Happy President's Day - not you 45

It's another holiday I get to be home because I work for an East-Coast based company.

Midwest companies do not really take this day off.

President's Day we take off, not that I am not getting some work done today, but I am home in my kitchen and am not really expected to work.

(pause to sip from my favorite mug some Starbucks Vanilla)

So, Happy President's Day to one and all.

Except you 45.

You who needs attention so badly you began your next campaign just shy of your first month in office. 

Really? 

Ugh.

Let's think of happier things people.

Here are some good stories from around the globe this Patriotic Holiday.

Zealandia: This is fun - we have identified a new continent - and the Kiwi's deserve it, I know some and they are a fun bunch.  I also find the name ZEALANDIA to be awesome.

Girl Scout Cookies: I agree with her on some reviews, but leave my Do Si Do's alone.  I love them.  I am curious though about her sales numbers.  She must live somewhere you can do online sales. p.s. if you need a box we have plenty!  :)

GAGA: Lady Gaga is going to do a remake of "A Star is Born" - this may get me back to the movie theatre for something other than a Pixar flick.

And finally this one - this is such an amazing story of kindness.  Enjoy.

Mommy's Nest 2017 Motto

Throwback Thursday - A little story

I am participating today in Mama Kat's World Famous Writer's Workshop - but with an oldie.

I am terribly sorry if you don't like leftovers, but that is what you get today.

It is prompt 4) Something funny your child said.  - And I think we can agree Boo Boo La La is pretty entertaining so....

This story is from March 6, 2010.

***********************************

I have a pretty good one today.  If you like fart stories that is....you don't?  Well, you have not been here for the poop stories then, huh?

I remember it like it was Thursday morning, because it was Thursday morning.  Boo Boo and I were ready to leave and I went around the house ensuring lights were off and no dangerous articles were left burning somewhere.  I got back to where Boo Boo was in the dining room and she was leaning against the table and making funny faces...upon seeing me she said,

My butt itches, so I am trying to fart.

Hmm-mmm, farting makes it stop itching?

YES MAMA, you know THAT!  (more faces and butt sticking out)  I can't fart and my butt itches!

Maybe you will fart in the car like Daddy, come on let's go.

Okay, that might work....

Ahhh, yes.  Imagine the joy of a pre-teen Boo Boo when she hears she tried to learn to fart on command to relieve butt itchiness.

I would say my work is done here for today.  Have a farty-party weekend!

***********************************************

I will be back this weekend with a new story or two.  Have a great Thursday! #TBT

Always

I always get up pretty early, but it seems to not be enough time to:

Do some laundry
Go to the gym
Do some laundry
Have rousing discussions with Tbone about the "idiots" at the gym or on television
Wake my daughter
Play a little Bejeweled Blitz
Get breakfast
Make Coffee
Find outfits for myself and Boo Boo
Cuddle
Snuggle
Take a bath - play some more Bejewled Blitz in the tub
Make the bed
Brush the teeth and hair
Put on the makeup, don't want to scare anyone
PROD the frozen child Boo Boo La La AGAIN to "Eat already!" and "Are you dressed yet?" and now the popular "Have you got your backpack & lunch?"
Check on the laundry again
TRY to put things in the dishwaser - fail, it's clean
Get out the door with the cell phone and MY lunch....crap go back into the house for one or the other or BOTH...

Yup, late again.

Inspired by Mama Kat's Writers Workshop Prompt -
2. Write a blog post inspired by the word: late

Hang up the phone!

Click on Over

She commands - I oblige...

Choose a prompt, post it on your blog...The Prompts:

1.) A smell that makes you think of your mother.
2.) Share a recipe that everyone in your family loves.
3.) 8 things you said to your kids this week that maybe other parents did not say to their kids.
4.) Who was the last person to call you…what did they want this time?
5.) Write a post inspired by the word: punched.

I decided on 4.) Who was the last person to call you…what did they want this time?

All day I talk on the phone. 

Most of the time its a pretty simple call, sometimes I want to hang up on them, other times I am glad they called so I can get something done.

Yesterday afternoon I got super busy - like have not had time to respond to requests yet from Tuesday busy. I had been talking all day to one field guy in particular and he called AGAIN. 

What in the heck? We just hung up!

