Home Alone.
That was the movie.
Peaches.
That was the restaurant.
Me: "Are you going to finish your fries?" (as I reached over, grabbed them off his plate and proceeded to finish his dinner and mine.)
Make no mistake, he clearly knew what he was getting into from Day One.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Ah, Summer
H and M have a social calendar that makes my head spin.
Today, they spent the day with friends swimming and playing with guinea pig, Michelle. (Is that not the best name for a guinea pig ever?)
Tomorrow, they will spend the day with cousins in Maine.
Wednesday afternoon will be more swimming, hanging with friends at an EY concert (Franklin Town Common 6:00 - don't miss it!) and a cousin sleepover.
Thursday brings more swimming with pals and Auntie Tracy.
They just got an invite to hang with a great best bud on Friday afternoon and then some more cousin time.
Starting on Saturday, our friends from the left coast will be here for most of the week. Lord knows what lovely madness that will bring these two (and us as well.)
'Tis the season.
Love.
Today, they spent the day with friends swimming and playing with guinea pig, Michelle. (Is that not the best name for a guinea pig ever?)
Tomorrow, they will spend the day with cousins in Maine.
Wednesday afternoon will be more swimming, hanging with friends at an EY concert (Franklin Town Common 6:00 - don't miss it!) and a cousin sleepover.
Thursday brings more swimming with pals and Auntie Tracy.
They just got an invite to hang with a great best bud on Friday afternoon and then some more cousin time.
Starting on Saturday, our friends from the left coast will be here for most of the week. Lord knows what lovely madness that will bring these two (and us as well.)
'Tis the season.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Sun and Sand
Going to the beach is definitely a roller coaster ride.
"Hmm, I definitely look better than her and she's surely younger than me. But crap - that lady JUST had a baby and she looks like THAT?!"
"Oh man, remember when my stomach looked like that! How depressing. My God - I need to go for a run NOW! But wait - look at the lady behind her. I look WAY better than her."
"I liked what I packed to eat until I saw what THEY packed over THERE. That looks SO much better than what we have. Damn. AND I'm still hungry."
"If you kick me with sand one more time, I'm leaving you here and you can walk home. But you aren't being a complete brat like THAT kid so thank you, Sweet Baby Jesus. I love you. Come kiss your mumma."
"Why, oh, why didn't I appreciate the way I looked when I was 23. But, man I would NOT want to be 23 again. No thanks! Moving on."
"We really should leave. But that means I'll have to start packing things up. Oh let's stay a little bit longer. Just pass me the sunblock and get out of my sun."
I'm exhausted.
"Hmm, I definitely look better than her and she's surely younger than me. But crap - that lady JUST had a baby and she looks like THAT?!"
"Oh man, remember when my stomach looked like that! How depressing. My God - I need to go for a run NOW! But wait - look at the lady behind her. I look WAY better than her."
"I liked what I packed to eat until I saw what THEY packed over THERE. That looks SO much better than what we have. Damn. AND I'm still hungry."
"If you kick me with sand one more time, I'm leaving you here and you can walk home. But you aren't being a complete brat like THAT kid so thank you, Sweet Baby Jesus. I love you. Come kiss your mumma."
"Why, oh, why didn't I appreciate the way I looked when I was 23. But, man I would NOT want to be 23 again. No thanks! Moving on."
"We really should leave. But that means I'll have to start packing things up. Oh let's stay a little bit longer. Just pass me the sunblock and get out of my sun."
I'm exhausted.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Just Call Me "Norm"
"Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see our troubles are all the same.
You wanna be where everybody knows your name."
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn't you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see our troubles are all the same.
You wanna be where everybody knows your name."
Today, I took a "Townie" run. By that I mean, at nearly every corner, with every step, I was reminded why I, quite simply, love my hometown. Today, more so than any other day I can recall, I came across people, places and things that brought me back to my youth. Big time.
I ran by the house where my great-grandparents raised their six children. I only knew four of these six children but they were and continue to be amazing influences on me and now my children. The last of the six still lives there with his wife. (Blog post about him to come soon!) My two cousins live downstairs. That house, to me, is where it all began.
I ran through Fletcher Field. It is where I spent time swinging on swings with boys who broke my heart and with the boy who ultimately has my heart. (I swear, all we did was swing on swings...if any of you knew me when I was in high school, you'd know this to be very, very true!!)
I ran by many folks, most of whom I've known since I was in elementary or junior high school. (Two of whom yelled out "Crow" and "Crowley" as I passed). You've known me a looooong time if that's how you refer to me. And I promise, it always makes me smile.
