Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Quote of the evening
Kelsey said last night, "Mom, you have no idea how hard 4th grade is! The schoolwork is getting harder and the friend-thing -- whew!" Oh baby, if only you knew.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Ah, to be a kid again ...
If you ask me (maybe even if you ask them) my kids had a great weekend! It all started with a half day of school on Thursday. That was so mom could meet with their teachers for conferences. And those conferences, and their accompanying report cards, were fantastic! I was super proud of both of them and they were proud of themselves. Friday, there was no school but I still had to work. That was kind of a bummer but they were able to rest up at the sitter's for our Friday night plans. Kelsey and I went to see REO Speedwagon at Assembly Hall on campus. I really wanted to take Kelsey to her first concert and when I won tickets on the radio, I knew she was the one who had to go with me. We had pretty good seats and REO played a great set. Kels really like the opening band too. Poor Kaitlyn - she didn't get to go. And she was glad she didn't get to go! :) Instead, she got to hang out with her aunt and uncle. They took her out for ice cream and then to our favorite local bookstore. She got to choose a book to take home too. And it was hardcover! We didn't get home until 11:15 that night. The next day, Saturday, Kelsey had her soccer tournament. It was run differently from last year and they only had to play three games. They won those three games and won the tournament! She got a very cool medal for it too. Kaitlyn got to leave in the middle of the tourney to go to a birthday party. Kels had a well-timed break so we could spend 25 minutes at the party - enough time to scarf down some really good food. When we got home from soccer, there was a message on the machine for Kaitlyn. One of her very good friend's was hosting a High School Musical 3 party and sleepover. She was so excited she could hardly contain herself! I think her sister was glad she was gone as well. Sunday was "boring" only consisting of Church and a playdate with the neighbor. What a great weekend for all of us!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
An interesting greeting
I ran errands today during lunch. I walked up to the counter at one place, and the guy behind the counter said, "Tell me the best thing that happened to you today." OK, so maybe it was weird that was the first thing he said, but it was also thought-provoking. How many times have we all been part of the "How are you?" "I'm fine." conversation? I think maybe I will try that sometime. Probably not to a random stranger but definitely in lieu of the other idle chit-chat.
My answer? We don't have soccer tonight - we have a bye!
My answer? We don't have soccer tonight - we have a bye!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
More about Costumes
While I like Halloween and dressing up, I like themed parties even more. I am a big fan of getting dressed up in a particular style or decade. Last night, we went to a beach-themed wedding reception. It was a celebration of their elopement the month before. We were all encouraged to wear beach attire. I wore an extremely floral dress and had a great time. I think my all-time favorite themed party was at our friends' Josh and Brooke's 6 years ago. They had an 80s Halloween party. Not only did people dress up in costumes from the 80s, but the food and drink was from the 80s too. Boone's Farm, gummy bears, Easy Cheese, etc. There were also some of the most clever, thoughtful costumes I have ever seen! Cops from CHiPS, characters from The Facts of Life (skates included!) smurfs, the Karate Kid ... Thinking more about this, I probably like themed parties because of the thought and effort they take. I enjoy planning and searching for the perfect costume and accessories. I probably enjoy even more when other people put forth the time and effort.
As for the party last night, I had a great time. I am sore all over from dancing, my dress has random drink stains on it - again from the dance floor, one of my feet was bloody, and on the other foot, the polish came completely off one of my toes. That is the sign of a good time!
As for the party last night, I had a great time. I am sore all over from dancing, my dress has random drink stains on it - again from the dance floor, one of my feet was bloody, and on the other foot, the polish came completely off one of my toes. That is the sign of a good time!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thinking about Halloween
I have been thinking about Halloween quite a bit lately. Well, it's only two weeks away! I love the whole process of dreaming up what you want to be and how you can make it happen. I don't think I have ever had a store bought costume in my whole life. My two favorite costumes when I was a kid was a roll of Lifesavers and a clown costume my Gram made. Kelsey wore it too :)
This year, Kelsey is going to be a Goth Princess and Kaitlyn is going to be a Unity Rockets cheerleader. Kelsey drew me a picture of what she wanted and, thanks to the magic of the Internet, I was able to find something! Kaitlyn already had the cheerleading outfit - we are just going to bling it up a bit!
