Tail Gate Party at My House

I think we just all need to converge in my driveway--every day. All day. Help me invade this space and kick out those blasted boys who seem to have no life.

Oh... yea.

If we all hang out in my driveway every day, all day... we won't have a life either.

WOW! What a Weekend

"Bye Mom! Have a nice birthday dinner with Nicki."

Yea right! Ok, I was really surprised!!! The joke is about how I like to play-up my birthday, just to make sure everyone knows that it's coming... but I'm just goofing around when I do it. I'm not doing it in order to get presents or because I expect a party. But if that's how people want to interpret it... hahahah! Anything for a party...

It was a blast!!! and a complete surprise. Thanks Nicki and Lillian. And Terry.
They are all so sneaky. Can't trust them at all. [wink]
This little girl must have told me a HUNDRED times, "Happy birthday, MOM! Happy birthday, MOM! Happy birthday, MOM!" She was probably happier for me than anyone else (except maybe Lillian--hee).
Terry arranged for me to receive a SPA TREATMENT while he, Jennah, and Nate made a glorious dinner (for two)... all in the comfort of my own home.
I was soooo gooped up with aromatic lotion, and so relaxed from the kid-massages that by the time I was handed a [really full, bottom-of-the-box] glass of wine , I could have just taken a nap right then and there on the kitchen table.
But Jennah was "on it"--coming to take my order for a lovely meal. There was a menu and everything.
Salad, baked clams, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli, garlic bread, and FILLET MIGNON that melted in your mouth--well in my mouth. YUM! Delish!! I was extremely full but the end of the meal.
...and a cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream icing.

The princess hat was from the surprise party the night before.
OK. YAY! I have a new Nikon zoom lens being delivered in a few daze. I am soooo excited. I was really treated like a queen for my birthday. Thank you to everyone. And btw my husband TOTALLY ROCKS!!!
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Next up was the Tunnel to Towers 5K race in NYC. It was a senior trip that I was able to squeeze my way into. This race was amazing. It was in memory of a fire fighter who, on 9/11/01, ran from Brooklyn, through the Battery tunnel, to ground zero and was killed when the towers collapsed. The race has been taking place every year and growing quite rapidly in numbers. There were ten thousand plus who joined yesterday, either to walk or run.
So, we took a mini school bus and a car into Brooklyn with 11 seniors and 4 adults... but, even more fun, we were escorted by the Red Knights. That's a Harley Motorcycle club. [Skip]

Ahhh good times, good times. I'm not sure if we made "good time" because the escorts made the drivers a little nervous--ahha . It was fun though.
We got to the starting point at the very last minute to check-in and get our numbers. Parking went amazingly. It was miraculous if you ask me. It's impossible to find parking in the city as quickly as we did... and we did! for a school bus even.
Yes! It did rain and we were soaked... but it was warm.
We had a BHS banner to carry.
This was such a kool day! (My birthday!)
There is the tunnel! It's about 2.3 miles long. We were the last ones they let through before closing it off, so that traffic could resume... eventually.
The two teachers, MJ and Kenny both were doing this 5K on BUM knees. "Not a good idea to run, you two."
But they finished!! (My camera was really getting wet, so I missed some pictures I would have liked to take).
It was an emotional event. There were hundreds of firefighters lining the street as we came out of the tunnel, each holding a banner of a firefighter who was lost in that horrible terrorist act seven years ago. I had many tearful moments as I walked the path. One particular moment for me was the starting line, when the sirens were sounding. They went on and on, just as they did that day. I could totally imagine and feel those emotions. And then, coming out of the tunnel to bagpipes playing; walking by all the banners of the fireman and rescue teams lost that day; hearing the high school choir sing the national anthem, many of them crying as they sang ... it was intense. What an experience.

I LOVED THIS DAY!!! I am so glad I went.

Let's not talk about the evening or about parenting teenage boyz, because that's not going well.

Of Course it's Rewarding...

