It Is What It Is

The post I started three times- so lets hope I can finish it

Yes- three times- I've started this post and then walked away, did about a dozen other things and then forgot about the post, didn't save it and then had to start all over again.

I know- you're thinking what the heck, Deb, what's the problem?  Well, aside from playing nursemaid to my Beloved, Eldest had surgery last week, (she's fine- she had cysts on her vocal chords removed, as well as her tonsils.)  Needless to say, I'm on a first name basis with all the drive-thru folks at Sonic...Eldest was living on their slushes. 

On top of working, nursing, trying to finish decorating for Christmas, starting about 3 other mini-projects, cooking, cleaning, Christmas shopping, and getting ready for Beloved's side of the family Holiday Christmas celebration- I was in a car accident.  (I'm doing okay- just a raging case of whiplash.) I was rear-ended by some fool with no car insurance.  

Whew- I feel better getting that off my chest....back to post I was trying to write.

 

~~~~~~~~~Doing the Pick Up

 

Don't you just love your "pick-up" friends?  These are the friends- who you may or may not have know for life- but no matter the time or the distance, when you do see or speak to one another, you just "pick up" from the last time you saw or spoke to that person? 

A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting up with one of my "pick-ups."  I accompanied Eldest to our State Capital to take her state boards.  I needed something to occupy my time- and instead of shopping or hanging at a coffee shop alone, I gave my buddy, V a call. 

I have known V since "before."  That is before husband and kids!  She was one of my very best  work friends, we were cubicle mates.  Our friendship transcended the workplace and now twenty three years later....we are still doing the "pick up."

V was kind enough to play along- go for a ride so to speak, do what we needed to do while we waited for Eldest to complete the morning activities, pick her up for her lunch break and then take her back for the afternoon. 

We started the day at place I had never gone to before.  Supposedly, this joint had been featured on one of those Food Network shows, not sure which one...but primarily to feature it's signature sandwich.

Neither one of us was in the mood for the Dagwood, so we opted for breakfast items.  We had a wonderful time catching up on all kinds of things- mostly about the kids and such.  I swear, nothing makes time go faster than having kids and living through their milestones to mark that time.  V has two boys.  When I met her, one was a baby and the other maybe four years old.  Now, they are grown, gorgeous men, college graduates and starting their adult lives- away from mom. 

We had a great time chatting and driving through some of our old haunts and checking out some new cool places.  As always, the time just flew by and before we knew it - Eldest had called to say-

"I've passed!"

We said our goodbyes- but not to worry, the next time we "pick up" will be on New Year's Eve day.  That's her birthday and the day we both make cabbage rolls.  In fact, it's her recipe that I use!

Thanks, V- it was great catching up and spending time with you.

Seussical the Musical

Recently, the middle school at Youngest's school put on a production of "Seussical the Musical."  I know I'm biased- but it was fantastic!  I saw this show two years ago at a local high school and this production was every bit as good.  I was simply amazed at how they worked every kid in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes into the show.

Youngest played one of the 'Bird Girls."  If you haven't seen the show, the premise is based on "Horton Hears a Who" and then goes on to incorporate many, if not most of the beloved Dr. Seuss characters in a twisty, turny tale of mayhem.

Horton....

Animals from the Circus McGurkus

Jungle Creature from the Jungle of Nool and some fish from the River Walloo.

Mr. and Mrs. Mayor with their son, JoJo from Whoville.

Mayzie La Bird, Gertrude McFuzz, Bird Girls and Cat-in-the-Hat Assistant...

Yertle the Turtle, the Grinch, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Vlad Vladikoff, oh my word, and there is still more, don't forget about all those Who's and the other characters from the Circus....

Bird Girl, the Court Stenographer and one of those devilish Wickersham Brothers!

The songs were infectious.  I"m still hearing them in my head a week after the show.  (It probably doesn't help- that Youngest, can't stop singing them either!)

Anytime you can get kids involved in the arts, it's a good thing...and combining the fabulous books of Dr. Seuss with music- it doesn't get much better than that.

 

The Theatre....(please pronounce in an English accent for better effect)

This weekend was a weekend of "theatre going."  Friends of Youngest and I were in local community production of "The Sound of Music."  We attended with another friend and her daughter and had such a delightful time.  I love going to musicals!  They just make me happy.  Our little friend played one of the Von Trapp children and did such a fabulous job.  It was her first time being in a "musicale" and she loved it!  I get chills each time I hear the "nuns from the Abbey" sing "Climb Every Mountain."  I've been having the soundtrack playing in my head all weekend.

