Dear Rita Marie,
Today you turn 18 months old. This has been the funnest month yet. You are turning into a little girl right before our eyes. Your hair is getting so long and curly, it's adorable. You have a laid back personality, prefer to play on your own and a sense of humor that is so awesome, I really don't have words to describe it.
You started to run this month. When you run, you giggle. Once you took off running, laughing, and ran straight into a cupboard in the kitchen. You hit it so hard it knocked you right on your butt and you hit your head on the tile with a thud. I felt so bad for you, and comforted you all the while thinking how truly funny it was. I still giggle inside when I replay it in my head. Had you done it on purpose it would have been pure comic genius!
You have an obsession with shoes! Flip flops mostly. You love to walk around in them. You get your little feet in them and clomp clomp around the house. It is so adorable! My U of M flip flops have your teeth marks in them. Sometimes you just wear one, and carry the other. You also try to walk in Daddy's work shoes and my sneakers! You have also stood there with both your feet in one of Daddy's shoes. Priceless!
You are babbling on and on and on. Daddy can't believe it. I'm with you all day, so it's the norm for me. You have conversations with yourself, or your Pooh bear, or Tigger the cat. Whoever is in the vicinity at the time. I can't understand you quite yet, but when you do start to make sense I'm sure you will NEVER stop talking. I will long for the quiet days of babble. Most kids say words, you will talk in paragraphs.
You still scream at the top of your lungs and shake with excitement when you see Eileen or Grandma. No one makes you laugh like Grandma. The belly laugh is so infectious everyone in the room can't help but laugh with you! You love to sing when we ride in the car. You really like Nickelback. Dancing is also one of your favorite past times. Sometimes there is no music, but round and round in circles you go. Also, you stomp your feet. A lot. We think you like the sound they make when they hit the floor. You never stop moving. Ever.
When we ask you if you want to brush your teeth or take a bath, you run as fast as you can to the bathroom door and hit it with your fists. When we open the door for you, you push it as hard as you can so it slams into the wall. You run up your two little stairs, point at your toothbrush and squeal until we hand it to you. You even move your little arm back and forth like you are trying to brush your teeth. I could just melt!
Yesterday at Miss Eileen's house I found you with kid sized pots and pans, scooping water out of the dog dish and drinking from the pan. You were completely soaked, along with the floor. I couldn't stop laughing long enough to discipline you.
The canned goods on the lazy susan in the cupboard have become one of your favorite toys. We had to lock up the pantry because you grabbed an envelope of taco seasoning mix and chewed a hole in it. By the look on your face I could tell you didn't like it much. Anyway, you take one can out at a time, place it carefully on the floor and head back to the cupboard for another. This goes on until you have about 10-12 cans on the floor. Then you proceed to gently put them back on the lazy susan. Stacking them carefully if they all don't fit.
The produce section at the market still gets you so excited I think you will fall out of the cart. Strangers laugh when I tell them "She loves fruits and vegetables." Everyone talks to you when they pass you by and tell me how beautiful you are. We hear: "Those eyes!" at least once a day from a perfect stranger. You've become quite a shopper with Mommy. A big change from just a few months ago. I keep you stocked with goldfish and nilla wafers and you can shop for hours!
This is going to be a great Christmas. I cannot wait. You are so good around the Christmas tree. I hung some Tigger & Mickey Mouse ornaments where you can reach them. You don't pull on them, you gently hold them and examine them closely. Your spirit is so gentle and sweet. You are an angel!
I can't express to you how much fun you are and how much me and your Daddy love you. Every day is an adventure. Seeing the world through your eyes is absolutely amazing. I almost forgot, you also discovered airplanes and birds in the last month. You stare up at the sky when you hear one and get really excited when you see it.
I love you with all my heart lovey,
Mommy
PS- There is no feeling I can think of to describe what it feels like when you climb up on me, put your arms around me and lay your little head on my chest. I love you.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Dr Q
That is what my hubby calls my chiropractor/acupuncturist. Dr. Q. Short for Dr. Quack. I say Phooey! Don't knock it till you try it.
I went in today b/c I've had a headache for two weeks. Normally that means my neck is out (thank you Brian Setser circa 1985). Dr. Q did some inter-oral TMJ work. I've never had it done before but I had seen it done to someone else. Who knew the muscles inside your mouth could hurt so darn bad? At one point I almost threw up on him I was so nauseous. Then he stuck me with needles. Before he did so, he sprinkled white powder on the floor, stood in it and kind of mumbled something. He inserted three needles in the top of my head, three in each ear, one behind each ear and one in my third eye. I got the giggles again. The giggles relative the goofy stuff you get before you go into surgery. Then my earlobes got super hot, as a matter of fact, they are still burning now! My headache instantly went away. He couldn't get my neck to adjust, which is uncommon for him. So I will go back Monday.
I just adore him!!
That is what my hubby calls my chiropractor/acupuncturist. Dr. Q. Short for Dr. Quack. I say Phooey! Don't knock it till you try it.
I went in today b/c I've had a headache for two weeks. Normally that means my neck is out (thank you Brian Setser circa 1985). Dr. Q did some inter-oral TMJ work. I've never had it done before but I had seen it done to someone else. Who knew the muscles inside your mouth could hurt so darn bad? At one point I almost threw up on him I was so nauseous. Then he stuck me with needles. Before he did so, he sprinkled white powder on the floor, stood in it and kind of mumbled something. He inserted three needles in the top of my head, three in each ear, one behind each ear and one in my third eye. I got the giggles again. The giggles relative the goofy stuff you get before you go into surgery. Then my earlobes got super hot, as a matter of fact, they are still burning now! My headache instantly went away. He couldn't get my neck to adjust, which is uncommon for him. So I will go back Monday.
I just adore him!!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Wednesday night I stayed up much too late drinking and smoking by our chiminea in the backyard. Something about a fire makes beer taste even better. I managed to put away 2 packs of ciggys in about 5 hours. Needless to say I was hungover on Thanksgiving. I managed to have 1/2 a beer when I got home from my Moms and one ciggy. Friday, around 3 p.m. I said to myself "Hey, it's 3 p.m. and you haven't smoked, try to go the rest of the day." So I did. Now it's Sunday and I still haven't smoked. I wasn't planning to quit. It just sort of happened. When I quit in '96 for 4 years I did it the exact same way. One day I just noticed I hadn't smoked yet and challenged myself not to smoke the rest of the day.
My poor husband has to live with Bitchy-Roley for a couple more days and then the withdrawl should be over. I cannot believe I haven't smoked in 3.5 days. Crazy!
Maybe the best plans are better off unmade?
My poor husband has to live with Bitchy-Roley for a couple more days and then the withdrawl should be over. I cannot believe I haven't smoked in 3.5 days. Crazy!
Maybe the best plans are better off unmade?
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Good times
I was lying in bed this morning watching some news and the Michael Richards "N" word thing is everywhere. Which led me to start thinking of simpler times, my childhood. The endless pollock jokes, being left in the car while my Mom went in the store, having to be home when the streetlights came on and if I wasn't I was just a holler away. We used to play frisbee, flag football & spud in the street. We were outside all day all summer. We were personally responsible for our actions. Block snowball fights, my side against yours. Never wearing a seatbelt, standing in the middle of the front seat, feet on the bench seat, head pressed up on the ceiling of the car. 5 channels on the tv. No remotes, vcrs, cable. Two kinds of milk, whole and skim. And it came in a giant cumbersome gallon carton that you had to be at least 10 yrs old to use. Kmart and the mall were the only places to buy clothes. Hudsons and JCPenney were high-end. I used to get a frozen coke every trip to Kmart. I had one of those t-shirts that said "two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun" I got picked on in school, but never beat up or shot. I had heroes like the Six Million Dollar Man, Bionic Woman and Wonder Woman. Hollywood and sports stars weren't all over the news 24/7. Peoples marriages/divorces weren't headlines.
I can't believe what a mess everything became in such a short amount of time. It makes me long for the silly 70's.
