I thanked my husband in one of my blogs recently and he made I comment that I hadn't thanked him for anything in ten years. Even though it was said jokingly I felt kind of bad so here are some thank yous that are apparently ten years overdue.
1. Thanks for working so hard and being so dependable. It allows me to build a home that is secure and safe for our kids and to be able to spy on their friends to keep them out of trouble.
2. Thanks for not reminding me I have gained thirty pounds. Trust me I have noticed.
3. Thanks for always filling my car up with gas.
4. Thanks for picking up your own dry cleaning.
5. Thanks for playing baseball with Micheal.
6. Thanks for allowing Ash and me to go on this amazing trip
7. Thanks for always being nice to your parents. Because nice matters...
8. Thanks for getting me a new cell phone when I dropped mine in the toilet.
9. Thanks for doing the yard work that you know I hate to do.
10. Thanks for making Michael happy for the past two weeks. It sounds like you really made an effort to keep him busy and happy and that made my trip 10 times better.
11. Thanks for being my husband for the past 19 years thru the good the bad and the ugly.
I am sure there are many more things but since he has gone so long without a thank you I don't want to overwhelm him. HA!!!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Jet Lag Sucks!!!!
For those of you that have not heard I had a great time in Australia. I will be retelling you the stories for the next few weeks. But as much as I enjoyed the trip the part of it that included getting home was not so much fun. After flying and traveling for almost 24 hours we landed in LAX to catch our flight to Chicago. We made a very organized but mad dash thru customs , to pick up our bags and then to return them to an area since they were already check thru to Detroit. Following that amazing race looking feat, we walked several blocks at a mad pace dragging our poor little 82 year old companion Elsie to get to the United Ticket counter. Elsie and I were panting but were proud we made it!! We arrived there with time to spare. Whew, we were sweaty and already stinky from all our flying and more than ready to get home. Well, apparently the man in line in front of us was having a bad day and was throwing three fits and a bad spell so we stood in line for about fifteen minutes before we got some one's attention. At that point she informed us that since we didn't check in 45 minutes before the flight (ugh, hello we were trying to check in....) that they had given our tickets away. These are tickets that we purchased several months before but they were now gone!!! Let's just say we were all very disgusted and exhausted and did I mention we smelled and looked very bad?
Having no boarding passes we were unable to enter the terminal. You know the one with carpet on the floor, chairs and restaurants? So all 27 of us laid in the terminal floor for six hours while our leader Mary tried to figure out between Air New Zealand and United Airlines who was to blame. After about five hours several of the courageous parents walked back to the international terminal and paid $300.00 for 28 personal pan pizzas and drinks. Knowing me so well after 12 days the brought me a diet coke and stepped back while I ripped open the cap and guzzled. I know for the certain that gesture saved the life of at least one or maybe two airline employees. Now we had to add dirty clothes to our smelly, looking bad status because the floor at LAX is not the cleanest place to lay down. I know that comes as quite a shocker, right?
When it was decided that there was no way we were going to get out of their that night, Air New Zealand stepped up and put us up in the Hilton which was a five star hotel. In order to get to the Hilton we had to take one of those little buses. There were already about ten people on there when we entered. The majority of our party had to stand and hold to the top rail of the bus. Can you see where this is going? About fifteen stinky teenagers with their pits in the air for the entire ride. I am sure the other travelers really appreciated that .
Thank God they had a buffet they supplied to us for free because by this time all the kids were broke. We all went upstairs , washed our unmentionables in the sink and crawled into bed. Our wake up call was for three a.m. We got to the airport and proceeded to try to get 27 people on stand by to Chicago. Folks, if you don't believe in miracles you should because we managed to get all 27 people to Chicago on three flights and again on three flights to Detroit. Some of us arrived home around 2, some around 5 and some around 9 but we all made it by the evening. We survived the chaos and the fatigue. I did fell a little cheated out of the big homecoming and seeing everyone with their parents. As usual I had fallen in love with a few of these kids and wanted to tell their parents what great human beings that were raising and how blessed I felt to have shared this experience with them. Oh well, I guess when I am recovered from the jet lag I just send them a note.
