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Sunday, April 5, 2020
Tales from the Pandemic 2
There have been so many memes on FaceBook that are hilarious and does a great job of capturing what this time in our lives is like.
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Saturday, April 4, 2020
Tales from the Pandemic 1
I didn't miss writing my blog. For the past 3 months, I rarely gave it a passing thought and felt good in my decision to move on. While I love the idea of keeping a journal online, I figured the kids are older and in a very different place than they were 5 or 10 years ago. There definitely is not as much to document or keep record of. Our life was full of activities, classes, school, friends, and we had a tight schedule going from Point A to B to C to D, etc.
This life of ours came to a sudden, abrupt stop on March 13th. For at 5:00am, we get the notification from FCPS that school has been cancelled for today. We knew a few days prior that Monday, March 16th was going to be a teacher work day, so that distance learning could be figured out. However, everything changed overnight and school was out for good. News of the Coronavirus had been steadily coming closer to us as we heard of China, Italy, Korea all dealing with an outbreak, crippling their country. Our teachers never made it to the school on 16th. Quickly FCPS cancelled everything. All activities, schools, events, and sports was done until April 14th. One week later, Dr. Braband, FCPS Superintendent, announced school would be closed through the remainder of the year.
The news was overtaken with stories of Coronavirus and how each state was starting to see a rise in the number of cases. Our lives were becoming so very different of anything anyone had ever experienced. It took until our 3rd week of being quarantined that I realized I want to document all of this. This is history being made. Our world has turned upside down. And so I turn back to blogging to capture all of this.
The summary below was going around on FB. I love how it quickly captures what is happening. All of this came to be in just the last 3 weeks. Yowzer!
Just so I NEVER forget..... April 2, 2020
Gas price a mile from home was $1.59
School cancelled - yes, cancelled from March 13 to the end of the school year in June.
School cancelled - yes, cancelled from March 13 to the end of the school year in June.
Self-distancing measures on the rise.
"Social distancing" a term that is used more than any other.
Tape on the floors at grocery stores and others to help distance shoppers (6ft) from each other.Limited number of people inside stores, therefore, line ups outside the store doors.
Non-essential stores and businesses mandated closed.
Restaurants no longer allowed to have dine-in. Only take out offered. Curbside delivery to your car so you didn't have to get out.
Parks, trails, entire cities locked up.Entire sports seasons cancelled.
Concerts, tours, festivals, entertainment events - cancelled.
Weddings, family celebrations, holiday gatherings - cancelled.
No masses, churches are closed.
No funerals.
No gatherings of 50 or more, then 20 or more, now 10 or less.
Don't socialize with anyone outside of your home.
Children's outdoor play parks are closed.
We are to distance from each other.
Shortage of masks, gowns, gloves for our front-line workers.
Shortage of ventilators for the critically ill.
Panic buying sets in and we have no toilet paper, no disinfecting supplies, no paper towels, no laundry soap, no hand sanitizer.
Shelves are bare. It's hit or miss if the item you need is going to be in stock. Chicken, toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies are the hardest to come by.
Manufacturers, distilleries and other businesses switch their lines to help make visors, masks, hand sanitizer and PPE (personal protection equipment).
Government closes the border to all non-essential travel.
Fines are established for breaking the rules.
Stadiums and recreation facilities open up for the overflow of Covid-19 patients.
Press conferences daily from the President. Daily updates on new cases, recoveries, and deaths.
Watching the numbers in each state on the amount diagnosed and the number of deaths
Government incentives to stay home.
Everyone non essential ordered to work from home.
School districts trying to figure out how to do distance learning.
Barely anyone on the roads.People wearing masks and gloves outside.
Essential service workers are terrified to go to work.
Medical field workers are afraid to go home to their families.
Told to wash our hands non-stop. Wash them for 20 seconds and whatever you do, don't touch your face.
The NE Patriots flew their own airplane to China to gather medical masks and supplies for MA after hearing the pleas of the governor.
This is the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic, declared March 11, 2020
Governor of Virginia announces everyone to "Stay At Home" until June 10th
Why, you ask, do I write this status?
