Flashback

Hey folk. I know I owe updates and such, but too busy at the moment. This will have to do for the now.
Had to get out my thumb drive the other day to search for some old work files, and I found this picture.
WICKED CUTE kid! :) He's my kid. A reptile party from years ago.

Bag the Space for Guests

Happy Saturday evening. Andrew has been gone for 2.5 weeks now, and I'm finally relaxed enough to start my summer projects. I was so wicked spent when he left, that I'm sure I'm still making up sleep and downtime. Today, however, I was able to accomplish a chore that needed to be done since the overnight temperature was consistently above freezing. The guest room. During the winter, my bed has flannel sheets, so the guest bed gets flannel sheets also. What is good for me is definitely good for my guests. ;) Good friend John might be staying over during his visit in a couple of weeks. Depends on if I feel like schlepping him down to Nashua that night or sucking it up and taking him down to Manch early Monday morning. He's a pilot, so his flight probably won't leave without him.....

Anyway, the guest room. I got a wild hair to do the winter clothes storage thing. A must with teeny-weeny closets. Space Bags threw themselves at me one day at Linens n Things. What is it about those things???? A couple of months ago, I sang the virtues of the space bag when I stored winter bedding. About a week after that, I went through my closet pulling out all the winter items needing to be bagged into space. And there they have sat. Natasha loved the extra nap nestling.

Today, finally got my stuff sucked up and ready for storage. Bed remade with "summer" sheets. It's all good.

Crazy is What Crazy Does

Boyhowdy things have been wicked busy around here lately! Thought things would start to settle down once Andrew left for San Diego. Yeah. Right.

Last day of school was Thursday. It was supposed to have been Wednesday, but we used an extra snow day, so it was Thursday. Thank Gawd!

Friday, Andrew went to Action Club for a couple of hours, then a dentist appointment, then lunch with Mom at work, then to a friend's house. I was able to get some work done in-between shuttles and appts.

Saturday was his Rookie Round Robin. He got an in-park Grand Slam!!! :) It was a great hit! Ball soared over all the kids' heads to the way back of the field!

Saturday was also his start of summer bbq. Experiencing day 2 of allergies gone wild, I could barely get out of my own way. I came very close to calling off the bbq, but I knew Andrew would be very upset if that happened. Fabulous friend Michael came over and pretty much got the thing going. Dare I say I'm forever in his debt? Probably not if he ever reads this, he'll hold me to it..... ;) I was so out of it in fact that as I was devouring my delicious turkey burger, I didn't realise until the last bite, that I had eaten a bun. A non-gluten free bun!! ACK! Immediate run upstairs for preventatives. BBQ was fun. Good times seemed to have been had by all.

Sunday, woke up even more sinusy miserable than the day before. No rest for the wicked. Off to the Red Sox game! Once we got to Lisa's parent's house, she drove to the commuter rail station, and it continued all someone else driving. I made it to our seats, and with the exception of musical seats by the boys, I sat in my seat unless I HAD to get up. We did not stay for all 13 innings, thankyouverymuch. We listened to the rest of the game on the ride home. Another good game & day.

Monday, I let someone else to ALL the driving. We walked to the train station and Amtrak'd it into Boston where we spent a fabulous day at the Museum of Science. On the way home, Andrew (starrrrrving) discovered he likes peanuts. "Yeah! They taste like they have peanut butter in them!"

Tuesday was supposed to be a day of rest before heading, yet again, to Boston. At Friday's dentist appointment, we found out he needed to get some fillings redone. Oh yeah. During all this fun of the past several days, Natasha had "tummy problems" where all the washable rugs had been washed numerous times, and are no longer on the floor. I finally got a sample to take to the vet. That errand was done prior to the dentist. (I found out I "get" to pill her twice a day for 10 days.....) Back from the dentist. Spent some time getting to the Pro level of Wii Bowling, then Andrew in the shower, packing, and off to Logan. All was running smoothly, and his plane was almost next in line to take off when a monsoon, that's what I'm going with, hit the airport. The runway was closed. It was about another hour before his plane finally took off. I saw what I thought was his plane take off, so I went to the Customer Service counter near the gate (parents/guardians of unaccompanied minors have to stay at the airport until the plane is airborne) and asked if the flight to San Diego had taken off yet. This woman clearly wasn't aware her job was to be friendly and helpful to customers. Her response was "I don't know. The ramp is closed and no flights are taking off or landing." I said, "really because I've just watched about a half dozen take off and land." She shrugged and went back to examining her fingernails. The set of grandparents with whom I had bonded during the typhoon were able to confirm the actual departure of the kids' flight, and we all left. Whew..... Do I even go into the circus of figuring out if Miche & I could meet for a brief cup of coffee? Nah, too convoluted and exhausting. Andrew landed safely in San Diego, and I attempted a good night's sleep.

