More Quotes

M loves reality TV. I don't care much for it, but while I was in Utah last week I was forced by my sister to watch the season finale of The Bachelor. While we were watching, one of the girls said something so profound that I have incorporated it into my life. She said, "I just have to be myself because that is a big part of who I am." Such words of wisdom from somebody trying to find love on national television.

Quotes of the Day

G and I are religious 11:00 news watchers. We never miss (thank you TiVo). Last week there was a story about a group of Cub Scouts that had a Memorial Day ceremony at a local park. At first I was wondering why this was news (considering Memorial Day wasn't for another few days), but then they interviewed a little boy -- probably around eight years old -- and this was his sound byte. I'm still not sure why they sent a news crew to this even in the first place, but after getting this sound byte, now I know why they aired this story at all. Oregonians and consequently, Portland news crews are OBSESSED with animals. If there's any sort of animal news in Portland, the news is THERE. Happy Memorial Day???

"It was really nice to learn about veterinarians and all they've done for our country."


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And then just because I haven't posted in awhile, here's another funny quote -- this one from Buddy.

We only give Buddy juice as a treat. He's hyper enough and I just can't find a good reason to give it to him every day. They say juice and soda are like the worst things to give kids for their teeth, it contributes to obesity and a love of sugar in kids, and in my child's case, does wonders for his behavior. However, if anyone around here is sick, I give Buddy Airborne, which he thinks is 'juice.'

So, last week he had a cold, so I gave him some Airborne in the evening. He said, "Why are you giving me juice?" I replied, "Because I love you!" (Note to self: that's a really stupid thing to say to a smart child.)

Without hesitating he said, "So, when you give me milk or water, that means you don't love me?"

RIP Dear Hot Tub

We bought our house 3 1/2 years ago -- right before homes around here got ridiculously expensive. It's a small little starter home, luckily in a nice and quiet neighborhood. At the time we thought we were paying a fortune for it. As the months went by and it really started to appreciate, we realize how lucky we were to buy when we did.

Our house is nothing to get excited about, but there are a couple really cool things about it. Our back gate opens up to a field, which is great, considering our yard is tiny and there aren't any parks within walking distance. Also, up until a few days ago, we had a hot tub. Our house may be small, but we had a hot tub. I mean, how cool is that?

Apparently none of our friends or family thought so because no one ever came to hang out with us in our hot tub. We offerend all the time and people had all sorts of excuses. I was starting to think maybe they didn't want to see G or me in a swim suit.

A couple of weeks ago, the hot tub kicked the bucket. G looked around online and realized it was going to cost a lot to fix it. We've been in need of a storage shed. So as sad it was to get rid of the hot tub, we figured the time had come to trade it for a shed. We started shopping around for one right away.


Conveniently, the hot tub broke the same week that our town was having the "free bulky waste day" at the dump. So, G and Buddy spent Saturday deconstructing the wood base and cutting up the top while I was away in Utah. Then G spent an evening demolishing the fiberglass tub. G is constantly raving about how cool one of his saws is, and it certainly served him well during this project.

We rented a U.haul and loaded it all up and hauled it off to the dump. Thanks to gas prices, our "free" trip to the dump cost us fifty bucks.

The pathetic thing is, we don't even miss the hot tub. I thought I would. Maybe that's because it's sweeps and we've been glued to the TV all month. You can tell we're old married people when we'd rather have a shed than a hot tub.

Words to Live By

Over the years I have either adopted or created catch-phrases that are philosophies that I tend to live by. While these don't quite fit into my "Life Lessons" segment, they do have some application so I figured I'd share. They are in no particular order.

If it's free, it's for me - This is a phrase that I adopted from my father. I like free stuff too.

Get in, get out, get on with your life - This is how I feel about most things in life; especially meetings. I'm not very patient and I hate wasting time.

You find something that works and you stick with it - I tend to be loyal to certain things and people. If something is working than I don't see much need to change it.

If one is good, then two or more is better - This is self-explanatory. It don't think it's possible to have too much of a good thing.

Mother Dear, I Love You So

Warning: This is another melodramatic post from me. So, if you prefer G's snide remarks, you might want to skip this one.