One day it will show up in my memory feed, and it will be a yearly reminder that life is precious and not to take the things we dearly love for granted.
We have so much!
Be thankful. Be grateful.
Be kind to each other - love one another - support everyone.
Be thankful. Be grateful.
Be kind to each other - love one another - support everyone.
We are all one! ❤️
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
End of the Year Wrap Up: 2019 Edition
Oy! I am not sure this blog is going to continue much longer or even past this End of the Year Wrap up. Over the past several months, I'll have the idea to write about this or that, something or other the kids are going thru. But before I know it, it has become a fleeting thought and my attention has been diverted to something else.
This blog was key to me surviving my kids' early years. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart and mostly being a stay-at-home mom pushed me to the brink of insanity some days. Having this medium as an outlet was therapeutic. I was able to let it all out, move on and start with a clean slate the very next day, or sometimes the very next hour. I believe journaling the good, the bad, and the ugly is how I survived and didn't run away. Don't get me wrong, not every day was rough, but there were definitely some trying times. Let's be honest, these years become a blur and having it all written gives me a opportunity to see how far we've come and remember the fun, silly days, as well as the challenging ones. Each phase comes and goes for good and bad; it's nice to go back and relive it from a distance, through my words.
Ian and Samantha have grown into these awesome people. I am so proud of them! And I love them more than I ever thought humanly possible. I get how parents can be helicopter parents or my new favorite term, lawn mower parenting (parents who try to remove and smooth obstacles). I will do anything to keep Ian and Samantha from feeling defeated or have their feelings hurt. I want so much for them to never know how cruel life can be or how mean-spirited people can get. Every day should be their best ever! Have all these amazing experiences and go through life with rose colored glasses. I fully realize how unrealistic this is and my job as a parent is to make sure they are prepared and can handle disappointment and failure.
There was a time, I'd go to bed at night, review my day in my head, and feel like the worst mother in the world. Somewhere over the years, that mentality has shifted and I think this parenting gig is working out. All the time invested, energy given, and hand holding has been worth it. I find myself turning to writing this blog to vent and 'get it all out' less and less over the months. Ian and Samantha are truly what I hoped and dreamed of when becoming a mother. Their judgement is solid, they are empathetic, courageous, and go after what they want. They are polite, conscientious, and very witty. I love their sense of humor. I no longer view time off from school as our 'dark period'. I actually really enjoy planning activities the 3 of us will enjoy doing and getting to live these experiences through their eyes. They are always up for an adventure and will try anything once. Can you ask for anything more? I think not.
As I look back at 2019, I am content. Wow, what a great word to summarize how I feel. Sure, there are so many things we need -- updates and renovations to the house, money to travel, money to put towards college savings, a new Acura MDX would be nice (Ha!), but none of that is a necessity. Everything we truly need we have and then some. We are in good health, have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and our kids are happy, caring, independent little people. I have a blessed life and recognize how fortunate we are.
Travel this year:
January: Robyn and Samantha in Orlando for 4 days
March: Ian attends Ramah reunion in Palmer, Mass for 3 days
April: Ian visits Max in PA for 4 days
April: Spring Break in NYC for 3 days
June: Robyn and Ian - theatre trip to NYC for 2 days
June: Robyn in Orlando for 3 days
July: Ian and Samantha in Orlando for 11 days
July: Week at the beach, OC, NJ
July-August: Ian and Samantha at Camp Ramah for 4 weeks
July: Robyn in MA and RI for 2 days
November: Week in Orlando for Thanksgiving
December: Weekend in NJ for family Hanukkah party
December: Ian in NYC for 4 days
The biggest change in this past year has been Ian's activities. He now takes anywhere from 4.5 hours to 6 hours of dance classes each week. Boys Ballet, Broadway Tap, Musical Theatre, Partnering Ballet, or drop-in tap class keeps him (and us driving him) going back and forth multiple times a week to dance. He has realized how important it is to know how to dance if he wants to make it in theatre. It's fun to see him master a new step that has been giving him difficulty and then doing that step all the time at home. Or, when he gets in the car after picking him up and he chatters on non-stop about how well he just did. Add the two plays Ian was performing in and it made for a very busy Fall. Ian absolutely adores camp and wants to go for the whole summer. Oh my! I can't even imagine him being gone for 8 weeks. We have him registered and will try to make this a reality. But oy, is it expensive!
