Bloggerista Nose Best
Posted by: Sunshine on: December 19, 2008
It’s been a busy time, as usual, around here. I’m sure everyone is feeling that time is slipping away as the holidays grow ever closer. I’ve never been one to say that I get “stressed out” about the holidays, though. Really, I have bigger things to “stress” about rather than gift buying and decorating the house. I consider those generally to be fun things to do. This year, though, many people are stressed about the finances associated with gift buying, decorating, and feasting for Christmas celebrations. This includes the Bloggerista’s family, which is why I am a deal shopper. I brave the crowds every year, with the exception of the last two years because I was with a newborn or very, very pregnant. This year, I took back my space in the parking lot and shopped on Black Friday.
Now, apparently, if you haven’t heard, we are in a recession. The economy is failing. Times are tough. However, if you were at a mall at approximately 6 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving, you would think certainly this is a falsehood. Parking lots were packed, stores had lines wrapping around in circles inside so as to not cause the sensor at the front door to do that annoying loud beeping that nobody really checks out anyway, and people were making trips to their cars because they couldn’t carry all of their purchases. I did this. Three times. I told you, I excel at bargain shopping.
Ok, so it was Black Friday and people expect crazy shopping to happen that day. I’m sure you all heard of the poor worker trampled to death at Walmart because a bunch of people are nuts for televisions. It’s disgusting really. But that’s another post for another day.
Now I generally try to go to the mall with my kids during the week to walk, window shop, grab lunch while they watch the carousel, and count how many other mothers with strollers we pass making loops around the mall. It’s quite pleasant actually. You don’t have to say “excuse me” a thousand times or wait in line for a simple Coke and a cookie from Mrs. Fields. It’s relaxing, and if you do need assistance at a store, there are more than enough employees to help you.
In the last two weeks, however, I managed to arrive at a nearby mall on two different Sundays. I thought it would be a quick trip, as I am so used to the ease of weekday shopping. Ok, so maybe it might be a little bit busier. Surely, I couldn’t be turning into one of those people who says, “I don’t shop on the weekends. It’s too crowded. I don’t like the mall on weekends.” Who doesn’t like a mall based on what day it is?
Well, me. I’ve crossed enemy lines and I want my weekday pleasantries back, please.
Yes, I know it is the Christmas season. But I kid you not when I say that the ENTIRE parking lot was FULL. I was circling and circling, just waiting for that person who is always ever so slowly sauntering back to the car that is in a aisle she doesn’t really remember. More circling. Nobody was leaving.
Really? Everyone is in the mall, shopping, and nobody is leaving. I thought everyone was broke. Ok fine. I’ll be patient.
I finally get a spot, three hundred yards away, and my mother and I haul the kids into the stroller and make a mad dash for the department store doors. Once inside, we take off their coats and hats and position the snacks and sippy cups accordingly. I should have dressed them in short sleeves, though. It is so packed inside that we can feel the warmth of too many bodies in one place. Ick.
Speaking of bodies, there are far too many in the Apple store. Now, I know that people like their technology. I’m using a wireless laptop to blog on as I type, and I have convinced myself that it is an essential item in our household. But, I’ve never quite understood the mass of people loitering around in the Apple store. How many iPods do you need, really? I still don’t own one, and at this point, I’m thinking of making that a permanent mantra (unless someone bought me one for Christmas–then I will gladly accept). Anyway, the last few times I have been to the mall, I walk past the Apple store to get to the center, where the all-knowing, super-plump Santa sits. The kids like to wave and look at Santa, so we head there first on most December days. But as we pass the Apple store, there is a distinct smell.
I know it well. I taught high school, remember? It’s too many people in one small space. It instantly takes me back to those passing times where I watched two hundred kids cram their backpacks, coats, and books into lockers that were only 6 inches wide. You do the math. Average high schoolers are wider than 6 inches across, but somehow they are all supposed to stand there simultaneously and shove their belongings in that space in one minute flat before running off to the other side of the building. But, I digress.
