Monday, December 29, 2008

Evil

My husband can be SO evil.  We played racquetball for about an hour yesterday.  During the first game, very early on, I racked up about 8 points.  I kept thinking to myself, "Wow, Papabear must really be out of shape...or maybe, just maybe, I am finally getting fit and good enough at this game to beat him honestly!"  Oh no.  My poor little brain.

When I hit 11 points (15 wins), Papabear apparently started to "really" play.  He killed me.  During the second game we were both so winded I'm glad no one could see us - we must have looked so lame and pathetic and old.  When he won that one he said, "I think I'll just beat you real quick this time."  That did it.  My second wind came in and he had to fight HARD for every stinking point.  He still beat me, 15 to 13, but it was an awesome game. 

As we drained our water bottles and headed for the locker rooms, he said, "I really like playing with you."  Now, you might think he was being sarcastic or condescending, but no.  He was so sincere and he had a sparkle in his eyes that took me right back to the days when we wrestled in our dorm room after a new episode of Friends or ER...thirteen years ago!  So, no he's not really evil...just a stinking good racquetball player (against the likes of me, that is).

And here is how his son takes after him.  Littleman decided not to nap today.  That's fine, he just has to stay in his room and be relatively quiet for about an hour.  Twenty minutes into "nap time" he slinks over to my office, where I am diligently paying the bills, and says, "Um, Mommy...my poop's mommy wants him to come out now. My poop's daddy is at work.  He draws pictures."  (Where does he get this stuff????) We go to the bathroom and take care of that.  He goes back to his room, I return to my office.

Ten minutes later, "Uh, Mommy?  I am going to read a lot of books now."  He is completely naked.  Lovely.  "Littleman, stay in your room."  Things are relatively quite for a good chunk of time.  But, no sooner have I closed the check book when I hear bigger noises, as in, much-bigger-than-taking-a-book-off-the-bookshelf noises.  Oh boy.

He has snuck out to the dining room, "stolen" a chair from his kiddie table, and dragged it into his closet.  He is still naked, mostly.  Now he is wearing a fireman's helmet.  His back is to me, so he doesn't know that I am sitting on his bed watching him.  He is pulling all sorts of stuff down, moving his suitcase, just completely engrossed in some major three-year-old-Littleman mission.

Finally, he turns and sees me.  "OH!" He was only slightly startled.  "Um...Mom...I," he hesitates, "Mommy, I have energy now and I needed to make some changes in here.  It's a little bit messy, but I know you can clean it up."

Evil.  NO, NO!  Cutest thing in the world.  I nearly fell off the bed I was laughing so hard. (We tell him he has to take naps so that he'll have energy to play in the afternoon.  He usually buys it.  He's still napping for 90 or so minutes four to five days of the week!)

 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Friday, December 26, 2008

Good tidings...

Not too many things compare to seeing your child happy.  And while all it often takes to make this little guy smile is a tickle, or an apple, or a push on the swings, Littleman was beside himself this Christmas.  It was the first year that he really "got it."  The whole Santa thing, being good, decorating, watching Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer, giving gifts to others, and the pay off - a stack of presents on Christmas morning.

It was not an easy Christmas for the grown ups - the missing of Bill's dad was immense.  There was a hole in Bill's parents house, and his mother could feel it the most.  She, we, all tried to fill it with gifts for the little boys, so their laughter and glee would pull smiles out of eyes wanting to spill with tears.  It was a good Christmas, though.  A tenderness was present between us all that hadn't been there before. 

Even though I have not been able to spend Christmas with my own dad for many years...I don't want to imagine one that didn't involve hearing his voice wishing me and my family a merry day.  It breaks my heart to even think it...so I can't imagine what this must be like for Bill or his sister, especially his sister.

Well, this post is sounding much gloomier than I had intended.  We did have a wonderful Christmas.  Bill made a standing rib roast that was to die for (of course, I didn't eat anything but one bite, but even just that was divine).  I made brownies that brought the family to their knees.  And Bill's mom made a batch of mashed potatoes that just about made me want to cry - heavenly,I swear, you've never had such delicious mashed potatoes.  Oh, there were presents, too.  Lots of them.  My dad got our whole family EVERY THING on the list of "suggestions" he asked me to send.  Talk about feeling like a little kid!  I think I squealed as loudly as Littleman when I opened my new underwater iPod armband (so I can do laps to music)!!!!  It was a really good Christmas.  Super good in so many ways.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, too.  Off to calculate how many "points" I consumed today...oh, and just so you know, I actually, with tears in my eyes, threw away ALL the left over brownies.  I know it's a sin to throw away perfectly good food...but if they had been in my sight for a minute longer I'm certain I'd eat the entire tray...and then my heart/cholesterol/weight/conscience would ALL be in trouble. 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Home away from home...