I ran passed The Rome. A culinary staple in town for generations, the family just last week lost (way too early) one of the matriarchs of their family. My children have grown up knowing that "if you want good pizza, you gotta go to The Rome on Fridays when Rocco's in the kitchen."
I ran alongside Pisini Field where I and my dad, played softball. It is there where I first met one of my dearest and oldest friends. And it is there where, if I close my eyes, I can see my dad crouching behind home plate as catcher wearing his green and yellow number 00 jersey.
I ran through the new construction of the high school. Every time I drive by, I get so excited that H and M will be attending school in what is sure to be an amazing place. And yet, it makes me sad that they won't graduate from the same high school as G and I did, just for sentimental reasons. As I turned the corner this morning, (near what used to be the tennis courts) I thought of all the classes, dances, infatuations, fights, and all-round good times we spent there.
I ran by the Akin-Back Farm. While I passed by, the woman (whom I assume is the owner) was out on the front steps with her seeing eye dog as I've seen her for years. She was getting the mail while wearing her nightgown and slippers. She must be at least 186 years old. God love 'er.
I moved over on the sidewalk to let Mr. Pisini walk by me as he was on his way back to work from the post office. If you walk inside his shoe store tomorrow, you'll honestly feel as if it's 1967 (at the latest). He makes posters for his windows on posterboard with pencil markings for margins and straight line guides. He leaves shoes on the sidewalk all summer-long in an attempt to drum up business. I don't think he really needs the business but he's at it 365, 24/7, it seems.
I ran by Bobby Catalano, who's house recently burned down. F & P Molla (why hire any other construction company but them??!!) has worked tirelessly for months re-building his home. There was such extensive damage so it's taking a very long time. They are doing an amazing job! I only hope he lives long enough to enjoy it. He, like the Akin-Back Farm lady, is no Spring Chicken either!
I ran by a few of my oldest friends' parents' houses. I find comfort knowing that, inside, are people who know me through and through. And would drop everything if we ever needed them. With just a knock on the door.
I ran by many folks, most of whom I've known since I was in elementary or junior high school. (Two of whom yelled out "Crow" and "Crowley" as I passed). You've known me a looooong time if that's how you refer to me. And I promise, it always makes me smile.
I ran passed The Rome. A culinary staple in town for generations, the family just last week lost (way too early) one of the matriarchs of their family. My children have grown up knowing that "if you want good pizza, you gotta go to The Rome on Fridays when Rocco's in the kitchen."
I ran alongside Pisini Field where I and my dad, played softball. It is there where I first met one of my dearest and oldest friends. And it is there where, if I close my eyes, I can see my dad crouching behind home plate as catcher wearing his green and yellow number 00 jersey.
I ran through the new construction of the high school. Every time I drive by, I get so excited that H and M will be attending school in what is sure to be an amazing place. And yet, it makes me sad that they won't graduate from the same high school as G and I did, just for sentimental reasons. As I turned the corner this morning, (near what used to be the tennis courts) I thought of all the classes, dances, infatuations, fights, and all-round good times we spent there.
I ran by the Akin-Back Farm. While I passed by, the woman (whom I assume is the owner) was out on the front steps with her seeing eye dog as I've seen her for years. She was getting the mail while wearing her nightgown and slippers. She must be at least 186 years old. God love 'er.
I moved over on the sidewalk to let Mr. Pisini walk by me as he was on his way back to work from the post office. If you walk inside his shoe store tomorrow, you'll honestly feel as if it's 1967 (at the latest). He makes posters for his windows on posterboard with pencil markings for margins and straight line guides. He leaves shoes on the sidewalk all summer-long in an attempt to drum up business. I don't think he really needs the business but he's at it 365, 24/7, it seems.
I ran by Bobby Catalano, who's house recently burned down. F & P Molla (why hire any other construction company but them??!!) has worked tirelessly for months re-building his home. There was such extensive damage so it's taking a very long time. They are doing an amazing job! I only hope he lives long enough to enjoy it. He, like the Akin-Back Farm lady, is no Spring Chicken either!
I ran by a few of my oldest friends' parents' houses. I find comfort knowing that, inside, are people who know me through and through. And would drop everything if we ever needed them. With just a knock on the door.
I know that to some, the idea of living this life is cringe-worthy. I get that. I really do. But to me, I can't imagine it any other way. I completely understand why some people (most people) live far, far away from their hometown. I am envious of those who have the chutzpah to leave all that they've known and start over - whether they be ten, thirty or fifty. There is absolutely a part of me that would pack up tomorrow and go somewhere new. Somewhere different. But then, I think - why? I truly, honestly, love it here.
