We have been have torential rains. Not the flooding of Georgia, but a good inch or more each day for the last few days. The lawn is mushy and in no condition to be mowed other than the grass is so high. This morning I'll be spending time in my front garden bed, weeding and trimming. I've a hibiscus that's growing over my driveway, causing me to hit it when I pull into the garage. I'm actually glad the lawn can't be mowed, because Hubby will spend the time in the gardens with me instead of us working in different parts of the yard. Our weeks are jammed packed and I feel like I never see him anymore. He obviously felt the same, as he called me yesterday afternoon, asking me to go out with him last night. With the rains, a walk along Bayshore was out, so we hit the mall (forgetting that it's teenage hangout on Friday nights). We managed a brisk lap around the mall and then headed to Walmart for a new toaster oven as ours died this week. Doesn't sound overly romantic, but I don't need romance, just time together. Of course the best part was getting a good back massage when we got home.
I got a call from my niece yesterday afternoon. I felt really special that she called me just to share some good news. I can't believe she's already a junior in college. She's got so much going for her...poise, beauty (inner and outer), common sense (usually), and a great heart. It hard not to still see her as a little 10 year old. I'm glad I'll get to see her over Thanksgiving weekend.
The Singer is coming by today to get help with her computer programming class and to discuss her plans for a new major. The Imp is off to the movies and shopping with a girlfriend. They love to go and try on clothes. She'll buy nothing but loves trying them on anyway.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Krispy Kreme, and John's Birthday
Hot Krispy Kreme donuts are just about the best tasting way to consume copious amounts of simple sugar. Hot is key to this pleasure. We are lucky enough to have a Krispy Kreme store in town. It's not so close to us that we can easily visit, but it's not a day trip either. This past summer the Imp and I were driving around doing errands and we were passing by our Krispy Kreme store. The "HOT NOW" sign was lit. I turned to her and asked if she wanted a hot donut. She said, "Sure, I've never had a hot one before." I was stunned. How had I let my child get to be 15 years old without experiencing the HOT DONUT experience? I felt like a bad mom. So I turned into the drive thru and bought 2 hot glazed donuts (I know, I was very restrained...buying a dozen was tempting, but I knew none would make it home no matter how many I bought). After the first taste, the Imp simply devoured the rest of the donut in the blink of an eye. She turned to me and lamented that I had kept this pleasure from her for so long. Then asked why I only got her one. Each week when we drive home from her voice class, we pass the Krispy Kreme store (on the right side of the road...so very easy access). I don't think the Imp had noticed, although every week I had to control myself and not drive thru to get donuts. Two weeks ago, as we were driving home, I exclaimed how terrible it was for Krispy Kreme to torture me by having their "HOT NOW" sign lit. The Imp looked around and only then became aware that we passed this exquisit eatery each week. When I drove by, she was heart-broken and aghast that I would point out the store to her and then NOT go in. So last night, driving home, the Imp in the middle of telling me the saga of Tina and Tim at school, and I interrupt her and ask if she wants a hot donut. Her eyes got very wide, as she yelled "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" So I got us each a donut. She thanked me again this morning.
The Imp is enjoying crew. She got blood blisters on her hands from having to row on the erg for 20 minutes straight. Her goal is to be the coxswain, wherein she would not have to row, especially in competition.
Today John (also known as John-Boy or Jabes) would have been 44 years old. The week between Chris' and John's birthdays has me thinking of both of them alot. Combined with football season, September has me missing John often.
Me and John 1966
Me and John Great Fall Park, VA 1968 or 1969
Celebrating my college graduation 1985
John carrying Brian downtown DC 1986
Me and John at Elaine's 1987
My dad and 5 brothers
John and Gwyn 1996
My dad and 5 brothers 1999
John accepting the TSA Alumni Award 2004
John 2006
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Chris' Birthday
John and Chris in McLean Va late 1960's or early 1970's
John and Chris Falls Church VA 1980s
Chris with the Singer Spring 1992
Chris showing his dog, Jack, to the Singer early 1994
Chris with his family, Carolyn, Cameron, and Camille.
My brother, Chris, would have turned 50 today. That sounds so old, even to my 46 year-old ears. Come November, it will have been 8 years since he died in a car accident. Monday marked 2 years since the Imp's best friend lost her mom to breast cancer. Lots of thoughts about time and mortality. No real answers except that time is such a variable entity. 8 years sounds like a long time yet it seems only yesterday Chris was playing "What's that on your shirt?" with my kids and boppin' their noses as they looked down.
John and Chris Falls Church VA 1980s
Chris with the Singer Spring 1992
Chris showing his dog, Jack, to the Singer early 1994
Chris with his family, Carolyn, Cameron, and Camille.