So much to do! So many to see! So much left undone at home...
Jennah--a 7th grader now--has joined the ranks of inter varsity sports. Her sport of choice for the fall is field hockey. Jennah is a "Whaler" while Anika (swim team, remember?) gets to be a "Bonacker" (my high school alma mater).
I'm bouncing between their two game/meet schedules--which has been fine so far... if it weren't for the headache.

Our PTO is in the middle of an Innisbrook Wrap fundraiser and we had an assembly last week. It was fun!

These two-headed persons had to compete in a wrapping contest. Jennah and Karina's team won but it wasn't pretty!

This morning I felt overwhelmed!! by the laundry piled waist high; the dishes left on the counter from last night; what to get out for dinner tonight (even though I'm being taken out to dinner--woohoo); how soaked I'm going to get if I go to the PO in this downpour; the busyness of this weekend and how I just don't feel good physically; how my head hurts again today as well as my throat, but I really want to get out for a walk... and yet it's pouring.

I need to have some fun! Maybe if I lay down I will feel better. Novel idea!

Such a Catch 22

Just call me Mama Bear... watching over the cubs.

Sometimes this job requires "calling out" the Kiddie Krap and nonsense.

So where is MY protection??

I'm not enjoying how people operate...

I just hate lies and deceit, and I'm not talking about politics and what's going on in the economy, although funnily enough, it totally applies here. No..., I'm talking about these things on a more personal level--a parenting level. ...having a hard time wrapping my head around certain conflicts these daze.
How do you teach children the value of honesty and transparency in this world we live in? I'm finding it nearly impossible.

p.s. Just to clarify, I haven't blown the whistle on anyone where a job was at stake (not recently anyway). LOL!

I Got a Lot of Thinking Done Last Night

I'm a light sleeper. Terry, aka BJ, is a loud snorer. He doesn't snore every night, but he has been snoring lately. I decided to move into the family room and hit the couch (1:30 am). Maybe I could actually get some sleep there.

HAH! (2:11 am) yea.... NO. (2:40 am)

The bunny has a very loud water dispenser that he uses about 25 times throughout the night (1:37, 1:55, 2:10, 2:23, 2:50, etc). He also does a lot of shredding and digging in his confinement.

The kids were all sneezing and coughing in chorus (2:58).

And that cable box LCD is freakin' bright (3:17).

When Noah (the dog) discovered I was out on the couch (3:24) he decided to meet me with his wet nose. He then showed me that he wanted to go out. When I didn't budge, he went over and used it to open the door... which meant I had to get up anyway and close it (3:27). He hung outside for a little while, and then decided to indicate with a "woof" that he wanted to come in (3:49). I found it both odd and amazing that he "woofed" in a whispering tone. Thanks Noah--but I still had to get up!

By 4 am I had to go into the kitchen and write myself a to-do note for the day, otherwise I would not have slept a wink, worrying. Stupid, I know.

Here's the list:
~ find Neti pot for kids
~ call around about who can watch pets during vacation
~ get pork roast out of freezer
~ test pool chemicals
~ pay capital one bill
~ sign up for Tunnel to Towers 5k
~ PTO minutes
~ call Chase Bank
~ get nasal strips for BJ
~ check out drugstore.com
~ wash all curtains and windows*
~ clean out and organize basement*

*You can see how dementia sets in when you don't get the sleep your body and mind need.

Finally, I heard the alarm go off (6:00). Terry got out of bed. I got back in... until I heard Elizabeth's stuffy, stuffy nose (7:20). Aaahh the neti pot! Up and at 'em, kool.

I'm going back to bed! (8:51)

Loitering

Aaaghgh! I'm so annoyed. I realize that I've been annoyed a LOT lately, but this is the latest irritation. I don't know how many of you can remember the bad neighbor boy I blogged about a few years ago and then again last year. I can't find the post, otherwise I'd give you a link for a refresher.