Ian has taken the concept of going after what he wants to heart. He wanted to do stand-up and found a way to make it happen at a local restaurant/bar. He did a great job and plans to expand his routine and keep at it, performing at local places. He has been writing scripts for short films and is circulating it around for feedback. I read this latest one and I have to say, it's pretty darn good. I love how focused Ian has become on his goals and has a plan to make it happen. Ian ultimately wants to be hired to be on Saturday Night Live, and said to me the other day, "I hope I don't get too well known before getting to NY because you have to be an unknown to do SNL." Um yeah, somehow I don't think this should be a concern. Really, would getting discovered earlier than expected be a bad thing? Ian needs to worry about other things.
Oh and there is that little matter of Ian auditioning for a short film and getting the part. Last June Ian played Elliot, a blind, gay, Jewish middle schooler. The short film will finish production by the end of December and be entered in film festivals around the country. This was a very surreal experience and still a bit in awe of how it all came to be. Ian's first paid acting gig!
Samantha is doing so much better at school. Her teacher for 6th grade is a dream come true and it makes going to school that much easier. We've enlisted the help of a reading specialist and the progress Sam has made is fantastic. She still enjoys horseback riding the most and is happy to do just this one activity. Samantha loves camp and will go for 1 session this Summer. She has yet to discover wanting to wear name brand clothing, or spend hours doing her hair. I am just waiting for that to happen next year at middle school. Sam is very happy wearing the same 4 purple t-shirts and black leggings. She has a closet full of clothes and they just hang there, looking unloved.
Jeff's cooking and baking has soared to new heights. He now has a kitchen aid mixer, a micro plane, and other baking/cooking tools he felt necessary to help him achieve greatness. Jeff has a running list of baked goods he wants to make. He most recently made blueberry and lemon scones with fresh clotted cream. It's been fun to see him enjoy his new hobby.
I am still really enjoying my job at the preschool and this year added in Fridays too. I am now there 5 days a week, for 3 hours a day. As great as it is and as much as I enjoy it, I think its time to find a full-time job, starting in June. Samantha will be out of elementary school and will be attending the same school as Ian. Her hours for school starting will be much earlier and I'll be able to get to an office at a reasonable time. I have no idea what I want to do, but am keeping an open mind and going for it. It's a little overwhelming to me the changes that will be occurring in our household, but I feel this is a necessary step. I am hoping that by starting in the summer, I will have a chance to get used to our new normal and by the time school starts, it won't be as hard of a transition.
The year ahead in 2020:
As we head in to 2020, here is something I NEVER thought I would write. I am currently happy with my weight and the progress I have made towards losing. For the first time in several years (too many to count), I've got a new attitude towards eating and feel this sense of control I didn't know I was capable of. I am constantly faced with temptations, but after one bite, I am satisfied. Or, maybe I don't even want that one bite. Wow, right? Since October 1st, I've lost 21 pounds and I am finally seeing a difference now. This is the best feeling. I wake up in the morning not scared to get on the scale, knowing I've done the best I could do the day before. Maybe the number doesn't always go down, and shoots way up from time to time, but overall it is trending in the right direction. I am following the weight watchers plan and know that I can incorporate this well into the future. Don't get me wrong, I am far from perfect, but my head is in the game and its been a long time since I can say that. Here is where the word "content" comes in to play once again. :)
I want to find a full-time job that still gives me flexibility, so if I need a day off or a few extra hours to be with the kids, I can. I am not sure what kind of job this will be, but that is my goal. Something with the hours 8:30am to 4:30pm, 10 minutes from my house would be awesome! Maybe if I close my eyes real tight and wish & wish with all my might, it could happen.