My work is really cool about Halloween. They host a costume contest and pumpkin carving contest every year. There are lots of good sports at work and we have dressed up in awesome costumes the past few years.
I am not sure what way I should go this year. Any ideas?
This year, Kelsey is going to be a Goth Princess and Kaitlyn is going to be a Unity Rockets cheerleader. Kelsey drew me a picture of what she wanted and, thanks to the magic of the Internet, I was able to find something! Kaitlyn already had the cheerleading outfit - we are just going to bling it up a bit!
My work is really cool about Halloween. They host a costume contest and pumpkin carving contest every year. There are lots of good sports at work and we have dressed up in awesome costumes the past few years.
I am not sure what way I should go this year. Any ideas?
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Livin' in a small town
I started thinking about this post at work the other day when a friend said that he had never been to a tailgate. I was shocked! Then, last night after driving a 4-wheel drive through a field to a burn pile to get wood for a bonfire, I knew I had to write this :) I have seen this list passed around as an email and it always made me chuckle.
You don't put too much effort into hairstyles due to wind and weather.
Thank goodness for my naturally curly hair - it masks the mess from the humidity!
You are related to more than half the town.
I am not, since I didn't grow up here but it is true for the rest of the town. You should never say anything negative about anyone because you may be talking to their cousin or brother-in-law.
You can tell the difference between a deer and a cow from a distance.
At home, yes. But here, I have been told, that it's silly to have cows and waste all that good farmground.
Using the elevator involves a corn truck.
And it's a half-mile from my house.
Your mayor is also your garbage hauler, barber, and insurance salesman.
In our town, the mayor is a professor at a local university. In a neighboring town, the neighbor is the town barber.
Your car breaks down outside of town and news of it reaches back to town before you do.
I made the mistake of getting pulled over in town once. Everyone knew about it by nightfall!
You know you should listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.
Exactly! It was 48 this morning when I got up and was 83 by afternoon.
You are walking knee-deep in snow.
Not yet, but the Farmer's Almanac said it's coming.
There's a tornado warning and the whole town is outside watching for it.
It's a big neighborhood event!
You go to the State Fair for your family vacation.
We would all pile in and stay together - parents, aunts, uncles, cousins. We saved the change found in the laundry for treats at the Fair.
You get up at 5:30 a.m. and go down to the coffee shop.
I don't but many people do. If you need anything in the morning, that is where you can find many people.
You are on a first name basis with the county sheriff.
We have to know the county sheriff since there aren't town cops.
You call the wrong number and talk to the person for an hour anyway.
You can probably give them the correct number, too.
You can tell it's a farmer working late in his field and not a UFO.
There was a harvest party in the field across the street last night. Perfect night!
Your nearest neighbor is in the next area code.
It is long distance to call the town next to us!
Your excuse for getting out of school is that the cows got out.
I was late to a National Honor Society dinner my senior year because the pig feeder broke.
It takes 30 seconds to reach your destination and it's clear across town.
That is one nice thing - driving 10 miles takes 10 minutes.
The meaning of true love is that you'll ride in the tractor with him.
I prefered combining - there was more going on. I also used to sit in the middle seat in the pick-up to be even closer.
When someone says they are going out for dinner or supper, you know which meal they are talking about.
"Lunch only comes in a brown bag."
The only traffic jam's are caused when a farmer drives down Main Street on his combine.
Or there is a train stopped at the elevator.
You don't signal turns because everyone knows where you're going, anyway.
And they talk in your car is in a different driveway than it should be.
Everyone knows all the news before it's published. But, people read the paper to see whether the publisher got the facts right.
And to see who has a birthday or anniversary that week.
You miss a Sunday at church and receive a get-well card.
It's easier to call in your attendance than to face the questions later.
You know what 4-H is.
Proud member! And so are my kids :)
You ever went to parties at a pasture, barn, or in the middle of a dirt road.
And maybe I still do!
You used to drag "main."
In Marengo, I think it was a sanctioned Saturday night event.
You schedule parties around the schedule of different police officers, since you know which ones would bust you and which ones wouldn't (same goes with the game warden)
Knowledge is power!
You could never buy cigarettes because all the store clerks knew how old you were (and if you were old enough they'd tell your parents anyhow).
