The Dynamic Duo decided that this year's must-have Christmas gift is the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks starter set.
I attempted to pick one up in Target when it went on sale on Sunday but found only empty shelves and rainchecks. I tried to e-shop it, just to get it over with, only to discover that every other boy ages 5-9 wants one, too.
Groan.
They were sold out in site after site, and going for nearly twice the MSRP on ebay and Amazon. I finally discovered that Walmart was accepting orders and claimed to have it in stock. I took the leap of faith, paid the MSRP (that hurt, I hate it when I don't get a bargain), and placed the order.
It just arrived.
Way to go, Walmart! Christmas is saved (as long as those stinkers don't change their minds).
I'm just glad I'm not hunting for a Leappad. Phew!
I know my audience is checking in hourly to see if I have any exciting new updates. Alas, I am still a member of the walking dead. Hoping to be back among the living by Turkey Day, because it's been nearly two weeks. My sinuses are draining, which is a step in the right direction, and the stuff coming out of my nose is fascinating and disgusting at the same time. It wouldn't be so bad if it wouldn't leak out at work. Or Target.
I got my flu shot a couple weeks ago, but neglected to get the creeping crud shot. My sore throat on Thursday added sniffles and fever on Friday. By Saturday, I was in full zombie mode, shuffling aimlessly and trying to eat brains. Urgent Care diagnosed a sinus infection and bronchitis on top of the walking dead virus. The Spouse, bless him, did not retreat to the Winchester with a cricket bat, but rather let me veg on the moaning couch with my cozy pants and have a man cold.
I have been sick for an entire week now, but finally feel like maybe I'm starting to kick it. Maybe.
Today I am thankful for antibiotics. Last week, I had a "mom cold" that advanced to a "man cold" that advanced to a sinus infection/bronchitis thing. I missed a day off with my dad, snuggling with a newborn baby, dinner with good friends, and a gorgeous three day weekend. I'm pretty pissed about it. After 24 hours on drugs, I'm back down to "mom cold" category (yes, I know the antibiotics won't treat a virus, and no, I don't plan to stop taking them just because I feel better).
I'm also thankful for modern washing machines and dryers. The amount of laundry that we generate is unbelievable. Laundry has had a starring role in my drugged out dreams over the past few days and night time cold meds seem to reinforce my laundry insecurity. While I am thankful for sleep, it's been anything but restful. Laundry nightmare, wake up coughing, different laundry nightmare, repeat.
The Spouse tells me that my hacking cough-til-I-gag is hot.
Few people love a deal more than I do, and few people experience buyer's remorse over every single thing they buy. I research every purchase with regard to quality and price. I comparison shop, look for coupons and promo codes, and am a dedicated ebates user. Of course, I also fall victim to a good deal that I don't always need which begats more buyer's remorse.
This time of year is hell for me. I have a general idea of what the kids want for Christmas, but no idea what the *big* wants are. I'm finding good prices on things I think they'll like, but they are becoming more specific on what they do and don't want. Mostly Batman - who looked at us Christmas morning and announced that Santa got it wrong. Robin will still gladly receive random crap, but I don't want to coast on that given the guilt I felt after his birthday when I realized he didn't get anything on his list.
I'm wondering if I should buy stuff I see now when prices seem fair, or hold off until Black Friday to see if prices get better. But will they? Or will I miss my chance to get Matchbox Mega Rig Shark Set and that becomes the one thing Robin has to have and I can't get it? (I think I'm the one that wants it, not so much them. But I would have tons of fun with it at bath time.)
My dad arrived Saturday morning and the Superheroes are beside themselves. They have decided instead of calling him "Grandpa" they will call him "Gramps" because it's less work. Whatever floats your boats. My dad is doing alright after 48 hours of small children, but I think he was relieved when we all left him alone today.
Gramps and I took the boys to Mount Vernon yesterday. They loved it, as expected. They always have such a wonderful time there, mostly because they can pretty much run, jump, play wherever (within reason). In all the times we have been since we had children, we haven't taken them in the mansion. That's ok, gives them something to look forward to.
