Rabbits are nocturnal. We knew that when we decided to become rabbit parents. And the truth is we rarely had any problems with the bunnies waking us up at night. It seemed that having the lights out made them calmer and less likely to make noise.
Although I will point out how we ridiculously spoil our furry friends by noting each bunny does have a nightlight in his/her favorite spot.
When Brett started working the night shift, I was transported back to my childhood and my innate fear of the dark (and of vampires who looked like Tom Bosley. But that’s another story). So, I began sleeping with the bathroom light (okay, okay, and the closet light, the bedside lamp, and the hall light) on.
The rabbits then seemed to come alive at night. Peyton would jump on the bed (something he had never done and has never done since) to make sure I was okay (often when I was sleeping and would then wake up and scream thinking in my clouded brain that giant furry rats were coming to devour me).
Hannah would try to pull the AC vent out the floor with her teeth. Both bunnies would chase each other around all night playing, leaping, and jumping. It kept me up all night. But the noise was better than the dark, and I managed to survive.
When Brett started working days again, things went back to normal. The bunnies settled down at night like before. Then, this past week, at 2:00 a.m., we heard an unusual scraping noise. We looked around our bedroom in the dim light and couldn’t see anything. I finally made out Hannah’s lumpy shape sprawled on the floor, and then we started looking for Peyton.
Peyton is often the hardest bunny to find since he is (a) brown and blends in with everything. On occasion, Brett and I have both thought he was a pair of socks, underwear, or a discarded clothes heap on the floor (b) a great hider and (c) often doesn’t want to be found. Still, we couldn’t find him.
THEN, I saw a tip of brown peeking out of a white bucket on a shelf – a shelf three and a half feet off the ground! It was Peyton!
How on earth he managed to jump three feet up and land directly in the middle of a bucket, I’ll never know. He had to jump directly into the bucket, since had he jumped anywhere else on the shelf; he would have caused an avalanche of books and bunny toys.
The poor little guy was so confused. He couldn’t hoist himself out of the bucket, so he’d started turning in circles to see if there was an exit - but to no avail. So he’d finally resorted to hooking his front paws over the side of the bucket and pushing his nose up as far as possible (hoping, I guess, that Mom or Dad would see him).
Which we almost didn’t in the dark. Thankfully, he’s overdue for a nail trim, and the noise that woke us was his nails scraping the side of the bucket.
Poor little befuddled bunny! I covered the bucket (so he wouldn’t jump out as I lowered the bucket) and put the bucket on the ground, so he could jump out. He immediately ran around my ankles in a happy freedom dance, before heading to Hannah (no doubt to extract some sympathy grooming and impress her with tales of his valiant adventure).
Brett and I just sat in bed laughing and bemoaning our current no-camera status!
And people think rabbits are pets without personality! Ha!
Friday, July 13, 2007
The Forgetful Friend
Here I was thinking how it was going to be nice to take Friday at my own pace.
Our summer hours are still in effect, so I’ll be getting off at 1:00 p.m. And it’s PAYDAY (yea!)! Then yesterday, I get an e-mail from Angie talking about how much she is looking forward to our movie night this Friday.
“WHAT???” I think. I am so organized with my calendar, and somehow I completely missed this! I double checked my back e-mails – yes, I save my back e-mails; I know I’m a tad OCD – and sure enough, there it was. Me, in black and white, agreeing to a movie night on (gasp!) Friday the 13th! I’m not sure how I missed it!
Anyway, it didn’t really feel right to break the date (even though I have hardly been home this week) since I haven’t seen Angie since her mission trip to Mexico. Plus, she’s been stuck inside with five children on summer break since she got back, and I could tell she was really looking forward to it.
To be honest, I haven’t told Brett yet. He’s normally super supportive and understanding of my need for an outside social life, but there are times when I think he feels neglected. His favorite line is, “I didn’t get married to stay home alone at night. I could have stayed single and done that!”
Plus he is off work on Fridays now, and so he’s actually available to DO stuff on the weekend!
Since the new Harry Potter is on Angie’s schedule, I’m thinking we can invite Brett to see that one with us. That way he won’t feel left out. And since HP is the last movie of the night, Angie and I should still have plenty of girl time beforehand. To prove what a great friend she is, Angie was even okay with me inviting Brett on part of “our” girl movie night.
This is especially nice of Angie, since she and Brett don’t always get along. I once said they were too much alike, and they turned on me…so I don’t say THAT anymore. Still, it was very kind of her to be okay with me adding a third wheel.
We are planning to grab quick eats at Atlanta Bread Company, and then hit Live Free or Die Hard (she hasn’t seen it yet), Transformers, and then Harry Potter at Showplace 16. See, it’s a good thing I get paid today. Otherwise, it would be Murder She Wrote Netflix at home, you know?
Speaking of Netflix, I’m starting a new series…wait for it….Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman! I LOVED that series when it was on air. I can still remember how mad I was when they switched “Colleen’s” in the middle of the series! Hmmm…
Well, anyway, it should be an even busier weekend that I anticipated. Today is the movie night, tomorrow is Game Night Group, and Sunday is church.
And there is this cool wedding thing going on at Midway Village this weekend (http://www.midwayvillage.org/default.asp?page=upcomingevents&nav=upcomingevents&neventid=46) that I was kind of thinking of attending! We’ll just have to see!
You know, I think my house is NEVER going to get cleaned! But that’s okay, since my theory is –
“A Clean House is the Sign of a Misspent Life!”
Our summer hours are still in effect, so I’ll be getting off at 1:00 p.m. And it’s PAYDAY (yea!)! Then yesterday, I get an e-mail from Angie talking about how much she is looking forward to our movie night this Friday.
“WHAT???” I think. I am so organized with my calendar, and somehow I completely missed this! I double checked my back e-mails – yes, I save my back e-mails; I know I’m a tad OCD – and sure enough, there it was. Me, in black and white, agreeing to a movie night on (gasp!) Friday the 13th! I’m not sure how I missed it!
Anyway, it didn’t really feel right to break the date (even though I have hardly been home this week) since I haven’t seen Angie since her mission trip to Mexico. Plus, she’s been stuck inside with five children on summer break since she got back, and I could tell she was really looking forward to it.
To be honest, I haven’t told Brett yet. He’s normally super supportive and understanding of my need for an outside social life, but there are times when I think he feels neglected. His favorite line is, “I didn’t get married to stay home alone at night. I could have stayed single and done that!”
Plus he is off work on Fridays now, and so he’s actually available to DO stuff on the weekend!
Since the new Harry Potter is on Angie’s schedule, I’m thinking we can invite Brett to see that one with us. That way he won’t feel left out. And since HP is the last movie of the night, Angie and I should still have plenty of girl time beforehand. To prove what a great friend she is, Angie was even okay with me inviting Brett on part of “our” girl movie night.
This is especially nice of Angie, since she and Brett don’t always get along. I once said they were too much alike, and they turned on me…so I don’t say THAT anymore. Still, it was very kind of her to be okay with me adding a third wheel.
We are planning to grab quick eats at Atlanta Bread Company, and then hit Live Free or Die Hard (she hasn’t seen it yet), Transformers, and then Harry Potter at Showplace 16. See, it’s a good thing I get paid today. Otherwise, it would be Murder She Wrote Netflix at home, you know?
Speaking of Netflix, I’m starting a new series…wait for it….Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman! I LOVED that series when it was on air. I can still remember how mad I was when they switched “Colleen’s” in the middle of the series! Hmmm…
Well, anyway, it should be an even busier weekend that I anticipated. Today is the movie night, tomorrow is Game Night Group, and Sunday is church.
And there is this cool wedding thing going on at Midway Village this weekend (http://www.midwayvillage.org/default.asp?page=upcomingevents&nav=upcomingevents&neventid=46) that I was kind of thinking of attending! We’ll just have to see!
You know, I think my house is NEVER going to get cleaned! But that’s okay, since my theory is –
“A Clean House is the Sign of a Misspent Life!”
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday Recap
Last night was a much needed respite from running around. Just me and my heating pad.
That’s right – 62 days later – TOM finally arrived.
Brett picked a movie for us to watch last night while I was bundled up with my heating pad, eating an Eskimo pie (I have weird TOM cravings). He picked Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. When I mentioned the new Harry Potter movie opened July 11 and suggested we use our FREE movie passes (from the Live Free or Die Hard fiasco) to see it, I was VERY surprised when he readily agreed.
I think Harry Potter movies will be one of those movie series we bond over – much like our shared Star Wars, Mummy, and Indiana Jones obsession.
Still, I AM excited, since I really do want to see it. Although, I don’t know whether we should go Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. This weekend is going to be full as it is.
I’ve got to:
Clean the bunny areas
Go grocery/household shopping
Do a little actual house cleaning
Then we have Game Night Group Saturday night. And of course, there is church on Sunday.
I’m praying God will help me use my time wisely. It’s hard thing for me to do on my own, since I am notably lazy.
This morning for instance (and I’m blaming this on TOM), I was up with Brett (from 4:45 – 5:15 a.m.) and as soon as he left for work, I went back to bed and slept until 8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.!!!!! I was SO late for work! Thankfully, I have flexible hours, but STILL!
Oh well, at least the weekend’s almost here!
That’s right – 62 days later – TOM finally arrived.
Brett picked a movie for us to watch last night while I was bundled up with my heating pad, eating an Eskimo pie (I have weird TOM cravings). He picked Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. When I mentioned the new Harry Potter movie opened July 11 and suggested we use our FREE movie passes (from the Live Free or Die Hard fiasco) to see it, I was VERY surprised when he readily agreed.
I think Harry Potter movies will be one of those movie series we bond over – much like our shared Star Wars, Mummy, and Indiana Jones obsession.
Still, I AM excited, since I really do want to see it. Although, I don’t know whether we should go Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. This weekend is going to be full as it is.
I’ve got to:
Clean the bunny areas
Go grocery/household shopping
Do a little actual house cleaning
Then we have Game Night Group Saturday night. And of course, there is church on Sunday.
I’m praying God will help me use my time wisely. It’s hard thing for me to do on my own, since I am notably lazy.
This morning for instance (and I’m blaming this on TOM), I was up with Brett (from 4:45 – 5:15 a.m.) and as soon as he left for work, I went back to bed and slept until 8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.!!!!! I was SO late for work! Thankfully, I have flexible hours, but STILL!
Oh well, at least the weekend’s almost here!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Jewelry @ Jeanette’s
Well, I bought some more jewelry! I’m going to go broke if I keep getting invited to lia sophia jewelry parties. Thankfully, Jeanette booked her party from my party (ages ago), and so I was able to purchase my necklace at half-price. Yea! A bargain! I bought the Anew necklace (see photo at right).
Of course, it WAS fun! We met at my friend Jeanette’s new house out in Winnebago. I picked Mom up beforehand, and the two of us carpooled to the party. We took a tour of the new house, enjoyed the jewelry party, and then ate J’s delicious snacks!
She had a really good crowd! There were 12 or so people there, and I knew most of them. There were about 5 churches represented in the group, so we all dished on what was new at our church. It’s NOT gossip, if we talked about the GOOD stuff, right?
I have some nice photos that I’ll post real soon. Promise!
Well, I’ve got a CRAZY day ahead of me as usual, so this is one of my (rare) short posts!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Cartoons & Culver's with Carleen
I’m not sure Christians are supposed to believe in being psychic. But I think I am a little, tiny bit psychic.
Well, only with my friend Carleen.
The two of us have this weird sort of bond where we always think of and call each other within moments of the other one thinking about us. It’s not unusual for either of us to say, “It’s so weird that you just called. I was about to call you!”
I’ve never had that with anyone before, but since we WANT to see each other, it’s a nice little phenomenon.
Now if I could only do the same thing with lottery numbers.
Either way, Carleen called me (just as she had crossed MY mind – freaky!) and said that she missed me, and we should get together. Now I know I’m 28 (almost 29!), and I should have more self confidence than to be absolutely floored that someone actually likes to be around me and misses it when we don’t get to spend time together. But I’m not. It still felt nice. I went all gooey-friendshipy warm inside.
Carleen and I used to work together, before she climbed the corporate ladder and became the CEO of a local company. She eventually headed back home to be a stay-at-home-mom to her two adorable tots. When we worked together, we had so much fun; it was hard to get any actual work done.
After we stopped working together, we discovered we deeply missed seeing each other every day. Since then, we’ve both made the effort to see each other at least once a month. It’s been rewarding to be in a friendship with someone who wants it to flourish as much as I do. To tell the truth, I think that’s why we have such a solid relationship. We MAKE time for our friendship and for one another.
Last night we met at Panera for bagels and soup. Delicious! We debated which movie to see – License to Wed or Ratatouille. It wasn’t too hard to decide. The last movie we’d seen was Because I Said So – the Mandy Moore bomb that thoroughly disgusted both of us. This time LTW was getting horrible reviews, and even my love of John Krasinski’s comedic talents wasn’t going to outweigh Robin Williams’ familiar old shtick and Mandy Moore’s horrible acting.
So, Ratatouille it was.
Afterwards, we agreed it had been the perfect choice. We added our accolades to the already glowing reviews. The artwork was amazing, the plotline REAL and not formulaic, and the vocal acting some of the best I’ve seen in an animated feature.
And since we went on a Monday night, we enjoyed a rather sedate crowd. The little kids shushed the other little kids because THEY didn’t want to miss any part of the movie.
Worked for me.
We decided to end the night on a sweet note and stopped by Culver’s for a peanut butter mixer (me) and a raspberry hot fudge sundae (her). Soooooooooooo good on a hot night! Although, poor Carleen was freezing in the AC at Panera, the movie theater, and Culver’s.
I, on the other hand, was in heaven. Crank it up!
We talked for hours, and Brett only called once (around 10:30 p.m.) to tell me he saw a weird commercial for a new dog hotel. Right. A dog hotel. I think he was just really tired.
Carly and I talked about all manner of things as only old friends can do. Former co-workers up to their same old tricks. Her life – should she stay a stay-at-home mom or re-enter the workforce? Should she have another baby? I talked about my family and friends who were going through divorces and such. We talked about clothes and what we would do if we won the lottery – what charities we would give to and what we do for our loved ones.
It was a conversation peppered with laughter and moments of seriousness as we pondered these years and our lives. It was a really good time.
Somehow, I think she had as much of a good time as I did. Somehow, I just know.
Well, only with my friend Carleen.
The two of us have this weird sort of bond where we always think of and call each other within moments of the other one thinking about us. It’s not unusual for either of us to say, “It’s so weird that you just called. I was about to call you!”
I’ve never had that with anyone before, but since we WANT to see each other, it’s a nice little phenomenon.
Now if I could only do the same thing with lottery numbers.
Either way, Carleen called me (just as she had crossed MY mind – freaky!) and said that she missed me, and we should get together. Now I know I’m 28 (almost 29!), and I should have more self confidence than to be absolutely floored that someone actually likes to be around me and misses it when we don’t get to spend time together. But I’m not. It still felt nice. I went all gooey-friendshipy warm inside.
Carleen and I used to work together, before she climbed the corporate ladder and became the CEO of a local company. She eventually headed back home to be a stay-at-home-mom to her two adorable tots. When we worked together, we had so much fun; it was hard to get any actual work done.
After we stopped working together, we discovered we deeply missed seeing each other every day. Since then, we’ve both made the effort to see each other at least once a month. It’s been rewarding to be in a friendship with someone who wants it to flourish as much as I do. To tell the truth, I think that’s why we have such a solid relationship. We MAKE time for our friendship and for one another.
Last night we met at Panera for bagels and soup. Delicious! We debated which movie to see – License to Wed or Ratatouille. It wasn’t too hard to decide. The last movie we’d seen was Because I Said So – the Mandy Moore bomb that thoroughly disgusted both of us. This time LTW was getting horrible reviews, and even my love of John Krasinski’s comedic talents wasn’t going to outweigh Robin Williams’ familiar old shtick and Mandy Moore’s horrible acting.
So, Ratatouille it was.
Afterwards, we agreed it had been the perfect choice. We added our accolades to the already glowing reviews. The artwork was amazing, the plotline REAL and not formulaic, and the vocal acting some of the best I’ve seen in an animated feature.