On another note, John and I got news yesterday that completely blew us away. John's great Uncle Clive died in the spring of 06 and we recently found out he left $750,000 trust to a local park in his hometown. Yes, you read that right, THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION DOLLARS. Which then leaves me thinking, how will I leave my mark? "It's not what I have but what I give. Not what I have learned but what I teach. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's a choice." How can I, little Roley from Michigan, make a difference?
I was lying in bed this morning watching some news and the Michael Richards "N" word thing is everywhere. Which led me to start thinking of simpler times, my childhood. The endless pollock jokes, being left in the car while my Mom went in the store, having to be home when the streetlights came on and if I wasn't I was just a holler away. We used to play frisbee, flag football & spud in the street. We were outside all day all summer. We were personally responsible for our actions. Block snowball fights, my side against yours. Never wearing a seatbelt, standing in the middle of the front seat, feet on the bench seat, head pressed up on the ceiling of the car. 5 channels on the tv. No remotes, vcrs, cable. Two kinds of milk, whole and skim. And it came in a giant cumbersome gallon carton that you had to be at least 10 yrs old to use. Kmart and the mall were the only places to buy clothes. Hudsons and JCPenney were high-end. I used to get a frozen coke every trip to Kmart. I had one of those t-shirts that said "two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun" I got picked on in school, but never beat up or shot. I had heroes like the Six Million Dollar Man, Bionic Woman and Wonder Woman. Hollywood and sports stars weren't all over the news 24/7. Peoples marriages/divorces weren't headlines.
I can't believe what a mess everything became in such a short amount of time. It makes me long for the silly 70's.
On another note, John and I got news yesterday that completely blew us away. John's great Uncle Clive died in the spring of 06 and we recently found out he left $750,000 trust to a local park in his hometown. Yes, you read that right, THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION DOLLARS. Which then leaves me thinking, how will I leave my mark? "It's not what I have but what I give. Not what I have learned but what I teach. Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's a choice." How can I, little Roley from Michigan, make a difference?
Monday, November 13, 2006
My Parents ~ The Soup Nazis
I was able to sleep in Sunday until 9:30 a.m. I'm not sure when my parents called but they left a message saying they wanted to come over and see Rita at 10:00 a.m. I called them back at 10:15 to see if they still wanted to stop by or if I could bring Rita to their house for a little while.
My stepdad: No, we aren't coming over.
Me: Well, I can bring Rita to you for a little while if you want. John let me sleep in today so I took advantage of it.
My stepdad: No, No. We are making soup.
Me: Soup? What kind? (What I really wanted to say is what friggin soup takes all day to cook that I can't bring your granddaughter over for a visit?)
My stepdad: Bean soup.
Me: (flabbergasted) Well, ok I'll see you sometime during the week then.
Selfish bastard didn't even offer me any soup.
I was able to sleep in Sunday until 9:30 a.m. I'm not sure when my parents called but they left a message saying they wanted to come over and see Rita at 10:00 a.m. I called them back at 10:15 to see if they still wanted to stop by or if I could bring Rita to their house for a little while.
My stepdad: No, we aren't coming over.
Me: Well, I can bring Rita to you for a little while if you want. John let me sleep in today so I took advantage of it.
My stepdad: No, No. We are making soup.
Me: Soup? What kind? (What I really wanted to say is what friggin soup takes all day to cook that I can't bring your granddaughter over for a visit?)
My stepdad: Bean soup.
Me: (flabbergasted) Well, ok I'll see you sometime during the week then.
Selfish bastard didn't even offer me any soup.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
My Husband, the Comedian
I spilled coffee on the sofa this morning as Rita climbed over me. I wiped it up with a damp cloth leaving a few wet spots on the cushion. Rita was very intrigued by them. John says to her: "Punkin, that's wet. It's a wet spot. You'll be sleeping in them at least once a week when your older, get used to it."
I spilled coffee on the sofa this morning as Rita climbed over me. I wiped it up with a damp cloth leaving a few wet spots on the cushion. Rita was very intrigued by them. John says to her: "Punkin, that's wet. It's a wet spot. You'll be sleeping in them at least once a week when your older, get used to it."
Friday, November 03, 2006
Football & Port-o-pottys
While tailgating at Bucs games I am forced to use port-o-pottys (ies?). Recently there have been some changes to these urine smelling saunas! Some really smart woman somewhere came up with the idea of putting handles in the door! No longer do I have to strain to hover or lean against the back wall of such a disgusting thing! I can hold on to the convenient handle right there in front of me. Port-o-potty reinventor; I commend you! You are pure genius!
I don't understand the fascination the universe has with me and Buccaneer football games. It's like Raymond James Stadium is some sort of strange portal for me. A way back machine if you will. The stadium hold 65,000 people. This all started in 2000 when I flew to Tampa with my Sis to see the Lions/Bucs game. We were in the smoking section and walked up to some people to ask where they were from. They said "Detroit" the usual answer when you are from a suburb of, and I said "No really, where?" They said Trenton! Turns out I went to Jr. High with their son. Then there is Jodi. I went K-8 with Jodi in Trenton, and she sits in the same section with us. Didn't find that out for 4 years but holy crap! Small world! There are 2 guys I see at random that I dated before I met John. Last week 2 girlfriends of mine were sitting 3 rows above us - which we didn't know were there until they walked by with beer. Yesterday was the kicker! We tailgate with the guy that owns the two seats next to us. He has a new better seat and sells his tickets next to us every week. So we ask him who is sitting with us. Yesterday it was "a neighbor of a friend of mine." Two 30 something dudes show up. I introduce us and they are Jason & Chris. Jason is sitting next to me and we are chatting, yelling, high-fiving - we totally hit it off. Talking about our kids, astrology, beer etc. I looked over at Chris the guy with him and realized I know him! I said "Chris! I know you - you worked at AVS." He replied "I'm still there, it's been 11 years, who are you?" "I'm Carole" I say, "I was the receptionist there." His reply? "I remember you, you showed your boobs at the Xmas party!"
Who the hell am I going to run into next? My sweet Buccaneer Portal!
While tailgating at Bucs games I am forced to use port-o-pottys (ies?). Recently there have been some changes to these urine smelling saunas! Some really smart woman somewhere came up with the idea of putting handles in the door! No longer do I have to strain to hover or lean against the back wall of such a disgusting thing! I can hold on to the convenient handle right there in front of me. Port-o-potty reinventor; I commend you! You are pure genius!
I don't understand the fascination the universe has with me and Buccaneer football games. It's like Raymond James Stadium is some sort of strange portal for me. A way back machine if you will. The stadium hold 65,000 people. This all started in 2000 when I flew to Tampa with my Sis to see the Lions/Bucs game. We were in the smoking section and walked up to some people to ask where they were from. They said "Detroit" the usual answer when you are from a suburb of, and I said "No really, where?" They said Trenton! Turns out I went to Jr. High with their son. Then there is Jodi. I went K-8 with Jodi in Trenton, and she sits in the same section with us. Didn't find that out for 4 years but holy crap! Small world! There are 2 guys I see at random that I dated before I met John. Last week 2 girlfriends of mine were sitting 3 rows above us - which we didn't know were there until they walked by with beer. Yesterday was the kicker! We tailgate with the guy that owns the two seats next to us. He has a new better seat and sells his tickets next to us every week. So we ask him who is sitting with us. Yesterday it was "a neighbor of a friend of mine." Two 30 something dudes show up. I introduce us and they are Jason & Chris. Jason is sitting next to me and we are chatting, yelling, high-fiving - we totally hit it off. Talking about our kids, astrology, beer etc. I looked over at Chris the guy with him and realized I know him! I said "Chris! I know you - you worked at AVS." He replied "I'm still there, it's been 11 years, who are you?" "I'm Carole" I say, "I was the receptionist there." His reply? "I remember you, you showed your boobs at the Xmas party!"
Who the hell am I going to run into next? My sweet Buccaneer Portal!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Happy Halloween
Happy day after Halloween! I haven't been trick or treating in many years. Last night was so much fun I wish it was Halloween every day! Rita dressed as a dalmation. We went with our neighbors. The 5 year old was a shark hunter and the 16 month old was a shark. I don't remember ever sweating on Halloween. That is Florida for you! There aren't a lot of kids in our neighborhood so when there is someone passing out candy they give you 4 times as much if not more. Our plastic pumpkin was filled in no time. It smelled so good! I couldn't stop sniffing it!! It smells so sweet and it totally reminded me of my childhood!! Rita really had fun and one time she even said "Thank you" after getting candy! Once is better than nunce!