- OMG Lisa - you have to get that file to them TOMORROW or we can't go in Monday.
WHAT? Why? It has nothing to do with Monday.
- I know but she is now holding us hostage!!!
Uhhhhh!  Okay then I have to hang up right now and work on it - and tell your guys their requests will have to wait.  Seriously, tell Mills to quit emailing me about the +redacted product name+ for +redacted hospital name+ I don't have time to read four emails about it in two hours and do this for you.
- Gotcha - emailing them to back off.

And so goes another day if the life. And I can't say to my guys that what they need is not important, because it really is important. Its FRUSTRATING but in the end when I hear stories like the one about former Mayor of Minneapolis R.T. Rybak  I know I need to pick up the phone.

How about you? Who calls you every day?

Can I reset my clock?

I am not sure when I drifted off, but it isn't hard for me to do.

I know it was sometime after I quit watching the Monday Night Football Game and started watching the replay of last nights Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

I am sure Kyle was bitchy and Lisa was snarky.

And Kim said something stupid, right?

But now the brain waves have begun to weave their path from Delta to Beta.

I notice it is quiet and dark.

I hear T softly snoring.

I wonder. I wait a minute.  Maybe I will get back into my dream.

It is dark, but it is November so that does not mean anything.  I might be okay today.

Maybe?

I roll over and half open an eye.

3:30

on.the.spot.

It happens all the time, yet I am always surprised to see that time on the clock.

Daylight savings be damned. When I don't sleep through the night I wake at 3:30.

It can be very productive time for my housework, my catching up on Facebook, my blog. But I don't think it is very productive in helping one deal with the general stress of life.

Insert soft sigh here.

I re-read and polish the few lines I have mustered out of my sleep deprived brain. My alarm goes off and I hear Aretha sing, "Angels We Have Heard on High."

The Fun Sisters

This Week's Writing Prompts for Thursday 08/22

3.) Open your picture folders, close your eyes and pick a random photo to share and write about.

My daughters - The FUN Sisters at Pequot Lakes Fun Sisters Boutique

See those CRAZY girls?  That is Boo Boo & Sair from last summer when we HIT "The Fun Sisters" in Pequot Lakes, MN.  No, I didn't let Boo Boo get daquiri goggles.  I am not THAT bad of a mother. 

The Fun Sisters is the one place we NEVER EVER EVER EVER miss when we go up north for our week at Breezy Point.  Last year I don't think we bought that much, but we sure had fun.  They even give you a "Glitter Makeover" if you ask and pay the fifty cents. 

A dollar for two colors of glitter.  

If you are fancy like that. 

We have gotten some pretty crazy stuff here - sparkle flip flops, "scarf" flip flops, rings, hair extensions, FAUX-Yurman, FAUX-Tiffany, and purses and ponies and sunglasses...OH MY! Boo Boo got a GLITTER TATOO kit this year.  She glittered EVERYONE for "Max Power" she said. 

I know one day Sair won't be with us at The Fun Sisters.  Then it will just be Boo and Me. 

I have to remember to treasure these trips. 

A Mommy Page

So - I kinda forgot about this.

I mean I knew it was coming, but was so busy I forgot it was today!

They just emailed me.

Nyah.  Why did I write, "nyah"

I am a doofus.  

How to make friends.

Playing Along - Hoping to breath life in this post!

Boo Boo La La looked up at T-bone and I Halloween night after we had a sidewalk chat with another parent.

"Who was that?"


We didn't know that father with the three little kids out Trick Or Treating at all.  But you know what?  On Halloween parents talk to each other on the sidewalks like old pals.

Just like kids on the playground.

Have you noticed it too?

Adults just don't talk to each other like kids do every day.

"Do you want to play with me?" I hear Boo Boo say that when we go to parks, the pool, the beach, on vacation - anywhere she sees other kids she asks them if they want to play.

Do you do that?

No.  You don't.

There are very few times adults speak to each other like old pals or to make new friends.  It is unfortunate, but it is true.  We just don't ask each other to play.

I guess that is part of the reason I keep this blog going after so long.

It is my chance to ask you to play with me.

And you?  Why do you blog?

A total waste of makeup

I am finding it increasingly difficult to get out of bed.

Not be awake, just actually crawl out of bed, shower and put on a little makeup.

Not like I ever wore THAT much makeup, but now?

Monday we went to The Minnesota State Fair with my dad - I didn't shower because I knew I would want to after I got home.  I used my dry shampoo and put on sunscreen and makeup and we went on our way.