And since we went on a Monday night, we enjoyed a rather sedate crowd. The little kids shushed the other little kids because THEY didn’t want to miss any part of the movie.
Worked for me.
We decided to end the night on a sweet note and stopped by Culver’s for a peanut butter mixer (me) and a raspberry hot fudge sundae (her). Soooooooooooo good on a hot night! Although, poor Carleen was freezing in the AC at Panera, the movie theater, and Culver’s.
I, on the other hand, was in heaven. Crank it up!
We talked for hours, and Brett only called once (around 10:30 p.m.) to tell me he saw a weird commercial for a new dog hotel. Right. A dog hotel. I think he was just really tired.
Carly and I talked about all manner of things as only old friends can do. Former co-workers up to their same old tricks. Her life – should she stay a stay-at-home mom or re-enter the workforce? Should she have another baby? I talked about my family and friends who were going through divorces and such. We talked about clothes and what we would do if we won the lottery – what charities we would give to and what we do for our loved ones.
It was a conversation peppered with laughter and moments of seriousness as we pondered these years and our lives. It was a really good time.
Somehow, I think she had as much of a good time as I did. Somehow, I just know.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Designating Deacons
One of the best things about being in a small church, at the beginning of a new work, is being there when everything starts.
One thing Brett and I have learned about Morning Star is that no one is driven by tradition. The leadership is driven by precedents set forth in the Bible, and the congregation is such a mix of old conservatism and new middle-of-the-roaders, that everyone is excited to do things differently – or at least NOT just because, “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
Last night we installed our first three deacons. It was such a blessing to be there as the men of our church laid hands on these three men and prayed that God would prepare them, their wives, and their families for this position in the church.
These men and their wives define humility. They are servants in the true sense of the word. I wouldn’t hesitate a moment to call any of them up if there was a need in our home whether spiritual or tangible.
The truth is that our leadership and our church feel more like family every day. And for someone with as much family as I have, that’s really saying something!
Please pray for Bill, Terry, and Jack as they seek to serve God as deacons of Morning Star Baptist Church.
One thing Brett and I have learned about Morning Star is that no one is driven by tradition. The leadership is driven by precedents set forth in the Bible, and the congregation is such a mix of old conservatism and new middle-of-the-roaders, that everyone is excited to do things differently – or at least NOT just because, “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
Last night we installed our first three deacons. It was such a blessing to be there as the men of our church laid hands on these three men and prayed that God would prepare them, their wives, and their families for this position in the church.
These men and their wives define humility. They are servants in the true sense of the word. I wouldn’t hesitate a moment to call any of them up if there was a need in our home whether spiritual or tangible.
The truth is that our leadership and our church feel more like family every day. And for someone with as much family as I have, that’s really saying something!
Please pray for Bill, Terry, and Jack as they seek to serve God as deacons of Morning Star Baptist Church.
Family Updates
For my Rehfeldt and related readers, I have a quick update.
Uncle Ron is getting married.
Who, I don’t know.
When, I don’t know.
And the inevitable third question, I also don’t know.
But best wishes all around.
Uncle Ron is getting married.
Who, I don’t know.
When, I don’t know.
And the inevitable third question, I also don’t know.
But best wishes all around.
A Fat Blog
I have decided to take a note from my friend Tancy and start a “Fat Blog” where I can delve into my frustrations and triumphs in the ever expanding and (hopefully rapidly reducing) world of struggling with obesity and food addiction.
Sounds like some yummy reading, doesn’t it?
I am debating new names for my new blog (which I am actually starting so as not to bog anyone down with my endless obsession with food and my lousy metabolism). It’s usually only interesting to my sister weight watchers.
Of course, anyone is welcome to read it. I’m just warning you in advance that I’m not going to pull any punches. Be forewarned you will be privy to more knowledge about my love hate relationship with food than you ever wanted to know. It will amaze you how much I obsess about food.
It just may change your opinion of my sanity!
New blog names up for debate:
The Caloric Contessa
Hate Love Handles
It’s Not Over Until I Sing
The Fat Philosopher
Plus Size. Petite World
A Great Personality
Feast or Famine
The First Lady of Fat
Fitting In
My Perfect Size
Riding the Fat Ferris Wheel
My Zipper’s Stuck
The Bulging Baroness
I’d love to know which one you like best!
Sounds like some yummy reading, doesn’t it?
I am debating new names for my new blog (which I am actually starting so as not to bog anyone down with my endless obsession with food and my lousy metabolism). It’s usually only interesting to my sister weight watchers.
Of course, anyone is welcome to read it. I’m just warning you in advance that I’m not going to pull any punches. Be forewarned you will be privy to more knowledge about my love hate relationship with food than you ever wanted to know. It will amaze you how much I obsess about food.
It just may change your opinion of my sanity!
New blog names up for debate:
The Caloric Contessa
Hate Love Handles
It’s Not Over Until I Sing
The Fat Philosopher
Plus Size. Petite World
A Great Personality
Feast or Famine
The First Lady of Fat
Fitting In
My Perfect Size
Riding the Fat Ferris Wheel
My Zipper’s Stuck
The Bulging Baroness
I’d love to know which one you like best!
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Updated!
I have updated some comments on my previous “Yippee-ki-yay” post.
My friend Tancy made some solid points about parent’s rights, and October pointed me toward introspection (as she often does). After some thinking, I decided what REALLY bothered me about the crying-baby-in-an-R-rated-movie was the “crying” part.
If the baby had been quieter or had been promptly removed upon the beginning of shrieking, I probably wouldn’t have cared that the baby was in the theater at all.
So, if you were a part of the discussion, feel free to check the updated comments!
http://lefthandedrabbit.blogspot.com/2007/06/yippee-ki-ay-mother-frustration.html
My friend Tancy made some solid points about parent’s rights, and October pointed me toward introspection (as she often does). After some thinking, I decided what REALLY bothered me about the crying-baby-in-an-R-rated-movie was the “crying” part.
If the baby had been quieter or had been promptly removed upon the beginning of shrieking, I probably wouldn’t have cared that the baby was in the theater at all.
So, if you were a part of the discussion, feel free to check the updated comments!
http://lefthandedrabbit.blogspot.com/2007/06/yippee-ki-ay-mother-frustration.html
Almost Forgot
I almost forgot the thing that put me over the top this morning into a very sunny mood!
There is a Taco Bell coming to 173!
Whooo-hoo!
I (heart) Taco Bell, but I hated having to drive all the way down to the old Machesney Park Mall just to pick up a warm, gooey chicken quesadilla (great, now I’m drooling).
But, today, as I pulled up to the Starbucks drive-thru, I saw a sign next to all the new construction on 173 that proclaimed, “A Taco Bell is coming to this site soon!”
I literally hooted in my car, clapped my hands, and did a little hip shake thing I can only call “car happy dancing.” The thought of having all those wonderful Mexican options open to me at a MUCH closer location just made my day!
The only thing better than Taco Bell is a closer Taco Bell!
There is a Taco Bell coming to 173!
Whooo-hoo!
I (heart) Taco Bell, but I hated having to drive all the way down to the old Machesney Park Mall just to pick up a warm, gooey chicken quesadilla (great, now I’m drooling).
But, today, as I pulled up to the Starbucks drive-thru, I saw a sign next to all the new construction on 173 that proclaimed, “A Taco Bell is coming to this site soon!”
I literally hooted in my car, clapped my hands, and did a little hip shake thing I can only call “car happy dancing.” The thought of having all those wonderful Mexican options open to me at a MUCH closer location just made my day!
The only thing better than Taco Bell is a closer Taco Bell!
In a Good Mood
I am in a good mood.
“Why?” You might ask.
Well, for one thing, I started out the day the way God intended – with a Venti-sized Iced Tangerine Juice Blend from Starbucks. I may HATE coffee, but I love my Starbucks iced drinks in the summer and gourmet hot chocolate in the winter. Mmm…nothing like an icy fruit drink to kick start a Saturday.
I am also now reveling in my air-conditioned office while the outside world swelters and shoulders on in the oppressive heat. I may be here to work, but I’m cool as a cucumber and that makes me a happy camper.
I’m also strangely happy to be at work getting caught up in the sweet silence of an empty office. There’s only one other person here, which means I’ll be able to get a lot done without multiple interruptions. Interruptions come frequently during the work week, so I’m bound to get more done now.
Well, after my short blogging break, that is.
Last night was very productive and put me in a positive state of mind. Mom and Gary dropped off the first load of Mom’s basement clutter we’ve been working on whittling down. It was an unorganized mess of things I’d decided I wanted to keep (as opposed to Gary carting it all off to Goodwill).
I spent the evening organizing, labeling, and taking photos of my childhood treasures. Then I packed everything away in the lavender totes I’d gotten on sale at Wal-Mart (only $4 – they were on sale because of the spring/lavender color – the clear ones in the same size were $7 – it was a STEAL!).
Pretty soon, I’ll be heading over to Mom’s to do the second round of cleaning out. We have a six prong system for cleaning Mom’s basement:
1. Holiday decorations organized by holiday
2. Things Mom forgot she had and now wants to keep
3. Things Mom doesn’t want to keep but thinks may be worth something on eBay
4. Things Mom doesn’t want, but I do
5. Things from my childhood that I want to keep
6. Things neither of us wants and would bring nothing on eBay go in the Goodwill pile
We are doing all this first – organizing and whittling down – before Mom and Gary purchase plastic storage totes to put the whole basement in order.
Helping to organize Mom’s basement has actually been a great deal of fun for me. It’s been great rediscovering my childhood and getting lots of Mom’s decorating castoffs (which are still in really good condition). I love the process of organizing and deciding.
I should probably work at a thrift store. I’m sure I’d love it!
Mom and Gary came over in the midst of my organizational progress. Mom chatted with me while Brett and Gary attacked the outside yard work that needed to be done.
Afterwards, the four of us watched an episode of Murder She Wrote (via Netflix). Mom and I split a bowl of popcorn and said how it seemed so much like “old times.” When I was little, Mom and Dad and I used to watch Murder She Wrote after church on Sunday. The three of us also shared a big ‘ol bowl of popcorn!
Somehow, in the middle of all that, I also managed to get three loads of laundry done!
So, here I am now, getting started on the work work part of my day, and I’m actually looking forward to it!
It’s nice to be in a good mood. And it’s even nicer to share it with others!
“Why?” You might ask.
Well, for one thing, I started out the day the way God intended – with a Venti-sized Iced Tangerine Juice Blend from Starbucks. I may HATE coffee, but I love my Starbucks iced drinks in the summer and gourmet hot chocolate in the winter. Mmm…nothing like an icy fruit drink to kick start a Saturday.
I am also now reveling in my air-conditioned office while the outside world swelters and shoulders on in the oppressive heat. I may be here to work, but I’m cool as a cucumber and that makes me a happy camper.
I’m also strangely happy to be at work getting caught up in the sweet silence of an empty office. There’s only one other person here, which means I’ll be able to get a lot done without multiple interruptions. Interruptions come frequently during the work week, so I’m bound to get more done now.
Well, after my short blogging break, that is.
Last night was very productive and put me in a positive state of mind. Mom and Gary dropped off the first load of Mom’s basement clutter we’ve been working on whittling down. It was an unorganized mess of things I’d decided I wanted to keep (as opposed to Gary carting it all off to Goodwill).
I spent the evening organizing, labeling, and taking photos of my childhood treasures. Then I packed everything away in the lavender totes I’d gotten on sale at Wal-Mart (only $4 – they were on sale because of the spring/lavender color – the clear ones in the same size were $7 – it was a STEAL!).
Pretty soon, I’ll be heading over to Mom’s to do the second round of cleaning out. We have a six prong system for cleaning Mom’s basement:
1. Holiday decorations organized by holiday
2. Things Mom forgot she had and now wants to keep
3. Things Mom doesn’t want to keep but thinks may be worth something on eBay
4. Things Mom doesn’t want, but I do
5. Things from my childhood that I want to keep
6. Things neither of us wants and would bring nothing on eBay go in the Goodwill pile
We are doing all this first – organizing and whittling down – before Mom and Gary purchase plastic storage totes to put the whole basement in order.
Helping to organize Mom’s basement has actually been a great deal of fun for me. It’s been great rediscovering my childhood and getting lots of Mom’s decorating castoffs (which are still in really good condition). I love the process of organizing and deciding.
I should probably work at a thrift store. I’m sure I’d love it!
Mom and Gary came over in the midst of my organizational progress. Mom chatted with me while Brett and Gary attacked the outside yard work that needed to be done.
Afterwards, the four of us watched an episode of Murder She Wrote (via Netflix). Mom and I split a bowl of popcorn and said how it seemed so much like “old times.” When I was little, Mom and Dad and I used to watch Murder She Wrote after church on Sunday. The three of us also shared a big ‘ol bowl of popcorn!
Somehow, in the middle of all that, I also managed to get three loads of laundry done!
So, here I am now, getting started on the work work part of my day, and I’m actually looking forward to it!
It’s nice to be in a good mood. And it’s even nicer to share it with others!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Speaking of Kids in Public Places
I know I’m not the most tolerant person when it comes to misbehaving or loud children in movie theaters or restaurants.
However, I do actually LIKE children a great deal.
So, to show I am not turning into a crazy cat lady who yells at the neighborhood kids to get off her lawn, I thought I should mention something. Twice, in the past two days, I have been at public venues which were swarming with children of every age. The first was the outdoor patriotic concert at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford. The second was the industrial park in Beloit where we watched the fireworks.
At both places, the kids were having a great time – singing at the concert – oohing and aahing at the fireworks. All that extra space allowed them the freedom to move around – catching fireflies at the concerts, playing with sparklers at the fireworks – to just be kids!
And I enjoyed being with them! I liked seeing them laugh, dance to the music, and scream in awe at the fireworks. The fact that kids were there made the events even better for all of us who attended.
I hope that goes a little ways towards redeeming me with my wonderful mom friends who are forever rolling their eyes at me (and I know you do!).
However, I do actually LIKE children a great deal.
So, to show I am not turning into a crazy cat lady who yells at the neighborhood kids to get off her lawn, I thought I should mention something. Twice, in the past two days, I have been at public venues which were swarming with children of every age. The first was the outdoor patriotic concert at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford. The second was the industrial park in Beloit where we watched the fireworks.
At both places, the kids were having a great time – singing at the concert – oohing and aahing at the fireworks. All that extra space allowed them the freedom to move around – catching fireflies at the concerts, playing with sparklers at the fireworks – to just be kids!
And I enjoyed being with them! I liked seeing them laugh, dance to the music, and scream in awe at the fireworks. The fact that kids were there made the events even better for all of us who attended.
I hope that goes a little ways towards redeeming me with my wonderful mom friends who are forever rolling their eyes at me (and I know you do!).
Happy Belated Independence Day!
Sorry for the lack of photos – we all share the digital camera in my office (in our off hours), and my co-worker wanted to get photos of a red fox that seems to have taken up residence in his back yard!
On to my pictureless post...
We got to be very patriotic this year. On Tuesday night, we went with Mom and Gary to hear a patriotic concert at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford. It was part of the Rockford Park District’s Music in the Park Series. They have free outdoor concerts all summer long, and this one was exceptionally good!
At the concert intermission, we saw Jan and Terry Miller from our church. The six of us visited for a while, and Mom and Jan discovered they had BOTH gone to Lincoln Park Elementary School growing up. Jan was in the same class as my Uncle Ron. It is a small world.
Terry was slightly disappointed that the concert was patriotic. He had gotten his dates mixed up and thought it was the Bluegrass Band Night! But Jan said she was actually enjoying the patriotic music more than she probably would have enjoyed the bluegrass. And Terry said he thought it was a good concert, too, so I guess it worked out for everyone!
Mom’s Pastor’s wife was in the band, so there were a few people from First Baptist there, as well. It was old home week (for us Baptists that is)!
Brett had to work on the 4th, so I spent most of the day relaxing, reading my book, and baking. I made cupcakes, brownies, and homemade potato bread. Brett’s dad showed up at about 3:30 p.m. (thank goodness, I’d finally JUST gotten out of my pajamas).