Last night, Youngest and I had another double date with a mom and her daughter and attended one of the area high school's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone."  I had never heard of this show before and was intrigued.  Interestingly enough, when this show was announced last Spring, I then noticed twice over the summer, two area universities were putting on this very show during their summer season.

If you ever get the chance to see this show- GO!  It's not very often that you get the opportunity to see a show that you have NO IDEA what it is about.  Not a remake of a movie or a tried and true Broadway production...This show was so creative and the talented young performers made it even better.   It's a musical within a comedy-  a  show within a show- current day to past times.  Very, very fun...still smiling about it.

In a few weeks, Youngest will be performing in her school's Junior production of Seussical.  We are looking forward to this with much anticipation.  Again, another very fun show.

On a completely random note, I know I mentioned a few months ago that I was starting the "30th anniversary of my Senior Year of High School."  Well, it's official- I received via Facebook- the date of my 30th High School reunion.  I'm excited and depressed all at the same time.  Excited because I have never attended any of my reunions- and I will not miss this one!  Depressed because- well I can't believe it's been thirty years! 

 

What I've been reduced to doing....

Youngest had the nerve to ask- "that note wasn't meant for me was it?" 

Yes- you and the other two who somehow forget that we have this thing called a dishwasher.  Use it, that's all I'm sayin'.... 
 
 

Happy 17th Birthday!

Not sure how this happened, but we'll go with it.  Happy Birthday, Middle One.  My one and only son.

Wishing you nothing but good stuff in the upcoming year.  I'm more proud of you each and every day.  Recently, someone sent me an email about you that said-"You've got a good boy there."  Best compliment I ever got.

Love,

Mom

P.S.  My gift to you is not making you pose for a birthday photo, not fair but certainly a gift. 

Pick Up Lines

So- I went to pick up Middle One after being away at a Lacrosse camp.  It's 500 degrees outside and he's been sleeping in un-air-conditioned dorm rooms for a week.  Plus, not to mention playing Lacrosse in this ungodly heat. 

The first thing he wants to do after packing up the car?  "Can we go get food?" 

"What?  Didn't they feed you?" 

"Well, yeah.  But Mom, it was cafeteria food.  I need real food."

Thanks goodness for the golden arches.   

Because it bears worth repeating

Friday, June 17 is National Flip Flop Day sponsored by Tropical Smoothie Cafe.  If you want to know all about this great event click on the link. 

 
(Doesn't this image just scream SUMMER TIME and the BEACH!!)

All that being said, I do have a couple of funny little tidbits to share with you.

Remember a few weeks ago I chose the "Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars as one of my Saturday Soundtracks?  I mentioned that the song did have a one lyric that was a bit cheeky and in my opinion kind of ruined the song for me.  Last night I was driving in the car with Youngest and a couple of her friends.  The radio was on and that song came on and the girls all started singing it.  (Really- the song is quite catchy and you can't help but want to sing along...)  Well, I temporarily forgot about that one part and remembered just as it was coming up and reacted by singing over the lyrics...."lalalalalalalal."  However, the girls surprised me and said, "Don't worry we have are own lyrics for that part." 

"Oh, and what that might be?"

"We say...."(instead of "have some really nice sex")   "Send a really nice text."

It reminded me of the times when in college and we would be in bars and the Billy Idol version of the song, "Mony, Mony" would come on and we would change the lyrics.  Remember the part where folks would shout out "Get L#%$   Get F%^&*#!"  ?  Well- my nerdy friends and I would chant at that part- "Get a job, Go to Church!" 

Next up, a friend and I were discussing a mutual acquaintance who  is probably the most unique thinking individual we both know.  This person is very single minded in her quest to create a world solely dedicated to her wants and desires.  Her way is always the right way and she is unabashedly not afraid to exhibit hypocritical opinions. 

Case in point, this person is hyper-critical of other folks parenting styles.  She's extremely over protective of her kids and I've witnessed her over the top behavior on more than one occasion.  Which is why this particular bit is so hysterical and such a dichotomy.  This is how it went down...Her son was planning a sleepover with  my other friend's son.  At the last minute plans had to be changed and she asked if her son could just come over to their house to  have a play date instead.  "Sure come on over," my friend invited.  When they arrived, this gal hands a bag to my friend's husband and says- "Here, I brought this for the kids to play with." 

He looks inside and sees an assortment of fireworks.  (I might mention at this point that the sale of fireworks is illegal in our state.  However, you can drive right over the border  and buy them.  We live on the state border.)  Friend's husband says, "Oh- thanks, but I don't think this is such a good idea."

