Thursday, April 24, 2008

Potty Business!

My schedule lately has been work and T-ball. It is what it is.
Today, our game was to take place at my old stomping grounds at 5:30pm (we won 22 - 15, if you're intererested). Just so you're aware, it's a modern day scheduling marvel that I get each of my children from opposite sides of town and end up in the desired location by 5:30pm on any day...let alone a game day. My workday doesn't end until 5pm, so I'm still not sure how I do it. I guess I'm glad neither of my kids get carsick. That could certainly throw a wrench into my schedule.
I managed to get back to work by 4:15pm with my son in tow and we immediately stopped in the restroom to change into his uniform. As he was wrapping up his utilization of the facilities, a co-worker of mine and fellow BamaMom came in to do the same. He happened to be in her stall. "Her stall?" you might be asking yourself. Allow me to clarify: she breastfeeds her baby girl. She uses the large (handicap) stall because there is a chair available to her to make it a more comfortable situation. As soon as I saw her coming, I set Hayden's wheels in motion. We can set the clocks at work by Lauren and her breastfeeding schedule, so I knew she was ready to get going.
So, I got him dressed (mostly) and told him to put his cleats on and head for my desk when he was done. He nodded in compliance and off I went to get some paperwork done before I had to book it to daycare and the ball field. He appeared shortly afterward. But, not before he got an important lesson in the ladies room. Lauren had taken her seat in the 'big stall' and the rhythmic hum of her breast pump began to fill the tiled lavatory. Of course Hayden's curiosity was sparked. He proceeded to hit the floor and stick his head up under the stall! He's a very inquisitive little guy...so he's not alarmed by much luckily. He asked her what she was doing, and her response: "Well, I'm making supper for my little girl."
His response: "In the bathroom?"
He's witty too.....

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

It's the littlest things....

The afternoons during T-ball season can be quite a whirlwind. Today was no different. I picked him up, got home and sent the two of them outside to play while I got dinner ready. I'm a huge advocate of outside. I think the fresh air, sunshine and room to run and scream does them (and me) a lot of good. I'm actually able to get a load of laundry done in the midst of their playing and I'm constantly reminding them that they better be glad the sun is still out....otherwise they wouldn't be able to play out there anyway.
While I was filling my kitchen sink with dishwater, I heard a disturbing sound from the outdoors. It wasn't terror, mind you, just disturbing. Anytime they're outdoors, it opens my mind up to endless possibilities as to what may or may not be happening. Is it the dog jumping all over them; bike crash, maybe; sibling antics, perhaps? The guessing is the beauty of it all, I'm sure. No, the noise turned out to be Hallie. I went to the laundry room and peeked out into the driveway...and this is what I saw:

I'm so proud that they remembered to put a helmet on her that I can't be mad!

Here's to the littlest things!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

April ramblings for your reading pleasure!

I wrapped up session two of two on Time Management training today. Bo-ring. Seriously, my time could have been so much more well spent...on my own....sleeping, even. I was really looking forward to taking something away from the course...regardless of my previous venting on the subject.
I'm heavily inclined to believe that the small time frame had a lot to do with it. One hour per week for two weeks just doesn't seem to be enough to scratch the surface of how to manage time.
My blog I brought up about whether or not men and women can be friends garnered a few responses. I don't necessarily think that there were enough to be blown away, but perhaps I'll revisit in a few months and see if I can get some different responses. For the most part, however it appears that most share my sentiment. I feel that men and women can be friends. I tend to lean toward the thinking that it's not that mature adults can't be friends. No, what sours relationships, in my opinion, is the "media" that it can often garner from onlookers. Everyone knows those folks that just aren't happy unless drama is present. If there's nothing going on to keep them occupied they just might be inclined to make something up. Whatever it takes to keep them entertained. That's just my opinion, however.
So, I've mentioned my neighbors here before and I wish I could talk about them all the time. But, the last thing I need is them thinking they're the center of attention or something! (Just kidding, guys!) At a most recent gathering at their home I was fortunate to make the accquaintance of a friend of theirs that shares my affection for the most exquisite Orlando Bloom! It was so refreshing! I miss drooling over him!
Finally, allow me to introduce to you (by words only) Martha & June's Chocolates. I've recently accquired this business as my account through my occupation and I have fallen madly in love. They are not helping my "Weight Watchers" cause in the least! My favorite thing thus far has to be their caramel apples. They make the caramel in house. They start with huge green apples, roll them in caramel and they finish them off with just about anything you can imagine. Seriously...I picked one up the other day that was a White Chocolate Cheesecake covered Caramel Apple. Believe me when I say, it was every bit as good as it sounds. They have them rolled in toppings ranging from crushed Oreos to Butterfinger; pecans to toffee...you dream it up, they'll make it. They are wonderful - the apples and the ladies! Pay Shelia, Martha, June and the rest of the girls a visit if you're ever near Gadsden.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Time - It's not always on your side!