This is my fourth Mother's Day. On one hand it feels completely surreal. I'm a mom? When did that happen? On the other hand, I feel overwhelmed and grateful that I'm a mom to a terrific and adorable little boy. I thought about this and planned for this period of my life for a long time and it is so much happier and better than I could have ever imagined. Honestly and truly, I love being a mom. I hate that people are ashamed to be 'just a mom.' I love it and am proud of what I am and how I spend my days. I enjoyed college and my days of working full-time. I kept myself more than busy during then, but this period of life is much more fulfilling. I am thankful too that I can choose to work or not work-- and I happily choose to spend my time with Buddy, often doing what he likes to do. I know that's not often an option for mothers, so for me, I feel fortunate.

If I had a third hand, I'd say that this day still stings a bit too. I was never one of those infertile ladies that refused baby showers and avoided Mother's Day -- but I can completely understand those that do. I guess my 'motherly nature' makes me so sad for the many, many women who grieve on this day. Those who are childless, those who have lost a child or have suffered miscarriages, those who want more children but are waiting for the Lord's mercy, or those whose children have made poor and painful decisions. And then there are the people who have lost their mother or those who don't have a nurturing mother. It's a tough day for a lot of people, and I've had a splitting headache all day -- I think from the emotional roller coaster that is Mother's Day.

I told you this would be melodramatic.

Last year they asked me to speak in church on Mother's Day. Truthfully, it was one of the hardest things I've had to do. It was honor to speak on the topic, but it was hard. Especially hard because a good friend in the ward miscarried twins conceived through IVF two days before. She wasn't at church, obviously, but it was hard to go on and on about how wonderful it was to be a mother when I know it's sometimes not. At the time we were right in the middle of a frustrating and complicated adoption situation. We had email contact for a couple of months with a birth mother who for very good reasons chose another family. It was one of those experiences where we just 'felt' like the situation was right and the baby was meant for our family, but it wasn't. It was devastating. Needless to say, I cried and cried through the talk -- mostly tears of joy, though, at the great little gift -- my Buddy -- that I did have.

Church this year was a bit better. Since Buddy is a Sunbeam, he got to perform two songs for me as part of the Primary musical number. He loves an audience, so of course, he did great. When the kids were done, he hesitated a bit and just kept standing there until he was one of the last kids on the stand. Obviously the didn't want the performance to be over. And then when he joined us again in the seats, I told him I loved it and I could hear him singing. He said, "I didn't get to sing in the microphone!" Poor kid can't wait to say something into the microphone. He gives his first talk in Primary in two weeks and we are ecstatic. Even if he wasn't my boy, I'd say he was the cutest little child up there today.

Bitter Sweet

On Thursday, May 10, Yang and I ended the snowboarding season with one last glorious day at Mt. Bachelor. We were fortunate enough to get a couple of season passes for free from another buddy of mine and since our firm is doing more work in the Bend area, we were able to work and put in some good days on the mountain. We had some killer powder days and some nice spring riding.


The last day was perfect. The sun was shining, the weather was warm, the snow conditions were great and we rode until we could hardly walk. Since it was the last day, we decided to take our cameras. At first, we were just taking still pictures and then we decided the we needed some video. Yang took some video of me going off a jump and then wiping out. We thought it was funny. However, the funniest video came on the next run where Yang went off a jump and proceeded to crash. While he was trying to recover he was yelling "stop the camera!" Of course I couldn't stop the camera, I had to get the whole thing. Everytime we watch the video, we laugh. In fact, I think it gets funnier everytime I see it. We'll have to see if we can post it on You Tube or something because everyone should enjoy it.

Now the ski racks are off of the car and my board is now stowed in the attic just waiting for the snow to fall on the '07-'08 season. There is only one other thing that I enjoy more than snowboarding. If I could find a way to combine the two, I'd be the happiest person on earth.

Music and Lyrics

There are few things as hilarious as a three-year old singing pop music. Buddy has a real knack for memorizing lyrics and has particular taste when it comes to music. At the moment he loves "girl songs," as he calls them. Avril Lavigne and Carrie Underwood are two of his favorites, but he also really likes Simple Plan and Snow Patrol. In fact, he had a gift certificate from Fred Meyer we needed to use. I figured he'd want toys, but I told him he could pick out a CD if he wanted instead. He was sold, and Carrie Underwood became he very first CD. I have to agree it's a great CD, but how embarrassing will that be later in his life?