Anyway, my driveway has a shared apron with the neighbor's driveway which happens to be where the bad neighbor boy lives. We both have a lot of traffic going in and out of the driveway. It's usually not a problem, but 2 or 3 weeks ago, I was backing out at the same time as one of their cars and we crashed. It wasn't pretty, but no one shed a tear or got whiplash or anything. It's just frustrating. The part that annoys me to no end is that almost every time I go in or out there is a gang of boys hanging IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVEWAY. And they are slow as molasses about getting out of the way. In fact, many times they are actually smoking the funny stuff right out there, and I find myself on the brink of going ballistic on their freaking heads!

So, the other day, when I had a calm cool collection of myself, I went out to those jobless-drop-outs and post-high-school-losers (as well a couple of the kids whom I like) and politely asked them to find another place to hang out... like their own property rather than my driveway!! They gave me a little snicker and then a "yea that's respectable" comment... but did they leave??? NOOOO!! Of course they didn't!!! because that would show weakness on their part--to demonstrate even an ounce of respect for an adult. AAAaaghh! It makes me so angry. I need to do something more about this. I want to be smart about it.

So what shall I do? I'm open for suggestions. I've considered getting out the bb gun. Maybe I should canvas the neighborhood with some flyers that say "rid the neighborhood of garbage" and put photographs of them on the poster.

It almost feels like a Bill Murray gopher hunt coming on. I need to strategize! Give me ideas.

Back to School BBQ

There's Mel (I always get her on camera hee) Luke and Kathryn. Mel is a faithful PTO slave officer.

Lillian, my 10-mile-long-walking-buddy-who-rocks-for-keeping-me-motivated-to-keep-at-it-and-do-more, is also a dedicated PTO slave officer... (and that gorgeous little girlie in the back is my dear sweet Elizabeth).
Here's is that adorable Nicki, who has ABANDONED continued to participate in all things PTO, but has also become a BOE Bitch member. (hahahah) She's still as great as ever and one of my best friends. And she never forgets to smile for the camera--what a hoot.

The BBQ was great. We ran out of burgers and dogs and I heard that some people where wrapping up food to take home to their relatives. What the heck! I didn't get many photos this time around, because I was busy watching my daughter compete in her swim meet. Some things have to come before PTO stuff.

Anika's First Home Swim Meet

I love this WHOLE THING!
Anika loves it too.
She and Olivia are the first BH girls to join the swim team which is one of the several shared sports our school is invited to participate in with the neighboring school disitricts.
They are so proud! So am I.
This is only the second year EH has had a competitive high school swim team and they've won their first two meets. It's very exciting.
Go Team!

The Peanuts Dance--Yaaay!

Ain't Got Nothin

~It's a good thing I've gotten into an exercise routine... otherwise today may have been scary for those in my vicinity--but I was only partly moody.

~Tomorrow is our PTO kickoff event for the year. It's a Back to School BBQ, so come on out to the school at 5 pm. The seniors are holding a car wash from 3-6. YOU NEED TO GET YOUR CAR WASHED!!!!! (My oldest son happens to be a senior this year). [G A S P] I know it.

~I heard tonight on the news, that someone hacked Sarah Palin's email and posted some of her emails on a blog, as well as the names and cell phone numbers of her children. OK! That is just pathetic!!! and it reminded me of when I was running for the school board and someone hacked my email and tried to defame me. YUCK! It would make no difference to me whether is was Palin or someone else on the campaign trail, people are sick!!! That's just wrong.

~A few days ago--the day that I took two 5-mile walks in one day (my last post)--was the first time I followed the trails behind my house all the way to the park and back. So, later that day I picked up the local paper and discovered that people in the area are being afflicted with chiggers. WE DON'T HAVE CHIGGERS AROUND HERE!!! So, why do I have a few red spots on the back of my leg the itch like crazy? AAGGH! I'm sticking to the roadway from now on.

~My dear friend, Nicki, is launching her new website tomorrow called MacaroniKid.com so make sure you check it out and subscribe to it for free weekly newsletters. If you get an email, it's because I passed along your email address. I hope you don't mind.

