the things we do for our kids!

My husband was a vampire this Halloween.  That was a pretty big deal in our house!!!

Let me explain that he has almost never dressed up for Halloween.  Last year, for the first time I have known him, he agreed to wear a referee shirt with black jeans, but that was as close to a costume as I had ever seen him get...in the 15+ years we have been together....unless you include the time he wore a tuxedo for our wedding.  ha!

This year, my husband and I were not planning to dress up, but I think my son was about to break down into tears if we didn't.  His favorite holiday seems to be Halloween, you see.  He loves to dress up.  In fact, he dresses up on a regular basis.  He has a Batman costume, a Superman costume, a Spiderman costume, a pirate costume, and an Ironman costume.  He wears them semi-regularly and was ecstatic that he was able to wear them outside three days in a row (for a parade at school, a Halloween party, and then Halloween trick-or-treating).  So, I busted out my costume from last year - a generic cheerleading outfit - and wore that to the Halloween party I attended with my son.  Sadly, I just didn't get something else together in time.  And yesterday, my husband bought these weird contacts and fangs for Halloween night.

Our kids were thrilled.  Our daughter kept talking about it over and over.  You see, she is a tween and has only seen her father get dressed up last year and this one. HAHA.  Now our son, on the other hand, will expect him to dress up for years to come. haha. :)

The things we do for our kids!

Family Vacations

For my recent birthday, my generous mother and stepfather gave me a trip for four to the "Happiest Place On Earth," so the husband and I put our kids in the car and drove to Disneyland for our 5 days, 4 nights vacation.  We were excited - okay, maybe not so much the husband, but the rest of us were!  We hadn't been there in years: it was our son's first visit to Mickey's place and our daughter's third though she hadn't been there in about 5 years.  I was looking forward to a nice, quiet vacation - a time to check out the Halloween decor and see the park during a non-busy month.

Why the heck did I think that? 

Apparently, Halloweentime is a pretty big deal at Disneyland.  Waits for Peter Pan's flight averaged 40 minutes, so we passed on that; Space Mountain's wait was a mighty 55 minutes, so we opted to get a fastpass, thereby cutting our wait to 10-15 minutes; and shows were packed.  I was shocked.  Where did all these people come from?  I guess the holiday season mixed with California's furlough days/weeks made the park hoppin' and a hoppin' it was.  Wow.  A lot of people sure go to this park.  I didn't expect the crowd at all.  People kept saying it wasn't that bad, but I surely didn't expect them all to be there!

I suppose this has a lot to do with the fact that I do recall going once during a non-peak time - many years ago - and it was empty.  I kid you not: empty.  My friend and I basically had free reign of the park.  We walked on all the rides with no wait.  We took photos with characters, simply because they were just walking around and no one was with them. 

I mean, look at this photo with Goofy.  Do you see anyone in the background?  Nope?  Yea, me neither.  That's because there were hardly any people there.

I had sadly thought that this would be the case this visit.

And instead, moms were pushing their strollers; children were crying; people were pushing; and lines were long.  I also met a couple families with traumatized preschoolers; their parents encouraged their frightened children to ride Space Mountain: Ghost Galaxy.  One father was going to force his preschooler to get onto the Tower of Terror, but the Disneyland employee refused to force the child to get on the ride if she didn't want to.  One mom forced her toddler to go in the Haunted Mansion, even though he kept saying, "NO NO.  I don't want to go in there."  She looked annoyed at her child and walked away, leaving him with another family member.  He proceeded to be freaked out in the rooms.  Clearly, to this kid, Disneyland was not the "Happiest Place" anymore!  Sometimes, parents are insane.

While I definitely think that Disneyland has its magic, I also think that sometimes we - as in parents - get so caught up in the "you should see this" and "you gotta see that!" frenzy, that sometimes we forget they are children and they can get overwhelmed and they also get TIRED.  I had to remind myself of this a couple times.  Actually, one of the days, my daughter and I got up early to do the whole morning madness thing at 7am and my son and husband didn't meet up with us until after 10am.  Why?  Well, my son didn't awake until 9:30am and then he wanted to eat cereal and watch some TV.  Another day, my daughter wanted to leave the park to just go swim in the pool.  They definitely needed a break from the masses.

I admit this wasn't necessarily a relaxing trip.  We walked miles each day.  We rushed from one place to another.  But...it was still a great trip.  We ate with characters three times, ate at restaurants we had never tried before (Ariel's Grotto, Blue Bayou, and Big Thunder Ranch BBQ), and rode on rides - old favorites like Small World and new rides (to us) like Astroblasters and Nemo.  It was fun to see the kids enjoying their time there.  It was fun getting the chance to actually ride my favorites (My daughter was too afraid to ride anything more than Small World last time.), like Pirates of the Carribean and the roller coasters. 

It was a good trip with a lot of positives, but I think the best thing that came out of the trip was the fact that we got to spend time together as a family - a time without work or school interrupting us, a few days with just each other (not to mention thousands of strangers, I suppose. HAHA). Disneyland was great fun, but I think next vacation we'll be picking a place without so many people. Any suggestions?

with Baloo the Bear (Jungle Book) at Goofy's Kitchen

Experimenting with Facebook...or lack thereof

I have been an active user of facebook for...years.  I can't recall about when I started, but since that day, I have progressively spent more time on the website.  A little sad, really.  Let's be real.  My office is a cluttered mess.  I have a ton of papers to grade, essentially ANYTIME class is in session.  I have two kids who would love more time with me - even just for playing an additional board game of Kids Charades (my preschooler) or watching another episode of Clean House (my tween).

It's not like I don't have more productive things I could be doing. 