Our neighbors have owned their house for 23 years. They know everyone in the neighborhood. It was so fun being introduced and meeting all the other neighbors. Sometimes we would be at one house chatting for 5 minutes! I also enjoyed seeing the insides of the homes. Some are decorated so cute and beachy!
It was such a wonderful night. I can't wait until next year!
Happy day after Halloween! I haven't been trick or treating in many years. Last night was so much fun I wish it was Halloween every day! Rita dressed as a dalmation. We went with our neighbors. The 5 year old was a shark hunter and the 16 month old was a shark. I don't remember ever sweating on Halloween. That is Florida for you! There aren't a lot of kids in our neighborhood so when there is someone passing out candy they give you 4 times as much if not more. Our plastic pumpkin was filled in no time. It smelled so good! I couldn't stop sniffing it!! It smells so sweet and it totally reminded me of my childhood!! Rita really had fun and one time she even said "Thank you" after getting candy! Once is better than nunce!
Our neighbors have owned their house for 23 years. They know everyone in the neighborhood. It was so fun being introduced and meeting all the other neighbors. Sometimes we would be at one house chatting for 5 minutes! I also enjoyed seeing the insides of the homes. Some are decorated so cute and beachy!
It was such a wonderful night. I can't wait until next year!
Saturday, October 21, 2006
No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth or lose my internet connection. I haven't had and still really don't have much to blog about. I've been back home with my girl for 3 weeks and it's absolutely fabulous. I'm exhausted daily. Who knew being a SAHM was such hard work? I feel like I'm always working! It's so much harder then sitting around at the SOE with my thumb up my ass but so much more rewarding.
Rita turned 16 months last week. She is so amazing. I wish ALL of my friends were nearby to experience her. She started saying "Cheese" for pictures if you ask her to. She is throwing things all over the house and squealing. She was playing peekaboo at the neighbors house today with her 15 month old and they were cracking up. I thought I might die because they are so damn cute together!! She brings me matching pairs of shoes. It usually means she wants to play outside, but the fact she brings me matching shoes is amazing! Her and the cat are getting so chummy. She points to his ear and says "A" then to his nose and says "A" and Tigger just sits there purring.
Rita no longer wants to ride in cart (basket, buggy, stroller all of the above) She can walk and dammit she is walking. "Don't carry me!" she says with a grunt. Any store I go into I need a list and we need to stick to it and get in and out! I never wanted to be one of those people whose kids are unruly and whiny in a store. I never truly understood that the parents aren't in control! Try telling a 16 month old no. Or behave. It's a joke! They are going to do what they want when they want and if they want to scream about it they will! In fact, Rita is almost embarrassing in the grocery store. She screams and squeals and points and giggles - at what you may ask? PRODUCE. Yup, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES! She causes such a commotion that people come over from other places to see what all the excitement is. You'd think Barney, Elmo, Big Bird and the Wiggles were all performing at once. But no, it's lettuce. Or apples. I should take the video camera with me. It's just nuts! I'm lucky she is so damn cute. Instead of dirty looks we get smiles and comments like "At least it's not the candy aisle."
I'm dealing with some anxiety issues again. It's getting hard for me to leave the house. I have a wonderful friend/neighbor who encourages me to get out and meet her and her daughter at the park or where ever. She is seriously saving my life. I'm still on my meds, even upped the dosage. Yet still in fear of the world. It's very important to me to teach Rita to not be afraid She is saving my life as well. I want her to have the self esteem I never had as a child. I want her to grow up and have confidence not to put up with other people's shit. I want her to be able to deal with bullies at school. I want her to have a different childhood than I had. Hiding in the house isn't going to help her achieve that.
With that said, there is a whole world out there. I need to make myself a part of it. Now.
See: I am 40% abnormal: You are at medium risk for having a social phobia. It is somewhat likely that you feel most comfortable in your mom's basement.
Rita turned 16 months last week. She is so amazing. I wish ALL of my friends were nearby to experience her. She started saying "Cheese" for pictures if you ask her to. She is throwing things all over the house and squealing. She was playing peekaboo at the neighbors house today with her 15 month old and they were cracking up. I thought I might die because they are so damn cute together!! She brings me matching pairs of shoes. It usually means she wants to play outside, but the fact she brings me matching shoes is amazing! Her and the cat are getting so chummy. She points to his ear and says "A" then to his nose and says "A" and Tigger just sits there purring.
Rita no longer wants to ride in cart (basket, buggy, stroller all of the above) She can walk and dammit she is walking. "Don't carry me!" she says with a grunt. Any store I go into I need a list and we need to stick to it and get in and out! I never wanted to be one of those people whose kids are unruly and whiny in a store. I never truly understood that the parents aren't in control! Try telling a 16 month old no. Or behave. It's a joke! They are going to do what they want when they want and if they want to scream about it they will! In fact, Rita is almost embarrassing in the grocery store. She screams and squeals and points and giggles - at what you may ask? PRODUCE. Yup, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES! She causes such a commotion that people come over from other places to see what all the excitement is. You'd think Barney, Elmo, Big Bird and the Wiggles were all performing at once. But no, it's lettuce. Or apples. I should take the video camera with me. It's just nuts! I'm lucky she is so damn cute. Instead of dirty looks we get smiles and comments like "At least it's not the candy aisle."
I'm dealing with some anxiety issues again. It's getting hard for me to leave the house. I have a wonderful friend/neighbor who encourages me to get out and meet her and her daughter at the park or where ever. She is seriously saving my life. I'm still on my meds, even upped the dosage. Yet still in fear of the world. It's very important to me to teach Rita to not be afraid She is saving my life as well. I want her to have the self esteem I never had as a child. I want her to grow up and have confidence not to put up with other people's shit. I want her to be able to deal with bullies at school. I want her to have a different childhood than I had. Hiding in the house isn't going to help her achieve that.
With that said, there is a whole world out there. I need to make myself a part of it. Now.
See: I am 40% abnormal: You are at medium risk for having a social phobia. It is somewhat likely that you feel most comfortable in your mom's basement.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Friday is my last day at work. The money I'm bringing home isn't worth the time away from my family. Plus yesterday I spent 2 hours taping white paper to the ends of boxes to cover up what had been written already. In no way was it possible to just turn the box around and use the other side. No, they paid 3 people to stack boxes, cut the paper and tape it to one end of the box. I can't seriously do stuff like that. Come on! Earlier in the week I spent time stamping SAMPLE on sample ballots. I just keep telling myself the people in charge know what they are doing. But it is such a joke!!
I can't wait to be home with my family again. I had to take today off b/c our a/c broke and John is up in the attic fixing it. Work wasn't very happy, but what were we supposed to do with Rita? I guess tomorrow they need me to work late. Another day spent with my thumb up my ass doing nothing I'm sure. Ugh! So frustrating!!
I can't wait to be home with my family again. I had to take today off b/c our a/c broke and John is up in the attic fixing it. Work wasn't very happy, but what were we supposed to do with Rita? I guess tomorrow they need me to work late. Another day spent with my thumb up my ass doing nothing I'm sure. Ugh! So frustrating!!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Highlights of Election Day
I have been working in the absentee department at the Supervisor of Elections for 4 weeks now. People call me and ask for their ballots to be mailed to them, usually elderly people that can't get out of the house anymore. Yesterday was election day and there weren't a lot of calls so I was shooed down to the reception area to help out a swamped receptionist. Keep in mind Florida is a closed primary state. What that means is you must be registered as a democrat or republican to vote on the main candidates: governor, senate, house, congress. Folks who are registered as "no party affililiation" or "independent" etc. could only vote on the school board and judges. When the general election rolls around in November, then they can vote on the main races. Let me tell you I had some pissed off people calling in yesterday. I realize it's my job to inform you of state laws regarding our voting. I realize in no way are you responsible for your own choices. I do apologize. Here are some fun examples for your entertainment.