My brother, Chris, would have turned 50 today. That sounds so old, even to my 46 year-old ears. Come November, it will have been 8 years since he died in a car accident. Monday marked 2 years since the Imp's best friend lost her mom to breast cancer. Lots of thoughts about time and mortality. No real answers except that time is such a variable entity. 8 years sounds like a long time yet it seems only yesterday Chris was playing "What's that on your shirt?" with my kids and boppin' their noses as they looked down.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Disappointment
We spent the day at Universal Studios yesterday, primarily to see the Singer compete in Voice of An Angel (the idol with soul). The day was filled with disappointments.
1) The Imp spent the first 10 hours sulking. We bought more expensive tickets so we could go to the park (both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios) before Rock the Universe started, so she could do some fun stuff. We were led to believe friends of hers were spending the whole day there as well. Plans fell through for friends and she was left alone with her parents (horrors!). We arrived at the park about 11 am, she finally came out of her funk while listening to Toby Mac about 9:00pm! Thank you Toby! She actually apologized without any solicitation from us! The Spirit was working, there is no other explanation.
2) We had never been to Rock the Universe, so really weren't sure how it was all set up. Heck, we'd never been to Universal Studios. There are 2 open bandstands and one small enclosed "revue." There were bands playing at each of the bandstands throughout the night from 5 until 11:30. Voice of an Angel competition was off in the enclosed stage area. It was definitely 'off the beaten' path. Only people who knew about the competition ahead of time (i.e. knew a contestant) were in attendance. I was hoping for a larger audience.
3) It rained off and on all day. We were soggy.
4) The contestants were divided into 8 groups (about 5-6 per group) to compete at different times. Some groups were as small as 4 others as large as 8. So the audience size was definitely dependent on the number of contestants.
5) A number of people who said they would come to support Megan did not come to her session. (They were at Universal).
6) I charged my camcorder battery the night before. Remembered to bring it. Carried it around ALL day. Got it out and taped a little intro with the Singer right before her session started, then got so caught up in listening to her actually sing, I didn't tape her! UGH!
***POSITIVE NOTE****
Megan sang very well. She sang "When I Call on Jesus" and was great! The 2 judges praised her and gave her no areas to improve upon. They commented on her presence in the sense that she convinced them she believed what she was singing and on her vocal ability especially her ability to use and control vibrato. I was thrilled and sooo proud.
7) As you probably guessed, the Singer did not make it as a semi-finalist. We were pretty stunned. Not because we thought she was the absolute best, but because of some of the people who did make it into the semi-finals. Hubby was perplexed and waited until the Singer had left the arena and went up to ask the producer what the criteria was for picking the semi-finalists. Hubby said he wanted to know what the Singer could do to improve her chances of advancing if she chose to participate next year. The response: the number of votes from the audience was the only factor in picking the winners. The 'judges' really were not judges. They were simply commentators. So the singers with their entire youth groups with them, obviously moved up. This left a bad taste in my mouth. If more of the 'general' public knew about and attended the sessions, that would be one thing, but it was very obvious that those in attendance were there routing for someone in particular. Most of the audiences were 80-130 people. Somehow it doesn't seem right. I'll get over it...eventually.
And yes the disappointment goes on
8) The signs leaving Universal were almost non-existent and we had no idea where we were when we were dumped out of the parking area. It took us 25 minutes (there was also an accident that was blocking one of the intersections) to get to our hotel a mere 2 miles from Universal.
In addition to the Singer performing so well, we did enjoy Toby Mac and Casting Crowns, even if we had to stand in the rain to hear them.
And of course we can't dismiss the impact Toby had on the Imp. So at the end of the day God is still God and God is still good. My kids are still wonderful. The Singer publicly praised God with the voice He gave her. I guess I'll have to get over my minor disappointments since in the realm of the universe they mean nothing.
1) The Imp spent the first 10 hours sulking. We bought more expensive tickets so we could go to the park (both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios) before Rock the Universe started, so she could do some fun stuff. We were led to believe friends of hers were spending the whole day there as well. Plans fell through for friends and she was left alone with her parents (horrors!). We arrived at the park about 11 am, she finally came out of her funk while listening to Toby Mac about 9:00pm! Thank you Toby! She actually apologized without any solicitation from us! The Spirit was working, there is no other explanation.
2) We had never been to Rock the Universe, so really weren't sure how it was all set up. Heck, we'd never been to Universal Studios. There are 2 open bandstands and one small enclosed "revue." There were bands playing at each of the bandstands throughout the night from 5 until 11:30. Voice of an Angel competition was off in the enclosed stage area. It was definitely 'off the beaten' path. Only people who knew about the competition ahead of time (i.e. knew a contestant) were in attendance. I was hoping for a larger audience.
