It's only 9 more days until we leave for Disneyland and I am surprisingly nervous. I've been to Disneyland twice now, once in 1999 and again in 2006. I had a blast both times, but never felt like I had seen all the park. And with kid(s) both times, it's kind of a swap between experiencing the park and not running them into the ground.
I am hoping this time we can "do" more things. Things that I haven't been able to do before. Such as, visit City Hall, I have never been inside. Eat at a restaurant inside the park, I haven't done that or even ride the Matterhorn. I want to count the number of Mickey heads we can throughout the park. See if we can do a "map" of them while we are there. Also check out the optical illusion when entering the park, it sounds so cool. Plus more things that are special about Disneyland that rushing through just won't accommodate. The kids are older, well some of them, but with 3 1/2 adults (Quinn goes back and forth) that makes it a match up for adults per kid.
Every day with my kids is precious, so much limited time with them, more so with Quinn because she will moving on with her life so soon. I want to bask in it, savour it like delicious chocolate.
We will be staying the Paradise Pier Hotel this time, thanks to Kelly. It is something that I would never do unless I truly had the funds to spend. That has added to my excitement, getting to stay in hotel we really couldn't afford right now, adding all the adventure that comes with Disneyland. Just one more level in our experience.
I've got the passes, hotel vouchers, I've made my lists, planned my attack and now just comes the hard part, getting there.
We will be driving this time. Every other time we have flown, but prices, travel to and from the airport, luggage costs have made it much more expensive and more difficult. So we have rented a 12 passenger van. This will either be a trip from hell down and back or the most memorable time we've had together.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Phone, where the hell is the phone?
The invention of the cordless phone is a beautiful thing, because it allows us the freedom not to be strapped the wall. We can wander in our clearly defined boundary circle of reception around our house doing our chores, going to the bathroom, or just sitting outside that we couldn't do before. Or at least not without 20 feet of cable strewn all over the house, just lying in wait for unsuspecting family members.
But with that freedom comes a exchange of torture. The mad scurrying dance that we make when the phone rings. We hear it, now we have to find it the receiver. Where did we put the phone? Wait, pause, listen, I hear it again, it's over there. Crap, we only have 4 rings the answer it before voicemail (I swear to myself that I will change it to 6), so our scrambling gets more frantic with each ringy-dingy.
Plus, it's guaranteed, not to be in the same location as the last time. Some days, I miss my corded phone.
But with that freedom comes a exchange of torture. The mad scurrying dance that we make when the phone rings. We hear it, now we have to find it the receiver. Where did we put the phone? Wait, pause, listen, I hear it again, it's over there. Crap, we only have 4 rings the answer it before voicemail (I swear to myself that I will change it to 6), so our scrambling gets more frantic with each ringy-dingy.
Plus, it's guaranteed, not to be in the same location as the last time. Some days, I miss my corded phone.
What have you been doing?
It always cracks me up when someone asks me, "So what have you been doing?", "What's up with you?" or "Anything new in your life?". It stumps me. I do a quick rewind over the last day or more depending on how long it's been since I've seen them and I try to pick out something interesting. Really I do.
But all I can come up with is kids - feeding them, playing with them, yelling at them, driving them, washing their clothes, cleaning up their messes, making their appointments, buying their stuff, organizing their stuff, saving their memories so they can look back on themselves, sifting through their toys, cycling their clothes, and on and on...
I can't imagine that would too interesting to anyone else. I have cute little anecdotes that I could share, if I ever remember them when I want to. Wait, I read this on Facebook...oh, you don't do Facebook. Okay, ummm....TV shows...no you don't watch that.
So, nope, nothing really new. Still same-old-same-old. Do I seem boring? Probably. Is my life boring...hell no.
But all I can come up with is kids - feeding them, playing with them, yelling at them, driving them, washing their clothes, cleaning up their messes, making their appointments, buying their stuff, organizing their stuff, saving their memories so they can look back on themselves, sifting through their toys, cycling their clothes, and on and on...