Al and I watched Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown together. We had fun debating the cases. Normally, I HATE those shows as they are showboating, stupid displays of idiotic morons getting an undeserved five minutes of fame just on the basis of their own lack of common sense. But mocking them with Al was more fun than I think I’ve ever HAD with Al before!
After Brett got home, we headed over to Mom and Gary’s for a truly delicious dinner with just about ever picnic delicacy you can imagine – and the cupcakes were exceptionally excellent!
Then we all loaded into Al’s van to go watch the Beloit fireworks. Mom and I brought Skip-Bo to play while we waited for it to get dark. We joined the other hundreds of people on the green hills of the ABC Supply Company’s industrial park. It was really wonderful, and when the fireworks started going off, we were in JUST the right spot. They were so close we could almost touch them.
Speaking of the fireworks, the City of Beloit must have gone into hock for the display. It was without a doubt, the BEST display I’ve seen in my 28 years. There was a ground display (which I’d never seen before), and an amazing aerial display.
There were 3-D fireworks in the shape of Saturn, smiley faces, hearts, and the 13 original colonies. There were so many NEW kinds I’d never seen before. Truly a phenomenon!
We wrapped up with a tired drive back to Mom and Gary’s, then to our house, and then Al went on his way around 11:30 p.m.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate our independence – with family – and to remember our freedom in this country and our freedom in Christ!
On to my pictureless post...
We got to be very patriotic this year. On Tuesday night, we went with Mom and Gary to hear a patriotic concert at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford. It was part of the Rockford Park District’s Music in the Park Series. They have free outdoor concerts all summer long, and this one was exceptionally good!
At the concert intermission, we saw Jan and Terry Miller from our church. The six of us visited for a while, and Mom and Jan discovered they had BOTH gone to Lincoln Park Elementary School growing up. Jan was in the same class as my Uncle Ron. It is a small world.
Terry was slightly disappointed that the concert was patriotic. He had gotten his dates mixed up and thought it was the Bluegrass Band Night! But Jan said she was actually enjoying the patriotic music more than she probably would have enjoyed the bluegrass. And Terry said he thought it was a good concert, too, so I guess it worked out for everyone!
Mom’s Pastor’s wife was in the band, so there were a few people from First Baptist there, as well. It was old home week (for us Baptists that is)!
Brett had to work on the 4th, so I spent most of the day relaxing, reading my book, and baking. I made cupcakes, brownies, and homemade potato bread. Brett’s dad showed up at about 3:30 p.m. (thank goodness, I’d finally JUST gotten out of my pajamas).
Al and I watched Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown together. We had fun debating the cases. Normally, I HATE those shows as they are showboating, stupid displays of idiotic morons getting an undeserved five minutes of fame just on the basis of their own lack of common sense. But mocking them with Al was more fun than I think I’ve ever HAD with Al before!
After Brett got home, we headed over to Mom and Gary’s for a truly delicious dinner with just about ever picnic delicacy you can imagine – and the cupcakes were exceptionally excellent!
Then we all loaded into Al’s van to go watch the Beloit fireworks. Mom and I brought Skip-Bo to play while we waited for it to get dark. We joined the other hundreds of people on the green hills of the ABC Supply Company’s industrial park. It was really wonderful, and when the fireworks started going off, we were in JUST the right spot. They were so close we could almost touch them.
Speaking of the fireworks, the City of Beloit must have gone into hock for the display. It was without a doubt, the BEST display I’ve seen in my 28 years. There was a ground display (which I’d never seen before), and an amazing aerial display.
There were 3-D fireworks in the shape of Saturn, smiley faces, hearts, and the 13 original colonies. There were so many NEW kinds I’d never seen before. Truly a phenomenon!
We wrapped up with a tired drive back to Mom and Gary’s, then to our house, and then Al went on his way around 11:30 p.m.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate our independence – with family – and to remember our freedom in this country and our freedom in Christ!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Won’t Get Fooled Again
One pink line, and another negative test is born!
I’m not pregnant. Again.
I’ve been not pregnant so many times; I’m thinking of throwing myself a not-having-a-baby shower. I could get non-child-friendly-gifts like breakable crystal vases and drippy candles.
Oh, well. ‘Tis what ‘tis. Que sera, sera - and all that jazz.
Today’s devotional was on the importance of faith. Abraham was the illustration with his faith in offering Isaac up at God’s request for a sacrifice. At the end of the devotion, there was a little phrase that said something like – “Are you going through a trial that seems unbearable or difficult? How can Abraham’s example be encouraging to you?”
I thought about how long Sarah and Abraham waited for Isaac and then what it must have been like to think about giving him up. The Lord knew it was what I needed to read – exactly – and it was an encouragement to my heart.
Besides the test anxiety I was going through all day yesterday, I had a rather good day. After work, Candice and I met at the Super Dollar Store at North Towne and had dinner together at Subway. ‘Twas delicious.
Afterwards, I stopped by home where Brett and Gary were hacking away branches from the seemingly insurmountable red bush we have by the garage. Brett was off work yesterday, because the warehouse was all caught up. It was an unexpected – albeit unpaid – delight for him to get caught up on his chores (and paying our bills).
Gary is always so sweet to come over and help Brett with the yard. The funny thing is that some of our neighbors think he’s our gardener – or to be more politically correct, our “landscape artist.”
The neighbors in our cul-de-sac have much more money than we do, and so they DO have gardeners, so I suppose it’s not hard for them to imagine we would, too. But we don’t. Thankfully, Gary works for free.
I said a quick “Hi,” left the two of them there, and drove to Mom’s where I bribed her with Junior Caramels, so I could use her super-fast-brand-new PC to (finally) place my Mary Kay order – hallelujah! I can’t believe I finally got around to it!
Afterwards, Mom and I watched some TV. We mocked the super-fake QVC people, and I introduced Mom to VH1 (I’m a bad, bad person). I explained who Tara Reid and Kenny Chesney were, and then we clicked over to catch part of some country music awards show.
I finally bailed at 9:30 p.m. and caught a glimpse of Gary’s truck leaving as I pulled onto our street. Brett told me it was a relief to have gotten so much done on a “work” day. I fell asleep nice and fast and felt like I’d had a good day.
I was able to spend time with family and friends, put my Mary Kay order in, and go dollar store shopping (one of my favorite things).
Today looks to be good. Mom and I are meeting Candice to celebrate her 27th birthday (Candice’s, not Mom’s). We are going all out with lunch at (wait for it…) Beef-a-Roo! Mmm…when we party, we do it in style!
Tomorrow’s the holiday, and then my boss is out for the rest of the week on vacation!
I may be “not pregnant” but at least I’m not bored!
I’m not pregnant. Again.
I’ve been not pregnant so many times; I’m thinking of throwing myself a not-having-a-baby shower. I could get non-child-friendly-gifts like breakable crystal vases and drippy candles.
Oh, well. ‘Tis what ‘tis. Que sera, sera - and all that jazz.
Today’s devotional was on the importance of faith. Abraham was the illustration with his faith in offering Isaac up at God’s request for a sacrifice. At the end of the devotion, there was a little phrase that said something like – “Are you going through a trial that seems unbearable or difficult? How can Abraham’s example be encouraging to you?”
I thought about how long Sarah and Abraham waited for Isaac and then what it must have been like to think about giving him up. The Lord knew it was what I needed to read – exactly – and it was an encouragement to my heart.
Besides the test anxiety I was going through all day yesterday, I had a rather good day. After work, Candice and I met at the Super Dollar Store at North Towne and had dinner together at Subway. ‘Twas delicious.
Afterwards, I stopped by home where Brett and Gary were hacking away branches from the seemingly insurmountable red bush we have by the garage. Brett was off work yesterday, because the warehouse was all caught up. It was an unexpected – albeit unpaid – delight for him to get caught up on his chores (and paying our bills).
Gary is always so sweet to come over and help Brett with the yard. The funny thing is that some of our neighbors think he’s our gardener – or to be more politically correct, our “landscape artist.”
The neighbors in our cul-de-sac have much more money than we do, and so they DO have gardeners, so I suppose it’s not hard for them to imagine we would, too. But we don’t. Thankfully, Gary works for free.
I said a quick “Hi,” left the two of them there, and drove to Mom’s where I bribed her with Junior Caramels, so I could use her super-fast-brand-new PC to (finally) place my Mary Kay order – hallelujah! I can’t believe I finally got around to it!
Afterwards, Mom and I watched some TV. We mocked the super-fake QVC people, and I introduced Mom to VH1 (I’m a bad, bad person). I explained who Tara Reid and Kenny Chesney were, and then we clicked over to catch part of some country music awards show.
I finally bailed at 9:30 p.m. and caught a glimpse of Gary’s truck leaving as I pulled onto our street. Brett told me it was a relief to have gotten so much done on a “work” day. I fell asleep nice and fast and felt like I’d had a good day.
I was able to spend time with family and friends, put my Mary Kay order in, and go dollar store shopping (one of my favorite things).
Today looks to be good. Mom and I are meeting Candice to celebrate her 27th birthday (Candice’s, not Mom’s). We are going all out with lunch at (wait for it…) Beef-a-Roo! Mmm…when we party, we do it in style!
Tomorrow’s the holiday, and then my boss is out for the rest of the week on vacation!
I may be “not pregnant” but at least I’m not bored!
Monday, July 02, 2007
The Thin Pink Line
Well, I have to buy another pregnancy test.
Brett and I have been married for almost seven years. In that time, I’ve taken at least 20 pregnancy tests.
I hate pregnancy tests. I hate taking them.
Why?
Because I’m a good student.
That’s right. I never, ever failed a test in my entire scholastic career. And yet that little white stick and ONE PINK LINE (it’s only ever ONE pink line, NEVER two) makes me feel like a disappointment in so many ways. Because, 20 times out of 20, I’ve failed that test. I just can’t seem to get it right.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m always disappointed when I take (and fail) the tests, because (let’s face it) I’d like an “A” for once. But the truth of the matter is that God has given Brett and me peace concerning our possible infertility.
We are grateful God has given us peace and contentment on this point. We know people who feel like their lives would not be worth living unless they had children to raise. I like to think about the people in the Bible who had no children and still managed to serve God. There are many, and they give me comfort when I feel the external pressure to HAVE KIDS.
And there IS pressure, let me tell you.
Anyway, the only reason I am taking the test is to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. My cycle is around 60 days now, and that’s a little long, even for someone as erratic as I can be. So, when I take the test, and I fail (and I will), they’ll give me meds to induce my cycle, and the whole random things starts up again.
There’s a reason they call it a cycle, you know? Stop the world, and I’ll get off.
The thing about pregnancy tests is that I always get a little, tiny bit excited – even now – even after 20 times – that maybe, just maybe, I AM pregnant.
And I never am.
So, I’ll start out with the $1 test found (ironically) at The Dollar Tree. Then, when that’s negative, I’ll think, “Well, maybe it’s wrong. It’s just a cheap test.” Then, I’ll go out and buy the $23.99 test and get the exact same results.
It’s not enough that I’m not pregnant, but I have to pay through the nose to be disappointed? Stinks, doesn’t it?
And what a WAY to find out. You can bet that if men were pregnant they wouldn’t be peeing on a stick. They would have high class medical tests that involved no bodily fluids whatsoever. Just a pregnancy scan or something.
You can BET! Just look at all the ED treatments. And we’re still peeing on sticks like in the 1950’s. It’s a racket.
Oh, well. So, I’ll go buy a test. Pay too much. Be disappointed. Just so they can give me meds to induce something I’d rather not have anyhow.
Yeesh. Seriously. Stop the world, and I’ll get it off.
Brett and I have been married for almost seven years. In that time, I’ve taken at least 20 pregnancy tests.
I hate pregnancy tests. I hate taking them.
Why?
Because I’m a good student.
That’s right. I never, ever failed a test in my entire scholastic career. And yet that little white stick and ONE PINK LINE (it’s only ever ONE pink line, NEVER two) makes me feel like a disappointment in so many ways. Because, 20 times out of 20, I’ve failed that test. I just can’t seem to get it right.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m always disappointed when I take (and fail) the tests, because (let’s face it) I’d like an “A” for once. But the truth of the matter is that God has given Brett and me peace concerning our possible infertility.
We are grateful God has given us peace and contentment on this point. We know people who feel like their lives would not be worth living unless they had children to raise. I like to think about the people in the Bible who had no children and still managed to serve God. There are many, and they give me comfort when I feel the external pressure to HAVE KIDS.
And there IS pressure, let me tell you.
Anyway, the only reason I am taking the test is to rule out the possibility of pregnancy. My cycle is around 60 days now, and that’s a little long, even for someone as erratic as I can be. So, when I take the test, and I fail (and I will), they’ll give me meds to induce my cycle, and the whole random things starts up again.
There’s a reason they call it a cycle, you know? Stop the world, and I’ll get off.
The thing about pregnancy tests is that I always get a little, tiny bit excited – even now – even after 20 times – that maybe, just maybe, I AM pregnant.
And I never am.
So, I’ll start out with the $1 test found (ironically) at The Dollar Tree. Then, when that’s negative, I’ll think, “Well, maybe it’s wrong. It’s just a cheap test.” Then, I’ll go out and buy the $23.99 test and get the exact same results.
It’s not enough that I’m not pregnant, but I have to pay through the nose to be disappointed? Stinks, doesn’t it?
And what a WAY to find out. You can bet that if men were pregnant they wouldn’t be peeing on a stick. They would have high class medical tests that involved no bodily fluids whatsoever. Just a pregnancy scan or something.
You can BET! Just look at all the ED treatments. And we’re still peeing on sticks like in the 1950’s. It’s a racket.
Oh, well. So, I’ll go buy a test. Pay too much. Be disappointed. Just so they can give me meds to induce something I’d rather not have anyhow.
Yeesh. Seriously. Stop the world, and I’ll get it off.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Yippee-ki-yay Mother Frustration
AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHH!
Brett and I just got back from seeing Live Free or Die Hard. As with any Die Hard movie, there was the typical yelling, screaming, and occasional outburst.
Unfortunately, it didn’t all come from the movie.
Not one, but TWO, idiotic, moronic, common-sense-needing parents brought babies, BABIES, to see Live Free or Die Hard. LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD!!!
What parent in their right mind thinks it is okay to bring a baby to watch an R-rated, action packed, adrenaline pumping movie? Huh? What kind of parent?
I mean, it certainly can’t be good for the baby, right? I mean, it has to be an assault on a newborn baby’s delicate senses, right?
And I KNOW it wasn’t good for our fellow moviegoers, all of whom turned around at one point or another to glare in the general direction of a baby’s persistent cry.
And those babies DID cry.
But did the mothers take them out into the hallway? NO, they did not! They stayed in the theater, occasionally standing up to rock their babies by the side of the theater wall, but stayed IN the theater.
This is not your Mommy Group, people!
AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!
Not only was it distracting (and it was) but it created tension in the theater. All of us were anxious we would miss something at any moment when a baby just MIGHT let out a wail.
After the movie, several of us clumped down the stairs, feeling the loss of our $8.50 for a less-than-stellar movie going experience.
We went to the manager and explained the situation. She apologized and explained they can’t really stop inconsiderate, rude, obnoxious parents from bring babies in to see WHATEVER movie they want.
WHY NOT? HUH? Why risk ticking off the other 98% of people in the theater smart and considerate enough to leave any BABIES at home?
I mean, maybe (and ONLY maybe) if it had been a cartoon, we might have understood a little more. But Live Free or Die Hard? That’s just bad parenting.
My ovaries might be broken, but I am starting to believe people should have to pass some kind of common-sense training to be allowed to be parents.
Geesh, I mean, REALLY?!! Give me a break.
Thankfully, the manager was sympathetic and gave us free movie passes for next time. We were the first people in the line from our theater, so I don’t know if she had to refund money to the ten couples behind us whose dates had also been ruined.
I like babies. Well, sort of. I know it might sound like I don’t. But it’s just that there are some places that simply aren’t appropriate for babies. Ever.
Like a Live Free or Die Hard movie.
Yippee-ki-yay, indeed.
Brett and I just got back from seeing Live Free or Die Hard. As with any Die Hard movie, there was the typical yelling, screaming, and occasional outburst.