And yet...still I spent hours on facebook.  Granted, I didn't ignore my children all the time, but I'm sure once in awhile I was guilty of checking my newsfeed instead of spending time with them.  What parent engaged in a social networking site hasn't done that?  And I can definitely tell you that my office has been a cluttered mess for quite some time.

But you know what?

I don't want to be like that.  I don't want to be one of those people who opts to "relax" surfing the web while many things could be accomplished.  If I need to relax, I'm pretty sure there are alternatives.  The bottom line is that I don't want to be so addicted to something that I have to check it multiple times a day.  And with my iPhone, that was all too common - checking on my phone everywhere, checking on my computer at work, checking at home.  It was a little obsessive, really.  Do I really need to know that a friend checked into a club downtown?  Do I want to know that a "friend" got stuck in traffic?  Do I care if someone sent a friend a flower, a cat, a smile, a kiss?  Do I want to help someone mow their lawn?

The answers to those question are the same: NO!

So, I have decided to decrease my time on facebook.  I'm not insane.  I know I can't go "cold turkey" and never log on.  I also know that it may not be permanent.  But it's an effort...an experiment with not being "tied" to a social networking site.  The majority of my time is spent reading walls and commenting on people's statuses.  So, if I close my wall and limit my commenting, then I should be on less, right?

That's the plan. 

Yesterday I shut down the wall.  I put up this image about being on a FB break.  And you know what?

So far, I spent more time grading. That's a plus. I also slept more hours last night than the norm - a definite plus.

And guess what!! I didn't really miss it.  Sure, I am still on it: I sent a few messages, wished a few people Happy Birthday, and updated my class page.

But endless hours on facebook?  That didn't happen.  And let us hope it doesn't happen...ever again.

Here's hoping my "experiement with facebook...or lack thereof" is a success.

Oy...

I'm not sure what else to title this.  I'm completely overloaded...again...or is it...as always?  I suffer from what one of my friends call "CRC," which stands for "Can't Remember Crap."  There's always something I need to do, and that interrupts the other thing I'm doing, so then I forget to complete that first thing - or that second thing.  Lost?  Great!  Me, too!  Bottom line is that I'm forever behind...at least lately.

I wasn't always like this. I have had great spells of being completely "Type A" organized, with a list and pen in hand, marking things off, one by one.  Apparently, September wasn't one of those months.  October isn't starting off too well, either!

Maybe it's because my daughter had come down with something or other once a week, never seeming to fully recuperate from any of the afflictions.  Or maybe it's because those couple of days put me back even further in my workload.  Or maybe trying to manage a larger workload, a household, and two kids' schedules almost all on my own is proving impossible.  (Don't get me wrong.  My husband helps, but let's keep in mind that he's not home until well after dinnertime - closer to bedtime - and most days the kids and I are out of the house before he wakes up.) 

Whatever the reason, it feels like it's neverending.  Papers are already piling up and it's only the beginning of the semester.  Since I'm backlogged with my "new" class because of all the prep, I'm behind on grading the papers.  And, oh, did I mention two of my classes then took tests - tests that are handgraded, not scantrons.

Shoot me now.  It would be less painful...okay, I exaggerate.

Oy.  Something had to be done: I gave up facebook.  I put up a new profile pic, shut down the wall, and logged out.  Aside from logging on for my work (the class group), I don't plan to spend much time on there...not until I give those papers back to the students.

I'm already a chronic procrastinator.  Facebook was the end of me.  And everyone knows that facebook is just a time-wasting cesspool of neuroses.  Too bad I had been sucked into that vortex for years.

Here's hoping I can stay out of it...or off facebook.  Of course, I'm not sure if sitting here blogging is a good use of my time, either.

But...time is up.  And I've spent a lot less time on here than I would have on facebook!  :P

Yes, I am a thrill seeker!

There is no other way to put it: I love me some adventure.  For whatever reason, I have always enjoyed a good adrenaline rush.  From climbing rooftops as a kid in the city to skydiving as an adult, I have always loved the excitement of doing something daring.  And let me say this: whitewater rafting is a great way to satisfy that lust for adventure.

Each time I go whitewater rafting, I know I want to go back.  Unfortunately, sometimes life just gets in the way...or other things come up that I also want to do!  This year, however, I was able to go!

And it did not disappoint!!!

Our rafting guide, Scott, was awesome: great sense of humor, friendly, and fun...with great leadership skills.  The company was fabulous!  Catching up with a former student is always awesome...and meeting our raft buddies - a family of four - was fun.  We all had a good time, joking around and playing in the water! The rapids were great.

But the best part was being able to go with my daughter.  I'm so proud of her.  She has been showing so much more independence recently.  She is willing to try things she wouldn't have been open to earlier, even if it sounds challenging or difficult or scary.  Even when the rapids were looking "scary," she was giggling, overcome with excitement, and bouncing up and down on her seat (of course, while holding onto one of the straps!).  She was so comfortable that during the rapids, once she spotted the camera, she even raised her hand to give the peace sign and a cheesy smile!

I can't wait to go back again...with my daughter.  Maybe this will be an annual mother-daughter trip.  How fun would that be?!  I had a blast with everyone.  Thanks for the fun time!

We dared...and we conquered!

This past weekend, my daughter and I joined another mom-daughter duo in the Urban Dare competition in San Francisco.  Having competed in The Great Urban Race with a long-time friend of mine last month, I knew what to expect about a scavenger/adventure race overall.

