We made it through our first day of Kindergarten unscathed. M had no problems and I only teared up about 20 times. Success for everyone!
Another milestone down...
Since we're in Kindergarten mode I will share a quote I recently heard by Wendy Kaminer -"Only people who die very young learn all they really need to know in kindergarten."
I think she's right. Sometimes I think we just get so grown up and lost in the mess of life that we just don't see the lessons. I hope I never stop learning, I hope I never get so busy or so complacent that I don't take the time to just stop and see. Here are some things I've learned just in the last year:
-Sometimes it really stinks to be the boss.
-Baggy underwear can ruin an otherwise perfectly good day.
-What someone does has way more meaning than what they say.
-There is a country song for every mood and every situation.
-Some people never learned how to play nice. I wish I could put them in time out.
-Wearing high heels makes me happy. Red heels make me even happier.
-Some mistakes are hard to recover from.
-My friends love me, in spite of myself.
-I'm better at some things than I thought I would be. This surprises me.
-I'm not as good at some things as I expected to be. This disappoints me.
-It's called the high road because it takes effort in order to reach it.
-No one ever outgrows growing pains.
-Baked Doritos taste as bad as they sound.
-You know someone really gets you when they can hear your sarcasm over text.
-It's possible for Wordfeud games to last multiple days.
-Life is only as good as you make it.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Certified Club Member
Today was a big day - we met M's Kindergarten teacher. She seemed very friendly, very nice, and very "kindergarteny".
I'm just not so sure I'm ready for it. I know part of that is my inability to let her go - she's growing up way too fast for me. But there is also some legitimate concern - she'll be riding a bus...she will have to get off the bus and find her room...retrieve her breakfast card from the wall... make her way downstairs to the cafeteria...give her breakfast card to the lunch lady...listen for the class bell...make her way back upstairs to her classroom.
It just seems like a lot for a 5 year old. I mean, geez, we've barely got wiping our own bottom down and now she's expected to run all over the school by herself? We practiced today and she did fine but there also weren't a bunch of other kids there either and I think it may be confusing when the halls are filled with people...I mean, all the classes really do look alike.
Yes, I realize the teachers will be there. Yes, I realize they will help her. I guess my real concern is that moment when she does get turned around, lost and confused, and she feels that overwhelming sense of helplessness and fright and I. Won't. Be. There.
And what she'll want more than anything is her Mommy.
It just kills me.
You know, no one ever tells you that side of parenthood. No one ever prepares you for the fear and worry. They don't tell you how fiercely you'll want to protect your children from ever feeling scared or unhappy. And they certainly don't tell you how much your heart will hurt when you realize you can't.
They also don't tell you how bad it smells when you get just a teeny tiny drop of spit-up on your shoulder while making a daycare drop off and how horrible it is to have to smell it all day long. And know that other people can smell it too. So all day you feel compelled to explain to people that no, you didn't eat anything rotten and that yes, your digestive tract is just fine - it was just a parting gift from your little bundle of joy.
Yep, there are lots of dirty little secrets in the parent club...
I'm just not so sure I'm ready for it. I know part of that is my inability to let her go - she's growing up way too fast for me. But there is also some legitimate concern - she'll be riding a bus...she will have to get off the bus and find her room...retrieve her breakfast card from the wall... make her way downstairs to the cafeteria...give her breakfast card to the lunch lady...listen for the class bell...make her way back upstairs to her classroom.
It just seems like a lot for a 5 year old. I mean, geez, we've barely got wiping our own bottom down and now she's expected to run all over the school by herself? We practiced today and she did fine but there also weren't a bunch of other kids there either and I think it may be confusing when the halls are filled with people...I mean, all the classes really do look alike.
Yes, I realize the teachers will be there. Yes, I realize they will help her. I guess my real concern is that moment when she does get turned around, lost and confused, and she feels that overwhelming sense of helplessness and fright and I. Won't. Be. There.
And what she'll want more than anything is her Mommy.
It just kills me.
You know, no one ever tells you that side of parenthood. No one ever prepares you for the fear and worry. They don't tell you how fiercely you'll want to protect your children from ever feeling scared or unhappy. And they certainly don't tell you how much your heart will hurt when you realize you can't.
They also don't tell you how bad it smells when you get just a teeny tiny drop of spit-up on your shoulder while making a daycare drop off and how horrible it is to have to smell it all day long. And know that other people can smell it too. So all day you feel compelled to explain to people that no, you didn't eat anything rotten and that yes, your digestive tract is just fine - it was just a parting gift from your little bundle of joy.
