Jan 2002:
Recap: I'd been forced out of my position in the Youth Baseball League concession stand; my son excelled on the football team, causing a jealous reaction from a neighbor; and I was now working at the school as a substitute bus monitor.
I received a phone call from one of the baseball moms, wanting to know if I'd agree to be her assistant softball coach. I really didn't want the job, but my daughter was going to be on the team, and the spouse said he'd be willing to do all the work; he just didn't want to attend the coaches meeting. He was still furious at H and L for the way they'd treated me. I also received a phone call from the Girls' Representative: Due to my excellent management of the concession stand during the tournaments, we'd be hosting three tournaments next summer, and did I see any issues with L's management?
"She worked with me closely for two years; she saw everything I did, so it shouldn't be a problem."
"Are you going to help out? I'd feel better if I knew you were going to be there."
Honestly, I was torn. Part of me wanted nothing to do with the stand; the other half wanted to graciously accept my 'demotion' and help out 'for the kids'. But my spouse was adamant I keep my distance.
"We'll see what happens next summer. I'll see you at the coaches meeting next month."
Present Day:
I've caught another cold and am sneezing my head off. Also got some good news yesterday: My ARC of Forbidden Love will be arriving soon; I hope it arrives today, along with a release date! So look for good news next week, and I'll get some excerpts posted. I know I've been a bad blogger this week.
Wednesday night at karaoke, I was able to sing seven songs:
-Bop by Dan Seals (this was too low, but Cheryl said she had it in another key, so I'll try it again next week!)
-Black and White by 3 Dog Night (was high-fived by a bar patron:)
-Breaking Up Is Hard To Do by Neil Sedaka (nailed it:)
-Breathe by Breaking Benjamin (was high-fived by another patron, but I need more practice!)
-Baby Love by Supremes (nailed it)
-Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day (botched it horribly. Sounded better when I had crowd participation several weeks back, lol!)
-Back in My Arms Again by Supremes (botched it; I only knew the chorus! Will try again next week.)
Youngling has a fever this morning, so not sure if he'll attend his final basketball game tomorrow. And next week he starts wrestling practice, which thankfully does NOT interfere with cub scouts or my weekly writer's meeting!
Have a good weekend, and don't forget to check out Kenzie's Sunday post on The Writer's Evo.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Under The Weather
I know; I posted all five days last week. So what happened?
Monday we enrolled the daughter in the Academy, our alternative school. She'll now go every afternoon for three hours, and can access her schoolwork from any computer and internet access. Which has greatly relieved my morning stress....somewhat.
Instead of nagging her to get out of bed, the youngling has now caught on to the 'let's-see-how-far-we-can-push-Mom-and-stay-in-bed' routine. Only this time, I'm not so nice. I can still pick him up out of bed and carry him into the kitchen! And this morning, he found out how nice it is when we're actually on time. Mom will sing with him in the car, ha ha! And he gets 'curbside service', what I call being able to drop him off at the door and giving him a kiss goodbye, instead of yelling at him to hurry up and RUN to his classroom!
Yesterday, I woke up in a mood.
You know the one; where you feel snarly toward everything? And it was also our BSA Pinewood Derby, so I had to go and be sociable. Not an easy task when you're feeling upset with the world...every little thing upsets you.
I wasn't able to take pictures of youngling's races, because I was doing some behind-the-scenes work, and feeling stressed when we realized a critical error and some kids were in tears afterward. Partly my fault; partly others. But hopefully it will be corrected next month, and we chalk it up to a learning experience for next year.
Today, I woke up feeling as if I had someone else's nose. You know the feeling; if you could cut off your nose, your head would feel better? So out came my sudafed and opened my last box of kleenex. I've now gone through NINE boxes of Puffs, and am now working my way through a roll of soft Charmin.
On the good side, I'm hoping to make it to karaoke tonight and sing
-Bop
-Black and White (3 Dog Night)
-Breakfast At Tiffany's
-Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
-Breathe (if there's time)
Monday we enrolled the daughter in the Academy, our alternative school. She'll now go every afternoon for three hours, and can access her schoolwork from any computer and internet access. Which has greatly relieved my morning stress....somewhat.
Instead of nagging her to get out of bed, the youngling has now caught on to the 'let's-see-how-far-we-can-push-Mom-and-stay-in-bed' routine. Only this time, I'm not so nice. I can still pick him up out of bed and carry him into the kitchen! And this morning, he found out how nice it is when we're actually on time. Mom will sing with him in the car, ha ha! And he gets 'curbside service', what I call being able to drop him off at the door and giving him a kiss goodbye, instead of yelling at him to hurry up and RUN to his classroom!