The purpose of my run this morning was not to re-live my younger years. The intention was not to feel like the mayor of the town (I leave that title to G). I told my boss (whom I've known since I was eight, by the way...) that I was playing hookey and that I'd be coming in to work a little later. I had no business coming in to work late today. The folks around me always work much harder than I but this week, they are working (literally) around the clock. The least I could have done was show up at a reasonable hour. And yet, today I just wanted a little comfort in a run. And I let myself do it. And I definitely got some comfort - and then some.
The purpose of my run this morning was not to re-live my younger years. The intention was not to feel like the mayor of the town (I leave that title to G). I told my boss (whom I've known since I was eight, by the way...) that I was playing hookey and that I'd be coming in to work a little later. I had no business coming in to work late today. The folks around me always work much harder than I but this week, they are working (literally) around the clock. The least I could have done was show up at a reasonable hour. And yet, today I just wanted a little comfort in a run. And I let myself do it. And I definitely got some comfort - and then some.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Because He Can
We got a horrifying, unthinkable e-mail at work today. A dear friend and former co-worker lost her husband unexpectedly yesterday. We all walked around today, pretending that it was a normal day but knowing that, for his family, this day was anything but normal. And even though we don't talk to them all the time anymore, we feel their pain and wish we could take it away.
Another husband lost too soon. Another dad. Another Daddy.
And so, as much as possible, I will
not be annoyed when he covers the entire bathroom counter with water each morning.
Because he can.
not mind when he watches Rocky again, for the umpteenth time.
Because he can.
not roll my eyes when he comes downstairs wearing "that" shirt instead of the other one.
Because he can.
let him navigate the roads when I think he should be in the other lane on the highway.
Because he can.
remember that, to him, an extra few minutes of sleep on the weekends make all the difference.
He will surely run errands (his AND mine) later.
Because he can.
know that, when H and M are being knuckleheads, he is doing and saying just what he thinks is right to help them grow and learn. Who's to say that I'm always right? Even if it's not how I'd go about it, let 'im do it.
Because he can.
watch him take five trips in to the house with groceries (two more than I think are necessary).
Because he can.
not lose my cool when he puts cookies directly on the island instead of on a plate or paper towel. Because he can.
TRY to understand that watching the Pats play a game DOES affect his life. He adores every minute of the Pats.
Because he can.
without being bugged every time, simply hang my pants in my other closet "where they belong" instead of keep them where he put them. Hey-he's doing laundry!
Because he can.
take the drain-thing out of the sink, throw out the nasty soggy cereal that's still there from his breakfast, move on with my day and not be in a bad mood for the rest of the morning about doing it. Surely I do plenty that bugs him. And surely he gets annoyed with me.
Because he can.
The next time you say hello or good night or thank you to someone you love,
the next time you kiss or hug them,
the next time you are blessed enough to be there with them,
really be there.
Do all that you do - with an extra somethin' special when you are with them.
Because you can.
Another husband lost too soon. Another dad. Another Daddy.
And so, as much as possible, I will
not be annoyed when he covers the entire bathroom counter with water each morning.
Because he can.
not mind when he watches Rocky again, for the umpteenth time.
Because he can.
not roll my eyes when he comes downstairs wearing "that" shirt instead of the other one.
Because he can.
let him navigate the roads when I think he should be in the other lane on the highway.
Because he can.
remember that, to him, an extra few minutes of sleep on the weekends make all the difference.
He will surely run errands (his AND mine) later.
Because he can.
know that, when H and M are being knuckleheads, he is doing and saying just what he thinks is right to help them grow and learn. Who's to say that I'm always right? Even if it's not how I'd go about it, let 'im do it.
Because he can.
watch him take five trips in to the house with groceries (two more than I think are necessary).
Because he can.
not lose my cool when he puts cookies directly on the island instead of on a plate or paper towel. Because he can.
TRY to understand that watching the Pats play a game DOES affect his life. He adores every minute of the Pats.
Because he can.
without being bugged every time, simply hang my pants in my other closet "where they belong" instead of keep them where he put them. Hey-he's doing laundry!
Because he can.
take the drain-thing out of the sink, throw out the nasty soggy cereal that's still there from his breakfast, move on with my day and not be in a bad mood for the rest of the morning about doing it. Surely I do plenty that bugs him. And surely he gets annoyed with me.