Thank goodness for the cig machine at the bowling alley in Crystal Lake.
When you did find someone old enough and brave enough to buy cigarettes, you still had to go out to the country and drive on back roads to smoke them.
The field by the Junior High was perfect.
It was cool to date someone from the neighboring town.
It was even cooler to wear their football jersey.
You had senior skip day.
And everyone skipped.
You don't give directions by street names or directions by references (turn by Nelson's house, go two blocks past Anderson's, and it's four houses left of the track field).
In our town, you turn at the Casey's.
You can't help but date a friend's ex-girlfriend (or boyfriend).
I have a great (but not printable) story about this from high school.
Your car stays filthy because of the dirt roads, and you will never own a dark vehicle for this reason.
My car is always dirty.
Anyone you want can be found at either the Dairy Queen or the feed store.
Well, in the morning, they are at coffee. Back in my hometown, it was the Dairy Mart - there were no chain restaurants.
You see at least one friend a week driving a tractor through town.
And maybe caught a ride to school!
Football coaches suggest that you haul hay for the summer to get stronger.
I had the best looking arms the summer I baled hay.
You can charge at all the local stores.
And now you can charge at the restaurant uptown.
It is normal to see an old man riding through town on a riding lawnmower.
Kids too. Golf carts are fairly common too.
What is unique to where you live?
You don't put too much effort into hairstyles due to wind and weather.
Thank goodness for my naturally curly hair - it masks the mess from the humidity!
You are related to more than half the town.
I am not, since I didn't grow up here but it is true for the rest of the town. You should never say anything negative about anyone because you may be talking to their cousin or brother-in-law.
You can tell the difference between a deer and a cow from a distance.
At home, yes. But here, I have been told, that it's silly to have cows and waste all that good farmground.
Using the elevator involves a corn truck.
And it's a half-mile from my house.
Your mayor is also your garbage hauler, barber, and insurance salesman.
In our town, the mayor is a professor at a local university. In a neighboring town, the neighbor is the town barber.
Your car breaks down outside of town and news of it reaches back to town before you do.
I made the mistake of getting pulled over in town once. Everyone knew about it by nightfall!
You know you should listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.
Exactly! It was 48 this morning when I got up and was 83 by afternoon.
You are walking knee-deep in snow.
Not yet, but the Farmer's Almanac said it's coming.
There's a tornado warning and the whole town is outside watching for it.
It's a big neighborhood event!
You go to the State Fair for your family vacation.
We would all pile in and stay together - parents, aunts, uncles, cousins. We saved the change found in the laundry for treats at the Fair.
You get up at 5:30 a.m. and go down to the coffee shop.
I don't but many people do. If you need anything in the morning, that is where you can find many people.
You are on a first name basis with the county sheriff.
We have to know the county sheriff since there aren't town cops.
You call the wrong number and talk to the person for an hour anyway.
You can probably give them the correct number, too.
You can tell it's a farmer working late in his field and not a UFO.
There was a harvest party in the field across the street last night. Perfect night!
Your nearest neighbor is in the next area code.
It is long distance to call the town next to us!
Your excuse for getting out of school is that the cows got out.
I was late to a National Honor Society dinner my senior year because the pig feeder broke.
It takes 30 seconds to reach your destination and it's clear across town.
That is one nice thing - driving 10 miles takes 10 minutes.
The meaning of true love is that you'll ride in the tractor with him.
I prefered combining - there was more going on. I also used to sit in the middle seat in the pick-up to be even closer.
When someone says they are going out for dinner or supper, you know which meal they are talking about.
"Lunch only comes in a brown bag."
The only traffic jam's are caused when a farmer drives down Main Street on his combine.
Or there is a train stopped at the elevator.
You don't signal turns because everyone knows where you're going, anyway.
And they talk in your car is in a different driveway than it should be.
Everyone knows all the news before it's published. But, people read the paper to see whether the publisher got the facts right.
And to see who has a birthday or anniversary that week.
You miss a Sunday at church and receive a get-well card.
It's easier to call in your attendance than to face the questions later.
You know what 4-H is.
Proud member! And so are my kids :)
You ever went to parties at a pasture, barn, or in the middle of a dirt road.