~So much is going on in October, especially with the PTO, and we're taking a 9-day family trip in the middle of the whole thing. Not the best planning... or is it?

~I finally got a hold of the lyrics for Jeff Buckley's song called Hallelujah. I'm not so sure that it's a great song to have sung at a wedding. Do you suppose the bride and groom have really listened to the words of the song? I have so many other songs in mind that would be more appropriate. I wonder if I should say something.

~What does one do with a bunny and a dog when they go away for 9 days? Pets can be a burden.

~Hey Mom, I saw the preview for An American Carol just now. Just thought you should know.

~If any of you remember how I have that "gift-buying" anxiety... well, I got something for my sister-in-law for her bday which was on Sept 9th. It's wrapped, but sits on my dresser... but even worse, I got something--kind of goofy--for my brother's bday and that was on July 10th. It's still on my floor... unwrapped. Pathetic!

~Becoming more busy... having a part-time job... kicking back into school (esp. with the PTO)... taking 1.5 hour-long walks every other day (soon to be every day)... all of these things have been wonderful for my spirit, mind and body. It's given me an ability to get more organized. I have more energy, greater motivation, more time to pray and mediatate, and I have a tremendous sense of accomplishment that breeds more motivation and more accomplishment (not always more energy though--Ha). But it's a natural phenomenon, I tell you.

~Ok. My blogging material is B O R I N G now that I'm so busy. My humorous friends don't send me good stuff anymore. Oh well.

I May Have Overdone It Today

I do feel great, although my feet hurt and legs are ache-y... and my head hurts some, too.

I walked the trails with my dog. He was about to keel over after the first 2 1/2 miles. He kept trying to get in front of me and slow down the pace. What a loser. I finally convinced him to stay behing me, so I could keep up my fine pace for the second 2 1/2. Near the end, I let him take a swim in the pond (scum). He was refreshed... and I didn't see any leeches on him, so that's good. He seemed to feel better for going on the walk. Dogs need exercise too!

Then Lil called for the late afternoon 6-mile walk. I said, "Yea, why not!" Now I'm quite tired. OK. EXHAUSTED!!

In other news...

Anika's swim team won their first swim meet today. She was so excited. I am so pleased that she loves swimming so much. I'm living vicariously through her right now. I always wished that I could have furthered my swim career.

I attended a g r e a t wedding on the beach this weekend. Mitch was the awesome photographer. Yay! and congrats to Jeff and Marie. What an amazing time we all had! I'm sorry that you weren't all invited. (Neither was I. Actually, I crashed it, posing as the photographer's assistant--hee. I'm sneaky that way. I was actually quite helpful! Just ask Marie and Jeff).

Finally, I am working. For an actual paycheck. It's part time... from my home. How exciting is that? Well, it may not be exciting to you--but it is to me. I'm still busy with all my volunteer work, but this is a needed job--that pays real money.

Life is good. I'll try to squeeze in some blog-reading time... tomorrow. No promises.

If you don't have time for the former video clip...

In Case You Need Entertainment Today

A letter from Edward I. Koch

The time has come to declare whom I will be voting for.

When I made my decision four years ago and supported the re-election of George W. Bush, I said at the time the overwhelming issue for me was international Islamic terrorism, including al-Qaida.

The goal of Islamic terrorists was, and still is, to re-establish the caliphate encompassing most of the Muslims living in a host of nations from Spain to Indonesia and placing them under a single religious leader with full authority over the civil affairs of the countries, in the style of Iran.

That goal includes the deaths or forced conversions of Christians and Jews as infidels, or the payment by them of tribute, and the elimination of the state of Israel.

In 2004, I concluded that the one person running for president who understood that danger best and was prepared to fight it and defend America and its allies was George W. Bush. Even though he is now at a low ebb in popularity, I have no regrets for having campaigned and voted for him.

I said at the time I didn’t agree with him on a single domestic issue, and so far as I can currently see, that is still true with the exception of drilling for oil off our coasts and building nuclear energy plants.