Not such a good attempt. I went out to a lovely dinner with a friend once I got back home, and my guess is either the scallops were bad, or some hidden wheat infiltrated my meal. NO sleep from about 2:00am on, and FIVE Imodiums.... UGH.

Wednesday evening at the salon to cover my grays. Quick visit with friends, then home for yet another attempt of a good night's sleep.

Nope. Couldn't get to sleep forever, then once I did, couldn't stay asleep. Acupuncture after work, and am now hoping to sleep well. We shall see. Stay tuned.......

HENH?????

What is the purpose of hemorrhoids. Seriously. Is there one? I'm going with no, unless it is for pure annoyance....

Good Question(s)

Yesterday morning:
Andrew: "Mom, if we have two eyes, why do we only see one thing?"
Me: "We see many things. I see that you are not getting dressed."
A: "NO! I mean we have two eyes, why do we see only ONE thing??"
Me: "I still see only one of you not getting dressed."
A: "MOMMMMM! We have two eyes. There is only one you, one tv, one cat - well two cats, but they are different."
Me: "Good question."


Yes, I am comfortable in my own skin, so this is not really whining. I hope....
I nurture Andrew, the cats, plants, house, yard, etc. Who nurtures me?


This could be its own post titled Cat Crap Fever.
Today is trash day, so I cleaned the litter boxes yesterday. So, why then, did I wake up this morning to cat crap on the rugs in the dirt room?
Guess I nurture the laundry also.....

It's Inevitable

The couple times my Granddad lived with us during my formative years, I would chuckle (ok, heckle) at how, during baseball season, he would regularly sit in his chair, "watch" (i.e. listen) to the Royals games, and promptly fall asleep. I'd think to myself "sheesh! old people!" Well, apparently, I am old. I'm not watching the Royals nor living under my kid's roof - as it is MY roof, but I do have my chair, and I thoroughly enjoy relaxing there watching the Red Sox. Frequently, Andrew will crawl up on my lap, and we cuddle during the games. Yes, sometimes I do nod off. Routines are routines no matter the age or team. :)

Credit Awareness

Got home this afternoon to a recorded message about possible fraudulent charges on one of my credit cards. I called right away. Someone pretending to be me charged up $520 worth on ralphlauren website. Now, I love that designer, but I am in absolutely NO position to spend frivolously. Account was canceled. Went to log into my online account, and that account no longer shows. Called Customer Service and was told once the account is canceled, it will disappear from online viewing. One thing that caught my attention was the website telling me my last log on was this morning at 10:08. Um. No. I was bored at work, but did not look at personal account other than bank. I changed my User ID as well as password. I am now on a crusade to change all online user names (where I can) and passcodes. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check your credit card charges NOW! Thankfully Chase has a withit fraud department. Or, maybe I was delusional today and ordered a fancy new outfit for the weekend. Nope. Wasn't THAT bored. ;)

HUNH

Thought I was wicked smaht. Perhaps not. So unable to figure out the "features" of my new mobile. And, No Mother, I did not pay this much for it. I have connections..... ;)

Helping friends of a friend

Some of us have been in this situation, and thankfully/mercifully, many of us have not.
Posting as requested if you are able to help.
Thanks.

In Due Time

So much has happened since Andrew & I returned from our weekend with family. What to say. What to say.... First of all. Jenny rocks!!!!

Still questioning the love of the universe. Logan Airport facilities was organised by angels. 8 year old boys should not be allowed to touch anything, nor should they be allowed to take team ballcaps out of town. Bacon grease burns like a muthah, and Beth is the Goddess of all that is first aide! Still no blisters.