As my "loyal following" is aware, I've recently made a transition at work into a sales position. It's something that I initiated and have been fortunate thus far with my sales and contacts. Nevertheless, the hardest part for me has been adjusting to the disorganization that I've recently adopted.
I'm so close to OCD about being organized, it just ain't funny! So, this is hard. I went from the person that had her "you know what" together to someone that is lucky if she remembers her purse on the way out the door. Luckily, that hasn't overflowed into my personal life....yet. I'm afraid that it's on its way.
Enter the "Time Management" class. I'm forever loving change. I'm in the minority of those that crave it. That's what brought on the career change most recently. I get bored easily. It's not bad...just helps me keep things interesting. It's the reason I have trouble listening to songs on my IPOD all the way through. It's the reason I have to purge my closets once every three months or so. It's the reason I can't pick a beer and stick with it. I'm always afraid something really good (not necessarily better) is out there that I haven't tried.
Today, I attended day one of two in a Time Management class. I'm a pretty happy-go-lucky person. I give just about everybody ample time to get their act together and show me what they've got. I'm no easy judge...but I'm fair. I went in expecting to learn ways to assist myself on managing my time better and I fear that I've been let down. I still have one class to go, but I'm discouraged by what I didn't take away from today - besides the homework. Pardon me, but if I'm in a time management course, odds are that I have plenty to do. I doubt very seriously that I need additional work added - more than likely it's assistance with the current balancing act of life, love and the pursuit!
I'll keep a positive attitude for session two. I'll remain in my "self-help" mode so that I continue to believe that I won't continue down this road of disorganization that most certainly leads straight to the gates of hell!
Pray for me.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Out of the Mouths of Babes!

I'm always amazed at the mind of my little man. He always thinks of others. He's always worried that someone around him or associated with him won't be happy. He has a heart of gold. Tonight was no different. We had finished up dinner and he was getting his snacks ready for tomorrow. As he was buried up to his elbows in the pantry, he spun around quickly to inform me of this: Hayden: "Mommy, I'm going to take three snacks so that I have one to give to someone that doesn't have a snack at my school." Me: "I think that's just about the nicest thing I've ever heard. You just might be the sweetest thing! I'm very proud of you for that." Hayden: "Thanks...can I take four?" I laughed out loud. I wondered if I was snowed into believing there was some pitiful kid with no snack at all sitting among the many snackers in his class. Or perhaps his plan is to break the bank by feeding the many hungry five year olds at WPES. I have to keep reminding myself, he's still your typical male...whether he's mine or not! Either way...his heart was in the right place.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Screw the kids....PARENTS say the darnedest things!

I guess maybe I should start a "Stupid Thing Of The Day Said During T-Ball" section for my blog. It happens so often, I'd never be short on stories...that's for sure! Allow me to set the stage for you: Game is in progress. Parents and grandparents alike adorn the ever so slight excuse for "bleachers". Smaller, stickier, louder siblings of those on the field are circling the legs of their respective parental unit. Nachos with cheese are hitting the ground faster than the clovers being picked in the outfield. It's a typical 5:30 game. Yesiree...we're in full swing (no pun intended) of T-Ball season now. Directly to my right sits...well, we'll call her "Mom O' the Year" who is clearly entertaining some visitors of the grandparent age and thereby ignoring her youngest child....who is where....you guessed it, UNDERNEATH THE BLEACHERS! Maybe I'm too much of a hard ass...but I just can't stand it. This child is like an accident waiting to happen ALL THE TIME! If your child is accident prone wouldn't you want to pay extra attention? Sigh...I digress. On to the actual transpiration of events. Long story short, something happens to the child. Who knows what it was...someone took his toy, someone stomped his toe, he wanted something that he was told (God forbid it) no to. It doesn't really matter at this point. So, after several agonizing moments of the blood curdling, glass shattering scream, the paternal parental unit steps in to "save the day". He fails, by the way. So, he makes an executive decision to head toward the house. He says to "Mom O' the Year": I'm going to take him home. (Sighs of relief all around were most assuredly audible.) "Mom O' the Year's" response: Whhhhhhyyyyyyyy? Can't you just make him behave? I don't want mama to have to take us home. I'm speechless.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Ahoy!