It was an amazing fall day. They rolled down the hill behind the house, dug in dirt, threw rocks in the Potomac, went on a "nature walk" through the forest on the way back up the hill, and Robin had a really nasty diaper changed next to the cow pasture (had to be done ASAP and there wasn't anywhere else to do it). The boys were filthy, hungry, and tired, so we ate lunch at the food court before we went through the museum. I'm amazed that they enjoy it as much as they do, and that's a testment to the Ladies of Mount Vernon.
We are now the proud holders of annual passes. My hope is that we go at least once before they expire, then they will have paid for themselves. As we were leaving, we saw a minivan with Virginia plates and a Chico State alum frame holder. Crazy. What are the odds?
This is the time of year for everyone and their mother to post what they are thankful about, so I thought I would post my own list. I am not a heartless ogre (contrary to the views of a select few) and am always thankful for my family, health, home, job, etc -that's a daily gratitude. This is my list of those extra things that make my life awesome.
-Five Guys. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love your well done burgers and lightly toasted buns. I love your crisp fries. I love your free refills on soda. I love your cheap price. I do not love the ten pounds I gained when I stopped breastfeeding. The introduction of online ordering has only deepened my love for you.
-Hot water. Good for cooking, cleaning, long showers, baths, laundry.
-Classic automobiles. What beauty and style! Mobile art. I wish cars these days had some orginality to them. People like The Spouse are the problem. I asked if I could get a two tone Batmobile with white walls and was denied. Killjoy.
-Television. Oh, television. You are my very best friend. You have traveled with me on my journey across country and overseas. The Friends I had in college were the Friends I had in Saipan and the Friends I had in DC. You inspired my career (mwah to you, Schoolhouse Rock) and kept me company when I was sick at home (I love you, too, Bob Barker even if you are a sorta crazy vegan).
-I'm a complete bitch. {shrug} It's true, I am. When I was growing up, I wanted to be someone that was well liked and got along with people, but that is so not in my true nature. I have very strong opinions and share them. I don't like certain people/things/situations and I tell them so. People don't always like me (though, truth me told, most of those people suck). I made peace with that part of me and now I'm grateful for it. My bitchiness protected me from peer pressure and dangerous situations. If I felt uncomfortable doing something, I said no. I stand up for myself and my beliefs and that is a good thing - most of the time.
-I'm tall. Similar to the above, when I was growing up I really wanted to be petite and cute but I was always head and shoulders above everyone - especially in middle school. I topped out at 6' and things turned around in college. Now, I wouldn't change it for anything (it helps that pants are now widely available in long lengths). It's nice to be able to see over people's heads.
*
-Sarcasm. 98% of my personality is based on sarcasm, the rest is based on pop culture mixed with sarcasm.
- Toilet Paper. In the olden days, people used to wipe their bums with corncobs. Can you imagine heading to the out house in the dead of winter to take a dump, then having to wipe your shit with a frozen corncob? No siree! Thank you, Mr. Whipple, for asking us not to squeeze the Charmin.
That's it for today. I'm thankful for my job and now that lunch break is over, time to get back to working.
*Thanks to jonskindzier
Thursday, November 3, 2011
This week has been so busy, it feels like I'm working on the Hill again. It reminds me why I love my career.
I'm a fighter. I'm stubborn and get angry and lose my temper. I love it when I'm engaged in a good debate on an issue. I love hurling grenades and having them tossed back at me. I can so relate to Rod, "See, that's the difference between us. You think we're fighting, I think we're finally talking." I probably would have been a good campaigner, but I was always afraid that I wouldn't get paid. Maybe I should be a talking head. Hmm... must ponder.
Anyway, in conclusion, my temperment may make me a good lobbyist, but I can be hard to live with. Thanks, honey!
This K-PAK Color Therapy Restorative Styling Oil was in my Allure big box of beauty. I was apprehensive about trying it at first - hello, it's a leave in oil - but am now a true believer! I put a tiny amount on my hand then run through my wet hair. My hair blows out super smooth and soft or air dries looking shiny and healthy. Very happy with it! Thanks Allure!
*Please note that while I have posted pics things I love, I have gotten paid exactly bupkis. There, are you happy FCC?*
This is what I looked like this morning before my shower:
Thankfully, after a hot shower and a cold Diet Coke, I'm back to my normal self, more or less. It's been a long tiring week.