I believe that Bush and Tony Blair, Bush’s main international ally with regard to the war in Iraq and against Islamic terrorism, will be redeemed by history. President Harry Truman was reviled when he left office, but is now honored for his courage and vision.

Now, once again, I have to make a decision to either endorse the Democratic ticket of Obama and Biden or support the Republican ticket of McCain and Palin.

I am 83 years old. If I am lucky, I may yet vote not only in this election, but in the presidential election of 2012 and perhaps, if luckier, even in that of 2016. I believe I must vote my conscience, and that means for the presidential candidate who in my estimation will best protect the U.S. over the next four years.

I personally know two of those running: Joe Biden and John McCain. I like and admire them both. John McCain is a genuine war hero and patriot. Joe Biden is a friend well versed in foreign and domestic affairs, who had made judgment calls on domestic and foreign policy and legislation that I agree with. I do not personally really know the Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, having spoken to him only once and briefly, or the Republican vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.

One foreign policy issue that particularly concerned me in 2004 was the security of Israel. I thought in 2004 that issue was better left to President George W. Bush, and I believe I was right. President Bush understood the need to support the security of Israel and did so. I did not feel that way about Sen. John Kerry.

That is not an issue in this election. Both parties and their candidates have made clear, before and during this election campaign, their understanding of the need to support Israel and oppose acts of terrorism waged against it by Hamas and other Muslim supporters of terrorism.

So the issue for me is, who will best protect and defend America.

I have concluded that the country is safer in the hands of Barack Obama, leader of the Democratic Party and protector of the philosophy of that party.

Protecting and defending the U.S. means more than defending us from foreign attacks. It includes defending the public with respect to their civil rights, civil liberties and other needs, e.g., national health insurance, the right of abortion, the continuation of Social Security, gay rights, other rights of privacy, fair progressive taxation, and a host of other needs and rights.

If the vice president were ever called on to lead the country, there is no question in my mind that the experience and demonstrated judgment of Joe Biden is superior to that of Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin is a plucky, exciting candidate, but when her record is examined, she fails miserably with respect to her views on the domestic issues that are so important to the people of the U.S., and to me.

Frankly, it would scare me if she were to succeed John McCain in the presidency.

I reiterate the question each of us must answer in making our choice: Who will best protect and defend America, domestically and with respect to the literal defense of the country? I hope I’ve made the right decision, but only time will tell.

Whoever wins should — and I hope, will — following the election, receive the support of all Americans, no matter how they voted, especially in these perilous times. God Bless America and the next president and vice president of the U.S.



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My two cents: I agree with so much of what the former mayor of NYC had to say regarding the last presidential election and the desparate need for the protection of our own nation and of Israel. And I do not regret voting for G. dubbaya whatsoever. I don't however agree with Koch's final decision for this year's election--but that is obviously based on the fact that where Koch doesn't agree with McCain on a single domestic issue (apart from offshore drilling and nuclear power), I do... as do many Americans across the nation. Of course, the elite driveby media would have us all believe that we stand alone... but I know better than that. And I do believe that the one of the main platforms of this election is about energy independence... which is very connected to foreign policies, as well.


What I appreciate most about this letter, and the reason I decided to post it, is due to my admiration of Mr. Koch's approach of describing his former decision-making process; how he feels it turned out; and why and how he's making his decision for this year's election. He is able to truthfully examine the situation and his beliefs and make a bipartisan decision based on his own conscience. He can look at the bigger picture and figure out what is most important to him and vote accordingly. And then his final statement tops it off for me. The winner of the election needs to receive the full support of the American people, no matter how they voted.

That's how I feel. That's what I plan to do.

So, go ahead and banter.

What a Fine Day

Some of the youth wanted to be baptized last Sunday.


Jennah

Nina

Darian

Brenden

MAMA'S PROUD!

India

Yay!

Ben



The younger kids waited patiently for their turn (to swim). haha

There they all are. Aren't they spiritual?!


Quintin is wondering if he can go home now.
It was a great day. I am so proud of those young people. Woot woot!