Unfortunately, it didn’t all come from the movie.
Not one, but TWO, idiotic, moronic, common-sense-needing parents brought babies, BABIES, to see Live Free or Die Hard. LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD!!!
What parent in their right mind thinks it is okay to bring a baby to watch an R-rated, action packed, adrenaline pumping movie? Huh? What kind of parent?
I mean, it certainly can’t be good for the baby, right? I mean, it has to be an assault on a newborn baby’s delicate senses, right?
And I KNOW it wasn’t good for our fellow moviegoers, all of whom turned around at one point or another to glare in the general direction of a baby’s persistent cry.
And those babies DID cry.
But did the mothers take them out into the hallway? NO, they did not! They stayed in the theater, occasionally standing up to rock their babies by the side of the theater wall, but stayed IN the theater.
This is not your Mommy Group, people!
AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!
Not only was it distracting (and it was) but it created tension in the theater. All of us were anxious we would miss something at any moment when a baby just MIGHT let out a wail.
After the movie, several of us clumped down the stairs, feeling the loss of our $8.50 for a less-than-stellar movie going experience.
We went to the manager and explained the situation. She apologized and explained they can’t really stop inconsiderate, rude, obnoxious parents from bring babies in to see WHATEVER movie they want.
WHY NOT? HUH? Why risk ticking off the other 98% of people in the theater smart and considerate enough to leave any BABIES at home?
I mean, maybe (and ONLY maybe) if it had been a cartoon, we might have understood a little more. But Live Free or Die Hard? That’s just bad parenting.
My ovaries might be broken, but I am starting to believe people should have to pass some kind of common-sense training to be allowed to be parents.
Geesh, I mean, REALLY?!! Give me a break.
Thankfully, the manager was sympathetic and gave us free movie passes for next time. We were the first people in the line from our theater, so I don’t know if she had to refund money to the ten couples behind us whose dates had also been ruined.
I like babies. Well, sort of. I know it might sound like I don’t. But it’s just that there are some places that simply aren’t appropriate for babies. Ever.
Like a Live Free or Die Hard movie.
Yippee-ki-yay, indeed.
Friday, June 29, 2007
The Comfy Couch Potato
Last night was a dream! After go, go, going all week, I finally had a night just to relax.
I only had one more trip on my way home from work - to visit the cantankerous staff at the Rockton Wal-Mart.
Actually, I had been invited to a “kitsch” party at our graphic designer’s house – handmade cards, purses, jewelry – but I don’t know our designer all that well, and I didn’t want to go by myself. I hit up my co-workers, but everyone was totally broke or exhausted. I took it as a sign that God didn’t want me spending any more money on costume jewelry!
I stopped at Wal-Mart for a surprisingly brief couple of moments to pick up what we’d forgotten during our last trip. Except of course, I forgot to return Brett’s damaged DVD of The Deer Hunter . Another trip, another time. That’s how lazy I am about going all the way back out to my car!
Anyway, I made it home by 6:30 p.m. and was able to enjoy a deluxe dine-in dinner of Wolfgang Puck’s Four Cheese Pizza (frozen) with fat-free ranch dipping sauce (I know – what’s the point at that point, huh?) and a delicious dessert of Breyer’s French Chocolate Fat Free Double Churn ice cream topped with Hershey's Lite Chocolate Syrup and several generous dollops of Cool Whip Lite. Mmmm…so good!
Brett and I vegged out on the couches and watched NBC’s comedy night – My Name is Earl, The Office (3 episodes – it was a marathon – I was in John Krasinski heaven!), and the very last (ever) Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (it’s not being renewed by the network for next fall).
Brett was heartened to hear one of his favorite shows this year, Jericho, was saved from cancellation by avid fans sending over 50,000 pounds of nuts to CBS. It was in reaction to the last episode where one of the characters utters “Nuts” to an enemy. It had been on the chopping block, but viewer response forced the network to renew the show for the fall. Yea, Jericho!
I knew a guy in Bible college who was named Jericho. I’m sure his parents thought it would be original, but (to be honest) everyone just called him Jerry, and that’s not original at all.
So, finally, a nice normal stay-at-home night.
Now, today, we are meeting friends for a late lunch at 2:30 p.m. at the Golden Corral (Is that good? - We’ve never been there.). Then, I have GOT, GOT, GOT to get my Mary Kay act together enough to place my order!
Today is also PAYDAY! Whoo-hoo!
Tomorrow, we have the annual 4th of July bash at Paul and Kara’s.
Sunday is church, and then it starts all over again!
I only had one more trip on my way home from work - to visit the cantankerous staff at the Rockton Wal-Mart.
Actually, I had been invited to a “kitsch” party at our graphic designer’s house – handmade cards, purses, jewelry – but I don’t know our designer all that well, and I didn’t want to go by myself. I hit up my co-workers, but everyone was totally broke or exhausted. I took it as a sign that God didn’t want me spending any more money on costume jewelry!
I stopped at Wal-Mart for a surprisingly brief couple of moments to pick up what we’d forgotten during our last trip. Except of course, I forgot to return Brett’s damaged DVD of The Deer Hunter . Another trip, another time. That’s how lazy I am about going all the way back out to my car!
Anyway, I made it home by 6:30 p.m. and was able to enjoy a deluxe dine-in dinner of Wolfgang Puck’s Four Cheese Pizza (frozen) with fat-free ranch dipping sauce (I know – what’s the point at that point, huh?) and a delicious dessert of Breyer’s French Chocolate Fat Free Double Churn ice cream topped with Hershey's Lite Chocolate Syrup and several generous dollops of Cool Whip Lite. Mmmm…so good!
Brett and I vegged out on the couches and watched NBC’s comedy night – My Name is Earl, The Office (3 episodes – it was a marathon – I was in John Krasinski heaven!), and the very last (ever) Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (it’s not being renewed by the network for next fall).Brett was heartened to hear one of his favorite shows this year, Jericho, was saved from cancellation by avid fans sending over 50,000 pounds of nuts to CBS. It was in reaction to the last episode where one of the characters utters “Nuts” to an enemy. It had been on the chopping block, but viewer response forced the network to renew the show for the fall. Yea, Jericho!
I knew a guy in Bible college who was named Jericho. I’m sure his parents thought it would be original, but (to be honest) everyone just called him Jerry, and that’s not original at all.
So, finally, a nice normal stay-at-home night.
Now, today, we are meeting friends for a late lunch at 2:30 p.m. at the Golden Corral (Is that good? - We’ve never been there.). Then, I have GOT, GOT, GOT to get my Mary Kay act together enough to place my order!
Today is also PAYDAY! Whoo-hoo!
Tomorrow, we have the annual 4th of July bash at Paul and Kara’s.
Sunday is church, and then it starts all over again!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Cheers for Candice
I love my cousin Candice.
I really do. We don’t hang out as much as either of us would like to, despite the fact we live close geographically. But every time I’m with her, I find myself happily basking in the glow of a long time, still growing friendship.
We’ve been friends since we were small, and we’ve always gotten along - even when we were little kids, and I was “directing” her in a variety of “skits.” Maybe it’s because she’s two years younger than me that I’ve always thought of her like a little sister.
I like her on so many levels, and more than just because she’s family. She is funny, sweet, bright, and - like me - doesn’t mind admitting her interest in fashion, People magazine, and the occasional movie or hot-leading-man discussion. With other people, those discussions can seem trivial, but with Candice, I feel like I’m just able to be myself.
What is unusual about Candice is that Brett had easily adopted her as HIS little sister, too. Brett doesn’t take naturally to my family. His family is full of wonderful people, but they are much more repressed and quiet than my loud, let’s-talk-it-out family.
I think the reason he likes Candice is that she accepts him for who he is. She’s one of those rare people for whom friendship and acceptance come easily. And those qualities make her a good, loyal friend.
With other members of my family, I double-check with Brett on whether we should have them over, since I know he is not comfortable with everyone. But with Candice, there is always an open invitation. Brett even told me last night, “Candice doesn’t need an invitation. Our house is her house!” (Well, he said the Spanish version, anyway – the term “casa” was bandied about.)
Now, you may not know my husband, but I can assure you statements like those are few and far between.
I say all this, because Candice went to church with us last night. Well, she didn’t so much “go to church” with us as “help us” in our Kids 4 Truth department. What was wonderful (other than having one of my best family-friends with me and pizza at our house afterwards) was that our church family was so warm and welcoming to her. I am really hoping it will entice her to come to church with us again.
Unfortunately she can’t come to church with us on Sunday, since she works the weekend shift. But I would love to see her on Wednesday nights, especially now that we’ve started going on Wednesday nights.
I hope she finds Morning Star refreshing after the hyper-super-legalistic-bordering-on-cultish behavior of a certain church that shall remain unnamed where she previously attended. Suffice it to say, I think the warm and welcoming attitude of my fellow Morning Staronians was a comfort to her!
I think perhaps the other reason I like Candice so much is that I see qualities in her that I need to develop in myself. She has this ability to accept people just as they are and not expect them to change for her. She manages to shrug off the occasional exclusion as “no big deal.” Her easy going way is such a contrast to my read-into-everything, cynical self.
So, she’s good for me.
Three cheers for my cousin Candice! :-)
I really do. We don’t hang out as much as either of us would like to, despite the fact we live close geographically. But every time I’m with her, I find myself happily basking in the glow of a long time, still growing friendship.
We’ve been friends since we were small, and we’ve always gotten along - even when we were little kids, and I was “directing” her in a variety of “skits.” Maybe it’s because she’s two years younger than me that I’ve always thought of her like a little sister.
I like her on so many levels, and more than just because she’s family. She is funny, sweet, bright, and - like me - doesn’t mind admitting her interest in fashion, People magazine, and the occasional movie or hot-leading-man discussion. With other people, those discussions can seem trivial, but with Candice, I feel like I’m just able to be myself.
What is unusual about Candice is that Brett had easily adopted her as HIS little sister, too. Brett doesn’t take naturally to my family. His family is full of wonderful people, but they are much more repressed and quiet than my loud, let’s-talk-it-out family.
I think the reason he likes Candice is that she accepts him for who he is. She’s one of those rare people for whom friendship and acceptance come easily. And those qualities make her a good, loyal friend.
With other members of my family, I double-check with Brett on whether we should have them over, since I know he is not comfortable with everyone. But with Candice, there is always an open invitation. Brett even told me last night, “Candice doesn’t need an invitation. Our house is her house!” (Well, he said the Spanish version, anyway – the term “casa” was bandied about.)
Now, you may not know my husband, but I can assure you statements like those are few and far between.
I say all this, because Candice went to church with us last night. Well, she didn’t so much “go to church” with us as “help us” in our Kids 4 Truth department. What was wonderful (other than having one of my best family-friends with me and pizza at our house afterwards) was that our church family was so warm and welcoming to her. I am really hoping it will entice her to come to church with us again.
Unfortunately she can’t come to church with us on Sunday, since she works the weekend shift. But I would love to see her on Wednesday nights, especially now that we’ve started going on Wednesday nights.
I hope she finds Morning Star refreshing after the hyper-super-legalistic-bordering-on-cultish behavior of a certain church that shall remain unnamed where she previously attended. Suffice it to say, I think the warm and welcoming attitude of my fellow Morning Staronians was a comfort to her!
I think perhaps the other reason I like Candice so much is that I see qualities in her that I need to develop in myself. She has this ability to accept people just as they are and not expect them to change for her. She manages to shrug off the occasional exclusion as “no big deal.” Her easy going way is such a contrast to my read-into-everything, cynical self.
So, she’s good for me.
Three cheers for my cousin Candice! :-)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Not Restful – Ragtime!
As you know, after last week’s non-stop activities, I was looking forward to a restful week. At least in the evenings, since work is unfailingly crazy during the day.
No such luck. But it’s not so bad.
On Monday, we took an evening trip to Wal-Mart where I remembered everything we needed…except for my nylons. Why would I need those? Oh yeah, I wear them to work everyday! I was so mad at myself when I got home!
Actually, we had a pretty funny moment in Wal-Mart (where we otherwise had the typically terrible customer service we have come to expect from Wal-Mart). Brett and I were wandering down the picnic aisle, which also included the alcohol selections. Brett stopped to look at one of the labels, and I teased him (since it had been an especially tough day at work for him) by saying, “C’mon honey, you know we can’t drown our sorrows in alcohol.”
“I know,” he said. Then he looked down the next aisle, which happened to be dairy products. “But can we at least drown them in ice cream?”
I was like, “You bet we can!”
We took home a lot of ice cream.
Things went downhill after that when the entire deli staff went on break at the same time and the unshaven, bearded guy “from shipping” took forever to get our lunchmeat ready. There was a crowd of us waiting, and he kept saying, “Hey, I just work in shipping. Everybody else is on break. Geez, I’m just nice guy who offered to help. How do I run this thing?”
Yeah, I’m not ripping into that lunchmeat right way.
The shopping trip combined with washing and preparing the rabbit’s veggie mix had me crawling into bed at around 11:30 p.m.
The next day (Tuesday) I spent the morning – 2 hours worth! – preparing our fruit mix. It takes SO LONG to chop up all that fruit and put it in containers, but we both love having fresh fruit salad, so it’s worth it. It’s especially worth it for Brett who absolutely LOVES it! He’s always so much happier when we have fresh fruit in the house.
This time the fruit salad contained strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, and frozen raspberries. Brett also bought mangos, but I couldn’t figure out to chop them up…so he can just add them to HIS fruit salad!
I had planned to hit Weight Watchers after work and then head home to relax. BUT…one of my girl reps called and told me she had reserved two tickets for me and a guest to see her perform in Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre production of Ragtime. Well, I could hardly say “no,” because:
She’s one of my favorite girl reps.
I love musicals.
I love plays.
I love Starlight Theatre.
She’s an amazing performer, and I wanted to be there for support!
So, I had to find a date. I called Mom, and she was up for the adventure!
The play didn’t start until 8:00 p.m., so I was able to hit Weight Watchers after all. Much to my delight, I had only gained 1.8 pounds in my three week absence! Yea! I can get THAT off pretty quickly.
I stayed for the meeting and got to see an old friend from high school, Tancy, and her mom. They sat by me, and we had a great time. Tancy was still as funny as I remembered, and now I’m not scared of her anymore.
Tancy was ahead of me in high school by two years, and I always thought she was SO popular. She was actually pretty nice to me, but those older high school girls always seem intimidating.
Tancy looked great! She’s lost over 60 pounds on Weight Watchers and still has that great skin tone she did in high school (curses! :-). Her mom looked great too, and the three of us joked through most of the meeting. Mostly about how a talkative man in the back row needed to put his leg down so we could stop looking at pasty white middle-age “man-thigh.” No thanks, buddy.
After the meeting, Mom met me in the parking lot. We shared dinner at Wendy’s where Mom managed to spill chili on both her shirt and her WHITE pants. I’m definitely NOT adopted as I do that all the time! After consuming dinner and forcing a Frosty on Mom, we headed to the theater for Ragtime.
It was the largest production Starlight Theatre has ever done. The hard work and long hours the actors put in – 8 hour days, six days a week, plus performances – definitely showed in one of the best plays I’ve ever seen. Congratulations to director Mike Webb on this production. Kudos! Applause!
My girl rep shone on stage as one of the Harlem group dancers and singers. Her grandfather and her mom sat next to me and Mom during the performance. Her mom told me this was actually a special preview night for family and friends and that the play actually “opens” today (Wednesday). I was taken back and honored she had given me two tickets of the four allotted to her for the play. It made me feel good about the relationships I’ve established with my girl reps and their amazing parents.
The only bad thing about the play was a little rain – okay, a lot of rain – but they closed the roof in time, so we primarily just got dripped on.
After the play ended, at 11:00 p.m., Mom and I headed to our respective homes, tired but happy. I went to bed around midnight. Brett resurfaced from sleep long enough to say that he loved me and then instantly fell back asleep (how does he do that?!) while I heard the amazing music from Ragtime still ringing in my head.