I am so excited for Samantha to be graduating elementary school this year. She now has braces on her teeth and looks like a real teenager. Her growth this past year has been measurable. She is tall, confident, and so lovely. And I think she is finally appreciating me and all I do; at least I hope so. :)
I'm head over heels in love with Jeff and how we operate as a team. He has my back and I have his. I never feel like I am in this parenting thing alone and appreciate all the support he continually gives. I've said it before and I'll say it again. You can fall in love with the guy, but you won't know how he'll turn out to be a father until you are way thick in the weeds. And that's where we are...deep in the weeds. Jeff is the most amazing father. One of his best qualities is that when he leaves the office, work gets left behind and he is 100% present being with the family. I am not sure what this has to do with "The year ahead in 2020" but I do know we both appreciate how far our kids have come and what an honor it is to be their parents. So maybe 2020 is that parenting is getting to be more rewarding after all the that we've been through to get to this point.
My New Year's Wish:
I wish for kindness. Kindness to our selves, kindness to friends and family, and kindness to strangers. If everyone made an effort to be kind, instead of being mean, full of judgement, selfish, or uncompassionate, think how much better the world would be. We are all more alike than different. May 2020 give us endless energy, better sleep, and the ability to make the better choice. Happy New Year!
This blog was key to me surviving my kids' early years. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart and mostly being a stay-at-home mom pushed me to the brink of insanity some days. Having this medium as an outlet was therapeutic. I was able to let it all out, move on and start with a clean slate the very next day, or sometimes the very next hour. I believe journaling the good, the bad, and the ugly is how I survived and didn't run away. Don't get me wrong, not every day was rough, but there were definitely some trying times. Let's be honest, these years become a blur and having it all written gives me a opportunity to see how far we've come and remember the fun, silly days, as well as the challenging ones. Each phase comes and goes for good and bad; it's nice to go back and relive it from a distance, through my words.
Ian and Samantha have grown into these awesome people. I am so proud of them! And I love them more than I ever thought humanly possible. I get how parents can be helicopter parents or my new favorite term, lawn mower parenting (parents who try to remove and smooth obstacles). I will do anything to keep Ian and Samantha from feeling defeated or have their feelings hurt. I want so much for them to never know how cruel life can be or how mean-spirited people can get. Every day should be their best ever! Have all these amazing experiences and go through life with rose colored glasses. I fully realize how unrealistic this is and my job as a parent is to make sure they are prepared and can handle disappointment and failure.
There was a time, I'd go to bed at night, review my day in my head, and feel like the worst mother in the world. Somewhere over the years, that mentality has shifted and I think this parenting gig is working out. All the time invested, energy given, and hand holding has been worth it. I find myself turning to writing this blog to vent and 'get it all out' less and less over the months. Ian and Samantha are truly what I hoped and dreamed of when becoming a mother. Their judgement is solid, they are empathetic, courageous, and go after what they want. They are polite, conscientious, and very witty. I love their sense of humor. I no longer view time off from school as our 'dark period'. I actually really enjoy planning activities the 3 of us will enjoy doing and getting to live these experiences through their eyes. They are always up for an adventure and will try anything once. Can you ask for anything more? I think not.
As I look back at 2019, I am content. Wow, what a great word to summarize how I feel. Sure, there are so many things we need -- updates and renovations to the house, money to travel, money to put towards college savings, a new Acura MDX would be nice (Ha!), but none of that is a necessity. Everything we truly need we have and then some. We are in good health, have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and our kids are happy, caring, independent little people. I have a blessed life and recognize how fortunate we are.
Travel this year:
January: Robyn and Samantha in Orlando for 4 days
March: Ian attends Ramah reunion in Palmer, Mass for 3 days
April: Ian visits Max in PA for 4 days
April: Spring Break in NYC for 3 days
June: Robyn and Ian - theatre trip to NYC for 2 days
June: Robyn in Orlando for 3 days
July: Ian and Samantha in Orlando for 11 days
July: Week at the beach, OC, NJ
July-August: Ian and Samantha at Camp Ramah for 4 weeks
July: Robyn in MA and RI for 2 days
November: Week in Orlando for Thanksgiving
December: Weekend in NJ for family Hanukkah party
December: Ian in NYC for 4 days
The biggest change in this past year has been Ian's activities. He now takes anywhere from 4.5 hours to 6 hours of dance classes each week. Boys Ballet, Broadway Tap, Musical Theatre, Partnering Ballet, or drop-in tap class keeps him (and us driving him) going back and forth multiple times a week to dance. He has realized how important it is to know how to dance if he wants to make it in theatre. It's fun to see him master a new step that has been giving him difficulty and then doing that step all the time at home. Or, when he gets in the car after picking him up and he chatters on non-stop about how well he just did. Add the two plays Ian was performing in and it made for a very busy Fall. Ian absolutely adores camp and wants to go for the whole summer. Oh my! I can't even imagine him being gone for 8 weeks. We have him registered and will try to make this a reality. But oy, is it expensive!