Yep, there are lots of dirty little secrets in the parent club...
Monday, August 15, 2011
Gonna Take Something Stronger Than Calgone
Oh. My. God.
What a day!
Mentally exhausted from work and then I pick up the girls and they were just....savage. Wild, crazy little savages in pigtails.
I'm going to have to remember tomorrow to ask the daycare to not provide my children with 5 hour energy shots. Or whatever it was that entered their bodies that turned them into the screeching balls of energy that invaded my home and interrupted my sanity.
Speaking of sanity - what the heck is going on with Texas A&M wanting to move out of the Big 12 conference over to SEC? It's got me all wound up...really, it's ruining my pre-football buzz. I mean, I just don't like that our conference seems to be falling apart. Not that I'm pretending to know the in-depth impact of all things football but I do know I don't like it, not one bit.
And I had my first disappointment of the season - Benny called and said he was getting us tickets to the Texas Tech game. Am I in? Yeah, sure, always. You know that. Wait, what weekend is that again? Oh. Scratch that then - McKenzie's birthday weekend. Love my Sooners but I love my girl even more.
Even when she is a little monster....
What a day!
Mentally exhausted from work and then I pick up the girls and they were just....savage. Wild, crazy little savages in pigtails.
I'm going to have to remember tomorrow to ask the daycare to not provide my children with 5 hour energy shots. Or whatever it was that entered their bodies that turned them into the screeching balls of energy that invaded my home and interrupted my sanity.
Speaking of sanity - what the heck is going on with Texas A&M wanting to move out of the Big 12 conference over to SEC? It's got me all wound up...really, it's ruining my pre-football buzz. I mean, I just don't like that our conference seems to be falling apart. Not that I'm pretending to know the in-depth impact of all things football but I do know I don't like it, not one bit.
And I had my first disappointment of the season - Benny called and said he was getting us tickets to the Texas Tech game. Am I in? Yeah, sure, always. You know that. Wait, what weekend is that again? Oh. Scratch that then - McKenzie's birthday weekend. Love my Sooners but I love my girl even more.
Even when she is a little monster....
Sunday, August 14, 2011
An Open Letter To Monday
Dear Monday,
As the first day of the work week, I know you feel that I don't always have the same appreciation for you that I do the other days and I recognize that you are particularly jealous of my affection for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While it is true that I do value those days greatly, it in no way diminishes your place. We've had our challenges but I want our relationship to be better - it's important to me that we understand each other. I want to open up the lines of communication by telling you how I feel.
While I am happy to see you; you arrive just a little too soon each week. I would appreciate it if you would let me spend just a little more time with Sunday. I know you're anxious for our time together, but I always feel just a bit cheated by your early arrival. Please stop rushing Sunday away.
I understand it's your job to get the week started but do you always have to go full blast? Could you save a few of the emails, phone calls, and other things for Tuesday? Or maybe even Wednesday? When one day brings so much to do it makes me feel overwhelmed and I begin to resent you.
It seems like a long time ago we used to have fun together. Now, it seems like you only want me to work. The other days bring me lunch dates, funny emails, random surprise phone calls from dear friends...I don't get any of those things from you. I need you to provide some spontaneity and fun in my days.
I need you to pick up your pace just a bit. The other days go by fairly quickly but to me it seems like you drag on and on. It's not that I don't want to spend time with you...I just need a little space. If you could go by a little faster I think it would be easier for me to appreciate you.
I'm sure you don't mean it but sometimes you can be a real bitch. I feel like I try my hardest to let it go, but it bothers me when you treat me so poorly. Let me know that I'm important to you by showing me some compassion and kindness.
And in full disclosure, I think it's important to let you know that Friday brought me great fun. I met up with some of my favorite girlfriends - we got in a little shopping and a whole lot of girl time. Then it was off to dinner with more friends. But Friday wasn't done yet! Understanding my love for dancing, it provided me (after a few adventures) an opportunity to hit the floor and get my dance on. And then, like the champ he is, Saturday swooped in and continued the fun. After successfully making a fool of myself on the dance floor, it was off for some late night grub. There was panic over a missing wallet, poking fun at sleeping beauty, and lots of laughs. Later that afternoon I enjoyed lunch with the ladies and then it was off to pick up the kiddos and return to domestic life.