So, it has not been a restful week, yet. Wal-Mart, Ragtime, and tonight – Kids 4 Truth! But, like I said, it’s not too bad. At least I’m having a great time NOT being restful!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
Flashbacks from The Princess Bride
Our brother floor put on a play for us one night in college. It was called Scenes from The Princess Bride, and while my college friends rolled around on the floor in hysterical laughter, I was left befuddled.
You see, I had never seen The Princess Bride.
Half the girls on my floor could recite the entire movie line by line, while I just couldn’t figure out what exactly was supposed to be SO funny about a six-fingered man. And, I wanted to know, exactly who was Inigo Montoya, and why was I constantly being accused of killing his father?
Eventually I had the chance to rent The Princess Bride. Pretty fast, I figured out all the fuss was justified. I became an instant fan.
Over the years, I’ve watched The Princess Bride numerous times and even added it to our DVD library a couple years ago. I will still watch it every couple of months.
And this past Sunday, I found myself suffering funny flashbacks from The Princess Bride in the middle of our morning service.
We had a guest speaker this past Sunday (you can read more about him at Joy’s website - http://karagraphy.com/2007/06/14/where-the-rubber-meets-the-road-theology/ ).
Dr. Burggraff was actually speaking at Morning Star for our missions’ conference this past Wednesday – Friday + Sunday. We hadn’t been able to make it to midweek services, but Heidi had told me how good the messages were.
So, there I was on Sunday morning expecting to hear a great Sunday School lesson and a great morning service. The good doctor did not disappoint. Both were excellent.
There was only one problem.
I found myself thinking that Dr. B looked and sounded much like Wallace Shawn from The Princess Bride. I found myself asking the Lord if He could see fit to put the word “inconceivable” into the good doctor’s message.
No such luck.
But, my, oh, my – the similarities kept me straining to keep a straight face as I imagined Dr. B drifting off to talk about land wars in Asia.
Okay, okay…I did eventually pay attention, but it sure was distracting.
On to the rest of Sunday’s activities, after morning service, we headed up to my nephew Johnathan’s (no, really, that’s how it’s spelled) open house. He graduated from high school this year. It was so hard to believe! He’s tall and sturdy and actually looks like a man. It’s hard to believe he was only seven when Brett and I started dating!
Brett’s dad passed out birthday and anniversary cards to all the Soderstroms present. He likes to do it all at one time in the summer. I think it is just more convenient for him now that Jean is gone. Either way, it is a sweet gesture. As always, he was extremely generous with gifts of money for his kids, kids-in-laws, and grandchildren.
We also got the chance to see the rest of the Soderstrom clan. My niece is so grown up now that I barely recognized her! When did she get to be 13? I thought one of my nephews had brought a date, until I looked closer and saw it was her! Amazing!
We spent most of the afternoon up there and were pretty tuckered out when we got home. Still, I had it in me to finish my Season 3 of Reba DVD I got from Netflix before stumbling off to bed to face a new week.
It was a great weekend. But, I’m sort of glad to have a little break.
And I’d still like a couple more naps.
You see, I had never seen The Princess Bride.
Half the girls on my floor could recite the entire movie line by line, while I just couldn’t figure out what exactly was supposed to be SO funny about a six-fingered man. And, I wanted to know, exactly who was Inigo Montoya, and why was I constantly being accused of killing his father?
Eventually I had the chance to rent The Princess Bride. Pretty fast, I figured out all the fuss was justified. I became an instant fan.
Over the years, I’ve watched The Princess Bride numerous times and even added it to our DVD library a couple years ago. I will still watch it every couple of months.
And this past Sunday, I found myself suffering funny flashbacks from The Princess Bride in the middle of our morning service.
We had a guest speaker this past Sunday (you can read more about him at Joy’s website - http://karagraphy.com/2007/06/14/where-the-rubber-meets-the-road-theology/ ).
Dr. Burggraff was actually speaking at Morning Star for our missions’ conference this past Wednesday – Friday + Sunday. We hadn’t been able to make it to midweek services, but Heidi had told me how good the messages were.
So, there I was on Sunday morning expecting to hear a great Sunday School lesson and a great morning service. The good doctor did not disappoint. Both were excellent.
There was only one problem.
I found myself thinking that Dr. B looked and sounded much like Wallace Shawn from The Princess Bride. I found myself asking the Lord if He could see fit to put the word “inconceivable” into the good doctor’s message.
No such luck.
But, my, oh, my – the similarities kept me straining to keep a straight face as I imagined Dr. B drifting off to talk about land wars in Asia.
Okay, okay…I did eventually pay attention, but it sure was distracting.
On to the rest of Sunday’s activities, after morning service, we headed up to my nephew Johnathan’s (no, really, that’s how it’s spelled) open house. He graduated from high school this year. It was so hard to believe! He’s tall and sturdy and actually looks like a man. It’s hard to believe he was only seven when Brett and I started dating!
Brett’s dad passed out birthday and anniversary cards to all the Soderstroms present. He likes to do it all at one time in the summer. I think it is just more convenient for him now that Jean is gone. Either way, it is a sweet gesture. As always, he was extremely generous with gifts of money for his kids, kids-in-laws, and grandchildren.
We also got the chance to see the rest of the Soderstrom clan. My niece is so grown up now that I barely recognized her! When did she get to be 13? I thought one of my nephews had brought a date, until I looked closer and saw it was her! Amazing!
We spent most of the afternoon up there and were pretty tuckered out when we got home. Still, I had it in me to finish my Season 3 of Reba DVD I got from Netflix before stumbling off to bed to face a new week.
It was a great weekend. But, I’m sort of glad to have a little break.
And I’d still like a couple more naps.
Golf & Games
After my eventful (if not quite frantic) Friday, it was a blessed blessing to sleep in on Saturday morning. Actually, both Brett and I slept in until oh, about 3:00 p.m.
Blissful!
Charity called in the afternoon, and we made plans to meet the extended Boehm clan, Toinette, and Mom and Gary at Volcano Falls in Rockford at 7:00 p.m.
Omigosh! It was so fun! We spilt into three teams of four.
There was:
Me
Brett
Charity
Toinette
Mom
Gary
Candice
Colleen
Uncle Billy
Lina
Maria
Paola
Our team was the worst! The four of us bumbled our way around, often taking 8 or 9 shots to get the ball in on a par 4 hole. Charity was our diligent scorekeeper. She eventually decided to “cap” all our scores at 5 shots per hole. STILL, even after all that, the winning score in our group was (drum roll, please) Charity with 52. I was a close second with 53!
We played one after another, so we were able to cheer on our other teams. We did several triumphant cheers when one of us would get a hole in one. Charity just loved her shoes – she even named them “Rocketdogs,” - and I think they were her secret key to winning – or as our scorekeeper, she could have…cooked the books!
We also spotted our teenage cousin Justin ON A DATE. He saw us, completely ignored us, and we decided to be merciful and pretend (just for the moment) that we didn’t know who HE was either! But, he’s bound to be teased endlessly at the next Rehfeldt party!
After the golfing, Uncle Billy invited us all back to his house for games and pizza. We played Guesstures and enjoyed Giuseppe’s Pizza – the best in Rockford. Teams for Guesstures were:
Mom
Me
Charity
Toinette
Brett
Maria
Paola
Colleen
*(with occasional help from Lina)
This was the electronic version of the game, so half the time we were losing points but couldn’t figure out why! Still, it was very exciting – although we pummeled the competition – and there are several moments (and words) I won’t forget!
Paola had the two hardest words and try as she did, no one guessed them – illegible and incisor!
Mom crawled all over the floor like an ape-man. We guessed caveman, pre-historic, Neanderthal, and yes, even ape-man. Mom got more and more excited…until time ran out. The word was dinosaur. DINOSAUR!!!
Brett acted out a great death scene…but no one guessed the word, and I can’t even remember what it is now. Just that he missed his calling!
That wrapped up Saturday, and we headed home to go to bed and prepare our hearts for Sunday and….flashbacks from The Princess Bride!
Blissful!
Charity called in the afternoon, and we made plans to meet the extended Boehm clan, Toinette, and Mom and Gary at Volcano Falls in Rockford at 7:00 p.m.
Omigosh! It was so fun! We spilt into three teams of four.
There was:
Me
Brett
Charity
Toinette
Mom
Gary
Candice
Colleen
Uncle Billy
Lina
Maria
Paola
Our team was the worst! The four of us bumbled our way around, often taking 8 or 9 shots to get the ball in on a par 4 hole. Charity was our diligent scorekeeper. She eventually decided to “cap” all our scores at 5 shots per hole. STILL, even after all that, the winning score in our group was (drum roll, please) Charity with 52. I was a close second with 53!
We played one after another, so we were able to cheer on our other teams. We did several triumphant cheers when one of us would get a hole in one. Charity just loved her shoes – she even named them “Rocketdogs,” - and I think they were her secret key to winning – or as our scorekeeper, she could have…cooked the books!
We also spotted our teenage cousin Justin ON A DATE. He saw us, completely ignored us, and we decided to be merciful and pretend (just for the moment) that we didn’t know who HE was either! But, he’s bound to be teased endlessly at the next Rehfeldt party!
After the golfing, Uncle Billy invited us all back to his house for games and pizza. We played Guesstures and enjoyed Giuseppe’s Pizza – the best in Rockford. Teams for Guesstures were:
Mom
Me
Charity
Toinette
Brett
Maria
Paola
Colleen
*(with occasional help from Lina)
This was the electronic version of the game, so half the time we were losing points but couldn’t figure out why! Still, it was very exciting – although we pummeled the competition – and there are several moments (and words) I won’t forget!
Paola had the two hardest words and try as she did, no one guessed them – illegible and incisor!
Mom crawled all over the floor like an ape-man. We guessed caveman, pre-historic, Neanderthal, and yes, even ape-man. Mom got more and more excited…until time ran out. The word was dinosaur. DINOSAUR!!!
Brett acted out a great death scene…but no one guessed the word, and I can’t even remember what it is now. Just that he missed his calling!
That wrapped up Saturday, and we headed home to go to bed and prepare our hearts for Sunday and….flashbacks from The Princess Bride!
Frantic Friday
Sorry for the wait between Thursday and Friday! I’m sure you were glued to your PC breathless for details!
So, going forward in my weekend wanderings, I believe I was on (da, da, DUM!) Friday.
Frantic Friday
Well, I don’t know if it is okay to call it “frantic” when I did take a four hour nap in the middle of the day. The evening was frantic, anyway!
Earlier in the day, I worked, and then I was off at 1:00 p.m. courtesy of our summer hours. I went home and took that luscious four hour nap. It was so delicious and refreshing!
I fear I am becoming a sleepaholic with how much I am enjoying my naps these days.
I wandered out of bed at 5:30 p.m., spruced myself up from looking like a disheveled homeless person, and managed to make it over to my cousin’s house at 6:30 p.m. for an Usborne book party. My cousin-in-law Kara was one of the two people who attended my book party and booked her party from my show. So, if I went to her party, I would get $20 of books for only $5. That’s a pretty good deal.
Best of all, I got to see Carleen (who is first my friend and then my Usborne Book Consultant). Plus Kara had an awesome cucumber dip from Tastefully Simple, along with chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate dipped pretzels, and (dang it, I’m hungry now) fresh, ripened raspberries. Mmmmmm! Oh, she had sangria, too, but I stuck to Diet Coke (I’m SO addicted).
I bought That’s Not My Snowman, That’s Not My Bunny, and Woolly’s Walk. A friend of mine just found out she is pregnant, due early next year, so I’m planning to add these to the baby’s library.
After the show wrapped up, Carleen and I had the brainstorm that we should totally go out to Applebee’s, split an appetizer, and get caught up on each other’s lives. It was a blast! We always have SUCH a good time together, and plus we had a quesadilla – my favorite appetizer EVER!
Brett called my cell at 11:50 p.m. and said he just wanted to make sure I was okay, and then Carleen and I realized we had totally lost track of time – it was nearly midnight! We’d been talking without stopping for almost FOUR HOURS! We said hurried goodbyes and headed to our homes.
I finally fell in bed (again) at around 12:30 a.m. with a nice warm husband who gave me a hug, a kiss, and only said, “I hope you had a good time. Love ya. Good night baby.”
Sometimes, he’s the sweetest thing ever, too!
So, going forward in my weekend wanderings, I believe I was on (da, da, DUM!) Friday.
Frantic Friday
Well, I don’t know if it is okay to call it “frantic” when I did take a four hour nap in the middle of the day. The evening was frantic, anyway!
Earlier in the day, I worked, and then I was off at 1:00 p.m. courtesy of our summer hours. I went home and took that luscious four hour nap. It was so delicious and refreshing!
I fear I am becoming a sleepaholic with how much I am enjoying my naps these days.
I wandered out of bed at 5:30 p.m., spruced myself up from looking like a disheveled homeless person, and managed to make it over to my cousin’s house at 6:30 p.m. for an Usborne book party. My cousin-in-law Kara was one of the two people who attended my book party and booked her party from my show. So, if I went to her party, I would get $20 of books for only $5. That’s a pretty good deal.
Best of all, I got to see Carleen (who is first my friend and then my Usborne Book Consultant). Plus Kara had an awesome cucumber dip from Tastefully Simple, along with chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate dipped pretzels, and (dang it, I’m hungry now) fresh, ripened raspberries. Mmmmmm! Oh, she had sangria, too, but I stuck to Diet Coke (I’m SO addicted).
I bought That’s Not My Snowman, That’s Not My Bunny, and Woolly’s Walk. A friend of mine just found out she is pregnant, due early next year, so I’m planning to add these to the baby’s library.
After the show wrapped up, Carleen and I had the brainstorm that we should totally go out to Applebee’s, split an appetizer, and get caught up on each other’s lives. It was a blast! We always have SUCH a good time together, and plus we had a quesadilla – my favorite appetizer EVER!
Brett called my cell at 11:50 p.m. and said he just wanted to make sure I was okay, and then Carleen and I realized we had totally lost track of time – it was nearly midnight! We’d been talking without stopping for almost FOUR HOURS! We said hurried goodbyes and headed to our homes.
I finally fell in bed (again) at around 12:30 a.m. with a nice warm husband who gave me a hug, a kiss, and only said, “I hope you had a good time. Love ya. Good night baby.”
Sometimes, he’s the sweetest thing ever, too!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Tremendous Thursday
Wow! The last two days turned out be a great deal busier and a lot more fun than I’d expected!
As you read in my earlier post, my two cousins Colleen and Charity are "home" for a couple of days from Tennessee.
Well, their dad hosted an impromptu BBQ Thursday night!
Grandpa Boehm and his wife, Evelyn, were visiting, along with my cousins’ Aunt Betty and some other relatives from the Boehm side which was actually the REAL reason for the celebration.
But you add Rehfeldts to any occasion, and you get a party!
Uncle Billy and Lina were gracious enough to open up their home to the lot of us! I should mention…that we kind of invited ourselves. We’re not too proud to admit we’re not above doing that on occasion!
In addition to Uncle Billy and Lina, there was me and Brett; Mom and Gary; my cousin Brad, his wife Paula, and their adorable little toddler Aidan; Grandpa Boehm and Evelyn; Betty Boehm; Maria and Paola; Charity, Colleen, Candice, and BJ (who is moving back, yea!), our old high school friend – the terrific – Toinette; and some other assorted Boehm relatives that I didn’t personally know!
Sounds like a fun party, doesn’t it?!
Brett and I got there late – as usual. This time it was my fault. I was invited to go out after work with "the girls" from the office to nosh on appetizers and indulge in a little water cooler talk at the Olympic, and I just couldn’t resist.
So, I was running late when I got home. Brett didn’t mind, since he had just mowed the grass and was diving into a much needed shower when I got home.
When we finally did get to Uncle Billy’s, we enjoyed delicious freshly-grilled food and (my favorite) Colleen’s World-Famous Frosted Brownies! We spent a lot of time watching Aidan, my cousin’s adorable little boy, as he toddled around handing toys to various people and just being cute as a button.
Candice showed me and Brett Uncle Billy’s new GIGANTIC swimming pool! He could teach canoeing in that thing!!! It’s really nice, though, and we got the invite to come over sometime and use it, so it got a thumbs-up from us.
After the food and the fellowship, it was time for the traditional playing of the BOARD GAME!