Having no boarding passes we were unable to enter the terminal. You know the one with carpet on the floor, chairs and restaurants? So all 27 of us laid in the terminal floor for six hours while our leader Mary tried to figure out between Air New Zealand and United Airlines who was to blame. After about five hours several of the courageous parents walked back to the international terminal and paid $300.00 for 28 personal pan pizzas and drinks. Knowing me so well after 12 days the brought me a diet coke and stepped back while I ripped open the cap and guzzled. I know for the certain that gesture saved the life of at least one or maybe two airline employees. Now we had to add dirty clothes to our smelly, looking bad status because the floor at LAX is not the cleanest place to lay down. I know that comes as quite a shocker, right?
When it was decided that there was no way we were going to get out of their that night, Air New Zealand stepped up and put us up in the Hilton which was a five star hotel. In order to get to the Hilton we had to take one of those little buses. There were already about ten people on there when we entered. The majority of our party had to stand and hold to the top rail of the bus. Can you see where this is going? About fifteen stinky teenagers with their pits in the air for the entire ride. I am sure the other travelers really appreciated that .
Thank God they had a buffet they supplied to us for free because by this time all the kids were broke. We all went upstairs , washed our unmentionables in the sink and crawled into bed. Our wake up call was for three a.m. We got to the airport and proceeded to try to get 27 people on stand by to Chicago. Folks, if you don't believe in miracles you should because we managed to get all 27 people to Chicago on three flights and again on three flights to Detroit. Some of us arrived home around 2, some around 5 and some around 9 but we all made it by the evening. We survived the chaos and the fatigue. I did fell a little cheated out of the big homecoming and seeing everyone with their parents. As usual I had fallen in love with a few of these kids and wanted to tell their parents what great human beings that were raising and how blessed I felt to have shared this experience with them. Oh well, I guess when I am recovered from the jet lag I just send them a note.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Greeting from down under
Well, we survived the flights (1 hr. to Chicago, 4 hours to LA, six hour layover in LA, 12 hour flight to New Zealand and finally a 4 hr. flight to Brisbane) My hair was very gross but my spirits were good. That is quite an accomplishment if any of you have ever travelled with me. The kids did great!!! A few of them had never flown so this was a big outing for their first time. I never heard a complaint or an "I'm bored". Amazing considering at home with all the bells and whistles they are bored quite often. I have surmised that international travel is much like being in a nursing home. It is very expensive, those with the most money are the most pampered. All you have to look forward to are trips to the bathroom, meals and sleep. Your butt is constantly hurting from having to sit all the time and you become so bored that the droning on of strangers start to sound interesting.
On the LA flight there was a woman with a little girl about eighteen months old. The toddler obviously had some kind of butt disorder because every time hers touched the seat she screamed blue bloody murder. I know all of the moms are cringing because we have all been there and there is nothing more humiliating that your child being out of control. To make matters worse she was seated by a tall big boobed blond prima dona that has not yet had any children of her own. She most likely couldn't afford to after having her boobs done. Any who...she kept getting up to go to the bathroom with her hands covering her ears and that look on her face. You know the look, the one that says to everyone "I will never ALLOW my child to act that way." I started to warn her that she was dooming herself to the worst kind of karma possible. Mommy karma. That is when you have been a complete bitch about other people's kids and you end up with two very ugly colicky twins. At least she will have those great boobs for the tear drops of despair to fall upon.
Yesterday we went to an animal conservatory and had a great time. They had an area full of kangaroos that you could go in and pet and feed. I have a very funny story involving a young mans crotch and an amorous kangaroo but that's for another day.
We are having a great time. Thanks again to Steve for sending us.
