How hard is too hard to push your kids? Where is the line between letting them just be kids and insisting they be involved in activities? When our oldest son, Mike, was young, we thought it was very important for him to participate in sports. It seemed only natural to sign him up for baseball and soccer every summer, spring and fall. As he grew older, he added basketball to his list. At the same time, my husband and I wanted him to learn piano and drums and play in the school band, so that was just more to add to the calendar. Of course, he also took swimming lessons every summer and attended tennis camps, as well as scouting. He was going to be a well-rounded kid if it killed us.
Monthly Archives: January 2012
The Partial Daisy
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One Of Us…One Of Us…
ATT U-Verse is going to be the end of me. I’m getting the word out now that if I’m found, unresponsive anywhere near the vicinity of my computer, check my pulse, because it’s very possible that U-Verse has killed me. Or caused me to kill myself. Either way, someone contact a lawyer to begin proceedings against the internet component of this bundle. In all fairness, I have no complaint with the cable or home phone service they provide. In fact, I’ll come right out and say that those parts of the package are doing an absolutely fine job. It’s the elusive internet connection that is bringing me to the brink. In fact, as I write this, my computer is telling me that there is no connectivity. I’ve been dumb enough to believe it, but then, on a lark, I ignored the warning and dared to type in a web address, and….what do you know? I’m online! EVEN THOUGH IS STILL SAYS THAT THERE IS NO INTERNET CONNECTION. Scary, right?
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Truth Now: Is A Sparkly Tiara Too Much?
Help! I need some guidance in Mother-of-the Groom protocol and etiquette! My son and his fiance have set a September wedding date and have been working tirelessly to successfully plan and secure many of the necessary arrangements thus far. I know, even when I planned my wedding twenty-six plus years ago, there were certain things that needed to be tended to immediately. Most notably, the church and the hall. Of course, there really wasn’t much more than that. My dad, who was a Chicago Police Sergeant, knew another copper who dabbled in the bakery business, so the cake was a no-brainer. He also knew another colleague who was an amateur videographer on the side, so that was wrapped up neatly. My brother-in-law’s father managed a country club, and, voila, we had a hall! And, I bought my dress off-the-rack for one hundred twenty-five dollars Everything was so simple then.
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Coffee, Tea, or Salmonella?
Okay, so I was just going through my pantry in search of some inspiration for dinner in a desperate attempt to find a can of something – anything – that would scream “Make this – it will be DELICIOUS and your family will love you for a few more hours until their next feeding”. I know that probably seems like a lot to ask from a can of green beans or chicken broth, but those of you who are the go-to guys for meals know what I’m talking about. Anyway, as I reached deep, deep into the abyss of the cabinet, I grabbed something I was sure would be a treasure. Something that far back just had to hold promise, I hoped. It turned out to be a can of refried beans which had expired long ago. After an “Eeewww”, I thought, “Hmmm….I wonder if that was the only thing back there past its prime.” Reaching again, I pulled out a can of olives and searched for the elusive date. Interesting…another expired can. Beginning to feel like the people featured on “Hoarders”, who always insist that food well past the stamped deadline is good and DON’T even think about throwing it out because I, I mean they, might want to eat it someday, (not that “Hoarders” is in my auto DVR list or anything), I was suddenly on a mission to rid my pantry from the evils of salmonella, e-coli, trichinosis, tapeworm, Ebola, and every other possible scourge. And, guess what? My pantry is now a whole lot cleaner. In an earlier blog, I spoke of my New Years Resolution to clear clutter from every cabinet, drawer and closet this year. I can scratch this one off the list. And that really feels good. Now, what to make for dinner…
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A New Year, A Fresh Start
For those of you who are regulars to this site, you know that my friend, Marge, is my workout buddy. You would also know that our unquestionable commitment to exercise would surely be viewed as very questionable by fitness purists. Our workout regimen is something that is too convieniently resecheduled when unexpected things pop up in our week, such as working late, doctor’s appointments, hair appointments, no gas in the car, or inclement weather – too cold, hot, wet, or windy, to name just a few. Over the holidays, we found it necessary to cancel, I think, every planned get-together. That’s how we refer to working out – getting together, or meeting. It just sounds so much more inviting than, “Hey, wanna work our muscles til they scream and become embarrassingly sweaty in front of a bunch of fit, smug people?”
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Life on a Box Wine Budget 