What's your most desired profession?
What I mean by that is....what would you like to do (either for a living or not) for the rest of your life if you had no other obligations? No kids to worry with. No significant other to depend on you. No pets to tend to. No strings, whatsoever. What would you do?
Maybe you'd stay right where you are doing exactly what you're doing. If that's the case, I applaud you for doing what you MUST love. For me...that's not the case. I was thinking about this today as I was on my way home from the birthday party of a friends child. My IPOD was on shuffle and several Jimmy Buffett songs were played in a row. It got me thinking...if I could sever ties with my community, house, schools, work, etc. I'm almost certain that I'd like to travel the world by sea. Essentially, It'd be a pirates life for me! Don't laugh...not a pilfering one, I'd be nice. But, to have a life that is free from worry or want....to wander the seas aimlessly....to take in more sunrises and sunsets than my eyes care to see.....to drink myself silly on Captain Morgan's Rum.....what a wonderful experience. I imagine a life of sea salt and spray; a life that is completely uninhibited and lead only by impulse and desire. Where do I want to go today? What do I want to do today? Who do I want to be around today? What would I like to eat today?
All that and I haven't even touched on the amazement found in scouring the many islands in search of the greatest places to eat and dives to visit. Can you just imagine? Close your eyes and think about the adventures at sea that would await! It entices me more and more every time I think about it!
Then, my wonderful kids laughing upstairs remind me that I'm tethered to this role...for now. I'm a landlubber, like it or not! At least until they head off to college. Do you think they'll be embarrassed to introduce me to their friends?
"Hi John...this is my mom, Lola...Capt. of the Hemisphere Dancer." (Several Jimmy references)
Neveryoumind...it's not like I'd give a hoot at that point, right?!
Oh well, there's always retirement. May your seas be calm and your rum plentiful!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Do the Shuffle...do, do, do, do, do-do-do-do-do...;)

That's right...the IPOD shuffle! I totally robbed this idea from my friend Misty's blog!
Hit shuffle on your IPOD and list the songs as they appear. Then explain why they're on your pod. How did they make their way into your life. I'm gonna do the first twenty:
  1. Jive Talkin' by The Bee Gees - This song reminds me of Kasey Perritt and her neice, Katy. Katy used to do the claps performed in the song perfectly at age 3! Other than that, I'm just a fan of disco!
  2. Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind & Fire - Always makes me wanna dance! Can't wait to get down to this little number!
  3. How You Remind Me by Nickelback - Good song; great band!
  4. You Can't Hurry Love by Phil Collins - Always puts me in a good mood...is a morning ritual at least twice a week.
  5. Can't Get Enough of Your Love by Barry White - This one was resurrected for me with the Teen movie "Down To You" (Freddie Prinze Jr.). It's soulful, deep and another dance song for me.
  6. Survive by Jimmy Buffett - It's Jimmy...what can I say? I love the man.
  7. September by Earth, Wind & Fire - You would think I'm some radical fan of theirs...maybe I am. Another song to get jiggy to.
  8. Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye - Always reminds me of Gary Vaughan at Auburn. If you can wear out a theme song, he did.
  9. Victim of Love by The Eagles - The Eagles, man. Does it get any smoother?
  10. Last Cigarette by Bon Jovi - Not my favorite Bon Jovi song, but can you really go wrong with this band? Heck no!
  11. Shake It Up by The Cars - This song - and anything by The Cars really - always takes me back to my senior year of high school. I'm riding shotgun with Kristin in David Bentley's version of K.I.T.T.
  12. Get the Party Started by Pink - You gotta have Pink on your IPOD. She's a straight up rocker!
  13. When the Sun Goes Down by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker - This one is catchy...that's for sure. You can't help but sing it when it comes on. And Kenny is hot knee deep in the water.
  14. Welcome to the Family by Little Big Town - Again, not one of my favorite songs, but a great group. I'd probably skip this one.
  15. Ill Wind by Frank Sinatra - Ol' Blue Eyes himself. He's so suave. I won't always listen to Frank. I have to be in the mood to do so.
  16. To Come of Age by The Doors - I love Jim Morrison and I'll listen to The Doors anytime. I'm always mesmerized by them.
  17. Burn This Disco Out by Michael Jackson - Old school Michael from his Off the Wall album. Reminds me of Amy because she gave me the disc.
  18. Peaceful Easy Feeling by The Eagles - See #9.
  19. California Dreamin' by The Mamas & Papas - I hate this song. I will delete it as soon as I get a chance.
  20. Amazed by Lonestar - Another one that I could do without. It was most likely loaded by someone else.

So, that's my list! What about you? What does your IPOD have to offer by way of melodic therapy?