However, this time, I have to admit this fact: prior to the race, I was worried whether or not we would complete the race on time. I wasn't sure a team that included two tween girls and only one city native (me, a person who hasn't lived in the city since the 80s, mind you) would be able to finish the race on time.  Okay, I take that back.  I knew it was possible, but I had my doubts as to whether we would go stir-crazy and/or give up before then.  Or whether *I* would go crazy before then. I am not known for my patience, you see - one of the many perks of being me. HAHAHA.

Seriously, even the most compatible pairs on the Amazing Race seem to have their issues.  And while my daughter and I get along, we definitely have our own communication issues.  Plus, my daughter's complaints of being starving (as if we don't feed her...haha) or getting cramps (while running) are the norm.  Throw in another mom-daughter combo and even more variables and personalities are added.  Fortunately, we all went in with the same positive attitude and outlook: the goal is to HAVE FUN and try to finish before time ends!

We did encounter a few bumps in the road (using cell phones are not as speedy as friends with internet connection on the phone lifelines, getting a wrong location, and not knowing what hotel had to do with Charles Dickens' novel), but fortunately, they weren't game-enders.  We got into the groove and not only finished but were the FIRST FAMILY TEAM to arrive.  We were exhausted at the end of the race, but the four of us worked as a team and our teamwork was acknowledged with a plaque!!! 

Go Team "Partners in Crime"!!!!!

Mad dash at the end of the summer

It's a recurring event, isn't it?  At the end of each vacation, season, timeframe, or even project, we all make a last ditch effort to complete everything we wanted to do. 

Or is that just me?  

Less than a month ago, I blogged about some (read: not all) the things I wanted to do before the summer was over.  That was deadly.  If you know me, I'm all about lists.  I am made to complete lists, to check them off, to work at getting them accomplished.  Without a list, I'm the queen of procrastination; without a plan, why even bother?  I don't.  Clearly, I should have made the list at the BEGINNING of summer.  Or maybe this is why I did NOT make the list at the beginning of the summer!  hahahaha

Sadly, I haven't quite completed my list, but I am damn close.  Please excuse the foul language...for those of you who do not enjoy reading swear words.  Of course, again, I must say, if you know me, then you must know the word "damn" is tame in comparison to the other lovely words that I often choose. :ahem:  moving on. haha

So, let's recap:  I had eight items on that list I wrote and I'm pretty close to getting it all done.  Four are COMPLETELY finished and a couple others are in the works.

1. Yard Sale - Check.  Made $200.  Woot. Woot.
2. Paint the office - Woot. Woot.  Complete.  It's lovely.  Now I just need to organize it. HA.
3. See the baby dolphins - The plan is to go to Discovery Kingdom tomorrow!  Gotta make the season passes worth it, right?  Plus, I want to see the animals!
4. Use our Great America passes - Check!  We went today.  It was a blast.  I also tried Dippin' Dots ice cream for my very first time.  Weird.  Yummy but weird.
5. Go to the Planetarium portion of the museum - I'm hoping to get there next week.  Since I have to run to SF again for one of the appointments in #7, this is the perfect opportunity to do so!
6. Plan a family vacation - Trip to Disneyland planned!  Woot. Woot.  It's a small world after all...it's a small world after all!
7. Schedule appointments - Almost there.  Most are done.  Others are scheduled.  A couple more still need to be set, but I have to work out timing.
8. Whitewater Rafting - Working on getting this scheduled for September.  Call is out to the company...

On top of all that, we did our regular stuff: taekwondo classes, swim lessons, and playdates.  Even more, we made it to the San Francisco Zoo AND I competed in "The Great Urban Race" with my lifelong friend.

Unfortunately, I may have done a good job at my summer to-do list, but I haven't done much by the way of work.  I started it...but it wasn't really on a to-do list, so I "tabled" that for another day.  Yes, I have work that needs to be done....but technically work doesn't start until next week, right???!! hahaha.  I'll start a work list next week.  tee hee

For now, I'm still in summer-mode and need to get it all done.  It's a mad dash to the end...typical in a procrastinator's life, right?

Being "old" does NOT mean I can't do it!!!

After the kids' belt promotion ceremony, the studio was open to "play" for a few minutes.  My daughter was doing cartwheels and stuff, so I showed her my cartwheel.  A six-year-old girl looks at me and says, "You're too old to do a cartwheel!"  I said, "I may be turning 40, but I can still do a cartwheel."  Then, I proceeded to do another one.

What the heck?  Why does this kid think...that after a certain age, instead of growing up and getting bigger, we start decaying and dying?  hahaha.

The more I thought about it, I figured that she probably once asked an adult she knows to do one and the adult responded with, "I'm too old to do a cartwheel."  Since I have not really grown up (and don't plan to), there are a lot of "kid" things I still do: play games, make crafts, do cartwheels, play with waterguns (though I prefer the waterhose because then I win! hahaha), etc.

It's not really age, I don't think.  It's mindset.  It's the willingness to still be a kid and to play.  Of course, since I teach a class based on leisure theory and the value of play, I suppose my child-like persona is not surprising to anyone.

Anyhow, I have to say I was happy I didn't fall on my a**.  I don't remember the last time I did a cartwheel; I was just pretty confident I could do it.  I figured it was like riding a bike: just do it and I'll remember.  I was happy that one of the helpers (a teenage boy) even said, "Wow.  I think that's better than I can do."  Woot.  Woot.  Let's hear it for the "old woman" that showed those kids! hahahaha.

A Yard Sale Tale or Two

We did it!  We had our yard sale!  After not enough preparation but plenty of stuff, my daughter and I went ahead with our yard sale.

I awoke to the sound of my annoying alarm and looked out into the darkness.  ANNOYING.  Who wakes up on a Saturday before the sun comes out?  Crazy people!  Fortunately, I did get to bed early (for me) and managed to sleep for 6 hours - not too shabby for a night owl like myself.

