Just one second. That's all it takes for someone's life to be turned upside down.
In one second a newborn baby will take her first breath, or not. In one second a woman can glance up and catch a future lover's eye, or not. In one second a spark can ignite, or not. In one second a race can be won, a final point can be scored, a telephone can be answered, or a contract can be signed. Or not.
And in just one second a young woman's uncontrollably spinning car can be stopped, or not.
What perfect alignment of planets caused those two drivers to come together at the exact same second? What exact curvature of the spacetime continuum slowed the speed of her car just enough for the barrier to hold?
And oh, what would this world be like today if it hadn't? What kind of giant hole would have been ripped through the center of my universe? Whenever I consider the possibility...well, I can't even breathe. My heart stops.
I'm so thankful I don't have to know.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Little Bit of Honey
It's happening before my very eyes. My baby is not a baby anymore. I know this is true, although it's very hard to accept. She's not quite two yet, but already she is this unique little person. So here's a quick update on our little Honey.
Caitlyn is very good at entertaining herself. She loves to play with her babies in the dollhouse. She makes them sit on their potty a lot, or eat snacks in their highchair. Then she'll have them go for a ride in the minivan with Mommy or Daddy, and she sings Twinkle Twinkle to keep them content in their carseats. She reads a lot of books too, and loves coloring with crayons. When she's ready for some downtime, she'll go snuggle with her blankets and stuffed animals. She loves Elmo and Big Bird, and watching Barney and Blue's Clues.
She is really starting to enjoy playing together with her sister. They make up their own games, which usually involve running back and forth down the hall. They like to put on dress-ups and dance around to music. Caitlyn will play endlessly in the bath tub, splashing her sister or designing with soap crayons. She also has this fascination with jumping up and down in her crib like a monkey, shrieking, "I jumping! I jumping!" the whole time.
She's not the perfect little angel, although she IS a very good, sweet girl most of the time. Still...she has her moments. She has fits of temper and will hit when she doesn't get her way. When she does, my overwhelming babylove makes it very hard to stay mad at her. I'm firm when I need to be. I AM. But even while I'm frowning at her and enforcing her 5th time-out for the day, on the inside I'm marveling at her genius tactics and admiring her willfulness.
Catie has a stubborn streak. She will not...will NOT...be left out or left behind. She insists on fair and equal treatment. She will do what it takes to make herself understood, and get her way. Her favorite phrase right now is, "My turn, my turn, my TUUUUURRRRN!!" Doesn't matter what it is...life is easier if Caitlyn gets her turn.
For all of that, she is such an easy, gentle little soul. She wakes up happy, goes to bed happy, and eats anything you give her. She is always ready and willing to try something new. She is not reticent at all about trying new experiences. You can take her anywhere, and she just looks around happily waiting for the next adventure.
She is sooooooo smart. I know, I know, I'm a little biased. But she IS. She sings several songs, knows lots of letters and numbers, and can count to 5. She "reads" her predictable books. She does puzzles quickly, and stacks blocks and cups by size. She has a knack for math/ science readiness activities.
She has also become quite a talker. I think hearing Jaden's jibber-jabber, plus her own natural instinct for getting noticed have ignited the communication desire. She recently developed a passion for naming the other half of a pair "the other one." As in, "Peep-a-boo...my HAND...and my udda wun!" Or "Yook, it's da baby...and da udda wun!" She also likes to say, "How 'bout?" when she wants to ask for something. She'll come over with her cup, hold it out to me, and say, " How 'boooooouuuut some milk? Pease?" When she sees pictures of herself she says, "Yook! It's Honey!"
When it comes to other people, Kharli is my outspoken, exuberant daughter, and Jaden is my chatty, flamboyant daughter. Hesitant, shy Catie takes awhile to warm up to people, though. Even family members who she sees frequently. She's gotten over the crying and whining about it. Now she will simply avert her eyes when you smile at her, as if not making eye-contact will save her from having to deal with you. It takes some work to get Caitlyn to open up to you. But if you stick with it, keep gently nudging her...she will come around. When you finally get Catie on your side, the reward is so worth it.
Do you think it's nuts for someone to be SO in love with their baby? Caitlyn lights up my entire world. I can't imagine my life without her in it.
Caitlyn is very good at entertaining herself. She loves to play with her babies in the dollhouse. She makes them sit on their potty a lot, or eat snacks in their highchair. Then she'll have them go for a ride in the minivan with Mommy or Daddy, and she sings Twinkle Twinkle to keep them content in their carseats. She reads a lot of books too, and loves coloring with crayons. When she's ready for some downtime, she'll go snuggle with her blankets and stuffed animals. She loves Elmo and Big Bird, and watching Barney and Blue's Clues.
She is really starting to enjoy playing together with her sister. They make up their own games, which usually involve running back and forth down the hall. They like to put on dress-ups and dance around to music. Caitlyn will play endlessly in the bath tub, splashing her sister or designing with soap crayons. She also has this fascination with jumping up and down in her crib like a monkey, shrieking, "I jumping! I jumping!" the whole time.
