mast General Store. It will be mine.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
The groove. And comic relief.
I think I'm back in it. The groove, I mean. The kids long beat me to it. They hit the ground running when school and other activities began, and aside from a brief e-mail from someone's teacher about someone's excessive chattiness during work cycles (guess who), September and the school year got off to a relatively smooth start.
I just realized that a couple posts ago I mentioned a river tubing trip with no other details other than the scorching case of poison ivy I received as a parting gift. Oh, and hubs got it too. The trip itself, while I wouldn't say was a total bust was well. . . eventful. I think I can laugh about it now. Only a little.
The weekend before school started we decided to take a day trip to the mountains to tube down the Green River. For 8 bucks a pop, you get to leisurely float down the gently flowing water on your own little innertube-thingy while enjoying the breathtaking views. The website failed to mention the razor-sharp rocks, the fact that you're helpless against the current with no paddle and the weedy banks of the river which seem to have a magnetic pull with the ability to draw 41-yr-old Moms away from the group.
Mercifully, cameras and cellphones weren't allowed on the river, so there are no images of me getting caught in the weeds 49 times and requiring Mark to paddle back and rescue me, pulling my little tube-raft back into the current.
And me, stepping out of my raft to join everyone on the bank for a break only to step right into a hidden 20-foot drop-off and plunge into the water, finally emerging after what seemed like a year only to flail around, grab my blessed tube, sunglasses and desperately try to fight the current to get to shore. I remember seeing the kids out of the corner of my eye, pointing and yelling. Mark had to come help me then too.
Oh, and there was also me getting caught in some swirly part of the water in the middle of the river that didn't allow my raft to budge. I kept going around in a little circle, desperately trying to paddle my way out of it with my hands. Finally, one of the kids noticed that Mom was lagging behind (again) and once again my hero (although a sighing, eye-rolling hero), lugged his own raft over and pulled me back into the proper current.
Later that night, after the kids were in bed, I apologized for being a tubing spaz. He gave my knee a little patronizing pat and assured me it was OK. Normally I would've called him on the little pat, but I was so happy to be alive and sitting on my couch and watching a Law and Order from 1999 that I just patted him back.
This month I made it to age 42. No thanks to that dadgum river.
I just realized that a couple posts ago I mentioned a river tubing trip with no other details other than the scorching case of poison ivy I received as a parting gift. Oh, and hubs got it too. The trip itself, while I wouldn't say was a total bust was well. . . eventful. I think I can laugh about it now. Only a little.
The weekend before school started we decided to take a day trip to the mountains to tube down the Green River. For 8 bucks a pop, you get to leisurely float down the gently flowing water on your own little innertube-thingy while enjoying the breathtaking views. The website failed to mention the razor-sharp rocks, the fact that you're helpless against the current with no paddle and the weedy banks of the river which seem to have a magnetic pull with the ability to draw 41-yr-old Moms away from the group.
Mercifully, cameras and cellphones weren't allowed on the river, so there are no images of me getting caught in the weeds 49 times and requiring Mark to paddle back and rescue me, pulling my little tube-raft back into the current.
And me, stepping out of my raft to join everyone on the bank for a break only to step right into a hidden 20-foot drop-off and plunge into the water, finally emerging after what seemed like a year only to flail around, grab my blessed tube, sunglasses and desperately try to fight the current to get to shore. I remember seeing the kids out of the corner of my eye, pointing and yelling. Mark had to come help me then too.
Oh, and there was also me getting caught in some swirly part of the water in the middle of the river that didn't allow my raft to budge. I kept going around in a little circle, desperately trying to paddle my way out of it with my hands. Finally, one of the kids noticed that Mom was lagging behind (again) and once again my hero (although a sighing, eye-rolling hero), lugged his own raft over and pulled me back into the proper current.
Later that night, after the kids were in bed, I apologized for being a tubing spaz. He gave my knee a little patronizing pat and assured me it was OK. Normally I would've called him on the little pat, but I was so happy to be alive and sitting on my couch and watching a Law and Order from 1999 that I just patted him back.
This month I made it to age 42. No thanks to that dadgum river.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Another August Almost Gone
For me, August is hard. I've mentioned that, I know. The absence of my parents is even more palpable during their birthday month, and this year was also the first anniversary of Dad's passing.
Also, I'm currently taking a prednisone prescription for poison ivy contracted during a river tubing trip (more on that later). The prednisone is only slightly helping---I've been sneaking into the bathroom at work to claw at my upper arms. It also has a tendency to cause insomnia for me, so. . .a slightly sad girl alone with her thoughts at 1 a.m.? Bad combo.