Ian has taken the concept of going after what he wants to heart. He wanted to do stand-up and found a way to make it happen at a local restaurant/bar. He did a great job and plans to expand his routine and keep at it, performing at local places. He has been writing scripts for short films and is circulating it around for feedback. I read this latest one and I have to say, it's pretty darn good. I love how focused Ian has become on his goals and has a plan to make it happen. Ian ultimately wants to be hired to be on Saturday Night Live, and said to me the other day, "I hope I don't get too well known before getting to NY because you have to be an unknown to do SNL." Um yeah, somehow I don't think this should be a concern. Really, would getting discovered earlier than expected be a bad thing? Ian needs to worry about other things.
Oh and there is that little matter of Ian auditioning for a short film and getting the part. Last June Ian played Elliot, a blind, gay, Jewish middle schooler. The short film will finish production by the end of December and be entered in film festivals around the country. This was a very surreal experience and still a bit in awe of how it all came to be. Ian's first paid acting gig!
Samantha is doing so much better at school. Her teacher for 6th grade is a dream come true and it makes going to school that much easier. We've enlisted the help of a reading specialist and the progress Sam has made is fantastic. She still enjoys horseback riding the most and is happy to do just this one activity. Samantha loves camp and will go for 1 session this Summer. She has yet to discover wanting to wear name brand clothing, or spend hours doing her hair. I am just waiting for that to happen next year at middle school. Sam is very happy wearing the same 4 purple t-shirts and black leggings. She has a closet full of clothes and they just hang there, looking unloved.
Jeff's cooking and baking has soared to new heights. He now has a kitchen aid mixer, a micro plane, and other baking/cooking tools he felt necessary to help him achieve greatness. Jeff has a running list of baked goods he wants to make. He most recently made blueberry and lemon scones with fresh clotted cream. It's been fun to see him enjoy his new hobby.
I am still really enjoying my job at the preschool and this year added in Fridays too. I am now there 5 days a week, for 3 hours a day. As great as it is and as much as I enjoy it, I think its time to find a full-time job, starting in June. Samantha will be out of elementary school and will be attending the same school as Ian. Her hours for school starting will be much earlier and I'll be able to get to an office at a reasonable time. I have no idea what I want to do, but am keeping an open mind and going for it. It's a little overwhelming to me the changes that will be occurring in our household, but I feel this is a necessary step. I am hoping that by starting in the summer, I will have a chance to get used to our new normal and by the time school starts, it won't be as hard of a transition.
The year ahead in 2020:
As we head in to 2020, here is something I NEVER thought I would write. I am currently happy with my weight and the progress I have made towards losing. For the first time in several years (too many to count), I've got a new attitude towards eating and feel this sense of control I didn't know I was capable of. I am constantly faced with temptations, but after one bite, I am satisfied. Or, maybe I don't even want that one bite. Wow, right? Since October 1st, I've lost 21 pounds and I am finally seeing a difference now. This is the best feeling. I wake up in the morning not scared to get on the scale, knowing I've done the best I could do the day before. Maybe the number doesn't always go down, and shoots way up from time to time, but overall it is trending in the right direction. I am following the weight watchers plan and know that I can incorporate this well into the future. Don't get me wrong, I am far from perfect, but my head is in the game and its been a long time since I can say that. Here is where the word "content" comes in to play once again. :)
I want to find a full-time job that still gives me flexibility, so if I need a day off or a few extra hours to be with the kids, I can. I am not sure what kind of job this will be, but that is my goal. Something with the hours 8:30am to 4:30pm, 10 minutes from my house would be awesome! Maybe if I close my eyes real tight and wish & wish with all my might, it could happen.