She's not the perfect little angel, although she IS a very good, sweet girl most of the time. Still...she has her moments. She has fits of temper and will hit when she doesn't get her way. When she does, my overwhelming babylove makes it very hard to stay mad at her. I'm firm when I need to be. I AM. But even while I'm frowning at her and enforcing her 5th time-out for the day, on the inside I'm marveling at her genius tactics and admiring her willfulness.
Catie has a stubborn streak. She will not...will NOT...be left out or left behind. She insists on fair and equal treatment. She will do what it takes to make herself understood, and get her way. Her favorite phrase right now is, "My turn, my turn, my TUUUUURRRRN!!" Doesn't matter what it is...life is easier if Caitlyn gets her turn.
For all of that, she is such an easy, gentle little soul. She wakes up happy, goes to bed happy, and eats anything you give her. She is always ready and willing to try something new. She is not reticent at all about trying new experiences. You can take her anywhere, and she just looks around happily waiting for the next adventure.
She is sooooooo smart. I know, I know, I'm a little biased. But she IS. She sings several songs, knows lots of letters and numbers, and can count to 5. She "reads" her predictable books. She does puzzles quickly, and stacks blocks and cups by size. She has a knack for math/ science readiness activities.
She has also become quite a talker. I think hearing Jaden's jibber-jabber, plus her own natural instinct for getting noticed have ignited the communication desire. She recently developed a passion for naming the other half of a pair "the other one." As in, "Peep-a-boo...my HAND...and my udda wun!" Or "Yook, it's da baby...and da udda wun!" She also likes to say, "How 'bout?" when she wants to ask for something. She'll come over with her cup, hold it out to me, and say, " How 'boooooouuuut some milk? Pease?" When she sees pictures of herself she says, "Yook! It's Honey!"
When it comes to other people, Kharli is my outspoken, exuberant daughter, and Jaden is my chatty, flamboyant daughter. Hesitant, shy Catie takes awhile to warm up to people, though. Even family members who she sees frequently. She's gotten over the crying and whining about it. Now she will simply avert her eyes when you smile at her, as if not making eye-contact will save her from having to deal with you. It takes some work to get Caitlyn to open up to you. But if you stick with it, keep gently nudging her...she will come around. When you finally get Catie on your side, the reward is so worth it.
Do you think it's nuts for someone to be SO in love with their baby? Caitlyn lights up my entire world. I can't imagine my life without her in it.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Not a Happy Post
I haven't been around here much lately. It's kind of sad for me, because in the last year or so I've come to find a great joy and comfort in blogging.
Lately though, I haven't had much to say. I'm happy at home with my family and I'm trying to get by on that. However, work stress just tends to overshadow everything. I'm losing my smile.
I swore I wasn't going to use my personal space here to bitch and moan about things. I just figured that if any of my family or friends stop by here and wonder what the hell's going on with me, I should at least offer some kind of explanation. I DON'T want to gripe, though. So I will just say this;
I'm not feeling that wonderful about being a teacher this year. It's all I ever wanted to do, and I've worked my ass off to become a damn fine one. But it's hard to keep your head up when you constantly feel like a loser. It is all such a complicated, tangled mess of reasons, and I don't even feel like elaborating.
I need to try to find other, non-school things to think about and write about.
Lately though, I haven't had much to say. I'm happy at home with my family and I'm trying to get by on that. However, work stress just tends to overshadow everything. I'm losing my smile.
I swore I wasn't going to use my personal space here to bitch and moan about things. I just figured that if any of my family or friends stop by here and wonder what the hell's going on with me, I should at least offer some kind of explanation. I DON'T want to gripe, though. So I will just say this;
I'm not feeling that wonderful about being a teacher this year. It's all I ever wanted to do, and I've worked my ass off to become a damn fine one. But it's hard to keep your head up when you constantly feel like a loser. It is all such a complicated, tangled mess of reasons, and I don't even feel like elaborating.
I need to try to find other, non-school things to think about and write about.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
'Tis the Season
We had another wonderful Thanksgiving/ Hanukkah/ Christmas season this year! I'm trying to get better about picture taking, and I did manage to get a few shots amidst the month-long eating and gift unwrapping frenzy.
Cory and Jennifer flew in for Thanksgiving, and it was so nice to see them. I get happy when Craig gets to spend time with his family. Of course, Caitlyn did her snubbing thing and refused to sit with everyone.
So Aunt Jennifer and Jaden were reunited and now, thanks to Aunt Jen, Jaden really does believe she is a princess. That's okay, Jay...all girls are princesses!
This is my favorite shot of Catie. This is the "talk to the hand" look she gives you right before turning her face away. I would like her to be more friendly with her family, but she is who she is and we love her!
The girls enjoyed helping to decorate our tree this year. They actually behaved themselves around it and only pulled off ornaments sporadically. I think we can actually set it up on the floor next time!