Things I have done instead of updating my blog:
-Working. Can you believe they actually want a return on my salary?
-Trying a new lunch spot. I hate to eat food I haven't eaten before. I know that's weird and silly, but I'm a picky eater (hello, this is where Batman gets it). I put on my big girl panties and went to Roti for lunch yesterday. It was good and I'll probably go again. It helped that I read the menu online and planned exactly what I would get so I didn't freeze when I got there. I would be a much better networker if I could eat like a normal person, but I can't and I dread meeting people for lunch unless they are close friends and it's my home turf (i.e. Five Guys).
-Meeting with Batman's teacher to discuss his food fight, trip to the principal's office, and other terrible behavior.
-Prepping for Halloween. Our lights and decorations are out. The lawn has been planted with tombstones. It's spider season in Virginia, and a HUGE wolf spider has taken up residence near our porch light. Our pumpkins have been attacked by fruit flies. We have our spook on.
-Gathering costume materials. Batman is going to be a knight this year. Robin is going to be Batman. I am going to be a porter, a la Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I have my coconuts and burlap.
If I'm not back, have a Happy Halloween! In the words of the recently fired TSA agent, "Get Your Freak On!"
Poor Robin's heart broke into a million pieces yesterday.
Batman and I are like the waves on the ocean. Sometimes we're up, sometimes we're down, occasionally there's a high tide involved. We're deliriously happy, then upset. We are probably justthisside of bi-polar. Robin and The Spouse are much deeper and calmer in their emotions. It takes a lot to push their buttons, but when it happens it's more like a tsunami of emotion. Rage, happiness, sadness, doesn't matter.
Robin and I had a cold over the weekend - nothing major, just some sniffles and coughs. Enough to keep us out of swimming lessons in the unheated pool on Saturday (Yippeee!!). Batman was grounded from tv and playdates for his attempted food fight on Friday. By Sunday evening, he was bored, bored, bored and restless. We relented on the tv ban while The Spouse and I watched our respective football teams win(!) because we knew it would torture him to have to watch sports. Batman began begging The Spouse to take him out to play football after dinner. The Spouse gave in, but told me he didn't want to take Robin due to sniffles, inability to catch a ball, prone to wandering in the darkness, etc.
I took Robin to the basement to "help" me with laundry and letting the dogs out. Then he went upstairs to "help" me clean his bedroom. After 20 minutes or so, he noticed that Batman wasn't around. Then he did an audit of the house and reported that Batman and The Spouse were both gone. Then, my little 3 year old baby, put 2 + 2 together and discovered it equaled him getting screwed. He sat on the stairs and sobbed. And sobbed. And sobbed. He cried his poor little heart out. My heart broke for him, and I also thought it was unfair that I had to deal with him he had to stay inside. I had never seen him cry like that before.
I projected forward on all the things that will break his heart someday: First crush that doesn't like him back; first love that cheats on him; not getting to attend his first choice college; loss of a pet or family member. All of these things looming in front of him, but this was his first broken heart and, worse yet, a betrayal by his father. After awhile, I was able to calm him down and distract him with toys until the backstabbers returned with pink cheeks and frozen fingers. Then the sobbing began again.
The Spouse didn't quite get it, so I walked Robin through confronting his father. "Daddy, you really hurt my feelings because you didn't take me." Sob. "It wasn't fair that I had to stay inside." Sob. "I wanted to go, too." Sob. His poor little body was wracked with sobs. The Spouse was blindsided by the emotion coming from this heartbroken little boy. He still thinks of Robin as a baby who is easily distracted by things, not realizing that Robin wants to be treated the same as Batman.
I'm not sure that there is a happy ending to this story. Maybe The Spouse will remember this and take Robin with him the next time he and Batman go out to play. Maybe The Spouse will feel guilty and take Robin out on an adventure for just the two of them. I don't know. I hope Robin doesn't remember how hurt he was last night.
I did learn one thing last night: Robin and I sob exactly the same way when our hearts are broken.
In other news, Batman tried to start a food fight in the cafeteria. He was trying to persuade his friends to join him, and start the festivities by dumping his water bottle on his head.