I am so excited for Samantha to be graduating elementary school this year. She now has braces on her teeth and looks like a real teenager. Her growth this past year has been measurable. She is tall, confident, and so lovely. And I think she is finally appreciating me and all I do; at least I hope so. :)
I'm head over heels in love with Jeff and how we operate as a team. He has my back and I have his. I never feel like I am in this parenting thing alone and appreciate all the support he continually gives. I've said it before and I'll say it again. You can fall in love with the guy, but you won't know how he'll turn out to be a father until you are way thick in the weeds. And that's where we are...deep in the weeds. Jeff is the most amazing father. One of his best qualities is that when he leaves the office, work gets left behind and he is 100% present being with the family. I am not sure what this has to do with "The year ahead in 2020" but I do know we both appreciate how far our kids have come and what an honor it is to be their parents. So maybe 2020 is that parenting is getting to be more rewarding after all the that we've been through to get to this point.
My New Year's Wish:
I wish for kindness. Kindness to our selves, kindness to friends and family, and kindness to strangers. If everyone made an effort to be kind, instead of being mean, full of judgement, selfish, or uncompassionate, think how much better the world would be. We are all more alike than different. May 2020 give us endless energy, better sleep, and the ability to make the better choice. Happy New Year!
Friday, December 27, 2019
Tales from the crypt: Crazy man no more
I found out some sad news this past week. The Crazy Man has passed away. He died of heart failure due to pneumonia. Towards the end, his mental state had decreased greatly and he was having problems coping. He had been hospitalized for suicidal tendencies and was not able to get transferred out of the psych ward until he met certain goals. And he kept failing to meet those goals.
About 6 months ago, it was determined he could no longer live on his own and would need 24/7 care. I think it was losing this independence that was the final straw. He always told me that once he could no longer live like a rock star, at the top of his game, he'd want to end his life and be done.
It's sad to see this is how The Crazy Man's story ends. He went from being so full of life to no life at all. He alienated almost everyone around him, including those who said they would stand by him and changed their mind when the going got really tough. It was his neighbor in the end that helped him the most and got his affairs in order.
Over the past 2 years, I'd hear from The Crazy Man from time to time. He'd ask me my advice on something or a question to where some paper, file, company, phone number, etc., was located. I'd help him as best as I could, but I could tell his mind was going and it was harder for him to form coherent sentences. He was a big fan of Ian's and would call just to ask what he was up to and if there was a performance he could come check out. He never actually did see Ian act, but The Crazy Man was certain that Ian is headed for greatness.
Working for The Crazy Man was definitely one of the more interesting things to happen to me. I never failed to have a funny or outlandish story at the ready, whenever anyone asked me what he was up to. I could entertain friends and family for hours with all his antics. He lived life to the absolute fullest, never was one to take 'no' for answer, and always had a plan for how to find some loop hole or back way in to make his latest big idea a reality. The Crazy Man was the true definition of what it meant to have chutzpah (definition: extreme self-confidence or audacity).
Rest in peace Crazy Man, and go easy on the Big Guy. I am sure he has got your number and knows all the tricks you are up to. ;)
About 6 months ago, it was determined he could no longer live on his own and would need 24/7 care. I think it was losing this independence that was the final straw. He always told me that once he could no longer live like a rock star, at the top of his game, he'd want to end his life and be done.
It's sad to see this is how The Crazy Man's story ends. He went from being so full of life to no life at all. He alienated almost everyone around him, including those who said they would stand by him and changed their mind when the going got really tough. It was his neighbor in the end that helped him the most and got his affairs in order.
Over the past 2 years, I'd hear from The Crazy Man from time to time. He'd ask me my advice on something or a question to where some paper, file, company, phone number, etc., was located. I'd help him as best as I could, but I could tell his mind was going and it was harder for him to form coherent sentences. He was a big fan of Ian's and would call just to ask what he was up to and if there was a performance he could come check out. He never actually did see Ian act, but The Crazy Man was certain that Ian is headed for greatness.