Yesterday, I woke up in a mood.
You know the one; where you feel snarly toward everything? And it was also our BSA Pinewood Derby, so I had to go and be sociable. Not an easy task when you're feeling upset with the world...every little thing upsets you.
I wasn't able to take pictures of youngling's races, because I was doing some behind-the-scenes work, and feeling stressed when we realized a critical error and some kids were in tears afterward. Partly my fault; partly others. But hopefully it will be corrected next month, and we chalk it up to a learning experience for next year.
Today, I woke up feeling as if I had someone else's nose. You know the feeling; if you could cut off your nose, your head would feel better? So out came my sudafed and opened my last box of kleenex. I've now gone through NINE boxes of Puffs, and am now working my way through a roll of soft Charmin.
On the good side, I'm hoping to make it to karaoke tonight and sing
-Bop
-Black and White (3 Dog Night)
-Breakfast At Tiffany's
-Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
-Breathe (if there's time)
Here's hoping tomorrow will be better!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Baby K Meets Gramma Jeanne:)
New Year's 1992:
The weather cooperated and let us travel two hours south so our little guy could meet his other relatives. In the past three weeks, he'd shown his preference for the rubber nipples instead of breastfeeding; he had his days and nights mixed up; and his 'comfort zone' was like his father's when it came to bundling up. This 'comfort zone' proved to become a battle of wills in the coming years, beginning with 10pm on Jan 1, 1992.
He'd been charming his grandmother with his cuddly ways, and tolerating being passed around, even taking a nap on Grandma's bed with her two cats. Picture this: I'd dressed him in a red reindeer sleeper; his little bald head atop Grandma's while chenille bedspread covered lightly with a blue blanket from his shoulders down. One black and white cat curled up by his feet; another black one curled up on one of the pillows I'd 'barricaded' around him.
Anyway, after his last bottle of the evening, he began to fuss. Grandma decided to swaddle him tight, causing his cries to grow more vocal. I told her she had him wrapped too tight; Grandma snorted.
"I've never seen a child yet who can't be comforted by wrapping them up. This house is drafty and you didn't pack enough warm clothes for him."
The SU joined the conversation. "Mom, he doesn't like to be hot. He's happier when he's not all wrapped up or bundled."
She paid no attention, and the more she tried to cuddle him, wrap him, or rock him, the more he fussed. Forty-five minutes later, she finally grew tired and unwrapped him.
"There....you want to get sick? Fine; I'll take these off and we'll see how soon you'll be wanting your blankie."
K promptly threw out his arms, heaved a big sigh, and fell asleep.
Grandma's mouth fell open. "Well I never!"
"Told you, Mom...you can't wrap him up!"
Twenty years later, this child still prefers to walk around the house in shorts and T-shirt, no matter what the weather!
Present Day:
Having another 'battle of wills' with the daughter. She's bound and determined to make a very bad choice, and I'm doing everything in my power to get her back on track. So please keep us in your prayers?
Have a good weekend; we're currently under a winter weather advisory, and sleet/freezing rain is supposed to arrive later today, then be back in the 50's for the weekend. Welcome to winter in Indiana....
The weather cooperated and let us travel two hours south so our little guy could meet his other relatives. In the past three weeks, he'd shown his preference for the rubber nipples instead of breastfeeding; he had his days and nights mixed up; and his 'comfort zone' was like his father's when it came to bundling up. This 'comfort zone' proved to become a battle of wills in the coming years, beginning with 10pm on Jan 1, 1992.
He'd been charming his grandmother with his cuddly ways, and tolerating being passed around, even taking a nap on Grandma's bed with her two cats. Picture this: I'd dressed him in a red reindeer sleeper; his little bald head atop Grandma's while chenille bedspread covered lightly with a blue blanket from his shoulders down. One black and white cat curled up by his feet; another black one curled up on one of the pillows I'd 'barricaded' around him.
Anyway, after his last bottle of the evening, he began to fuss. Grandma decided to swaddle him tight, causing his cries to grow more vocal. I told her she had him wrapped too tight; Grandma snorted.
"I've never seen a child yet who can't be comforted by wrapping them up. This house is drafty and you didn't pack enough warm clothes for him."
The SU joined the conversation. "Mom, he doesn't like to be hot. He's happier when he's not all wrapped up or bundled."