I can't imagine that would too interesting to anyone else. I have cute little anecdotes that I could share, if I ever remember them when I want to. Wait, I read this on Facebook...oh, you don't do Facebook. Okay, ummm....TV shows...no you don't watch that.
So, nope, nothing really new. Still same-old-same-old. Do I seem boring? Probably. Is my life boring...hell no.
Friday, July 18, 2008
My Friend
How many people do we have in our lives that are truly our friends? A friend that you can call at 2am and they will answer because it's you. A friend that will listen to you blubber, ramble or chatter about anything, because it's you. I guess I am lucky, because I have a couple of people in my life that fits that bill. I can't imagine my life without them. There has been others that have come and gone in my life I had hoped we would be close, but alas no. So I developed a hierarchy of friendship:
Siamese Twin Friend - This is the person you love to hug and talk with. Nothing is sacred, you have both seen the worst and best of each other...and still like them. This is the person who you want raising your kids, the first person you want to tell you've won the lottery, the person you ask when something strange is growing on your body and the person you sign on for your living will. You can't imagine a day without talking with them and they are probably the first numbers before 911 on your speed dial.
Secret-Keepers - This is a person who has probably known you for a long time. Who has one or more delicious secrets on you and you probably have some on them. This person can be a family member, spouse or someone you grew up with. You generally stay in touch with them and are privy to a lot of details in their lives, but not all. There is a line in this relationship, such as, you would call them if you were dying but they may not be the first call. This is still a close and intimate relationship but not as close as a Siamese friend would be.
Live-In - This is a person that you have or are living with. These people can exist as Siamese or below that because living with someone creates a bond that you may not share with another. Sometimes these people can be spouses, friends and/or family members. This is an intimate relationship because you get to see what they are really like when they are not "trying" to impress you...and you them. Where they put their dirty laundry, how much of a pig they really are, do they shower as often as they should, things like that. Despite the intimacy, you both "do your own thing".
Borrower - This is a person you can call if you need something, but keep it between the normal working hours of 10am - 8pm. You have spent time together and generally get on well, the conversation has usually 2-3 main topics that you share. This is a nice safe relationship because it doesn't really require too much emotional depth, it's easy and safe. You can usually borrow things from them and visa-versa, such as clothes, lawn equipment, cars. These types of friends are nice to have as neighbors.
Co-Worker - This is a person that you work with on a pretty regular basis. You are friendly with this person and share general information about your lives. Sometimes you get together outside of work, movies, drinks, etc. This person can develop into more but usually not. You both share a common point in your lives and once that connection is gone, the friendship dwindles. Some try to maintain, but without that daily dose that made the union, it just becomes to difficult and usually drops off within months.
I'll-Drink-to-That - These are the friends you drink with. Usually more than one, because drinking in a group is so much more fun! They are the life of the party, or maybe it's you, but beyond that you have no idea what they are like. Sometimes you see them at their worst, puking or sputtering about life, but you take it in stride because that is part of the party code. You care enough about them that you don't want to see them drink-and-drive.
Dude - This a person you see at different functions, events or gatherings. You definitely know their name and generally like them, but really don't see each other much beyond that. Ironically this can be family members as much as a friend. You share something, but it is kind of distant.
Whoya - This person is a friend of a friend. Comes with a package deal, sometimes with a spouse or another friend. You might like them but when it comes down to it, you won't pursue a relationship beyond where it is.
Parental - This is a person you are friendly to because your kids like each other. Generally you share small talk and visit while your kids play. The occasion you see them usually occur around birthdays, school functions, sporting events, club meetings or at the grocery store. You might remember their name, but have to think about it. These people can move up the list into another friend category but probably not. Backgrounds, personal philosophies, religion usually play a factor into not maintaining the friendship.
Most people float around the bottom of the list, sometimes straddling more than one category, but very few make it to the top 3. Sort of like the cream rising in your friendship. I have struggled with this in my head for a long time. What makes a friend? Why do some exist where they are and some don't? If you don't have people in your top three, what does that mean for you? If you have a lot...are you being real? After my kids, my friends play a serious role in my life, and make a dramatic effect on my life. I have discovered that if I don't get "out" more and expand my horizons then my list of friends dwindles. And to top that...I am getting older, which means they will start to die off as well, so..."make new friends, but keep the old..."