On the LA flight there was a woman with a little girl about eighteen months old. The toddler obviously had some kind of butt disorder because every time hers touched the seat she screamed blue bloody murder. I know all of the moms are cringing because we have all been there and there is nothing more humiliating that your child being out of control. To make matters worse she was seated by a tall big boobed blond prima dona that has not yet had any children of her own. She most likely couldn't afford to after having her boobs done. Any who...she kept getting up to go to the bathroom with her hands covering her ears and that look on her face. You know the look, the one that says to everyone "I will never ALLOW my child to act that way." I started to warn her that she was dooming herself to the worst kind of karma possible. Mommy karma. That is when you have been a complete bitch about other people's kids and you end up with two very ugly colicky twins. At least she will have those great boobs for the tear drops of despair to fall upon.
Yesterday we went to an animal conservatory and had a great time. They had an area full of kangaroos that you could go in and pet and feed. I have a very funny story involving a young mans crotch and an amorous kangaroo but that's for another day.
We are having a great time. Thanks again to Steve for sending us.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Farewell to Tim Russert
On Friday one of my favorite men passed away. For those of you that don't know him Tim Russert was the head of the Washington Bureau for NBC. He's the guy with the white dry erase board that always made elections so much fun. He has such a passion for politics that you couldn't help but be excited right along with him. He was funny and by all appearances kind and loving. I enjoyed every day I spent watching him and will dearly miss watching him this historic election season. I think in a way he reminded me of my friend Dewey. Dewey and I have always enjoyed volleying back and forth our thoughts in the area of politics. It's fun , it never gets out of hand and I always leave the table with food for thought.
This political season is one for the history books and it just won't be the same without Tim. I cried when I heard he had passed and I never even met him. I am quite certain that I am just one of millions that felt they knew him. and loved him. He will be missed.
This political season is one for the history books and it just won't be the same without Tim. I cried when I heard he had passed and I never even met him. I am quite certain that I am just one of millions that felt they knew him. and loved him. He will be missed.
OMG....am I ready for this??????!!!!!!!
Well after much anticipation and cash outlay tomorrow is the big day!! Ashley and I are leaving for Down Under. I just hope I don't end up down under... I was cool as a cucumber until I woke up this morning. I opened my eyes and my first thought was OMG I am going to be on another continent by this time Wednesday. Nothing like that thought to wake you up in a hurry. Don't get me wrong, I am very excited about being in Australia but not so much about getting to Australia. It could have something to do with the fact that Steve has been telling me for a year that I wouldn't be able to handle the 9 hour trek to New Zealand from Los Angeles. Of course once you are on the flight there aren't many options that don't involve an Air Marshall and a thorough cavity search so I think I will survive. In all fairness to Steve, we have been traveling together for twenty years and he knows that while I am certainly not afraid to fly it takes an pharmaceutical army to get me thru it. I need dramine, decongestants and ear planes. The ear planes are little devices that keep your ears from popping during take-off and landing. Otherwise I spend the first two days of the trip talking really loud and constantly shouting, "What did you say?". Not so much fun for your companions.
We will be traveling with a group of eighteen students and nine adults so at least we are not out numbered too badly. All the kids going are really good kids and I look forward to getting to know them better. Most of them I met during the musical and they are tons of fun.
Here are the websites of the two places we will be staying. www.holidaycity.com/strand-chateau.com and www.maestri@theoaksgroup.com.au. Ashley will be spending six days with a host family and hanging out with their friends while the adults will be relaxing at one of the hotels. Sounds like fun!!!
A very special thanks to Steve who funded for the most part the trip and allowed me to go even though he has always wanted to see Australia. Thanks also to the grandparents that made a sizable contribution to the cause to allow for spending money and all kinds of other goodies yet to be purchased. We love all of you very much.
As for Michael, every time I tell him that I am going to miss him and ask him if he will miss me he justs breaks into the song, "Freedom". Ha Ha very funny!!!! We'll see if he is singing a different tune when I return. As a mom I sure hope so...
Say a prayer for us and keep us in your thoughts. I will blog as often as possible.