After a shower and some tea, I woke up my daughter and we went to set up the stuff. We had a couple hours before it officially started, right?  No.  I think my first "customer" arrived at 6:45am.  WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?  Why do people willingly wake up so early?  Anyhow, they purchased $35 worth of stuff.  Mind you, while I probably could have asked for more, I was just happy to rid of it; and to be honest, aside from my daughter's scooter, a candle set, and a couple items of clothing, I have NO IDEA what the heck they put on the table. 

And we all know what that means, right?


I didn't need that crap in my garage or the shed, anyhow.  $35.00 for crap.  Go me!

Anyhow, our friends showed up shortly after our "first sale" and starting setting up their stuff, too.  It is always better to have yard sales with other people: aside from having more for potential buyers, it also makes the "downtime" go a lot faster.

At the end of the day, my daughter and I came away with about $200.  I don't know the exact amount because I don't know how much I grabbed from the house for change, so I can't recall the start amount.  Like I said, I wasn't all that organized this time. HA.  But that's okay, I will be more organized for the next one.

Yard sales are a little addicting, if you can get past the downside.  It's addicting because getting rid of unwanted or unneeded stuff while getting some money in the process is always a good thing - a cleansing AND financially beneficial undertaking.  I mean, who turns down extra cash?  However, the downside of yard/garage sales are the rude people who assume the sellers are morons and don't deserve the asking price. 

For example, I was selling a "like new" Step 2 Push Around Buggy, the one Amazon.com is selling for $55.00 right now.  I didn't think asking $25 was too much, primarily because most of these types of items sell for half price on craigslist.  She said, "That's too much.  How about $10?"  I replied that I was sorry, but it did cost over $60 when I purchased it after taxes/shipping and I wouldn't sell it for less than $20.  She snapped, "Well, it's USED NOW!" and walked off.  Um, okay.  Rude much?

And guess who had the last laugh?  Me.  That's right.  I sold it for $20.  So screw her.


I'm not exactly sure why yard sale buyers think they will be the only customer and that's it is the seller's loss if the bargained-down offer price isn't taken.  I mean, please.  I'd rather give it away than sell it to an a-hole.  And I have. I've actually told someone I wouldn't take her offer and then chose to give it away at the end of the day. HA.  But I'm stubborn like that.
 

The best yard sale tale is from a couple years ago.  I was selling a Little Tikes desk, originally priced at $50-$75.  It had a working light table, drawer, crayon holder, and chair.  It was fabulous and in great condition; we were only getting rid of it because our daughter had outgrown it and we were unsure about having a second child.  I had it out at a yard sale with a sign stating it was $25.  This lady said she'd give me $20; I said, "No, sorry.  The price is $25.  I feel that's a fair amount."  She left.  About an hour later, she came by again and said, "You still won't take $20?" and I said no again.  Shortly after that, another buyer came in, said it was a good price and paid the $25 asking price with no bargaining.  Toward the end of the day, the first lady came back (yes, for the THIRD time) and looked crushed when she noticed the desk was no longer there.  She asked, "How much did you sell it for?"  I said, "$25."  I've always wondered if she spent $5.00 in gas, driving to my house THREE TIMES.  Lame.

It's always like that, I suppose - there being positives and negatives of any experience - but if the upside results in over $100 in cash for getting rid of stuff, I'm all for enduring rude, annoying people asking to give me 50 cents for a porcelain doll my daughter was trying to sell for one measly dollar.  (!!!!!!)

At the end of our yard sale yesterday, we were exhausted but $200 richer and deserved a treat, so my daughter and I went to get pedicures.  The yard sale paid for pedicures...and will be paying for a movie day, too.  Not too shabby!  Plus, we'll probably still have a little leftover money.  How should we spend it?

Well, that's a tale for another day!

Lovely, Lovely Lists

My entire life has been filled with lists.  I love making lists and to be honest, it is the only way I'll get everything done.  With a million things on my plate (or at least it feels like it), I can never remember it all; this means that without a list not much gets done.

Sadly, the only list that has been maintained well has been the one I have on 43things: My Life To Do List - what others may call a "Bucket List"- a list of things I want to accomplish within my lifetime.  And that is simply because a life list can take a LIFETIME to complete, so I'm doing well when I complete one or two things a year!  haha.  I'm starting to think I should make a list just for the summer because time is running out and I still have so much I want to do and too much to take care of before it's over!

Actually, hold up!  What a great idea! (I'm soooo brilliant! haha. jk)  So, without further ado, here is my list of "The Things I Hope to Do During My Summer Vacation - part 1."

Have a yard sale.  To note, we are planning to do this tomorrow...which is why I shouldn't even be blogging; I should be prepping for that!

Paint the office.  This has been on my mind for over a year, ever since my son colored on my office wall with crayon and I was never able to get it all to disappear!

See the baby dolphins. I know we've already been here this summer, but as a season pass holder, I'd like to go more often.  Last time, my son didn't even make it to Thomas land - or whatever it is called.

Use our Great America passes.  I knew I probably shouldn't have bought the passes, but I did.  And as of today - mid-summer- we have yet to go there once.  How sad!  Plus, I loved Snoopy as a kid and would love to check out Planet Snoopy.

Go to the planetarium portion of the museum.  My aunt got our family a membership and we have gone twice...and still haven't made it into the planetarium.  I have now heard that is the first thing to do...because the lines get long.  Our membership ends next month, so we have to do this soon!  Plus, I could definitely go to see the jellyfish again.  Those things are soooo cool.