Working for The Crazy Man was definitely one of the more interesting things to happen to me. I never failed to have a funny or outlandish story at the ready, whenever anyone asked me what he was up to. I could entertain friends and family for hours with all his antics. He lived life to the absolute fullest, never was one to take 'no' for answer, and always had a plan for how to find some loop hole or back way in to make his latest big idea a reality. The Crazy Man was the true definition of what it meant to have chutzpah (definition: extreme self-confidence or audacity).
Rest in peace Crazy Man, and go easy on the Big Guy. I am sure he has got your number and knows all the tricks you are up to. ;)
Monday, November 4, 2019
The halloween that almost wasn't.
The weather for this Halloween didn't look too promising. Between an impending storm, strong winds, and a tornado warning, the weather reports kept getting scarier and scarier. The final message from the weathermen was to get all your trick-or-treating done by 5:00pm. WHAT?? How is that even possible? Is anyone home to hand out candy at that early hour?
I had arranged for us to go trick or treating with one of Sam's friends, Riley. We had a plan to get together at 6:30pm. However, as the weather reports would get updated and much bleaker than what was reported before, we kept moving up the time we would meet. The tornado warning was the final straw and we made the decision to go to the local mall where they were doing a 'Malloween' event and the kids could go trick-or-treating safely indoors. The mall event ran from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and we decided to meet at 6:00pm. This whole time we are not only changing the plans and time with Sam's friend's mom, but also with Ian's friend too. It was a crazy topsy-turvy back and forth all afternoon changing our plans.
Around 5:10pm, the sun is shining! This is the craziest thing ever! One final change of plans and we decide to take it back outdoors and let the kids trick-or-treat for as long as they can. We thought the kids might have about 30 minutes before we have to take cover. Everyone started early to get a jump start before the storm moved in. Here's the thing -- the storm didn't come until 8:30pm! The kids were out trick-or-treating for 2.5 hours! The amount of candy they brought home was insane.
Sam had big plans for us to dress up in the same costume. She got much delight from this. Ian was on the fence on if he should even go trick-or-treating at the ripe old age of 14. After checking in with his good friend, they decided they are not too old to go door to door. Ian found himself a hysterical inflatable costume and waddled his way around the neighborhood. It was hilarious to see him in action.
I had arranged for us to go trick or treating with one of Sam's friends, Riley. We had a plan to get together at 6:30pm. However, as the weather reports would get updated and much bleaker than what was reported before, we kept moving up the time we would meet. The tornado warning was the final straw and we made the decision to go to the local mall where they were doing a 'Malloween' event and the kids could go trick-or-treating safely indoors. The mall event ran from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and we decided to meet at 6:00pm. This whole time we are not only changing the plans and time with Sam's friend's mom, but also with Ian's friend too. It was a crazy topsy-turvy back and forth all afternoon changing our plans.
Around 5:10pm, the sun is shining! This is the craziest thing ever! One final change of plans and we decide to take it back outdoors and let the kids trick-or-treat for as long as they can. We thought the kids might have about 30 minutes before we have to take cover. Everyone started early to get a jump start before the storm moved in. Here's the thing -- the storm didn't come until 8:30pm! The kids were out trick-or-treating for 2.5 hours! The amount of candy they brought home was insane.
Sam had big plans for us to dress up in the same costume. She got much delight from this. Ian was on the fence on if he should even go trick-or-treating at the ripe old age of 14. After checking in with his good friend, they decided they are not too old to go door to door. Ian found himself a hysterical inflatable costume and waddled his way around the neighborhood. It was hilarious to see him in action.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Stand-up success!
Ian has BIG plans. B. I. G. The ambition is pouring out of him and he has many, many dreams. Broadway, movies, stand-up comedy, restaurant owner/operator of multiple different themes and all kinds of food, and tons of television series ideas, complete with several episodes sketched out with characters and plots. And oh yeah, he wants to get his pilot's license. I absolutely love the enthusiasm he has and want to support his dreams as best as we can.
Ian has been working on his stand-up routine and was recently given the opportunity to perform it at this restaurant/bar in Alexandria. It was set-up by his friend's father who knows the owner of this restaurant. They have an open mic night on Wednesdays and Ian got the chance to perform. Ian had a 5 minute set and got up on the stage like a pro and killed it. Everyone in the bar area stopped what they were doing (you know, drinking and talking) and gave Ian their full attention. After it was over, so many people came over to him and complimented him for his poise, how funny he was, and that it was too short!