She paid no attention, and the more she tried to cuddle him, wrap him, or rock him, the more he fussed. Forty-five minutes later, she finally grew tired and unwrapped him.
"There....you want to get sick? Fine; I'll take these off and we'll see how soon you'll be wanting your blankie."
K promptly threw out his arms, heaved a big sigh, and fell asleep.
Grandma's mouth fell open. "Well I never!"
"Told you, Mom...you can't wrap him up!"
Twenty years later, this child still prefers to walk around the house in shorts and T-shirt, no matter what the weather!
Present Day:
Having another 'battle of wills' with the daughter. She's bound and determined to make a very bad choice, and I'm doing everything in my power to get her back on track. So please keep us in your prayers?
Have a good weekend; we're currently under a winter weather advisory, and sleet/freezing rain is supposed to arrive later today, then be back in the 50's for the weekend. Welcome to winter in Indiana....
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday Rant
Forgive me; I'm not in the best of moods today. For a more cheerful post, go visit my RBRU post today.
First of all, the Paula Deen announcement. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the 'Butter Queen' has recently disclosed she has Type II diabetes, and 'everyone' is in an uproar.
Why? I love her show; I'm also a fan of butter and sugar. A chef went on the morning news and basically accused her of misleading her followers for the past 3 years, and contributing to obesity, along with buffets, sports bars, and athletes who endorse fast food chains. If Paula and Food Network decided to follow 'his advice' and start cooking healthy meals, I guarantee her ratings will drop. Want to see a chef cooking healthy? Try someone else's show. And if that's the case, what about Man vs Food on the Travel Channel? If Adam suddenly announces he has heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, will this mean an end to our fascination with seeing someone consuming great quantities of food in under an hour?
I hardly think so.
I think people are smarter than that. Just because I watch a show on southern cooking doesn't mean I cook that way all the time! Right now, a lot of 'healthier foods' cost more than my budget allows, but I do the best with what I can.
If you BAN something, don't you know you just made it more APPEALING to others? I personally miss the cereal cartoons. And granted, some of then are still continuing. The daughter and I had a discussion yesterday concerning Lucky Charms.
Remember this?
'Pink Hearts
Yellow Moons
Orange Stars
Green Clovers
Blue Diamonds (I remember when these were added, lol!)
Purple Horseshoes' (These also!)
'Silly rabbit; Trix are for kids!'
'Snap crackle pop Rice Krispies!'
Cookie Crisp
Count Chocula, FrankenBerry, BooBerry Ghost.
And another personal favorite, all those 'treasure hunts' of Cap'n Crunch.
What's made us overweight isn't the foods available; it's our own lifestyle choices. Yes, my family went through a period of time where we ate out three times a week; my sister and I had activities and it was more practical to go get pizza or sandwiches instead of making a mad dash home. When my spouse worked nights, I took the kids to town where they could spend an hour in a playscape to run around and shriek all they wanted.
But just because someone's health went downhill doesn't mean it applies to everyone.
First of all, the Paula Deen announcement. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the 'Butter Queen' has recently disclosed she has Type II diabetes, and 'everyone' is in an uproar.
Why? I love her show; I'm also a fan of butter and sugar. A chef went on the morning news and basically accused her of misleading her followers for the past 3 years, and contributing to obesity, along with buffets, sports bars, and athletes who endorse fast food chains. If Paula and Food Network decided to follow 'his advice' and start cooking healthy meals, I guarantee her ratings will drop. Want to see a chef cooking healthy? Try someone else's show. And if that's the case, what about Man vs Food on the Travel Channel? If Adam suddenly announces he has heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, will this mean an end to our fascination with seeing someone consuming great quantities of food in under an hour?
I hardly think so.
I think people are smarter than that. Just because I watch a show on southern cooking doesn't mean I cook that way all the time! Right now, a lot of 'healthier foods' cost more than my budget allows, but I do the best with what I can.
If you BAN something, don't you know you just made it more APPEALING to others? I personally miss the cereal cartoons. And granted, some of then are still continuing. The daughter and I had a discussion yesterday concerning Lucky Charms.
Remember this?
'Pink Hearts
Yellow Moons
Orange Stars
Green Clovers
Blue Diamonds (I remember when these were added, lol!)
Purple Horseshoes' (These also!)
'Silly rabbit; Trix are for kids!'
'Snap crackle pop Rice Krispies!'
Cookie Crisp
Count Chocula, FrankenBerry, BooBerry Ghost.
And another personal favorite, all those 'treasure hunts' of Cap'n Crunch.