Here are some pictures from my time with Friday and Saturday. I hope you can see how much fun we had together and maybe that will help you understand why I have such a good relationship with those days. Some of these pics are borrowed from the lady of the hour - the very special birthday girl, Brina. I was too busy dancing to take many pictures...
Sunday has offered me some family time around the house. I made a roast that we had after church and everyone is napping. I don't think we'll do much today and I'm looking forward to that. I think I may go grab a movie, make some popcorn and meet up with another dear friend of mine - the couch.
But don't worry Monday, I am well aware that you are almost here...
As the first day of the work week, I know you feel that I don't always have the same appreciation for you that I do the other days and I recognize that you are particularly jealous of my affection for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While it is true that I do value those days greatly, it in no way diminishes your place. We've had our challenges but I want our relationship to be better - it's important to me that we understand each other. I want to open up the lines of communication by telling you how I feel.
While I am happy to see you; you arrive just a little too soon each week. I would appreciate it if you would let me spend just a little more time with Sunday. I know you're anxious for our time together, but I always feel just a bit cheated by your early arrival. Please stop rushing Sunday away.
I understand it's your job to get the week started but do you always have to go full blast? Could you save a few of the emails, phone calls, and other things for Tuesday? Or maybe even Wednesday? When one day brings so much to do it makes me feel overwhelmed and I begin to resent you.
It seems like a long time ago we used to have fun together. Now, it seems like you only want me to work. The other days bring me lunch dates, funny emails, random surprise phone calls from dear friends...I don't get any of those things from you. I need you to provide some spontaneity and fun in my days.
I need you to pick up your pace just a bit. The other days go by fairly quickly but to me it seems like you drag on and on. It's not that I don't want to spend time with you...I just need a little space. If you could go by a little faster I think it would be easier for me to appreciate you.
I'm sure you don't mean it but sometimes you can be a real bitch. I feel like I try my hardest to let it go, but it bothers me when you treat me so poorly. Let me know that I'm important to you by showing me some compassion and kindness.
And in full disclosure, I think it's important to let you know that Friday brought me great fun. I met up with some of my favorite girlfriends - we got in a little shopping and a whole lot of girl time. Then it was off to dinner with more friends. But Friday wasn't done yet! Understanding my love for dancing, it provided me (after a few adventures) an opportunity to hit the floor and get my dance on. And then, like the champ he is, Saturday swooped in and continued the fun. After successfully making a fool of myself on the dance floor, it was off for some late night grub. There was panic over a missing wallet, poking fun at sleeping beauty, and lots of laughs. Later that afternoon I enjoyed lunch with the ladies and then it was off to pick up the kiddos and return to domestic life.
Here are some pictures from my time with Friday and Saturday. I hope you can see how much fun we had together and maybe that will help you understand why I have such a good relationship with those days. Some of these pics are borrowed from the lady of the hour - the very special birthday girl, Brina. I was too busy dancing to take many pictures...
Sunday has offered me some family time around the house. I made a roast that we had after church and everyone is napping. I don't think we'll do much today and I'm looking forward to that. I think I may go grab a movie, make some popcorn and meet up with another dear friend of mine - the couch.
But don't worry Monday, I am well aware that you are almost here...
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I'm back!
Well, back physically but certainly not mentally. It’s so tough to return to reality! We had a really good time – it was awesome to soak up the sun, listen to good tunes and just hang out. We had a change of plans a few weeks earlier and decided to prep the boat. We had to replace something with the steering and the front deck - good bye several hundred dollars! But it was so worth it because we ended up taking it to the lake with us. There were already two boats there but it ended up being really nice to have ours there too. M got to drive and she was so excited and I just loved watching her. Throughout my childhood, different members of our family had boats and I remember so vividly how exciting it was to take a boat ride and maybe, just maybe get to steer the boat. I am so happy that my girls will get those same experiences.
To me, that’s what family is about – building memories and providing tradition. We bought that boat, a 26 foot pontoon, the first year we were married. It’s big, bulky and slow so I’m sure it seemed like an odd choice to some. But we bought it for the future – we wanted something that we could pile the whole family into. And it really has been perfect. Over the years it’s taken some beatings and it’s starting to look a little rough, but I love that boat!