Plan a family vacation.  I have been putting this off simply because these can be expensive, and as with most of the planet, money is tight. And since our jobs are unstable and money is already stretched, I feel like this may be an unwise venture, but since we have never actually gone on a family vacation for more than a night - last year we went to Hearst Castle for a day - I keep thinking "Carpe Diem" and that we should do something.  So, I'm thinking I should just plan one...not necessarily book it.   At least we'll be ready with the info (the whats, wheres, and costs) when the time is right.

Take care of all the necessary appointments before going back to work.  I need to bring the car in for service, go to my eye doctor, go to another sleep test, take my son in for a well-check, etc. etc.

Whitewater rafting.  I bought tickets to go whitewater rafting and need to go THIS season.  I haven't been in a few years and I definitely can't wait to go!






There are so many other things I want to do and/or need to do, but right now what I need to do is start gathering stuff for my garage sale tomorrow!  Hopefully, with this partial list I'll be more accountable!  Only time will tell.

Summer is half over.  Or...we still have half our summer left.  (Not sure if you are a glass half-full or half-empty sort of person! haha)

So, what do you want to do before summer is over???

Summer, I love you.

Summers are great because I get to spend a lot of time with my family - without all the distractions of grading papers, helping my daughter with her schoolwork, or dealing with the chauffeur side of getting two kids to and from school.  Instead, more focus is put on just enjoying the company of others, relaxing, and doing fun activities.

For the 4th of July weekend, we met my parents at my uncle's house and spent days lounging by the pool, taking a ride on a small choo choo nearby, feeding koi fish, playing with the dogs, and relaxing.

Of course, because my uncle lives in a county where fireworks are allowed, we also were able to light our own fireworks and play with sparklers.  Unaccustomed to the whole thing, my kids and I were all a bit apprehensive.  Aside from the sparklers, I let everyone else do the honors of lighting them.  I figured my husband should be the most comfortable being that he did all these kinds of fireworks as a kid growing up in Japan!  Plus, I think having all 10 fingers, thank you! ;)

We had a great time, even in the heat (the pool helped), and we can't wait to go back next year!  In fact, my son keeps asking when he can go see his uncle again. 

This past weekend, my husband and I took our kids to the Obon Festival.  I couldn't wait to see the taiko drummers.

Ever since I was a kid, I have always loved listening to the beat of the drums.  There is something so calming and exciting at the same time.  I remember - many years ago - seeing a taiko performance with my grandfather at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco.  I was mesmerized.  Sadly, I don't get the chance to see many performances, so I am always happy when I get the chance!  I was not disappointed!

My husband and daughter also enjoyed watching the drummers.  However, I think my son's highlight of the day was the "train" ride to and from the festival - that and the ice cream he ate while there.  He just doesn't have the attention span quite yet.  After sitting quietly for two songs, he befriended the lady sitting next to us and starting playing with her - my son, ever the charming flirt, always on the prowl for new friends - starting to show his new friend all his martial arts moves. haha.  Regardless of what made it fun for him, he had a good time at the festival, too!

Other than the past two weekends' activities, I pretty much did....NOTHING...which is also a fabulous summer benefit!  Aside from a couple appointments, taekwondo, and making headway on cleaning the garage, the kids and I stayed home: we caught up on some TV shows; we took naps (or my son and I did); we played games.

Balancing scheduled activities with downtime = bliss.  Did I also mention that my new favorite luxury is taking a nice, relaxing bath each evening - one with my new foaming oil, scented with eucalyptus, chamomile, and rosehips?  Seriously, it's fabulous.

Summer is fabulous.  Life is fabulous.  Oh, summer, how I love you.  Please don't go away too soon!

How a little faith goes a long way

Many moons ago, as a young freshman in high school, my English teacher, Sr. Barbara, shared a short prayer with the class:

Patron Saint of Lost Items Tony, Tony, look around. Something's lost and must be found.

This prayer has always stuck with me - for when I lost something trivial or something important. I have to admit that I probably only halfheartedly said the prayer, not always truly believing it would work, not because I didn't believe miracles could happen but because I wondered whether it was really "right" to pray to find something I so carelessly lost.  Does St. Anthony really need to help me find my library book that I carelessly put somewhere I can't recall?  I always thought it was my own fault for not taking care of something.

However, the other day I lost my wedding band: the one my mother gave to me to use, the one my stepfather gave to her on their anniversary, the one I had thought maybe one day I would maybe pass onto my daughter. I had taken it off for taekwondo class, put it into my coin compartment in my wallet, and tucked it into my bag.  After class, I grabbed my wallet and walked over to grab some dinner with my kids and some friends.  I kept closing the coin part back because it kept popping open, aware that my rings were in there. (Yes, in retrospect, clearly I should have put it on after taekwondo, but I didn't...so let's move on.)

Later that evening, I looked in my wallet...and it was NOWHERE to be found.  I started praying.  I looked in the taekwondo bag, my purse, again in my wallet.  Then Thursday, I looked some more.  I had no idea where it could be.  I kept praying. 

By Friday at noon, I had come to accept the fact that I may never see my ring again.  Even so, I kept saying the prayer, believing it would somehow turn up.  Then I went back to the place we ate dinner at Wednesday night, Mojo Burger, almost two whole days since the ring went missing.

After I told the cashier what I was looking for, she went into the back room.  Minutes seemed to pass.  Another lady said, "I don't think we found anything," and headed to the back as well.  More time was ticking.  I was now repeatedly chanting in my head: "Tony, Tony, turn around.  Something's lost and can't be found.  Something's here or something's there.  I have looked everywhere.  Please help me find it."