Muwahahahahah!!!!
Colleen, Candice, Maria, Paola, Charity, Brett, Toinette, Mom, and I gathered around the coffee table to play Apples to Apples. It was a competitive game - complete with teasing, arguing, and laughing - but in the end, petite Paola proved she has what it takes to win!
Don’t let her fool you – behind those pretty eyes is a SHARK!!! She’s really good!
We tried to convince Lina to play with us by chanting "LINA! LINA! LINA!" loud and obnoxiously, but she resisted our juvenile persuasion and stayed with "the adults" in the kitchen. Mom kept saying how we were all "young" in the living room. Whatever we have to tell ourselves, Mom!
We had SUCH a good time. I could hardly believe it was time to go home SO fast. Of course, if I had known how busy I was going to be on Friday, I probably would have tried to grab a little more shut-eye.
As you read in my earlier post, my two cousins Colleen and Charity are "home" for a couple of days from Tennessee.
Well, their dad hosted an impromptu BBQ Thursday night!
Grandpa Boehm and his wife, Evelyn, were visiting, along with my cousins’ Aunt Betty and some other relatives from the Boehm side which was actually the REAL reason for the celebration.
But you add Rehfeldts to any occasion, and you get a party!
Uncle Billy and Lina were gracious enough to open up their home to the lot of us! I should mention…that we kind of invited ourselves. We’re not too proud to admit we’re not above doing that on occasion!
In addition to Uncle Billy and Lina, there was me and Brett; Mom and Gary; my cousin Brad, his wife Paula, and their adorable little toddler Aidan; Grandpa Boehm and Evelyn; Betty Boehm; Maria and Paola; Charity, Colleen, Candice, and BJ (who is moving back, yea!), our old high school friend – the terrific – Toinette; and some other assorted Boehm relatives that I didn’t personally know!
Sounds like a fun party, doesn’t it?!
Brett and I got there late – as usual. This time it was my fault. I was invited to go out after work with "the girls" from the office to nosh on appetizers and indulge in a little water cooler talk at the Olympic, and I just couldn’t resist.
So, I was running late when I got home. Brett didn’t mind, since he had just mowed the grass and was diving into a much needed shower when I got home.
When we finally did get to Uncle Billy’s, we enjoyed delicious freshly-grilled food and (my favorite) Colleen’s World-Famous Frosted Brownies! We spent a lot of time watching Aidan, my cousin’s adorable little boy, as he toddled around handing toys to various people and just being cute as a button.
Candice showed me and Brett Uncle Billy’s new GIGANTIC swimming pool! He could teach canoeing in that thing!!! It’s really nice, though, and we got the invite to come over sometime and use it, so it got a thumbs-up from us.
After the food and the fellowship, it was time for the traditional playing of the BOARD GAME!
Muwahahahahah!!!!
Colleen, Candice, Maria, Paola, Charity, Brett, Toinette, Mom, and I gathered around the coffee table to play Apples to Apples. It was a competitive game - complete with teasing, arguing, and laughing - but in the end, petite Paola proved she has what it takes to win!
Don’t let her fool you – behind those pretty eyes is a SHARK!!! She’s really good!
We tried to convince Lina to play with us by chanting "LINA! LINA! LINA!" loud and obnoxiously, but she resisted our juvenile persuasion and stayed with "the adults" in the kitchen. Mom kept saying how we were all "young" in the living room. Whatever we have to tell ourselves, Mom!
We had SUCH a good time. I could hardly believe it was time to go home SO fast. Of course, if I had known how busy I was going to be on Friday, I probably would have tried to grab a little more shut-eye.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
What Are You Lookin’ At?
There I was on my way to work - sipping my Diet Pepsi from Panera with one hand, driving with the other hand, and pouring my heart into a radio duet of “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”I looked at the car next to me and saw the woman holding her McDonald’s box with one hand, using her teeth to snag her hash brown, and driving with her other hand. As I watched her head bop around, I noticed she was mouthing the same words I was.
I started to smile.
Looking in the rearview mirror, I saw a young girl in the Corvette behind me sipping on her Starbucks latte and belting out the second verse of the same country song.
I turned back to look at my car neighbor. She caught me staring and started to give me a good-morning-what-the-heck-are-you-looking-at glare. I tilted my head backward, and she turned to see our young friend charging boldly into the third verse of “Boots.” She looked back at me, and we shared a quick smile before the light changed.
As we went our separate ways, I thought about how little it takes to create common ground. Whether it’s a boring morning commute, eating in the car, or a favorite country and western song, we’re all the same at heart!
The Out of Towners
If you had asked me back when I was 16 who was more likely to move the heck away from Rockford, me or my two cousins, Charity and Colleen, I would have laughed in your face.
Seriously.
In. Your. Face.
I was going to move far away. Maybe even to Chicago. And be a world famous journalist and activist for women everywhere! I was NEVER going to get married. Never be tied to a house. Never cook or clean or be with a man who wanted me to. I was going to be a big-city-apartment-dwelling true life success story of when women achieve their full potential.
Yeah. I’m livin’ the dream over here in Rockford-area, suburban, married, mortgage-paying ecstasy.
Okay, so maybe it sounds worse than it is. To be honest, I like my life. I’d still rather be living in an apartment in Chicago and working for the Trib, but…life takes you places, and I’ve accepted that I need to (I hate this cliché) bloom where I’m planted.
The funny thing is that my cousins, who I had labeled as “homebodies” when I was 16, were the ones who flew the coop. Flew all the way to Tennessee where they teach and work at a Baptist church founded by our Uncle Frank.
They were practically my sisters growing up, and in my head, I still picture them close by. So, when they truly do “come home,” it’s always a treat. There are very few people who know the real me. But Charity and Colleen know me.
Enough to blackmail me.
I got them in trouble when we were kids. I choreographed plays and skits in their basement. And I proved on occasion what a spoiled brat of an only child I could be.
And they loved me anyway.
The three of us are as different as night, day, and night and day on another planet. But we do love each other.
One major difference between C&C and me is our level of garrulousness. Chit-chatty-ness. C&C aren’t talkers. They say what needs to be said and don’t spend unnecessary hours rehashing over the facts.
Unlike my rather verbose self.
Sometimes I can’t stop talking.
Really I can’t. It drove my parents nearly out of their minds when I was growing up, and I’m convinced Brett is a saint for actually listening to my never ending litany of details.
Life, as I believe, is truly in the details. The little, itty, bitty, minute details.
Maybe it speaks to how much I like just truly being myself with my cousins – but I had a great time when we went out to lunch today.
Seriously.
In. Your. Face.
I was going to move far away. Maybe even to Chicago. And be a world famous journalist and activist for women everywhere! I was NEVER going to get married. Never be tied to a house. Never cook or clean or be with a man who wanted me to. I was going to be a big-city-apartment-dwelling true life success story of when women achieve their full potential.
Yeah. I’m livin’ the dream over here in Rockford-area, suburban, married, mortgage-paying ecstasy.
Okay, so maybe it sounds worse than it is. To be honest, I like my life. I’d still rather be living in an apartment in Chicago and working for the Trib, but…life takes you places, and I’ve accepted that I need to (I hate this cliché) bloom where I’m planted.
The funny thing is that my cousins, who I had labeled as “homebodies” when I was 16, were the ones who flew the coop. Flew all the way to Tennessee where they teach and work at a Baptist church founded by our Uncle Frank.
They were practically my sisters growing up, and in my head, I still picture them close by. So, when they truly do “come home,” it’s always a treat. There are very few people who know the real me. But Charity and Colleen know me.
Enough to blackmail me.
I got them in trouble when we were kids. I choreographed plays and skits in their basement. And I proved on occasion what a spoiled brat of an only child I could be.
And they loved me anyway.
The three of us are as different as night, day, and night and day on another planet. But we do love each other.
One major difference between C&C and me is our level of garrulousness. Chit-chatty-ness. C&C aren’t talkers. They say what needs to be said and don’t spend unnecessary hours rehashing over the facts.
Unlike my rather verbose self.
Sometimes I can’t stop talking.
Really I can’t. It drove my parents nearly out of their minds when I was growing up, and I’m convinced Brett is a saint for actually listening to my never ending litany of details.
Life, as I believe, is truly in the details. The little, itty, bitty, minute details.
Maybe it speaks to how much I like just truly being myself with my cousins – but I had a great time when we went out to lunch today.
They are only in town for a couple of days, and they made time for lunch with me at Beef-a-Roo. It was wonderful. They didn’t say much, but the fact we were there together made it seem like old, wonderful times.
They had missed Beef-a-Roo, so they enjoyed the food. And I had missed them, so I enjoyed the conversation and the heavenly slices of silence. The silence comforts me.
I know I don’t have to fill up the pauses. They’re comfortable with them. But I can, and they won’t think less of me.
So, maybe, I was wrong all those years ago. But like I said, life takes us in all different directions. And I’m grateful God saw fit to give me great family like Charity and Colleen.
No matter where they live, they’re always close by.
They had missed Beef-a-Roo, so they enjoyed the food. And I had missed them, so I enjoyed the conversation and the heavenly slices of silence. The silence comforts me.
I know I don’t have to fill up the pauses. They’re comfortable with them. But I can, and they won’t think less of me.
So, maybe, I was wrong all those years ago. But like I said, life takes us in all different directions. And I’m grateful God saw fit to give me great family like Charity and Colleen.
No matter where they live, they’re always close by.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The Monthly Monster
Yeah, um, so I guess I won’t be going to church or shopping tonight. The Monthly Monster has decided, rather unexpectedly, to drop in on me.
And so…yeah…ouch!
I need a heating pad, the couch, and someone to bring me Diet Coke!
And so…yeah…ouch!
I need a heating pad, the couch, and someone to bring me Diet Coke!
Harrowing Hair Day
Yesterday was a little stressful.
I pretend not to be an organized person. I figure if people have lower expectations of my organizing abilities, then they won’t be upset if I screw-up. I like to make sure I’m covered IN the event of a screw-up, you know?
But the truth is that when it comes to my own schedule, I can be pretty organized. So, after having two weeks where every night was jam-packed with something, I was looking forward to finally having a night to run to the grocery store.
I thought I would just “pop-in” on my way home and get my shaggy-dog hair cut and styled. I’m more poodle than collie, anyway.
Proving how organized I am, I called at noon to see if Cost Cutters could get me in at 5:30 p.m. I was told they don’t take appointments, but if I called closer to 5:00 p.m., then they could give me an estimate. I did. They told me to call back at 5:20 p.m. So, I just decided to “pop-in” on my way home, anyway – I’m not calling at 5:20 if I can be there in person at 5:30, you know?
I ended up having to wait a half hour for someone to tell me that it would be another half hour before I could get in. I seethed a little inside as I walked over to The Dollar Tree. Might as well redeem the time, you know?
I actually had fun in The Dollar Tree, although I didn’t buy anything. I’ve had so much $$$ come out of my check for things this week, and Brett doesn’t even know yet, so I’m afraid he’s not going to like it. Not much I can do about it – they were all legitimate things…well, maybe not the jewelry…but everything ELSE!
By the time I got back to Cost Cutters, I’d pretty much decided to be in a bad mood. But, as any woman knows, getting your hair washed, dried, cut, and styled by a professional can do wonders for your mood.
After my “spa” treatment, I was in a much better mood. Plus, I was able to stock up on my favorite hair care products from Big Sexy Hair. I know what you’re thinking. “She won’t spend money at The Dollar Tree, but she’ll spend $50 on hair care?” Yeah, well. So what? It’s true!
And, let’s be honest, isn’t my hair worth it?!
After my hair cut it was after 7:30 p.m., so I headed home to tell Brett our shopping night was scrapped. He was actually exhausted, so it worked out okay for him. Plus Season 6 of Murder She Wrote from Netflix had arrived, so we snuggled up together to celebrate 80’s hair, clothes, and our favorite TV sleuth.
Our church’s mission conference starts tonight. I keep thinking that it would be so nice to go shopping – plus, we need to. But I know our souls would be better cared for if we went to the mission’s conference. Decisions. Decisions.
The thing is…my hair looks SO good now, you know? So…well, we should go to church anyway!
But I’ll like it even more since I’ll have Big Sexy Hair.
Is it okay to have that in church?
I pretend not to be an organized person. I figure if people have lower expectations of my organizing abilities, then they won’t be upset if I screw-up. I like to make sure I’m covered IN the event of a screw-up, you know?
But the truth is that when it comes to my own schedule, I can be pretty organized. So, after having two weeks where every night was jam-packed with something, I was looking forward to finally having a night to run to the grocery store.
I thought I would just “pop-in” on my way home and get my shaggy-dog hair cut and styled. I’m more poodle than collie, anyway.
Proving how organized I am, I called at noon to see if Cost Cutters could get me in at 5:30 p.m. I was told they don’t take appointments, but if I called closer to 5:00 p.m., then they could give me an estimate. I did. They told me to call back at 5:20 p.m. So, I just decided to “pop-in” on my way home, anyway – I’m not calling at 5:20 if I can be there in person at 5:30, you know?
I ended up having to wait a half hour for someone to tell me that it would be another half hour before I could get in. I seethed a little inside as I walked over to The Dollar Tree. Might as well redeem the time, you know?
I actually had fun in The Dollar Tree, although I didn’t buy anything. I’ve had so much $$$ come out of my check for things this week, and Brett doesn’t even know yet, so I’m afraid he’s not going to like it. Not much I can do about it – they were all legitimate things…well, maybe not the jewelry…but everything ELSE!
By the time I got back to Cost Cutters, I’d pretty much decided to be in a bad mood. But, as any woman knows, getting your hair washed, dried, cut, and styled by a professional can do wonders for your mood.
After my “spa” treatment, I was in a much better mood. Plus, I was able to stock up on my favorite hair care products from Big Sexy Hair. I know what you’re thinking. “She won’t spend money at The Dollar Tree, but she’ll spend $50 on hair care?” Yeah, well. So what? It’s true!
And, let’s be honest, isn’t my hair worth it?!
After my hair cut it was after 7:30 p.m., so I headed home to tell Brett our shopping night was scrapped. He was actually exhausted, so it worked out okay for him. Plus Season 6 of Murder She Wrote from Netflix had arrived, so we snuggled up together to celebrate 80’s hair, clothes, and our favorite TV sleuth.
Our church’s mission conference starts tonight. I keep thinking that it would be so nice to go shopping – plus, we need to. But I know our souls would be better cared for if we went to the mission’s conference. Decisions. Decisions.
The thing is…my hair looks SO good now, you know? So…well, we should go to church anyway!
But I’ll like it even more since I’ll have Big Sexy Hair.
Is it okay to have that in church?
Monday, June 18, 2007
One Busy Bunny
Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. Sorry about that. Things have been hectic. Thankfully, it’s been as good as it has been busy!
Last Thursday, I completed the major media and personal presentation training for my girl representatives. Everything went really well! I accepted 38 girls in the group, and 20 registered for the first training. I was expecting about 10 – 15 girls plus their parents, since usually something comes up and we get less people. BUT we had 22 girls – even MORE than who registered. I was ecstatic!
I was also really pleased with the demographics of the group. There was a variety of ages, zip codes, and interests. All of the girls auditioned well, and I think we have a winning group this year. The girl rep group is my sole responsibility, and I find it takes more of my time than ever before, but the girls are in demand SO much now, that it is definitely worth the time invested!
Plus, this year, for the very first time, there is a girl from my very own church in the group! So, it’s nice to have that personal connection.
I met a friend on Friday to see Knocked Up and The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Both movies were NOT great, so thankfully we enjoyed each other’s company and the night was not a total waste.
Knocked Up was heralded in the press as this great comedy movie, so I was really excited to see it. Boy, was I disappointed. It was raunchy, rude, and just plain filthy. Complete waste of money. Tasteless. Sometimes, I can overlook the language (and there was major language in this movie) if the plot has redeeming qualities.
The plot did noting to redeem this movie. I was actually a little disappointed in myself for NOT walking out. It was THAT bad. If you know me, it takes a LOT for me to walk out of a movie. But I feel like I should have definitely walked out of this one. After the first five minutes.