Cory and Jennifer flew in for Thanksgiving, and it was so nice to see them. I get happy when Craig gets to spend time with his family. Of course, Caitlyn did her snubbing thing and refused to sit with everyone.
So Aunt Jennifer and Jaden were reunited and now, thanks to Aunt Jen, Jaden really does believe she is a princess. That's okay, Jay...all girls are princesses!
This is my favorite shot of Catie. This is the "talk to the hand" look she gives you right before turning her face away. I would like her to be more friendly with her family, but she is who she is and we love her!
Our family.
The girls enjoyed helping to decorate our tree this year. They actually behaved themselves around it and only pulled off ornaments sporadically. I think we can actually set it up on the floor next time!
Jaden was very interested in the menorah during Hanukkah. On the eighth night, she helped light the candles. Then she tried to sing "Happy Birthday, Hanukkah" and blow them out!
Our blended traditions.
These were MY gift this year. We actually bought ourselves a Wii, and that was supposed to be our gift to each other, but Craig is too loving for that, I guess. Kind of blew the "80's Scene It" that I gave him out of the water!
On Christmas Eve the girls wore their new festive PJs, hung stockings, and watched The Grinch...who I confess bored Caitlyn and scared Jaden. Guess we need a new movie next year?
Then on Christmas morning, the girls stumbled out of their room ready for some Cheerios and found their new dollhouse all set up! I couldn't drag them away for breakfast for a long time. After eating, they played with their dollhouse for hours. Literally, for hours.
Jaden and Caitlyn received a LOT of gifts, and really do love them all. Yet, 5 days after the mania had come and gone, what are they playing with? The storage BOXES of course!
Happy Holidays! May every season be filled with as much love and joy as this one was.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Someone's Catie
Teaching is not always just about teaching. I am continually amazed at how the lines are often blurred. Today I was checking my students' reading folders, and I came across something that pretty much smacked me in the face and took me down.
I have a student who I think of as my "motherless child" student. I usually have one or two students every year who are being raised by aunts or grandparents. Sadly, it's not that uncommon.
This little girl has been raised by her grandparents for a few years now. Mom is kind of in the picture (sometimes) but I think she's been gone for awhile. Grandma is doing a great job. I really have to hand it to her. This child is well taken care of.
Still...what must it be like to not have a mom around? This is my biggest fear; to have something happen to me and leave my girls without a mother. I can't even imagine what it would be like for them to grow up that way.
I have a little sticky note posted at work that reads, "Every child here is someone's Catie." I read this every day. It reminds me to be kind, be gentle, stay patient. Even when they're driving me bugshit, to above all remember that every student in my class is some other mother's little child. I tell myself this, and try to always treat them the way I would want my children to be treated.
This little girl in particular tries my patience a lot. She's a nice kid...I really like her a great deal, actually. But she's very labor-intensive. I have to be on her all the time. She seeks attention and approval continually throughout much of the day and she's off task a lot. Let me tell you; I read that sticky note several times a day.
Something about her, something...I'm not sure what...reminds me of how I imagine Caitlyn's future personality might be. How she could grow up to be. I try not to let my thoughts carry me along like this, but sometimes I can't help it. Sometimes I imagine... what if that was MY little Catie; motherless and acting out in some future teacher's classroom, driving her bugshit?
So you see, the lines get blurred and even if it's not prudent to get emotional about other people's kids it happens, as it did today.
It was a small thing, really. Nothing that might upset somebody whose greatest fear wasn't leaving their children motherless. I opened up this student's reading folder to see if it was signed, and saw it was covered in rounded, childish script, "I love you, Mommy." Over and over.
It was a few moments before I realized that I was standing before my entire class with tears rolling down my face. A few of the observant ones noticed and looked a little stricken to see my face that way. I got a hold of myself somehow and played it off, telling them my contacts were bothering my eyes.
Contacts are treacherous things, the way they clarify your vision. I'd like to take them out sometimes and be free, and walk around like most everyone else not knowing all I know. But I won't. All the other mothers' Caties still need me.
I have a student who I think of as my "motherless child" student. I usually have one or two students every year who are being raised by aunts or grandparents. Sadly, it's not that uncommon.
This little girl has been raised by her grandparents for a few years now. Mom is kind of in the picture (sometimes) but I think she's been gone for awhile. Grandma is doing a great job. I really have to hand it to her. This child is well taken care of.
Still...what must it be like to not have a mom around? This is my biggest fear; to have something happen to me and leave my girls without a mother. I can't even imagine what it would be like for them to grow up that way.
I have a little sticky note posted at work that reads, "Every child here is someone's Catie." I read this every day. It reminds me to be kind, be gentle, stay patient. Even when they're driving me bugshit, to above all remember that every student in my class is some other mother's little child. I tell myself this, and try to always treat them the way I would want my children to be treated.