This smell is obnoxious. But the store isn’t as packed as a high school locker bay. It’s just full of people who mill around and touch every little screen they can get their greasy little fingers on. You think I’m kidding? Check out those touch screens when you walk by one day. There are little prints all over them. You wouldn’t need a CSI team to catch a criminal there. You can visibly see multiple sets of hands on each little device.
The last time I went to the mall was with the Hubby, and I mentioned the Apple store and its stench. He caught a whiff, too. And we quickly moved on. It reminded me of a Seinfeld episode, as many things do in life. “When the B leaves, the O goes.” That is how it is supposed to work. And really, with the economy faltering as it is, more people should take note. Save your money and have cleaner air. Now who can argue with that?
The Big Bash
Posted by: Sunshine on: December 7, 2008
So today was the big day. We decided to do a joint birthday party since Beanie turned 2 and Bubs is turning 1 shortly. Their birthdays are only 5 weeks apart and, added to the Christmas season that is upon is, it just seems fitting to celebrate together with one party. Now, some people would call me crazy for combining their parties as birthdays are often seen as big solo events, but I think most people were happy to do it all at once rather than duplicate the parties weeks apart. Not to mention that the kids are only 13 months apart and, for Beanie, it’s almost as if Bubs has been here all along. A joint party makes perfect sense for the two of them. They are little buddies.
She really is patient with him–for the most part. With the exception of her Bunny, Nee, and a select number of books or Little Einstein figurines, she is a great sharer. And if he does manage to get ahold of the precious Nee, she makes sure that although she takes Nee back promptly, she gives him something else to play with–usually something she identifies as his toy or something “baby”. I really think she understood that the little guy is turning 1 and they looked cute next to each other, ready to blow out the candles on the cake.
Some big thank yous are in order for making the day a success. And, if I leave anyone out, it’s just my exhaustion kicking in. We really are thankful for everyone who made their party full of fun and family. A big thanks to everyone who came, and everyone one who wanted to come but wasn’t able to, especially on the snowy roads today. We are glad everyone made it safely! Thanks to The Hubby’s family, who came far and brought veggies and fruit! They were yummy! Another big thanks to my brother, let’s call him Snickers (he will probably flick me in the ear next time he sees me for giving him that name in the blogosphere) and his wife (who I could call Oatmeal–she gets what I mean!) who helped to set up and brought all the balloons with them today! A party isn’t complete without shiny balloons–good picks! And a huge thanks to my parents (who Beanie lovingly calls “GaGa” and “Bumpa”) who offered to have the party at their house! It was a great setting and they helped immensely with all the preparations! THANK YOU!
And now that it is over, I’m sitting at the kitchen table, blogging. I should be putting all the generous gifts away. The are piled around me and need new spaces to lose their parts and be fallen over as the kids discover all that they do. As I see all of it, I can’t help but think that the newborn days are over–for now, at least. In a couple of weeks, the battle of the bottles will be over too. I can’t believe I have been bottle feeding for two straight years–with the exception of a three week period in December 2007. And now, I am officially the mommy of two toddlers–the second whom is about to take off walking any day now.
It just keeps getting better and better. Happy Birthday kiddos!
My Christmas Wish
Posted by: Sunshine on: November 30, 2008
Do you remember the third grade?
Posted by: Sunshine on: November 25, 2008
I don’t remember all that much about the third grade, except that it was my first year at a new elementary school. I do remember walking in single file lines and being in the same classroom all day long.
So it was a great reminder for me when, this past Friday, I took the Bean and her brother to a local elementary school to speak to 56 third graders about adopting a charity, specifically Variety. The goal was for the students to meet Beanie and learn about her story and how they could help Variety throughout the school year.
When we were taken to the multi-purpose room, for a moment I wondered where all the tables and chairs were. Then the children walked in, single file, and they just sat down. I laughed inside. I forgot that, at this age, kids just pop a squat in the middle of a gym floor. So instead of using a microphone and standing behind a podium, I asked if I could walk around and talk to them up close and personal. So that’s what we did.
I told about how the Bean was born with only her right hand, and how her daddy and I had to make decisions about how we would help her. So we found Variety and its Myolectric Center, and now she wears a prosthesis. Of course, I did this in kid terms and they were amazed by her story and what she can do. Luckily, The Bean was feeling generous and showed them how her hand opens and closes as she walked back and forth carrying little note cards all over the place.