The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer wasn’t dirty; there was just really, really bad acting. I spent the first twenty minutes staring at the BAD wig on top of Jessica Alba’s head. It was this obviously fake blonde wig. And if supermodel Jessica Alba can’t look good in it – well, that about says it all. The actors hammed it up big time, and it was overall just a cheesy, special-effect-crammed film. Oh well, at least there was nowhere near the raunchy language and swearing of Knocked Up.
Saturday was so full of parties, I actually had to turn one down! Our Executive Director and her husband had a GIANT party to celebrate 40 years of marriage, but it conflicted with my other commitments, so I had to say no. It was probably a good thing that I did, though, since I hear the “libations” were flowing all night long. And as much as I like the people I work with, I’d rather not see them without their wits about them!
I did go to a lia sophia jewelry party at my friend Patty’s house. I also got to see their newly remodeled house out in Lake Summerset. It is SO gorgeous! And, of course, I DID order some jewelry – the Appliqué bracelet (see below- I know that is SO me!).
Later, Brett and I went to my cousin Paul’s wife’s surprise birthday party at the Briggs Mansion in Rockford. The mansion was gorgeous, and the food was fantastic. We had Italian beef sandwiches, gourmet salad, and pasta. And CAKE – I love CAKE! Plus, Kara (his wife) was really surprised when 60 people jumped out and yelled “Surprise!” We spent most of the night talking with my Uncle Dave, Aunt Venita, Cousin Jason, and his pregnant wife Jennie. It was a lot of fun, and we actually got home at a decent hour!
Brett’s dad came up on Sunday, and we spent the day with him celebrating Father’s Day. We went to Chili’s for brunch-dinner, and then he and Brett drove around Rockford to see where Brett works. Later, Mom and Gary took Brett and me out for homemade ice cream at the Dairy Haus in Rockton. Mom and I had Chocolate Suicides – SO GOOD!!! Brett had Butter Pecan, and Gary had his trademark Banana Split.
Overall, it was a good Father’s Day. And, if I can point out a personal moment, it was the first Father’s Day in eight years that I didn’t cry all day! In fact, I didn’t cry once. Grief is always there, but it does get easier with each passing year. However, I do plan to listen to my trademark Father’s Day song in the next couple of days – Luther Vandross’ Dance with My Father. Gets me every time.
So, now starts the beginning of another busy week! We are having Candice over for dinner tonight. Our church mission’s conference starts this week, and I have a book party to attend on Friday.
Should be fun!
Last Thursday, I completed the major media and personal presentation training for my girl representatives. Everything went really well! I accepted 38 girls in the group, and 20 registered for the first training. I was expecting about 10 – 15 girls plus their parents, since usually something comes up and we get less people. BUT we had 22 girls – even MORE than who registered. I was ecstatic!
I was also really pleased with the demographics of the group. There was a variety of ages, zip codes, and interests. All of the girls auditioned well, and I think we have a winning group this year. The girl rep group is my sole responsibility, and I find it takes more of my time than ever before, but the girls are in demand SO much now, that it is definitely worth the time invested!
Plus, this year, for the very first time, there is a girl from my very own church in the group! So, it’s nice to have that personal connection.
I met a friend on Friday to see Knocked Up and The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Both movies were NOT great, so thankfully we enjoyed each other’s company and the night was not a total waste.
Knocked Up was heralded in the press as this great comedy movie, so I was really excited to see it. Boy, was I disappointed. It was raunchy, rude, and just plain filthy. Complete waste of money. Tasteless. Sometimes, I can overlook the language (and there was major language in this movie) if the plot has redeeming qualities.
The plot did noting to redeem this movie. I was actually a little disappointed in myself for NOT walking out. It was THAT bad. If you know me, it takes a LOT for me to walk out of a movie. But I feel like I should have definitely walked out of this one. After the first five minutes.
The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer wasn’t dirty; there was just really, really bad acting. I spent the first twenty minutes staring at the BAD wig on top of Jessica Alba’s head. It was this obviously fake blonde wig. And if supermodel Jessica Alba can’t look good in it – well, that about says it all. The actors hammed it up big time, and it was overall just a cheesy, special-effect-crammed film. Oh well, at least there was nowhere near the raunchy language and swearing of Knocked Up.
Saturday was so full of parties, I actually had to turn one down! Our Executive Director and her husband had a GIANT party to celebrate 40 years of marriage, but it conflicted with my other commitments, so I had to say no. It was probably a good thing that I did, though, since I hear the “libations” were flowing all night long. And as much as I like the people I work with, I’d rather not see them without their wits about them!
I did go to a lia sophia jewelry party at my friend Patty’s house. I also got to see their newly remodeled house out in Lake Summerset. It is SO gorgeous! And, of course, I DID order some jewelry – the Appliqué bracelet (see below- I know that is SO me!).
Later, Brett and I went to my cousin Paul’s wife’s surprise birthday party at the Briggs Mansion in Rockford. The mansion was gorgeous, and the food was fantastic. We had Italian beef sandwiches, gourmet salad, and pasta. And CAKE – I love CAKE! Plus, Kara (his wife) was really surprised when 60 people jumped out and yelled “Surprise!” We spent most of the night talking with my Uncle Dave, Aunt Venita, Cousin Jason, and his pregnant wife Jennie. It was a lot of fun, and we actually got home at a decent hour!
Brett’s dad came up on Sunday, and we spent the day with him celebrating Father’s Day. We went to Chili’s for brunch-dinner, and then he and Brett drove around Rockford to see where Brett works. Later, Mom and Gary took Brett and me out for homemade ice cream at the Dairy Haus in Rockton. Mom and I had Chocolate Suicides – SO GOOD!!! Brett had Butter Pecan, and Gary had his trademark Banana Split.
Overall, it was a good Father’s Day. And, if I can point out a personal moment, it was the first Father’s Day in eight years that I didn’t cry all day! In fact, I didn’t cry once. Grief is always there, but it does get easier with each passing year. However, I do plan to listen to my trademark Father’s Day song in the next couple of days – Luther Vandross’ Dance with My Father. Gets me every time.
So, now starts the beginning of another busy week! We are having Candice over for dinner tonight. Our church mission’s conference starts this week, and I have a book party to attend on Friday.
Should be fun!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Touting Kids 4 Truth
I’m impressed. There you have it. It doesn’t happen often.
I’m impressed with how well our church’s Kids 4 Truth Leader, “Mr. Jeremy,” does with the kids in the program. He’s enthusiastic, fun, and manages to keep the kids interested.
Just last night he used an illustration of a cow chewing its cud to parallel how we should meditate on God’s word.
Now, it was gross, and I’ll never forget it (it involved regurgitation) but neither will the kids and years from now they will still be able to understand what meditating on God’s Word really means. And that is essential.
What we teach kids in church is important. I remember life lessons learned in those metal folding chairs. Particularly, a really cheesy song about how there is one mediator between God and man – the Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan Christ Jesus (sung just a tad obnoxiously). But, I’ll bet I was the only kid in second grade who knew what a mediator was!
There was a boy in our church youth group named Butch. He loved being able to take songs and switch the words around on our youth pastor. My favorite of all his creations was:
“Edifyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Edifyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Poke each other in the eye”
Poetic.
We laughed a lot in Windsor youth group. We were a bunch of happy misfits, so it worked out well.
Back to Kids 4 Truth, Brett and I just started helping out with the program, and so far we are really enjoying ourselves. I guess the program is supposed to be way different from AWANA, but other than the technological advances and much easier curriculum, I honestly don’t see a lot of differences.
I told Brett the major difference is the absence of SNACK! There is no SNACK! I only ever went to AWANA for the SNACK! It’s sad I was food driven even then, huh?
Actually, I liked the memorization part of AWANA. I just hated the forced competitiveness of the games. We all know how I feel about competition. And running around for no good reason.
Now, no snack makes me sad. We had the best snacks in AWANA. Plus, Brett and I don’t have time to eat between getting off work and getting to church on Wednesday night, so no snack means no food for us either.
Or as the little kid in front me said last night. “I’m so hungry I wish I could chew a cud!” Honest.
The kids are funny! Especially the pre-adolescent boys I sit behind. It takes great self-control not to burst out laughing at some of their under-their-breath wisecracks and wry observations.
But like I said, Mr. Jeremy does a great job and even those boys pay more attention than I know they would otherwise.
I’m hoping as Brett and I get more involved in the program that we can make a difference in these kids’ lives. I think we should start by introducing a snack time.
At least it will make us well-liked leaders!
I’m impressed with how well our church’s Kids 4 Truth Leader, “Mr. Jeremy,” does with the kids in the program. He’s enthusiastic, fun, and manages to keep the kids interested.
Just last night he used an illustration of a cow chewing its cud to parallel how we should meditate on God’s word.
Now, it was gross, and I’ll never forget it (it involved regurgitation) but neither will the kids and years from now they will still be able to understand what meditating on God’s Word really means. And that is essential.
What we teach kids in church is important. I remember life lessons learned in those metal folding chairs. Particularly, a really cheesy song about how there is one mediator between God and man – the Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan Christ Jesus (sung just a tad obnoxiously). But, I’ll bet I was the only kid in second grade who knew what a mediator was!
There was a boy in our church youth group named Butch. He loved being able to take songs and switch the words around on our youth pastor. My favorite of all his creations was:
“Edifyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Edifyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Poke each other in the eye”
Poetic.
We laughed a lot in Windsor youth group. We were a bunch of happy misfits, so it worked out well.
Back to Kids 4 Truth, Brett and I just started helping out with the program, and so far we are really enjoying ourselves. I guess the program is supposed to be way different from AWANA, but other than the technological advances and much easier curriculum, I honestly don’t see a lot of differences.
I told Brett the major difference is the absence of SNACK! There is no SNACK! I only ever went to AWANA for the SNACK! It’s sad I was food driven even then, huh?
Actually, I liked the memorization part of AWANA. I just hated the forced competitiveness of the games. We all know how I feel about competition. And running around for no good reason.
Now, no snack makes me sad. We had the best snacks in AWANA. Plus, Brett and I don’t have time to eat between getting off work and getting to church on Wednesday night, so no snack means no food for us either.
Or as the little kid in front me said last night. “I’m so hungry I wish I could chew a cud!” Honest.
The kids are funny! Especially the pre-adolescent boys I sit behind. It takes great self-control not to burst out laughing at some of their under-their-breath wisecracks and wry observations.
But like I said, Mr. Jeremy does a great job and even those boys pay more attention than I know they would otherwise.
I’m hoping as Brett and I get more involved in the program that we can make a difference in these kids’ lives. I think we should start by introducing a snack time.
At least it will make us well-liked leaders!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Jealousy & Judgment
I know as Christians, we’re supposed to focus on Christ and not on the entire bag of chocolate-covered almonds I just ate – oh my gosh, I just realized I ate the WHOLE bag!
What I was saying was that I find myself feeling like a failure lately.
Oh, not a complete failure. Just a failure.
How do I know this?
Because I know myself and my malcontent often decides to manifest itself in two major emotions - jealousy and judgment.
I didn’t used to be a jealous person. It was a foreign emotion to me. I was happy being me. But as I age, I find myself falling prey to the green-eyed monster.
For instance, I become jealous over THE stupidest things. Last night after church, I noticed the new young couple that had sat next to us during the service was being befriended by the family that sat behind us, and I thought, “I can’t believe THEM. WE were sitting next to them. Let US reach out for once.” How STUPID is that?! I mean really – where’s the unity of the body of Christ in that emotion?
I also find myself becoming judgmental over things that ARE NONE OF MY BUSINESS. Example? I was reading the blog of yet another family that is hopping on the home school bandwagon, and I found myself rolling my eyes in judgment. Why do I even care? They’re not MY kids! I don’t even NEED to have an opinion on schooling yet, you know?
And there I was being judge and jury on a legitimate, Christian lifestyle choice.
Who do I think I am, you know?
So, how does this all tie in to feeling like a failure? I’m not sure. I never used to be a negative person, but sometimes I find myself trolling websites and blogs just spoiling for a fight. Something to disagree on. To put my two cents in. To matter.
I think it stems from my ambition as a writer. The more I read, the more I feel like everyone has said everything that needs to be said. My thoughts are nothing new, exciting, and might not even be (gasp!) right. I hate feeling like not one thought in my head is original.
In the age of information and technology, it’s hard to distinguish yourself from the talented hordes and hacks presenting their work to the world on a daily basis. Transparency seems trite, and there are too many people who won’t be impressed.
Oh, it’s not like I thought I would win the Pulitzer prize or that my books would outsell Harry Potter. It’s just that I thought I would stand apart somehow. If apart means out, then it applies, but if apart means special, then I’m out.
It boils down to what my Dad said. His favorite phrase was that “It’s not about us; it’s about Him.”
My focus shouldn’t be on me and my shortcomings – though they are like matter sucking black holes in their infiniteness. My focus – THE focus – should be on God and His Honor and His glory.
It’s so easy for me to forget and find myself focusing on me. Myself. And I.
But it’s moments like these, when the Holy Spirit nudges me, I realize the sin that can result from an inward glance instead of an upward glance. So please pray for me. That I would find my contentment in Christ.
Not in myself. And not in that bag of chocolate-covered almonds.
As good as they were.
What I was saying was that I find myself feeling like a failure lately.
Oh, not a complete failure. Just a failure.
How do I know this?
Because I know myself and my malcontent often decides to manifest itself in two major emotions - jealousy and judgment.
I didn’t used to be a jealous person. It was a foreign emotion to me. I was happy being me. But as I age, I find myself falling prey to the green-eyed monster.
For instance, I become jealous over THE stupidest things. Last night after church, I noticed the new young couple that had sat next to us during the service was being befriended by the family that sat behind us, and I thought, “I can’t believe THEM. WE were sitting next to them. Let US reach out for once.” How STUPID is that?! I mean really – where’s the unity of the body of Christ in that emotion?
I also find myself becoming judgmental over things that ARE NONE OF MY BUSINESS. Example? I was reading the blog of yet another family that is hopping on the home school bandwagon, and I found myself rolling my eyes in judgment. Why do I even care? They’re not MY kids! I don’t even NEED to have an opinion on schooling yet, you know?
And there I was being judge and jury on a legitimate, Christian lifestyle choice.
Who do I think I am, you know?
So, how does this all tie in to feeling like a failure? I’m not sure. I never used to be a negative person, but sometimes I find myself trolling websites and blogs just spoiling for a fight. Something to disagree on. To put my two cents in. To matter.
I think it stems from my ambition as a writer. The more I read, the more I feel like everyone has said everything that needs to be said. My thoughts are nothing new, exciting, and might not even be (gasp!) right. I hate feeling like not one thought in my head is original.
In the age of information and technology, it’s hard to distinguish yourself from the talented hordes and hacks presenting their work to the world on a daily basis. Transparency seems trite, and there are too many people who won’t be impressed.
Oh, it’s not like I thought I would win the Pulitzer prize or that my books would outsell Harry Potter. It’s just that I thought I would stand apart somehow. If apart means out, then it applies, but if apart means special, then I’m out.
It boils down to what my Dad said. His favorite phrase was that “It’s not about us; it’s about Him.”
My focus shouldn’t be on me and my shortcomings – though they are like matter sucking black holes in their infiniteness. My focus – THE focus – should be on God and His Honor and His glory.
It’s so easy for me to forget and find myself focusing on me. Myself. And I.
But it’s moments like these, when the Holy Spirit nudges me, I realize the sin that can result from an inward glance instead of an upward glance. So please pray for me. That I would find my contentment in Christ.
Not in myself. And not in that bag of chocolate-covered almonds.
As good as they were.
Celebrations & Cessationists
This weekend was SO nice!
Now that my company has started “summer hours,” we close at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. So, I usually get to enjoy a long nap on Friday, and since Brett is off on Fridays, we can decide if we want to go out. This Friday, though, we both decided that we wanted to…NAP! I know that hardly sounds exciting, but we do both get up at 4:30 a.m. every morning, so we like to catch up on sleep when we can.
On Saturday, we putzed around the house in the morning. Nothing we like more than a good putzing. Then we went to my Cousin Jason’s graduation party. He is now officially a DOCTOR! A PhD! In my very own family! In my very own blue collar family! Yea!