Started this blog how many days ago. Again. Lots has happened. Andrew is doing his evil vs devil dance that he so frequently does since he returned from spring break. Tonight, he redeemed himself from his evility of last eve.

A friendly colleague (not really a friend, but always fun in the office) died of a massive heart attack on Saturday. He was only 52. We are hoping it was after his daughter's college graduation ceremony. Gerry was totally irreverent, yet kept us all real. He could be a pain in the arse, but always with good measure. Just a year ago, he lost his son in a car crash. This year, we lost him. I guess it is our loss, as he is now with his son. He cherished all three of his kids. I digress. Lisa & I went to the service. Full Catholic Mass. Having turned the page from religious to spiritual eons ago, I have to say that I squirmed in my seat more than a few times - even in between the up/down/up/downs that is a catholic mass. The service was lovely, and I hope Gerry approved. Former colleague Paul sang a wonderful rendition of some eagle soaring and mountain top song. Apparently, it is quite popular at Catholic funeral services. Anyway, several weeks ago, Andrew & I attended a charming service at the West Unity Methodist Church. It was a bit on the evangelical side, yet was very welcoming and comforting. It had me wondering if maybe I should be looking for a church in or near Exeter for Andrew & I to join. Then today. Maybe it was just this church, or this minister/priest. Who knows, but I do have to say I felt like a 2nd class peasant. This is after feeling like, eventhough we were all there supposedly to celebrate in Gerry's life, we were being preached to about the symbols of Christ (nothing whatsoever about living a christian life). At the start of Communion, the priest said all catholics are welcome to partake. Non-catholics can be blessed if they so chose, but only by him as only priests are allowed to bless people. He instructed those infidels to go into a separate line and to cross their arms over their chests as a symbol of not being worthy of communion. Now, I've been to many a non-catholic service and partook in communion - no separate lines or arm chest crossing. West Unity as an example. Didn't partake there as it was real glutenous bread, and I was still dealing with my inner conflict (still not sure who has won yet.....)
All this being said, I'm not sure what to say anymore. What I thought was good might not be, and what I thought I should avoid, maybe I shouldn't. I don't live my life in a 'shoulda-woulda-coulda' way at all. Still, the universe makes ya wonder what it's all about. I'm sure we'll all find out in due time.
Sweet dreams Gerry. I've got printer watch from now on.

Preview of how the weekend went

Waiting at the gate for our flight to board.
A: "Mom, do you have balls?"
N: "No."
A: "Balls like the ones I have?" As he continues hitting himself with his bottle of apple juice.
N: "No. I do not have balls."

Mother's Day

Right. So it's Thursday, and I'm blogging about Sunday. Ya got three sets of photos with a few words in each on Sunday, so the timing works.....
Saturday night, Andrew had a sleep over at a friend's house. I went out to dinner with a friend. Entertaining evening for all.
Got up Sunday morning in time to pick up Andrew at the, so I thought, agreed upon time of 10:00. I was first told, by the friend's sister to come back at 1:00. The mom told me noon. Back home I go to work on the garage.
Leave again a few minutes before noon for 2nd pick-up attempt. Grandfather of friend tells me the boys just went swimming, and he will bring Andrew home around 2:00. Sounds good to me. I went back to attacking the garage.
Around 2:30, Andrew is deposited home. All he wants to do is go inside and watch tv. With the exception of swimming, he'd been inside all day and the previous evening playing Play Station, so some outdoor time would do him good. Still being the ungrateful child - much longer vacation deprogramming this time - he fought me every breath. Even when I reminded him about it being Mother's Day. OH! At the 10:00 pick-up, I went over to Andrew and gave him a peck on the cheek, and asked him if he has anything to say to me. "Hi." "Thanks." "See you later." Finally, his friend leaned over and whispered "Happy Mother's Day." Andrew reluctantly repeated. I thanked the friend, and left.
The week has been wicked busy with appointments, baseball games, chores, and general getting ready to leave town stuff. Tonight is 3rd grade parental orientation at the other elementary school (yes, there are two. K-2 and 3-5), so packing will be done late.
Enjoy whatever it is you are doing. See you tomorrow Mom.