Her: "You tell us to get out and vote then you won't let me vote on anything!!!"Me: "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but Florida is a closed primary state you must be registered as a demo/rep to vote on those races."Her: "Well that is just stupid. I want that changed. I want to go back and vote on the governor race and if you won't let me, I'm not going to pay my taxes!! How 'bout that?"Please don't. Please don't pay your taxes because you chose to register independent. I felt like Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka trying to keep Violet from chewing the gum.....Her: I cannot tell you how angry I am. I just got home from voting and why are there no curtains around the voting machines? I need a curtain to vote. I need my privacy!!!!Me: Rendered speechlessHer: I don't tell people my party affiliation. To me that is like tellng someone my social security number. I wasn't going to tell him my party affiliation!! How dare he ask me that!!Yes, your party affiliation is as sacred as your social, your mother's maiden name and the name of your first pet. You keep that under lock and key missy!!Did anyone else notice - all those examples were women?? I'm slightly ashamed to be one of them!I also have to add that I was there for 15 hours yesterday. By about 6 p.m. I was one silly, slap-happy biotch!!!
I have been working in the absentee department at the Supervisor of Elections for 4 weeks now. People call me and ask for their ballots to be mailed to them, usually elderly people that can't get out of the house anymore. Yesterday was election day and there weren't a lot of calls so I was shooed down to the reception area to help out a swamped receptionist. Keep in mind Florida is a closed primary state. What that means is you must be registered as a democrat or republican to vote on the main candidates: governor, senate, house, congress. Folks who are registered as "no party affililiation" or "independent" etc. could only vote on the school board and judges. When the general election rolls around in November, then they can vote on the main races. Let me tell you I had some pissed off people calling in yesterday. I realize it's my job to inform you of state laws regarding our voting. I realize in no way are you responsible for your own choices. I do apologize. Here are some fun examples for your entertainment.
Her: "You tell us to get out and vote then you won't let me vote on anything!!!"Me: "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but Florida is a closed primary state you must be registered as a demo/rep to vote on those races."Her: "Well that is just stupid. I want that changed. I want to go back and vote on the governor race and if you won't let me, I'm not going to pay my taxes!! How 'bout that?"Please don't. Please don't pay your taxes because you chose to register independent. I felt like Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka trying to keep Violet from chewing the gum.....Her: I cannot tell you how angry I am. I just got home from voting and why are there no curtains around the voting machines? I need a curtain to vote. I need my privacy!!!!Me: Rendered speechlessHer: I don't tell people my party affiliation. To me that is like tellng someone my social security number. I wasn't going to tell him my party affiliation!! How dare he ask me that!!Yes, your party affiliation is as sacred as your social, your mother's maiden name and the name of your first pet. You keep that under lock and key missy!!Did anyone else notice - all those examples were women?? I'm slightly ashamed to be one of them!I also have to add that I was there for 15 hours yesterday. By about 6 p.m. I was one silly, slap-happy biotch!!!
Sunday, August 13, 2006
14 months
Dear Rita Marie,
Tomorrow you turn 14 months. You started to walk last week. First taking one or two steps then deciding it was much faster for you to drop and crawl. Now you walk across the living room. You have an expression on your face that is priceless. It says "I can't believe I'm doing this! Did you see me? Did you? Did you?" You are such a joy!! You constantly laugh. I can't wait for you to tell me what is so funny all of the time! Giggle giggle giggle with that toothy grin! You have 8 teeth now, 4 top & 4 bottom and you are cutting molars! When I go to get you in the morning you try to hide from me & play peekaboo. Then you jump like a madwoman holding on to the crib rail. I get you a cup of (soy) milk and you snuggle with me on the couch and we watch Little Einsteins. It is so hard for me to be back to work full time. I miss you so so so much during the day. I'm grateful for the time we had and I'm grateful you get so much time with your Daddy. He loves you and you absolutely love him. This weekend with you was one of the best ever. We played and played and I read to you as much as possible. I couldn't believe how much you changed in just four days of not spending every minute with you. I miss that before nap book I used to read to you everyday.
Bathtime is your favorite time of day. You splash and squeal and we barely wash you because you are washing yourself just with splashes. You don't want to eat your vegetables unless we stab them first with your Big Bird fork, then you grab the fork from us and stick the food in your mouth. You haven't mastered the scooping and stabbing yourself yet. But you try like hell!! When you are done with that bite you slam the fork down on the tray.
I can't imagine what life was like before you came. My world revolves around you and your Daddy. Our family. I'm so happy you chose us Rita. You are absolutely perfect! Your new word for the week was "Gone?" with your little hands in the air out to the sides questioning where did it go? Everything is "gone" it is so damn cute! The water empties out of the tub, you say: "Gone?" Daddy leaves the room, you say: "Gone?" When you are hungry you open the drawer in the kitchen that has all your snacky crackers in it and try to get snacks out yourself. It won't be long until you do.
You are and forever will be my little tator.
All my love,Mommy
Dear Rita Marie,
Tomorrow you turn 14 months. You started to walk last week. First taking one or two steps then deciding it was much faster for you to drop and crawl. Now you walk across the living room. You have an expression on your face that is priceless. It says "I can't believe I'm doing this! Did you see me? Did you? Did you?" You are such a joy!! You constantly laugh. I can't wait for you to tell me what is so funny all of the time! Giggle giggle giggle with that toothy grin! You have 8 teeth now, 4 top & 4 bottom and you are cutting molars! When I go to get you in the morning you try to hide from me & play peekaboo. Then you jump like a madwoman holding on to the crib rail. I get you a cup of (soy) milk and you snuggle with me on the couch and we watch Little Einsteins. It is so hard for me to be back to work full time. I miss you so so so much during the day. I'm grateful for the time we had and I'm grateful you get so much time with your Daddy. He loves you and you absolutely love him. This weekend with you was one of the best ever. We played and played and I read to you as much as possible. I couldn't believe how much you changed in just four days of not spending every minute with you. I miss that before nap book I used to read to you everyday.
Bathtime is your favorite time of day. You splash and squeal and we barely wash you because you are washing yourself just with splashes. You don't want to eat your vegetables unless we stab them first with your Big Bird fork, then you grab the fork from us and stick the food in your mouth. You haven't mastered the scooping and stabbing yourself yet. But you try like hell!! When you are done with that bite you slam the fork down on the tray.
I can't imagine what life was like before you came. My world revolves around you and your Daddy. Our family. I'm so happy you chose us Rita. You are absolutely perfect! Your new word for the week was "Gone?" with your little hands in the air out to the sides questioning where did it go? Everything is "gone" it is so damn cute! The water empties out of the tub, you say: "Gone?" Daddy leaves the room, you say: "Gone?" When you are hungry you open the drawer in the kitchen that has all your snacky crackers in it and try to get snacks out yourself. It won't be long until you do.
You are and forever will be my little tator.
All my love,Mommy
Monday, July 10, 2006
Having a toddler is such a joy!! John was getting Rita ready for her bath tonight. I heard the water running and can only assume he left Rita standing at the side of the tub naked.
John says: Mommy?
Me: Yes?
John: Can you come here?
Me: Sure
I get up and walk into the bathroom. Rita is in the tub and John is washing his hands.
Me: What's up? What do you need?
John: Well, look. (he points to the floor) I think Rita peed on the floor. I didn't see it happen but I can only assume because it was dry before.
There was a HUGE puddle of urine. I began to wipe it up and realized it was splashed up on the side of the tub & toilet.
Me: What happened in here? Why is up so high on things?
John: Well she was standing in it splashing it with her feet.
I laughed the entire time I was cleaning it up. My sister was here visiting and taught Rita how to splash in puddles.
John says: Mommy?
Me: Yes?
John: Can you come here?
Me: Sure
I get up and walk into the bathroom. Rita is in the tub and John is washing his hands.
Me: What's up? What do you need?
John: Well, look. (he points to the floor) I think Rita peed on the floor. I didn't see it happen but I can only assume because it was dry before.
There was a HUGE puddle of urine. I began to wipe it up and realized it was splashed up on the side of the tub & toilet.
Me: What happened in here? Why is up so high on things?
John: Well she was standing in it splashing it with her feet.