This little girl in particular tries my patience a lot. She's a nice kid...I really like her a great deal, actually. But she's very labor-intensive. I have to be on her all the time. She seeks attention and approval continually throughout much of the day and she's off task a lot. Let me tell you; I read that sticky note several times a day.
Something about her, something...I'm not sure what...reminds me of how I imagine Caitlyn's future personality might be. How she could grow up to be. I try not to let my thoughts carry me along like this, but sometimes I can't help it. Sometimes I imagine... what if that was MY little Catie; motherless and acting out in some future teacher's classroom, driving her bugshit?
So you see, the lines get blurred and even if it's not prudent to get emotional about other people's kids it happens, as it did today.
It was a small thing, really. Nothing that might upset somebody whose greatest fear wasn't leaving their children motherless. I opened up this student's reading folder to see if it was signed, and saw it was covered in rounded, childish script, "I love you, Mommy." Over and over.
It was a few moments before I realized that I was standing before my entire class with tears rolling down my face. A few of the observant ones noticed and looked a little stricken to see my face that way. I got a hold of myself somehow and played it off, telling them my contacts were bothering my eyes.
Contacts are treacherous things, the way they clarify your vision. I'd like to take them out sometimes and be free, and walk around like most everyone else not knowing all I know. But I won't. All the other mothers' Caties still need me.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Another Year of Jaden
On the day you turned three...
You were a lover of girly dresses and play jewelry, kitty cats, Playdoh, Elmo and Abby, and reading.
Your favorite books were The Napping House, The Lady With the Alligator Purse, all of Eric Carle's bear books, and The Green Sheep. You could "read" these books from memory (with voices), and were learning to track your finger along the print, although you didn't know what that meant. You liked to share the reading with Daddy, who made you laugh with his embellishments of The Green Sheep and Pajama Time.
You sang along to Mama Mia and Hairspray, complete with makeshift microphones and a little bootie action. We couldn't reign you in. You loved to sing and dance, preferably dressed in your finest princess or fairy clothes, and bedecked in jewels.
You looked forward to having your hair brushed, and while I liked to style it with curls falling down your back, you more often than not insisted on two pigtails...all the better to admire yourself in the mirror.
You were a nice big sister. You were really learning to be patient with your Honey. At school you liked to sit beside your little sis, looking out for her and telling every passerby that she's your "Honey." When sitting at the table, you'd watch over her, telling her "Eat, Honey!"
When you were grouchy and having a bad day, you couldn't stand being cooped in your carseat. You liked to try Daddy's patience by kicking his seat from behind and shrieking incredibly high pitched screams.
You loved bubble baths as much as your mommy, and you would play tea party endlessly in the water, serving up tiny cupfuls of imagination.
You were friendly and sweet to everyone. You were thrilled to see your family walk through the door. You were never mean to kids, although you'd cry like the world was coming to an end if Catie or anyone swiped your toys. You spent a lot of time with Kharli. You were always so happy to see her, and you called her your best friend.
You were so incredibly smart...you just blew us away with the things you knew and how quickly you learned. You could count to 20(with correspondence!), knew your letters, and could recite about 20 songs, fingerplays, and nursery rhymes.
Most nights you went to bed so easily. You liked to have a tissue in your hand and water nearby, but were fickle when it came to which animals or blankets could share your bed. All we had to do was read a few stories, tuck you in and say good-night. As we closed to door, you'd call out softly, "I love you... I see you later... night-night... I see you in the morning... good-bye..."
My Jaden, every day I know you, I love you even more. I never forget how lucky I am to be your mommy.
Happy Birthday, my precious girl!
You were a lover of girly dresses and play jewelry, kitty cats, Playdoh, Elmo and Abby, and reading.
Your favorite books were The Napping House, The Lady With the Alligator Purse, all of Eric Carle's bear books, and The Green Sheep. You could "read" these books from memory (with voices), and were learning to track your finger along the print, although you didn't know what that meant. You liked to share the reading with Daddy, who made you laugh with his embellishments of The Green Sheep and Pajama Time.
You sang along to Mama Mia and Hairspray, complete with makeshift microphones and a little bootie action. We couldn't reign you in. You loved to sing and dance, preferably dressed in your finest princess or fairy clothes, and bedecked in jewels.
You looked forward to having your hair brushed, and while I liked to style it with curls falling down your back, you more often than not insisted on two pigtails...all the better to admire yourself in the mirror.
You were a nice big sister. You were really learning to be patient with your Honey. At school you liked to sit beside your little sis, looking out for her and telling every passerby that she's your "Honey." When sitting at the table, you'd watch over her, telling her "Eat, Honey!"
When you were grouchy and having a bad day, you couldn't stand being cooped in your carseat. You liked to try Daddy's patience by kicking his seat from behind and shrieking incredibly high pitched screams.
You loved bubble baths as much as your mommy, and you would play tea party endlessly in the water, serving up tiny cupfuls of imagination.
You were friendly and sweet to everyone. You were thrilled to see your family walk through the door. You were never mean to kids, although you'd cry like the world was coming to an end if Catie or anyone swiped your toys. You spent a lot of time with Kharli. You were always so happy to see her, and you called her your best friend.