Siamese Twin Friend - This is the person you love to hug and talk with. Nothing is sacred, you have both seen the worst and best of each other...and still like them. This is the person who you want raising your kids, the first person you want to tell you've won the lottery, the person you ask when something strange is growing on your body and the person you sign on for your living will. You can't imagine a day without talking with them and they are probably the first numbers before 911 on your speed dial.
Secret-Keepers - This is a person who has probably known you for a long time. Who has one or more delicious secrets on you and you probably have some on them. This person can be a family member, spouse or someone you grew up with. You generally stay in touch with them and are privy to a lot of details in their lives, but not all. There is a line in this relationship, such as, you would call them if you were dying but they may not be the first call. This is still a close and intimate relationship but not as close as a Siamese friend would be.
Live-In - This is a person that you have or are living with. These people can exist as Siamese or below that because living with someone creates a bond that you may not share with another. Sometimes these people can be spouses, friends and/or family members. This is an intimate relationship because you get to see what they are really like when they are not "trying" to impress you...and you them. Where they put their dirty laundry, how much of a pig they really are, do they shower as often as they should, things like that. Despite the intimacy, you both "do your own thing".
Borrower - This is a person you can call if you need something, but keep it between the normal working hours of 10am - 8pm. You have spent time together and generally get on well, the conversation has usually 2-3 main topics that you share. This is a nice safe relationship because it doesn't really require too much emotional depth, it's easy and safe. You can usually borrow things from them and visa-versa, such as clothes, lawn equipment, cars. These types of friends are nice to have as neighbors.
Co-Worker - This is a person that you work with on a pretty regular basis. You are friendly with this person and share general information about your lives. Sometimes you get together outside of work, movies, drinks, etc. This person can develop into more but usually not. You both share a common point in your lives and once that connection is gone, the friendship dwindles. Some try to maintain, but without that daily dose that made the union, it just becomes to difficult and usually drops off within months.
I'll-Drink-to-That - These are the friends you drink with. Usually more than one, because drinking in a group is so much more fun! They are the life of the party, or maybe it's you, but beyond that you have no idea what they are like. Sometimes you see them at their worst, puking or sputtering about life, but you take it in stride because that is part of the party code. You care enough about them that you don't want to see them drink-and-drive.
Dude - This a person you see at different functions, events or gatherings. You definitely know their name and generally like them, but really don't see each other much beyond that. Ironically this can be family members as much as a friend. You share something, but it is kind of distant.
Whoya - This person is a friend of a friend. Comes with a package deal, sometimes with a spouse or another friend. You might like them but when it comes down to it, you won't pursue a relationship beyond where it is.
Parental - This is a person you are friendly to because your kids like each other. Generally you share small talk and visit while your kids play. The occasion you see them usually occur around birthdays, school functions, sporting events, club meetings or at the grocery store. You might remember their name, but have to think about it. These people can move up the list into another friend category but probably not. Backgrounds, personal philosophies, religion usually play a factor into not maintaining the friendship.
Most people float around the bottom of the list, sometimes straddling more than one category, but very few make it to the top 3. Sort of like the cream rising in your friendship. I have struggled with this in my head for a long time. What makes a friend? Why do some exist where they are and some don't? If you don't have people in your top three, what does that mean for you? If you have a lot...are you being real? After my kids, my friends play a serious role in my life, and make a dramatic effect on my life. I have discovered that if I don't get "out" more and expand my horizons then my list of friends dwindles. And to top that...I am getting older, which means they will start to die off as well, so..."make new friends, but keep the old..."
Thursday, June 12, 2008
What caused this?
"Have you figured out what causes that?" is a question I get quite a bit. I have come to hate it. It is supposed to be funny, and of course I shouldn't take offense to it, but it implies that I am either stupid or a whore, neither which are flattering.