What's made us overweight isn't the foods available; it's our own lifestyle choices. Yes, my family went through a period of time where we ate out three times a week; my sister and I had activities and it was more practical to go get pizza or sandwiches instead of making a mad dash home. When my spouse worked nights, I took the kids to town where they could spend an hour in a playscape to run around and shriek all they wanted.
But just because someone's health went downhill doesn't mean it applies to everyone.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wednesday Happenings:)
First of all, it looks as if we'll be welcoming Miss Alexandria Nicole into our family June 11th:) The SU is already planning to get the little pink 'beginner' rifle for her, much to the daughter's disgust....she would prefer if the color pink disappear from the color wheel, having shunned anything in that hue since the tender age of three.
I know these tests aren't always accurate; a friend's sister has a sonogram picture of her daughter's 'penis' circled. So there's always a chance 'Alex' will pop out 'Anthony'. Feel free to place any bets/cast your vote, etc:)
Ever wonder how Arbor U got its name? Ever wonder how one tiny story can evolve into a 14-book series? I'm guest posting over at Tina Donahue's blog today, so come over, say hi, and get a sneak peek at book #3, Forbidden Love, which is due out in a few weeks.
No karaoke tonight; we have a basketball game at 8pm, plus the weather is supposed to be nasty after midnight. Snow, wind, and dropping temps....I think I'll stay home, be warm, and sleep.
Youngling came through his second dental appointment with flying colors, and I returned him to school just in time for lunch. I managed 400 words on that zombie story yesterday and doubled that amount today, so hopefully this means I'm back on track:)
That's all the news at the moment, so check back tomorrow. And stay warm, if temps are dipping below freezing!
I know these tests aren't always accurate; a friend's sister has a sonogram picture of her daughter's 'penis' circled. So there's always a chance 'Alex' will pop out 'Anthony'. Feel free to place any bets/cast your vote, etc:)
Ever wonder how Arbor U got its name? Ever wonder how one tiny story can evolve into a 14-book series? I'm guest posting over at Tina Donahue's blog today, so come over, say hi, and get a sneak peek at book #3, Forbidden Love, which is due out in a few weeks.
No karaoke tonight; we have a basketball game at 8pm, plus the weather is supposed to be nasty after midnight. Snow, wind, and dropping temps....I think I'll stay home, be warm, and sleep.
Youngling came through his second dental appointment with flying colors, and I returned him to school just in time for lunch. I managed 400 words on that zombie story yesterday and doubled that amount today, so hopefully this means I'm back on track:)
That's all the news at the moment, so check back tomorrow. And stay warm, if temps are dipping below freezing!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Oops! Forgot One!
How on earth did I forget to include this one yesterday?
This another DEFINITE Recommended Read! I loved Everything Lovers Can Know the first time I read it; I enjoyed it the 2nd, 3rd, 5th....you get the picture. I love Anny Cook's Mystic Valley series, and have from the first time I read Dancer's Delight. I was thrilled to also read the others in the series, and even more thrilled when ELCK and TR was combined into one book. I like e-books, but I've realized some of the details don't stick well....or maybe it's because the first time I read the first four books in this series, I was doomed to reading them at the computer.
At any rate, having the first three books in print has hammered some of the details home, and I hope that the next three books will soon be in print, even though I've recently reread them on my Sony e-reader:)
Today's Agenda:
Took youngling to the dentist this morning. For whatever reason, I looked in his mouth last Thursday and noticed one of his permanent teeth was coming up on the wrong side of his spacer. The dentist removed the bilateral spacer and is replacing it with one on each side of his lower mouth.
Taking the daughter for an ultrasound today; we'll find out if we're having an Alexandria Nicole or Anthony Edward. I'm torn; I just want the baby to be healthy, and that the baby daddy's mental issues skip this generation all together.
Then it's off to Cub Scouts. I won't be going to Guild tonight, because we learned we're losing out Assistant Scout Master, who's our Scout Master's right arm....literally. J's the one who plans everything and oversees the awards; T simply shows up and manages the kids. Our Pinewood Derby is next week, and so this week is working on the cars and seeing who's qualified (or able) to step into J's shoes. I found out at our planning meeting last week that we will be hosting the District PWD again, but J's the one who made everything run smoothly; all I did was rearrange the concession stand she set up, and took charge of it so she could coordinate elsewhere.