I laughed the entire time I was cleaning it up. My sister was here visiting and taught Rita how to splash in puddles.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
John and I went to see the Black Crowes last night at the Ford Amphitheatre in Tampa. I wish I could say it was the most awesome show ever. Maybe I am spoiled after seeing them only in the Joint inside the Hardrock in Vegas. Such a small venue fitting only 1200. Maybe it was the Ford Amphitheatre and all of their RULES about the sound being TOO LOUD TOO LATE at night for the people that live nearby. Whose idea was it anyway to build an outdoor theater in FLORIDA?? HELLO?? Even our MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM PLAYS INDOORS!!
I'm off topic. Let me go back. This was the third time I've seen the Crowes. One time I was right at the stage and the 2nd time I was about 15 feet away. Neither time did they have the chickie babe backup singers. But both times they rocked. The Amphitheatre in Tampa is comparable to the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre or Pine Knob (not the name anymore, I'm sure it's like Aflac.com Amphitheatre or something) Last night they had the backup singers and the sound was SO AWFUL we couldn't even hear them. We couldn't hear Chris Robinson singing either. He was drown out by the music. When he sang, it wasn't audible. Not a verse. Not a note. When we first got there they offered us, for the low low price of $25 a CD recording of the show to be picked up right after the concert ended. Really cool. But if that CD sounded anything like the show last night I would be pissed. The sound was so muddy and distorted it was pathetic!! At one point John leaned over to me and said "Don't you feel like going behind the sound guy running the board and heckling him?" I honestly don't know what the problem was, but in my mind and heart I am blaming the venue. I love the Black Crowes.
We had purchased lawn seats. When we got inside they exchanged our lawn seats for real seats under the gigantic awning. Poor Crowes, they couldn't sell out. I'm not talking sell out the whole thing either, they couldn't sell out just the seat portion of the amphitheatre! Was it the promoting? How can that be? On a Friday night in Tampa? Sigh. At one point Chris Robinson said that security sucked because they weren't letting anyone dance in the front rows. How lame. It's going to take an act of God and Prince to ever get me back to that venue.
I'm off topic. Let me go back. This was the third time I've seen the Crowes. One time I was right at the stage and the 2nd time I was about 15 feet away. Neither time did they have the chickie babe backup singers. But both times they rocked. The Amphitheatre in Tampa is comparable to the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre or Pine Knob (not the name anymore, I'm sure it's like Aflac.com Amphitheatre or something) Last night they had the backup singers and the sound was SO AWFUL we couldn't even hear them. We couldn't hear Chris Robinson singing either. He was drown out by the music. When he sang, it wasn't audible. Not a verse. Not a note. When we first got there they offered us, for the low low price of $25 a CD recording of the show to be picked up right after the concert ended. Really cool. But if that CD sounded anything like the show last night I would be pissed. The sound was so muddy and distorted it was pathetic!! At one point John leaned over to me and said "Don't you feel like going behind the sound guy running the board and heckling him?" I honestly don't know what the problem was, but in my mind and heart I am blaming the venue. I love the Black Crowes.
We had purchased lawn seats. When we got inside they exchanged our lawn seats for real seats under the gigantic awning. Poor Crowes, they couldn't sell out. I'm not talking sell out the whole thing either, they couldn't sell out just the seat portion of the amphitheatre! Was it the promoting? How can that be? On a Friday night in Tampa? Sigh. At one point Chris Robinson said that security sucked because they weren't letting anyone dance in the front rows. How lame. It's going to take an act of God and Prince to ever get me back to that venue.
Monday, July 03, 2006
So simple. So easy. Just remove yourself and lose yourself in a book. Nothing to worry about, no cares. Just let go. Let it all go. Move on, move up. Life is changing and some people aren't. They are stuck. I am not willing to be stuck today. I am not willing to uproot my life for others. Grounded. Good. Loving. Happy. Let the negative go. Don't give it another thought. Things always work out however they work out, with a lot or a little input from me. Can't take the stress. Have a baby to grow. Let it go.
The family went to the beach yesterday. The tide was low, the sun was bright and there were few clouds in the sky. We sat Rita in about 4 inches of water. John sat behind her so she wouldn't fall over. As each wave approached her she would get a HUGE smile on her face, pant and shake with delight. The waves were very small so they didn't knock her over and she had a blast. We just sat there watching Rita have the time of her life. When we took her up to the beach for a break, she pointed at the ocean and screamed and babbled until we took her back in. We only stayed about an hour because by the time we got there it was already Florida hot and it was only 10 a.m.
Rita is learning to say cup. It is a sharp "KA" with a point to the cup. She also is pronouncing the letter "B". Somedays she'll spit out a sentence like "I can do it" and we just don't know where it is coming from.
I was blogging at another sight and I was complaining about some of the people in my friends lives and my friends began to think it was about them. So I am blogging here and not telling any of them. It got so old listening to people ask me "Was that about me?" I just need to verbally puke from time to time and whether or not it is about you, it is mostly about me to make myself feel better. I never used names, just pronouns. There is a certain person in my life I don't want in my life and I'm not sure how to go about getting rid of them. Of course we are a circle of friends and all hang out together but this certain person is on my last nerve. They are horrible to their child and I can't sit by and watch it. I've tried talking to them in the past and it falls on deaf ears so why waste my breath any longer? I cannot sit by and watch these selfish people ruin their child's life. I really thought the birth of this child would wake their selfish asses up. But it did not. This person has so much space in my head it makes me sick to my stomach. I get angry with myself.
I don't know what is wrong with me that I attract these sick people in my life. I am going to begin some serious work to change this. As hard as it is, it must be done.
Rita is learning to say cup. It is a sharp "KA" with a point to the cup. She also is pronouncing the letter "B". Somedays she'll spit out a sentence like "I can do it" and we just don't know where it is coming from.
I was blogging at another sight and I was complaining about some of the people in my friends lives and my friends began to think it was about them. So I am blogging here and not telling any of them. It got so old listening to people ask me "Was that about me?" I just need to verbally puke from time to time and whether or not it is about you, it is mostly about me to make myself feel better. I never used names, just pronouns. There is a certain person in my life I don't want in my life and I'm not sure how to go about getting rid of them. Of course we are a circle of friends and all hang out together but this certain person is on my last nerve. They are horrible to their child and I can't sit by and watch it. I've tried talking to them in the past and it falls on deaf ears so why waste my breath any longer? I cannot sit by and watch these selfish people ruin their child's life. I really thought the birth of this child would wake their selfish asses up. But it did not. This person has so much space in my head it makes me sick to my stomach. I get angry with myself.
I don't know what is wrong with me that I attract these sick people in my life. I am going to begin some serious work to change this. As hard as it is, it must be done.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Things my Rita do!
I don't want to forget so I want to make a list of the things you have been doing lately!
When the vacuum runs you chase it saying "ac-cuum!" "ac-cuum!" then "vroom, vroom"
When you crawl into the kitchen or the bedroom and there is a change in elevation from wood floor to tile you'll get up on all fours and walk like a crab until you are safely on flat ground again, then get back on your knees.
You point to everything you want. Some of the time you'll yell "MUM" over and over until I get _____ for you.
You say "Hi Ga" "Hi Ga" for Hi Grandpa, Hi Grandma.
You were looking through your baby words book and I asked you to show Mommy the doggy. You turned a few pages and proudly pointed to the picture of the dog.
When we get you dressed, I tell you "right arm" and you lift your right arm, then "left arm" and you lift your left arm.
I asked you if you wanted something to drink and you handed me your cup.
I asked you if you wanted breakfast and you answered with "Ok"
You happily scream at Elmo on the TV. You scream even louder at a show called "Between the Lions"
You pat along with Little Einsteins when they pat, and when they say "Put your hands in the air and say Blast off" your little chubby arms go straight up in the air and I see that 3 1/2 toothed grin!
You laugh so hard at Grandma Rymut sometimes I think you've stopped breathing.
You wanted NOTHING to do with your birthday cake.
You told Grandma "I can do it." and shoved her hand out of the way.
You've been on dairy for 4 days now and no reaction!
When we changed your carseat from rear facing to front facing for the first two car rides you made vroom noises the whole time.