Then we opened up the floor for questions. Some were typical, some were surprising, but all of them were respectful. I was so proud of those children for, well, being good children. They would ask how she does something, I would explain, and they would say, “Oh, wow. Ok.” And move on. They didn’t whisper or snicker. They were so wonderful to us. And The Bean got a kick out of the group “awwing” and waving at her.
What did they ask, you wonder? Atop of the questions about how she does something or if she wears her arm while she swims, they asked some interesting questions.
What’s her favorite color? Purple, for sure.
How does she write? Well, like you do. With one hand, although she mostly scribbles with crayons. Purple ones.
Does she go to a special school? No. In fact, she doesn’t go to school. She turned 2 last Thursday. But when she does, it will be in a classroom just like yours. (How endearing that they don’t realize 2 year olds are not in school.)
Is she scared of clowns? Um, no. I don’t think so. Although she probably wouldn’t run up and hug one. She didn’t seem to mind them when we went to the circus.
And the list goes on. These two classes will be adopting Variety for the school year and hope to do some service projects to help out. I’m just glad that they were able to meet the Bean and know the value of lending a “helping hand” to charities that need it.
Next week we head to some company meetings to speak briefly about Workplace Giving. Think of the United Way initiatives but for Variety instead.
If you or your family is looking for a charity this holiday season, leave a comment here and I’ll provide more details. The Bean is actually on the cover of the annual giving card this year and, well, once you see her with her bunny in one hand and a brochure in the other, you won’t be able to resist pulling out your checkbook.
Happy Giving!
Another first for me…
Posted by: Sunshine on: November 23, 2008
This whole blogging thing is a big first for me. I’m sure you can tell, I’m not all up on the gadget-y things that are out there for blogs. I have yet to add video to a post. I can barely figure out how to add pictures. But I’m learning.
And now tonight I can say that I conquered something else. Ebay!
We’ve sold a handful of things on ebay in the past. Basically, it’s just been enough to sustain any purchases we might make through ebay. Usually, the conversation goes something like this:
Me: Honey, why don’t we sell x on ebay?
Hubs: Meh, are people buying that stuff? Are people bidding on similar listings?
Me: I don’t know. Sure. It’s good stuff. Someone will want it.
Hubs: Ok, give me the info and I’ll list it.
Wallah. He lists it, it sells, and I take the money and go buy something else we don’t need.
But tonight, I felt the urge to take control and list something ALL BY MYSELF! Two things, for that matter. Both are Toddler Special Occasion Dresses NWT, which is Ebay-speak for brand new kid’s Christmas dresses. Last year, we purchased several. They were so cute. We couldn’t pass them up. (When I saw we, I mean me…and my mom. It’s hereditary apparently.) But she only wore a few of them and now they are too small for her ever to wear them. I could save them for some possible little sister for her, but let’s face it…if there is a little sis in Beanie’s future, she will probably get her own little stash of twirly dresses and these will be long forgotten in the bottom of a Space Saver Bag.
So with the holiday season upon us, I decided to put two of them up for grabs on Ebay. I determinedly sat down, reading all the choices to make my listing irresistible to some other mother like me who is looking to buy something she probably doesn’t need. I picked a category, a background, took pictures myself (so Anna Wintour of me), and wrote a stellar description. And it only took an hour! Seriously. But now I know what I am doing and I’m sure the Husband would be pleased if I would try to sell some other random items that are taking up space in our small modest home.
I’m hoping the one dress really brings in the big bucks! I’m only half-joking. I’ll be bummed if I get a whole .97 for one of these dresses. We’ll see how the bids roll.
Tag, You’re It!
Posted by: Sunshine on: November 22, 2008
Do you remember when you played Frozen Tag? And you had to stay frozen until somebody “unfroze” you? (Why didn’t they say you had to stay frozen until you melted? That seems better than “unfrozen”, doesn’t it?)