Having 5 kids is not a crime against nature or even against the American dream. I truly have to disagree with the 1ny & 2fers (that is what them) who can not seem to understand having more than their little brood. Can you call 1 a brood? Anyway, they look at me with horror in their eyes and offer up that delightful comment. Even more amusing, and I say that with gritted teeth, is the comment, "Gee, you must have your hands full?". Which in polite society is a way of saying, "Gee, can't you keep your legs shut, you rabbit?"
I have even heard as I was leaving the grocery store, "I am glad that isn't me!". Wow! And me with a college education...silly, silly me. If I did not have my little basketball team with me, I would have pimp-slapped her...but then if I didn't, she wouldn't have said it. Yes, I get the irony.
I usually just ignore the really rude people, ignorance is one thing, but you can't cure stupidity. Look who we elected President. Most realize that their hands are full with the kids they have and probably are boggled by the addition of more, so I can let those people slide. I appreciated their comment is more addressed to themselves, realizing that they either wouldn't or couldn't do 5 kids. Don't get me wrong, I am no SuperMom! Hell no. Some days I just get through, some I persevere, some I am amazing, but that is the same with everyone. I am no different, either better or worse than any one person.
God gifted me with these little babies, so He/She must think I can handle it, per the "God gives you what He/She thinks you can handle" quote.
I have come to respect those who have 3 or more, because I know what it takes. You have to be organized and dictatorial, yes I said dictatorial. I have discovered that to make a effective house that runs smoothly and efficiently, someone has to be a dictator. You guessed...I am that person. If you didn't guess it...maybe you haven't met me. I have a strong personality (my husband and friends are probably rolling at that tame word) that seems to work in this envirnoment or maybe I make it work. And since I don't know any other way, then I use what was given to me.
So to all those out there, yes, I do know what causes babies. Yes, we've taken care of that issue, but thank you for asking. Yes, I know I have my hands full, they are my hands. So unless I am asleep or just shuttling other people's children around, then I have a pretty good idea. My shoes, my mile.
So before you insult anyone, walk a mile in their shoes. So that way, you are a mile away, with their shoes.
Having 5 kids is not a crime against nature or even against the American dream. I truly have to disagree with the 1ny & 2fers (that is what them) who can not seem to understand having more than their little brood. Can you call 1 a brood? Anyway, they look at me with horror in their eyes and offer up that delightful comment. Even more amusing, and I say that with gritted teeth, is the comment, "Gee, you must have your hands full?". Which in polite society is a way of saying, "Gee, can't you keep your legs shut, you rabbit?"
I have even heard as I was leaving the grocery store, "I am glad that isn't me!". Wow! And me with a college education...silly, silly me. If I did not have my little basketball team with me, I would have pimp-slapped her...but then if I didn't, she wouldn't have said it. Yes, I get the irony.
I usually just ignore the really rude people, ignorance is one thing, but you can't cure stupidity. Look who we elected President. Most realize that their hands are full with the kids they have and probably are boggled by the addition of more, so I can let those people slide. I appreciated their comment is more addressed to themselves, realizing that they either wouldn't or couldn't do 5 kids. Don't get me wrong, I am no SuperMom! Hell no. Some days I just get through, some I persevere, some I am amazing, but that is the same with everyone. I am no different, either better or worse than any one person.
God gifted me with these little babies, so He/She must think I can handle it, per the "God gives you what He/She thinks you can handle" quote.
I have come to respect those who have 3 or more, because I know what it takes. You have to be organized and dictatorial, yes I said dictatorial. I have discovered that to make a effective house that runs smoothly and efficiently, someone has to be a dictator. You guessed...I am that person. If you didn't guess it...maybe you haven't met me. I have a strong personality (my husband and friends are probably rolling at that tame word) that seems to work in this envirnoment or maybe I make it work. And since I don't know any other way, then I use what was given to me.
So to all those out there, yes, I do know what causes babies. Yes, we've taken care of that issue, but thank you for asking. Yes, I know I have my hands full, they are my hands. So unless I am asleep or just shuttling other people's children around, then I have a pretty good idea. My shoes, my mile.
So before you insult anyone, walk a mile in their shoes. So that way, you are a mile away, with their shoes.
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