You've stopped banging your head against the floor when you are angry.
Yesterday you took Daddy by the hand to the bathroom, grabbed your toilet seat and yelled at him till he put it and you on the toilet. Then Daddy would say "Where's Elmo" and you'd point to his picture on the seat, then "Where's Big Bird?" and you'd point to him on the seat. You didn't make a 1 or 2, but you sure loved looking at Elmo & Big Bird!
At least once a day you crawl into your bedroom and a few minutes later we check on you and you are reading Hop on Pop to yourself.
I don't want to forget so I want to make a list of the things you have been doing lately!
When the vacuum runs you chase it saying "ac-cuum!" "ac-cuum!" then "vroom, vroom"
When you crawl into the kitchen or the bedroom and there is a change in elevation from wood floor to tile you'll get up on all fours and walk like a crab until you are safely on flat ground again, then get back on your knees.
You point to everything you want. Some of the time you'll yell "MUM" over and over until I get _____ for you.
You say "Hi Ga" "Hi Ga" for Hi Grandpa, Hi Grandma.
You were looking through your baby words book and I asked you to show Mommy the doggy. You turned a few pages and proudly pointed to the picture of the dog.
When we get you dressed, I tell you "right arm" and you lift your right arm, then "left arm" and you lift your left arm.
I asked you if you wanted something to drink and you handed me your cup.
I asked you if you wanted breakfast and you answered with "Ok"
You happily scream at Elmo on the TV. You scream even louder at a show called "Between the Lions"
You pat along with Little Einsteins when they pat, and when they say "Put your hands in the air and say Blast off" your little chubby arms go straight up in the air and I see that 3 1/2 toothed grin!
You laugh so hard at Grandma Rymut sometimes I think you've stopped breathing.
You wanted NOTHING to do with your birthday cake.
You told Grandma "I can do it." and shoved her hand out of the way.
You've been on dairy for 4 days now and no reaction!
When we changed your carseat from rear facing to front facing for the first two car rides you made vroom noises the whole time.
You've stopped banging your head against the floor when you are angry.
Yesterday you took Daddy by the hand to the bathroom, grabbed your toilet seat and yelled at him till he put it and you on the toilet. Then Daddy would say "Where's Elmo" and you'd point to his picture on the seat, then "Where's Big Bird?" and you'd point to him on the seat. You didn't make a 1 or 2, but you sure loved looking at Elmo & Big Bird!
At least once a day you crawl into your bedroom and a few minutes later we check on you and you are reading Hop on Pop to yourself.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Rita's 1st Birthday
Dear Rita Marie,
Today is your first birthday. I cannot believe you are one year old already. The past year has flown by. You are such a good baby. You have slept through the night since you were 8 weeks old, unless you were having a growth spurt. Then you would wake me & Daddy up to feed you. Once the growth spurt was over, you went right back to sleeping through the night. It is hard for us to imagine you being small and helpless, you have grown so much. You are all over the place! You point to things you want, you yell at me "MUM!" when you want something. It's hard to believe that this time last year you had just entered our lives. You were a wrinkley ball of flesh that just laid there. Where ever we put you, you stayed. Not like now, we chase you everywhere! You laugh and smile all the time. You love your Daddy so much it makes my heart soar. You eat so much at one sitting we can't figure out where you are putting all the food. Sometimes you eat for an hour straight. We just keep putting food on your tray and you keep eating it. Where do you put it? You don't like having your diaper changed. You fight us tooth and nail! I keep explaining to you if you'd just get potty trained we wouldn't have to go through the diapering anymore. You just don't want to lie down when you don't have to. I don't blame you. You like exploring everything and everywhere. I put you on the toilet for practice and you love sitting up there. You look so cute when you read a book, you look just like Daddy. Being your Mom is the best thing to ever happen to me. It is so much fun. Even though somedays you wear me out I wouldn't change the sleep deprived nights, wiping food off the walls, picking banana chunks up off the floor and the nightly baths for anything. You are such a joy and now that you are reaching toddlerhood you are even more fun than you were before. You love to splash in your tub and sometimes you scream so loud with delight you hurt my ears. But it's all worth it. Every moment with you is the best moment of my life. Thank you Rita, for being my daughter. You are a gift from God. I'm really going to miss that 3 1/2 toothed smile you've given me for the last month.
Love, Mommy
Dear Rita Marie,
Today is your first birthday. I cannot believe you are one year old already. The past year has flown by. You are such a good baby. You have slept through the night since you were 8 weeks old, unless you were having a growth spurt. Then you would wake me & Daddy up to feed you. Once the growth spurt was over, you went right back to sleeping through the night. It is hard for us to imagine you being small and helpless, you have grown so much. You are all over the place! You point to things you want, you yell at me "MUM!" when you want something. It's hard to believe that this time last year you had just entered our lives. You were a wrinkley ball of flesh that just laid there. Where ever we put you, you stayed. Not like now, we chase you everywhere! You laugh and smile all the time. You love your Daddy so much it makes my heart soar. You eat so much at one sitting we can't figure out where you are putting all the food. Sometimes you eat for an hour straight. We just keep putting food on your tray and you keep eating it. Where do you put it? You don't like having your diaper changed. You fight us tooth and nail! I keep explaining to you if you'd just get potty trained we wouldn't have to go through the diapering anymore. You just don't want to lie down when you don't have to. I don't blame you. You like exploring everything and everywhere. I put you on the toilet for practice and you love sitting up there. You look so cute when you read a book, you look just like Daddy. Being your Mom is the best thing to ever happen to me. It is so much fun. Even though somedays you wear me out I wouldn't change the sleep deprived nights, wiping food off the walls, picking banana chunks up off the floor and the nightly baths for anything. You are such a joy and now that you are reaching toddlerhood you are even more fun than you were before. You love to splash in your tub and sometimes you scream so loud with delight you hurt my ears. But it's all worth it. Every moment with you is the best moment of my life. Thank you Rita, for being my daughter. You are a gift from God. I'm really going to miss that 3 1/2 toothed smile you've given me for the last month.
Love, Mommy
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Have you ever seen the unrated version of The Sweetest Thing? The girls sing a song about penises and the chorus is "You're to big to fit in here, too big to fit in here!" I had John find it for me on the www. Ever since he uses that song for everything. If he's drinking a cup of coffee: "You're too hot to put in here" and refers to his mouth. This morning it was "You're too fat to fit in those, too fat to fit in those." and "My ass smells too bad to go in there, too bad to go in there."Ok, so anyway....Rita has her first ear infection and is on her first antibiotics. Yuck. Not happy about it! I take antibiotics about once every 4 years. I hate them and avoid them at all costs. She hasn't even been alive 10 months and she's on 'em. She is doing much better since she started on it yesterday. Her nose is clearing up and she can drink without choking. She is perkier and is eating much better. She weighed in at a hefty 20 lbs. 4 oz. I had my monthly massage yesterday. If I could afford more I would go in a heartbeat. I figure I'm lucky to get one a month. I made an appointment with the chiropractor there too. I was in desperate need of an adjustment. I haven't been adjusted in at least six months. After my massage I chatted with Dr. B and told him I was completely stressed out and in more pain than I had been in in years. He said "I know just what you need, follow me." I followed him into a small, semi-lit room. It smelled of herbs and dryer sheets. I laid face up on a table. He held his hands about 2-3 feet away from my legs and he said "You are full of negative energy and I'm going to give you acupuncture to release it. It will feel like a pressure cooker. All the steam will release out the top of your head." What was really weird is I could feel his energy touching my legs but he was a couple feet away. He put one needle in each foot, calf and forearm, two in each ear, one in my third eye and three in the top of my head. The needle in my left forearm was really cool. If I wiggled my thumb or index finger, the needle wobbled back and forth with the finger. At one point I got the giggles and thought to myself "this is better than any drug I've ever done." After about 30 minutes he came back and removed all the needles and swept all the negative energy off me and threw it in a garbage can! Then he adjusted me head to toe. I never had my feet adjusted before, that felt great. He also adjusted my neck better than any chiropractor I've EVER seen. I never did feel the pressure cooker effect but I felt so much better when I left there I would have given him any amount of money he asked for. I slept better last night than I have slept in months. When Rita woke me up with an outburst, I was able to fall right back to sleep and that never happens. I usually lay awake for an hour or so after she wakes me up! So there you have it, my first acupuncture experience. No, it didn't hurt. Yesterday I was singing "Evil Woman" by ELO and John said "That's what the words are? I thought it was "She is a woman!" We laughed and laughed. "You're too dumb to sing that song, too dumb to sing that song."