M2, on the other hand, was not too fond of it. Last year she was too little to know or care but this year she was a little scared. Only in the beginning when she first got on – once we started the engine and got going she was fine. Not really loving it, but she was okay. She does, however, love the water. Both my girls take after me in that sense – they are both water babies. I’m not real crazy about swimming in lakes. I have, plenty of times, but I’m just not fond of swimming in what is essentially a giant toilet bowl. Ughh, I just can’t think about it!
But when you have little ones that love the water, there are no options – you must get in the water with them. So I was a little concerned about swimwear. I have a couple of bathing suits but the water in Oklahoma lakes is red dirt water and everything comes out dingy looking. I have a black bathing suit that was my official “lake” bathing suit but it doesn’t fit and I didn’t think about it in time to actually hunt down something new. So, I was left with two options – ruin a good suit or go naked. And one of those, the one that involves possible jail time and a whole lot of disgruntled lake people, was not happening.
But at the last minute I remembered the suit I ordered for our vacation, the ones with the bottoms that were more like half bottoms on me. Well, I never sent it back; it’s remained untouched in its original package. So I decided that if I could find some cheap bottoms to coordinate with the top that I could just wear that. So the day that we left I stopped by Wal-Mart on my way home - just in case. I wasn’t very hopeful but was giving it a shot and I found something! And the bottoms are so stinkin cute – I actually kinda love them. And they were super cheap – like $10. Triple win!
I plan to get back to a regular workout routine this week. And the picture of me in my new bikini bottoms is definitely motivation to actually do it….
I plan to get back to a regular workout routine this week. And the picture of me in my new bikini bottoms is definitely motivation to actually do it….
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Myth Busters
I'm taking a break today. I need to for my mental health and the mental health of those around me. I've carved out time for lunch (and blogging) and I've even allowed myself to go to the bathroom. Yep, makin big steps towards progress today!
We watched Hall Pass the other night. Pretty funny. If you haven't seen it, the storyline is about a couple of married guys who get granted a hallpass by their wives. For one week they can live like they are single with no consequences. So the movie is about a series of misadventures during that week while they try unsuccessfully (for the most part) to hook up. Benny made a comment about how accurate the movie is - that it would be a challenge for a guy to hook up but women didn't even have to try...which made me really think about some common misperceptions that I refer to as Women Myths. Let's address those, shall we?
Women Myth 1: Women Lose Interest in Sex After Marriage
This is by far the biggest myth that exist. It's constantly perpetuated, even by men that are having sex on a regular basis. There are lots of wives who enjoy having sex, who want to have sex. It's part of a healthy relationship. So don't think a ring automatically shuts down a women's libido. It just isn't true. There are lots of us married women with our libido raging safely in tact.
I don't have an explanation for the ones that do lose their sex drive. I'm sure some used sex as a way to build the relationship and lost interest after it was secured, maybe some are harboring some pretty deep resentments, or maybe some just like to torture and deprive their spouses. Whatever the reason, these are the exceptions and not the rule.
I personally think that guys insinuate there's a lack of sex simply because they don't want their buddies eyeing their wives...and actually, that's pretty smart. Women should probably take note and start doing that too. Which brings me to number two.
Women Myth 2: Women Are Discreet
Technically this is a Man Myth - the idea that men brag about their sexual encounters while women practice discretion. Really, this should make sense. Women like to talk and share and since this is usually a pretty big part of our lives (see myth 1) then it's natural that we talk about it. It's not like we share with ALL of our friends but you can bet that our dearest friends know something about our sex lives. Usually the closer the relationship, the more details we share. So yes, your wives's friends probably know how often you have sex, how well you perform, and all about that embarrassing thing you shouted out the other day while in the throws of passion.
And then we wonder why a "friend" would make a move on our spouse...
Woman Myth 3: Women Never Get Turned Down For Sex
I am telling you 100 percent that this is not true. Personally, I've gotten turned down more than a time or two. It happens. And it happens to both genders.
I've thrown myself at guys within an inch of desperation...well, okay, if you want to get technical I was probably actually an inch past desperation...only to be ignored, turned down and one time even fallen asleep on. And I'm not the only one it's happened to (see myth 2). Except the falling asleep thing - I've never heard that from a girlfriend. Maybe that was just too embarrassing to share...it does kinda hurt your pride when you're trying to turn someone on and they get so excited by you that they FALL ASLEEP. Epic fail. An embarrassing epic fail. But one that I share in the hopes of demonstrating that it happens to women too.