It's always amazed us how quickly he picks up on lyrics and how easily he recognizes music. Seriously, he can identify most popular songs on the radio. Like father, like son apparently. Here's a sampling of the lyrics I've heard Buddy singing in the last day or so:

This song is G's current ring tone on his cell phone and Buddy sings this at the top of his lungs in his room when he's playing.

I'm a nightmare, a disaster
That's what they always say
I'm a lost cause, not a hero
But I'll make it on my own
I've gotta prove them wrong
Me against the world
It's me against the world

And then anytime a Carrie Underwood comes on the radio (which is constantly), Buddy will belt these songs out. I wish I could somehow videotape this so you can hear the audio. Trust me, it's dang funny.

I don't wanna' spend my life jaded
Waiting to wake up one day and find
That I've let all these years go by
Wasted

-or-

And he don't know...
That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive
Carved my name into his leather seats...
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights
Slashed a hole in all 4 tires...
Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.

And yes, I have had to have several conversations with G about making sure Buddy only listens to appropriate music. And yes, Buddy is constantly asking me what words mean. Like 'jaded,' and 'anotha.'

In fact, that reminds me of a funny story. A couple of months ago G and Buddy were riding in the car together. G changed the station because he wasn't crazy about the particular song. Buddy said, "Dad, was that song inappropriate?" Apparently Buddy got the idea that if we change the station, it must be an inappropriate song. That's my boy.

I Do Not Condone This Behavior

I spent a crazy day cooped up in the house watching three extra kids, plus Buddy. This evening we went outside for a minute to get some energy out before dinner. While I was thumbing through the mail Buddy informed me he wanted to "go potty on the plants." I told him if he had to go, he could go in the house. He said he didn't really need to. In my head I thought, "You've got to be kidding me," but then I got distracted reading the newspaper.

A few minutes later I hear my neighbor shout "Good [insert explicative]." Whenever someone swears (me included), they're usually referring to some crazy thing Buddy has done/is doing.

Sure enough. My lovely child was taking a leak on the grass. In the front yard. While several cars drove by. On a very warm evening. With most of the neighborhood also in their front yards.

Camping or some other dire situation -- fine. But relieving yourself in the front yard is so not cool. At least it was only number one.

Home Sweet Home

I'm back home now after a few days away with friends. There are no words in the English language strong enough to express how wonderful it was to get away and not have any responsibility for four entire days.

However, imagine that joy times a million, and that's how happy I was to come home to my sweet little boy and dear husband -- who never complained once about holding down the fort and letting me have a long break. The fact that it was snowing in Utah and in the 80's in Oregon this week made it much easier to come home as well. Please someone remind me to bring a parka next time I go to Utah.

This entire experience was great in so many ways:

• Absence makes a heart grow fonder. I thought of my family constantly and talked to them on the phone a ridiculous number of times each day. I realized just how happy they make me.
• All that G accomplished without my nagging and supervision. I had confidence in his abilities to handled things on his own, but he surprised me. The house was immaculate, a large project was started and mostly completed, Buddy was happy and kept busy the entire time, he had an early Mother's Day gift waiting for me, and he even socialized with lots of friends -- throwing a party for work friends, visiting the zoo, taking Buddy to Burger King, watching the big boxing match, and having a BBQ with the other lonely dads. Whew... he almost makes me look bad.
• My first morning there I called in the morning to check on G and Buddy. G was doing great, Buddy was an emotional wreck. He literally sobbed as he asked me to come home because he ''needed" me. He told me he was eating oatmeal "just like you," even though it's not his favorite breakfast. He knows I like it and I always want him to eat it with me. I wanted to cry hearing how sad he was, and to know that he does love me. It's easy to wonder when he's constantly yelling at me when I'm home.
• Seeing my three year-old run as fast as he could into my arms at the airport made my year. Maybe even my life. After all those years of hell wanting a child... Ah, I've achieved that, and it's so much better than I thought it would be. He was so genuinely happy to see me. He kept taking his sunglasses off on the way home so he could see me better.
• I got home midday on Sunday and Buddy is still behaving like a complete angel. He is trying so hard to make me proud of him and I've lost track of how many times he's told me he loves me or asked me if I think he's being a "good boy."
• The privilege of spending my vacation with two hilarious and terrific friends. If I wasn't spending so much time thinking of my little boy, I would have forgotten I was 'just' a mom. Long talks, late nights, crazy driving, and risque dresses were highlights of the trip. I'm sure hanging out with me that long made them even more anxious to get back to their families...
• Nonstop shopping and food fest. Why does the shopping and food in Utah seem so much better than back at home? Oh yeah... Cafe Rio and Park City outlets.
• A fabulous hotel in Park City. Despite the trouble with the thermostat and some alleged bed bugs.
• Oh, and the Women's Conference was really good too. I actually only hit a few talks, but I chose wisely and really enjoyed them. Has anyone noticed my good attitude and increased faith since I've been home?
  