Friday, March 24, 2006
Lunch & myspace
I had lunch with my ol school chum today. We went to the Daquiri Deck. It was very strange yet comfortable. Imagine knowing someone very well for most of your childhood then losing them for 20 years only to meet up with them today for lunch. We both look the same just older. She is still very pretty and now she looks like a Florida girl instead of a pasty white Michigander. (no offense Damian!) We caught up as much as possible in the short time we were together & made plans to get together soon. Pretty cool.I came home and John was changing Rita. He carried her into the kitchen and accidentally mashed her foot in between him and the corner of the counter. She began to scream at the top of her lungs and I finally pulled myself away from myspace to see what was going on! John calmed her down. Then he began to tease me that I couldn't pull myself away from myspace long enough to check on my screaming daughter. "I chopped Rita's thumb off! Could you get some ice and we'll rush her to the hospital so they might be able to reattach it?" "Not right now honey, I'm on myspace doing a survey." I also need to add that John is obsessed with our daughter's poo. He talks about it incessantly and to anyone that will listen. In fact, today he saved her poo in the diaper to show me when I got home. He was astounded at the ginormous size of her turd. He went on and on about how big it was. I quote: "It had to weigh a half pound at least!" "I wish we could have weighed her before and after that poo!" "That poo had to be as big as my fist!" "No wonder she chugged those 7 ounces when she woke up, she dropped like a pound of poo!" "She's probably really tired from pushing that poo out." I bet if you check back later, there will be more added to list of quotes by my wonderful poo obsessed hubby.....This is my life.
I had lunch with my ol school chum today. We went to the Daquiri Deck. It was very strange yet comfortable. Imagine knowing someone very well for most of your childhood then losing them for 20 years only to meet up with them today for lunch. We both look the same just older. She is still very pretty and now she looks like a Florida girl instead of a pasty white Michigander. (no offense Damian!) We caught up as much as possible in the short time we were together & made plans to get together soon. Pretty cool.I came home and John was changing Rita. He carried her into the kitchen and accidentally mashed her foot in between him and the corner of the counter. She began to scream at the top of her lungs and I finally pulled myself away from myspace to see what was going on! John calmed her down. Then he began to tease me that I couldn't pull myself away from myspace long enough to check on my screaming daughter. "I chopped Rita's thumb off! Could you get some ice and we'll rush her to the hospital so they might be able to reattach it?" "Not right now honey, I'm on myspace doing a survey." I also need to add that John is obsessed with our daughter's poo. He talks about it incessantly and to anyone that will listen. In fact, today he saved her poo in the diaper to show me when I got home. He was astounded at the ginormous size of her turd. He went on and on about how big it was. I quote: "It had to weigh a half pound at least!" "I wish we could have weighed her before and after that poo!" "That poo had to be as big as my fist!" "No wonder she chugged those 7 ounces when she woke up, she dropped like a pound of poo!" "She's probably really tired from pushing that poo out." I bet if you check back later, there will be more added to list of quotes by my wonderful poo obsessed hubby.....This is my life.
Monday, March 20, 2006
My trip to Seattle was wonderful. Our time there flew by as most vacations do. John was sick most of the trip. He wasn't able to get out much. Which left me free to spend a lot of time with my girls. Friday night couldn't have been more perfect. Nikki, Lysette, Sieu & I went to B & O Espresso. The food and amerciana coffee were so delicious I took John back there for brunch the next day. I cannot remember the last time I had intelligent adult conversation with such fabulous women!! It was a night I won't soon forget. I love perfect nights like that. They are magical!Since returning to Florida it has been hot, sunny and humid. The complete opposite of Seattle! I have done more laundry than I thought possible. How can we own so many clothes? We are only 3 people!! My big sister is visiting from Michigan with her family. My nephews are 12 & 10. Rita adores them all!! My MIL spent the weekend with us and it was so nice to have her around. We had a birthday party for my BIL on Saturday. My parents came over and Grandpa set up the fishing poles for my nephews. They both caught fish. It was a really great day with a lot of food and fun. I remember family functions as a child. All the women hung out in the kitchen and the men wherever - drinking. Funny what happens to me now in adulthood. I'm hanging with the women in the kitchen. That commercial IS right! A baby does change EVERYTHING!!!I drank a bottle of Merlot last Wednesday night. This is something I just don't do. I was having a fun conversation with my friend Ginny in MD. When it turned to politics. So much for that conversation. I guess I made it personal and she hung up on me. I found it all in good fun. I think George Bush is the worst President in the history of the United States and she is a Bush supporter/Republican. I don't agree with Ginny on a lot of issues so we have agreed not to discuss them anymore. When I think about it (through the fog of wine memory of course) I actually start to laugh out loud. I had a good time.Rita is growing like a weed. I've remembered to put diapers on her everyday!! She waves bye bye. She says "Hi" regularly. She called my Mom "Gramma" yesterday. She says a lot of words just once and then you NEVER hear them again. Where do they go? When will they return? She called the cat "kitty-cat" for a while. Then she called him "Tig-gah". I haven't heard either for days. She holds the bottle on her own for John, but not for me. We've been feeding her more and more table foods. She is getting really good at picking small items up off the high chair tray and eating them. The little stinker has started to blow bubbles with food in her mouth. My glasses have a coating of pineapple, pear and mixed vegetables on them. My clothes are stained with carrots & green beans. It's very frustrating. We are trying to ignore her when she does it to see if that will make it stop. Wish us luck!I was also called for jury duty for the first time since moving to Florida. I was able to request to be excused because "I am a parent or guardian of a child under 6 and not full-time employed." Isn't that an oxy-moron?? I went online and my request was granted. When I turn 70 I can asked to be permanantly removed. Now there is something to look forward to!Spring time is busy here at our house. We have a lot of company come in from up north. Thank God they don't stay with us. It's hard enough as it is. Why I forget this from year to year is beyond me. Come May I will want to hide alone in my house and not answer the phone or check email for days!! Too much stimulation and too much "my life is uprooted from the daily norm." Sometimes I don't deal well with change!! Ok, hardly ever do I deal well with change. Why lie? It's the same as saying "I work independently" Ha!!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
I heard today that in 200 years there will be no more naturally blonde people - can this be true?
We arrived safely in Seattle, but I must share the stupidest thing I've done in my life to date. This blows the Footloose night out of the water no question!! Sunday was a crazy day. We were leaving for Seattle and I had to pack for Rita, me & John. Traveling with a 9 month old is no easy task, especially coast to coast. How much further can you travel in the US than Tampa to Seattle?? I made my lists and I checked them twice. Three large suitcases later and all the necessary components were packed in the van and we were just about to leave for the airport. As a rookie Mom I often forget to change Rita's diaper on the way out the door and inevitably 10 minutes down the road I have to pull over to change her on the floor of the van. But not Sunday, I was on fire and possibly too much xanax. The van was running and packed with suitcases and carry ons. I took Rita into her room to change her diaper (or so I thought) and then we left for the airport. We were on the airport exit and when I said to John "I smell poo." John replies: "It wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a Rita poo." We park, I take her out of her car seat and OH NO! She peed through her diaper! (or so I thought) The carseat is soaked, she is soaked then John says to me "What happened to her diaper?" I said "Huh?" Wouldn't you know it? On fire xanax Mom NEVER PUT A DIAPER ON RITA!! I thought I had entered the Twilight Zone. How could I forget to put a diaper on my daughter? There was crap everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE. Then she put her hands in it. And just when you thought it was everywhere, it really was everywhere. I was so beside myself & looking for Rod Sterling that John had to deal with it. How could I forget such an important step in the diaper change? I retraced my steps in my mind to the changing table. I could not believe I forgot to put a diaper on her. We ended up throwing her poopy clothes in the trash. My brand new minivan will no long have that "new car smell" by the time we get back to Tampa. The soaked (new) carseat is baking in the Florida heat for the next week. What a dumbass! How could I have done that?? Hello? It's called changing a diaper because you are supposed to put a fresh one on. Oy Vey!I saw my one of my best friends tonight. I haven't seen her since 2002. I said to her "If you would have told me in 2002 "the next time I see you, you will be married with a baby."" I would have told her she was stark raving mad! I love those friends you don't have to talk to everyday, every week or every year and no matter what they never stop loving you. Those are the best friends to have and the most beautiful people in the world.