The level of confidence Ian has coupled with no sense of fear is admirable. How many people can say at age 14 they would've had the wherewithal to do something like this? After his performance, Ian said he is now comfortable inviting people he knows to watch future stand-up gigs. And believe me, there will be more. Ian is already researching where he can pop up on stage again at an open mic night and is working on more jokes.
I honestly feel like the minute Ian has all the freedom he needs and isn't hindered by 8 hours in school every day or having to get to bed at a reasonable hour, it will be fascinating to see what happens next. This is a kid who is living his best life and is jumping at the chance to do new things and get going on all his plans.
Ian has been working on his stand-up routine and was recently given the opportunity to perform it at this restaurant/bar in Alexandria. It was set-up by his friend's father who knows the owner of this restaurant. They have an open mic night on Wednesdays and Ian got the chance to perform. Ian had a 5 minute set and got up on the stage like a pro and killed it. Everyone in the bar area stopped what they were doing (you know, drinking and talking) and gave Ian their full attention. After it was over, so many people came over to him and complimented him for his poise, how funny he was, and that it was too short!
The level of confidence Ian has coupled with no sense of fear is admirable. How many people can say at age 14 they would've had the wherewithal to do something like this? After his performance, Ian said he is now comfortable inviting people he knows to watch future stand-up gigs. And believe me, there will be more. Ian is already researching where he can pop up on stage again at an open mic night and is working on more jokes.
I honestly feel like the minute Ian has all the freedom he needs and isn't hindered by 8 hours in school every day or having to get to bed at a reasonable hour, it will be fascinating to see what happens next. This is a kid who is living his best life and is jumping at the chance to do new things and get going on all his plans.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
The bane of my existence
If there is one area that I should feel in complete control over, it's my weight. My weight fluctuates more than a yo-yo goes up and down and up again. I am currently experiencing an upward swing in numbers. It's not fun and I'm a mix of disgusted, disappointed in myself and very frustrated.
I hate how difficult it is to lose and then maintain a healthy weight. I love how I feel with I can wear the smaller sizes in my closet (heck, I could open a store with the range of clothing sizes I have represented). And I love how I don't dread getting on the scale and seeing a smaller number than the day or week before. But for some reason, it is extremely challenging for me to stick with it and to keep enjoying the positive benefits of weighing less.
I am back to doing weight watchers and tracking what I eat. I am determined to make it this time and not give up. I don't expect huge results overnight, but I do need to be more diligent about what I eat beyond the first few months. I seem to do great at first, take a breath so to speak, and the next thing you know, I am back to where I was. No more! This time will be different. I want to change for the better and stick with it.
I am such a strong, persistent person in all other areas, why can't I be the same way with my weight? Jeff says he doesn't care how much I weigh as long as I can fit thru doors. While that's a really sweet sentiment and gosh, I love him for this way of thinking, I want more for myself than that. I want to be proud of being able to look this stupid struggle I've had my whole life square in the face and know that I was stronger than it.
I hate how difficult it is to lose and then maintain a healthy weight. I love how I feel with I can wear the smaller sizes in my closet (heck, I could open a store with the range of clothing sizes I have represented). And I love how I don't dread getting on the scale and seeing a smaller number than the day or week before. But for some reason, it is extremely challenging for me to stick with it and to keep enjoying the positive benefits of weighing less.
I am back to doing weight watchers and tracking what I eat. I am determined to make it this time and not give up. I don't expect huge results overnight, but I do need to be more diligent about what I eat beyond the first few months. I seem to do great at first, take a breath so to speak, and the next thing you know, I am back to where I was. No more! This time will be different. I want to change for the better and stick with it.
I am such a strong, persistent person in all other areas, why can't I be the same way with my weight? Jeff says he doesn't care how much I weigh as long as I can fit thru doors. While that's a really sweet sentiment and gosh, I love him for this way of thinking, I want more for myself than that. I want to be proud of being able to look this stupid struggle I've had my whole life square in the face and know that I was stronger than it.
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