And maybe I still do!
You used to drag "main."
In Marengo, I think it was a sanctioned Saturday night event.
You schedule parties around the schedule of different police officers, since you know which ones would bust you and which ones wouldn't (same goes with the game warden)
Knowledge is power!
You could never buy cigarettes because all the store clerks knew how old you were (and if you were old enough they'd tell your parents anyhow).
Thank goodness for the cig machine at the bowling alley in Crystal Lake.
When you did find someone old enough and brave enough to buy cigarettes, you still had to go out to the country and drive on back roads to smoke them.
The field by the Junior High was perfect.
It was cool to date someone from the neighboring town.
It was even cooler to wear their football jersey.
You had senior skip day.
And everyone skipped.
You don't give directions by street names or directions by references (turn by Nelson's house, go two blocks past Anderson's, and it's four houses left of the track field).
In our town, you turn at the Casey's.
You can't help but date a friend's ex-girlfriend (or boyfriend).
I have a great (but not printable) story about this from high school.
Your car stays filthy because of the dirt roads, and you will never own a dark vehicle for this reason.
My car is always dirty.
Anyone you want can be found at either the Dairy Queen or the feed store.
Well, in the morning, they are at coffee. Back in my hometown, it was the Dairy Mart - there were no chain restaurants.
You see at least one friend a week driving a tractor through town.
And maybe caught a ride to school!
Football coaches suggest that you haul hay for the summer to get stronger.
I had the best looking arms the summer I baled hay.
You can charge at all the local stores.
And now you can charge at the restaurant uptown.
It is normal to see an old man riding through town on a riding lawnmower.
Kids too. Golf carts are fairly common too.
What is unique to where you live?
Sunday, October 5, 2008
17 Breakthroughs
I love magazines, no doubt about it. I would probably be flabbergasted if I actually counted how many subscriptions we have. Even my kids get several of their own! Well, I was flipping through one of my magazines the other night while cooking dinner and found an interesting article. It was titled, "It's a Wonderful Life: 17 breakthroughs that have changed our lives." So, I thought I would go through the list and share my thoughts and opinions.
TECHNOLOGY
The Internet
Uh, hello? Thank goodness that was #1 on the list! What would I do without the internet? I don't even want to think about answering that question!
Cell Phones
Dave and I, in some combination, have had a cell phone since 1993. His first phone was purchased by his folks when he was driving 130 miles per day - and it was a bag phone. I may have to find a photo and post it here - it was so awesome. I am trying to resist the allure of a Blackberry or iPhone. How much linger do you think I can hold out?
Digital Cameras
Have you seen how many pictures I have posted here and there? We didn't really have many pictures growing up. Even in high school and college I didn't take many pictures. Call it a New Year's resolution, but I vowed to take more pictures and I have! Finally, a resolution I could keep :)
GPS
I bought a GPS for our family in the spring when I drove to Louisville for work. Dave had borrowed one for a hunting trip to Texas. I think we got the exact same one. Dave calls it Michelle. I think she's abrasive. Although, she did amuse me when we were on the houseboat this summer and used her - the image she projected was a car floating in the water.
TiVo
We don't have it. We don't even have a DVR. Are we missing out on something?
HOME
Superstores
Love 'em and use 'em regularly. Going to Sam's Club this week ...
FOOD
The Organic Movement
I grew up in a farming family (I miss that sometimes). I have said for a long time that farmers were the first to realize the benefits of organic food and keeping it natural. I have also said that farm families were the first to recycle. At my Gram's house, we threw scraps over the fence like fertilizer, recycled cans and bottles and burned the rest of the trash. OK, maybe the burning barrels weren't the best idea, but that's what we did.
Microwave Meals
My kids like the ones in the blue boxes but I think they are too expensive. So we buy the ones in the red boxes.
FASHION/BEAUTY
Spanx
This is another no-brainer! Everyone needs substantial undergarments. Some of us more than others.
Affordable Designers
I at first scoffed at this one but then realized that I like that I can buy some version of Vera Wang at Kohls and Isaac Mizrahi at Target. I used to be embarrased that my Lee jeans came from Farm & Fleet when I was a kid. Now you can buy Levi's at Wal-Mart!
Antiaging Products
Some day I might want to talk about these. Not today.