Because he can.
The next time you say hello or good night or thank you to someone you love,
the next time you kiss or hug them,
the next time you are blessed enough to be there with them,
really be there.
Do all that you do - with an extra somethin' special when you are with them.
Because you can.
Monday, July 8, 2013
A Day In My Life
Some of my random thoughts today (in no particular order...)
Really, with the fanny pack, lady?
Ah, young love. Man, I am old.
How in the HELL will we pay for college?
I hope the people renting the cottage at the cape will be able to make use the fire pit/ make s'mores at least once this week.
Bradley Cooper can't possibly be any cuter.
Thanks, Mother Nature (and Eddie Rabbit). Will I ever get this damn song out of my head?
...I guess I should have closed the screen door.
Happy Birthday, Selkie Snow!
I can't believe I forgot my lipstick at home! How do I not have a spare in my desk?!!??
Remember when H and M used to be attached to my hip? Now, it's like pulling teeth for them to come say "hello" when they have a break during camp. Be careful what you wish for!!!...
It's dad's birthday tomorrow. I should write a blog about him. But honestly, where in the world would I even start?
Brillo pads are quite possibly the nastiest things in the world.
Should we book a dinner in Downtown Disney this trip? Oh God, remember how crabby Maddie was the last time we took the boat over one night? What WAS her deal? What will she be like in a few years? Dear God, help me.
How long will it be before H and M know more about navigating a computer than me?
Thank you, but I don't really want to see what I should do if my plane is crashing. I think I'll just go with my gut at that point.
Get a life. Please. For the love of Jesus.
My husband is starting a band. Pardon me?
How did I lose so many pens and pencils in the course of eight hours?
How do you tell someone that everything will be okay when it feels as if their world is coming to a complete and utter end?
There is always laundry in the house.
I guess I should have applied more sunblock this weekend. Why can't I get this peel on my nose OFF my nose?
Don't forget to contact Nike and ask how to fix the app.
49 years old. Way too young to die. Horrifying. And scary.
That'll have to wait until tomorrow.
How will I get a run in this week?
Wow - the self cleaning oven feature stinks up this whole damn house.
I wonder how many people have blocked me on fb.
How did I ever not like avocados?
Just get up. And go to sleep. The blog has lost your some good sleeping hours...
Really, with the fanny pack, lady?
Ah, young love. Man, I am old.
How in the HELL will we pay for college?
I hope the people renting the cottage at the cape will be able to make use the fire pit/ make s'mores at least once this week.
Bradley Cooper can't possibly be any cuter.
Thanks, Mother Nature (and Eddie Rabbit). Will I ever get this damn song out of my head?
...I guess I should have closed the screen door.
Happy Birthday, Selkie Snow!
I can't believe I forgot my lipstick at home! How do I not have a spare in my desk?!!??
Remember when H and M used to be attached to my hip? Now, it's like pulling teeth for them to come say "hello" when they have a break during camp. Be careful what you wish for!!!...
It's dad's birthday tomorrow. I should write a blog about him. But honestly, where in the world would I even start?
Brillo pads are quite possibly the nastiest things in the world.
Should we book a dinner in Downtown Disney this trip? Oh God, remember how crabby Maddie was the last time we took the boat over one night? What WAS her deal? What will she be like in a few years? Dear God, help me.
How long will it be before H and M know more about navigating a computer than me?
Thank you, but I don't really want to see what I should do if my plane is crashing. I think I'll just go with my gut at that point.
Get a life. Please. For the love of Jesus.
My husband is starting a band. Pardon me?
How did I lose so many pens and pencils in the course of eight hours?
How do you tell someone that everything will be okay when it feels as if their world is coming to a complete and utter end?
There is always laundry in the house.
I guess I should have applied more sunblock this weekend. Why can't I get this peel on my nose OFF my nose?
Don't forget to contact Nike and ask how to fix the app.
49 years old. Way too young to die. Horrifying. And scary.
That'll have to wait until tomorrow.
How will I get a run in this week?
Wow - the self cleaning oven feature stinks up this whole damn house.
I wonder how many people have blocked me on fb.
How did I ever not like avocados?
Just get up. And go to sleep. The blog has lost your some good sleeping hours...
Sunday, July 7, 2013
PTSD
That's short for Post Traumatic Swim Disorder.