After - finally

Two blue bags, leaf/debris bag, and two piles of twined cardboard. Found two usable Rubbermaid totes and both of my sprinklers. I'm spent. Now, if Andrew will just allow me time to relax......

During

Outside is only half the crap from the left bay.

Before

First - Happy Mother's Day!

Now - these are the before pics of my garage. Today's project.

Universal Time

Last night, Andrew's class had a sleep over at the school. His teacher does this every year with her 2nd graders. It's a big end of year treat. Reading under the auspice of fun. When my friend Lisa found out I get a night to myself with no sitter involved, she was horrified to learn I had actually volunteered to help with a portion of the evening. I volunteered for snacks. Tough assignment..... Another Mom & I met around 8:15. I was out of there by 8:45. During the set up and tear down, other volunteer mom & I were discussing what we were going to do with the rest of our evening. I said I was meeting a friend for drinks. She said she is staying over with the kids because, "it's too early to go out and do anything." Clearly, this woman is not only under 40, but under 30. 9:00pm??? Too early to go out?? That's like almost bedtime! ;)
Today is baseball picture day and then baseball game. Food shopping, other errands, then attempted quiet time before taking Andrew to a friend's house for yet another sleep over. Maybe the universe is starting to like me after all......

Balancing

Ok, so figure I should post something happy and positive to balance the rant from the other day. Don't really feel like it since my bedside table attacked me in the middle of the night giving me a matching goose egg from the coffee table attack. Whatever.

Spring is here. Tulips are beautiful, and hostas are on their way. :)

How do we know

Hello folk.
Been pondering this for a few days, and need to get it out of my head once and for all.
How do we know if we are doing the right things for the right people? I'm a giver my nature. I don't expect anything in return, and always appreciate a lovely gesture either in return, or just because. Since I'm a giver, I'm questioning if I'm giving the right stuff to the wrong people and the wrong stuff to the right people? How do I know what the right stuff is? How do I know who are the right people and who are the wrong people? Sometimes I can tell the wrong person because when I give something, it is received in such a way like the person expected nothing less. They were not necessarily appreciative. It's like, "well yeah, I deserve this because I deserve all, and when do I get more?" Those folks I've pretty much tagged and avoid whenever possible. But what about people I consider good friends, and whom I'm under the impression also consider me a good friend? I give because I want to, not because I want things in return, so when I give something - whether it be time, support, an actual item, etc - and the person is just non-chalant about it, I have to wonder "am I doing the right thing for the right person?" Then people whom I find totally deserving, I feel inadequate in giving anything. Again, these are not material possessions. It could be time, running an errand, making a phone call, giving a hug, etc. Things like that. Because I give to give, I don't stick around waiting for anything in return except maybe a 'thank you'. Are my standards too high? Do I expect too much from people? Especially whom I consider good friends? Oh, and what makes a friend a 'good' friend, and not just a 'friend friend'? I'm at a loss folk. Last week was a good learning experience for me. With the exception of a wee group of people, I spent the majority of my week alone. One person in particular whom I'm questioning the "good friend" status played the part of the good friend, and we've all been told "Actions speak louder than words", but what then, when actions contradict each other? Huh? Again, I'm at a complete loss. The universe still hates me. Just in case I had started to forget, it reminded me this evening when I whacked my head on the coffee table bending down to get my address book from under my chair. Nice goose-egg should greet me in the morning. FU&K the universe. FU&K selfish undeserving people.
I'm done with my rant. For now.

Yep. Gotta Do It

Morning folk. 48 degrees and rainy. Still a lovely day because......
ANDREW COMES HOME TODAY!!!!!
Also, I realised that I must, must, must do my daily nasal regime (regiment??). Forgot to do it this morning, and quickly noticed that, yeah, it does help!
Breathing is good.
No sinus headaches is good.
It's all good.
Did I mention Andrew comes home today!!! :)

What I Love

Andrew coming home tomorrow.
Me time
Space bags
Good friends - where ever you may be.
Aveda
Wine
Common sense
Honesty
Most of my family ;)
My house
New Hampshire
New England
Sleep
Clean
Andrew