Women Myth 4: Women Are Complicated
I'm sure some women are complicated but there's a whole bunch of us who will tell you exactly what we want and need. We understand the importance of articulating our needs, even if it makes us uncomfortable to be so vulnerable. We don't play games and we put ourselves out there. Your only job is to listen.
It's pretty simple: when a woman says you make her feel special when you do X - then do it more! When a women says you make her feel crummy when you do X - then do it less! Generally, I think we just want to feel loved and valued. We aren't looking for grand gestures and we're just happy to see that you try.
Women Myth 5: All Women Are The Same
No one person can speak on behalf of a whole gender or understand the intricacies of a unique individual. It's great to call your sister, your best friend's wife, or even your Mom as long as you understand that the advice they share may not apply to all women. What's romantic to some may some cheesy to others. What seems practical to some may seem insensitive to somebody else. One size fits all doesn't always fit.
So don't make assumptions, don't make generalizations, and most importantly don't listen to me!
We watched Hall Pass the other night. Pretty funny. If you haven't seen it, the storyline is about a couple of married guys who get granted a hallpass by their wives. For one week they can live like they are single with no consequences. So the movie is about a series of misadventures during that week while they try unsuccessfully (for the most part) to hook up. Benny made a comment about how accurate the movie is - that it would be a challenge for a guy to hook up but women didn't even have to try...which made me really think about some common misperceptions that I refer to as Women Myths. Let's address those, shall we?
Women Myth 1: Women Lose Interest in Sex After Marriage
This is by far the biggest myth that exist. It's constantly perpetuated, even by men that are having sex on a regular basis. There are lots of wives who enjoy having sex, who want to have sex. It's part of a healthy relationship. So don't think a ring automatically shuts down a women's libido. It just isn't true. There are lots of us married women with our libido raging safely in tact.
I don't have an explanation for the ones that do lose their sex drive. I'm sure some used sex as a way to build the relationship and lost interest after it was secured, maybe some are harboring some pretty deep resentments, or maybe some just like to torture and deprive their spouses. Whatever the reason, these are the exceptions and not the rule.
I personally think that guys insinuate there's a lack of sex simply because they don't want their buddies eyeing their wives...and actually, that's pretty smart. Women should probably take note and start doing that too. Which brings me to number two.
Women Myth 2: Women Are Discreet
Technically this is a Man Myth - the idea that men brag about their sexual encounters while women practice discretion. Really, this should make sense. Women like to talk and share and since this is usually a pretty big part of our lives (see myth 1) then it's natural that we talk about it. It's not like we share with ALL of our friends but you can bet that our dearest friends know something about our sex lives. Usually the closer the relationship, the more details we share. So yes, your wives's friends probably know how often you have sex, how well you perform, and all about that embarrassing thing you shouted out the other day while in the throws of passion.
And then we wonder why a "friend" would make a move on our spouse...
Woman Myth 3: Women Never Get Turned Down For Sex
I am telling you 100 percent that this is not true. Personally, I've gotten turned down more than a time or two. It happens. And it happens to both genders.
I've thrown myself at guys within an inch of desperation...well, okay, if you want to get technical I was probably actually an inch past desperation...only to be ignored, turned down and one time even fallen asleep on. And I'm not the only one it's happened to (see myth 2). Except the falling asleep thing - I've never heard that from a girlfriend. Maybe that was just too embarrassing to share...it does kinda hurt your pride when you're trying to turn someone on and they get so excited by you that they FALL ASLEEP. Epic fail. An embarrassing epic fail. But one that I share in the hopes of demonstrating that it happens to women too.
Women Myth 4: Women Are Complicated
I'm sure some women are complicated but there's a whole bunch of us who will tell you exactly what we want and need. We understand the importance of articulating our needs, even if it makes us uncomfortable to be so vulnerable. We don't play games and we put ourselves out there. Your only job is to listen.
It's pretty simple: when a woman says you make her feel special when you do X - then do it more! When a women says you make her feel crummy when you do X - then do it less! Generally, I think we just want to feel loved and valued. We aren't looking for grand gestures and we're just happy to see that you try.
Women Myth 5: All Women Are The Same
No one person can speak on behalf of a whole gender or understand the intricacies of a unique individual. It's great to call your sister, your best friend's wife, or even your Mom as long as you understand that the advice they share may not apply to all women. What's romantic to some may some cheesy to others. What seems practical to some may seem insensitive to somebody else. One size fits all doesn't always fit.
So don't make assumptions, don't make generalizations, and most importantly don't listen to me!
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