3) It rained off and on all day. We were soggy.
4) The contestants were divided into 8 groups (about 5-6 per group) to compete at different times. Some groups were as small as 4 others as large as 8. So the audience size was definitely dependent on the number of contestants.
5) A number of people who said they would come to support Megan did not come to her session. (They were at Universal).
6) I charged my camcorder battery the night before. Remembered to bring it. Carried it around ALL day. Got it out and taped a little intro with the Singer right before her session started, then got so caught up in listening to her actually sing, I didn't tape her! UGH!
***POSITIVE NOTE****
Megan sang very well. She sang "When I Call on Jesus" and was great! The 2 judges praised her and gave her no areas to improve upon. They commented on her presence in the sense that she convinced them she believed what she was singing and on her vocal ability especially her ability to use and control vibrato. I was thrilled and sooo proud.
7) As you probably guessed, the Singer did not make it as a semi-finalist. We were pretty stunned. Not because we thought she was the absolute best, but because of some of the people who did make it into the semi-finals. Hubby was perplexed and waited until the Singer had left the arena and went up to ask the producer what the criteria was for picking the semi-finalists. Hubby said he wanted to know what the Singer could do to improve her chances of advancing if she chose to participate next year. The response: the number of votes from the audience was the only factor in picking the winners. The 'judges' really were not judges. They were simply commentators. So the singers with their entire youth groups with them, obviously moved up. This left a bad taste in my mouth. If more of the 'general' public knew about and attended the sessions, that would be one thing, but it was very obvious that those in attendance were there routing for someone in particular. Most of the audiences were 80-130 people. Somehow it doesn't seem right. I'll get over it...eventually.
And yes the disappointment goes on
8) The signs leaving Universal were almost non-existent and we had no idea where we were when we were dumped out of the parking area. It took us 25 minutes (there was also an accident that was blocking one of the intersections) to get to our hotel a mere 2 miles from Universal.
In addition to the Singer performing so well, we did enjoy Toby Mac and Casting Crowns, even if we had to stand in the rain to hear them.
And of course we can't dismiss the impact Toby had on the Imp. So at the end of the day God is still God and God is still good. My kids are still wonderful. The Singer publicly praised God with the voice He gave her. I guess I'll have to get over my minor disappointments since in the realm of the universe they mean nothing.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mom, There Are A Lot of Stupid People Out There
I had the privilege of driving the Imp home yesterday. With her involvement in crew, Hubby picks her up. I really miss hearing about her day on our drive home. By 7pm after crew, she's not near as talkative as at 3, right after school. It was fun to hear her ramble about all her classes and such.
As she's describing her day she blurts out, "Mom, there are just a lot of stupid people out there...Either that or a lot of people who don't use their brains." The Imp is blessed with above average intelligence. Additionally, her strength is her ability to connect information. She easily transfer knowledge from one area/event to another. She sees the bigger picture. So the first thing I told her was that she needed to be careful about looking down on others. People aren't stupid just because they don't pick things up as easily or as quickly as you do. But she was talking more about common sense. She has friends that keep repeating the same behavior and expecting better results. She is NOT athletic and so I used that as a good comparison. Just like she CAN run, that is she's a competent runner, she's not in the top tier and avoids running if at all possible. She doesn't enjoy it because she doesn't excel at it {or does she not excel because she doesn't enjoy it?}. But I think many of the actions she's referring to are more often people not using the brains God gave them, or taking the easy way out. Ever since my girls were little (I mean little, little...like 3) when they got in a bind (i.e. trouble) I'd say, "Can you think of a different way of handling this situation?" or "How can you fix it now?" And by the time they were 8 or 9, when they would get into binds, they knew when they discussed it with me, inevitably, they hear, "Problem Solving 101...How could you have avoided this? How can you make sure it doesn't happen again?" So yesterday, I reminded the Imp and she started laughing, agreeing and marvelling that she hadn't heard it lately (a very good sign). Then I pointed out, not every parent does that. Many parents solve the problems for their children, so the kids never have a chance to practice problem solving so they really aren't very good at it. Her reply was that she learned to think things through to avoid getting into trouble with Hubby and me. "So our strict rules/expectations encouraged you to grow up?" The light bulb lit up above her head. She ended the conversation with "Yea, but there are still a lot of stupid people out there and I'm tired of dealing with them." [Sigh]
The Singer was in our local paper about her upcoming performance/competition at Rock the Universe. I think I'm more nervous than she is. Pray that her allergies clear up. Ragweed's out and she sounded all congested yesterday.