FINANCE
Debit Cards
Is this where I admit that I don't have a debit card and have never used an ATM? Deficit in my use of technology I guess.
HEALTH
Genetic Mapping
I have often wondered if this is something I should look into. Until then, I will keep getting my mammograms every six months and endure my other yearly appointments. I have to say that I don't mind visiting my dermatologist. He's dreamy!
Smoking Bans
Well, it's nice not having to shower as soon as I get home from being out. However, ...
The Workout Video
I still own my Jane Fonda video, with her in the metallic spandex. Actually, I think it may be an ex-boyfriend's mom's. Regardless, I have it and it's fabulous. I also have some yoga videos and some Pilates and I know I can access videos whenever I want On Demand. And yet, my ass is sitting here in the chair with a drink and a computer. Yep.
MRI
See post about genetic mapping. I would love an MRI too.
PARENTING
Time-Outs
Totally believe in them and dish them out! I have been known to put myself in time-out too.
So, those are my thoughts on 17 breakthroughs. What are your thoughts?
TECHNOLOGY
The Internet
Uh, hello? Thank goodness that was #1 on the list! What would I do without the internet? I don't even want to think about answering that question!
Cell Phones
Dave and I, in some combination, have had a cell phone since 1993. His first phone was purchased by his folks when he was driving 130 miles per day - and it was a bag phone. I may have to find a photo and post it here - it was so awesome. I am trying to resist the allure of a Blackberry or iPhone. How much linger do you think I can hold out?
Digital Cameras
Have you seen how many pictures I have posted here and there? We didn't really have many pictures growing up. Even in high school and college I didn't take many pictures. Call it a New Year's resolution, but I vowed to take more pictures and I have! Finally, a resolution I could keep :)
GPS
I bought a GPS for our family in the spring when I drove to Louisville for work. Dave had borrowed one for a hunting trip to Texas. I think we got the exact same one. Dave calls it Michelle. I think she's abrasive. Although, she did amuse me when we were on the houseboat this summer and used her - the image she projected was a car floating in the water.
TiVo
We don't have it. We don't even have a DVR. Are we missing out on something?
HOME
Superstores
Love 'em and use 'em regularly. Going to Sam's Club this week ...
FOOD
The Organic Movement
I grew up in a farming family (I miss that sometimes). I have said for a long time that farmers were the first to realize the benefits of organic food and keeping it natural. I have also said that farm families were the first to recycle. At my Gram's house, we threw scraps over the fence like fertilizer, recycled cans and bottles and burned the rest of the trash. OK, maybe the burning barrels weren't the best idea, but that's what we did.
Microwave Meals
My kids like the ones in the blue boxes but I think they are too expensive. So we buy the ones in the red boxes.
FASHION/BEAUTY
Spanx
This is another no-brainer! Everyone needs substantial undergarments. Some of us more than others.
Affordable Designers
I at first scoffed at this one but then realized that I like that I can buy some version of Vera Wang at Kohls and Isaac Mizrahi at Target. I used to be embarrased that my Lee jeans came from Farm & Fleet when I was a kid. Now you can buy Levi's at Wal-Mart!
Antiaging Products
Some day I might want to talk about these. Not today.
FINANCE
Debit Cards
Is this where I admit that I don't have a debit card and have never used an ATM? Deficit in my use of technology I guess.
HEALTH
Genetic Mapping
I have often wondered if this is something I should look into. Until then, I will keep getting my mammograms every six months and endure my other yearly appointments. I have to say that I don't mind visiting my dermatologist. He's dreamy!
Smoking Bans
Well, it's nice not having to shower as soon as I get home from being out. However, ...
The Workout Video
I still own my Jane Fonda video, with her in the metallic spandex. Actually, I think it may be an ex-boyfriend's mom's. Regardless, I have it and it's fabulous. I also have some yoga videos and some Pilates and I know I can access videos whenever I want On Demand. And yet, my ass is sitting here in the chair with a drink and a computer. Yep.
MRI
See post about genetic mapping. I would love an MRI too.
PARENTING
Time-Outs
Totally believe in them and dish them out! I have been known to put myself in time-out too.
So, those are my thoughts on 17 breakthroughs. What are your thoughts?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