You were so incredibly smart...you just blew us away with the things you knew and how quickly you learned. You could count to 20(with correspondence!), knew your letters, and could recite about 20 songs, fingerplays, and nursery rhymes.
Most nights you went to bed so easily. You liked to have a tissue in your hand and water nearby, but were fickle when it came to which animals or blankets could share your bed. All we had to do was read a few stories, tuck you in and say good-night. As we closed to door, you'd call out softly, "I love you... I see you later... night-night... I see you in the morning... good-bye..."
My Jaden, every day I know you, I love you even more. I never forget how lucky I am to be your mommy.
Happy Birthday, my precious girl!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Happiness is a Converse Tee
This week I had to go out to buy a pretty dress to wear to a wedding. Dress, shoes, wrap, jewelry...the works. I was pretty excited to attend the wedding, and I wanted to look beautiful, of course. But the SHOPPING...ugh.
I realize that, according to the laws of Womanhood, I'm supposed to love shopping, manicures, and a really great pair of shoes. I know it's supposed to be a dream to drift through the stores browsing, trying things on, whipping out credit cards and filling my heart and closet with couture.
Contrary to how most women feel though, this is NOT exactly my idea of a good time. When I go shopping, my philosophy is to get in, get what I need, and get the hell out...hopefully within 10 minutes. Shopping is just not my thing, I guess.
I went to several boutiques and department stores before finding something that was flattering, yet affordable. It was just a chore to be completed, and never once did my heart go pitter-pat.
Later on however, I went to Target to get a few other things. I was on my way to look for some socks and something caught my eye. The new Converse screen-printed tees were in! Butterflies, tree branches, peacock feathers. And all for $12.99 each! For the first time that day, I was truly excited.
I guess I will just never be a couture kind of girl. Pity me or envy me, but in MY world, shopping bliss is found at Target...and happiness is a Converse tee.
I realize that, according to the laws of Womanhood, I'm supposed to love shopping, manicures, and a really great pair of shoes. I know it's supposed to be a dream to drift through the stores browsing, trying things on, whipping out credit cards and filling my heart and closet with couture.
Contrary to how most women feel though, this is NOT exactly my idea of a good time. When I go shopping, my philosophy is to get in, get what I need, and get the hell out...hopefully within 10 minutes. Shopping is just not my thing, I guess.
I went to several boutiques and department stores before finding something that was flattering, yet affordable. It was just a chore to be completed, and never once did my heart go pitter-pat.
Later on however, I went to Target to get a few other things. I was on my way to look for some socks and something caught my eye. The new Converse screen-printed tees were in! Butterflies, tree branches, peacock feathers. And all for $12.99 each! For the first time that day, I was truly excited.
I guess I will just never be a couture kind of girl. Pity me or envy me, but in MY world, shopping bliss is found at Target...and happiness is a Converse tee.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thank you, Universe
Thank you for my husband...he's the best, most wonderful husband. He understands me, and pretends to let me take care of myself while he's taking care of me. He loves me for who I really am, and lets me be ME.
Thank you for my big kids. They drive me nuts sometimes, and I worry about them constantly...being out there in the big world with only my voice in their heads to guide them. I love them more than they will ever understand.
Thank you for my little girls. What an unexpected gift they are. I treasure every single day with them.
Thank you for my sisters, who by turns think I'm fabulous or just plain crazy, and are usually right! They will always be my touchstones. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't have a handful of sisters to love.
Thank you for my parents, whom I'm lucky to still have in my universe. I don't see them enough, but I love them so much.
Thank you for my new family. I never expected to marry into such a family who, without fail, treat me like another daughter/sister. They're the best!
Thank you, Universe for aligning the planets in my favor once again. I promise to do my best to deserve it.
Thank you for my big kids. They drive me nuts sometimes, and I worry about them constantly...being out there in the big world with only my voice in their heads to guide them. I love them more than they will ever understand.
Thank you for my little girls. What an unexpected gift they are. I treasure every single day with them.
Thank you for my sisters, who by turns think I'm fabulous or just plain crazy, and are usually right! They will always be my touchstones. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't have a handful of sisters to love.
Thank you for my parents, whom I'm lucky to still have in my universe. I don't see them enough, but I love them so much.
Thank you for my new family. I never expected to marry into such a family who, without fail, treat me like another daughter/sister. They're the best!
Thank you, Universe for aligning the planets in my favor once again. I promise to do my best to deserve it.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Flash Mobs
Have you heard of the Flash mob phenomenon? No, that's not an exotic dance routine I'm working on! And it's not a Facebook Mafia Wars thing either.
Flash mobs are those performance-art gatherings of seemingly random strangers in public places. They've been dubbed "mobs" because they come out of nowhere, assault you with their awesomeness for 3 minutes or so, and then take off.