After we got home I had to shower because - yes - I was sweaty and dirty and...
We had to meet @Iambooboolala's kindergarten teacher.

I made dinner after my shower and then went upstairs, presumably to put on makeup.

I look at the clock.

5:45pm

Makeup?  Now?  To come home and wash it all off and put on pj's?

Sorry Ms. E.

I need a job...

Come To My Window

This Week's Prompts

1.) Write about a time you had to crawl through a window.

*Ahem* okay.

It must be noted that I didn't "have" to crawl through this window - I just did it, okay?

It was Fall 1983 and I had just started dating "that boy" the one that had been my friend since junior high school.  The "geeky" guy that was handsome and quirky and smart and fun to be around...

He threw a big party - every last one of the cool kids showed up - and he and I ended up on a hammock, kissing.  As simple as that he was now my boyfriend...he asked and I said that I would love to be his girl. 

He was excited to have a girlfriend and I was excited partially because I "stole" him from someone who knew she liked him "more than a friend" before I did.  And partially?  Boy howdy, I knew I liked him "more than a friend" when he kissed me!  That fellow could kiss!  Remember those kisses?  The exciting ones that curl your toes.

Yeah, me too.

He had a best friend and as a pair they used to tease me.  They both came over one Sunday night.  Super late, probably 11pm (ha!) after a Yes concert (Or was it Rush?) and knocked on my window.

Very daring as my parents room was DIRECTLY above mine.

We talked through the window - at one point I climbed out so we could lay on the grass and talk some more - then after a sweet parting kiss, I climbed back in and dreamt the sweet dreams of young love.

Click on over and read what others had to say today & link up your story with Mama Kat.

Mary had a little lamb

oh @blogger!  you FINALLY found my post.  *sigh*

WARNING - This is a blog of serious carnage and not for the feint of heart, or VEGETARIANS!!!

If you are a carnivore who occasionally likes to get down with a large plate of nuttin' but almost moo'ing meat you may proceed:


The Red Dress Club - Red Writing Hood prompt (from last week!) asked you to write about one of the 7even Deadly 7ins.  This (last!) week...the 7in of Gluttony! 


And I had a good tale - the Tale of Fogo De Chao!

Wishing they wore Zubas

My friend Becky is our crew’s unofficial coordinator of fun.  She plans our winter vacation to go snowmobiling, she plans our camping trip, and every Thanksgiving she makes sure we all spend one night together pigging out MORE at her home.

The fires of gluttony

And this one time, in Minnesota, she planned our evening of ULTIMATE GLUTTONY.

Fogo De Chao-style.

I had never been, and I must tell you, I was nervous.  There was so much to remember; don’t go to the salad bar, DO go to the salad bar, don’t fill up on the popovers – just eat one, and for heaven’s sake make sure you flip your disc to red when you have enough meat.  Enough meat?  What was I getting myself into?

So I did what a good little pack-follower would and ordered a caipirinha, took a deep breath, and waddled over to our table.

Yes, another caipirnha please.

I will tell you (Not proudly, but I still will tell you) that I ate about six months worth of beef, pork and lamb that evening.  Oh my word the lamb.  I still remember the delicious, rare, perfectly spice-rubbed lamb chops.

So here is to Becky for making us all eat way too much!  Skoal!  And then kudos to me for getting everyone to come back to our house for just one more glass of wine.

I'm STARVING!

Ah gluttony.  My jeans know you well.

Ready?

Set...

Go!!!

GONE!

Fogo De Chao is for Us!

A picture is worth a thousand words...

I like to pretend I am World Famous, pretty much, because I sometimes use a prompt from Mama Kat...like this week:

5.) Write a love letter to someone (some thing?) you love.  (and okay this is photo heavy, but can you SEE why I love this little girl?)

Dear @IamBooBooLaLa,

I love you more than you will ever know.  At least until you have a daughter of your own someday in the long, long, long off future. 

I loved you when you screamed as I changed your diapers...

My mad little froggy...

I loved to watch you learn...

It was joyful when you started walking.

I love your JOY at every gift!  Your "Thanks Guys!" is so spirited and full of wonder.

You are the goofiest looking "cowboy"

The cutest Pop Star...

I could never live without your face.

Even this lovable mug.

I love how you put up with my constant requests for pictures...