His parents – my Aunt Venita and Uncle David – threw him a wonderful graduation party at Camp Winnebago. Jason was a camp counselor at Camp Winnebago years ago, so they got a really great rate. The day couldn’t have been more beautiful, weather-wise, and the facilities were all gorgeous log-cabin style. And the BEST part was the amazing food catered in from Rockford’s famous Kings Table Catering. Mmm…it was SO good!
We got to visit with family, almost everyone was there. It was the perfect day to sit around and get caught up on all the latest news:
Uncle Billy and Lina have a HUGE above-ground pool at their place now.
Mom and Aunt Jan talked about their trip to visit Michael and Danielle.
Kara and I talked about getting matching manicures on Friday.
Exciting stuff like that.
And, because Aunt Venita works at City Hall, the Mayor came to the party! That was really nice! We got to see him – up close and personal!
Later that evening, Brett and I went over to Mom and Gary’s, and the four of us played Sequence with Aunt Jan and Uncle Darryl. Actually, we taught Aunt Jan and Uncle Darryl the game, and they caught on pretty quickly. Especially Uncle Darryl who proclaimed it “a great game for late nights and simple minds.” I found that particularly interesting, since he was on the men’s team that LOST to us women four times in a row!!!
Maybe we should challenge the men to a game of Candyland?
The fellowship was fun – in spite of our time-consuming quest to make strawberry shakes in Mom and Gary’s broken blender. Thank goodness for the Magic Bullet!
On Sunday, we enjoyed morning service. The message was on the Holy Spirit. Pastor talked about the difference between cessationists and non-cessationists. It was a very interesting topic, and I managed to suppress the urge to pretend to “speak in tongues.” Ha! Ha! That would have been funny – but Brett would have crawled under his seat!
For lunch, we went to Applebee’s where we both ate too much. No surprise there.
Evening service was on the Lord’s Supper and how believers are all one body (say it with me one more time Morningstaronians – “one body”). It was a time of great fellowship, and Brett and I both went home in a reflective state of mind.
Now, for the week ahead, I’ve got grocery shopping (humans) tonight. Grocery shopping (rabbits) tomorrow night or possibly as photographer-on-call for work tomorrow night. Wednesday, Brett and I plan on helping at Kids4Truth (which looks to be a lot like Girl Scouts on first glance) at church – we started helping last week and lived to tell the tale. I am hosting a work-related training on Thursday, and Kara and I are getting manicures on Friday. Saturday, I have two parties to attend, and Sunday is church again! Whew! Busy week.
Please pray for me…you know I need it!
Now that my company has started “summer hours,” we close at 1:00 p.m. on Fridays. So, I usually get to enjoy a long nap on Friday, and since Brett is off on Fridays, we can decide if we want to go out. This Friday, though, we both decided that we wanted to…NAP! I know that hardly sounds exciting, but we do both get up at 4:30 a.m. every morning, so we like to catch up on sleep when we can.
On Saturday, we putzed around the house in the morning. Nothing we like more than a good putzing. Then we went to my Cousin Jason’s graduation party. He is now officially a DOCTOR! A PhD! In my very own family! In my very own blue collar family! Yea!
His parents – my Aunt Venita and Uncle David – threw him a wonderful graduation party at Camp Winnebago. Jason was a camp counselor at Camp Winnebago years ago, so they got a really great rate. The day couldn’t have been more beautiful, weather-wise, and the facilities were all gorgeous log-cabin style. And the BEST part was the amazing food catered in from Rockford’s famous Kings Table Catering. Mmm…it was SO good!
We got to visit with family, almost everyone was there. It was the perfect day to sit around and get caught up on all the latest news:
Uncle Billy and Lina have a HUGE above-ground pool at their place now.
Mom and Aunt Jan talked about their trip to visit Michael and Danielle.
Kara and I talked about getting matching manicures on Friday.
Exciting stuff like that.
And, because Aunt Venita works at City Hall, the Mayor came to the party! That was really nice! We got to see him – up close and personal!
Later that evening, Brett and I went over to Mom and Gary’s, and the four of us played Sequence with Aunt Jan and Uncle Darryl. Actually, we taught Aunt Jan and Uncle Darryl the game, and they caught on pretty quickly. Especially Uncle Darryl who proclaimed it “a great game for late nights and simple minds.” I found that particularly interesting, since he was on the men’s team that LOST to us women four times in a row!!!
Maybe we should challenge the men to a game of Candyland?
The fellowship was fun – in spite of our time-consuming quest to make strawberry shakes in Mom and Gary’s broken blender. Thank goodness for the Magic Bullet!
On Sunday, we enjoyed morning service. The message was on the Holy Spirit. Pastor talked about the difference between cessationists and non-cessationists. It was a very interesting topic, and I managed to suppress the urge to pretend to “speak in tongues.” Ha! Ha! That would have been funny – but Brett would have crawled under his seat!
For lunch, we went to Applebee’s where we both ate too much. No surprise there.
Evening service was on the Lord’s Supper and how believers are all one body (say it with me one more time Morningstaronians – “one body”). It was a time of great fellowship, and Brett and I both went home in a reflective state of mind.
Now, for the week ahead, I’ve got grocery shopping (humans) tonight. Grocery shopping (rabbits) tomorrow night or possibly as photographer-on-call for work tomorrow night. Wednesday, Brett and I plan on helping at Kids4Truth (which looks to be a lot like Girl Scouts on first glance) at church – we started helping last week and lived to tell the tale. I am hosting a work-related training on Thursday, and Kara and I are getting manicures on Friday. Saturday, I have two parties to attend, and Sunday is church again! Whew! Busy week.
Please pray for me…you know I need it!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Pray for Tonight
Please pray for me tonight!
Our company’s biggest public event – a high ticket sit down dinner - is tonight, and I’ll be handling press, public relations, my girl representatives, and more. Plus, I created the PowerPoint, and you know how that program loves to wig out at the worst time.
Please pray the event will be God-honoring (even though our company might not care – I sure do) and that God might use it to draw people to Himself. Also, pray for me that I will have a peaceful and serene spirit! Pray for my composure, efficiency, and abilities….and wisdom in all the choices I’ll have to make before/during/after the event.
As always, your prayers are appreciated.
Since I work in “the world,” I tend to forget what is really important – that God would be glorified in all that I (personally) do! So, please also pray I will keep that in mind all night!
Thanks!
Our company’s biggest public event – a high ticket sit down dinner - is tonight, and I’ll be handling press, public relations, my girl representatives, and more. Plus, I created the PowerPoint, and you know how that program loves to wig out at the worst time.
Please pray the event will be God-honoring (even though our company might not care – I sure do) and that God might use it to draw people to Himself. Also, pray for me that I will have a peaceful and serene spirit! Pray for my composure, efficiency, and abilities….and wisdom in all the choices I’ll have to make before/during/after the event.
As always, your prayers are appreciated.
Since I work in “the world,” I tend to forget what is really important – that God would be glorified in all that I (personally) do! So, please also pray I will keep that in mind all night!
Thanks!
Friday, June 01, 2007
The Shopper In Me
Absolutely, totally materialistic…I know. But what I’d really like is to buy something (heck, lots of somethings) and never once look at the price tag.
I shared this fact with my husband who said, “Oh but honey you can!”
“I can?” I asked in amazement.
“Sure! Just go to the Dollar Tree. You’ll never have to look at another price tag again.”
Smart aleck.
I shared this fact with my husband who said, “Oh but honey you can!”
“I can?” I asked in amazement.
“Sure! Just go to the Dollar Tree. You’ll never have to look at another price tag again.”
Smart aleck.
Happy Birthday Aunt Louise!
Oof! I’m so full!
I just got back from a delicious birthday lunch for Aunt Louise’s 59th birthday! All of us in-town “girls” went to Culver’s this afternoon and enjoyed burgers, fries, and Culver’s famous custard. Except for Aunt Judi, who bucked the high-cholesterol trend and went healthy with a salad.
Of course, she did admit to eating a Hershey’s bar in the car before she got to the restaurant.
For birthday guests, there was the guest of honor – Aunt Louise, my cousin Tammy (her daughter) and her 11 year old daughter Megan, my Aunt Judi and her 13 year old daughter Elizabeth, Grandma, Mom, and me. We made a nice little crowd and added to Culver’s already crowded lunch crowd (too many “crowds”?).
Turns out all the local high school kids go to Culver’s on their lunch period, so we had kids from public schools and the nearby Catholic high school hanging around making us feel ancient.
Except for Megan and Elizabeth, of course, who probably wished they could join them.
As always, we had a good and goofy-Rehfeldt time teasing each other. Mom teased Tammy about forgetting the birthday cupcakes. Aunt Judi teased Elizabeth about the cute boys at the next table. I teased Megan about being a grown-up, and so on.
It is amazing to me to be an adult. When I looked at Megan and Elizabeth, the realization struck me that I will be 29 years old in August. To them, I’m just as old and grown up as my aunts and cousin that were sitting around the table. When I look at my aunts and cousin I think of myself as young, but I realized I’m not young, not really, anymore.
I’m actually an adult.
Someday, Megan and Elizabeth will be sitting around a table with me and think, “Hey, when did I get to be 29?” Or at least I hope so.
They are both on their way to becoming wonderful women. Megan is a bit shyer and very sweet. She’s insightful and caught all of our sly comments and jokes. She’s very polite and didn’t roll her eyes once at our crazy over-the-top antics. I found it very charming how attentive and kind she was to her Grandma (my Aunt Louise) as she opened cards and exclaimed over gifts. Not to mention, she’s also very pretty with honey blond hair and bright eyes.
Elizabeth reminds me more of myself. She’s funny and quick-witted, although she joked with us about having her “blonde moments.” When we asked her if she had a boyfriend, her face lit up when she said, “Oh, are we talking about ME? I love that!” Like Megan, she had gorgeous blonde hair and a smile a mile wide. At 13, she DID notice the cute boys at the table next to us and only blushed a little when her Mom teased her. I found myself staring at her, wondering where my little six year old flower girl went, and who this almost-adult was in front of me.
Like I said, it was hard to believe!
Grandma sat serenely through all of our raucous laughter and shrieking. Occasionally, she’d pipe up with little news bulletins. “Uncle Bruce’s legs are falling asleep more and more.” “Cousin Jason’s graduation party is next week.” “Stop eating my fries, Ann-Marie.” Stuff like that.
My mom teased Tammy mercilessly about forgetting the birthday cupcakes, even though Tammy had a great excuse – her mind was preoccupied because someone may have hacked into their family’s bank account – that’s good enough reason to have your mind somewhere else! I’m actually surprised she wasn’t MORE panicked! I mean, forget the cupcakes, I’d lose my sanity!
Aunt Judi was delightful as always, as the one person who always gets my jokes and shares my those-crazy-Rehfeldt-sisters eye rolls across the table. I’ve always liked her as my aunt, but getting to know her as a person and a friend has been a huge benefit of growing up.
And the birthday girl – my Aunt Louise – was the life of the party with her distinctive voice, contagious laughter, and bordering-on-risqué jokes and stories. I’ve loved her since I was little when she and Tammy used to tag-team baby-sit me.
She would make me delicious grilled cheese (my favorite thing ever) and talked to me like I was an adult. Actually, Aunt Louise was the first adult who didn’t treat me like a kid. I always loved going over to her house because she would let me watch TV and read her romance novels. Those were some FUN afternoons.
I’ve always admired Aunt Louise. She’s the definition of a strong and determined woman being several decades sober, thanks to AA meetings. She’s persevered through some serious health issues with her sense of humor firmly intact. Not to mention, she married my Uncle Bruce who is one of the sweetest men alive. When they got married, I told Mom “that man is going to make a perfect grandpa. He was born for it.” And he is! He adores their grandkids with such a sweet spirit.
So, here’s to Aunt Louise! Happy birthday! As Mom said, “You’re 59 years young and holding!”
This niece loves and admires you!
I just got back from a delicious birthday lunch for Aunt Louise’s 59th birthday! All of us in-town “girls” went to Culver’s this afternoon and enjoyed burgers, fries, and Culver’s famous custard. Except for Aunt Judi, who bucked the high-cholesterol trend and went healthy with a salad.
Of course, she did admit to eating a Hershey’s bar in the car before she got to the restaurant.
For birthday guests, there was the guest of honor – Aunt Louise, my cousin Tammy (her daughter) and her 11 year old daughter Megan, my Aunt Judi and her 13 year old daughter Elizabeth, Grandma, Mom, and me. We made a nice little crowd and added to Culver’s already crowded lunch crowd (too many “crowds”?).
Turns out all the local high school kids go to Culver’s on their lunch period, so we had kids from public schools and the nearby Catholic high school hanging around making us feel ancient.
Except for Megan and Elizabeth, of course, who probably wished they could join them.
As always, we had a good and goofy-Rehfeldt time teasing each other. Mom teased Tammy about forgetting the birthday cupcakes. Aunt Judi teased Elizabeth about the cute boys at the next table. I teased Megan about being a grown-up, and so on.
It is amazing to me to be an adult. When I looked at Megan and Elizabeth, the realization struck me that I will be 29 years old in August. To them, I’m just as old and grown up as my aunts and cousin that were sitting around the table. When I look at my aunts and cousin I think of myself as young, but I realized I’m not young, not really, anymore.
I’m actually an adult.
Someday, Megan and Elizabeth will be sitting around a table with me and think, “Hey, when did I get to be 29?” Or at least I hope so.
They are both on their way to becoming wonderful women. Megan is a bit shyer and very sweet. She’s insightful and caught all of our sly comments and jokes. She’s very polite and didn’t roll her eyes once at our crazy over-the-top antics. I found it very charming how attentive and kind she was to her Grandma (my Aunt Louise) as she opened cards and exclaimed over gifts. Not to mention, she’s also very pretty with honey blond hair and bright eyes.
Elizabeth reminds me more of myself. She’s funny and quick-witted, although she joked with us about having her “blonde moments.” When we asked her if she had a boyfriend, her face lit up when she said, “Oh, are we talking about ME? I love that!” Like Megan, she had gorgeous blonde hair and a smile a mile wide. At 13, she DID notice the cute boys at the table next to us and only blushed a little when her Mom teased her. I found myself staring at her, wondering where my little six year old flower girl went, and who this almost-adult was in front of me.
Like I said, it was hard to believe!
Grandma sat serenely through all of our raucous laughter and shrieking. Occasionally, she’d pipe up with little news bulletins. “Uncle Bruce’s legs are falling asleep more and more.” “Cousin Jason’s graduation party is next week.” “Stop eating my fries, Ann-Marie.” Stuff like that.
My mom teased Tammy mercilessly about forgetting the birthday cupcakes, even though Tammy had a great excuse – her mind was preoccupied because someone may have hacked into their family’s bank account – that’s good enough reason to have your mind somewhere else! I’m actually surprised she wasn’t MORE panicked! I mean, forget the cupcakes, I’d lose my sanity!
Aunt Judi was delightful as always, as the one person who always gets my jokes and shares my those-crazy-Rehfeldt-sisters eye rolls across the table. I’ve always liked her as my aunt, but getting to know her as a person and a friend has been a huge benefit of growing up.
And the birthday girl – my Aunt Louise – was the life of the party with her distinctive voice, contagious laughter, and bordering-on-risqué jokes and stories. I’ve loved her since I was little when she and Tammy used to tag-team baby-sit me.
She would make me delicious grilled cheese (my favorite thing ever) and talked to me like I was an adult. Actually, Aunt Louise was the first adult who didn’t treat me like a kid. I always loved going over to her house because she would let me watch TV and read her romance novels. Those were some FUN afternoons.
I’ve always admired Aunt Louise. She’s the definition of a strong and determined woman being several decades sober, thanks to AA meetings. She’s persevered through some serious health issues with her sense of humor firmly intact. Not to mention, she married my Uncle Bruce who is one of the sweetest men alive. When they got married, I told Mom “that man is going to make a perfect grandpa. He was born for it.” And he is! He adores their grandkids with such a sweet spirit.
So, here’s to Aunt Louise! Happy birthday! As Mom said, “You’re 59 years young and holding!”
This niece loves and admires you!
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