The two women returned to the front.  One of the ladies said, "My husband has it.  It looked expensive and he didn't want to leave it here.  We live just a mile away...he'll be here in a few minutes."  I almost cried. 

It gets even crazier.  They later informed me that someone found it OUTSIDE of Mojo Burger on the sidewalk and turned it in on Thursday morning.  

To the owners at Mojo Burger, thank you for holding onto my ring.  To the anonymous person who found it on the ground, thanks for turning it into Mojo Burger.  And to St. Anthony, thank you for bringing my ring back to me.  I am truly a believer that even the littlest prayers can be answered with a lot of faith.

Moments to Remember....about my son

Dec 19, 2009

thinks it's funny how her son is sulking on the couch under a blanket because I told him no chocolate. On what planet would a mother not want her kid to rest on the couch under a blanket at 3pm in the afternoon? Cross your fingers he falls asleep. He's a nap fighter, for sure!

 

March 18, 2010

had to laugh when Alicia Keys' "Falling" came on the radio and he said, "Hey! This is my favorite song! Is this YOUR favorite song, Mommy?"

 

April 6, 2010

wonders why her son feels the need to skip the potty, thinking changing his clothes MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY infringes on his playtime less. REALLY?

 

April 16, 2010

My son is currently so mad at her that he is talking to himself in his room: "I don't want Mommy. I want Daddy. DADDY!!! DADDY!!! Waaah! DADDY!" And why is he mad at me? Oh, because I told him he could no longer play the computer because he didn't stop to go potty...and then had an accident...even though I told him to get off and go.

 

 April 20, 2010

thinks her son must be going through a growth spurt because he slept from 9pm-8am! Of course it could also mean no nap today! :P

 

 April 30, 2010 -

Me: "did you put your bear to night night?"
Him: "yes! Because he's sick!"
Lol. Sometimes my kid cracks me up!

 

 

 

I'm looking forward to spending the day with the boy: getting jamba juice, buying groceries, and doing laundry. Is it weird my son is excited, too? Haha. Sometimes he is so easily pleased. Of course, we haven't started yet...so only time will tell how long his excitement and cooperation will last. He's not even 4 and he...'s a Gemini, which means he changes his mind with great frequency!!! Haha

June 7,  2010 - I told him to go wash up before "rest time" while I clean up the lunch table. It was awfully quiet when I was done. I headed to his room, which had the lights on but door closed, and I found him FAST ASLEEP snuggled under the covers in his bed! Say what? Who is this child!? ;)


June 7, 2010
keeps saying that's a photo of him as a baby...even though that happens to be a photo of his daddy as a baby!

July 2, 2010
My daughter was at a playdate with a friend today.  I told my son we needed to run errands. After going to the Girl Scout office (which he called "This is the girl scout cookies"), he asked me when we were going to Errand's house.  He thought Errand was going to be a friend, not going from office to bank, etc.  

 

My lesson of the week

Scheduling the way I do seems like madness to many.  Why would a sane person schedule so much stuff - even if it IS fun stuff - all the time?  (Of course, my sanity is definitely up for debate, but that's an entirely separate blog.  Let us focus on one thing at a time, shall we?)

On Monday, I learned why I schedule so much...and also remembered that I wasn't always this way.  You see, I started recalling life with only one child - a child who likes time to, as she says, "do nothing" - and the calm peace that often was felt in the house.  My daughter and I would often just stay home and relax in the summer, maybe go to the park for a bit or a walk around the neighborhood.  In many ways, my daughter is a mini-me.  While she loves to check out new things and explore life, there is a part of her that also revels in the idea of lounging around the house and...well, that's it, just lounging around the house, reading a book, watching TV, writing.

My son is a different story.  Sure, sure.  He SAYS he wants to stay home, but his idea of staying home also includes jumping off the couch, running from one end of the house to the other at full speed, shooting a toy rocket until it ends up being broken into three pieces, and screaming when he doesn't get his way.  This frenetic behavior also results in an injury or two: always one with my daughter yelling "ow!" from an accidental scratch, a smack, a kick; sometimes a bump on his own head requiring ice.

Long story short: He needs more activity.

On Monday, he didn't get enough activity and by the end of the day, I was wondering why on this earth did I think staying home was a good idea.  While I did manage to clean the bathroom, clean up the family room, and get a ton of laundry done - all productive accomplishments - by that evening, I had regretted my decision to stay home all day and thought a messy house filled with dirty laundry was a better alternative.  (My husband would disagree, but we aren't talking about him right now! haha)

So, yesterday involved a trip to San Francisco for lunch with my mom, martial arts for my daughter and me (my son got to watch), and picking up his friend.  Today's schedule included a visit to my chiropractor, the pool, and my son's Tiny Tigers martial arts class.

And you know what??!!  I may be freakin' exhausted, but my son was much better today.

But I am exhausted.  Originally, the plan was to go to Discovery Kingdom tomorrow, but honestly, I am not sure I am up for it.  And guess what?  Mini-me says she would forgo it, too; she is also really tired.  HAHA.  Of course, I'm not sure my son would be willing to give up Discovery Kingdom, mind you.

Reflecting back on this, I realize there has to be a happy medium. It's definitely a good thing my son keeps us so active.  I wonder how lazy my daughter and I would get without him around. haha.  However, I don't think being on the "go, go go" on full speed is a healthy way to operate. Something between "doing nothing" and being "full speed ahead" is the new plan.  Clearly, what I need to do is schedule activities at home...thus, it will be more relaxing but still engaging...like this activity we did last summer (photos from July 2009):

We made these "cars" from cardboard boxes.  This summer, I'm thinking it's ROBOT time!  I've been collecting cardboard boxes and toilet paper rolls for a couple weeks.  We'll see what sort of creation we can make!  That activity coupled with reading some books, taking a nap, and enjoying sitting on the deck in the backyard sounds delightful!  Maybe we'll also schedule a visit to the Intel Museum (on a different day); there is a robot there!