I just miss them. I miss the way my mom would say, "Oh, HELLO!" whenever I called. I miss the way my dad would say "Fairly middlin'" whenever someone asked how he was doing. The answer was the same whether he was having a great day, or bedridden in the hospital.
I miss watching them with the kids--my dad showing them the glorious ritual of making homemade churned ice cream. My mom putting her curlers in Olivia's hair. But mostly I just miss them.
There's good stuff in August, too: Olivia's adoption anniversary, which brings a celebratory dinner and family fun. The reminder of a never-ending blessing. Oh, and Mark's cousin Pam's birthday, which almost always guarantees a visit from her. And this year it did; she came down from Ohio with Aunt Ro and we had a great time together eating out, swimming at Grandma's neighborhood pool, etc.
School began last week and turns out I was the one least prepared. Back to crazy schedules and structured bedtimes? Bleh--do I have to??
But, I'm determined to pull myself out of this funk and get in the groove. Life is actually pretty good. Itchy, but good.
Also, I'm currently taking a prednisone prescription for poison ivy contracted during a river tubing trip (more on that later). The prednisone is only slightly helping---I've been sneaking into the bathroom at work to claw at my upper arms. It also has a tendency to cause insomnia for me, so. . .a slightly sad girl alone with her thoughts at 1 a.m.? Bad combo.
I just miss them. I miss the way my mom would say, "Oh, HELLO!" whenever I called. I miss the way my dad would say "Fairly middlin'" whenever someone asked how he was doing. The answer was the same whether he was having a great day, or bedridden in the hospital.
I miss watching them with the kids--my dad showing them the glorious ritual of making homemade churned ice cream. My mom putting her curlers in Olivia's hair. But mostly I just miss them.
There's good stuff in August, too: Olivia's adoption anniversary, which brings a celebratory dinner and family fun. The reminder of a never-ending blessing. Oh, and Mark's cousin Pam's birthday, which almost always guarantees a visit from her. And this year it did; she came down from Ohio with Aunt Ro and we had a great time together eating out, swimming at Grandma's neighborhood pool, etc.
School began last week and turns out I was the one least prepared. Back to crazy schedules and structured bedtimes? Bleh--do I have to??
But, I'm determined to pull myself out of this funk and get in the groove. Life is actually pretty good. Itchy, but good.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Things I've Learned This Summer
1. I hate "recommended" summer assignments as much as the kids. Fewer things are more exhausting than watching an eight-year-old write five cursive sentences, all while simultaneously giving you the stink-eye.
2. My son Nate's name, when bellowed by an exhasperated sister, can have as many as three syllables: "Naaa-aaa--TUH!"
3. Going to an amusement park in a light rain is the best way to go. No lines, no suffocating heat. This gem I learned by accident.
4. Certain days in July and August will always be a little sad for me, no matter how I may try to ignore it. Feeling sad is OK. Eating every carb in sight, while certainly a temporary mood-lifter, is not.
5. Despite living in the south all my life, I continue to be amazed when we occasionally hit triple-digit temps in the summer. And I still find it fascinating conversation and I'm not ashamed.
6. Some frozen fruit + yogurt + almond milk + oatmeal+ a little Splenda whirled in a blender = a refreshing breakfast and no hunger pangs before lunchtime.
7. When a small home project takes about three times as long as it should, it becomes normal to have paint cans sitting in your foyer. One day they'll be gone, and I'm not sure what we'll do with the bit of empty space.
8. Ten-year-old girls, when they sneak into your make-up and apply mascara and lip gloss, suddenly look like fifteen-year-old girls. This makes me cry. And hide my make-up with the bathroom cleaning products. She'll never look there.
9. For some people, growing your hair long again in an attempt to recapture youth only makes one look like a puffy ex-cheerleader. Again, this is only true for some people. With names that rhyme with "Spacy Smellin'."
10. When making lists, it's OK to stop at nine even though your heart and soul screams out for a nice, round even number like---oh, hey look---TEN!
2. My son Nate's name, when bellowed by an exhasperated sister, can have as many as three syllables: "Naaa-aaa--TUH!"
3. Going to an amusement park in a light rain is the best way to go. No lines, no suffocating heat. This gem I learned by accident.
4. Certain days in July and August will always be a little sad for me, no matter how I may try to ignore it. Feeling sad is OK. Eating every carb in sight, while certainly a temporary mood-lifter, is not.
5. Despite living in the south all my life, I continue to be amazed when we occasionally hit triple-digit temps in the summer. And I still find it fascinating conversation and I'm not ashamed.
6. Some frozen fruit + yogurt + almond milk + oatmeal+ a little Splenda whirled in a blender = a refreshing breakfast and no hunger pangs before lunchtime.
7. When a small home project takes about three times as long as it should, it becomes normal to have paint cans sitting in your foyer. One day they'll be gone, and I'm not sure what we'll do with the bit of empty space.