Littleman and I arrived back in TX last night.  For the record, falling into Papabear's arms at the airport is all the home I'll ever need.  However, the moment I walked into my kitchen it was like slipping into a warm bath or pulling on my old fleece robe.  I love that every nook of our home is filled with warmth, coziness, and love...a lot like my dad's house in Arizona.  I never feel like a guest there, always a part of the family. (Thanks guys, we miss you so much already!)

My childhood equipped me with the ability to feel at home nearly anywhere I go, though.  All the trips to Norway, my parents' travels, camping trips, and the divorce, had my brother and I sleeping all over in all sorts of beds.  I didn't mind it much (I'll admit, when I was a teenager it was sometimes frustrating).  Still, I didn't really know any other way.  When I was nineteen, I was in line at 6am for standing room only tickets for RENT, only to have to wait until 8pm for the show.  By three in the afternoon, my friend and I were exhausted.  I took her to the Museum of Natural History, parked ourselves in the dark corner by the giant squid exhibit on the lower level, and I slept, like a baby, for nearly two hours. 

Most of you who read this have had me in your home.  In case you didn't know, I felt like I was at home with you.  It's pretty hard to alienate me.  Pretty much a smile makes a place homey in my opinion.  Good food is always nice, hugs even better, comfy couches and I'm in heaven. 

I wish all of you a warm, cozy holiday filled with love and laughter, where ever you might rest your head at the end of the day.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Photos so far...

Enjoy some photos from my warm and cozy time with the fam.

Lots of quality time with A. Littleman gets a scooter - he's been riding in and out of the house since Friday. Tree trimming.  The camera was on a timer...I don't know why I bent like that...."Happy Birrrrthday, Mr. PresiDent...." Visiting the "wild wild west," known to others as "Rawhide." Littleman visits with Santa for the third time this holiday season. I'm pretty sure he knows Littleman wants a xylophone and a violin by now. Bathtime...

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Super old, warm and cozy flannel pj's

For some unknown reason, I packed my super old, warm and cozy flannel pj's for my trip to ARIZONA.  As it turns out, I have worn them every night here because they are experiencing some kind of arctic blast.  ALSO, it rains about five days a year here and I have been here for all of them!  It's been pouring all day.  Can you believe it?  Luckily, my dad was in the mood to skip work and take me and Littleman out for lunch and a movie.

Coming here, spending ten days in my dad's house with his wife and my three siblings, AJ (17), A(13), and J(9), is like being enveloped in my warm cozy pajama's nonstop.  (Technically they are my half-siblings, but I never refer to any of my siblings as half, since five out of six are - it doesn't feel right.)  This family is so warm and affectionate - every where you turn there's a hug or a smile.  Littleman has been chased and tickled and loved from the moment we walked through the doors.  It helps that there's five people here - you (or Littleman) literally can't turn around without making eye contact or tickle contact with an aunt, uncle or grandparent.  It amazes me how he is instantly connected to them.  He hasn't seen them since June, but he's hugging and tickling as if he played with them every day. 

We, me and my AZ family, really know how to spend time together.  We don't waste it.  Even though the kids have school, we're watching movies, making gingerbread houses, finishing homework, and just sitting around together.  It's wonderful...and six months between visits is just too much.  But, it's too expensive for them to visit more frequently than they do and..well...I think I just need to visit more.

I miss Papabear like crazy and when the ten days are up on Friday, I will be more than ready to be back with him.  I wish we all lived closer...I wish AZ, NY, CT, and NJ were all just a bunch of miles apart instead of a LOT of miles apart.  *sigh*  Well, like I said, we know how to spend time with each other, so we're enjoying every minute.