As she's describing her day she blurts out, "Mom, there are just a lot of stupid people out there...Either that or a lot of people who don't use their brains." The Imp is blessed with above average intelligence. Additionally, her strength is her ability to connect information. She easily transfer knowledge from one area/event to another. She sees the bigger picture. So the first thing I told her was that she needed to be careful about looking down on others. People aren't stupid just because they don't pick things up as easily or as quickly as you do. But she was talking more about common sense. She has friends that keep repeating the same behavior and expecting better results. She is NOT athletic and so I used that as a good comparison. Just like she CAN run, that is she's a competent runner, she's not in the top tier and avoids running if at all possible. She doesn't enjoy it because she doesn't excel at it {or does she not excel because she doesn't enjoy it?}. But I think many of the actions she's referring to are more often people not using the brains God gave them, or taking the easy way out. Ever since my girls were little (I mean little, little...like 3) when they got in a bind (i.e. trouble) I'd say, "Can you think of a different way of handling this situation?" or "How can you fix it now?" And by the time they were 8 or 9, when they would get into binds, they knew when they discussed it with me, inevitably, they hear, "Problem Solving 101...How could you have avoided this? How can you make sure it doesn't happen again?" So yesterday, I reminded the Imp and she started laughing, agreeing and marvelling that she hadn't heard it lately (a very good sign). Then I pointed out, not every parent does that. Many parents solve the problems for their children, so the kids never have a chance to practice problem solving so they really aren't very good at it. Her reply was that she learned to think things through to avoid getting into trouble with Hubby and me. "So our strict rules/expectations encouraged you to grow up?" The light bulb lit up above her head. She ended the conversation with "Yea, but there are still a lot of stupid people out there and I'm tired of dealing with them." [Sigh]
The Singer was in our local paper about her upcoming performance/competition at Rock the Universe. I think I'm more nervous than she is. Pray that her allergies clear up. Ragweed's out and she sounded all congested yesterday.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Locks of Love
Today the Imp is going to get her hair cut off. It's quite long and even with taking 12 inches off for Locks of Love, her hair will be below the nape of her neck. I'll try to get some pictures of the whole event. This is the second time the Imp has donated to Locks of Love. I'm so glad that my kids have learned to look for ways to help others. This is really not a sacrifice on her part. She wants her hair short and is tired of how long it is...she's just using something she would have done anyway to help someone else. There are lots of ways to help others that require little from ourselves. It should be a fun trip to the salon. I can't wait to see how she looks with short hair.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Changes
Interesting things happening at my church. A new pastor after 20 years with the old one makes for drama now matter who's involved. Personally, I like our new pastor. I don't know him real well and reserve the right to change my opinion, but from what I see, he's a straight shooter and by that I mean that he says what he means and calls 'em like he sees 'em. I like people who don't require me to work hard at just figuring out what they really mean or really want. The pastor is shaking things up by merely being different than the old one, who was dearly loved, even though he also drove people a little crazy. The status quo is changing and since the new pastor has only been here 2 months, the dust hasn't settled yet so everyone has a sense that things are unsettled. As I wasn't part of the 'inner circle' with the old pastor, I am less emotionally involved in these changes than others. I find it interesting to watch the dynamics of people dealing with change. I was discussing all this with a friend and was reminded of 1 Corinthians 1, where Paul admonishes the people of Corinth that they are not followers of personalities (some of you say you are disciples of Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or Christ) but we must be united as followers of Christ. I think some of the people at my church need to be reminded of this. It isn't about them! Who cares if Jane does this and Joe does that. The point being it needs to be done and let's do it. People have become to invested in their 'jobs' at church, closed off to the possibility of change or improvement. I don't envy our new pastor, because in addition to all the expected problems of coming in after someone who's been there so long, he is also inheriting facilities that are old and in need of repair. He had the air-conditioning people out and they wondered how our units (for the church, the hall and the school) were still operating at all! Our church is also facing financial difficulties as collections are down due to the economy and we tended to just squeak by before. Alas, I pray for our new pastor and our church community.
My favorite brother-in-law on my side of the family (and I guess it's safe to say that since I only have one sister who is married) is coming by for lunch today. He's got family across the bay and is here visiting them. I've know him as long as I've know Hubby (they were friends before my sister or I met either of them) and he's just a good-guy. I always feel better from having spent time with him. So today will be a good day, I'm sure.
My favorite brother-in-law on my side of the family (and I guess it's safe to say that since I only have one sister who is married) is coming by for lunch today. He's got family across the bay and is here visiting them. I've know him as long as I've know Hubby (they were friends before my sister or I met either of them) and he's just a good-guy. I always feel better from having spent time with him. So today will be a good day, I'm sure.
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