Yesterday was an exciting mail day for Batman, Robin, and me. The new Lego catalog arrived for Batman, the Fisher-Price holiday catalog arrived for Robin, and the Barbie Collector catalog arrived for me! Ordinarily, I would be super peeved that these catalogs arrived in October, just to get my kids riled up for the holidays, however it was the BARBIE catalog!!! (and American Girl. Seriously, WTF? But that's for another post on another day.)
The three of us sat at the kitchen table and poured over our catalogs in silence for several minutes - which in kid time is roughly equivalent to four adult hours. It was beautiful. Then we all began adding things to our Christmas lists.
Batman pouted that he can't have Lego sets for kids 7+. It's not that I'm a stickler for the age guidelines, but I relented and let his Mimi get him a Lego Alien Invasion set for his birthday and it frustrated him (but did keep him quiet in his room for hours. Again, in kid time, it's like we didn't see/hear from him for days.) He finally relented and put a fire truck and the rest of the catalog some other things on his list.
Robin kept asking for TRIO Batcave. Not going to happen, kid. Batman has a Batcave and you guys seldom play with it, so you can get over it. But the Joker house is an option. Maybe.
After buying myself two Barbies for my birthday, I was leary of asking for another doll that will gather dust under the stairs. (Sidenote: I used to have them in the guest room and I would sit and admire them for the works of art they are. But then we had Robin and Batman moved into the guest room and the Barbies moved to the basement. Not that anyone but me cares about this migration.) But I found two beautiful and practical items to add to my list.
A Barbie watch. I had one once. It was my "dress" watch for fancy occasions until I got thrown into a pool while wearing it and it never worked again.
This watch would be super practical because it comes with multiple bands and faces. Think of all the outfits I could mix and match with this watch. The possibilities are endless.
I also found this highly practical tote, but Matel informs me it is sold out. No matter, there is always ebay.
I added these to my Christmas list, ripped the pages from the catalog and put them on The Spouse's nightstand, and all begged him over and over again. I was met with an eyeroll and a sigh.
Batman and I read the officially-sanctioned-by-kindergarten book before bed, then cuddled and read the Lego catalog, cover to cover. It's probably not what his teacher hoped for when she tasked us with reading to our kids for 15 minutes each night, but whatevs, it was reading. Batman even read, "Ships for Free" all by himself. Useful life skill, kid.
*Please note that while I have posted pics things the Superheroes and I love, I have gotten paid exactly bupkis. There, are you happy FCC??*
I would like to welcome Landon James to the world. He arrived this morning to a sunny crisp fall day, and his friends and family couldn't be happier.
I'm super busy at work, and no time to write, but wanted to share a pic I snapped on my walk to get lunch today. Occupy DC on K Street. I didn't tell them I was a dirty lobbyist.
Now, back to rolling in my piles of money while I destroy the world.
- My mom arrived Friday morning. I took a half day and we had sushi for lunch, then home for naps. Got goody bags and things ready for the party.
-The keyboard on my Droid 2 is shot, so I had a new (refurb) one shipped to me. It won't charge the battery. Another one is supposed to arrive tomorrow, but it was a pain in my ass to charge batteries on the old Droid and plug them into the new one. Even worse when I discovered this Saturday morning, and my cell number and email were given as contact info. I had to drive into my office in DC before heading to the party venue in Woodbridge.
- Party was good, boys had a blast. Great to see my friends and get to know parents of the kids' friends.
-Had subsequent parties on Sunday and Monday. Am now going through birthday cake withdrawals.
-Went shopping at Potomac Mills after the party. I parked mom in fitting rooms and brought her clothes. She got a much needed wardrobe update. I got three pairs of shoes (but need to return one.)
-Was supposed to have a haircut on Friday, but stylist had to reschedule. Had a massage/facial/mani/pedi scheduled for Sunday. It was rescheduled until Monday. Weirdest salon and took forever, so I left before my massage. Glad it was a groupon deal so I didn't feel too cheated.
-More shoe shopping in Old Town with my mom and Batman. She tried on every pair of black shoes that Comfort One carried in her size. I strongly considered these in black:
Before buying a different pair of Mary Janes. I can't find a picture, which is too bad because they are cute.