Some other highlights - I've been hitting the gym out here!  It's a national chain and my membership is good at all of them, so Littleman barely notices the difference in the child care area! I can't tell you how awesome it is that I can just drop him off and he's chirps, "See ya mom, I'll be over here on the jungle gym.  You go and exercise now!"  It looks just like our gym in TX - just a mirror version.  I've been here seven days and I have lost one pound.  I am actually proud of this for two reasons. One, I am bloated for female reasons I'm sure you understand, and two, this family LOVES to eat.  About two hours after a sensible and healthy dinner, they break out potato chips and all sorts of temptations.  It's been tough, but I've been pretty good.

Well, the Littleman is climbing the walls waiting for every one to get off their respective school buses. I should probably go and be a decent parent or something.  

Hope everyone is safe and warm - the weather across the country in general seems to be crazy.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Monday, December 8, 2008

The skinny...

My visit to the doctor on Friday was a real eye-opener.  In four months I managed to NOT lose a pound AND actually increase my cholesterol.  Yes, I go to the gym frequently, but I am clearly eating WAY too much.  And none of this is the shocking part of my tale.  The doctor asked me a series of questions about my eating habits, sleeping habits, and what's been going on in my life lately.  He then suggested I take some mild antidepressants until February.  Well, that about knocked me off my chair.  I cried.  It was embarrassing.  As he handed me tissues he explained that I was using food as a crutch to get me though some tough times.  Ideally, the antidepressants would make me feel better and lead to me not eating as much.

HA HA HA.  Needless to say, after a good cry in my car, I went home to Papabear with my tail between my legs.  I was ashamed that I hadn't lowered my cholesterol and that I can't control my eating.  We talked all weekend long about what to do.  He recognized that his depression was a bit contagious (my happiness, sadly, often revolves around his).  My biggest concern was becoming dependant.  I can't need drugs to help me eat right.  I lost weight once before and I can do it again.  I need to make it my lifestyle - for good.  Finally, Papabear suggested I join Weight Watchers again.  I was the most successful on that "plan."  So, I did.  I have been hungry all day - but I am appreciating what I put in my mouth quite a bit more.  I even attended a "cookie baking" playdate today and managed to ONLY eat three clementines - no cookies at all!

So, there you have it.  I'm not depressed.  I'm really not.  I just have serious eating issues that I need to work on.  I'd like to end on a much lighter note.  Yesterday we spend the day at the Dallas Arboredum.  It was wonderful.  Enjoy the pics:

Remember this girl - the one without glasses???  I was momentarily blind...man I miss my contacts.  And look at my little boy's bed head.  Can't do anything with that mop top!

Littleman took this picture all by himself!  And yes, I do wear gingerbread man socks in public.

The Candy Cane Cottage...

Mailing his letter to Santa. 

 

 

Aaahhh, the good ole days....

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Our new house...the gingerbread one...

Game on...

So, we're in full Christmas mode over here.  I baked for six hours the other day - I thought I was being "super mom" by baking ALL of the gingerbread in one day (I usually do it over the course of a week because my great grandmother's recipe yields over a hundred cookies), however, now I am wondering if I was just having a "manic" experience.  I mean, who bakes for six hours in a row????  Still, they look good, don't they?  I've already boxed them up and started giving them away. 

I was going to make two other varieties of cookies...however, the results of my cholesterol test were not so hot.  As a matter of fact, they were so bad I am not going to blog about it.  Instead, I am going to NOT bake more cookies and NOT wallow in the slight shame I have for not being able to lower my number.  I am busying myself with cards to send out, presents to wrap, and enjoying pre-holiday festivities (such as the tree lighting we went to last night).

 

I totally love our tree.  Littleman has such a good time decorating it.  Papabear bought himself a cowboy boot stocking last night...I'll have to get a picture of that.  He wanted to buy one for all of us, but I said it wasn't worth the $, and Littleman took one look at it and declared, "Um, I don't like that, Dad."  SO, just one cowboy boot hanging by the fire this year. 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Friday, December 5, 2008

My dewey classification


           


           

                Britt's Dewey Decimal Section:

                898 South American native literatures

                Britt's birthday: 9/23/1975 = 923+1975 = 2898

               
Class:
800 Literature


                Contains:
Literature, criticism, analysis of classic writing and mythology.
               


                What it says about you:
You're a global, worldly person who wants to make a big impact with your actions.  You have a lot to tell people and you're good at making unique observations about everyday experiences.  You can notice and remember details that other people think aren't important.
           