I LOVE them! I don't know if it's the theater geek in me, or maybe that part of my personality that likes to see people smile. I have always been a sucker for any kind of performance art, so this stuff is SO right up my alley!
I love the mysteriousness of it all. I love how the whole performance can be happening all around you and you don't know who's in on it and who's not. You could be watching for 2 minutes and all of a sudden the person you thought was just another observer sitting next to you jumps right in and starts singing and dancing.
I didn't actually know about this craze until last year when I saw this Weeds season 5 premiere, which features a flash mob dance scene. It's not REAL, of course...I just love it.
Okay, so maybe having two back-to-back babies has kept me a little too busy to notice pop culture. Whatever...once I opened my eyes I saw them in the news, on TV, and posted all over the internet. Here are some videos of a few ideas I really liked. The Sound of Music one is my favorite, although a subway station full of pantless people is nothing to shake a stick at.
I think my life is missing some theater geeky adventure. So I've decided to go find a group of like-minded wackos in my city to hook up with. Want to come along? We'll meet at the previously arranged secret rendezvous spot and receive our mission to help cure boredom of the masses!
Flash mobs are those performance-art gatherings of seemingly random strangers in public places. They've been dubbed "mobs" because they come out of nowhere, assault you with their awesomeness for 3 minutes or so, and then take off.
I LOVE them! I don't know if it's the theater geek in me, or maybe that part of my personality that likes to see people smile. I have always been a sucker for any kind of performance art, so this stuff is SO right up my alley!
I love the mysteriousness of it all. I love how the whole performance can be happening all around you and you don't know who's in on it and who's not. You could be watching for 2 minutes and all of a sudden the person you thought was just another observer sitting next to you jumps right in and starts singing and dancing.
I didn't actually know about this craze until last year when I saw this Weeds season 5 premiere, which features a flash mob dance scene. It's not REAL, of course...I just love it.
Okay, so maybe having two back-to-back babies has kept me a little too busy to notice pop culture. Whatever...once I opened my eyes I saw them in the news, on TV, and posted all over the internet. Here are some videos of a few ideas I really liked. The Sound of Music one is my favorite, although a subway station full of pantless people is nothing to shake a stick at.
I think my life is missing some theater geeky adventure. So I've decided to go find a group of like-minded wackos in my city to hook up with. Want to come along? We'll meet at the previously arranged secret rendezvous spot and receive our mission to help cure boredom of the masses!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
High Stupidity Warning
What is the stupidest thing you've ever done? Today I had a literal brush with death. Well, maybe not quite death. At the very least it was a brush with stupidity.
I was about to blow dry my hair, and as I went to plug in the blowdryer, I got zapped! Big time. Was this a faulty outlet? Nope. A malfunctioning hair appliance? Huh-uh.
Dumbass that I am, I went and touched my WET hair, then used my WET fingers to plug the blowdryer into the electrical socket! Um, and I didn't do it gingerly or anything. I made sure I stuck my fingers IN the holes of outlet as I inserted the prongs...you know, to make sure I got it on the first try.
Have you ever electrocuted yourself before? When I was a kid I touched my grandmother's electrified cattle fence all the time. And on special occasions my boy cousins were known to convince me to hold a 9-volt battery to my tongue.
But I have never been shocked by an outlet until today. I actually heard it go zzzzzzzZZZZZZZZTTTTTT!!!! And I felt the current run up through my arm. I saw my life flash before my eyes. Well, truthfully, I only saw my death flash before my eyes.
As I stood there with my mouth open, staring at my hand in horror, I imagined the paramedics retrieving me off of the floor of my bathroom. I pictured them coming in with that stretcher thing, and had a second to be grateful I was wearing my robe. Because otherwise that would not have been a pretty picture, let me tell you!
Then, just as I was thinking about how nice it would be if someone were to create a slideshow of my life set to Coldplay and Beatles music for my funeral, my heart started to beat again. And of course, I started crying and went running out to Craig so he could hug me and tell me I was okay.
So, today's life lesson is simple. Don't touch outlets with wet hands. But if you have a dumbass moment and forget, it's not going to kill you, or really hurt you, or even drop you onto the floor. You will live to tell the tale. Probably. So....you will just have to find some other way to get cute paramedics into your home to see you naked.
Also, I really want a slideshow at my funeral someday.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunny Days
Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th birthday this week. 40 YEARS...wow! Sesame Street is the longest running and, in my opinion, the best children's show ever conceived.
I remember feeling stunned 10 years ago upon hearing of the sudden death of Jim Henson. Over the course of his career he touched so many lives, and his dedication to children was inspiring. I would consider my own life a success if I were to have even a fraction of the impact on the world that Jim Henson and Sesame Street have had on inner city (and all) children. Here's a video from his memorial service. The singing puppeteers get to me every time. No Ernie or Kermit, though. Some empty shoes just can't ever be filled.