I love how you play hard and get dirtier than all the boys.

Your smiles for everyone.

You are MY baby love forever.

And Ever....

I love you, through and through...

Love you more,

Mommy

Circles in the Sand

The sun was really hot that day in early June 1985.  In fact the whole spring had been sunny, warm, and ripe for skipping class and sitting on our deck behind the lilac bushes - or stealing a few precious hours between classes and dinnertime lounging at our lake.

But today was different.  It was the very last day we would all be together.  That night we would graduate.  I did things I wouldn't normally do in the afternoon.  I drank large cold glasses of Malibu and pineapple juice.  I put Sun-In in my already impossibly blonde hair.  I kissed a boy in the shady patch of trees off the beach.  A boy who was taken, but used to be mine.

It was too much, so I left and went home to lay down.

Soon it was time...too fast I had to wake up from the lazy nap in my cool, dark room and get presentable for the ceremony.  Ugh.  Why had I put that Sun-In in my hair?  What was Colleen thinking telling me it was awesome stuff?  Blah.  Nothing a super quick shower won't fix.

I got to graduation in my "Marilyn Monroe" dress.  Showered, tan and sweet smelling from my favorite lotion.  I made it with a few minutes to spare and lined up between "my guys" Steven and Sean.  My locker posse for the last four years.  And as we were about to promenade through the gym and take our seats I reached up to scratch an itch and found the few grains of sand that I missed...and swallowed back the tears of what I was about to leave behind. 

Phone calls can be so impersonal...

This is in response to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop prompt this week -



3) Describe a phone call you will never forget.

June 1988

My mom was at a meeting, my dad was probably at work, my brother and I were home and the phone rang.  I picked it up.

My Aunt:  Lisa, is your mom at home?
Me: No, she's not.
My Aunt: Well, Grandpa died...

I didn't hear anything else.  I just knew my brother finally took the phone from my hand. 
This was my Grandpa - My Aunt's and Mommy's Daddy - One of my four favorite guys in the entire UNIVERSE and she was telling me he was...

gone.

Just like that?

He survived lung cancer, prostate cancer, so much...and he had been HEALTHY lately. 

What happend?

It turned out he had a massive stroke in the house right after lunch I think...and shortly after he bought my 21st Birthday Card.

Grandpa always picked out the nicest things for the grandkids.

Easter Dresses
Christmas Dresses
Ties for my brother
Cards

Whatever it was he got it right.

He taught us the difference between a weed and a plant.  How to dead-head the lilies and the iris in the yard.  To appreciate flowers and plants.

He had games that we only played with him.  You could never beat him at Slap or Thumb War.

He was so strong.

And now...he was gone.

I still miss him terribly.

My Grandpa and I - always in the yard!

You know its gotten bad when...

You post a photo for Mama Kat's Weekly Writing Prompt...

4) Share a photo that captures your special Valentine(s)

This is an old photo from @BooBooLaLa's first trip to our vacation timeshare at Breezy Point.

I don't know how we look LESS tired when she was a baby and MORE tired now that she is five.  We must be OLD. 
I will be back with a review and giveaway - once it warms up and I get enough fluid back in me from having the flu...

Dear Boo Boo La La

http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/ for Writer's Workshop, m'kay?

 Hey There Boo Boo La La,

You are now 16 and a handful for your ancient parents. T-Bone is 60 and me, well I am now 54 ...older than I was when you were born sweetie.

Can you cut your old mom & dad a break and not crash a car until we are in the retirement home?  Or at least until you actually own you OWN car.  Okay?  Pretty please?

Dad thinks that I am going to be "easy" on you because you are my only biological child.  He thought I was harsh on J-Dogg and Sair, or I thought they should be punished more than they were sometimes. 

Let me tell you this one time and one time only.

NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

You know Grandpa Lowell?  Remember he was MY dad?  Yeah, well we did not get away with

A.N.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

with him. 

Nada, Zilch, Zippo. 

Neither will you.

Boyfriend dump you?  Get to school.
Bad grades?  Your grounded.
Messy Room?  Not on my watch!
Brought home by the police?  HOLY HELL that better not happen!  Mama will NOT be as cool as Grandpa was when this happend with your Uncle.  (I think grounded until graduation or receipt of admission letter with full scholarship to Harvard, or similar, would be in order.)

In short, I am your MOTHER.  Not your friend. 