-The Spouse and I had a night at the Hotel Monaco in Old Town. The hallway felt like The Shining. We were both weirded out.
We went out for tapas and multiple pitchers of sangria at La Tasca, then walked around Old Town, recalling when we were young and in love and lived there. Then we whispered, "Come and play with us," over and over as we walked back to our room.
- Grocery shopping and laundry yesterday. For having a long weekend, I am behind in my chores because I played. Whatevs, it was a good weekend.
- Spent a shitload of money, and ordered a bunch of stuff today to try on. Pajama Jeans (and slims) are half price today with code "halfoff". You will so thank me for them. You're welcome!
My kid just made up a peanut allergy to get to go to the school nurse.
The nurse called, incredibly concerned (read: extremely irritated that I'm such a neglectful parent) because Batman was having an allergic reaction to peanuts and we hadn't filled out the correct paperwork nor left an epi-pen with her. I burst out laughing and could barely pull myself together to tell her that child had never been near a peanut and wouldn't eat one under threat of starvation. Yes, but is he allergic? Um, no. Not to the best of our knowledge.
He told her that someone gave him some candy at lunch that had peanuts and he accidently ate it and now he has a red rash that's itchy. I don't doubt that he would eat candy with peanuts. I've given him a peanut butter cup before. He liked it and asked for more but I wanted to hog the candy so I said he couldn't have any more until he started eating peanut butter. Aside from a crestfallen face and disappointment, he did not have any sort of reaction.
One of the grandmas emailed me to ask what to get the Dynamic Duo for their birthdays. I pulled out my handy dandy list and my heart sank. I discovered that my sweet little Robin only asked for three things and got none of them.
Ok, the child just turned three. He was thrilled with the Legos and Marvel super hero themed Hot Wheels he received, as well as the gifts from several friends. Gifts from his four (yes, Four!) sets of grandparents are arriving between now and Batman's birthday in two weeks. But, still, I feel horrible. How hard is it to buy a $13 Transformer Rescue Bot for the kid so he gets something off his list? Frankly, I never even consulted it, I just got him things I knew he would like.
On the other hand, the children broke the new kitchen table I got for my birthday. More on that story later...
These don't exactly go together, but the total price for all is $285 - of course, I will need to pay someone to come install them. But they will brighten up the Batcave considerably.
I can't get better photos than these.
Dining area:
Entry way:
Top flight of stairs:
Stairs to basement (2 lights), basement (3 lights), and my closet (1 light)
My baby turns three tomorrow. How is that possible? Ok, I get that it's possible for him to turn three. It feels like he's been around forever, so I don't doubt that it's been at least three years - sometimes it feels like 18 years and can't he go to college already - but how on earth am I so old that my baby, THE baby, turns three? Huh, maybe this is really about the fact that my birthday is on Sunday.
I had my first (from this particular school) call from the school nurse to let me know that Batman needed a parent to take care of his "situation" and then he could return to school. Great, just great. Batman was at school which is 15 miles, one freeway, one construction zone, and one valet parking away.
I tried to call The Spouse, who works 3 miles and one parking garage from school. No answer. Left a message with him, notified my office of my impending absence, left The Spouse another message, attempted to call the valet to ask them to bring the Batmobile up (the line has been disconnected), gathered up my stuff, and was walking out the door when The Spouse returned my call. He agreed to deal with the situation.
I sat at my desk with a knot in my stomach for two hours until I got a status report. Batman is fine and back at school.
As a working mother, I feel completely helpless sometimes - at the mercy of my commute and work schedule. Or at the mercy of sick needy children. I love my kids, I enjoy my job. What's a mom to do?
I found the perfect thing for Sally to get me for Christmas. As the only two girls in the house, we have to stick together.
I know if Sally saved her money, she could buy me a really great Louis Vuitton bag - or a house - but Sally is impatient and a spendthrift. Despite her shortcomings, I love that dog!
Leo is undecided as to what he will get me for the holidays. But his allergies have been flaring as we enter the fall allergy season. Fall is usually worse for him than spring, and I have told him to save his allowance in case he needs to see the dog dermatologist again.
My office smells like yogurt (mine) and OPI nail polish (not mine, somehow work related). Not a good combination.