I still love Sesame Street after all these years. Love with a capital L! My earliest memories are of watching Sesame Street. When I was a kid, we played outside, read books, invented games, and didn't really watch a lot of TV...and my dad was a cable guy. There was always time for Sesame, though. When I was old enough to babysit, my little charges always ended up watching Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
I think this is probably the reason my girls adore Elmo and his friends. They don't get a lot of TV either, so what were the chances that they'd both fall hard for a furry 6-year-old muppet without a little push from mom? I think kids end up loving what their parents love. And let me tell you, when Jaden and I went to see Sesame Street live this year, I needed no prodding to dance in the aisles!
A few weeks ago, I was looking up some Elmo videos for the girls and I happened upon the "vintage" Sesame clips on YouTube. I'd forgotten all about some of these...and yet, once I began watching, I remembered everything!
Here are my all-time, top 5 favorite clips from my childhood. I hope they bring a smile to your face. I hope you watch them and feel the shag carpeting underneath your toes and taste the Kool-Aid on your lips. I hope they bring tears of nostalgia to your eyes. They did me.
My FAVORITE!!
I love this! It always made me smile :)
It's hard to choose between this and Put Down the Duckie.
Scallywags and Whippersnappers!
Because I believe in how big little things can be.
Jim Henson might be gone now, but the characters of Sesame Street live on, and will continue entertain and educate my children, and their children, and their children, for years to come.
Thank you Sesame, for always being there for me. Thanks for making my life richer. Thanks for teaching me about tolerance, and fairness, and friendship.
Happy Birthday!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween
Halloween at the Schwab house was fairly relaxed again this year. We decided to wait one more year to take the girls out Trick-or-Treating. I LOVE Halloween, so I'm really looking forward to when they're old enough to take out in the evening to Trick-or-Treat. They didn't miss it, though. They dressed up and had a lot of fun!
On Friday, the girls wore their costumes to school and had "Harvest Parties" in their classrooms. Their teachers gave them little goodies, and Jaden even won a Jack-o-Lantern to take home.
Rhonda had a little get-together at her house, and Jaden and Caitlyn both had a good time. The house was decorated all spookily, and Rhonda had plenty of games and treats for the little ones.
This year was so much fun to dress them up. For the last few months they've been really getting into pretend play, and they like to put on all manner of "princess" clothes and dance around their bedroom. So I knew the fairy costumes would be a hit.
Caitlyn as a Butterfly Fairy. She really got a kick out of those ribbon hair clips.
Jaden as Abby Cadabby. She loved everything about this costume, and spent most of the weekend in it!
Such sweet girls. They kept admiring each other.
Lots of sister hug-action :)
Kharli and Jaden; sisters and life-long friends.
Jaden's Magical Pumpkin.
On Friday, the girls wore their costumes to school and had "Harvest Parties" in their classrooms. Their teachers gave them little goodies, and Jaden even won a Jack-o-Lantern to take home.
Rhonda had a little get-together at her house, and Jaden and Caitlyn both had a good time. The house was decorated all spookily, and Rhonda had plenty of games and treats for the little ones.
This year was so much fun to dress them up. For the last few months they've been really getting into pretend play, and they like to put on all manner of "princess" clothes and dance around their bedroom. So I knew the fairy costumes would be a hit.
Caitlyn as a Butterfly Fairy. She really got a kick out of those ribbon hair clips.
Jaden as Abby Cadabby. She loved everything about this costume, and spent most of the weekend in it!
Such sweet girls. They kept admiring each other.
Lots of sister hug-action :)
Kharli and Jaden; sisters and life-long friends.
Jaden's Magical Pumpkin.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Welcome Fall!
Well, Fall in the southwest, anyway :)
Today we took the girls to visit Schnepf Farms for their Fall Festival. There was SO much for families to do, and we actually did some of it before Caitlyn was inevitably "done". Here are some pics from our day...
The girls had fun playing in the playground train. I did have to shoo some school-group kids out of their way!
Can you believe all that sun in October? It was warm!
We took a train around the farm. Jaden liked when we went through the peach orchard.
As usual...all these fun things to do and what excites them the most? Food! The grilled corn-on-the-cob was so yummy!
Here's Caitlyn and her Daddy looking for a Great Pumpkin.
This is what she decided on...
Jaden's was more her size.
Mommy photo op...we convinced her to look through the sign by playing Peek-a-Boo!
Until next year.....
Happy Fall!
Today we took the girls to visit Schnepf Farms for their Fall Festival. There was SO much for families to do, and we actually did some of it before Caitlyn was inevitably "done". Here are some pics from our day...
The girls had fun playing in the playground train. I did have to shoo some school-group kids out of their way!
Can you believe all that sun in October? It was warm!
We took a train around the farm. Jaden liked when we went through the peach orchard.
As usual...all these fun things to do and what excites them the most? Food! The grilled corn-on-the-cob was so yummy!
Here's Caitlyn and her Daddy looking for a Great Pumpkin.
This is what she decided on...
Jaden's was more her size.
Mommy photo op...we convinced her to look through the sign by playing Peek-a-Boo!