We arrived safely in Seattle, but I must share the stupidest thing I've done in my life to date. This blows the Footloose night out of the water no question!! Sunday was a crazy day. We were leaving for Seattle and I had to pack for Rita, me & John. Traveling with a 9 month old is no easy task, especially coast to coast. How much further can you travel in the US than Tampa to Seattle?? I made my lists and I checked them twice. Three large suitcases later and all the necessary components were packed in the van and we were just about to leave for the airport. As a rookie Mom I often forget to change Rita's diaper on the way out the door and inevitably 10 minutes down the road I have to pull over to change her on the floor of the van. But not Sunday, I was on fire and possibly too much xanax. The van was running and packed with suitcases and carry ons. I took Rita into her room to change her diaper (or so I thought) and then we left for the airport. We were on the airport exit and when I said to John "I smell poo." John replies: "It wouldn't be a trip to the airport without a Rita poo." We park, I take her out of her car seat and OH NO! She peed through her diaper! (or so I thought) The carseat is soaked, she is soaked then John says to me "What happened to her diaper?" I said "Huh?" Wouldn't you know it? On fire xanax Mom NEVER PUT A DIAPER ON RITA!! I thought I had entered the Twilight Zone. How could I forget to put a diaper on my daughter? There was crap everywhere and I mean EVERYWHERE. Then she put her hands in it. And just when you thought it was everywhere, it really was everywhere. I was so beside myself & looking for Rod Sterling that John had to deal with it. How could I forget such an important step in the diaper change? I retraced my steps in my mind to the changing table. I could not believe I forgot to put a diaper on her. We ended up throwing her poopy clothes in the trash. My brand new minivan will no long have that "new car smell" by the time we get back to Tampa. The soaked (new) carseat is baking in the Florida heat for the next week. What a dumbass! How could I have done that?? Hello? It's called changing a diaper because you are supposed to put a fresh one on. Oy Vey!I saw my one of my best friends tonight. I haven't seen her since 2002. I said to her "If you would have told me in 2002 "the next time I see you, you will be married with a baby."" I would have told her she was stark raving mad! I love those friends you don't have to talk to everyday, every week or every year and no matter what they never stop loving you. Those are the best friends to have and the most beautiful people in the world.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Yesterday we took Rita to the beach. This was the first time she was able to actually play and not just sit there with a blank stare on her face. She was a riot! We played in the sand and stuck her toes in the 60 degree water. She enjoyed the sand but not the water! She also had her first taste of sand. John was worried she might get sick from it "because sand is so dirty." "You know, cigarette butts, dead fish & bird poop." I'd say she ate a dozen grains at best. She's a smart kid. It's not like she would eat a fistful of sand then go back for seconds. I had to reassure him she wouldn't die from some unknown sand poisoning disease.This afternoon we are headed to my parents house for dinner. We have to be there at 2 p.m. to help them move some furniture before dinner at 4:00. Remember the "Early Bird" Seinfeld episode? Yes, that describes life with my parents to a tee! We have to eat by four so that my stepdad can see to bar-b-que. The sun sets here about 6:30 p.m. but OK whatever you say.Since we spent yesterday at the beach in upper 70's degree weather we have some concerns about freezing our asses off on our Seattle trip next month. Looks like it might be snowing while we are there and you know how much Floridians enjoy snow!! I will be happy if Rita gets to experience it. But, I have to laugh because it gets so hot here in the summer you can't bear to be outside. How is that any different from a snowy winter?? My feet don't get wet? I don't ruin my imitation leather shoes?I'm very excited to see some old friends while we are in Seattle. I absolutely adore them and miss having them in my daily life. Not only do I get to see them, but I'll be eating some GOOD mexican food. Good mexican food is an oxymoron in Florida.
Having a toddler is such a joy!! John was getting Rita ready for her bath tonight. I heard the water running and can only assume he left Rita standing at the side of the tub naked.
John says: Mommy?
Me: Yes?
John: Can you come here?
Me: Sure
I get up and walk into the bathroom. Rita is in the tub and John is washing his hands.
Me: What's up? What do you need?
John: Well, look. (he points to the floor) I think Rita peed on the floor. I didn't see it happen but I can only assume because it was dry before.
There was a HUGE puddle of urine. I began to wipe it up and realized it was splashed up on the side of the tub & toilet.
Me: What happened in here? Why is up so high on things?
John: Well she was standing in it splashing it with her feet.
I laughed the entire time I was cleaning it up. My sister was here visiting and taught Rita how to splash in puddles.
John says: Mommy?
Me: Yes?
John: Can you come here?
Me: Sure
I get up and walk into the bathroom. Rita is in the tub and John is washing his hands.
Me: What's up? What do you need?
John: Well, look. (he points to the floor) I think Rita peed on the floor. I didn't see it happen but I can only assume because it was dry before.
There was a HUGE puddle of urine. I began to wipe it up and realized it was splashed up on the side of the tub & toilet.
Me: What happened in here? Why is up so high on things?
John: Well she was standing in it splashing it with her feet.
I laughed the entire time I was cleaning it up. My sister was here visiting and taught Rita how to splash in puddles.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Yesterday with mother in law in tow we went to the Florida State Fair. It happened to be a gorgeous day in the low 80's and partly cloudy so just when we got really hot the sun would hide behind a cloud for at least 15 minutes. We mostly went for the people watching. The only thing I wanted to do was shoot water in a clowns mouth with a really heavy metal squirt gun until the balloon growing above his head popped and the first person to do so would win a cheesy prize. I haven't been to a state fair since I was a child in Michigan and saw Roberta Flack perform. This fair had more rides, midway games and food than you can imagine!! There were at least 3 of everything: Fun houses, roller coasters, Pork butt on a stick tents, spinny make-you-throw-up rides, actually, there were about 10 of those. We walked the midway in search of the water/balloon game. Every game began to look the same and I was getting incredibly bummed. They had to have it didn't they? Then finally across from the Crazy Mouse rollercoaster - there it was!! John and I sat down, I picked #21 for my age and because it had a blue balloon. It was $3.00 a piece, a far cry from the .50 cents I used to pay, the prizes were somewhat better I must admit. But there was no clown head to shoot water into his mouth it was a plain ol target. The heavy metal squirt gun? Gone. This was some state of the art stealth-like water gun with two buttons!! Mother in law watched over Rita and took action photos of us playing the game. I won a sock monkey. Not just any sock monkey, but one that makes jungle noises and has a red ass. I will post pictures shortly.The people watching was stellar as expected. I tried to get shots of mullets and various people but the digital age has slowed me down. I can no longer capture pictures on an instant and trying to be sly about it can be difficult as well. I will tell you there were long mullets, short mullets and mostly overprocessed mullets. It was awesome!Another highlight of the fair was the livestock. We saw horses, cows, miniature ponies, rabbits, chickens, roosters, eggs & ducks. The cows were by far the best but Rita had no interest in anything furry at this point in her life. John kept mentioning how hungry he was for a steak. There was a "mooternity ward" where we could watch a baby calf being born. I asked John what kind of livestock I could raise at the beach so I could enter next years fair. He looked at me as though I was mad. Surely I could have a pygmy goat?! After the whole deal with E coli break out last year we avoided petting the animals. I didn't have a dire need to pet a cow anyway - once you've petted a cow is there really any reason to pet another? There was also contests for woodworking, quilting, aquariums, cheese, photography, wine making (no free samples) and exhibits of all the counties in Florida. I don't remember anything like this from my childhood. Maybe I spent all of my time outside the beer tent waiting for my father to give me more money to go ride spinny make-you-throw-up rides.
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