Oh, and before anyone calls the authorities, G was just kidding when he said he "threatened" to feed Buddy to the grizzly bears. Jeez... I warned him that not everyone that reads this blog knows his sense of humor.

Life Lessons

I've decided to start a new segment on the blog entitled "Life Lessons." I anticipate that from time to time I will title my post with this designation and then proceed to share pearls of wisdom that can and should be followed, otherwise, your life may be more difficult than it need be. I consider this to be a public service to all. Here it goes:

FANNY PACKS ARE NOT COOL! I don't care who you are, old or young, you can not get away with wearing a fanny pack. It doesn't matter if the pack is made out of the greatest material in the world and has pockets for water bottles, iPods, and the like. If you have to carry enough stuff with you to warrant a fanny pack, you probably shouldn't be going out.

Oregon Zoo

While M was away, it was up to me and the other abandoned husbands to find ways to entertain the kids. What could be more entertaining that a trip to the zoo? I think that I find just as much enjoyment at the zoo as Jr. The weather wasn't too bad, the animals were out, and we only had one temper tantrum. I have found that when you are at the zoo, and your kid is throwing a fit about something, threatening to feed them to the grizzly bear if they don't stop, is an effective parenting tool. One thing that I have learned about parenting is that it is all about bribing and threatening.

Flying Solo

Today was the first full day that Jr and I have spent together completely on our own without M. So far, we are still on speaking terms and all things considered, we had a pretty good time together. We managed to get some things done around the house, spend some quality time at Home Depot, stop in at the office to distract people who were trying to work, and we even finished the evening off hanging out with the other two dads and kids whose wives went with M to the conference.

I have no doubt that Jr probably picked up a bad habit or two from me and I can guarantee that he got to listen to his music at the volume he likes instead of the one that M chooses for him. M is also having a wonderful time without any responsibilities and is considering leaving the family.

Mondays

The only redeeming factor of Monday is Monday night television. I'll admit it, I like TV. Last night I sat down on the couch, giddy with excitement, to hear the time tick of the 24 clock. After watching one of the best 24 episodes of the season, I watched my previously TiVo'd episode of Heroes, which was fantastic. I'm not going to do a review of these shows or anything like that other than to say that I went to bed with a smile on my face and was ready to discuss the episodes with co-workers today.

That brings me to my second topic: TiVo. If you are reading this and you do not have TiVo or some other form of DVR, you are missing out on one of the greatest inventions in the history of the world. Having the ability to season pass your favorite show, pause live TV, do your own instant re-plays and being able to watch show on your time schedule is revolutionary. For example, the other week M and I were watching an episode of the Amazing Race. There was a scene where Shmirna (who is a little person (notice how I'm politically correct)) was dressed in a suit of armor and had to lead a horse to a certain destination. The whole scene was rather amusing and then it culminated with a scene where the horse knocked her face down and she couldn't get up. Had we not had the TiVo, we couldn't have re-played that scene over and over again while laughing hysterically until we were crying. It is the simple things in life that give us joy. But seriously, suck it up and get a TiVo. You'll be glad you did.