Until next year.....
Happy Fall!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Car-Mocks
I am plagued with self-doubt. And a tiny smidgen of guilt.
It all started a few days ago when Jaden and I were going through the bank drive-thru. Whenever we go through drive-thru lines, Jaden likes to wave at the people and squeal, "Thank you! Have a nice day!"
So when I'd finished my transaction and the teller thanked me over the speakerphone, I turned around expectantly toward Jaden. Well, she didn't thank the teller. What she shouted was, "I want a car-mock!"
"A what?" I asked her. "A car mock?"
"Yes," she insisted, raising her eyebrows and nodding at me. "I want a car-mock, please."
Oh, no. It can't be that, I thought. Hesitantly I asked her, "Jaden...are you asking for a caramel macchiato?"
"Yay! A car-mock!" she responded.
Aw, crap. Okay. Now I must confess, my name is Dawn and I am addicted to...car-mocks.
Just a disclaimer here, but Jaden has never, ever tasted coffee, much less the caffeine, vanilla and caramel wowness that is the caramel macchiato! For all she knows, I could be having some fancy-shmancy overpriced water. Whatever...she wants one.
This alone would not be enough to guilt-trip me as a mommy. Buuuuut....we have to add this incident to the fact that the girls have begun to play "coffee" games with their play tea set. PLUS Jaden says "Mommy's coffee?" every time we go through ANY kind of drive-thru. AND whenever Caitlyn sees my favorite mug she yells "KAH-feeee!"
Yes, I guess I drink a lot of coffee. I'm not completely sure this is a bad thing, though. Hell, it's not like I'm slugging back 2 cups (more like 5) of absinthe a day! And you know...I eat LOTS of vegetables and whole grains, I drink V8 every day, and I really limit the take-out crap I eat. Everyone has a vice, right? Can't this be mine?
Sooo...if it's not that bad, then why do I cringe when my 1-year-old happily shouts "Kah-feee!" and my 2-year-old can recognize the Starbucks logo?
Maybe I have felt that I've needed to make a change here for awhile, and it's just taken being called out by my toddlers to shame me into it?
Whatever the reason, I'm going to attempt cutting back the caffeine. I did it for my girls while pregnant. We'll see if I can do it for myself. So if I am a total bitch to you in the next 5-7 days, please forgive me. Ha ha ha, I couldn't even write that with a straight face...of course I'm not going to be a bitch :) But if I'm crabby, please cut me some slack!
Did you know I've been sitting here sipping a cup of sugared espresso the whole time I've been writing this? Heaven help me!
It all started a few days ago when Jaden and I were going through the bank drive-thru. Whenever we go through drive-thru lines, Jaden likes to wave at the people and squeal, "Thank you! Have a nice day!"
So when I'd finished my transaction and the teller thanked me over the speakerphone, I turned around expectantly toward Jaden. Well, she didn't thank the teller. What she shouted was, "I want a car-mock!"
"A what?" I asked her. "A car mock?"
"Yes," she insisted, raising her eyebrows and nodding at me. "I want a car-mock, please."
Oh, no. It can't be that, I thought. Hesitantly I asked her, "Jaden...are you asking for a caramel macchiato?"
"Yay! A car-mock!" she responded.
Aw, crap. Okay. Now I must confess, my name is Dawn and I am addicted to...car-mocks.
Just a disclaimer here, but Jaden has never, ever tasted coffee, much less the caffeine, vanilla and caramel wowness that is the caramel macchiato! For all she knows, I could be having some fancy-shmancy overpriced water. Whatever...she wants one.
This alone would not be enough to guilt-trip me as a mommy. Buuuuut....we have to add this incident to the fact that the girls have begun to play "coffee" games with their play tea set. PLUS Jaden says "Mommy's coffee?" every time we go through ANY kind of drive-thru. AND whenever Caitlyn sees my favorite mug she yells "KAH-feeee!"
Yes, I guess I drink a lot of coffee. I'm not completely sure this is a bad thing, though. Hell, it's not like I'm slugging back 2 cups (more like 5) of absinthe a day! And you know...I eat LOTS of vegetables and whole grains, I drink V8 every day, and I really limit the take-out crap I eat. Everyone has a vice, right? Can't this be mine?
Sooo...if it's not that bad, then why do I cringe when my 1-year-old happily shouts "Kah-feee!" and my 2-year-old can recognize the Starbucks logo?
Maybe I have felt that I've needed to make a change here for awhile, and it's just taken being called out by my toddlers to shame me into it?
Whatever the reason, I'm going to attempt cutting back the caffeine. I did it for my girls while pregnant. We'll see if I can do it for myself. So if I am a total bitch to you in the next 5-7 days, please forgive me. Ha ha ha, I couldn't even write that with a straight face...of course I'm not going to be a bitch :) But if I'm crabby, please cut me some slack!
Did you know I've been sitting here sipping a cup of sugared espresso the whole time I've been writing this? Heaven help me!
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