Obviously, I have learned that I need to schedule fun things at home alongside trips away from home.  If I don't create more balance, I think I'll be comatose by August.

That's my lesson for the week - a repeat lesson from last summer, for sure, but as the saying goes, "I'm getting up on in years, so my memory ain't what it used to be."  So, if you see me racing from one place to another at full speed, make sure to remind me to slow the heck down!  I mean, it IS summer!  I should be relaxing more!

Scheduling Summer Fun...

I tend to overschedule.  It's just what I do.  Even in the summer - a time for relaxation and rest - I schedule one thing after another.  I am forever making lists and trying to fit everything in and get everything done.

Here's what I mean.  The following is a photocollage of last week:

The past week included a playdate that involved a slip-n-slide and dress up (photo bottom left); a trip to the beach (top right); two appointments; a few hours at the pool (bottom left); volunteering at my son's preschool; the movie Karate Kid (top left); taekwondo classes; martial arts belt promotion (middle); and Father's Day, which included lunch and shopping.

I have no idea why it is I schedule myself this way.  Bad habit, maybe? Actually, today we were supposed to go see Shrek, go to martial arts class, and then pick up a little boy whom my daughter babysits.  However, my son had such a sleepless night last night - which obviously gave me a sleepless night as well - that he'll be desperately needing a nap when the movie was playing.

And you know what that means!?

We aren't going to the movie!  hahaha.  And the little boy my daughter watches isn't needed our help today, so that means we only have one thing on the agenda: martial arts class.

It's nice not to have to go anywhere right now.  Of course, I do have laundry going and am planning to vacuum the house.  Oh, and I have to go grocery shopping and entertain the kids.  Speaking of those kids, my son had a meltdown already this morning; he also shot a toy into my daughter's eye; and my daughter has proceeded to ask me if she can get on the computer (bored, already?).

Gah.  Maybe THAT is why I tend to schedule so many things!  Who wants to go grocery shopping, clean, and deal with whiny kids?

Then again, at the moment, they are playing REALLY nicely - laughing and having a good time.  :)

I feel like a kid in a candy store!

Summer is here: the weather is beautiful; I don't have to work; the kids are home; days are ready to be scheduled with fun and exciting things.  The beach is awaiting our arrival.  Playdates are calling our names. Museums, zoos, and parks are ready for our visit. Crafts and other activities are beckoning.

There is so much I want to do and see.

I have no idea where to start. I feel like a kid in the candy store!

This week, we have so much planned: a playdate, a beach trip, lunch with an old friend, martial arts class, a visit to Nicky's daycare.  This summer, we are planning to go visit my uncle in Fresno, take a trip with friends to the Delta for some RV camping, go to Great America multiple times, drive out and see the dolphins at Discovery Kingdom at least three times, make it to the beach at least a couple times, and enjoy a short family trip somewhere yet undetermined.

I know.  I know.  Summers are also supposed to be for lazy days.  I'm sure we'll have some of those, too...but for now, I am trying to fit it all in.  We'll do as much as we can, but I'm sure there won't be enough days for all we want to do.  There never is. :P

All I have to say is....Just like the kid in the candy store, regardless of whether we get to all of it, I know we'll surely have fun trying!

From Paper Waster to Paper Maker...

In my profession as a university instructor, I am in contact with entirely too much paper waste.  Faculty assign paper after paper, and even in the age of computers, many of us require students to print out the papers to submit them. 

I am guilty of it, too.

At the end of each semester, I am surrounded by graded papers that students do not want returned: stacks and stacks of paper.  Obviously, I recycle the papers - and our county does pick up paper - but I feel like I should be doing more with it.  For years, I just re-purposed them, giving it to my kids for drawing paper, donating it to a preschool for art, and using them as notepaper after cutting them into fourths. 

However, isn't there more I can do with paper?  And what about scraps?  As a scrapbooker, I also am responsible for many scrap pieces too small for re-use.  So...what to do, what to do.

A few weeks ago, I started researching the craft of papermaking.  I recently purchased some papermaking supplies and can't wait to get started.  The papers will have a more textured feel, but they can be used in cardmaking and a whole host of other ways.

It looks like something fun my kids and I can do as a summer activity.  It's a win-win: they'll learn something, protect the environment, and have fun while making a mess.  Who can beat that?

And...it's yet another way for me to reduce my ecological footprint.  Right now, I impact my environment in too many negative ways.  While I've never seen myself as a "tree-hugger" type, I think maybe I should try...because according to this survey, "If everyone lived like you, we would need 3-4 more planet earths for resources."  

Err...really? 3-4 planets? Clearly, just throwing recyclables into the proper container isn't enough.  Thus, my plan to "Be More Green" is to tackle papermaking!   I'll keep you updated once I actually make something with my paper scraps! :)

For those interested in making paper (and helping the environment), here are some links to get you started:

• Paper Making Supplies: http://www.arnoldgrummer.com/product/paperMaking/productDetails.cfm?prod_id=1
• Online Instructions: http://blog.michellekaufmann.com/?p=508
• Alternate Online Instructions: http://www.wipapercouncil.org/makepaper.htm
• Video Demonstration of Papermaking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIF-5ZhxMmA

Past and Present Hopes...

I had hoped that I would be traveling to Greece this year.  This particular hope - or dream - had been on my "list" for a few years.  I figured since this year marks a landmark birthday (The Big FOUR OH for those of you who don't know), it was as good a time as any.