Well, I’ve been tagged by Lori at Barefoot in High Heels to reveal six juicy, tantalizing, scrumptious details about my life. I know, you are salivating in anticipation. Here goes:
1. I have a secret not so secret list of, let’s say, distinguished men that I find attractive and worthy of batting my eyelashes. In plain English, I have an “old man” crush list. And just so I don’t offend any distinguished gentleman readers, these people aren’t really OLD men. They are just older than me. 
Are you ready?
A. James Stewart. I just love Jimmy. Especially when he plays George Bailey in It’s A Wonderful Life, which happens to be my favorite movie. He is the iconic gentleman and there’s not to many of those around lately. “You want the Moon, Mary?” Yes, I do please. I like to think things like the moon and fancy bridges are mine. It’s romantic and I’m always up for a romantic gesture.
B. Pierce Brosnan. Ok, so I’m sure most people agree that Sean Connery was the original and best Bond…but if there is a close second, it is my man Pierce. He is devastatingly handsome and the accent is more than a little endearing. This new Bond guy, Daniel Craig, doesn’t hold a candle to Pierce Brosnan. I’ll see any movie just because he is in it.
C. Simon Cowell. I’m actually very embarrassed to admit this, but I love Simon! Maybe it’s because his name is SIMON. How cute is that? No but really, I think it’s the fact that he is a good judge of talent and he’s daring enough to tell people they stink. I’m so not daring enough to do that in real life. And again, it’s the accent.
D. Ok, don’t laugh , or do. Steve Martin. Yeah, Cheeburgee Cheeburger Steve Martin. He is so funny! And not just in the movies. I’ve read some of his books and they are hysterical. What can I say? Witty is the new sexy.
E. Harry Connick, Jr. What a voice. And what talent. He doesn’t even have to talk. Just play and sing. And smile.
There’s more on my list but I have to move on to 5 more little known details before I lose all three of my loyal readers.
2. Since we are on the topic of piano playing, I should confess that I have played the piano since I was 5. I gave lessons for awhile and played in competitions. (One of the people I played a duet, trio, and a quartet with one year was actually on Season 1 of the Apprentice. Yes, I know someone that the Donald actually fired. Awesome.) Anyway, for our wedding, my parents tracked down the piano that I first played at when I was just 5, and they bought it back for us. I love that piano and will never ever part with it. I even love the little scratch that was there since I was kid on the E just above Middle C. My only frustration with it right now is that I don’t find enough time to play it, and when I do have a few minutes, I generally have a toddler on my lap hitting the keys. It isn’t exactly conducive to playing Debussey.
3. I have an extreme aversion to all things violent. I detest violent movies, and ever since having kids particularly, I can’t stand to hear about violence against children on the news. I mean, I never liked it before…don’t get me wrong. But now when I hear it, it just makes me feel sick.
4. This one is going to seem like a contradiction to #3, but I have a second degree blackbelt in karate. And no, I don’t do the crane move like Danielson (Anyone who actually did that in the midst of a fight would be on the floor before they made that silly WAH! sound). I miss sparring and competing. But then I remember that to be really good at something, you have to give it your everything. And right now, Beanie and Bubby are my everything.
5. I stink at math. I’m terrible at it! I never understood proofs, and the whole concept of pi (is that how it is even spelled? I swear I blocked it all out.) is just beyond my comprehension. I hated when I would go to school early and asked my geometry teacher for help. She would just stare at me and ask. “Well, what do you think you should do?” Over and over and over. Um, if I knew that I wouldn’t be here at 6:45 am asking for help to solve something that doesn’t exist.
6. I sleep on the side of the bed that is furthest from the window, no matter where I am. In a hotel, in my own room, or visiting people, I instinctively claim the far side of the bed. My hubby pointed this out when he found himself on the opposite side of me one day when we were away from home. Before that, I never realized that I veered away from the window side. I’m weird I guess. But then so are other people because I’ve heard others that do this as well.
And there you have it. Don’t you feel better knowing these trivial tidbits?
And in the spirit of Barefoot in High Heels and the game of tag, I’m passing along the challenge to the following bloggers. Check them out and tell them I sent you.
And don’t forget to leave a comment!