My parents (have I mentioned they rock the world?) took the kids for an overnight to Coco Keys last night. While gone, last night, G and I did some shopping, spent a quiet night on the patio at Terrace Cafe and then hung with great friends. (While at the Terrace Cafe, he said something that made me laugh so hard, I honestly spit my wine out on the floor. Man, that makes me so happy. Our waitress, I'm sure, not so much...) Today, we had a great bike ride on the Milford Bike Trail and checked out Rock and Coal Pizza. Yum. Anyway, we got some photos and texts from the kids while they were gone, checking out restaurants, swimming, sliding, loving life with Nonie and Papa. How could they not? Great twenty-four hours for all involved.
Apparently, on the way home today from dinner at The Chateau with my parents (spoiled brats...), H had a horrible reaction and walked in our door covered in hives and with a rash over most of her body. We gave her medicine and she hopped in the shower. We hung out all night and, just a few minutes ago, went to bed nearly as good as new.
When she first got home, she was very upset (mostly, as it turns out) because she was worried that she was having a reaction to the restaurant's red sauce and she thought she'd never be able to eat red sauce again. (Sometimes she just cracks me up.) Regardless of that, she was nervous to have such a reaction. Poor bub. It was a pretty nasty reaction. But I don't know what made me more sad - seeing her so sad...or seeing M so sad because H was so sad.
It's like something I never could have imagined. This connection they have. Yesterday, on facebook, I posted about the conversation they had while they took a little snooze on the couch earlier in the day. It was just under a minute, probably, of made-up twin gibberish but they clearly, in their sleep, knew just what the other was saying. It reminded G of the time, years ago, when he was sitting on the couch with H and, in her barely-able-to-even-speak-at-the-time-way, she said that "sister is up". M had been taking a nap and sure enough, G started to walk upstairs and M was turning the corner from their bedroom. There was NO WAY H could have heard M waking up upstairs. She just "knew" she was awake. It was awesome and freaky at the same time.
Hearing M trying to make H feel better tonight made my heart literally hurt. Soon enough, I had two crying kids in the house. Not from being overly dramatic to get a reaction from us. They just can't stand to see each other hurt or sad. (Unless one has just pissed the other one off and they are pulling each others' hair or kicking each other...that's a completely different scenario...but I digress).
It's way cool. This life they lead. And as I've said before, I am so psyched to have a front row seat for the show.
My parents (have I mentioned they rock the world?) took the kids for an overnight to Coco Keys last night. While gone, last night, G and I did some shopping, spent a quiet night on the patio at Terrace Cafe and then hung with great friends. (While at the Terrace Cafe, he said something that made me laugh so hard, I honestly spit my wine out on the floor. Man, that makes me so happy. Our waitress, I'm sure, not so much...) Today, we had a great bike ride on the Milford Bike Trail and checked out Rock and Coal Pizza. Yum. Anyway, we got some photos and texts from the kids while they were gone, checking out restaurants, swimming, sliding, loving life with Nonie and Papa. How could they not? Great twenty-four hours for all involved.
Apparently, on the way home today from dinner at The Chateau with my parents (spoiled brats...), H had a horrible reaction and walked in our door covered in hives and with a rash over most of her body. We gave her medicine and she hopped in the shower. We hung out all night and, just a few minutes ago, went to bed nearly as good as new.
When she first got home, she was very upset (mostly, as it turns out) because she was worried that she was having a reaction to the restaurant's red sauce and she thought she'd never be able to eat red sauce again. (Sometimes she just cracks me up.) Regardless of that, she was nervous to have such a reaction. Poor bub. It was a pretty nasty reaction. But I don't know what made me more sad - seeing her so sad...or seeing M so sad because H was so sad.
It's like something I never could have imagined. This connection they have. Yesterday, on facebook, I posted about the conversation they had while they took a little snooze on the couch earlier in the day. It was just under a minute, probably, of made-up twin gibberish but they clearly, in their sleep, knew just what the other was saying. It reminded G of the time, years ago, when he was sitting on the couch with H and, in her barely-able-to-even-speak-at-the-time-way, she said that "sister is up". M had been taking a nap and sure enough, G started to walk upstairs and M was turning the corner from their bedroom. There was NO WAY H could have heard M waking up upstairs. She just "knew" she was awake. It was awesome and freaky at the same time.
Hearing M trying to make H feel better tonight made my heart literally hurt. Soon enough, I had two crying kids in the house. Not from being overly dramatic to get a reaction from us. They just can't stand to see each other hurt or sad. (Unless one has just pissed the other one off and they are pulling each others' hair or kicking each other...that's a completely different scenario...but I digress).
It's way cool. This life they lead. And as I've said before, I am so psyched to have a front row seat for the show.
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