Alas, it isn't in the cards.  With my husband's layoff last year and his current contract job ending in a few months, I have to be realistic.

I shouldn't spend the money on a frivolous trip to Greece - not when we have two kids to feed, a large mortgage, and bills up the wahzoo.  It wouldn't be responsible.

And I'm all about being Ms. Responsible nowadays.  Long gone are the days of dancing on bartops or talking to strangers late at night.  Reality includes a preschooler who broke my Giorgio Armani prescription glasses and a tween who tells me she still doesn't like boys.  (Does this child think I'm stupid?  Um, okay.  And I can still do the splits like I did in high school...not.)

But you know what? 

I wouldn't have it any other way.  Even though I never thought I'd be married with kids, deep down inside, I guess I had always hoped I would end up with a loving husband and two beautiful children....(don't most girls dream of this?)

and I did. So, I guess my most secret hopes became a reality, and if that includes some broken glasses and a daughter in denial, so be it.  :)  And I'll take that over Greece any day!

Today was....a day...and not necessarily a good one!

If my head wasn't connected to my body, I probably would have left that somewhere else today. 

Seriously.  If it wasn't one thing, it was another. 

**Warning: I am completely frazzled and a bit queasy (stupid vertigo), so it is definitely possible that I am not making sense.  Please be aware of this fact before continuing.  I just need somewhere to vent.

Today, I went to my first class and left my glasses there.  I walked back to my office and proctored a make-up exam, hastily packing my bags for my next class.  With my TWO huge bags, I walked over to another building to pick up a bicycle (from a wonderful colleague who gave it to me for FREE - woo hoo), walked back to the main department office to drop off the bike, and then headed to my last class...in a building on the opposite side of campus, OF COURSE.  Trying to set-up the game activities with a hastily packed bag is not something I recommend.  It is incredibly difficult to find what is needed.  In my scattered disposition, I couldn't find my camera and thought I left it back at my office.  While re-packing everything at the END of class, I did find the camera.  This was when I realized that I had left my glasses in my first classroom - you know, the one on the opposite side of campus from where I was standing at that instant.

What in the world...?  Grr...

Seriously, what the heck?

Vertigo sucks.  I have an appointment with an Ears, Nose, and Throat doctor in a couple weeks.  Hopefully we can figure out how to eliminate or decrease the episodes.  I think three episodes lasting 4-6 days, in a span of 12 months, is not good.  I can't think clearly.  I think I'm too busy trying to concentrate on not moving around too much; moving aggravates it.

Fortunately, my students still seemed to enjoy today.  I had a good time, too.  I just wish I felt better. 

For now, I'm going to go sit down somewhere and not move my head.  Maybe I'll just fall asleep.  Oh, wait.  I have kids who are awake and need to eat dinner. Scratch that.  Maybe I'll get to rest in about 2 more hours.

Fabulous.

10 Things NOT to Ask Your Instructor

One would think that university level students would be more responsible, be more proactive, and care more about how they do in class.  One would be wrong.  Okay, I exaggerate. There are many, many, many intelligent, organized, and responsible students.  Sadly, there are just as many lazy nincomepoops.  Though I have no idea why, the same questions or issues continue to occur in classes everywhere.  It’s not just in my classes; it’s not just at my university; it’s a nationwide epidemic.

Here are a sample of questions to which professors and lecturers are subjected.  In addition, I have taken the liberty of answering some of them – just for fun.  I’m entitling it…

Ten things NOT to ask the instructor and the answers they want to give you.

Question: Where is your office?  What time are your office hours?

Answer: Look on the syllabus...that I just reviewed in class.

Question: I couldn’t make it to the last class (or classes).  Did I miss anything?

Answer Option 1: Oh, of course not.  We were so horrified you couldn’t come to class, so we just sat there and stared at the ceiling for 75 minutes.

Answer Option 2: Yes.  :stare silently at student without any further response:

Question: When is the paper due?

Answer: It’s on the freakin’ syllabus.

Question: Do you have a stapler?

Answer: Nope.  Do I have Office Depot written on my forehead again?

Question: I know it says on the syllabus that such and such are the required readings, but are those the books that we need to read?

Answer Option 1: What?  Oh, that syllabus is just for the others.  YOU don’t have to read it.  You’re special.  :dripping with sarcasm:

Answer Option 2: Nope.  Everything is optional.  Even attendance is optional, but you will earn a grade of F if you choose not to read or do anything.

Question: I showed up for every class. How can I be failing?

Answer: Look on the syllabus.  See grade percentage breakdown.  There were things called exams and papers.  Oh, ya.  And even a group project.  You had to do them.

Question: I did half the work.  I should get a “C” then, right?

Answer: Um, no.  Honey, half the work equals 50%. Last time I checked, that equaled a grade of F.  It is on the higher side of the F, so you can be proud you didn’t get 14% though, right?

Question: What can I do to improve my grade in class?

Answer: Come to class.  Do the assignments.

Question: Can I get an incomplete instead of F?

Answer: Sorry, an incomplete is for a student with extenuating circumstances who missed assignments, not for half of the semester’s worth of work or for someone who repeatedly failed exams.

Question: This class is really important to me.  I really need a “C.”

Answer: I understand you are saying it is really important to you. Unfortunately, you demonstrated the opposite by being absent for two months and not turning in any work.  I do not “give” grades.  I record your effort.  The effort you demonstrated was actually below zero.  I had forgotten who you were, dumbass.

For the record, the diligent students think this is just as funny as I do.  I’ve seen them laughing when their fellow students ask an inane question! haha