Gal says- "Why?  I only bought fireworks that were age appropriate."

Is that like saying, "Here, go play with these matches kids, they are more age appropriate than this lighter."  Or, "hey, go play with daddy's guns, but don't touch the ones that aren't age appropriate."  Or maybe, "Go ahead and play in the street kids as long as you wear that reflective vest." 

I know I'm being a bit on the sarcastic side, but I can't help it.  The idea that there is such an idea of 'age appropriate fireworks struck our funny bone.  We couldn't stop laughing. 

 

Do you have any funny song lyrics stories?  Or any age appropriate stories to share?  Would love to hear them all!   

 

Potluck

Whoever thought that summer vacation got a whole lot less complicated once school let out- didn't have a clue or didn't have kids!

Life is just as crazy busy- just without having to take kids to and from school.

What's keeping me busy- well I know it's hard to believe, but DANCE RECITAL.  I've had some additional duties  added to my plate and it's making me a little twitchy as I try to get it done.   On top of those duties-we have an end of year Lacrosse Banquet that I'm working on as well.  Once these events are completed, I'll be in full swing getting ready for new product training and a national sales meeting for work. 

We are supposed to take a family vacation in July.  I'm desperately hoping against hope that it happens.  Beloved gets a little twitchy himself thinking about leaving his business with a babysitter for a week-but as I tell him....BALANCE in all things!  It's necessary.  We haven't been on an honest to goodness family vacation in about five years.  We've done the weekend getaway thing but it's just not the same. 

Eldest goes to take her State Board Licensing examine this week,  so she can be licensed cosmetologist and then hopefully become gainfully employed at a salon.  Send her good thoughts, won't you? 

Youngest and I witnessed a car hitting a young man on a bike this evening.  I actually didn't see the actual impact, but the after effect of the hit.  Youngest did see the entire thing and was pretty shaken up by it.  I called 911 and waited with another woman who was in the car behind me to see if we could help the guy on the bike.  His leg did not look good.  The sad part about this whole thing is that the guy who was driving obviously had some sort of disability.  (Truthfully, I'm not sure what, but definitely did have something.)  He was a young guy as well, and was driving a car full of teenagers.  The driver was very upset by this accident and the boys in the car with him were doing nothing to help or support him.  I felt like they thought this whole thing was entertaining and were basically driving around with this guy because he had a car and they didn't.  I know I'm taking a lot of liberties in my assessment of the situation, but I'm just stating what I observed.  It's going to be a bad scene all around.  Once the police and medical attention arrived and we gave our statements, we were free to leave.  I have no idea how this is going to turn out.  I'm assuming not good for either party.

If you want or need a good laugh, check out this blog.  It's called, "Wave at the Bus."  This guy dressed in a different costume every day to wave his son off to the school bus each day for the entire school year.  He documented his fun.  I give him a lot of creativity points for the costumes he came up with (and he spent no more than $50 for everything!)  and for the determination and energy to keep this endeavor going.  Not to mention fantastic sense of humor of Dad and son alike!

And finally, actually, I have no finally...it just went straight out of my head and frankly, I don't have the energy to go and find it.  Until then- tell me what you've all been up to?  How's your summer vacation starting out? 

Say it isn't so...

I now have a child who is no longer a teenager...they have hit the 2nd decade.....

 
Youngest, Mom and Eldest 

Happy 20th Birthday, Eldest.  The best is yet to come....

Week At A Glance

This week is Spring Break for Youngest.  Next week is Spring Break for Middle One.  Last week was the lost week for me- here's why...

 

Dance- mixed in with more dance and then for good measure we'll add some more dance. 
 
 

Lacrosse games.  Peppered with more lacrosse games.  Don't forget to be cold and windy, because that's when I really like attending Lacrosse games.  The colder, the better.
 

Stations of the cross.  This is a happy bunch of "weeping women."  Can you see the "image" that "Veronica" is holding up?

 
 

 

Painting of the dining room.  The dining room redo is in full swing.  Fabric has been chosen!  Painting is complete!

 

Friday night Fish Fry....note to self, do not wear your coat again when working the church fish fry.  Regardless of weather, don't wear a coat unless you're willing to go straight to the dry cleaners.  Yummy, though.

 

Yes- that's right, the Virus that attacks the Virus Protection Software came back with a vengeance.  This really was the chink in my armor and what prohibited me from posting most of last week. 

Whew- I need a Spring Break too!  

Promise to be more on top of it this week...