And on top of everything, we have weather issues today: We started with a temp of 55, but a tornado warning; severe Thunderstorm warning, and dropping temps will make today tricky. I don't mind rain, but if it switches to snow, then getting everyone to their appointments today is going to be dicey. We're down to one car, so might have to take the youngling out of school early, so he and his dad don't have to walk home from school in a squall. So right now, we're in a 'wait and see' mode.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Reading Update
I'v e had some time on my hands the past two weeks, being unable to get near a computer or even some days to even sit up:) That's what a bad cold-turned-bronchitis will do to a person. So here's a list of books I've read lately.
Print Books:
Playing The Game by Barbara Taylor Bradshaw: Really enjoyed this one! Left me guessing, though I figured out part of it. And since I'm a BTB fan, giving this one a Definite Recommended Read:)
Holly by Jude Deveraux: This was good, but I felt she was slightly condescending and snobby toward 'a certain class of people'. Otherwise, good suspense toward the end:) If you're a fan of Jude's contemporary novels, pick it up.
That Boy From Trash Town by Billie Green: I had to keep reminding myself this was copy written 1992 and a Silhouette Special Edition. I was frustrated by the lack of seemingly sexual tension, but the story was good and I did learn that Nora Roberts once wrote for this company. At the back was an ad for a trilogy of books I'd like to find by her, if they are still available. If you liked Silhouette romances in the early '90's, go get this one if you can find it. It has a really sweet ending:)
E-Books:
Feral Lust by Mia Watts: Excellent book! An M/M Regency, and very enjoyable:) Definite Recommended Read, esp if you like the M/M genre.
Twelve Nights by Katie Blu: I'm going to have to check; I think I finished reading this one before my e-reader crashed on me....Really enjoyed it, especially the interactions between the two main characters, when the hero didn't realize whom he was actually dealing with for romance advice! Very well done and another Definite Recommended Read:)
Found On Granny's Bookshelf:
What Everyone Should Know: A fascinating encyclopedia/dictionary/reference book for everything from treating an Abscess to how to drive away Rats; from Visiting the Sick to how to make potato Yeast. Copyright 1884. (No, I did NOT read this; just flipped through it!)
A 1st Edition Children's Literary version of Little Women. I've spotted several things left out, and I'm up to where the Marches have befriended Laurie and now Beth is screwing up her courage to go try out the piano. And since this version is in much better shape than my original copy (which is -ahem- buried in a box somewhere downstairs), I'm rereading my favorite book.
Joshua and the City: I was bored with this two chapters in, so might pick it up again later.
So what about you? Read any good books over the holidays? And go vote for your faves over at the LRC Best of Awards.
Print Books:
Playing The Game by Barbara Taylor Bradshaw: Really enjoyed this one! Left me guessing, though I figured out part of it. And since I'm a BTB fan, giving this one a Definite Recommended Read:)
Holly by Jude Deveraux: This was good, but I felt she was slightly condescending and snobby toward 'a certain class of people'. Otherwise, good suspense toward the end:) If you're a fan of Jude's contemporary novels, pick it up.
That Boy From Trash Town by Billie Green: I had to keep reminding myself this was copy written 1992 and a Silhouette Special Edition. I was frustrated by the lack of seemingly sexual tension, but the story was good and I did learn that Nora Roberts once wrote for this company. At the back was an ad for a trilogy of books I'd like to find by her, if they are still available. If you liked Silhouette romances in the early '90's, go get this one if you can find it. It has a really sweet ending:)
E-Books:
Feral Lust by Mia Watts: Excellent book! An M/M Regency, and very enjoyable:) Definite Recommended Read, esp if you like the M/M genre.
Twelve Nights by Katie Blu: I'm going to have to check; I think I finished reading this one before my e-reader crashed on me....Really enjoyed it, especially the interactions between the two main characters, when the hero didn't realize whom he was actually dealing with for romance advice! Very well done and another Definite Recommended Read:)
Found On Granny's Bookshelf:
What Everyone Should Know: A fascinating encyclopedia/dictionary/reference book for everything from treating an Abscess to how to drive away Rats; from Visiting the Sick to how to make potato Yeast. Copyright 1884. (No, I did NOT read this; just flipped through it!)
A 1st Edition Children's Literary version of Little Women. I've spotted several things left out, and I'm up to where the Marches have befriended Laurie and now Beth is screwing up her courage to go try out the piano. And since this version is in much better shape than my original copy (which is -ahem- buried in a box somewhere downstairs), I'm rereading my favorite book.
Joshua and the City: I was bored with this two chapters in, so might pick it up again later.
So what about you? Read any good books over the holidays? And go vote for your faves over at the LRC Best of Awards.
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