            <a href="http://www.spacefem.com/quizzes/dewey" style="color: #47a3d1">Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com
           

           

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Posting from McDonalds

Yes, I am writing to you from a McDonalds.  I'm pretty sure I never imagined this scenario when I was younger and picturing myself as a hip mama.  I won an hour of free-wifi from a diet coke I bought during the "monopoly game" days.  I am also ashamed to tell you that the temperature is 47 and I just can't bear to spend an hour at the park.  I am pretty sure that I'd be loving 47 degrees if I were still residing in NY.  However, Littleman is running around inside a gi-normous McDonalds playland with two little boys he befriended twenty minutes ago.  I have finished three Christmas ornaments (yes, I am the dorky kind of person who has brought a canvas bag packed with crafts, pens, paper, markers, and a laptop), caught up on some emails, and now blogging. 

My medium diet coke has only been refilled once and Littleman is halfway done with some apple dippers and milk.  For $3.45 I feel like I am really getting my dollars worth here at the golden arches.

I should really start wrapping things up - I plan to make a turkey lasagna with the last of the left over turkey tonight.  I have never made a successful lasagna...should be interesting.  Last night I made a killer minestrone.

Bloodwork is tomorrow...could I have picked a better night to make a cheesie dinner...ug...guess I'll have left over soup.  I have been taking cholesterol lowering medicine since the summer...man, I hope I get some good results.  It probably does not help that I forget to take them a lot of the time.

And finally, (I promise to stop rambling after this), yesterday I spent SIX hours baking!  Yes, six hours.  The night before I made my great grandmother's gingerbread, it needs to sit in the fridge overnight.  It usually takes me a week to roll out all the dough and bake the cookie...but, I got started around 2, Littleman helped for a while, but after making three gingerbread t-rex's he was tired.  So, i just kept baking and baking...and at some point I thought, "Well, I might as well just get it all done."  So, I did.  185 cookies later...and I only ate two and NO raw dough.  I swear, I could hardly look at the stuff after the third batch.  I simply cannot believe how many cookies that damn recipe yields!  I don't think I turned the oven off until after 8.  I did have to pause to make the minestrone - from scratch - and bake crusty bread to dip in the soup....And all this was after a puppet making playdate.  I think I am insane.

Um...Littleman has not come down from the "climbing" thing in...at least 15 minutes...should I be worried? I hear him chattering away...are those bigger kids listening to him??? Well, no tears so far...I guess I'll check in...

 

Read and post comments | Send to a friend

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Shocking...and yet, not so shocking

I was getting dressed at the gym this morning, like four of the seven mornings of the week.  When I pulled my jeans out of the locker, something did not seem right....that's because they were PAPABEAR'S jeans!!!!  Is this really shocking?  Probably not, many of you are thinking right now, "Classic B," and I agree.  Many times I have forgotten underwear or socks or, the worst, a bra (which requires me to wear the sweaty gross workout bra - sorry, but my girls just can't fly alone.) 

Anywho, what is shocking, and utterly depressing to report, is that although Papabear's jeans were entirely too long...they almost fit around the middle.  Unbelievable.  I mean, I KNOW I eat way too much - I seriously need counseling or hypnosis - BUT, I do work out four to five days a week!  I also have gone down a whole pants size...even if I've only lost seven pounds in the entire year I've been here and a member of a very nice gym.

This emotional eating nonsense it my downfall.  I eat when I'm happy, sad, frustrated, bored, tired, missing people, angry...I EVEN eat when I have a stomach ache (and headaches) because I am certain food can cure all my pains - physical and emotional.  Now, the clever B knows that all this eating is bad for me and in no way cures or even satiates my worries and joys...doesn't stop her, though.

And the absolute worst of all this, is that every day I am closer to getting pregnant and I KNOW KNOW KNOW that getting prego with 20/15 extra pounds is just bad in so many ways.  UG.

OH, and one last thing...Papabear had this great idea - "Let's send our friends back east texas-y ornaments for Christmas."  I though, "Great, it's easy, we can afford it. Lovely."  So, I promptly went out the next day and bought some ornaments and many of them have been wrapped and shipped.  TODAY, after my slip up with the jeans, my brain got to thinking about other things...like...I might have had that brilliant idea LAST year, when we first moved here.  However, I honestly cannot remember much from last November or December..and I apologize if you might have two "texas-ish" ornaments on your tree.  You can't even re-gift something like that...double UG.

Read and post comments | Send to a friend