We will be traveling with a group of eighteen students and nine adults so at least we are not out numbered too badly. All the kids going are really good kids and I look forward to getting to know them better. Most of them I met during the musical and they are tons of fun.
Here are the websites of the two places we will be staying. www.holidaycity.com/strand-chateau.com and www.maestri@theoaksgroup.com.au. Ashley will be spending six days with a host family and hanging out with their friends while the adults will be relaxing at one of the hotels. Sounds like fun!!!
A very special thanks to Steve who funded for the most part the trip and allowed me to go even though he has always wanted to see Australia. Thanks also to the grandparents that made a sizable contribution to the cause to allow for spending money and all kinds of other goodies yet to be purchased. We love all of you very much.
As for Michael, every time I tell him that I am going to miss him and ask him if he will miss me he justs breaks into the song, "Freedom". Ha Ha very funny!!!! We'll see if he is singing a different tune when I return. As a mom I sure hope so...
Say a prayer for us and keep us in your thoughts. I will blog as often as possible.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Lori and I in front of the poster. A girl who was turning 21 that night won it in a drawing. Ahhh to be turning 21 again!!! My shoes said Sex on one side , In on the other, The on one side and City on the other. I added the beads one at a time and about half way thru questioned my sanity. I always have Martha Stewart ideas but I don't have her staff..HA!!!
Sex and the City
Thursday night my friend Lori and I became young and adventurous!! We got tickets to a Sex and the City party at midnight. We would be some of the first to see the movie , drink Cosmos and munch on popcorn. Of course this kind of fun doesn't come without a price at our age and we knew when the alarm went off at 6 a.m. we would be weary but we didn't care.
We had a blast!! We waited way too long in line for drinks but managed to even have fun doing that. I won third place in the sexiest shoe contest with my original Sex and the City shoes designed by moi!! I won a Sex and the City shirt and a PINK compact with the logo on it. I was very excited because as most of you know I love pink. I will buy almost anything pink so imagine how much fun it is to get something pink for free.
I loved the movie!!! For me it was like getting together with really good friends again and I never wanted it to end. But it did end and Lori and I headed home without our high heels and in our flip flops. Not feeling quite as sexy at 3:00 am. as we had at eleven but we were not sorry we went. I need to do more things like that. When did I start getting so old that sleep became the winner over adventure and spontaneity? Am I going to end up as one of those old people that ALWAYS knows what the weather is because I am always at home watching the news at ten o'clock? God I hope not!!!! So Lori your turn to plan our next adventure. The only requirement is that I have to miss the ten o'clock news.
We had a blast!! We waited way too long in line for drinks but managed to even have fun doing that. I won third place in the sexiest shoe contest with my original Sex and the City shoes designed by moi!! I won a Sex and the City shirt and a PINK compact with the logo on it. I was very excited because as most of you know I love pink. I will buy almost anything pink so imagine how much fun it is to get something pink for free.
I loved the movie!!! For me it was like getting together with really good friends again and I never wanted it to end. But it did end and Lori and I headed home without our high heels and in our flip flops. Not feeling quite as sexy at 3:00 am. as we had at eleven but we were not sorry we went. I need to do more things like that. When did I start getting so old that sleep became the winner over adventure and spontaneity? Am I going to end up as one of those old people that ALWAYS knows what the weather is because I am always at home watching the news at ten o'clock? God I hope not!!!! So Lori your turn to plan our next adventure. The only requirement is that I have to miss the ten o'clock news.
The Color Purple
Sunday night Ashley and I and about twenty of my friends from work went to see The Color Purple at the Fox downtown. It was a fabulous show and the cast was just amazing. As the play was ending and the final song was being sung several and I mean several people got up to leave. I was so appalled!!!!!! This is live theatre and just in case you didn't know people, the cast on the stage can see you exiting. Not only is it insulting and very rude but the rest of us trying to see the show have our view blocked by your rude exit. I couldn't believe people in the first few rows would just get up and walk out. The tickets were expensive but it just goes to show just because you have money it's no guarantee you have class.....
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