8. Ten-year-old girls, when they sneak into your make-up and apply mascara and lip gloss, suddenly look like fifteen-year-old girls. This makes me cry. And hide my make-up with the bathroom cleaning products. She'll never look there.
9. For some people, growing your hair long again in an attempt to recapture youth only makes one look like a puffy ex-cheerleader. Again, this is only true for some people. With names that rhyme with "Spacy Smellin'."
10. When making lists, it's OK to stop at nine even though your heart and soul screams out for a nice, round even number like---oh, hey look---TEN!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Too Soon For Aricept??
Hey- have you ever been in the grocery store, pondered buying some vanilla Greek yogurt to go with your work lunches, but then decided you won't spend money on more yogurt until all the disgusting overly-sweet yogurt that your kids like is gone? And then, while packing your lunch later that night, frantically searched for the vanilla yogurt that you were SURE you bought?
Yeah. Me neither.
Oh! And have you ever purged your pantry, which included throwing out some old baking powder from 2002, and then a few days later you wanted to make this killer recipe for pancakes and then proceeded to turn your cupboards inside out looking for the blessed 1/4 tsp baking powder it called for?
Me neither. But wouldn't that be funny? You know, if someone you knew actually did that?
And have you ever driven into the parking lot at work and found a super-sweet spot extra close to the building, which is miles away from where you normally have to park, and then when five o'clock rolls around you're wandering around the parking lot trying to look nonchalant while you press the "panic" button on your key fob so you can find said vehicle??
Ahem. Me neither. But if I knew someone like that, I'd probably suggest that she stop watching lame-o LOST DVD's and get to bed on time!
Yeah. Me neither.
Oh! And have you ever purged your pantry, which included throwing out some old baking powder from 2002, and then a few days later you wanted to make this killer recipe for pancakes and then proceeded to turn your cupboards inside out looking for the blessed 1/4 tsp baking powder it called for?
Me neither. But wouldn't that be funny? You know, if someone you knew actually did that?
And have you ever driven into the parking lot at work and found a super-sweet spot extra close to the building, which is miles away from where you normally have to park, and then when five o'clock rolls around you're wandering around the parking lot trying to look nonchalant while you press the "panic" button on your key fob so you can find said vehicle??
Ahem. Me neither. But if I knew someone like that, I'd probably suggest that she stop watching lame-o LOST DVD's and get to bed on time!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
I've Been Waiting Such a Long Time for Saturday
Good day today. Blessedly uneventful.
Liv and I actually woke up in time to make it to the farmer's market today while it was in full swing. We got to visit the last two Austrailian Sheepdog pups that a local rescue group brings each weekend. I explained again why they can't come home with us, but in my heart I have named them Annie and Mable and they get along famously with Wally and no one minds that every available surface in the house is covered in their fabulous tri-colored fur.
Sigh.
So, yet again, we had to be satisfied with Baucom Farm eggs and a bag of kale, a head of baby romaine and a quart of strawberries. Not a bad consolation.
After Nate's baseball game (they lost 14-16 but the Natester got two nice base hits), we headed over to Matthews to pick up a birthday gift for Grandma.
We also stopped for a couple of DVD's, Ace Ventura for the kiddos and the last season of LOST for the oldsters. We are totally addicted to that freakin' show. We can't help but burst into giggles when we talk about it.
"Like, do you think Sawyer loves Juliet now that they've time-travelled back to 1977?"
"Well, yeah, but if John Locke turns the big wheel and sends them back to present day and they all get rescued, it could change EVERYTHING, man."
Yeah.
Good day.
Liv and I actually woke up in time to make it to the farmer's market today while it was in full swing. We got to visit the last two Austrailian Sheepdog pups that a local rescue group brings each weekend. I explained again why they can't come home with us, but in my heart I have named them Annie and Mable and they get along famously with Wally and no one minds that every available surface in the house is covered in their fabulous tri-colored fur.
Sigh.
So, yet again, we had to be satisfied with Baucom Farm eggs and a bag of kale, a head of baby romaine and a quart of strawberries. Not a bad consolation.
After Nate's baseball game (they lost 14-16 but the Natester got two nice base hits), we headed over to Matthews to pick up a birthday gift for Grandma.
We also stopped for a couple of DVD's, Ace Ventura for the kiddos and the last season of LOST for the oldsters. We are totally addicted to that freakin' show. We can't help but burst into giggles when we talk about it.
"Like, do you think Sawyer loves Juliet now that they've time-travelled back to 1977?"
"Well, yeah, but if John Locke turns the big wheel and sends them back to present day and they all get rescued, it could change EVERYTHING, man."
Yeah.
Good day.
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