As such you will follow the rules, there are not many so don't freak out here, and do well in school.

THAT is your job! 

Got it?

However, as your mother, I also reserve the right to stick up for you with teachers & principal's, kiss you on the head, give you squeezy hugs, wipe your tears, help you with homework, tell you that your friends are wrong - you are cool, etc.

I got your back like that.

Hugs and Kisses,
MommyLisa

Don't bother me today I am moving into my new office or Haiku Re-deux

Haiku - Ode to Food!

http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/



This week I decided to follow Mama Kat's prompt 2.) Write a love poem to a favorite food.  I didn't follow it 'xactly, because of course I chose a condiment as my favorite food.  ;P

Burning my tounge

I love how you torture me

O Sriracha Sauce!

The Party

We got there early, but I was still nervous someone had arrived before us that we had invited and they would be standing there.
Waiting.
But that was not the case, we had arrived in plenty of time to greet our guests.
It took awhile to get our hands stamped and find the party planner to guide us to our table and give us the run-down of what was to happen next. 

And it was LOUD at this party so it took a bit for the planner and I to understand each other.

"Did you look at the menu?  Do you know what you want to order?"
"WHAT?  I ordered online, don't you have that on your sheet?"
"Oh yeah.  Do you still WANT that?"
"Ummm, yeah."

not boding well for this party.

"Can we get her in the ticket blaster asap?"
"Sure, I will be right back."

~15 minutes later

"Okay, we can get her in the ticket blaster now!"  smiling
"Uh, now I have to go FIND her."

And on and on it went - being pushed and pulled around by our party planner at Chuck E. Cheese.  I mean, really?  You can't do some of the stuff WHEN I want it done?  Why? Why? Please tell me why?

But - we had wonderful turnout of GREAT friends.
The people ate ALL the food - save a few pieces of cake and celery sticks.
Boo Boo was DELIGHTED with everything and so HAPPY her friend Jordan had joined us! 

So, when I finally got into the car with a tired and happy five year old and my tired and not cranky husband, I was relieved it was all over.

anyone want about 140 Chuck E. Cheese tokens? ;P 

Blast Off!

 This post was written in response to Mama Kat's prompt to write about "A moment you truly felt relieved."

Relaxing weekends just don't happen...

You would think after more than ten years of having children as a part of my life I would be used to the fact that a relaxing weekend just does not happen.  This weekend started with laundry and ended this morning when I filled the crockpot for tonight's dinner.

Oh sure, you get to lay there comatose for two minutes or so every ten hours, but really you never let go of that little ball of tension - right there - you know, between your shoulders. 

Women carry the weight of the world.

"Working Woman" is a total farce of a phrase.  If you see a woman anywhere, she is working. 

If she is at the park she is wondering when is the last time little Suzy went potty, oh and Jeffery needs a haircut.  Where did I put that coupon for Great Clips?

If she is at the grocery store she is already planning the meals out for the next week while keeping an eye on her "Future Customer" ramming the mini-shopping cart into the displays.

When she is at coffee with girlfriends or trying to relax with any other form of "me" time?  She is wondering how she and her husband are possibly going to afford XYZ. 

All this while her freshly washed kitchen floor is getting chocolate sauce dripped on it that just won't get wiped up until she arrives home.

And if she is single?  Woah - she has a job too.  Be perfect.  Because single gals are supposed to "have it all" you know.  Double that if she is married and has no kids.  Why OBVIOUSLY that means her life is "perfect".

It all sucks.

But if we weren't women how else would we be able to enjoy little things.

Like hearing how our daughter is "helping teach" the other little kids at daycare about shapes when they are playing play-doh. 

Come home to dinner made by a proud husband/boyfriend/roomate.

Have a friend bring over a bottle of wine "just" when you need it most?

Without all the bad - boring - awful - tear jerking times...we would not get all the small (or big if you are lucky) joyful, blissful moments. 

Almost every morning getting my daughter out of bed and dressed is a struggle. 

What to eat, if she eats.  What to wear, or if she even wants to get dressed "just yet".  Don't get me started on brushing hair...

But every time it is fine. 
Because when I buckle her into the booster seat she looks at me and gives me a smooch and a "Love you Mama."   Or I get a big theatrical blown kiss out the front window of daycare. 
And not one struggle matters.

well...maybe the hair brushing.